What are the risks of rat poisons to native Australian animals?

Common rat poisons, especially SGARs, can poison native wildlife directly or through secondary poisoning when animals eat poisoned rodents.

Will rat poisons be banned in Australia?

A government review recommended cancelling some products, but not a blanket ban. Stricter labeling and use conditions are proposed for others.

Which active ingredients are in Australian rat poisons?

SGARs include brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum, and flocoumafen. FGARs include warfarin, coumatetralyl, and diphacinone.

Home / Environment / Rat Poisons Threaten Native Wildlife: Review Findings

Rat Poisons Threaten Native Wildlife: Review Findings

17 Dec

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Summary

Review finds common rat poisons endanger native Australian animals.
Stricter labeling proposed, but full ban on some products avoided.
Tawny frogmouths and owls show high rates of rodenticide poisoning.

Rat Poisons Threaten Native Wildlife: Review Findings

A recent government review in Australia has identified significant risks to native wildlife posed by commonly available rat poisons. While the review stopped short of a complete ban, it recommended the cancellation of certain products and proposed stricter conditions for others. The investigation revealed that native animals, including iconic species like tawny frogmouths and owls, are frequently found with dangerous levels of rodenticides in their systems.

Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), which are more potent and already restricted in other countries, are a particular concern. Despite evidence of widespread secondary poisoning affecting birds of prey, animal welfare advocates argue the proposed measures do not go far enough. They express disappointment that a complete public sale ban on these harmful substances was not recommended, emphasizing the responsibility placed on consumers to follow complex labeling instructions.