A new conservation group aiming to eradicate predators such as possums, rats and stoats is looking to expand its operation, after early efforts proved successful.
The unholy trinity of pestilence - possums, stoats and rats. Photo: 123RF
The group, Zero Invasive Predators - which is partly funded by the Department of Conservation - has been trialling new techniques in eradicating predators from a 400 hectare block in the Marlborough Sounds.
They include using rat and stoat-scented lures to attract the pests to traps, and greatly increasing the number of traps to eradicate predators, and maintain pest-free areas.
Its chief executive Al Bramley said the more options they had at their disposal, the easier their job gets.
"I think we're very close to the tipping point of having enough tools to do it now on some scales, but if other tools come on stream whether they be contraceptive tools or gene tools, if the community allow or want those things, then they're just going to make the job easier."