The potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) on lamb production
Lynette J. McLeod A , Glen R. Saunders A B , Steven R. McLeod A , Michelle Dawson A and Remy van de Ven A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Orange Agricultural Institute, Industry and Investment NSW, Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: glen.saunders@industry.nsw.gov.au
Wildlife Research 37(8) 695-701 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR10082
Submitted: 18 May 2010 Accepted: 21 September 2010 Published: 22 December 2010
Abstract
Context: Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation has an impact on populations of many species throughout its range worldwide, and as such, the red fox is the target of control programs.
Aims: We investigated the potential for participatory landscape management to reduce the impact of fox predation on a major prey species, lambs.
Methods: The present study monitored fox-management programs already operating across 4.5 million hectares of regional New South Wales to compare the impact of varying (frequency and spatial coverage) control effort on lamb survival.
Key results: The frequency and timing of fox control was correlated with lamb survival. Lamb survival was higher in areas where fox baiting was carried out twice a year, in autumn and late winter/spring. Spatial coverage of the control program was also positively correlated with lamb survival. Properties that had near neighbours (up to 2.5 km away) participating in group fox-control programs had higher survival of lambs than properties that did not.
Conclusions: These results support the development of a high level of group participation in fox-control programs that considers both spatial extent and frequency of baiting programs. They also support a movement away from the reactionary, short-term practice of baiting small areas to protect vulnerable prey.
Implications: Coordinated group-baiting programs are likely to deliver improved lamb survival and should be promoted in areas where ongoing control programs for foxes are necessary.
Additional keywords: Australia, 1080 baiting, group control, predation, seasonal timing.
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