North Stirlings Pallinup Natural Resources Inc (NSPNR) is wrapping up the Expanded predator control program in the Fitz-Stirling Corridor project. This project aimed to protect and enhance populations of three important species – Chuditch, Malleefowl and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo –across the Fitz-Stirling macro corridor and surrounding farmland. This project is supported by funding from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
The objective was for the project partners, including NSPNR, Fitzgerald Biosphere Group, Wellstead Progress Association and Bush Heritage Australia, to collaborate to deliver a coordinated baiting and shooting program across the high priority macro corridor connecting the Stirling Range and Fitzgerald River national parks. The partners wanted to reduce the threat of predation from foxes and feral cats, and reduce competition and habitat destruction by rabbits, resulting in the improved conservation outlook for the target species.
Between January 2023 and May 2024 inclusive, the project undertook several activities:
• six community-led feral animal tally and community breakfast events targeting foxes, feral cats, and rabbits across the project area and surrounding farmland across Shire of Gnowangerup, Shire of Jerramungup, and the Wellstead region
• two volunteer feral animal shooting events targeting foxes, feral cats, and rabbits
• two Registered Pesticide (RP) training workshops in Borden and Jerramungup to support land managers to get RP permits to handle 1080 baits
• two nearby landholders undertook ground baiting targeting foxes with 1080 baits.
The project has resulted in 1004 foxes, 42 cats and 757 rabbits being removed from the landscape across and around the Fitz-Stirling Corridor, 10 landholders have started the process to get RP permits, and 80 dried meat fox baits containing 1080 poison were put out on two nearby farms. 327 participants and community members have been involved with the project’s activities.
The Fitz-Stirlings was identified as a Priority Place in the Australian Government’s 2022-2032 Threatened Species Action Plan. The Fitz-Stirling macro corridor lies within the Southwest Australia Global Biodiversity Hotspot. The 80-km macro corridor is home to a high number of endemic species and provides critical connected habitat for numerous threatened species. Biodiversity within the corridor has been severely impacted by over-clearing and predation by introduced feral cats and red foxes, with the latter identified as a key threat under the EPBC Act for medium-sized native mammals and ground nesting birds.
While NSPNR’s predator control project will soon draw to a close, it has fostered connections and knowledge that will allow NSPNR to continue to support landholders in the sub-region to control foxes, feral cats and rabbits. Contact Caroline caroline@nspnr.com.au 0437 248 206.
NSPNR extends our gratitude to supporters of the project including the volunteers, the Gnowangerup CRC, Yongergnow-Ongerup CRC, Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre, Borden Bulletin, Jerramungup CRC, our many feral animal tally sponsors, Shire of Gnowangerup, South Coast NRM and State NRM. Special thanks to Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and to Bush Heritage Australia, Fitzgerald Biosphere Group and Wellstead Progress Association.
