The way forward
The way forward
Researchers are continually looking for new ways to effectively control predators and protect New Zealand's forests and wildlife. DOC and the Animal Health Board jointly spend more than $2 million a year working with universities, Crown Research Institutes and private companies to develop new methods of pest control.
This work includes trials to refine the use of 1080 and to continue to reduce the amount of the toxin needed for effective control. Projects are also underway investigating alternative species-specific toxins, new trapping methods, and fertility control in possums and stoats.
The development of a targeted stoat toxin, PAPP, is progressing well, in collaboration with pesticide manufacturer Connovation. PAPP, or paraaminopropiophenone, is a red blood cell toxicant that kills humanely and selectively. It does not persist in carcasses, eliminating the risk of secondary poisoning.
Other areas under study include a toxin that specifically targets the gut of possums -minimising risks to other species; and work continues on a group of alternative toxins, including encapsulated cyanide, cholecalciferol, diphacinone and zinc phosphide.
Landcare Research and AgResearch scientists, with the help of colleagues in other countries, are developing vaccines aimed at blocking fertility in possums and disrupting the breeding cycle of stoats. The focus of this research is now shifting to the best mechanism for delivering the vaccine.
Northland kiwi chicks killed by stoats
All these projects hold promise in the campaign against predators. However, we cannot ever expect to totally eradicate these imported killers from New Zealand. Predator control requires a relentless commitment, using a range of different tools. DOC's goal is to protect and breathe life back into vulnerable populations and forests wherever possible.
Healthy functioning ecosystems deliver the stable soils, fresh water and landscapes that drive the tourism and agricultural industries powering our economy.
By taking action to protect our wildlife and our forests for future generations, every New Zealander will benefit.
A self setting trap
Design collaboration
Collaboration between DOC and the industrial design company Goodnature has led to the development of a range of innovative self-setting traps targeting stoats, rats and possums.
A small gas cartridge triggers and then resets the trap up to 12 times-delivering a more efficient trap with big labour savings.
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