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Innes JG, Norbury G, Samaniego A, Walker S, Wilson DJ. Rodent management in Aotearoa New Zealand: approaches and challenges to landscape-scale control. Integr Zool 2024; 19:8-26. [PMID: 36920845 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Aotearoa-New Zealand has only four rodent species, all introduced. In order of arrival, they are Pacific rat Rattus exulans, brown rat R. norvegicus, house mouse Mus musculus, and black rat R. rattus. Rodent management in New Zealand aims mainly to conserve indigenous biodiversity rather than to protect crops or manage diseases, as is usual elsewhere. We describe four major "regimes" and one major vision for rodent control in New Zealand to meet ecological restoration objectives. Current challenges for island eradications are for large islands that are remote or populated by people. Aerial 1080 is the only large-scale (tens of thousands of hectares) option for black rat control, but its application requires adjustment to counter subsequent rapid black rat repopulation. Unfenced "ecosanctuaries" (mean 720 ha) use ground-based traps and poisons to target mainly black rats and face constant reinvasion. Ecosanctuaries with mammal-resistant fences (up to 3500 ha) limit reinvasion and target more pest species and have enabled the return of previously extirpated taxa to the main islands. Predator Free 2050 aims to eradicate the rat species (but not mice) plus some other introduced mammals from New Zealand by 2050. This vision is not attainable with current tools, but research and experimental management is exploring techniques and technologies. The large scale (to 100 000 ha) at which black rats are now targeted for control to extremely low abundance seems to be unique to New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Innes
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Grant Norbury
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Alexandra, New Zealand
| | | | - Susan Walker
- Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Du Y, Wang X, Ashraf S, Tu W, Xi Y, Cui R, Chen S, Yu J, Han L, Gu S, Qu Y, Liu X. Climate match is key to predict range expansion of the world's worst invasive terrestrial vertebrates. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17137. [PMID: 38273500 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the determinants of the range expansion of invasive alien species is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies. Nevertheless, we still lack a global picture of the potential factors influencing the invaded range expansion across taxonomic groups, especially for the world's worst invaders with high ecological and economic impacts. Here, by extensively collecting data on 363 distributional ranges of 19 of world's worst invasive terrestrial vertebrates across 135 invaded administrative jurisdictions, we observed remarkable variations in the range expansion across species and taxonomic groups. After controlling for taxonomic and geographic pseudoreplicates, model averaging analyses based on generalized additive mixed-effect models showed that species in invaded regions having climates more similar to those of their native ranges tended to undergo a larger range expansion. In addition, as proxies of propagule pressure and human-assisted transportation, the number of introduction events and the road network density were also important predictors facilitating the range expansion. Further variance partitioning analyses validated the predominant role of climate match in explaining the range expansion. Our study demonstrated that regions with similar climates to their native ranges could still be prioritized to prevent the spread of invasive species under the sustained global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbao Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
- Institute of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Sadia Ashraf
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weishan Tu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yonghong Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruina Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengnan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jiajie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixia Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shimin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanhua Qu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Abundance and Dynamics of Small Mammals in New Zealand: Sequential Invasions into an Island Ecosystem Like No Other. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010156. [PMID: 36676105 PMCID: PMC9864110 DOI: 10.3390/life13010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
New Zealand had no people or four-footed mammals of any size until it was colonised by Polynesian voyagers and Pacific rats in c. 1280 AD. Between 1769 and 1920 AD, Europeans brought three more species of commensal rats and mice, and three predatory mustelids, plus rabbits, house cats hedgehogs and Australian brushtail possums. All have in turn invaded the whole country and many offshore islands in huge abundance, at least initially. Three species are now reduced to remnant populations, but the other eight remain widely distributed. They comprise an artificial but interacting and fully functional bottom-up predator-prey system, responding at all levels to interspecific competition, habitat quality and periodic resource pulsing.
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Kumar K, Pasachnik SA, Reid D, Harmer AMT. Spatial Ecology of Invasive Predatory Species Informs Predator Control Program for the Jamaican Rock Iguana (Cyclura collei). CARIBB J SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.18475/cjos.v51i2.a11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirtana Kumar
- International Iguana Foundation, Fort Worth, Texas, U. S. A
| | | | - David Reid
- National Environment and Planning Agency, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Aaron M. T. Harmer
- School of Natural and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Vattiato G, Plank MJ, James A, Binny RN. Individual heterogeneity affects the outcome of small mammal pest eradication. THEOR ECOL-NETH 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12080-020-00491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Gormley AM, Warburton B. Refining kill-trap networks for the control of small mammalian predators in invaded ecosystems. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238732. [PMID: 32898194 PMCID: PMC7478806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Population control of invasive mammal pests is an ongoing process in many conservation projects. In New Zealand, introduced wild domestic cats and mustelids have a severe impact on biodiversity, and methods to reduce and maintain predator populations to low levels have been developed involving poisoning and trapping. Such conservation efforts often run on limited funds, so ways to minimize costs while not compromising their effectiveness are constantly being sought. Here we report on a case example in a 150 km2 area in the North Island, New Zealand, where high predator numbers were reduced by 70-80% in an initial ‘knockdown’ trapping program, using the full set of traps available in the fixed network and frequent checks, and then maintained at low density using maintenance trapping with less frequent checking. We developed and applied a simulation model of predator captures, based on trapping data, to investigate the effect on control efficacy of varying numbers of trap sites and numbers of traps per site. Included in the simulations were captures of other, non-target, introduced mammals. Simulations indicated that there are potentially significant savings to be made, at least in the maintenance phase of a long-term predator control programme, by first reducing the number of traps in large-scale networks without dramatically reducing efficacy, and then, possibly, re-locating traps according to spatial heterogeneity in observed captures of the target species.
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Evaluating the effectiveness of footprint platforms to detect invasive mammals: coypu (Myocastor coypus) as a case study. Mamm Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42991-020-00021-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Innes J, Fitzgerald N, Binny R, Byrom A, Pech R, Watts C, Gillies C, Maitland M, Campbell-Hunt C, Burns B. New Zealand ecosanctuaries: types, attributes and outcomes. J R Soc N Z 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2019.1620297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John Innes
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Rachelle Binny
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Byrom
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Roger Pech
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Lincoln, New Zealand
| | - Corinne Watts
- Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Craig Gillies
- Department of Conservation, Biodiversity Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Bruce Burns
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lustig A, James A, Anderson D, Plank M. Pest control at a regional scale: Identifying key criteria using a spatially explicit, agent‐based model. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Lustig
- University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
- Te Pūnaha MatatiniUniversity of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Alex James
- University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
- Te Pūnaha MatatiniUniversity of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Dean Anderson
- Manaaki Whenua ‐ Landcare Research Lincoln New Zealand
| | - Micheal Plank
- University of Canterbury Christchurch New Zealand
- Te Pūnaha MatatiniUniversity of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
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Bridgman L, Innes J, Gillies C, Fitzgerald N, Rohan M, King C. Interactions between ship rats and house mice at Pureora Forest Park. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2018.1464477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Bridgman
- School of Science, Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - John Innes
- Biodiversity and Conservation, Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Craig Gillies
- Department of Conservation, Biodiversity Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Neil Fitzgerald
- Biodiversity and Conservation, Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Maheswaran Rohan
- Department of Conservation, Biodiversity Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Carolyn King
- School of Science, Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
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11
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R. Taylor H, Dussex N, van Heezik Y. Bridging the conservation genetics gap by identifying barriers to implementation for conservation practitioners. Glob Ecol Conserv 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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Shiels AB, Medeiros AC, von Allmen EI. Shifts in an invasive rodent community favoring Black rats (Rattus rattus
) following restoration of native forest. Restor Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Shiels
- USDA, APHIS, WS, National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue; Fort Collins CO 80521 U.S.A
| | - Arthur C. Medeiros
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit; University of Hawai'i, 3190 Maile Way; Honolulu HI 96822 U.S.A
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, PO Box 369; Makawao HI 96768 U.S.A
| | - Erica I. von Allmen
- Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit; University of Hawai'i, 3190 Maile Way; Honolulu HI 96822 U.S.A
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Watts JO, Moore A, Palmer D, Molteno TCA, Recio MR, Seddon PJ. Trial reintroduction of buff weka to an unfenced mainland site in central South Island, New Zealand. AUSTRAL ECOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jim O. Watts
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; PO Box 56 Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
| | - Antoni Moore
- School of Surveying; University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
| | - Dawn Palmer
- Natural Solutions for Nature Ltd.; Queenstown New Zealand
| | | | | | - Philip J. Seddon
- Department of Zoology; University of Otago; PO Box 56 Dunedin 9016 New Zealand
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Carter A, Barr S, Bond C, Paske G, Peters D, van Dam R. Controlling sympatric pest mammal populations in New Zealand with self-resetting, toxicant-free traps: a promising tool for invasive species management. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1115-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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How does cat behaviour influence the development and implementation of monitoring techniques and lethal control methods for feral cats? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Warburton B, Gormley AM. Optimising the application of multiple-capture traps for invasive species management using spatial simulation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120373. [PMID: 25782018 PMCID: PMC4362759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Internationally, invasive vertebrate species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, agricultural production and human health. To manage these species a wide range of tools, including traps, are used. In New Zealand, brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), stoats (Mustela ermine), and ship rats (Rattus rattus) are invasive and there is an ongoing demand for cost-effective non-toxic methods for controlling these pests. Recently, traps with multiple-capture capability have been developed which, because they do not require regular operator-checking, are purported to be more cost-effective than traditional single-capture traps. However, when pest populations are being maintained at low densities (as is typical of orchestrated pest management programmes) it remains uncertain if it is more cost-effective to use fewer multiple-capture traps or more single-capture traps. To address this uncertainty, we used an individual-based spatially explicit modelling approach to determine the likely maximum animal-captures per trap, given stated pest densities and defined times traps are left between checks. In the simulation, single- or multiple-capture traps were spaced according to best practice pest-control guidelines. For possums with maintenance densities set at the lowest level (i.e. 0.5/ha), 98% of all simulated possums were captured with only a single capacity trap set at each site. When possum density was increased to moderate levels of 3/ha, having a capacity of three captures per trap caught 97% of all simulated possums. Results were similar for stoats, although only two potential captures per site were sufficient to capture 99% of simulated stoats. For rats, which were simulated at their typically higher densities, even a six-capture capacity per trap site only resulted in 80% kill. Depending on target species, prevailing density and extent of immigration, the most cost-effective strategy for pest control in New Zealand might be to deploy several single-capture traps rather than investing in fewer, but more expense, multiple-capture traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Warburton
- Landcare Research—Manaaki Whenua, PO Box 40, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew M. Gormley
- Landcare Research—Manaaki Whenua, PO Box 40, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand
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Norbury G, Jones C. Pests controlling pests: does predator control lead to greater European rabbit abundance in Australasia? Mamm Rev 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Grant Norbury
- Landcare Research; PO Box 282 Alexandra 9340 New Zealand
| | - Chris Jones
- Landcare Research; PO Box 69040 Lincoln 7640 New Zealand
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Blackie HM, MacKay JWB, Allen WJ, Smith DHV, Barrett B, Whyte BI, Murphy EC, Ross J, Shapiro L, Ogilvie S, Sam S, MacMorran D, Inder S, Eason CT. Innovative developments for long-term mammalian pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2014; 70:345-351. [PMID: 23943626 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive mammalian pests have inflicted substantial environmental and economic damage on a worldwide scale. RESULTS Over the last 30 years there has been minimal innovation in the development of new control tools. The development of new vertebrate pesticides, for example, has been largely restricted due to the costly and time-consuming processes associated with testing and registration. CONCLUSION In this article we discuss recent progress and trends in a number of areas of research aimed to achieve long-term population suppression or eradication of mammalian pest species. The examples discussed here are emerging from research being conducted in New Zealand, where invasive mammalian pests are one of the greatest threats facing the national environment and economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Blackie
- Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand; Connovation Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand
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Watts C, Thornburrow D, Cave V, Innes J. Beetle community changes following pest mammal control at two biodiversity sanctuaries in Wellington, New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2013.875478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Monks A, Tompkins DM. Optimising bait-station delivery of population-control agents to brushtail possums: field test of spatial model predictions. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2012. [DOI: 10.1071/wr11066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Low-volume control agents based on new biotechnologies are likely to be point-delivered to wildlife populations using devices such as bait stations. However, data and theory to underpin the development of strategies for such a use of bait stations are lacking.
Aims
In a large-scale replicated field trial of brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) populations, we estimated the levels of coverage achieved with bait-station grids at three densities (0.2, 0.6 and 1.0 ha–1), with and without pre-feeding, to test the predictions of an existing model of bait-station delivery based on relationships derived from leghold trapping.
Methods
We first marked possums using conventional capture–mark–recapture techniques, and then estimated population coverage by recovering animals poisoned by encapsulated cyanide delivered by the bait stations.
Key results
The two key model predictions, that 90% population coverage could be achieved at 0.6 bait stations per hectare and that pre-feeding was not required to achieve this level, were not upheld by the field trials. Instead, there was a poor fit between model predictions and observed levels of population coverage. An investigation of key model assumptions demonstrated issues with both model structure and parameterisation.
Conclusions
Neither previously documented relationships for possum interactions with leghold traps, nor correlations between possum interaction rates with such devices and bait stations, are generically applicable across all populations.
Implications
While the existing model of bait-station delivery to possums fits the data for some field operations and trials, it is not applicable to all populations. Incorporating habitat and seasonal effects on possum home-range behaviour could potentially improve model prediction. Our results also have implications for the accuracy of index-based methods of possum population monitoring that use leghold traps, such as the Residual Trap Catch Index.
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WHITWELL SARAHM, AMIOT CHRISTOPHE, MCLEAN IANG, LOVEGROVE TIMG, ARMSTRONG DOUGP, BRUNTON DIANNEH, JI WEIHONG. Losing anti-predatory behaviour: A cost of translocation. AUSTRAL ECOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9993.2011.02293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Starling-Windhof A, Massaro M, Briskie JV. Differential effects of exotic predator-control on nest success of native and introduced birds in New Zealand. Biol Invasions 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-010-9886-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Eason CT, Murphy EC, Hix S, Macmorran DB. Development of a new humane toxin for predator control in New Zealand. Integr Zool 2010; 5:31-6. [PMID: 21392319 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4877.2010.00183.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles T Eason
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Ecology, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand.
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Gillies CA. Notes on New Zealand mammals 5. How far did a neighbour's pet cat venture into Trounson Kauri Park? NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/03014220709510092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Gillies CA, Graham PJ, Clout MN. Home ranges of introduced mammalian carnivores at Trounson Kauri Park, Northland, New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/03014220709510091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Tompkins DM, Ramsey D. Optimising bait-station delivery of fertility control agents to brushtail possum populations. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2007. [DOI: 10.1071/wr05109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduced Australian brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) are a major pest in New Zealand. Alternatives to current management by trapping and poisoning are being actively explored. The most effective scenario for the deployment of fertility control vaccines is the use of bait stations to maintain possum populations at low densities following their initial knockdown from high densities using conventional control tools. However, three field trials that estimated population coverage achievable by differing station layouts using dyed baits have produced conflicting results. To assess optimal vaccine-delivery strategies adequately we need meaningful a priori expectations of the level of population coverage achievable by differing bait station layouts and densities. To this end, we collated data on field operations in which bait stations were used to deliver acute toxins for lethal control of possum populations and constructed an individual-based spatially explicit stochastic model to simulate encounter rates between possums and bait stations. The model provided a reasonable fit to the data from both the acute toxin operations and two of the three dyed-bait trials. The third trial likely overestimated typical possum movement distances. Simulating vaccine delivery in the model demonstrated that grid densities of 0.6 bait stations ha–1 are predicted to be optimal, and prefeeding may not be necessary. The model strongly indicates that the effective delivery of fertility control will not be limited by our ability to deliver vaccine baits to possums. However, the exact strategy to employ will depend on three key characteristics of any vaccine – its expense relative to existing tools, its longevity in the field, and its efficacy at reducing female breeding success.
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Parkes J, Murphy E. Management of introduced mammals in New Zealand. NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 2003. [DOI: 10.1080/03014223.2003.9518346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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