A 1080 drop was carried out in the Dart, Routeburn and Caples Valleys yesterday, part of the Department of Conservation’s "Battle for our Birds".
In a public notice, Doc said the operation aimed to protect local populations of the mohua/yellowhead, kakariki/parakeet, whio/blue duck, piwauwau/rock wren and kaka.
Biodegradable 1080 poison baits were dropped over nearly 20,000ha after the area had been treated with non-toxic pre-feed bait.
"Both the pre-feed and poison operations followed stringent safety procedures and major waterways were excluded.
"Doc rangers have also inspected and cleared the poison baits from the major tracks within the operational area. All tracks and huts are now open as normal.
"People may still encounter some poison baits if visiting the Dart, Routeburn or Caples Valleys in the near future."
Warning signs were in place at all ‘‘normal access points’’ to the treatment area, in Doc huts and in camping areas.
People were advised not to touch bait, to watch children at all times, and not to consume animals from the areas where the poison was dropped or from within a 2km "buffer" zone.
Poison baits and carcasses were deadly to dogs, Doc said.
Hunters were advised to check the department’s online pesticide summary for detailed updates and warned not to take animals for eating from the buffer zone or treatment area until the caution period, expected to be about eight months from the last day of application, was lifted.
