Out-of-control rabbit populations are commonly targeted with Pindone poison-treated carrots, but for the first time Clutha District Council (CDC) contractors are containing the bait in purpose-built cages to reduce risk for visitors and non-target animals.
"The cages are made of steel mesh, with small cutouts around the bottom to allow rabbits in to feed [and] reduce access for non-targeted species," council deputy chief executive Jules Witt said.
"Where ... large-scale ‘scatter’ Pindone applications present too high a risk with the level of public visitation ... The cages are a way to rapidly control rabbit numbers through poison, where the risk to public and pets is significantly reduced by being contained within the cages."
Pindone carrot bait is recommended during winter months when food is scarce.
Plain orange, non-poisoned carrots are used to get rabbits comfortable with the cages as a food source before poisoned bait is laid out.
Affected rabbits generally die in their burrows, but on-site signage warns visitors — especially dog walkers — to beware of carcasses in the open, as well as the green-dyed carrot bait.
"Whether the cages become a regular feature of this programme is dependent on the success of the operation in Waihola," Mr Witt said.
"The impact on the rabbit population as well as feedback from Waihola locals will affect how this type of control will be used in future."
The council learned of the cage-bait system from an Otago Regional Council programme in Moeraki.
"I wouldn’t have thought a rabbit would go in there, but the carrots are getting cleaned up," Lake Waihola Holiday Camp manager Mike Michelle said.
