Delay the 1080 poison drop

There have been four interesting articles printed in the Daily News recently regarding predator poisoning and biodiversity.

They included Matt Rilkoff’s editorial outlining the beneficial spin-off for the region if we, as adults, can inspire young school children to take on the biodiversity challenge and continue with the predator control programmes that will make a difference to the bird life in our region.

Also, Mounga Taranaki head Sean Zieltjes outlining their strategy to rid the Kaitakes and then the Pouakais of predators, including the use of 1080 poison during March and April.

Unfortunately, with many tracks still to be cut to place the traps on, regional council staff are a long way from having the perimeter of the park pest free, hence the 1080 poison will fail, as reinfestation will occur.

I say, delay the 1080 poison drop until all the traps for the park are in place and the perimeter is rodent free. Then we will have the best possible chance of containing predators. If a second drop of

1080 is required, it will almost certainly wipe out moreporks, falcons, robins, tomtits etc, the native birds and insects we are trying to save.

Dr Fiona McQueen opposing 1080 poison is interesting to say the least. Her claim is that nature finds a solution to imbalances in its own time and human intervention is unlikely to be successful.

I find that hard to argue against. The $47 million for Taranaki alone for five years is a great deal of money. Will the funding continue at this level for all provinces?

Can New Zealand afford to be predator free? The SPCA has withdrawn support for the use of

1080. The agony suffered by animals when poisoned by 1080 is not in dispute. I applaud the SPCA for their change.

Rob McGregor

Oakura