Pig control program gets results in wetlands

A major feral pig control program in the North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority has seen thousands of pigs culled in the Gwydir and Gingham wetlands area north-west of Moree.

The program was a joint initiative between the North West LHPA, Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and landholders in the project area which covered around 170,000 hectares over 73 properties.

North West LHPA ranger Jamie Maddocks says the project focused on reducing the impacts of invasive pest animal species, particularly feral pigs, on the internationally recognised Ramsar wetland sites located in the Gwydir and Gingham wetlands.

"Two very successful aerial shooting programs have been carried out in the project area – the most recent program in early May saw 1,558 feral pigs culled over four days," Mr Maddocks said.
 
"This is in addition to the 1,012 feral pigs shot in the February program, bringing the total number of feral pigs controlled during the aerial campaign to 2,570.

"The project will reduce threats to native wildlife including migratory bird species as well as threatened ecological communities found in and around the wetlands," Mr Maddocks said.

Many landholders have also been active in controlling feral pigs on their properties between the aerial culling programs. A large scale follow-up 1080 baiting and trapping program is currently being planned and will be carried out in June/July.

Mr Maddocks says subsidised fox baits are also available to landholders within the project area, with fox baiting planned on many properties over coming weeks.

"Landholders can expect to see great results from fox control including increased livestock productivity, particularly in sheep enterprises," Mr Maddocks said.

The North West LHPA has negotiated further funding with the Border Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority through the Commonwealth government ‘Caring for our Country’ program for feral pig and fox control in the Gingham and Gwydir wetlands area during 2010-11.

Landholders in the North West LHPA who have high numbers of pest animals on their land are reminded to contact their local LHPA office to discuss control options and coordinated pest animal programs with their local ranger.

Media contact: Suzie Robinson 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378