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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 34(6)

Effect of a synthetic lure on site visitation and bait uptake by foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wild dogs (Canis lupus dingo, Canis lupus familiaris)

Rob J. Hunt A C , David J. Dall B and Steven J. Lapidge B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change, Parks and Wildlife Division, PO Box 1189, Queanbeyan, NSW 2620, Australia.

B Pestat Ltd, LPO Box 5055, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: rob.hunt@environment.nsw.gov.au

Wildlife Research 34(6) 461-466 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR05110
Submitted: 1 December 2005  Accepted: 16 August 2007   Published: 2 November 2007

Abstract

Application of synthetic fermented egg (SFE), via aerosol, to the surface of bait stations increased site visitation by wild dogs and foxes when compared with the use of buried baits alone. An associated increase in bait uptake by foxes at SFE-treated bait stations was observed when compared with bait uptake at untreated stations, although this effect diminished with time, possibly due to the use of non-lethal baits leading to the discovery of all bait stations and the habituation of animals to sites of reward. Bait uptake by wild dogs, although limited, occurred only at stations treated with SFE. Use of an aerosol based form of SFE allowed an ease of field application not previously associated with the use of synthetic lures.


Acknowledgements

The authors thank Geoff Deeble for initial production of SFE, Karyn Austin and Nicki Endt for field assistance, Simon Barry for statistical analysis and Peter Catling, Andrew Claridge, Doug Mills and two anonymous referees for comments on the manuscript. Field research was approved by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Research Consent No. RC 01/2003, Department of Environment and Conservation Animal Ethics permit No. 031215/05 and ACT Parks & Conservation Namadgi Research Permit No. 358. FOXOFF® is a registered trademark of Animal Control Technologies Australia Pty Ltd; FeralMone® is a registered trademark of Pestat Ltd.


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