Natural Area Management Program

City of Bayswater (CoB) has undertaken fox and cat trapping at numerous reserves from March to April 2023. A second round of trapping for fox only occurred in June 2023. All works undertaken are in accordance with relevant codes of practices, laws, and best practice (Poisons Act 1964, Animal Welfare Act 2002, Animal Welfare Regulations 2003, Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, Health Act, Firearms Ac.

Cat Trapping

Trapping commenced on the 27th of March and continued until all traps were removed on the 5th of April. Traps were cage traps and were set each afternoon and were checked early each morning. The number of traps set in the reserves varied over the course of the trapping period depending on the location of cat activity. Generally, about 20 cage traps were set each afternoon.

Fox Trapping

Traps were rubber-jawed foot-hold traps and once set, they remained set for the duration of the program. Traps were checked early each morning.

Reserves

1. Baigup Wetlands 2. Bardon Park 3. Berringa Park 4. Claughton Reserve 5. Eric Singleton 6. Lightning Swamp

Results

One cat was caught at Baigup Wetlands and another at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (female 5.1kg) was caught at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (male 6.3kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve.

The next round of fox trapping will occur in February 2024 as this will coincide with the peak dispersal of sub-adult foxes.

The next round of cat trapping will occur in April 2024.

Results - Fox Trapping 5-16th February 2024

One fox (female) was caught at Eric Singleton

One fox (male) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve

The site has been revegetated with numerous species native to the location, providing biodiversity and therefore excellent repair to the natural environment. It is necessary to maintain the natural equilibrium and ensure it does not become degraded and prevent any threats to this.

The Eucalyptus grandis (E. grandis), has grown to become such a threat. This is due to the amount of leaf litter and bark that it sheds which is vast, creating a major fire hazard that will have devastating consequences to the surrounding wetland. It also prevents native species from self-seeding under its canopy. In order to prevent this and restore balance, it is imperative that the trees be topped.

We shall engage the services from a commercial arborist for the topping of the E. grandis and the removal of two. This will ensure best practice and safety requirements are met due to their professional understanding of the task and the importance of preserving the current, native bushland.

There are currently nesting boxes in the lower section of three trees. The E. grandis shall be topped to a point just above these and a selection of limbs retained to leave a natural look and to be utilized by the various birds and wildlife. This coincides with the tree line of the current vegetation, providing ample shade and protection as the native trees continue to mature. The E. grandis shall be ringbarked to prevent regrowth and if necessary, a chemical application applied. This is followed by removal of excess leaf and bark litter to further reduce the risk of fire. Some of the wood shall be retained for the intention of repurposing.

Once the trees and the majority of material is removed, this will allow for the planting of native species back into the area without the risk of smothering. It will also open up ground, allowing for the natural self-seeding of the current species in that location. This will drive the continuation of a healthy and sustained biodiverse system within Bardon Park.