Help Save New Zealand Rooks
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
Rooks in New Zealand are being eradicated using DRC 1339 poison. Regional councils throughout New Zealand are poisoning rooks in droves.
They use Helicopter Poisoning Operations to drop DRC 1339 poison into the rook nests with sticky poisoned vaseline during the breeding season and the birds take 1 to 3 days to die after preening themselves.
Toxins build up to a lethal level with the kidneys no longer able to excrete waste products and the birds die from uremic poisoning.
- DRC 1339 Poison is also laid on the ground using poisoned bread bait lines.
- DRC 1339 is toxic to poultry.
- Livestock and pets are also at risk from eating the poisoned bait.
- Most dead rooks are found near their rookeries or near water; however in midsummer … some rooks are found dead 20kms from their rookeries.
- DRC 1339 is toxic to fish and water invertebrates.
- Some plant species are also affected by DRC 1339 Poison.
- DRC 1339 is only to be used when serious and sustained crop damage has occurred, which cannot be alleviated by other means.
- However, in New Zealand Rookeries are being poisoned simply because they are there!!
- DRC 1339 is corrosive to the skin and eyes and in a June 2008 warning is “acutely toxic”.
Can you help to save the rooks??
Email rookery@xtra.co.nz for further information as soon as possible.
Rooks were introduced to New Zealand by settling farmers, to help control the insects in their crops. They are beneficial to farmers, and are causing no harm.
Update 12/1/09
Many thanks to everyone who’s been in touch concerning this. There is some really good news to report - the original submission to Horizons has left them going back to the drawing board to review their Pest Management Policy.
Also, at the hearing, there is now more information to include, thanks to the community here at rooks.org.uk.
There’s still plenty to do, though, so do please contact Clare if you can help in any way:
rookery@xtra.co.nz