Wax Tags

Traps.co.nz saw the need for an alternative method for detecting the presence and the density of possum populations in New Zealand. At that time the only method available was the use of lines of leg-hold traps (Residual Trap Catch Index, RTCI). Possum presence and density was determined for the proportion of the traps that captured possums. However, this method has some disadvantages:

Not all possums present are captured. The method is labour intensive because leg-hold traps need to be checked daily by law. The amount of sampling lines is restricted because traps are heavy and labour intensive. Trap lines are difficult to establish in inaccessible mountainous terrain.
Consequently Traps.co.nz developed the WaxTag possum monitoring method for measuring possum densities in New Zealand. Research showed that lines of WaxTags were more effective.

Protocol

• Best Practice Guide (simplified)
• National Pest Control Agencies’ best-practice guide: Possum Population Monitoring
• Superior possum monitoring and detection in all environments
• Nationally approved NPCA/Bionet possum monitoring protocol
• Proven as best device for detecting possums from Landcare Research trials
• Perfect for use where children and domestic pets are present
• Light, robust and simple for monitoring in the most remote and rugged locations
• Humane, cost effective, time efficient and superior functionality
• Used by possum control contractors, DOC, Regional and City Council staff and scientists nationwide.

Effective for detecting pests on riverbeds in Canterbury view: How can we detect introduced mammalian predators in non-forest habitats? A comparison of techniques

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