Released 26/06/2018

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has just completed its annual feral pig control program in Namadgi National Park, with other programs currently underway in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Molonglo River Reserve and areas of Canberra Nature Park.

Over 275 feral pigs have been culled so far.

“Feral pigs cause substantial environmental damage. When feeding, pigs ‘root’ or ‘rip’ up areas of vegetation which can damage wetlands, stream banks and areas of intact native vegetation. They can also spread weeds,” said Director, ACT Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.

“The feeding behaviour and wallowing of pigs can have a significant impact on sensitive, high ecological value areas like the sphagnum bogs and montane streams within the water catchment of Namadgi National Park.

“An annual large scale control program to manage feral pig impacts, has been successfully carried out in Namadgi since 1985.

“Since the program has begun, monitoring has indicated that both the numbers of pigs and damage within the park has been significantly reduced. This, along with our other efforts managing other pest species such as rabbits, has been vital in helping protect the ACT’s water supply. It also helps protect a wide array of rare flora and fauna including corroboree frogs, broad-toothed rats, Macquarie perch, trout cod, and alpine plants.”

Mr Iglesias said great care is taking to ensure native animals are not impacted by the program.

Mr Iglesias said feral pigs are also a significant pest to farmers by ripping valuable pasture, damaging fences and killing lambs.

“This year we have expanded the control program beyond Namadgi to also work collaboratively with 20 rural landholders in southern ACT to achieve coordinated cross-tenure pig control. Landholders have been provided with best practice pig control training and appropriate support to achieve effective control of pigs on their land.

“This collaboration has seen a strong uptake and been a really positive development. The partnership has been made possible through the National Landcare Program, the Australian Government’s Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative and the work of the ACT Regional Landcare Facilitator,” Mr Iglesias said.

Smaller scale pig control programs are also currently underway along the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, Molonglo River Reserve and areas of Canberra Nature Park.

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases


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