Weta motels


Using hollowed-out untreated pine or manuka blocks called 'weta motels' it is possible to simulate the cavities found in mature trees that are used by weta and other creepy crawlies. It will take many years for the newly-planted trees to become old enough to develop these cavities, so by using the weta motels we are accelerating the successional process. Cave or tree weta colonise the motels as well as other groups such as endemic spiders, leaf-vein slugs and pseudoscorpions, some of which breed in the refuges. Entrance holes of weta motels are small enough to keep predatory mice out.














Simulated habitat refuges

Lizard Lodges


Placing two or three sections of corrugated roofing material called Onduline (www.onduline.co.nz), separated by 1cm dowel provides lizards, such as skink and gecko, a safe and warm environment and protection from potential predators such as rodents, hedgehogs, cats and mustelids.

Wooden discs


Discs of untreated pine, macrocarpa or other woods, 40-60 cm in diameter and 10-20 cm thick, can be used to simulate the fallen logs found in mature native forests. The discs are dried and placed on bare soil.

These discs harbour native invertebrates such as predatory spiders and ground beetles, as well as snails, slugs, earthworms, flatworms, harvestmen, slaters and even skinks (a type of lizard). Populations of these animals can be monitored by carefully lifting the discs and counting the individuals.


Leaf vein slug Canterbury trap door spider

Two wooden discs Eggs of Carabidae beetle Native snail

Lizard Lodge Lizard lodge with top layer removed-occupied by geckos

Weta motel with two tree weta inside. Cave weta also occupy motels (right)