The Terrestrial Products and Strategies Program covers a wide
range of species management issues. It represents a
continuation of some work begun in the Pest Animal Control CRC,
along with a considerable amount of new work. The delivery times
for projects range from one year to greater than five years.
Wild Dog and Fox Research
The Invasive Animals CRC will complete the
development of an additional new toxin for wild dog and fox
control, begun in the Pest Animal Control CRC. This major project,
if successful, will offer significant new opportunities for the
control of dogs and foxes, particularly in eastern Australia where
aerial baiting is currently restricted by non-target
concerns. Pestat Pty Ltd is leading the work on behalf of
Australian Wool Innovation Ltd, in close collaboration with a
number of key participants.
In addition to technical development of a new bait, research is
needed into increasing the overall level of dog control using
existing methods. Many agencies have a strong interest in
pursuing this area and a workshop of participants was conducted in
October 2005 to determine priority areas for future work.
Rabbit Research
The IA CRC is also involved in several projects to assess and
promote the continuing effectiveness of rabbit haemorrhagic disease
(RHD), also known as calicivirus. Latest data appear to support the
premise that the disease is of varying virility and effectiveness
in different climatic areas, and also that some rabbits appear to
have either an inherited or acquired immunity to the virus which
causes this disease. Australia's foremost rabbit ecologist
and RHD expert, Dr Brian Cooke has also conducted a literature
review and analysis of data to assess this.
Cane Toad Research
The IA CRC has taken a three-pronged approach to the issue of
toad research. Firstly, we are sponsoring a project to improve our
knowledge and understanding of the way toads breed, move across the
environment and their diet, habitat requirements and so on.
Secondly, we are investigating the viability of using the toad's
own toxins and pheromones to either assist trapping efforts by
drawing toads towards the traps, or to enhance or develop a baiting
program.
Our third project is using genetic modification of sex
determinants to cause female toads to produce only male offspring
— the so called 'daughterless' concept.
5.T.2 Cane Toad Toxic
Venoms and Pheromones
5.T.3 Daughterless
Toads.
Additionally, one of our participant companies, Pestat Pty Ltd, has developed a
fast-acting and humane spray product - HopStop® -
that acts to anaesthetise toads, with death occurring while the
animal is unconscious. Pestat is conducting further
field and stability trials and will then to proceed to
commercialise of the product.
Feral Pig Research
Initial feral pig work has focussed on delivery of a
commercial, shelf-stable bait, PIGOUT®. See
our Uptake
Program pages for details.
Further projects within the Terrestrial program include:
