Tablelands feral pig program delivering results
A program aimed at reducing the numbers of feral pigs in the Blue Mountains area has been operating for eight years under the supervision of the Tablelands Livestock Health and Pest Authority.
It is currently being overseen by Tablelands LHPA ranger Alistair Gordon-Smith, who says the key to the program’s longevity has been the involvement of landholders and land managers in the area.
"In the eight years that the program has been running, there have been over 1000 pigs destroyed. This has been achieved through trapping, and some baiting and harbour destruction has also been undertaken," he said.
"While the LHPA provides traps, some consumables, advice and coordination, landholders are the key to this program."
"The coordinated campaign has reduced pig populations and areas where they can harbour. Follow up monitoring and repeated trapping and baiting has also supported long term suppression."
Feral pigs cause significant economic losses to producers by damaging crops, pastures, water holes, fencing and in some instances by killing lambs. They may also spread weeds, cause erosion and water quality issues, and carry diseases and parasites which can spread to domestic animals and humans.
"This year we are planning on trialling a new feral pig bait called PIGOUT®. We hope this will further the good results we are already seeing," said Mr Gordon-Smith.
"We will also be setting up remote cameras to monitor the feral pig population in the area. This will inform where trapping and baiting will be most effective."
The program has been funded by the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority with funds from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program, with in-kind contributions from landholders and coordination provided by the Tablelands LHPA. The program is also combined with other departments control programs in the area to achieve long term results.
For more information on local pest programs or to get involved in a group program contact your local office of the Tablelands LHPA.
Media contact: Kylie Dunn 6391 3720 / 0428 465 378