Ohakune's park birds should benefit from possum demise
A recent possum control operation in Ohakune, using the aerial application of 1080 poison was a great success according to the Department of Conservation, Cam Speedy, manager of protected species at DoC's Turangi office said the number of possums trapped from the poison area following the poison operation indicates a highly successful result. Prior to the control operation 262 possums were
caught in 1000 trap nights. After the application of the poison only eight were caught over the same number of trap nights. This represents a 96 per cent reduction in possums. Ground control To keep possum numbers down, the Department will continue to use a number of control methods including ground trapping and poison bait stations. "It's unrealistic to expect to eradicate possums completely but now that we've
achieved such a significant reduction in numbers, it will be easier to manage their impact on the forest," Mr Speedy said. Strict conditions placed on the operation and the use of satellite navigation equipment ensured the safe application of the poison, he said. Mr Speedy said that nati ve bats have been recorded at all three monitoring sites established in the area and that 16 species of native birds have been heard or seen since the poison operation. There were no dead birds found. Forest suffers The poison area, just north of Ohakune township on the southern boundary of Tongariro National Park, was already suffering as a result of possum damage. Many canopy trees such as totara, rata and kamahi were already sick or dead. Mr Speedy said that the forest now has an excellent chance to regenerate and provide a richer habitat for an increasing number of native birds. The operation was jointly run by the Department of Conservation and the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Council. Crop and cattle farmers should also benefit from the reduced number of possums, said Mr Speedy.
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Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 12
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319Ohakune's park birds should benefit from possum demise Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 12
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