Checkpoint Searches are Complete – Results now Undergoing Analysis
An intensive sweep of the island took place over the last three weeks by LHIB’s Biosecurity, Environment and Weed teams to check for the presence of rats and mice, as part of the Rodent Eradication Project (REP) Checkpoint program.
The searches in the settlement and sampling of environments in the Permanent Park Preserve went as planned and are now complete.
LHI’s existing rodent surveillance network includes (L-R) wax tags, chew cards, trail cameras, as well as tracking tunnels and periodic checks by detection dogs.
Data from the July searches will be combined with long-term data from LHI’s biosecurity network to produce a high confidence Checkpoint result.
The program results will be analysed by leading global experts, The Island Eradication Advisory Group of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (IEAG).An outcome will be announced by September.
The science applied to the Checkpoint demonstrates internationally recognised best practice for an eradication process.
Keeping LHI free from rodents requires ongoing monitoring and a community commitment to protect paradise. Thank you for your cooperation and patience while this important work was undertaken.
Yours sincerely,
Suzie Christensen
Chief Executive Officer