FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
FOR BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
Simon Thorning
Sam Hand
Joshua Gunn
Natural Systems Team
February 2012
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Mornington Peninsula Shire has a strong focus and commitment to biodiversity
protection and enhancement through an integrated management approach. An
important component of this approach is feral animal management.
In 2010 a budget increase for feral animal management prompted the Natural
Systems Team to review current management strategies. From this review came the
development of the Feral Animal Management Plan. This Feral Animal Management
Plan – an operational document titled “Feral Animal Management for Biodiversity
Protection” - was initiated through a need to better understand the impact of feral
animal species on biodiversity within Shire bushland reserves and to identify
priorities for feral animal management to best protect fauna and flora values.
Through careful research and consultation, the Shire decided to use a landscape
unit approach as a basis for prioritising feral animal management and resource
allocation. The landscape units were developed through an extensive analysis of
current fauna and flora mapping data as well as previous feral animal program
records. The Natural Systems Team undertook a detailed value versus threat
analysis. The analysis involved identifying all values within the Shire bushland
reserves and the risks feral animals pose to these values.
Feral animal management techniques were chosen on the basis of the most up date
information regarding legislative requirements, product technical specifications,
reserve characteristics and past management programs. Gaining an understanding
of all available management techniques enabled the team to make informed
decisions regarding which techniques were most appropriate for each location and
why.
Active involvement by the community is an important resource for successful feral
animal control in the long term. The Mornington Peninsula Shire will utilise a twopronged approach to build an understanding within the community of the value of a
feral animal management program.
As part of the Shire’s ongoing commitment to biodiversity protection on the
Mornington Peninsula, the Natural Systems Team will continue its involvement in
various research and data collection programs to further improve understanding and
management of native and feral animals. This plan is an operational document and
will be reviewed annually to ensure the Shire is continuously improving its operations
within this field.
2|P a g e
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................... 2
SUMMARY OF PAST AND PRESENT WORKS AND FUTURE
DIRECTION................................................................................... 5
LANDSCAPE UNIT SELECTION AND ANALYSIS ....................... 9
PRIORITISATION OF FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT TO BEST
PROTECT FLORA AND FAUNA VALUES.................................. 14
BEST PRACTICE TECHNIQUES FOR FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
TO MEET ETHICAL AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.................. 18
DEFINING THE PROCESS TO PROCURE APPROPRIATE WORK
THROUGH SERVICE PROVIDERS............................................ 20
FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT WITH STRONG COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT ........................................................................... 23
RESEARCH AND FUTHER DEVELOPMENT OF FERAL ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT........................................................................... 27
APPENDIX A - FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND
DECISION FLOWS ..................................................................... 29
APPENDIX B - FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAMS 2009-2010 31
APPENDIX C – CONSULTATION NOTES ................................. 33
APPENDIX D – LANDSCAPE UNITS AND LANDSCAPE
PRIORITISATION.......................................................................... 1
APPENDIX E – LANDSCAPE UNIT ANALYSIS VALUES VERSUS
THREATS.................................................................................... 37
3|P a g e
This page has been intentionally left blank
4|P a g e
SUMMARY OF PAST AND PRESENT WORKS AND FUTURE
DIRECTION
Introduction
Feral animal management, undertaken by the Shire’s Natural Systems Team, occurs
within the context of a number of management objectives in more than 200 bushland
reserves under Shire management. These bushland reserves are managed for the
protection and enhancement of biodiversity and generally receive daily local
visitation from Shire residents.
Bushland management objectives include:
·
weed control (main focus)
·
fire management including fuel reduction and education programs
·
erosion control
·
revegetation
·
habitat management
·
rare species protection
·
feral animal management
Feral animal management is an important component of the Mornington Peninsula
Shire bushland management program. Feral animal management has the primary
outcome of protecting biodiversity and is not done simply to reduce feral animal
numbers.
Feral animal control and fauna protection pre 2007
Historically there had been a bias toward a greater understanding of flora rather than
fauna in Mornington Peninsula bushland reserves. This was addressed with fauna
surveys of many bushland reserves from 1998 to 2007. This greater knowledge of
fauna populations and endangered species led to works to manipulate habitat in
favour of some threatened species and small amounts of funding going to specific
feral animal control projects.
Pre 2007 projects (examples)
Habitat manipulation
·
retention or introduction of logs on ground
·
nest boxes
·
planting e.g. wetland sedges for Victorian Smooth Froglet at
5|P a g e
Mount Eliza Regional Park
·
tall sedge removal for feeding opportunities for Black winged
stilts at Portsea Lagoon
Feral animal control
·
rabbits at Balcombe Estuary
·
rabbits and foxes at Warringine Park and The Briars Park
·
black rats and feral cats at Schnapper Point and Mornington
Park
·
fox den fumigation in some major reserves
Feral animal control and fauna protection 2007 to 2011
In 2006 Council provided a new recurrent budget of $50 000 per annum for the
control of feral animals. To deliver effective outcomes from the new budget the
Natural Systems Team prioritised works through the collective knowledge of Shire
officers in regard to values and threats in each reserve. Appropriate control
techniques were chosen that were effective in controlling each target pest animal
and in reducing risks of off target loss of native fauna or domestic pets or stock. For
more details see Appendix A - Feral Animal Management Process and decision
Flows.
In February 2007 an Expression of Interest process resulted in a panel of potential
feral animal control service providers being selected for availability to undertake
works in the selected reserves. Where appropriate the program was enhanced
through coordination with adjoining private landowners and public authorities.
Over the next five years the Natural Systems Team built a solid program of feral
animal control throughout a number of bushland reserves, with the addition of
significant grant funding. This is outlined in Appendix B – Feral Animal Control
Programs 2009-2010.
The program of feral animal control 2007 - 2011 was again complemented with ongoing minor habitat manipulation works similar to those detailed above.
6|P a g e
Feral animal control and fauna protection 2011 and beyond
Opportunity for review
In 2010 Council reviewed the feral animal budget and increased the allocation to
$102 000 per annum. This has provided opportunity for review of the program.
Preliminary review highlighted the following factors as relevant to the future of the
feral animal management program:
·
Increased funding allows delivery of a more complete program
of integrated feral animal management at each control site
·
A Shire wide fauna mapping project is concluding and contains
a wealth of information regarding indigenous and feral fauna
allowing detailed analysis for prioritisation
·
The current system is administratively heavy requiring a large
time allocation from Shire officers to set up each program
·
Programs in reserves are developed annually and would benefit
from a longer term approach
·
Legislative changes and new guidelines are changing the way
feral animal control is delivered
·
Some originally listed service providers no longer provide the
service on the Mornington Peninsula
·
There is a greater level of interest and involvement in feral
animal management from other agencies, Landcare groups and
community groups across the various landscapes of the
Mornington Peninsula
·
New feral animal control techniques are available and a broader
range of feral animals needs consideration
Review methodology
Following the preliminary consideration of the status of Shire feral animal control, a
process was adopted the outcomes of which are reported through this Feral Animal
Management Plan. This plan feeds directly into the contract documentation which
was prepared in order to tender works over a three year period.
The following steps outline the Shire’s methodology in developing this plan and
tender documentation;
·
Analyse values versus threats to prioritise feral animal control
·
Define landscape units to focus the location of feral animal control works
·
Collate all the parliamentary acts, laws, regulations and guidelines
7|P a g e
·
Produce contract documentation detailing the works and the constraints
·
Consult internally and externally for input into the plan
·
Tender the works for a suitable time period
Consultation
Internal consultation
The Natural Systems Team held discussions with team leaders from Buildings
Maintenance, Parks and Roadsides, Conservation Parks, EPU Ranger Team, the
Conservation Planner and Environmental Health Officers to gain an understanding of
feral animal control undertaken by other Shire teams.
Minor amounts of rat control are carried out on an as needs basis in Shire buildings
and a competent service provider is available. The Parks and Roadsides team carry
out rabbit control works to protect assets such as sporting ovals. The Environmental
Health Team provides advice on rat control to commercial property owners. The
EPU Ranger Team has no specific involvement with feral animals.
On this basis it is proposed to provide updated information on the availability of
service providers able to control rabbits to the Parks and Roadsides Team.
The Conservation Parks Team has been involved in on-going development of the
plan and will be participating in its delivery.
Internal consultation revealed a concern about snake removal. As a separate action
to this plan a list of suitable snake handlers will be identified and made available to
the organisation.
No feral animal control synergies with other teams were found for incorporation
within this plan.
External Consultation
Discussions were held with interested service providers in the early stages of
compiling this plan in order to gain their insights for potential inclusion.
Representatives from local pest control companies as well as representatives from
the Vertebrate Pest Animal Management Association (Victoria) Inc discussed an
early draft of the plan and options for the provision of services for feral animal control
to the Shire.
A Discussion session was held with interested community groups with members
from Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association (SPIFFA),
Landcare and “Friends of” groups. Representation from these groups was sought as
they are either directly involved in feral animal control activities or are involved in
areas where programs are likely to occur.
The details of these meetings and correspondence are in Appendix C – Consultation
Notes.
8|P a g e
LANDSCAPE UNIT SELECTION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
Evidence from many sources about a range of feral animals strongly recommends
that feral animal control be addressed at a limited landscape scale involving
neighbours. Control of feral animals throughout the landscape is simply not feasible
and wastes resources with no or little return. Control of feral animals without the
support of neighbours similarly has very limited return.
Federal Government Direction
“Fox populations need to be reduced over large areas because rapid population
recovery, particularly by reinvasion, is a major problem. However, broad scale
control of foxes throughout Australia is not feasible using the methods currently
available. Therefore, it is necessary to identify priority areas for control based on
scientific evidence of the significance of the population of native species or the
ecological community affected and the degree of impact posed by foxes, relative to
other impacts.” (Threat Abatement Plan for predation by the European Red Fox,
Department of the Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts, 2008)
“Key actions for (rabbit control) include identifying ‘islands’ of high conservation
value, ranking the risk to such areas posed by rabbits, and developing and
implementing management plans to protect such areas from rabbit damage.” (Threat
Abatement Plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits, Department of the
Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts, 2008)
Mornington Peninsula Shire Approach
Through careful research and consideration of the context of feral animal
management within the Mornington Peninsula Shire, a landscape unit approach has
been adopted.
This follows the approach taken by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program to
identify core, buffer and transition areas within the Mornington Peninsula and
Westernport Biosphere Reserve.
A landscape unit approach provides a means of focussing feral animal control works
to areas in which they will be effective in protecting values and provides an
opportunity to develop long term relationships with neighbours and build a
community of interest in on-going successful feral animal management.
The landscape unit approach avoids wasting money, time and resources controlling
feral animals where they will simply be replaced by other individuals and where no
benefits towards biodiversity protection are achieved. Resources are best spent to
control feral animals near a value that is being threatened in a programmed way.
9|P a g e
Delineation of the Landscape Units
Fauna mapping has provided greater certainty of the location of uncommon and rare
indigenous species and of feral animal distribution; this Shire data underpins the
development of landscape units and the values versus threats analysis. The Shire
Biodiversity Strategy which is currently being written by the Strategic Planning Team
will further refine these ideas.
The Shire is at the forefront of feral animal management in urban and peri-urban
environments, a context which influences the selection of landscape units. Most of
the research into feral animal control in Australia has been undertaken in an
agricultural context or in large rural national parks and conservation reserves. Many
principles from the work apply but the demographics and settlement patterns of the
Mornington Peninsula Shire present a range of additional challenges.
Landscape Units suitable for coordinated management of the Shire’s feral animal
control program were developed by data analysis undertaken by Shire officers
including data records from the feral animal management program over several
years.
The draft areas were then presented and discussed at external consultation sessions
with interested feral animal control service providers and Landcare groups.
Delineation of each landscape unit involved consideration of:
·
Sufficient Shire land parcels with values to protect and feral animals to
be controlled.
·
Land use types.
·
Topography and water catchments.
·
Likely feral animal movement.
·
Major stakeholders and potential partners.
·
Involvement of community groups.
Finally, comparison was made with the “prioritisation of landscape context”
undertaken in “Remnant Native Vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula: Mapping
and Condition Assessment, Sinclair et al; Final Report, September 2006” See
appendix D: Landscape Units and Landscape Prioritisation. The landscape context
assessments strongly support the defined landscape units.
The Landscape Units (LU) are; (for map see appendix D – Mornington Peninsula
Shire Landscape Units for Feral Animal Control, figure 2).
ARTHURS SEAT ESCARPMENT LU – this area consists primarily of the Arthurs
Seat State Park with a number of Shire managed reserves and private land
managed for conservation. There is also a golf course and large bushland blocks
owned and run by the quarry industry. This whole LU is largely connected bushland
with some rural parcels. Some of the values within the LU include a range of small
native animals such as Antechinus species and White Footed Dunnart, Brown Quail
10 | P a g e
and the Glossy Grass Skink.
BALCOMBE CREEK AND TRIBUTARIES LU – this area is made up of all the Shire
managed land from Bungower Rd to Port Phillip Bay along Balcombe Creek,
including a number of tributaries that also fall under Shire management as well as
the Briars Park, Devil Bend and Woods Reserve are also connected within this LU.
Some of the values within this LU include a stable population of small mammal
species, a range of significant water birds, Spotted Quail Thrush, Brown Quail, and
the Growling Grass Frog.
MORNINGTON TO MT ELIZA GULLIES LU – this area consists of a number of
narrow bushland gullies with residential areas leading to Port Phillip Bay, all
connected by the coast. The area is relatively fragmented but does still contain a
number of values including a stable population of small mammal species, White
Fronted Tern and the Nankeen Night Heron.
MOUNT ELIZA ESCARPMENT LU – a relatively fragmented area within residential
settlement, this LU contains a few large reserves and a number of narrow linked
gullies throughout the Mt Eliza Summit. Some of the values in the LU include a
number of small mammal species, Brown Quail, Southern Toadlet and a number of
significant orchid species.
MOUNT MARTHA SUMMIT LU – this LU encompasses most of the summit of Mt
Martha. At the centre is Mt Martha Park, with a number of connected Shire
managed gullies running from the summit to the coast, as well as some significant
private land parcels and residential areas. It also includes a golf course. Some of
the values in the LU are a range of small mammals including Antechinus, and the
Australasian Bittern and the Growling Grass Frog.
POINT NEPEAN LU – this LU is made up of the Point Nepean National Park, two
large golf courses and a number of small Shire managed parcels that are all
contained within the western most tip of the Mornington Peninsula. Values within
this LU include the Hooded Plover, Long Nosed Bandicoot, White Footed Dunnart
and Black Winged Stilt.
TOOTGAROOK SWAMP AND SURROUNDS LU – the core of this area is under
private management for conservation purposes. Surrounding this core and directly
abutting are parcels of land under Shire and Vic Roads management as well as a
number of golf courses. Some of the values within this LU include the Swamp Skink,
White Footed Dunnart, a number of significant local and migratory wetland birds and
a number of rare or threatened orchid species.
WARRINGINE TO STONY POINT LU – This area is linked via the coast and
contains significant parcels of bushland managed by the Shire, Coastal Management
Committees and the Department of Defence. The residential areas are relatively
vegetated and the area has significant bushland linkages throughout. Some of the
values within this LU are Southern Brown Bandicoot, Swamp Skink, Glossy Grass
Skink, a range of small mammals, a range of local and migratory water birds and
some significant flora species.
YARINGA TO HASTINGS LU – this area is primarily made up of the northern most
extent of Westernport Bay frontage within the Shire. Significant portions of
connected bushland exist under the management of the Shire, Parks Victoria,
BlueScope Steel and Esso. Values within this area include a number of small
11 | P a g e
mammals such the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Painted Button Quail, Swamp Skink
and a range of local and migratory water birds. The LU also has a variety of
threatened floristic species.
Area outside the Landscape Units
While the LU approach to management assists with the prioritisation of Shire
managed works, a large portion of the Mornington Peninsula containing areas with
known biodiversity values are not on Shire land and also require attention.
In these areas the Shire will partner Landcare groups, other agencies and
landowners undertaking feral animal control work where there is a benefit for the
protection of biodiversity values. This will be particularly relevant where Shire land
abuts existing feral animal control programs and where the benefits of working
together are readily articulated. In these cases programs will be carried out on Shire
land under a “good neighbour” approach to support other feral animal management
programs on an as needs basis.
Proportion of resources allocated to each landscape unit and remaining area
Shire Conservation Officers carried out a detailed threat versus value analysis and
were able to refine this to guide resource allocation to achieve the best results.
So as a guideline in developing the contract the following percentages of total budget
will be used for each landscape unit. Currently the budget is at $102 000 per annum
so the percentage figures will be close to actual expenditure.
Table 1. – Landscape Unit budget allocation percentages based on analysis (for
further details see Appendix E – Landscape Unit Analysis
Landscape Unit
Percentage of budget allocation
ARTHURS SEAT ESCARPMENT LU
15%
BALCOMBE CREEK AND
TRIBUTARIES LU
8%
MORNINGTON TO MT ELIZA
GULLIES LU
3%
MOUNT ELIZA ESCARPMENT LU
5%
MOUNT MARTHA SUMMIT LU
6%
TOOTGAROOK SWAMP AND
SURROUNDS LU
12%
WARRINGINE TO STONY POINT LU
14%
YARINGA TO HASTINGS LU
15%
POINT NEPEAN LU
9%
AREAS OUTSIDE OF LU ZONE
13%
12 | P a g e
Actions
1. Landscape Unit Approach adopted into contracts for Feral Animal
Management
2. Resource the Landscape Units appropriately based on the detailed analysis
13 | P a g e
PRIORITISATION OF FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT TO BEST
PROTECT FLORA AND FAUNA VALUES
Introduction
The Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment Water
Population and Communities website states;
“Australia's native plants and animals adapted to life on an isolated continent over
millions of years. Since European settlement they have had to compete with a range
of introduced animals for habitat, food and shelter. Some have also had to face new
predators. These new pressures have also caused a major impact on our country's
soil and waterways and on its native plants and animals.
In Australia, feral animals typically have few natural predators or fatal diseases and
some have high reproductive rates. As a result, their populations have not naturally
diminished and they can multiply rapidly if conditions are favourable.
Feral animals impact on native species by predation, competition for food and
shelter, destroying habitat, and by spreading diseases.”
The Natural Systems Team undertook analysis of the Shire’s detailed flora and
fauna data in order to identify the values to be protected and the feral animals
providing a threat to each value.
This data consists of detailed mapping of Ecological Vegetation Classes and detailed
mapping of fauna distribution. The resulting database of biodiversity values
provides the basis for the understanding the values to be protected. Distribution of
feral animals and the threats they pose has also come from the fauna mapping and
knowledge gained in undertaking the feral animal management program so far.
This feral animal plan undertakes a more rigorous values versus threats analysis
than for previous Shire feral animal control programs. This plan includes a literature
review and survey of similar Councils and State government agencies. However, it
needs to be noted that scientific data particularly in relation to population densities a critical element in mapping the success of programs - is simply not available. The
Shire has more detailed data than almost any other agency.
The amount of study in this area, particularly relating to the urban-rural interface, is
limited. The Shire is taking part in a study conducted into the movement of foxes
through the landscape and recommends more work be undertaken at the scientific
level to provide more data related to the effectiveness of works.
The detailed values versus threat analysis can be seen in Appendix E.
14 | P a g e
The animals and the challenges
Indigenous Species (VALUES)
Mammals under 5kg – such as Southern Brown Bandicoot, White-Footed Dunnart,
Swamp Rat, Antechinus species, Sugar Glider, Ring Tailed Possum
Mammals over 5kg – such as Black Wallaby, Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Fish – such as Dwarf Galaxias, Common Galaxias, Tupong, Spotted Galaxias
Reptiles – such as Swamp Skink, Glossy Grass Skink, White Lipped Snake
Amphibians – such as the Smooth Toadlet, Southern Froglet, Growling Grass Frog
Birds – such as Rosella species, local and migratory water birds, ground nesting
species such as Brown Quail and Hooded Plover
Feral Species (THREATS)
Red Fox – Predation by foxes is considered to be a major threat to populations of
native mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians
Black Rat - The Black Rat is undesirable in both natural and built environments. It is
a vector of disease for humans, pets and wildlife. In the bush it directly affects many
species through predation and competition for available habitat.
House Mouse – The house Mouse occupies available habitat for small mammals
and competes directly for food with these species.
Feral Cat – Cats have a serious impact through predation on native populations of
small mammals, birds, reptiles and fish
Feral Pig – although the issue on the Peninsula with pigs is essentially small, there
is still presence in larger tracts of bushland where they predate on small mammals,
birds reptiles and amphibians, as well as destroy habitat and erode and degrade
waterways.
Feral Deer – although the issue on the Peninsula with deer is essentially small, there
is still presence in larger tracts of bushland where they destroy habitat and erode
and degrade waterways, as well as graze on native species of flora.
Rabbit - Grazing by rabbits has a serious impact on endangered vegetation
communities. Recent research has shown that rabbit populations as low as 1 per
hectare may seriously inhibit the regeneration of some species of native plants.
Rabbits also compete for available habitat with small mammals.
Pest Bird species - Indian Mynah, Blackbirds, Starlings, House Sparrow, Turtle
Dove all compete with native birds for nesting hollows, food and territory. They are
mostly aggressive toward native species and repel them form large areas.
15 | P a g e
Introduced duck species also compete directly for food and available habitat but
more importantly pose a greater threat to the genetic purity of native species through
potential cross breeding.
Pest fish species – Mosquito Fish predate on native fish eggs and fry, they inhabit
waterways in high numbers and pose a very high threat to some native species
survival. Other Feral Fish include Red Fin, Tench, Carp (goldfish) and Trout.
Hare – although in low numbers on the Peninsula, hares pose the same threat as
rabbits.
Bees/Wasps – occupy hollows for native species and pose a threat to human
visitors to reserves.
Argentine Ant – spreads weed seed and invades homes. Management is through
property owners protecting their properties through regular checks and control where
necessary.
Termites - the Mornington Peninsula Shire is a declared termite area. Termites are
widespread through the total environment. Management is through property owners
protecting their properties through regular checks and control where necessary.
Actions
1. Red Fox – control foxes where they are identified to pose a significant risk to
fauna via LU analysis
2. Black Rat - control Black Rats where they are identified to pose a significant
risk to fauna via LU analysis
3. House Mouse – assess the populations within reserves and their impact.
Consider treatment if significant threat is identified.
4. Feral Cat - control feral cats where they are identified to pose a significant risk
to fauna via LU analysis.
5. Feral Pigs – not currently an issue within Shire managed land. Monitor
existing known populations.
6. Feral Deer – not currently an issue within Shire managed land. Monitor
existing known populations.
7. Rabbits - control rabbits where they are identified to pose a significant risk to
flora values via LU analysis
8.
Pest Birds – explore the feasibility of a community trap share program similar
to those carried out elsewhere in the country. Specific control measures may
be put in place where some species of birds pose a significant threat through
the LU analysis. Methods of humane euthanasia are currently being reviewed
by the Bureau of Animal Welfare within the Department of Primary Industries.
The community trap share program depends on a satisfactory resolution of
this review.
9.
Pest Fish – explore the feasibility and availability of commercial mosquito fish
16 | P a g e
control where LU analysis identifies a significant threat to native fish
populations.
10. Bees/Wasps – identify sites where they are located in reserves, and treat
under current Shire SIMS contracts which cover the control of these species.
17 | P a g e
BEST PRACTICE TECHNIQUES FOR FERAL ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT TO MEET ETHICAL AND LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS
The Natural Systems Team has undertaken a thorough evaluation of all potential
techniques for control of the feral animal species in Shire bushland reserves.
For each feral animal species there are varying requirements to be taken into
consideration when selecting a control technique. Some of these include; licences
and permits; constraints due to terrain or neighbouring land uses or other reasons;
good or indifferent data relating to success rates; cautionary notes relating to
potential for off-target damage; and a range of vulnerabilities within native species,
stock or domestic animals.
An understanding achieved by an analysis of all available techniques has enabled
the Team to make decisions regarding which technique is most appropriate for each
location and why.
Selected Best Practice Techniques for Feral Animal Management on Shire
managed land are;
Red Fox
Leg Hold Trapping in most Shire reserves is the most appropriate method due to the
size and location of reserves on the residential interface, and the relatively
uncontrollable human interaction that occurs in most areas.
Den Fumigation of natal dens during the breeding season is an appropriate method
control that complements trapping programs.
Feral Cat
Cage trapping is the only legal method for controlling feral cats in Victoria.
Black Rat
Cage Trapping is useful in small land parcels where a good coverage can be
achieved. In larger parcels this is yet to be proven an appropriate method of control
due to time required to cover large parcels of land and unknown success/impact of
‘cell’ trapping on large land parcels.
Bait Stations using approved baits over larger areas are regarded as the best way to
get the coverage required for effective control. The Shire is currently involved in
trials of new commercial bait stations and products for this purpose.
Rabbits
Pindone baiting of rabbits in most areas is achievable and a well timed program can
be very effective in controlling rabbit populations.
Warren treatments such as fumigation and ferreting are also appropriate methods in
bushland areas where off target poison issues are present or the ability to conduct
baiting is difficult or problematic.
18 | P a g e
Long netting of rabbits is also an effective means of control where the location allows
for this. The interface between bushland and more open grassed areas is typically
the most effective place for this activity to be undertaken.
Birds
Control of Indian Mynah is best achieved with the Mynah Trap. The model used by
interstate environmental groups of sharing a number of traps throughout a larger
locality appears to be the best way to control this species throughout the landscape.
Currently the Bureau of Animal Welfare within the Department of Primary Industries
is undergoing an assessment of the methods of euthanasia for this practice. Once
there is an acceptable method in the state of Victoria, further assessment will be
undertaken to determine appropriate sites for this activity.
Prevention of access to nesting hollows is another method available for protecting a
specific value, but this can be time consuming and require ongoing maintenance.
Over a large area, this technique is most likely not feasible.
Pest Fish
Mosquito Fish trapping is an appropriate method for the removal of this species from
areas of waterway. Companies offering this service are limited. Traps are easily
constructed by volunteers and the trapping process is simple, so with appropriate
training this activity may be able to be carried out by volunteers or internal Ranger
Staff.
Other methods of feral animal control that may be appropriate for some
situations are;
1080 baiting for foxes may be suitable in some Shire managed reserves and this
service may be purchased on an as needs basis. Analysis has been carried out as
to where potential available sites may be.
Shooting of foxes and rabbits in some areas is achievable and will be used as a part
of a larger program where appropriate.
Other species where the control is not planned i.e. Deer, have not been allocated an
appropriate control method with in this report and will be dealt with on a case by
case basis.
Actions
1. Incorporate all appropriate methods of control into activity specifications for
Feral Animal Management Contract for Biodiversity Protection.
2. Continue to be involved in trials on appropriate methods of rat baiting.
3. Remain in discussions with The Bureau of Animal Welfare in relation to
humane methods of capture and euthanasia for all feral animal species.
4. Keep up to date with the ‘Industry’ to remain at the fore front of best practice
in feral animal management.
19 | P a g e
DEFINING THE PROCESS TO PROCURE APPROPRIATE
WORK THROUGH SERVICE PROVIDERS
The procurement process to appoint a suitable service provider to undertake feral
animal management within Shire bushland reserves will seek to match the Shire’s
resources to the best possible implementation of the required works.
The Shire’s budget for feral animal work is currently $102 000 per annum. The Shire
also actively pursues external funding opportunities particularly through federal
government funding such as “Caring for our Country” and state government funding
through the Catchment Management Authority, Department of Primary Industries
and Department of Sustainability and Environment. Currently the Shire has external
funding for feral animal work and expects to be able to maintain some level of this
external funding but is unable to confidently forecast any amount.
Following review of the priorities for feral animal control, discussions with service
providers and other agencies, and consideration of the Shire’s capacity to undertake
feral animal management, a basic structure for the tendering of works has been
framed:
·
A single 3 year contract including
- A Lump Sum component for selected best practice techniques in
priority reserves within landscape units
- A Schedule of Rates component for less used best practice control
techniques, occasional works in reserves and works outside the
landscape units
- A Schedule of Rates component for associated works such as
signage, notifications, reserve closures, public consultation and
public education
- A Schedule of Rates component for implementation of works
through external grants
- Potential for consideration of further 2 years of works for
exceptional service subject to Shire requirements
Tendering Process
For the lump sum component of the tendered works tenderers will be asked to
supply a price for works including numbers of traps and repetition of programs for
each of the 21 priority Bushland Reserves for the selected target species.
For all other works tenderers will be asked to supply a Schedule of Rates including
hourly rates, per trap rates, baiting program rates, etc as appropriate.
20 | P a g e
The tendering process is as follows;
·
·
·
·
Timing
The tender will be advertised early in the financial year of 2011/12 with six
week period to lodge tenders.
Advertising
The feral animal management tender will be advertised in local and
Melbourne newspapers; placed on suitable websites including the Shire
website; and all known feral animal service providers will be advised of the
tender.
Panel
A panel of appropriate Shire staff and independent individuals with suitable
qualifications will be convened to assess tenders and make a
recommendation to Council on a suitable appointment.
Evaluation Criteria
The evaluation criteria are:
Attribute
Weighting
Capability
Customer Service
Management and Staff
Local Issues
Management Systems
Plant and equipment
Working Relationship
Financial Capacity
Referee Reports
Price
20
10
10
5
5
5
10
5
5
25
·
Risks
- There is a risk that tendered prices may exceed the Shire budget. This
risk has been minimised by including a lump sum component for only
70%-80% of works in high priority reserves within the landscape units. In
addition the Shire could choose to negotiate an outcome if tendered
pricing exceeded the available budgets. The Shire budget available for
feral animal control is public knowledge available through the adopted
budget on-line. Additionally, Councillors may also choose to increase
budget in subsequent years.
- There is a risk that individual service providers may not wish to tender for
all the work as a single contract and that therefore there may be no or few
tenderers. This risk is minimised as there are both small and large
businesses; an industry association; potential for service providers to work
21 | P a g e
as a consortium; potential to sub-contract work to other providers: or to
organise themselves in innovative ways.
All other risks should be addressed by a tendering process that follows the
Shire procurement policy.
Actions
1. Write contract documentation supporting this approach.
2. Report to Council - A report to Council will be prepared detailing the tender
assessment results and recommending a successful tenderer.
22 | P a g e
FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT WITH STRONG COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Feral animal control is generally not well understood in the community. Active
involvement by the community is one of the greatest resources available within the
Shire for successful feral animal control in the long term. The Mornington Peninsula
Shire will utilise a two-pronged approach to build understanding of the value of a
feral animal management program. This will involve specific information programs
for residents affected by our feral animal control programs and more general
information dissemination through organised community groups and the media.
Content of the information supplied will be approved by the Natural Systems Team
and the Communications Team within the Shire. An annual program of events and
media releases will be drafted for delivery each year in conjunction with the works
program.
Specific information programs
Involving and informing neighbours of our programs and extension through the
landscape unit
Key direction
·
·
·
Legal notifications of feral animal control programs
Invitations to selected residents to become involved in the program
Distribution of information relevant to the program
Target groups
·
·
·
Immediate neighbours to the program
Residents in the vicinity of the program
Stakeholders identified in the Landscape Unit Analysis
Other agencies
·
Identified stakeholder agencies in each landscape unit will be invited to
be participate in the program for that landscape unit
23 | P a g e
General information programs
Highlighting biodiversity protection and the role feral animal control plays in this with
a focus on either biodiversity or feral animals depending on the occasion and the
audience.
Key direction
·
·
·
·
Involve the community in the conservation of biodiversity through
partnerships between the Shire and community groups to reach out to
residents
Utilise various media to promote biodiversity and feral animal control
Provide local information at training sessions or information evenings on
biodiversity values and management to facilitate active community
involvement
Involve the community in feral animal decision making at a strategic level
and encourage direct involvement
Target groups
·
·
·
·
Residents living around bushland reserves
Residents on the Mornington Peninsula
Residents who identify themselves as interested in bio-diversity
Residents seeking general information about feral animals, residents
wanting to know how to control feral animals, residents (especially
Landcare groups) controlling feral animals and wishing to involve their
neighbours
Other agencies
The Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Primary
Industries, PPWCMA, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water each have a role in
promoting bio-diversity and the Shire will actively seek partnerships with these
agencies while primarily working with our community groups.
In “Weeds and Vertebrate Pests, Module 1 within the invasive plants and animals
framework” the Department of Primary Industries identifies among its tasks:
·
·
engage with the community in pursuing coordinated action against widely
established invasive plants and animals; and
engage with Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and regional
communities in community education, pest management planning,
implementation and reporting on both private and public land and in
freshwater environments.
This plan seeks to engage with the local community in relation to identified Shire
priorities and not to duplicate but rather complement state government community
engagement.
24 | P a g e
Communication methodology
For both general and specific information programs residents fall into a number of
categories which may overlap.
Key categories are:
·
·
·
·
·
Urban residents
Rural residents
Holiday house owners
Day visitors and tourists
People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Individual programs will be tailored to meet the needs of each of these categories of
residents as appropriate. For example, urban residents may be less knowledgeable
about the identification of and damage caused by feral animals; holiday house
owners and visitors may require more opportunistic programs; cultural and language
barriers may require careful research and preparation to overcome. Differences, if
they exist, will be determined via conversations with residents and not assumed from
the outset.
Information dissemination and invitations to events will generally be by the following
methods:
Specific information program
·
·
·
·
Letter or letterbox drop
Signage
On site meetings
Briefings of key individuals
General information program
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Local newspapers and media
Briefing of Community leaders
Public meetings
Special publications (plan / brochure)
Information posters
Council newsletter
Community newsletters
Landcare events
Friends group AGMs and meetings
Presentations to community meetings
Information evenings
Training programs
Promoting other agencies such as the Invasive Animals CRC (Feral.org and
Pest Smart Toolkit)
Social Media such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube
25 | P a g e
Obtaining feed back
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Initial feedback has been obtained during the development of this plan from
service providers and informed community groups
Feedback through the Shire’s customer service request system has been
monitored for some years
Feedback to this plan was obtained through public exhibition of the plan
Staff participation in community group meetings/activities
Email in response to council website
Survey (via Council Newsletter)
Monitoring of responses from the community as the program is delivered
26 | P a g e
RESEARCH AND FUTHER DEVELOPMENT OF FERAL ANIMAL
MANAGEMENT
As a part of ongoing biodiversity protection works, the Natural Systems Team
regularly conducts detailed fauna surveys of reserves under Shire Management.
The information collected from the fauna reports is used to make informed decisions
and conduct detailed analysis regarding feral animal impacts on local fauna
populations. Further to these fauna surveys, the Mornington Peninsula Fauna Atlas
has been created over the past 4 years to populate the Shire’s GIS with fauna
records across all land tenure within the Shire’s Municipal Boundary. This data has
formed a basis for much of the analysis carried out for this report.
The next step in understanding the Mornington Peninsulas’ fauna populations is to
begin to understand the population dynamics of various species across the
landscape. In order to achieve this, detailed species specific fauna survey works
need to be carried out in strategic locations across the Mornington Peninsula.
The Shire is currently a partner in a collaborative project between Parks Victoria and
Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
and Frankston City titled “Developing effective fox control strategies in urbanising
landscapes”,
A summary of the project from the project brief is;
“The urban-rural fringe areas of Melbourne currently support many populations of
species of wildlife that are declining due to predation by introduced predators.
However, the usual methods of fox control (e.g. shooting, baiting) are difficult to
undertake in landscapes with a high density of humans. In this project we will begin
the first step of developing an effective fox control strategy by quantifying the
movement patterns (e.g. home range size and shape, movement rates across
boundaries between conservation reserves and adjacent land uses) of foxes at up to
10 sites along an urban-rural gradient using GPS transmitters. The project will
provide important fundamental data on the movement of foxes and also assist in
designing subsequent phases of the project where the effectiveness of current
control programs are evaluated and new control techniques trialled.”
An understanding of other feral animal populations is also required in order to
effective conserve indigenous fauna and flora populations. The Partnership study
outlined above begins to address this within the context of fox movements and
populations. Further studies of this nature are required for other common feral
animal species such as the feral cat, Black Rat, Rabbit and Indian Mynah to better
understand their population dynamics and their impact on native fauna and flora.
Effective record keeping from ongoing feral animal control projects can also assist in
the collection of data to help inform research as outlined above. Simple recording of
location of free feeding and successful trapping or bait locations can form an
effective set of baseline data. This data can also be used to populate GIS layers on
27 | P a g e
aerial photography to gain an understanding of feral animal movements and
densities to assist with operational planning of programs.
Actions
1. Continue to be a partner in the collaborative project in developing effective fox
control strategies.
2. Seek further research opportunities to better understand both native and feral
fauna populations throughout the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
3. Keep up to date with the projects of the Invasive Animals CRC.
4. Develop effective standardised Feral Animal Program record keeping data
sheets to be included for all works within future feral animal programs.
5. Encourage other land management bodies to utilise a similar form for their
programs to standardise reporting and data collection to assist with ongoing
works and studies.
28 | P a g e
APPENDIX A - FERAL ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND
DECISION FLOWS
(used 2007 to 2011)
1. Values versus threats analysis
In order to maximise the effectiveness of expenditure on feral animal control we
examined the reasons for which feral animal control was being undertaken.
a) The values we are trying to protect are fauna and fauna habitat and
indigenous vegetation. Our highest value sites in terms of fauna diversity,
endangered species, fauna habitat types and vegetation species and
communities were assessed from the fauna surveys we have carried out
on many Shire reserves.
b) Threats were examined in terms of which feral animals were present at
each high value site and what level of threat they posed.
This process was undertaken by discussion among the Conservation Officers based
on knowledge of each reserve.
2. Decision made on which feral animal(s) to target at each site. For example:
·
·
·
Foxes and cats where values included small indigenous mammals
Black rats where values included small (rare) reptiles and competing
indigenous mammals
Rabbits where values included (rare) orchids
Team decision
3. Decision made on control method for the chosen target feral species
Considerations:
·
·
·
·
Occupational Health and Safety – job safety standards and their ease of
implementation
Public Risk – access of people to site, ability to close site, cooperation of
neighbours, level of visitation
Risk to Shire standing – potential for accidental capture/death of off-target
species including rare fauna, pets,
Effectiveness of works – likelihood of success, ability to measure success,
reduction of risk to target values
Team decision
4. Service provision
29 | P a g e
·
·
·
Primary resource - contractors listed through the Expression of
Interest process
Secondary resource: Other contractors undertaking that type of work
Clear brief to be written and format for quoting provided e.g. pricing
table
Team decision
5. Procurement
Written quotes for each reserve/job sought:
·
·
From 2-3 contractors if able to undertake that type of work
From 1 contractor only if only one able to undertake that type of work
Responsible officer decision based on procurement policy
6. Documentation
·
·
·
·
·
Purchase order written for works
Contractor to provide Job Safety Analysis/Safe Work Method Statement
before commencement
All dates for works to be locked in and advertised particularly where this
involves reserve closure
Contractor to provide invoice and detailed report when finished job
Report filed and payment made
30 | P a g e
APPENDIX B - FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL PROGRAMS 20092010
External service providers undertook the control programs in 2009 -2010.
A summary of the program as conducted in 20 bushland reserves is presented in
Table 1. Although good results have been achieved with measurable benefits to the
biodiversity of many reserves the Mornington Peninsula Shire is keen to ensure the
firm basis for the work to ensure that the program is cost effective and meets all
requirements in relation to regulations, efficacy, animal welfare, the environment and
occupational health and safety.
Table 1:
Feral Animal Control Programs in a number of Shire managed
bushland reserves in 2009/2010
Mt Martha Park and Scout Camp
*
*
Sunshine creek
*
*
Briars
*
*
Trueman’s Road / Old Tip
*
*
Rye Landfill
*
*
Sanctuary park
*
*
Chinaman’s Creek
*
*
*
Moorooduc Quarry F&F Reserve
*
*
*
Earimil Creek Bushland Reserve
*
*
Balcombe Estuary
*
*
Balcombe Creek BMT Reserve
*
*
Snapper Point
Rabbit
Feral Cat
Black Rat
Target Species
Fox
Bushland Reserve
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Bittern Coastal Wetlands (and some adjoining land)
*
*
*
*
Warringine park
*
*
*
*
King Creek Bushland Reserve (and adjoining property)
*
*
*
Gordon Rolfe Bushland Reserve
*
*
Yaringa Foreshore Reserve
*
*
Hann’s Creek Bushland Reserve
*
*
Buxton Bushland Reserve
*
*
Police Point Bushland Reserve (with Parks Vic)
*
*
Somerville Bushland Reserve
*
*
*
*
31 | P a g e
Figure 1:
Location of Feral Animal Control Programs in 2009-2010
32 | P a g e
APPENDIX C – CONSULTATION NOTES
Feral Animal Management Plan for Biodiversity Protection in the
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Consultation Session – Feral Animal Management Service Providers
th
Thursday the 10 February 2011, 2pm
Rosebud Shire Offices – Meeting Room
Attendees – Martin Ellingworth, Peter Voutier, Bob Edgar, Leigh Swann, Simon Thorning, Graham
Pittock, Paul Bertuch, Virgil Janko, Sam Hand, Peter Drummy
Apologies – Mark Fenby, Malcolm Legg
Agenda
1. Welcome and Introductions – quick around the table intro
2. Aims of the Session
-to discuss Shire’s Development of plan
-to discuss Contract development for the future
-To gather specific and general feedback from service
providers regarding the current draft plan
3. Overview of Shire Programs
Sam gave a brief over view of the past programs and
development of the Shires Feral Animal Program over the years;
-pre 2007; mostly den fumigation
-2007; $50K for feral animal program
-2007; EOI for interested service providers (creation
of Feral Animal Controllers List)
-value v threat approach in order to plan the
spending of $50K
-2010/11; $102K for program + grant income –
decision made to formalise the program due to the
amount of $ and the desire to tighten up a number of
aspects of the programs. Also a good time to review
the Shires programs and values and threats.
4. Overview of the Draft Plan a. Feedback in General on Plan – discussion with all
·
There were some technical points raised in reference to legal requirements and the wording
in the plan e.g. letter drop/mail out with respect to 1080 poisoning
·
It was suggested that the reference in the document to pindone and horses should be altered
to warn of the danger to horses and other livestock.
·
References to lactating animals within the plan: discussion regarding this followed with the
point being made that this should be removed from information in the public domain due to
potential risks to the industry operations via miss-interpretation of this point by the general
public
33 | P a g e
·
It was felt by some service providers that putting out signage and closing off reserves would
be better done by others rather than the feral animal service providers.
5. Contract Options - see attached
a. Questions - Discussion/Feedback – discussion with all over three options
presented and potential other options. The main points discussed were as
follows;
·
All five service providers wished to be able to continue in their current business focus whether
it be fox baiting, fox trapping, rat trapping, rabbit control etc.
·
There was a general consensus that service providers would not like to broaden their
expertise to cover all four species we are seeking to control, nor to broaden their range of
techniques. However, there was later some informal discussion that they were prepared to
grow their businesses.
·
There was a general consensus from the service providers that the current method of getting
quotes and allocating work to a panel of specialists was a good way of doing business. There
was discussion regarding the difficulties this poses for the contract management due to
number of sites and increasing funding contributing to this.
·
There was a general warmth to the idea of longer term contracts for reasons of continuity,
security and better program delivery etc
·
There was strong resistance to the option of tendering out all services as one contract across
the Peninsula (option 1)
·
There was resistance to the option of tendering out works for all four animal species for each
Landscape Unit, but the landscape unit approach for programs within a geographic area was
appreciated.
·
There was no particular warmth to the idea of taking out rats as the "different" animal and
placing Foxes, Cats and Rabbits into the one contract, although this idea wasn’t explored for
long.
·
There was seeming acceptance of the landscape unit approach and understanding of the
values versus threats analysis in order to prioritise programs.
·
·
6. Going Forward
Some service providers were going to supply the Shire with written feedback with the latest
point for submissions being in mid March
there was some discussion regarding time frames for new contracts. The Shire will develop
the new tender documents, the Shire aims to advertise in May, in order to have new
contract/s in place by the beginning of the new financial year
7. Close
34 | P a g e
APPENDIX D – LANDSCAPE UNITS AND LANDSCAPE PRIORITISATION
Figure 2: Mornington Peninsula Shire Landscape Units for Feral Animal Control
35 | P a g e
Figure 3: Prioritisation of the total Mornington Peninsula for ‘landscape
context’ - “Remnant Native Vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula:
Mapping and Condition Assessment, Sinclair et al; Final Report, September
2006”
36 | P a g e
APPENDIX E – LANDSCAPE UNIT ANALYSIS VALUES VERSUS THREATS
Values vs Threats Analysis
Landscape Unit Where Value Occurs
Yaringa to Hastings
Warringine
Tootgarook Swamp
Pt Nepean
Mt Martha Summit
Mt Eliza Escarpment
Mornington to Mt Eliza
Gullies
Balcombe Lower
Reaches
Arthurs Seat
Value - Fauna & Flora
Status
Threat - Feral Animal
Direct
threat
species
- value
Indirect
species
threats value
Feral animal threat
Usable
control
methods
exist
(yes=1 /
no=0) for
each
threat
Value
score x
sum of
threats
x
usable
control
method
Level of
threat
multiplier
Final
Score
x
x
x
Agile Antechinus
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
foxes
1
12
1.2
14.4
x
x
x
Agile Antechinus
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
rats
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
3
3
cats
1
12
1.2
14.4
1
9
1.2
10.8
x
Agile Antechinus
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats
2
x
x
x
x
x
Australasian Bittern
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
foxes
x
x
x
x
Australasian Bittern
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
cats
1
9
1.2
10.8
x
x
x
x
Australasian Bittern
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
rats
1
9
1.1
9.9
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
foxes
1
6
1.3
7.8
3
0
cats
1
6
1.3
7.8
3
0
rats
1
6
1.2
7.2
3
0
x
x
Australasian Shoveler
x
x
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
Australasian Shoveler
x
x
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
Australasian Shoveler
x
x
x
x
Black Wallaby
Local significance
fox
2
1
0
foxes
1
2
1.1
2.2
x
Black Winged Stilt
Local significance?
foxes, cat, rat
2
3
0
foxes
1
6
1.1
6.6
x
Black Winged Stilt
Local significance?
foxes, cat, rat
2
3
0
cats
1
6
1.1
6.6
Black Winged Stilt
Local significance?
foxes, cat, rat
2
3
0
rats
1
6
1.1
6.6
x
Blue Billed Duck
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
foxes
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
Blue Billed Duck
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
cats
1
9
1.3
11.7
3
0
rats
1
9
1.2
10.8
x
x
Blue Billed Duck
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
x
x
x
x
Brown Quail
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
cats
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
x
x
x
Brown Quail
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
foxes
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
x
x
x
Brown Quail
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
rats
1
12
1.1
13.2
x
Coast Helmet-orchid
FFG, DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
rabbits, rats, Portuguese millipede
3
3
0
rabbit
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
Coast Helmet-orchid
FFG, DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
rabbits, rats, Portuguese millipede
3
3
0
Portuguese millipede
1
9
1.2
10.8
Coast Helmet-orchid
FFG, DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
rabbits, rats, Portuguese millipede
3
3
0
rats
1
9
1.1
9.9
Common Sandpiper
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes
2
1.5
0
foxes
1
3
1.1
3.3
Crested Tern
Local significance?
foxes
2
1
0
foxes
1
2
1.1
2.2
x
Dusky Antechinus
Local significance
2
3
3
rats
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
Dusky Antechinus
Local significance
2
3
3
foxes
1
12
1.2
14.4
x
Dusky Antechinus
Local significance
2
3
3
cats
1
12
1.2
14.4
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Dwarf Galaxias
EPBC
mosquito fish, carp, trout
3
3
3
mosquito fish
1
18
1.3
23.4
x
x
x
Dwarf Galaxias
EPBC
mosquito fish, carp, trout
3
3
3
carp
1
18
1.3
23.4
37 | P a g e
x
x
x
Dwarf Galaxias
EPBC
mosquito fish, carp, trout
3
3
x
x
Eastern Curlew
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes
2
1.5
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Flora regeneration general
Flora regeneration - post
burn
Local significance
fox
2
x
Frankston Spider Orchid
EPBC
rabbits, rats
x
Frankston Spider Orchid
EPBC
rabbits, rats
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Local significance
Local significance
rabbits
rabbits
Fringed Spider Orchid
EPBC (Extinct)
rabbits
trout
1
9
1.3
11.7
0
foxes
1
3
1.1
3.3
1
0
foxes
1
2
1
2
1.5
0
rabbits
1
3
1.2
3.6
1.5
0
rabbits
1
3
1.3
3.9
3
3
0
rats
1
9
1.3
11.7
3
3
0
rabbits
1
9
1.1
9.9
2
2
0
x
x
x
x
x
Glossy Grass Skink
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
x
x
x
x
x
Glossy Grass Skink
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
x
x
x
x
x
Glossy Grass Skink
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
x
x
x
x
Great Egret
FFG
foxes, cats
3
x
x
x
x
x
0
cats
1
12
1.3
15.6
3
rats
1
12
1.3
15.6
3
foxes
1
12
1.2
14.4
3
0
cats
1
9
1.2
10.8
Great Egret
FFG
foxes, cats
3
3
0
foxes
1
9
1.2
10.8
x
x
x
Growling Grass Frog
EPBC
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
foxes
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
x
x
Growling Grass Frog
EPBC
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
cats
1
9
1.2
10.8
x
x
x
Growling Grass Frog
EPBC
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
rats
1
9
1.2
10.8
3
0
foxes
1
6
1.3
7.8
1
6
1.3
7.8
x
x
x
Hardhead
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
x
x
x
Hardhead
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
cats
x
x
x
Hardhead
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
rats
1
6
1.2
7.2
x
Hooded Plover
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
foxes
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
Hooded Plover
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
cats
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
Hooded Plover
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
0
rats
1
9
1.1
9.9
x
Lace Monitor?
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, rats
2
1
0
foxes
1
2
1.1
2.2
x
x
x
x
x
Latham's Snipe
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats
2
3
0
cats
1
6
1.2
7.2
x
x
x
x
x
Latham's Snipe
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats
2
3
0
foxes
1
6
1.2
7.2
Leafy Greenhood
EPBC
rabbits, rats
x
x
x
x
x
Lewin's Rail
FFG
foxes, cats
3
3
0
cats
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
x
x
x
Lewin's Rail
FFG
foxes, cats
3
3
0
foxes
1
9
1.3
11.7
x
0
0
Little Egret
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
x
Long Nosed Bandicoot
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
2
3
3
foxes
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
Long Nosed Bandicoot
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
2
3
3
cats
1
12
1.3
15.6
x
Long Nosed Bandicoot
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
2
3
3
rabbit
1
12
1.2
14.4
Long Nosed Bandicoot
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
2
3
3
rats
1
12
1.1
13.2
Merran's Sun Orchid
FFG
rabbit
3
1.5
1
rabbit
1
7.5
1.3
9.75
Nankeen Night Heron
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
foxes
1
6
1.3
7.8
Nankeen Night Heron
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
cats
1
6
1.3
7.8
Nankeen Night Heron
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
rats
1
6
1.2
7.2
x
Powerful Owl
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
1
0
foxes
1
3
1
3
x
Powerful Owl
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
1
0
cats
1
3
1
3
x
Powerful Owl
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
1
0
rats
1
3
1
3
Purple Diuris
FFG
rabbits
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Reptiles - general
Local significance
All predators
x
x
x
x
Revegetation Works
Local
Rabbits
x
x
x
x
Royal Spoonbill
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats
0
0
0
0
2
3
2
all
1
10
1.3
13
2
3
0
cats
1
6
1.2
7.2
38 | P a g e
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Small mammals - general
(Swamp Rats, Black
Wallabies, Antechinus,
Koala, Echidnas etc)
Small mammals - general
(Swamp Rats, Black
Wallabies, Antechinus,
Koala, Echidnas etc)
Small mammals - general
(Swamp Rats, Black
Wallabies, Antechinus,
Koala, Echidnas etc)
Small mammals - general
(Swamp Rats, Black
Wallabies, Antechinus,
Koala, Echidnas etc)
Southern Brown
Bandicoot
Southern Brown
Bandicoot
Southern Brown
Bandicoot
Southern Brown
Bandicoot
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats
2
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
3
Local significance
foxes, cats, rats
foxes, cats, rats
Local significance
1
6
1.2
7.2
foxes
1
12
1.3
15.6
cats
1
12
1.3
15.6
rats
1
12
1.2
14.4
rabbits
1
3
2
3
foxes
3
2
3
Local significance
0
3
2
1.1
3
3
EPBC
Foxes, Cats, Rats, rabbits
3
3
3
cat
1
18
1.3
23.4
EPBC
Foxes, Cats, Rats, rabbits
3
3
3
fox
1
18
1.3
23.4
EPBC
Foxes, Cats, Rats, rabbits
3
3
3
rats
1
18
1.2
21.6
EPBC
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
3
3
3
rabbit
1
18
1
18
x
x
x
x
Southern Toadlet
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats?
2
3
0
foxes
1
6
1.2
7.2
x
x
x
x
Southern Toadlet
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
rats?
1
6
1.2
7.2
x
x
x
x
Southern Toadlet
DSE AD LIST (vulnerable)
foxes, cats, rats
2
3
0
cats
1
6
1.1
6.6
Spotted Quail Thrush
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
Swamp Rat
Local significance
x
x
Royal Spoonbill
x
x
x
x
Swamp Skink
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
3
x
x
x
Swamp Skink
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
x
x
x
Swamp Skink
FFG
foxes, cats, rats
3
3
Swift Parrot
EPBC
foxes, cats, rats
x?
0
0
0
cat
1
18
1.3
23.4
3
rats
1
18
1.3
23.4
3
foxes
1
18
1.2
21.6
0
0
x
x
Tiny Arrow Grass
DSE AD LIST (rare)
rabbit, Portuguese millipede
2
3
0
Portuguese millipede
1
6
1.3
7.8
x
x
Tiny Arrow Grass
DSE AD LIST (rare)
rabbit, Portuguese millipede
2
3
0
rabbit
1
6
1
6
Water Rat
x
0
0
0
White Fronted Tern
DSE AD LIST (near threatened)
foxes, cats, rats
x
x
x
White-footed Dunnart
FFG
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
3
3
3
foxes
1
18
0
1.3
23.4
0
x
x
x
White-footed Dunnart
FFG
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
3
3
3
cats
1
18
1.3
23.4
x
x
x
White-footed Dunnart
FFG
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
3
3
3
rats
1
18
1.2
21.6
x
x
x
White-footed Dunnart
FFG
foxes, cats, rats, rabbits
3
3
3
rabbits
1
18
1
18
39 | P a g e
FURTHER INFORMATION AND RESEOURCES
A:
COMMONWEALTH ACTS AND REGULATIONS
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about/index.html
B:
VICTORIAN ACTS AND REGULATIONS
B1:
Animal Welfare
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/poctaa1986360/
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/poctar2008469/
Domestic Animals Act 1994
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/daa1994163/
Where large leghold traps may be set. (Extract from the Victoria Government
Gazette No. S 468 Tuesday 15 December 2009)
http://www.gazette.vic.gov.au/gazette/Gazettes2009/GG2009S468.pdf
Domestic Animals Regulations 2005
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_reg/dar2005272/
B2:
Use of Agricultural Chemicals
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of use) Act 1992
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/aavcoua1992510/
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Regulations 2007
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/num_reg/aavcour2007n82o2007700/
40 | P a g e
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/calpa1994267/
The ACUP System in Victoria. Agnote AG1254
http://www.crtkyneton.com.au/factsheets/DPI_vic/The_ACUP_System_in_Vict
oria.pdf
Victoria’s 1080 Pest Animal Bait System
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemical-use/baitsystem
Directions for Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria (and
supporting downloadable documents
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemical-use/baitsystem
Chemical Management: Legal Booklet - DPI Victoria
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemicaluse/chemical-management
Commercial operators Licence (COL) - DPI Victoria
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemicaluse/licenses-permits/commercial-operator-licence
Record keeping requirements – DPI Victoria
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemicaluse/record-keeping
Record Keeping Template: Agricultural Chemical Use - DPI Victoria
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemicaluse/record-keepingRY INDUSTRIES
Record Keeping Template: Poison Baits used for Pest Animal Control - DPI
Victoria
http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-management/chemicaluse/record-keeping
B3:
Use of firearms
Firearms Act 1998
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/fa1996102/
Application for a populous place permit – vermin control
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/retrievemedia.asp?media_id=35147&status=activ
e
B4
Domestic and commercial pest control
41 | P a g e
Guidelines for pest control operators in Victoria
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/pestcontrol/guidelines-for-pest-control-licensing
Pest Control Technical Note Number 16 - Rodents
www.health.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/.../technote16.pdf
C:
PEST ANIMAL INFORMATION NOTES - DPI VICTORIA
Frequently Asked Questions: 1080 Baiting of Pest Animals
Foxes and their Impact
Foxes: Control in Urban and Urban-Fringe Areas
Foxes: Integrated Fox Control
Rabbits: Using Integrated Rabbit Control
Rabbits: Warren destruction and harbour management
Undertaking a Risk Assessment for Vertebrate Pest Control Using 1080
Available at:
http://www.land.vic.gov.au/DPI/nreninf.nsf/childdocs/
89E7A8DAFEA417624A2568B30004C26A3DB1800178777EB4CA256BC700811D61?open
D:
MODEL CODES OF PRACTICE AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
D1:
Foxes
Model code of practice for the humane control of foxes
Prepared by Trudy Sharp & Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary
Industries
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/57252/fox-cop.pdf
Model standard operating procedures – Foxes: Prepared by Trudy Sharp &
Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary Industries
FOX001 ground baiting of foxes with 1080
42 | P a g e
FOX003 ground shooting of foxes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/57248/fox-003.pdf
FOX004 fumigation of fox dens using carbon monoxide
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pubs/fox004fumigation-fox-dens-carbon-monoxide.pdf
FOX005 trapping of foxes using padded-jaw traps
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/57250/fox-005.pdf
FOX006 trapping of foxes using cage traps
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/57251/fox-006.pdf
D2: Rabbits
Model code of practice for the humane control of rabbits:
Prepared by Trudy Sharp & Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary
Industries http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/57286/rabcop.pdf
Model standard operating procedures – Rabbits: Prepared by Trudy Sharp &
Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary Industries
RAB004 ground baiting of rabbits with Pindone
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/57280/rab-004.pdf
RAB005 diffusion fumigation of rabbit warrens
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/57281/rab-005.pdf
RAB006 rabbit warren destruction by ripping
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/57282/rab-006.pdf
RAB009 ground shooting of rabbits
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/57285/rab-009.pdf
43 | P a g e
Model code of practice for the humane control of feral cats
Prepared by Trudy Sharp & Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary
Industries
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/57237/cat-cop.pdf
D3:
Feral Cat
Model standard operating procedures – Feral Cats: Prepared by Trudy Sharp
& Glen Saunders, NSW Department of Primary Industries
CAT001 ground shooting of feral cats
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/pubs/cat001ground-shooting-feral-cats.pdf
CAT002 trapping of feral cats using cage traps
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/57235/cat-002.pdf
E:
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND MONITORING TECHNIQUES
Improving Fox Management Strategies in Australia
Prepared by Glen Saunders and Lynette McLeod (NSW DPI)
http://adl.brs.gov.au/brsShop/data/final.proof_fox_collated_book.low.res.pdf
Managing Vertebrate Pests - Rabbits
Prepared by Williams et al (BRS Canberra)
http://www.daff.gov.au/brs/land/feral-animals/species/rabbits
Review of Cat Ecology and Management Strategies in Australia
http://www.feral.org.au/review-of-cat-ecology-and-management-strategies-inaustralia/
Monitoring techniques for vertebrate pests – rabbits
Monitoring techniques for vertebrate pests – feral cats
Monitoring techniques for vertebrate pests – foxes
44 | P a g e
Prepared by Bruce Mitchell and Suzanne Balog (NSW DPI)
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebratepests/general/monitoring-techniques
F:
PEST MANAGEMENT INFORMATION - NSW
Sydney South Regional Fox Brochure
http://www.wollicreek.org.au/pdf/08_fox_brochure.pdf
Regional pest management strategies
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pestsweeds/RegionPestManagement.htm
G:
PRODUCT LABELS AND MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
Labels and MSDS for
DencofumeÒ Carbon monoxide fumigant cartridge
FeralmoneTM Spray attractant for foxes and wild dogs
RabbaitÒ - Pindone oat bait
are available at: http://www.animalcontrol.com.au/MSDS.htm
The label and MSDS for MakiÒ Block Weatherproof Rodenticide are available
at:
http://www.garrards.com.au/index.php?option=com_msds&view=all&letter=hm
45 | P a g e