The main predator animals found in the pastoral areas of Australia are wild dogs, foxes and feral pigs. Many control techniques for these animals are effective across more than one pest species, which is a bonus for control programs, especially where foxes and wild dogs are concerned.
Make it a priority to understand a little about the biology of each pest species present and when is the best time in their life cycle to target them for optimum control.
Wild dogs and foxes can cause significant impacts on grazing businesses. Wild dogs are a primary predator on young or weak stock and a significant predator in sheep country. Foxes are most often a secondary predator, preying on injured, mismothered or sick animals. Importantly, both species require control agents to keep populations down.
In areas where foxes and wild dogs both occur, it is advantageous to conduct regular wild dog baiting programs to manage both species. Foxes are natural scavengers and will readily take and be killed by wild dog strength 1080 baits targeted for wild dogs. Wild dogs, however, require a higher dose rate of 1080 than used for foxes and are less likely to be killed by fox bait if eaten.
Feral pigs require much larger doses of 1080 to be killed and therefore can consume numerous wild dog or fox baits before being affected by the toxin. Large numbers of feral pigs can have detrimental effects on wild dog management programs as they will consume meat baits targeted at wild dogs. Control pig numbers leading up to wild dog control programs to ensure effective wild dog management. Check with state pest animal authorities to find out about using ‘pig strength’ wild dog/fox (meat or meat type) baits to overcome the potential for feral pig consumption of wild dog/fox baits during programs targeting these species. In many pastoral regions where grain growing is uncommon, feral pigs will not readily take grain-based baits.
For more information on managing pest animals see the PestSmart website.