KEY POINTS:
The discovery of rat footprints on Motuora Island in the Hauraki Gulf has sparked a trapping operation.
The prints were first spotted last Sunday and more were found on Tuesday.
It is thought the prints are from the Norway rat.
Department of Conservation officer Rory Renwick says the discovery is a big setback for the island's kiwi recovery efforts as Motuora is an important sanctuary for many threatened birds.
He says it is a huge environmental concern, because the island has been free of predators until now.
Mr Renwick believes the rodent probably arrived as a stowaway in a visitor's boat or kayak and is confident the trapping operation will be a success.
- NEWSTALK ZB
