Non-lethal control methods to manage livestock predation

There are a range of non-lethal control measures that landholders can use to reduce the impacts of livestock predation. Many of these can be implemented without a permit (subject to local regulations). An Authority to Control Wildlife (ACTW) may be required for some non-lethal control methods that directly and deliberately disturb wildlife. Please see the Conservation Regulator website for more information.

Exclusion fencing

Many farmers believe that electric exclusion fencing, if well built and well maintained, provides an effective 'first line of defence' against predation of livestock.

Livestock protection can be further enhanced if electric exclusion fencing is backed up by lethal control methods such as trapping, poisoning and shooting. An even higher level of protection can be achieved if adjoining landholders work together to build and maintain contiguous community electric exclusion fences. For further information, read Exclusion fencing – a practical guide for woolgrowers

Property hygiene

Carcasses of stock, pest animals, deer and native animals should be buried or burnt to prevent predators feeding on them. The presence of carcasses may attract predators onto your property and provide a plentiful food source allowing populations to increase and remain in your area.

Animal husbandry

Small lambing paddocks should be used to allow easier monitoring of the flock and reduce the chances of young lambs or kids being left unattended a long way from their mothers. Lambing paddocks sited close to the house are also easier to check frequently.

Shed lambing can be a practical means of preventing livestock predation on small flocks of valuable animals. Primary producers can reduce the impacts of predation on lambing by coordinating lambing times with their neighbours ensuring that vulnerable lambs are exposed for the shortest possible time frame within a given area.

Guardian animals

Some producers have successfully used trained guard dogs (Anatolian shepherds, Maremma sheep dogs) to protect their flocks from livestock predation. For further information, read Best Practice Manual for the use of Livestock Guardian Dogs

Trail cameras

Trail cameras are also useful tools for identifying if impacts on stock are from predation or scavenging behaviour, and whether foxes, feral pigs, escaped domestic dogs, or dingoes are responsible.

Non-lethal control strategies can take time to implement effectively, and several methods may need to be combined to achieve the desired outcome.

Further information about predation management

Page last updated: 24 Sep 2024