http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/
The threat of rats, http://annkschin.blogspot.com/2010/06/outdoor-wednesday-volcanic-rock-walls.html
This year, we had not had infestation of rats inside the house. This could be we got rid of them by placing baits the moment we saw traces of them visiting us. My New Zealand friends say the rats will always be here as we have volcanic rocks in the city.
The Department of Conservation carries out extensive baits in public parks because of the threats of rats. In many parks, users are asked to take their rubbish home with them, so they don't leave behind food for the rats.
Rats have a major impact on New Zealand’s wildlife because they eat birds and their eggs and chicks, lizards, and invertebrates. They also eat a wide range of native fruits and other plant material, which puts them in competition with native wildlife for food.
Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.
Ship rats are causing the most damage to our wildlife because they are good climbers, so they are able to get access to most bird nests high in trees. Norway rats are large enough to kill nesting adult seabirds and prey on animals that live, roost or nest close to the ground.
Rats are introduced pests which threaten the long-term survival of native species. They include the kiore (Pacific rat), ship rat (Black rat) and Norway rat.
Kiore,(Pacific rat) introduced by early Maori voyagers, predate rare weta, snails, frogs, lizards, tuatara, birds, eggs and chicks and bats, as well as other insects and the flowers, fruits and seeds of plants.
Ship rats and Norway rats also eat any small animals and plant material, including the adults, eggs and chicks of many rare birds
