Locals urged to join the fight against foxes

More than 10 landholders and community members have signed up to the Menangle Fox Control campaign.

But organisers are calling for more locals to join ahead of the next public meeting on August 10.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services launched the initiative earlier this year.

They are in partnership with Barragal Landcare Group, NSW DPI and three local councils.

The aim is to encourage a collaborative and effective approach to reducing fox numbers in the region.

Senior Land Services officer Dr Alison Towerton said the initial community response had been fantastic, but more landholders were needed to make a lasting difference.

‘We’ve had consistently great turnouts at our meetings,’’ Dr Towerton said.

“There is definitely a broad concern about the impacts foxes have on livestock and native species in the area. “But the true aim of this campaign is to give locals the knowledge, expertise and practical skills to take ownership and lead the fight against foxes so we need more people involved,” she said.

Dr Towerton said motion activated cameras had been set up at 24 strategic sites across the region to observe fox behaviour on public and private properties.

“During the last round of camera monitoring we recorded fox sightings at eight out of the 10 selected sites,” she said.

“We know they are out there and this technology is the most effective way we can gather meaningful insights into their movements and behavioural patterns.”

Dr Towerton said the ongoing campaign required landholders and residents to take part in baiting and trapping twice a year during autumn and spring.

“Through a long term, collaborative approach with community we will see a decrease in the number of foxes in the area,” she said.

Residents wanting to know more are encouraged to attend a public workshop at Cawdor Public School next Wednesday, August 10, between 7pm and 9 pm.

The workshop will cover a variety of fox control methods, information about the risk of diseases spread by the pests as well as practical training in setting up cage traps and operating remote cameras.

To register visit the fox campaign website here or contact Dr Alison Towerton by phone on 0457 511 715 or email at menangle.fox@gmail.com