New England LHPA ranger takes success story to US
The results of a successful feral pig and goat culling project in the New England and Mid Coast Livestock Health and Pest Authorities will be showcased at an international conference in the United States next week.
New England LHPA ranger, Brian Ferris will be presenting his paper on the two-year pig and goat culling project at the Vertebrate Pest Conference in Sacramento, California on 24 February.
Mr Ferris, who is funding the overseas trip with the prize money he received after winning last year’s Invasive Animals CRC participant’s award, believes this is an excellent opportunity for showcasing the work the LHPA does to an international audience.
"The 2008 and 2009 pig and goat culling programs in the Barnard and Hunter river catchments were extensive and we saw excellent results, with transect flights showing an 85% reduction in pig numbers and 72% in goats within the controlled area," Mr Ferris said.
"Thanks to the support from the New England LHPA, I’m pleased to have the chance to outline some of the great work we’ve done in controlling pest animals in our region to a new audience, as this is the first time one of our rangers has presented overseas.
"The conference is also a great opportunity to pick up lots of new ideas and information on what other organisations from around the world are doing to control their pest species."
The project was undertaken in 2008 and 2009, and resulted in a total of 2251 feral pigs, 1550 feral goats, 354 deer and 4 wild dogs destroyed – all of which were primary targets.
Best practice pest animal management methods were used during the two-year project, with the strategic aerial shooting campaign followed by trapping, ground baiting and ground shooting.
Mr Ferris says that the other aim of the project was to ensure that all landholders in the area had the necessary skills to manage vertebrate pests on their properties.
"A number of field days were organised to build knowledge in feral animal control," Mr Ferris said.
"This work benefits landholders as well as the wider community, not only with the reduced pest animal numbers but also the reduced impact of these pests on the local environment, including soil and water resources and native flora and fauna."
Joining the New England and Mid Coast LHPAs on the project was the National Parks and Wildlife Service and State Forests NSW, with funding provided by Hunter Central Rivers CMA and Envirofund.
Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378