Fantastic Fox Project Proves Successful

The focus area for the Cooperative Fox Control Project extended from the Fremantle Port along the Swan River foreshore through Point Walter to Point Waylen, and inland into Wireless Hill and Piney Lakes Reserve.

Environmental Officer Deanne Wynn said foxes had a devastating effect on local wildlife and had played a role in the decline of a number of native species. “Six local and State Government authorities worked together from April 2008 to April 2009 to test a cooperative approach to fox control in their areas. The City of Melville initiated the project in partnership with the Town of East Fremantle and the City of Fremantle. The other key project sponsors were the Department of Defence (Leeuwin Barracks), managed by Transfield Services and Fremantle Ports. Community support came from the Bicton Environmental Action Group and local residents who were involved in a community workshop and in reporting fox sightings,” she said.

“In total, 25 active dens were fumigated during the program and overall 44 dens were mapped and monitored. A total of 28 foxes – both adults and juveniles – were trapped. No other animals were captured. The project also served to map all areas utilised by foxes, which will enable future monitoring of these areas,” she said.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the project aims were widely advertised within the local community to raise awareness about the project, the impacts of foxes in urban bushland areas, and to gain community support, particularly with reporting sightings. “The cooperative approach was highly effective. In addition to its other benefits, the project has also served as a catalyst for raising greater awareness of the impacts of foxes among the local community. We thank the community for their cooperation and the support they offered to the local governments involved,” he said.

The Cooperative Fox Control project was partially funded through the Perth Biodiversity Project, supported by funding though the Perth Region NRM, Federal Government, State Government and Western Australian Local Government Association.