Attractiveness of a novel omnivore bait, PIGOUT®, to feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and assessment of risks of bait uptake by non-target species

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan D. Cowled ◽  
Steven J. Lapidge ◽  
Michelle Smith ◽  
Linton Staples
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Sex Bias ◽  
Small Animals ◽  
Elevated Blood ◽  
Target Specificity ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Eastern Australia

Following a bait-preference pilot study on captive feral pigs, a series of field studies assessed the attractiveness and target-specificity of a prototype manufactured feral pig bait (PIGOUT®). Two promising test baits and fresh meat reference baits were biomarked with iophenoxic acid and aerially distributed in 100-km2 blocks of land infested with feral pigs in western Queensland to assess field uptake and target-specificity without prefeeding. Uptake was assessed by measuring blood iodine levels in aerially shot feral pigs. In all, 80% of feral pigs sampled in a non-toxic PIGOUT®-baited area had significantly elevated blood iodine, compared with 52% of sampled feral pigs in a meat-baited area (although slightly different baiting strategies were employed). No age or sex bias was evident in PIGOUT®-consuming feral pigs. No monitored manufactured baits were consumed by non-target species in 500 bait-nights. Attractiveness and target-specificity trials of ground-laid, unfenced PIGOUT® baits compared with reference baits were subsequently undertaken in several regions of eastern Australia. Results showed that PIGOUT® was consumed readily by feral pigs at all sites, and that it offered significant improvement in target specificity when compared with unfenced wheat or meat baits. However, the baits were consumed by small numbers of macropods, birds and possums. Available evidence indicates that the target-specificity of PIGOUT® bait is highest in the rangelands, reducing slightly in temperate areas and subalpine forests, where abundance of small animals is higher.

Trapping efficiency of Ugglan traps and Longworth traps for house mice in south-eastern Australia

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Jacob ◽  
H. Ylönen ◽  
C. G. Hodkinson
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Trapping Efficiency ◽  
House Mice ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Trapping Mechanism ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Single Capture ◽  
Open Mesh ◽  
South Eastern Australia

Small mammal studies require traps that efficiently capture the target species, are cheap, and preferably have no adverse effects on the animals. We compared the trapping efficiency of Ugglan multiple-capture live-traps with Longworth single-capture live-traps in field studies of house mice (Mus domesticus) in the Victorian Mallee of south-eastern Australia. More captures and recaptures were made with Longworth traps and fewer mice died while in these traps. There was no difference in mean body mass of captured mice between Ugglan and Longworth traps but relatively more males were trapped with Ugglan traps. The trapping mechanism that requires the mouse to activate a trap door, and open mesh wire along the sides of the Ugglan trap may be the main reasons for low trappability. In addition, the open sides could have contributed to the lower survival observed for mice in Ugglan traps. Although Ugglan traps have the potential for multiple captures, are cheaper, and their trapping mechanism is less prone to failure than Longworth traps, they were not as efficient in trapping house mice at low and medium densities.

Evaluation of a Warfarin Poisoning Programme for Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa).

1990 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Saunders ◽  
B Kay ◽  
B Parker
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Programme Cost ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Initial Control

A warfarin poisoning programme to control feral pigs was evaluated on agricultural land in eastern Australia between July and September, 1987. The estimated total population before the poisoning programme was 189 pigs within the 94.4 km2 study area. Poisoned and free-fed bait was offered initially at 69 sites and over a period of 57 days. Only two pregnant sows were believed to have survived the programme which was equivalent to a 98.9% reduction. As a result of breeding and re-invasion a further 38 pigs were removed in the 12 months after the control programme. Cost of initial control was $A39 per pig while cost of maintenance control was $A47 per pig.

Bait consumption by, and 1080-based control of, feral pigs in the Mediterranean climatic region of south-western Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie E. Twigg ◽  
Tim Lowe ◽  
Gary Martin
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Variable Response ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Poison Baiting ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Bait Stations ◽  
Minimal Evidence

The consumption of five non-toxic, grain-based baits, and the effectiveness of the preferred baits when treated with 1080 in reducing pig numbers, were determined for feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in several areas in the Mediterranean agricultural region of Western Australia. Fermented wheat with added blood and bone proved an effective attractant for feral pigs, and for determining areas of pig activity. Wheat and malted barley were the preferred baits, there was a variable response to lupins, and commercial pig pellets were consumed least. Malted barley, barley, and wheat treated with 1080 gave good reductions in pig numbers at the localised scale. Where pigs would eat lupins, 1080-treated lupins were usually effective in reducing pig abundance. In some instances, further evidence of feral pig activity was not seen on several sites for several months after poison-baiting occurred. The addition of a small amount of unpoisoned grain to mask the presence of 1080 did not increase the take of treated bait (P < 0.05). Although finding poisoned pigs was difficult owing to the terrain and the presence of bush remnants, the poisoned pigs found (n = 90) were often within 200 m of active bait stations. 1080-poisoned pigs included both adult (≥25 kg) and non-adult pigs of both sexes. Body mass of these pigs ranged from 4 to 90 kg. In all, 42% of poisoned adults found (n = 50) were 50 kg or more. There was minimal evidence of bait take by non-target species, and, where this occurred, it generally involved the consumption of the fermented wheat attractant by kangaroos (Macropus spp.) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Six foxes were known to have been poisoned with 1080-treated grain (4 with malted barley, 2 with wheat). Excluding foxes, no other non-target animals, including native species, were found dead during the intensive searches for poisoned pigs.

Seasonal Patterns in Bait Consumption by Feral Pigs (Sus Scrofa) in the Hill Country of South-Eastern Australia.

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 637 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Mcilroy ◽  
EJ Gifford ◽  
RI Forrester
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
National Park ◽  
Seasonal Patterns ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
Autumn And Winter ◽  
The Hill

Both fermenting wheat and bran/pollard pellets were readily accepted as bait throughout the year by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. Birds mainly ate wheat bait, particularly during winter. Other animals occasionally fed on both types of bait, mainly during autumn and winter. Covering baits with forest-floor litter did not significantly affect their discovery and consumption by pigs or by other animals. The proximity of the pigs to the bait line and their appetite for bait appeared to be the main factors responsible for seasonal differences in bait consumption. Trail-baiting campaigns against pigs in similar hill country areas are likely to be more effective during late autumn than other seasons because more pigs are likely to be close to the trails then and more quickly find and eat greater quantities of bait.

Non-target species interaction with sodium fluoroacetate (1080) meat bait for controlling feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Millar ◽  
Matthew Gentle ◽  
Luke K.-P. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Species Interactions ◽  
National Park ◽  
Species Interaction ◽  
Camera Traps ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Fresh Meat ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Unknown Species ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Mean Time

Fresh meat baits containing sodium fluoroacetate (1080) are widely used for controlling feral pigs in Queensland, but there is a potential poisoning risk to non-target species. This study investigated the non-target species interactions with meat bait by comparing the time until first approach, investigation, sample and consumption, and whether dying bait green would reduce interactions. A trial assessing species interactions with undyed bait was completed at Culgoa Floodplain National Park, Queensland. Meat baits were monitored for 79 consecutive days with camera traps. Of 40 baits, 100% were approached, 35% investigated (moved) and 25% sampled, and 25% consumed. Monitors approached (P < 0.05) and investigated (P < 0.05) the bait more rapidly than pigs or birds, but the median time until first sampling was not significantly different (P > 0.05), and did not consume any entire bait. A trial was conducted at Whetstone State Forest, southern Queensland, with green-dyed and undyed baits monitored for eight consecutive days with cameras. Of 60 baits, 92% were approached and also investigated by one or more non-target species. Most (85%) were sampled and 57% were consumed, with monitors having slightly more interaction with undyed baits than with green-dyed baits. Mean time until first approach and sample differed significantly between species groups (P = 0.038 and 0.007 respectively) with birds approaching sooner (P < 0.05) and monitors sampling later (P < 0.05) than other (unknown) species (P > 0.05). Undyed bait was sampled earlier (mean 2.19 days) than green-dyed bait (2.7 days) (P = 0.003). Data from the two trials demonstrate that many non-target species regularly visit and sample baits. The use of green-dyed baits may help reduce non-target uptake, but testing is required to determine the effect on attractiveness to feral pigs. Further research is recommended to quantify the benefits of potential strategies to reduce the non-target uptake of meat baits to help improve the availability of bait to feral pigs.

A study of dung decay and plot size for surveying feral pigs using dung counts

1998 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jim Hone ◽  
Warren Martin
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Partial Correlation ◽  
Partial Correlation Analysis ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Plot Size ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Survey Accuracy

The effects of dung decay and plot size on counts of dung pellets of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) were investigated in south-eastern Australia. Greater understanding of both could potentially improve survey accuracy and field interpretation of dung counts by managers. Dung pellets persisted for up to 16 months, with over 50% disappearance within 2–5 months, depending on season. The long persistence suggests the need for caution in infering recent presence of feral pigs from the presence of intact pig dung. Partial correlation analysis showed the survival rate of pellets during the first month to be significantly negatively correlated with measures of temperature and rainfall in the month. There was a significant (P < 0.005) interaction of plot size, over the range 5–20 m2, and month on the average number of pellets per square metre per month, and a significant (P < 0.01) effect of year on average counts. The largest plot size always detected at least one dung pellet but smaller plots did not.

The Sensitivity of Australian Animals to 1080 Poison. V. The Sensitivity of Feral Pigs, Sus Scrofa, to 1080 and Its Implications for Poisoning Campaigns.

1983 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
JC Mcilroy
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
Moving Average ◽  
Probit Analysis ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Oral Dosing ◽  
Feral Pigs ◽  
Target Populations ◽  
Analysis Methods ◽  
Lethal Doses

Acute oral LD50S (median lethal doses) and 95% confidence limits of 1080 poison for feral pigs, Sus scrofa, obtained by moving average and probit analysis methods are 1.04 (0.84-1.27) mg kg-1 and 1.00 (0.72-1.28) mg kg -1 respectively. These values are slightly higher than LD50S obtained for pigs by i/p dosing but similar to those obtained by oral dosing for other eutherian mammals. Signs of poisoning, either vomiting or increasing lethargy and laboured respiration, appeared from 1.9 to 47.3 h (median 6.2 h) after dosing, and deaths from 2.8 to 80 h (median 16.1 h) after dosing. Although 1080 is one of the most toxic poisons for pigs it has disadvantages, including the relatively large amounts that must be distributed in baits to kill pigs, and the comparatively greater susceptibility to it of many non-target birds and mammals. 36 species out of 40 non-target species likely to feed on poisoned baits are more susceptible to 1080 than pigs. Many other factors such as bait acceptance will govern what proportions of target and non-target populations will be poisoned. Attention to methods of poisoning or baiting techniques could minimize the risk that non-target animals face from pig-poisoning campaigns.

Are oestrous feral pigs, Sus scrofa, useful as trapping lures?

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. C. McIlroy ◽  
E. J. Gifford
Keyword(s):  
Sus Scrofa ◽  
National Park ◽  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
General Technique ◽  
Feral Pigs

Eight feral pigs (two boars, four sows and two piglets) were caught in traps using oestrous sows as lures during a control program on a remnant pig population in part of Namadgi National Park during spring, 1990. The program was mostly based on aerial baiting with warfarin. No pigs were caught in traps containing anoestrous sows or in traps containing bait only. Seven unmarked pigs (caught seven days after the cessation of baiting) did not appear to have eaten any warfarin bait. In an earlier pilot trial, two boars were caught at a trap containing an oestrous sow, one of these again in a trap baited only with fermented grain, but no pigs were caught at a trap containing an anoestrous sow. Although not cost-effective as a general technique, this method could be useful in specific circumstances, such as eradication campaigns on islands, if the last few pigs are, or have become bait shy, or are impossible to cull by other methods.

scholarly journals Fire and Its Interactions With Other Drivers Shape a Distinctive, Semi-Arid ‘Mallee’ Ecosystem

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael F. Clarke ◽  
Luke T. Kelly ◽  
Sarah C. Avitabile ◽  
Joe Benshemesh ◽  
Kate E. Callister ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Scale ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Arid Ecosystems ◽  
Coarse Grained ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Animal Communities ◽  
Semi Arid

Fire shapes ecosystems globally, including semi-arid ecosystems. In Australia, semi-arid ‘mallee’ ecosystems occur primarily across the southern part of the continent, forming an interface between the arid interior and temperate south. Mallee vegetation is characterized by short, multi-stemmed eucalypts that grow from a basal lignotuber. Fire shapes the structure and functioning of mallee ecosystems. Using the Murray Mallee region in south-eastern Australia as a case study, we examine the characteristics and role of fire, the consequences for biota, and the interaction of fire with other drivers. Wildfires in mallee ecosystems typically are large (1000s ha), burn with high severity, commonly cause top-kill of eucalypts, and create coarse-grained mosaics at a regional scale. Wildfires can occur in late spring and summer in both dry and wet years. Recovery of plant and animal communities is predictable and slow, with regeneration of eucalypts and many habitat components extending over decades. Time since the last fire strongly influences the distribution and abundance of many species and the structure of plant and animal communities. Animal species display a discrete set of generalized responses to time since fire. Systematic field studies and modeling are beginning to reveal how spatial variation in fire regimes (‘pyrodiversity’) at different scales shapes biodiversity. Pyrodiversity includes variation in the extent of post-fire habitats, the diversity of post-fire age-classes and their configuration. At regional scales, a desirable mix of fire histories for biodiversity conservation includes a combination of early, mid and late post-fire age-classes, weighted toward later seral stages that provide critical habitat for threatened species. Biodiversity is also influenced by interactions between fire and other drivers, including land clearing, rainfall, herbivory and predation. Extensive clearing for agriculture has altered the nature and impact of fire, and facilitated invasion by pest species that modify fuels, fire regimes and post-fire recovery. Given the natural and anthropogenic drivers of fire and the consequences of their interactions, we highlight opportunities for conserving mallee ecosystems. These include learning from and fostering Indigenous knowledge of fire, implementing actions that consider synergies between fire and other processes, and strategic monitoring of fire, biodiversity and other drivers to guide place-based, adaptive management under climate change.

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