4:25 pm today

Rodent sniffer dog called in after rat found on predator free island

From Checkpoint, 4:25 pm today

A semi-retired specialist investigator has been called back to active duty after an intruder was discovered in a sanctuary off the coast of Rakiura, Stewart Island. Detector Gadget, a rodent sniffer dog is now patrolling Ulva Island, Te Wharawhara, after a young female rat was found in a trap there earlier this month. The island achieved predator free status in 1997 and is home to native species including the Stewart Island brown kiwi, tokoeka, the kaka, and South Island saddlebacks. Gadget's handler, Sandy King spoke to Lisa Owen.