MEDIA RELEASE

Ohope Scenic Reserve baiting for rats and possums
For immediate release:

In a bid to cut the number of possums and rats in the Ohope Scenic Reserve and on the neighbouring Ngati Awa Farm, a poisoning operation will be carried out during the next three months.

The operation will be the first time there has been an attempt to control rats in this area and is a joint venture involving Environment Bay of Plenty, the Department of Conservation and Te Runanga o Ngati Awa,

Environment Bay of Plenty land management officer David Paine said the poisoning operation was an important step in protecting and increasing birdlife in the reserve.

“This operation will be undertaken as part of the Whakatane Kiwi Project, but it will also help protect other native species and improve their ability to breed in this area,” Mr Paine said.

“Success for us will mean visitors to this popular area will be able to see and hear more birds and other native animals.”

The poisoning operation will be similar to those regularly carried out on conservation land and in other forested areas. This involves white bait stations being attached to trees and the poison, in this instance Cyanide and Pindone, being placed inside. These stations are regularly monitored.

To ensure people using the area are aware of the operation, signs will be placed at all known entrances and in the reserve.

People visiting the reserve should not touch the bait stations or any dead possums or rats that they may see. People are also advised not eat any meat taken from the reserve.

Dogs are not permitted within the Ohope Scenic Reserve, however if you think a dog has eaten a carcass or part of a carcass, then it should be taken to a vet immediately.

The poisoning operation will start on Monday 13 October 2008 and bait will be removed before Wednesday 24 December 2008.

This baiting operation will complement Whakatane District Council’s rat and possum control at Mokorua Scenic Reserve, on part of Kohi Point around Otarawairere.

ENDS

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