Controlling foxes at Wanganella wetland

NRM NEWS - AUGUST 2020 - AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

By Josh Campbell, Aquatic Systems Project Officer (& Matt Lane, Communications Officer)                                                     P: 03 5881 9935 | M: 0427 104 874 | josh.campbell@lls.nsw.gov.au

A fox baiting program to protect critical bird breeding sites at Wanganella wetland is one of the first achievements of the recently formed Wanganella Wetland Stakeholder Group.

One of the key stakeholders, Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council (YACTAC), approached Murray Local Land Services about fox control after observing baby swans at the site.

YACTAC Environmental Manager, Dr Dale McNeil, said wildlife in the Wanganella Swamp was thriving after receiving environmental water last year organised by Environment, Energy and Science NSW.

“The Environmental Water has kept the swamp and its wildlife alive and enabled waterbird breeding events. With the hatching of baby swans (signets) and the arrival of brolgas and other wetland birds, we needed to take steps to protect these young families from feral animal predation” said Dr Dale McNeil.

Murray Local Land Services Pest Animal Coordinator, John Nolan, said there were 195 baits laid throughout the region during July / August, with about 80 per cent of the baits taken. “Based on the take-up of baits, we estimate that this program has removed between 100 and 150 foxes from the landscape, which is a great result,” he said.

Mr Nolan said the participation of the landholders neighbouring Wanganella wetland was crucial to the success of the exercise. “Their support has been terrific and, coupled with the baiting work we’ve done on the nearby travelling stock reserve, it has meant that the brolgas, swans, pelicans and ibis that use this site to nest can do so more safely,” he said.

This project is supported by Murray Local Land Services, through funding from Catchment Action NSW.