I've been against blanket aerial dropping of poison like 1080 over DoC land and native bush reserves to control possums and stokes. As it does to much damage to other species and the natural ecosystem. Public pressure on DoC to look for alternative's has forced DoC to look beyond 1080 and other poisons. "Robot traps' a New Zealand invention ticks all the boxes. A non toxic quick and effective alternative specifically made for and targeting possums and stokes.
'Robot traps' new weapon in battle against possums
Robotic traps will be employed in the battle against possums, with a new contraption that catches a dozen pests before needing to be reset due to be used in a massive eradication programme.
Wellington company Good Nature has designed the self-resetting traps.
They will be used in a two-stage trial run by the Conservation Department.
Conservation minister Kate Wilkinson said yesterday the Government would give DOC $4 million to buy 10,000 traps.
DOC spends $20 million annually on pest control, and Green party conservation spokesman Kevin Hague said the extra funding had the potential to have a significant impact on an "absolutely massive problem".
The traps would be deployed next September at two sites which would be extensively monitored before a second phase of the trial at two additional sites.
"The birds and animals we want to protect are much loved by New Zealanders, so it's essential we get it right."
Ms Wilkinson said the new traps could kill up to 12 pests, resetting themselves each time before needing to be set again by hand.
One of Good Nature's three co-directors, Stu Barr, said the possums were humanely killed by a bolt in the trap set off by compressed gas.
"It goes into the back of the head and penetrates the skull. There's a massive amount of trauma to the brain."
Fellow co-director Robbie Greig said the traps used the compressed carbon dioxide to reset once a possum had been caught.
Although the traps cost more than traditional models – $150 compared with $47 – Mr Greig said they were still relatively cheap to manufacture and would be able to "withstand all the elements".
The traps were baited with a clove-based mixture as possums liked anything smelly and sweet.
A significant cost of pest control was the labour required to regularly visit and reset trap lines, with traditional traps needing to be cleared each month.
The new traps would cut the cost of maintaining a trap from $96 a year to $16, as they would be reset less often.
This would mean the cost of running 10,000 new traps could save $800,000 in labour costs each year, Ms Wilkinson said.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The bigger picture 1080 could affect New Zealand's international image and trade.
The first stage of a large-scale 1080 poison drop in the Waitutu Forest began yesterday but without any protesting activity seen at previous operations throughout the country.
While a 1080 opposition group had told the Department of Conservation it would try to stop the operation, there was still a strong security presence near the loading zone at Thicket Burn in the Lillburn Valley, near Lake Hauroko, with police officers and security staff manning a roadblock and patrolling the area.
No problems were reported but the security presence would remain today and during the next drop.
DOC is spending about $550,000 to drop 50 tonnes of 1080-laced toxic baits over 25,000ha of the Waitutu Forest, in the southeast corner of Fiordland National Park.
Low cloud delayed the first part of the operation until noon yesterday, when three helicopters using advanced GPS systems began dropping 25 tonnes of non-toxic pre-feed cinnamon-flavoured cereal bait designed to get possums used to a new food
That section of the operation will continue today and depending on weather conditions, green-coloured toxic bait would be dropped next week at a rate of 2kg/ha.
Department of Conservation area manager Dave Taylor said staff had spent three years preparing for the aerial drop, including going through the resource consent process.
About 23 DOC staff were involved at the loading zone yesterday, along with four police officers, four security staff, three pilots and a manager.
DOC was adamant dropping 1080 from the air was the best option for possum control in the forest, Mr Taylor said.
Using ground-based contractors would take longer, be less effective and end up costing up to 40 per cent more.
"We're aware some people don't like it but we ask them to get informed and understand the big picture of what's going on."
DOC programme manager community relations Leanne Keenan said the female kaka population in the forest had been declining because possums were attacking nesting birds, killing them and their eggs, she said.
"We're at the point where we can let it go and lose special and amazing things that make it great for hunting, fishing and walking or we can do something about it. We can use 1080 to heal it," Ms Kennan said.
POISON USE ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM
THOSE involved in the aerial 1080 drop in the Waitutu Forest have been branded "environmental terrorists" by a member of a group opposing the poison's use.
Ad Feedback Southern Earth Environmental Coalition member Tamsin Scott, of Lilburn Valley, said there was no real justification for using 1080 poison when there were other options likely to lead to fewer deaths of other animals and birds.
Using ground control methods might cost more, but it was better than poisoning every living animal, she said. Her group of about eight members had been trying to raise awareness about the dangers of aerial poisons and had been behind some of the signs erected throughout Southland.
The group believes DOC had made many inaccurate claims and there had not been enough studies on the long-term impact on the environment, wildlife and humans, Ms Scott said. People who lived near areas where 1080 had been used have reported the loss of all birdlife and more people needed to be aware of the impact, she said.
"Possum and deer can be used as a resource. There's no excuse for putting human health at risk and environmental health at risk."
The group was looking at the issue from a bigger picture and there was the potential for the ongoing use of 1080 to affect New Zealand's international image and trade, Ms Scott said.
While a 1080 opposition group had told the Department of Conservation it would try to stop the operation, there was still a strong security presence near the loading zone at Thicket Burn in the Lillburn Valley, near Lake Hauroko, with police officers and security staff manning a roadblock and patrolling the area.
No problems were reported but the security presence would remain today and during the next drop.
DOC is spending about $550,000 to drop 50 tonnes of 1080-laced toxic baits over 25,000ha of the Waitutu Forest, in the southeast corner of Fiordland National Park.
Low cloud delayed the first part of the operation until noon yesterday, when three helicopters using advanced GPS systems began dropping 25 tonnes of non-toxic pre-feed cinnamon-flavoured cereal bait designed to get possums used to a new food
That section of the operation will continue today and depending on weather conditions, green-coloured toxic bait would be dropped next week at a rate of 2kg/ha.
Department of Conservation area manager Dave Taylor said staff had spent three years preparing for the aerial drop, including going through the resource consent process.
About 23 DOC staff were involved at the loading zone yesterday, along with four police officers, four security staff, three pilots and a manager.
DOC was adamant dropping 1080 from the air was the best option for possum control in the forest, Mr Taylor said.
Using ground-based contractors would take longer, be less effective and end up costing up to 40 per cent more.
"We're aware some people don't like it but we ask them to get informed and understand the big picture of what's going on."
DOC programme manager community relations Leanne Keenan said the female kaka population in the forest had been declining because possums were attacking nesting birds, killing them and their eggs, she said.
"We're at the point where we can let it go and lose special and amazing things that make it great for hunting, fishing and walking or we can do something about it. We can use 1080 to heal it," Ms Kennan said.
POISON USE ENVIRONMENTAL TERRORISM
THOSE involved in the aerial 1080 drop in the Waitutu Forest have been branded "environmental terrorists" by a member of a group opposing the poison's use.
Ad Feedback Southern Earth Environmental Coalition member Tamsin Scott, of Lilburn Valley, said there was no real justification for using 1080 poison when there were other options likely to lead to fewer deaths of other animals and birds.
Using ground control methods might cost more, but it was better than poisoning every living animal, she said. Her group of about eight members had been trying to raise awareness about the dangers of aerial poisons and had been behind some of the signs erected throughout Southland.
The group believes DOC had made many inaccurate claims and there had not been enough studies on the long-term impact on the environment, wildlife and humans, Ms Scott said. People who lived near areas where 1080 had been used have reported the loss of all birdlife and more people needed to be aware of the impact, she said.
"Possum and deer can be used as a resource. There's no excuse for putting human health at risk and environmental health at risk."
The group was looking at the issue from a bigger picture and there was the potential for the ongoing use of 1080 to affect New Zealand's international image and trade, Ms Scott said.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Booby traps in Ureweras to stop Doc 1080.
DoC claims a Maori protest group who want a halt to 1080 poisoning in the Urewera National Park have set up boody traps in the area.
The Department of Conservation say a Maori protest group has booby trapped roads in the Urewera National Park.
Complaints have been surfacing of 75mm nails sticking out of the Okahu Valley access road.
The group associated with Ngati Tawhaki, a hapu of Tuhoe, want a halt to 1080 poisoning in the area as it claims the land is theirs.
Area Manager John Sutton says they're unsure how many traps have been laid but some mountain bikers have given an indication.
He says they had 10 punctures a month on a 9km stretch of road which is pretty high odds considering the width of a tyre.
John Sutton says police are the only ones who could carry out some proactive action.
The Department of Conservation say a Maori protest group has booby trapped roads in the Urewera National Park.
Complaints have been surfacing of 75mm nails sticking out of the Okahu Valley access road.
The group associated with Ngati Tawhaki, a hapu of Tuhoe, want a halt to 1080 poisoning in the area as it claims the land is theirs.
Area Manager John Sutton says they're unsure how many traps have been laid but some mountain bikers have given an indication.
He says they had 10 punctures a month on a 9km stretch of road which is pretty high odds considering the width of a tyre.
John Sutton says police are the only ones who could carry out some proactive action.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Poisoning Paradise wins best film award.
Poisoning Paradise wins UK award
Poisoning Paradise, the Skeptic Society's Bent Spoon winner from 2009, has just won the best film award in the Environmental & Ecology International category at the Heart of England Film Festival in the UK. Poisoning Paradise was one of six international films nominated for the award.
Clyde Graf
Press link for introduction to Poisoning Paradise
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588425/
Email thegrafboys@xtra.co.nz
Web www.thegrafboys.org
Blog www.thegrafboys.blogspot.com
Poisoning Paradise, the Skeptic Society's Bent Spoon winner from 2009, has just won the best film award in the Environmental & Ecology International category at the Heart of England Film Festival in the UK. Poisoning Paradise was one of six international films nominated for the award.
Clyde Graf
Press link for introduction to Poisoning Paradise
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588425/
Email thegrafboys@xtra.co.nz
Web www.thegrafboys.org
Blog www.thegrafboys.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Dear found bloodied and frothing at the mouth.
Deer found lying in the bush, bloodied and frothing at the mouth, just days after the Waitaha forest was sprayed with deadly 1080 poison intended to kill possums.
The fresh carcases were filmed by anti-1080 documentary makers the Graf brothers, in the aftermath of the Animal Health Board’s hotly contested aerial bombardment.
http://greystar.co.nz/node/259
The fresh carcases were filmed by anti-1080 documentary makers the Graf brothers, in the aftermath of the Animal Health Board’s hotly contested aerial bombardment.
http://greystar.co.nz/node/259
Friday, July 2, 2010
Bill to ban munufacture and export of 1080
Bill to ban the manufacture and export of 1080 introduced to U.S. Congress
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Congressman John Campbell (R-CA) introduced the Compound 1080 and Sodium Cyanide Elimination Act (H.R.5643) before the U.S. Congess, yesterday (NZ time).
The Bill - To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the use, production, sale, importation, or exportation of the poison sodium fluoroacetate (known as ‘‘Compound 1080’’) and to prohibit the use of sodium cyanide for predator control.
"We are extremely excited about our chances of finally passing this bill to ban these two deadly agents that indiscriminately harm and kill wildlife, pets and people." Said Brooks Fahy, of Predator Defense, who has been working on this issue for several years.
"In the past few years we have garnered significant Congressional support for this legislation and have built a coalition with other environmental organisations that have backed us with their expertise and seasoned political strategists." said Fahy.
Clyde Graf, co-producer of the documentary Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide New Zealand, said "this sends a clear message to our government ministers and authorities, that here in New Zealand we should be considering the same. For too long this country has been married to the indiscriminate, aerial use of 1080, which puts the welfare of our wildlife and people at great risk."
Animal Control Products, a New Zealand state owned enterprise based in Wanganui, has a stock pile of 1080 which is estimated will last for several more years, should the U.S. bill be successful. Ends.
The Graf Boys - 02/07/2010
Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Congressman John Campbell (R-CA) introduced the Compound 1080 and Sodium Cyanide Elimination Act (H.R.5643) before the U.S. Congess, yesterday (NZ time).
The Bill - To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit the use, production, sale, importation, or exportation of the poison sodium fluoroacetate (known as ‘‘Compound 1080’’) and to prohibit the use of sodium cyanide for predator control.
"We are extremely excited about our chances of finally passing this bill to ban these two deadly agents that indiscriminately harm and kill wildlife, pets and people." Said Brooks Fahy, of Predator Defense, who has been working on this issue for several years.
"In the past few years we have garnered significant Congressional support for this legislation and have built a coalition with other environmental organisations that have backed us with their expertise and seasoned political strategists." said Fahy.
Clyde Graf, co-producer of the documentary Poisoning Paradise - Ecocide New Zealand, said "this sends a clear message to our government ministers and authorities, that here in New Zealand we should be considering the same. For too long this country has been married to the indiscriminate, aerial use of 1080, which puts the welfare of our wildlife and people at great risk."
Animal Control Products, a New Zealand state owned enterprise based in Wanganui, has a stock pile of 1080 which is estimated will last for several more years, should the U.S. bill be successful. Ends.
The Graf Boys - 02/07/2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
More reason to have safer ground control methods.
Good neighbour improved approach to pest management
The Crown will have to meet ‘good neighbour’ obligations in regional pest management strategies under a proposed pest management plan which has been released for public comment.
Biosecurity Minister David Carter said:
“This means all land owners in New Zealand will be bound to control pests, such as rabbits and wilding trees, so that they don’t ‘spill over’ and affect their neighbours,” says Mr Carter.
Weeds and pests don’t observe boundaries so property owners who do their bit and more are fighting a losing battle if their neighbours don’t do their bit too.
“Today’s announcement delivers on National’s promise to ensure that the Crown meets its obligations as a responsible landowner and to develop a unified approach to pest management for all land.”
The relationship between the Crown and farmers has always been a bit uneasy and it got worse in recent years when pastoral lease land was surrendered under tenure review. Weed and pest control budgets on public land weren’t sufficient to cope which put farming operations of neighbours at risk.
“The cost of established pests to our economy runs close to $1.9 billion a year – $1.15 billion of lost production and $719 million in directly preventing pests from arriving in New Zealand and managing them once they are here.
“The proposed Plan of Action looks at ways to ensure our pest management strategies limit this cost, and meet the needs of today and challenges of tomorrow,” says Mr Carter.
“This will help drive a new national policy direction which will further strengthen and align pest management plans as they are developed.”
Lower costs and more effective control will be a popular combination if they work.
The Crown will have to meet ‘good neighbour’ obligations in regional pest management strategies under a proposed pest management plan which has been released for public comment.
Biosecurity Minister David Carter said:
“This means all land owners in New Zealand will be bound to control pests, such as rabbits and wilding trees, so that they don’t ‘spill over’ and affect their neighbours,” says Mr Carter.
Weeds and pests don’t observe boundaries so property owners who do their bit and more are fighting a losing battle if their neighbours don’t do their bit too.
“Today’s announcement delivers on National’s promise to ensure that the Crown meets its obligations as a responsible landowner and to develop a unified approach to pest management for all land.”
The relationship between the Crown and farmers has always been a bit uneasy and it got worse in recent years when pastoral lease land was surrendered under tenure review. Weed and pest control budgets on public land weren’t sufficient to cope which put farming operations of neighbours at risk.
“The cost of established pests to our economy runs close to $1.9 billion a year – $1.15 billion of lost production and $719 million in directly preventing pests from arriving in New Zealand and managing them once they are here.
“The proposed Plan of Action looks at ways to ensure our pest management strategies limit this cost, and meet the needs of today and challenges of tomorrow,” says Mr Carter.
“This will help drive a new national policy direction which will further strengthen and align pest management plans as they are developed.”
Lower costs and more effective control will be a popular combination if they work.
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