Modified Flipping Timmy traps reduce feral pig damage

Predator Free Te Aroha and the Hakarimata Restoration Trust have developed a simple, practical way of reducing trapline damage caused by feral pigs. 

The groups have modified the Flipping Timmy possum traps with safety lines to stop them from being completely destroyed by the pigs.

"The two Flipping Timmy traps in the photo [above] have a safety line attached, so if a pig wrenches at a possum, the yellow lid that would normally disappear with the pig and the possum stays connected to the tree,” Peter Galloway from Predator Free Te Aroha says.

“The safety line has helped keep the two bits together, but a big hog would still tear the plastic."

This modification isn't foolproof, but it does help extend the life of the traps, saving volunteer groups time and money.

Feral pigs are one of the most destructive pests in New Zealand's native bush and volunteers maintaining traplines regularly deal with pig damage. 

Pigs will tear apart possum traps, uproot equipment, and even dig up walking tracks built and maintained by volunteers. This creates a heap of extra work and ongoing costs for groups trying to restore our forests.

Feral pigs also dig up vast areas of soil, eat threatened native wildlife, and destroy delicate vegetation that healthy forests rely on to thrive. Among the species vulnerable to feral pigs are ground-nesting native birds, geckos, skinks and countless invertebrates.