Valuable insights from the ABARES national dataset into the complex pest and animal weed challenges faced across Australia.
1A – Monitoring
Managing pests and weeds is a complex problem with many ecological, economic and social dimensions. ABARES surveyed agricultural land managers across Australia in 2016, 2019 and 2022 to gather data on the severity, impact and cost of pest animals and weeds and their management.
The effectiveness of management varied over time, and by control method, scale and species. For example, nationally the proportion of land managers reporting feral pig and wild dog management to be effective decreased from 2016 to 2022, although it increased in some NRMs. We examine how improved access to information and resources, as well as better coordination, could enhance management efforts.
Additionally, we consider the significance of social connections for effective management. This national dataset provides valuable insights into the pest animal and weed challenges across Australia and can support management decisions at the NRM scale.
