Project Crimson was set up to rescue some of our most beautiful native trees- the rata and pohutukawa, members of the genus Metrosideros. There are 12 species native to New Zealand, of which six are trees.
Each summer the bright crimson flowers of the pohutukawa and rata signal the arrival of Christmas and summer for us. However the introduced oppossum also likes the leaves and flower buds of these trees and in our forests and along our coastlines pohutukawa and rata were being nibbled at so heavily that even mature specimens were denuded. Many trees succumbed and we were in real danger of losing this, one of our premier species.
Project Crimson was established to help fight back and has been tremendously successful in doing so. however your help- either as a volunteer, planting these trees on your own property and in trapping oppossums is still needed.
To volunteer contact the Department of Conservation to find out about organisations in your area, or contact Project Crimson.
The Department of Conservation will help with advice in trapping oppossums- look in your phone book or at their web site http://www.doc.govt.nz
A Timms trap is considered one of the most effective and humane ways to trap oppossums- but take care and consider this method carefully before buying a trap if you have small children or even pets who may become caught in the trap.
Every year Project Crimson asists local organisations with trees and funding. In 1999 they asisted 55 individuals and organisations. |
