Why 0.02%? A review of the basis for current broadscale control of rabbits in New Zealand

Abstract

Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations in many parts of New Zealand have begun to increase dramatically as the impact of rabbit haemorrhagic disease wanes, and aerial poisoning control operations have resumed. Aerial 1080 poisoning of rabbits has historically used high prefeed and toxic bait sowing rates and low toxic loading. We review the extent to which this practice is based on a good mechanistic understanding of the process, or has evolved by trial and error to find a workable and affordable system. Current operational practices appear to have resulted from attempts to provide solutions to poor bait quality and concerns about the welfare of livestock. Current research on 1080 use on rabbits in Australia and possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand suggests that higher toxic loading and decreased sowing rates may be as effective as current practice, but with substantive reductions in the costs associated with control methods and the amount of toxin applied to the environment.

Keywords

• aerial poisoning
• operational practice
• Oryctolagus cuniculus
• rabbits
• sodium fluoroacetate
• sowing rates
• toxic loading
• 1080