Protecting Southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi with predator control in Dusky Sound, Fiordland National Park

The Department of Conservation (DOC), Fiordland District, plans to reduce stoat numbers to protect kiwi and other native species over 39,429ha on the Wet Jacket Peninsula.

Description of the area

The Wet Jacket Peninsulas in Dusky Sound are home to Southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi and is part of the national ‘Save Our Iconic Kiwi’ (SOIK) research programme which aims to determine how large scale aerial 1080 can benefit kiwi populations in different parts of Aotearoa.

Kiwi chick survival has been monitored at Shy Lake on the northern Wet Jacket peninsula since 2017 and will continue to be monitored for a further 2 years following this operation, with the results used to optimise future predator control work at a range of sites where kiwi are still present.

Why we need to control introduced predators 

Native species are fighting for survival due to predation from rats, stoats and possums. Without ongoing protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within the Wet Jacket Peninsulas and Dusky Sound.

Stoats are the main predator for kiwi. Monitoring of kiwi chick survival on the northern Wet Jacket peninsula in 2017, 2018 and 2019, years when no predator control was undertaken, showed 100% of the 31 chicks monitored did not survive. Only two of these died from natural causes. Stoat predation was either confirmed or suspected in 94% (29) of these chick deaths.  

Our team in Te Anau is planning to reduce predator numbers across c.39,429 ha of the forest to protect native species. This will be the second large-scale operation at this site, following a 2020 operation. 

This work is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme, and it’s critical to achieving the nation-wide vision of Predator Free 2050. We are protecting the remaining populations of threatened native species while tools continue to be developed to eradicate possums, rats and stoats.

Method of predator control 

This operation will use aerially applied cereal pellets containing biodegradable 1080 to control predators. Pre-feed non-toxic cereal pellets will be aerially applied to the treatment area prior to the toxic operation. The proposed application date of cereal pellets containing the toxin will be on or after 06th May 2023, following the pre-feed application, in the first fine weather window. The Department of Conservation complies with all relevant regulations and takes a precautionary approach to the aerial application of 1080.

The toxic cereal bait pellets contain 0.15% of 1080, are cylindrical and approximately 2 cm in diameter. They are dyed green to deter birds and contain a cinnamon lure to attract rodents. 

Non-toxic pre-feed cylindrical pellets are approximately 2 cm in diameter and sandy coloured (not dyed).

The pesticide is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals. Always remember:

• DO NOT touch or eat the bait
• WATCH CHILDREN at all times
• DO NOT EAT animals from this area
• Toxic baits and carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs placed at the public access ways in the above areas. Warning signs indicate that pesticide residues may still remain in baits and carcasses, possibly for more than six months.

If you suspect poisoning

Always contact: Your local doctor or local hospital or the National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 or dial 111.

For further information please contact:

DOC Te Anau Office 

03 249 0200 [email protected]

Or Contract Wild Animal Control New Zealand Ltd

0800 292 269, [email protected]

Or visit: https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme/ 

A detailed map of the application area/s may be viewed at the DOC Te Anau Office, or on the Pesticides Summaries website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/pesticide-summaries