![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/powelliphanta_snail_-doc-jpg.webp\")
A Powelliphanta snail. Photo: Supplied via LDR <\/p>\nThe Department of Conservation plans to drop 1080 poison over a big chunk of the Kahurangi National Park, including the popular Heaphy Track, this summer in a new predator control operation.<\/p>\n
The operation covers nearly 29,000ha of the national park, including the northern part of the Heaphy Track where it traverses the Tasman Sea coastline.<\/p>\n
The helicopter aerial operation will also stretch far inland, traversing the Heaphy, Lewis and Bluffy catchments between the Gunner Downs and Mackay Downs.<\/p>\n
DOC says the operation to “accurately distribute bait” across 28,883ha aims to reduce rat, stoat and possum numbers in the area in a bid to protect native species such as the rare long-tail bat population and the large powelliphanta snail species.<\/p>\n
“This bait targets rodents and possums. Stoats are also controlled through secondary poisoning as they feed on the dead rodents,” DOC says in an advisory.<\/p>\n
A Powelliphanta snail. Photo: Supplied via LDR <\/p>\n
Native species are fighting for survival from predators, it said.<\/p>\n
“Without protection, we risk losing the unique natural heritage and biodiversity within the Heaphy.<\/p>\n
“Due to consistently high seed production in the lowland forests of these areas, rodent numbers are constantly high, threatening native species.”<\/p>\n
Taupo-based predator control company Epro has been contracted for the aerial operation, starting from this week with pre-feeding of non-toxic baits before moving to the 1080 toxins. It will continue until December 18, weather dependent.<\/p>\n
The 82km-long Heaphy Track is one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks and one of two on the West Coast, attracting thousands of domestic and international visitors every year.<\/p>\n
DOC in the past few years has spent tens of millions dropping 1080 operations across more than 311,000ha of conservation land on the West Coast, including at Heaphy.<\/p>\n
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air
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