Spatiotemporal changes in relative rat (Rattus rattus) abundance following large-scale pest control
We examined spatiotemporal changes in rat tracking indices following large-scale (>10 000 ha) pest control using aerial applications of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits in Tararua Forest Park, North Island, New Zealand. Population control of rats appeared effective, with few to no rat tracks recorded in treatment areas during the 6 months after control. However, the rat tracking index increased rapidly after that, and 24–30 months after control, rat tracking indices in treated areas exceeded those in the non-treated areas.