Bob’s Cove Sanctuary Project, supported by the Hugo Charitable Trust
Bob’s Cove Sanctuary Project
Southern Lakes Sanctuary, in partnership with the Bob’s Cove Predator Control Group and the Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, are doing our best to protect native species such as the yellow-crowned parakeet / kākāriki, brown creeper / pīpipi and rifleman / tītitipounamu at Bob’s Cove.
With a generous donation from the Hugo Charitable Trust, we have been able to install a network of humane, self-resetting AT220 traps to control possums and rats, to protect our vulnerable native species.
More project details coming soon…
Bob's Cove Sanctuary Project, supported by the Hugo Charitable Trust
Brown Creeper by Christopher Stephens
Kakariki by Christopher Stephens
Tomtit by Christopher Stephens
Brushtail Possum by Andrew Mercer
Huge thanks to the Hugo Charitable Trust for making this project possible!
Kia ora Chris, we need to talk about biodiversity
We have heard you addressing the many crises and pressures facing us as a nation, but the crisis facing our native wildlife, our taonga species, needs to be addressed.
Nature is in crisis. Healthy, functioning ecosystems are our first line of defence against climate change and extreme weather events. So protecting our wildlife is better for nature, and better for us.
At the Southern Lakes Sanctuary – a coalition of over 80 predator trapping groups based in Queenstown and Wānaka – we are trying to save these taonga. We are one of many conservation groups striving to protect our native species from invasive predators. However, climate change brings added pressures:
Warming temperatures are enabling predators to reach new heights. Stoats have been trapped at 2,010m, and cats have been observed at over 2000m, threatening vulnerable alpine species like the rock wren / pīwauwau.
The cycles of our forests are also impacted. Beech masting seasons lead to a boom in rat numbers, followed by stoats. These predators then turn to eating native species like our beloved mohua. Climate change could increase the frequency of these events.
Southern Lakes Sanctuary is calling for increased and ongoing funding for the many conservation groups working to truly make a difference for New Zealand’s native wildlife.
Chris, our wildlife can’t talk, but we can and we’re hoping you can help.
From all of the team, Southern Lakes Sanctuary southernlakessanctuary.org.nz
eDNA monitoring and Spitfire trials
Southern Lakes Sanctuary is utilising new technologies in monitoring taonga species and predator eradication. We’re thrilled to be working with Wilderlab NZ Ltd on our Lizard eDNA monitoring, and Envico Technologies on the Spitfire possum control trials.
In preparation for a collaboration with Envico, a few weeks ago we set out four lines of wax tags in a suitable location. When they were collected just 3 nights later, there was a lot of evidence of possum presence based on the chew marks.
Fast forward to last week – a bunch of awesome groups got together to deploy 30 devices.
Introducing the Possum Spitfire… a clever device which has been in the planning pipelines for 10 years now and aims to specifically target possums. These self-resettable and automated devices will be used in biosecurity and projects where both eradication of animal pests or protection against re-invasions are the aim.
How does it work? The possum climbs up, stands on the plate where it is then weighed and reaches up to get to the lure located in the hood at the top. If they weigh 1.4kg or more, the mechanism sprays their stomach with a dose of toxin. The possum finishes its snack and waddles off unassuming, only ingesting the toxin when it grooms itself later.
Each device contains 100 meticulously measured doses and will be checked by our crew every 10 days. The devices will be out for four months and then follow-up wax tag lines will be set out to compare the results.
The team from Envico who developed the device and the Boffa Miskell crew who are project partners, commented on how exciting it was to have reached this point. We were more than happy to help out alongside team members from Predator Free 2050 Limited and Trap and Trigger
Thanks to Department of Conservation who are also a project partner. Let’s hope we can knock down those possum numbers!
Covering the Wānaka & Whakatipu basins, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is a landscape scale conservation project which aims to protect our ecosystems and taonga species.
A skilled and highly motivated conservation scientist is sought to deliver quality monitoring and data analysis to support the project’s goals.
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
Experience in planning and delivering both predator and native species monitoring programs
Relevant field experience with predator control projects
Proven data capturing, analysis and report writing acumen
Excellent communication skills
Enthusiasm for our taonga species
Relevant conservation qualifications.
Job descriptions on request. This is a full-time fixed term role to June 2024.
Applications close Thursday 26th January. Please send cover letter and CV to: michellec@bungy.co.nz.
Covering the Wānaka & Whakatipu basins, the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is a landscape scale conservation project which aims to protect our ecosystems and taonga species.
To deliver the vision of significant biodiversity gains beyond the current Jobs for Nature project, substantial funding is needed.
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
Demonstrable skills in relationship building
Highly effective communicator
Self-driven and creative
Understands the objectives of donors and sponsors
Passionate about our vision and values
Fine attention to detail
Enjoys being hands-on in a project.
Working closely with the Project Director and core team members, this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference to biodiversity and conservation.
Job descriptions on request. This is a fixed term role to June 2024.
Applications close Thursday 26th January. Please send cover letter and CV to: michellec@bungy.co.nz.
CLOSED: Predator Control Field Crew Roles – Wanaka
This is an enterprising landscape scale conservation and human well-being project, aiming to provide both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for biodiversity conservation in the region.
We are seeking field crew to work predominantly in the Makarora and Matukituki catchments to:
Install new trap lines in the backcountry.
Maintain and clear existing and new traplines.
Construct traps.
Monitor biodiversity.
And do other general biodiversity enhancement tasks
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
A high level of fitness and the ability to carry heavy loads.
Being comfortable working both solo and as a small team for extended periods in the backcountry in variable weather conditions.
Commitment to conservation
The ability to stay overnight in the backcountry when required
Be familiar in use of a map and compass/GPS.
Commitment to excellent health & safety practices
Hold a current driver’s licence.
Willingness to handle dead rats.
A current First Aid certificate and firearms licence would also be advantageous. Job descriptions on request.
This is an enterprising landscape scale conservation and human well-being project, aiming to provide both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for biodiversity conservation in the region..
We are seeking field crew to work in Glenorchy to:
Install new trap lines in the backcountry.
Maintain and clear existing and new traplines.
Install and monitor live capture traps.
Dispatch caught cats, possums, hedgehogs.
Construct traps.
Monitor biodiversity.
And do other general bio-diversity enhancement tasks.
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
A high level of fitness and the ability to carry heavy loads.
Being comfortable working both solo and as a small team for extended periods in the backcountry in variable weather conditions.
Experience with firearms.
NZ firearms licence (or be in the process of obtaining one).
Commitment to conservation.
The ability to stay overnight in the backcountry when required.
Be familiar in use of a map and compass/GPS.
Commitment to excellent health & safety practices
Hold a current driver’s licence.
Willingness to handle dead rats.
A current First Aid certificate would also be advantageous.
Full-time, fixed-term position from January 2022 – June 2024
This is an enterprising landscape scale conservation and human well-being project, aiming to provide both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for biodiversity conservation in the region.
An experienced and highly motivated person is sought to design and execute a system of predator suppression and biodiversity conservation – involving practical application, monitoring and analysis of data.
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
Relevant conservation tertiary qualifications and field experience
Excellent Communication and interpersonal skills
Proven data management, analysis and report writing acumen.
Full-time, fixed-term position from January 2022 – June 2024
This is an enterprising landscape scale conservation and human well-being project, aiming to provide both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for biodiversity conservation in the region.
Performing a key coordination role across this project, this role will involve optimising the current predator suppression network and planning for expansion opportunities, including pest eradication and biodiversity gains.
Key attributes to succeed in this role:
Relevant conservation tertiary qualification
Extensive experience in planning conservation projects
Communication and multi-tasking abilities
Highly motivated, achievement-oriented and innovative professional.
Funded through Jobs for Nature, the SLS project provides both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for wildlife conservation in the Region.
Part-time, 3 year term.
An enthusiastic and organised person is sought to work with the existing volunteers in Wānaka Backyard Trapping to educate and encourage community trapping.
Key attributes to succeed in this role;
Communication skills
Conservation enthusiasm
Technical trapping knowledge
Fundraising capabilities
Collaborative and sharing mindset
Please send your C.V and covering letter to: gsdworkforce@bungy.co.nz Job descriptions available on request.
Applications close Friday, 8th October, 2021.
CLOSED: Conservation Project Director, Central Otago
Landscape Scale Predator Control
This new conservation role is an exciting but demanding position for a motivated, collaborative and well organised leader.
The project is funded through DOC’s Jobs for Nature program, providing both employment opportunities and game changing outcomes for wildlife conservation in the Wanaka and Whakatipu areas.
The Project Director will be supported by a skilled Board and operational team to deliver the following accountabilities:
Ensuring predator control is delivered
Leading and developing an effective team
Managing project data
Collaborating with technical and operational personnel
High quality reporting
Building and sustaining quality stakeholder relationships
Work experience managing staff, in-field duties and multi-tasking
Proven project delivery and enjoyment of taking responsibilities
Personal skills in relationship building and inter-personal communication
Excellent administration and budget management skills;
Clean and full NZ driver’s licence
A strong health & safety ethic
A positive attitude to getting things done
This position is for a 3-year fixed term, based in Wanaka or Queenstown with extensive regional travel. A position description and project synopsis is available upon request.
