PROJECT ISLAND SONG
Getting rid of rodents and stoats
from the islands of the Eastern
Bay of Islands
What has happened?
Who planned this?
The eradication of all rodents (rats and mice) with an aerial application
of brodifacoum, an anticoagulant rat poison. Stoats were removed by
ground-trapping.
Project Island Song is a shared vision.
The Department of Conservation, in partnership with the Guardians of
the Bay of Islands Inc, Patukeha and Ngati Kuta, resident hapu at
Rawhiti.
Te Rawhiti Marae
Why did this happen?
When and where?
This group is actively supported by the Bay’s island land-owners,
University of Auckland researchers, Bay of Islands tourism interests,
NorthTec, and other interested parties such as the Northland Regional
Council.
The islands are an iconic destination for New Zealand and international
visitors. These scenic landscapes are rich in history and should be
complemented by healthy island ecosystems. Previously, this was not
possible because rats and stoats were eating everything from seeds,
birds’ eggs, chicks, and insects to lizards. The vision is an archipelago
of islands rich in native flora and fauna for all to enjoy. The islands
will sing again.
The aerial eradication took place in late June 2009.
All of the islands in the chain from Motuarohia (Roberton Island)
eastwards, including Moturua, Motukiekie, Okahu, Waewaetorea,
Urupukapuka, Poroporo, and all their associated islets.
DOCDM-83717
Which pests?
Ship rats and Norway rats were across the whole island group. Kiore
(Polynesian rat) were present on Moturua. Mice were not known to be
present, but could have been in small densities.
Stoats were also on the islands. Some would have died by eating poisoned
rats. Ground-trapping and use of trained dogs was necessary to make sure
all stoats were removed.
What happens now?
Preventing pests re-invading the islands is critical. A mainland pest
control project, Project Point and Project Strip, stretching from
Kaimarama Bay to Manawaora Bay, has been implemented to stop pests
swimming back to the islands. Pests may also arrive with people visiting
the islands and your help is needed to reduce the risks.
Restoration of the islands is part of a wider project involving reforestation
of parts of the islands, track upgrades and archaeological interpretation.
What will the future bring?
How can I help?
Two years after a successful eradication, it is hoped that tieke
(saddlebacks), toutouwai (North Island robins) and korimako (bellbirds)
will be some of the species brought back to the islands – helping the
islands sing again.
Stop! Check! Then Go! (and have fun!)
•
Check and clean all stores, equipment, daypacks and camping
gear and keep them properly sealed before leaving for the islands.
This will ensure they are free of rodents and exotic ants, such as
Argentine ants.
•
Keep your boat rodent-free. If you know you have a rat or mouse
onboard, don’t land on the islands or tie up to them until you have
got rid of it.
•
Make sure your footwear is clear of weed seeds.
•
If you see pests e.g. rats, stoats, Argentine ants on the islands call
DOC 09 407 0300 (office hours) or 0800 DOC HOT (after hours)
•
Get involved: Join the Guardians, [email protected]
Send a donation to Guardians of the Bay of Islands Inc, PO Box
367, Paihia 0247 or drop one off at Fullers Intercity Paihia office.
•
Get on the Guardians mailing list www.projectislandsong.co.nz
•
Check progress of Project Island Song at
www.doc.govt.nz/projectislandsong
From this…
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to this…
Ship rat eating a fantail.
Tieke (saddleback) & korimako (bellbird).