Why it matters
Rats are a threat to South Island robins/toutouwai and saddlebacks/tīeke that have been returned to Adele Island and to robins that have spread to Fisherman Island. Rats and mice threaten insects and lizards and, as they also eat seeds, they suppress re-vegetation. Mice can even eat small birds’ eggs and nestlings.
The islands first became predator-free wildlife sanctuaries in 2007 but mice were found back on the islands in 2015 and 2020 when pest numbers were high in the park, due to a heavy beech mast. During a beech mast there is abundant food which fuels breeding and rodent numbers.
In 2020 a mouse eradication was completed on Motoureronui/Adele Island. The island will not be able to be declared officially mouse-free until March 2021.
Help keep our islands safe for native wildlife
If landing at Adele or Fisherman Island or mooring near any of the islands please check boats and gear are free of rats and mice, as well as ants, seeds and weeds.