1. Recording fox baiting effort across the landscape using geographic information systems: Facilitating more effective management.
- Author
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Towerton, Alison L., Kavanagh, Rodney P., Penman, Trent D., and Dickman, Christopher R.
- Subjects
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FOX trapping , *PEST control baits , *RED fox , *GEOGRAPHIC information systems , *EFFECT of predation on mammals , *PUBLIC land management - Abstract
Predation on native vertebrates and livestock by the European Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) remains a significant problem in many parts of Australia. Coordinated approaches to fox control are most effective in protecting these assets and involve placement of baits across the landscape by private and public land managers. However, participation in such programmes varies seasonally and the spatial coverage of baiting is often difficult to determine. Here, we describe a geographic information systems-based system that assists land managers to collect and use spatial information, minimizing gaps in bait coverage and maximizing bait encounters by foxes to increase the effectiveness of pest control. The coordination of data collection and reporting between land managers should facilitate more effective adaptive management by allowing better strategic planning and increasing landholder involvement, which should, in turn, improve the programme's efficacy, provided other critical conditions and resources are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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