The Efficacy of Finlayson Troughs as a Means of Repelling Kangaroos From Water and Altering Grazing Pressure in Pastoral Areas.

Abstract

We attempted to determine whether Finlayson troughs (a selective electric repellent device) would repel kangaroos (Macropus rufus and M. robustus) but still allow sheep to drink when access of kangaroos to artificial water sources was restricted on a large scale, and the effect that had on kangaroo populations. In late 1993 high percentages of kangaroos (over 80% of both species) were repelled from water sources fitted with Finlayson troughs when alternative water sources were available. However, when all water sources within a 100,000 ha area had activated Finlayson troughs or were fenced off, kangaroos found methods that enabled them to circumvent the Finlayson troughs within two weeks after activation of the troughs. The numbers which were able to obtain a drink increased greatly over this period. When used on a large scale, Finlayson troughs as used in this study were thus apparently ineffective in restricting the access of kangaroos to water. Aerial surveys and radio-tracking were used to determine the numbers and distribution of kangaroos over the whole area after activation of all the Finlayson troughs. There were no significant differences in kangaroo numbers between the treated area and a nearby control area which was devoid of Finlayson troughs. All 31 of the radio-collared kangaroos which could be located at the end of the trial remained within the areas they formerly occupied and the length of their movements did not increase.