(File) A rat trap in a Puriri tree. Photo:
Evidence of an unwelcome intruder has sparked an intense monitoring and trapping operation at a forest sanctuary near Whanganui.
Rat footprints have been discovered inside Tarapuruhi Bushy Park.
Forest & Bird said a fallen tree from a neighbouring property, brought down by a recent storm, provided a bridge over the sanctuary's predator-proof fence, creating a potential entry point for pests.
It said emergency monitoring, baiting and trapping measures were launched involving Forest & Bird, the Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Trust, local iwi Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, the Department of Conservation, Horizons Regional Council and volunteers.
Group manager for conservation project delivery Ali Meade said "we're throwing everything we can at this response, as the integrity of Tarapuruhi Bushy Park's predator fence and the Sanctuary's pest free status is critical to protecting our native species".
"Staff and volunteers are searching for any signs of rats, mustelids, possums, or feral cats within the Sanctuary - in case any other predators used the tree as a bridge to enter the sanctuary.
"To protect our precious manu and ensure their safety, we've also brought in mustelid and rat detection dogs and set up extra tracking tunnels, cameras, bait stations, and traps," she said.
So far there had been no evidence of any predator activity affecting wildlife.
Ali Meade said the size of the 98-hectare sanctuary meant that it was not been possible to check the whole park on every sweep, despite all the help.
Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Trust chair Bill Fleury said anyone wanting to assist with the incursion response would be most welcome.
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