Feral pig program implemented for Newrybar Swamp
An integrated feral pig control program is being implemented in an effort to make a significant impact on feral pigs in the Newrybar Swamp near Ballina.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said feral pigs are causing considerable environmental damage in Newrybar Swamp which is partially located within Ballina Nature Reserve.
“Ballina Nature Reserve is a protected wetland, containing mangrove and paperbark forests, and provides habitat for a number of threatened species,” Ms Wellman said.
“Feral pigs are recognised as a key threatening process at a national and state level because of the impact they cause from predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission.
“Feral pigs degrade habitat through selective feeding, trampling and rooting for underground parts of plants and invertebrates.
“Locally feral pigs are also causing a health and safety risk as they move across local roads and into the urban environment.
“To combat the problem, the Newrybar Swamp Feral Pig Management Committee has nominated a number of control techniques suitable for use within the Newrybar Swamp.
“The Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority is assisting the feral pig control program in the area with $6000 in funding for feral pig control on private properties.
“This funding recently supported feral pig control managed by the Livestock, Health and Pest Authority (LHPA), which resulted in six pigs, including a pregnant sow, being trapped and destroyed.
“In the Newrybar Swamp area of the Ballina Nature Reserve the National Parks and Wildlife Service will be utilising a new control technique to target feral pigs in inaccessible areas.
“This will involve the use of the NPWS helicopter to lay baits in these areas, which will occur during June.
“Further details on the program will be provided by the NPWS before the program begins.
“We will also be conducting monitoring during the baiting to measure the effectiveness of the control method.”
The baiting program is an initiative of the Newrybar Swamp Feral Pig Management Committee, comprised of reserve neighbours, representatives of the Livestock, Health and Pest Authority, Ballina Shire Council and the NPWS. The committee acknowledges the Northern Rivers CMA for its support in providing funds for this work.
July 7th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Hi there.
I was listening to ABC radio yesterday, to the interview with the ranger on this subject. She said the baits that were being used had 1080 poison in them. I live in South Ballina, where 1080 poison is used in the eradication of foxes.
I have looked up the effects 1080 poison has on these foxes, dogs, and other assorted animals, and is cruel, and inhumane. Surely there has to be some other way to deal with the pig, AND fox problem.
I have contacted Ranger Holly North about this, and have had a phone call in reply, but have since sent some written information about 1080 poison, because she informed me that 1080 is “the most humane way” to kill these animals. SO wrong!
I will do whatever it takes to stop the use of this terrible poison. Doyou know that Australia is one of only 2 countries IN THE WORLD, who still use 1080. What does that tell you.
Hopefully you will seemy point.
Gina Waters,.