Rangitoto & Motutapu July 2009 project update
Pest control work well underway
The first and second aerial applications of rodent bait on Rangitoto and Motutapu islands have been successfully completed. The first application of rodent bait was aided by near-perfect weather conditions, and resulted in the operation taking a day and a half. The second bait drop operation was completed in one day.
DOC staff and members of the Motutapu Restoration Trust, Motutapu Farm Ltd, Motutapu Outdoor Education Camp, Rangitoto Island Bach Community Association, Ports of Auckland and the Auckland harbourmaster are involved in the rodent eradication, part of the long-term plan to restore Rangitoto and Motutapu islands by removing seven species of pests.
Mouse
For each bait drop operation, the operations team were involved in loading the bait buckets, ground application of baits into the islands' nearly 340 structures, and removing baits from beaches to reduce the risk to NZ dotterels. Vessel-based teams were deployed to advise other vessels and kayaks that the Rangitoto Island Scenic Reserve and Motutapu Island Recreation Reserve were closed, and of the hazards associated with the aerial application to vessels within 100m of the shore.
The first bait drop operation was profiled on TV One and TV3 news on Saturday 20th June.
View news item on the TV One website
View news item on the TV3 website
The islands are closed for approximately seven days following each bait application. Teams clear high visitor use areas, including the Rangitoto's wharf and summit track, boardwalk and viewing platform, of bait before the reserves are re-opened to the public. Any baits and dead rodents that are found should be left alone.
Rangitoto and Motutapu islands re-opened on Saturday 18th July following the second rodent bait application on 6 & 7 July 2009. The third and final aerial rodent bait application is scheduled to occur sometime before the end of September, but dates are weather dependant.