Forest Fire Management Victoria’s Hume invasive species planning manager David Pasztaleniec said the project would be targeting feral pigs in state forests and national parks in the Tatong, Samaria and Strathbogie areas.
The project started in January and will continue through to June 2021.
‘‘Feral pigs pose a serious threat to agriculture productivity and the environment,’’ Mr Pasztaleniec said.
‘‘Targeted shooting, trapping and poisoning will be used to reduce the number of feral pigs on public land.
‘‘As part of the project we are also seeking feedback from landowners — especially those landowners who adjoin public land — and the public regarding feral pig sightings, so we can gain a better understanding of their movements.
‘‘Feral pigs trample and dig for underground parts of plants and invertebrates, which can have severe consequences on Victoria’s natural environment.
‘‘They are also a pest for farmers, because they can carry a number of diseases, kill livestock and their feeding behaviour can heavily degrade agricultural land.’’
The project is funded through the Victorian Government’s biodiversity response planning program and involves FFMVic, Agriculture Victoria and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
■To report feral pigs in the project area, phone DELWP’s Benalla office on 5761 1611.
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