The Department of Conservation (DOC) is undertaking a rat and stoat control operation in the Makarora Valley from tomorrow (Friday February 27) until Sunday evening (March 1).

The treatment area is 69,414 hectares and includes the Makarora, Young, Siberia, Wilkin, and Cameron Valleys, along with Brewster Track. 

The operation is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme and is in response to the predicted beech mast this summer and rising rat numbers, DOC said in a statement this week.

“The increasing rat population seriously threatens the survival of the mohua populations in these valleys and negatively impacts other native species.”

DOC advised that poisoning can occur through eating baits or poisoned animals (including carcasses), and the risks will exist until signage is taken down.

Poison baits (which are green, 3cm cylinders) and carcasses are deadly to dogs; people are advised not to eat trout from the area for seven days after the operation. 

“Do not eat animals from these areas or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary. The standard buffer zone is 2km for deer and pigs, 200m for rabbits, and 1km for hares, tahr, wallabies, and possums.”

Helicopters will aerially distribute the pellets according to predetermined flight paths controlled by GPS.

The Blue Pools Track, Blue Pools car park, Cameron Flat Campground and immediate surrounding public conservation land will be closed from 6am tomorrow until Sunday evening.

DOC has advised people to not enter other parts of the operational area while the helicopters are operating.

People planning to visit the operational area at this time are advised to check the DOC website or with the DOC Wānaka Visitor Centre (03 443 7660) first for possible delays and further information.

Work may continue through into Monday (March 2) if difficult operating conditions are encountered, DOC said.

PHOTO: Supplied