A large-scale fox and feral cat control program is underway across the Fleurieu Peninsula, as the local Landscape board looks to reduce predation on threatened species and limit potential pathways for disease like avian influenza.
Following funding from the Federal Government, Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu will tackle more than 5400 hectares worth of foxes and feral cats, with more than 150 vulnerable native species in the region at risk.
3000 hectares will be subjected to targeted fox shooting, 2000 hectares will have fox baiting coordinated by land managers and 400 hectares will have feral cat trapping and humane euthanasia.
The Landscape board are also urging local communities to play their part by encouraging responsible pet ownership, through keeping cats confined, microchipped and identifiable.
The Invasive Species Council estimates that feral cats alone kill over 2 billion native animals in Australia every year, while foxes kill an estimated 300 million.
