Testing the repellent efficacy of a newly stabilised formula of d-pulegone on wild kea to assess potential for use during aerial poisoning operations
The Nationally Endangered kea (Nestor notabilis) is one of five endemic New Zealand bird species for which non-target mortality from consumption of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) pellet baits, used to control invasive mammals, has been recorded. Kea by-kill varies among operations, but reducing predators can deliver population-level benefits that outweigh the risks. Inclusion of bird-specific repellents within the bait matrix is possible, provided that target species (possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and ship rat (Rattus rattus)) kills remain high.