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Zero Invasive Predators Trial in South Westland zip.org.nz 20172017 Rats, possums and stoats are generally accepted as the main cause of ecological decline in New Zealand, responsible for the loss of an estimated 25 million native birds and countless other treasured species every year. New Zealand is a world leader in removing these invasive predators from islands and predator fenced sanctuaries. However, on the mainland, the tools are not yet available to enable complete removal across large landscapes. Zero Invasive Predators Ltd (ZIP) was established by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and NEXT Foundation in February 2015 to develop the technological capability to completely remove rats, possums and stoats from large mainland areas, and then defend those areas from reinvasion. DOC is assisting ZIP to investigate an innovative approach to completely remove possums, and potentially rats, from mainland sites. A trial on Mt Taranaki in 2016 produced encouraging results and ZIP plans to further test this approach at Jackson/Arawhata in South Westland. The trial objectives are as follows:
Brushtail Possum. Photo: DOC
1. To achieve ‘functional extinction’ (one or fewer individuals per 400 ha) of possums at a chosen site 2. To test whether the same approach can achieve functional extinction of rats (ship and/or Norway if present) The predator removal operation will not only help protect native species in this area and allow them to thrive but if the trial is successful in completely eliminating rats and possums it will bring us one step closer to the goal of a predator-free New Zealand. It will also reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the need for the repeated wide scale application of toxins at defendable mainland sites.
What is Proposed Phase One The proposed approach will be a two-phase operation. Phase One involves two aerial applications of non-toxic cereal ‘pre-feed’ bait followed by a single application of 1080 cereal bait, to attempt to reduce predator numbers to functional extinction. Intensive monitoring in the core of the block will detect whether any possums and rats survived the toxic application. Monitoring will also enable re-invasion rates to be assessed, and provide confidence around appropriate buffers and the effectiveness of treatment. Phase Two If no surviving possums or rats are detected, then the operation will be complete. If there are survivors, then the second phase will be triggered, which will consist of two further pre-feed applications and be followed by a second 1080 application. Again, the intensive monitoring will be carried out to verify functional extinction. The two phases use different ‘flavoured’ lures to reduce the chance target species are put off by a particular flavor. Both 1080 operations use the same strength toxin, although the cereal pellet type will change.
Rat. Photo: DOC
Why use 1080? Aerially applied 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) in cereal baits has long been an effective way to ‘knock down’ populations of possums, rats and stoats for the benefit of native biodiversity. However, using current methods, some individuals always survive and reinvasion occurs from surrounding untreated areas, meaning that ongoing or repeated control is required. The proposed method, if successful, will reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the need for the repeated wide scale application of toxins at defendable mainland sites.
Proposed Site for ZIP Trials Jackson/Arawhata is a forest area that is adjacent to the confluence of these two rivers, and covers an area of about 2,500 ha. The treatment area extends from the rivers’ edges to upper bush line.
Rifleman. Photo: DOC
The intention is to test the effectiveness of natural barriers, such as large volume rivers, to prevent re-invasion. The Jackson/Arawhata block is a site which is not used a lot by the public and has no formed access. People visiting the site will be well informed by public notices, warning signs and information signs at key access points. South Island kaka. Photo: DOC
Past success ZIP has completed a similar trial in the North Island at Egmont National Park, which appears to have successfully removed all possums and left fewer than 20 surviving ship rats in a 400 ha intensively monitored block. Research has shown aerial 1080 to be the most cost effective and efficient tool for quickly reducing predators over large and difficult terrain. Increasing the effectiveness of aerial 1080 to achieve 100% removal of rats and possums could reduce the need for repeated toxin use at defendable sites, and provide a tool for progressing New Zealand towards the goal of a predator free mainland by 2050.
Mistletoe. Photo: DOC
What predator-control methods are we using? The operation will begin with two aerial applications of non-toxic cereal pre-feed. These will be followed by an aerial application of 1080 cereal bait. Monitoring will be carried out using a range of best practice tools, such as chew cards and tracking tunnels. If no possums or rats are detected, predator dogs could be used to confirm the absence of target species. In the event that possums and/ or rats are found to have survived, a further two pre-feed and one toxic operation may be repeated to eradicate the surviving individuals.
Time frame The operation will take place between June and August 2017, although dates are weather-dependent and will be confirmed closer to operations taking place.
Planning DOC is working closely with iwi and consulting with key stakeholders before finalising details. Before operations begin, DOC will contact affected neighbours, install warning signs at affected areas and advertise in local newspapers. Use of 1080 requires the consent of the Environmental Protection Authority and permission from public health. The process includes an assessment of environmental effects (AEE) to safeguard the public and the environment.
What you need to know The pesticides we use for aerial predator control are poisonous to humans and domestic animals. Poisoning can occur through eating cereal baits or poisoned animals. The 1080 cereal baits are about 2-3 cm long, cylinder-shaped and are dyed green. Non-toxic pre-feed cereal pellets are about 2-3 cm long, cylinder-shaped but are fawn-coloured (not dyed). Dogs in particular are highly susceptible to 1080. The risk to dogs from poisoned carcasses will remain until they have completely rotted, perhaps for more than 6 months. These risks can be eliminated by following these simple rules: DO NOT touch bait WATCH CHILDREN at all times DO NOT EAT animals from this area Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides. Warning signs indicate pesticide residues may still be present in baits or animals. When signs are removed, this means you can resume normal activities in the area. Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs. If in doubt, check with your nearest DOC office.
More information Contact: B Pryor PO Box 14 Franz Josef 027 4064 998
G Scott Fox Glacier Office PO Box 9 Fox Glacier 03 751 0807
Also see www.doc.govt.nz/battleforourbirds
What to do if you suspect poisoning Contact emergency services: 111 National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766