Montebello Islands declared rat free

5/12/03
WA's Montebello Islands off the Pilbara coast were well on the way to becoming a haven for native animals with the eradication of rats, Environment Minister Judy Edwards said today.
Dr Edwards said wildlife conservation efforts by the Department of Conservation and Land Management to eradicate rats on the Montebello Islands appeared to be successful, with recent monitoring showing no signs of the feral animals.
"Monitoring results from September 2003 indicate that baiting programs carried out in October 2001 have eradicated feral rats," she said.
"This is a very significant milestone for Montebello Renewal - a conservation project designed to eradicate feral animals from the islands and reintroduce native mammal species that are threatened or wiped out locally.
"The project is part of the wildlife recovery program Western Shield, which aims to bring native animals back from the brink of extinction by controlling the threat of introduced predators.
"In this regard, the success on the Montebellos is of world-wide significance."
Dr Edwards said the eradication of rats followed the successful eradication of feral cats from the islands in 1999.
"CALM has also translocated 30 endangered mala, or rufous hare wallabies (Lagorchestes hirsutus) from the Northern Territory to Trimouille Island in the Montebellos," she said.
"A total of 50 Shark Bay mice (Pseudomys fieldi) were also released on to North West Island in June 1999.
"Monitoring in September this year indicated that both translocated populations were doing well, with results showing both species to be widespread and common."

Dr Edwards said the eradication of rats was a boon for native wildlife and a positive sign for the department.
"In the last 12 months, CALM has carried out three visits to the Montebellos specifically searching for rats tracks, of which none have been found," she said.
"While all indications are extremely positive, CALM will carry out further monitoring during the coming 12 months before declaring the program a complete success."
Minister's office: 9220 5050