Controlling competing grazing species
MLA & AWI July 31, 2024
Non-domestic grazing species are a cost to pastoral areas through the direct competition they place on the available plants utilised by grazing operations. Not only do the competing grazing species consume pasture domestic species could utilise, but they are also often cause environmental damage.
Competing grazing species are generally thought of as the wild species that exist in the pastoral areas, such as rangeland goats, rabbits, camels and donkeys. It is also important to consider the native species which can, during certain conditions, place significant pressure on the environment and plant material present. A key challenge for the pastoral manager is to minimise the numbers and impact of both the native and feral species on their grazing operation.
Goats
Goat populations contribute to total grazing pressure, their inclusion in a management program or control program is required to minimise the risk of overgrazing.
Historically, unmanaged rangeland goats were considered a significant pest species but in recent times, an industry focusing on the harvest of goats in rangeland areas has developed. The Australian goat meat export industry is now a significant industry and many pastoralists consider the capture and sale of unmanaged rangeland goats to be an important part of their business. The added benefit of this harvest comes from improved control over grazing management with harvesting of rangeland goats also providing valuable enterprise cash flow.
Legislation on the management of rangeland goats varies from state to state.
Rabbits
Rabbits graze on native and introduced vegetation, crops and pastures. Rabbit grazing can prevent seedlings from regenerating and reduce crop yields, as well as increase competition for feed with livestock. Rabbits damage native plants and directly compete with native wildlife for food and shelter. Their digging and browsing leads to a loss of vegetation cover, which in turn can result in slope instability and soil erosion.
The rabbit is such a successful pest species because of its high reproductive rate, allowing them to produce five or more litters per year, depending on available food supply.
Control measures, as with other pest species, are best implemented through an integrated approach that targets the species at key times with practices to offer maximum impact at that time. Control measures include poison, biological control, ripping warrens, shooting and trapping.
Camels
Camels are effective pests because of their ability to forage over large areas, up to and exceeding 70 km per day.
Camels are selective feeders that prefer grazing shrubs and trees, rather than grasses. They can go for long periods without needing to drink, but during the heat of summer they will drink every day if water is available. Camels compete for available feed and water and may cause extensive damage to fences, important cultural sites and other farm infrastructure.
Camels are mainly controlled through trapping at water points, mustering, shooting and slaughter or live export.