20 September 2000 New lightweight possum trap promises greater efficiency

A Lincoln University research project which aims to produce a more humane and effective possum trap has received a $1500 grant from the University's Fund for Excellence.

Ian Domigan, a lecturer in the Natural Resources Engineering Group within the Environmental Management and Design Division, is among six students and five staff members who have shared an allocation of funds from Lincoln University's Fund for Excellence.

The funding will be used to carry out field trials on a lightweight mechanical kill-trap which can kill possums by asphyxiation in around 45 seconds. The system has been developed in response to concern over the use of leg-hold traps and slow-acting poisons, which can take up to four weeks to kill.

Ian Domigan says the project has been in development for two years. The key to its effectiveness is a new spring design and a stable trigger. The big advantage for trappers is that it weighs only 700gms and doesn't have to be checked every day. For the possum it means a much more humane death.

The trap has proved effective with other types of vertebrate pests, such as stoats and ferrets, and tests to date show that it should be safe to use in areas where there are kiwis and wekas.

"Our tests have shown that it's near impossible for birds to be accidentally caught or killed in it," says Mr Domigan.

Interest in new methods of trapping possums is high, driven by concern over the spread of tuberculosis and an over-dependence on poisons, particularly 1080. Ian Domigan says research has reached a critical stage and the field tests are essential before a final decision can be made to commercialise the trap through Lincoln Ventures Ltd. The Fund for Excellence money will cover the cost of building traps for field trial by commercial trappers.

Lincoln's Fund for Excellence was the first of its kind established by a New Zealand university, and aims to promote excellence in teaching, research and student services using funds collected in an annual appeal to alumni, University Council members and friends of Lincoln University.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand