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Ecology, management and conservation in natural and modified habitats
RESEARCH ARTICLE

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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