Tracker Tuesdays - Citizen Scientists Needed!

Local residents are becoming citizen scientists as part of a new community-wide initiative aimed at building a clearer picture of predator activity across Cromwell.

The project, called Tracker Tuesdays, invites people to place simple tracking tunnels and chew cards in their backyards and help collect information about the predators living alongside us.  The information gathered helps identify predator hotspots and direct trapping efforts to where they will have the greatest impact.

Predator Free Cromwell volunteer Mary Hinsen says understanding what predators are present, and where, is the first step in reducing their impact on our local wildlife.

"Many people don't realise how much damage introduced predators can do – even here in town. Rats, mice and hedgehogs all prey on native insects, lizards, birds and bird eggs. They also eat fruit and compete with native wildlife for food.

"Our volunteer backyard trappers have noticed rat numbers increasing as the weather gets colder.  As summer fruit disappears, rats look for warmer places and new food sources, which often brings them into our homes and gardens."

Participants are using both tracking tunnels and chew cards to detect predators. Tracking tunnels record footprints left by animals as they pass through, while chew cards show distinctive bite marks that help identify species.

Tracking tunnels monitor rats, mice and hedgehogs, while chew cards also reveal the presence of possums.

"Possums remain a significant pest species," says volunteer Shirley Calvert. "They damage trees, eat fruit and put pressure on our local environment. The more information we gather, the better we can target our efforts."

Predator Free Cromwell has tracking tunnels and chew cards available, but residents are also encouraged to make their own. Simple DIY instructions can be found here and on the Predator Free Cromwell Facebook page.

Participants place tracking tunnels or chew cards in their backyard for up to seven days before recording the results using the Trap.NZ app. Full instructions are provided, and support is available for anyone who is unfamiliar with app technology.

"We don't want technology to be a barrier," says Mary. "If people can collect the information, we'll help them get it into the system."

Each Tuesday, Predator Free Cromwell collates the previous week's results and shares a community update on its Facebook page, allowing everyone to see just what predators are being detected across the town.

Organisers hope the initiative will not only improve predator control efforts but also help people learn more about the wildlife living in their own backyards.

"Every tracking tunnel and every chew card tells us something," says Shirley. "When hundreds of small observations are combined, they create a powerful picture that helps us protect the native species we value."

To get involved, explore the Predator Free Cromwell web pages or find them on Facebook for DIY instructions, resources and updates on Tracker Tuesdays.