[Huon Forests] Fox positive scats confirmed from Cygnet

[jenny weber]

Fox positive scats confirmed from Cygnet (southern Tasmania)
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