Details of this species in Rose Island (sub-Antarctic) Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Eradicated
Source: Torr, 2002. Arrival Date: 1850s
Introduction: Intentional Species Notes for this Location:
Rabbits were released on Rose Island during a period of attempted human settlement. The population included agouti and silver black rabbits. The population prior to eradication was estimated at 300-400 individuals. Estimated density ranged from >35 individuals per hectare in favoured habitat to <2 individuals per hectare in less favoured habitat. Management Notes for this Location:
The eradication of rabbits and mice in 1993 involved two phases. Two aerial poison drops were carried out, using brodifacoum. This was carried out in February, outside the rabbit breeding season. Follow up was carried out using a rabbit-tracking dog, spotlighting and traps to remove the remaining rabbits. About 1% of the rabbit population did not appear to take any bait. There were some impacts on non-target species - four Auckland Island teal (Anas aucklandica aucklandica) carcasses were found on Enderby Island and three on Rose Island, and approximately two thirds of the Enderby and Rose Islands subantarctic skua (Stercorarius skua lonnburgi) population died, although the population has now recovered. Monitoring in 1994/1995 failed to find any signs of rabbits or mice. Since eradication, the vegetation has shown significant signs of recovery. Location Notes:
Rose Island (80 ha) is one of the smaller of the Auckland Islands, which are found 460 km south of New Zealand. They are a National Nature Reserve, and are home to many endemic plant and animal species, as well as being an important breeding ground for marine mammals and seabirds. Last Modified: 7/01/2005 1:24:46 p.m.
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