Stoats (Mustela erminea) are one of three mustelid species introduced to NZ during the late 19th Century in the hope that they would control an ever-increasing rabbit problem.

A cute little killer - stoat.

The combined effects of Stoats, Ferrets (Mustela furo) and Weasels (Mustela nivalis) proved insufficient to have any real form of control on rabbit populations but proved devastating to NZ’s endemic fauna which had evolved in the complete absence of any Mammalian predators.

The distribution of stoats in NZ is today fairly even and the very few locations that do not have stoats are all islands.

Most species protection programmes on the mainland target all three Mustelids with one trapping methodology, which is based on current best practice for stoats, as they tend to be more numerous than weasels and harder to catch than ferrets.

In other words, a trapping programme that successfully targets stoats will usually prove sufficient in dealing with weasels and ferrets also.

Whether you would like to do more to protect the birds in your local area, or are simply hoping to catch whatever it is that has been killing your chooks, Mustelid trapping is likely to achieve the desired results.

Trap Types:

Traps that capture and kill stoats (Kill traps) are by far the most efficient for this work as there is no requirement to check traps daily or to dispatch captured animals. The most popular models with professionals are the Fenn Mk 4 or 6 traps, which are used, in wooden or plastic tunnels and the new DOC 150, 200 and 250 series traps which are used in timber tunnels. The DOC series traps are extremely user friendly and I have heard nothing but positive feedback since their launch just a few years ago.

Trap spacing:

Stoats can have incredibly large home ranges (40-256ha). Most operators place traps C.200m apart. On properties up to 10 acres, 1-3 traps are often all that is required to catch mustelids that are passing through.

Trap Placement:

Set traps on well-defined linear edges, ridge tops, pasture/forest margins, natural intersection features and along waterways. Trapping these features tends to catch more stoats and makes traps easier to service.

Baits:

Many types of bait have been used for stoat trapping including rabbit, hare, possum, salted rabbit, freeze dried rabbit and fresh hen’s eggs. The choice of bait depends on availability and how long it will last in relation to your trap-checking regime. Bait attractiveness trials have shown fresh rabbit to be the most attractive during the first 3-5 days but this does drop off once the bait starts deteriorating.

Many successful stoat trappers rub a piece of rabbit on natural features leading to the trap, on the trap itself and then inside and replenish this weekly for good results. It must be noted that even an un-baited trap can catch stoats if its positioning is just right. Stoats are known to eat rats, so if you are trapping these also its well worth re-cycling them into stoat baits. Any fresh-caught mustelids should be rubbed all over the traps, as their scent tends to increase the likelihood of capturing additional animals.

For more information on traps go to www.doc.govt.nz

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