Cholecalciferol as an alternative toxin for the control of bait-shy possums in the Mackenzie Basin

Pratt, Caroline; Hickling, Graham J.

Abstract

The objective of this trial was to assess the effectiveness of cholecalciferol as a toxin for control of free-ranging, bait-shy possums in the MacKenzie Basin. A field trial was undertaken between January and March 1993 to evaluate the use of the toxin cholecalciferol for control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in the MacKenzie Basin. The work was done in an area containing possums that exhibited bait-shy behaviour towards standard sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) baits. The trial was undertaken by staff from Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Christchurch, with assistance from the senior author of this report.

Keywords

brushtail possum; Trichosurus vulpecula; bait shyness; baits; cholecalciferol; 1080; sodium monofluoroacetate; bait aversion; vertebrate pest control; Mackenzie Basin

Fields of Research

0502 Environmental Science and Management

Date

1993-06

Type

Monograph