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Biosecurity

The biosecurity project will examine the extent of degradation of natural environments primarily around rivers, creeks and bogs where pest animals and weeds have done the most damage and increased risks of water contamination. 

Three to six demonstration sites will be chosen with engagement with local landowners to gain commitment to improving these areas. 

Initially, the extent of the problem will be measured using aerial photos, videos of sites using drones and wildlife cameras. Once the initial analysis has been completed a workshop will be held to inform and engage the community. 

The final phase will see on-ground works to clear weeds and fence off degraded areas to protect waterways and native flora and fauna. At the conclusion of this work, a field day will be held to provide the outcomes to the community. 

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Hughes creek biosecurity Project – Focus on pest animals - Rabbits

Although rabbits are reported to be low, after 2 wet years, breeding conditions are right for a rapid population growth.

Next spring could see it rapidly becoming a problem and in anticipation the HCCC are looking to start a new project to control rabbits before they become a major problem. The landcare group cannot do this without community and landowner support, so we are looking for volunteer landowners to be part of the work.

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The project will run for about 12 months

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Phase 1: Planning – June to August 2022

Phase 2: Monitoring - September to November 2022

  • Observations

  • Spotlight counts supported by camera monitoring

  • Mapping warrens and condition

Phase 3: Evaluation of the problem – December 2022 to February 2023

  • Development of an action plan​

    • Ripping warrens

    • Fumigation

    • Imploding warrens

Phase 4: Nonbreeding season late summer, early autumn 2023

  • Activate agreed action.

Phase 5: Review of the project and report - 2023

 

Phase 1

Volunteer landowners will be asked to monitor rabbits (and other pest animals). To ensure that the outcome is valid, volunteers will be given information on how to conduct the evaluation, this ensures that everyone is conducting the monitoring in the same way and the information gained is consistent with best practise guidelines.

An information session will be organised for the volunteer landowners.

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The monitoring techniques that will be used include:

  • Observations – sighting and signs of rabbits

  • Dung counts

  • Spotlighting

  • Warren monitoring

  • Cameras

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Further details on these techniques can be found on the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) website https://vran.com.au/

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