Pest control on Mayor Island is being increased after a rat was reportedly seen at Opo Bay on the island’s south-east coast last week.
Department of Conservation ranger John Heaphy says the sighting has not been confirmed but it is being treated seriously.

DOC at Mayor Island.

If confirmed, this will be the first time a rodent has been seen on the island since it was declared pest-free in 2000.
 “Someone thinks they saw a rat, but it was dark, and they were not able to verify what they saw. Within 24 hours of receiving the report, we’d set up a network of traps, bait stations and tracking tunnels around the area at 25-30 metre spacings and will be monitoring them closely this week to see what turns up.”
Mayor Island is managed by the Tuhua Trust Board, who have been working with DOC on ecological restoration of the island.
The island is a wildlife refuge that boasts extensive pohutakawa forest and is full of native bird and insect life.
Populations of North Island brown kiwi, robin and other endangered birds, such as kakariki, and pateke, have been re-established since the island was declared rodent free.
“These birds are threatened by any incursion by mammal predators such as rats or mice,” says John.
Strict landing rules and quarantine procedures apply to all island visitors, who must obtain permission from the Tuhua Trust Board to land on the island.