The tenth bait check and latest monitoring check were completed during this period (Figures 1 and 2). This was the bait check when the offshore stacks and inaccessible beaches were eventually reached by boat, hence the large take on the Haaslum island and the 'beaches' on the northern coast (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Bait take by rats during Round 10.
The monitoring check showed active sites at Garrisdale and Bresgor, with another possible site at the waterfall between Iolasgor and the Nunnery (Figure 2). During the latest intensive monitoring check this possible site and two in Iolasgor have detected rats. There was also possible rat sign detected outside one of the properties near Canna Bay. Trapping is going to be established at each of these sites. Much of these new signs of rats were detected by using chocolate as a monitoring tool. As such an entire island check using chocolate will be undertaken as soon as the chocolate monitoring blocks have been made (bulk chocolate has just been delivered the island). This is now seen as the priority to confirm the number of remaining active sites on the island.
Figure 2. Monitoring during Round 10.
(Where red is rat sign, orange is possible rat sign and green is cattle or birds)
The eleventh bait and monitoring check was begun, and will be finished early next week. This will be followed by intensive, island-wide monitoring with chocolate. As usual monitoring stations continue to be affected by cattle, sheep or birds. Gerry MacKinnon has moved two herds of cows and Compass Hill and several paddocks were checked without interference. No rats were detected in these areas. Gerry will also move stock around during the chocolate check to reduce stock interference during this very important check.
Two days were lost to bad weather. During this time candles were cut and drilled, used bait was stacked, and extra bait was moved from outside Coroghon Barn to the loft in the Barn. Thirty-five trap boxes were also constructed for the permanent trap lines.
Biz Bell, Dave Boyle and Paul Garner-Richards - WMIL, Sunday 12th February 2006
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