The Southern Ark project team will continue its vital fox control work across Far East Gippsland’s state forests and national parks, following renewed funding from the Department of Energy,
Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
The program, which covers around one million hectares of public land, has been extended for at least another two years. Its aim is to keep fox numbers low across large areas of forest and coastal country, protecting a wide range of native wildlife including potoroos, bandicoots, lyrebirds, terns, lace monitors and rock-wallabies.
Now in its 21st year, Southern Ark uses buried baits placed in about 4000 well-maintained stations that are checked and replenished regularly throughout the year. The approach has helped significantly reduce fox density across East Gippsland’s forests.
Southern Ark operations manager, Andy Murray, said the program’s long-term success is evident in the recovery of many native and endangered species, even after the challenges of drought and the 2019–20 bushfires.
“It’s great that our team will be able to continue this vital work,” Mr Murray said.
“We’ve seen endangered species like long-footed potoroos and southern brown bandicoots survive extended droughts and huge fires, and then rebuild their populations. The same goes for common species such as brushtail possums and long-nosed bandicoots, which are also important to forest ecosystems.”
Residents and visitors to East Gippsland are reminded that while the risk of the fox-baiting program to domestic dogs is small, pets should not be allowed to roam freely in state forests or national parks, as digging up and eating a poison bait could be fatal.
The Victorian Government is investing more than $44 million in over 50 on-ground projects across the state to protect sensitive ecosystems. This includes the Protecting Biodiversity Program, the Deer Control Program, and the Weeds and Pests on Public Land Program.
Funding will also continue for the Strengthening Country Program, which supports Traditional Owners to deliver both environmental and cultural benefits on Country.
