Conservation Projects
Community led action.
Picton Dawn Chorus have a multi faceted approach to the work to restore native bird numbers across Waitohi Picton.
KAIPŪPŪ SANCTUARY
The Jewel in the Crown
Kaipūpū Sanctuary is at the heart of our project at Picton Dawn Chorus. It’s long term goal to establish a sanctuary through the eradication of introduced plant and animal pests.
The pest proof fence has helped Kaipūpū become free from predator pests such as rats, mustelids and possums – and keep them from re-entering the sanctuary. The trapping programme on the Sanctuary involves fortnightly checks by volunteers to prevent pest species like mice, rats and stoats, and plant pests like Old Man’s Beard from establishing.
Kaipūpū Sanctuary is open to the public, 7 days a week.
PREDATOR CONTROL
NETWORK
Picton Dawn Corus have established four predator control zones in the vicinity of Kaipūpū Sanctuary, to reduce predator numbers – Protecting the sanctuary from re-invasion and protecting local bird populations.
This trapping network includes over 3,000 to 4,000 traps maintained by volunteers.
Fundraising is underway through T.R.A.P. to upgrade to install 500 AT220 auto traps, which only require bi-annual checks.
T.R.A.P
Trapping for Restoration and Protection
Picton Dawn Chorus’ flagship donor campaign is a bold push to future-proof predator control across Waitohi–Picton. After nine years and more than 28,800 predators removed, our trap network is simply maxed out. With 3,900+ traps spread over rugged country, the system is overdue for an upgrade.
It’s time to lift our game and protect more birdlife than ever.
New AT220 auto traps need checking only twice a year and consistently outperform our older models – a major boost to the efficiency and efficacy of the network.
HABITAT RESTORATION
With the Ngahere Group
The replanting of native species of flora is a crucial ongoing task within Picton Dawn Chorus, crucial to support the birdlife and biodiversity of Waitohi Picton by restoring habitats.
Our volunteer organisation, the Ngahere Tree Planting Group is already making progress in planting for our future.
EVENTS & COMMUNITY
MOVEMENTS
Picton Dawn Chorus community hold regular events, creating awareness, raising funds and carrying out our valuable work.
Keep an eye out for updates so you can get involved!