Condobolin Fox-Baiting Incentive Program
Condobolin Fox-Baiting Incentive Program
An incentive to promote the collaborative actions of landholders in reducing this feral animal
Stronger Together -
LLCI011-011
The issue
Foxes cause damage to the natural ecosystem and the vegetative landscape. They prey on and cause injury to livestock, poultry and many species of native wildlife including many threatened species. In order to reduce the fox populations and the problems they cause many experts agree that we need to increase group control efforts.
Studies have shown that there are definite benefits in controlling foxes in a coordinated effort. The effectiveness of baiting in a group, especially with immediate neighbours up to 2.5km away results in a 20% increase in lamb survival rates, also if working together the area and period of protection from foxes is extended.
The solution
Money in the form of a rebate was provided as an incentive to promote the collaborative actions of landholders in reducing this feral animal. An offer of 50% off the cost of fox-baits when applied in coordination with their neighbours was used as incentive for landholders to work together and increase the effectiveness of their fox-baiting efforts.
The discount offer was promoted in the local newspapers of Condobolin and with a flyer that offered the discount to those who rang-in with their interest to be involved. The requirement was for them to have a group of at least three neighbours who were willing to bait together during the months of April and May 2017.
The impact
We were successful in getting six (6) groups of landholders involved in the incentive program. The groups ranged from as little as three to as many as twelve landholders prepared to bait together. Their details, including property names, areas to be baited and number of baits required, were compiled by the Landcare coordinator and given to Local Land Services Biosecurity Officers to coordinate the group effort. In total, 30 landholders were involved, purchasing over 4,500 baits and affecting an area of over 70,000 hectares.
This program provided an opportunity to establish partnerships between all involved landholders and their neighbours – some of whom had not worked together previously. Also, a strong relationship was formed between Condobolin Districts Landcare and the Condobolin CW Local Land Services staff. Working together to get invoices from farmer groups as they picked-up and paid for their baits made the reimbursement process simple and effective.
The impact of the baiting effort on the fox populations will only be realised in time.
Key facts
- 50% rebate offered for cost of fox-baits when baiting in neighbourhood groups
- Six (6) local 'fox-baiting' groups were formed
- Landholders are working together to improve their baiting outcomes
- This program also provides incentive for landholders to work together on other issues too