The Wedderburn CMN has been conducting a fox-baiting program for close to five years now in the Skinners Flat block, Wychitella block and Wedderburn block of Wychitella NCR and also some on private property. This has been done in conjunction with DPI and Parks Victoria baiting programs in the adjoining landscape.
The baiting program has been successful in reducing fox numbers especially around areas used by breeding malleefowl. Some young birds have even been observed suggesting the reduced predation by foxes is allowing some recruitment of young malleefowl into the population.
In the recent months though there seems to be an increase in fox numbers with more baits than usual being taken from right across the baiting area, and quite a few foxes have been seen moving around the area. This is probably due to the beginning of the fox breeding season and the fact that because so many foxes have been removed from the Reserve, more foxes from outlying areas are coming in to the vacant territories.
The baiting program will continue on a monthly basis over the summer months, as this is a critical time for malleefowl breeding and young dispersal. Wendy is hoping to organise a more in depth community talk on the Wedderburn CMN’s fox baiting program in the near future for those who are interested.
The baiting program has been successful in reducing fox numbers especially around areas used by breeding malleefowl. Some young birds have even been observed suggesting the reduced predation by foxes is allowing some recruitment of young malleefowl into the population.
In the recent months though there seems to be an increase in fox numbers with more baits than usual being taken from right across the baiting area, and quite a few foxes have been seen moving around the area. This is probably due to the beginning of the fox breeding season and the fact that because so many foxes have been removed from the Reserve, more foxes from outlying areas are coming in to the vacant territories.
The baiting program will continue on a monthly basis over the summer months, as this is a critical time for malleefowl breeding and young dispersal. Wendy is hoping to organise a more in depth community talk on the Wedderburn CMN’s fox baiting program in the near future for those who are interested.
Article - WCMN Ranger, Wendy Murphy
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