A major pest-control operation is now complete on the West Coast, in time to lend extra protection to nesting native birds.
The Department of Conservation has dropped 1080 poison pellets over 81,000 hectares in the Maruia Valley and surrounding areas to protect vulnerable populations of birds and other wildlife.
Greymouth's conservation services manager, Shane Hall, said with fewer predators attacking nests, birds can raise more young and increase their populations.
He said the timing was important to get the high rat population down in particular.
Mr Hall said it is intended the operation will help vulnerable populations of yellowhead, blue duck, kea and parakeet and also native giant snails.
