Using GPS tracking collars to see how far wild dogs and pigs are travelling is one of the latest projects in the fight against pests in far western NSW.
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The project will determine where these animals call home, how far they move, what corridors they use to get around and what impact baiting is having on numbers.
"The wild dog collaring program in the New England region was very successful in improving the targeting of baiting programs," western wild dog coordinator Bruce Duncan said.
"The landscape in the western division is very different and we want to get more information on the pathways and corridors used by wild dogs and pigs to further improve our on ground control programs. It's the first time that the movements of both dogs and pigs will be monitored.
"It's a real winner for landholders who are driving the push for knowledge because they want a better understanding of our foe."
Mr Duncan, who has been the western wild dog coordinator for six years, will continue his position for at least another 14 months after the NSW Government stepped in to fund the role, previously funded by Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
His beat, which stretches from Walgett to Brewarrina, Cobar to Hillston right to the South Australian border, covers about 40 per cent of NSW.
The role established by NSW Farmers' and AWI, works closely with agencies such as Local Land Services (LLS) to offer landholders a range of programs to achieve best outcomes in wild dog management.
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said coordinating wild dog control efforts was important now but would also be key to capitalising on the wild dog fence in the future, with construction on that project kicking off in the middle of the year.
"There are a large number of important projects being undertaken to address wild dogs in western NSW, with landholder and group participation being central to all of them," Mr Marshall said.
NSW Farmers' chief executive Pete Arkle said the continuation of the role complimented the NSW Government's whole-of-state approach to wild dog management.
"(Bruce) brings a wealth of experience to the position and has a history of delivering great results in wild dog management," Mr Arkle said.
Mr Duncan, in conjunction with staff from LLS, has met with landholders throughout western NSW at a number of wild dog management workshops in places such as Tilpa, Louth and Wanaaring to outline a number of new programs on offer this year.
- Landholders in western NSW looking for support in the management of wild dogs should contact the LLS on 1300 795 299.