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5.8 Management <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pigs The past focus on <strong>feral</strong> pig control in Australia has been on reducing <strong>feral</strong> pig population numbers. Feral pig <strong>management</strong> is attempting to change from this ideology, to one involving strategic, integrated <strong>and</strong> co-ordinated control campaigns focused on optimising <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> reducing <strong>the</strong> <strong>impact</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pigs (Lapidge & Cowled 2004). The application <strong>of</strong> combined methods <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig control in an integrated approach has been advocated as a means <strong>of</strong> improving <strong>the</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> control programs. However, <strong>the</strong> order <strong>of</strong> application, intensity <strong>of</strong> application <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> most effective combinations <strong>of</strong> control methods are unknown. Eradication <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pigs from mainl<strong>and</strong> Australia is not possible using current technologies <strong>and</strong> resources. However, <strong>the</strong> effective reduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig <strong>impact</strong>s on biodiversity may require <strong>the</strong> targeting <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig control efforts to areas <strong>of</strong> overlap between <strong>feral</strong> pigs <strong>and</strong> threatened species, <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> effective broad-scale control methods <strong>and</strong> localised eradications. The <strong>impact</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pigs on conservation outcomes needs to be quantified in order to justify <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig control methods in environmentally sensitive areas <strong>and</strong> to allow <strong>the</strong> auditing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se control methods for effectiveness. The use <strong>of</strong> cost-minimisation <strong>and</strong> benefit-maximisation approaches <strong>and</strong> interactive models to strategically manage <strong>feral</strong> pig control are useful in conservation situations. Poisoning Poisoning is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main methods used to control pig numbers. Poisoning campaigns are one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most efficient, effective <strong>and</strong> widespread control tools for managing <strong>feral</strong> pig <strong>impact</strong>s. It is a widely accepted practice in rural communities, can provide fast <strong>and</strong> efficient knockdown <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig populations over a large area <strong>and</strong> be utilised in remote regions (O’Brien et al. 1986, Choquenot et al. 1996, McIlroy 2004). Feral pig baits usually consist <strong>of</strong> grain, fruit, vegetables, pellets <strong>and</strong> meat, although <strong>the</strong> compositions vary in different areas <strong>of</strong> Australia. Pre-baiting, using non-toxic baits is generally used to increase <strong>the</strong> uptake <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> poisoned baits. The efficacy <strong>of</strong> baiting efforts can be reduced by a variety <strong>of</strong> factors ranging from plentiful food supplies in <strong>the</strong> treated area to unseasonably wet conditions. Ground baiting is widely practised to reduce <strong>feral</strong> pig populations across large areas in a cost effective manner. One major drawback is that it is generally limited to areas with reasonable road access. Aerial baiting is becoming an increasingly utilised tool in <strong>the</strong> <strong>management</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pigs in large, remote areas. Aerial baiting is potentially a cost effective <strong>and</strong> efficacious means <strong>of</strong> controlling widespread <strong>and</strong> remote <strong>feral</strong> pig populations, but is currently only permitted in Queensl<strong>and</strong>. However, research to investigate non-target <strong>impact</strong>s <strong>and</strong> improve <strong>the</strong> efficacy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> method is required. Currently mon<strong>of</strong>luoroacetate (1080) <strong>and</strong> yellow phosphorous (CSSP) are <strong>the</strong> only registered toxins for <strong>feral</strong> pig control, with limited use <strong>of</strong> warfarin under special permit in restricted areas. 1080 (Sodium mon<strong>of</strong>luoroacetate) The main toxin used for baiting is compound 1080. The relatively large dose <strong>of</strong> 1080 required in <strong>feral</strong> pig baits means that <strong>the</strong>se baits can be lethal to smaller non-target species <strong>and</strong> is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest drawbacks <strong>of</strong> this <strong>management</strong> technique, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas or those containing threatened <strong>animals</strong>. In parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong>s, native <strong>animals</strong> exhibit greater tolerance to 1080 than <strong>feral</strong> 112
<strong>animals</strong> due in part to its natural occurrence in some locally endemic plant species (Twigg & King 1991). This enhances <strong>the</strong> target specificity <strong>of</strong> 1080 baiting campaigns in <strong>the</strong>se areas, resulting in reduced potential for non-target <strong>impact</strong>s on native wildlife. 1080 ground baiting can be highly effective at reducing <strong>feral</strong> pig populations in <strong>the</strong> field. CSSP (yellow Phosphorous) CSSP is also sometimes used in pig baiting, however <strong>the</strong> efficacy <strong>of</strong> CSSP in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>and</strong> its potential <strong>impact</strong> on non-target species are somewhat unclear. CSSP is generally used in an ad-hoc manner ra<strong>the</strong>r than in a coordinated campaigns since it is available as a restricted ’take home’ poison. It is <strong>the</strong> only take home <strong>feral</strong> pig poison registered in Australia, <strong>and</strong> as such, it is valuable to individual l<strong>and</strong> managers, probably extending <strong>the</strong> area over which <strong>feral</strong> pigs are controlled. However, because <strong>of</strong> this, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> CSSP is <strong>of</strong>ten not coordinated <strong>and</strong> non-target <strong>impact</strong>s on scavenging <strong>and</strong> carnivorous <strong>animals</strong> are probably high since no baiting strategy is used to reduce this <strong>impact</strong>. The logistics <strong>of</strong> using CSSP are relatively low compared with o<strong>the</strong>r ground based toxins since no free feeding is carried out with this method <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> toxin is relatively inexpensive. The major drawback to CSSP is that it compromises <strong>the</strong> welfare <strong>of</strong> poisoned <strong>animals</strong>. A recent review by Lapidge & Cowled (2005) on welfare issues in <strong>feral</strong> pig control concluded that CSSP caused <strong>feral</strong> pigs considerable pain <strong>and</strong> in <strong>the</strong>ir opinion its use should be discontinued due to major animal welfare concerns. Warfarin Warfarin is an anticoagulant to which <strong>feral</strong> pigs are reasonably sensitive. The effectiveness <strong>of</strong> warfarin in controlling <strong>feral</strong> pig populations has been demonstrated when used in grain over a number <strong>of</strong> consecutive days (Hone 1987, McIlroy 1989, Saunders et al. 1990, Clarke 1993). Large decreases in <strong>feral</strong> pig numbers have occurred in field trials, resulting in reduced environmental damage. Warfarin is however, a toxin not supported for <strong>feral</strong> pig use by animal welfare societies, due to <strong>the</strong> long time it takes for <strong>feral</strong> pigs to succumb to its effects. The use <strong>of</strong> warfarin in grain can be labour intensive <strong>and</strong> impractical due to <strong>the</strong> requirement for repeat dosing <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> an aerial delivery method. The effects <strong>of</strong> warfarin on non-target <strong>animals</strong> <strong>and</strong> native communities are unclear. The control method efficiency <strong>of</strong> warfarin baiting campaigns is high, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> qualities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> toxin <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> baiting strategies employed probably reduce <strong>the</strong> potential risks to non-target populations. The logistics <strong>of</strong> warfarin baiting campaigns are relatively high compared with o<strong>the</strong>r ground baiting methods because several consecutive doses <strong>of</strong> warfarin must occur for baiting to be lethal. A ‘one shot’ warfarin bait may improve <strong>the</strong> logistics <strong>of</strong> warfarin baiting campaigns, but may increase <strong>the</strong> potential non-target <strong>impact</strong>s. Trapping Aside from poison baiting, trapping is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most widely used methods <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig <strong>management</strong>. Although labour intensive, <strong>the</strong> technique can be pr<strong>of</strong>itable <strong>and</strong> incorporated into daily l<strong>and</strong> <strong>management</strong> practices. The ability <strong>of</strong> this method to control widespread <strong>feral</strong> pig populations is largely unknown. Trapping can produced large decreases in <strong>feral</strong> pig populations, especially in small localised areas. The effectiveness <strong>of</strong> trapping is determined by <strong>the</strong> attractiveness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> trap bait material, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> rate at which <strong>feral</strong> pigs encounter traps. No assessment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> efficacy <strong>of</strong> trapping as a broad-scale method <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig control has occurred. Trapping is generally an expensive <strong>and</strong> time consuming means <strong>of</strong> <strong>feral</strong> pig control, with logistical practicalities meaning that it is best applied to small areas <strong>of</strong> high agricultural or 113
Page 1:
Review of<
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Contributors Andrew Norris Pest Ani
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3.7.36 Common Myna (Acridot
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Table of figures F
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Section 2 Introduction Feral <stron
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Amanda Dimmock, QD
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Section 3 A status review o
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3.4 Birds Thirteen (or 14) species
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Information on the
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Summary A rodent that contributes t
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Dingoes can become a threat to wild
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The significance of</strong
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macropods and b<st
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^Lasiorhinus krefftii North
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Perceived threat Geopsittacus occid
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conservation areas. It is less clea
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Table 8 Rare species found in <stro
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Competition Several examples are re
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In truth, camels do substantial dam
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the Tanami. Buffal
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The situation today Buffalo numbers
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qualify under IUCN criteria as enda
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3.7.16 Goat (Capra hircus) Summary
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Drakonorchis drakeoides Hinged Drag
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3.7.19 Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Su
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Impacts Much is known about <strong
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Distribution Ostriches have won <st
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nest in tree hollows along
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Distribution The skylark is found i
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Distribution The blackbird is wides
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Land, and<
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have been translocated to o
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esources. Significant investment in
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many native species (Clarke et al.
Page 70 and 71: spread across the
Page 72 and 73: Section 4 Legislative framework 4.1
Page 74 and 75: protection, as long as it falls wit
Page 76 and 77: Native Vegetation Conservation Act
Page 78 and 79: ehabilitate existing native vegetat
Page 80 and 81: suppression, which is the</
Page 82 and 83: al. 1986, 1987). The use of
Page 84 and 85: 5.1.4 Mustering Commercial musterin
Page 86 and 87: etal. (1997) found that many native
Page 88 and 89: the vaccine <stron
Page 90 and 91: Where possible, integration <strong
Page 92 and 93: strategy, relative cost-effectivene
Page 94 and 95: Fencing Feral buffalo have a reputa
Page 96 and 97: 5.3 Management of
Page 98 and 99: Summary of <strong
Page 100 and 101: time comes for the
Page 104 and 105: Individual tracking Tracking is a l
Page 106 and 107: SA - Currently cats are not widely
Page 108 and 109: Method of control
Page 110 and 111: Aerial shooting Aerial shooting can
Page 114 and 115: 80% of export was
Page 116 and 117: ensuring effective treatment <stron
Page 118 and 119: the lower cost, wi
Page 122 and 123: conservation value rathe</s
Page 124 and 125: effort on the cont
Page 128 and 129: follow transect lines, one kilometr
Page 130 and 131: as a refuge from predators. Removal
Page 134 and 135: was completed it was the</s
Page 136 and 137: warren structure amenable to recolo
Page 138 and 139: Poisons Traditionally, strychnine,
Page 140 and 141: infected and steri
Page 142 and 143: of high priority.
Page 144 and 145: Method of control
Page 148 and 149: technique can allow for cost-effect
Page 152 and 153: In South Australia, between 30 <str
Page 156 and 157: % respondents 100% 90% 80% 70% 60%
Page 158 and 159: a) b) Figure 3. a) Extent o
Page 160 and 161: Figure 4 Response frequency for lik
Page 162 and 163: distribution of <s
Page 164 and 165: Section 7 Key problems and<
Page 166 and 167: • Goats degrading temperate woodl
Page 168 and 169: conservation problems in Europe <st
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message that camels are a valuable
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In the Koolatong R
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environmental degradation’ (Nor<s
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ecause dingo and d
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Various control methods have been a
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Pascale Taplin, an Indigenous L<str
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Lack of a Strategi
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eradicated after seeing the
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In some situations, payment <strong
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could have led to better protocols
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Game hunting is a growing business,
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Much as we might like it, t
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conservation outcome. In such a sit
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community consultation and<
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• Have the non-t
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provide opportunities for strategic
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Section 9 Priorities for investment
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contacted for exact locations <stro
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way. Achilles heel research should
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efficient in any given situation. R
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west Queensland re
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Crossland, MR, 199
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Forsyth, DM, and P
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Lange, RT, and Gra
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Morgan, LA and But
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Parkes, JP, 1990, Feral goat contro
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Van Rensberg, PJJ, Skinner, JD, <st
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Appendix A Ferals animals</
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Indigenous lands I
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Appendix B Stakeholder survey form
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222
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Appendix C Database on past NHT fun
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Lachlan Rehabilitation of</
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Northern Territory
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Cape York Ambiilmungu-Ngarra tradit
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Wet Tropics Expansion and</
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Avon Protecting and</strong
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