Invasive Animals CRC home
Welcome to issue 205 of Feral Flyer.
In this edition: |
Feral predators are key factor in decline of Woylies
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Woylie Numbers Double: success for predator-proof sanctuary in Western AustraliaIn December 2010, the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) released 41 Woylies (Brush-tailed Bettong) into the predator-proof Perup Sanctuary near Manjimup (south-west WA). In less than a year the Woylie numbers within the sanctuary have reached more than 83 individuals. This success brings hope for the survival of the critically endangered Woylie.Populations of the Woylie have undergone a mysterious decline in the past 10 years. The success of the population at Perup Sanctuary indicates that feral predators are a key factor in the decline of Woylies in recent year. |
Help FAME protect Woylies at Wadderin Sanctuary
First PestSmart Roadshow – Queanbeyan, Monday
For the first time the Invasive Animals CRC is bringing the PestSmart Roadshow to a place near you. It will showcase best practice pest animal management including the latest innovations brought to you by the species experts.
RoadShow Dates |
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JANUARY
National Launch
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FEBRUARY
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| Remember to register | |
http://pestsmart.eventbrite.com.au/
New Publications
The use of fauna gates to facilitate the movement of Southern Brown Bandicoots through a feral proof fence at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne
Bronwyn Merritt (2011) The Southern Brown Bandicoot (SBB) Isoodon obesulus, once common along the coast from Sydney through to Adelaide, has dramatically declined in range and number since European settlement. EMR Project Summaries
Integrated predator management on the south coast of Western Australia
Allan Burbidge (2011) The Western Ground Parrot (‘kyloring’ to Noongar people) may be the ‘canary in the coal mine’ warning of imminent fauna collapse on the south coast of WA. http://site.emrprojectsummaries.org/2011/10/26/integrated-predator-management-on-the-south-coast-of-western-australia/
Fish Invasions in the World’s River Systems: When Natural Processes Are Blurred by Human Activities
Fabien Leprieur, Olivier Beauchard, Simon Blanchet, Thierry Oberdorff, Sébastien Brosse (2012). Because species invasions are a principal driver of the human-induced biodiversity crisis, the identification of the major determinants of global invasions is a prerequisite for adopting sound conservation policies. http://www.plosbiology.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pbio.0060028
Media round-up
Greens welcome carp eradication grant Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown has welcomed the $820000 Commonwealth Grant to get rid of introduced predatory carp from Tasmania’s Lake Sorell…The Greens [Read more]
Invasive animals roadshows to criss-cross Australia The Invasive Animals CRC will embark on a nationwide 17-stop roadshow in coming weeks to showcase the latest technologies…Beef Central [Read more]
More ammo welcome in wild dog fight: PGA THE Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) has welcomed the Northern Mallee Declared Species Group receiving $40,000 in State Government…Farm Weekly [Read more]
Mixed response to wild dog fencing WITH wild dogs still an issue in WA, the State Government has committed $1.3 million towards projects working to protect WA’s natural resources…Farm Weekly [Read more]
Wild dogs on the move near Tilpa, Louth INCREASED sightings of wild dogs have been reported in the Tilpa and Louth areas of the Darling Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA)…Cowra Community News [Read more]
Fox plague proving costly for farmers HUNTERS say a bounty is needed to help to fight a population explosion of foxes, which are a growing threat to the state’s farms and native animals…Adelaide Now [Read more]
Call for more baits MORE needs to be done to prevent dingo attacks in Maryborough according to Granville cattle farmer Royce Sommerfeld after his stock was attacked for the first time this year…Fraser Coast Chronicle [Read more]
Farmers urged to tackle feral pests early A regional environmental group has urged landholders to help reduce increasing feral animal numbers in southern Western Australia…ABC Esperance [Read more]
Mice numbers hit peak levels in SA FARMERS should be taking steps to combat a mice threat greater than at this time last year, according to National Mouse Management Working Group chairman Simon Humphrys…Stock Journal [Read more]
Rabbits are breeding … aaah, like rabbits RABBIT numbers in the Geelong region are set to jump after last year’s record rains has seen rapid grass growth in rural areas…Geelong Advertiser [Read more]
Upcoming conferences
2012
- Island Ark Symposium. Great Hall, University House, Australian National University 7-9 February
- Animal welfare & ethics: from principles to practice. National Convention Centre, Canberra.
Tuesday 28 February 2012 - 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- Collaborate | Innovate | 2012 National Wine Centre in Adelaide from 15-17 May
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- Invertebrates associated with invasive alien organisms. Riga (Latvia) 16–18 August
- Invasive organisms and globalisation. Riga (Latvia) 20-23 August
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
Welcome to issue 204 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends.
17-stop Nationwide PestSmart Roadshow about to start
Invasive animals cost Australia more than a billion dollars annually. For your personal update on research and management developments to control invasive animals such as wild dogs, rabbits, foxes, feral pigs and carp, the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre for the first time is bringing the PestSmart Roadshow to a place near you in 2012.
The PestSmart Roadshow is carried out in conjunction with the Invasive Animals CRC partners Australian Wool Innovation, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. It will criss-cross the country with 17 events starting in Queanbeyan on 30 January and ending in Townsville on 1 May 2012.
The Roadshow will also showcase the PestSmart Toolkits – which is a national online collection of invasive species information. At all times before, between and after these Roadshow dates, the Invasive Animals CRC encourages graziers, farmers, public land managers and others with responsibility to control invasive animals to visit the PestSmart website:
and examine the PestSmart Toolkits on specific invasive animals to guide them in policy, legislation, control tools, best-practice management and implementation.
Places are limited so you MUST register at http://pestsmart.eventbrite.com.au/ for each Roadshow and for catering purposes which provides free morning and afternoon teas and lunch. The Roadshow which starts at 8am through to 5pm at all venues will showcase best practice pest management incorporating currently used techniques and the latest innovations. New products to be covered include:
- Wild dogs and foxes:
Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) baits, Blue-Healer™ antidote , mechanical bait / toxin ejectors and Lethal Trap Devices - Feral pigs:
PIGOUT®, PIGOUT® Econobait, HOG-GONE®, HogHopper™ and a nitrite concentrate - Rabbits:
carbon monoxide fumigator and freeze-dried Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease for carrots - Foxes and cats:
spray tunnel technology.
Information and product demonstrations will be brought to you directly by the Australian species experts.
| Monday 30 January | QUEANBEYAN, NSW | Queanbeyan Conference Centre | |
| Wednesday 1 February | FORBES, NSW | Forbes Services Memorial Club | |
| Friday 3 February | ALBURY, NSW | Albury Commercial Club | |
| Tuesday 7 February | NARACOORTE, SA | Naracoorte Town Hall | |
| Wednesday 8 February | HORSHAM, Vic | Horsham Sports and Commercial Club | |
| Friday 10 February | MILDURA, Vic | The Setts | |
| Tuesday 14 February | PORT AUGUSTA, SA | The Barracks | |
| Thursday 16 February | PORT LINCOLN, SA | Ravendale Community Sports Centre | |
| Monday 20 February | CARNARVON, WA | Carnarvon Civic Centre Woolshed | |
| Wednesday 22 February | KOJONUP, WA | Memorial / Lesser Hall | |
| Friday 24 February | ESPERANCE, WA | Esperance Civic Theatre | |
| Tuesday 28 February | BOURKE, NSW | Diggers on the Darling (old Oxley RSL) | |
| Wednesday 14 March | CHARLEVILLE, QLD | Charleville Memorial RSL Club | |
| Friday 16 March | TOOWOOMBA, QLD | Highfields Cultural Centre | |
| Tuesday 20 March | ARMIDALE, NSW | Armidale Ex-Services Club | |
| Tuesday 17 April | BAIRNSDALE, Vic | Bairnsdale RSL | |
| Tuesday 1May | TOWNSVILLE. QLD | Townsville RSL |
For more information, please see the website at www.feral.org.au/pestsmart/roadshow or phone Suzy Balogh 0418 417 943, email: suzy.balogh@invasiveanimals.com
For media enquires eg to arrange interviews with the research leaders or to obtain photographs, please email: contact@invasiveanimals.com or phone Glenn Conroy – Communications Manager, Invasive Animals CRC on (02) 6201 2890 or 0406 376 648.
Please visit http://www.feral.org.au/pestsmart/roadshow/ for more information and to register for any Roadshow events.
The PestSmart Roadshow is presented by the Invasive Animals CRC in conjunction with our partners Australian Wool Innovation Ltd, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. The PestSmart toolkit is funded under the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences.
Numbers are limited at each venue so register early to save your seat (and lunch) and avoid disappointment
15th CRC program selection round – information sessions
The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research will be conducting information sessions on the CRC program beginning 13 February 2012. The information sessions will be an excellent opportunity for groups to find out about the CRC program and details of the 15th selection round including the priority areas for the selection round: clean manufacturing, social innovation and sustainable regional communities. Further details about the sessions can be found on the CRC website – www.crc.gov.au.
Departmental representatives will also be available to meet separately with potential consortia. Please RSVP to crc.program@innovation.gov.auwith your name, organisation, information session city and indicate if your proposed consortia will require an individual meeting with the department.
Genetics give vital clues in controlling starlings
Western Australia’s starling control program hopes to take advantage of recently completed genetic research in the coming season.
Former Department of Agriculture and Food research officer Andrew Woolnough said the research data indicated WA starlings have originated not only from South Australia, but further east from Victoria, Tasmania or New South Wales.
“We are using data gathered in a four-year PhD research project, undertaken by Dr Lee Ann Rollins from the University of New South Wales,” Dr Woolnough said.
The work was funded by the department, a linkage grant from the Australian Research Council, the University of New South Wales and the South Australian Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation.
“The data from her research enhances our knowledge of starlings in WA and is enabling us to research better ways to improve our control techniques,” Dr Woolnough said.
“Dr Rollins used molecular techniques to map the genetic structure of starling populations throughout Australia. Knowing the location of source populations and invasion pathways assists us in creating more target-specific and habitat-specific control.
“During the research, approximately 1000 starlings were sampled at 17 localities across known areas of establishment in Australia. The research also included samples taken from previous control operations held at the Western Australian Museum, and from starlings collected by our department field officers as part of our ongoing control program.”
Dr Woolnough said a significant discovery was that a population of starlings at Munglinup contained genetically distinct individuals not linked to the eastern states.
“This suggests that they have come long-distance from another area not yet identified, and it highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and monitoring in WA. While starling numbers in WA are currently low, genetic data supports the need for vigilance against ongoing invasion,” he said.
“The research work with starlings also demonstrates that genetic techniques can be used to aid management of any pest, even when applied to a highly mobile species such as the starling.”
Dr Woolnough said a long-term goal was to integrate molecular approaches, control techniques, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to ensure the best use of control related resources.
“For starlings, it is hoped this work will prevent the pest from becoming an established pest in WA,” he said. “For other control programs, genetic techniques are being considered to improve their effectiveness.”
The starling season is underway through to March, with surveillance focused primarily in the South coast region between Condingup, Munglinup and towards Hopetoun.
Pest sparrows’ cruise cut short in Geraldton
The public are encouraged to report sightings of unusual birds following the recent discovery of two tree sparrows on a cruise ship at Geraldton.
WA Department of Agriculture and Food Invasive Species Project Manager Tim Stevens said the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service reported the birds to the department, which subsequently removed the exotic species.
Mr Stevens said the tree sparrows had been reported onboard by a cruise ship which had arrived in Geraldton from Singapore.
“On inspection the birds were found to have flown to the grain terminal at the Geraldton port, where they were again reported to the department,” he said.
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Residents living near sea ports are asked to keep an eye out for tree sparrows and report any sightings immediately to the WA Department of Agriculture and Food (photo, Dani Studler) |
“It is a good example of how those working and living at or near ports frequently help protect our native wildlife and agricultural industries from exotic pests by quickly reporting any unusual birds, because sparrows have the potential to damage grain and horticulture crops, spread disease and compete with native species.”
Tree sparrows are a declared pest in Western Australia and there are no wild populations in the state, though individuals and small groups are often found near ports, after arriving on ships from Asia.
The birds are about 15cm long and look similar to finches but are slightly plumper. They are brown or dark grey in colour, with a streaked back and a wedge-shaped beak. They hop, rather than walk, along the ground.
“Sparrows are especially attracted to sites including bird-feeding tables, aviaries, grain storage facilities and seed works where they can feed on spilt grain,” Mr Stevens said.
“This is the time of year when we tend to see more sparrow incursions. Between now and June we expect to manage a number of cases along the coast, with the highest numbers being between Perth and Bunbury and Dampier to Port Hedland.”
Recent detections of sparrows include one found on a domestic aircraft that had travelled from Melbourne to Perth, one at port facilities in Henderson, two at Esperance port and one in a residential area of Dampier.
Effective removal can involve extensive surveillance and planning by department officers, who also rely on cooperation from the community.
Any sightings of sparrows or other unusual birds in the area should be reported to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881.
For more information on sparrows and other pest birds, visit the department’s website www.agric.wa.gov.au
Exciting opportunity to join a leading research based agrichemical manufacturer
Animal Control Technologies (Aust) Pty Ltd (ACTA) a leading Australian research-based agrichemical company, is seeking an Area Sales Manager (Victoria, SA & Tas.) providing effective solutions in vertebrate pest management. It services Australian farmers and government agencies. ACTA is a core member of and principle commercial partner to the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre which contributes novel intellectual property for development. Products from ACTA provide great benefit to Australian agriculture and wildlife conservation.
http://www.seek.com.au/Job/area-sales-manager/in/melbourne-melbourne/21400974
25th Vertebrate Pest Conference in the United States
This is an educational event for discussing and exchanging information on human-wildlife conflicts. It will be held 5-8 March in Monterey, California. Registration is now open and “early bird” rates apply through 3 February, with a savings of $50. See www.vpconference.org.
Publications
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in the United Kingdom has announced that their ground-breaking project to erradicate rats from Henderson Island has been successfully implemented. http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/henderson_newsletter_tcm9-300407.pdf
McLeod, L.J., Saunders, G.R., and Miners, A. (2011). Can shooting be an effective management tool for foxes? Preliminary insights from a management program. Ecological Management and Restoration, 12 (3) 224-226
PestSmart publications
PestSmart Case Study: The effectiveness of warren ripping to control rabbits on a wool-producing property in far-west New South Wales. (http://www.feral.org.au/warren-ripping-on-thackaringa-station/)
PestSmart Factsheet: Feral pigs adversely impact large sections of Australian agriculture and the natural environment, costing the economy more than $100 million annually. (http://www.feral.org.au/pestsmart-factsheet-practical-feral-pig-control/)
PestSmart Factsheet: Carp are now widely established throughout the Murray-Darling Basin and can also be found in all states and territories except the Northern Territory. (http://www.feral.org.au/pestsmart-factsheet-carp/)
PestSmart: This Glovebox Guide for Managing Wild Dogs is a general guide to managing populations of wild dogs in Australia. (http://www.feral.org.au/pestsmart-glovebox-guide-for-managing-wild-dogs/)
Media
Victorian rabbit numbers on the rise: RABBIT numbers are on the increase this summer due to high rainfall and strong pasture growth across Victoria…Weekly Times Now http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2012/01/04/426611_national-news.html
Rabbit numbers set to rocket: DPI: THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned of a rapid increase in rabbit numbers across Victoria…Stock and Land http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/news/rabbit-numbers-set-to-rocket-dpi/2409711.aspx
Rabbit resistance movement: RESISTANCE to a biological control virus is contributing to an increase in the rabbit population across Victoria…The Standard http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/rabbit-resistance-movement/2410354.aspx
Tilapia ‘along the length’ of Burdekin River: A TOWNSVILLE angler who caught two tilapia at Greenvale last weekend says…Townsville Bulletin http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/01/07/295991_news.html
Carp eradication effort gets a boost: The Commonwealth Government today announced more money is on the way to help eradicate european carp from Lake Sorell…ABC Rural http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2012/01/s3404506.htm
Greens welcome carp eradication grant: Australian Greens Leader Senator Bob Brown has welcomed the $820000 Commonwealth Grant to get rid of introduced predatory carp…The Greens http://www.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-welcome-carp-eradication-grant
Farmer warns walkers of wild pigs: A MAPLETON man who shot and killed a wild pig on his hinterland property says he is worried there are more out there and people could be in danger…Sushine Coast Daily http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/01/08/farmer-warns-walkers-of-wild-pigs-catch-mapleton/
Latest Australian Wool Innovation Publication
Beyond the Bale contains articles about some of AWI’s recent activities to help increase the demand for wool through investments in marketing, innovation and R&D – from farm to fashion and including dates to the PestSmart events. http://digital.wool.com.au/?xml=awi.xml
Natural Resource Managment Notes
People working in natural resource management should look at: Issue 8 ~ December 2011 http://www.invasiveanimals.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/NRM-Notes-Issue8-Dec2011.pdf
Upcoming conferences
2012
- Humane killing of animals – an ethical perspectives seminar. National Convention Centre, Canberra.
Tuesday 28 February 2012 - Collaborate | Innovate | 2012 National Wine Centre in Adelaide from 15-17 May 2012.
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
The IA CRC will close from 23 December 2011 and re-open 3 January 2012
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers.
Welcome to issue 203 of Feral Flyer.
Federal Cabinet Reshuffle: new Federal innovation Minister and new agriculture Parliamentary Secretary
The Honourable Greg Combet MP has been appointed Minister for Industry and Innovation. Senator the Honourable Chris Evans has been appointed Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.
Senator the Honourable Kim Carr has been appointed Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Defence Materiel.
Also of interest, Sid Sidebottom MP has been appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The Invasive Animals CRC has written to the new Ministers. The Invasive Animals CRC thanks Minister Carr for his service as the previous Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research with responsibilities for CRCs.
2011 Commonwealth State of the Environment Assessment released: invasive species identified as major threat
The fourth national assessment of the state of Australia’s environment has been launched by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Hon Tony Burke MP. For the first time in national environmental reporting, Australia State of the Environment 2011 goes beyond a descriptive summary of evidence to include graded ‘report-card’ style assessments of environment condition and trends, pressures and management effectiveness.
Written by an independent committee of experts, the report covers nine aspects of the Australian environment – atmosphere, inland water, land, marine environment, Antarctic environment, biodiversity, heritage, built environment and coasts.
Excerpts below
More information at: http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/index.html
From headline summary: Australia’s land environment is threatened by widespread pressures.
Invasive species, inappropriate fire patterns and grazing are having a significant impact on much of our land environment. Grazing is Australia’s most widespread land use and its environmental impact appears to be mixed, with impacts diminished in some regions but increased in others since widespread monitoring began in 1992. The areas managed for conservation and by Indigenous Australians have expanded (each now more than 20% of Australia’s land area). Land clearing is slowing, but still averaged around 1 million hectares per year during 2000-10. The legacy impacts of land clearing are substantial, with loss and fragmentation of native vegetation. The extent of land clearing is now balanced by that of regrowth, although the character of regrowth is different from that of the original vegetation.
Inland Water
At least 80 introduced animal species have established populations on the Australian continent. Assessing invasive animals in 200853 stated that invasive animal species are one of the top three greatest threats to threatened species and ecosystems—mainly by competing for, or destroying, habitat and food resources—and that they continue to colonise new areas. Some of these species were initially established in past centuries and continue to expand their ranges (e.g. the cane toad spreading into Western Australia in February 2009; Figure 4.18), but new threats have also emerged, such as red-eared slider turtles and tilapia. Carp were found to occur in 11.5% of Australian rivers. In addition to carp and cane toads, feral pigs were identified as nationally significant invasive animals by the Australian Vertebrate Pests Committee, due to their impact on inland river systems (especially wetlands).
Southern Australia and New Zealand, considered together, represent one of six major invasion ‘hot spots’, where non-native freshwater fish species represent more than one-quarter of the total number of fish species in river systems, and where the proportion of native fish species that have a high risk of extinction in the wild is the highest.54 In New South Wales, three alien species—common carp, gambusia and goldfish—are present in all inland rivers. Redfin perch, brown trout and rainbow trout are also widespread. Carp are overwhelmingly dominant (Figure 4.19), making up 87% of alien fish biomass and 58% of total fish biomass. Carp and gambusia were the dominant species in all lowland rivers in the Murray–Darling Basin.
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/inland-water/3-4-pests-and-invasive-species.html#s3-4
Land
Some 73 invasive pest animal species (amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles) have established populations in Australia. In many cases—such as feral cats, foxes, rabbits and wild dogs—these populations are long established and distributed over much of the continent. In other cases, such as foxes in Tasmania, introductions are recent, and populations are still small. The highest concentration of significant pest animal species is along the eastern seaboard, and many coastal and offshore islands suffer significant impacts.73
Pest animals with the greatest impacts on the land environment, in terms of damage estimates, are foxes, feral cats, rabbits, feral pigs, wild dogs, house mice, goats, cane toads, wild horses and camels.75 Their impacts are expressed as environmental damage, such as that caused to soil and vegetation by pigs or camels; as loss of production in agricultural systems; and as loss of biodiversity. Land degradation by goats, pigs and rabbits, and the impacts of cane toads, are formally listed as threatening processes under the EPBC Act.
http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/land/3-2-regional.html#ss3-2-3
Biodiversity
Land
The most significant invasive vertebrate animal species are the European fox (Vulpes vulpes), domestic cat (Felis catus), European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), feral goat (Capri hircus), feral pig (Sus scrofa) and cane toad (Bufo marinus).
Inland waters
A wide range of invasive species affect inland aquatic environments, including non-native freshwater fish species (which represent more than a quarter of the total number of fish species in river systems), feral pigs, the cane toad, red-eared slider turtles and around 10 major invasive plant species nationally
Cooperative Research Centre Program Impact Study Starts
The Allen Consulting Group has been commissioned by the Department of Innovation, Science and Research to undertake an assessment of the impacts of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Program. The primary objective of this study is to provide an assessment of the economic, social and environmental net impacts, both monetary and non-monetary, of the CRC Program to Australia.
Allen Consulting is asking CRCs and end users to contribute to the impact study by responding to a brief survey. This survey asks organisations to provide information about economic, social and environmental impacts, which have resulted from the CRC Program. It will build on the information collected through Annual Reports, the management data questionnaire and other sources.
Your views are important — they will help Allen’s gain a better understanding of the impacts of each individual CRC and the overall impact of the Program to Australia.
A link to the survey is provided below. Please download the survey from this link and email the completed spreadsheet to crcimpactstudy@allenconsult.com.au. Instructions to complete the survey are included in the first tab of the document entitled Tab 1 – Instructions.
The Survey will close on 3 February 2012.
http://www.allenconsult.com.au/clients/1323412656CRC impact study survey.xls
If you would like further information about the study, a flyer outlining the definitions used for the study, links to the past studies and the approach taken to measuring the impacts can be found at:http://www.allenconsult.com.au/clients/1323413070Cooperative Research Centres impact study.pdf
Impacts that have been included in the past studies may provide useful examples of the type of impacts being examined. The impacts included in the 2005 and 2006 study can be found at:http://www.allenconsult.com.au/clients/1323413126Previously identified impacts.pdf
If you have any questions about the study or the survey please contact Dr John Bell or Alastair McArthur on (02) 6204 6500 or email crcimpactstudy@allenconsult.com.au. Your help is greatly appreciated by the evaluation team.
Source: CRC Association News
PestSmart Roadshow Calendar
For the first time the Invasive Animals CRC is bringing the PestSmart Roadshow to a place near you. It will showcase best practice pest animal management including the latest innovations brought to you by the species experts.
JANUARY 2012 |
MARCH 2012 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 30th | Queanbeyan, NSW (National Launch | Wednesday 14th | Charleville, QLD |
FEBRUARY 2012 |
Friday 16th | Toowoomba, QLD | |
| Wednesday 1st | Forbes, NSW | Tuesday 20th | Armidale, NSW |
| Friday 3rd | Albury, NSW |
APRIL 2012 |
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| Tuesday 7th | Naracoorte, SA | Tuesday 17th | Bairnsdale, VIC |
| Wednesday 8th | Horsham, VIC |
MAY 2012 |
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| Friday 10th | Mildura, VIC | Tuesday 1st | Townsville, QLD |
| Tuesday 14th | Port Augusta, SA | ||
| Thursday 16th | Port Lincoln, SA | ||
| Monday 20th | Carnarvon, WA | ||
| Wednesday 22nd | Kojonup, WA | ||
| Friday 245th | Esperance, WA | ||
| Tuesday 28th | Bourke, NSW | ||
Leading experts appointed to the Clean Energy Future Land Sector Carbon Board
The Australian Government today announced the establishment of the independent Land Sector Carbon and Biodiversity Board.
The Board, chaired by former NSW Environment Minister Bob Debus, has been established as part of the Clean Energy Future Plan which passed Parliament earlier this month.
The Board will advise the Government on a range of measures that will increase the land sector’s resilience to climate change and improve long-term farm productivity.
The measures will also assist landholders and regional communities to benefit from the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the sequestration of carbon in soil, living biomass or organic matter.
The Board will advise the Government on the implementation of the Land Sector Package, performance indicators of the package and the priorities for research under the package.
The package includes the:
- Biodiversity Fund, which includes funding for invasive species management in corridors
- Carbon Farming Futures Fund
- Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund
- Regional Natural Resource Management Planning for Climate Change Fund
- Non-Kyoto Carbon Fund; and
- Carbon Farming Skills program
Over the next six years $1.7 billion will be invested in measures that create great opportunities for regional and rural Australian land managers to participate in the carbon market by replanting native vegetation and storing carbon in soils.
On-ground works to increase soil carbon and restore vegetation will reduce carbon in the atmosphere and increase the resilience of the Australian environment to climate change.
Biodiversity Fund Call now open – Closes Tuesday 31 January 2012.
The Biodiversity Fund will invest around $946 million over the next six years to help land managers store carbon, enhance biodiversity and build greater environmental resilience across the Australian landscape.
To do this, it will fund eligible land managers for activities which restore, manage and better protect biodiversity on public and private land. It will also provide support to land managers who wish to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the new carbon market. The Biodiversity Fund will provide support to establishing new carbon stores or better managing carbon stores of existing native habitat.
The Biodiversity Fund will invest in three main areas:
- Biodiversity planting
- Protecting and enhancing existing vegetation
- Managing threats to biodiversity
For applications and more information please visit. www.environment.gov.au/cleanenergyfuture/biodiversity-fund/apply.html
Over the next six years $1.7 billion will be invested in measures that create great opportunities for regional and rural Australian land managers to participate in the carbon market by replanting native vegetation and storing carbon in soils.
On-ground works to increase soil carbon and restore vegetation will reduce carbon in the atmosphere and increase the resilience of the Australian environment to climate change.
What is the value of an animal’s life?
The idea that the value of an animal’s life is influenced by the circumstances in which it exists, is the normative view in Australia.
For instance, how do we decide a Bilby’s or a sheep’s life is more important than a fox’s? Between-species relativity is the type of judgment that supports the conclusion that it is okay to kill foxes predating new-born lambs, rabbits threatening birdlife on Macquarie Island or cattle for human consumption – a judgment known as speciesism.
You can further explore this concept through rigorous conversation at <http://theconversation.edu.au/what-is-the-value-of-an-animals-life-4412>. In addition, as previously mentioned in Feral Flyer, there is the upcoming conference:
Island Arks Symposium II. The Symposium will be held in Canberra, Australia, 7-9 Feb 2012.
Humane killing of animals – an ethical perspectives seminar. National Convention Centre, Canberra.
HogHopper – Runners up in National Innovation Challenge
It is with great disappointment that Hoghopper didn’t win the Agriculture and Food section of the Innovation Challenge sponsored by the Australian newspaper, Shell and the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. However, they are very worthy runners-up and the voting was neck and neck throughout.
Well done to Steve Lapidge and Jason Wishart for their outstanding effort.
Invasive Animals PhD submitted on western brushtail possum populations
Congratulations to Jennyfer Cruz-Bernal who has submitted her PhD thesis to the University of Queensland for marking. Jennyfer says populations of the vulnerable koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) have declined in some areas of the northern jarrah forest despite ongoing, long-term fox control (as part of Westernshield). Her research examined whether koomal in the northern jarrah forest were limited by predation from red foxes, feral cats, chuditch and/or by resource availability. 
Results suggest that fox control remained successful at maintaining low fox densities in the northern jarrah forest. Cat densities were also low. However, densities of the native chuditch were abundant at some sites and scarce or absent at others. At these densities, predators appeared to have no influence on koomal abundance, site occupancy or reproductive output. Increased cat activity was associated with declined koomal body condition suggesting that even low densities of feral predators can have indirect negative effects on native prey.
Nonetheless, koomal were not completely naïve to foxes and cats and minimised their risk of predation by increasing their use of areas with greater groundcover. Overall, koomal populations appeared to be limited primarily by resource availability and to a lesser extent by cats. Conservation of koomal in the northern jarrah forest requires management of food and den resources, as well as an adaptive management approach to not only foxes, but also feral cats.
PAPP and Bluehealer® antidote video
If you didn’t make it to the October 2011 Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) conference, you still haven’t missed out. Videos of presenters are now available on the AMRRIC Websiteincluding:
- Dr Simon Humphrys (Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre) Advances in wild dog control: A new active chemical and antidote (PAPP and Bluehealer® antidote)
Just visit http://gigtv.rampms.com/gigtv/Viewer/?peid=5bc56da840ac45318c8636a25b6fb3151d
New Publications
ECOS features rabbit attack on native vegetation
The Invasive Animals CRC in cooperation with researchers and CSIRO will have a new article published online Monday afternoon, 19 December 2011 on how it only takes one rabbit every two hectares to significantly damage native vegetation regeneration. At such a low rabbit density, people may not even realise they have a rabbit problem.
The link to use for the story published after lunch on Monday will be www.ecosmagazine.com (The story will display top of the prominent Current Articles list).
The individual page ref will be http://www.ecosmagazine.com/?paper=EC11137.
Estimating and indexing feral cat population abundances using camera traps
Andrew Bengsen, John Butler and Pip Masters (2011) The ability to monitor changes in wildlife or pest animal abundances is fundamental to effective population management, but practical and widely-relevant methods for observing changes in feral cat populations have so far been elusive. http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR11134.htm
International Island Invasives Conference Proceedings
Edited by C. R. Veitch, M. N. Clout, and D. R. Towns. (2011) Island Invasives: Eradication and Management. Proceedings of the International Conference on Island Invasives. IUCN Publications http://www.issg.org/publications.htm#iucn_publications
Wildlife Research Special Issue: Rodent Biology and Management
Wildlife Research Volume 38 Number 7 2011
Rodent Biology and Management Special edition http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/144/issue/5748.htm
Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Clive R. McMahon, Philip S. Miller, Robert C. Lacy, Michael J. Watts, Michelle L. Verant, John P. Pollak, Damien A. Fordham, Thomas A. A. Prowse, Barry W. Brook (2011). Increasing sophistication of population viability analysis has broadened our capacity to model population change while accounting for system complexity and uncertainty. Journal of Applied Ecology http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2011.02081.x/abstract;jsessionid=BD522803E3B9C91B905C0B7A90C08BA8.d01t02
Media round-up
We’ll pay to control feral pestsLOCAL councils could be forced to expand into feral animal management under a proposed State Government bill…Queensland Times [Read more]
War on predators helping restore island to health
Just as suddenly as it cleared the previous day, the weather on Macquarie Island, more than 1,500 kilometres south of the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland, has turned foul again… Port Stephens Examiner [Read more]
Paroo leads wild dog control
The wild dog control strategy used by the south-west Queensland shire of Paroo is set to become the model for dog control nationwide…ABC Rural [Read more]
Wild dog numbers barking mad
ALL levels of government should share responsibility for controlling wild dogs on the North Coast, according to Page MP Janelle Saffin… Daily Examiner [Read more]
Harnessing the potential of the South West
Agricultural education, wild dog management and South West tourism are the focus of a visit to Paroo Shire by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin… Queensland Government [Read more]
Fox positive scat collected from Lillico, TAS
Results received on Friday 25 November 2011 from the University of Canberra’s Institute for Applied Ecology report that one (1) scat tested positive for fox DNA…DPIPWE [Read more]
2012 CRC FOCUS ON CLEAN TECH, SOCIAL INNOVATION AND REGIONS
The 15th Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) funding round next year will focus on clean manufacturing, social innovation and sustainable regional communities…Australian Government [Read more]
Pigs removed to help parrots prosper
Rangers have removed more than 3,500 feral pigs from Staaten River National Park on southern Cape York Peninsula to help protect the endangered golden-shouldered parrot…North Queensland Register [Read more]
Feral meat pet food push
A TERRITORY businessman wants the Government to allow him to use feral animals culled in Kakadu to be made into pet food…Weekly Times Now [Read more]
Residents take up rabbit fight
While the recent wet weather has been good news for Canberra’s parks and gardens, they are not the only things flourishing…Campus Daily [Read more]
The last refuge
Great extinctions have blighted Australia since European settlement but Nicky Phillips finds a small sanctuary still thriving in the isolated splendour of the Kimberley region…The Age [Read more]
Regional pest management strategies
Draft strategies open for public comment until 29 February 2012 … NSW Government [Read more]
Changing the game in biological controls
Introducing cane toads to control the cane beetle in the 1930s and introducing cats in the 1890s to combat rabbits were unsophisticated and naive attempts at biocontrol… Stock Journal [Read more]
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2012
- 12th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment. Washington, DC. 18-20 January
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- CRCA 2012 Conference. Adelaide, 15-17 May
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- Invertebrates associated with invasive alien organisms. Riga (Latvia) 16–18 August
- Invasive organisms and globalisation. Riga (Latvia) 20-23 August
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
Welcome to issue 202 of Feral Flyer.
In this edition: |
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends.
HogHopper™ needs your Readers Choice vote today
Steve Lapidge and Jason Wishart were announced in the Weekend Australian as finalists in the Agriculture category of the Innovation Challenge awards for the HogHopper™. The awards are sponsored by The Australian newspaper, Shell Australia and DIISR.
They need your help! 
Public voting in the Reader’s Choice awards for this category is open until 6 December at
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/innovationchallenge/pollsarchive
The HogHopper™ alternates between first and second as the Readers Choice but is currently trailing by 5 percentage points to Plant Biosecurity CRC’s Digital Diagnostics. Please vote for the HogHopper™ now (you will only be prompted for your postcode) and spread the word as every single vote is critical!
In brief, the HogHopper™ eliminates any potential impact on livestock and native species from feral pig baiting campaigns as its unique design prevents non-target species from gaining access to toxic baits. The results is peace-of-mind, responsible feral pig management. In field trails, feral pigs have been locally eliminated from areas without any native species being harmed.
The HogHopper™ has been developed by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, with financial support from ABARES, from a project initiated in 2007 to overcome baiting obstacles. The HogHopper™ holds enough PIGOUT® feral pig bait or grain bait to eliminate daily operator maintenance, making it suitable for baiting more remote, environmentally sensitive areas.
The HogHopper™ went on sale in March 2011. The units can be purchased from Animal Control Technologies. Please contact sales@animalcontrol.com.au or 03 9308 9688.
Invasive Animals CRC Ecology of Feral Cats PhD
Dr Tony Buckmaster’s doctorate on the ecology of feral cats in tall forests was conferred at the University of Sydney graduation ceremony on 4 November 2011.
Tony’s research was undertaken in the Southern Ark Demonstration area in Victoria. His research showed that there was a large amount of overlap in the home ranges of feral cats and that they generally did not exclude other cats from their home ranges. This high level tolerance of other cats probably resulted from the abundance of food resources in that area.
He also found that cats did not use all the area within their home ranges. Areas up to 70ha in size were being avoided by the cats. Modelling of food and environmental variables could not fully explain why these areas were avoided and he proposed that the presence of larger predators, such as foxes and wild dogs, is causing the cats to avoid these areas.
Tony also examined the potential of non-target species to access a toxin enclosed in a hard capsule within a bait. By encapsulating the toxin there is a significant reduction in the ability of non-target species, particularly native mammals, to access the toxin when compared with directly injecting it into the bait. Encapsulating the toxin will be particularly useful in cat baiting programs as baits need to be laid on the ground surface as cats will not dig for buried baits.
Guardian Animals protecting Livestock – Webinar Series
Guardian animals are a useful tool in helping prevent your livestock being attacked by predators It’s a national problem and you can join in wherever you are in Australia to a free webinar series on guardian animals (from Maremma dogs to donkeys and alpacas) being organised by Leading Sheep which is a partnership between Australian Wool Innovation, AgForce and the Queensland Government.
Learn about what’s involved in having Guardian animals, pick up management tips and learn about the relative effectiveness of each animal.
Register first, then login to hear from producers who currently use guardian animals on their properties. It is a great opportunity to find out what’s involved and ask any questions you may have.
Maremmas – Monday 12th December at 1pm (QLD time)
To register for the Maremma webinar click here
Donkeys – Wednesday 14th December at 1pm (QLD time)
To register for the Donkey webinar click here
Alpacas – Friday 16th December at 1pm (QLD time)
To register for the Alpacca webinar click here
For further information, please email Alex Stirton (Extension Officer at Charleville) <alex.stirton@deedi.qld.gov.au>. Don’t forget that the Invasive Animals CRC has a free Guardian Dog book available which can be yours by emailing <contact@invasiveanimals.com>.
What can you say so briefly?
Here’s a challenge. Please let Glenn Conroy – Invasive Animals CRC communications manager know how creative you can be in a few words to answer a request from the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (which recently recommended and the Minister approved the extension bid funding for our future research program to 2017) so the least we can do in return is to provide 40 words or less.
This question seeks potential 30-40 word stories that could be used in promoting international collaboration through CRCs. Some possible topics you may wish to consider include:
* Commercialising and using new products, services and technologies developed by the Invasive Animals CRC
* Assisting researchers meet the publication requirements of their profession
* Encouraging participation in Australia’s higher education sector
* Attracting talent (international and domestic) both for postgraduate education directly relevant to end user needs and building the innovative culture of the Australian research workforce
* Providing international researchers access to Australian world class facilities and vice versa
* Building Australia’s international reputation for innovative research and development
* Sharing of research outcomes, skills and new knowledge gained through the Invasive Animals CRC’s activities with a global audience
* Developing international bilateral and multilateral relationships and alliances in key research priority areas
* Delivering environmental, social, and economic benefits to the broader community.
Please provide a short story of the impact(s) resulting from the Invasive Animals CRC’s collaborations with international organisations. Feel free to submit up to three examples demonstrating research-research, research-industry and/or industry-industry collaborations. Please contact <glenn.conroy@invasiveanimals.com>.
Publications
Bengsen, A., Leung, L.K., Lapidge, S.J. and Gordon, I.J. (2008). The Development of target-specific vertebrate pest management tools for complex faunal communities. Ecological Management and Restoration,9(3). 209-216.
McLeod, L.J., Saunders, G.R., and Miners, A. (2011). Can shooting be an effective management tool for foxes? Preliminary insights from a management program. Ecological Management and Restoration, 12 (3) 224-226
Carter, A., Luck, G.W. and McDonald, S.P. (2011). Fox-baiting in agricultural landscapes in south-eastern Australia: a case-study appraisal and suggestions for improvement. Ecological Managment & Restoration 12 (3) 214-223
Bajer P.G., Chizinski C.J. and Sorensen P.W. (2011). Using the Judas technique to locate and remove wintertime aggregations of invasive common carp. Fisheries Management and Ecology 18(6):497–505.
Raymond, B., McInnes, J., Dambacher, J.M., Way, S. & Bergstrom, D.M. 2011. Qualitative modelling of invasive species eradication on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Journal of Applied Ecology 48: 181-191.
Media
UC secures $49m to fight feral peril: Australia is set to become a global leader in biosecurity science, with $49million in federal funding announced…Canberra Times http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/uc-secures-49m-to-fight-feral-peril/2367389.aspx
AgForce ‘relieved’ CRC survives: LIVESTOCK owners around Queensland will continue to see the benefits of critical research carried out by the Invasive Animal Co-operative Research Centre (IACRC). North Queensland Register http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/agforce-relieved-crc-survives/2368370.aspx
NSW grazier is new MLA chair: NSW grazier Rob Anderson is the new chair of Meat and Livestock Australia. Rob was a key industry and supporter participant in the successful presentation team that presented the invasive Animals CRC’s extension bid … ABC Rural http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201111/s3370135.htm
A sniff of hope on mice plagues: A MEASLY 5 per cent cut in mice and rat damage to cereal crops could make a huge difference to world hunger… Weekly Times Now http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/11/23/410791_grain-and-hay.html
Dogs hold wool grower back: JONATHAN Carson could be running about double the number of Merino sheep in the paddocks at his Burrabaranga property, south of Toowoomba… Queensland Country Life http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/sheep/dogs-hold-wool-grower-back/2361268.aspx
Committee to give fresh advice on wild dog control: VICTORIA’S new wild dog control advisory committee held its first meeting last week, bringing a new approach to wild dog management across the state…Stock and Land http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/news/committee-to-give-fresh-advice-on-wild-dog-control/2362876.aspx
MLA funds baiting device: IT looks like something that might be devised by the military, but instead it’s a new take on the ancient art of dog baiting… North Queensland Register http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/livestock/news/mla-funds-baiting-device/2361299.aspx
Goat meat supply dogged: WILD dogs are threatening the goat supply of processor T&R Pastoral to the point the company will be donating a portion of future goat kills to wild dog control groups… North Queensland Register http://nqr.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/livestock/news/goat-meat-supply-dogged/2360587.aspx
ERADICATE – A newsletter for the Fox Eradication Program: On ground operations for Stage 2 of the Fox Eradication Program commenced in May 2010…Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/MMAN-8NP8YA/$FILE/Eradicate%20%28Issue%205%29_Spring%202011.pdf
Modelling the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project. What are the likely gains and risks? Ben Raymond (Australian Antarctic Division) and colleagues have modelled the possible outcomes of eradicating introduced mammals on Australia’s sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island…ACAP http://www.acap.aq/latest-news/modelling-the-macquarie-island-pest-eradication-project-what-are-the-likely-gains-and-risks
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- Island Arks Symposium II. The Symposium will be held in Canberra, Australia, 7-9 Feb 2012.
- Humane killing of animals – an ethical perspectives seminar. National Convention Centre, Canberra.
Tuesday 28 February 2012 - 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- Collaborate | Innovate | 2012 National Wine Centre in Adelaide from 15-17 May 2012.
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
22 November 2011
We have just been notified that the Invasive Animals CRC extension bid has been funded by the CRC Program. What a fabulous Christmas present!
The Governing Board and Management Team would like to extend congratulations and a big thank you to all who put such a great effort into developing the bid. This CRC will make a big difference to Australian agriculture and the environment.
Other successful CRC bids in this round are:
1 Automotive Australia 2020 CRC
2 CRC for Low Carbon Living
3 CRC for Polymers
4 CRC for Water Sensitive Cities
5 Plant Biosecurity CRC
The press release from Minister Carr can be read in full at Senator The Hon Kim Carr website
Welcome to issue 201 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends.
IA CRC extension bid: Announcement due December 2011
The Invasive Animals CRC extension bid interview team felt “positive” after their successful final presentation to the CRC Committee Panel on 8 November 2011.
Pictured (back row to front row left to right) are Dr Jim Thompson – Chief Biosecurity Officer, Biosecurity Qld; Robert Anderson – Deputy Chair, Meat and Livestock Australia Board; Paul Martin – University of New England; Professor Frances Shannon – Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, University of Canberra; Lisa Thomas – Senior Ranger, Central West Livestock Health and Pest Authority; Glen Saunders – Terrestrial Program Leader; Professor Linton Staples – Managing Director, Animal Control Technologies Australia; Steve Lapidge – Uptake Program Leader; Helen Cathles – Chair, Invasive Animals CRC Board and Andreas Glanznig – CEO, Invasive Animals CRC.
A government decision on the extension bid is expected to be known by the end of December 2011. The extension bid sought to complete research on Australia’s first carp biocontrol agent; release other pest controls currently in the regulatory pipeline; enable better uptake of our work by institutions and communities through targeted research into effective community engagement and for the invasive Animals CRC to make the transition to a new and sustainable national organisation. And now we cross our fingers.
Link: IA CRC Extension proposal 2012-2017
Feral photos competition winners announced!
The Invasive Animals CRC’s first-ever ‘Feral Photos’ photography competition came to a close on 31 October and with more than 200 entries, judges Glen Saunders (NSW DPI) and Alf Manciagli (Gecko Photographics) had some tough decisions to make last Monday.
| The winners are! | ||
|---|---|---|
1st Prize
 Daniel Schembri fox and rabbit |
2nd Prize
 Jason Wishart feral pigs and cattle |
3rd Prize
 Crystal Kelehear cane toad eating snake |
Best remote camera photo
 Darryl Panther red deer fighting (in VIC) |
People’s choice  Rocco Pirrottina feral goat morning silhouette |
|
Our judges also selected a number of highly commended images:
Highly commended remote camera – Richard Ali, wild dogs
Highly commended – Robert Ashdown, feral horses (in QLD)
Highly commended – Jennie Stock, rainbow lorikeet (in WA)
Highly commended – Gary Tate, fox
Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone who entered the competition this year. Keep an eye out for our special 2012 Feral Photos calendar which will feature some of our fantastic entries!
These photos can be viewed at http://www.invasiveanimals.com/feral-photos/
HogHopper™ finalist in Innovation Challenge
The HogHopper™ entry by the Invasive Animals CRC in The Australian Innovation Challenge has been selected by a panel of judges as one of five finalists in the category of Agriculture & Food.
Innovation Challenge editor, Cheryl Jones said that a story will be published in The Australian on 19 November announcing the other finalists, with the category winners being announced on
7 December. Good luck HogHopper™.
HogHopper™ is a low-maintenance, target-specific bait hopper for population level feral pig management using PIGOUT®, HOGGONE® or other pig bait substrates. It is anticipated that the HogHopper™ will contribute greatly to target-specificity and efficiency of feral pig management in Australia. This peace-of-mind approach to pig control (akin to the box of mouse bait in the shed) can also reduce labour and costs associated with chemical management of feral pigs.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/innovationchallenge
For your review – the Invasive Animals CRC 2010–11 annual report
Looking back on the last financial year, the Invasive Animals CRC has made excellent progress on outcomes expected under the Commonwealth agreement. The annual report lists major research achievements by the Terrestrial, Freshwater, Detection and Prevention, Education and Uptake Programs. The report discusses the end-user environment which is so important to the adoption of research results for practical impact on invasive animals. Other sections include research collaborations, structure and governance, commercialisation and utilisation, communications and financial performance. Milestones achieved and a list of publications produced also included. You can link to the annual report at: IA CRC Annual Report 2011-2011
New prototype baiting technique to power up wild dog control
A new prototype baiting technique to control wild dogs and foxes is being tested and refined to offer a more durable, longer lasting alternative to current options for predator control in Australia.
The prototype is a multi-dose ejector (MDE) system, designed, built and patented by Frank Gigliotti of General Dogs Body– R&D technical services, and has just received funding from MLA to ensure the mechanism is independently assessed to work accurately and efficiently.
Mr Gigliotti explained that the device aims to address the shortcomings of current baiting options through a multi-dose delivery system that is target specific and has a longer ‘life’ in the field.
“We are looking at a system that can deliver 20 or more lethal doses per bait rather than the current one bait/one animal option,” Mr Gigliotti said.
The new system builds on previous Australian and international research and technology and incorporates innovative new developments, including two mechanisms to prevent availability to non-target species.
“The multi-dose ejector is secured to the ground and requires an upward pull force of 3kg to trigger the device, preventing risk of exposure to the toxin by smaller marsupials,” Mr Gigliotti said. “The system can also be deployed with an exclusion collar which prevents non-target species such as working dogs, possums, spotted-tailed quolls and Tasmanian devils from accessing the bait.
“We are also developing polymer (plastic) bait that can be impregnated with a lure that remains active for longer than natural food baits and is able to withstand numerous animals pulling on it.
“Initial ‘fine-tuning’ will also include the toxin aerosol formulation, toxin dose size and lure formulation.”
MLA’s Program Manager – Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, Jim Rothwell, said stock losses to predation were on the increase, with recent reports estimating that predators cost $67 million per year in Queensland and $21 million in Victoria in lost production.
“This project is a low risk investment with good potential for significant gains to be made in wild dog control,” Dr Rothwell said. “The project will see further development of the multi-dose ejector and toxin delivery system to the point where field trials can commence, ultimately supporting the system’s application for registration with the APVMA.” MLA is investing around $245,000 for the first year of this project in addition to the $1.4 million invested in invasive animal control research conducted through the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.
An additional $2.5 million has been pledged by MLA to research invasive animals from 2012 either via the Invasive Animals CRC re-bid process or individual projects.
Another IA CRC PhD
Dr Tom Newsome’s doctorate on the Ecology of the Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) in the Tanami Desert, central Australia, in relation to Human-Resource Subsidies was conferred at the University of Sydney graduation ceremony on 4 November 2011.
The establishment of mining and pastoral operations in the Tanami Desert has resulted in supplementary food (at waste facilities) and water resources being available to dingoes. Tom investigated dingo diet, dietary selectivity, home-range, activity and resource selection to explore the effects of resource dispersion and abundance on dingo social organisation. He also determined the genetic status of dingoes and free-roaming domestic dogs in the remote Tanami region. The key findings of the thesis provide compelling evidence that human-resource subsidies alter dingo behaviour and sociality. This highlights the flexibility of dingo populations to adapt to changes in the availability of food and water supplies. When attempting to understand the functional role of dingoes and other opportunistic predators, it is therefore imperative that resource abundance and dispersion be considered more explicitly, especially in areas where human-provided resources are available and abundant.
Since completing the PhD project, a management plan has been implemented, including the use of predator proof fencing around waste facilities. Over time, it is expected that the dingo population will return to more natural levels which will assist in maintaining more of a balanced relationship between predators and prey. However, whilst there is artificial water available, more dingoes will survive in the Tanami in comparison to periods when there were very few watering points. Tom says a monitoring program is in place to look at the impacts on excluding the waste facilities, but there is still much to learn, and hopefully we can continue longer term studies that look even closer at the interactions between dingoes, co-occurring predators and prey.
In related but separate dingo news, the Invasive Animals CRC is cooperating with a film company making a documentary on the dingo, for delivery to ABC Television by June 2012 (filming in February).
Read more about Dr Tom Newsome
New Publications
Wendy Henderson, Mary Bomford and Phillip Cassey (2011). Managing the risk of exotic vertebrate incursions in Australia. Wildlife Research38(6): 501-508. (http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR11089.htm)
P Donkers, J G Patil, C Wisniewski and JE Diggle (2011). Validation of mark-recapture population estimates for invasive common carp, Cyprinus carpio, in Lake Crescent, Tasmania. Journal of Applied Ichthyology http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2011.01887.x/abstract
PestSmart Publications:
Rabbit control in the Flinders Ranges http://www.feral.org.au/bounceback-rabbit-control-in-the-flinders-ranges/ Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Fox control in the Flinders Ranges http://www.feral.org.au/bounceback-fox-control-in-the-flinders-ranges/ Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Norris A (2011). Guidelines for planning carp fishing competitions. PestSmart Toolkit publication. http://www.feral.org.au/?p=49624 Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre,Canberra.
Media round-up
Call to use coconut-based feral pig baits
Queensland researchers say coconuts should be used as baits to control feral pigs in the state’s north.. ABC News [Read more]
Victorian farmers want same aerial wild dog baiting rate as NSW
Victorian farmers want their State Government to provide the same number of aerial baits for wild dogs as NSW…ABC Rural [Read more]
Feral animal control to improve biodiversity
FERAL pests have a significant impact on primary production and biodiversity, as well as potentially spreading disease, on the Darling Downs…Queensland Country Life [Read more]
Wild dog attacks get closer
THE BATTLE against wild dogs has reached the outskirts of Lismore, with a family pet in Woodlawn being savaged…Northern Star [Read more]
Fox bounty attracts scalps
The scalps of 38 foxes were submitted for bounty at the opening of the Tatura collection centre on Monday, November 7…Shepparton News [Read more]
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011
- Ecological Society of Australia annual conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 21-25 November.
- Biolief: Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning. Mar del Plata, Argentina, 21-24 November.
- AMWS Conference. Bathurst NSW, November 29-December 1.
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- 12th National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment. Washington, DC. 18-20 January
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- Invertebrates associated with invasive alien organisms. Riga (Latvia) 16–18 August
- Invasive organisms and globalisation. Riga (Latvia) 20-23 August
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
Welcome to issue 200 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends.
Participants Meeting Update
The AGM of Invasive Animals Ltd was conducted at the Belconnen Premier Inn in Canberra on 27 October, immediately followed by a Participants Meeting.
The Chair – Helen Cathles, Deputy Chair– Dedee Woodside, Director – Helen Scott-Orr and Director – Manfred Claasz were present for formalities including the presentation of the Annual Report from the Directors and the Audited Financial Statements. The results of elections for Directors were announced and congratulations extended to Helen Cathles, Dedee Woodside and Helen Scott-Orr who were all reappointed for a further term.
In her address, the Chair said that the Invasive Animals CRC is at an extremely important crossroad. This area of research will always be needed if we are to protect our biodiversity from invasions by pest species, reduce impacts on agricultural production, help prevent invasions in our urban centres and ease associated burdens on families whose enterprises supply food and fibre to the nation. The Board’s goal is to ensure that there is an enduring organisation committed to tackling these issues and to lead the international charge through excellent science and collaboration. The Chair thanked our retiring Director – Mark Lonsdale who has always strengthened our Board with his insights and considered contributions.
Kevin Doyle from the Australian Veterinary Association, representing the Chair of the Participants Committee, expressed concern at the declining government funding for CRCs and the increasing demand for agricultural science students which exceeds the supply.
Andreas Glanznig – CEO said the Invasive Animals CRC made exceptional progress in the 2010–11 financial year and is now strongly positioned to deliver its key technologies and ensure their strong uptake through its PestSmart toolkits and roadshow initiative. This high level of performance has seen Invasive Animals CRC staff win a number of prestigious international and national awards and also resulted in industry and government end-users increasing their investment levels in the five-year extension bid.
Participants were then updated on research highlights by the program leaders. They also learnt details on the first PestSmart Roadshow being organised for 2012 and new PestSmart Toolkit publications. PestSmart is one the legacy products from the invasive Animals CRC.
In a special presentation, Quentin Hart, the national project manager of the Feral Camel Management Project outlined the work of those carrying out feral camel controls where the wild camel population doubles every eight to nine years.
Invasive Animals CRC Director – Helen Scott-Orr presented on the steps being undertaken to control dogs and manage rabies in Indonesia which has a history back to the 1890s and how the disease is on the move recently reaching the islands of Flores and Bali which have close associations with Australia.
In the afternoon session, participants were give an overview of the extension bid, Tony Pople of Biosecurity Queensland updated on the land program describing various different pest incursions with the target of ‘No New Pests’ and a focus on landscape recovery from assault by rabbits and wild dogs.
Dean Gilligan from the NSW Department of Primary Industry spoke on the extension bid’s Inland Waters Program and the decline in native fish numbers due to the carp infestation. Simon Humphrys gave an overview on Commercialisation and finally Andreas talked about the future and Beyond the CRC and scoping a National Pest Animals R&D Institute which would foster ongoing collaboration with industry partners.
Invasive Animals CRC prize winners
The annual Invasive Animals CRC prizes were presented for 2011 at a special awards dinner held in conjunction with a Board meeting, the AGM and the Participants meeting.
Invited guests celebrated the awarding of:
The Chair’s Prize for Scientific Excellence– to Dr Brian Cooke, for his outstanding 45-year career as a wildlife scientist specialising on the management of Australia’s most invasive pest animal – the European wild rabbit. Brian is recognised as Australia’s foremost expert on rabbits and rabbit management. Brian has been instrumental in developing a major research project into new and more efficacious strains of rabbit haemorrhagic disease to be released in Australia.
Participant’s Prize for Invasive Animal Management– to Professor Linton Staples, Managing Director — Animal Control Technologies Pty Ltd (ACTA) for his distinguished and continuing career contribution to the control of invasive animals. ACTA, as the major supplier of registered bait, responded to Australia’s worst mouse plague in 2010 and 2011 with an equally exceptional effort. Demand for mouse bait product exceeded all expectations with more than 3,000 tonnes of bait used, effectively protecting crops with a gross value of $2.5-3 billion.
Chief Executive’s prize for achievement as an Invasive Animals CRC student– to
Ms Crystal Kelehear, University of Sydney, who has significantly enhanced our knowledge of a lungworm that infects cane toad as a potential biocontrol measure.
In addition, a special award was presented to Susan Duson – Business Manager/Company Secretary by the Invasive Animals CRC Board for her outstanding governance and financial management including year-on-year of unqualified audits and smooth running financial systems.
Extension Bid Update
Mock interviews were held 28 October and the real thing will be held 8 November. We feel we have prepared heavily and have put together a response team who will expertly answer all the questions being delivered. This is the final in the process so wish us luck for a successful outcome just in time for Christmas.
The molecular ecology of Australian wild dogs:
Invasive Animals CRC and University of WA student Danielle Stephens has recently submitted her PhD thesis entitled “The molecular ecology of Australian wild dogs: hybridisation, gene flow and genetic structure at multiple geographic scales”.
She investigated the pattern of interbreeding between domestic dogs and dingoes across Australia using both new and established testing methods, as well as examining the scale of wild dog populations, the distributions of family groups across the landscape, and the optimal source of DNA for sampling wild dogs non-invasively. The results and methods developed from this work can be applied monitoring the responses of wild dogs to events such as baiting, interactions with domestic dogs, and encountering human settlements.
Danielle found the support, training and networking opportunities of the IA CRC Balanced Scientist program to be invaluable during her PhD. “The extra training in things like statistics and paper writing were a huge help. Being able to regularly catch up with the other students and accomplished scientists at the retreats was also great for getting fresh ideas and renewed motivation after seeing all the exciting work being done in invasive species research”Danielle is now employed as a research associate with WA genetics consultancy Helix Molecular Solutions, tackling a range of ecological and evolutionary genetics projects, and working on publishing the papers from her thesis.
Read more about Danielle
Mastering feral pigs in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area
Congratulations are in order for Dr Amanda Elledge. Amanda has had her thesis corrections accepted and was officially conferred with her Doctorate on Friday 21 October. Amanda is currently working as a Research Scientist with the QLD Department of Environment and Resource Management and will formally graduate in a couple of weeks. Amanda’s PhD and Kana Koichi’s Masters thesis (below) came out of the Invasive Animals CRC Daintree Queensland demonstration site project which has already published 20 scientific papers. The project assessed the impacts of feral pigs on the conservation value of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and aimed to develop acceptable means to enhance feral pig control in this sensitive area.
Read more about Dr Amanda Elledge
Kana Koichi has investigated the human dimensions of feral pig management in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, North Queensland: how different stakeholders perceived the animal and their management. The research highlighted the complexity of feral pig management as a result of multiple values attached to feral pigs by different stakeholder groups.Stakeholders’ perceptions of feral pig impacts were also related to their attitudes towards the control methods and current pig management. The findings emphasised that in pest management, we need to manage not only the ‘problem’ animals but also people.
Read more about Kana Koichi
Courses in animal pest management on offer
David Walter, the administrator/convenor for courses on animal pest management at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Applied Science (UC) invites you to attend or let your colleagues know about the following courses dealing with pest management:
- Graduate Certificate in Wildlife Management (Strategic Pest Management)
- Graduate Diploma in Natural Resource Management (course approval expected in 2012)
- Course Work Masters in Natural Resource Management (course approval expected in 2012)
- Vocational Education and Training (VET) Diploma in Conservation and Land Management (Specialising in Pest Management) run through the University of Canberra College
- Tailored short courses specifically designed for agencies responsible for pest plant and animal management, incorporating, where required, certificates of attainment for competencies successfully completed (this includes shorter versions of the VET Diploma and the graduate courses).
The VET Diploma has been delivered through the University of Canberra College for several years. Feedback from past students and their employers has been extremely positive and several have said how much it has helped them in planning and implementing effective programs to manage invasive species. Building on this course, the UC will offer three postgraduate courses in 2012, the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and the Masters. Please note that while the Graduate certificate is approved, the Graduate Diploma and MSc are expected to be available from the second semester of 2012.
To obtain scanned course brochures and an information sheet (titled: Frequently Asked Questions: Invasive Species Management Courses, University of Canberra) about the courses, please email David at David.Walter@canberra.edu.au
Who are the top three female science communicators?
The ABC in Adelaide is interested in your opinion as to who are the top three female science communicators in Australia. To pass on your opinion, you can email Abbie Thomas at <Thomas.Abigail@abc.net.au>.
Australasian Wildlife Management Society 2011 Conference
29 November – 1 December, Bathurst, New South WalesHave you registered yet?
Access the website www.awms.org.au to register now and review the latest information and the updated program.
Accommodation options are limited and only available online for the rest of this week.
| Make your bookings quickly! |
|---|
Applications are now open for a $20 million Communities for Nature grants program.
Communities for Nature grants are for local community groups and organisations looking to improve their natural environment and conserve local biodiversity values. Activities that will be funded include biodiversity and habitat preservation, revegetation, cleaning up of waterways and control of pests and weeds.
The program will run for four years, with $4 million available in 2011. This year, two streams of funding are being offered; small grants of up to $10,000 and large grants for $10,000 to $150,000.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment is implementing this Victorian Government program.
For more information on the assessment criteria and application process, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/communitiesfornature or contact the Grants Information Line on 1300 366 356.
Applications close on Monday 19 December 2011
GISP Website Available Again…
Two Partners of the Global Invasive Species Programme ie CAB International (CABI), together with the International Ocean Institute (South Africa) are delighted to announce the re-launch of the GISP Website (WWW.GISP.ORG). Sadly, they don’t have funds to produce any new GISP Publications or to update the website on a regular basis but at least all of GISP’s Publications, Toolkits and Reports are once again available for download.
They would like to thank everyone who has written to them during the past few months asking for the GISP Website to be re-launched and are delighted to be able to offer this service, albeit limited, once again to GISP’s stakeholders. This is a great opportunity and GISP really encourage everyone who has been asking for copies of GISP’s Publications to start downloading!
They would also like to express their sincere thanks to Adnan Awad and Martin Cocks of the International Ocean Institute (IOI) – South Africa for kindly stepping in to get GISP’s website up and running again, on an in-kind basis.
Three postdoc positions at Lincoln, NZ
The three Post-Doctoral Fellowship opportunities at the Biological Invasions Bio-Protection Research Centre, New Zealand are
1. Post Doctoral Fellowship (2 years extendable to 3) working on the project entitled ‘Cereal Killers: Integrating global data to predict the future risks of arable weeds’ under the supervision of Prof. Phil Hulme (Philip.Hulme@lincoln.ac.nz) at Lincoln University, Canterbury, NZ (Vacancy Number 11-73)
2. Post Doctoral Fellowship (2 years extendable to 3) working on the project entitled ‘Rates of pathogen accumulation in introduced host plants’ under the supervision of Prof. Richard Duncan (Richard.Duncan@lincoln.ac.nz) at Lincoln University, Canterbury, NZ (Vacancy Number 11-74)
3. Post Doctoral Fellowship (1 year only) working on the project entitled ‘Climate change and species responses at multiple scales’ under the supervision of Profs. Phil Hulme (Philip.Hulme@lincoln.ac.nz) and 
Richard Duncan (Richard.Duncan@lincoln.ac.nz) at Lincoln University, Canterbury, NZ (Vacancy Number 11-75)
For information about the three Post Doctoral fellowships, which are to be hosted at Lincoln University, please visit the Lincoln University website (http://www.lincoln.ac.nz/About-Lincoln-University/Job-vacancies/Academic-vacancies/) or contact the Human Resources Section quoting the vacancy number on phone +64 3 325 3687, fax +64 3 325 3870, email: jobs@lincoln.ac.nz.
Post Doctoral Fellowship applications must be received by 11.00pm (NZ time) on Sunday, 20 November 2011.
2012 Science and Innovation Awards
ABARES is encouraging people to apply for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, with applications closing 18 November.
There are 12 individual categories, with each offering up to $22,000 for project funding.The awards are open to young people aged 18-35 who have an innovative project that will benefit Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food and natural resource management sectors.
Grant recipients can use their funding for a range of activities including research projects, industry visits or to attend conferences and workshops that will support their project. The awards aim to encourage science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help to advance the careers of young scientists through national recognition of their research ideas.
The 2012 Science and Innovation Awards are supported by: the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Australian Pork Limited; Australian Meat Processor Corporation; Cotton Research and Development Corporation; Dairy Australia; Fisheries Research and Development Corporation; Forest and Wood Products Australia; Grains Research and Development Corporation; Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation; Horticulture Australia; Meat and Livestock Australia; and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.For further information: email Science Awards.
Publications
Australian Wildlife Management Society newsletter http://www.onqconferences.com.au/resources/files/AWMSNewsletters/October2011.pdf
New PestSmart Publications
PestSmart Factsheet: Fox shooting and hunting . http://www.feral.org.au/fox-shooting-and-hunting/ Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
PestSmart Case Study: Coordinated fox shooting program – http://www.feral.org.au/coordinated-fox-shooting-program/Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Media
Carp target of new virus being tested by scientists: The record spawning comes after January’s floods created ideal conditions for the species to breed. Herald Sun http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/virus-plan-to-kill-carp-in-murray/story-fn7x8me2-1226174002414
Farmers’ bane returns: IT’S the pitter-patter of tiny feet that farmers dread. The Agehttp://www.theage.com.au/environment/animals/farmers-bane-returns-20111022-1mdgf.html#ixzz1cUnosjrf
Mice continue to plague growers: MICE are causing more headaches for grain growers already suffering $300 million in crop losses this year. Farm Weekly http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/nationalrural/grains-and-cropping/general/mice-continue-to-plague-growers/2333200.aspx
Mice move out, for now: MICE numbers have peaked and are now on the decline after one of the worst plagues since 1993 hit the country… Yorke Peninsula Country Times http://www.ypct.com.au/farming/10389-mice-move-out-for-now.html
The case for hunters as pigs run wild: For more than a century, land managers in Queensland have been trying to detemine the best method… ABC Rural http://www.abc.net.au/rural/telegraph/content/2011/s3344318.htm
Foxes: Canberra’s cunning critters. Smart, adaptive, numerous and hungry, Canberra’s fox population seems to be on the rise. ABC Wide Bay http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2011/10/18/3342485.htm?site=widebay
Winton’s dog days: A MILESTONE has been reached in the wild dog battle in central western Queensland… Queensland Country Life http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/wintons-dog-days/2330672.aspx
New cat laws pass WA parliament: WA’s 200,000 cat owners will be required to sterilise, microchip and register their pets under new laws…. The West.com.au http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/11302820/new-cat-laws-pass-wa-parliament/
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011.
- 38th Natural Areas Conference: Adaptation and protection of biodiversity in a changing world. Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 1-4 November 2011.
- HWCC Conflict training: Analysing and Transforming Conflict to Create Sustainable Solutions for People and Wildlife. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island, Hawaii, 1-4 November.
- 18th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. The Big Island, Hawaii 5-10 November.
- Ecological Society of Australia annual conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 21-25 November.
- Biolief: Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning. Mar del Plata, Argentina, 21-24 November.
- AMWS Conference. Bathurst NSW, 29 November – 1 December
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- Island Arks Symposium II. The Symposium will be held in Canberra, Australia, in Feb 2012.
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- Collaborate | Innovate | 2012 National Wine Centre in Adelaide from 15-17 May 2012.
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
Welcome to issue 199 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends. They can subscribe directly by clicking here.
Vale; Associate Professor Alan Wilton (1953 – 2011)
Associate Professor Alan Norman Wilton from the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at The University of New South Wales passed away on 14 October 2011 after a 20-month battle with cancer. He was 56.
Alan was a prominent Australian geneticist and was passionate about dingoes. He consulted with dingo conservation groups and government agencies about the hybridisation problem that may drive the dingo to extinction. He was awarded the Australian Science Communicators Unsung Hero of Science award in 2004 for his work in identifying genetic markers that can be used to discriminate between pure dingoes and hybrids and was Patron of the Bargo Dingo Sanctuary.
Alan developed DNA testing as part of his canine disease research, which led to US and Australian patents. He provided genetic advice to dog breeders and developed DNA testing to work towards eliminating disease from breeds, particularly Border Collies.
We wish to extend sincere thanks to all the people who supported and cared for Alan during his illness, particularly his close friends and colleagues in BABS and the staff at Prince of Wales Hospital and the Sacred Heart Hospice.
Alan was engaged to Dr Barbara Zangerl and they had planned to marry on Sunday 16 October 2011.
Participants Committee Meeting
Another IA CRC Participant’s Committee Meeting to coincide with our Annual General Meeting is to be held
Canberra at the Belconnen Premier Inn, 27 October 2011, so please put this date aside in your diaries.
The Annual Award Dinner will be held the previous evening – 26 October and we are planning a special evening with a retrospective look at the past 20 odd years and presenting the final awards for this CRC.
We will review the performance and achievements of the current CRC over the past year. There will be a substantial presentation on ‘Pest Smart Information Toolkit and Roadshow’ activities, with information on how we are getting our tools and techniques demonstrated and taken up nationally.
As we have got through to Stage 2, we also plan that the meeting will recap the extension bid, receive Program Overview presentations from the Program Leaders of the extension CRC and discuss preparations for interview.
We are also planning to have one or two guest speakers. Many of you will recall the excellent presentation made by Atticus Fleming from Australian Wildlife Conservancy a couple of years ago. We hope to have another interesting address for you.
Please RSVP to Kate Lawrence on kate.lawrence@invasiveanimals.com by 21 October
Mapping of cane toads and feral pigs is now possible through FeralScan
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre and NSW Department of Primary Industries have launched two new websites, ToadScan and FeralPigScan, giving all Australians the opportunity to map sightings, damage and control of cane toads and feral pigs anywhere in Australia to improve the way we manage these pest animals at the landscape level. ToadScan and FeralPigScan are the latest addition to the FeralScan project that has received overwhelming community participation with more than 8,000 records of feral pests entered by 4,500 participants Australia-wide since it was launched in January this year.
ToadScan and FeralPigScan provide farmers, community groups, local government and pest controllers with the technology to map where pest animals occur, to better target them in pest control activities. To further empower the Australian community, FeralScan plans to develop phone applications to deliver web-mapping technology directly into the hands of primary producers, pest controllers and communities Australia-wide. This future research remains contingent on the Invasive Animals CRC being successful in its research extension bid to 30 June 2017.
Partners in FeralScan include the Australian Government Caring For Our Country Initiative, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Invasive Animals CRC. Supporters include the Australian Feral Camel Management Project – supported by the Caring For Our Country Initiative, NSW Government Western Catchment Management Authority, Toshiba, Woolworths, Ninti One Limited, Landcare Australia and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
See also RabbitScan, FoxScan, CamelScan and MynaScan at www.feralscan.org.au. The next species addressed in FeralScan will be feral goats, wild dogs, and pest fish.
For further information, contact Peter West, (02) 6391 3887, peter.west@industry.nsw.gov.au
Guidelines for the Balanced Scientist Program
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre Education Program has run the Balanced Scientist Program (BSP) for postgraduate students since 2005. The BSP was conceived by former CEO Prof. Tony Peacock, Prof. Stephen Sarre, Dr Nina Jenkins and Dr Tom Heinsohn. When the program started there was little in the way in information about how to develop or coordinate such a program. A new publication, Balanced Scientist Guide removes that impediment and helps all CRCs, universities and other organisations involved in postgraduate training design and implement a BSP based on the highly successful IA CRC model.
The BSP prepares graduates for leadership roles in industry by providing postgraduate education opportunities outside of those traditionally available in universities. The aim is to produce market-ready, balanced and exceptional graduates. They emerge with broad skills in areas such as research leadership and management, stakeholder and community engagement, project management, innovation and development, effective communication and media awareness. A BSP also increases student retention and completion rates – for example, for Cohort 1 PhD students the completion rate is 91% which is far higher than that national average of 64% overall and 75% in Natural Science.
The balanced scientist guide can be downloaded from the IA CRC website URL. For more information click here
Invest in your Future
Are you highly motivated, innovative and enjoy working in a team environment?
NSW Trade & Investment offers you the opportunity to work with leading industry specialists and businesses across NSW. We are looking for graduates who are well rounded and motivated people who have achieved a balance between excellent academic results and other interests and activities.
Click here to apply
Yes Deer PhD submitted
Having investigated how social factors affect invasive deer management in the Royal National Park near Sydney, Adriana Ford-Thompson – currently a Teaching Fellow at the University of York in the United Kingdom has now submitted her PhD thesis. ‘Conservation, Society and Invasive Species’ was submitted in September 2011.
Adriana’s research highlights the pivital role of community participation in invasive species management and the different ways this can be implemented. She also reveals how conflicts between people, and interactions that people have with invasive species such as deer, influence the ability of wildlife managers to achieve objectives. Her findings help direct management efforts for the benefit of both native species conservation and society.
Adriana says she particularly benefited from the IA CRC Balanced Scientist Program due to being an overseas student. “I was able to meet experts in the field and other students studying invasive species. As well as being great for exchanging ideas and knowledge, it also made me feel part of the team. The IA CRC have a really supportive attitude towards their students”.
For more information about Adriana’s work: Click here.
Inaugural ‘Friends of Mulligans Flat’ meeting
The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, behind Forde, preserves an outstanding example of box-gum woodland – long recognised as one of Canberra’s best birdwatching sites – home to the Regent Honeyeater and Superb Fairy Wren among others, plus many native plants and animals. Now enclosed with a predator-proof fence, and after extensive work by ACT Parks & Conservation Service (PCS) Rangers to remove the foxes and cats, the site is now suitable for the reintroduction of some rare and threatened species. Brown treecreepers have already been established and are being closely monitored.
IA CRC participation has been directed towards assistance with the development and implementation of surveys of community understanding about the impact of fox and cat predation on threatened species; preparation of education/information materials; and production of signage.
Come along, meet fellow like-minded people, listen to the rangers and scientists talk about their work and hear how you can help. Morning tea provided, and a ranger-guided wildflower walk to follow.
11:00am, Sunday October 23
Delfin Lend Lease Sales Office,
Francis Forde Boulevarde, Forde
For more information contact coordinator@mulligansfriends.org or Senior Ranger peter.mills@act.gov.au/0427787317.
[Mulligans flyer]
Invasive Animals CRC Photography Competition 2011
Only weeks left for your chance to win fabulous prizes, send in your photos of one of Australia’s pest animals or the damage they cause
For more information on how to enter Click here
Competition closes 31 October 2011
Opportunities for postgraduate students and early career researchers in RIEL
These research opportunities range across coastal and marine science, renewable energy, indigenous livelihoods, the carbon economy, eco-physiology, freshwater ecology, remote sensing, savanna management, science communication and resource economics.
PhD scholarships and top-ups and post-doctoral stipends and operating expenses are potentially available where we can match the right candidate with the right opportunity, supervisors and partners. PhD students with joint supervision between CDU and the ANU will be eligible to be jointly badged under the ANU-CDU partnership.
Check them out here: http://riel.cdu.edu.au/prospective/current-research-opportunities
Help us find your community’s voice on sustainable resource funding
The Australian Government is seeking applications from people interested in becoming a community assessor.
Community assessors play a crucial role in environmental and sustainable natural resource management by representing local, community perspectives on a range of funding decisions. They may be involved in assessing funding applications for things like Caring for our Country and Action on the Ground.
Click here for more information
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR 2012 SCIENCE AWARDS
GRANT applications are open for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It is an opportunity for people aged 18-35 to apply for up to $22,000 to fund a project on innovative or emerging scientific issues to benefit Australia’s primary industries. More information can be found here.
Applications close 5pm AEDT Friday 18 November 2011.
New Publications/websites
Ruchira Somaweera A B, Michael R. Crossland A and Richard Shine A Assessing the potential impact of invasive cane toads on a commercial freshwater fishery in tropical Australia Wildlife Research 38(5) 380-385
Matt Bradford. Is Tilapia the new cane toad? Ecos Magazine Issue 163.
Matt Bradford A C, Frederieke J. Kroon A and D. John Russell B The biology and management of Tilapia mariae Marine and Freshwater Research
ID Source – New website aids global pest identification
At the website, users can access the massive database by alphabetical order, by specific class of pest, or by key words. ID Source – New website aids global pest identification
The management of wild dogs across Australia is complicated by competing values.
Recently, there have been a number of published papers which have generated considerable debate over the science supporting the claim that wild dogs are of net benefit to biodiversity through the suppression of foxes and feral cats. Fundamentally, the correlations between wild dogs and positive biodiversity values and foxes and poor diversity values are undeniable but correlations don’t necessarily show the cause.
Two recent studies (1,2) investigated the strength of the evidence for the positive roles of wild dogs and found that many of the conclusions in the original publications may be flawed and unreliable. There was a quick response to these claims (4), which elicited further explanation by the original authors (3). Another study (5) cautioned against the use of wild dogs as a biodiversity conservation tool, providing seven important points to consider before wild dog reintroductions are considered. Viewed together, these recent publications highlight the complexities of managing an invasive species that can have both positive and negative impacts for the environment.
(1) Allen B. L. (2011) A comment on the distribution of historical and contemporary livestock grazing across Australia: Implications for using dingoes for biodiversity conservation Ecological Management and Restoration 12, 1, 26-30. [A comment on the distribution of historical and contemporary livestock grazing across Australia: Implications for using dingoes for biodiversity conservation]
(2) Allen B. L., Engeman R. M., Allen L. R. (2011) Wild dogma: An examination of recent “evidence” for dingo regulation of invasive mesopredator release in Australia. Current Zoology 57, 5, 568-583. [Wild dogma: An examination of recent “evidence” for dingo regulation of invasive mesopredator release in Australia.]
(3) Allen B. L., Engeman R. M., Allen L. R. (2011) Wild dogma II: The role and implications of wild dogma for wild dog management in Australia. Current Zoology In press. [Wild_dogma_II_110712v2[1]]
(4) Letnic M., Crowther M. S., Dickman C. R., Ritchie E. (2011) Demonising the dingo: How much wild dogma is enough? Current Zoology 57, 5, 668-670. [Demonising the dingo: How much wild dogma is enough?]
(5) Fleming P. J. S., Allen B. L., Ballard G. (2011) Seven considerations about dingoes as biodiversity engineers: the socio-ecological niches of dogs in Australia. Australian Mammalogy In press. [Seven considerations about dingoes as biodiversity engineers: the socio-ecological niches of dogs in Australia]
Andrew J. Bengsen A E, Luke K.-P. Leung B, Steven J. Lapidge C and Iain J. Gordon D Target-specificity of feral pig baits under different conditions in a tropical rainforest Wildlife Research Volume 38 (5) 370-379
D. L. Taylor A, L. K.-P. Leung A D and I. J. Gordon B C [The impact of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on an Australian lowland tropical rainforest Wildlife Research Volume 38 (5) 437-445
Clive R. McMahon A E, Barry W. Brook B, David M. J. S. Bowman C, Grant J. Williamson C and Corey J. A. Bradshaw B D Fertility partially drives the relative success of two introduced bovines Wildlife Research Volume 38 (5) 386-395
Renee L. Brawata A C and Teresa Neema BIs water the key? Dingo management, intraguild interactions and predator distribution around water points in arid Australia Wildlife Research Volume 38 (5) 426-436
A. J. Veale, M. N. Clout and D. M. Gleeson Genetic population assignment reveals a long-distance incursion to an island by a stoat (Mustela erminea) Biological Invasions
Peter Bird, Greg Mutze, David Peacock and Scott Jennings Damage caused by low-density exotic herbivore populations: Biological Invasions
New PestSmart Publications
PestSmart Case Study: Effective rabbit control in pine-buloke woodlands Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Wendy Henderson and Mary Bomford (2011) Detecting and preventing new incursions of exotic animals in Australia Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra.
Media round-up
Foxes: Canberra's cunning critters
Smart, adaptive, numerous and hungry, Canberra's fox population seems to be on the rise. ABC North Coast NSW [Read more]
Mice numbers drop off
THE threat to southeastern Australia’s grain crops from mice appear to have abated, although sporadic damage has been reported by farmers. Weekly Time Now [Read more]
Tracking our feral animals
A wide range of feral pests are being tracked by communities throughout Australia as part of an interactive website project, FeralScan. ABC Mid North Coast NSW [Read more]
The Koala—saving our national icon from wild dogs
Urban residents throughout Eastern Australia need to know that wild dogs are having major impacts on koala populations in both peri-urban environments and regional areas. [Read more]
WWW catches cane toads and feral pigs
From toaday (today) you can go online <www.feralscan.org.au> to map where cane toads are jumping right across Australia and in your local area so as to better target them in pest control activities. [Read more]
Push for research funding overhaul
A leading scientist says Australia is squandering its intellectual wealth through a federal system of short-term grants rewarding publication of academic papers ahead of long-term research to develop and manufacture new products. Rosslyn Beeby The Canberra Times. [Read more]
Wave of exotic invaders stopped – more to come: new report
Australia needs a stronger national approach to protect our society, environment and agriculture by reducing the risk of new exotic animal invaders establishing in Australia, according to a new Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) report. Get Farming [Read more]
Dog days may be at an end: AgForce
THEY cost Queensland’s sheep and cattle industry $67 million annually, so eradicating wild dogs is something producers take very seriously, according to state agricultural body, AgForce. Queensland Country Life [Read more]
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011
- AELERT (Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork) 2011 Conference, Darwin Convention Centre 26-28 October 2011.
- 38th Natural Areas Conference: Adaptation and protection of biodiversity in a changing world. Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 1-4 November 2011.
- HWCC Conflict training: Analyzing and Transforming Conflict to Create Sustainable Solutions for People and Wildlife. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island, Hawaii, 1-4 November.
- 18th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. The Big Island, Hawaii 5-10 November.
- Ecological Society of Australia annual conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 21-25 November.
- Biolief: Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning. Mar del Plata, Argentina, 21-24 November.
- AMWS Conference. Bathurst NSW, November 29-December 1.
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
Welcome to issue 198 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends. They can subscribe directly by clicking here.
Roadshow dates released
The Invasive Animals CRC will be conducting a national PestSmart Roadshow in the first half of 2012. The information roadshow will showcase best practice pest animal management, including the latest innovations, brought to you by the species experts.
Dates and locations for the Roadshow are:
| JANUARY 2012 | MARCH 2012 | |||
| Monday 30th | QUEANBEYAN, NSW | Wednesday 14th | CHARLEVILLE, QLD | |
| FEBRUARY 2012 | Friday 16th | TOOWOOMBA, QLD | ||
| Wednesday 1st | FORBES, NSW | Tuesday 20th | ARMIDALE, NSW | |
| Friday 3rd | ALBURY, NSW | APRIL 2012 | ||
| Tuesday 7th | NARACOORTE, SA | Tuesday 17th | BAIRNSDALE, Vic | |
| Wednesday 8th | HORSHAM, Vic | MAY 2012 | ||
| Friday 10th | MILDURA, Vic | Tuesday 1st | TOWNSVILLE. QLD | |
| Tuesday 14th | PORT AUGUSTA, SA | |||
| Thursday 16th | PORT LINCOLN, SA | |||
| Monday 20th | CARNARVON, WA | |||
| Wednesday 22nd | KOJONUP, WA | |||
| Friday 24th | ESPERANCE, WA | |||
| Tuesday 28th | BOURKE, NSW | |||
More information about the PestSmart Toolkit and Roadshow can be found at http://www.feral.org.au/pestsmart/
Latest NRM Notes available on-line
The September issue of NRM Notes is now available online. This is a specialised newsletter that focuses on current pest animal projects, issues and events that are happening across Australia.
In this issue, you will find details and information about: Lachlan CMA manages goat impacts on Malleefowl; Responsible cat ownership in the ACT; Coordinated fox control in the Namoi CMA; Upcoming AWMS Conference 2011; ‘Reading the Landscape’ conference; Ferals in the Classroom workshop in Dubbo
See: http://www.invasiveanimals.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/NRM-Notes-Issue7-Sept2011.pdf
Out and about with PestSmart: Parkes Landcare Forum & Henty Field Days
PestSmart‐ a new set of resources focusing on pest animals and their biology, control methods, and long-term management techniques, composed by the IA CRC has been the main focus of various exhibits across NSW in the past few weeks.
PestSmart has been on display at the NSW Landcare Forum held in Parkes and the Henty Machinery Field Days which were held during September. The array of fact sheets and case studies look very impressive. There has been significant interest and uptake of the information by farmers, public land managers, catchment groups and teachers.
Thanks to all those we met at both Parkes and Henty, your interest and follow up contact is greatly appreciated and we will continue to provide up to date information and support to you all. See www.feral.org.au for more information and more PestSmart resources.
Carp plague Darling River catchment
The Invasive Animals CRC would love to receive your mobile phone vision of any and all invasive animals. For example, a YouTube video of the carp plague in the Darling River during August which the IA CRC issued a news release on which has garnered its own avalanche of media coverage. “Many metric tonnes of carp” all in one place is the comment by the camera operator, so do email contact@invasiveanimals.com with your invasive animals clip.
Click here to see the video
Participants Committee Meeting
Another IA CRC Participant’s Committee Meeting to coincide with our Annual General Meeting is to be held in
Canberra at the Belconnen Premier Inn, 27 October 2011, so please put this date aside in your diaries.
The Annual Award Dinner will be held the previous evening – 26 October and we are planning a special evening with a retrospective look at the past 20 odd years, and presenting the final awards for this CRC.
We will review the performance and achievements of the current CRC over the past year. There will be a substantial presentation on ‘Pest Smart Information Toolkit and Roadshow’ activities, with information on how we are getting our tools and techniques demonstrated and taken up nationally.
As we have got through to Stage 2, we also plan that the meeting will recap the extension bid, receive Program Overview presentations from the Program Leaders of the extension CRC and discuss preparations for interview.
We are also planning to have one or two guest speakers. Many of you will recall the excellent presentation made by Atticus Fleming from Australian Wildlife Conservancy a couple of years ago, and we hope to have another interesting address for you.
Please RSVP to Kate Lawrence on kate.lawrence@invasiveanimals.com by 1 October, and as soon as possible
Invasive Animals CRC Photography Competition 2011
For your chance to win fabulous prizes, send in your photos of one of Australia’s pest animals or the damage they cause? http://www.invasiveanimals.com/feral-photos/
Competition closes 31 October, 2011
Study suggests asking hunters to help control feral pigs
One of the IA CRC PhDs, Dr Carla Muerk now at the University of Queensland, was interviewed by ABC Radio this past week. Her PhD study called for hunters to be more involved in the management of feral pigs. Carla looked at 100 years of feral pig control programs in the wet tropics to find out why they haven’t worked completely. She says the different groups involved in management programs have consistently disagreed. Dr Meurk says it’s vital that secure, long-term funding is dedicated to controlling feral pigs. There also needs to be a new look at attitudes to hunting. “I think we need to start overcoming some of the cultural opposition that we have over the environment and find ways that we can make strong collaborative relationships,” she said.
The Australian Innovation Challenge
The Australian Innovation Challenge has extended its deadline (ie very few entries and apparently NONE from CRCs). You’ willll get good recognition, plus prize money is involved. Take things that have won previous awards (or come close) – so you can always recycle.
Click here for more information
National Zoo Biosecurity Manual
Reiss, AE and Woods, RW (2011) National Zoo Biosecurity Manual. A cooperative initiative between the Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Australian Wildlife Health Network, the
Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Zoo Industry.
Human dimensions of invasive species management: deer in Australia
Congratulations are in order for Adriana Ford-Thompson who submitted her thesis last week. The aim of Adriana’s research is to examine human dimensions in order to learn from and inform management practices, with a specific focus on Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in the Royal National Park, New South Wales.
Well done Adriana.
Publications
Seedling recovery on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island, after eradication of Pacific rats Rattus exulans
G. D. Haynes (et. al, 2011). Cryptic hybridization and introgression between invasive Cyprinid species Cyprinus carpio and Carassius auratus in Australia: implications for invasive species management. Animal Conservation, Online early. DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2011.00490.x
Media
Funding boost requested
CRC Association suggests whole-of-government approach to Cooperative Research; an additional $250 million over five years and positive design improvements. More
Push for research funding overhaul
Australia is squandering its intellectual wealth through a federal system of short-term grants rewarding publication of academic papers ahead of long-term research to develop and manufacture new products, a leading scientist says. The Canberra Times More
Mouse plague highlights need for new research
Australia is likely to experience the worst mouse plague in living memory by late spring-summer 2011-12 based on state government reports. The Young Witness More
Fox, wild dog bounty starts
FOXES and wild dogs now have a price on their head, with the Victorian Government’s fox and wild dog bounty underway. Northern Times More
A pox on the fox
COLDSTREAM lamb producer Guill de Pury has welcomed the reinstatement of a fox bounty. Mountain Views More
Fox bounty is back
Foxes and wild dogs now have a price on their head. The new fox and wild dog bounty came into effect on Saturday, October 1. Country News More
Project to aid mouse battle
The Grains Research and Development Corporation is spearheading a new research project as Australia prepares to face potentially the worst mouse plague in living memory. Country News More
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011.
- Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities Conference (AMRRIC). Townsville Queensland, 11 October 2011
- 2011 MDBA Native Fish Forum, Canberra, ACT. 18-19 October.
- AELERT (Australian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork) 2011 Conference, Darwin Convention Centre 26-28 October 2011
- 38th Natural Areas Conference: Adaptation and protection of biodiversity in a changing world. Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 1-4 November 2011.
- HWCC Conflict training: Analysing and Transforming Conflict to Create Sustainable Solutions for People and Wildlife. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island, Hawaii, 1-4 November.
- 18th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. The Big Island, Hawaii 5-10 November.
- Ecological Society of Australia annual conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 21-25 November.
- Biolief: Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning. Mar del Plata, Argentina, 21-24 November.
- AMWS Conference. Bathurst NSW, November 29-December 1.
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- Collaborate | Innovate | 2012 National Wine Centre in Adelaide from 15-17 May 2012.
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
Dear ,
Welcome to issue 197 of Feral Flyer.
Send the Feral Flyer to your friends.
IA CRC Extension Bid Update: Research Project Proposals submitted
After being advised that the Invasive Animals CRC was one of only 10 bids invited to Stage 2 of the assessment process for this CRC Program funding round, the IACRC management bid team and prospective project leaders developed four Research Project Proposals, which were submitted to DIISR last Thursday (15 Sept. 2011). The CRC Committee seek a sample project from each program (Land Pests, Inland Water Pests, Community Engagement, Commercialisation) within the prospective CRC. Developing the RPPs within the two week period was an intense process. As such, thanks to Dr Tanja Strive, Prof Steve Sarre, Prof Paul Martin and Dr Simon Humphrys for leading their respective teams in developing what I think are strong RPP’s that both demonstrate the quality of the research being undertaken and the calibre of the research team
The Carp are coming – the carp are coming – 4000% increase in one year
Hoards of young carp have recently converged below the Menindee Main Weir on the Darling River. The hoard is a response to the huge increase in carp numbers (by more than 4,000%) in the lower Darling River (below Menindee) during the 2010–11 carp breeding season, according to NSW Department of Primary Industries-Fisheries. The recent population explosion in carp underlines the importance of research through the Invasive Animals CRC, supported by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and using CSIRO’s research expertise to produce a strategic toolbox of carp control technologies.
The picture right shows young carp aggregated below the Menindee Main Weir on the Darling River, Nigel Harriss NSW Office of Water 2011.
The centrepiece – Australia’s first carp biocontrol agent Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV–3) which may be able to achieve an 80% plus knockdown of carp, without affecting native fish, is in the research pipeline. Other carp research from the Invasive Animals CRC has found that there are only a modest number of carp breeding “hotspots” within the Murray-Darling Basin enabling this biocontrol or other tools to be strategically and most efficiently implemented rather than being diluted over tens of thousands of kilometres of river. Media Release
IA CRC Tender opportunities
Design of sensor-triggered aerosol activator – Call for Expression of Interest
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) aims to create new technologies to reduce the impact of invasive animals on Australia’s economy, environment and people. One technology under development by the IA CRC and collaborators is a sensor-triggered aerosol activator and associated applicator.
Parties interested in tendering for the design of this automated sensing and aerosol triggering device are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to be lodged by 4:00pm (ACST) Friday September 30, 2011. Design and construction of prototypes is required by October 14, 2011, although negotiable.
Expression of interest document
Draft ACT Pest Animal Strategy open for comment
We are seeking input from the ACT and wider community on the Draft ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy. Individuals and organisations are encouraged to provide information and comment on any issues that they consider relevant, in addition to the issues identified in the draft strategy. Submissions must be made by COB 26 September 2011. More
CRC Submission on silver fox imports
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre welcomes the opportunity to comment on the submission to add silver foxes to the Live Import List. We strongly oppose this application on a number of grounds. The proposal to import Vulpes vulpes into Australia for use as a companion animal presents an unacceptable risk. http://www.invasiveanimals.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/IACRCSubmission_SilverFoxes.pdf
Social aspects of feral pig management PhD
Congratulations are in order for former PhD student Dr Carla Meurk. Carla’s thesis has been accepted and her award of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred on the 12th September and she will graduate in December.
Carla looks after the social aspects of feral pig management in the wet tropics of north Queensland
Click here for Carla’s story
Well done Carla.
Teacher guide now available for school education resources
PestTales and Feral Focus are curriculum based educational resources developed for secondary and primary school teachers and their students.
Pest Tales provides primary school teachers with a complete and up to date resource which highlights pest animal species in Australia, their impact and current ways of managing the damage they inflict on the environment, economy and people. A list of lesson plans, activities and interactive scenarios present teachers with strong links to curriculum profiles, including the new National Curriculum in science. Pest Tales is designed specifically for year 5 and 6 students.
Feral Focus provides teachers with a web based education resource which explains the characteristics of pest animals and the complexities of dealing with them in Australia. This resource has been developed for high school students specifically years 8, 9 and 10.
A ready to use teacher guide power point presentation introducing the issue of pest animals in Australia is now available from the homepage of both Pest Tales and Feral Focus. It comes complete with notes that teachers can talk to and can be used in the classroom setting.
Links:
- Pest Tales website: http://www.pestales.org.au/
- Feral Focus website: http://www.feralfocus.org.au/
IACRC/ACTA wins ‘Best Australian Made Machine of the Year’ award for HogHopperTM
Between September 6 and 8 the Invasive Animals CRC shared a stand with Animal Control Technologies Australia at Toowoomba’s AgShow, Queensland’s premier machinery and technology field day. With more than 700 exhibitors and 30,000 through the turn-styles the event is a sight to behold. The stand (pictured) was incredibly busy, with a great deal of interest in feral pig and wild dog control technologies, as well as mouse management products. Throughout the event Assoc. Prof. Steve Lapidge presented a well-attended talk Invasive animal management– what’s on the horizon? each day a 10am, 12pm and 2pm.
Read More http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/multimedia/27109/the-lands-farm-inventor-competition.aspx
Invasive Animals CRC Photography Competition 2011
For your chance to win fabulous prizes, send in your photos of one of Australia’s pest animals or the damage they cause? http://www.invasiveanimals.com/feral-photos/
Wild Dog DVD Launch
The Invasive Animals CRC, with assistance from the Australian Government’s Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences, has produced a new self-help DVD that shows farmers how to use traps in wild dog control. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig in launching the DVD said the DVD provides landholders with the capacity to be proactive and effectively control wild dogs to reduce their impact on their livestock/agriculture. Managing Vertebrate Pests – introduction to using foot hold traps for the capture of wild dogs and foxes includes State-by-State guides to regulations for the use of foot hold traps and provides a snapshot of proven tips and techniques from a variety of locations across Australia. It contains two hours of footage and was produced with the guidance of professional trappers to enable landholders to confidently undertake trapping as part of integrated wild dog control program. National Wild Dog Facilitator, Greg Mifsud said while some parts of Australia are well serviced by professional wild dog and vertebrate pest controllers many areas are not. “Landholders should continue to call on the skills of professional trappers in areas where they are available. The DVD will help landholders in cases where professional trappers are not available”. The DVDs will be provided free-of-charge at wild dog and fox management field days and trapping training courses conducted by industry, natural resources management groups and state government agencies. Copies of the DVD are also available free-of-charge by contacting the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre on email: contact@invasiveanimals.com or (02) 6201 2887.
DVD Link: http://www.feral.org.au/ifoot-hold-traps-for-wild-dogs-and-foxes-dvd/
Participants Committee Meeting
Another IA CRC Participant’s Committee Meeting to coincide with our Annual General Meeting is to be held at
Canberra at the Belconnen Premier Inn, 27th October 2011, so please put this date aside in your diaries.
The Annual Award Dinner will be held the previous evening – 26th October and we are planning a special evening with a retrospective look at the past 20 odd years, and presenting the final awards for this CRC.
We will review the performance and achievements of the current CRC over the past year, and there will be a substantial presentation on ‘Pest Smart Information Toolkit and Roadshow’ activities, with information on how we are getting our tools and techniques demonstrated and taken up nationally.
Please RSVP to Kate Lawrence on kate.lawrence@invasiveanimals.com by 1 October, and as soon as possible
French Student Looking for work experience
If any department is interested in working with a student from the National Veterinarian School of Toulouse in the invasive animal area please contact Sarah for her CV
sarah.cook@invasiveanimals.com
Awards
2012 Science and Innovation Awards – Grant applications are now open for the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. If you’re 18-35, this is your chance to apply for up to $22,000 to fund your project on an innovative or emerging scientific issue to benefit Australia’s primary industries. http://www.abares.gov.au/conferences-events/scienceawards
Rural Women’s Award – The Award is a fantastic opportunity for women involved in primary industries, who are keen to further their leadership development and make a tangible difference to their industry and become part of a positive network of like minded women. http://www.ruralwomensaward.gov.au/
Publications
New publications & resources
PestSmart: Management of freshwater fish incursions – a review – feral.org.au (2010) – Biotic exchange has been predicted as the main driver of global biodiversity change in freshwater ecosystems.http://www.feral.org.au/management-of-freshwater-fish-incursions/
PestSmart: Towards a national emergency response system for freshwater fish incursions feral.org.au (2010) Freshwater fish incursions are a significant issue in Australia and a major biosecurity risk to freshwater ecosystems.http://www.feral.org.au/emergency-response-for-freshwater-fish-incursions/
Australian Wool Innovation Beyond the Bale September 2011 Newsletter Local woolgrower groups are taking action to protect their sheep flocks against wild dogs. http://digital.wool.com.au/?xml=awi.xml&startpage=26
Robley A, Woodford L, Lindeman M, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 213. Ivone G, Beach M, Campbell I, Blair J, Lineham G, Peters W (2011) Assessing the effectiveness of buried baiting for the control of wild dogs in Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg, Vic. http://www.feral.org.au/?p=49109
Robley A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 217. (2011) Assessing the safe and effective use of aerial baiting for the control of wild dogs in Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Vic. http://www.feral.org.au/?p=49111
Woodford L, Robley A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 218. (2011) Assessing the effectiveness and reliability of a trap alert system for use in wild dog control. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Vic. http://www.feral.org.au/?p=49102
Media Round-up
Heritage Ag Show
THE 19th Heritage Ag Show will kick off against a backdrop of improved seasonal conditions, a batch of new machinery releases and the expectation of healthy crowds. More
Pricing, demand key to mouse bait
PRICING is emerging as one of the key issues in the current debate about mouse bait. The temporary stations are able to produce bait, using unsterilised grain, that is far cheaper than MouseOff, the permanently registered mouse control product. More
Cold, hard war at the end of the Earth
For well over a century, rabbits and rodents have run amok on this remote outpost of Australia, decimating unique flora and fauna and risking the island’s UNESCO world heritage status. More
Sort out mouse mess
THE CURRENT situation regarding mouse bait and upcountry baiting stations is fast becoming farcical. More
Mouse bait standstill
THE FUTURE of temporary regional mouse baiting stations is in limbo, with sites at Berriwillock in Victoria and Wagga Wagga, NSW, closed down following breaches of Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) regulations and others halting work as they reached their permitted production tonnage. More
Upcoming conferences
For more information on these and other events, please see details on our website.
2011.
- Wildlife Disease Association (WDA) Australasia Annual Conference. Meningie, SA. 25-30 September.
- 6th Annual Society for Risk Analysis Conference, Brisbane, QLD. 26-28 September.
- 8th European Vertebrate Pest Management Conference. Berlin, Germany 26-30 September.
- Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities Conference (AMRRIC). Townsville Queensland, 11 October 2011
- 2011 MDBA Native Fish Forum, Canberra, ACT. 18-19 October.
- AELERT (Australian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork) 2011 Conference, Darwin Convention Centre 26-28 October 2011
- 38th Natural Areas Conference: Adaptation and protection of biodiversity in a changing world. Tallahassee, Florida, USA, 1-4 November 2011.
- HWCC Conflict training: Analyzing and Transforming Conflict to Create Sustainable Solutions for People and Wildlife. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, The Big Island, Hawaii, 1-4 November.
- 18th Annual Conference of The Wildlife Society. The Big Island, Hawaii 5-10 November.
- Ecological Society of Australia annual conference. Hobart, Tasmania. 21-25 November.
- Biolief: Biological Invasions and Ecosystem Functioning. Mar del Plata, Argentina, 21-24 November.
- AMWS Conference. Bathurst NSW, November 29-December 1.
- International Congress for Conservation Biology. Auckland, New Zealand 5-9 December.
2012
- 25th Vertebrate Pest Conference (USA). Monterey, California. 5-8 March
- 4th International Wildlife Management Congress. Durban, South Africa. 9-12 July
- 3rd European Congress of Conservation Biology. Glasgow, Scotland. 28 Aug-1 Sept
- Fertility Control Conference. Jackson Wyoming, USA. 29 Aug-1 Sept
