Pest Animals

Overview

Restricted pest animals are those which have been identified as having the ability to cause substantial damage to the agricultural industry and the environment within the region of Western Downs Regional Council.

Though several pest species exist, the species listed above have been declared 'High Priority Restricted Pest Animals'. All stakeholders, including landholders and operators should ensure that management actions for all high priority species are prioritized over all other.

Pests and pest activity can change over time as animals reproduce or migrate in search of food, water, shelter or due to climate or seasonal conditions. This page provides 'Heat Maps' for some priority pest animals which illustrate pest animal activity across the Western Downs Region, to increase awareness and understanding of hotspots of pest activity at any one time. This data is gathered using cameras located across the region as part of Council's national award-winning Vertebrate Pest Monitoring Program. As part of this program these maps will be updated quarterly.

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Wild Dogs

Canis familiaris, C. familiaris dingo, C. lupus familiaris, C. lupus dingo

Fact Sheet

Baiting Program

Council's Wild Dog and Fox Baiting Program offers landholders the opportunity to protect their livestock against the threat of Wild Dogs and Foxes, and reduce pest populations. Fresh meat baits injected with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison are offered as a free program for land holders 3 times a year in May, September and December. Alternatively, manufactured baits are available all year round for purchase.

To be notified of upcoming baiting dates, or to subscribe to Council's eNews which contains Rural Services information, email Council's Rural Services Team (ruralservices@wdrc.qld.gov.au) to be added to our email list. Alternatively, phone 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

September 2024 Baiting Program

Council will be offering landholders the opportunity to participate in the co-ordinated Wild Dog and Fox Baiting program from September 3rd - 4th September 2024.
RSVP by Thursday 29th August 2024.

Register Here

Or call Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or email ruralservices@wdrc.qld.gov.au to register your interest to participate and help aid in the planning of bait numbers, meeting places and times.

Heat Map

April 2024 - July 2024

Wild Dog Scalp Bounty

Council provides a bounty of $50 per Wild Dog scalp to encourage people to trap Wild Dogs

The scalp must be salted and dried before being handed in to council with a signed & completed Wild Dog Scalp form(PDF, 244KB) at any of our Customer Service Centres

NO RAW SCALPS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Wild Dog Trappers

Council has contracted Wild Dog trappers within the region. If you have a Wild Dog problem on your property these contractors can assist you, with their expert knowledge, by trapping your property to maximum effect. Contact Rural Services for further information.

Feral Pigs

Sus scrofa

Fact Sheet

Feral Pig Baiting

Council offers 1080 meat baiting as well as grain baiting to manage feral pigs. Landholders must provide their own grain to be baited.

For more information, contact Council's Rural Services Team by emailing rural.services@wdrc.qld.gov.au or phoning 1300 COUNCIL (268 624)

Heat Maps

July 2023 - June 2024

Aerial Control

Contract aerial shooters are another efficient method to eliminate feral pigs.

Local Landholder Pest Groups organise coordinated Feral Pig shoots at different times of the year.

For further information, Council's Rural Services Team by emailing rural.services@wdrc.qld.gov.au or phoning 1300 COUNCIL (268 624).

Foxes

Vulpes vulpes

Fact Sheet

Baiting Program

Council's Wild Dog and Fox Baiting Program offers landholders the opportunity to protect their livestock against the threat of Wild Dogs and Foxes, and reduce pest populations. Fresh meat baits injected with 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison are offered as a free program for land holders three times a year in May, September and December. Alternatively, manufactured baits are available all year round for purchase.

To be notified of upcoming baiting dates, or to subscribe to Council's eNews which contains Rural Services information, email Council's Rural Services Team (rural.services@wdrc.qld.gov.au) to be added to our email list. Alternatively, phone 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624).

Heat Maps

July 2023 - June 2024

Rabbits

Oryctolagus cuniculus Fact Sheet

Rabbit plagues are prevalent throughout parts of Australia because of their ability to reproduce rapidly. They degrade vegetation as well as soil. Rabbits are a major pest in Australia and cost the agriculture industry and environment $200 million annually.