Mathematical modelling for conservation:-predator control via secondary poisoning
by
Britta Basse
University of Canterbury
Coauthors: Prof. Graeme Wake (Canterbury), Dr John McLennan (Landcare Research)

Current methods of pest control for stoats in North Island beech forests are expensive, time consuming and not always effective, however, stoat control is essential for the survival of indigenous species such as the Norther Brown kiwi.

In this presentation, the feasibilty of a secondary poisoning regime will be considered where rodents, the main food source of stoats, are poisoned. A mathematical model representing such a regime is developed using a system of o.d.e's. A preliminary optimal solution gives the minimum amount of poison required for successful secondary poisoning in which stoat densities are reduced to an acceptable level for kiwi survival. Generalisations of this model and future work will also be discussed.

Date received: May 31, 1999

Copyright © 1999 by the author(s). The author(s) of this document and the organizers of the conference have granted their consent to include this abstract in Atlas Conferences Inc. Document # cacc-27.