Banding rock wren

Some of the lessons learnt so far:

• Eradication of stoats takes considerably longer on large islands like Secretary Island (8140 ha) or medium-sized islands with mice present (Coal Island 1189 ha) than it does on small-to-medium-sized islands without rodents (Anchor Island 1130 ha).
• Islands within swimming distance of stoats can be defended against re-invasion. Te Kakahu/Chalky Island has remained stoat-free despite several stoat plague seasons.
• The frequency of trap checks (three per annum) has been useful for obtaining up-to-date information about stoat captures and has ensured that fresh bait is available to stoats at crucial times (i.e. when juvenile animals are dispersing).
• Plans to establish an initial population estimate for deer on Secretary Island based on DNA samples have been hindered due to the fact that the deer on the island are very closely related. This result suggests that new immigrants to the island are uncommon.
• Successful translocation techniques for rock wren.
• Captive-reared orange-fronted kakariki can establish and thrive in the wild (Te Kakahu/Chalky Island).