Protecting kiwi and other native birds: Predator control on Wet Jacket Peninsula, 2020. 

To protect native species such as South Island kiwi/tokoeka from local extinction in the Fiordland region, the Department of Conservation (DOC) intends to carry out predator control over 39,000ha of public conservation between June 1st and mid- September 2020 (Refer to map).

Description of the area

The Dusky Sound area includes two large peninsulas either side of Wet Jacket Arm. The area is home to some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most vulnerable native species: Fiordland Tokoeka/Kiwi, Kea, Kākā, Rock Wren/Pīwauwau, Southern Rātā and Mistletoes.

Why we are doing predator control.

A heavy seeding (mast) occurred in many forests during 2019. This natural event, that should benefit native species, has been hijacked by introduced predators. Rodent and stoat numbers have skyrocketed. Seed fall and rodent levels are monitored at sites where rare and endangered native species are under the greatest threat. Without predator control these vulnerable species will suffer heavy losses.

Predator control works for Kiwi 

DOC’s species monitoring shows that the survivorship of Kiwi chicks to breeding age increases significantly when predator control is carried out at a large scale like this. The nesting success of other bird species also increased significantly within areas that have had predator control.

Method of predator control 

From the 1st June DOC will apply baits containing biodegradable 1080 over the area shown on the map. A pre-feed of non-toxic baits will occur first which will prime the rodents to eat the pellets. Stoat numbers will be controlled as they eat the rodents that consume the baits. The exact date is weather dependent.

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 aerial operation uses calibrated buckets and GIS mapping technology to ensure bait drops in the designated application area. Please see map attached. 

The pesticide is poisonous to humans and domestic 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’s Operations Manager, Te Anau 03 249 0200

Contract Wild Animal Control New Zealand Limited at [email protected].

Visit www.doc.govt.nz/tiakina-nga-manu

A detailed map of the application area/s may be viewed at the DOC Fiordland District (Te Anau) office

Map. Wet Jacket Peninsula Kiwi Protection Area.