The Invasive Species Council has welcomed today’s declaration that feral pigs have been eradicated from Kangaroo Island, describing it as one of Australia’s most significant invasive species success stories and a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when governments back science-based action.
The announcement by the South Australian government marks the successful completion of a multi-year eradication program following the devastating Black Summer bushfires. The fires reduced the island’s feral pig population by an estimated 90 per cent and created a rare opportunity to remove the remaining animals.
Invasive Species Council Senior Advocate James Johnston said the result was a world-class conservation achievement.
‘Too often in Australia, we settle for managing invasive species when we should be aiming to eradicate them. Kangaroo Island proves that, with the right investment, political will and technology, eradication is possible.
‘The Black Summer bushfires were devastating, but they created a rare opportunity to remove feral pigs from the island for good. The South Australian government deserves enormous credit for recognising that opportunity and committing the resources needed to finish the job.
‘We commend Minister Clare Scriven for championing this cause and showing that it can be done with grit and determination to eradicate an invasive species like feral pigs on Kangaroo Island.
‘This achievement joins some of Australia’s most successful island conservation programs. Kangaroo Island has already eradicated feral deer and goats, and is now in the final stages of removing feral cats. These programs are showing the world what can be achieved when governments back science-based action and stick with it.
‘The lesson from Kangaroo Island is that islands give us some of our best opportunities to prevent extinctions and restore nature. Governments across Australia should be looking at where similar opportunities exist and acting decisively before invasive species become even harder and more expensive to remove.
‘There are lessons here for the mainland too. After major events like the Black Summer bushfires, governments should be looking for opportunities to dramatically reduce or eradicate invasive species while populations are low. Those windows don’t stay open for long.’
‘This is a major win for threatened species, farmers and everyone who wants to see nature protected. Species such as the Kangaroo Island dunnart and glossy black cockatoo will benefit from this achievement for decades to come.
‘Kangaroo Island is showing the rest of Australia what is possible. If we are serious about ending extinctions, we need more governments willing to think this ambitiously and back invasive species eradication where it can be achieved.’
Backround:
- The $7 million Kangaroo Island Feral Pig Eradication Program was led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in partnership with the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, National Parks and Wildlife Service and local landholders.
- The program used a range of tools including thermal-assisted aerial culling, AI-enabled monitoring cameras, specialised baiting systems and trained detection dogs.
- No feral pigs have been detected since the final animals were removed in early 2024, allowing authorities to complete the surveillance period required to officially declare the island free of feral pigs.
Media inquiries: (02) 8006 5004.
Related Content
