The Department of Conservation Fiordland District plans to reduce possum, rat, and stoat numbers over 44,000ha in the Eglinton Valley to protect threatened taonga species.

Description of the area

The Eglinton Valley is one of the few extensive lowland areas of mixed southern beech forest in New Zealand. It supports populations of more than 30 threatened plants and animals and some rare plant communities. The Eglinton Valley is a nationally important home for species such as kākā, mohua, pekapeka/long-tailed bats and short-tailed bats. It is also an important habitat for toutouwai/robin, titipounamu/rifleman and mistletoe.

Why we need to control introduced predators 

Native species are fighting for survival due to introduced predators such as rats, stoats, and possums. Our monitoring shows increasing predator numbers in the area. Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within the Eglinton Valley and surrounds.

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 15th January 2024, 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 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 Te Anau Office 

03 249 0200 [email protected]

Or Contract Wild Animal Control New Zealand

[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