Enhancing strategic deployment of baiting transects for invasive species control – a case study for feral pig baiting in north-eastern Australia

Abstract

Baits are used to deliver lethal or other substances in wildlife management programs across the globe. Successful baiting campaigns are contingent upon the availability of baits to target animals. Bait density is often increased in an attempt to improve bait encounter probabilities. However, this comes with a concomitant increase in cost and may result in significant bait wastage if deployed in areas of low target species activity.

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of different bait transect methods in intersecting home and core ranges of feral pigs as a case study to determine optimal spacing and placement of baiting transects.