Increasing the adoption of baiting by land managers to efficiently and effectively remove feral pig populations

baiting control feral pigs

Status: New

Start date: 19 July 2024

Completion date: 20 June 2025

Project code: M-307

Species/Threats: Feral pigs

Feral pigs in the landscape.

Summary

In Australia, poison baiting is a proven method to control feral pig populations using substances like sodium fluoroacetate (1080) or sodium nitrite (HOGGONE™).

To maximise its effectiveness, land managers must first conduct pre-feeding, (or free feeding) to attract as many pigs as possible to baiting sites. However, the challenge is that many land managers struggle with consistently and effectively performing free feeding due to conflicting time demands.

Practical, cost-efficient solutions for free feeding are needed to ensure successful feral pig control while minimising time investment and reducing the risk of other animals consuming the feed.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to:

  1. Support and implement collaborative feral pig management actions and promote the adoption of new management and monitoring techniques by land managers. It will make poison baiting more practical and effective through a free-feeding system.
  2. Encourage best practice management, demonstrate the benefits of coordinated management groups, and develop an extension program to show the effectiveness of various methods.
  3. Conduct a pilot study to trial strategic management approaches and practical monitoring technologies in prioritised areas.

Project team

Darren Marshall

Project Lead | CISS

Dr Tony Buckmaster

CISS

Lachlan Marshall

CISS

Dr Heather Channon

Australian Pork Limited

Barry Kelly

Pigbaitta

Project partners

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