FERAL animals are creating challenges for farmers, native wildlife and waterways across Cabonne, with one local expert warning the issue requires a coordinated community response.
Baden Hart, owner of Aussie Hunting and Camping at Molong with wife Dee, said feral species including rabbits, pigs, foxes, goats, feral cats, invasive birds and carp were causing significant damage across farmland, bushland and waterways.
“They cause lots of damage to farmland, natural bushland, state forests, national parks and waterways,” Mr Hart said.
Wild pigs were among the biggest concerns and Mr Hart said their numbers were increasing across parts of the region.
“They’re devastating the ground with what they do. Turning the soil over, disturbing natural growth and impacting native plants,” he said.
“They’re closer to town than what people might think.”
Mr Hart said pigs could also threaten livestock, with the animals known to prey on smaller animals such as lambs and goats.
“They will eat carcasses left behind, but they have also been known to attack and kill smaller prey,” he said.
Foxes were another major concern, particularly because of their impact on native species and smaller livestock.
“They’re really dangerous to our native animals and our small livestock, such as chickens, lambs and piglets,” Mr Hart said.
“On my own property, in the last four weeks, we’ve removed about 30 foxes, and I’m only out a couple of nights a week. They’re everywhere.”
Other invasive species were also contributing to environmental pressures, with feral cats, Indian mynas and carp placing further strain on native ecosystems.
“We’re basically under attack,” Mr Hart said.
While control methods including trapping, baiting and shooting by appropriately licensed and qualified people can help manage populations, Mr Hart said the issue needed to be approached responsibly and humanely.
He said feral cats were often misunderstood but remained a significant issue.
“Once they go feral, they’re no longer a pet,” he said.
“It’s not the cat’s fault it’s feral, but it’s a pest that needs to be controlled.”
Mr Hart said professional shooters and trappers were available to assist landowners who were unsure how to manage feral animal problems.
“Here alone, we service a lot of professional shooters and trappers that get rid of rabbits, foxes and pigs,” he said.
However, he said controlling numbers was an ongoing challenge, particularly with fast-breeding species such as pigs.
“Pigs can breed very fast,” he said. “They can have between five and 12 piglets in a litter and do that twice a year. If they’re left unchecked, they multiply quickly.”
Mr Hart said one of the biggest challenges was helping people understand the scale of the issue when they had not witnessed the damage firsthand.
“Unless you’re out in the paddocks or the forest, you don’t see the damage they do,” he said. “You don’t see the impact on the land, native habitat or the animals that are left behind.”
Mr Hart said even people who cared deeply about animals needed to recognise the importance of managing feral populations.
“I am an animal lover, but when they get to those numbers and cause that level of damage, they have to be controlled,” he said.
Mr Hart said for long-term control, it would require a coordinated approach, with landowners working together across property boundaries to reduce populations and protect the region.
“The thing is, if we do something but our neighbours don’t, it doesn’t work. We all have a part to play.”
Mr Hart encouraged landowners experiencing feral animal issues to seek advice and learn about the options available.
“Come down and have a chat. We can introduce you to professional shooters or trappers or help you find the right equipment and information to manage the problem.”