The 2019/20 bushfires was a devastating natural disaster that affected 90 per cent of the local government area, which saw many native species dramatically affected.
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The significance of fox control has never been more crucial in the wake of an event such as this, according to Shoalhaven Fox Control Program coordinator Ryan Wall.
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"In the event of a fire, foxes seek refuge underground and emerge post fire where native species are already under enormous pressure from lack of food sources," Mr Wall said.
He said they have received a number of accounts of fox predation becoming a real issue for vulnerable livestock and native species.
Wildlife rehabilitators Zora and Scott Brown contacted the group with concerns that wildlife released on their 40 hectare property at Bawley Point, were being targeted by foxes.
"While it is a work in progress, we are seeing positive results from the control methods implemented," Southern Shoalhaven Coordinator Ron Cowlishaw said.
Volunteer fox controller, Len White, works on several properties in the northern Shoalhaven.
"I have removed 15 foxes from one property in Wattamolla, and in that time, I have noticed an increase in the number of eastern water dragons, swamp wallabies, native rodents, ground nesting birds and various frog species," he said.
Mr White said he has also witnessed an increase in small native animals at a property near Cambewarra.
On this property he has been utilising a variety of fox control measures and he estimates that more than 100 foxes have been removed in the last four years.
Initial motion camera monitoring revealed very few native species present prior to fox control activities.
Now long-nosed bandicoot and other ground dwelling species such as various waterfowl have returned and are frequently captured on camera.
Steve Omrod, a volunteer fox controller working in the Meroo area, has also noticed a big change in the native species present on his property in the aftermath of implementing fox control methods.
Purple swamp hens are now abundant, after being a rarer sighting in the past, along with echidna sightings also on the increase.
Australian Quail and swamp wallabies have also taken up residence in the creek area below the house. Mr Omrod has also seen a significant increase in lamb survival rates.
The Shoalhaven Fox Control Program estimates that 2,200 foxes have been removed from the Shoalhaven region over the last four years and the program is having a direct impact on the survival of many native species.
The broadening effect of the resurgence and survival of native species, particularly the native rodents and frogs underpins the biodiversity in the landscape and provides a food source for a variety of native fauna such as tawny frog mouth owls and diamond pythons.
The successful volunteer-based program has been operating for four years now and is always seeking new volunteers & property owners to join.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or controlling foxes on your property, you can contact Peter Jirgens on 0488460011 or Ron Cowlishaw on 0411261550.