Ulva Island (New Zealand)
Ulva Island is a small island about long lying within Paterson Inlet, which is part of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand. It has an area of,, of which almost all is part of Rakiura National Park. It was named after the island of Ulva in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and was formerly called Coopers Island.
Ulva Island's relative isolation, but easy access from Stewart Island has allowed it to become an important natural resource area. It is a sanctuary for both birds and plants, holding species that on the mainland of New Zealand are rare or have died out. In 1997, the island was declared rat-free, following an eradication programme, and extirpated birds have been reintroduced to the island. The birds include the South Island saddleback, yellowhead and Stewart Island robin. Other birds on the island that are rare on the mainland include the Stewart Island subspecies of southern brown kiwi, rifleman, yellow-crowned and red-fronted parakeet, and South Island kaka or forest parrot, as well as several other species. The endangered yellow-eyed penguin uses the island for breeding sites.
Occasionally rats make their way to the island but are caught in a network of traps. In 2010 twelve rats were found on the island, including a juvenile, indicating that a breeding colony was present.
The Department of Conservation currently maintains the public portion of the island including its predator free status. A small portion of the island is privately owned.
