Lower Blackwood
Feral Fox and Cat Strategic Plan
Acknowledgements
This project is supported by the Augusta Margaret River Shire’s Environmental Management Fund Grants.
About the Plan
For the Lower Blackwood LCDC to support the Lower Blackwood Vertebrate Pest Management Group (LBVPMG) to work collaboratively with landholders, plantation companies, DBCA, DPIRD, Traditional Owners and local government to undertake priority feral cat control work to protect the Scott Coastal Plain (SCP).
Feral Cat Focus - Protecting the Scott Coastal Plain is a 2.5-year State NRM funded project that will complement DBCA’s Western Shield baiting program by bridging the gap between control on private and public property. The main aim of this project is to control and restrict the extent of feral cat populations in the SCP whilst building capacity for the SCP and wider community to reduce the impacts of feral cats into the future.
We would also like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the area, the Wadandi & PIbulmen people who have a long association with the South West and its natural resources. Wadandi representatives, the Undalup Association, have been sharing their learning & knowledge with the broader South West communities for number of years, we recognise their continuing connection to the area, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. A big thankyou also goes out to all participating landholders for continued support and collaboration in tackling this important issue.
Executive Summary
Feral cats pose a large threat to the biodiversity and cultural values of the SCP.
The SCP contains two nationally important wetlands, a threatened ecological community and a number of registered Aboriginal heritage sites that all support a number of threatened or priority native fauna species. Through a strategic monitoring effort in their current feral pig control program, the LBLCDC have identified the need for a collaborative, strategic, multi-year control program in order to protect the area.
Feral foxes and cats pose a direct and immediate threat to this unique area and a multi-year, strategic and collaborative control method is vital to protect this landscape and it’s valuable environmental and cultural assets.
This plan will deliver on its vision by:
Implementation Monitoring
The implementation of control activities that will include seasonal trapping and on ground control operations conducted by two field officers from the LBVPMG. This includes tracking, training and ultimately control of feral cats and foxes across the Scott Coastal Plain.
A monitoring program will be established as part of this project to help continue to evaluate the situation and success of the project. Two on-ground monitoring methods will be implemented, these are checking activity transects for cat and fox tracks and a camera trapping program which will include a control and reference site under different vegetation structures.
Engagement Activities Awareness and Education
In order to raise awareness and build capacity of the Lower Blackwood community and SCP landholders, several engagement activities will be organized.
Workshops will be held to raise awareness and educate landholders and showcase yearly results.
Community of Practice Showcase
Ongoing community consultation will be established, A Community of Practice (CoP) will be developed between LBVPMG, The Lower Blackwood LCDC and the SCP landholders to ensure on ground activities are coordinated and resources are used most effectively.
The Knowledge gained from the project will be presented through a project showcase and case study in the final stages of the project. This will include analysis of monitoring data, community guides for detecting and controlling feral cats and foxes and the provision of a resource toolkit for Lower Blackwood community members and the SCP landholders.
Project Framework
On ground best practice management and monitoring of feral cats and foxes in
the Scott Coastal Plain
Community engagement and education
Building capacity of landholders in the Scott Coastal Plain
Anticipated
Outcomes
Regional and coordinated feral fox and cat management, applied by the LBVPMG
with support from local landholders, DBCA and DPIRD to manage, feral cat and fox populations in the Scott Coastal Plain
The effective long-term protection of threatened environmental assets in the Scott Coastal Plain
Increased land holder capacity and capability to collaboratively manage feral cat and fox impacts in the Scott Coastal Plain
Enhanced community awareness leading to sustained action and investment over the long term.
Plan Summary Table
Goal To implement a multi-year, strategic and collaborative feral cat control program (including monitoring and evaluation) in the SCP
Objective Feral cats controlled over the 42,300ha priority area of the Scott Coastal Plain (including the Gingilup-Jasper wetlands and the Scott National Park
Action 2.5-year, strategic and collaborative feral cat control program
Objective Establishing feral cat monitoring sites in the SCP and collecting population and distribution data
Objective Continued use and development of the FeralScan mapping tool to map all feral cat and fox control and sightings
Action Camera and transect monitoring to analyse Feral cat and fox activity as well as native fauna presence and estimate efficacy of control actions.
Goal To manage the impact of feral cats into the Scott National Park (at the Western end of the SCP)
Objective Investigations of all available control methods including feasibility study of using Felixers.
Objective Coordinated seasonal trapping programs with ongoing call out response
Action Coordinated 10 night shoot programs post DBCA’s aerial baiting events
Action Trapping for 26 weeks annually, trapping and shooting in response to landholder callouts.
Goal To build capacity in Lower Blackwood landholders (including SCP landholders) to monitor and control feral cats on their own property
Objective Developing and extending the Feral Cat Focus Resource Toolkit
Action Establishment of a SCP Feral animal Community of Practice (CoP)
Action Publication of Landholder Guide to feral cat and fox control
Goal To raise awareness in the Lower Blackwood community (including SCP landholders) of the issues and impacts of feral cats
Objective Enhance community awareness of impacts of feral foxes and cats
Action Implementation of the Communications and Engagement Plan
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Project Area
The Augusta Margaret River Shire (AMR Shire) is part of the Busselton to Augusta National Biodiversity Hotspot and the International South West Hotspot. There are 28 Declared Threatened Fauna species present in the AMR Shire.
The SCP is a 105000 hectare area in south west Western Australia. The SCP is incredibly special and unique, both environmentally and culturally. The Scott River Ironstone Threatened Ecological Community is also present within the SCP. There are 26 fauna species listed as threatened, priority or under protection in the SCP such as the Australasian Bitten (Endangered), the Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo (Vulnerable) and the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Endangered).
The Blackwood River (Lower Reaches) and Tributaries System and the Gingilup-Jasper wetland system are both nationally important wetlands. Native vegetation in the Gingilup Nature Reserve is in excellent condition providing habitat for a diversity of fauna and supporting a number of species of Declared Rare Flora (DRF). On the Western side of the SCP is the Scott National Park which includes a large number of Priority Species and DRF. The Scott National Park contains wetland areas under consideration for a relocation program for the Western Swamp Tortoise. A large proportion of the Scott National Park is considered to be in pristine condition with no or little evidence of pig populations or activity. Culturally, the whole of the Blackwood River system (including the Scott River) is a registered Aboriginal heritage site and the SCP is home to the Kybra rock site which is under direct threat from nearby pig populations.
Feral Fox and Cat Impacts
Feral cats present a very significant threat to the survival of many native species including small mammals, birds and reptiles. Australia has over 80 endangered or threatened species that are at risk from feral cat predation. They are a declared species under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). Feral cats have been implicated in extinctions of Australian native animals as they are such prolific hunters. Feral cats are a declared pest in WA under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act). Feral cats are defined as cats that live and reproduce in the wild and survive by hunting or scavenging. They are found in all WA habitats including forests, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands, heathlands, and arid areas. They live as wild animals independent of people, and their behaviour is often different from domestic or stray cats, i.e. unlikely to ever display socialised behaviour or willingness to be in the presence of humans.
Predation by feral cats is listed as a key threatening process under section 188 of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and referred to in the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2022). Feral cats are recognised as a potential threat to 74 mammal species and sub-species, 40 birds, 21 reptiles and four amphibians, and have played a significant role in 27 of the 47 extinctions of Australian fauna. Negative impacts of feral cats on WA native fauna occur through direct predation and by competition when there is a dietary overlap with species such as the chuditch. Predation by feral cats has also hindered native fauna reintroduction programs. Cats and Foxes competitively with each other as well as, lizards and quolls. When foxes or cats are removed through control programs, other predators can potentially increase in numbers. They could in turn have a great impact on the prey species in that particular environment. Emerging evidence supporting this concept, this highlights the importance of considering whole ecosystem dynamics when managing foxes for positive conservation outcomes.
Feral Fox and Cat Management Techniques
Managing feral cats and foxes effectively is a challenging, time and resource intensive task. The best practice management methods that comply with national welfare codes and standard operating procedures include; cage trapping, baiting, fencing and shooting. All control and monitoring activities will be conducted in consultation with the relevant or affected stakeholders, including private landholders and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
The LBVPMG, with the support of the Lower Blackwood LCDC, can enable land holders to develop skills through technical training, ongoing support and collaborative management efforts. The utilisation of technical monitoring strategies including the use of GPS equipment, remote cameras, data collection, analysis, and management combined with safe use of firearms and toxic baits is essential for effective management of feral cat populations. Monitoring relative abundance before and after control work with an array of field cameras across multiple vegetation structures. Feral cat and fox activity will be monitored before during and after the control actions along with sightings of feral predator prey species to determine the effect of control actions and ultimately the success of the control program.
The Felixirtm will be trialled in the SCP as part of the State NRM funded Feral Cat Focus. The Felixertm is an automated Feral Cat Grooming Trap. The use of innovative sensors distinguishes target feral cats and/or foxes from nontarget wildlife. The unit uses an array of LiDAR beams to detect the shape and movement of a feral cat and sprays a lethal dose of 1080 toxin in a gel form the feral cats. The feral cat then meticulously grooms itself, removing the gel and in doing so ingests a lethal dose of the poison. Given the used of 1080 relevant training and licences will be required.
Analysis of Current Situation
Feral Fox and Cat Management Techniques
Rabbits are a major food source for feral foxes and feral cats. If feral foxes or feral cats rely on rabbits as a main portion of their diet, controlling foxes or cats without controlling rabbits can lead to an increase in rabbit numbers, which can then facilitate a rapid recovery for fox or cat populations. By decreasing the amount of alternative food available, rabbit control can also increase the effectiveness of fox or cat control programs. While it is known that rabbits are present in the Lower Blackwood area, local rabbit populations need to be investigated further to determine whether they are a main dietary component for feral foxes or cats in the area.
DBCA’s Western Shield program is landscape-scale feral predator management program. Western Shield aims to protect native species, primarily small and medium-sized mammals and some ground-nesting birds and reptiles, that are vulnerable to predation by foxes and feral cats, primarily through 1080 baiting. The Map below shows the areas in the lower south west that are currently routinely aerially baited for management of feral predators. It includes Gingalup Swamps Nature Reserve and Scott National Park also includes Chester and Pegett Nature Reserves in the SCP.
There are currently no targeted trapping or shooting programs in the SCP including Augusta-Margaret River and Nannup shires recognised by the Western Australian Feral Cat Working Group (WAFCWG). The South West NRM are successfully trialling Felixers in the Upper Warren Region and currently have data showing a significant reduction in cat activity in relatively short time periods. This supports the feasibility study of a Felixer in the SCP proposed in this plan.
Strengths
LBVPMG have excellent on ground experience working in the SCP, with an impressive track record of managing feral pig impacts with limited funding to date.
Through control activities and monitoring work conducted as part of the Feral Pig Focus project, the LBVPMG have identified key areas of concern in the Scott Coastal Plain. Areas which have significant feral fox and cat activity in areas of high conservation and cultural values.
The project has been designed so that in the drier months of the year a 6-month trapping season will be implemented for each of the project years to ensure that the SCP is as accessible as possible.
The LBVMPG field officers have long term experience working in the SCP and choosing suitable locations to place traps. Trap locations will be moved to ensure maximum impact based on more monitoring data, landholder reports and on ground investigations.
The field officers have already established great relationships with local landholders.
The LCDC have effective communication networks established to extend information.
Weaknesses
Monitoring of the impacts and abundance of vertebrate pests is critical in determining whether a management program has been successful. While simple in theory being able to measure the difference can be challenging and resource intensive.
The Scott Coastal Plain can get extremely wet in the winter months in places, which has an impact on control activities as it limits access for the field officers to key trapping locations.
Large areas of the SCP are also very inaccessible due to vegetation or changes in land tenure across certain landscapes.
Landholders, both public and private are resource and time poor with a general lack of available staff in the area, on ground activity and passive surveillance can be challenging.
Given the estimated population size and challenging working environments it is expected that ongoing management will be required to reduce feral cat and fox impacts as opposed to complete eradication of the feral predator populations over the life of this project.
Opportunities Threats
Continued multi-year funding at an appropriate level to address the real and immediate threat of feral predators in this region is a must. The WA Feral Cat Strategy 2023-28 aims to “Increase tenure-blind feral cat management delivered in and around areas of high conservation value” There is an opportunity to create a well organised and coordinated program that becomes a cost-effective solution to managing impacts of feral predators in the SCP
Coordination with DBCA’s Western Shield program will close the gap in feral cat and fox control across the SCP as complimentary control actions will be able to be undertaken across private land in the SCP enhancing the value of both programs.
2.5 consecutive years of control, monitoring and data collection will give a great insight into both the extent of the feral predator impact and the ability to manage feral predator populations in this challenging environment.
It is expected that this project will see the LBVPMG working in collaboration with landholders, plantation companies, DBCA, DPIRD, Traditional Owners and local government to undertake priority feral cat and fox control and monitoring work to protect the SCPs environmental hotspots.
Continuity will be key to ensure the long-term success of this project, the aims of this project are to create an active network of landholders, Government organisations and field experts that will be able to collaboratively manage the SCP into the future.
There is an opportunity to collaborate with surrounding land management organisations for the effective and more strategic control of feral predators within the South West of Western Australia. Organisations could include Southern Forest Landcare Group and the Blackwood Basin Group.
Under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 feral cats and foxes are declared pests in WA and are widespread and generally abundant throughout much of the jarrah forest and southern forests in the South West.
It is estimated that annual population reductions of >70% are not being achieved for the successful management of this pest species in the SCP.
There is a significant threat that without effective management, the Scott National Park could become severely impacted by feral pig activity.
Lack of engagement from landholders and or stakeholders.
Feral predators do not respect human derived boundaries including local government areas and the ability to manage the impact within the SCP is directly affected by management in surrounding areas.
While all cats present a very real threat to native fauna only feral cats are classified as a declared pest. Public perception for the notion of cats as pets can affect public awareness of the severe environmental impacts directly caused by feral cats.
Theft and vandalism of monitoring and trapping equipment is a real threat that can affect both control activity but also the accuracy of monitoring programs.
Exposure to poison baiting to non- target animals as well as field officers, there is a strict training and licensing protocols for the use of any poison baits for the control of feral predators.
Goals and Outcomes
This project will allow a long-term, strategic and collaborative approach to controlling feral cats and foxes in the SCP, protecting the high value environmental and cultural assets and importantly reducing their encroachment on the Scott National Park.
This project will address the impact of feral predators in the SCP and aim to compliment the broadscale baiting program Western Shield, and protect vulnerable ecological values especially in the Scott National Park.
The goals of this project are:
1.
To implement a multi-year, strategic and collaborative feral cat and fox control program (including monitoring and evaluation) in the SCP
2.
To manage the impact of feral cats into the Scott National Park (at the Western end of the SCP)
3. 4.
To build capacity in Lower Blackwood landholders (including SCP landholders) to monitor and control feral cats on their own property
To raise awareness in the Lower Blackwood community (including SCP landholders) of the issues and impacts of feral cats
The outcomes of this project are:
1. 2. 3. 4.
To implement a multi-year, strategic and collaborative feral cat and fox control program (including monitoring and evaluation) in the SCP
To manage the impact of feral cats into the Scott National Park (at the Western end of the SCP)
To build capacity in Lower Blackwood landholders (including SCP landholders) to monitor and control feral cats on their own property
To raise awareness in the Lower Blackwood community (including SCP landholders) of the issues and impacts of feral cats
Project Activities
The Project will run over 2.5 years with the Lower Blackwood LCDC and LBVPMG working collaboratively with key stakeholders. The threat of feral cats to the SCP will be addressed by implementing three seasonal control (including monitoring and evaluation) programs, build capacity in Lower Blackwood landholders (including SCP landholders) to monitor and control feral cats and foxes on their own property and raise awareness in the Lower Blackwood community (including SCP landholders) of the issues and impacts of feral cats and foxes.
Project Components Objectives and Actions Key
Milestones
Responsibility
Goals
• To implement a multi-year, strategic and collaborative feral cat control program (including monitoring and evaluation) in the SCP
• To reduce the spread of feral cats from private property into the Scott National Park (at the Western end of the SCP)
• To compliment feral cat and fox control work conducted through the Western Shield project
Monitoring
and Mapping
A monitoring program will be implemented for the duration of the project.
• Identifying priority areas and dividing the project area into zones.
• Installing 3 camera traps at strategic locations within each zone to monitor cat and fox activity or detect prey species in each zone area across the SCP.
• Yearly landholder surveys will be conducted to collect further information on feral cat and fox sightings, cat and fox impacts seen, any control activities conducted.
zone baselines established
LCDC Field Officer with Support from DBCA, DPIRD and LBVPMG
November 2024 to be continued for life of project
Number of zones established
Camera monitoring points established
LCDC Field Officer with Support from DBCA, DPIRD and LBVPMG
November 2024 to be continued for life of project
Number of Camera Monitoring points
Trapping
• Feral cat and fox sightings, impacts and control activities will be recorded and mapped in FeralScan. Landholders will be encouraged through the LCDC website and during engagement events to upload any sightings.
• Once a body of data has been collated analysis will commence to determine the performance of the program, the extent of the issue and help guide future control efforts in the SCP.
Evaluation of trapping, shooting and baiting activities and effects on feral cat and fox activity in SCP.
LCDC Field Officer with Support from DBCA, DPIRD and LBVPMG
Showcase 2027
Evaluation of monitoring data - Ability to estimate effectiveness of trapping, shooting and baiting activities
- Perceptions of feral cat and fox activity
LBVPMG Field officers will undertake a strategic trapping program at key locations in the SCP from November–July each year. Activities will include;
• Routine visual monitoring for feral cat and fox activity and response to landholders’ information will determine where to prioritise trapping and shooting efforts.
• Daily checking of cage traps where priority areas have been identified A camera will be set up to inform number of cats or foxes present at each trapping site.
• Trapping will be conducted using a total of approximately 10 traps. These traps will be able to be deployed at one time and will be kept in place until it is assessed that it is unlikely more feral cats or foxes will be caught.
• New areas will be chosen based on monitoring data, landholder input and field officer inspections.
Annual Progress Reports
Year 1 control program
LBVPMG with support from DBCA,
Year 2 control program
LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers and SCP CoP
Post trapping season each year to be presented with workshops/ showcase for each corresponding year
January 2025 – June 2025
Year 3 control program
LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers and SCP CoP
November 2025 – June 2026
Number of officer hours expended
LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers and SCP CoP
November 2026 – June 2027
Estimated percentage of population controlled
Number of feral cats and foxes removed from the SCP.
Feral cat and fox Baiting and Shooting
Concurrently with trapping, baiting and shooting activities will be implemented across the SCP, these activities will be coordinated to support and enhance baiting programs conducted by DBCA in the adjacent reserves in the SCP the LBVPMG will also respond to landholders’ callouts for ad hoc control. Investigation of the feasibility of Felixer feral cat grooming traps in the SCP.
• Ground shooting will be conducted in areas where trapping is not a viable option due to likely disturbance or lack of suitable cover.
• LBVPMG Field officers will also respond to landholder call outs during the trapping season where resources permit.
• LBVPMG Field officers will also further implement strategic 10 night shooting programs in coordination with DBCA routine baiting programs.
• A Felixer feral cat grooming trap may be trialled in the SCP to determine the efficacy of the technology in the SCP
Response to landholder call outs LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers and SCP CoP
Coordinated shooting program LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers
Where needed through call outs and non-trapping season. Call out responses - Feral cats and foxes removed
Post DBCA baiting program Shoot nights and cats removed
Felixer feral cat grooming trap trial LBVPMG with support from LCDC Field Officers
During the course of the trapping seasons Cats removed using Felixer feral cat grooming trap, input hours
• Promotion of a ‘Report a Feral’ webpage and registrations on Feral Scan.
• Building the capacity of SCP landholders by establishing a SCP Feral Animal Community of Practice (CoP). The SCP CoP will be facilitated by the project officer and will ensure collaborative control across the region.
SCP Community of Practice A Felixer feral cat grooming trap may be trialled in the SCP to determine the efficacy of the technology in the SCP
Level of community engagement and the outcome of having community involved in coordinated feral cat and fox control
sions
Number of active CoP Members
Goal
Community awareness and education
• Two community feral cat and fox workshops will be conducted during the non-trapping season, focusing education and engagement of participating landholders while also reporting on each trapping season and learnings from the project.
• Curation and development of a Lower Blackwood Landholder guide to feral cat and fox control
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
LCDC Field officer with support from LBVPMG
Yearly non trapping season
Number of participants
Felixer feral cat grooming trap trial
LCDC Field Officers with support of LBVPMG
Trapping season 2, ongoing
Felixer feral cat grooming trap performance analysed
Feral cat and fox guide for landholders
LCDC Staff with support from COP, LBVPMG
As part of Workshop 2
Publication of guide
• To raise awareness in the Lower Blackwood community (including SCP landholders) of the issues and impacts of feral cats and foxes
Through the implementation of the Communications strategy the Lower Blackwood LCDC will engage and educate the wider community about feral cat and fox impacts and effective management strategies through a range of workshops, news updates and ultimately a project showcase.
• The development of one project case study to evaluate an area or particular community member that experienced a dramatic reduction in pigs as a result of the program or where lessons learned will provide valuable information to guide stakeholders, landholders or NRM professionals.
Project updates through the LCDC newsletter.
LCDC Communications with support from LCDC field officer and LBVPMG
Quarterly for life of Project Level engagement with communication
Project Case Study
LCDC Staff with support from SCP CoP, LBVPMG
Post trapping season 2027
Level engagement with communication
• The development of one project showcase to demonstrate effective strategies for feral cat and fox control in the area for landholders and NRM professionals, including any specific learnings from this project and the SCP.
• Quarterly Feral Animal Focus e-updates to inform stakeholders of progress, encourage engagement and promote landholder participation.
• Extension of the Feral Animal Focus Resource Toolbox and project information to Lower Blackwood landholders (including SCP landholders), & the wider AMR shire.
Project Showcase
LCDC Communications with support from LCDC field officer and LBVPMG
Feral Cat and Fox Resource Toolkit.
LCDC Field Officer with support from SCP CoP, LBVPMG
Post Trapping season 2027 Number of participants at showcase
Evaluation Feedback
Workshop 2025 Publication of toolkit components
Communications and Engagement Plan – Quarterly Enews updates
LCDC Communications with support from LCDC field officer and LBVPMG
Ongoing
Engagement with communication and size of audience
Project Timeline Project Milestone
To provide a range of evidence-based ‘farmer friendly’ information & tools that enable catchment landholders to critically unpack and understand the cause & effect relationship of feral fox and cat behaviour. In addition, we aim to provide landholders with information & tools that assist them in determining their approach to detection, control & management of feral cats and foxes. A key outcome of this project communications and engagement strategy will be to build positive & collaborative working relationships between landholders and stakeholders in the SCP for the strategic control and management of feral foxes and cats in the SCP now and into the future.
Communications and Engagement Plan
Stakeholder Group
SCP Landholders Weekly trapping activity (where appropriate)
Explanation of cause and effect of feral cat and fox behaviour, and strategic approach to detection, control & management
Lower Blackwood regional network
Explanation of cause and effect of feral cat and fox behaviour, and strategic approach to detection, control & management
Quarterly Enews
CoP Communications and Meetings Workshops
Practical coaching sessions on use of tools and equipment on site Resource toolkit and FAQ’s Case Studies
Required Annually
Quarterly Enews
Workshops and activity reporting
Feral Animal Resources Tool Kit: Online Guide to Managing Feral Animals in the Lower Blackwood Landholder Guide to Managing Feral Cats and Foxes in the Scott Coastal Plain
Podcasts (1)
Case Study
Talkin After Hours OnLine Community Group
Local Media (2/annually)
Presentation at National Conference.
Quarterly at least
