Snares Island rodent quarantine : a rat control programme for southern New Zealand ports and anchorages

Abstract

From the tine of our earliest settlement sea borne explorers have ventured forth around our extensive coasts seeking out the opportunities presented to gain a living from the diverse natural wealth presented.

Those early peoples voyaged far and wide in their quest. In early times almost solely using the waterways as their paths and only much later venturing across the lands.

The effect they have had on the land with the dramatic changes they wrought in the endemic flora and fauna is well documented. So too is the effect of the countless throngs of 'immigrants' same wanted, some unwelcome hitch-hikers that came with them.

Yet surprisingly some areas remain with minimal impacts. Largely these are protected lands - protected not only in statute, but also by remoteness and inhospitable surrounding seas.

One such island is the Snares island group, some 60 nautical miles to the south of the southern promontory of Stewart Island.

Yet once again the vulnerability of even these most southern of our outposts has been exposed with the increasing wealth involved in these lucrative waters, boats have once again ventured forth.

Boats however not only from local waters but also from far afield from international joint venture programmes as well as private vessels exploring along the lines of our forebears. Again the potential for 'unwelcome' visitors gaining foothold on these islands is raised by the mere presence of vessels in these waters in proximity to the land.