Armed with a Swift 3C motion sensor camera capable of night vision set up and left overnight, a landholder on Cedar Party Road has captured wild dog activity on their property.
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The camera was positioned near a dead beast, and caught images of both foxes and wild dogs coming to feast on the carcass time and again.
The camera is one of six purchased by Manning Landcare, made available by funding received from Hunter Local Land Services, and it was the first time any of the six had been used.
The funding also provided for six cameras for Karuah and Great Lakes Landcare, and three two-day dog trapping schools at Marlee, Stroud and Minimbah held in conjunction with Hunter Local Land Services.
The workshops were taught by trapper Kevin Ford, and biosecurity ranger Laurie Mullen. Participants learned about wild dog habits and psychology, how to find and recognise signs of wild dogs, how to use motion sensor cameras, and where and how to set an effective trap.
Lyn Booth of Manning Landcare said foxes are a particular problem at the moment.
“The foxes are very, very active right now,” Lyn said.
“Lots of people are losing their chickens. I lost a five-week-old lamb two weeks ago.
“One of my neighbours lost all of his of his chooks twice. There were 13 in the first lot.”
The six motion sensor cameras are available for loan by local landholders, however all are currently out and there is a waiting list.
If you wish to be added to the waiting list to borrow a camera, email Lyn Booth at lyn@manninglandcare.org or alison@manninglandcare.org.
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
