Southern Lakes (Queenstown) NZ Deerstalkers Association started one of the first biodiversity Trap Lines in the Wakatipu basin in 2008 - with 78 Doc 200 box traps installed up the Steele Creek valley and the True left bush edge of the mid Greenstone valley area.  It was started to control mustelids and rats/mice in Steele Creek/Greenstone Valley for the reestablishment of Whio (Blue Duck) in Steele creek. In addition to this  the club undertook possum control in the same area on a semi frequent basis, then in 2022 the club partnered with YarnMesh and FTP and our site was used as a trial site to develop the AI Model which is not integral to the AT220ai and newer AT520ai traps from NZ Auto Trap. from the initial 6 Ai protype traps, the club has completely rebuilt and refurbished the line and installed 12 x AT520Ai traps as the first approved group on PCL to use these Ai traps. Members regularly make the 2 day round trip trek to check and manage the trap line.  All results are recorded in Traps.nz 

Recently with thanks to a grant from QLDC in 2022 & 2023 we were able to refurbish and update the DOC200 trap line

We are always looking for volunteers to help with the trap line so get in touch if you are able to help with our efforts