Fox control program success leads to expansion

Over the past 3 years the RTBCC has been conducting fox control programs using both soft jaw traps and Canid Pest Ejector (CPE) technology. Both techniques have been successful, although the latter is proving more adaptable and user-friendly.

With the support of Nillumbik Shire Council and Warrandyte Community Bendigo Bank we have been able to conduct three separate ‘proof of concept’ trials, refining our techniques on the basis of experience from preceding years. The extent of these trials has been limited by funding for the program, the major costs being for accredited contractors.

Based on the success of our CPE trials, Nillumbik Shire Council has approached us with a proposal to extend our fox control program across a larger catchment area. This would include facilitating training, including accreditation for handling 1080 and CPE, purchase of hardware (CPE components and camera traps) and assisting in the monitoring and administration of the program.

We have had preliminary discussions with BICA and Christmas Hills Landcare, with the objective of engaging with landowners in these areas to participate in the further trials. This is an exciting development which we hope will further control foxes in the wider area and protect our native wildlife.