Assessment of the biodiversity, economic and productivity gains from exclusion fencing (WA)

Data collection within the two Murchison cell fencing projects is on-going. Wild dogs continue to be absent from the smaller cell fenced area but present in the larger MRVC. A lack of rainfall has resulted in small stock being removed from the small cell fenced area and therefore the tracking of small stock has finished for now. Bioeconomic modelling of the impact of cell fencing to pastoral enterprises has commenced with the commencement of data sharing agreements with state government bodies, and interviews of individual pastoralists.

Investigations into livestock productivity in relation to wild dogs within the Murchison cell hub as it is being built is underway. Management options for wild dogs (CPEs) and monitoring livestock and wild dog abundance at all water points will be analysed. As the cell-fencing is completed, small stock will be tracked, and their activity monitored.
A two-year assessment on the use of CPEs and eight different lures for wild dog control in the Murchison Region Vermin Cell (MRVC) was completed. This study included the first trial of CPE PAPP capsules in the state. CPEs managed more wild dogs in the southern rangelands than baiting but they are a more time-consuming method of control. A new baiting program has commenced to deploy a higher rate of baiting within the Murchison Hub Cell (MHC) to effectively remove all wild dogs from within the smaller cell fenced area. Ongoing monitoring of the livestock, wild dog, and macropods within the MHC is already showing some increase in productivity.

Small stock productivity assessments in the small hub are on-going. One full year of camera trap monitoring has been completed- small paddocks within the hub are fully fenced and small stock productivity seems to be improving. Few dogs have been seen inside the fenced areas.

Also, one full year of tracking small stock has been completed and collars have been sent off for analysis. The second year of tracking sheep and goats within the hub will commence when new collars arrive.

A post-doctoral researcher has commenced, and the PhD student is scheduled to begin field work in April 2020.

Investigations into livestock productivity in relation to wild dogs within the Murchison cell hub as it is being built is underway. Management options for wild dogs (CPEs) and monitoring livestock and wild dog abundance at all water points will be analysed. As the cell-fencing is completed, small stock will be tracked, and their activity monitored.

A journal article is currently being prepared based on the findings of a completed honours project, focusing on camera trap surveys for both predator and prey species.

A PhD candidate has begun their tenure, including planned field visits and completion of a literature review and project proposal in January 2020. The candidate is also assisting with CISS project Behaviorally effective wild dog management. A possible second honours student may also be recruited examining bait uptake by wild dogs in a small-scale, established fenced enclosure on the Nullarbor.