New technology to fight old enemy in Tablelands LHPA

Remote camera technology is helping the Tablelands LHPA rangers in their efforts to protect local livestock from wild dog attacks.

With camera technology now more affordable and sophisticated than ever, a new generation of rangers are using remote digital cameras to assist them trapping wild dogs, combined with the traditional skills and cunning used by dog trappers.

Goulburn-based Tablelands LHPA ranger Grant Eccles says he is already seeing the benefits of the camera technology after setting up a motion activated camera on a property which had experienced wild dog attacks on livestock.

"We were able to determine that two dogs were involved in the sheep slaughter, that they were crossbred dogs with similar markings (most likely litter mates), and over several days the camera recorded the dogs using a regular path," Mr Eccles said.

"In the past, we would have baited a large area around the killing location and assumed our job was done when the baits were taken with dog footprints nearby.

"In this case, however, the camera recorded the bait being taken by a fox, with the dog prints left during a cursory inspection of the bait station – so we knew we had to change our strategy to trap the wild dogs."

At the northern end of the district Josh Parr, Tablelands LHPA ranger based in Bathurst, has used the digital cameras to locate a breeding pair of wild dogs with eight pups.

"If you rush in when the first young dog is sighted without assessing the whole situation, you risk dispersing the dogs," Mr Parr explained.

"The camera findings lead to a better planned and coordinated operation, which in this instance allowed us to completely eliminate the problem."

LHPA rangers in all areas are keen to work with landholders to combat wild dog problems. Landholders are urged to report any wild dog attacks or sightings to their local LHPA office.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378