A concerned southland resident has contacted me - apparently rats have made
it ashore to Ulva Island, (part of Stewart Island NZ) and so an aerial drop
of Brodifacoum is on the agenda. This seems like excessive tactics to me,
especially given the pristine and previously predator free status of the
island. Surely strategic bait stations along the coastline where the rats
were seen/already trapped (?) would suffice?

Dropping poison by helicopter to kill a handful of rats, meanwhile killing
of hundreds of native birds that the island acts as a sanctuary for, appears
ludicrous and totally heavy handed.

This is from the "Island of Tranquility" website: www.stewartisland.co.nz
Ulva Island

Ulva Island is a pristine forested island situated within Paterson Inlet. It
is managed by the Department of Conservation and supported by the Ulva
Island Charitable Trust as an open island sanctuary. It is one of the few
predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand. Open to the general public,
whether it be for a family picnic or for anyone interested in native birds
or flora. Its well maintained tracks offer easy walking for most people and
gives one the opportunity to enjoy the birds, lovely beaches and views.
Guided walks are also available.

The island, which covers an area of 269ha is a 10 minute ride by boat from
Golden Bay. Although it has no permanent inhabitants, about 7.6ha is
privately owned. Please respect their privacy.

The Ulva Island Charitable Trust are a group of
dedicated Stewart Islanders who help to raise funds for tracks and
infrastructure and assist with bird releases and research work.

Since the eradication of rats, Ulva Island has become our ‘Jewel in the
Crown', offering a predator-free environment for rare and endangered birds
including South Island Saddleback, Yellowhead, Rifleman, Stewart Island
Robin, Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. See the
‘Birds'
section for more information.



--
Sarah Silverstar
www.oceanaware.info