The fate of dried meat baits laid for fox control: the effects of bait presentation on take by foxes and non-target species, and on caching by foxes

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Thomson ◽  
N. E. Kok
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Potential Hazard ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Mixed Farming ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Fox Control

Non-toxic, dried meat baits (45 g) containing small radio-transmitters were laid on cleared sandplots in mixed farming and grain-growing areas in Western Australia. Baits were either buried, tethered by wire trace to a hidden peg, or simply laid untethered on the surface. Baits were exposed for 1 night only and new transects were established each day. Data were available on 1521 baits. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) visited 23% of plots and took baits from 64% of those visited. Unburied baits (both tethered and untethered) were taken significantly more frequently than the buried baits. Of all baits taken by foxes, 25% were cached. Foxes were more likely to cache buried baits than either tethered or untethered baits. Excluding baits taken to cubs, foxes cached baits 3–380 m (mean 87�m) from their original locations. Some baits were carried to cub dens up to 1.25�km away. The fate of 27�cached baits was monitored for varying periods. Of these baits, 59% were later eaten by foxes, most within 3�days. Non-target species took 3% of the baits on offer. Birds were the most common non-target animals to take baits, and in some cases dropped baits up to 400 m away. In terms of takes relative to visits, most takes by birds were of the untethered baits (88%, cf. 33% for tethered, 17% for buried baits). Compared with other baits, a significantly lower proportion of the untethered baits that were taken by birds was actually eaten. Baits cached by foxes and baits moved by birds represent a potential hazard to farm dogs and vulnerable fauna. Recommendations on bait presentation, distance restrictions, and likely risk to farm dogs and non-target species are discussed.

The effectiveness of a large-scale baiting campaign and an evaluation of a buffer zone strategy for fox control

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 465 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Thomson ◽  
N. J. Marlow ◽  
K. Rose ◽  
N. E. Kok
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Population Reduction ◽  
High Level ◽  
Fox Control

The effectiveness of a baiting campaign against red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was investigated in a rangeland area near Carnarvon, Western Australia. An area of 3180 km2 was aerially baited with dried meat baits containing 3 mg 1080 poison (5 baits km–2) in August 1995. All 45 radio-collared foxes monitored in the area were killed by baits. More than half the radio-collared foxes died within 3 days of baits being laid; the last surviving radio-collared fox died 44 days after baits were laid. The overall population reduction was estimated to be >95%. Further implications of this high level of bait uptake are discussed in relation to immunocontraceptive control of foxes, as well as for population reduction or vaccination of foxes to control rabies. Reinvasion of the baited area occurred mainly in autumn, when juvenile foxes were dispersing. The relevance of this result is discussed in relation to developing more effective baiting strategies. As part of another experiment, outer sections of the baited area were periodically re-baited as a buffer zone to reduce immigration by foxes into the central baited area; the buffer baiting proved to be very effective in preventing recolonisation of the entire baited area.

Aerially deployed baits in the northern rangelands of Western Australia are available to wild dogs

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malcolm S. Kennedy ◽  
Ken Rose ◽  
Gary Martin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Riparian Vegetation ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Remote Locations ◽  
Tussock Grassland ◽  
Radio Transmitters ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Wild Dog ◽  
Wild Dogs

Context Aerial baiting using fixed-wing aircraft is an effective method of bait delivery for wild-dog control in remote locations. However, aerial baiting may result in loss of baits to positions that are inaccessible to wild dogs. Attempts, by landholders, to address such bait loss through compensatory baiting may increase baiting costs and potential risks to non-target species. Aims To assess bait drift under standard baiting conditions. To assess the availability of aerially deployed baits to wild dogs across several commonly baited landforms in the northern rangelands of Western Australia. Methods We determined drift characteristics of baits deployed under standard fixed-wing baiting conditions. We then determined the availability of aerially deployed baits by deploying baits with embedded radio-transmitters across four commonly baited landforms (riparian vegetation, tussock grassland, gorges and breakaways). We then visually assessed the availability of relocated baits (as ‘high’, ‘moderate’ or ‘low’). Key results Under standard fixed-wing baiting conditions, on average, baits fell 100.9 m forward, and 8.3 m laterally, from the point-of-release. Across all landforms, most baits (91.8%) were highly available, with a further 7.0% falling into the moderate category and 1.2% in the low category. There were significant differences in bait availability among landforms, with the proportion of moderate-low availability baits greatest in gorges and lowest on tussock grassland. Conclusions Within the northern rangelands of Western Australia, bait wastage owing to deployment in inaccessible locations is minimal. Implications Compensatory baiting for lost baits is unnecessary and increases costs to land managers.

Factors associated with fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation of lambs in Britain

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Moberly ◽  
Piran C. L. White ◽  
Charlotte C. Webbon ◽  
Philip J. Baker ◽  
Stephen Harris
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Large Range ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Flock Size ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Regional Location ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Fox Control

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are believed to have an economic impact on farming through predation on lambs, poultry and game. Investigation of the causes behind variation in the impact of predation between farms is required to improve management of these problems. A questionnaire survey of sheep farmers was combined with field data on relative fox population abundance to investigate some of the factors associated with both the occurrence and scale of perceived fox predation in Britain. Reported lamb losses to foxes were generally low but there was a large range in perceived levels of predation, from 0.0008 to 0.26 lambs per ewe, with 59% of respondents reporting that they had lost at least one lamb to a fox at their most recent lambing. Flock size was an important factor determining perceived fox predation. Fox predation was more likely to have occurred on larger farms, but, when it did, fewer lambs were perceived lost per ewe. Various other non-management characteristics, including regional location, had an influence on fox predation. Fox abundance was positively associated with perceived predation. Indoor lambing was an important preventive measure against fox predation. However, the effect of fox control on livestock predation was difficult to determine because of potential reactive behaviour by farmers to lamb losses. The analyses indicate that multivariate rather than univariate techniques should be used in the assessment of predator impacts and in making management recommendations. The identification of farm characteristics associated with fox predation, such as location and indoor lambing, enables the potential identification of problem farms where preventive management should be targeted.

Estimated 1080 dose rate for the M-44 ejector for the control of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 291 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Marks ◽  
F. Gigliotti ◽  
F. Busana
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
The United States ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Wildlife Species ◽  
Fox Control ◽  
Target Effects

Recent studies have suggested that bait movement and caching by foxes (Vulpes vulpes) may increase the potential risk of off-target effects from 1080 meat baits close to urban habitats. The M-44 ejector is an alternative way to deliver 1080 to foxes that will eliminate bait movement and caching. Whilst the M-44 ejector has been used for the control of foxes using cyanide in the United States, we investigated its use with 1080 as a toxicant. Exotic eutherian carnivores are generally more sensitive to 1080 than are most Australian endemic wildlife species, yet no useful difference in sensitivity to cyanide exists for these groups. The lower risk associated with occupational exposure to 1080 compared with cyanide suggests that it is a more desirable toxicant for fox control. Pen trials were undertaken in order to establish an appropriate capsule dose of 1080 to be used in the ejector. A minimum capsule dose of 2.7 mg of 1080 is estimated to be consistently lethal to foxes weighing up to 8.3 kg. The recommended dose is below the current meat bait dose of 3.0 mg 1080 used in Victoria. This may represent an improvement in occupational safety and a reduction in non-target risk.

Evaluation of attractants and bait preferences of captive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

2000 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen Saunders ◽  
Stephen Harris
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Behavioural Responses ◽  
Chemical Attractants ◽  
Free Ranging ◽  
Fox Control ◽  
Rabies Vaccination

The development of bait types, additives such as synthetic flavours, and attractants for use in fox control and rabies vaccination programmes is briefly reviewed. A captive colony was used to establish bait preferences for foxes. A variety of bait types and additives were screened for this purpose. The potential of chemical attractants to enhance the discovery of baits by foxes was also examined. Gustatory additives, such as beef flavour and sugar, enhanced bait acceptance, and olfactory attractants such as synthetic fermented egg showed promise. Trials using captive animals allow for observations impossible under field conditions. However, field trials are also needed to determine whether behavioural responses of free-ranging animals are similar to those observed in captive individuals.

Increasing the target-specificity of the M-44 ejector by exploiting differences in head morphology between foxes and large dasyurids

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (8) ◽  
pp. 733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Nicholson ◽  
Frank Gigliotti
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Target Specificity ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Lethal Control ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Head Morphology ◽  
Pulling Force ◽  
Sarcophilus Harrisii

The M-44 ejector (ejector) is a more target-specific means of lethal control of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) than conventional meat baits, which may expose a wide range of non-target species to the bait toxicant. Owing to the threshold pulling force required to activate the ejector, undesired exposure is eliminated in many smaller animals that cannot generate this force. However, the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) remain potential non-target species because of their larger size. In this study, we report on the development of a collar that excludes devils and quolls by exploiting differences in their head morphology relative to that of red foxes. The collar potentially prevents bait removal by larger non-target species, while still allowing all adult foxes access to the bait to trigger the ejector mechanism. Spotted-tailed quolls small enough to access the bait are theoretically too small to trigger the ejector mechanism set at a threshold pulling force of 2.7 kg.

Multiple individual southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) use underpasses installed at a new highway in Perth, Western Australia

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian M. Harris ◽  
Harriet R. Mills ◽  
Roberta Bencini
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Remnant Vegetation ◽  
Crossing Structures ◽  
Dramatic Decline ◽  
Passive Integrated Transponders ◽  
Wildlife Populations ◽  
The Relationship

Context. Although wildlife crossing structures are often included when new roads are built, their effectiveness at reconnecting wildlife populations is still largely unknown. A new highway was built in 2005 through an area of remnant vegetation in Perth, Western Australia. Assessment of the area before construction identified potential impacts on a population of southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus fusciventer). Aims. We aimed to determine the use by bandicoots of three underpasses constructed to provide a linkage between habitats that were fragmented by the highway, focussing on how many different individuals used them, which is an essential step to demonstrate their effectiveness at reconnecting fragmented populations. Methods. We used detection of tracks in sand pads for 1 year to establish the use of the underpasses by bandicoots. We then captured 56 bandicoots and fitted them with passive integrated transponders (PIT), and installed a Trovan 650 scanner/decoder within the most frequently used underpass to establish whether multiple individuals used it. Key results. By using sand pads, we demonstrated that bandicoots used the underpasses, with a total of 278 passes between August 2005 and August 2006. One underpass accounted for 71% of these passes and was used already during construction. Eight different bandicoots were recorded using this underpass between August 2006 and August 2007, demonstrating use by multiple individuals. A dramatic decline in the use of this underpass was observed after foxes (Vulpes vulpes) also started using it in August 2006, and a fox built a den near the entrance of this structure. Because we also failed to recapture any of the bandicoots implanted with PITs we suspect that they had been killed by foxes. Conclusions. A severe decline in bandicoots coinciding with underpass use by foxes raises questions as to the long-term success of fauna crossings. Clearly, the relationship between underpass use by predators and the target species, in this case bandicoots, needs to be examined further. Implications. Our work demonstrated that although underpasses have the potential to reconnect populations because multiple individuals used them, their installation may be detrimental to wildlife populations if predators are not controlled.

The longevity of 1080 egg-baits in a regularly baited nature reserve in south-western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Neville E. Kok ◽  
Winifred E. Kirkpatrick ◽  
Geoff Burrow
Keyword(s):  
Exponential Decay ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Predator Control ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Injection Hole ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Fox Control

The longevity of 1080 in egg-baits (4.5 mg 1080 per egg) used for fox control was monitored at the Corackerup Nature Reserve, Western Australia. Irrespective of season, most egg-baits (94%) were found to retain sufficient 1080 to be theoretically lethal to all foxes for at least 42 days, and 75% of baits contained an LD50 of 1080 at Day 63. Exponential decay curves also predicted that these baits would remain toxic to most foxes for up to 32 weeks, depending upon environmental conditions. Sealing the injection hole with wax, or using sterile techniques to prepare some egg-baits, appeared to have little effect on the longevity of 1080 in these baits compared with that of unsealed eggs. Bait take, and identification of those species taking bait, were monitored over 12 days at 216 permanent bait stations in the reserve. Track plots were present for 3–6 days on 83 of these stations in spring and summer but not in winter. In spring and summer, of those species likely to take bait, goannas were the most frequent visitors to the track plots and they were also responsible for most of the baits taken at this time (59% and 90% of baits taken). Foxes accounted for 27% (spring), 8% (summer) and 75% (winter) of the egg-baits taken. No egg-baits were taken by goannas in winter, but the overall bait take was also low at this time (28 of 211 baits laid; 13%). Overall bait take after 12 days in spring and summer was 64% (135 of 211) and 68% (145 of 212) of baits laid. Except for goannas, birds and other non-target species (e.g. bob-tail skink) took relatively few baits in any season. The implication of these findings for 1080-based predator-control programs are discussed.

Potential impacts of poison baiting for introduced house mice on native animals on islands in Jurien Bay, Western Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clifford Bennison ◽  
J. Anthony Friend ◽  
Timothy Button ◽  
Harriet Mills ◽  
Cathy Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Rhodamine B ◽  
Native Species ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Mus Domesticus ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Island Populations ◽  
Delivery Technique ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
Competition For Resources

Context House mice (Mus domesticus) are present on Boullanger and Whitlock islands, Western Australia, and could potentially threaten populations of the dibbler (Parantechinus apicalis) and grey-bellied dunnart (Sminthopsis griseoventer) through competition for resources. A workshop in 2007 recommended a study to assess the feasibility of eradicating house mice from the islands by using poison baits and of the risk posed to non-target native species. Aim We aimed to assess the risk to non-target native species if poison baiting was used to eradicate house mice on Boullanger and Whitlock islands. Methods Non-toxic baits containing the bait marker rhodamine B were distributed on Boullanger Island and on the mouse free Escape Island to determine the potential for primary poisoning. Acceptance of baits by mammals was measured through sampling and analysis of whiskers, and by reptiles through observations of dye in faeces. To determine the potential for secondary exposure to poison, the response of dibblers to mouse carcasses was observed using motion-activated cameras. Bait acceptance was compared using two methods of delivery, namely, scattering in the open and delivery in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes. A cafeteria experiment of bait consumption by dibblers was also undertaken using captive animals held at the Perth Zoo. Ten dibblers were offered non-toxic baits containing rhodamine B in addition to their normal meals; consumption of bait and the presence of dye in whiskers were measured. Key results Bait acceptance on the islands was high for house mice (92% of individuals) and dibblers (48%) and it was independent of bait-delivery technique. There was no evidence of bait acceptance by grey-bellied dunnarts. Dibblers may consume mice carcasses if available; however, no direct consumption of mice carcasses was observed with movement sensor cameras but one dibbler was observed removing a mouse carcass and taking it away. During the cafeteria experiment, 9 of 10 captive dibblers consumed baits. Conclusions This investigation demonstrated that dibblers consume baits readily and island populations would experience high mortality if exposed to poison baits. Poison baiting could effectively eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands but not without mortality for dibblers. Implications Toxic baits could be used to eradicate mice from Boullanger and Whitlock islands, provided that non-target species such as dibblers were temporarily removed from the islands before the application of baits.

Variation in fur farm and wild populations of the red fox, Vulpes vulpes (Carnivora: Canidae) — Part I: Morphometry

2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-597 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magdalena Zatoń-Dobrowolska ◽  
Magdalena Moska ◽  
Anna Mucha ◽  
Heliodor Wierzbicki ◽  
Piotr Przysiecki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Selective Breeding ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Tail Length ◽  
Morphometric Traits ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Ear Height ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

This paper demonstrates the influence of artificial selection on morphometric traits in the red fox [Vulpes vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)]. Measurements and two proportion coefficients were analysed in 132 wild and 199 farm red foxes. The two groups differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) on all but one of the measurements. Eight out of 11 measurements were significantly greater in the farm fox population, while only tail length, ear height, and length of the right hind limb were greater in the population of wild foxes. The opposite trend was observed when analysing variation in the measurements — the farm foxes were characterized by a greater variability only in the case of body weight, body length, and breadth of chest. When analysing the sexual dimorphism index in different sex and population groups, in almost all analysed traits, the greatest differences occurred between farm males and wild females. All of the traits examined in this study are important for survival of wild foxes. However, because importance of some traits was reduced during domestication and selective breeding (farm foxes do not have to fight for survival), the genetic relationship between them may have weakened. Other possible causes of morphological differences between the studied groups of red foxes are discussed as well.

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