Final Phase of Curious Minds Data Gathering

We are undertaking the final aspect of our Curious Minds data gathering process.  As part of this process we are running sound lures on multiple sites in South Taranaki on local farms.  At each of the farm locations we have sound lures working in conjunction with a Timms trap as well as a non-sound lure location with identical baiting.   We are intending to deploy for several months and will be monitoring eight sites in total.  At least some of these locations will be covered by trail cameras and some sites will rely on the count of possums that are recorded.   This trial will be featured on a trap.nz project and this will be made available for data gathering purposes.  We also have a number of images that have been gathered from recent deployments.

We have again shown clear evidence of the interactions that are occurring between possums and possums that are deceased and have been trapped.   There is considerable post trapping activity that is taking place with behaviour and mating.   This is important because it is underlining the important potential link between the sound lure and using other possum noises to attract additional possums.   We are thinking that the sound of a distressed possum would prove to be enticing based around the anecdotal evidence that we have been gathering.   Currently we have been concentrating on the units creation and proof of concept testing - we are considering that the sound has been able to draw possums in - and this would appear to be even more of a consideration when looking at stoats and other animals.

We are looking to complete the project in the next few months, when we have gathered the final data from the project the school aspect of the project and our Curious Minds Project will be completed.

We will continue to investigate the use of the sound lures to attract target pests and continue to investigate possibilities in the future although the project has final report deadlines to be produced.  If you would like to contact us prior to the conclusion of the project please do so via email as soon as possible.