Knowledge shared is knowledge gained

Our Wild Otways Pig & Deer Project team has learned a lot about these feral species in the Otways, from how far they travel, to seasonal variations in their habits, and the most efficient ways to control them. But just as important as gaining this knowledge, is sharing it with all of those who are managing land and caring for Country across south-west Victoria.
 
Coming together in-person over two days recently allowed representatives from Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Parks Victoria, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and the CEC to share their on-ground experiences and learn from each other, leading to better outcomes in pig and deer control across land tenures and landscapes in the south-west.  

“What the workshop really highlighted for me was how the challenge of managing feral species is different in every landscape,” says Tim Wilson, Pig & Deer Program Manager for the CEC.

“The rangers at Budj Bim are working in a really rocky landscape, and have particular challenges in setting up their traps. Whereas in the Otways, we are working across a huge area, with steep terrain and many inaccessible locations.

“It was great to hear how staff across both of these projects are refining their techniques to best combat the various challenges. The use of novel, remote monitoring and trapping technologies, such as the Hog Eye, is one way we’re addressing the challenge of working across the large area of the Otways.”

This project is part of the Wild Otways Initiative, an Australian Government funded project, supported by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.