Protecting Southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi with pest control in the Seaforth & Grebe catchments

The Department of Conservation (DOC), Te Anau, plans to reduce stoats numbers over 61,450 hectares. This is scheduled for the first clear weather window between 1st May and 30th June 2024.

Native wildlife and forests need protection.

The Seaforth and Grebe catchments are home to Southern Fiordland tokoeka kiwi and are phase two of the ‘Save Our Iconic Kiwi’ (SOIK) programme within Fiordland.

Over the past seven years the SOIK project has been researching how large-scale aerial 1080 can benefit kiwi populations in different parts of Aotearoa, with the results used to optimise future predator control work at a range of sites where kiwi are still present.

Kiwi chick survival at Shy Lake has been closely monitored through two 1080 operations on the Wet Jacket peninsulas, to the West of the Seaforth and Grebe catchments, since 2017.

Results to date show that the southern tokoeka population at this site has been turned around, from a 2.25% annual decline to a growth of over 2% per annum.

Why are we controlling introduced predators?

Native species are fighting for survival due to predation from rats, stoats and possums.

Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within Southern Fiordland.

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.

Through sustained predator control using 1080, there is a big increase in breeding success for native birds, their food source is more abundant, and the forest canopy is healthier.

Our plan to protect native species.

The safest and most effective method we have to control possums, rats and stoats over large areas is to use biodegradable cereal bait pellets containing 1080.

This bait targets rodents and possums.

Stoats are also controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the carcasses of the dead rodents.

Helicopters will accurately distribute bait across the forest area along pre-determined and monitored flight paths using technology that enables accurate placement.

This is the only viable method to control predators in the Seaforth and Grebe catchments due to the vast and rugged terrain.

This operation begins with the distribution of non-toxic pre-feed bait pellets (sandy coloured).

This prepares possums and rodents to eat the toxic bait (dyed green) that is applied afterwards. Both baits are about 16 mm in diameter and cylindrical shaped.

Consultation and permissions.

DOC has consulted with hapū, iwi and key stakeholders including landowners adjacent to the treatment area.

DOC is delegated authority by the Environmental Protection Agency to decide applications for permission to use 1080 on land administered or managed by DOC.

Permission has been granted for this operation.

DOC has also received the required permission from the Ministry of Health.

DOC ensures that all legal and policy requirements are met, and that any potential risks of the operation are managed.

Managing risk.

1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game animals.

In areas where the toxin has been applied, dogs are highly at risk until poisoned carcasses have disintegrated.

This takes four-to-eight months or longer.

There will be warning signs placed at entrances to the treatment area immediately prior to the operation.

Risks can be eliminated by following these rules:

DO NOT touch bait

WATCH children at all times

DO NOT EAT animals from this area or within the buffer zone outside the treatment boundary.

The buffer zone is 2 km for deer and pigs, 200 m for rabbits, and 1 km for hares, tahr, wallabies and possums. 

Poison baits or carcasses are DEADLY to DOGS

Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs about pesticides.

These signs indicate pesticide residues may be still present in baits and poisoned carcasses.

When signs are removed, normal activities can resume.

If in doubt, check with your local DOC office.

Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs.

If you suspect poisoning, please contact:

-        Your local doctor or hospital OR The National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 OR dial 111

-        Seek veterinary advice for suspected poisoning of domestic animals.         

For further information please contact:

Operational Planner, DOC Te Anau District Office.

[email protected] / 03 249 0232

OR

Contract Wild Animal Control New (NZ) Ltd,

[email protected] / 0800 292 269

Visit the DOC website: More information about DOC’s National Predator Control Programme is available on our website www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme

Map of predator control area within the Seaforth and Grebe catchments

This map shows the area we are controlling stoats to protect native species. You can also see operational updates and detailed maps of predator control on public conservation land on the DOC website. www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/pesticide-summaries