Kiore.com

The old saying “know your enemy” is as equally true for rodents as it is for Roman Legions. It is with this advice in mind that Department of Conservation Ranger Emily King will set out to undertake a survey to determine what type of rodent (rats and mice) species exist in the Eastern Bay of Islands.

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DOC will be setting and checking standard snap traps from the 24th January to 4th February to determine which rodent species are present – whether it is kiore (Polynesian rat), ship rats, Norway rats or possibly mice. The survey will be conducted on Motuarohia, Moturua, Motukiekie, Poroporo, Urupukapuka, Waewaetorea and Okahu Islands.

Miss King said landowners on the islands had been helpful granting access to properties allowing a thorough survey to be conducted. Warning signs would be erected and traps covered to protect the public and non-targeted species.

“Before any decisions about possible future pest control can be made, we need to know what we are dealing with,” says Miss. King.

“Different species have different traits that need to be considered – mice, for example, could possibly be controlled by using bait stations on the islands, while the fast swimming ship rats actually need to be controlled from mainland jump-off points.”

In addition to the nuisance they cause to summer campers, rodents are a major problem to native species on the islands and significantly reduce any restoration potential. Mice mainly consume seeds and insects inhibiting forest regeneration. Rats eat native lizards and the eggs and chicks of native birds, including seabirds.

Auckland University is also involved in the survey and are conducting DNA testing.

Team member Hamish McInnes says, “Genetic analysis may help identify the possible patterns of invasion”.

Miss King explains, “The opportunity for restoration and the chance for survival of many native species like kiwi, dotterel and brown teal on these islands is achievable without the presence of rodents”.

“We believe that with community support, it is possible to eradicate rodents and other pests, such as stoats from many of these islands”.

Source

For further information contact the Bay of Islands Area Office on 09 407 8474.

Media Release, DOC media release 2 February 2005

The old saying “know your enemy” is as equally true for rodents as it is for Roman Legions. It is with this advice in mind that Department of Conservation Ranger Emily King will set out to undertake a survey to determine what type of rodent (rats and mice) species exist in the Eastern Bay of Islands.

DOC will be setting and checking standard snap traps from the 24th January to 4th February to determine which rodent species are present – whether it is kiore (Polynesian rat), ship rats, Norway rats or possibly mice. The survey will be conducted on Motuarohia, Moturua, Motukiekie, Poroporo, Urupukapuka, Waewaetorea and Okahu Islands.