Coastal Fox Control Program protects native wildlife
Native wildlife that call the coastal bushland areas between Mudjimba and Peregian home are now safer thanks to the removal of 28 foxes.
Native wildlife that call the coastal bushland areas between Mudjimba and Peregian home are now safer thanks to the removal of 28 foxes.
Council and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service conducted the annual coastal fox control program between May and October.
The European red fox is a declared pest in Queensland, and the program is designed to control fox breeding activity and reduce fox predation on native species.
Council’s Team Leader of Animal Education and Control Anthony Cathcart said the program was critical to the ongoing survival of native species in the area.
“Through this program we’re working to protect animals such as water mice, ground parrots and endangered loggerhead turtles at the egg and hatchling stage,” Mr Cathcart said.
“In addition to the 28 foxes we removed from the northern coastal population, we also checked 112 dens for fox breeding activity and found no signs of breeding, which is a great sign that the program is working to reduce fox numbers.
“Over the 2015 and 2016 control programs, 60 foxes were removed which demonstrates good consistent results over the life of the program to date.
“When developing and implementing control program such as this one, it’s important that we can make data driven decisions.
“Now that we have data that points towards successful control outcomes, we need to assess the direct impact on vulnerable native species and their future existence in our region, this requires an ongoing commitment so it’s important that we continue this program and others like it.”
Environment Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the ongoing program would help protect turtle nests at this important time of year.
“Turtles are making their way back to our beaches to lay at this time of year, so anything we can do to protect their nests will give them a greater chance at survival,” Cr McKay said.
“This is the second year of the control program, and with no fox attacks on turtle nests last year, we hope the success of this year’s program will ensure that turtle nests and hatchlings will be protected from foxes again this season.
“I would like to thank the community for their ongoing support of this program.”
The program involves monitoring, pre-control, control and post control activities.
During the program period, control activities included foot hold trapping, toxin delivery using Canid Pest Ejectors, den searches using detection dogs and den fumigation.
The coastal fox control program was developed with significant input and support from Coolum and North Shore Coast Care, Biosecurity Queensland, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and private landholders.
Residents can assist with the management of foxes by reporting suspected fox dens to council on 5475 7272.
PROGRAM FACTS
Water mouse impact assessment
- 30 motion activated cameras have been installed to record fox activity at 10 active water mouse nests.
Pre and post control monitoring
- 39 monitoring sites were maintained to assess the effect of control on fox activity at Marcoola, Coolum Creek and the northern beaches.
Control
- Canid Pest Ejectors were installed at 33 sites and maintained for 14 weeks.
- Foot hold traps were set at 75 sites during the control period.
- Two den detection teams (including one operator and one detection dog per team) located and inspected 112 den sites.
Learn more about foxes and the fox control program.