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Management of feral pigs and deer is crucial to preserving natural and cultural heritage and water catchments.

Feral pig and deer management for the protection of native species in the Otways

Feral pigs and deer pose a huge threat to Australian ecosystems. They cause significant destruction to native vegetation which provides habitat for threatened species.

In 2020, the Conservation Ecology Centre received funding through the Australian Government’s Wild Otways Initiative to assess populations of feral pigs and deer in the Otways, identify regions where management is necessary to protect native flora and fauna and develop a strategy to mitigate the impact of the species across the Otways.

Read more about the Pig control program on the Wild Otways Initiative's web portal.

Researchers from the Conservation Ecology Centre collaborated closely with local Landcare networks and community groups for the deer control element of this project, which focused on increasing community awareness and connecting private landholders with Wild Field Game Harvesters to facilitate professional control of deer at a landscape scale. It is important that harvesters work with multiple landholders within the same general area. As deer tend to move between neighbouring properties, a unified approach is required for a landscape-scale approach.
It is important that landholders engage harvesters who are dedicated to undertaking the task in a professional and safe manner. Many professional harvesters will have their own public liability insurance and accreditations to operate specialised equipment, such as thermal scopes and noise suppressors, enabling them to undertake their jobs safely, efficiently, and effectively.

The research and monitoring undertaken as part of the Wild Otways Initiative confirmed that Sambar deer and Hog deer occupy the Otways. Previously only Red and Fallow deer were believed to be in the area.

Delivery & Supporting Partners

The lead consultant for this project was the Conservation Ecology Centre, led by Dr Jack Pascoe and Tim Wilson. The project delivery team included: Emma Birnbaum (Conservation Ecology Centre), James Templeton (Conservation Ecology Centre), Jack Swain (Conservation Ecology Centre), Peter West (New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, FeralScan Coordinator), Southern Otway Landcare Network, Central Otway Landcare Network, Upper Barwon Landcare Network.

This project was funded by the Australian Government. This project ran from 2020 - 2023.

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