Research and Development
Highlights at the
Centre for
Wildlife Management
and Conservation
January to December 2011 our platform for 2012.
Page 2
Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation launch
page 3
Highlights from our research in 2011
page 5
New toxins and registrations
page 6
MSI (formerly FRST) programmes update
page 8
Pest control for the 21st century
page 9
Completing the arsenal for possum and tuberculosis control
page 11
Collaboration with communities
page 13
Priorities for 2012
page 14
Latest news
page 15
Projects, PhD and MSc news
page 16
Publications, conferences and presentations
page 18
Journal publications in 2011
page 19
Conference proceedings
page 19
Accepted or ‘in press’
page 21
Internal and contract reports within Lincoln University, Connovation Ltd
and collaborators
page 21
Presentations, workshops and conferences
page 22
Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation
page 25
The meaning behind our logo
page 25
Centre staff
page 26
Postgraduate students
page 26
Key collaborators
page 27
The Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation
is up and running at Lincoln University
August 2011 saw the official launch of the Centre for
Wildlife Management and Conservation (CWMC), with
the Hon Dr Nick Smith, then Minister for the Environment,
as guest of honour. A variety of people attended the
event, including regional council representatives,
members of our Industry Advisory Group (IAG) and NgaMatapopore and key agencies involved in conservation
and wildlife management. Held at Lincoln University,
the launch was especially timely as we were able to
showcase several new products, including PredaSTOP®
paste for stoats and ZaP® possum paste, both of
which were approved by the Environment Protection
Agency (EPA) prior to the launch of the Centre.
Professor Ian Shaw discusses research findings with Dr James Ross.
The Centre for Wildlife Management and Conservation aims
to deliver breakthroughs in the management of introduced
pests and to enhance conservation efforts both within New
Zealand and internationally. The Centre focuses research
efforts and teaching to deliver the next generation of tools
to better protect native animals and plants from mammalian
pests, improve ways in which to conserve threatened
species, and to better equip people to deliver and use
those tools. We aim to enhance conservation efforts within
New Zealand and internationally by delivering new ways of
controlling introduced pests.
Hon Dr Nick Smith, then Minister for the Environment,
guest of honour at the CWMC launch at Lincoln University,
congratulating Professor Charles Eason and the research
team involved in the registration of PredaSTOP®.
We are a collaborative venture, linking researchers from
Lincoln University and its commercial partner Connovation
Ltd, with Auckland University of Technology, Otago
University, University of Auckland, Plant and Food Research,
the Department of Conservation and Lincoln Ventures
Ltd, as well as local communities, Ma-ori and pest control
professionals. It is hoped that our collaborative approach will
lead to new and effective methods for controlling introduced
pests, which in turn will benefit conservation. Six themes of
research and learning being advanced within the Centre were
consolidated in 2011, namely:
• New toxins in advanced delivery systems
We are researching new toxins and baits with improved
safety, low residue risk and welfare as primary goals.
At the same time we are developing a resetting multi-kill
delivery system to achieve long-term suppression of pest
populations in a cost-effective way.
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• Animal pest control without toxins
This research is focused on maximising the effectiveness
of single-set traps and developing and testing new multikill traps.
• Advanced animal monitoring and species recognition
We are currently trialling a range of non-invasive
monitoring tools to help clarify animal numbers and
population characteristics. New molecular techniques
and engineered systems should greatly enhance the way
in which animals can be monitored and increase our
knowledge of animal behaviour.
Members of the IAG and Nga- Matapopore attending
the Centre opening.
• Linking with communities
In order to achieve effective pest control, we endeavour to
keep professionals and communities up-to-date with the
latest technical advances and research. Ma-ori communities
are an important focus, providing early feedback that
influences our designs and what tools are developed.
• Delivery of local eradication and low population densities
of multiple pests
We are integrating spatial ecology and behavioural
responses of invasive species with knowledge of the
cost-effectiveness of control tools to help establish best
practice techniques for the appropriate sequence of new
and existing tools for long-term sustained pest control.
• Success and succession
We hope to inspire through teaching and research, a
new generation of motivated students to increase our
knowledge of animal behaviour and take conservation
to a new level in New Zealand and internationally.
Duncan MacMorran, CEO of Connovation Ltd, talking about his vision
for new products and the links to research at Lincoln University.
Page 4
Highlights from
our research in 2011
We have successfully registered paraaminopropiophenone (PAPP), the first toxin to be
registered for animal pest control for 30 years and
the only one with welfare as a primary consideration.
It carries a reduced risk of secondary poisoning for
non-targets and has an antidote.
Zinc phosphide (new to New Zealand) was approved by
the EPA on 1 August 2011 for possum control.
Our research has shown sodium nitrite may be a new
humane poison for possums.
New discrete toxin delivery systems have been
significantly advanced for stoat, weasel and possum
control to complement advances in toxin registrations.
The first steps in species recognition research and
monitoring techniques have been successfully completed.
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New toxins and registrations
The research team at Lincoln University assisted Connovation
Ltd in 2011, with six new products achieving registration.
Two new toxins, para‑aminopropiophenone (PAPP) and
zinc phosphide, were approved for predator and possum
control respectively. This is a significant achievement and
represents many years of research work. It is exciting to know
that our products have reached the stage where they can be
utilised by pest control professionals and community groups
involved in conservation. In line with our mission statement,
toxins such as PAPP are particularly humane, which is
important when they will be used for feral cats as well as
stoat control. A summary of the registrations, including the
extension of Feratox® for wallaby control, is given below in
Table 1. In addition, progress was made in the advancement
of sodium nitrite as a new toxin, particularly with regard
to the generation of additional data on the environmental
fate and non-target toxicity. Work on registration dossiers
for cholecalciferol and coumatetralyl (C+C) continued in
2011 and this should be completed in 2012. Our focus is
now shifting to adoption and refinement of best practice for
these tools to achieve animal pest control targets, TB vector
management and conservation gains (see Table 2).
Few groups, nationally or internationally, have the breadth
of skills to take research on new toxins and delivery systems
‘over the line’ - a lengthy process requiring approval by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agricultural
Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Group. Hence
the registration of each product represents a significant
research and contract milestone.
Table 1 New registrations achieved in 2011
Product
Comments
PredaStop® PAPP
paste for stoats
EPA public notification step was completed in February 2010. EPA Evaluation and Review (E&R)
based on our dossiers was completed early in 2011.
Registration of the trade name by the ACVM Group-MAF was finalised in April 2011, following
confirmation of EPA approval.
ZaP® possum paste
EPA publicly notified this application in June 2009. During 2010 technical issues were clarified.
The EPA (E&R report) was received in November and our response to the draft was filed in
January 2011.
Registration of the trade name by the ACVM Group-MAF was finalised in August 2011, following
confirmation of EPA approval.
Low dose (0.4%)
cholecalciferol
paste
An application to the EPA for approval of this paste was submitted in late 2010 with approval
confirmed early 2011.
RatAbate® solid
cereal diphacinone
bait
An application for a RatAbate® solid cereal block was prepared in 2010 and was approved by the
ACVM Group-MAF for registration in September 2011.
Feratox® for
Bennett’s wallabies
Feratox® was registered for possum (1997) and Dama wallabies (2009). Filing of the application for
Bennett’s wallabies to the ACVM Group-MAF was initiated in 2010 after field trials with Environment
Canterbury, resulting in registration in October 2011.
PredaStop® PAPP
paste for feral cats
Following registration of PAPP paste in April 2011, we filed chemistry and manufacturing, toxicology,
efficacy, welfare and residue dossiers to support PAPP registration for feral cat control with
associated reports and publications. Final ACVM Group-MAF PAPP paste registration for feral cat
control was achieved in November 2011.
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The ACVM group-MAF registration was achieved in August 2011.
Table 2 Products to advance in 2012
Product
Comments
Sodium nitrite as a
new VTA
NZFSA and EPA applications for a paste formulation were submitted in August 2010. EPA sought
additional information on non-target susceptibility and fate in the environment. New information
was generated and submitted to EPA in 2011. Further research results will be filed with the EPA early
in 2012.
Cholecalciferol and
Coumatetralyl (C+C)
Early in 2010, an application was prepared and independent data assessors identified a number of
technical issues and data gaps. Work in 2010/11 addressed these issues and we are redrafting our
dossiers to resubmit the application in 2012.
PAPP is approved
A high point of 2011 was the registration of
para‑aminopropiophenone (PAPP). It is the first new
vertebrate toxin to be registered anywhere in the world
for 30 years, and the only one with welfare as a primary
concern. It represents the first of a new class of active
ingredients that are relatively humane and have a low risk of
bioaccumulation. PAPP has several benefits: it is fast-acting,
killing stoats and feral cats within approximately 60 minutes
rather than hours, carries a reduced risk of secondary
poisoning for non-target species and has an antidote.
The development of PAPP, which works as a red blood cell
toxin (similar in effect to carbon monoxide poisoning), took
10 years from concept to registration. The research through
to commercialisation process was overseen in New Zealand
by Professor Charles Eason from Lincoln University, Dr Elaine
Murphy from the Department of Conservation, and Duncan
MacMorran of Connovation Ltd. Our collaborators in Australia
working within the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research
Centre (IA CRC) based in Canberra hope to have PAPP
registered to target their primary introduced predators, wild
dogs and foxes, later this year or early in 2013.
The New Zealand EPA had the following to say when
approving PAPP: “Field trials have demonstrated that PAPP
is particularly effective against stoats, which are estimated
to kill up to 70 percent of kiwi chicks in the wild. Compared
to other approved vertebrate toxic agents, PAPP is a more
humane poison. It carries a reduced risk of secondary
poisoning and the availability of antidotes means there
are reduced risks of irreversible adverse effects to
non-target species”.
PAPP has been approved for control of stoats and feral cats,
tradename PredaStop®, and research now focuses on a
resettable, long-life delivery system, called the Spitfire. This
delivers PAPP in the form of a paste on to the animal’s fur,
which it ingests as it grooms itself. The devices have had
some success, and perfecting the technology is an area of
ongoing pen and field research (see below).
PAPP is not toxic to rats, another important predator of kiwi
chicks, and research continues to find new chemicals that
can be formulated into a PAPP-like rodenticide. So far we
have identified one that shows promise (see PAVP, page 9).
Zinc phosphide (ZP)
Another success for CWMC was seen in August, when zinc
phosphide paste was approved for use as a new possum
control agent in New Zealand. The toxin has been used
overseas for several decades and is favoured in Australia
and the US for controlling rodents and other vertebrate
pests, because of its low risk of secondary poisoning and
lack of environmental persistence. We have developed
a micro‑encapsulated form of ZP for use in paste and, in
future, we hope to develop a solid cereal bait. The poison
is fast‑acting in possums, with clinical signs first appearing
from 15 minutes, and death after a lethal dose generally
occurring in three to five hours with low secondary poisoning
risk.
Our plans are to extend the use of zinc phosphide in both
paste and solid cereal baits for the control of rodents as
well as possums.
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Feratox® for Bennett’s wallabies
Sodium nitrite
Another registration successfully achieved in 2011 was
Feratox® for the control of Bennett’s wallabies. Feratox® is a
cyanide pellet that has been used to control possums since
1997 and Dama wallabies since 2009. In 2010, we carried
out research with Environment Canterbury to see if Feratox®
would be effective against Bennett’s wallabies - which can
(when numbers build up) cause considerable damage to
crops and pastures in the South Island. Results from a 300
hectare field trial using 200mg Feratox® pellets showed that
the poison was an effective ground-based tool for wallaby
control. Full registration dossiers were filed in 2010 and
approved in October 2011.
As sodium nitrite has a bitter taste, it needs to be
encapsulated before possums will eat it. It has been shown
to be effective at killing captive possums when mixed into
cereal and paste baits at 10% concentration. Research at
present is focusing on sodium nitrite use in ground-control
operations where baits are put into covered bait stations
using standard ground baiting methods. As at late 2011, field
trials have had mixed results with good percent kills with
paste in initial trials and then mixed results with solid baits.
Problem solving research will intensify in 2012 to improve the
palatability and field-life of sodium nitrite bait for possums.
The paste bait, as it is now, is very effective on feral pigs.
Toxic bait in especially designed excluder bait stations will
be useful for pig control where shooting and dogging is not
easily undertaken, and where farmers are having problems.
The risks and benefits of sodium nitrite use for control of
introduced mammals were reviewed by the New Zealand
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in 2010/11. The EPA requested
further information on the fate of sodium nitrite in the
environment and its toxicity to birds. Further research has
been completed in 2011 on these environmental questions.
Dossiers will be re-submitted to the EPA in 2012 so that
registration can be advanced.
Low dose cholecalciferol (LDC) and
diphacinone
A new bait containing 0.4% cholecalciferol, instead of 0.8%,
has been shown to be as effective at killing possums as the
higher concentration. This bait has been introduced to try
and keep costs down as cholecalciferol is a comparatively
expensive active ingredient when compared with other
vertebrate toxins. New diphacinone solid baits are very
palatable to rodents and provide an alternative to the paste
form of RatAbate®.
MSI (formerly FRST) programmes update
In February 2011, the Foundation for Research, Science and
Technology (FRST) and the Ministry for Research, Science and
Technology merged to become the Ministry of Science and
Innovation (MSI). We currently have two MSI programmes:
‘Pest Control for the 21st Century’ (PC21) and ‘Completing
the Arsenal for Possum and Tuberculosis Control’ (CAPTB).
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The research in these programmes is being led by Professor
Charles Eason, Dr Helen Blackie, Dr Shaun Ogilvie, Dr James
Ross, Dr Des Smith and Dr Shona Sam with co-leadership
roles from Dr Elaine Murphy, Department of Conservation,
(DOC) and Duncan MacMorran, CEO, Connovation Ltd.
Pest control for the 21st century
This six-year programme, which began in October
2009, targets predators of kiwi and other native birds,
specifically stoats and rodents. The objectives are
as follows:
• Improvement of bait technology
• Development of new and humane toxins
• Development of delivery systems for long-term
suppression of predator populations.
Baits and lures
In 2011, work continued to find a long-lasting and palatable
bait for rodents. Dr Shona Sam carried out numerous bait
trials with non-toxic bait, looking at weathering and rate of
consumption. In November, results of a six-month trial using
cereal baits with four long-life coatings showed promising
results for PVB-ethanol and shellac-coated baits. These
stayed palatable to both rats and mice up to four months.
In 2012 we will try double-coated bait and attempt to extend
the bait life further.
In research led by Plant and Food Research collaborators
and Dr James Ross, stoat lures have been identified (using
gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) in the volatile
compounds in chicken eggs, and the largest peak comes
from aldehyde. This compound can be synthesised and
we will test the attractiveness of this for stoats in 2012. In
addition to this, we will also test chicken eggs with a longlife coating to determine how long they remain attractive
in the field. Finally, we have started developing fake eggs
(combined with scent lures) as a lure for kill traps or more
passive control for trap-shy predators. Both the fake and
long-life eggs have potential for use with PAPP, and may
prove to have advantages over conventional baits for
neophobic stoats.
P-aminovalerophenone (PAVP)
shows promise
In the pursuit of methaemoglobin (MtHb) inducing PAPP-like
rodenticides P-aminovalerophenone (PAVP) remains the
most potent compound tested in rats so far. PAVP has been
shown to have an approximate oral LD50 of 40-50mg/kg.
The University of Auckland chemists collaborating within
this programme tried in 2011 to build on PAVP in search
of that elusive 20% or so step up in in vivo potency using
two approaches: the synthesis of PAVP ‘prodrugs’ and new
analogues. It was thought that using a pro-drug, which is
converted in the rat’s liver to the lethal PAVP, would allow
more to be ingested prior to the onset of poisoning and
thereby increase the toxicity of PAVP. Taste masking of PAVP
is an alternative approach being pursued by Connovation Ltd
to enable rats to ingest more toxin.
CORMs rodenticides
Progress has been made in synthesis and toxicity testing of
carbon monoxide releasing molecules (CORMs). Research
at the University of Otago focused on: 1) the synthesis of
pegylated CORMs with amine and amide functionality to
further increase water solubility, and 2) further evaluation
of the rate of CO release for the most promising CORMs.
Compounds are not yet suitable for in vivo testing due to
sub-optimal water solubility and this is being addressed as a
priority. Carboxihaemoglobin concentrations of around 50%
will need to be achieved to kill rats, and research in 2012 will
determine if this is achievable.
Natural toxins
Dr Shaun Ogilvie and Cheri van Schravendijk’s work with
Tutin has progressed well with monthly sampling of the
plants successfully completed. Monthly sampling has shown
the highest concentration of Tutin is in new shoots with
concentrations of 3.7mg/g dry weight. An estimated 100g of
new shoots would kill 2000 mice. Experimental work with
Tutin in rodents and possums is planned for 2012.
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Fine-tuning of Spitfire technology
The Spitfire is a resettable toxin delivery system initially
developed by Connovation Ltd for the control of stoats. When
a stoat passes through the tunnel, it receives a dose of a
paste containing PAPP on its fur, which it later grooms off,
ingesting the poison. The tunnel then resets itself ready for
the next stoat to enter. Prototypes were developed in 2010
and after a few tweaks were ready to be tested in the field in
January 2011.
Since then more fine tuning of the Spitfire has been
undertaken, assisted by the arrival in July of Dr Des Smith
working together with Dr Helen Blackie. New units were
manufactured by Paul Aylett and Duncan MacMorran. Lincoln
Ventures Ltd engineer Paul Riding has made some additions
to the stoat Spitfires to allow time/date and length of time
an animal enters the tunnel to be recorded. Further testing
refinements continued throughout the year and these will
continue in 2012 parallel to gaining further field experience.
The first field trials took place at a Department of
Conservation site in the Blue Mountains, West Otago,
with 40 tunnels positioned in areas of high stoat densities.
We used camera traps and video monitoring to observe
animal behaviour around the traps. Results of the first trial
showed that the wild stoats would enter the tunnels and
trigger the paste delivery system. Findings from the trials
enabled further improvements of the delivery system and
resetting technology.
Pen and field testing of these resettable
systems will continue in 2012.
Feral cat Spitfire trial in the pipeline
A prototype has been developed in Auckland, and will be
sent to Lincoln University in 2012 for evaluation by Dr Des
Smith. Dr Steve Lapidge (IA CRC) visited Connovation Ltd to
arrange for units to be pen tested on foxes and feral cats in
Australia, at the Victoria DPI Frankston facility as part of the
Lincoln University collaboration.
A stoat smiles for the camera.
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Completing the arsenal for possum and tuberculosis control
This five-year programme began in October 2010, and
is working towards creating a toolbox for cost-effective
possum and multi-species control. The themes are:
• To research and develop new toxic baits for rodents
and possums
• The development of resetting delivery systems for
possums, and species recognition technology
• Smarter application of existing tools and collaboration
with Ma-ori, communities and pest control professionals
to achieve practical and realistic outcomes.
Sodium nitrite as a vertebrate
toxic agent (VTA)
Sodium nitrite (SN) is commonly used (in small amounts) in
the food industry as a meat preservative. When ingested in
high doses by mammals it is a red blood cell toxin, depriving
the nervous system of oxygen, causing drowsiness and
a rapid death. It has many of the advantages of cyanide
and has a simple antidote. It has been the focus of much
research at CWMC for its use controlling possums. In the last
12 months we have made further steps towards achieving
registration.
In March, we carried out a study of the risks of SN secondary
poisoning to dogs and cats within research conducted for
the Animal Health Board Inc. Caged possums were poisoned
with bait containing SN and the carcasses offered to dogs
and cats as their only food source. Eight dogs and cats
were presented with a whole possum carcass. There were
minimal effects on the dogs and no effects on cats, so the
risk of secondary poisoning is very low compared with other
vertebrate pesticides.
MAF-NZFSA approved microencapsulated sodium nitrite
paste (BAIT-RITE) for possums in August, but as described
on page 8, the EPA HS1 application remains on hold until we
supply sufficient bird toxicity and bait decay data. Further
bird toxicity research is planned in 2012. On submission of
a report on SN persistence in bait and soil, our registration
dossiers will start to advance again within EPA.
In October 2011 a field trial using micro-encapsulated
sodium nitrite (MSN) in paste bait for possum control on a
site of approximately 500 hectares was completed under
the direction of PhD student Lee Shapiro. The site southeast of Rotorua had a residual trap catch (RTC) of 17% and
a post-monitoring found the possum RTC to be 6%; this is
a reduction in possum abundance of 65%. The reduction is
less than that previously reported in two possum field trials
with MSN, (approximately 80%). The possible reasons for the
lower than anticipated reduction in the possum abundance
include very high rat numbers, the timing of the trial, and the
formulation and palatability of the bait.
We now have the professional guidance of an additional
encapsulation expert, Dr Craig Bunt, from Lincoln University.
Under Dr Bunt’s direction Lee Shapiro has carried out
electron microscopic analysis of our existing MSN. Working
with Paul Aylett and Duncan MacMorran, they intend to
improve the micro-encapsulant coating. This should provide
greater resilience and improved consistency in performance.
Further field trials are to be scheduled for winter 2012.
Solid bait formulation
Efforts continued in 2011 to formulate effective solid cereal
bait containing sodium nitrite and zinc phosphide, again
with co-investment by the Animal Health Board Inc. Paul
Aylett in Auckland, tested several methods of encapsulation
in numerous different bait matrices. Whilst microencapsulated SN is effective in paste, stabilising SN in solid
baits has proved tricky.
Multi-species baits containing
micro-encapsulated zinc phosphide (MZP)
In November, Dr Shona Sam and Dr James Ross ran a large
captive trial with rats and mice assessing MZP efficacy.
Caged rats and mice were given a no-choice test of microencapsulated zinc phosphide (0.15%) within a multi-species
paste and extruded cereal pellet with excellent results. Field
trials are being planned for June 2012 so MZP baits can be
used to control both possums and rodents.
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Resetting toxin-delivery systems
In May, a simulated toxic paste trial carried out on 24
possums showed that a toxic dose would be licked off by
possums when sprayed on to the abdomen. This led to two
new designs for the possum ‘Spitfire’, developed by Duncan
MacMorran, Connovation Ltd, with assistance from Professor
Olaf Diegel of Massey University (formerly at Auckland
University of Technology) with a new ‘hood’ to ensure the
correct body orientation.
Dr Helen Blackie in the field.
The possum Spitfire with new hood attached. The lure is
placed at the top so that the paste is sprayed on the possum’s
abdomen. These systems successfully exclude non-targets and
allow discrete and safe toxin delivery.
Species recognition
Working in partnership with Auckland University of
Technology and Lincoln Ventures Ltd, Dr Helen Blackie
continued her work with species recognition systems in
2011. Monitoring animal populations is an important aspect
of wildlife management and conservation. When attempting
to eradicate a pest species it is crucial to know whether any
targeted individuals remain, as stopping control programmes
too early means failure to eradicate, whilst continuing for
too long adds unnecessary expense. A reliable and efficient
monitoring technique that can distinguish between different
species is invaluable.
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This research programme involves a collaboration of
engineers, designers and ecologists who are researching
and developing new tools for automatically distinguishing
between different animal species. These techniques can then
be used to monitor pest or threatened animal populations
in the wild, with systems recording species, date and time
of interaction. These systems use electronic technology to
analyse animal footprints, gaits, stride-lengths etc and then
assign it to a species class. Systems can be left out in the
environment for extended periods of time (>1 year) without
servicing and can remotely transmit data to researchers or
community groups. A new tool with these capabilities will be
cost-effective compared to current labour intensive methods.
Collaboration with communities
A key partner in the research strategy of the CWMC is the
national Ma-ori advisory and advocacy group known as NgaMatapopore ‘The Watchful Ones’. Nga- Matapopore is chaired
by Mr James Waiwai (Tuhoe, Ngati Ruapani). This group was
set up two years ago by Dr Shaun Ogilvie and Professor
Charles Eason to more closely link pest management science
with Ma-tauranga Ma-ori, and help ensure the Centre’s pest
management solutions are appropriately integrated with
Ma-ori cultural aspirations. Nga- Matapopore has had four
hui, with the most recent being held at Puketeraki Marae,
Karitane, in mid-December (see page 22).
As Chair, Mr James Waiwai, points out it is important
to move hui around the country to allow for hau kainga
from different areas to listen in and participate with the
discussions as they see fit. Nga- Matapopore talks included
updates from programmes on-the-ground, including the Kiwi
Recovery programme at Lake Waikaremoana and the Tuhoe
Tuawhenua forestry management strategy. Through the
ongoing collaboration with Nga- Matapopore we hope to build
the capacity of the research team to understand
Ma-tauranga Ma-ori, and to help ensure proposed solutions
are appropriately integrated with Ma-ori cultural aspirations.
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Priorities for 2012
There are three priorities for 2012. Firstly, helping pest
control professionals and communities gain experience
with, and adopt some of the new tools and toxins registered
in 2011, notably PAPP and zinc phosphide for predator and
possum control. Secondly, pressing ahead with a suite of
new developments and registrations covered in Table 3 and
thirdly, linking our research on invasive species control with
monitoring and recovery of endangered species.
Table 3 Summary of the new product and registration pipeline
Type
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
Products that
contain vertebrate
pesticides already
in use in New
Zealand
Zinc phosphide
1.5% paste
extended from
possums to
rodents
C+C solid cereal
bait for possum
control
C+C solid bait
for multi-species
control of
possum, rats,
mice and rabbits
Diphacinone +
Cholecalciferol
(D+C) paste
bait for multispecies control of
possum, rats, and
mice
D+C solid bait
for multi-species
control of
possum, rats,
mice and rabbits
LDC possum
paste extended
from possums to
rodents
Zinc phosphide
solid cereal baits
for possums and
rodents
Long-life predator
baits
Zinc phosphide
paste and solid
baits for rabbits
High dose
diphacinone for
rodents
PAPP for ferrets
New Zealand
registrations of
new vertebrate
pesticides +
delivery systems
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Sodium nitrite
for feral pigs and
possums
Predator and
resetting toxin
delivery systems
Rat and multispecies tunnels
Possum resetting
delivery systems
for toxins and TB
vaccines
New set-andforget bait
stations
Tutin for possums
Norbormide
registered for rats
Latest news
CWMC researchers received a Ministry of Science and
Innovation Technology Transfer Voucher in early 2012 to
help a private company (Ashland Investments Ltd) with
their development and testing of new pest control tools.
This is a two-year project with researchers undertaking
testing, modifications and field trials of new devices.
In another exciting development, the Centre has formed
a collaboration with the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust
(www.forestlifeforce.org.nz/), which will allow Lincoln
University staff and students to undertake wildlife
research projects on the Trust’s land. The Forest Lifeforce
Restoration Trust was established in 2006 to provide
direction and funding for the restoration of threatened
species of fauna and flora, and to restore the ngahere
mauri (forest lifeforce) in native forests owned by Simon
Hall within the Central North Island. This collaboration
provides many fantastic research opportunities for those
associated with the Centre.
In addition new toxins and baits will be trialled on rabbits
in 2012 in collaboration with a national MAF-led rabbit
co-ordination group (RCG).
Page 15
Projects, PhD and MSc news
New monitoring and control tools
Possum communities
In May 2011, Shona Sam was awarded her PhD. The title
of her thesis was ‘New monitoring and control tools to
simultaneously control possums, rats and mice in New
Zealand’. Dr Shona Sam joined the Centre team part-time
at the start of 2011 where she is progressing rodent and
multi-species control tools. Dr Sam is also investigating the
potential of non-toxic control tools - in particular the use
of trained dogs to detect the presence of low density pests
- and is currently training a dog to track stoats to their den
sites for specific and localised control.
In March, CWMC PhD candidate Belinda Whyte (supervised
by Dr James Ross and Dr Helen Blackie) completed her
first field season examining differences in possum home
ranges before and after control. The results of her work
are extremely promising and should provide important
information to better inform management approaches and
our understanding of the spread of bovine tuberculosis. From
September through to December, Belinda Whyte, Dr James
Ross, Dr Helen Blackie and Dr Jamie Mackay carried out
further fieldwork at a second site (a 15-hectare pine forest
fragment in Whitecliffs, Selwyn District). Sixteen possums
were collared and their movements monitored. The data will
be analysed in 2012. Changes in possum movements at a
third site in Hororata will be monitored from January to April.
Audio lures for possums
Matt Kavermann (supervised by Dr James Ross and Dr Adrian
Paterson) has been conducting experiments with sound lures
for possums. Using beeps, begging calls of native birds and
distress calls of other prey species such as rabbits, he has
been luring possums to specially designed camera traps.
The aim is to find a noise that reliably attracts possums to
self-setting bait stations, so enabling long-term efficient
control of the pests. His latest trial at Malvern Hills, Selwyn
District, had mixed results. While possums initially found
more audio lured bait stations sooner, the result was short
lived with possums finding every site over the 10-night trial.
The possums at the site also showed a reluctance to take
baits, instead focusing their activity on the WaxTags® beside
the bait stations. This was an interesting result that Matt will
explore further in 2012 when he compares the sensitivity of
WaxTags® and Chew Cards with and without audio lures in
low to medium density possum populations.
Dr Jamie MacKay (University of Auckland)
collars a possum.
Page 16
Discovering new red blood cell toxins
Improving possum traps
Daniel Conole, a PhD student under the supervision of
Professor Margaret Brimble, Dr David Rennison (University of
Auckland) and Professor Charles Eason, has made significant
progress along the course of his project ‘The Toxicodynamics
of MtHb Inducers’. The aim of this research is to design,
synthesise and bioevaluate PAPP-like red blood cell toxins,
targeting high priority pests, in particular rodents. So far 76
compounds have been synthesised and tested in vitro in red
blood cell suspensions for their MtHb-inducing properties.
A further 10 novel compounds were selected and their
synthesis scaled up for in vivo evaluation, developed from
design concepts such as PAPP-like analogues, benzocaine
bioisosteres and PAVP-like pro-drugs. The most potent toxin
identified to date is approximately 4 times as toxic to rats as
PAPP and has an LD50 ~40mg/kg, which is close to the target
potency for a new rodenticide.
Tim Sjoberg (supervised by Dr James Ross and Dr Helen
Blackie) has drafted his MSc proposal which will look at:
1) possum behaviour around bait stations so a trap can be
designed that more effectively guides them towards the
trigger, 2) the optimal placement of the trigger in a possum
trap, and 3) how to weight a bait station lid to exclude
non‑targets. At the time of going to print Tim’s proposal was
being reviewed by Dr James Ross.
Lee Shapiro comenced his PhD early in 2011 and his trials are
described earlier on page 11.
Toxins in native plants
PhD candidate Cheri van Schravendijk (supervised by Dr
James Ross and Dr Shaun Ogilvie) continues to research
the feasibility of Tutin as a potential possum control
agent, with advice from Ma-ori and Cawthron Institute
analytical chemists. Research has focused on the different
concentrations of Tutin found in different parts of the Tutu
plant in different seasons. Toxicity testing for possums and
rats is planned in 2012.
Postgraduates take home the prizes
Three of our postgraduates gained prizes last year. At Lincoln
University’s Postgraduate Conference in September, Cheri
van Schravendijk (Native choices for vertebrate pest control
- Identification of native plant toxins and the role of ta- ngata
whenua partnerships in their design and application for
pest control) received third prize for her faculty; and Matt
Kavermann (Progressing the possum pied piper project) was
awarded first prize for his faculty. Belinda Whyte (Changes
in the movement patterns of possums following population
reduction) was awarded first prize for her faculty in the
Lincoln University three-minute Th3sis competition.
Page 17
Publications,
conferences and
presentations
Page 18
Journal publications in 2011
Conference proceedings
• Blackie HM, Russell JC, Clout MN (2011) Maternal influence
on philapatry and space use by juvenile brushtail possums
(Trichosurus vulpecula). Journal of Animal Ecology;
80: 477-482.
• Blackie HM, Eason CT, MacMorran D, Woodhead I, Diegel
O, Murphy E (2011) New initiatives in predator control
tools. Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest
Conference, Sydney, (Saunders G and Lane C, eds), 147.
• Clapperton K, Maddigan F, Gillies C, Murphy E (2011)
Diet of predators in Nothofagus forest, Nelson Lakes
National Park. DOC Research and Development Series 328.
Wellington: NZ Department of Conservation, 12pp.
• Blackie HM, Eason CT, MacMorran D, Woodhead I, Diegel O
(2011) Advances in species recognition and small animal
monitoring. Proceedings of the 25th International Congress
of Conservation Biology, Auckland.
• Dilks P, Shapiro L, Greene T, Kavermann MJ, Eason
CT, Murphy EC (2011) Field evaluation of paraaminopropiophenone (PAPP) for controlling stoats
(Mustela erminea) in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal
of Zoology; 38: 1, 1-8.
• Blackie HM, Woodhead I, Diegel H, MacMorran D, Shapiro
L, Murphy E, Eason CT (2011) Integrating ecology and
technology to create innovative pest control devices.
Proceedings of the 8th European Vertebrate Pest
Management Conference, Berlin, 152-153.
• Eason CT, Miller A, Ogilvie SC, Fairweather A (2011) An
updated review of the toxicology and ecotoxicology of
sodium fluoroacetate (1080) in relation to its use as a
pest control tool in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of
Ecology; 35: 1, 1-20.
• Broome K, Murphy E, Cunningham C, Eason CT (2010) New
Zealand’s use of brodifacoum in eradication efforts and
current investigation of new baits and toxins. Proceedings
of 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento, (Timm RM
and Madon MB, eds), published at University of California,
Davis, 172-177.
• Keye C, Roschak C, Ross J (2011) Summer home range size
and population density of great spotted kiwi (Apteryx)
in the north branch of the Hurunui River, New Zealand.
Notornis; 58: 22-30.
• Ogilvie SC, van Schravendijk C, Ataria J, Doherty J, Waiwai
J (2011) Tutu: a toxic NZ plant with promise as an animal
pest control tool. Te Putara; 22, 5.
• Ross JG, Hix S, Guilford G, Thompson S, Shapiro L,
MacMorran D, Eason CT (2011) Effectiveness of cyanide
pellets for control of Bennett’s wallaby (Macropus
rufogrisea rufogrisea) in New Zealand. New Zealand
Journal of Zoology; 38: 2, 185-188.
• Shapiro L, Ross JG, Adams P, Keyzer R, Hix S, MacMorran D,
Cunningham C, Eason CT (2011) Effectiveness of cyanide
pellets for control of Dama wallabies (Macropus eugenii).
New Zealand Journal of Ecology; 35: 3, 287-290.
• Bowie M, Kavermann M, Ross JG (2011) The Quail Island
story - thirteen years of multi-species pest control:
successes, failures and lessons learnt. In: Veitch CR, Clout
MN, Towns DR (eds) Island Invasives: Eradication and
Management. Gland, Switzerland: International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 157-161.
• Conole D, Brimble M, Rennison D, Tingle M, Eason CT
(2010) Toxicodynamics of MtHb inducers. Proceedings of
the 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento, (Timm
RM and Madon MB, eds), published at University of
California, Davis, 108-114.
• Eason CT, Blackie HM, Ross JG, Shapiro L, Ogilvie SC,
Murphy E, Hix S, Henderson R, MacMorran D (2011)
Research, development and registration of new toxins
and alternative delivery systems. Proceedings of the
15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney,
(Saunders G and Lane C, eds), 144.
• Eason CT, Henderson R, Murphy E, Shapiro L, MacMorran
D, Blackie HM, Ross J, Brimble M, Conole D, Rennison
D, Gibson T, Gregory N (2011) Retrieving and retaining
older and advancing novel rodenticides - as alternatives
to anticoagulants. Proceedings of the 8th European
Vertebrate Pest Management Conference, Berlin, 19-20.
• Eason CT, Ogilvie SC, Ross JG, Murphy E, Henderson R,
MacMorran D et al (2010) Trends in vertebrate pesticide
use and new developments: New Zealand perspectives
and international implications. Proceedings of the 24th
Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento, (Timm RM and
Madon MB, eds), published at University of California,
Davis, 91-96.
Page 19
• Eason CT, Murphy E, Ross JG, Hix S, Arthur D, MacMorran
D, Broome K, Fairweather A (2011) Diphacinone and
coumatetralyl persistence in deer and implications for
wildlife management. Proceedings of the 8th European
Vertebrate Pest Management Conference, Berlin, 146-147.
• Ross JG, Eason CT, Ogilvie SC (2010) Cost effectiveness
and efficacy of ground-control techniques for pest control
in New Zealand. Proceedings of the 24th Vertebrate Pest
Conference, Sacramento, (Timm RM and Madon MB, eds),
published at University of California, Davis, 349-352.
• Gibson TJ, Gregory NG, Quy RJ, Eason CT (2011) Welfare
assessment of fatal methaemoglobinaemia in adult
rats. Proceedings of the 8th European Vertebrate Pest
Management Conference, Berlin, 148-149.
• Ross JG, Sam S, Blackie HM, Shapiro L, MacMorran
D, Aylett P, Tucker N, Razzaq H, Eason CT (2011) The
development of a light-weight, long-life diphacinone
rodent bait. Proceedings of the 8th European Vertebrate
Pest Management Conference, Berlin, 156.
• Lapidge S, Wishart J, Staples L, Eason CT, MacMorran
D, Fagerstone K, Witmer G, Campbell T, Eisemann J
(2011) Protecting agriculture and threatened species
internationally through the use of a human food
preservative. Proceedings of the 15th Australasian
Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney, (Saunders G and
Lane C, eds), 142.
• MacKay JWB, Murphy EC, Anderson SH, Russell JC, Hauber
ME, Wilson DJ, Clout MN (2011) A successful mouse
eradication explained by site-specific population data.
In: Veitch CR, Clout MN, Towns DR (eds) Island Invasives:
Eradication and Management. Gland, Switzerland:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
198-203.
• MacKay JWB, Murphy EC, Russell J, Hauber M, Clout
M (2011) Experimental mouse invasions to determine
biosecurity best practice. Proceedings of the 15th
Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney,
(Saunders G and
Lane C, eds), 37.
• Murphy EC, Shapiro L, Hix S, MacMorran D, Eason CT
(2011) Control and eradication of feral cats: field trials
of a new toxin. In: Veitch CR, Clout MN, Towns DR (eds)
Island Invasives: Eradication and Management. Gland,
Switzerland: International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN), 213-216.
• Ogilvie SC, Miller A, Ataria JM, Waiwai J, Doherty J
(2010) Uptake of the vertebrate pesticide 1080 (sodium
fluoroacetate) by watercress, a culturally-important food
plant. Proceedings of the 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference,
Sacramento, (Timm RM and Madon MB, eds), Published at
University of California, Davis, 104-107.
• Ogilvie SC, Sakata K, Paterson A, Ross JG, Eason CT (2011)
Identification of individual possums from bite marks.
Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest
Conference, Sydney, (Saunders G and Lane C, eds), 170.
Page 20
• Sakata K, Ogilvie SC, Paterson A, Ross JG, Eason CT
(2011) CSI New Zealand: identification of species and
individual possums from bite marks. Proceedings of the
15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney,
(Saunders G and Lane C, eds), 205.
• Sam S, Ogilvie SC, Paterson A, McIlroy J, Eason CT (2010)
Determining if white-flash and infrared-flash camera
traps have different capture rates at bait stations for the
brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Proceedings of
the 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento, (Timm
RM and Madon MB, eds), published at University of
California, Davis, 380-383.
• Shapiro L, Eason CT, Murphy E, Dilks P, Hix S, Ogilvie SC,
MacMorran D (2010) Para-Aminopropiophenone (PAPP)
research, development, registration and application for
humane predator control in New Zealand. Proceedings of
the 24th Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sacramento, (Timm
RM and Madon MB, eds), published at University of
California, Davis, 115-118.
• Shapiro L, Eason CT, Arthur D, MacMorran D (2011)
Secondary poisoning risks for dogs eating possums killed
with sodium nitrite. Proceedings of the 15th Australasian
Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney, (Saunders G and
Lane C, eds), 160.
• Statham M, Eason CT, Statham HL, Shapiro L, MacMorran
D (2010) Feratox® as a humane control agent for wallabies
in Tasmania. Proceedings of the 24th Vertebrate Pest
Conference, Sacramento, (Timm RM and Madon MB, eds),
published at University of California, Davis, 119-214.
• Whyte B, Ross JG, Blackie HM (2011) Changes in
possum spatial behaviour following a control operation:
implications for conservation and bovine tuberculosis
management. Proceedings of the 15th Australasian
Vertebrate Pest Conference, Sydney, (Saunders G and
Lane C, eds), 169.
Accepted or ‘in press’
• Collins KE, Doscher C, Rennie HG, Ross JG (in press) The
effectiveness of riparian ‘restoration’ on water quality: A
case study of lowland streams in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Restoration Ecology.
Internal and contract
reports within Lincoln
University, Connovation Ltd
and collaborators
• Hix S, Aylett P, Sharpiro L, MacMorran D, Eason CT, Ross JG,
Ogilvie SC, Miller A (in press). Low dose cholecalciferol bait
for possum and multi-species control. New Zealand Journal
of Agriculture.
• Eason CT, Murphy E , Shapiro L, MacMorran D (2011) The
toxicity of a combination of diphacinone and very low
concentrations of cholecalciferol in rats and possums.
Connovation Report, 6pp.
• Eason CT, Ross JG, Blackie HM, Fairweather A (accepted)
A review of the toxicology and ecotoxicology of zinc
phosphide in relation to its use as a pest control tool in
New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Ecology.
• Eason CT, Ross JG, Blackie HM, Ogilvie SC (2011) New
toxins and tools for rabbits: alternatives to 1080 and
pindone - what and how? Lincoln University Report for
Envirolink, 13pp.
• Smith DHV, Moehrenschlager A, Christensen N, Knapik
D, Gibson KW, Converse SJ (accepted) Archive eggs: a
research and management tool for avian conservation
breeding. Wildlife Society Bulletin.
• Gentle M, Eason CT, MacMorran D, Aylett P, Aster A (2011)
Development of cyanide for feral pig and fox control:
Research 2005-2010. Invasive Animal CRC Report, 68pp.
• Winburn IC, Gunatunga K, McKernan RD, Walker RJ,
Sammut IA and Harrison JC (2012). Cell damage following
carbon monoxide releasing molecule exposure:
Implications for therapeutic applications. Basic and
Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology.
• Ross JG (2011) Green deer repellent use on RS5 cereal
pellets. Lincoln University Report, 4 pp.
• Sam S, Ross JG (2011) The efficacy of diphacinone 0.005%
within a novel paste block bait on caged Norway rats
(Rattus norvegicus). Lincoln University Report for AHB,
11pp.
• Shapiro L, Aylett P, Hix S, MacMorran D, Eason CT (2011)
Secondary poisoning risk for sodium nitrite bait used for
possum control. Connovation Report, 11pp.
• Shapiro L, MacMorran D, Aylett P, Eason CT (2011) Sodium
nitrite (SN) for the field control of possums. Connovation
Report, 14pp.
• Shapiro L, Ross JG, Eason CT (2011) Completion of acute
toxicity to chickens by oral gavage versus eating possum
bait. Connovation Milestone Report, 1p.
• Sam S, Ross JG (2011). The efficacy of zinc phosphide
(1.5%) within two bait types, on caged Norway rats (Rattus
norvegicus) and mice (Mus musculus). Lincoln University
Report, 18pp.
• Sam S, Ross JG (2011). The efficacy of diphacinone 0.005%
within a noval paste block bait on caged mice (Mus
musculus). Lincoln University Report, 11pp.
Page 21
Presentations, workshops and conferences
Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs
(DEFRA) Project Advisory Group (PAG), Royal Veterinary
College, London, 11 January.
Eason CT, Gibson T, Gregory N. Welfare assessments and
progress on the development of novel rodenticides.
Environment Waikato Council, Hamilton, 8 January.
Eason CT et al. Development of alternatives to 1080.
Presentation with Roger Lorrigan/ Penny Fairbrother,
Rotorua, March.
Ross JG. Sodium nitrite as a candidate for aerial application.
Animal Health Board, Wellington, 9 April.
Eason CT, Blackie HM, Duncan M. Product development
research and registration.
Blackie HM and Eason CT. MSI research at Lincoln University.
Lincoln University, 28 April.
van Schravendijk C. Toxins in native plants and Ma-tauranga
Ma-ori.
Environmental Risk Management Authority, Wellington, 10
May.
Eason CT. Product development research and registration:Striving to advance possum and predator control.
MAF/Rabbit Coordination, Lincoln University, 18 May.
Eason CT, Hix S, Ross JG. Alternatives to 1080 and pindone
for rabbit control.
Three Minute Th3sis Competition, Lincoln University, May.
Whyte B. Changes in the movement patterns of possums
following population reduction. Received first prize for her
faculty.
Nga- Matapopore meeting, Puketeraki Marae, Karitane,
23 May.
Eason CT. Striving to advance possum and predator control.
van Schravendijk C. Advancing native toxins.
Radio NZ interview, 8 June.
Professor Eason. Interviewed on the Nine to Noon
programme in response to the publication of the
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s Report on
1080.
Available online:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/
ninetonoon/audio/2490819/commissioner-for-theenvironment-calls-for-greater-1080-use
Nga-i Tahu Hazardous Substances and New Organisms
(HSNO) Committee, Christchurch, 10 June.
Blackie HM. Striving to advance possum and predator
control.
Federated Farmers High Country Conference,
Christchurch, 10 June.
Ross JG, Hix S. Alternative toxins for rabbits.
Page 22
15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference,
Sydney, 20-23 June.
• Blackie HM, Eason CT, MacMorran D, Woodhead I, Diegel
O, Murphy E. New initiatives in predator control tools.
• MacKay JWB, Murphy EC, Russell J, Hauber M, Clout M.
Experimental mouse invasions to determine biosecurity
best practice.
• Eason CT, Blackie HM, Ross JG, Shapiro L, Ogilvie SC,
Murphy E, Hix S, Henderson R, MacMorran D. Research,
development and registration of new toxins and alternative
delivery systems.
• Shapiro L, Eason CT, Arthur D, MacMorran D. Secondary
poisoning risk for dogs eating possums killed with
sodium nitrite.
• Ogilvie SC, Sakata K, Paterson A, Ross JG, Eason CT.
Identification of individual possums from bite marks.
• Sakata K, Ogilvie SC, Paterson A, Ross JG, Eason CT. CSI
New Zealand: identification of species and individual
possums from bite marks.
• Whyte B, Ross JG, Blackie HM (2011) Changes in
possum spatial behaviour following a control operation:
implications for conservation and bovine tuberculosis
management.
• Lapidge S, Wishart J, Staples L, Eason CT, MacMorran D,
Fagerstone K, Witmer G, Campbell T, Eisemann J. Protecting
agriculture and threatened species internationally through
the use of a human food preservative.
New Zealand Biosecurity Institute National Education and
Training Seminar (NETS), Auckland, 6-8 July.
• Blackie HM, Eason CT, MacMorran D, Woodhead I, Diegel
O, Murphy E. Integrating ecology and technology to create
innovative pest control and monitoring techniques.
• Eason CT, Drysdale J, Hix S, Blackie HM, Shapiro L, Ogilvie
SC, Murphy E, Henderson R, MacMorran D. Progress on
registration of new toxins and baits.
• Hix S, Shapiro L, Aylett P, MacMorran D. Sodium nitrite for
discrete pig control.
• Hix S, Ross JG, Guilford G, Thompson S, Shapiro L,
MacMorran D, Eason CT. Feratox® for Bennett’s wallabies.
• Whyte B, Ross JG, Blackie HM. Changes in possum
movement following a control operation: implications for
conservation and bovine tuberculosis management.
Animal Health Board workshop, Lincoln University, 11 July.
• Livingstone P. AHB priorities, strategies and research
focus-future priorities.
• Eason CT, Blackie HM, Ross JG, Ogilvie SC. Brief overview
of research at Lincoln University and Connovation Ltd:
MSI, PSAF, DoC and AHB contracts - Nga- Matapopore and
advisory groups.
• Whyte B. Possum movement post control.
• Kavermann M. Preliminary results - sound lures for
possums.
• Ross JG, Cruickshank R. Molecular tools for possum
identification.
• Sakata K. Identification of individual possums from teeth
marks.
• Blackie HM. Advances in species recognition, monitoring
and novel delivery systems.
• Shapiro L, Hix S, Eason CT. Presentations on sodium nitrate
welfare, cage and field trials in pigs and possums. Bait
development, antidotes, secondary poisoning and nontarget research. Solid bait research into sodium nitrate and
zinc phosphate.
• Ogilvie SC. Native toxins.
• Sam S, Ross JG. Trap initiatives at Lincoln.
• Eason CT. Overview update on toxin and bait development,
registration and future plans.
Environmental Protection Agency - Ma-ori Environmental
Management Hui at Te Papa, Wellington, 27-29 July.
• Eason CT. Alternatives to 1080.
• Doherty J, van Schravendijk C. Ma-ori concerns re 1080
and Tutin.
DEFRA-PAG Project review, Royal Veterinary College,
London, 29 July.
Eason CT. Update on the the development of RBC-based
rodenticides.
Christchurch Rotary Club, Christchurch, 9 August.
Eason CT. The 1080 poison debate.
Radio NZ interview, 12 August.
Professor Eason, Will Hynds and Kevin Ikin talked about the
merits of zinc phosphide. This was following a press release
by the Environmental Protection Agency on the registration of
zinc phosphide.
Radio interview, 14 August.
Duncan MacMorran and a reporter from the Dominion Post
on the development and potential use of zinc phosphide for
possum and rodent control in conservation.
Lincoln University Postgraduate Conference,
Lincoln, 1-2 September.
• Kavermann M, Ross JG, Paterson A, Eason CT. Progressing
the Possum Pied Piper project. Received first prize for his
faculty.
• van Schravendijk C, Ogilvie SC, Ataria K, Waiwai J, Doherty
J, Waiwai L, Flavell D, Puna R, Pere R, Paine G, Gemmell
P, Eason CT. Native choices for vertebrate pest control Identification of native plant toxins and the role of ta- ngata
whenua partnerships in their design and application for
pest control. Received third prize for her faculty.
8th European Vertebrate Pest Management Conference,
Berlin, 26-30 September.
Professor Eason was invited to chair a symposium session
and workshop with Dr Erik Smoltz from Umweltbundesamt
(Germany’s Federal Environment Agency). Professor Eason
gave two presentations alongside co-authored presentations
from Troy Gibson (Royal Veterinary College, UK), and
presentations from Dr James Ross and Dr Helen Blackie.
Symposium ‘New tools and methods: alternatives to
anticoagulants’
Plenary presentation
• Eason CT. Retrieving and retaining older and advancing
novel rodenticides as alternatives to anticoagulants.
Talks
• Ross JG. Diphacinone and coumatetralyl persistence in
deer and implications for wildlife.
• Gibson T. Welfare assessment of fatal
methaemoglobinaemia in adult rats.
• Blackie HM. Integrating ecology and technology to create
innovative pest control devices.
Poster
• Ross JG. The development of a light-weight, long-life
diphacinone rodent bait.
Workshop
Chaired by Professor Eason and Dr Erik Smoltz.
• Eason CT. Development of new rodenticides: research
perspectives.
Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) presentation, Lincoln
University, 12 October.
Eason CT. Ecotech for wildlife management.
Waitaha Symposium, University of Canterbury,
Christchurch, 28 October.
Sam S, Ogilvie SC, Paterson A, Eason CT. Using camera traps
to improve monitoring technologies for mammalian pests.
van Schravendijk C. When ‘bad’ plants are ‘good’ - the
potential value of the toxin from the native plant Tutu
(Coriaria spp.) for vertebrate pest control in Aotearoa.
Page 23
Meetings
Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, 28 October.
Eason CT. Striving for improvements in predator control.
Industry Advisory Group Meeting,
Lincoln University, 30 August.
Auckland Zoological Society, Auckland Zoo, 17 November.
Eason CT. Improvements in predator control.
Attending: Industry Advisory Group: Dr Kate Littin (MAF),
Simon Andrew (AHB), Ron Walker (AHB), Don Mackenzie
(NRC), Patrick Gemmell (EPA), John Simmons (EW), Richard
Bowman (ES), Professor Ian Shaw (University of Canterbury).
25th International Congress for Conservation Biology,
Auckland, 5-9 December.
Talks
• Allen, W. Developing a collaborative approach.
• Eason CT, Blackie HM, MacMorran D, Shapiro L, Conole D,
Rennison D, Brimble M, Murphy EC. Striving for advances
in stoat, feral cat and rodent control.
• Blackie HM, Woodhead I, Diegel O, McMorran D, Eason
CT. Advances in species recognition and small animal
monitoring.
• Smith DHV, Everest T, Moehrenschlager A. Reintroducing a
migratory raptor to the edge of its former range: are we just
feeding a sink?
• Lloyd NA, Smith DHV, Moehrenschlager A. Effects of food
supplementation on black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys
ludovicianus) at their northern extent.
• Nathan HW, Clout MN, Murphy EC, MacKay JWB. Advance,
invading hordes: an experimental island invasion.
Posters
• MacKay JWB, Murphy EC, Hauber ME, Clout MN. House
mouse research on Saddle Island, New Zealand:
population and invasion biology.
Nga- Matapopore meeting, Puketeraki Marae,
Karitane, 12-14 December.
Presentations were given under the research theme
‘Monitoring animal pests to protect taonga species’.
• Ogilvie SC, Allen W. Brief introduction to the theme.
• Eason CT. Overview of Lincoln research.
• Ogilvie SC. Camera traps - an emerging technology.
• Keisuke S. Information from bite marks, using forensics to
help protect taonga species.
• Ogilvie SC. (for Ross JG) DNA - new tools for telling us who
did what.
• Eason CT (for Blackie HM) Emerging technology: animals
and footprints.
• Hix S. Practical aspects of monitoring and control, latest
advances.
• Allen W. Communities and researchers.
Page 24
Guest attendees: Rob Phillips (TRC), James Waiwai (Chair of
Nga- Matapopore).
Research team participants: Professor Charles Eason, Dr
Helen Blackie, Dr Shaun Ogilvie, Dr James Ross, Dr Shona
Sam, Dr Des Smith, Dr Elaine Murphy (DoC), Duncan
MacMorran (Connovation Ltd ), Steve Hix (Connovation Ltd),
Professor Olaf Diegel (AUT), Dr Kay Sakata, Dr Will Allen.
ERMA
Eason CT - six meetings in 2010/11 regarding PAPP and
provision of technical information in response to questions
leading to ERMA approval of PAPP in March 2011.
Centre for Wildlife
Management and
Conservation
The meaning behind our logo
The CWMC logo was inspired by Ma-ori cultural traditions and
has been carefully designed to incorporate our key themes.
The focus is the kiwi, Aotearoa-New Zealand’s best-known
bird. The kiwi is a taonga (treasured) native species, and
in the lore of the ta-ngata whenua it is admired because it
sacrificed flight to save the forest. This same strength of
character will be needed for future conservation efforts.
The kiwi silhouette is framed within a circle, representing the
circle of life, without a beginning or end. It can also be seen
as a symbol of the broader context of New Zealand’s complex
ecosystems, which require careful management. Within the
circle there is an unfurling fern frond - the koru, a traditional
symbol seen in Ma-ori art - representing new growth, learning
and family. Stimulating new growth within our endemic
faunal and floral families, while protecting the country’s
unique and distinctive ecosystems, requires the control of
introduced pest species. Achieving this in a humane and yet
effective way is the Centre’s mission.
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Centre staff
Postgraduate students
Professor Charles Eason - Centre Director of CWMC,
Professor in Wildlife Management and Research Director
Connovation Ltd: Vertebrate pesticide toxicology; pest
control and biodiversity protection; humane low residue
poisons; delivery of new tools for animal pest control;
enabling their registration and use.
Belinda Whyte - PhD candidate - Topic: Changes in the
spatial ecology of possums due to population reduction:
implications for conservation and bovine tuberculosis
management.
Dr Helen Blackie - Associate Director CWMC: Integrating
ecological thinking with engineering and technology to
achieve conservation benefits; principal investigator;
discrete resetting toxin delivery systems for stoats, rats
and possums; new wildlife monitoring and species
recognition systems.
Dr Shaun Ogilvie - Senior Researcher:
Ma-tauranga Ma-ori and management of pest control
species; fate and effect of toxins; potential of natural
toxins for pest control; involvement of Ma-ori in pest
management research.
Dr James Ross - Senior Lecturer: Management of pest control
species in New Zealand; economic analysis of pest control;
methods for assessing wildlife population abundance and
density; trap development and assessment; molecular
monitoring technology.
Dr Ian Domigan - Senior Researcher: Trap design and
development.
Dr Ian Woodhead - Senior Researcher, Lincoln Ventures Ltd:
Electrical engineering for remote sensing and monitoring
of wildlife.
Dr Des Smith - Postdoctoral Fellow: Understanding the
ecological mechanisms behind pest control failure and
mitigating this using technological advances; threatened
species protection and management.
Dr Shona Sam - Postdoctoral Fellow: Enhancing invasive
species control through improved bait developments
and behaviour surrounding bait uptake; non-toxic control
methods for invasive species; trap development and
assessment.
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Lee Shapiro - PhD candidate and Research Manager
Connovation Ltd - Topic: The potential of sodium nitrite
as a vertebrate pesticide; research and development of
sodium nitrite in New Zealand.
Matt Kavermann - PhD candidate - Topic: Bioacoustics: using
audio lures to attract brushtail possums to bait stations.
Cheri van Schravendijk - PhD candidate - Topic: Potential of
natural toxins for pest control and Ma-tauranga Ma-ori of
native plants.
Tim Sjoberg - MSc candidate - Topic: Improving the design of
bait stations and trap triggers to increase control efficiency
and to exclude non-target species.
Key collaborators
Duncan MacMorran - CEO Connovation Ltd, Steve Hix and
Paul Aylett - Product Transfer and Development Managers,
Connnovation Ltd.
Dr Elaine Murphy - Senior Scientist, Department of
Conservation.
Professor Margaret Brimble, Dr David Rennison and Daniel
Conole - Internationally recognised research chemist,
Post-Doc Fellow Researcher and PhD student respectively,
Chemistry Department, the University of Auckland.
Dr Ivan Sammot, Dr Joanne Harrison, Dr Gregory Giles,
Professor Dave Larsen and Dr Russell Hewitt - Senior
Pharmacologists and Chemists, University of Otago.
Professor Mick Clout and Dr Jamie MacKay - Internationally
recognised ecologist and Post-Doc Fellow Researcher at
the University of Auckland.
Dr Nick Tucker and Dr Hussam Razzaq - Senior Scientists,
Plant and Food Research.
Paul Jansen - Ecological Consultant.
Ray Henderson - Pest-Tech Ltd.
Jeanette Drysdale - Registration Consultant.
Nga- Matapopore including: James Waiwai (Chair), Jim
Doherty, Glenice Paine, Rawinia Puna, Patrick Gemmell,
Donna Flavell.
Industry Advisory Group including: Professor Ian Shaw,
Dr Kate Littin, Dr Craig Gillies, Richard Bowman, John
Simmons, Ron Walker, Simon Andrews, Patrick Gemmell,
Don MacKenzie and Kevin Christie.
Research contracts exist with the following
organisations
Professor Olaf Diegel - Mechatronics and Robotics Research
Group, Massey University, Albany campus, Auckland.
Ministry of Science and Innovation
Dr Shane Inder - Creative Industries Research Institute,
Auckland University of Technology.
Department of Conservation
Animal Health Board
Dr Will Allen - Participatory action research and systems
science, Learning for Sustainability.
Dr Simon Humphrys and Dr Steve Lapidge - Senior
Scientists, Invasive Animals, CRC, Australia.
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For more information contact:
Dr Helen Blackie: helen.blackie@lincoln.ac.nz
www.lincoln.ac.nz/cwmc