The longevity of 1080 egg-baits in a regularly baited nature reserve in south-western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Neville E. Kok ◽  
Winifred E. Kirkpatrick ◽  
Geoff Burrow
Keyword(s):  
Exponential Decay ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Injection Hole ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Fox Control

The longevity of 1080 in egg-baits (4.5 mg 1080 per egg) used for fox control was monitored at the Corackerup Nature Reserve, Western Australia. Irrespective of season, most egg-baits (94%) were found to retain sufficient 1080 to be theoretically lethal to all foxes for at least 42 days, and 75% of baits contained an LD50 of 1080 at Day 63. Exponential decay curves also predicted that these baits would remain toxic to most foxes for up to 32 weeks, depending upon environmental conditions. Sealing the injection hole with wax, or using sterile techniques to prepare some egg-baits, appeared to have little effect on the longevity of 1080 in these baits compared with that of unsealed eggs. Bait take, and identification of those species taking bait, were monitored over 12 days at 216 permanent bait stations in the reserve. Track plots were present for 3–6 days on 83 of these stations in spring and summer but not in winter. In spring and summer, of those species likely to take bait, goannas were the most frequent visitors to the track plots and they were also responsible for most of the baits taken at this time (59% and 90% of baits taken). Foxes accounted for 27% (spring), 8% (summer) and 75% (winter) of the egg-baits taken. No egg-baits were taken by goannas in winter, but the overall bait take was also low at this time (28 of 211 baits laid; 13%). Overall bait take after 12 days in spring and summer was 64% (135 of 211) and 68% (145 of 212) of baits laid. Except for goannas, birds and other non-target species (e.g. bob-tail skink) took relatively few baits in any season. The implication of these findings for 1080-based predator-control programs are discussed.

The fate of dried meat baits laid for fox control: the effects of bait presentation on take by foxes and non-target species, and on caching by foxes

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Thomson ◽  
N. E. Kok
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Mixed Farming ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Fox Control

Non-toxic, dried meat baits (45 g) containing small radio-transmitters were laid on cleared sandplots in mixed farming and grain-growing areas in Western Australia. Baits were either buried, tethered by wire trace to a hidden peg, or simply laid untethered on the surface. Baits were exposed for 1 night only and new transects were established each day. Data were available on 1521 baits. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) visited 23% of plots and took baits from 64% of those visited. Unburied baits (both tethered and untethered) were taken significantly more frequently than the buried baits. Of all baits taken by foxes, 25% were cached. Foxes were more likely to cache buried baits than either tethered or untethered baits. Excluding baits taken to cubs, foxes cached baits 3–380 m (mean 87�m) from their original locations. Some baits were carried to cub dens up to 1.25�km away. The fate of 27�cached baits was monitored for varying periods. Of these baits, 59% were later eaten by foxes, most within 3�days. Non-target species took 3% of the baits on offer. Birds were the most common non-target animals to take baits, and in some cases dropped baits up to 400 m away. In terms of takes relative to visits, most takes by birds were of the untethered baits (88%, cf. 33% for tethered, 17% for buried baits). Compared with other baits, a significantly lower proportion of the untethered baits that were taken by birds was actually eaten. Baits cached by foxes and baits moved by birds represent a potential hazard to farm dogs and vulnerable fauna. Recommendations on bait presentation, distance restrictions, and likely risk to farm dogs and non-target species are discussed.

Bait consumption by, and 1080-based control of, feral pigs in the Mediterranean climatic region of south-western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Tim Lowe ◽  
Gary Martin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Variable Response ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Minimal Evidence

The consumption of five non-toxic, grain-based baits, and the effectiveness of the preferred baits when treated with 1080 in reducing pig numbers, were determined for feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in several areas in the Mediterranean agricultural region of Western Australia. Fermented wheat with added blood and bone proved an effective attractant for feral pigs, and for determining areas of pig activity. Wheat and malted barley were the preferred baits, there was a variable response to lupins, and commercial pig pellets were consumed least. Malted barley, barley, and wheat treated with 1080 gave good reductions in pig numbers at the localised scale. Where pigs would eat lupins, 1080-treated lupins were usually effective in reducing pig abundance. In some instances, further evidence of feral pig activity was not seen on several sites for several months after poison-baiting occurred. The addition of a small amount of unpoisoned grain to mask the presence of 1080 did not increase the take of treated bait (P < 0.05). Although finding poisoned pigs was difficult owing to the terrain and the presence of bush remnants, the poisoned pigs found (n = 90) were often within 200 m of active bait stations. 1080-poisoned pigs included both adult (≥25 kg) and non-adult pigs of both sexes. Body mass of these pigs ranged from 4 to 90 kg. In all, 42% of poisoned adults found (n = 50) were 50 kg or more. There was minimal evidence of bait take by non-target species, and, where this occurred, it generally involved the consumption of the fermented wheat attractant by kangaroos (Macropus spp.) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Six foxes were known to have been poisoned with 1080-treated grain (4 with malted barley, 2 with wheat). Excluding foxes, no other non-target animals, including native species, were found dead during the intensive searches for poisoned pigs.

Immediate post-release survival of eastern barred bandicoots Perameles gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, Victoria, with reference to fox activity.

2005 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Long ◽  
AJ Robley ◽  
K Lovett
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Wild Population ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Western Victoria ◽  
Fox Control

On mainland Australia, eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunnii) are now restricted to a single wild population at Hamilton in western Victoria, and recovery efforts are focussed on establishing new populations at reintroduction sites. The success in founding these populations has been variable, and post-release survival has not been accurately quantified. It is believed that predation by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is largely responsible for post-release loss of P. gunnii, despite the implementation of predator control programs at release sites. An intensive fox control program was established to protect 10 released P. gunnii at Woodlands Historic Park, near Melbourne. Monitoring of fox activity was undertaken prior to and after the release in an attempt to better understand the effectiveness of control operations. Seven bandicoots were known to be alive at the conclusion of the study five weeks after their release (and an additional animal was trapped four months later), with weight loss appearing to be an important factor in determining post-release survival. Despite constant levels of bait-take by V. vulpes, fox activity measured from sand-pads remained high. We hypothesise that the presence of suitable refugia is allowing the persistence of a low-density bandicoot population at Woodlands despite constant, high levels of fox activity.

Evaluation of bait stations for control of urban rabbits

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Garry S. Gray ◽  
Marion C. Massam ◽  
Tim J. Lowe ◽  
Winifred Kirkpatrick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Concrete Slab ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Development Of Resistance ◽  
Efficacy Trials ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Field Efficacy ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Proportional Reduction

The acceptability of four different bait station designs (drum, slab, tyre, corrugated iron) to rabbits was tested in the field using unpoisoned oat bait. The drum (200 L, cut longitudinally) and the raised concrete slab (60 × 60 cm) designs were the most acceptable to rabbits. The raised tyre design was unacceptable, and this was supported by later field efficacy trials that compared the drum and tyre designs using 1080 One-shot oats. The efficacy of three of these designs (drum, slab, tyre) against ‘urban’ rabbits was assessed more fully using pindone oat bait. The tyre stations were again found to have little impact on rabbit numbers. With the exception of one drum site where pindone bait stations were totally ineffective, the proportional reductions in rabbit numbers for the remaining sites were similar between the drum (69%, n = 3) and slab (70%, n = 5) designs. However, the slab design provided much easier access to bait by non-target species (particularly birds), and we therefore recommend that the drum design would be the best bait station for controlling rabbits. The overall proportional reduction in rabbit numbers achieved with pindone bait stations was 48% (range 0–80%, n = 13), which is less than that usually achieved during broadacre control programs with pindone (60–90+%). In addition, these kills took 30–60 days to achieve, and as rabbit damage still occurred over this period, the use of pindone bait stations did not always result in damage mitigation or, ultimately, an economic benefit. Some potential problems associated with the use of pindone bait stations, such as the possibility of the development of ‘resistance’ to pindone bait and the risk to non-target species, are also discussed. The combined use of track counts and a ‘digs’ index proved a reliable indicator of changes in rabbit abundance.

Potential impacts of poison baiting for introduced house mice on native animals on islands in Jurien Bay, Western Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford Bennison ◽  
J. Anthony Friend ◽  
Timothy Button ◽  
Harriet Mills ◽  
Cathy Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rhodamine B ◽  
Native Species ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Mus Domesticus ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Delivery Technique ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Competition For Resources

Context House mice (Mus domesticus) are present on Boullanger and Whitlock islands, Western Australia, and could potentially threaten populations of the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and grey-bellied dunnart (Sminthopsis griseoventer) through competition for resources. A workshop in 2007 recommended a study to assess the feasibility of eradicating house mice from the islands by using poison baits and of the risk posed to non-target native species. Aim We aimed to assess the risk to non-target native species if poison baiting was used to eradicate house mice on Boullanger and Whitlock islands. Methods Non-toxic baits containing the bait marker rhodamine B were distributed on Boullanger Island and on the mouse free Escape Island to determine the potential for primary poisoning. Acceptance of baits by mammals was measured through sampling and analysis of whiskers, and by reptiles through observations of dye in faeces. To determine the potential for secondary exposure to poison, the response of dibblers to mouse carcasses was observed using motion-activated cameras. Bait acceptance was compared using two methods of delivery, namely, scattering in the open and delivery in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. A cafeteria experiment of bait consumption by dibblers was also undertaken using captive animals held at the Perth Zoo. Ten dibblers were offered non-toxic baits containing rhodamine B in addition to their normal meals; consumption of bait and the presence of dye in whiskers were measured. Key results Bait acceptance on the islands was high for house mice (92% of individuals) and dibblers (48%) and it was independent of bait-delivery technique. There was no evidence of bait acceptance by grey-bellied dunnarts. Dibblers may consume mice carcasses if available; however, no direct consumption of mice carcasses was observed with movement sensor cameras but one dibbler was observed removing a mouse carcass and taking it away. During the cafeteria experiment, 9 of 10 captive dibblers consumed baits. Conclusions This investigation demonstrated that dibblers consume baits readily and island populations would experience high mortality if exposed to poison baits. Poison baiting could effectively eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands but not without mortality for dibblers. Implications Toxic baits could be used to eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands, provided that non-target species such as dibblers were temporarily removed from the islands before the application of baits.

scholarly journals Spatial distribution of spruce trees in the nature reserve 'Jankove bare' on mt. Kopaonik

2009 ◽  
pp. 191-204
Author(s):  
Branko Stajic ◽  
Milivoj Vuckovic ◽  
Marko Smiljanic
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
National Park ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Distance Methods ◽  
Study Results

The methodology and applicability of the study of spatial distribution of trees in Serbian forestry have been insufficiently reported and presented. This paper, based on mathematical?statistical principles, analyses the method of spatial distribution of spruce trees in the Nature Reserve 'Jankove Bare' in the National Park 'Kopaonik'. The following methods in the group of distance methods were applied: Kotar's method (1993), T2?method, and the index of distance dispersion (Johnson, Zimmer, 1985). The study results in a pure uneven-aged spruce stand based on all three methods showed that spruce trees are randomly distributed over the stand area. Therefore, environmental conditions in the study stand can be regarded as homogeneous and equally suitable for tree growth, and there are no significant interactions between the trees, which could cause a higher competition between the trees for nutrients, water, etc.

Feral pigs in north-western Australia: population recovery after 1080 baiting and further control

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Tim Lowe ◽  
Michael Everett ◽  
Gary Martin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Population Recovery ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Muddy Water ◽  
Good Body Condition ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
North Western ◽  
Fitzroy River

The recovery rate of a population of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in the west Kimberley in north-western Australia was determined 12 months after a 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate)-baiting program. An estimated 56 pigs were present in the 15 000-ha study area in August 2005 compared with the prebaiting levels of 250–275 pigs in 2004 (11 pigs were known to be alive on site after the 2004 baiting). This represents a population recovery of 20–23% of the 2004 prebaiting levels. Although most pigs were in good body condition, environmental conditions were quite different between the two years. In 2005, some waterholes were dry or comprised mainly muddy water with little associated shelter for feral pigs. Consequently, and in contrast to 2004, no pigs were seen, and no bait take could be attributed to feral pigs, at the four resurveyed waterholes. Most pig sightings, and activity, were close to the Fitzroy River. Fermented wheat, with blood and bone, was used to determine areas of pig activity, and also used as prefeed before 1080-baiting commenced in 2005. Using the same bait stations as for 2004, plus additional stations established in new areas of pig activity, 1080-treated wheat and malted barley again proved highly effective in reducing pig numbers. The daily sighting index before and after 1080-baiting indicated that pig numbers had been reduced by ~90% within four days. Estimated pre- and postpoisoning density, with and without an edge effect, was 0.12–1.7 pigs km–2 and 0.05–0.67 pigs km–2. Pig tracks decreased to zero on the six track plots within two days of baiting, but the number of macropod tracks remained constant over the four-day baiting period. Thirty-eight poisoned pigs were found after 1080-baiting, and these were generally in clustered groups within 200 m of an active bait station. Poisoned juvenile pigs were again found closer to the active bait stations than were adult or subadult pigs (P < 0.05).

Effects of bait-station design on the uptake of baits by non-target animals during control programmes for foxes and wild dogs

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alistair S. Glen ◽  
Chris R. Dickman
Keyword(s):  
Red Fox ◽  
New South ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Target Species ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Bait Station ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Substantial Risk ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Wild Dogs

The removal of non-toxic baits was monitored during a simulated trail-baiting programme for foxes and wild dogs in the central tablelands of New South Wales. Ninety-one buried baits were removed by a number of species including spotted-tailed quolls, Australian brush-turkeys, superb lyrebirds, small mammals, wild dogs and a red fox. Spotted-tailed quolls were significantly less likely to remove baits buried under the ground surface than baits buried in raised mounds of soil. By means of remote photography, individual quolls were identified removing 3–4 baits in one night from bait stations 400 m apart. The results of this study show that spotted-tailed quolls and other non-target species may face substantial risk of consuming baits intended for wild dogs and foxes. However, the risk of poisoning spotted-tailed quolls may be significantly reduced by appropriate planning. Recommendations are made to increase the target-specificity of baiting programmes in areas with populations of spotted-tailed quolls.

THE CHELONIA SEISMIC SURVEY: MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON A NATURE RESERVE

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 429
Author(s):  
P.J. Long ◽  
V.L. Long
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Innovative Methods ◽  
Environmental Management Plan ◽  
Bird Mortality

Onshore seismic surveys are traditionally associated with wide straight tracks, required for access by seismic vehicles and denuded of vegetation. The proposal by Lasmo Oil (Australia) Ltd and its co-venturers to perform a seismic survey on the Muiron Islands Nature Reserve was therefore received with some concern by residents of nearby Exmouth in Western Australia. The proponent undertook extensive surveys of the existing environment, however, and produced a strict environmental management plan which featured innovative methods to minimise impacts on both flora and fauna — in particular the extensive Wedge-tailed Shearwater colony on the islands. These methods were executed much as planned and caused negligible destruction of vegetation and no known bird mortality. The results indicate the management plan was highly successful and established a new benchmark for exploration in sensitive areas.This paper outlines the environmental management plan developed for the work and documents the results of the procedures employed. It concludes that such methods could be applied to similar projects elsewhere.

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