1080 has been used to control pest populations in New Zealand since the 1950's. Many introduced species such as rats and possums not only damage native plant species but also predate on the eggs and chicks of our native birds.

1080 aerial drops are designed to target pest species over a wide area, something which is not considered possible with conventional forms of control such as trapping or shooting. The Department of Conservation (DoC) considers 1080 to be a valuable tool for conservation of our native flora and fauna and although there have been reported deaths of native species which have directly or indirectly ingested lethal amounts of the poison, the numbers reported are considered small in comparison to the benefits of lowered nest predation.

Kea Monitoring on the West Coast

Research on the effect of 1080 aerial drops on native species has been undertaken since it was first used. Records of Kea deaths have been documented as early as 1964 (Spurr, 1979; 1999) and residue in kea carcasses as early as 1967 (Douglas, 1967). However no specific monitoring of kea has been undertaken until the beginning of 2008.

At the beginning of 2008 DoC radio tagged 18 kea in the Franz North and South areas (on the West Coast of the South Island). 6 birds were found dead, confirmed through ingestion of 1080 poison. 

However, a group of 10 radio-tagged birds in the Arawhata area and 2 in the Hohonua Range all survived a previous 1080 drop raising questions as to the differences between drop regimes (timing, use of pre-feed) and kea behaviour in the different areas.

The deaths reported in the Franz/Fox area are one of the highest reported rates of death in any of our native species and constitutes a potentially huge blow for the species. How other populations in 1080 aerial drop areas are affected is unknown and of equal concern.

The Department of Conservation in conjunction with the Kea Conservation Trust are now looking into ways to mitigate inadvertant kea by-kill by trialing bird repellents which remain attractive to the target pest species. Information on this project will be posted as it is received.

Kea eating a 1080 pellet

For more information on 1080 and both sides of the 1080 debate, please visit our Kea in the News page or follow the links below:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4635912a7693.html

http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2007/mr-20070427.html

http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=33378

If you would like your say about the use of 1080, please contact us at the details in the Menu.