1080 questions and answers
What is 1080?
1080 (ten-eighty) or sodium monofluoroacetate, is one of ten pesticides used in this country to kill introduced mammal pests such as possums and rodents. Although 1080 is a manufactured compound, the active ingredient in 1080, fluoractetate, is a natural plant toxin found in a more than 50 plants (including the tea plant) in South Africa, South America and Australia.The toxin evolved as a deterrent to browsing animals.
Mix of carrot bait, some coated with
1080 poison, used for possum control
Why does DOC use 1080?
The Department of Conservation (DOC) uses 1080 to counter the devastating effects high numbers of introduced pests are having on our native animals.
In South Island beech forests, trees can produce vast quantities of seed, resulting in an abundance of food for rats to breed rapidly. An increase in rats means an increase in stoat numbers. 1080 is particularly suited for use in New Zealand as it has no native ground-dwelling mammals that are affected by its use and the benefits of using it greatly outweigh the risks. 1080 is the only poison registered for aerial application on the mainland. 1080 is environmentally friendly, cost effective and efficient at controlling target pests. These factors make 1080 a relatively safe and effective tool for control of pests over large areas.
Where does DOC use 1080?
DOC uses a judicious mixture of aerial and ground control, depending on the terrain. Aerial operations generally take place in large, remote, rugged areas where ground control is impractical. An example is the West Coast where aerial 1080 operations account for about 80% of conservation possum control work. 1080 is also used by operators working the area on foot.
How does 1080 help bird populations?
Possums, stoats and rats are the number one threat to native birds. 1080 baits are dyed green and flavoured with cinnamon to make them less attractive to birds. Individual birds may be poisoned but these numbers are exceedingly low.
Extensive monitoring of tomtit populations in Tongariro Forest before and after a 1080 operation in 2001 showed that no adverse impacts occurred. This is significant because tomtits and other small birds such as robins that feed on the forest floor are considered vulnerable to poisoning.
Research shows native bird populations bounce back significantly when possums and other pests are reduced to low numbers. During a number of aerial operations using 1080 cereal baits throughout New Zealand, 47 kokako were leg-banded. All 47 individuals survived. This result was particularly encouraging, as studies have shown that possums and ship rats are the major causes of poor nesting success for kokako. Seven fernbirds were also leg-banded, and all survived aerial operations using cereal baits. For example - the kaka population in part of Pureora Forest Park increased by 33% within six months of aerial control in 2001. All of the 20 females with radio transmitters survived, whereas in the nearby Waimanoa Forest, stoats killed at least five of the nine kaka females during the 2001 nesting season.
The reasons people find forests quiet is because of the impact of possums, stoats and rats on native species. Where 1080 has been used in regular cycles over many years, such as Pureora Forest, the birdlife has rejuvenated.
Will there be any adverse effects on the environment?
1080 is biodegradable and does not accumulate or persist in the environment. Studies show that mico-organisms in New Zealand soils will degrade 1080. Bio-degradation of 1080 in the environment occurs even more rapidly in water. The conclusion from a range of studies into the fate of 1080 in New Zealand soils is that most New Zealand soils can be expected to contain micro-organisms with the ability to develop enzymes capable of degrading 1080.
As part of a precautionary principle in aerial operations, there is a 50 metre buffer area enforced around waterways. 1080 levels that have been monitored in waterways are at zero or trace levels only. This means any presence is transient and the rare traces that do occur, disappear in a few days. Given the low sensitivity of fish and freshwater invertebrates to 1080, the risk to freshwater species is probably negligible.
1080 operations are usually conducted in winter and spring when wetter conditions assist rapid breakdown.
These studies indicate that 1080 does not persist long enough in the environment to have detrimental effects.
How is public safety ensured?
DOC must meet strict Ministry of Health conditions before permits are issued for any pest control operations using toxins. In addition, the Department has its own stringent standard operating procedures which must be met. Measures to ensure public awareness, involvement and safety include community consultation processes, public notification through the media and warning signs.
1080 is a controlled substance under the Pesticides Act and can only be applied by licensed operators. Regional and unitary councils along with local authorities often also require a resource consent or certificate of compliance for aerial operations.
What are the risks to pets and livestock?
Some animals are more susceptible to 1080 poison than others. Dogs are ten times more vulnerable to 1080 than possums and other pests, and are readily killed by 1080. Dogs must be kept away from areas treated with 1080.
1080 is also toxic to livestock, so farmers must keep animals away from controlled areas. If livestock animals consume non-lethal quantities of 1080, there are no lasting effects and 1080 is eliminated from this issue.
Is 1080 used in other countries?
Because native mammals of other countries are susceptible to 1080 poisoning, they do not use 1080 in the same way as New Zealand is able to. Even so, 1080 is used in Australia to control foxes. It is used as a rodenticide in Mexico, Japan, and Israel. The United States has limited use of 1080 because of its effects on large native mammals but has been used to reduce coyote attacks on sheep.
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