The dead stoat unexpectedly found on stoat-free Rakiura/Stewart Island last month was likely transported there from the mainland, DOC says.
Necropsy results show the stoat was killed by blunt force trauma, consistent with a trap. Analysis of the stomach contents also uncovered mouse hair, indicating the stoat had recently eaten a mouse. Rakiura is both stoat and mouse-free.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Operations Director southern South Island Aaron Fleming says these findings indicate the stoat was most likely killed by a trap elsewhere and then transported to the island and placed on the Rakiura Great Walk Track.
"It's a relief to have this part of the mystery solved and know that Rakiura remains stoat-free," says Aaron.
"An unchecked stoat population would've been a disaster for kiwi and other vulnerable native species here.
"Rakiura is one of the best places in the country to encounter kiwi in the wild We know from other places with stoat populations that kiwi chick survival can be as low as zero without sustained predator control."
Genetic testing on the stoat will be undertaken. Results from this won't be able to pin-point where the stoat came from but will be useful as a reference for any future instances, Aaron says.
