GRAMPIANS ARK, FOX PREY RESPONSE MONITORING
This programme is drawing to an end, and Parks are looking for funding to continue the fox baiting.
DEER
The Ph.D student working on deer is nearing completion of her thesis and we look forward to hearing her conclusions. Perhaps we can arrange a talk later in the year.
FERAL CATS
As noted last year, feral cats are already a major problem in many Parks, and as there is growing success in limiting fox numbers, feral cats may become even more of a threat. A research project is currently being worked on to find out more about the number and distribution of cats in the Park, but it is in very early stage. Halls Gap is supposed to be “cat free” but cats and kittens are continually being seen. The Halls Gap Ratepayers Association is pressuring the council to publicise the “cat free” status better, particularly to estate agents and new residents. And there aren’t restrictions on cat ownership in the other local townships. Maybe locals there could campaign for at least the promotion of cat enclosures, such as “Catnip” a Pomonal/ Stawell business.