Social acceptability of pest animal management in meeting TGP targets

Total grazing pressure is a key driver of productivity in livestock production systems in the southern Australian rangelands. Sustainable grazing in these environments requires the management of grazing pressure from kangaroos, unmanaged goats and feral pigs (focus species) as well as livestock. Although there are control practices to manage these species, practices must be socially acceptable if the industry is to maintain its social licence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess the acceptability amongst stakeholders of practices to manage these species. Commercial shooting was the most acceptable practice for managing kangaroos with a much lower acceptance for non-commercial shooting. A trap yard (at water point) was the most acceptable practice for managing unmanaged goats with shooting least acceptable. Ground shooting, trapping and 1080 baiting were the most acceptable practices for managing feral pigs with dogging least acceptable. Reviewed literature identified key influential stakeholders: the RSPCA, Animals Australia, the National Farmers Federation and the state-based farmer advocacy groups. Recommendations for an effective strategy to engage with stakeholders include establishing appropriate processes and platforms; establishing a unified and resourced industry “voice”; and ensuring the industry self-regulates to avoid the potential for “bad behaviour” to undermine its credibility and trustworthiness.