Study of Stoat Behavior Supports New Zealand's Predator Control Efforts
Research indicates that stoats inflict severe harm on New Zealand's endangered bird populations. However, merely increasing the number of traps does not necessarily capture the more wary stoats. To address this, there is a need for less "scary" trap designs along with more efficient baits and lures to make the traps more appealing.
TroibNews 
As stoats wreak havoc on New Zealand's endangered bird species, new research has indicated that merely increasing the number of traps may not be effective in capturing the more cautious stoats. To make traps more appealing, less intimidating designs and improved baits and lures are necessary.
Current trapping methods predominantly capture male stoats, but it is crucial to trap females, as they are nearly always pregnant and reproduce quickly, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology on Wednesday.
Female stoats tend to be more cautious and are less likely to interact with traps compared to males. Additionally, stoats can develop "trap shyness," whereby those that encounter a trap but do not trigger it avoid all traps in the future, noted researchers from New Zealand's Landcare Research and the University of Sydney.
The researchers emphasize the need to understand the behavior of stoats that avoid traps, as much of the existing knowledge about stoat populations stems from trapping data.
New Zealand's native ecosystems face significant threats from introduced pest predators like rats, cats, possums, and stoats. While trapping efforts can be effective to an extent, achieving complete eradication of these predators, especially in expansive and remote regions, is very challenging, the study found.
As Landcare Research assesses the effectiveness of current trapping technologies from the perspective of the pests, it calls for additional insights into why some pest animals evade or fail to interact with traps.
The study, conducted in accordance with all relevant animal welfare and ethics guidelines, spanned 81 nights and involved 28 stoats of both sexes, with infrared cameras used to monitor their behavior.
Understanding the gender disparities in trap capture is vital for successful eradication and for planning future pest control efforts, the researchers concluded.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
Current trapping methods predominantly capture male stoats, but it is crucial to trap females, as they are nearly always pregnant and reproduce quickly, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology on Wednesday.
Female stoats tend to be more cautious and are less likely to interact with traps compared to males. Additionally, stoats can develop "trap shyness," whereby those that encounter a trap but do not trigger it avoid all traps in the future, noted researchers from New Zealand's Landcare Research and the University of Sydney.
The researchers emphasize the need to understand the behavior of stoats that avoid traps, as much of the existing knowledge about stoat populations stems from trapping data.
New Zealand's native ecosystems face significant threats from introduced pest predators like rats, cats, possums, and stoats. While trapping efforts can be effective to an extent, achieving complete eradication of these predators, especially in expansive and remote regions, is very challenging, the study found.
As Landcare Research assesses the effectiveness of current trapping technologies from the perspective of the pests, it calls for additional insights into why some pest animals evade or fail to interact with traps.
The study, conducted in accordance with all relevant animal welfare and ethics guidelines, spanned 81 nights and involved 28 stoats of both sexes, with infrared cameras used to monitor their behavior.
Understanding the gender disparities in trap capture is vital for successful eradication and for planning future pest control efforts, the researchers concluded.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
