The longevity and efficacy of 1080 meat baits used for dingo control in central Australia

Abstract

In central Australia, most 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) meat baits placed on soil in predator-proof cages remained toxic to dingoes, foxes and feral cats for at least 8 months regardless of whether they were protected from rain or not. Thus, untaken baits will remain a potential hazard to non-target species, particularly farm dogs, for a considerable period. However, when dingo-control programs were monitored (n = 3 stations), approximately 85% of meat baits were taken within 4 days.

Dingo-control programs were undertaken on three stations by placing 1080 meat baits near water points (bores) with known dingo activity. Baiting was effective on two stations but not on the third. Where successful, dingo numbers were reduced by 50–70%. The failure on the third station was not due to the lack of bait-take as approximately 80% of these baits were taken within 4 days; it was probably caused by the presence of ephemeral water-bodies that could not be baited. However, this technique was effective in removing those dingoes that utilised the artificial water points, and hence were likely to be interacting with cattle. Such an outcome has benefits to both conservation and the pastoral industry, as problem dogs are removed without placing the long-term survival of dingoes at risk.