10. Pest management

Question 1

Learning Objective 1: History of NZ Conservation

Overview of NZ Conservation History
Conservation Act 1987
Wildlife Control Act 1953
Biosecurity Act 1993

Answer 1

Overview of NZ Conservation History
NZ boasts a robust history of conservation.
Efforts focus on safeguarding native biodiversity.

Conservation Act 1987
A pivotal legislation emphasizing indigenous species protection.
Upholds habitat conservation as well.

Wildlife Control Act 1953
Act aimed at managing wildlife populations.
Part of NZ’s early conservation endeavors.

Biosecurity Act 1993
Managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Governs actions against invasive species.

Question 2

Learning Objective 2: Regulatory and Organizational Framework

Department of Conservation (DOC)
Biosecurity Act 1993
Eradication Decision Process

Answer 2

Department of Conservation (DOC)
Operates under Conservation Act 1987.
Focuses on native species and ecosystem protection.

Biosecurity Act 1993
Managed by MPI to combat invasive species.
Enables pest management strategies.

Eradication Decision Process
Decisions based on benefit-cost analysis.
Determines feasibility and justification.

Question 3

Learning Objective 3: Tools for Control and Eradication
Island Eradications
Fenced Mainland Islands
Hunting as Pest Control
Biological Control
Trapping Strategies
Toxins for Control

Answer 3

Island Eradications
Over 700 islands cleared of pests.
Successful in protecting threatened species.

Fenced Mainland Islands
Mainland islands fenced for pest protection.
Restoration efforts thrive in these areas.

Hunting as Pest Control
Hunting used for pest management.
Limited effectiveness for certain species.

Biological Control
Introduction of predators, parasites, and pathogens.
Reintroducing wolves in Yellowstone as an example.

Trapping Strategies
Trapping for low-density pest control.
Social attraction tactics enhance trappability.

Toxins for Control
Use of toxins like 1080.
1080 disrupts Krebs cycle for targeted pest control.

Question 4

Learning Objective 4: Behavioral Ecology in Pest Management
Role of Behavioral Ecology
Optimizing Hunting and Trapping
Behavioral Insights in Biological Control
Effective Pest Management

Answer 4

Role of Behavioral Ecology
Behavioral research crucial in pest management.
Guides decisions on feasibility and strategies.

Optimizing Hunting and Trapping
Behavioral insights enhance hunting and trapping.
Social attraction and preferences improve efficacy.

Behavioral Insights in Biological Control
Pest behavior affects control agent effectiveness.
Understanding interactions informs control methods.

Effective Pest Management
Behavioral ecology refines pest management.
Utilizes species behavior for strategic advantage.