Resolution Island looking over Anchor Island, Dusky Sound. Photo: Department of Conservation / Tim Raemakers
Stoat footprints have been discovered on a previously predator free island in southwest Fiordland, triggering an incursion response from the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Chalky Island/Te Kākahu-O-Tamatea has been free of stoats since 1999 and is home to several threatened and endangered species including saddleback/tīeke, little spotted kiwi, Te Kākahu skink and kākāpō.
The stoat footprints were first discovered during a field trip in August.
They have since been found in several locations across the island.
DOC Southern South Island Director Aaron Fleming said an incursion response was underway, including a stoat detection dog team, strategic trapping and future planning.
View from Anchor Island looking towards Resolution Island. Photo: Department of Conservation / Tony Preston
Two rats were found in traps on Resolution Island in late July during a routine stoat trap check.
The island and its surrounding small island are home to a number of threatened species including mōhua, tīeke, Fiordland skinks, geckos and giant land snails.
It was previously the country's largest island without rats. It does have mice, very few stoats and deer.
"Rats pose a predation risk to individuals of these species and if well established, could lead to the loss of these populations," Fleming said.
"An incursion response is underway as DOC works to understand how widespread the incursions are on both islands and the technical advisory group is mapping out the steps to get the situation under control as quickly as possible."