Rat control in the capital

Forest and Bird, Issue 267, 1 February 1993, Page 9

Rat control in the capital

TAPU TE RANGI, a small island just off Island Bay, on Wellington’s south coast is the site of a rat control programme by the Wellington branch. Native birds including the reef heron, variable oyster catcher and little blue penguin nest there and it is home to three rare plant species. The island is listed as a "‘site of ecological significance" in the branch’s Natural Wellington strategy. Administered by the Wellington City Council, the island is also of major cultural and historical importance. The branch is using two permanent and (nearly) vandal-

proof bait stations designed by Rowley Taylor and Bruce Thomas of Breaksea Island fame. DoC’s Rawyn Epsom is providing invaluable technical assistance and oversight. The programme has proved to be a cheap and effective way of controlling a major pest on small inshore islands. Other branches interested in running similar projects should in the first instance contact the threatened species officer of their DoC conservancy. Permission will also be needed from the organisation responsible for administering the island.