13 August 2007

Forest & Bird

1080 decision a step forward in protecting our natural heritage

The decision by the Environmental Risk Management Authority in reconfirming 1080 as a safe and effective method of controlling introduced pests is an important step forward in protecting New Zealand’s natural heritage, Forest & Bird says.

Forest & Bird Advocacy Manager Kevin Hackwell welcomed the decision as crucial in protecting New Zealand’s forests, ecosystems and vulnerable native species from the threat of introduced pests such as possums, rats, stoats and ferrets.

“The scientific evidence clearly demonstrates that 1080 is the best tool we have to control introduced pests and reduce the severe threat they pose to our native wildlife and habitats.

“Without the continued use of 1080, the dawn chorus in many of our forests would fall silent because of the continued toll introduced pests take on our forests and native birds.”

Forest & Bird also welcomed tighter regulations surrounding the use of 1080, Kevin Hackwell said.

“We know that properly managed 1080 operations do not pose a risk to human health or the environment, but we need to ensure that those operations are well controlled so that the public can be confident that they are being safely conducted.”

In areas where 1080 has been used native forests have been able to recover from decades of damage caused by browsing of native plants and predation of native birds and other wildlife. In contrast, in some areas where 1080 has not been used, our forests and wildlife are in a serious state of collapse.

“In the last couple of decades 1080 has been the key factor that has allowed our forests to come alive. We have seen that 1080 can be the difference between survival and extinction of some of our most critically endangered species.”

1080 facts

- 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) is a synthesised form of a naturally occurring toxin called fluoroacetate that is found in some plants (including the plants used to make black-leaf tea).
- Pest control using 1080 is administered by the Department of Conservation, the Animal Health Board and Regional Councils with the aim of protecting native forests and controlling the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
- 1080 is biodegradable – it breaks down on contact with soil or water, and does not persist in the environment.

- Used properly, 1080 is a safe and humane way to reduce animal pests. It is currently the safest, most cost-effective and efficient way to kill possums and other introduced pest species. It is the poison bait that is least toxic to native birds and can be used over large areas of rugged terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible.
- 1080 has reduced pressure from introduced pests on acutely and chronically threatened native species, including mohua, kakariki, North Island kokako, kaka, Okarito brown kiwi, North and South Island brown kiwi and great spotted kiwi. Without 1080 these species would face local population declines and increased risk of extinction.
- 1080 has had no significant adverse effects on human health.

- Bovine tuberculosis (Tb) in cattle and deer herds is a major problem for New Zealand agriculture and poses a serious threat to our $8 billion beef, dairy and venison exports. The main source of Tb infection in domestic herds is contact with infected wildlife, particularly possums.
- Hunting has not proved to be an effective means of reducing pests to low enough levels to protect native forests and wildlife, or achieve Tb eradication goals.
- The predicted cost saving for the agricultural sector by using 1080 (compared to trapping and other poisons) over the next 10 years is $50-100 million.
- 1080 can poison dogs but owners are advised before 1080 drops are carried out to keep dogs away or muzzle their animals. Contrary to popular belief an antidote is available. Feral deer can also be killed by 1080, sometimes provoking opposition from recreational hunters. However, browsing by deer causes serious harm to native forests and feral deer can carry Tb.

ENDS

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