2 weeks Ago By Nikki Morgan
Are smart traps that transmit real-time data the future of predator control? The Forest Bridge Trust recently trialled the Celium Network, a cutting-edge platform developed by New Zealand company Encounter Solutions. This technology enables conservation groups to monitor traps remotely, reducing costs with increasing efficiency. The trial, conducted on a local farm, delivered promising results.
The eight-day trial used 20 live-capture traps, made possible through Auckland Council’s RENH funding. The Celium Network consists of wireless communication devices called ‘nodes’, equipped with sensors that detect when a trap is triggered. These nodes communicate with ‘hubs’, transmitting the data via cellular or satellite networks to Encounter Solutions’ cloud servers.
This eliminates the need for trappers to check every trap manually, saving time, money, and effort.The Celium Network trial fostered greater collaboration between The Forest Bridge Trust’s predator control and IT teams. GIS and data lead Pablo Fuenzalida worked closely with the field team to streamline trap monitoring through the TrapNZ app, ensuring real-time updates were accessible to multiple users.
Encounter Solutions provides a central portal where hub and node locations, along with their interactions, can be monitored. Integrated with TrapNZ, this system logs trap activity and instantly notifies team members. Predator control team lead Cam Rathe and a weekend volunteer received near-instant alerts when a trap was triggered, allowing rapid response.
Pablo conducted daily checks of the portal to ensure smooth operation.Celium network technology has been deployed extensively in conservation projects throughout New Zealand and Australia. The technology offers a reliable tool for removing trap-shy animals such as stoats, ferrets and feral cats.
Unlike traditional trap boxes, live capture cages allow for a more open set-up, increasing catch rates. Real-time monitoring helps conservation teams respond quickly, improving predator removal and protecting native biodiversity.Wireless trapping networks provide several benefits:• Increased efficiency – checking only sprung traps reduces labour hours and costs• Greater coverage – Celium transmits data over distances exceeding 50km, enabling trapping in remote terrain• Low power requirements – the system operates on long-lasting battery power• Improved animal welfare – live capture cages provide a humane trapping method• Cost savings – wireless technology can cut labour costs by 50 to 80 per cent, depending on the control scenario• Integrated land management – multi-purpose networks support conservation, farming, and forestry efforts, increasing stakeholder engagementWith Jobs for Nature funding winding down this year, cost-effective trapping solutions are more critical than ever.
By reducing unnecessary trap visits and optimising field efforts, smart technology is paving the way for a more sustainable future in predator control. Could this be the breakthrough needed to elevate landscape-scale conservation? Watch this space.Further reading: https://encounter.
nz/.
