MODIFIED M-44 CYANIDE EJECTOR FOR THE BAITING OF RED FOXES (VULPES-VULPES)

Fox carcasses are seldom recovered after a 1080-baiting program, makin g analysis of efficacy difficult. Sodium cyanide was selected as an al ternative toxin due to its rapid mode of action. A number of bait tech niques were trialled in order to develop an appropriate cyanide delive ry system that could be used as a buried bait. Techniques investigated included treated wax and gelatine capsules, a wooden capsule holder a nd a modified M-44 cyanide ejector. Subsequent trials showed that the modified M-44 ejector had greater efficacy in recovering fox carcasses at bait stations when compared with the other techniques trialled. Th is paper describes the range of baits trialled and the modifications t hat allow the M-44 to be used as a buried bait. A protocol for deploym ent of the M-44 in the field, together with a brief assessment of effi cacy for each technique is also provided.