'Absolutely stoked': Rangers declare Shakespear Regional Park stoat free
Shakespear Regional Park has reclaimed its pest-free status, after a stoat incursion spanning almost two years.
The sanctuary provides wildlife such as kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), hihi (stitchbird) and tīeke (saddleback) with a safe and pest-free habitat.
However, that safety was compromised after a stoat was spotted in March 2020.
By summer, it was evident the stoat had given birth, as the DNA analysis of scat (poo) samples had identified the presence of nine individual stoats, Auckland Council senior ranger at the sanctuary Matt Maitland said.
In early August 2021, the eighth stoat was captured. No more have been caught since. It's possible the ninth male stoat, last seen on camera on August 22, may have left the sanctuary or had “had some other misadventure” befall it.
Cautious of declaring the stoat incursion over, due to the high stakes for wildlife, the team allowed the stoats a breeding cycle before celebrating the sanctuary as stoat free in late January.
Maitland said he was “absolutely stoked” to see the end of the stoat saga.
Click 'read more' for the full story on Stuff.
Best way to use leftovers?
I'm sure you've got some excess ham at home or cold roast potatoes.
What are some of your favourite ways to use leftover food from Christmas day? Share below.
Fair play
Whether it’s a playhouse, she shed or teenager’s sleepout, a stencil-painted floor in Resene Clockwork Orange will elevate it from meh to wow. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.
Poll: Would you rather: Christmas in summer forever or winter forever?
Just a bit of a fun poll to get you thinking.
If you had to live out your Christmas days, would you prefer it was a summer Christmas or a winter Christmas?
-
62.2% Summer
-
36.4% Winter
-
1.5% Other - I'll share below
Loading…
