Pest control for the 21st century: humane, effective tools for multiple invasive species

Abstract

Invasive species have been recognised by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) as a major threat to global biodiversity. New Zealand hasn’t escaped the significant negative impacts that invasive species such as possums and stoats have had on our endemic species, but in response to these threats we have become a world leader in the eradication of invasive species from offshore islands, and in the establishment of fenced mainland islands. Despite this, large parts of mainland New Zealand remain unmanaged. Lincoln University recently launched the Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation (CWMC). The Centre’s vision is for increased recovery of native biodiversity through enhanced wildlife management and effective land-based conservation. A major recent achievement for centre staff and collaborators has been the registration of para-aminpropiophenone (PAPP) as a vertebrate toxin for predator control. PAPP is discussed.