Pest Control Success: Safeguarding Turtle Habitats from Feral Threats

Bush to Bay Weed Control has recently completed significant pest control efforts as part of the ongoing Nest to Ocean Turtle Protection Program that the Burnett Mary Regional Group is coordinating. These targeted activities, funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Queensland Government’s Queensland Reef Water Quality Program, were conducted at Wreck Rock Deepwater National Park and Moore Park Beach in Queensland, yielding promising results in managing feral pigs and foxes.

From August 13th to 26th, 2024, Bush to Bay Weed Control carried out a 14-day fox control operation at Wreck Rock Deepwater National Park. During this period, they successfully euthanized 15 feral pigs and two foxes, one of which was pregnant, highlighting the critical timing and impact of these efforts in reducing fox populations that threaten local wildlife, including endangered turtle species.

Following the Wreck Rock operations, Bush to Bay Weed Control continued their efforts at Moore Park Beach from August 27th to September 3rd, 2024. Over the course of eight days, the team successfully trapped and humanely euthanized 17 foxes. The traps used for these operations were smaller 1.5 Victor soft jaw foothold traps, meticulously prepared by pre-boiling to remove any scent or dirt and adjusted with pan pressure set at 1.5 to 2 pounds. Traps were set in flat and walkthrough configurations in shaded and covered areas, ensuring effective capture. Each trap was securely anchored to the ground with two steel pegs to prevent escapes.

BMRG is committed to enhancing the ecological health of the region by supporting native flora and fauna through the management of invasive species. The results of the recent control efforts underscore the importance of coordinated pest management strategies in protecting vital habitats and contributing to the broader goal of conserving the natural environment along Queensland’s coast.