Raukūmara Forest shows no signs of rats after 1080 operations

Recent surveys in Raukūmara Forest have found no traces of rats in areas where kiwis reside. This follows the application of 1080 poison across 150,000 hectares of the forest.

The poisoning was part of a project aimed at protecting the forest and its native wildlife from invasive pests. The absence of rats is a positive sign for the health of the ecosystem and the kiwi population in the region.

Conservationists hope that the reduction in rat numbers will allow for a more stable environment for other native species. Monitoring will continue to assess the long-term impacts of the 1080 operations on both pests and native wildlife.

The Raukūmara Forest project reflects ongoing efforts across New Zealand to combat pest threats and conserve biodiversity. These initiatives are critical in ensuring the survival of native species like kiwi, which are vulnerable to predation.

Originally reported by RNZ Environment Headlines.