Bait aggregation to reduce cost and toxin use in aerial 1080 baiting of small mammal pests in New Zealand

Abstract

Simply by modifying bait distribution patterns, spatial aggregation can be used to maintain the high encounter rate of pests with 1080 bait that is necessary for operational efficacy, while reducing current toxin usage by up to 80%. Aggregated bait delivery could have relevance for other mammalian pest control scenarios internationally.