A novel pest trap design for a predator free Aotearoa New Zealand.

Abstract

Aotearoa New Zealand is in a biodiversity crisis largely due to invasive predator species. Consequently, the government has an ambitious target to eradicate possums, rats and stoats by 2050. The aim of this project was to develop an advanced pest control device for Aotearoa New Zealand, to aid in reaching the Predator Free 2050 target. The design process was guided by a modified double diamond methodology through which design thinking was used to develop a fit for purpose solution. The final design fills an identified market gap, combining innovation with affordability to redesign a rat trap. An electrical trigger mechanism is used to bridge the gap between conventional mechanical traps and incoming technological advancements. The electrical system opens doors for pairing spring traps with trigger notification technology for labour efficiency, species recognition, proximity sensors and daylight sensors to reduce by-catch. While initially designed for rats, it can be scaled and modified to suit a range of existing trap components and target pests. It targets a market gap in which advanced innovation is affordable. Accessible, low-tech mechanical testing methods were developed which could be utilised in-field to indicate animal welfare capabilities. Prototypes and existing traps were tested to these methods, confirming the final design’s capacity to compete with existing traps.