In 2016 we began a programme of monitoring in the alpine zone with the following components:
The tussock mast in the 2019/20 season has resulted in a huge presence of mice (and some rats) in the alpine zone. We have started a trial of laser-triggered cameras (Critterpics) to help identify the species which pass through the tracking tunnels.
As we gather more information it will be used alongside alpine monitoring elsewhere to determine if additional action is needed to protect biodiversity in this habitat.
We monitor how native biodiversity is faring. We monitor whio breeding success by stream-walk surveys of the Flora and Grecian, we monitor the number of forest birds using a series of 5 minute bird counts and presence/absence counts and the number of Powelliphanta snails in quadrats . All this information is used to determine if our pest control is adequate.