Media release

26 February 2013

Dog Sweeps Indicate Kapiti To Be Pest Free

An island-wide trapping system established on Kapiti Island along with stoat detection dogs has ensured Kapiti remains free from pests.

Following the sighting of a stoat on the island in late 2010, the Department of Conservation set up an extensive stoat control programme on Kapiti.

The programme involved 200 traps accompanied by 480 tracking tunnels spread over the whole island. This was backed up by sweeps undertaken by specialist stoat detection dogs.

The most recent stoat detection sweep was completed last week with no sign of stoats on the island. This latest sweep draws to an end a three-year stoat detection dog programme.

“As the latest dog sweep found no evidence of stoats, we no longer need to run any more dog teams on the island as the island’s precious bird life is flourishing. However our extensive trapping system will remain in place to help reduce the risk of another stoat incursion on the island,” says Colin Giddy, programme manager (biodiversity threats) for DOC’s Kapiti Wellington Area

“Kapiti Island is one of New Zealand’s most important Nature Reserves and keeping it pest-free is a top priority for us,” says Mr Giddy.

“Since the sighting of the stoat in 2010, DOC has spent over $600,000 on the biosecurity monitoring programme, which included the stoat detection dog sweeps. By completing the cycle of dog sweeps we can make some savings on the island’s biosecurity programme.”

Caption on photo: Stoat Detection Dogs and their handlers on Kapiti Island

ENDS

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