Modelled population responses of rats and stoats to mast-seeding events

Mast-seeding events occur when plant species (eg New Zealand flax or trees such as the beech species) produce very large amounts of seed, usually every 4–6 years. These events are vital for the survival of some indigenous bird species. Unfortunately, the increase in food supply also prompts a dramatic increase in the numbers of mice, rats, and stoats (a population irruption). In the years after mast-seeding events, rats and stoats target birds and other prey.

This dataset relates to the "Modelled rat and stoat population responses to mast seeding events" measure on the Environmental Indicators, Te taiao Aotearoa website.