2 Jul 2019

Huge seed mast could bring rat plague

From Afternoons, 1:20 pm on 2 July 2019

Forest and Bird is urging local and central government authorities to step up their 1080 predator control programmes in light of this year's mega-mast. It says there's already been an increase in the number of rats caused by the seed mast, and the worst is may be yet to come. Regional conservation and volunteer manager Debs Martin joins us to explain.

When beech trees flower and produce large amounts of seed it provides food for pests such as rats.

When beech trees flower and produce large amounts of seed it provides food for pests such as rats. Photo: 123RF