3 June 2009

Island Restoration Project Underway

The Department of Conservation is about to embark on an exciting and ambitious plan to restore the islands of Rangitoto and Motutapu in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

Auckland Area Manager, Brett Butland said that this project will be one of the most challenging island restorations DOC has ever attempted.

“Our goal is to breathe life back into Rangitoto and Motutapu islands, creating an accessible, iconic nature sanctuary right on Auckland’s front door step.” Mr Butland said.

“The restoration of these islands will protect the world's largest pohutukawa forest, and will provide a 3,800ha environment that could support some of New Zealand's most loved wildlife, including kaka, kiwi and takahe.”

In order to create a safe environment for native wildlife, the remaining pests and predators will be removed – a continuation of the eradication of wallabies and possums that occurred in 1996. The seven different species of mammals that will be eliminated are stoats, ship rats, Norway rats, mice, feral cats, rabbits and hedgehogs.

“The Department of Conservation are world leaders in pest eradication work to restore and protect islands. Our staff are sought after for their skills and expertise in pest removal from offshore islands throughout the world.” said Mr Butland.

Rodents are to be targeted first with an aerial application of bait containing the poison Brodifacoum, a common rat poison which can be bought from the supermarket or hardware store. The remaining pest animals will be targeted through trapping, shooting and the use of specialist detection dogs.

As a precaution, the islands will be closed for a period of ten days after each of three poisoning operations.

Once the pests and predators have been removed, the potential for Rangitoto and Motutapu islands to become a refuge for some our native wildlife is huge, Mr Butland said.

“This restoration is simply the next step in a long line of islands that have become pest-free in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. In 1993 Tiritiri Matangi Island was cleared of pests through the same method and is now one of New Zealand’s iconic nature sanctuaries. More recently, little spotted kiwi, shore skink and kakariki have been released on Motuihe Island, which has been pest free since 2004.”

Once Rangitoto and Motutapu islands have been cleared of pests, there will be a need for visitors to the islands to be vigilant about keeping pests out and ensuring no four-legged stowaways could get ashore.

“This will be a flagship project that Aucklanders can feel proud to be a part of ” said Mr Butland. “But with that pride comes responsibility, and we expect all visitors to help us ensure that these islands remain pest-free.”

The island restoration work by DOC is complemented by the huge amount of work done by local community groups such as the Motutapu Restoration Trust who have planted in excess of 400 000 trees on Motutapu since 1994.

Background notes:

• A number of helicopters will operate simultaneously and use spreader buckets and GPS technology to drop the bait. There will be three separate applications lasting two to three days each. There will be a minimum of two weeks between applications and drops will be weather dependent. The baiting will take place within the period 15 June – 31 October 2009.
• Both islands will be closed for ten days during each of the 3 bait applications to ensure public safety. The aerial operation will be supported by the hand laying of bait in buildings and in all covered structures.
• Once Rangitoto and Motutapu have become pest-free, we will need everyone’s help to keep them that way, by being vigilant about any rodent stowaways and reporting any sightings of pests or inappropriate behaviour on the islands.

Prevention is better than cure so we are asking visitors to reduce the risk of pests reinvading by taking the following simple steps:

o Checking your boat, bags and equipment for stowaways before you leave the mainland.
o Check your gear especially footwear for seeds and soil.
o Recreational boat owners should look for rodent and ant signs before departure and owners of large boats should keep traps or rodent bait on board.
o Land only during the day - rodents are more active at night.

• Media will be contacted the day before the first aerial application of bait to be invited to a briefing. There will be an opportunity for a limited number of media representatives to visit Motutapu Island on the second day of bait application.

ENDS

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