Last few pests being targeted on Maungatautari Ecological Island

The pest eradication operation will now focus on the remnant populations of rabbits and hares (virtually eradicated), goats (two) and mice. More than 2,600 tracking cards in tunnels positioned along the monitoring lines will help Maungatautari staff locate mouse populations. The ink centre on each tracking card records the ‘footprints' of any animal passing over it. Once a pest print is detected Maungatautari staff immediately spread bait and set traps within a 300 metre radius of the tunnel.

The monitoring lines have been divided into monitoring circuits. Every month volunteers walk the 58 circuits, averaging 4.5km each, to replace the tracking cards in the tracking tunnels.
Pest proof fence.

A pest proof fence which has been constructed along the forest edge of the mountain forms a complete barrier to pests. Once the pests on the mountain have been eliminated, Maungatautari will be the largest pest free area on mainland New Zealand.

Pest free enclosures
"Maungatautari used to be alive with animal and plant life, eradicating the pests and systematically reintroducing our precious native wildlife means that we can recreate that scene - in fact visitors to our two pest free enclosures can see that already", said Maungatautari Trust chief executive Jim Mylchreest.

Takahe, Kiwi, Kokopu & Kaka
In 2005 the 35ha northern enclosure and the 65ha southern enclosure, on Maungatautari were declared pest free. The endangered takahe, kiwi, kokopu and kaka have already being reintroduced to these areas with more wildlife reintroductions planned.

Maungatautari is an extinct volcano in the central North Island of New Zealand.

www.maungatrust.org