Feral.org.au

Radio-collared feral cat in cage trap

Annette — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:09:33 +0000

This feral cat was captured as part of a research project on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

PestSmart Factsheet: Distribution of pure dingoes and dingo-dog hybrids in Australia

Keryn — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:50:22 +0000

The term ‘wild dog’ collectively refers to pure dingoes, feral domestic dogs and hybrids between the two. In other words, all free-roaming Canis species are labelled and managed as wild dogs.

Since domestic dogs arrived in Australia, interbreeding between dogs and dingoes has progressed rapidly. Understanding which areas have pure dingoes and which have hybrids is important for dingo conservation and for understanding the ecology of wild dogs in Australia’s ecosystems.

Fact sheet on dingo purity and distribution in Australia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

The molecular ecology of Australian wild dogs: hybridisation, gene flow and genetic structure at multiple geographic scales

Keryn — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:12:20 +0000

Advances in molecular ecology, particularly over the past two decades, have allowed studies of populations to extend to increasingly broad geographic and temporal scales without sacrificing detail. Limitations on sample numbers and types are decreasing, as efficiency and techniques for extracting DNA from sub-optimal sources (such as hair or scats) improve. In this thesis I use microsatellite DNA markers to produce the first study of population genetics in Australian wild dogs, including dingoes (Canis lupus dingo), feral domestic dogs (C. l. familiaris) and their hybrids. Dingoes are unique among the Australian vertebrate fauna because they were transported to the continent approximately 5,000 years ago. They have therefore not been in the ecosystem on evolutionary timescales, but have been present much longer than other introduced species. Dingoes are Australia’s apex predator, and have spread across habitats from deserts to tropical forests, but are currently under threat of extinction due to widespread hybridisation with domestic dogs. The conservation of dingoes is a management priority in some areas, but in others they are actively persecuted to protect livestock from predation.

The research areas addressed in this thesis are: the type of genetic samples best suited to different questions in research on wild dogs; the locations of pure dingoes; the patterns of gene flow among individuals and groups; and the degree of variability in spatial ecology across their range. Research outcomes are also placed into the context of how they can inform the management of wild dogs. Comparison of three non-invasively collected DNA sources with each other and with an invasively collected source (DNA swabs) showed that non-invasive samples, particularly scats, can be an appropriate source of DNA for monitoring based on identification of individual. The costs and time involved in quality control of non-invasive samples, however, make them a less attractive option for large-scale or population-level studies, which require more genetic markers. I therefore employed tissue samples sourced from culling programs to examine aspects of gene flow at four geographic scales. At the continental scale, I assessed the level of interbreeding between dingoes and domestic dogs, using both established methodology and a Bayesian clustering approach. Both methods provided similar results, showing increased hybridisation in coastal areas, particularly the southeast of Australia, but fewer hybrids in the inland areas with lower densities of human settlement. Because population structure may affect approaches to control of wild dogs and conservation of dingoes, I then examined the scale and pattern of genetic subdivision and relatedness in three regions: the Tanami desert in the northern central region of Australia; south Queensland on the east coast; and across the western third of the continent. Wild dogs showed unexpected patterns of population structure, with variations in the geographical extent and separation of clusters. Relationships and spatial ecology of wild dogs in the Tanami desert appeared to be strongly affected by human activity, particularly the presence of artificially abundant food resources. The wild dogs sampled in south Queensland and Western Australia showed distinct genetic clusters in the absence of geographic barriers, showing that Australian wild dogs display cryptic genetic subdivision at a similar scale found in wolves in vastly different habitats. The findings of this study reinforce the variability found in Australian wild dogs previously demonstrated by studies of diet and movements, and provide a novel and comprehensive overview of gene flow both among wild dogs and between dingoes and domestic dogs.

Validating the age of carp from the northern Murray-Darling Basin

Keryn — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:20:53 +0000

Being able to accurately age carp is important for modelling population dynamics and potential response to various control strategies. This study examined the use of oxytetracycline (OTC) and otolith (ear bone) sampling to determine the formation of bone growth rings and in turn estimate the age of carp populations in the northern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB).

OTC leaves a mark in bony tissue that can be used as a reference point to analyse the formation of subsequent growth rings, known as ‘check marks’. The number of check marks that appear over a known time period can then be used to determine the age of the fish. In carp populations in the southern MDB, check marks are known to form annually. However, whether this occurs in the subtropical environment of the northern MDB had not been examined before this project. Validating this ageing method will enable population modelling to be applied to the whole MDB and assist in carp management.

Tilapia in Australia – Development of management strategies for the control and eradication of feral tilapia populations in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:09:04 +0000

This report presents a culmination of different research projects on two species of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae) and provides recommendations for the future management and research of these pest fish. Feral populations of O. mossambicus and T. mariae are now widely distributed in tropical northeastern Queensland, with O. mossambicus also occurring in southeastern Queensland and river systems of Western Australia. O. mossambicus is known to have existed in impoundments in southeastern Queensland, as well as urban drains and ornamental ponds in the Townsville region of north Queensland from about the late 1970s, while T. mariae became established in some easternflowing tropical streams by the early 1990s. In Australia, feral stocks of tilapia are widely regarded as pests that potentially threaten both native fish stocks and biodiversity.

In the first section of this report we describe a study of feral populations of both O. mossambicus and T. mariae from five locations within a 67 km radius, showing a wide diversity and plasticity in their reproductive and growth parameters. It is thought that this inherent variability is partly responsible for their capacity to quickly and efficiently invade new and sometimes marginal areas, such as the Kewarra Beach drain examined during this study. A high level of parental care ensuring that a relatively high proportion of eggs and larvae are recruited as juveniles, and the ability to spawn multiple broods over a year-round reproductive season gives tilapia a significant competitive advantage over native fishes.

In both species of tilapia, males grew faster than females and there was evidence of considerable variability in the growth characteristic of O. mossambicus between study sites. In Tinaroo Falls Dam, the O. mossambicus population grew faster than the population in the Kewarra Beach drain, probably because the effects of harsher environmental conditions at
the latter site. Ageing studies indicate that Tinaroo Falls Dam was more recently colonised by T. mariae than the Mulgrave River suggesting that invasion of north Queensland habitats by this species ongoing.

The CARPSIM model was successfully adapted for use with O. mossambicus and T. mariae. Some of the simulations completed suggest that it is possible to drive tilapia populations to pseudo-extinction using very high levels of fishing pressure or a combination of fishing pressure and recruitment failure. However, simulations that used more realistic estimates of fishing effort, levels of spawning disruption and other interventions, suggested that while it was possible to drive tilapia abundance down to low levels, populations would not become pseudo-extinct and would quickly recover to previous levels once interventions ceased.

An ongoing control experiment in the Herberton Weir using monthly physical removal of Mozambique tilapia via electrofishing has resulted in a substantial reduction in their relative abundance. However, fish abundance has now stabilised with the current challenge being to implement effective strategies to eliminate the remaining fish from the weir.

Paroo Model of Wild Dog Control

Keryn — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:12:53 +0000

The Paroo Shire residents have been leaders in developing and implementing best practice in the coordinated control of wild dogs. Wild Dogs are defined as feral dogs, dingoes and hybrid canines and are a declared pest under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002. The Paroo Shire Council made a decision in 2004 to raise
its commitment to pest management within the Shire.

This commitment had a focus on controlling the wild dogs in the shire, and fighting the continued wild dog incursions from the areas north of the shire into the Paroo Shire area, which was having a grave impact on grazing throughout the entire Shire. At this time, the Paroo Shire had over fifty percent of its area overrun with wild dogs. The Wild Dog control program commenced with a baiting campaign which covered an area of 1.9 million hectares. A committee was set up
of local residents who committed their valuable time, knowledge and expertise to lead the control efforts against wild dogs for the benefit of all landholders in the Paroo Shire.

Within four years, the wild dog population in the Paroo Shire had reduced dramatically. Ongoing monitoring work has seen the area which has required baiting reduced by 50%, down to 780 000 hectares. This booklet will outline the wild dog technical thinking and community engagement processes that were employed to achieve this outstanding result.

PestSmart Factsheet: Tools and strategies for wild dog management

Keryn — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 05:03:26 +0000

There are several different lethal and non-lethal tools available to control wild dogs. These include poison baits, traps, shooting, fencing, guard animals and aversion techniques (such as lights, alarms, and flagging). Not all tools are useful for a given area; each tool varies in its effectiveness, depending on a range of factors specific to the local situation. The use of many control tools is also subject to various laws and regulations. Wild dog control officers are familiar with these and are able to advise people on what is and is not permitted in your local area.

Fact sheet on methods and strategies for wild dog control. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Wild dog policy and legislation considerations

Keryn — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:58:58 +0000

Wild dogs are identified by the national Vertebrate Pests Committee as a ‘Category 5 / Extreme’ species. Category 5 means that the animal is a recognised pest that is both widespread and established, while an Extreme classification indicates that such animals should not be allowed to enter, nor be kept in any state or territory without permission. Wild dogs are also identified as a pest animal under the Australian Pest Animal Strategy.

Fact sheet on laws and regulations in Australia relating wild dogs. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Have you got wild dogs?

Keryn — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 04:53:29 +0000

It is common for wild dogs to be present in an area but go unnoticed or unrecognised. No matter what colour a free-roaming dog is, if it is not your dog it should be considered a wild dog. There are several indicators that suggest that wild dogs might be present in an area.

Fact sheet on detecting the presence of wild dogs. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Identifying a cane toad

Keryn — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:53:40 +0000

Adult cane toads are usually very large – around 9-15 cm (or 3.5 to 5 inches) long. If you find one over 4 cm long, you should be able to identify it from the picture below.

However, smaller toads can easily be confused with native frogs. To make sure you don’t kill a native frog by mistake, please take all toads under 4 cm long to a frog expert for identification. If handling them, use rubber gloves.

Information from the NSW Department of Environment and Heritage. Includes comparison pictures and sound recordings between cane toads and native frogs.

PestSmart Factsheet: Koi herpesvirus as a biological control for carp

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:14:11 +0000

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) are not native to Australia, but they now dominate fish communities throughout many inland waterways. Widespread eradication of these established populations would be difficult, costly and complicated. Recently, cyprinid herpesvirus 3, commonly known as koi herpesvirus (KHV), has been proposed as a potential biological control method for carp in Australia. It has the potential to substantially reduce Australian carp populations, with impacts likely to be increased when used in an integrated carp management control program.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Introduction and distribution of carp in Australia

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:04:09 +0000

The first attempts to introduce carp to Australia were made in the late 1850s. The first of these into Tasmania in 1858 was not successful. An introduction to Victoria in 1859 succeeded in establishing a population in the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, which persisted until 1962. Carp do not appear to have spread from there. These introductions reflect the community attitudes at the time, with attempts being made by acclimatisation groups to introduce many European species. For example, brown trout were first successfully introduced to Tasmania from the United Kingdom in 1864 and a variety of other new plants and animals were also imported to provide both food and recreation for colonial residents.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Impacts of carp in Australia

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 05:52:13 +0000

Are carp a genuine cause of environmental damage in Australia, or are they merely a symptom of the poor health of our inland waters that has resulted from other causes? It is certainly true that carp are very good at exploiting degraded systems due to their ability to tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, it doesn’t necessarily follow that they prefer degraded conditions as is often claimed. It also does not mean that they caused the habitat degradation in the first place. What they will do is make it more difficult to restore these systems to a healthy condition.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Use of chemicals as poisons for pest fish control

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 04:16:37 +0000

Chemicals can be used to eradicate small, isolated populations of pest fish quickly (spot removal) and with a moderate cost, provided that the benefits clearly outweigh any harm to native species and the environment. There have been a number of attempts to control pest fish in Australia and almost half of these have included the use of chemicals (fish poisons are known as ‘piscicides’). Examples are the successful eradication of carp from Tasmania in the 1970s and from the Cooper Creek drainage in South Australia.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: containment as a method for pest fish control

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:57:42 +0000

Containment and exclusion are critical actions in a rapid response to new pest fish incursions and in the ongoing management of established pest fish populations. Effective containment and exclusion limits the scale of potential environmental, social and economic impacts and reduces the area of management, thus reducing associated costs and resources. Physical and behavioural barriers can be used for fish containment and exclusion and their use is often an integral part of pest fish eradication and control programs.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: the importance of public consultation for pest fish management

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:47:11 +0000

The management of pest fish in Australia needs a coordinated approach between all stakeholders including government, industry, research providers and the broader community. Community engagement, acceptance and support are essential to the success of an integrated pest fish management program; that is, one that takes many approaches.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Case Study: Carp spawning hotspots

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:00:42 +0000

Carp have become the dominant species within the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) and an effective, integrated strategy is needed to control them. An important first step of such a program is to determine the status and biology of carp populations throughout the MDB, and so identify any weaknesses that offer an opportunity for enhanced control.

A study in New South Wales (NSW) indicated that carp do not reproduce throughout entire river systems, and that the majority of juvenile carp originate from a relatively small number of locations. These sites are known as ‘recruitment hotspots’. In NSW, carp hotspots include important wetlands such as the Macquarie Marshes, Namoi Wetlands, Gwydir
Wetlands and the Barmah–Millewa Forest.

Case study on the identification of carp spawning and recruitment hotspots in the Murray-Darling Basin. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Case Study: Introduction of the cane toad to Australia

Keryn — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:08:56 +0000

The introduction of cane toads (Bufo marinus) to Australia in the 1930s is one of the foremost examples of an exotic animal release gone wrong. Originally imported from Hawaii and released in Queensland as a biological control for beetle pests of sugar cane, the cane toad is now a well-established pest itself. Cane toads currently range across Queensland, the Northern Territory and into New South Wales and Western Australia. Despite being less widespread than foxes or rabbits, community
surveys consistently rank the toad as our most hated invasive animal1 and it is listed as a key threatening species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Today, most people know the cane toad was deliberately released as a biological control, but may not be familiar with the
events that led to their release.

A historical case study of the events surrounding the release of Australia’s most hated invasive animal and the lessons learned. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Cane toad (Bufo marinus, also Rhinella marina)

Keryn — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:56:22 +0000

The cane toad is native to Central and South America and is a member of the ‘true toads’ (family Bufonidae). Cane toads have dry, yellow-brown, warty skin and large distinctive lumps (known as parotoid glands) behind the head. Cane toads naturally generate potent toxins (bufodienolides) throughout their bodies, which act by stopping the heart of most animals that attempt to eat them. These toxins concentrate in glands on the toad’s skin, and may be exuded as a milky-white substance if the toad is aggravated or distressed.

Cane toads are relatively long lived and can survive for over 15 years. The average body length of an adult cane toad is 10–15 cm and captive ones can grow up to 2 kg in weight. Cane toads are hardy animals that are able to survive temperatures ranging from 5–37°C2. They are active mostly at night, and tend to shelter under leaf litter, rubble or scraps of iron during the day.

Fact sheet describing the biology, ecology and impacts of the cane toad in Australia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Will the community accept our science? Monitoring the community’s view about managing pest animals in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:30:42 +0000

The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre Community Awareness Survey (CAS) has pioneered a new technique in opinion research called ‘Reading the Public Mind’ (RtPM). For a comparatively low cost, this technique has provided a ‘moving picture’ that charts the changes in public attitudes to invasive animals and their control through time and helps explain the reasons behind them. It identifies the drivers of public opinion, thereby increasing the scope for better science communication, for education where public understanding might be faulty and for improved research planning based on knowledge of what the public will and will not accept.

CAS has produced remarkably consistent results over the nearly three years that it operated, providing the first Australia-wide picture of public attitudes and beliefs regarding invasive animals and ways of controlling them.

PestSmart Factsheet: Black mangrove cichlid (Tilapia mariae)

Keryn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:29:14 +0000

The black mangrove cichlid is a deep-bodied fish native to West Africa1. It has a blunt or rounded head with red eyes that are often intersected by a dark band extending downwards toward the mouth. This tilapia species has a long, unbroken upper (dorsal) fin, which extends from above the gills to near the end of the tail fin and is often longer in males than females. In juveniles and sub-adults, this fin is shorter again, finishing half to two-thirds of the way along the length of the tail fin.

Fact sheet describing the biology and ecology of Tilapia mariae. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Impacts of introduced tilapia — Australia and overseas

Keryn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:25:03 +0000

The black mangrove cichlid or ‘spotted tilapia’ (Tilapia mariae) and the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) were illegally introduced into Australian waterways during the 1970s. Both species have become well established in the relatively short time since their introduction. At first they were probably released as unwanted aquarium fish, and Mozambique tilapia are now established in catchments in tropical and subtropical Australia while black mangrove cichlids are mostly restricted to northeast Queensland. Both tilapia species are declared invasive pests in most Australian states. The rapid rate at which both species are spreading, together with evidence from overseas studies, suggests that they
will have harmful impacts in Australia.

Fact sheet describing the environmental, economic and social impacts of introduced tilapia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Mozambique tilapia distribution in Australia

Keryn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 04:17:43 +0000

The Mozambique tilapia is a species of deep-bodied fish belonging to the family Cichlidae. The ecological impacts of introduced Mozambique tilapia have been studied extensively in many parts of the world. It can out-compete native fish and invertebrates due to its aggressive behaviour and wide ecological tolerances. It is also capable of causing habitat degradation through nest-building activities, and transferring pathogens and parasites to native fish. In Australia, more research is needed to fully understand its economic, social and ecological effects. However, habitat modification,
spreading disease and biodiversity reduction are some of the likely impacts.

Fact sheet describing the Australian distribution and spread of Mozambique tilapia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Biology and ecology of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Keryn — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:59:53 +0000

Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, was thought to have been introduced illegally into Australian waterways during the 1970s. Since then the species has spread, with established populations now present in many water bodies in
Queensland and Western Australia. It is continuing to expand its range and is likely to present a significant pest problem.

Fact sheet describing the biology and ecology of Mozambique tilapia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Rabbit legislation in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:33:24 +0000

Wild European rabbits are one of Australia’s most widely distributed and abundant pest animal species. They cause severe damage to the natural environment as well as to agricultural production areas. Controlling rabbits is often difficult because of the large areas that need to be treated, issues with coordination of broadscale control programs and the costs involved. On a national scale, rabbit legislation is important in allowing state and federal governments to facilitate integrated
management of the rabbit problem.

Fact sheet covering the legislative framework and legal requirements for controlling rabbits in Australia. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Economic and environmental impacts of rabbits in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:29:29 +0000

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a serious environmental and agricultural pest throughout Australia. Rabbits can have considerable impacts on farm productivity and native ecosystems, leading to financial loss and environmental devastation. The community also suffers indirectly, as they might pay higher prices for rabbit-affected commodities (such as wool) or bear the loss of ecosystem services at the catchment scale. Many of these costs cannot be accurately estimated in a financial sense. Where estimates have been calculated, assumptions and figures vary and are highly conservative.

Fact sheet outlining the costs and impacts rabbits have on the Australian economy and environment. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Using RHDV for rabbit control

Keryn — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:23:35 +0000

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), previously known as calicivirus or rabbit calicivirus disease (RCD), has been highly effective in reducing rabbit populations across most of Australia. The virus that causes RHD (called rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus or RHDV) is spread through rabbit-to-rabbit contact and by insect carriers (eg flies and mosquitoes).

Fact sheet covering the different types of RHDV products available in Australia, their effectiveness, regulations and other information. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

National Categorisation System for Invasive Species

Keryn — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:08:52 +0000

The Australian Weed Strategy (AWS) and the Australian Pest Animal Strategy (APAS) recognise that resources for invasive species management must be targeted at the highest priorities for action. This establishes a need to prioritise pest species or targets for control. To progress the implementation of the Strategies, this document outlines four agreed national categories for invasive species taxa, together with ‘selection criteria’ used to assign candidate taxa to these categories.

Assignment to categories is an ongoing and dynamic process and will therefore require regular review. Responsibility for assigning taxa to Categories 1, 2 and 4 lies with the Australian Weeds Committee (AWC) and the Vertebrate Pests Committee (VPC). Responsibility for nominating taxa to Category 3 lies with those same Committees, with formal assignment achieved by Ministerial endorsement of the nomination.

The aim of this categorisation process is to reduce the impacts of invasive species on the economy, environment and/or social amenity of Australia by guiding the priorities for invasive species management in a manner consistent with the terms of the AWS and APAS.

PestSmart: Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs

Keryn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 03:38:44 +0000

This Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs is a general guide to managing populations of wild dogs in Australia. This guide uses the term ‘wild dogs’ to describe any wild-living members of the genus Canis, including pure dingoes, feral domestic dogs and crossbreds between the two. Wild dogs present significant economic, environmental and social impacts in many places, but are also viewed as an important part of most mainland environments.

The need to manage wild dogs for their impacts has not diminished in the last 200 years. There might be new laws or different control tools and strategies, but the principles remain the same. This guide seeks to enable best-practice wild dog management by providing broadly applicable information on:

wild dog ecology
identifying wild dogs and their impacts
management tools and strategies
working dog safety
policy and legislation.

This glovebox guide does not cover all the details of wild dog management, so you should consider participation in developing community wild dog management plans or enrolment in recognised vertebrate pest management courses.

PestSmart Case Study: Warren ripping on Thackaringa Station

Keryn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:32:08 +0000

Case study on the effectiveness of warren ripping to control rabbits on a wool-producing property in far-west New South Wales.

Thackaringa Station is a long-established wool-producing property of 66,000 ha near Broken Hill in western NSW, owned
by David Lord and his family. Historically, rabbits have persisted here in large numbers, causing vegetation and biodiversity loss, and increased grazing pressure. These impacts are comparable across many parts of arid-zone Australia, which are suffering the same devastation.

Thackaringa’s owners were able to secure funding from the Commonwealth Endangered Species Program in 2001–2002, a program of the former Natural Heritage Trust (NHT). With this funding, they were able to design and implement a comprehensive warren-ripping program to finish earlier works carried out on the property and to promote best practice
rabbit control.

PestSmart Factsheet: Practical feral pig control

Keryn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:22:29 +0000

Feral pigs adversely impact large sections of Australian agriculture and the natural environment, costing the economy over $100 million annually. Most states and territories have clear legislative requirements to ensure that feral pigs are controlled appropriately. The responsibility to reduce feral pig densities on their property rests with the land owner/manager, whether it be park ranger, private landholder or indigenous community.

Research suggests that rapid knockdown of a feral pig population by 70% or more can suppress its growth potential. In Australia, a suite of feral pig control techniques are available. Generally, no single technique will completely remove feral pigs from a given area, so a combination of techniques is usually needed. This factsheet provides an overview of methods commonly used for practical feral pig control in Australia.

PestSmart Factsheet: Carp

Keryn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:10:42 +0000

Carp (Cyprinus carpio) were first introduced to Australia more than 100 years ago. They are now widely established throughout the Murray-Darling Basin and can also be found in all states and territories except the Northern Territory. Carp are very common in parts of this range in Australia and are considered to be one of our major pest fish species.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Carp Population Biology in Victoria

Keryn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:21:24 +0000

Towards the end of the 1990s, there was no doubt that the majority of public opinion, and a mounting degree of scientific evidence, suggested that carp-control should be a primary concern for all agencies managing the fresh waters of southern Australia. There is now a realisation that when carp dominate a waterway, there are negative social, economic and ecological consequences. In attempting to address such problems we received enormous community support.

We acknowledge the assistance and support of a wide range of the community in delivering the science contained in this report. Natural resources managers, Fisheries Officers, commercial fishers, recreational fishers, and private landowners all contributed to the completion of this project. This science is simply one of the early steps in the long-term management of feral carp populations. Certainly, as subsequent steps are taken to solve the carp problem, further consultation and engagement with the community will be necessary.

In the light of this ground-swell of scientific conviction and public opinion, DNRE Victoria launched a major research project to determine the population dynamics of carp, Cyprinus carpio L. (Family: Cyprinidae) as an invasive species―with the aim to evaluate and determine the most suitable control strategy.

Objectives of the project were:

To determine key characteristics of carp populations, including population estimates, growth, survival and reproductive rates at selected locations.
To develop population models for carp to allow what-if type simulation of a range of potential management strategies.
Through fieldwork and modelling, trial the feasibility of various capture, exclusion and control measures.

The impact of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on an Australian lowland tropical rainforest

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:33:18 +0000

Context: Feral pigs are thought to damage tropical rainforests, but long-term impact has not yet been quantified.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the impact of feral pigs on soil, soil biota and vegetation in a lowland tropical rainforest in Daintree, north-eastern Australia, and the recovery following exclusion of feral pigs for 12 years.

Methods: Three types of plots were established in 1994: damaged plots were fenced in areas where severe damage had already occurred (‘fenced damaged’); undamaged plots were fenced in areas showing no evidence of damage (‘fenced undamaged’); and unfenced plots were randomly placed and remained at risk of damage (‘unfenced’).

Key results: In 2006, feral pigs had caused significant declines in seedling density, soil macroinvertebrate density and leaf litter cover, but not in soil pH, soil conductivity, invertebrate diversity, vegetation diversity, tree density, canopy cover or fallen log cover. Mean seedling density was lower in the fenced damaged plots than the fenced undamaged plots in 1994 but not in 2006. Other response variables also did not differ significantly between these two plot types, indicating that any damage caused by feral pigs to soil, soil biota or vegetation before 1994 was fully recovered within 12 years.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that reductions in soil invertebrate density, seedling density, and leaf litter cover should be monitored regularly to inform feral pig management programs, and that these variables should be measured for objective assessment of the outcome of any feral pig control program. These declines may continue and be translated into the decline of trees and other keystone species or processes into the future.

Implications: The efficacy of feral pig control programs can be assessed using the quantitative analysis of the aforementioned variables. The results of such monitoring programs, in conjunction with baseline data, can provide an indication of ecosystem recovery and therefore the level of success achieved by the applied control measures.

Is water the key? Dingo management, intraguild interactions and predator distribution around water points in arid Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:30:41 +0000

Context: Predators are major beneficiaries of artificial water points in arid environments, yet little is known of the effects of water on the distribution of many sympatric species. Intraguild interactions around water points in arid Australia may play a significant role in structuring mammalian predator assemblages and influence spatial predation on some native prey species.

Aims: We examined how management of an apex predator, the dingo (Canis lupus dingo), influenced the distribution of two introduced mesopredators, foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felis catus), around water points in arid Australia.

Methods: The spatial activity of dingoes, foxes and feral cats was assessed at five study sites with varying dingo management regimes. Sampling of predator activity was monitored using track counts at measured proximity to water points.

Key results: At sites where dingoes were uncontrolled, foxes were less likely to be found within 5 km of water points; conversely, where dingoes were controlled using exclusion fencing, fox activity was highest near water. Where dingo activity was reduced using 1080 baiting, feral cats were found closer to water.

Conclusions: These patterns suggest that the presence of dingoes instigates avoidance behaviour by foxes and feral cats, and through doing so may limit the use of artificial waters by these mesopredators. Through limiting access to such an essential resource in arid environments, dingoes may reduce mesopredator populations and minimise their impact on native prey.

Implications: For the conservation of native biodiversity, it may prove beneficial to maintain intact dingo populations due to their suppressive effect on mesopredators.

Fertility partially drives the relative success of two introduced bovines (Bubalus bubalis and Bos javanicus) in the Australian tropics

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:28:16 +0000

Context: Some large herbivores introduced to Australia have achieved population densities so high as to cause considerable ecological damage. Intriguingly, others have been relatively less successful and have correspondingly perturbed their new environments less. An excellent example is two similar-sized bovine species that established feral populations in the Northern Territory of Australia in the mid-19th century. Asian swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) rapidly colonised the tropical savannas, causing ecological degradation, especially on freshwater swamps. In contrast, banteng (Bos javanicus) are restricted to their point of introduction and have caused relatively negligible ecological damage. Understanding the reasons of this differential success is of theoretical and applied interest and contributes to managing large herbivore populations for ex situ conservation and feral-animal control.

Aims: To compare the population structure of buffalo and banteng on the basis of shot samples, so as to construct life tables for four contemporary (low-density) buffalo populations, and collated data from previous work from three historical (high-density) buffalo populations and one banteng population (the only extant ex situ population in existence). Further, to provide a validation of age estimation with and without informed priors in a Bayesian model comparing horn length and ages estimated from tooth cementum annuli. Finally, to interpret our results in the context of relative invasion potential of the two bovid species.

Key Results: For both species, survival of juveniles was the most important demographic component influencing deterministic population growth. However, buffalo have the demographic capacity to recover swiftly after control because of high survival and fertility rates across a range of population densities. Fertility of buffalo was historically greater than that of banteng, and buffalo fertility increased as their populations were reduced.

Conclusions: These findings highlight how subtle differences in demographic rates and feeding ecology can influence the success (high population growth and range expansion) of large herbivores, knowledge which is increasingly important for managing invasive species effectively.

Implications: We show that that individual life-history traits and demographic performance, especially fertility, play an important role in determining the spread of invasive bovids in a novel environment.

Assessing the potential impact of invasive cane toads on a commercial freshwater fishery in tropical Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:24:49 +0000

Context: The toxins produced by cane toads (Rhinella marina) are fatal to many Australian predators that ingest these invasive anurans. To date, the potential economic impact of the cane toad invasion has attracted little attention. Toads have recently arrived at a large impoundment (Lake Argyle) in north-eastern Western Australia, that supports a commercial fishery for silver cobbler (shovel-nosed catfish, Arius midgleyi), raising concern that the toads may inflict significant economic damage by killing fish.

Aims: Our research aimed to clarify the vulnerability of silver cobblers to the eggs and larvae of cane toads by determining (a) whether catfish are adversely affected if they prey on toad eggs or tadpoles, and (b) whether surviving catfish learn to avoid cane toad eggs and tadpoles in subsequent encounters.

Methods: We conducted laboratory feeding trials to examine feeding responses of catfish to cane toad eggs and tadpoles in early and late developmental stages. Fish that survived exposure to toad eggs and/or tadpoles were re-tested with potential prey of the same sizes and developmental stages four days later.

Key results: Our laboratory trials confirmed that some catfish eat toad eggs and die; but most catfish avoided the eggs. Catfish readily consumed toad tadpoles at both early and late developmental stages, but without experiencing mortality; and soon learned not to consume this toxic new prey type.

Conclusions and implications: Despite potential frequent episodes of mortality of small numbers of catfish during the wet season, the overall impacts of cane toads on the Lake Argyle fishery likely will be minimal.

Target-specificity of feral pig baits under different conditions in a tropical rainforest

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:21:38 +0000

Context: The mitigation of feral pig (Sus scrofa) impacts in north Queensland’s World Heritage tropical rainforests is constrained by the lack of an effective and target-specific poison baiting method.

Aims: This study aimed to determine whether easily implemented bait presentation methods or seasonal variation in bait acceptability could be used to selectively reduce the consumption of feral pig baits by non-target species.

Methods: We exposed manufactured feral pig baits to pigs and non-target species in the field, and compared bait encounter, sampling and consumption rates for different functional groups of species among three different types of bait presentation and composition. We then exposed baits under different seasonal conditions and related bait encounter and consumption by different functional groups to seasonally variable phenomena.

Key results: Shallow burial greatly reduced bait consumption by most non-target species, but not dingoes (Canis lupus dingo). Nocturnal bait distribution and seasonal baiting were less useful. Pigs showed substantial seasonal variation in physiological condition, suggesting that pigs should be more susceptible to consuming novel foods, such as baits, after periods of low rainfall. However, few pigs consumed the manufactured baits used in this study.

Conclusions: Manufactured baits are not currently suitable for widespread use in the region. However, shallow burial should provide an effective method of reducing non-target bait-take if baits can be made more attractive and acceptable to pigs and less acceptable to dingoes.

Implications: Future efforts to enable effective feral pig control in the region should focus on developing baiting materials that are more attractive to pigs and unappealing to dingoes.

Wild dogma: An examination of recent “evidence” for dingo regulation of invasive mesopredator release in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:10:43 +0000

There is growing interest in the role that apex predators play in shaping terrestrial ecosystems and maintaining trophic
cascades. In line with the mesopredator release hypothesis, Australian dingoes (Canis lupus dingo and hybrids) are assumed by many to regulate the abundance of invasive mesopredators, such as red foxes Vulpes vulpes and feral cats Felis catus, thereby providing indirect benefits to various threatened vertebrates. Several recent papers have claimed to provide evidence for the biodiversity benefits of dingoes in this way. Nevertheless, in this paper we highlight several critical weaknesses in the methodological approaches used in many of these reports, including lack of consideration for seasonal and habitat differences in activity, the complication of simple track-based indices by incorporating difficult-to-meet assumptions, and a reduction in sensitivity for assessing populations by using binary measures rather than potentially continuous measures. Of the 20 studies reviewed, 15 of them (75%) contained serious methodological flaws, which may partly explain the inconclusive nature of the literature investigating interactions between invasive Australian predators. We therefore assert that most of the “growing body of evidence” for mesopredator release is merely an inconclusive growing body of literature only. We encourage those interested in studying the ecological roles of dingoes relative to invasive mesopredators and native prey species to account for the factors we identify, and caution the value of studies that have not done so.

Additional records of small mammals in northern South Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:01:41 +0000

Analysis of prey remains found in predator scats is a valuable tool for assessing the distribution and status of small mammal populations. As part of a large-scale dingo research project in northern South Australia, the prey remains found in 1845 dingo scats were analysed. A range of species were identified as expected, though, of particular interest, additional records of Rattus villosissimus, Notomys fuscus and Pseudomys australis were obtained. Our R. villosissimus records confirm the contemporary range of this species in the north-eastern pastoral zone, while our N. fuscus records support other recent records of this species in the same area. Our P. australis record indicates that an isolated population of this species exists in the Strzelecki Desert, ~400 km east of the nearest known population. The status of these populations remains unknown, including the risk of dingo predation to them.

A comment on the distribution of historical and contemporary livestock grazing across Australia: Implications for using dingoes for biodiversity conservation

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:57:09 +0000

Understanding the causes of faunal declines is important for preserving Australia’s threatened fauna. Both predation and livestock grazing have been investigated as potential causes of declines, but some studies struggle to account for historical grazing impacts due to the lack of historical information on livestock distribution and grazing intensity. This article summarises some trends in the extent of historical and contemporary livestock grazing on mainland Australia. The cumulative effects of historical livestock grazing are discussed in the light of studies investigating the influences of predation and livestock grazing on faunal declines.

Urban Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo and Hybrids) and Human Hydatid Disease (Echinococcus granulosus) in Queensland, Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:51:25 +0000

Urban dingoes are known to occur along most of the Australian eastern seaboard but are particularly common in Queensland coastal cities and towns. Urban dingoes cause significant damage to domestic pets and livestock and present four serious threats to human health and safety: attacks on humans, attacks on domestic animals, zoonotic disease transmission to humans, and the psychological and emotional trauma to affected residents. I have begun to monitor urban dingoes in three metropolitan and regional Queensland coastal cities using GPS datalogging collars to determine habitat use by dingoes in urban communities, assess their reliance on bushland areas, and evaluate their potential role in the epidemiology of zoonotic diseases, including human hydatid disease (caused by the parasitic tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus). Similar to urban predators on other continents (e.g., red foxes and coyotes), I found urban dingoes to have smaller home ranges than their rural counterparts, exhibit flexible habitat requirements in a resource-rich urban environment, and potentially have a pivotal role in the transmission of E. granulosus to humans in built-up areas. Some challenges of urban predator and zoonotic disease management are discussed.

The spatial ecology and zoonoses of urban dingoes – a preliminary investigation

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:37:45 +0000

Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo and hybrids) have traditionally been viewed as a livestock predation problem of rural areas, but in recent years dingoes have emerged as a human health and safety risk in urban areas. Urban dingoes often attack people and pets, are known to be reservoirs of zoonotic diseases and parasites, and can cause significant economic losses to many people and industries along the urban-agricultural interface. Despite this, very little is known about their general ecology in urban areas, including their home range sizes, activity patterns, habitat use, and their disease and parasite epidemiology. Consequently, the agencies responsible for pest animal management in urban areas continue to respond to requests for control and damage mitigation without sufficient information in the literature to guide and support their efforts. In the absence of scientific literature on urban dingoes, understanding the ecology of similar species may be useful to managers of urban dingoes. Urban foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) cause similar problems and present similar risks to urban dingoes in other parts of the world. Hence, this thesis reviews their home ranges, activity patterns, and habitat use in order to predict these same parameters for urban dingoes.

In order to test the predictions made from knowledge of urban foxes and coyotes, GPS collars were fitted to several urban dingoes to record their home range sizes, activity patterns, and habitat use. In addition to this, fresh faeces were collected and tested for the presence of zoonotic diseases and parasites. Results from the preliminary investigation show urban dingoes to have small home range sizes (mean 2.17km2), crepuscular activity patterns, and flexible habitat use. In essence, most urban dingoes occupied a small patch of either bushland or sugarcane/grassland and were most active at dawn and dusk. The only exceptions to this were an adult female caught during breeding season and a juvenile female captured during a dispersal event. Faecal analysis showed 57% (17 out of 30) of urban dingo scats to contain zoonoses, though this is probably an underestimate of the true prevalence of zoonoses in urban dingo populations. Zoonotic pathogens identified in scats include various hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, giardia, salmonella, campylobacter and coccidia. The results of this preliminary study indicate that the spatial ecology of urban dingoes is dissimilar to that of rural dingoes, and is similar to that of urban foxes and coyotes. In order to effectively manage dingoes in urban environments, the spatial ecology, zoonoses, and impacts of dingoes in urban areas need to be investigated in more detail. This can be achieved, in part, through investigations of seasonal home range size, activity patterns and habitat use, and further epidemiological studies. Purity related research, diet and food availability, and accurate density estimates of populations should supplement these studies.

Managing the risk of exotic vertebrate incursions in Australia

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:28:13 +0000

Context: Biological invasions are a profound contribution to human-induced environmental change. Although intentional introductions of vertebrate species have largely declined, global transport and communication networks continue to increase. As a consequence, more goods are being traded and the type of species being transported has changed, as well as the associated risks.

Aims: To analyse the frequency, and provide risk assessments, for exotic vertebrate species detected by border and post-border Australian biosecurity agencies in the past decade (1999–2010).

Methods: We collated detection records by emailing or telephoning representatives from agencies responsible for implementing Australian biosecurity. We calculated the risk of successful establishment (low, moderate, serious, extreme) for 137 identified vertebrate species not currently established in Australia. Generalised linear models were constructed to test whether the frequency of increasing risk of establishment was associated with either differences between vertebrate classes and/or different detection categories.

Key results: The majority of species detected were reported from illegal keeping. Individual species risk assessments revealed that reptiles were more likely to be of greater risk for future establishment than were birds, mammals or amphibians. Controlling for taxonomy, high-risk species were not involved in larger (i.e. number of individuals) incidents than were lower-risk species. Across years, the number of novel exotic vertebrate species detected ‘at large’ in Australia has significantly increased.

Conclusions: Several of the species detected by biosecurity agencies have attributes that give them the potential to become pests in Australia. Preventing incursions is by far the most cost-effective way to prevent future pest damage.

Implications: It is clear that a nationally coordinated framework for data collection and data sharing among agencies is urgently required. We present a minimum framework for the future collection of inter-agency data, necessary to assess and monitor the ongoing risk of vertebrate pest incursions in Australia.

Validation of mark-recapture population estimates for invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Lake Crescent, Tasmania

Keryn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:23:17 +0000

A mark-recapture study based on the Petersen method was implemented in 1998 to estimate the abundance of the invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., in Lake Crescent, Tasmania. Multiple gear types were employed to minimise capture bias, with multiple capture and recapture events providing an opportunity to compute and compare Petersen and Schnabel estimates. A single Petersen estimate on recapture data and two Schnabel estimates – one each on mark (forward-Schnabel estimate) and recapture (reverse-Schnabel estimate) data – were conducted. An independent long-term double tag study facilitated estimation of the annual natural mortality. Subsequent fish-down of the population suggests that, in all likelihood, the carp have been eradicated from the lake, providing an unprecedented opportunity to verify the forward population estimates carried out in 1998. Results suggest that all three estimates were close to the true population size, with the reverse-Schnabel estimate being the most accurate and within 1% of the true population in this relatively large lake (∼2365 ha). Greater accuracy of the reverse-Schnabel approach can be attributed to either minimised fish behavioural (i.e. gear susceptibility or avoidance) or computational bias associated with the forward-Schnabel and Petersen approaches, respectively. While the original estimates served as a guide in eradication of carp from the lake, the ultimate validation provides a reliable framework for abundance estimation of this invasive fish in relatively large water bodies elsewhere.

Guidelines for planning carp fishing competitions

Keryn — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:29:12 +0000

Many fishing and restocking clubs already host fishing competitions for native fish species and have a strong understanding of what is needed to successfully run these events. There are several important differences in hosting competitions for carp, primarily because carp is a declared pest or noxious species. This guide aims to highlight these differences and provide some ideas to make carp competitions more effective and enjoyable.

In recent years, growing environmental awareness has led to a rise in community activities aimed at supporting or recovering the local environment. Carp fishing competitions are seen as a fun, hands-on way for members of the public to help reduce the high numbers of this pest fish and its destructive impact on inland waterways. High-technology methods such as electrofishing (by trained personnel) are certainly more efficient at reducing carp populations, but they do not provide the community with a sense of involvement.

This guide will be a useful reference for any fishing club or other organisation considering hosting a carp fishing competition. It includes scientific knowledge of the habits and ecology of carp and the most efficient ways to target them. It also includes advice from experienced fishing competition organisers on how to plan and run a public event. Examples and advice are provided on how to successfully combine these two sets of sometimes-conflicting ideals. A workbook is attached at the end.

The guide explains how to set the objectives of a competition, and how these objectives influence many other aspects of planning, such as the site, timing and size of the event and likely sponsors and prizes. It provides advice on public event advertising, permits and insurance, catering, entertainment, registration systems and crowd control. The aim is to maximise the fishing competition’s effectiveness against carp while ensuring a safe and enjoyable public event that everyone will be keen to do again.

Towards a more durable institutional base for invasive animals R&D

Keryn — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:09:35 +0000

Invasive animals in Australia represent a classic problem — chronic, diffuse, pervasive, fragmented, insidious, cumulative, with strong public and private good dimensions — that exemplifies the drivers behind the establishment of the original Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) model.

Invasive animals are among the biggest threats to Australia’s biodiversity, they impose costs on most agricultural and horticultural industries (exceeding $700m annually), they pose serious biosecurity risks, including potentially to human health, and they compound significant land and water degradation problems. However, perhaps because invasive animals are pervasive and chronic across Australia, no-one has clear ownership of the issue. This has contributed to a lack of critical mass and a fragmented research, extension, regulatory and policy effort.

There is a compelling case for continued public investment in a national institutional framework to plan, fund and coordinate collaborative applied invasive animals research and development in Australia.

PestSmart Case Study: Bounceback — rabbit control in the Flinders Ranges

Keryn — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:11:14 +0000

A case study on the effects of long-term, coordinated rabbit control on native plants and wildlife in the semi-arid Flinders region of South Australia.

The European rabbit is a major environmental pest in semi-arid and arid environments across Australia, including the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. In the past, rabbit numbers in the Flinders Ranges National Park (FRNP) have been among the highest in the region due to suitable terrain and soil types. Warren densities of 80—100 warrens/km² were common across the park, with some higher-density infestations of up to 150/km² in localised areas.

The Bounceback recovery program was established in response to the continued decline in habitat quality from overgrazing by introduced herbivores including rabbits, as well as other ecological issues in the Flinders region. Rabbit control began in FRNP in 1994, as part of the early stages of the Bounceback program. In 1995, rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) significantly reduced rabbit numbers and allowed the Bounceback team to take advantage of the low-density population.

PestSmart Case Study: Bounceback — fox control in the Flinders Ranges

Keryn — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:02:32 +0000

Case study of fox control as part of a major conservation program aiming to protect and restore the semi-arid environment in South Australia.

Native plants and animals in the Flinders–Olary and Gawler bioregions of northern South Australia have been adversely affected since European settlement. Impacts from high levels of grazing by domestic stock and other introduced grazers such as rabbits, feral goats and (to a lesser extent) donkeys and camels have been long term.

Excessive grazing pressure has prevented native plant communities from regenerating, allowing exotic plants to colonise and establish. In some areas this has led to fragmentation of ecosystems. Combined with predation by foxes and feral cats, these changes have significantly reduced local fauna, with some species such as the bilby, bettong and hare-wallabies now believed to be extinct. The Bounceback program was developed to protect the area from further damage and to help it recover.

PestSmart Factsheet: Fox shooting and hunting

Keryn — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:29:49 +0000

In Australia, landowners are permitted to hunt and shoot foxes on their own land provided they are appropriately licenced. Recreational hunters and shooters need to gain permission from private landowners to hunt or shoot on their land. Hunting and shooting on most public lands is prohibited, although in New South Wales regulated hunting is allowed on some designated public lands.

Hunters and shooters must be aware of, and strictly observe all relevant legal requirements and safety guidelines for the use of their weapons. The general use of firearms is covered under individual state or territory legislation. The act of killing a fox is governed by the state or territory’s animal welfare legislation and penalties apply if it is not done in a way that causes the animal as little pain as possible. A code of practice and a standard operating procedure for the shooting of foxes is available.

PestSmart Case Study: Coordinated fox shooting program

Keryn — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 04:21:06 +0000

Case study on a group program of fox shooting in the Milton–Ulladulla region of New South Wales.

This program began in September 2004 in the Milton/Ulladulla region of New South Wales when concerns were raised about the number of foxes in the area. A community meeting of all stakeholders was held to discuss the best approach to managing the fox problem.

The main issues identified were predation of native animals and livestock (particularly shorebirds, poultry and children’s pets), nuisance value in local caravan parks and public parks (raiding of garbage bins), and disease transmission.

PestSmart Case Study: Effective rabbit control in pine-buloke woodlands

Keryn — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:08:12 +0000

A case study comparing the effectiveness of two conventional, integrated rabbit control strategies in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park in northwest Victoria.

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park was declared in 1980 and is a highly rabbit-prone environment. Before the arrival of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), conventional control had reduced rabbit abundance to between two and eight rabbits
per spotlight kilometre. After RHDV became established in 1996, spotlight counts dropped to fewer than one rabbit per kilometre. In areas where warrens were ripped, spotlight counts remained below 0.5 rabbits per kilometre.

Guidelines for the Balanced Scientist Program

Keryn — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:53:10 +0000

The Education Program of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) has run the Balanced Scientist Program (BSP) for postgraduate students since 2005. When we started, there was little in the way of information from previous CRCs about how to develop and coordinate these sorts of programs, or even what should be in them. We hope to remove that impediment from future CRCs and to provide a template for other postgraduate training programs.

This guide has arisen from our experiences and from the feedback received from participating students. We do not aim to be prescriptive but to provide a starting point from which other organisations may create a similar beneficial experience for their students.

The BSP is a cross-institutional program, based around a single theme (invasive animals). Our students come from Universities across Australia and the UK, however this program could easily be run by the academic community for students within or across Universities.

Although this program has a number of unusual features, the two that stand out for Australian academic communities are the workplace connections which are aimed at creating a lasting benefit to both the students involved and the industry partners and the thematic nature of the program (in this case invasive animals).

The BSP does require a substantial investment on the part of the institutions involved, with an active commitment in terms of time, money and people. CRCs are uniquely placed in this regard, however we believe that this commitment is worth it and will therefore be of interest to postgraduate programs outside the CRCs. We envisage a learning experience that prepares PhD graduates more fully for both academic involvement and the industry workforce which is becoming further available to them.

Carp plague Darling river catchment

Keryn — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 03:16:34 +0000

YouTube video:

PestSmart Factsheet: new & emerging pest species

Keryn — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:49:22 +0000

Incursions of exotic (non-native) species in the wild create the risk of new pest populations establishing and significantly impacting our environment, economy and/or society. Preventing new pests from entering the wild and establishing is far more cost effective than attempting to eradicate them after they have become established. No widely established pest animal has been successfully eradicated on a mainland. So, detection and prevention of entering or spread of new species is the key to avoiding new pest problems.

Incursions of new species can result from escapes from captivity, deliberate releases, smuggling and stowaways. With the large amount of global and local travel and trade, the risk of incursion events is increasing. There are many examples of animals that have accidentally or deliberately been released into the environment in small numbers and established as pests (rabbits are a prime example). Propagule pressure (the number of release
events and number of individuals released) is a critical aspect influencing where and when animals will establish a free-living population — the more individuals of a species released, the greater the chance that species will establish.

PestSmart Factsheet: Feral pig

Keryn — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 03:41:06 +0000

Feral pigs in Australia descend from domestic swine, but look more similar to Eurasia’s wild boar than their domestic counterparts. They tend to have sparse, coarse hair on lean and muscular frames, well-developed necks and shoulders that taper to short hindquarters. Colouration is predominantly black, rust-coloured or black and white spotted. Females are usually smaller and weigh less (50–60 kg) than males (80–100 kg). Pigs have keen senses of smell and taste and good hearing, but their eyesight is generally considered to be poor.

Feral pigs are highly social and intelligent animals that naturally form groups, known as ‘mobs’, or ‘sounders’ in the United States. These groups are usually less than 12 individuals, although they can be as large as 400 if conditions are right. Feral pigs are most active from late afternoon to early morning.

Making and using female sex pheromone implants which attract mature male common carp

Keryn — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 01:37:38 +0000

The common carp, Cyprinus carpio, like many fish species, relies on pheromones (chemical signals that pass between members of the same species) to mediate reproductive success.

At least five sex pheromones have been characterized in this species, one of which is released by ovulated females and attracts spermiated, receptive males. This pheromone is comprised of prostaglandin F2α, its metabolites and other
unknown polar body metabolites.

This manual describes an implant technology which can elicit release of this entire pheromone at extraordinarily high concentrations for a couple of weeks so that it can be used as bait to attract and trap sexually mature and receptive
male carp.

PestSmart DVD: Introduction to using foot hold traps for the capture of wild dogs and foxes

Keryn — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 03:52:41 +0000

This DVD is a snapshot of proven tips and techniques from a variety of locations across Australia. With guidance from professional trappers, the DVD will provide you with insight and skills to confidently undertake trapping as part of an integrated control programme.

Containing 2 hours of videos, the DVD also contains helpful information when placed in a PC, including the regulations for the use of foot hold traps from each state.

The DVDs will be available for viewing at natural resource management group and catchment management authority offices throughout the country. The DVDs will be provided free-of-charge at wild dog and fox management field days and trapping training courses conducted by industry, natural resources management groups and state government agencies.

Copies of the DVD are also available free of charge by contacting the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre on email: contact@invasiveanimals.com or (02) 6201 2887.

Assessing the safe and effective use of aerial baiting for the control of wild dogs in Victoria

Keryn — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:15:53 +0000

Wild dogs — dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) and feral or wild-living domestic dogs (Canis familiaris familiaris), and their hybrids can reduce farm productivity and prey on native animal species, but they may also reduce the abundance of other introduced mammalian carnivores such as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cats (Felix catus) (Glen and Dickman 2003; Robley et al. 2009). In Victoria, dingoes have recently been listed as a threatened species (Flora and Fauna Guarantee
Act 1998), and loss of genetic integrity through hybridisation with wild dogs is listed as one of the main threatening process (Scientific Advisory Committee 2007). In Victoria, the state government invests approximately $4.4 million per annum in managing the impact of wild dogs on agricultural enterprises.

Aerial baiting for the control of wild dogs is used in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, but its long-term cost-effectiveness has gone largely unassessed. In 2005, the Victorian Minister for the Environment and Water announced that trials would be undertaken on the safe and effective use of aerial baiting for the control of wild dogs in Victoria. Trials were undertaken between 2005 and 2007 in north-eastern Victoria and Gippsland.

These trials had three aims:

To determine the accuracy of aerial bait delivery.
To assess the effect of bait presentation on uptake by wild dogs, foxes, feral cats and non-target species.
To assess the safe and effective use of aerial baiting in Victoria in relation to Spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) and wild dogs

Assessing the effectiveness of buried baiting for the control of wild dogs in Victoria

Keryn — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:09:09 +0000

Baits containing the poison 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) are commonly used to reduce wild dog (feral domestic dogs Canis familiaris familiaris, dingoes Canis lupus dingo and their hybrids) numbers in Australia. In 2009 we attempted to determine the optimal number of control devices (traps and bait stations) required to achieve a given reduction in wild dogs. Despite an extensive trapping effort by wild dog controllers over several weeks at four sites, only three dogs were captured. The project was refocused to provide more generalised information on the effectiveness of buried baiting as a tool for the control of wild dogs. This project aimed to quantify the effectiveness of buried baiting during autumn and early winter by assessing dog activity before and after a poisoning operation.

Assessing the effectiveness and reliability of a trap alert system for use in wild dog control

Keryn — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 01:00:38 +0000

The Victorian Department of Primary Industries (DPI) currently undertakes wild dog (feral domestic dogs Canis familiaris familiaris, dingoes Canis lupus dingo and their hybrids) control in Victoria for the protection of livestock, using an integrated control program involving fencing, trapping and poison baiting. Under an exemption granted by the responsible Minister, wild dog controllers are required to check traps within 72 hours of them being set, rather than 24 hours as required by a regulation under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

Trap alert systems are a potential aid in managing the requirement to check traps every 24 hours. A trap alert device activates an alarm when a trap is sprung and sends an SMS message and/or email to one or more recipients.

During a wild dog control operation in spring 2010 we trialled three trap alert devices. We also tested devices in summer 2011 at sites in north-eastern Victoria and East Gippsland under controlled conditions in a range of physical and environmental settings.

Detecting and preventing new incursions of exotic animals in Australia

Keryn — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 01:21:02 +0000

This report presents data on incursions and interceptions of exotic vertebrates in Australia that have occurred within the country and at the national border, over the past 10 years. It includes data on species (that are not widely established) found ‘at large’ in the environment, and seizures, surrenders and thefts from private keeping within Australia. It also includes data on animals intercepted entering the country as stowaways or in attempted smuggling incidents. Information on animal numbers and species and incident locations (at state/territory level) is presented, providing a national picture of which exotic vertebrates have been sighted at or within Australian borders. High-risk species are identified for future priority biosecurity actions, to prevent new pests establishing.

Data sources included state, territory and federal government agencies, the Zoo and Aquarium Association and online publications. Information varied in quantity and quality from the different sources, with some agencies having far more detailed information than others. The reporting of animal sightings and interceptions depends on (a) the general awareness of threats posed by exotic species and (b) the effectiveness of pest-related legislation and its implementation (which
in turn is dependent on government resources).

Towards a national emergency response system for freshwater fish incursions

Keryn — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:53:57 +0000

Freshwater fish incursions are a significant issue in Australia and a major biosecurity risk to freshwater ecosystems. The introduction of freshwater fish to areas outside of their natural range can exert various environmental, social and economic impacts. Currently 44 alien (meaning foreign in origin) freshwater fish species have been recorded in Australian
freshwaters, with a further 76 native freshwater fish species found outside their natural range.

Preventing alien freshwater fish incursions into the natural environment, through quarantine, legislation and education, is the most cost-effective management approach. Once an incursion has occurred, appropriate national emergency response arrangements are required to facilitate coordinated, cooperative and timely response actions to provide the best opportunity for containment and eradication. Effective response to freshwater fish incursions in Australia has been inhibited by a lack of national emergency response arrangements for freshwater species. In recognition of this, the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre initiated a project ‘Developing a national rapid response plan for invasive freshwater fish in
Australia’. Key tasks of this project included preparation of a review document and development of a National Rapid Response Plan for Invasive Freshwater Fish in Australia.

The development and implementation of national emergency response arrangements for freshwater fish incursions may reduce risk of the entry and spread of alien freshwater fish and will enable a consistent and coordinated national management approach. Alien freshwater fish incursions potentially cause loss of native species diversity and abundance, as well as additional adverse impacts on the environment, industry and society. Provision of emergency response arrangements will reduce management expenses because investment will focus on prevention and emergency response activities rather than ongoing management.

Management of freshwater fish incursions: a review

Keryn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:05:30 +0000

Biotic exchange has been predicted as the main driver of global biodiversity change in freshwater ecosystems. Activities associated with increasing globalisation are facilitating the introduction of freshwater fish outside their native range and dispersal ability. Introductions of alien freshwater fish may be accidental or intentional, and have been made for food resources, recreational fishing, ornamental purposes, aquaculture, and biological control. Introductions of alien freshwater fish can result in negative and positive environmental, social and economic outcomes. Alien freshwater fish are repeatedly associated with declines in native freshwater fish and often eventually account for a high proportion of the total freshwater fish community.

In Australian freshwater ecosystems, the number of alien fish species forming established populations has steadily increased since European settlement. Forty-four alien freshwater fish species have been recorded in Australian waterways; these include five of the eight fish species listed in the ‘top 100 of the world’s worst alien invasive species’ (Lowe et al 2000). The majority of recent introductions (since the 1970s) are alien ornamental fish species, whereas prior to this most introductions were related to European settlement.

Many alien freshwater fish eradication and control programs have been undertaken in Australia, with varying levels of success. The majority of eradication exercises used chemical (rotenone) treatment, while control exercises involved a combination of physical removal by electrofishing, netting and screening, and habitat modification using water manipulation methods. The documentation of management programs is improving, with detailed information on aims, methods, costs, monitoring and outcomes more frequently included. A centralised database would enable the collation, analysis and interpretation of documented management programs, as well as the dissemination of information for educational purposes.
A centralised decision support program would also be valuable to provide easily accessible information to responsible agencies concerning management options for alien fish, the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and other issues to be considered.

PestSmart Factsheet: Wild dog risks to threatened wildlife

Keryn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:32:30 +0000

Wild dogs prey on a variety of animals including mammals, birds and reptiles of all sizes from insects to water buffalo. However, they prefer to eat small and medium-sized mammals when available, including native mice, dunnarts, bandicoots and wallabies.

Wild dogs have been implicated in the decline of several species, both historically and in the recent past. For example, dingoes may have been responsible for the mainland extinction of the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), as well as the decline of brushtail possums and other marsupials in the arid zone over the last 200 years.

Fact sheet on risks posed to threatened wildlife by wild dogs. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: IA CRC Product Pipeline

Keryn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:26:15 +0000

The 41 partners in the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre are proud to promote the forthcoming products developed or registered throughout their seven year funding life (2005-2012). All products have been developed with animal welfare, price, useability, target specificity, availability and reversibility (antidote available) in mind.

Fact sheet outlining current pest animal control products currently under development. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart Factsheet: Fishing as a carp control method

Keryn — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 05:19:50 +0000

While fishing (commercial or recreational) is not an effective means of carp control in itself, it can be a valuable component of an integrated carp management program. Localised recreational carp fishing competitions, for example, are popular in many parts of Australia. Commercial carp fishing occurs in Victoria, South Australia and (irregularly) in New South Wales.

Fact sheet on using fishing as a method for controlling carp in Australian waterways. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

NSW Carp Control Plan 2010

Keryn — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:59:00 +0000

Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) has recently finalised a control plan for carp in NSW. A draft control plan was released for public comment from November 2009 through January 2010. Comments received on the draft have been taken into consideration and incorporated where possible in the development of the final control plan. I&I NSW would like to thank everyone who provided comments.

The control plan brings the most up-to-date information about the biology and impacts of carp and outlines what is being done, or should be done, to stop further spread, control the size of populations, better understand carp and increase the understanding and involvement of the community.

Carp in NSW: Assessment of distribution, fishery and fishing methods

Keryn — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:25:37 +0000

The introduced common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is now widespread through much of inland New South Wales. Carp are considered a major pest and contributor to the environmental degradation of many inland waterways and reduction of native fish populations. Consequently, there has been considerable ongoing research, both nationally and within NSW, into ways of controlling carp numbers.

Key components of this study were to map the present distribution of carp in NSW, review the carp fishery including catch and market data, and assess harvesting methods with respect to their effectiveness in catching carp and their possible impact on native fish species or air-breathing vertebrates such as turtles and platypus. A fish trap designed for carp and incorporating a bycatch reduction device was tested and assessed.

Testing methods and ecological consequences of large-scale removal of common carp

Keryn — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 02:18:11 +0000

Introduced carp are widely distributed in NSW. They dominate many of the fish communities within their range, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin. The successful establishment and spread of carp is aided by their tolerance to a wide range of environmental conditions, good mobility and high reproductive output. These characteristics make carp persistent pests that are difficult to eradicate. However, there are a number of possible ways to reduce carp numbers including biological control, habitat modification, physical control such as harvesting and chemical control. Controlling carp requires a detailed assessment of the effectiveness and short-falls of alternative techniques.

This report documents the findings of three separate studies. The first study assessed different fishing gear types and provided information on the most cost-efficient and effective harvest techniques, particularly those suited for use by community groups wishing to remove carp from their local waterways. The second study evaluated the effectiveness of poison baits (rotenone) on carp eradication and the impacts of the baits on non-target native fish. The third study investigated ecological differences between large and small carp in enclosed waterways.

Economic Analysis of the National Wild Dog Facilitator Project

Keryn — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 01:23:04 +0000

The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC), together with a number of partners, has been funding a project to facilitate the strategic management of wild dogs in Australia. The first phase of the project was funded
from August 2006 to October 2009 (extended to June 2010). The second phase of the project was then funded from June 2010 and is due to end in June 2012.

Wild dogs are defined as wild-living dogs which include dingoes, feral dogs and their hybrids. Wild dogs are declared as invasive pests requiring control on private lands in most states of Australia, however dingoes are protected as native wildlife when in a conservation area. Wild dogs have traditionally been managed in sheep farming areas due to their impact on sheep, but have been less managed in cattle farming areas due to a perceived lower impact. In addition, dogs are increasingly becoming a problem in urban and peri-urban areas.

The facilitator model that this project has adopted is proving to be effective in limiting the impact of wild dogs. The purpose of this economic analysis is to demonstrate the value of such a facilitated approach. The facilitator project
recognises that producers and the wider community working cooperatively is required to effectively manage wild dogs and their impacts. Prior to the project, guidelines for the coordinated and strategic management of wild dogs had been
developed, but there had been only a limited number of successful examples of the application of the approach.

An economic analysis was carried out on the expected returns to an assumed investment in the project from July 2012 to June 2016 (4 years). The analysis found that the expected return was 8.6 to 1 when benefits are measured over 15
years from the first year of investment (at a 5% discount rate). If the benefits are considered over a 30 year timeframe, then the benefit-cost ratio increases to 11.3 to 1. A break-even analysis showed that the NWDF would only need to reduce the wild dog impact by 2.9% over 15 years in the areas where the project is active in order for the investment to break-even.

Understanding the drivers and barriers towards the adoption of innovative canid control technologies: a review

Keryn — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 04:40:10 +0000

Wild dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are considered major pests in Australia. To reduce the impact of these pests, a variety of control techniques are available to private and public land managers. Despite the availability of these techniques, many land managers do not participate in canid control because of concerns over non-target risks, humaneness, and cost and effectiveness. There is a need for new canid control technologies that pose fewer risks to non-target animals or other assets, cause minimal contamination of soil, crops and waterways, and are perceived as humane by those who use them and the public at large.

A number of agencies led by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) are assessing para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) as a new chemical for canid control. PAPP and its associated antidote, BlueHealer®, are not yet available for commercial use in Australia but in a number of environments should pose fewer risks to non-target species, especially pet dogs, while being a highly effective chemical active for wild canid control. These desirable attributes should translate into the uptake of this pest control innovation. This paper reviews a selection of innovation diffusion models to better understand the probable drivers and barriers to end users adopting innovative pest control strategies in general and more specifically PAPP products as best practice integrated wild dog management.

There is a growing body of literature in natural resource management examining how the diffusion of innovations can be influenced and how community engagement programs may benefit the adoption of new technologies. The literature suggests that a participatory approach to stakeholder engagement and extension improves rates of adoption. Extension programs should target syndicates or workshops, through
champions or trusted intermediaries. The effectiveness, specificity and humaneness of PAPP should be communicated and demonstrated in a transparent, repeatable and easily understood manner. The antidote to PAPP, BlueHealer®, is likely to be the most attractive benefit of the product because of strong concerns over accidental poisoning of farm and working dogs when using existing poisons.

Uptake of PAPP products is complicated by the beliefs, values and perceptions towards both canid management and existing control technologies. The drivers and barriers that influence both participation in, and choice of canid control techniques, are poorly understood. A community survey structured across different stakeholder groups and across geographic space would help quantify key perceptions towards canid management. Adoption of PAPP products may be benefited by focusing research and extension programs on key features of PAPP and on products containing this new chemical active that are poorly or misunderstood by the suite of potential adopters.

Development of cyanide for feral pig and fox control

Keryn — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 02:10:23 +0000

This report provides an overview of a series of pig- and fox-baiting research projects conducted 2005–2010, investigating the use of cyanide as a bait, particularly for disease sampling. It summarises the outcomes of various pen and field trials, and provides recommendations for future research. The report will provide a useful reference document to support further research in this area.

M-44 Ejector Field Trial Updates

Keryn — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:33:28 +0000

The Southern Branch of the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service funded a field trial of M-44 ejector devices using 1080 for wild dog and fox control.

M-44 ejectors are baited, spring-activated devices that propel the contents of a capsule into the mouth of a wild dog or fox as it pulls upwards with sufficient force on a baited lure head. Ejectors have been deployed in the United States by the US
Department of Agriculture since the late 1930’s for the control of coyotes, red and grey foxes, and wild dogs.

This series of updates on the field trial, produced by the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service project team, follows the trial’s progress and results. Following the trial, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) issued
a minor use permit on the 16th of April 2010 authorising the use of M-44 ejectors containing 1080 capsules for wild dog and fox control within restricted areas of NSW and the ACT.

Proceedings of the 15th Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference

Keryn — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 02:29:54 +0000

The Australasian Vertebrate Pest Conference, held in Sydney 20-23 June 2011, is the 15th in a series recommended by the Vertebrate Pests Committee (VPC). The conference is held triennially, with the last conference convened in Darwin in June 2008. The 2011 AVPC was organised in conjunction with the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre and NSW Primary Industries. The theme of this conference “Security from the impact of vertebrate pest animals” is the vision of VPC’s Australian Pest Animal Strategy (2007) which provides a national framework for the management of pest animals.

The role of VPC is to provide coordination in policy, planning and overall strategies which address pest animal problems. Through these triennial conferences, VPC aims to increase the exchange of ideas, knowledge and innovations of all those involved in pest animal management in Australia and New Zealand as well as internationally.

This volume is a pre-conference compilation of working papers. The contents are not peer reviewed and apart from lay-out changes, have been printed as received from submitting authors. In many cases, the contents contain preliminary results only. Please consult with authors before using information contained in any of the abstracts.

PestSmart Factsheet: European rabbit

Keryn — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 02:31:05 +0000

Wild European rabbits typically have grey-brown back fur and a white-grey belly. Colour varies from sandy light brown, to ginger, black, and occasionally, white. Rabbits are characterised by their long ears, long hind legs, short fluffy tail and feet that are well furred beneath, with large straight claws. Males and females are similar in size and appearance; male rabbits may have a slightly broader head. Adults weigh 1–2.25 kg and range in length from 35 to 45 cm.

General fact sheet on European rabbits covering biology, ecology, life cycle, distribution and impacts. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Modelling the distribution of vertebrate pests in New South Wales under climate change

Keryn — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 01:06:18 +0000

This project, funded by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre on behalf of the New South Wales Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, develops and applies tools to model the distribution and abundance of vertebrate pest species in relation to climatic and biophysical variables. Such models are needed to predict how the distribution of pest species may vary under a changing climate. We assembled a priority list of vertebrate pests affecting biodiversity in New South Wales (NSW) based on reported threats to species, populations and ecological communities. Feral goats, feral cats, red foxes, European rabbits, and feral pigs are the most common recorded threats to ‘endangered’ or ‘vulnerable’ terrestrial species in NSW, affecting 84.5% of threatened species listed.

This report covers these species—as well as cane toads, Indian mynas, starlings, wild dogs and wild deer. It uses quantitative and, where necessary, qualitative species distribution models to predict the distribution and abundance of these species using land manager desk-top surveys undertaken in 2004. Using the 2004 data, the species distribution models generally predicted the ranges of each species extremely well, but performed poorly in identifying areas where animals were considered to be at a high density. This may have resulted in part from data issues, including the effect of having multiple ‘observers’ and the scale of the analyses (5 km x 5 km grids).

These models were then used to predict the distribution and abundance of these pests under 2050 climate forecasts. Climate scenarios for 2050 were generated from four global circulation models (GCMs)—CSIRO, MIROC, ECHO and ECHAM—that performed reasonably well in modelling current Australian climate. As expected under a warmer climate, cane toads, which have tropical origins, are predicted to expand their range considerably (fourfold). Predictions varied more for species with temperate origins. Rabbits are predicted to generally decline in distribution and abundance. Foxes are predicted to increase in density in some areas and decrease in others, with their overall distribution changing little. Feral cats are predicted to have a slight decrease in abundance, but to maintain a similar range.

PestSmart Factsheet: Fox Bounties

Keryn — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:44:59 +0000

Bounty systems offer financial incentives to hunt and destroy pest animals.

Bounty systems offer what appears to be a simple solution to pest animal problems by providing financial rewards to reduce pest numbers. However, reviews of past bounty schemes from Australia and around the world show that they are an ineffective form of pest animal control and do not deliver long-term solutions to a widespread pest animal problem.

Use of Bounties For Pest Animal Management

Keryn — Tue, 17 May 2011 04:52:16 +0000

The purpose of this policy is to identify under what conditions the resources of Biosecurity Queensland may be allocated to the payment of bounties for pest animal management.

PestSmart Factsheet: Feral cat

Keryn — Tue, 17 May 2011 02:35:02 +0000

Feral cats live, hunt and reproduce in the wild. They can survive independently of humans. They differ from domestic cats in how and where they live rather than true biological differences. Feral cats have the body shape, acute senses and fine
coordination perfectly suited for stalking and capturing prey. Feral cats can take down prey matching their own body size and kill by biting the throat or base of the skull. These traits have allowed feral cats to adapt to some of Australia’s harshest conditions and invade almost all parts of the continent.

General fact sheet on feral cats covering biology, ecology, life cycle, distribution and impacts. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Feral cats in soft jaw traps

Keryn — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:46:51 +0000

Feral cats in soft jaw traps, Grampians National Park, Victoria.

Images courtesy Daryl Panther, Victorian Wildlife Management http://www.victorianwildlife.com.au/ .

These image files may be freely downloaded and used without permission of the copyright holder for educational purposes only. If the image file is to be used for any other purpose other than educational use (including commercial purposes), permission must be obtained directly from the copyright holder.

Click on the thumbnail below to view a larger image.

PestSmart Case Study: Coordinated group fox programs

Keryn — Mon, 09 May 2011 04:04:42 +0000

Case study on the effectiveness of using coordinated group programs for fox management on farms.

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

PestSmart: Frequently asked questions about HOG‑GONE®

Keryn — Mon, 09 May 2011 03:28:03 +0000

Factsheet covering frequently asked questions about HOG‑GONE® feral pig baits in Australia. Some of the questions covered include:

What is HOG‑GONE® and how does it work?
Is sodium nitrite really more humane than existing feral pig baits?
Isn’t nitrite a strictly controlled substance?
Can I use standard meat preserving nitrite for feral pig control?
What about availability and operator safety?
Can I eat the meat from pigs that have been poisoned by HOG‑GONE® baits?

Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart Toolkit series.

Native non-target sensitivity testing and humaneness testing of a new feral pig toxicant

Keryn — Mon, 09 May 2011 02:46:05 +0000

The following three reports are from the contract ‘Native non-target sensitivity testing and humaneness testing of a new feral pig toxicant’. The contract required:

an assessment of the sensitivity of key native non-target species (species that have previously consumed PIGOUT^® baits) to HOG-GONE^TM or a sodium nitrite concentrate, and
to conduct an independent humaneness assessment of the active.

Animal Pest Alert – Pacific Rat

Keryn — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:41:20 +0000

The Pacific Rat (Rattus exulans) is also known as the Kiore, or Polynesian or Maori Rat. It is not indigenous to Australia but has established populations in the wild on islands here and elsewhere in Asia and the South Pacific. It is closely associated with human settlement and is often accidently transported to new areas by people.

The Pacific rat poses an extreme threat to Australia. It has significant potential to establish more wild populations on islands and the mainland and become a pest.

Contains information on identification, distribution, damage, pest potential and risk management.

Effective implementation of regional fox control programs

Keryn — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 07:35:40 +0000

Final report on a study conducted by the Vertebrate Pest Research Unit (VPRU), NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to determine if there is a relationship between lamb survival and the frequency, timing and spatial coverage of fox-control programs.

The study took advantage of existing agricultural fox-management programs across 4.5 million hectares in regional New South Wales (NSW) to look at their impact on lamb survival. Data was collected from a range of landholders participating in fox-control activities, ranging from no control or isolated individual programs, to control on a larger scale with coordinated groups.

PestSmart Factsheet: European Red Fox

Keryn — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 06:15:08 +0000

Although 3 colour morphs (red, silver or black and cross) are generally recognised worldwide, the red morph is most common in Australia. In general, throat and abdomen are white, lower legs and ears are black and a bushy tail is tipped in white. This animal exhibits a wide geographic and sub-species variation in size, as body length can range from 45 to 90cm, tail length from 30 to 55cm and body mass from 3 to 14kg.

General fact sheet on foxes covering biology, ecology, life cycle, distribution and impacts. Produced by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre as part of the PestSmart series.

Operational Plan for Eradication of Ship Rats (Rattus rattus), Kiore (Rattus exulans), House Mouse (Mus musculus) and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) from Ohinau and Motutapere Islands

Keryn — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:04:56 +0000

This is the final report for an island eradication project by the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

This operation involved two phases:

Two aerial applications of poison bait to target rabbits, mice and kiore on Ohinau and Ship rats on Motutapere Islands during the period 1 July to 30 August 2005.
Follow-up shooting of rabbits on Ohinau Island if required.

The operational objective was to eradicate all four pest animal species from both islands, as an important part of their ecological restoration.

A national approach towards humane vertebrate pest control

Keryn — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:11:24 +0000

This discussion paper is based on a facilitated workshop, held in August 2003, to pursue a recommendation for the urgent development of a national strategy to improve the humaneness of vertebrate pest management. The need for such a strategy arose from discussions at an RSPCA Australia seminar on the issue of humane vertebrate pest control, held earlier in 2003. There were 43 attendees at the workshop from a diverse range of stakeholders representing all relevant State and Federal organisations.

The workshop considered that a national approach towards humane vertebrate pest control would provide uniformity across jurisdictions, opportunities for collaboration and coordination of control efforts, and lead to the development of nationally acceptable pest animal control practices. A key goal of this approach would be to optimise research, development and education resources and identify national priorities for increasing the humaneness of vertebrate pest control. It would reflect and connect with existing strategies such as the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), which promotes the development and use of humane and effective control methods for pest animal control.

A model for assessing the relative humaneness of pest animal control methods

Keryn — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 01:04:12 +0000

Pest animals such as rabbits, feral pigs, foxes, wild dogs and feral cats continue to cause significant environmental damage and agricultural losses in Australia despite improvements in control methods and the development of new techniques. Each year hundreds of thousands of pest animals are trapped, poisoned, shot or otherwise destroyed because of the harm they cause (Olsen 1998).

Historically, pest animal control has focussed on killing as many pests as cheaply as possible. For most people in today’s society the management of pest animals is acceptable provided that such management is humane (Mellor and Littin 2004)
and justified. However, many of the methods used to control pest animals in Australia are far from being humane. There is a pressing need to improve the humaneness of control programs and to develop a process that enables the most humane methods to be identified.

The model presented in this report examines the negative impacts that a control method has on an animal’s welfare and, if a lethal method, how the animal is killed. There are two parts: Part A examines the impact of a method on overall welfare and the duration of this impact; Part B examines the intensity of suffering and duration of suffering of the killing technique.

Enabling Regional Pest Animal Control

Keryn — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:39:59 +0000

This report provides the results of and recommendations arising from research examining the information needs of regional-level natural resource management (NRM) managers and pest animal controllers. Further, it explores the efficacy of a suite of options for building their capacity to manage the impacts of pest animals at the regional scale.

Rodent Outbreaks: Ecology and Impacts

Keryn — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:02:40 +0000

Rats have long been the scourge of smallholder farmers in many rice-growing regions in Asia and throughout the world. In 1990, the International Rice Research Institute held an international workshop simply called “Rats in Rice,” which assembled rodent experts from around the globe. Unfortunately, at that time, most of the experts were retired or about to retire. The senior editor of this book, Grant Singleton, attended that workshop for his first rat meeting and it must have had an impact on him because, within 4 years, he was back in the Philippines, and over the next decade he ventured into Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar, researching the ecology and management of rodent pests. Some 20 years later he organized a second international rodent conference hosted by IRRI, “Impacts of Rodent Outbreaks on Food Security in Asia,” held on 26-28 October 2009. The conference generated much international interest, including an article in Science in February 2010 as part of a special issue on “food security.” The deliberations of the conference have now been captured in this book.

This book is timely because, in recent years, population outbreaks of rodents in the rice-cropping systems of Asia have escalated. There has been precious little formal documentation of the factors that lead to rodent population outbreaks, their impacts, and the successes and failures of management actions, particularly in developing countries. The authors bring together in this publication a more complete picture of rodent outbreaks and their implications. The book examines case studies of the recent rodent outbreaks in Asia with a view to drawing generalities. However an added strength of the book is that it goes beyond the rice ecosystems of Asia and ventures into other ecosystems in Australia, New Zealand, East Africa, Europe, and North America, to allow readers to compare the factors that generate outbreaks of rodent populations on five continents.

Workshop proceedings: Improving the efficiency of rabbit eradications on islands

Keryn — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:27:30 +0000

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have been nominated as among ‘100 of the world’s worst’ invaders (Global Invasive Species Database 2009), in recognition of their extensive damage to biodiversity and difficulty to eradicate. The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre hosted an international workshop in February 2010 to share and progress knowledge and experience of rabbit eradications, particularly on islands. This report summarises the invited papers, main discussions and recommendations of the expert workshop. It also includes a stand-alone appendix on ‘Current agreed best practice on rabbit eradication on islands’.

Could controlling mammalian carnivores lead to mesopredator release of carnivorous reptiles?

Keryn — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 02:03:48 +0000

Emerging evidence increasingly illustrates the importance of a holistic, rather than taxon-specific, approach to the study of ecological communities. Considerable resources are expended to manage both introduced and native mammalian carnivores to improve conservation outcomes; however, management can result in unforeseen and sometimes catastrophic outcomes. Varanid lizards are likely to be apex- or mesopredators, but being reptiles are rarely considered by managers and researchers when investigating the impacts of mammalian carnivore management. Instances of mesopredator release have been described for Varanus gouldii as a result of fox and cat management in Australia, with cascading effects on faunal community structure. A meta-analysis showing extensive dietary niche overlap between varanids, foxes and cats plus a review of experimental and circumstantial evidence suggests mesopredator release of V. gouldii and about five other medium to large species of varanid lizard is likely in other regions. This highlights the need for managers to adopt a whole-of-community approach when attempting to manage predators for sustained fauna conservation, and that additional research is required to elucidate whether mesopredator release of varanids is a widespread consequence of carnivore management, altering the intended faunal responses.

The Tarbaby Technique for poisoning rabbits in Kinchega National Park, Menindee, NSW

Keryn — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:55:48 +0000

Rabbit warrens in a 4000 ha study site on Kinchega National Park, Menindee, in semiarid western NSW, were plotted onto aerial photographs. The warrens were distributed over five habitats characterized by soil type and vegetation associations. The 400 warrens found were used to assess the “Tarbaby” (poison 1080 made into a sticky mixture) method of poisoning.

A single treatment of rabbit warrens by placing a Tarbaby mixture down the entrances greatly reduced rabbit populations for 5 months after the treatment. Treatment reduced the population less in warrens excavated in deep sandy soils than in other types of soils and had the greatest effect in warrens in the heavier solonized brown soils.

Three repeated treatments of another group of warrens failed to produce the same reduction but caused a large reduction in warren activity after the second treatment.

An assessment of the Tarbaby method of rabbit control in New South Wales

Keryn — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:44:13 +0000

This report describes a practical assessment of the Tarbaby method of poisoning rabbits in the district of the Pastures Protection Board at Young, New South Wales.

Detailed observations on the effect of Tarbaby poisoning on rabbits were made on a small study site near Murringo. One area was treated three times and an adjacent area twice over a period of four months and observations were continued for another three months.

Utilization of the grooming habit for poisoning rabbits

Keryn — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:33:51 +0000

A new method of poisoning rabbits by making use of their grooming behaviour is described. The technique consists of laying a trail of a greasy substance carrying a poison (lanolin carrying sodium fluoroacetate was used) along the floor of the burrow. Rabbits tread on the trail, then on to the soil, and ingest the poison when they clean their forepaws.

The low costs of the technique, its effectiveness at any time of the year, and its lack of damage to native mammals and stock suggest that there should be more thorough investigation of its application and potentialities.

Scoping Study: Training and Capacity Building in Vertebrate Pest Management

Keryn — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:30:06 +0000

In Australia, pest animals have major economic, environmental and social impacts. They cause significant damage to agricultural industries and create severe land degradation. Many vertebrate pests prey on native animals, compete for or destroy their habitat, and generally threaten the survival of many of Australia’s animals and plants.

Vertebrate pest management is an integral part of the sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of the economy, the environment, human health and amenity as identified in the Australian Pest Animal Strategy, 2007.

In response to a perceived reduction in appropriate vertebrate pest management training over the past decade — which is impacting on the capacity of agencies to appropriately manage the damage these animals cause — the Training Working Group of the National Vertebrate Pests Committee (VPC) initiated this scoping study into past and present pest animal training and capacity building. The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) provided funding for this study through its Education program.

The study has identified significant variation in the content and modes of delivery of vertebrate pest management training across Australia.

Tanezumi rats, McKean Island, Kiribati

Keryn — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:54:02 +0000

These photos show Tanezumi rats (Rattus tanezumi) that were detected and then eradicated from McKean Island in the Phoenix Group, Kiribati – Pacific Ocean. Photos by Mike Thorsen, St Helena National Trust.

Click on the thumbnail below to view a larger image.

Attempted eradication of Norway rats during initial stages of an invasion of Fregate Island, Seychelles

Keryn — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 03:30:06 +0000

The 1995 invasion by Norway rats Rattus norvegicus of Fregate Island in the granitic Seychelles was one of the few opportunities to both learn about the dynamics of a rat invasion and also to attempt an eradication during the initial stages of an invasion – something never before attempted. This report documents some of the “learnings” from the 1996 eradication attempt.