Abstract 1: Collaboration creates results: Western Cape York rangers protecting marine turtles
The west coast of Cape York is a vital nesting area for threatened marine turtles, but widespread feral pig predation has led to severe declines in turtle recruitment, with nest losses reaching 70–100% in 2013—far exceeding the sustainable threshold of 30%. In response, the Western Cape Turtle Threat Abatement Alliance (WCTTAA) was established in 2013, bringing together six Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger groups. WCTTAA conducts regular monitoring of nesting sites and predation levels, implements targeted pig control through both aerial and ground operations, and installs aluminium cages to safeguard turtle nests. These combined efforts have successfully lowered predation rates below sustainable limits on many beaches. The monitoring program generates critical data on predation patterns and turtle nesting distribution by species, informing and strengthening long-term conservation strategies for vulnerable and endangered turtle populations.
Speaker: Dr Manuela Fisher & Colby Gill
Abstract 2: Mamu Tjanpi – devil grass disaster needs smart strategy
Buffel grass (aka mamu tjanpi – ‘devil grass’ in Pitjantjatjara) poses a dire threat to entire arid ecosystems. Piecemeal approaches have failed to address the problem. It is one of the biggest environmental crises in the country, but due to the remoteness of the issue it has not achieved a high profile … yet. It is spreading along road and rail corridors, threatening critical infrastructure, and will soon encroach on more heavily populated areas, bringing drastically elevated fire risk. The Alinytjara Wiluṟara Landscape Board has led the fight for more than a decade, building a coalition of stakeholders and advocating for a national buffel grass strategy. A coordinated national approach is required with funding appropriate to the threat. Coordinated targeted action now produces better results – environmental, social and economic – at less cost than allowing it to get worse.
Speaker: Kim Krebs
Abstract 3: Blending Biophysical Sciences And Human Dimensions To Control And Manage Feral Pigs
This presentation explores the insight that managing feral pigs is not exclusively a biophysical ecological science issue but rather that it is equally a human ecology issue. Both ecological sciences and the insights they provide are important, however utilising each in isolation is insufficient. Combining and integrating insights from these two ‘silos’ may provide a motivating and catalysing force uniting land managers to work together, implement relevant control tools effectively, and, in turn, reduce feral pig populations and the damage they cause.
In this presentation, we present the research findings regarding the integration of cutting-edge biophysical ecological sciences (GPS collaring data) with a better understanding of community dynamics grounded in human ecological sciences. The intersection of these two ecologies affords an opportunity for greater participation, increased learning and understanding, and local innovation in feral pig management.
Speaker: Darren Marshall
Abstract 4: Supporting positive ecological outcomes at Hattah Lakes Ramsar site by transforming pest management
Project delivery to reduce the impacts of grazing by feral herbivores, predation by foxes and environmental weeds is evolving to ensure that the most effective pest management practices are being implemented at the Hattah Lakes Ramsar site. Adapting and transforming control measures, such as changing from trapping to the more effective method of baiting of the feral pig population, has provided multiple benefits to project delivery, with an increased number of target species controlled and a reduced impact on non-target species.
Monitoring is tracking the effectiveness of pest control works in reducing threat levels and restoring vegetation condition and biodiversity at the Hattah Lakes Ramsar site. Analysis of the monitoring data is being used to continuously improve and transform the way Mallee CMA delivers pest management projects. Through strategic pest management works and the transformation of management practices, Mallee CMA is securing outcomes in an ever-changing environment.
Speaker: Stephanie Robinson
Abstract 5: Balancing Ecology and Invasives: A Coordinated Corella Control Strategy
How do you manage flocks of corellas? In Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, five local shires and Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH) have united to address the growing corella problem through a coordinated and collaborative approach. The project involves the development of an overarching management plan, while supporting individual organisations to implement their own tailored strategies. Corella management is complex, requiring a balance between controlling invasive eastern corella species and protecting poorly understood native WA corellas, which are at risk of hybridisation. The issue is further complicated by community sensitivities and the need for informed, science-based decision-making. By integrating existing and emerging tools, and engaging local communities, this initiative aims to create a more effective, long-term solution. The project not only addresses current impacts but also lays the groundwork for future directions in corella management, offering a model for collaboration that extends beyond the capabilities of individual action.
Speaker: Jacqueline Lucas
Abstract 6: Innovations and insights: collaboration at its core
Continuous improvement is vital to ensure that feral pig management programs are as successful as they can be. Sharing peer-to-peer learnings and experiences from management programs and outcomes from research, development and extension activities from across Australia is integral to this. These insights and outcomes can then be adapted and applied to other programs, saving time, optimising resources and reducing duplication of effort.
This mantra has been embraced by two of the National Feral Pig Action Plan’s demonstration sites. A zoning approach for aerial shooting developed and applied by the successful Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Program, presented at the 2023 National Feral Pig Conference, has been adapted by the MidWest demonstration site in Western Australia to improve aerial control outcomes.
This presentation will showcase examples where our activities have directly led to the adoption of alternate approaches by different programs across Australia to improve outcomes and land manager engagement.
Speaker: Heather Channon
Abstract 7: Tackling Our Escalating Feral Deer Problem
Australia’s feral deer population has surged to 1–2 million in just two decades, causing major damage to farmland, increasing road accidents, and threatening native species. The National Feral Deer Action Plan (2023–28) aims to reduce these impacts before control becomes unaffordable.
Strategic, landscape-scale management in rural and peri-urban areas is essential. New technologies—like thermal-assisted aerial culling (TAAC), environmental DNA (eDNA), and AI—are enhancing control efforts.
This presentation features case studies from community to state level, showcasing collaborative planning, strong leadership, and community-driven programs. Building social license through tailored engagement is crucial, especially when using lethal methods. Cross-tenure cooperation and public support are key to removing more deer than are born each year. Reversing population growth and eliminating satellite groups is vital to halting the spread and protecting Australia’s natural and agricultural landscapes.
Speaker: Dr Jane McKenzie
Abstract 8: The Grass Still Isn’t Greener: Rabbits and the Big NRM Risk
Rabbits in Australia are the largest biological invasion in history, so you would think people would take little convincing of the need to keep them under control. Humans have short memories though! The massive crash in rabbit populations that followed the release of myxomatosis in the 1950s was seen as a silver bullet and we relaxed and missed our chance to capitalise on its success. History tells us rabbits quickly developed resistance and built back up in number. Same story following the release of calicivirus in the 1990s. Today, with over-reliance on waning biological controls, no assured funding for research into new bio-controls, and an apathy toward adopting best practice controls, yet again, we may well be staring down the barrel of the next wave of rabbits in Australia. Are we now ready to make bold, strategic decisions to stop killing and start managing our most destructive ecosystem engineer? This abstract’s authors are Craig Magnussen and Heidi Kleinert.
Speaker: Craig Magnussen
