The winter season of 1080 poison drops are about to start in the hills around us. There is great controversy over the practise in New Zealand, , unfortunately i think both sides of the debate are correct, if we dont use the poison there is no real viable alternative and the introduced predator species will decimate the bird population, but using the poison the ecosystem will probably be adversely affected long-term from the knock-on effects. In any case its an inhumane death and pets will be at risk around here in prime dog-walking country for the next 6 months if they find poisoned carcasses. .
It's always a controversial debate, no matter what side of the fence you sit. We have just recently had a 'Wild Dog Bait' around the area where I work. Apparently the poison that is used is based on a component found naturally in much of flora that the native fauna has a high tolerance too!!! They also time the baiting for when many of the lizards have gone to sleep for winter.
Interesting story that very few people know about here. We have similar problems with wolves and bears that had disappeared long ago but had recently reintroduced for the sake of wilderness. However now shepherds found their stocks killed and even hikers are afraid of venturing far from the beaten paths. No decision has been made yet, because there is great passion on both sites
Wouldn't it be nice if both sides would work together to make the best of a bad situation. Like patrolling the walking areas for dead carcasses before a bet finds it. But it is easier to gripe than do something. So much decisiveness in the world lately. Need to model after us on 365. We do not encourage ugly behavior.
I learn more about the world via 365. I've never heard of 'poison drops', but just the phrase alone betrays controversy. It would be nice to eventually live in a global world in the sense that the same creatures now exist on all continents and maybe it is time to accept that. But, then, unique biodiversity gets sacrificed. Ah, conundrum.
@365street yup, that is the problem, although they have done research and development into the delivery system for the poison baits, there is still by-kill. it is to target possums, rats and stoats mainly... all introduced into the new zealand ecosystem by misguided humans, their populations exploded because there were no natural predators and they are huge threat , amongst other things, to the native flora and fauna.
Difficult. I am glad I don't have to make such decisions. The term poison drop is certainly very emotive, but then it is what it is. It will be a hard time for all the pet owners.
What a terrible dilemma I think because neither way is the best answer. We have badgers here that it is claimed infect cattle with TB - it is very arguable whether it is true or not but the government in the last few years has introduced controlled culls where licensed people go out and shoot so many of them. We also have a problem here with some birds that were released in the UK they have no predators and are spreading all over the place and also the grey squirrel which was introduced here and is killing our native red squirrel.
July 4th, 2017
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thought you could have another go at it