The Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking a rat and stoat control operation in the Makarora area from today (Saturday April 6). 

The operation, a response to high rat numbers resulting from a beech mast in 2023, is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme.

“These rodents seriously threaten the survival of the mohua populations in the area, and negatively impact other native species,” DOC Central Otago District said in a statement.

Helicopters will be sowing a ‘pre-feed’ of non-toxic cereal pellets which accustom the pests to see the pellets as food, “which greatly increases the effectiveness of the poison operation”.

DOC said today’s operation only involves non-toxic pellets.

The non-toxic baits (about 3cm long, cylinder shaped and brown) are deployed at 1.5kg/ha. The 1080 poison pellets (dyed green) will be sown in one to six weeks time. 

The approximately 36,000ha treatment area includes the Makarora, Blue, Young, Siberia and Wilkin Valleys. (Find a detailed map of the application area here.)

“This operation is weather dependent, if difficult operating conditions are encountered on Saturday 6th April work may continue into Sunday 7th April,” DOC said.

As a result of the operation the Blue Pools Carpark will be closed, as will the immediate surrounding public conservation land. The entrance to the Blue Pools Track will be closed from 9am Friday April 5 to at least 9am Sunday April 7. 

The Cameron Flat Campground will be closed during the same period.

If weather or other issues cause the operation to extend into Sunday the closures will be extended until 9am on Monday (April 8) .

For further information email [email protected] or call 0800 ASK DOC (0800 275 362) or 027 262 6309.

PHOTO: Marty Taylor/NZ Geographic