13 September 2007

Rat stopped from getting to Tiritiri Matangi

A Norway rat found on a ferry due to sail to Tiritiri Matangi was stopped from getting to the island sanctuary due to quick action by the ferry operator.

Last Friday when 360 Discovery staff discovered that a rodent had paid an overnight visit to the ferry while moored at Gulf Harbour, they promptly cancelled the day’s trip to the island. The rat had chewed its way in under a door, sampled a snack basket then vanished.

The Department of Conservation biosecurity team was alerted and laid traps and bait onboard. Suspicions that the visitor was probably a Norway rat were confirmed when it was caught in a trap on the foredeck the next morning.

Department of Conservation community relations officer Liz Maire says that 360 Discovery’s decision not to sail and put the island at risk deserved high praise.

“All we need is one pregnant rodent to come ashore on Tiritiri and we would have a major incident on our hands.”

“Endangered species on the island include birds like the saddleback, which was wiped out on other islands by rats. Tiritiri has become a sanctuary for many threatened species that could be put at risk if visitors to the island are not vigilant and pest aware.”

Ms Maire says baiting for rats at Gulf Harbour Marina had been stepped up but that boaties needed to be aware of the possibility of rodents on their boats.

“All visitors to conservation islands in the Gulf need to be aware that they could inadvertently transport rats or mice in their baggage.”

“We ask all boat owners to lay appropriate bait stations or traps on their boats at least two days before visiting conservation islands in the gulf. Visitors should check all containers and bags before they leave the mainland.”

Norway rats are the largest of the three rat species in New Zealand and have been known to swim over 400 metres.

Little Barrier (Hauturu), Motuora, Motuihe and Tiritiri Matangi islands in the Hauraki Gulf are all free of animal pests and have ecological restoration programmes underway, while Great Barrier is free of Norway rats, mustelids and possums. DOC is currently investigating the feasibility of getting rid of the remaining animal pests from Motutapu and Rangitoto islands.

ENDS

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