A comprehensive aerial survey of feral animals by a team of NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff has contributed to the Kakadu National Park‘s pest management plan.

The aerial survey fixed-wing plane flies over Kakadu National Park as the team gather crucial data on pest animal densities and locations.

A comprehensive aerial survey of feral animals by a team of NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff has contributed to the Kakadu National Park‘s pest management plan.

NSW DPI’s expertise in cutting-edge practices won them the contract to work with the staff and traditional owners of Kakadu to help develop a feral animal monitoring program and deliver training in aerial survey techniques.

NSW DPI team leader, John Tracey, said staff from Orange Agricultural Institute’s (OAI) vertebrate pest research unit have been recognised as national leaders in the field.

"Using the most advanced survey and analysis methods available we were able to make recommendations for the management of feral animals in the park," Mr Tracey said.

"The team was impressed by the commitment of staff and traditional owners to adopt the recommendations and take on new approaches to managing pest animals."

Mr Tracey said eight Kakadu staff were now fully accredited to lead and conduct aerial monitoring of pest animals through the Conservation and Land Management Training Package.

"We’re continuing to work with Kakadu National Park to help reduce the environmental impact of feral cattle, buffaloes, donkeys, horses and pigs on the World Heritage-listed site," he said.
 
"The first survey, completed in October 2008, gave us crucial data on animal densities, locations and environmental damage which was used by park rangers to commence a culling program in November.

"This May we’re returning to do another aerial survey which will be followed by a cull before we take to the air again in June to measure the effectiveness of the program in reducing the impact of pest animals."

NSW DPI’s John Tracey, Peter Fleming, Steve McLeod, Peter West and Brian Lukins from OAI and Gavin Melville who is based the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre, contributed to the project.

The project was funded by NSW DPI, Kakadu National Park and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre.

Digital photographs available bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Further reading

NSW Invasive Species Plan 2008-2015

Contact: Bernadette York (02) 6391 3800 or 0427 773 785

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