Kay Clapperton - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Kay Clapperton
Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 1992
To h?prove feral cat control we developed a dry pelleted toxic bait and evaluated the potential o... more To h?prove feral cat control we developed a dry pelleted toxic bait and evaluated the potential of twes. A polY?Jer fish. meal bait w.as prefened by cats fr?m a~ of bait types tested. !.-alanine further irumlased bait accepiance by cats m pen ll'l~ and catru~ may have the potential to mcrease field acceptance and target specificity. An oral LI>oo of 0.38 mg/ kg was establis.hed for sodi~ monofluoroacetate (1080) in feral cats voluntarily eating surface.loaded baits. Acute toxicity to cats of wari:ann. cholecalciferol, and gliftor was tested. However, because the cat proved highly sensitive to 1080, we recommend !IS use at a dose Of 2 mg per cat bait In preliminary field trials of bait acceptance using non-toxic polymer bait (w1!11out flav?tl!ll or atlractants), marked wilh lhe plasma ma.tker iophenol<ic acid 50% of 39 cats caught wilhin 3 weeks of laying the baits were ma.tked. Subsequently polymer bait, surfuce coated with 1080 was used in the successful eradication of feral cats from Matakohe Island (37 ha) Wbangarei Harbour, New ZeaJand.
Animals, Feb 7, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Animals, Jan 7, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2017
Birds are at risk of being poisoned during pest control operations not only through eating toxic ... more Birds are at risk of being poisoned during pest control operations not only through eating toxic baits, but potentially by preying on invertebrates that have, themselves, consumed the toxic baits. Blue baits coated with anthraquinone and/or mint-scented repellents are avoided by some bird species compared with green baits coated with cinnamon oil; however, data on invertebrate avoidance patterns have not been explored. In our first experiment, we measured consumption rates in a large invertebrate, the Auckland tree wētā (Hemideina thoracica) for carrot that had been surface-coated with three repellent formulations: anthraquinone (0.8 g kg −1) (a secondary repellent); anthraquinone (0.8 g kg −1) and pennyroyal oil (a mint-scented product which acts as a primary repellent) (0.5 g kg −1); and cinnamon oil (0.15 g kg −1) (a primary repellent), over 4 days. In a second experiment, we tested whether tree wētā preferred carrot dyed either blue or green over 2 days. Tree wētā ate similar quantities of carrot from all three of the repellent formulations tested, but consumption of all three formulations was significantly lower than the control from the third day of the experiment. Tree wētā ate less blue-dyed carrot than green-dyed carrot on both days of the second experiment, but differences were not significant (day 1, P= 0.057; day 2, P = 0.145). Our findings complement the results of previous studies on some bird species. Together they show the potential of surface-coating baits with anthraquinone and/or mint oil and dyeing them blue in pest control operations to reduce non-target avian by-kill, while not increasing the risk of secondary poisoning of insectivorous species. Our results also indicate that cinnamon oil can be used not only as a toxin mask but also as a repellent to wētā.
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, Jun 1, 2012
We recorded the responses of free-ranging house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to various concentra... more We recorded the responses of free-ranging house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to various concentrations of primary repellents and a secondary repellent. Wheat treated with either lime or neem oil was consumed by sparrows at the same rate over 24 hours as plain wheat at all doses. d-pulegone significantly reduced wheat consumption from day 1 onwards throughout the 4 days. Avex™ (containing
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1987
Individuality of pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck) calls is examined, using 10 reco... more Individuality of pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck) calls is examined, using 10 recordings ofn'yip contact calls from each of 15 birds. Field observations together with qualitative and quantitative sound analysis show that n'yip calls are individually distinct. The temporal patterning of n'yip calls also varies significantly between individuals. The relationship between temporal patterning of calls and hierarchical status is discussed.
Journal of Wildlife Management, 1996
ABSTRACT Bait shyness through conditioned food aversion (CFA) by the common brushtail possum (Tri... more ABSTRACT Bait shyness through conditioned food aversion (CFA) by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) may reduce the effectiveness of sodium cyanide (NaCN) poisoning operations in New Zealand. Thus, we compared the relative effectiveness of 2 toxins (NaCN and lithium chloride [LiCl]) in establishing CFA in this species. Once a week, for 30 minutes, we presented 27 individually caged wild possums with a novel raspberry-flavored food. Within 74 minutes of feeding they received an intraperitoneal injection of either 414 mg/kg sodium chloride, 200 mg/kg LiCl, or 4 mg/kg NaCN (weeks 0, 1, and 2), or 300 mg/kg LiCl (weeks 0 and 1). We presented flavored food alone at weekly intervals for 8 more weeks. Following the first injection, possums reduced (P < 0.05) intake of flavored food, relative to the saline control, for 2 weeks (NaCN group) or for 9 weeks (both LiCl groups). The demonstration of a NaCN-induced CFA in some possums contrasts with previous failures to establish aversions in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus), and suggests that modifications to current toxin-control practices for possums are required to limit the development of bait shyness.
Wildlife Research, 1999
We determined the precision of spotlight counts of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) and their a... more We determined the precision of spotlight counts of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) and their accuracy as estimates of density, by making counts from a motorcycle along 17 1-km transects in the Mackenzie Basin, New Zealand. Rabbits were poisoned and density per 1-ha quadrat was measured. Precision of spotlight counts would be between 528% and 639%, using impracticably large numbers of counts, even allowing for the effects of snow and heavy rain, observer bias and number of runs per night. Spatial and unexplained variance would result in even less precise counts using 25 transects and 15 nights. Actual rabbit densities explained only 41% of the variance in spotlight counts. Confidence intervals of absolute rabbit densities are extremely large, especially when observed counts are high. At best, spotlight counts could be used to detect differences in actual rabbit abundance spanning an order of magnitude or more. Observed reduction in spotlight counts is likely to underestimate reduction in actual density because the spotlight count index saturates at high rabbit density. However, spotlight counts along fixed transects before and after a control operation can be used to estimate percentage kill with acceptable precision if the kill rate is at least 80%.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, Jul 1, 1989
Nests of both common (Vespulavulgaris) and Gennan wasps (V. germanica) sometimes overwinter in Ne... more Nests of both common (Vespulavulgaris) and Gennan wasps (V. germanica) sometimes overwinter in New Zealand. Three overwintering common wasp colonies were found in low-altitude honeydew beech forest; about 2% of the colonies initiated there in 1988 survived the winter. Wasp traffic rates from nests in Nelson city and a nationwide survey of wasp abundance, showed that more German wasp than common wasp workers were on the wing in winter and spring. Gennan wasp colonies in Nelson city were more likely to overwinter than were common wasp colonies. Of the active German wasp colonies recorded in Nelson in January and February 1989, only two (4%) had previously overwintered, but these two nests accounted for 38% of all Gennan wasp workers estimated to leave nests in the area. Had other overwintering colonies not been poisoned, overwintering colonies might have accounted for up to 11 % of nests and produced up to 64% ofGennan wasp workers on the wing in January and February 1989. Overwintering common wasp colonies did not produce queens or drones in their first year or second spring, but all 10 overwintering German wasp colonies examined produced sexuals at both times.
Animal Behaviour, Apr 1, 1988
... e6~H,KB// ,KS , &amp;#x27;Own od0ur/oSK /HSo// HB,HKoAB, AKoBH,SB, AS &amp;#x... more ... e6~H,KB// ,KS , &amp;#x27;Own od0ur/oSK /HSo// HB,HKoAB, AKoBH,SB, AS &amp;#x27; 1610~80&amp;quot;t=l0&amp;quot;~6OJC0r= tn04&amp;quot;(c)SB, AS, KBI/// oKH/ BH/DKS,,,o SH/ &amp;#x27;/,~s/HKO / OSKHB,HA,SA I//AB/m oBS,BK OKA~&amp;#x27;BA,AH,AKOther od0urFigure 2 ... The males are H: Hans; B: Bandit;S: Snark; A: Ayya; K: Kupe. ...
Journal of The Royal Society of New Zealand, Mar 1, 2008
The distribution and numbers of rook nests and rookeries in Hawke's Bay,
Science for Conservation, 2006
Science for Conservation is a scientific monograph series presenting research funded by New Zeala... more Science for Conservation is a scientific monograph series presenting research funded by New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). Manuscripts are internally and externally peer-reviewed; resulting publications are considered part of the formal international scientific literature. Individual copies are printed, and are also available from the departmental website in pdf form. Titles are listed in our catalogue on the website, refer www.doc.govt.nz under Publications, then Science and Research.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1987
I examine individual recogmtlOn of crowing calls in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Tem... more I examine individual recogmtlOn of crowing calls in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck). Qualitative and quantitative acoustic analyses show that crowing calls of individual males differ, but not females. These calls do not conform to a group signature. Both sexes respond selectively to the played-back crowing calls of different male pukeko. They respond most strongly to the calls of a stranger, less to those of neighbours, and less still to those of fellow group members. Males respond more strongly and move more often towards the sound than do females. This is explained by the greater role males play in territorial defence. Individuality in crowing calls is seen as being important in territorial advertisement and in identification of individuals within an interterritorial dominance hierarchy.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1991
Wasp nests reported in Nelson city were studied between 1987 and 1990. More nests were reported i... more Wasp nests reported in Nelson city were studied between 1987 and 1990. More nests were reported in 1989 than any other year. In each year there were at least twice as many common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) as German wasp (V. germanica) nests. New-season common wasp nests had more foragers than German wasp nests in the summer, suggesting earlier successful nest initiation by common wasp queens. The rate of increase in foragers did not vary with species in
Journal of The Royal Society of New Zealand, Mar 1, 2001
Body, tail and hind foot lengths and body weights have been recorded in five recent studies (Tabl... more Body, tail and hind foot lengths and body weights have been recorded in five recent studies (Table 1). They include males shorter and lighter than previously recorded. The mean head and body lengths (total excluding anus to tip of tail) given by Baker (1989) are well beyond the range of all other studies, and are considered doubtful (J. R. Ragg, pers. comm.). The weights of females are extended at each end of the previously known range. Male and female ferrets in the semi-arid lands of the South Island were heaviest in winter, and lightest in summer (Mills 1994).
Wildlife Research, 1994
As part of a programme to improve feral-cat control and eradication techniques, various odours we... more As part of a programme to improve feral-cat control and eradication techniques, various odours were tested as candidate lures. They included food odours (fish oils), social odours (urine and its components, anal-sac secretions and commercial wild-animal lures) and plant materials (catnip, matatabi and their essential oils). Pen bioassay experiments used a preference procedure on captive feral and domestic cats to compare the time spent investigating the odours and the number of cats visiting each odour. Field trials at rubbish dumps used scent stations to assess cat activity. Catnip and matatabi were the most promising candidate lures in both the pen bioassay and the field trials. Future directions for lure developments are suggested.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1998
Aerial poisoning using Talon® 7-20 baits (active ingredient 20 ppm brodifacoum) was carried out o... more Aerial poisoning using Talon® 7-20 baits (active ingredient 20 ppm brodifacoum) was carried out on Motuihe Island, Hauraki Gulf, during the winter of 1997. The operation aimed to eradicate Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus) and to reduce rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) numbers significantly. We studied the diet of feral house cats (Felis catus) before the operation, then monitored the impact of the operation on them to determine whether secondary brodifacoum poisoning caused a reduction in their numbers. Large numbers of rabbits remained after poisoning; this and other observations suggested that insufficient bait had been applied to achieve the aims of the programme. Cat mortality, based on radio-collared animals, was 3/14 (21%). Cats on Motuihe Island appeared to eat rabbit muscle tissue in preference to internal organs; brodifacoum concentrations are lower in muscle than in liver and we suggest that rabbits may be a poorer vector than rodents for secondary poisoning of cats. We also confirmed the risk of an aerial brodifacoum application to a range of non-target bird species. Mortality of pukeko (Porphyrio p. melanotus) and paradise shelducks (Tadorna variegata) was 49% and 60% , respectively. No mortality of New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus) or variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) was detected. Twenty-nine individuals of 10 bird species (five indigenous and five introduced) were found dead after the operation and livers of all of them contained residues of brodifacoum; toxin levels averaged 0.84 µg g-1 (range 0.12-2.31 µg g-1).
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, Jul 1, 1989
Résumé/Abstract Le pillage des ruches par 2 espèces de guêpes a été étudié ainsi que les impacts ... more Résumé/Abstract Le pillage des ruches par 2 espèces de guêpes a été étudié ainsi que les impacts et les dommages occasionnés aux ruches. L'influence des guêpes commune sur l'impact des guêpes sur l'apiculture a été évaluée
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2000
We recorded the numbers of cells, and where possible distinguished between cells containing pupat... more We recorded the numbers of cells, and where possible distinguished between cells containing pupating larvae and vacated cells, from 585 paper wasp nests from the northern North Island, New Zealand, plus nest site characteristics of 540 of these nests. Nests of Polistes chinensis antennalis and P. humilis developed at similar rates in early summer. P. c. antennalis nests were larger at the Post-emergence stage than those of P. humilis, and contained more vacated cells but less capped cells. All of the P. c. antennalis nests had reached the Post-emergence stage by February in Northland, but not in the other regions. P. c. antennalis nests in the Post-emergence stage were larger in Northland than further south, and contained the most capped or vacated cells. Nests of both species were usually found in northern-facing sites. Substrate did not affect nest size. Differences between the species in nest sites included greater use of manmade structures by P. c. antennalis; the use of leaves by P. humilis only; and a higher average nest site height in P. humilis. These differences in nest site selection may reduce competition between the species.
Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 1992
To h?prove feral cat control we developed a dry pelleted toxic bait and evaluated the potential o... more To h?prove feral cat control we developed a dry pelleted toxic bait and evaluated the potential of twes. A polY?Jer fish. meal bait w.as prefened by cats fr?m a~ of bait types tested. !.-alanine further irumlased bait accepiance by cats m pen ll'l~ and catru~ may have the potential to mcrease field acceptance and target specificity. An oral LI>oo of 0.38 mg/ kg was establis.hed for sodi~ monofluoroacetate (1080) in feral cats voluntarily eating surface.loaded baits. Acute toxicity to cats of wari:ann. cholecalciferol, and gliftor was tested. However, because the cat proved highly sensitive to 1080, we recommend !IS use at a dose Of 2 mg per cat bait In preliminary field trials of bait acceptance using non-toxic polymer bait (w1!11out flav?tl!ll or atlractants), marked wilh lhe plasma ma.tker iophenol<ic acid 50% of 39 cats caught wilhin 3 weeks of laying the baits were ma.tked. Subsequently polymer bait, surfuce coated with 1080 was used in the successful eradication of feral cats from Matakohe Island (37 ha) Wbangarei Harbour, New ZeaJand.
Animals, Feb 7, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Animals, Jan 7, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2017
Birds are at risk of being poisoned during pest control operations not only through eating toxic ... more Birds are at risk of being poisoned during pest control operations not only through eating toxic baits, but potentially by preying on invertebrates that have, themselves, consumed the toxic baits. Blue baits coated with anthraquinone and/or mint-scented repellents are avoided by some bird species compared with green baits coated with cinnamon oil; however, data on invertebrate avoidance patterns have not been explored. In our first experiment, we measured consumption rates in a large invertebrate, the Auckland tree wētā (Hemideina thoracica) for carrot that had been surface-coated with three repellent formulations: anthraquinone (0.8 g kg −1) (a secondary repellent); anthraquinone (0.8 g kg −1) and pennyroyal oil (a mint-scented product which acts as a primary repellent) (0.5 g kg −1); and cinnamon oil (0.15 g kg −1) (a primary repellent), over 4 days. In a second experiment, we tested whether tree wētā preferred carrot dyed either blue or green over 2 days. Tree wētā ate similar quantities of carrot from all three of the repellent formulations tested, but consumption of all three formulations was significantly lower than the control from the third day of the experiment. Tree wētā ate less blue-dyed carrot than green-dyed carrot on both days of the second experiment, but differences were not significant (day 1, P= 0.057; day 2, P = 0.145). Our findings complement the results of previous studies on some bird species. Together they show the potential of surface-coating baits with anthraquinone and/or mint oil and dyeing them blue in pest control operations to reduce non-target avian by-kill, while not increasing the risk of secondary poisoning of insectivorous species. Our results also indicate that cinnamon oil can be used not only as a toxin mask but also as a repellent to wētā.
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, Jun 1, 2012
We recorded the responses of free-ranging house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to various concentra... more We recorded the responses of free-ranging house sparrows (Passer domesticus) to various concentrations of primary repellents and a secondary repellent. Wheat treated with either lime or neem oil was consumed by sparrows at the same rate over 24 hours as plain wheat at all doses. d-pulegone significantly reduced wheat consumption from day 1 onwards throughout the 4 days. Avex™ (containing
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1987
Individuality of pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck) calls is examined, using 10 reco... more Individuality of pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck) calls is examined, using 10 recordings ofn'yip contact calls from each of 15 birds. Field observations together with qualitative and quantitative sound analysis show that n'yip calls are individually distinct. The temporal patterning of n'yip calls also varies significantly between individuals. The relationship between temporal patterning of calls and hierarchical status is discussed.
Journal of Wildlife Management, 1996
ABSTRACT Bait shyness through conditioned food aversion (CFA) by the common brushtail possum (Tri... more ABSTRACT Bait shyness through conditioned food aversion (CFA) by the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) may reduce the effectiveness of sodium cyanide (NaCN) poisoning operations in New Zealand. Thus, we compared the relative effectiveness of 2 toxins (NaCN and lithium chloride [LiCl]) in establishing CFA in this species. Once a week, for 30 minutes, we presented 27 individually caged wild possums with a novel raspberry-flavored food. Within 74 minutes of feeding they received an intraperitoneal injection of either 414 mg/kg sodium chloride, 200 mg/kg LiCl, or 4 mg/kg NaCN (weeks 0, 1, and 2), or 300 mg/kg LiCl (weeks 0 and 1). We presented flavored food alone at weekly intervals for 8 more weeks. Following the first injection, possums reduced (P < 0.05) intake of flavored food, relative to the saline control, for 2 weeks (NaCN group) or for 9 weeks (both LiCl groups). The demonstration of a NaCN-induced CFA in some possums contrasts with previous failures to establish aversions in laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus), and suggests that modifications to current toxin-control practices for possums are required to limit the development of bait shyness.
Wildlife Research, 1999
We determined the precision of spotlight counts of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) and their a... more We determined the precision of spotlight counts of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) and their accuracy as estimates of density, by making counts from a motorcycle along 17 1-km transects in the Mackenzie Basin, New Zealand. Rabbits were poisoned and density per 1-ha quadrat was measured. Precision of spotlight counts would be between 528% and 639%, using impracticably large numbers of counts, even allowing for the effects of snow and heavy rain, observer bias and number of runs per night. Spatial and unexplained variance would result in even less precise counts using 25 transects and 15 nights. Actual rabbit densities explained only 41% of the variance in spotlight counts. Confidence intervals of absolute rabbit densities are extremely large, especially when observed counts are high. At best, spotlight counts could be used to detect differences in actual rabbit abundance spanning an order of magnitude or more. Observed reduction in spotlight counts is likely to underestimate reduction in actual density because the spotlight count index saturates at high rabbit density. However, spotlight counts along fixed transects before and after a control operation can be used to estimate percentage kill with acceptable precision if the kill rate is at least 80%.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, Jul 1, 1989
Nests of both common (Vespulavulgaris) and Gennan wasps (V. germanica) sometimes overwinter in Ne... more Nests of both common (Vespulavulgaris) and Gennan wasps (V. germanica) sometimes overwinter in New Zealand. Three overwintering common wasp colonies were found in low-altitude honeydew beech forest; about 2% of the colonies initiated there in 1988 survived the winter. Wasp traffic rates from nests in Nelson city and a nationwide survey of wasp abundance, showed that more German wasp than common wasp workers were on the wing in winter and spring. Gennan wasp colonies in Nelson city were more likely to overwinter than were common wasp colonies. Of the active German wasp colonies recorded in Nelson in January and February 1989, only two (4%) had previously overwintered, but these two nests accounted for 38% of all Gennan wasp workers estimated to leave nests in the area. Had other overwintering colonies not been poisoned, overwintering colonies might have accounted for up to 11 % of nests and produced up to 64% ofGennan wasp workers on the wing in January and February 1989. Overwintering common wasp colonies did not produce queens or drones in their first year or second spring, but all 10 overwintering German wasp colonies examined produced sexuals at both times.
Animal Behaviour, Apr 1, 1988
... e6~H,KB// ,KS , &amp;#x27;Own od0ur/oSK /HSo// HB,HKoAB, AKoBH,SB, AS &amp;#x... more ... e6~H,KB// ,KS , &amp;#x27;Own od0ur/oSK /HSo// HB,HKoAB, AKoBH,SB, AS &amp;#x27; 1610~80&amp;quot;t=l0&amp;quot;~6OJC0r= tn04&amp;quot;(c)SB, AS, KBI/// oKH/ BH/DKS,,,o SH/ &amp;#x27;/,~s/HKO / OSKHB,HA,SA I//AB/m oBS,BK OKA~&amp;#x27;BA,AH,AKOther od0urFigure 2 ... The males are H: Hans; B: Bandit;S: Snark; A: Ayya; K: Kupe. ...
Journal of The Royal Society of New Zealand, Mar 1, 2008
The distribution and numbers of rook nests and rookeries in Hawke's Bay,
Science for Conservation, 2006
Science for Conservation is a scientific monograph series presenting research funded by New Zeala... more Science for Conservation is a scientific monograph series presenting research funded by New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). Manuscripts are internally and externally peer-reviewed; resulting publications are considered part of the formal international scientific literature. Individual copies are printed, and are also available from the departmental website in pdf form. Titles are listed in our catalogue on the website, refer www.doc.govt.nz under Publications, then Science and Research.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1987
I examine individual recogmtlOn of crowing calls in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Tem... more I examine individual recogmtlOn of crowing calls in the pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus Temminck). Qualitative and quantitative acoustic analyses show that crowing calls of individual males differ, but not females. These calls do not conform to a group signature. Both sexes respond selectively to the played-back crowing calls of different male pukeko. They respond most strongly to the calls of a stranger, less to those of neighbours, and less still to those of fellow group members. Males respond more strongly and move more often towards the sound than do females. This is explained by the greater role males play in territorial defence. Individuality in crowing calls is seen as being important in territorial advertisement and in identification of individuals within an interterritorial dominance hierarchy.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1991
Wasp nests reported in Nelson city were studied between 1987 and 1990. More nests were reported i... more Wasp nests reported in Nelson city were studied between 1987 and 1990. More nests were reported in 1989 than any other year. In each year there were at least twice as many common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) as German wasp (V. germanica) nests. New-season common wasp nests had more foragers than German wasp nests in the summer, suggesting earlier successful nest initiation by common wasp queens. The rate of increase in foragers did not vary with species in
Journal of The Royal Society of New Zealand, Mar 1, 2001
Body, tail and hind foot lengths and body weights have been recorded in five recent studies (Tabl... more Body, tail and hind foot lengths and body weights have been recorded in five recent studies (Table 1). They include males shorter and lighter than previously recorded. The mean head and body lengths (total excluding anus to tip of tail) given by Baker (1989) are well beyond the range of all other studies, and are considered doubtful (J. R. Ragg, pers. comm.). The weights of females are extended at each end of the previously known range. Male and female ferrets in the semi-arid lands of the South Island were heaviest in winter, and lightest in summer (Mills 1994).
Wildlife Research, 1994
As part of a programme to improve feral-cat control and eradication techniques, various odours we... more As part of a programme to improve feral-cat control and eradication techniques, various odours were tested as candidate lures. They included food odours (fish oils), social odours (urine and its components, anal-sac secretions and commercial wild-animal lures) and plant materials (catnip, matatabi and their essential oils). Pen bioassay experiments used a preference procedure on captive feral and domestic cats to compare the time spent investigating the odours and the number of cats visiting each odour. Field trials at rubbish dumps used scent stations to assess cat activity. Catnip and matatabi were the most promising candidate lures in both the pen bioassay and the field trials. Future directions for lure developments are suggested.
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1998
Aerial poisoning using Talon® 7-20 baits (active ingredient 20 ppm brodifacoum) was carried out o... more Aerial poisoning using Talon® 7-20 baits (active ingredient 20 ppm brodifacoum) was carried out on Motuihe Island, Hauraki Gulf, during the winter of 1997. The operation aimed to eradicate Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and house mice (Mus musculus) and to reduce rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) numbers significantly. We studied the diet of feral house cats (Felis catus) before the operation, then monitored the impact of the operation on them to determine whether secondary brodifacoum poisoning caused a reduction in their numbers. Large numbers of rabbits remained after poisoning; this and other observations suggested that insufficient bait had been applied to achieve the aims of the programme. Cat mortality, based on radio-collared animals, was 3/14 (21%). Cats on Motuihe Island appeared to eat rabbit muscle tissue in preference to internal organs; brodifacoum concentrations are lower in muscle than in liver and we suggest that rabbits may be a poorer vector than rodents for secondary poisoning of cats. We also confirmed the risk of an aerial brodifacoum application to a range of non-target bird species. Mortality of pukeko (Porphyrio p. melanotus) and paradise shelducks (Tadorna variegata) was 49% and 60% , respectively. No mortality of New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus) or variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) was detected. Twenty-nine individuals of 10 bird species (five indigenous and five introduced) were found dead after the operation and livers of all of them contained residues of brodifacoum; toxin levels averaged 0.84 µg g-1 (range 0.12-2.31 µg g-1).
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, Jul 1, 1989
Résumé/Abstract Le pillage des ruches par 2 espèces de guêpes a été étudié ainsi que les impacts ... more Résumé/Abstract Le pillage des ruches par 2 espèces de guêpes a été étudié ainsi que les impacts et les dommages occasionnés aux ruches. L'influence des guêpes commune sur l'impact des guêpes sur l'apiculture a été évaluée
New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2000
We recorded the numbers of cells, and where possible distinguished between cells containing pupat... more We recorded the numbers of cells, and where possible distinguished between cells containing pupating larvae and vacated cells, from 585 paper wasp nests from the northern North Island, New Zealand, plus nest site characteristics of 540 of these nests. Nests of Polistes chinensis antennalis and P. humilis developed at similar rates in early summer. P. c. antennalis nests were larger at the Post-emergence stage than those of P. humilis, and contained more vacated cells but less capped cells. All of the P. c. antennalis nests had reached the Post-emergence stage by February in Northland, but not in the other regions. P. c. antennalis nests in the Post-emergence stage were larger in Northland than further south, and contained the most capped or vacated cells. Nests of both species were usually found in northern-facing sites. Substrate did not affect nest size. Differences between the species in nest sites included greater use of manmade structures by P. c. antennalis; the use of leaves by P. humilis only; and a higher average nest site height in P. humilis. These differences in nest site selection may reduce competition between the species.