After an exhaustive effort over the last six weeks, Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have signed off on a collaborative biosecurity response following an unconfirmed sighting of a pair of stoats in the Medlands Beach area early in January.
A full-scale biosecurity operation was deployed using a team of stoat detection dogs, tracking tunnels, traps, lures and trail cameras in a 200ha area.
A Technical Advisory Group made up of experts from across a range of biosecurity disciplines provided advice to the team to inform the operation.
With no stoat being detected, the response has now been shut down; all traps and equipment have now been brought in.
Great Barrier Local Board Chair Izzy Fordham said it was extremely reassuring that no stoats were found.
She said to have Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation take such rapid and dedicated action to keep Great Barrier free of pests not already present on the island was important for the fragile eco-system.
“It was a really good effort on behalf of the two agencies involved. There are a number of different endangered species on the island, so it is vital we stay on top of any pests that may make their way here.”
Auckland Council Biosecurity Manager, Jonathan Miles thanked landowners for their co-operation and support in giving the teams access to their properties throughout the operation.
He also reminded locals that if they “see anything suspicious, a stoat, possum or Norway rat, do not hesitate to report the sighting to Auckland Council Biosecurity or Department of Conservation.”
Aotea/Great Barrier is currently free of these pest species; if they did arrive, their impact on the native flora and fauna would be devastating.
