Abstract
Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is an introduced vertebrate pesticide, a key weapon in managing major pest species in New Zealand. The fate of 1080 poison in the environment remains “highly controversial.” Scientific studies, including government reports, have found no evidence of significant or prolonged 1080 contamination in the environment. However, public concerns have not abated; in fact, seems stronger than ever. Resistance to large-scale 1080 operations include controversies over the cruelty of the poison, nontarget killing, and fears over the risk of water contamination. Therefore, this chapter focuses on understanding the risks, benefits, and strategic alternatives of 1080 poison to achieve a “silver bullet” in the near future.