Predator Control & Conservation

The Level 3 Predator Control and Conservation programme is designed to introduce students to predator control programmes and the important role they play in protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity.

Students will complete a number of field-based trapping and conservation projects in a range of environments. The programme focus is on developing an understanding of environmental management practices and the technical and personal skills required to effectively participate in field-based environmental management programmes. Learning will be active, students will need to be physically fit and prepared for practical work in remote environments.

On completion of this course you will be able to:

• Explain kaitiakitanga in terms of how Māori interact with te taiao.
• Explain the use of tikanga Māori as part of exercising kaitiakitanga.
• Describe bush-walking equipment available in New Zealand.
• Prepare for bush-walking.
• Demonstrate use of maps and compasses when bush-walking.
• Demonstrate stream crossing skills when bush-walking.
• Demonstrate knowledge of survival skills required if lost or stranded in the bush.
• Prepare for the trapping of rural pest animals.
• Set traps, and place baits and lures for rural pest animal control.
• Check traps and clear them of pest animals and non-target species, and process, and store or dispose of carcasses.
• Clean, store, and maintain equipment and materials, and records.

Note: If circumstances change there could be mixed models of delivery e.g online, face to face one day per week or block options.