Possum control extended at Kelson Bush
The very successful Kelson Bush possum control programme is to be extended north, starting in September 2004, to incorporate Kaitangata Crescent, Winstone Quarry land, and the head of Speedys Stream. This extended area will form a link between the Dry Creek block of Belmont Regional Park and Speedys Reserve, both of which have also been receiving possum control.
The area of Kelson Bush that has been undergoing possum control since 2000 is on Hutt City Council and private land in the area surrounded by Gurney Road, Hebden Crescent, Winstone Quarry and the suburban area of Kelson.
The existing Kelson Bush programme has resulted in very low numbers of possums in the area, enabling native trees to regenerate and creating a safe place for native birds to breed, said Greater Wellington biosecurity officer Glen Falconer.
By extending the programme we will create a continuous block of possum control by linking the three areas. This will be of huge benefit to the native species in the area, as well as to neighbouring suburban gardens.
All bait used in the extended control program will be in bait stations or bait bags, placed at regular intervals and stocked with fast acting toxins, including potassium cyanide (Feratox) and cholecalciferol cereal pellets (Campaign). Brodifacoum (an anti-coagulant poison in cereal pellet form) and kill and leg hold traps will be used in areas where possum numbers are lower. All toxins pose low secondary poisoning risks.
The bait bags are stapled high in trees or inside bait stations. All bait will be contained to prevent access by non-target species.
Potassium cyanide can be fatal to humans if inhaled or swallowed and will only be used in the remote parts of the operation where public are not likely to access.
Once possum numbers have decreased significantly we will follow up with a maintenance program to keep possums at low levels, which will involve refilling all existing bait stations with a slower acting toxin on a three monthly cycle, said Mr Falconer.
Mr Falconer advises that care must be taken with young children and dogs.
Greater Wellington has strict safety operating procedures. Although every care is taken and the methods used present low levels of risk to the public and their pets, people should adhere carefully to precautions and warning signs. Do not take children in to areas treated with cyanide and do not touch or handle the traps, bait or bait stations. Warning signs will be posted at access points to all public land being treated.
Dogs most at risk are those that scavenge dead animals and are allowed to roam unsupervised. Owners should have control of their dogs at all times in targeted areas. Mr Falconer warns owners to keep their dogs on leads, stay on formed tracks and not to let them scavenge dead animals in the newly targeted areas. If dogs eat whole or part of a dead possum carcass or bait they should be taken to a vet immediately, he said.
If you suspect poisoning seek medical or veterinary help immediately. All vets, medical practitioners, schools, sports clubs and other relevant organisations in the area will be notified of this operation in advance.
Greater Wellington is also asking for help from adjoining landowners and occupiers to reduce possum populations.
Please contact Greater Wellingtons Upper Hutt depot if you would like a bait station or a trap on your property or if possums are visiting you or you have seen them in the control area, said Mr Falconer.