14 July 2022

Our tips for getting rid of rats

People, birds, plants, fish, insects… we’re all interdependent. When the population of one invasive species (such as rats) gets too big, the number of native species (such as tūī or takahē in New Zealand) can very quickly get out of whack. It doesn’t take long for iconic species such as kiwi and kākā to be reduced to dangerously low numbers.
Our tips for getting rid of rats

Biodiversity and why we should care about it

People, birds, plants, fish, insects… we’re all interdependent. When the population of one invasive species (such as rats) gets too big, the number of native species (such as tūī or takahē in New Zealand) can very quickly get out of whack. It doesn’t take long for iconic species such as kiwi and kākā to be reduced to dangerously low numbers.

New Zealanders are lucky to have so many forms of life in sight. Looking out my window, I can see half a dozen different species of birds - pollinating trees and plants, and diving for fish. In my garden, I know that my family’s vegetable waste is breaking down in my compost bin and dozens of microbes are eating the seaweed layered under the native trees. I’m proud to play a part in supporting biodiversity, at home and work.

Building a shared future for all life

We started Goodnature because we wanted to see endangered wildlife in New Zealand and around the world flourish again. 17 years later, we’re still committed to some big projects to protect the taonga of our country.

The more time I spend in nature, the more I see what’s being lost. For too long, too many people have abandoned the simple things that support biodiversity. And not only in the backcountry.

Everything you do at home, work and in your community counts: trapping pests, recycling, composting, walking and biking, and taking your tamariki into nature as often as possible. When we spend time in nature, we share the joy of ‘all living things’. When we open our eyes and ears, heart and minds, to our environment, it’s obvious that we need to protect it.

A future that benefits ‘all life’ demands that we all take responsibility for keeping nature in balance.

Trapping pests supports biodiversity

Every bit of land protected from pests through effective and humane trapping supports biodiversity. It’s a powerful way to help our native species take care of themselves and thrive. When our ecosystem’s natural balance is disturbed, a monoculture rather than a diverse culture becomes the norm, and our native species can’t survive.

Living in partnership with nature creates a safe habitat – an oasis – for our native animals to thrive. Wellingtonians have seen this first-hand. A couple of decades ago, only seven pairs of tui lived in the city. Today, they are everywhere. As a result of the collective effort of backyard trappers, we have one of the largest populations of kākā in the country, and the only population of tieke/saddlebacks beyond our off-shore islands and sanctuaries.

Everyone can make a difference

No single organisation can tackle the problem of invasive pests on its own. By working together it shouldn’t take us that long to bring back many of our native species from the brink.

“Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are totally dependent on the natural world. It provides us with every mouthful of food we eat and every breath we take. It is the most precious thing we have, and we need to defend it. Our future depends on our ability to take action now.”

Supporting biodiversity is easier than you might think. A few tips to get you started:

  • Trap rats and stoats using our A24 Trap in your backyard and encourage your neighbours and community to do the same.

  • Join a native tree planting group in your community – native trees and plants will help our native wildlife thrive.

  • Reduce, reuse, recycle and compost whenever you can – at home, work and in your community. The fewer resources you use the better for our biodiversity.

  • Think about how you get between places – walking or riding your bike is obviously better than driving your car.

  • Support local – grow your own greens if you can and buy products made locally.

Other Blogs

Creating a faster rat trap
30 November 2020

Creating a faster rat trap

New Zealanders have taken to removing rats from remote places in huge numbers, passionately doing their bit to move Aotearoa closer to being predator free by 2050. While the A24 Rat & Stoat Trap is still workinghard out there, we're diving into designing a new rat trap!
Read more
Smart trapping a new story for tour operators in rural Waitomo
10 August 2020

Smart trapping a new story for tour operators in rural Waitomo

In the Mangaotaki Valley, Suzie and Warrick Denize raise livestock and operate tours in a landscape dominated by massive limestone cliffs made famous by the Hobbit trilogy. Spanning 1.5km long and 90m high, the rock formations overlook the native bush below where, thanks to the couple’s trapping effort, native species are making a comeback while their 30 traps have recorded over 200 kills to date. We chat with the busy couple to learn more about the impact of pest control on their business and how our A24 Trap kit with Chirp has helped their trapping.
Read more
We're Brave

We're Brave

We embrace the unknown, make big bold bets, and back ourselves to develop creative & elegant solutions.

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We're Kind

We have utmost respect for animals (pests included), each other, our partners and the environment.

We’re Idealistic

We’re Idealistic

We’re a team of dreamers and doers changing the world for the better every single day.