Aagggh ... Ulva is being invaded... again

Once again Ulva Island is under invasion. Just when we thought DOC had nailed the buggers back they come...here is an email from Sharon head of DOC on Stewart Island outlining the current situation

Hi all

To keep everyone in the loop, a further complete check of Ulva's inland, background and coastal rat trap network by staff has today resulted in one more rat being found in a trap along Ulva's north coast. This brings the total number of rats caught on the island in the past week to 4 - all of which have been caught along the northern coast.

Advice is being sought from the Island Eradication Advisory Group, as per the Ulva Island Biosecurity Plan, and we are currently checking the availability of rodent detecting dogs with the view to getting one down to the island as quickly as possible.

Last weeks rats have been sent for DNA analysis which may provide some clues as to the possible source of these rats. We will keep you informed as more information comes to date.

Regards


Sharon Pasco

Field Centre Supervisor / Programme Manager Community Relations ─ Kaupapa Te Tari Pokapu / Kaiwhakahaere Hapori Hononga
Department of Conservation─Te Papa Atawhai
Stewart Island / Rakiura Field Centre