Populations of most species of vertebrate pests are severely affected by prolonged drought. Low breeding rates and high infant mortality are common responses of species such as feral pigs and kangaroos.

Each pest species responds to the breaking of a drought by increasing in body weight and beginning to breed. It is the potential rate of increase in a pest animal population that is of critical importance to decision making when planning a management strategy for vertebrate pests.

This Primefact looks at:

• pest populations after a drought breaks;
• control strategies;
• long-term effects.