940 feral pigs, 62 foxes destroyed

MORE than 940 feral pigs and 62 foxes have been eradicate from parks and reserves in a strategic pest control program in the Broken Hill area, says the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

NPWS senior ranger, Brett Norman, says the NPWS carried out control programs on all reserves within the Broken Hill Area including Kinchega and Paroo-Darling National Parks.

“Feral pigs were the primary target of the strategic aerial control program . . . ,” says Mr Norman.

“Feral pigs and foxes are significant threats to the conservation of

“Foxes prey on native wildlife and feral pigs can invade native wildlife habitat, including areas used by ground nesting birds and displace them from that habitat.

“These feral animals also impact on agricultural production with lambing losses and potential for the spread of disease,” says Mr Norman.

To support the aerial control program the NPWS has also conducted successful baiting programs in Kinchega and Paroo-Darling national parks to support aerial control.

The NPWS will be undertaking a further control programs this year in the Far West region, Mr Norman says.