Thread: 1080

>>For a good number of years now various people/agencies have talked about using a contraceptive approach to the NZ possum problem. Yet nothing seems to have happened. Still we see millions of dollars spent on 1080 drops. The UK has taken action to eradicate grey squirrels and "The government scientists leading the research say the contraceptive, which makes both male and female grey squirrels infertile, should be ready to deploy in the wild within two years." https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62096272

WTF is the NZ government thinking in their persistent use of poison that is indiscriminate when the money could have (and still could be) spent on a contraceptive programme.
Different scenarios, UK has other endemic native mammals to consider regarding poison.<<

Though Science being Science, the information gained will be available and the UK findings could well engender cost savings for a similar effort here.

Originally Posted by MarkN

>>For a good number of years now various people/agencies have talked about using a contraceptive approach to the NZ possum problem. Yet nothing seems to have happened. Still we see millions of dollars spent on 1080 drops. The UK has taken action to eradicate grey squirrels and "The government scientists leading the research say the contraceptive, which makes both male and female grey squirrels infertile, should be ready to deploy in the wild within two years." https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-62096272

WTF is the NZ government thinking in their persistent use of poison that is indiscriminate when the money could have (and still could be) spent on a contraceptive programme.
Different scenarios, UK has other endemic native mammals to consider regarding poison.<<

Though Science being Science, the information gained will be available and the UK findings could well engender cost savings for a similar effort here.

Just remember when they start using this in pest in NZ there will be more people then hunters that will be happy to use the same program on game animals

Originally Posted by bigbear

Just remember when they start using this in pest in NZ there will be more people then hunters that will be happy to use the same program on game animals

Exactly. Be careful about what you wish for.
The same with bio-control. Species jump is a risk, as is it getting into Ausies 'possums. They would not be happy.