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| The Great Poo HuntThe Fox Eradication Program needs your help to assist with the field work and administration for Phase 3 of the Scat Collection Survey. Our volunteer program aims to provide people with a special understanding of what we do and what we are aiming for, as well as developing new skills and provide fantastic opportunities to visit interesting parts of Tasmania and learn about our native wildlife.
Phase 3 of the survey will be undertaken in north-west Tasmania during March to May 2010 and includes the following areas: Devonport, Burnie, Wynyard, Boat Harbour, Deloraine, Westbury, Sheffield, Stanley, Marrawah and Smithton.
If you have an interest in the outdoors, a keen eye, a good level of fitness and want to help protect Tasmania from foxes, then join the Poo Crew! Due to training and induction requirements, all we ask is that volunteers are able to make a minimum commitment of at least 5 days to assist with the survey.
Volunteer information packs can be downloaded below or email Chris Leitch or phone him on (03) 6233 2867 to be sent an information pack.
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Staff collecting scat and logging location data. | As part of the integrated program to eradicate foxes from Tasmania, the Fox Eradication Program, in partnership with the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre , is carrying out a strategic survey of carnivore scats from areas of suitable fox habitat across the state. Affectionately known as 'The Great Poo Hunt', this project is designed to comprehensively examine all highly suitable fox habitat in Tasmania and gather information that will help identify the location of fox populations. This information will then be used to inform the targeted eradication strategy.
Scats will be collected from across the state and analysed through DNA testing at the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra to determine the source animal. This process will identify any fox scats and provides scope for further testing to differentiate cat, dog, quoll or devil scats. This data will provide valuable information on the distribution of these animals and could be used to better direct conservation efforts for Tasmanian wildlife.
It is vital for the success of this survey that we are able to comprehensively cover all highly suitable fox habitat across the state to provide meaningful results.
Although foxes have the capability of colonising the whole of Tasmania, they are likely to prefer certain habitats and fill these areas before moving in to areas of more marginal suitability. These high suitability areas are the focus of this survey and predominantly include open habitats, such as agricultural land, and the areas of cover that fringe these.
In order to maximise survey coverage and provide a logical sequence for program eradication activities to follow, the survey will be carried out over three years in different geographical areas:
- 2008 Phase 1: North-east Tasmania (completed)
- 2009 Phase 2: Central and Southern Tasmania (completed)
- 2010 Phase 3: North-west Tasmania
Autumn has been chosen as the time of year to survey for fox scats as it:- follows the dispersal of juvenile foxes, when adults are more likely to be holding fixed home ranges
- is a period when shorter grass offers the greatest chance of locating scats.
The survey program will be continually reviewed and refined to ensure that the process is providing the most efficient method of locating and identifying animal presence within the Tasmanian landscape.
Click on image to view full map. | |
Phase 1 was carried out during Autumn 2008 in the north-east of the state and has already provided important information for the eradication effort. Over 3000 scats were collected for DNA analysis from which 6 fox positive scats were identified (see below).
Phase 2 was carried out during Autumn 2009 in the south of the state and included areas from Bicheno in the north, to Southport in the south and west as far as Ouse. Over 2000 scats were collected during Phase 2 of the survey and DNA analysis of these scats is currently being undertaken. |
If you have an interest in the outdoors, a keen eye, a good level of fitness and want to help stop the fox, then join the Poo Crew for Phase 3 of The Great Poo Hunt! To receive a volunteer information pack, email Chris Leitch or phone (03) 6233 2867.
Scats will be analysed through DNA testing at the Institute for Applied Ecology at the University of Canberra to determine the source animal. The process will determine if fox DNA is present in a scat and provides scope for further testing to differentiate cat, dog, quoll or devil scats.
DNA testing involves the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis. PCR is used to amplify specific regions of a DNA strand (the DNA target) and is sometimes called 'molecular photocopying'. PCR is a fast and inexpensive technique used to 'amplify', or copy, small segments of DNA. Because significant amounts of a sample of DNA are necessary for molecular and genetic analyses, studies of isolated pieces of DNA are nearly impossible without PCR amplification.
If a scat is found positive for fox DNA, follow up by the Fox Eradication Program will be triggered. This may involve monitoring using free-feed stations with cameras or sand pads, sign searching and/or the use of scat detector dogs, trained to locate fox scats. These further activities will only occur on a property with prior consent from the landowner.
Such activities allow the extent of a fox population to be estimated, determine priority for action and inform eradication activities. It is vital that this information be available from across the whole Tasmanian landscape to improve our ability to undertake a successful eradication program. Again, please remember that no other activities during or following the scat collection survey will be conducted without prior permission from the landowner.
Fox positive scats have been identified from the following locations:
- Gladstone (2) - collected during field trials of survey procedures
- Conara (1)
- Longford (1)
- Tunbridge (1)
- Derby (1)
No fox positive scats yet identified. DNA analysis of scats collected during Phase 2 is ongoing.
For more information about the Scat Collection Survey, email Candida Barclay or phone her on (03) 6336 5348.
Visit the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre Website
Contact: Fox Eradication General EnquiriesFox Eradication Program
167 Westbury Road
PROSPECT TAS 7250
Phone: 03 6336 5320
Fax: 03 6336 5453
Email: Fox.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Media enquiries should be directed to 03 6233 3625; 0438042610.
Department switchboard: 1300 368 550 (local call cost within Australia)
 Please report all fox sightings and any possible evidence of fox activity to the 24hr hotline: 1300 FOX OUT (1300 369 688)
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