A poisoning operation is to be carried out in the Eastern Bay of Plenty in an order to cull the number of possums and rats in the area.

Kohi Point, Mokorua and Ohope Scenic Reserve, along with the adjoining Ngati Awa Farm will be home of the operation over the next two months.

The Biodiversity Management Plan is run in conjunction with the Whakatane Kiwi Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakatane District Council, Department of Conservation and Te Runanga o Ngati Awa.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Biosecurity Officer David Paine says the poisoning operation builds on the success of work started in 2008 to intensively control pests.

'Possum densities are very low thanks to previous efforts and control work is effective, but rat populations rise quickly and so need treating annually. It's very important we maintain this form of control to help protect other native species and improve their ability to breed in this area.”

David says success will be measured when visitors to the area will be able to see and hear more birds and other native animals.

'Results from small bird monitoring during the last two years have shown a significant increase and it's hoped this can be attributed to the previous three years of intensive treatment.”
He says the poisoning operation will be similar to ones that are regularly carried out on conservation land and in other forested areas.

'This involves white bait stations permanently attached to trees with poison - cyanide for possums and pindone for rats - for about two months. These stations are regularly monitored.

'Cyanide possum bait will be placed in bait stations in the reserves and removed before the beginning of the Christmas school holidays. Rat bait will remain in bait stations through the summer period.”

Signs will be placed at all known entrances of the reserves in order to warn people of the operation.

'People visiting the reserve shouldn't touch the bait stations or any dead possums or rats that they may see.

'People shouldn't eat any meat taken from the reserve. Dogs are not permitted within the ÅŒhope Scenic Reserve, however dog owners who think their dog has eaten a carcass or part of a carcass, it should be taken to a vet immediately.”