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Are there still rats on Lord Howe Island?
If you’re planning a trip to Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, you may be wondering if there are still rats on the island. The answer is no, there are no longer rats on Lord Howe Island. In 2019, a successful rat eradication program was completed, making the island rat-free for the first time in over a century.
Rat eradication program
The rat eradication program was a massive undertaking, taking over a decade to plan and execute. The rats were introduced to the island in the early 20th century and had a devastating effect on the island’s ecosystem. They preyed on native birds, reptiles, and insects, causing many species to become endangered or even go extinct.
The program used a combination of baiting, trapping, and monitoring to successfully eradicate the rats. The bait used was a specially designed rodenticide that was safe for non-target species. Traps were also used to catch any rats that were missed by the baiting program. Monitoring was done using cameras and other methods to ensure that the rats were completely eradicated from the island.
Benefits of rat eradication
The rat eradication program has had significant benefits for the island’s ecosystem. Many native species are now able to thrive without the threat of predation by rats. The Lord Howe Island stick insect, once thought to be extinct, was rediscovered on Balls Pyramid, a nearby island, and has since been reintroduced to Lord Howe Island.
The eradication of rats has also had a positive impact on the island’s tourism industry. Lord Howe Island is a popular destination for nature lovers, and the rat eradication program has made the island an even more attractive destination.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there are no longer rats on Lord Howe Island thanks to a successful rat eradication program. The program has had significant benefits for the island’s ecosystem and tourism industry. If you’re planning a trip to Lord Howe Island, you can rest assured that you won’t encounter any rats during your stay. For more information on the rat eradication program, visit the Lord Howe Island Board website.
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