NestGard

We wanted a box and trap combination that was as light as possible, for use in the backcountry. Since the DOC150 is lighter and smaller (and so requires a smaller box), we settled on that.The resulting trap & box combination weighs just 2.1 kg.

The DOC150 has the same spring as the DOC 200, so therefore they both have exactly the same killing power.

Some people find the DOC150 harder to set than the DOC200, because the lever arm is shorter, and hence more force is required. However, the latest DOC150s have a wider handle. This means that you can get all four fingers under it, rather than just two, making setting easier.

DOC's Trap Technology Advisory Group (TTAG) has assessed the NestGard150 and found it to be equivalent to other trap tunnels that conform to animal welfare standards (NAWAC); consequently it has been added to DOC's Trap Systems Performance Standards sheets, so is acceptable for use on the conservation estate.

DOC's Trap Technology Advisory Group has found that it meets the design requirements for use in kiwi and weka country.

When working in an area where kea are present, the design standard requires a stamped metal grille. Our standard model NestGard has a polycarbonate moulded grille; polycarbonate is a very strong material, used in applications such as helmets and bulletproof shields, so we expect that this will perform well in such areas. This has been considered by DOC's Trap Technology Advisory Group, and a watch should be kept on the performance of the devices. However, we do have the option to provide metal grilles if required.

Conventional trap enclosures require the pest to step up approx 25mm to reach the treadle of the DOC traps, and consequently the pest is in a good position for reversing from the kill zone. Recent video recordings published by ZIP show a rat is able to trigger a DOC200 and back out of the kill zone before the killbar hits it. NestGard has an approx 7mm step-down from the ramp onto the trap treadle. It will be harder for a pest to escape the kill zone when they need to go backwards uphill.

Billy Hamilton in his paper "Using colour to increase stoat (Mustela erminea) trap catch" (www.doc.govt.nz/documents/science-and-technical/dsis187.pdf) reports that "Stoats had a higher probability of being caught in traps with yellow covers than those of other colours, and in traps with bright covers (yellow and red) than in those with duller covers (green and black)."

They're also easier to find in the bush than black.

Rats are prey as well as predators, so they are nervous about new things in the environment (scientists call this neophobic),  and they can be hesitant to enter tunnels. Using trail cameras we found that they like to run through tunnels which allows them to more safely test whether the tunnel is safe to enter. The double side entry encourages rats to engage with the device; edible lures can be placed in the run-through region so that rats can pick it up and learn that there is yummy food inside NestGard..