Living Here
Feral Scan use urged in bid to stop feral pigs
Feral pigs are prevalent across the Gladstone Region, sparking a call to landholders and residents to do their bit to help reduce numbers of the invasive species.
Gladstone Region Councillor and Council’s representative on the Capricorn Pest Management Group Michelle Wagner said it was expected the feral pig population would explode after rain and humid weather patterns.
“Feral pigs cost millions of dollars per year annually to the environment, agriculture and cultural heritage by devastating our land and environment, ravaging crops and good productive land, eating small native animals and damaging property infrastructure,” Councillor Wagner said.
“They also spread invasive plants and weeds and can transmit exotic diseases and carry viruses that are potentially fatal to animals and humans.”
Cr Wagner said feral pigs were listed as restricted invasive animals in Queensland and, as such, could not be moved, fed, given away, sold or released into the environment.
“Landholders have obligations under the Biosecurity Act of 2014 to control feral pigs on their land, but residents and visitors can help too,” she said.
“There’s an app available called Feral Scan that can be downloaded and used to report sightings of feral pigs, the damage they have caused and any control measures used.”
Cr Wagner added that it was a case of the more the merrier when reporting sightings of feral pigs.
“The more people we have reporting improves Council’s ability to monitor, track and capture data to help with control planning and implementation,” she said.
“I urge all residents to download the app to better help our chances of managing feral pigs.”
Feral Scan is a free app available at www.feralscan.org.au and can be used to:
- Record sightings or evidence of feral pigs, such as observations of feral pigs, hoof prints, scats, howling or camera photos
- Record feral pig damage or problems, such as damage to crops, lambs, and native vegetation
- Document control activities, such as baiting, trapping and ground shooting
- Feral Scan has wider application with sightings and captures of other animals such as rabbits, deer and wild dogs, cats, foxes, and even certain fish able to be reported
- The Queensland Government has publications available to help producers know their feral pig management obligations. Visit www.publications.qld.gov.au to find out more.
Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/biosecurity to learn more about biosecurity in the Gladstone Region.
Download this media release (PDF)
See Also
