As part of Biodiversity Month, Local Land Services is highlighting the work being undertaken through the Paddocks for Plains-wanderer project, which supported landholders during 2025-26 to implement a range of land management practices aimed at preserving and enhancing native grazing country within the bird's stronghold.
A major component of the project has been predator control, with the landscape fox baiting program continuing across almost 100,000 hectares of the Murray and Riverina regions.
During 2025-26, an estimated 1633 foxes were culled through the baiting program.
The project also funded 33 nights of targeted cat shooting, resulting in the removal of 54 cats and a further 19 foxes.
Project managers said the program, combined with baiting undertaken by participating landholders outside the designated landscape area, was helping to reduce predation pressure on the threatened species.
Rabbit control has also been a focus, with a large-scale control program carried out in February across 700 hectares of warren sites located within two kilometres of primary plains-wanderer habitat.
More than two tonnes of free feed and 1080/Pindone-treated carrot bait were processed and applied across the treatment sites.
Follow-up assessments showed significant ground cover recovery and no evidence of rabbit activity.
The project also funded the removal of African boxthorn across more than 800 hectares on three properties, with 2866 plants cleared from areas surrounding key plains-wanderer habitat.
The weed removal program is expected to improve grassland habitat by reducing vantage points for raptors, limiting concealment opportunities for foxes and cats, and improving the structural integrity of native grasslands.
More than 6km of fencing was also installed on two participating properties to help subdivide large paddocks and improve grazing management.
The Paddocks for Plains-wanderer project is jointly funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust and the NSW Government's Saving Our Species program and is delivered by LLS as a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
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