The ultimate aim of the program is to reintroduce locally extinct native mammals into the exclusion area. Before any reintroductions of once-present native species are undertaken though, all exotic species must be eradicated from the exclosure and the vegetation allowed to recover. This presented a prime opportunity for their elimination in the exclusion zone. A combination of techniques including warren fumigation, hiring professional shooters and 1080 poison have been used to rid the area of rabbits, foxes and cats. At present, a few stray rabbits and one or two cats remain in the exclosure.
Feral cats have voracious appetites.
This cat's stomach contained 32 lizards, a Zebra Finch and a mouse. The last remaining cats have so far been spared even though the opportunity to eliminate them has arisen. This is because it is hoped they will prey upon the remaining rabbits. When the project managers are confident all rabbits have been eradicated the cats will be culled, the vegetation allowed to recover and later, reintroductions initiated. The difference in the health of the vegetation on either side of the perimeter fence is obvious even at this early stage of the project, demonstrating how the vegetation within the exclusion area is responding to the reduced rabbit population.