This programme has three research aims, with the first and largest focussing on the cost-effective management of rabbits. Because of the waning effectiveness of RHD, many farmers are now spending considerable sums of money aerially applying 1080 or pindone poison. Our research is testing a range of sowing applications that could reduce the cost and the amount of toxin applied per hectare by more than 50%. The second research aim is focussed on determining the extent to which anticoagulant residues are being accumulated by harrier hawks (as an indicator of anticoagulant “leakage” into the environment), and more specifically gaining a better understanding of the residue profile of pindone poison in rabbits. The third aim is focussed on determining whether genetic resistance to anticoagulants has developed in any rat populations in New Zealand as it has overseas.
This programme has three research aims, with the first and largest focussing on the cost-effective management of rabbits. Because of the waning effectiveness of RHD, many farmers are now spending considerable sums of money aerially applying 1080 or pindone poison. Our research is testing a range of sowing applications that could reduce the cost and the amount of toxin applied per hectare by more than 50%. The second research aim is focussed on determining the extent to which anticoagulant residues are being accumulated by harrier hawks (as an indicator of anticoagulant “leakage” into the environment), and more specifically gaining a better understanding of the residue profile of pindone poison in rabbits. The third aim is focussed on determining whether genetic resistance to anticoagulants has developed in any rat populations in New Zealand as it has overseas.