A PERTH Hills conservationist has hailed a landmark decision to restrict toxic rat poisons as a significant step forward in local wildlife conservation.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has formally recommended a total ban on the retail sale of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs).

The decision marks a significant regulatory shift for these toxic baits, which have been frequently linked to the secondary poisoning of owls, hawks, and other native predators across the Perth Hills after ingesting poisoned rodents.

Under the new recommendation, these lethal chemicals would be classified as restricted products, limiting their use to licensed professionals and removing them entirely from retail shelves.

The update follows a period of heavy criticism from advocates after a previous draft was released suggesting only minor changes to labelling and packaging rather than a full retail ban, as reported in Conservationists critical over tighter rat poison limit.

Kanyana Wildlife chief executive officer Danny Shelton said the updated recommendation was an unexpected but welcome addition.

“It really is a positive step and a step in the right direction for conservation,” he said.

“Rat baits are dangerous for our wildlife; homeowners will throw out rat baits without really understanding the potential consequences.

“I am hoping it will have a significant impact and reduce the amount of wildlife we’re seeing come in poisoned by secondary poisonings.”

Even though the retail ban is being considered a milestone, Mr Shelton cautioned that the move might drive more residents to hire professional services rather than seeking alternative pest control measures.

“The fact they’re still going to be available may just push a lot more people to pay pest controllers to come in,” he said.

“So, we need to either educate or hope that pest controllers are educated in a way that they only use rat baits responsibly.”

Although the decision remains a recommendation awaiting legislation from state and federal governments, some businesses have begun action, with Bunnings announcing it will remove all SGAR products from its shelves by June 30.

“It is really great that Bunnings have now taken that decision on the back of this outcome,” Mr Shelton said regarding the announcement.

“It would have been nice if they’d made this decision off their own bats, but it’s a great decision for our wildlife and is really welcome.

“I do hope that other businesses follow suit and take them off the shelves so we can try and protect our wildlife a little better than what we have been doing.”