Rangers Report Winter 2026
This report covers June 2026 – August 2026
Key points:
1080 operation: 26 kg of bait was taken up, with rat activity reduced, though spring monitoring is needed to assess success.
Rodent control: Diphacinone toxin was reinstated in August ahead of the bird nesting season.
Ōi/grey-faced petrels: 15 adults were confirmed, with several eggs and multiple new burrows discovered.
Predators: A stoat and possum were detected near the ōi study sites, prompting increased protection efforts.
Pest plants: Moth plant control continued across the Reserve, supported by additional DOC funding.
Revegetation: 2,000 trees were planted at Smugglers Bay and Urquharts Bay, with mixed survival highlighting the importance of species and microclimate.
Education: 118 students participated in June, with plans to improve access and develop new conservation-focused games.
Looking ahead: Annual bird and flax snail surveys, rodent monitoring, toxin control, ōi protection and toutouwai nest monitoring are planned.
