Trapping program reveals devastation caused by pests

Published on 29 October 2018

Council’s pest animal trapping program - designed to minimise the impact of pest animals on livestock, wildlife, people and their pets - is progressing well with foxes, wild dogs and feral cats being successfully targeted across Council-managed land.

“We continued the trapping program in July this year following a comprehensive consultation process, and we’ve made good progress to date,” Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Clare Manning said.

“I’m pleased to report that during a recent two week monitoring period, two foxes and one feral dog were successfully trapped on Council-managed land.

“This may not sound like a large number on the face of it, but you’d surprised by the damage a single fox can do, as monitoring cameras which we set up in a fox den over 48 hours have revealed.

The footage shows that a single vixen (female fox) with five cubs killed at least two carpet snakes, one echidna, one bandicoot and two possums, plus possibly several domestic chickens from neighbouring properties,” she said.

“Byron Shire residents place a high value on the environment and this naturally includes native plants and animals, and pest animals such as wild dogs, foxes and feral cats, as well as cane toads, rabbits and Indian Mynas, can destroy populations of native species and vegetation – as well as compete for food,” Ms Manning said.

Council encourages anyone who sees foxes, wild dogs and feral cats on their land to please contact North Coast Local Land Services on 6623 3900.

North Coast Local Land Services offer technical advice and support to private landholders as well as FREE pest animal training programs for private landholders.

The pest animal trapping program is part of Council’s Pest Animal Management Plan, designed to tackle the devastating impact of pest animals on the environment and primary industries. Once endorsed by Council,  the new plan can take fully take effect in early 2019. 

The program also ensures Council’s meets its legislative requirements under the NSW Biosecurity Act, where all landholders including Council, government agencies, and private landowners must demonstrate how they are managing pests on land they own or occupy.

The Pest Animal Management Plan is in response to the NSW Biosecurity Act and the result of a Shire-wide process in which local community groups had their say on pest species.

“To have all landholders, both public and private, come together, and develop plans at both a regional and local level is not an easy task but I believe this plan demonstrates how Council will meet its legislative requires and identify strategic areas for future pest animal management,” Ms Manning said.

For more information contact Peter Boyd, Project Officer, on 6626 7000.