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Rodent Eradication Project
Pomona Island is plagued by both rats and mice. Eradication of all of the rodents on the island is vital for the long term future of both the vegetation and birdlife on the island. The use of an aerial application of brodifacoum is the proposed method of eradication for rodents from Pomona Island. The main reasons for this are:
Trapping and the hand-laying of bait are not considered to be effective options. The Trust's independently commissioned pest management notes that an aerial application of brodifacoum 'is the current "best practice' for eradication of rats and mice from islands in New Zealand'. The aerial operation will also target Rona Island where mice are present.
Resource consent is required to undertake an operation of this kind. As part of the consent process the Trust has carefully considered the risks associated with an aerial application of brodifacoum and seeks to minimise any risk to the public. An information sheet can be downloaded outlining the key facts about mouse and rat eradication on Pomona and Rona Islands. Resource consent was granted by Environment Southland in April 2007 and is valid for a period of five years.
Rodents will be the last of the introduced pests to be eradicated from Pomona Island and work on this final stage of our pest eradication programme should take place during Winter 2007. Two aerial applications of brodifacoum will be undertaken at least ten days apart. The exact timing for the aerial operation is weather dependent. Prior to the operation advertisements will be placed in relevant newspapers and key interested parties will be informed. In addition, warning signs will be placed on Pomona and Rona Islands as well as at key access points as determined by the resource consent conditions. The Trust is working closely with the Department of Conservation and professional contractors to ensure the success of the aerial operation.
The rodent eradication has been made possible by a significant donation from an anonymous benefactor and a grant from the Community Trust of Southland. See news for the latest details ...
Pomona Island is plagued by both rats and mice. Eradication of all of the rodents on the island is vital for the long term future of both the vegetation and birdlife on the island. The use of an aerial application of brodifacoum is the proposed method of eradication for rodents from Pomona Island. The main reasons for this are:
- the nature of the terrain on the island
- aerial poisoning is the only cost effective method to eradicate all rodents from an island this size
- it will cause minimal disturbance to the natural environment
- the risks to other wildlife and humans are low.
Trapping and the hand-laying of bait are not considered to be effective options. The Trust's independently commissioned pest management notes that an aerial application of brodifacoum 'is the current "best practice' for eradication of rats and mice from islands in New Zealand'. The aerial operation will also target Rona Island where mice are present.
Resource consent is required to undertake an operation of this kind. As part of the consent process the Trust has carefully considered the risks associated with an aerial application of brodifacoum and seeks to minimise any risk to the public. An information sheet can be downloaded outlining the key facts about mouse and rat eradication on Pomona and Rona Islands. Resource consent was granted by Environment Southland in April 2007 and is valid for a period of five years.
Rodents will be the last of the introduced pests to be eradicated from Pomona Island and work on this final stage of our pest eradication programme should take place during Winter 2007. Two aerial applications of brodifacoum will be undertaken at least ten days apart. The exact timing for the aerial operation is weather dependent. Prior to the operation advertisements will be placed in relevant newspapers and key interested parties will be informed. In addition, warning signs will be placed on Pomona and Rona Islands as well as at key access points as determined by the resource consent conditions. The Trust is working closely with the Department of Conservation and professional contractors to ensure the success of the aerial operation.
The rodent eradication has been made possible by a significant donation from an anonymous benefactor and a grant from the Community Trust of Southland. See news for the latest details ...
Photo courtesy of David Mudge
