The Limestone Coast Landscape Board has urged the region’s landholders to work with neighbours to produce a coordinated fox control program this season.
According to the board, a coordinated fox control program has proven effective at controlling pest fox numbers.
Limestone Coast landscape officer Saxon Ellis said baiting twice a year was key with early autumn timely given young foxes start to spread from the den, looking for new territory, food and are easily attracted to baits.
Early spring is also effective as vixens require more food during this time.
“There are a range of fox control methods that can be used such as ground shooting, baiting and fumigation of dens,” Mr Ellis said.
“Other options may include using guard animals, trapping, exclusion fencing and fox deterrent lights,” he said.
“Most effective control occurs if multiple methods are used and by teaming up with your neighbours in a coordinated approach.
“Additionally, whilst any effort to reduce feral fox numbers is a benefit to our landscape, a concentrated neighbourhood baiting program in a condensed period can reduce the fox population significantly whilst
limiting the social impact of the baiting.”
Foxes are a declared pest animal under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 and the Limestone Coast Landscape Board is committed to reducing the impact of foxes to native wildlife and agriculture.
Landscape officers can supply 1080 and PAPP fox baits, canid pest ejector capsules, and trap hire.
An approval and notification process must be completed before baiting can be undertaken.
There is a mandatory requirement to notify neighbours of baiting programs and specific distance requirements to assist with safety for dogs, and in some instances wildlife.
Contact the Limestone Coast Landscape Board on 8735 1204 (Mount Gambier) or 8755 1620 (Keith) for more information.
