Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie said, “This is the largest single conservation action in the State’s history and was made possible thanks to a partnership between the Lord Howe Island Board (LHIB) and Department of Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE). 

“Taronga Zoo’s involvement was also vital, caring for the birds in captivity for nine months while a rodent eradication program was implemented.

“Now that the baiting stations have been cleared from the lowlands we are able to release them back to their original territories,” Mrs Williams said.

“The release of the last 159 these endangered birds follows the staged release of the Island’s mountain populations of Woodhen and general release of Lord Howe Island Currawongs that has been happening since September.”

Mrs Williams said the Rodent Eradication Plan is the largest ever eradication attempted on an inhabited island.

“Scientists from DPIE worked with the LHIB to capture the native woodhens and currawongs from across the Island prior to the commencement of rodent baiting.

“The remote nature of the work meant some needed to be airlifted from their mountain-top homes to the specially designed rodent-proof holding pens and aviaries before being returned. 

“Currawongs were the first returned to the wild in September with the mountain top woodhens following, albeit by helicopter once the area was confirmed safe for their release,” Mrs Williams said.

The lowlands woodhens were released last, following the removal of bait stations that were operating as part of the last stage of the rodent eradication plan. 

All birds have settled back in very well, with currawongs currently raising new chicks and the most recently released woodhens already exhibiting breeding behaviour.

Chair of the LHIB Peter Adams confirmed that with baiting ceasing on 1 November the Island will continue to be monitored for two years and strict biosecurity measures enforced to prevent rodent incursions. 

“If no rats or mice are spotted over the next two years, we will be able to declare Lord Howe Island a rodent-free zone,” Mr Adams said. 

“The plan to eradicate these invasive species was an incredible scientific initiative that will conserve the unique biodiversity and natural values of this World Heritage Site,” Mrs Williams said.

In the 1970s the Lord Howe Island Woodhen was considered one of the most endangered birds in the world with only 20 birds left in the wild.

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funded a search for surviving birds.

Goats and pigs have been eradicated from the island, making the island a safer place for the woodhen.