Blog Archives

Tikitapu Scenic Reserve Pest Control September 2013

17/9/2013

It is lovely to see the spring flowers and blossoms and to hear the birds in the village. The comments we hear confirm the benefits of the pest control project with the increase in the bird life and flourishing Mistletoe.

During the winter volunteers have checked and trimmed the bait lines ready for the pest control commencing in September. If anyone is able to help get the bait out we would be delighted to hear from you. It is a case of many hands
make light work. Volunteers do need to be reasonably fit and able to carry a pack.

The Mistletoe and Nature walks have been checked each month by those on the roster – our thanks to them.

Programme for remaining 2013

Friday Sept 13th and Sunday Sept 15th - Pindone baits out.
Saturday Nov 2nd and Monday Nov 4th - top up all stations as required with Pindone and place non toxic Ferafeed strikers at marked positions.
Friday Nov 15th and Sunday Nov 17th – remove non toxic strikers and replace with Feratox® strikers.
Sunday Dec 8th and Monday Dec 9th - clear all stations and remove remaining strikers.
Saturday Dec 14th to Saturday Dec 21st - monitoring.

New volunteers are always welcome and if anyone is interested in being involved in the pest control programme, or going on the roster to check the Nature and Mistletoe walks please let me know.

Frances Blakely
Phone: 3628 480
Email: blakelys@xtra.co.nz

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Rat and Possum Control in theTikitapu Scenic Reserve

16/9/2013

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The Tikitapu Forest & Bird Care Group with the approval of the Department of Conservation plans to reduce possum and rat numbers over approximately 150ha of the Tikitapu Scenic Reserve.

Why we are controlling Possum and Rats?
The objective of this work is to protect the native mistletoe within the reserve and to increase native bird numbers which disperse the mistletoe seeds. The work is also undertaken to protect and restore the ecosystem in general in this area for all native plants and animals.

This possum and rat control operation is part of an ongoing programme undertaken by Tikitapu Forest and Bird Care group to reduce pest numbers in one of the Area’s well known and well used reserves. This will reduce possum browse and predation allowing the forest and in particular the native mistletoe population to recover.

Possums and rats are known to negatively impact on ecosystems by preying on young birds, eggs and invertebrates. They compete for food and generally have a destructive impact on the habitat. Possums can damage mistletoe by browsing and consuming seeds and fruit.

What has been decided so far?
Using a network of approx 150 bait stations (see left photo) placed along bait lines within the operational area, it is intended to reduce possum and rat numbers using Pindone cereal baits to target rats and Feratox® Strikers to target possums. Research shows bait stations to be an effective and targeted form of possum and rat control. Feratox® Strikers will be nailed to trees at 50 metre intervals along bait lines, to target possums this year, and Pindone pellets to target rats will be placed in the bait stations. Feratox® Strikers contain Ferafeed, a non toxic paste appealing to possums and contain a Feratox pellet, which is a controlled substance and will be handled only by certified operators.

Operational planning
The use of this pesticide requires the consent of the Medical Officer of Health and any advice that they provide is incorporated into the operation. In addition, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the local authority (Rotorua District Council) must be advised. The Department of Conservation also has an internal approval process to ensure the operation run by Tikitapu Forest and Bird Care Group is meeting the Department’s Quality Management standards for pesticide use.

These consents entail a detailed assessment of the risks involved in the work. Before approvals are granted, a satisfactory means to manage these risks has to be shown. (This is called an Assessment of Environmental Effects and if you’re interested, a copy for this operation can be viewed at the Department of Conservation, Rotorua Lakes Area Office.) Conditions applied to this operation further safeguard the public and the environment.

The Tikitapu Forest & Bird Care Group will consult those surrounding landowners affected by this operation prior to the baiting operation commencing. This will involve considering their concerns and needs regarding the operational method and its timing. Other people who have a general interest in the area will be notified using this fact sheet.

Timeframe
The Pindone ® poison will be placed in bait stations on or just after the 13th September 2013. Bait will be topped up as required and Ferafeed non toxic strikers placed at 50m intervals along bait lines on or just after 2nd November 2013. Ferafeed strikers will be replaced with Feratox® strikers,(cyanide) on or just after 15 November 2013. Uneaten poison bait will be removed from the bait stations by mid December. Possum and rat numbers will be monitored during this period to assess the effect of the baits. These dates are indicative and may change due to factors such as bad weather. Warning signs will be placed immediately prior to the operation starting and removed when the caution period is over which is around the end of April.

Important information
The pesticides used are effective and safe when properly handled. The use of bait stations allows for the pesticide to be made available to target pest species while at the same time restricting accessibility to native and non-target species. However there is a risk of poisoning to humans and non-target animals such as dogs if the bait is handled carelessly or eaten. Poisoning can occur through eating baits or poisoned animals.

The risk to dogs from pesticide in carcasses will remain until the carcass have decomposed, which can be up to or more than six months.

These risks can be eliminated by following these simple rules:

DO NOT handle any bait
DO NOT allow CHILDREN to wander unsupervised in the treatment area
DO NOT bring DOGS into this area
DO NOT take ANIMALS for eating

The presence of Warning signs indicates that pesticide residues may still be present in baits or animals. The removal of signs will tell you that you can resume normal activities in the area. If in doubt, check with DOC.

What do I do if I suspect poisoning?
Always contact your:

Local doctor, or
Local hospital or
National Poisons Centre 0800 764 766

Who do I contact for more information?
Frances Blakely
Rotorua Branch, Forest & Bird
PO Box 1489, Rotorua 3040
(07) 362 8480
www.forestandbird.org.nz

Maurice Wilke
Department of Conservation
Rotorua Lakes Area Office
99 Sala St, Rotorua.
ph(07) 349 8212

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