Poisoning
Poisoning is a cost effective method of protecting agricultural crops, pasture, and tree seedlings.
Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is a naturally occurring poison approved for use against most browsing animals, although Pindone also may be applied in the case of rabbits (warren ripping and fumigation should follow poisoning to maintain low rabbit populations).
1080 is used in agriculture in Australia and overseas for the control of native and exotic animals. The Tasmanian forest industry used 5.5kg of 1080 in 2003. In contrast, New Zealand (where possums are in plague proportions) used 2 tonnes.
1080 can only be used under strict Government supervision; permits are required and the supervising official administers dosage. A permit is obtainable only if significant damage is occurring or is likely to occur, where other controls have proved ineffective, and there is limited likelihood of danger to non-target animals. About 600 permits are issued each year.
1080 is a naturally occurring substance that is biodegradable and does not bioaccumulate. No long-term impacts are apparent from the selective and carefully controlled use of 1080 after 50 years of use in this State.
Since bait concentration was set 20 years ago at the low level of 0.014%, there has been no record of bird deaths. Most non-target native mammals have resistance conferred by their size, food preferences, 1080 tolerance, or preference in habitat. However, Tasmanian bettongs are vulnerable.
A permit holder must give at least four working days notification of their intent to lay 1080 to all adjoining land owners and to those whose property boundary lies within 500m of the intended poison line. The officer supplying the 1080 must ensure that this has been done. Those notified then have four days to address their concerns with the applicant and the authorities. Poison notices must remain displayed for at least 28 days.
Annual population surveys of target species by DPIWE's Parks and Wildlife Service indicate that numbers continue to increase.
As of 31 December 2005, 1080 poison is not used in state forests.