Invercargill MP Eric Roy inspects a possum-proof gate
fitted to a bridge over the Waitutu River. Photo supplied.
The Department of Conservation (Doc) is confident possums
and other pests will not be able to cross a Fiordland river
using one of its bridges.
Believed to be the first of its kind in New Zealand, the
Doc-designed gate was installed across the Waitutu River, in
southeast Fiordland, in September.
Initial testing revealed there were 40 unsuccessful attempts
by possums to get across the river, but the gate's design was
altered after two possums made it across the bridge, Doc
ranger Colin Bishop said.
Further testing showed the modifications were successful,
with stoats and rats also deterred by the aluminium gates, Mr
Bishop said.
"I am confident that this gate is possum proof."
Funding of $14,000 to build, test and install three more
gates is sought, before a planned 1080 aerial drop for the
Waitutu Forest begins in late winter, he said.
"We're looking at all alternatives to possum control and this
is one of them," Mr Bishop said.
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