Conservation

Make Your Own Tracking Tunnels

 

Are there rats or other pests in your garden?

You can make your own tracking tunnels to find out what pests are in your garden. Tracking tunnels are used by scientists to find out what creatures are in a garden, nature reserve, park etc. The tracking tunnels will show what creature is around by leaving prints on the tunnel floor. 

What You Will Need:

  • Tunnel - Thin white card or cardboard and paper (A3 size or larger is best).
  • Ink pad - A rectagular lid (margarine or butter tub lids work well) and a tissue.
  • Ink - 1 teaspoon of food colouring mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.
  • Stapler or cellotape
  • 1 teaspoon of peanut butter

 

Instructions:

1. Create a triangle tent from your cardboard and staple or cellotape the top flaps together. Both ends of the tunnel must be open, otherwise the creature won't go inside.

2. Fold the piece of tissue to fit neatly onto the plastic lid, add your ink to the tissue, make sure it is soggy. 

3. Slide the ink pad into the tunnel lengthwise.

4. In the evening place your tunnel on a firm, flat surface under a bush or tree that is quiet and sheltered. Leave your tunnel out overnight and check for footprints in the morning.

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The tracking tunnels are designed to attract animals inside, so that they leave their footprints on the floor. Finding out what pests are in your garden helps you know what type of traps you will need. The Department of Conservation have a great guide to help you identify the footprints on your tracking tunnel cards. 

 

How else you can help?

Join a local trapping group, spread the word and get friends, family and neighbours involved in tracking and trapping pests or share on social media what you are doing to trap pets in your backyard.

 

Helpful Links:

Predator Free NZ

Department of Conservation - Predator Free 2050