The effectiveness of poison bait stations at reducing ship rat abundance during an irruption in a Nothofagus forest |
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Authors: | Des H V Smith Elaine C Murphy Jenny C Christie Gerard S Hill |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Conservation Research, Development and Improvement , Division PO Box 13049, Christchurch, 8141, New Zealand;2. Centre for Conservation Research , Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7V6 E-mail: dess@calgaryzoo.ab.ca;3. Department of Conservation Research, Development and Improvement , Division PO Box 13049, Christchurch, 8141, New Zealand;4. Department of Conservation, Te Anau Area Office , PO Box 29, Te Anau, 9640, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | Abstract Ship rats exhibit large increases in abundance (irruptions) following heavy beech seedfall in New Zealand's Nothofagus forests. Predation by rats at high density severely damages native fauna populations. In 2006 the Department of Conservation undertook a management experiment in the Eg‐linton Valley to see if they could protect endangered species during a rat irruption. Poison (0.15% 1080, followed by 0.0375% coumatetralyl, or Racumin®) was laid in bait stations, and the consequences for rat abundance and survival were estimated. All 10 radio‐tagged rats died, suggesting that 1080 had a high impact on the rat population. The two rats that made the smallest daily movements survived longer than the others. Live trapping documented a reduced abundance of rats within the poison area (450 ha) after 1 month of poisoning. However, after 4 months of poisoning, the abundance of rats had begun to recover. Further investigation is needed on acceptance of Racumin® to rats, optimum spacing of bait stations for rats, and bait competition between rats and mice when densities of both species are high. |
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Keywords: | bait stations coumatetralyl Rattus rattus rodent irruptions 1080 |
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