Creating predator-free properties

To create a sanctuary for native birds and other wildlife in your backyard means managing predators.

Stoats, rats, weasels, possums, cats, and hedgehogs prey on birds, including their eggs and nestlings, and on other small creatures. If you want to keep the birds flourishing, and other wildlife enjoying your property, then controlling pests is important

Cats (and dogs) are cute, but they are no friend to native birds, or to the skinks, geckos and wētā possibly living in your gardens. Keep the cat inside at night, and set traps or use bait stations to rid your garden of rats and mice.

Setting appropriate traps is an obvious way to manage pests and predators here. Another option is to buy or build your garden’s precious inhabitants a tiny house so they have a safe haven when danger is imminent. Encourage insects such as wētā, beetles, and solitary native bees by building or buying a wētā house or an insect palace; a special place that’s made up of lots of tunnels and tubes and nooks and crannies, for them to hide in during the day.

Domestic cats are one of the biggest threats to native birds, lizards, bats and insects, with growing calls for them to be kept indoors, and on a leash if outside. Another option is screened-in porches or outdoor cat enclosures (sometimes known as ‘catios’), which can make your cat feel like they are outside without exposing them to any outside dangers.

Helping hands
Christchurch has a number of groups that work to keep neighbourhoods predator-free. They’re also eager to help individuals achieve the same end result for their private gardens and holdings.

Helpful websites are:
• predatorfreenz.org
• trap.nz – to make contact with your local group
• doc.govt.nz