Kate Wilkinson

27 August, 2011

Motutapu and Rangitoto declared pest-free

Motutapu and Rangitoto islands have been officially declared pest-free wildlife sanctuaries following a successful eradication programme that first started 20 years ago, Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson announced today.

The occasion has been marked with the first release of threatened native wildlife on Motutapu Island, including two breeding pairs of takahë – one of New Zealand’s rarest native birds.

Up to 20 tïeke, or saddleback, another native bird brought back from the brink of extinction, were also released.

Ms Wilkinson says the release of endangered species in Auckland’s backyard was a big occasion.

“There are only 250 takahë left in the world and that we are able to release them in a safe sanctuary here in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is testament to the fantastic work the Department of Conservation has undertaken to rid these islands of pests.

“Motutapu and Rangitoto will now play a significant role in protecting our most endangered wildlife.

“Takahë were thought to be extinct until rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948. The grassland on Motutapu provides a good feeding ground for takahë and the island is big enough to hold up to 20 breeding pair. This would make it the largest population of takahë outside Fiordland.”

DOC has removed nine animal pests from Rangitoto and Motutapu. Possums and wallabies were eradicated in the 1990s. Ship rats, Norway rats, stoats, mice, feral cats, hedgehogs and rabbits have now been removed with the completion of a major eradication operation that began in June 2009.

As many as 30 species of threatened native wildlife are expected to be released onto the islands in the future, including kiwi, hihi or stitchbird, tuatara and several species of native reptile.

“Ridding Rangitoto and Motutapu of pests marks a major conservation achievement as it creates New Zealand’s second largest pest-free sanctuary covering more than 3800 hectares combined,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“As well as creating a valuable new conservation asset the investment in making Rangitoto and Motutapu pest-free sanctuaries will provide a tourism drawcard.

“Having rare and precious wildlife living on these iconic islands, just 30 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, enhances their appeal as a tourist destination for visitors from throughout the country and overseas.”

ENDS

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