Joint pest control operation a success

A pest control operation carried out in Whakatane and Ohope reserves to reduce possum and rat numbers last year has been successful and will be beneficial to bird life.
The operation, a joint venture between the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Ngati Awa Farm and Whakatane District Council, is in its third year and was carried out in the two months leading up to Christmas 2010.
It covered the Ohope Scenic Reserve, Kohi Point Scenic Reserve and the adjoining Ngati Awa Farm.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer David Paine said pest numbers had been well controlled.
"This programme shows that possums were maintained at very low numbers with none caught during the monitor.
"Rats were controlled to very low levels and were virtually undetectable after control, while stoat control is ongoing with only a small but expected rise in numbers trapped this summer."
Mr Paine said the operation was an important step in trying to protect and increase birdlife in the reserves.
He said rat bait had also been left in pest control stations over summer.
"Our hope is that this bait will prevent the rapid build up of rats we have seen during the last two years and allow a longer period where birds, plants and invertebrates are able to breed in the absence of predators and browsers."
Mr Paine said measurements of the bird life at Ohope Scenic Reserve were beginning to show increases because of the pest control work.
Monitoring work had also begun to measure birdlife at Kohi Point and he said similar results were expected after next year's count.
Whakatane District Council technical advisor reserves Pete McLaren said the control work would benefit visitors.
"Maintaining a successful programme will mean visitors to this popular area will be able to see and hear more birds and other native animals."
He said that the work was carried out by local contractors, with help from the Whakatane Kiwi Trust volunteer trappers.