Wild dog management 2-10-11 - Department of Environment and ...

Wild dog management 2010–11

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June 2012

Wild dog management 2010–11
Impacts of wild dogs
‘Wild dog’ refers to any dog living in the wild, including feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris),
dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) and hybrids of the two.
Wild dogs can have significant impacts on livestock, especially sheep. As a result, a pest
control order for wild dogs has been declared under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998.
Under the order, managers of controlled land have an obligation to eradicate wild dogs by any
lawful method. All land in NSW has been identified as controlled land.
Wild dogs can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment.
Predation by wild dogs can reduce the impacts of overgrazing in arid and semi-arid
ecosystems by regulating the abundances of native and exotic herbivores. Wild dogs may also
suppress the abundances of cats and foxes, thereby reducing the threat these introduced
predators pose to a broad range of small- to medium-sized ground-dwelling mammals and
ground-nesting birds.
Conversely, under some circumstances predation by wild dogs may have significant direct
impacts on threatened species, such as koalas.
Status of dingoes in NSW
Dingoes were introduced into Australia from Asia by humans around 4000 years ago. They
established across the mainland and on many offshore islands with the probable assistance of
Aboriginal people. Their introduction has been linked to the extinction of the thylacine (also
known as the Tasmanian tiger) and the Tasmanian devil on the mainland.
Irrespective of its origin, the dingo may be considered for listing as a threatened species under
the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) as it was established in NSW
prior to European settlement. Nominations to list both the dingo as a threatened species under
the TSC Act as well as specific dingo populations have been received by the NSW Scientific
Committee, but to date no determinations have been made. However, ‘Predation and
hybridisation by feral dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)’ has been listed as a Key Threatening
Process under the Act.
The current status of dingo populations in NSW is uncertain. Previously widespread, they
now appear to be largely restricted to the Great Dividing Range, coastal hinterlands and the
north-west of the state. Ongoing hybridisation with feral dogs poses the most significant
threat to their persistence in these areas, to the extent that the proportion of pure dingoes in
remaining populations is unclear. Wild dog control and loss of habitat also pose a threat to
dingo populations.
Schedule 2 of the Pest Control Order for Wild Dogs
To balance the need to control wild dogs with the conservation of dingoes, the pest control
order for wild dogs allows the obligation to eradicate wild dogs on lands listed under
Schedule 2 of the order to be satisfied through the preparation of wild dog management plans.
These plans must address both control and conservation objectives.
Schedule 2 lists 74 national parks, 28 nature reserves, seven state conservation areas, 144
state forests, four Crown land reserves and the Sydney Catchment Authority Special Area
(see Figure 1).
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Figure 1: Schedule 2 areas under the Pest Control Order for Wild Dogs (2009)
NPWS wild dog management programs
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (as part of the Office of Environment and
Heritage) undertakes wild dog management programs in many national parks and reserves
along the coast, Great Diving Range, Northern, Central and Southern Tablelands and in the
far north-west of the state. The main objective of these programs is to minimise the impacts of
wild dogs emanating from parks and reserves on livestock on adjoining lands while
conserving dingo populations within reserves listed in Schedule 2 (see NPWS Wild Dog
Policy). In practice, this is achieved by targeting control around the perimeter of Schedule 2
lands wherever possible. Management programs may also be undertaken to minimise the
impacts of wild dogs on threatened species and reduce the risks that wild dogs pose to park
visitors and staff.
NPWS works closely with the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, wild dog associations,
other public-land managers and park neighbours to deliver cooperative control programs
across tenure. This includes the development and implementation of wild dog management
plans for reserves listed under Schedule 2 (such as the Brindabella Wild Dog Management
Plan).
Research
NPWS undertakes applied research and field trials to build knowledge and test and refine
control techniques for wild dogs.
Research in northern and southern NSW on the impacts on spotted-tailed quolls of aerial
baiting with 1080 poison found that aerial baiting had little impact on the quoll populations
studied. As a result of these findings, NPWS now routinely uses aerial baiting as an additional
control technique where access from the ground is limited.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Research on additional control tools, such as the M44 ejector, synthetic lures and the use of
remote cameras for monitoring, continue to enhance the capabilities of existing wild dog
control programs.
NPWS is also an active participant in the Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre’s
demonstration project integrated canid management. This project aims to deliver strategic
management of wild dogs and foxes in north-eastern NSW through across-tenure
management plans supported by monitoring and research.
Summary of wild dog management programs 2010–11
In 2010–11, NPWS undertook wild dog programs in 338 national parks and reserves,
including 89 of the 109 reserves listed under Schedule 2.
Blue Mountains
NPWS maintains a pro-active wild dog program in the Blue Mountains Region through the
Oberon and Rylstone wild dog management plans and other local partnerships. Management
is undertaken in collaboration with the Tablelands and Central North LHPAs, the Oberon
Wild Dog Control Association, the Mudgee–Merriwa Wild Dog Steering Committee and
other land management agencies. This includes analysis of stock losses, efforts to increase
community awareness and participation, development and coordination of aerial and ground
baiting programs, management of a reactive trapping program in response to stock loss and
monitoring the effectiveness of programs.
The Oberon Wild Dog Management Plan incorporates Blue Mountains and Kanangra Boyd
national parks and associated Schedule 2 areas. Ground baiting has been ongoing twice a year
for the last 10 years in the boundary areas of Kanangra Boyd National Park and specific areas
of Blue Mountains National Park. In 2010–11, ground baiting was undertaken over 180
kilometres of fire trails. Contract trappers were engaged to target specific locations where
dogs were a concern to park neighbours. Community information days with a focus on wild
dogs were held in the Megalong Valley in conjunction with the Tablelands LHPA and local
government.
The Rylstone Wild Dog Management Plan covers the western boundary of Wollemi National
Park and part of Goulburn River National Park. An extensive ground-baiting program
targeting wild dogs is undertaken in these reserves twice a year. Ground baiting is
complemented by an annual aerial baiting program targeting inaccessible areas with a history
of wild dog attacks. In 2010–11, approximately 222 km of trails were ground-baited and 117
km of inaccessible perimeter aerially baited within the plan area and the remaining parts of
Goulburn River National Park. NPWS also conducted rapid response ground baiting and
trapping in these reserves in response to specific stock losses.
Wild dog management also occurs in Coolah Tops National Park, Avisford Nature Reserve,
Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and Durridgere State Conservation Area. In 2010–11,
approximately 80.5 km of trails were ground-baited and 22 km of inaccessible perimeter
aerially baited in these reserves.
Central Coast Hunter Range
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in Central Coast Hunter Range Region in collaboration
with the Mid Coast LHPA (through the Mid Coast Wild Dog Management Plan), Cumberland
LHPA, other land management agencies and park neighbours.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Under the Mid Coast Wild Dog Management Plan, NPWS undertakes an annual groundbaiting
program around the perimeter of Wollemi National Park, including Widden Valley,
Baerami Creek and Martindale. The Broke–Milbrodale area of Wollemi and Yengo national
parks is ground-baited six times per year, in part to protect key populations of the brush-tailed
rock wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). Aerial baiting is conducted annually in the Broke–
Milbrodale area of Wollemi and Yengo national parks and Manobali Nature Reserve. Aerial
baiting is carried out as part of a large-scale program coordinated by the Mid Coast LHPA.
The effectiveness of wild dog control in some areas is limited by a lack of landholder
participation and the number of absentee landholders.
Further south within the Cumberland LHPA area, NPWS undertakes an annual groundbaiting
program in most reserves. These works are part of a large coordinated program with
Gosford City Council, Forests NSW and key adjoining landholders. The program links a large
corridor of NPWS and local government lands, State Forest and private lands from the
Mangrove Dam catchment area through to the Hawkesbury River, including the wild dog ‘hot
spot’ Mangrove Mountain Plateau.
In 2010–11, NPWS responded to wild dog incidents involving livestock and domestic pets in
the local communities of Somersby, Mangrove Mountain, St Albans, Dooralong, Belford and
Colo Heights. In these incidents, NPWS and LHPA conducted strategic baiting and/or
trapping.
Far South Coast
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in many reserves throughout the Far South Coast Region
each year through cooperative wild dog management plans covering the entire region. These
plans include the Wadbilliga, Bombala–Far South Coast, East Monaro–Central Far South
Coast and Braidwood–South Coast plans. All wild dog management within these areas is
undertaken in collaboration with park neighbours, Forests NSW and the South East LHPA.
Almost all wild dog control on national parks and reserves within the region is undertaken by
the South East LHPA under contract.
Under the Wadbilliga Plan, extensive ground baiting and trapping occurred in Wadbilliga,
South East Forest and Kooraban national parks. To complement this, NPWS also undertook
aerial baiting in key areas of Wadbilliga and South East Forest national parks.
Under the Bombala–Far South Coast Plan, ground baiting and trapping was carried out in the
Tantawangalo, Genoa and Coolangubra sections of South East Forest National Park and in
Coolumbooka and Bondi Gulf nature reserves. The NSW Victoria Interstate Pest Animal
Working Group coordinates wild dog control in the border area.
Under the East Monaro–Central Far South Coast Plan, ground baiting and trapping was
undertaken in Badja Swamps Nature Reserve, the northern section of Wadbilliga National
Park and the southern section of Deua National Park.
Under the Braidwood–South Coast Plan, ground baiting and trapping was focused on Deua
and Monga national parks with complementary works occurring in Araluen Nature Reserve
and Majors Creek State Conservation Area.
Far West
NPWS works closely with the Wild Dog Destruction Board, Western LHPA and park
neighbours to control wild dogs in and around Sturt National Park. The program involves
ground baiting more than 300 km of roads and tracks in a 5–8 km buffer zone along the
southern and eastern boundaries of the park. (The dingo fence runs along the western and
northern boundaries.) Trapping and shooting are used where needed to target specific dogs.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
The program has been operating successfully since 1998 and wild dog activity remains very
low in the park. However, there has been an increase in activity across the far north-western
corner of NSW outside of the park. The Wild Dog Destruction Board considers this is mainly
due to sections of the dingo fence being washed away following heavy rains in early 2010.
Some sections of the fence, such as the Bulloo Overflow country east of the park, remained
under water for a long time, preventing the board from repairing the fence. This allowed dogs
to move into NSW from Queensland and South Australia.
In the Bourke area, landholders have reported an increase in wild dog attacks on livestock
over recent years, leading to the formation of the Ledknapper Wild Dog Action Group in
2008. The action group is comprised of concerned landholders, with support provided by
NPWS, the Darling LHPA, Western Catchment Management Authority, NSW Department of
Primary Industry and Bourke Shire Council. NPWS conducted ground baiting in Ledknapper
Nature Reserve in May and June 2010 and May 2011 to complement the regional control
program coordinated by the action group. NPWS staff attended all meetings and assisted
where required with bait preparation.
Reports of wild dogs on Paroo–Darling National Park in the last 12 months have resulted in
wild dog baiting across large areas of the park, especially in the northern sector east of White
Cliffs.
Hunter
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in the Hunter Region in collaboration with the Mid Coast,
Central North and Northern Tablelands LHPAs, other land management agencies and park
neighbours under the Mid Coast, (draft) Great Lakes, Upper Hastings and Barnard River wild
dog management plans.
The Mid Coast Wild Dog Management Plan spans 10 wild dog associations and two national
park regions (Hunter and Central Coast Hunter Range) and covers both Schedule 1 and 2
lands. Under the plan, NPWS undertook ground baiting in Barrington Tops and Towarri
national parks and Barrington Tops State Conservation Area. This was supported by aerial
baiting in Barrington Tops and Camerons Gorge state conservation areas, Barrington Tops,
Ben Halls Gap, Curracabundi, Murrurundi Pass, Crawney Pass, Towarri and Woolooma
national parks and Back River, Tomalla, Camerons Gorge and Wallabadah nature reserves.
Further east, NPWS worked with the Mid Coast LHPA, Forests NSW, the Crown Lands
Division of the Department of Primary Industries, Great Lakes Council and private
landholders to develop and implement the Great Lakes Wild Dog Management Plan. As part
of this draft plan, NPWS conducted wild dog control programs in Myall Lakes, Ghin-doo-ee
and Bachelor national parks during the year.
To the north, NPWS worked cooperatively with the New England and Central North LHPAs,
Forests NSW, Barnard River Wild Dog Control Association and private landholders to
implement the Barnard River Wild Dog Management Plan. NPWS conducted aerial baiting in
Curracabundi and Ben Halls Gap national parks, Curracabundi State Conservation Area, and
Tomalla and Back River nature reserves. NPWS and other agencies provide additional
support through targeted trapping of wild dogs and other reactive control measures as
required following discussion with stakeholders.
In the north-east, NPWS worked cooperatively with the Mid Coast LHPA, Forests NSW, the
Department of Primary Industries, Upper Hastings Wild Dog Control Association and private
landholders to implement the Upper Hastings Wild Dog Management Plan. NPWS conducted
wild dog control programs within Biriwal–Bulga National Park and Weelah Nature Reserve.
NPWS also conducted other wild dog control programs in conjunction with the LHPA, local
landholders and land management agencies in Wallaroo, Crowdy Bay and Columbey national
parks, Talawahl, Karuah, Tilligerry and Goonook nature reserves, and Medowie and Talawahl
state conservation areas.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Metro North-East
No programs required.
Metro South-West
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in the Metro South-West Region in collaboration with the
Cumberland LHPA under the Southern Highlands Wild Dog Management Plan. In 2011, a
specialist wild dog trapper was contracted to carry out an extensive trapping program through
the southern end of Nattai National Park and eastern end of Joadja Nature Reserve. Over 43
km of fire trails were trapped with 18 wild dogs removed from the park boundary.
Further north, a reactive trapping program was undertaken in May 2011 in the north-eastern
parts of the Burragorang State Conservation Area with a further six wild dogs trapped over 13
km of fire trail. This program was implemented in response to sheep and goat stock losses in
the Werombi and Oakdale areas.
North Coast
NPWS undertook wild dog control on parks and reserves in the North Coast Region in
collaboration with the Mid Coast, New England and North Coast LHPAs, Wongwibinda,
Jeogla, Brierfield and Upper Hastings wild dog control associations, Forests NSW, other land
management agencies and park neighbours. Works were conducted in accordance with the
Mid Coast, New England and North Coast wild dog management plans.
The Mid Coast LHPA did not initiate an aerial baiting program in 2011 due to insufficient
support from private landholders. As a result, NPWS increased ground baiting, trapping and
monitoring throughout the region. NPWS conducted ground-baiting programs in New
England, Kumbatine and Yarriabini national parks and Jaaningga and Ganay nature reserves.
Trapping was undertaken in Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve and Werrikimbe, Biriwal–
Bulga and Crowdy Bay national parks. NPWS also undertook trapping in Yarriabini National
Park and Fishermans Bend Nature Reserve in response to reports of wild dog attacks on
domestic dogs in the Stuarts Point and Grassy Head areas and baiting in Hat Head National
Park following reports of attacks on calves. NPWS also assisted private landholders with
ground baiting in these areas. Sand-plot monitoring was undertaken in Jaaningga, Ngambaa
and Ganay nature reserves and Yarriabini, Bongil Bongil and Dungirr national parks.
NPWS met with the New England LHPA and the Wongwibinda Wild Dog Control
Association in early autumn 2011 to plan control programs in Cathedral Rock and Guy
Fawkes River national parks under the New England Wild Dog Management Plan. NPWS
contracted a wild dog trapper to control wild dogs in the south-western part of Guy Fawkes
River National Park and the western part of Cathedral Rock National Park. Trapping was
undertaken in autumn 2011. Aerial baiting was conducted during May 2011 along a 12 km
run in south-western Guy Fawkes River National Park. Ground baiting was undertaken by
NPWS staff along the western boundary of Cathedral Rock National Park in June 2011. Sandplot
monitoring was undertaken in Cathedral Rock National Park.
NPWS upgraded the wild dog fence along the western boundary of the Cathedral Rock
National Park which now provides a continuous barrier from Guyra Road to Waterfall Way.
The wild dog barrier fencing program also continued along the south-western corner of Guy
Fawkes River National Park so that 95% of the fence between Aberfoyle River and Kangaroo
Creek has now been repaired or reconstructed. Over $600,000 has been spent on materials in
the Wongwibinda and Jeogla wild dog association areas over the last 10 years.
In response to wild dog sightings and attacks in early 2010, a contract trapper funded jointly
by NPWS and LHPA undertook trapping on private property to the south-west of Guy
Fawkes River National Park.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Under the North Coast Wild Dog Management Plan, NPWS conducted ground baiting in
Bagul Waajaarr Nature Reserve and eastern Guy Fawkes River National Park. Trapping was
undertaken twice in Yuraygir National Park. Baiting also occurred in Ramornie National Park
and Sherwood Nature Reserve in response to wild dog sightings in these areas. Sand-plot
monitoring was undertaken in Yuraygir National Park.
Northern Plains
There are few wild dogs in the Northern Plains Region with only two reports of attacks on
stock by wild dogs during 2010–11. In each case, an NPWS trapper was deployed to work
with landholders and LHPA staff. NPWS trapped one of the dogs and the attacks ceased. The
other wild dog has not been trapped, but it has been inactive since late winter 2010. There are
no Schedule 2 areas and no wild dog management plans in the region.
Northern Rivers
NPWS takes a pro-active approach to the management of wild dogs in the Northern Rivers
Region in collaboration with the North Coast and New England LHPAs, Forests NSW and
local landholders. Strategic wild dog control and monitoring is undertaken in parks and
reserves across the region in accordance with the North Coast and New England wild dog
management plans.
In 2010–11, access to some parks and reserves under the North Coast Wild Dog Management
Plan was limited by extended periods of wet weather and flooding. Nevertheless, long-term
spring and autumn control programs were undertaken in a number of reserves, including
Mount Nullum, Bungabbee, and Muckleewee Mountain nature reserves, Mebbin, Mount
Jerusalem, Nightcap, Goonengerry and Fortis Creek national parks and Whian Whian State
Conservation Area. In addition, NPWS initiated a number of new collaborative programs with
private landholders and Forests NSW, including around Mount Pikapene and Richmond
Range national parks.
Only a small portion of the Northern Rivers Region lies within the area of the New England
Wild Dog Management Plan. In 2010–11, 1080 baiting and trapping programs were carried
out in Maryland National Park in conjunction with the LHPA and rural landholders.
Northern Tablelands
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in a large number of reserves along the eastern edge of
the Northern Tablelands from Walcha to Queensland. Wild dog control is conducted in
collaboration with the New England LHPA, other land management agencies and park
neighbours. There are 11 wild dog management plans covering the Schedule 2 reserves and
adjacent lands in the region. Eight of these expired in 2010 and are being reviewed by the
New England LHPA, two are current and signed off, and one is awaiting final approval by
stakeholders.
NPWS undertakes ground baiting in spring and autumn each year. Aerial baiting normally
occurs in 16 reserves during early winter. In steep gorge country, ground baiting is reliant on
the use of helicopters and horses to transport staff into areas where vehicular access is
difficult. NPWS contributes funding to the New England LHPA to employ trappers while also
employing staff with specialist trapping skills. A local landholder with good knowledge of the
Macleay gorge country has been contracted to operate in the gorge country of Oxley Wild
Rivers National Park. NPWS has also organised and funded training schools for wild dog
trappers to assist local landholders and LHPA staff.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Expanding and repairing the wild dog barrier fence is an important component of the wild dog
program. In the Armidale area, NPWS has provided fencing materials to repair more than 10
km of the barrier fence bordering Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. In the Walcha area,
NPWS provided a new electric fence energiser and other fencing materials to support
landholders. This support takes NPWS expenditure on fencing in the Northern Tablelands
Region over the last 15 years to more than $1.5 million.
NPWS is a key partner in the wild dog demonstration project that is being run by the Invasive
Animals Cooperative Research Centre in the Northern Tablelands. The project is providing
valuable information on the movement of wild dogs to allow baiting and trapping programs to
better target problem dogs.
South Coast
NPWS undertakes wild dog control in collaboration with the Tablelands, Cumberland and
South East LHPAs, other land management agencies and park neighbours under the Southern
Highlands, Shoalhaven and Braidwood–South Coast wild dog management plans.
The Southern Highlands Wild Dog Management Plan was revised by a wild dog working
committee in 2010. The revised plan introduces new techniques, such as motion-triggered
cameras to monitor wild dog activity and M44 injectors and permanent bait stations to
improve baiting efficiency. The new plan also addresses landholder concerns about increased
stock losses to wild dogs in the Taralga area near Goulburn. In 2010–11, NPWS contracted
the Tablelands and Cumberland LHPAs to assist its staff to undertake baiting and monitoring
programs and trapping as required in Tarlo River and Bangadilly national parks, Wombeyan
Karst Conservation Reserve and the southern part of Blue Mountains National Park.
However, most of the wild dog habitat in the Taralga area is owned by private landholders or
other public land managers. Thus the new plan stresses the need to increase private landholder
participation in control programs.
A review of the Shoalhaven Wild Dog Management Plan is being finalised by a wild dog
committee. It includes new techniques for control and monitoring. The plan includes
Bungonia, Morton and Jervis Bay national parks and Nadgigomar, Parma Creek and
Wollomia nature reserves. Under the plan, extensive ground baiting was undertaken across
NPWS reserves by a combination of NPWS staff, Cumberland and Tablelands LHPA staff
under contract, and local contractors. Ground baiting was supported by the introduction of
M44 injectors and a move to permanent bait stations. Sand pads and remote cameras were
used extensively across NPWS reserves to increase monitoring and surveillance.
Under the Braidwood–South Coast Wild Dog Management Plan, a ground-baiting and
trapping program has been conducted in Morton and Budawang national parks and Bees Nest
Nature Reserve every autumn over the last 10 years. Aerial baiting has been carried out
annually in Morton National Park and Bees Nest Nature Reserve in a joint program run by the
South East LHPA. In 2010–11, additional contract trapping was undertaken in the Touga–
Tolwong sections of Morton National Park and Bees Nest Nature Reserve near Nerriga in
response to reports of increased dog activity. An additional aerial baiting line was added on
the western boundary of Morton National Park, north of Nerriga.
Southern Ranges
NPWS is a key stakeholder in 12 cooperative wild dog management plans in the Southern
Ranges (incorporating Kosciuszko and Brindabella national parks, Brindabella State
Conservation Area, and Bimberi and Scabby Range nature reserves). There is extensive
cooperation and support between NPWS and the Tablelands, South East and Hume LHPAs to
coordinate wild dog control in this area.
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Wild dog management 2010–11
Integrated wild dog control is undertaken in all cooperative wild dog management plan areas
involving a combination of trapping, 1080 baiting (ground and aerial), M44 ejectors and
shooting. A variety of resources is used depending on local circumstances including the use of
existing staff to conduct baiting, M44 ejector and monitoring programs; directly employing
trappers; contracting trappers; and sharing the costs of an LHPA employing or contracting a
trapper.
There has been a high level of success in reducing stock losses since the adoption of an
across-tenure approach to wild dog management. This is demonstrated by a decline to 2% of
stock loss in the Brindabella and Wee Jasper areas (when 2010 results are compared with
those from periods prior to the introduction of cooperative plans); 18% in Adaminaby–
Yaouk; 1% in Thredbo–Ingebyra; 8% in Dalgety–Paupong; and zero stock loss in
Goobragandra–Blowering, Rocky Plain–Snowy Plain and East Gilmore Valley.
Western Rivers
There are very few wild dogs in the Western Rivers Region and no major control programs
were required in 2010–11. NPWS is a member of the Palmers Oaky Pest Animal Group
which has maintained a twice-yearly fox and pig baiting program in and around Winburndale
Nature Reserve since 1985. The group reviews the need for wild dog control periodically and
instigates wild dog control as required in response to wild dog sightings and stock attacks.
The program is coordinated with the Tablelands LHPA.
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