Impact of hooved feral animals includingImpact of hooved feral animals including deer, goats, horses, and pigs

Impact of hooved feral animals including deer, goats, horses, and pigs

The negative impacts of hooved feral animals on vegetation health and soil erosion are well documented (Keith & Pellow 2005; Bengsen et al. 2017; Wills et al. 2023; Burns et al. 2021). This is also recognised within the Draft threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by unmanaged goats (DCCEEW 2024c), the Threat abatement plan for predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus scrofa) (DOEE 2017), and the National feral deer action plan (Government of South Australia 2023). Where these species co-occur with the Pookila, there are risks of habitat degradation through trampling, wallowing, and overgrazing (Burns 2021). Overgrazing pressures may increase in post-fire environments, particularly in heathy vegetation types preferred by the Pookila (Heaton et al. 2022), compounding post-fire food shortages and predation risk, while impeding regrowth of suitable habitat and food species (DAWE 2022). The effects of hooved feral animal control programs on Pookila occurrence and abundance have not been directly studied, but based on vegetation response studies, control programs are expected to benefit the Pookila and its habitat, particularly around fire events.