Royalla Vertebrate Pest Animal Management Program

The vertebrate pest animal management program brought the Royalla community together to survey and control pest animals in their backyards.

Royalla Vertebrate Pest Animal Management Program

The vertebrate pest animal management program brought the Royalla community together to survey and control pest animals in their backyards.

Taking Action -

MEPAAW-SE-06

The issue

Coordinated vertebrate pest control is a challenge in semi-rural communities where landholders possess a mix of experience and abilities. Previous workshops have provided practical knowledge and demonstrated management techniques, however the need for lethal control by shooting can be problematic. Proximity to neighbours and firearms experience is a limiting factor for many and requires an experienced professional for safe control practices. Small scale properties also necessitate cooperation between neighbours for effective pest control.

The solution

A free coordinated pest control program was provided for Royalla landholders, with a professional pest control operator engaged. Information and sign-up sessions outlined the program and introduced Rob Gallina of Australian Feral Animal Control and Management Services (AFACMS), who was contracted to undertake vertebrate pest animal control. Landholders were encouraged to log pest sightings on Feralscan to map the distribution of pests throughout the area. Feralscan sightings help direct further surveys using a drone with thermal imagining capabilities. Control occurred over 4 days across 14 properties and council reserves. A wrap up community session provided the outcomes of the control program and options for future control.

The impact

The control program engaged with 33 community members and controlled pests across 16 properties. A minimum of 127 animals were detected using the drone surveys and 39 pests were controlled over the 4 days. Community support for an ongoing control campaign is strong and future programs aim to expand on the current area for control.

Key facts

  • 33 landholders engaged over 3 community sessions
  • 39 pests controlled across 16 properties
  • Ongoing control campaign

Project Partners