22/07/2026
Dirty Rat :)
SHIP RATS 🐀🌳
Did you know there is almost no part of a tree a ship rat can’t reach? These incredible climbers can move from the forest floor right into the highest branches, meaning there is no safe nesting spot for our native birds when rat numbers are left unchecked.
In spring, ship rats can have a devastating impact on nesting birds, raiding nests for eggs and chicks and contributing to major declines in many native species.
Because ship rats are often preyed upon by cats and mustelids, they spend much of their time high in the canopy where they are harder to detect. This is why tree-mounted rat traps and elevated bait stations can be an important tool in protecting our threatened wildlife.
Controlling ship rats is one of the biggest challenges in restoring Aotearoa’s native ecosystems. Every rat removed gives our native birds, bats, and insects a better chance to survive. 🌿🐦
