The Effects of 1080 Use in New Zealand Forest Management - Literature review Example

The Effects of 1080 Use in New Zealand Forest Management al Affiliation: Literature review, Environmental studies. The effects of 1080 use in New Zealand forest management In New Zealand, possums have significant influence on the country’s ecosystem. Because of the economic benefits of its fur, the common brush - tailed possum, known scientifically as Trichosurus vulpecula, was introduced into the country from Australia in 1837 by European settlers. In addition to boosting the fur industry, the possum also served as a wild source of food. This introduced species then experienced rapid increase in their numbers, attributed to the large amount of palatable vegetation in New Zealand, and the fact that there are few native predators. These conditions made it possible for possum s to thrive, with estimates placing their numbers to about 60-70 million in the 1980s (Montague et al, 2000). A number of issues have arisen since the introduction of possums in New Zealand, one of them being the resultant competition for food resources with other animals. Due to their large numbers, they consume plenty of native plants and animal species in the New Zealand forests and suburban areas. They prey on birds, lizards and insects, feeding on their young ones and eggs. They can also carry and transmit the Bovine Tuberculosis disease, bringing about health concerns for humans. In 1947, the government of New Zealand officially recognized the Australian brush-tailed possum as a pest. The National Possums Control Agencies (NPC A) was formed to coordinate efforts of bringing the menace under control. Methods that have been devised and applied to control possums in New Zealand include hunting, using traps and poison. These methods are environmental free. They never cause any harm to other species. Despite the controversy surrounding some of the methods, efforts to control possums have been regarded as successful. The number of possums in New Zealand reduced to about 30 million according to figures submitted to the National Possum Control Agencies conference (Landcare Research, 2009). Sodium fluoroacetate, commonly known as 1080, is the most widely used poison against pests in New Zealand according to the Department of Conservation (2014). Not only does it eradicate possums, but also other pests like stoats and rats. Aerial application is, however, indiscriminate and kills other animals such as birds, reptiles, fish, insects, dogs, deer and pigs (PCE, 2011). As a consequence, the use of 1080 has been a contentious issue since its introduction in the 1950s. Concerns raised in opposition include the negative impact on the environment and the county s wildlife. Animal rights groups have protested what they term as an inhuman e way of killing animals. On the other hand, advocates of 1080 have lauded it as the most efficient method of pest control. According to the Parliamentary Commission for the Environment, success rates range between 90-100 percent pest populations. Since the eradication of possums alone can result in increased populations of rats and stoats, 1080 is often used to eradicate all three pests at once. As an indirect effect, pests may also be killed when they feed on other animals with ingested poison. When animal consumes an infected food, it gets affected too. The success of these operations, however, is only temporary as pest populations often rebound after rapid breeding. Without regard to that, possum populations do not escalate as quickly as stoats or rats and mice, due to their much longer breeding cycles and the fact that they generally produce fewer young ones during mast seeding. Some native species of plants in New Zealand are known t o produce monofluoroacetate naturally (MacIlroy, 1992). Over time, animals in areas where these plants build up tolerance to fluoroacetate, making them less susceptible to 1080. Studies conducted on the Yellowhead and parakeet bird species have shown a positive response to aerial 1080 campaigns, with increased survival rates and as a consequence, their increased populations. 1080 is regarded as a tremendous success by the government of New Zealand and other organizations that advocate its use. With a demonstrated success rate of higher than 80%, it is the most widely used control method. It is utilized by the Animal Health Board and Department of Conservation, two of the agencies mandated with pest control and management of the environment including farmed cattle and wildlife. The most efficient way to contain pests is to eradicate them early before their populations increase and spread (Simberloff, 2003). Various agencies in New Zealand use this tactic. PCE observes that getting rid of possums when they start to repopulate helps to keep possum numbers low. Land care Research conducted a study analyzing the use of toxins and distribution of 1080 aerial baiting. In a report published in 2011, the researchers asserted that the effectiveness of 1080 can be increased by reorganizing the distribution and aggregating bait clusters. They also recommend precision aerial application of 1080 as this will reduce the use of the 1080 pesticide by 80% while still maintaining the high kill rate (Graham et al, 2012). Using this approach, relative abundance of possums dropped by 92-1 00%, from the earlier 73-100% reduction rate that was achieved by conventional aerial application. In its evaluation of the use of 1080 as a means of controlling possums, PCE acknowledges that while it is highly effective, there are concerns to be addressed just as with other pest control methods. The Department of Conservation recommends proper management of aerial operations to reduce the environmental risk. Further research is also required on the effects of 1080 and use of alternative pest control methods. Best control measures are always recommended since they reduce the risk of interfering with other species which were not intended to be eliminated. Among the positive impacts of 1080 is the fact that it is biodegradable and soluble in water, so it does not build up in the soil or the ecosystem. The fluoroacetate found naturally in some species of plants has led to some native animals around these areas to become increasingly resistant to fluoroacetate over time, making it easier to eliminate introduced animals species that become pests since they are more sensitive to 1080 (New Zealand Government-DOC, 2014). Studies into the use of 1080 have demonstrated high success rates. Because of this, lobby groups and conservation agencies advocate its continued use. However, the government recognizes that further research into the effects of 1080 is needed which will help inform discussion about contentious issues, according to the Department of Conservation (201 4). Among other recommendations to increase the effectiveness of 1080 is the careful organization of eradication campaigns. Co-ordination among the involved agencies is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of 1080 as a pest-control method. Because 1080 often kills indiscriminately, it makes it easier to get rid of possums, stoats, mice and rats all at once. These are the major pests in New Zealand, and their eradication allows native animals to thrive since there are reduced predators and competition for food resources. They destroy properties and plants creating losses to the farmers. According to Forest and Bird organization (2002), this characteristic of 1080 is one of the main reasons why efforts to conserve birds like the kiwi, kakariki and falcons have been widely successful. These birds naturally are most valuable internationally. Advocates of 1080 argue that it is a humane way to kill mammalian pests. The herbivores experience less pain since they die quickly from heart failure (Forest and Bird, 2002). This line of thinking is challenged by animal activist groups and anti-1080 organizations, who argue that it is indeed inhumane. According to them, animals can suffer for a long time before dying, sometimes even days. This process can be painful, especially where the animals ingest low amounts of the poison and through indirect contamination. The group intended to secure the life of most animals that could get affected due to the method. The indiscriminate killing of animals by 1080 has also been pointed out as a negative effect. The pesticide may end up killing the same species of animals that it is meant to protect, include some insects, birds, reptiles, and fish. According to a study by Butts (1973), a colony of burrowing owls was affected by a 70% reduction in their population over a period of two years after ingesting contaminated grain. Because of this indiscriminate killing, non-target animals like dogs and cats are also affected. There have been concerns that 1080 may also adversely affect humans who come into contact with it. National Possums Control Agencies are active proponents for the continued use of 1080 even as the issue remains contentious. They acknowledge the role 1080 plays in eradicating possums, which carry and transmit Bovine tuberculosis. It is a primary factor why the fight against the disease has been largely successful (Department of Conservation, 2014). DOC rules that 1080 is highly beneficial in contrast to its adverse effects. Researchers have recommended other methods of controlling pests, one of which is biological control (Landcare Research, 2004). However, this method is currently not available for use and research into this method is on-going. Current regulations on pest control in New Zealand allow for the use of 1080 in national and regional pest control management plans. The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 protect the environment, health and safety of communities. This act allows for proper management of hazardous substances and pests (Ministry of Primary Industries, 2015). Other regulations that inform the use of 1080 in pest control include the Health Act 1956, and Wild Animal Control Act 1977. The pest control in New Zealand has greatly boost agricultural industries within. In conclusion, it is worth noting that different organizations and government agencies, especially those in the NCPA, hold 1080 in high regard. These groups argue that 1080 is highly cost-effective, in addition to being the most successful and safest way to eradicate possums. On the other hand, animal rights activists and other f actions opposed to the use of 1080 continue to call for a stop in the utilization of the pesticide citing the adverse effects on the environment and non-target wildlife. Even as they recommend further research into its use, they regard it as a cruel way to get rid of unwanted pests. In addition, they suggest using genetic engineering to control pests as a possible alternative to using 1080 However, research into genetic engineering as a pest control method has been slow and even ceased (Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, 2011). If proved to be more efficient than 1080, this form of biological control could be the future of pest control. It would reduce adverse effects of 1080 on the environment and non-target organisms by eradicating only the intended animal species. References Butts, K. O. (1973). Life history and habitat requirements of Burrowing Owls in western Oklahoma. M.S. thesis. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Department of Conservation, (2014). 1080 poison for pest control. Retrieved from http://doc.govt.nz/conservation/threats-and-impacts/animal-pests/methods-of-control/1080-poison-for-pest-control/ Forest and Bird (August 2002). Killing pests and saving forests. Retrieved from https://www.forestandbird.org.nz https://www.mpi.govt.nz/law-and-policy/legal-overviews/biosecurity/ Landcare Research. (2004). Biological control of possums, Maanaki Whenua. Retrieved from http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/publications Ministry of Primary Industries. (2015). Biosecurity. Retrieved from Montague, T. (2000). The Brushtail Possum: Biology, Impact and Management of an Introduced Marsupial. Maanaki Whenua Press. Nugent, G. et al., (2012). Bait aggregation to reduce cost and toxin use in aerial 1080 baiting of small mammal pests in New Zealand. Society of Chemical Industry. PCE (June 2011). Evaluating the use of 1080: Predators, poisons and silent forests. Retrieved from http://www.pce.parliament.nz/publications/all-publications/evaluating-the-use-of-1080-predators-poisons-and-silent-forests Simberloff, (2003). How much information on population biology is needed to manage introduced species? Conservation Biology. Read More