Ferrets are a significant threat to native bird species and reptiles. They predate on eggs, chicks and adult birds, leading to declines in native populations. Kiwi are at particular risk from ferrets because they can’t fly.
In late summer, juvenile ferrets will leave the den or nest and begin to embrace their independence as they disperse through the landscape in search of their own territories. Around Christmas and in early summer is the ideal time to get your trapping protocols in order, before ferrets start moving across the landscape and predating kiwi and other wildlife along the way.
Ferrets are fussy creatures with short attention spans. They are also quite wary of anything new or different. Because of this, ferrets can be tricky to capture.
Here are our top tips to be successful at trapping ferrets:
- Use trail cameras to detect the presence of ferrets. Check out our YouTube series ‘Chasing Zero’ to learn how to set trail cameras up effectively.
- DOC 250 and F Bomb traps are approved by DOC for trapping ferrets in areas where kiwi live. Leave them out permanently, inspect them fortnightly during juvenile ferret dispersal season (February and March), and regularly clear them of body materials like carcasses, fur and blood. Make it easy for ferrets to enter a trap by keeping vegetation away from entries and maintaining fresh earth at both ends.
- Place traps in high-probability locations based on ferret behaviour and habitat features. Meticulous placement along travel routes, rather than the standard grid network approach, is critical.
- Keep all traps well maintained throughout the year.
- Use big, natural, highly attractive lures such as rabbit, hare, beef, possum and venison, and change them at least every month. If you have time, rub blood and bait around the trap to add more intrigue. Blood scent trails and fresh meat baits are more effective than visual and synthetic lures.
Ferrets are one of the most serious threats to kiwi. Alarmingly, they are being identified in more places around the country, in areas where they haven’t been identified before. When we all work together to combat this threat, we can protect our native taonga species including kiwi.
Check out ‘Chasing Zero’ with Save the Kiwi’s National Predator Control Advisor John Bissell, to learn more about predator control.