WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Their abilities to travel, multiply and spread disease have always made rats one of mankind’s greatest pests. New Zealand is hoping to build on its success in eradicating rats from several of its smaller islands. New Zealand is unusual in that its native animals are mainly birds, some of which became flightless over time. “This is the most ambitious conservation project attempted anywhere in the world, but we believe if we all work together as a country we can achieve it,” he said. New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has eradicated rats from several small islands using traps, poisons and baits.

Source: National Post July 25, 2016 15:00 UTC