After a small test run a few months so, the Pacific Black Duck Conservation Group will be attempting to assist Glenorchy City Council and the City of Hobart in removing a large feral population of dumped domestic ducks and Pacific black duck x mallard hybrids. GCC and Hobart City are planning a rivulet rehabilitation project that would restore the rivulet into a more natural landscape, improving water quality and providing habitat for native species, including native waterbirds. It could potentially create an urban refuge for pure PBDs. In order for this to work, the current large flock of feral domestic ducks need to be removed. This is where we can help!
Glenorchy City Council has recently completed a successful feral goose relocation program in the Lutana section of Newtown Rivulet. Using a temporary construction-site fencing enclosure, almost all of the dumped feral geese in the rivulet are now living on a farm in the Huon Valley.
The GCC have given the PBDCG permission to use this enclosure for a few weeks before they move it to another location with a dumped goose problem. At our last working bee, we found that most domestic mallards and PBD x mallard hybrids were very keen to enter the enclosure for some oats and pellets, but weren’t as tame as we expected due to the geese being in charge of this spot. As soon as we closed the gate, most flew out the top, meaning we only caught a small number of the heavier domestic mallards. The GCC have kindly attached roof netting, and without the geese present we should hopefully be able to quickly and safely (for the birds) remove a large number of feral mallards and PBD x hybrids in one go.
The first day will be October 13. Depending how we go, we may hold more workings bees on October 19, 20, 21.
Earlier the better, thinking a 7am start to be done and dusted long before any feeders come along but happy with whatever time suits the majority.
The working bee will involve placing some lure food into the enclosure and waiting until a large number of ducks are inside. The ducks will then be contained inside and then caught by hand and placed into pet packs and wildlife containers for transport.
If interested in helping out, we need:
-Catchers (quick training can be organised prior to trapping if interested (It’s just like picking up a chunky chicken but with webbed feet instead of claws).
-Transporters – If we remove a large number, we may need an extra car or two for transporting to the donation point (TBC).
-Feeders – dropping oats and duck pellets into the enclosure.
We also need pet packs/cardboard boxes/ventilated plastic containers etc. If able to loan any containers these will be returned either on the day or asap.
The first day will be October 13. Depending how we go, we may hold more workings bees on October 19, 20, 21
We won’t be taking any muscovy ducks (unless anybody wants any as pets), as these are the lesser of the evils at this location. Their numbers don’t explode like geese and they don't cross breed with any native species. Hypothetically if we can remove all tame/trappable mallards and hybrids, we may relocate any Muscovy ducks or geese to an animal rescue organisation or farm.
Any feral or hybrid ducks we remove will be transported to wildlife sanctuaries, private wildlife rehabilitators and endangered species breeding programs and will be euthanised humanely following current Tasmanian animal welfare guidelines by trained volunteers. They will then be able to be provided as food to endangered Tasmanian devils, quolls and birds of prey. We do not support the relocation of mallards and hybrids, as this just moves the hybridisation problem further afield. It would be less damaging for PBDs for leave the mallards where they are. To be clear, no animals are ever being euthanised on site and no volunteer is expected to help in any way they’re not comfortable with.
If interested, please RSVP by email. If possible, include which day you would like to attend so we can manage numbers. We don't want too many people attending on one day and none on another!
WHEN
October 13, 2023 at 12:00am - 1am
CONTACT
Pacific Black Duck Conservation Group
·