‘Fox positive scats confirmed from Cygnet (southern Tasmania)’

FOX ERADICATION BRANCH email …
Tasmanian Fox Eradication Program Evidence Update, 18 August 2009

Results received on Monday 17 August 2009 from the University of Canberra’s Institute for Applied Ecology report that two (2) scats collected from near Cygnet (southern Tasmania) have tested positive for fox DNA.

Cygnet (2)
Collected on 16 June 2009 during follow up investigations in response to a number of public sighting reports received from the area. The scats were collected from two locations approximately 450m apart during sign searching activities by a Fox Eradication Program Investigator and Field Officer.

Analysis (genotyping) of DNA samples from each scat will now be undertaken in an attempt to obtain the genetic profile of the fox or foxes from which the scats came.

In response to this evidence, further detection operations will be undertaken in this area and planning will begin for a tactical baiting program. This will be integrated with other eradication operations. As this area represents a significant additional target for the Tasmanian fox eradication effort, a community information session is planned for the Cygnet area in early September (details TBA).

Cygnet is located approximately 55km southwest of Hobart and is the furthest south that fox activity has been confirmed in Tasmania.

The latest physical evidence brings to nine (9) the total number of fox positive scats confirmed this year (2009). For further information about the physical evidence collected and the fox eradication effort in Tasmania, visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fox