Within the space of just 18 months, the $15.5 million program has all but wiped out an estimated 300,000 plus rodents and other feral pests.
Biologists have described the change in the island as “spectacular”, with a rebound in native plants and animals including the doubling in population of the island’s iconic flightless Lord Howe woodhen.
Minister for the Environment Matt Kean said: “Feral pests and weeds have wreaked havoc here in the past. This program is reversing that and changing the destiny of the plants and animals that call this precious and unique part of Australia home.
“This is such a unique, precious and rare environment, there are flora and fauna here that are found nowhere else on earth, it is vitally important we protect it or risk losing it forever,” Mr Kean said.
There have been no confirmed sightings of rodents since the baiting was completed in November 2019. It’s expected the island will be officially declared rodent free in the second half of this year (two years after baiting began).
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