I suppose it all looks different from other places. Unlike lucky Tasmania,
in the Southwest Slopes of NSW we have foxes, and no wallabies left to
poison. I am about to commence an extensive fox-baiting program for foxes
using 1080, with about a dozen neighbours. They are so bad, now that there
is no money for skins, that not only are curlews gone, but plover (sorry
masked lapwings) are becoming rare and I am sure all ground nesting species
must be suffering. Our local pair of Brolgas are battling to rear young
successfully. Conservative estimates suggest a fox density of 4/km2, and
we think there are more than that this year. And very few rabbits about at
present to feed them.
Reduction in fox numbers is seen in our landcare group as a major issue in
restoring biodiversity. All the tree planting and fencing and restoration
of remnant vegetation (box woodlands) has increased fox habitat too, so
control is a vital part of responsible land management. By placing baits
carefully and burying them we try not to have any impact on other species,
and dogs are kept tied up for the duration. We certainly hope not to kill
any non target species, but not controlling foxes is not an option if we
want any wildlife. .
Judy Frankenberg
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