Interview with Lord Howe Island expert, Ian Hutton

Ian Hutton on Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is situated approximately 700 km north east of Sydney in the South Pacific Ocean. The island was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1982. The listing was for its outstanding natural universal values.

European rats were introduced to the island when a ship ran aground there in 1918. They quickly spread, hunting native animals and insects and threatening their food supply. This rat population have caused significant damage to the wildlife populations on the island, as well as the endemic plant life.

Ian Hutton, resident Lord Howe Island expert and tour guide recently spoke with Robyn Williams on Radio National. During the interview they discuss the history of the island, Ian's view on how to best deal with the island's introduced rat population, threats to the birds that breed on the island and information about their breeding cycles and habits. Listen to the interview on the Radio National website.

For more information about the rodent problem on the island and the proposal to eradicate them, visit  the New South Wales Department of Environment website.

Join Ian Hutton on Lord Howe Island for a comfortably accommodated tour. Ian will be your guide as you visit the many wildlife hot-spots on the island, including the bird breeding colonies and Ball's Pyramid. A glass-bottom boat cruise is also included to allow you to see the abundant marine life around the island group. Places are limited on this fascinating tour, which should be on the 'must do' list for all nature enthusiasts. Reserve your place today!

What do you think of the proposal to reduce the introduced rat population on Lord Howe Island?