Protecting native species in the Heaphy Lowland area.
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Protecting native species in
the Heaphy Lowland area.
The Department of Conservation plans to reduce rat and stoat
numbers to protect native taonga from local extinction in the
Heaphy Lowland area, 24000ha. Please refer to map.
Why we are controlling rats, stoats and application of toxic cereal pellets containing 1080 within
40 days of the pre-feed operation.
possums.
The toxic bait will be sown at a rate of 1.5 kg/ha using 6
The area surrounding the Heaphy river is known for its gram baits to ensure enough baits are available for
lush forests and nikau palms. Giant northern rata, rare control of possums and rats.
coastal cress, roroa/great spotted kiwi, powelliphanta/
giant carnivorous land snails, whio/blue duck and The Department of Conservation complies with all
pekapeka/ long-tailed bats are a few of the endangered relevant regulations and takes a precautionary approach
species found in this area. Rats and possums are the to the aerial application of 1080.
main predators for Powelliphanta snails, of which five of
the species are unique to the Heaphy valley. Stoats
predate kiwi eggs and chicks.
Due to consistently high seed production, warm and
diverse habitats and the lack of any natural control
events, rat numbers are constantly high in the Heaphy
Lowland area
For these native species to survive and breed
successfully, predator populations need to be kept to low
levels.
Intensive species monitoring from previous 1080 predator
control operations has shown significantly higher long-
tailed bat and kiwi activity. Annual 5-minute bird counts in
the Heaphy Lowland project area started in 2015. Since
Powelliphanta snail. Photo Credit: Kath Walker
then, the range and distribution of kākā, weka and
toutouwai/robin have increased. Korimako/bellbird,
pīwakawaka/fantail, tauhau/silvereye and tui have made
significant increases in numbers while other bird species Why we are using this method
remain stable. Aerial application of cereal pellets containing 1080 is the
most effective control method over large areas. It is the
How it is happening only viable method in remote, rugged terrain.
DOC has contracted Vector Free Marlborough Ltd
Ground-based trapping and bait stations are effective in
(VFML) to carry out the Heaphy Lowland aerial 1080
smaller more accessible areas. After successful aerial
predator control work.
1080 treatments, rodent numbers typically decrease to
The operation will use biodegradable 1080 to control zero, before rat numbers rise again with the boost to
predators. Pre-feed non-toxic cereal pellets will be breeding that abundant food provides. Lizards, bats and
aerially applied to the area using helicopters followed by invertebrates also benefit from this temporary predator
knockdown.
Timeframe
The Heaphy Lowland operation is scheduled to take
place during the first clear weather window between
11/06/2021 and 31/08/2021.
VFML will contact all neighbours, place warning signs at
huts and entrances to public conservation land and
advertise in newspapers immediately prior to the
operation starting.
Operational planning
We have consulted with Ngati Wae Wae and people most
affected by this operation prior to finalising the operational
Great Spotted Kiwi. Photo Credit: Tui de Roy
detail and area. This involved considering their concerns
and needs regarding the operational details and timing.
We have also notified other people using this fact sheet.
Use of 1080 requires the permission from the regional
Managing risk
Public Health Unit. DOC assesses all pesticide 1080 is poisonous to humans, domestic and game
operations on public conservation land on behalf of, and animals. Dogs are highly susceptible. In areas where the
following procedures by, the Environmental Protection toxin has been applied, the risk to dogs will remain until
Agency (EPA). The Department’s approving managers poisoned carcasses have disintegrated, which can be up
apply conditions to ensure that all legal and policy to eight months.
requirements are met, and that any potential risks of the
• Toxic bait pellets contain 0.15% 1080. They are
operation are managed.
cylindrical, about 2cm in diameter and dyed
All DOC huts and the area around them will be excluded green.
from the aerial toxic bait distribution. Water supplies will • Non-toxic bait pellets are cylindrical, about 2 cm
be either unaffected or alternative supplies will be in diameter and sandy coloured (not-dyed).
provided at huts until Public Health Permission conditions
are met. These risks can be eliminated by following these rules:
After the operation, DOC Kawatiri/Buller office staff will • DO NOT touch bait or eat bait pellets
contact all affected parties to inform them the operation • WATCH CHILDREN at all times
has completed and provide post operational predator • DO NOT EAT animals from this area or from within
control results. Whenever possible, provide updates on the “buffer zone” outside the treatment area
the benefits to native species in the areas, boundary. The buffer zone is 200m for rabbits, 1km
for hares and possums, and 2km for deer, pigs and
Important information any other animals.
1080 is a manufactured, biodegradable toxin. Its active • Remember, toxic baits or carcasses are DEADLY to
ingredient, fluoroacetate is salt that occurs naturally in DOGS.
poisonous plants in Australia, Africa and Brazil and in Observe these rules whenever you see warning signs
very low concentrations in New Zealand’s native pūhā. It about pesticides. These warning signs indicate pesticide
does not accumulate in the environment or in animal residues may be still present in baits and animals. When
tissue. It is broken down naturally by micro-organisms, signs are removed this means you can resume normal
fungi and plants into harmless compounds and does not activities in the area. This can be up around 8 months.
leave permanent residues in soil, water, plants or Recreational hunters can go to the pesticide application
animals. web pages for up-to-date information
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-
do/hunting/pesticides/.
Department of Conservation
Kawatiri/Buller Office April 2021
PO Box 357 Phone: +64 3 788 8008
Westport 7866 Email: westport@doc.govt.nz
New Zealand www.doc.govt.nz
Please report suspected vandalism or unauthorised removal of signs. If in doubt, check with DOC. If you suspect poisoning Always contact: Your local doctor; or Local hospital; or National Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766 (urgent calls) or 03 479 7248 or dial 111. For more information Please contact: Kawatiri/Buller DOC Office Biodiversity Senior Ranger 72 Russell St Email: westport@doc.govt.nz Phone number: +64 3 7888008 Or Vector Free Marlborough Limited PO Box 5171 Springlands, Blenheim 7241 Email: communications@vectorfree.co.nz Freephone 0508 548 008 www.vectorfree.co.nz/current-aerial-operations www.doc.govt.nz/tiakina-nga-manu Department of Conservation Kawatiri/Buller Office April 2021 PO Box 357 Phone: +64 3 788 8008 Westport 7866 Email: westport@doc.govt.nz New Zealand www.doc.govt.nz
Map of Heaphy Lowland Area where predator control will take place. Department of Conservation Kawatiri/Buller Office April 2021 PO Box 357 Phone: +64 3 788 8008 Westport 7866 Email: westport@doc.govt.nz New Zealand www.doc.govt.nz
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