44 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Pest Animal Management Plan | Wharekirauponga Compensation Package | 30 May 2022 12.0 Targets and thresholds 12.1 Overview The proposed pest control targets for the Wharekirauponga animal pest management area (outlined in the targets and thresholds section following), are more stringent than that of Whareorino (which appears to only have threshold for rat tracking exceedance), and also includes additional key target species (including pigs, feral cats, mice, and mustelids). The comprehensive range of species targeted for control here are therefore expected to result in significant habitat enhancement gains for frogs beyond just the reduction in predation risk. The pest control targets proposed in this report are more in keeping with that used in the Hunua Ranges KMA, where significant benefits were observed for both native frogs and other sensitive species (Baber et al., 2009; Baber et al., 2008). 12.2 Targets and thresholds Management targets in pest control relate to the “maximum allowable residual pest abundance targets” which allow native species to recover (Brown et al., 2015). That is, the management target for each species is the ideal goal that the control actions aim to achieve. The proposed management targets for rats, possums, and mustelids as well as the thresholds for initiating additional control measures, are based on the Chew Card Index (CCI) or camera trapping index for each target species. If monitoring identifies that the targets are not met on any single monitor, this will trigger a requirement for further control. DOC has no recommended pest control targets and thresholds for native frog recovery (an area of research which urgently needs to be addressed). The pest control targets to achieve breeding success for kokako, which are particularly sensitive to rat predation, are some of the best understood for any species (and also the most stringent). This may be an explanation for Baber’s findings regarding the success of frog recovery in the Hunuas (which incorporates the kokako management targets and also undergoes regular ungulate control). Note: some targets outlined in Table 5 are seasonal to best protect frogs when they are most conspicuous (Archey’s frogs breed from November to February, while frogs do not tend to emerge much over winter). Table 5. Summary of management targets, thresholds for initiating additional control and monitoring frequency for each target pest species within each pest control area. Pest Species Management Target Threshold Monitoring frequency Mice <5% CCI (year-round) ≥10% CCI (year-round) Before and after toxic control, four monitors per year in February, May, August, and November. Ongoing Rats <2.5% CCI (Nov-Feb); <5% (MarOct) ≥ 5% CCI (Nov-Feb); ≥10% (Mar-Oct) Possums <1% CCI and/or RTC (Nov-Feb); <5% (Mar-Oct). ≥ 5% CCI and/or RTC (Nov-Feb); ≥10% (Mar-Oct)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3