Kahurangi National Park was suffering declining populations of native snails.  In 1997 a major aerial 1080 targeting was undertaken. Pre-1080, there were 54 snails found on a 500sq m grid. One year after 1080 was applied, 147 snails were found on the same plot.

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Researchers found that aerial 1080, applied in the Silver Peaks region in Otago, shows that the pre-fed 1080 operation at Silver Peaks had no negative effect on the robins, 1080 knocked the possum and rat numbers down to almost zero, and robins’ experienced relatively high breeding success when predator numbers were low.

Silver Peaks (Aerially applied 1080 site)

• All banded birds alive 16 days after the 1080 operation
• 67 per cent of monitored nests at the site successfully produced at least one fledgling. 

Silversteam (control site)

• All monitored birds in the control site were re-sighted
• Only 8 per cent of monitored nests successfully producing at least one fledgling.

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The South Branch of Hurunui, Hawdon and Eglinton valleys all had substantial populations of mohua.  All three populations declined during the 1990s and all collapsed to very low levels during a rat and stoat plague over the 1999-2000 season.  After a comprehensive pest control programme, including aerial 1080 application in 2006 mohua are now abundant in areas that received treatment but have declined elsewhere.

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In a study on the breeding success of New Zealand falcons in a pine plantation over three breeding seasons, it was found that New Zealand falcon numbers in the Kaiangaroa Forest increased from 20 to 36 pairs following aerial and ground 1080 control.

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Prior to a 1990 possum eradication programme using 1080, Rangitoto Island's pohutukawa forest was dead and dying. Rangitoto is now a blaze of healthy pohutukawa, flowering throughout the summer.  Monitored bird life records show that since possums were eradicated there are 10 times more tui and silvereye living on the island. Honey production on the island pre-1080 possum control was 7kg per hive. One year later it rose to 25kg per hive, and two years later it was 50kg per hive.

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Nationwide studies show that on average only 5% of kiwi chicks survive to adulthood.  Prior to an aerial 1080 application in Tongariro Forest in 2001, 32 kiwi chicks were radio-tagged. After the 1080 programme, 40% of the radio-tagged chicks survived to adulthood.

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In Pureora Forest Park 20 kaka were radio-tracked in an area to be treated with aerial 1080 in 2001.  In nearby Waimanoa Forest, which was not to be treated with 1080, nine kaka were radio-tracked. In the area where 1080 was used, all 20 birds survived that season. Of the nine birds tagged in the untreated area, five were killed by predators that same season.

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In total, 73 kaka have been radio-tagged and monitored through four 1080 drops.  In two studies they were monitored for a year afterwards.  Every single bird lived.

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