Second only to setting your trap, recording data in Trap.NZ is one of the most valuable ways you can contribute to the Predator Free Wellington (PFW) movement!
Although logging your catch may seem trivial, when it’s combined with reports submitted by your neighbours it contributes to a massive city-wide dataset! Trap.NZ is a free website and app for recording trap, bait, monitoring and biodiversity data.
What should be reported?
Trap. NZ being used on a phone. Credit: Ian Robertson
- Catch. Reporting your catch whether it’s a rat, mouse, hedgehog or other pest indicates the presence of invasive species in your area.
- No catch. Reporting when you didn’t catch something is just as informative as reporting when you did! Be a #ZeroHero!
Why should it be reported?
- More data. When we plan our network of traps and bait stations across your area, we use data. We use Trap.NZ information to understand rat-dense areas that might need more devices. So reporting is valuable even if our project is several years away from reaching your area!
- Community impact. Trapper reports submitted to Trap.NZ show the community working together. You can see how many people are trapping in their backyards or local reserves, and the collective effort Wellington-wide. With 35,000 people using Trap.NZ nationwide, it shows community contributions to the national PF 2050 movement too.
- Ongoing biosecurity. Once predators are down to very low levels or we’re removed predators from your area, knowing that your trap was set and didn’t catch something (which is most likely) becomes essential for biosecurity monitoring. Again, the #ZeroHeroes really come into their own!
Great – how do I get started?
Data from Trap.NZ. Credit: Trap.NZ
Your local predator free group will likely have a Trap.NZ project (or similar) set up and a preferred process for data to be submitted. Find your local group’s details here!
Download a PDF version of this guide here.