A Bay of Islands environmental group is disappointed by the theft of rat traps from two small but ecologically valuable islands — but heartened by the public response since word of the thefts got out.
Bay Bush Action trustee Brad Windust said automatic re-setting traps on Motumaire and Motuarahi islands, just north of Paihia wharf, had been bought with a $400 donation.
The theft was discovered last week by volunteer Karen Markin, who regularly swims to the islands to check the traps.
Since 2013 the group had caught 267 rats and one possum on the islands and observed an increase in native wildlife, especially skinks.