Ground based pest control targets possums, rodents and predators in rural or forested areas. Specific control methods are selected based on the target species and habitat to be covered.

Possums and rodents are controlled by distributing toxic baits throughout the suitable habitat, generally across a wide landscape. We ensure a supply of palatable bait is available until the population density target has been achieved. Live capture and kill traps are also used to supplement use of toxins as necessary.

Predator control efforts are focused around key ecosystems to protect native fauna from predation by invasive predators. Predators are primarily controlled using permanently established traps.

Hunting is used to manage wildlife populations. Suppression of browsing animals is vital for protection of new plantations and native flora. Hunting is most effective on species such as hares, goats, deer and pigs. Trained hunting dogs and thermal imagery are often used to augment hunting efforts. Helicopters may be used as a hunting platform, providing excellent coverage and capacity to recover carcasses. Aerial hunting is most effective in habitat that allows a clear line of sight to the target. Thermal imagery can be used identify and track animals obscured by vegetation.

Surveys provide valuable information about wildlife populations. Data from samples or small scale trials is collected to assess animal health, population densities and behavioural patterns. This information is used to improve pest control techniques and influences planning of future operations.

A broad range of tools and techniques may be used to collect data, ranging from conventional pest control devices through to motion activated trail cameras or collecting tissue samples.

Recreational hunters are invited to submit wildlife samples for TB surveys, typically feral pigs are tested to assess the prevalence of disease in the wildlife population. Please contact us for further information on where surveys are running.

Click here for detailed guidelines on how to submit a pig sample with us.