Re: For the love of Luther

I haven't been on birding-aus for the past week so appear to have missed something re. 1080 (and I may end up thanking my lucky stars that I had).

With this in mind please keep the following in context.

While Fox control is critical for the survival of a range of native fauna this control itself poses a series of problems.   Repeated studies have shown that the control of foxes often (invariably ??) leads to an increase in cat numbers within the controlled area.  What is needed is a dual control program.  Unfortuneately, as it currently stands, the control of cats is extremely difficult as they do not readily take baits.  Shooting and trapping are very labour intensive and, except in very small areas, is just not efficient.

I'm not advocating the cessation of fox baiting - far from it, it's an extremely valuable tool.  I guess we just need to look at why these things are being done, weigh up the pros and cons, and move forward in the best possible manner.

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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