Fiordland Department of Conservation senior ranger and lead researcher Jamie McAulay analysed stoat carcasses caught above Nelson Lakes National Park in the Tasman district, Mt Aspiring National Park in Otago and Fiordland National Park in Southland over an eight-month period in 2016. Working with scientists from the University of Otago, Doc and Landcare Research, Mr McAulay found ship rats were stoats’ favourite food. Native birds, lizards and invertebrates were most at risk from stoats when rats were absent from the environment, but not all stoats ate the same prey, he said. "Collectively as a group stoats eat a wide range of prey, but each stoat has its own dietary niche." The results of his research could be used by trappers in alpine areas to increase the overall probability of capturing stoats, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 15, 2021 14:26 UTC