Owingup Kent Grower Group – Feral Management Workshop
Land managers in the Owingup Kent Catchment attended a workshop on managing feral animals at the Kentdale Hall on 25th May 2023. Gavern House, from Alpha Pest Animal Solutions, spoke to the group about the issues facing them on their properties. Many farmers reported problems with foxes, feral cats and rabbits on their properties, impacting both their livestock and native wildlife.
Gavern explained that trapping, shooting and the careful use of targeted 1080 baits (sodium fluoroacetate) were all valuable in a combined strategy to have the greatest impact in protecting native wildlife. 1080 baits are particularly valuable in Western Australia as native animals have a high tolerance to the compound, as it is also found in over 30 species of plants native to Western Australia. A specialized baiting technique (buried egg baits) used by Gavern minimizes the likelihood of baits being moved by birds, to further protect non-target animals.
Gavern and the group members identified that a coordinated approach to feral pest management would increase the effectiveness of any efforts to reduce the impacts of feral species on native wildlife. “A coordinated approach is a really positive step in the right direction and can be achieved by neighbours talking to neighbours about what is occurring in their area,” says Gavern.
“I’ve noticed foxes moving back and forth between my neighbour’s property and mine. It just makes sense to work together to make what we do more effective.” Benita Cattalini, group convenor, says.
Gavern also outlined the difference between cat and fox traps of various designs, appropriate baits, safety precautions and how to set up traps for the best results.
Cat traps are available to borrow from the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee. Contact Kylie Cook ag@wicc.org.au if you are interested in reducing the effect of feral cats on native wildlife on your property.
The next event for the OK Grower Group will be a 2-day workshop, ‘Soil Health and your wealth’ with farmer/author/educator Graeme Sait, author of popular podcase ‘Nutrition Matters’ and CEO of Nutri-Tech solutions. The workshop will focus upon practical, problem- solving strategies to boost productivity and profitability, sustainably. Attendance at the workshop is free for OKGG group members. RSVP here to reserve your place (limited number available): https://www.wicc.org.au/soil-health-and-your-wealth-with-graeme- sait.html .
Sign up to join the OKGG and hear about upcoming events at https://www.wicc.org.au/okgg- membership-sign-up.html .
OKGG is funded in part by the Western Australian Government’s State Natural Resource Management Program. Contact Kylie Cook; 0427529077 or Benita Cattalini; okgg@wicc.org.au for more information.
Gavern explained that trapping, shooting and the careful use of targeted 1080 baits (sodium fluoroacetate) were all valuable in a combined strategy to have the greatest impact in protecting native wildlife. 1080 baits are particularly valuable in Western Australia as native animals have a high tolerance to the compound, as it is also found in over 30 species of plants native to Western Australia. A specialized baiting technique (buried egg baits) used by Gavern minimizes the likelihood of baits being moved by birds, to further protect non-target animals.
Gavern and the group members identified that a coordinated approach to feral pest management would increase the effectiveness of any efforts to reduce the impacts of feral species on native wildlife. “A coordinated approach is a really positive step in the right direction and can be achieved by neighbours talking to neighbours about what is occurring in their area,” says Gavern.
“I’ve noticed foxes moving back and forth between my neighbour’s property and mine. It just makes sense to work together to make what we do more effective.” Benita Cattalini, group convenor, says.
Gavern also outlined the difference between cat and fox traps of various designs, appropriate baits, safety precautions and how to set up traps for the best results.
Cat traps are available to borrow from the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee. Contact Kylie Cook ag@wicc.org.au if you are interested in reducing the effect of feral cats on native wildlife on your property.
The next event for the OK Grower Group will be a 2-day workshop, ‘Soil Health and your wealth’ with farmer/author/educator Graeme Sait, author of popular podcase ‘Nutrition Matters’ and CEO of Nutri-Tech solutions. The workshop will focus upon practical, problem- solving strategies to boost productivity and profitability, sustainably. Attendance at the workshop is free for OKGG group members. RSVP here to reserve your place (limited number available): https://www.wicc.org.au/soil-health-and-your-wealth-with-graeme- sait.html .
Sign up to join the OKGG and hear about upcoming events at https://www.wicc.org.au/okgg- membership-sign-up.html .
OKGG is funded in part by the Western Australian Government’s State Natural Resource Management Program. Contact Kylie Cook; 0427529077 or Benita Cattalini; okgg@wicc.org.au for more information.