Helpers praised for rat vigilance

RAPID RESPONSE: Volunteers have made a welcome contribution to pest control on Mokoia Island. PHOTO/FILE

Volunteers from across Bay of Plenty are being thanked for their contribution towards the Mokoia Island pest incursion response.

A dead rat was found on the island during a routine bio-security check last month, prompting the Department of Conservation to launch an incursion response, with support from the Mokoia Island board of trustees.

"Volunteers from Rotorua, Tauranga and Taupo offered their time to help with the incursion response," partnerships ranger Caraline Abbott said.

"It's inspiring to see that so many people were willing to contribute.

"We had such a great response. We had many more volunteers than were actually required."

Island trustees and DoC volunteers, were able to determine this was a lone rat that probably swam from the mainland.

"The trapping lines on the island have been strategically placed to catch rodent pests as soon as they get on the island. The traps have worked exactly as planned," Mrs Abbott said.

The incursion response is now complete.

Monthly bio-security checks continue with the support of the Mokoia Island board of trustees.