Canid pest ejector trial

Protecting nganamara requires many different tools and approaches. AW’s long-running nganamara project has used technology including aerial LiDAR surveys and Felixer automated predator control devices, along with traditional methods such as pitfall fauna surveys.

The latest addition to the toolbox is the dingo-safe canid pest ejector (CPE). The CPE is a simple mechanical device that is embedded in the soil. It contains a bait which is spring-loaded, delivering the bait when an animal with sufficient strength pulls on it.

CPEs are commonly used in other regions to target foxes, wild dogs and dingoes. However, in the AW region, dingoes are a culturally and ecologically important species. They help keep fox and cat numbers down, and also prevent kangaroos from becoming overabundant, preventing overgrazing of native flora.

To protect dingoes but still target foxes, AW is conducting a trial of specially modified CPEs. These have been fitted with a dingo excluder, which restricts access to the bait. Foxes’ narrow muzzles can fit into the gap, but the broader nose of the dingo can’t fit, limiting access to the bait.

AW staff worked with Far West Coast Rangers to set up CPEs loaded with non-toxic baits at key sites along Googs Track. An automatic trail camera was set up to capture still and video imagery of any animal interactions with CPEs, to monitor whether the dingo excluders were effective and whether foxes could still access the baits.

The trial will run for several months using the non-toxic baits. If it is successful, the CPEs can be rolled out using active baits.

Baits will not be laid during dingo breeding season. Although dingo pups are generally believed to lack the strength to trigger the CPE, a cautious approach will ensure their safety.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by the Alinytjara Wiluṟara Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.