It is hoped new trap technology being trialled in New South Wales could help farmers in the battle to control spiralling feral pig numbers.

The high-tech device uses cameras and motion sensors to give farmers the ability to be notified of movement in the trap before it allows them to drop the trap to capture the animal.

When movement is detected in the trap, the landholder is notified with an alert on their smartphone or tablet, which allows them to look at a live stream to determine what the animal is.

Central Tablelands Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer, Liam Orrock, said the technology worked through a camera system which operated on 3G or satellite.

“The trap is elevated above the ground, the pigs are attracted by feed placed in there, and the motion sensor and camera pick up the animal’s movement,” Mr Orrock said.

“You then have the ability to instantly lower the trap at the press of a button on your phone to capture the pigs.”

Instant success

As part of a trial between February and June, the trap was placed on several properties, in the NSW Hunter, North West and Central Tablelands.

On one property at Megalong Valley, west of Katoomba, five feral pigs were caught in the trap within the first five days.

The pigs were attracted into the trap using a variety of feed, including wheat, molasses and corn kernels.

“It showed to us how technology could be be used to manage the impact pigs have on agriculture and the environment,” Mr Orrock said.

Landholders noticed the new technology also monitored other pest animals entering the trap, including foxes and cats.

“Given pigs are attracted by noise and reward, setting an automated feed station in the trap showed that pigs were attracted to it at certain times of the day.”

“There are limitations to the technology, but it’s a start.”

Feral pig numbers explode

The technology was part of a wider strategy targeted at controlling feral pig numbers in NSW.

A range of methods to control the pig population has been used in recent years, including ground and aerial baiting, shooting and trapping.

It is hoped the new high-tech trap, which costs an estimated $8,000 each, can be added to the options farmers could use.

“Feral pigs are one of the biggest risks to biosecurity in the pest animal space and the need for pig control is higher than it’s ever been,” Mr Orrock said.

“Pig populations are exploding because of the amount of rain this year, and with so much feed available, it brings a larger risk of disease being spread and damage to farmland.”

The trial finished in late June, with a decision to be made on whether it could be rolled out on more properties across the state.