Protecting productive pastures from feral pigs is a priority for many landholders, particularly where feral pig activity is causing significant damage to grazing land, fences and waterways.
There are several methods for controlling feral pigs, including baiting, shooting and trapping.
Trapping is an effective control technique for catching large numbers of feral pigs. When undertaken consistently and properly, it can reduce numbers dramatically.
However, concerns about accidentally trapping native wildlife can make some landholders hesitant to utilise trapping as a control tool.
Local Land Services (LLS) biosecurity officers can assist landholders to plan and implement their trapping program to achieve effective feral pig control with minimal impact on other animals.
Using trail cameras and specifically designed Pig Brig traps, LLS biosecurity officers and landholders can monitor activity and adjust the trapping program and other control activities if required.
Biosecurity officers from one LLS office recently visited a property where the landholder runs both sheep and cattle and has experienced ongoing impacts from feral pigs.
During site inspections, officers observed clear signs of feral pig damage, along with evidence of feral deer and a variety of native wildlife using the same area.
Before trapping commenced, a trail camera was installed to monitor animal movements around the proposed trap site.
This technology allowed biosecurity officers and landholders to identify which species are visiting the area, assess feral pig numbers and behaviour, and determine the most appropriate time to begin trapping. Just as importantly, it helped ensure non-target species were not at risk.
After the Pig Brig trap was installed, trail camera footage captured a range of wildlife moving through the area. Monitoring this activity provides valuable information that supported informed decision-making and responsible pest animal management.
Pig Brig traps are specifically designed to target feral pigs. The flexible mesh entrance encourages feral pigs to enter while making it unlikely that native wildlife or livestock will become trapped.
Combined with ongoing camera monitoring, this target-specific technology provides landholders with confidence that trapping can be carried out safely and effectively.
The work has already delivered promising results, with feral pigs successfully trapped and removed from the property and no non-target species captured.
By using evidence gathered through trail cameras and proven trapping methods, LLS biosecurity officers are helping landholders reduce feral pig impacts while protecting native wildlife and other animals that share the landscape.
This science-based approach ensures pest control programs are both effective and responsible, giving landholders confidence that non-target species are being protected.
The experienced team of LLS biosecurity officers in the Central Tablelands can help assess feral pig activity and develop an effective, targeted control program that protects both your productivity and the surrounding environment.
To find out more about feral pig management, discuss trapping options for your property, and to obtain free grain to support your feral pig baiting and trapping programs, contact your local biosecurity officer at one of our 5 offices on 1300 795 299.
Bathurst
- Senior Biosecurity Officer: Mick Bourke
- Biosecurity Officers: Phoebe Reynolds, Ross Trudgett
Cowra
- Senior Biosecurity Officer: Grant Terry
Lithgow
- Senior Biosecurity Officer: Mark Simpson
- Biosecurity Officers: Mel Van Herk, Jamie Perry-Meijer
Molong/Orange
- Senior Biosecurity Officer: Emmi Macken
Mudgee
- Senior Biosecurity Officer: Amanda Turner
- Biosecurity Officer: Charles Knyvett
