Introduced Corella
The Corella species present in large numbers.
Flocking around the Busselton and Dunsborough townsites are the Little Corella (Cacatua sanguine gymnopis) and the Eastern Long Billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris).
These species are considered to be introduced to this region because they are made up of birds previously held in captivity that have either escaped, or were released. Little Corellas are native to the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. Eastern Long-billed Corellas are native to south-central New South Wales, south-western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia.
Flock of Corellas feeding on grass at Port Geographe
These species pose a significant threat to native fauna by out-competing native birds for nesting hollows and interbreeding with West Australian sub-species of Corella. The Corellas also impact on public amenity and vegetation. Left uncontrolled, issues of noise nuisance and public health, such as faecal contamination of public eating areas, are likely to increase.
Advice was sought from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) on appropriate control methods. Corellas are attracted to a trapping site by free feeding with bird seed. When a regular feeding pattern is established, the trap (a remotely triggered net) is used to catch the birds and they are then euthanised by shooting. No poisons are used. The City undertakes the control program in accordance with a licence from DBCA.
These species of Corella have now been placed in the category of Managed Fauna for the district of Busselton by DBCA. Landowners impacted by these species of Corella can shoot individual corellas on their property without requiring a licence. For further information about Managed Fauna contact DBCA.
Rabbits
The European rabbit is well adapted to living in all areas of the South West. The numbers of rabbits present ebb and flow with the seasons, viruses and control programs. The City has two rabbit control programs.
Residential areas
In residential areas poisons are not used to control rabbits because of the risks of poisoning of domestic animals. Calicivirus, a virus specific to the European rabbit, is used to control rabbits in Coastal foreshores and other reserves where rabbits are known to be present, in spring and autumn every year.
For rabbit control on residential properties try the following approaches to reduce damage by rabbits:
- Remove harbourage areas such as piles of wood or other materials,
- Prevent access to areas by fencing with rabbit netting,
- Prevent undermining of buildings by laying rabbit netting flat on the ground or trenching and burying netting, around structures you want to protect,
- Seek advice from Department of Agriculture on other approved methods 08 9368 3333, or
- Seek assistance from a qualified pest controller on specific advice for your property.
If you observe rabbits in City reserves you can notify the City by phone on 08 9781 0444. The City will investigate reports of rabbit activity and seek recommendations for control from a licensed pest controller.
Rural areas
The City manages many reserves in rural areas, some of which have a high level of biodiversity with rare or endangered native flora. Protection of native flora from grazing by rabbits is necessary to maintain the biodiversity of our bushland reserves.
In rural areas the City controls rabbits in large reserves where rabbits are active using 1080 poison. The baiting program is undertaken by a licensed pest controller in accordance with all relevant licences and permits. Surrounding residents are notified of forthcoming baiting periods.
Foxes
Residential Areas
The red fox is a skilled hunter of wildlife and domestic poultry. Cage trapping is one way to safely control foxes where it is not safe to bait or shoot. Protocols for more effective use of cage traps for foxes have been developed and summarised in the City’s Fox Trapping brochure.
Three fox cage traps are available for loan free of charge, with payment of a fully refundable bond, when the trap is returned to the City. To enquire about the loan of a fox trap contact the City on 08 9781 0444.
Rural Areas
The City manages many reserves in rural areas, some of which have a high level of biodiversity with rare or endangered native flora and fauna. Fox control is necessary to protect native fauna from predation by foxes in our reserves. In some of our larger reserves in rural areas the City uses 1080 poison egg baits to control foxes during Autumn and Spring every year. The baiting program is undertaken by a licensed pest controller in accordance with all relevant licences and permits. Surrounding residents are notified of forthcoming baiting periods. The program is reasonably successful, taking foxes from each reserve in the program every baiting period. Rural landowners wanting to use 1080 to control foxes should contact Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development on 08 9368 3333.