Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

New stoat poison approved

Updated at 5:04 am on 25 March 2011

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the use of a new poison to control stoats, which are one of the worst predators of kiwi.

The pest control company Connovation applied to ERMA to import and manufacture the toxin, which is known as PAPP.

Research director Charlie Eason, who's also professor of Wildlife management at Lincoln University, says the company has been working closely with the Department of Conservation and the university to adapt the poison as a ground-control for pests.

While the initial target is stoats, he says the aim is to use it to improve the control of other mustelids such as ferrets and weasels, and feral cats as well.

PAPP still has to be registered by the Food Safety Authority.

Copyright © 2011, Radio New Zealand