Landholders unite against feral foxes and wild dogs
A group of 20 landholders from Yunta, Dawson, Peterborough, Orroroo, Pekina, Eudunda and Burra recently attended a workshop in Peterborough to hear about predator control for improved agricultural production from the State and National Wild Dog Coordinators.
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Ranger Perri Hendriks said the workshop was a great opportunity for landholders to learn more about predator control, and take back new knowledge and techniques to implement on their property.
“Landholders across the Southern Flinders Upper North district are highly committed to predator control, with around 170 thousand hectares of land already being controlled for feral foxes and wild dogs,” Ms Hendriks said.
“The opportunity to have both state and national Wild Dog Management coordinators come to our region and share their expertise around feral predator management was invaluable.”
Greg Mifsud from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions and the National Wild Dog Coordinator, highlighted the importance of coordinated control regardless of land tenure.
“It is crucial that neighbours work together regularly in both fox and dog control to ensure predator populations don’t increase and cause significant costs to livestock producers,” Mr Mifsud said.
“I urge all landowners to form a group to carry out these activities together and share information about any sightings, which we recommend doing through the free digital website and app WildDogScan.”
Mr Mifsud stressed that concern for farm dog safety is not a reason to not bait.
“It is essential that care is taken to protect domestic animals when undertaking baiting programs. If standard baiting guidelines are followed, effective safety precautions are easy and cheap to put in place,” Mr Mifsud said.
Predator control leads to more sustainable and profitable grazing enterprises, which are able to better manage the land to its capability due to improved margins within the business.
Predator control is the major management tool used to improve the health of native animal and bird populations throughout the region, due to improved breeding potential and reduced threats.
Landholders are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Bait Injection Days at Dawson, Cradock, Quorn and Wilmington. Dates and locations to be advised.
The workshop was funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.
For information about undertaking a predator control program on your property or to purchase manufactured fox and dog baits, contact Natural Resources Northern and Yorke on 8841 3444.
