Last year over 85 per cent of Australian land managers spent an average of around $21,950 on pest and weed management, with feral animals contributing significantly to the cost.

Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said the results of the 2022 pest animal and weed management land manager survey demonstrates the level of commitment required by land managers to control pests and weeds is increasing.

Dr Greenville said the survey showed 89 per cent of land managers reported problems due to feral animals up from 85 per cent in 2019.

Foxes, rabbits, rats and mice were the most common species reported as causing problems.

“There have also been reports of feral animals that are new to properties or have increased in numbers, such as feral pigs and deer, that are causing damage.

“About three-quarters of land managers continue to manage pest animals on their properties through various means,” he said.

Ground shooting was the most common management activity, used by about 75 per cent of land managers.

Pesticide and/or insecticide use and ground baiting were also popular control measures, used by around 50 per cent of land managers.

There was also a small but meaningful increase in reports of weed related problems on properties with around 60 per cent of land managers reporting problems with weeds of national significance, up from 58 per cent in 2019.

The most common varieties included fireweed, feathertop rhodes grass, fleabane, African lovegrass, thistles and giant rats tail grass.

“More than 80 per cent of land managers are actively managing weeds on their properties, with the application of herbicides remaining the most common weed management activity.”

For more information from the pest animals and weed management survey, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/research-topics/social-sciences/pest-animals-weed-management-survey