A local conservation group has launched a crowdfunding campaign to protect the declining mohua/yellowhead from an anticipated rat plague near Wānaka. 

Southern Lakes Sanctuary, in conjunction with partner group Forest & Bird Central Otago Lakes, is seeking at least $10,000 to fund 700 rat traps and bait stations for Mt Aspiring National Park.

Southern Lakes Sanctuary biodiversity coordinator Jo Tilson said staff are working alongside more than 50 Forest & Bird volunteers to mitigate rat numbers through trapping.

“I’ve seen the difference that focused trapping efforts make in supporting our mohua to breed and to thrive,” she said.

They are preparing for an explosion of rat numbers in the area thanks to a recent ‘mast season’ of native beech trees, Jo said. 

Southern Lakes Sanctuary biodiversity coordinator Jo Tilson said money raised through the fundraiser will fund rat traps to help protect the mohua.

During a mast season, a larger number of tree seeds are produced, which provides food for native birds, but also for rats, whose populations significantly increase or plague.

A few months later, with all the seeds eaten, the rodent population turns to eating native species like mohua.

It’s feared that mohua in Makarora could become extinct within a single season if extra measures are not taken.

“Once one of the most common forest birds in the South Island, they are now found only in a few areas of South Island beech forest,” Jo said. 

“Makarora is one of the only places where you can see and hear mohua at the side of the road – but we are on a knife’s edge from losing these birds.”

Southern Lakes Sanctuary – a consortium of six local groups that represent 84 community groups, landowners and businesses in Queenstown Lakes – is dependent on large and small donations to continue its innovative trapping and biodiversity projects.

All of the funds raised through the Givealittle page will go directly towards protecting mohua, Southern Lakes Sanctuary fundraising manager Sarah Frederic said.

Learn more about the fundraiser, which will run until November 17, at the Givealittle page here.

PHOTOS: Sarah Forder