Alternatives to 1080 Poison for Control of Native Animals in Tasmania: A Response to Public Concerns

Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) has been used in Tasmania for control of introduced rabbits since the early 1950s and for the native Bennett’s wallaby, Tasmanian pademelon, and brushtail possum for almost as long. Recently, public pressure has resulted in a target to phase out the use of 1080 by 2015. In 2005, the Australian and Tasmanian Governments announced funding for a program to assist in the development of alternatives to 1080. Following an initial independent review in 2006, research and demonstrations focussed on fencing and barriers; shooting, trapping and behavioural research; alternative toxins and delivery mechanisms; repellents; and damage / control relationships. The most positive outcomes from the program were increased understanding of the complexity of the Tasmanian browsing damage problem and the need to measure and address the damage, rather than count the numbers of animals culled. For those agricultural producers who had used it, wallaby-proof fencing was thought to be the most effective long-term control option, despite the increased costs of materials and maintenance. Fencing is not suitable for all situations, including most forest production areas; it is not a stand-alone control option, as it must be accompanied by culling at construction and over time. Shooting is the second-most-important method of control, and there is scope for improvements in effectiveness through better practices and equipment. Trapping can be useful in some areas but it is expensive, and current traps will not catch Bennett’s wallabies. Repellents have not proven to be effective, and further developmental work is required before Feratox® can be recommended for safe use in Tasmania