Invasive
black rats (Rattus rattus) are a large contributor to seabird extinction, endangerment and population declines worldwide. Rats prey on seabird eggs, nestlings and adults affecting their breeding success. Black rat predation was identified as the most likely cause for declining reptile and seabird populations over a number of years on Dog Island. A feasibility study for rat eradication was conducted in 2007 and the Dog Island Recovery Project began in 2011. Rat eradication was done through a ground-based poison program using protective bait stations to reduce risk to non-target species, particularly reptiles and feral goats. 1,714 bait stations were placed out on a bait station grid consisting of a series of parallel tracks was cut through the vegetation on Dog Island. Poison used in the bait stations was cereal-based wax blocks containing
brodifacoum at 0.005%. The project also included monitoring of native species and
biosecurity procedures to prevent reinvasion. This was a multiple-year project and eradication success was confirmed in 2014. Keeping the Dog Island rat free requires constant vigilance to detect and respond to any rat incursions. Risk of reinvasion by rats is greatest from private vessels, charter boats and fishing boats, especially vessels that moor overnight. Permanent biosecurity stations are maintained on Dog Island and an incursion response plan has been developed. ==References==