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Otago Daily Times
23-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Domain testing ground for new pest control approach
A new rabbit poison lies under a cage at the Waihola domain. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON A new approach to pest control is under way at Waihola's lakeside domain. Out-of-control rabbit populations are commonly targeted with Pindone poison-treated carrots, but for the first time Clutha District Council (CDC) contractors are containing the bait in purpose-built cages to reduce risk for visitors and non-target animals. "The cages are made of steel mesh, with small cutouts around the bottom to allow rabbits in to feed [and] reduce access for non-targeted species," council deputy chief executive Jules Witt said. "Where ... large-scale 'scatter' Pindone applications present too high a risk with the level of public visitation ... The cages are a way to rapidly control rabbit numbers through poison, where the risk to public and pets is significantly reduced by being contained within the cages." Pindone carrot bait is recommended during winter months when food is scarce. Plain orange, non-poisoned carrots are used to get rabbits comfortable with the cages as a food source before poisoned bait is laid out. Affected rabbits generally die in their burrows, but on-site signage warns visitors — especially dog walkers — to beware of carcasses in the open, as well as the green-dyed carrot bait. "Whether the cages become a regular feature of this programme is dependent on the success of the operation in Waihola," Mr Witt said. "The impact on the rabbit population as well as feedback from Waihola locals will affect how this type of control will be used in future." The council learned of the cage-bait system from an Otago Regional Council programme in Moeraki. "I wouldn't have thought a rabbit would go in there, but the carrots are getting cleaned up," Lake Waihola Holiday Camp manager Mike Michelle said.
Otago Daily Times
18-07-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Rabbit control set to begin
Carrots laced with poisoned bait will be laid before a shooting operation starts to cull wild rabbit numbers on Cape Wanbrow, including areas near the penguin colony and Waterfront Rd, in Oamaru and at two sites in Hampden in late July and August. Last year, the Otago Regional Council issued a notice to reduce rabbit numbers on Cape Wanbrow. In a statement, the Waitaki District Council said this year it had decided to be "proactive in its pest control" to reduce the rabbit population again. Rabbit control work will also be carried out at the Hampden Cemetery and a forestry block to the south of Hampden, near Worcester St. The council spokesperson said there are high numbers of rabbits in these areas that cannot be controlled with night shooting alone. Council officers will also be engaging with leaseholders of council land to ensure pest control takes place elsewhere in Hampden. A spokesperson said the rabbit control programme has two main stages, first Pindone-laced carrot bait will be placed in the areas for control. The control work will involve two drops, a week apart (with a third if required), using hand-laid carrots coated with Pindone, deposited in areas where rabbits are most active. The council statement said residents and the community will be informed of dates for night-shooting well in advance. Property owners in the area will be provided with letters detailing the work to be done, and maps of where the rabbit control will take place. The council advises people and animals should not touch the baits and dogs should be kept on a leash at all times in the operation areas as Pindone is poisonous to people and animals. The rabbit control operation starts on July 28 and runs through August. — APL
