AN increase in feral fox activity in the City of Kalamunda has prompted the city to coordinate a targeted control program with a state agency.

The program is being run with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to protect the area’s biodiversity including several priority native species vulnerable to predation.

Suburbs subject to work in the program are Gooseberry Hill, Lesmurdie, Pickering Brook and Forrestfield.

These operations will occur within DBCA managed lands including Railway Heritage Trail Reserve, Gooseberry Hill National Park, Gooseberry Hill Recreation Park, Pomeroy Road Reserve, Valencia Road Reserve and Pioneer Park.

The department has engaged a licensed pest management contractor to undertake all control activities.

City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said foxes were an established declared pest whose negative impacts include predation on iconic native species or spreading diseases like parvo virus and mange.

“An annual fox control program aims to reduce fox numbers when seasonally appropriate to reduce these negative impacts,” she said.

“Running this program now gives us the best chance to protect those native species before the impact becomes more serious.

“This kind of targeted, preventative control is an important part of looking after our natural areas.”

The program commenced in mid‑April and will continue based on monitoring results and seasonal conditions.

Ms Thomas said success of the program will be measured by a reduction in fox activity and follow‑up checks conducted by DBCA.

“As with fox control programs conducted in previous years, safety is a top priority,” she said.

“All activities will take place on DBCA‑managed land and the work will be carried out by a fully licensed contractor under strict controls.

“We’ll continue to keep the community informed and make sure there’s always a City of Kalamunda contact available while the program is underway.”

A DBCA spokesperson said the department’s main involvement with the City of Kalamunda’s fox control program is authorising the fox trap and shoot program on DBCA-managed land.

“DBCA works with local governments to provide advice on feral animal control and, where possible, aligns its own operations with those undertaken by local governments to maximise effectiveness,” they said.

“This coordinated approach allows collaborative and effective management across bushland reserves.”

For more information visit www.kalamun da.wa.gov.au or phone the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999 or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au