Mt Ngongotaha Wallaby Operation
The Department of Conservation, in conjunction with Environment Bay of Plenty and Environment Waikato, plans to reduce wallaby numbers over approximately 810ha on Mount Ngongotaha, Rotorua.
Why we are controlling wallabies
This control operation is part of a wider programme to stop the spread of wallabies in the central North Island. Wallabies might look cute but they are a pest. They feed on native vegetation, young forestry plantings and pasture, and are a major threat to New Zealand native forests.
Dama wallaby
Wallabies are included in Environment Bay of Plenty's Regional Pest Management Strategy as an eradication pest animal and also come under the Wild Animal Control Act.
A benefit from the trial will be improved regeneration of plant life and an increase in indigenous bird life and insects as a direct result of reduction in pest numbers in this area.
The operation will commence in June 2009 and be complete by the end of August 2009.
Background on the dama wallaby
First introduced to New Zealand on Kawau Island in 1870s, dama wallaby were then released around the southern shores of Lake Okareka near Rotorua in 1912. The dama wallaby is now considered a pastoral and environmental pest.
By the 1950s they had become well established in the central Bay of Plenty and sightings were recorded in the Waikato region.
They feed on native vegetation, young forestry plantings and pasture and can cause considerable damage. The dama wallaby is a major threat to indigenous forests.
Recent surveys have shown that they have slowly spread throughout the Bay of Plenty and into the Waikato region and that numbers are on the increase.
Environment Bay of Plenty, the Department of Conservation and environment Waikato are now working together to stop dama wallaby from spreading further.
How it is happening
The Philproof bait station
Using a network of Philproof bait stations, placed on a 100m by 100m grid pattern and a 200m by 200m grid pattern within the operational area, it is intended to reduce wallaby numbers using a pesticide bait called Feratox.
Feratox is a cyanide-based toxin and is considered an effective and humane pesticide for controlling wallabies.
Why we are using this method
By confining bait to bait stations there will be minimal opportunity for non-target species to access bait. All unconsumed baits can also be removed after the operation is complete.
Connovation Research Limited, who were engaged to conduct trials and evaluate the effectiveness and humaneness of Feratox, have prescribed the methodology to be used. This methodology has also proved successful on a section of Mount Ngongotaha to control possum numbers.
The Philproof bait stations used for dispensing Feratox baits will be checked regularly during the operation.
Important information
The pesticide used is effective and safe if properly handled. The use of bait stations allows for the pesticide to be made available to target pest species while at the same time restricting accessibility to native and non-target species. However there is a risk of poisoning to humans and non-target animals such as dogs if the bait is handled carelessly or eaten.
Poisoning can occur through eating baits or poisoned animals.
These risks can be eliminated by following these simple rules:
- Do not handle any bait
- Do not allow children to wander unsupervised
- Do not bring dogs or stock into this area
- Do not take animals for eating
If you suspect poisoning always contact your:
- Local doctor, or
- Local hospital or
- National Poisons Centre 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or +64 3 479 7248 (non urgent calls) or
- Dial 111
For more information please contact:
Area Manager
or 0274 937 200 (after hours duty phone)
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