The Department of Conservation says more 1080 poison could be used in certain areas of the South Island in 2014 in a bid to curb a potential bumper population of pests.
DoC said on Monday that the current high level of flowering beech trees could mean a greater seed drop, leading to large populations of mice, rats and stoats next winter.
That could then put endangered birds and animals at risk when seed levels fall again.
Those thought to be vulnerable include yellowheads (mohua), blue ducks (whio), bats and the giant land snail.
DoC scientist Graeme Elliott says stoats can be trapped - but rats are more difficult to control - so more 1080 poison would have to be used.
The department will be monitoring beech forests over the coming months to track seed production and rodent numbers.
Potential high beech seed drop areas include Arthur's Pass, Lake Sumner and east Fiordland, Mr Elliott says.
