Pest animals

Feral animal control

We undertake a biannual feral animal control program in bushland and coastal nature reserves. The program targets introduced animals that present a risk to Australian native animals and plants.  Through predation and competition for food, the presence of feral animals can result in significant impacts on the ecosystem. Feral animals can also cause production and financial losses for the agricultural industry.

Which feral animal species are targeted?

Foxes, cats and rabbits are targeted for control in the majority of our nature reserves. Regular programs are undertaken with the aim of reducing the population and the overall impact of these animals. 

How are the program’s methodologies selected?

Feral animal control is done in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. The methods used by us are target-specific, humane and approved by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Special considerations are made for the safety of the general public and domestic pets while the program is carried out. 

Who undertakes the control?

We use contractors licensed by WA Department of Health who are qualified and experienced in all aspects of the control program.

Pet ownership

Corella control

The City of Rockingham, like many other local governments from Geraldton to Busselton, has an increasing problem with two species of pest corella – the little corella (Cacatua sanguinea)native to the Pilbara and Kimberley region of Western Australia, and the Eastern long-billed corella (Cacatua tenuirostris), an introduced species from eastern Australia.

The number of corellas within the City’s boundaries has rapidly increased in recent years and the birds are now causing:

• significant environmental damage to the City’s tree canopy
• ongoing damage to other public and private assets and infrastructure (requiring high ongoing maintenance costs)
• diminished amenity in public spaces through ongoing fouling creating public health issues
• habitat pressure on the threatened black cockatoos and other birdlife.

Since 2014 the City has been undertaking a corella control program to reduce the impact of these invasive and highly damaging pest species. The program is conducted in accordance with the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act) and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2018.

The two main components of the program are:

Roost culling

Both pest species are listed as ‘Managed Fauna’ under the BC Act. As such, they are permitted to be culled via firearm. The City uses qualified and experienced pest management technicians to undertake the culling of corellas in trees where the birds are roosting in high numbers.

Trapping

This is managed under a Licence to Take Fauna Causing Damage issued by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).

Feeder stations containing sunflower seed and wheat have been placed in several locations where the birds congregate in large numbers. The feeding stations will attract corellas for trapping. 

• No poison is used.
• Birds are netted and humanely euthanased in accordance with the DBCA licence.

The City acknowledges that culling of any wildlife is potentially distressing to some people. Unfortunately it is a measure of last resort which must be taken to protect the greater environment, to minimise the damage these species are causing throughout the community, and to reduce the pest corella population to levels that are determined to be ecologically sustainable.

Pigeon control

Pigeons are not native to Australia. Feral populations have flourished since European settlement due to the release or escape of domesticated birds. This poses both environmental and health concerns, as pigeons can adapt easily in the wild and reproduce at a high rate. Mating pairs can breed up to four times per year under favourable conditions.

Pigeons can spread pathogens and disease, create disruptive cooing sounds and cause damage to building components, such as roofs and ducting, through their droppings, feathers and nesting behaviours.

Control methodologies

Pigeons will congregate in areas where food, water and nesting materials are readily available. In many cases, non-lethal methods, such as breaking their attachment to the site and driving them away, can be more effective than lethal control, which can be difficult to implement in residential areas and may not result in long-term population reduction.

The City is currently trialling another control method that targets pigeon reproduction. This technique, named OvoControl, uses a specially formulated bait that is infused into pigeon feed and dispensed at select sites through a feeder. Once ingested, the bait then interferes with egg fertilisation, preventing future generations from being born and reducing the population over time.

Tips on pigeon proofing

Residents can support pigeon control efforts by reducing the conditions that attract them. Effective pigeon control strategies include:

• regularly removing nests when found
• removing all food and water sources, including pet food leftovers and food scraps
• never feeding pigeons directly
• covering openings with bird mesh to prevent access
• installing bird spikes, mesh or wire to deter perching
• using scarecrows or ultrasonic deterrents
• applying bird repellent gel to surfaces
• using anti-bird netting to cover food sources and vegetable gardens around the home.