Tracking tunnels are another great way to get an insight into what’s in your garden or local reserve. An ink pad placed inside the tracking tunnel shows up the footprints of both predators, such as rats, as well as native wildlife like geckos, insects and invertebrates (wētā)! Footprints are created when animals move over a pre-inked card inside the tracking tunnel. A lure entices them in, and their tracks help us identify the species or genus based on the patterns and sizes.
As you trap more, you might find the prints of native wildlife more and more often.
Installing a tracking tunnel
Place the ink card inside the tunnel.
Put a dollop of peanut butter on the central ink pad (non-toxic lure)
Leave out for a couple of days.
There’s a great resource by Kiwi Conservation Club on how to build your own tracking tunnel here
Identifying tracks
Rat prints
Mice prints
Stoat prints
Hedgehog prints
Gecko, skin & wētā prints
Credit:
- A Short Guide for Identifying Footprints on Tracking Tunnel Papers.