August 2, 2023
Dozens of feral pigs have been eradicated from the Booubyjan area thanks to a Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) project to manage weeds and pests in the Barambah Creek catchment.
BMRG hired Ricky Rogers Pest Animal Management to remove the feral pigs.
Project officer Mauricio Montoya said the goal was to remove as many pigs as possible from several properties in the catchment, where they are harming the environment and affecting farm productivity.
Mauricio said the feral pigs were treated humanely and disposed of safely.
“Ricky does an initial creek assessment to determine areas where feral pigs are more active,” he said.
“Once he finds out where they like to gather, he selects a clear spot where he starts training the animals.
“This education is about luring pigs with macadamia nuts or sweet corn to familiarise them with that particular feeding spot.
“Ricky does this for a couple of weeks as the first pigs often draw others to the hotspot.
“After this, and gathering photographic evidence, he sets up the trap and waits for the pigs to come.”
Mauricio said the eradication program would be extended to other sites.
The project was funded by the Federal and State governments after the heavy rainfall and floods during 2021-22.
As a result, weed numbers exploded and feral pigs flourished.
“The main goal of this project is to support native flora and fauna species to establish into resilient habitat through the management of invasive weeds and pigs,” Mauricio said.
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Landholders and community members have been invited to attend a workshop to learn more about feral pig management, including the best techniques to monitor, evaluate and eradicate feral pigs from properties.
The workshop will be held at Booubyjan Hall on Wednesday, August 30, from 8:00am to 2:00pm.
