North West targets feral pigs and foxes

The North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority recently conducted a major feral pig control program in the internationally recognised wetlands of the Lower Gwydir and Gingham.

The program is a joint initiative between the North West LHPA, Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders in the area. It aims to reduce the impacts of feral pigs on the wetlands, which are recognised as Ramsar sites of international importance, and surrounding land.

Jamie Maddocks, North West LHPA ranger, says the recent program involved an aerial shoot carried out on 78 properties over an area of 180,000 hectares.

"A total of 1,362 feral pigs were destroyed in February this year. This is in addition to 1,012 pigs that were removed in February 2010, and 1,558 in May 2010," he said.

"The most recent program was originally planned to be carried out in October 2010 but it had to be rescheduled due to the LHPA rangers coordinating locust control activities west of Walgett.

"Despite rescheduling the program, it has resulted in a large reduction of the feral pig population which will have flow on effects for producers and the environment."

Mr Maddocks says the North West LHPA is planning a large scale 1080 baiting and trapping program to further impact on local feral animal populations.

"There are a number of feral pig traps available for free loan to landholders to assist them with controlling pigs on their land,” said Mr Maddocks.

"Landholders will also have access to free fox baits to carry out fox control on their properties.

"Reducing the number of foxes not only results in increased livestock productivity but also reduces the threats foxes pose to native wildlife."

The feral pig program has been funded by the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA, with funds from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program, and coordination and project management provided by the North West LHPA. Funding for the project also includes a planned follow up aerial shooting program to be carried out in mid 2011.

For more information on controlling pest animals contact your local LHPA office.

Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378