Pest animal and insect control
How rangers can help
At a local level RLPB rangers:
- provide help with eradicating declared pest species
- coordinate management plans to control vertebrate pests
- inspect properties for rabbits and help you to develop a plan to control the rabbit population through baiting, ripping burrows, etc
- provide advice on fox control – either through group baiting programs (organised with your neighbours) or individual control methods
- help you obtain suitable baits
- respond to reports of wild dog or feral pig activity
- respond to locust sightings.
Many rangers also play a livestock health role, particularly through their role as stock inspectors.
They are responsible for the management of Travelling Stock Reserves in their district and carry out infrastructure maintenance such as fencing, upgrading of watering points, weed control and pest animal control.
They also handle stock movement permits and stock identification.
Rangers also form part of the RLPB's rapid response effort in outbreaks such as equine influenza.
Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) help landholders by providing advice and assistance in eradicating declared pest species. RLPBs also work with private and government stakeholders to develop vertebrate pest management plans and cooperative management programs.
Species currently declared pests in NSW are:
- wild rabbits
- wild dogs
- feral pigs
- a number of locust species (the Australian Plague, Spur-Throated and Migratory).
Under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 all land managers in NSW, whether on public or private land, have an oblilgation to control declared pest species on their land.
Foxes and mice are classed as nuisance animals in NSW and while there is no obligation for a landholder to control these species, RLPBs can provide advice and assistance in their control.