Inspection of goat-proof fence at Shark Bay

3/5/94

A goat-proof fence built at Shark Bay was the first stage of a long-term plan to make Peron Peninsula a haven for native animals, Environment Minister Kevin Minson said today.

Inspecting the fence, Mr Minson said the Peninsula's narrow three-kilometre neck with the mainland meant a barrier could isolate it as an island.

The fence was completed recently by Department of Conservation and Land Management staff and has wings out into the ocean to contain the most persistent animals.

"CALM's long-term aim is to completely remove feral animals such as foxes, cats and goats from Peron Peninsula so endangered mammals can be re-introduced to the area," Mr Minson said.

"Feral foxes and cats have been implicated in the disappearance and decline of dozens of native animal species and at least 10 of these mammal species were once found on Peron.

"They include animals such as the banded hare-wallaby, western barred bandicoot and Shark Bay mouse which are now extinct on the Australian mainland and survive only on a few offshore islands.

"Because of its size, Peron Peninsula could support large and stable populations of each of these species.

"More research is still required on how cost-effective, long-term control of feral cats and foxes can be achieved and studies on the Peninsula are expected to begin this year.

"Measures to eliminate goats from the area are almost complete after the erection of the fence and a helicopter shoot by CALM and the Agricultural Protection Board.

"Feral goats denude natural vegetation and compete with other herbivores, including native animals."

Mr Minson said goats were widespread in Shark Bay when the State Government bought Peron Station in October 1990 to create the Francois Peron National Park.

He said most animals had been removed and vegetation was regenerating well.

About 12,000 goats on Peron Peninsula had been trapped and destroyed and the fence should ensure wild goats did not re-invade from other areas.

Media contact:  Diana Callander 222 9595 or 321 2222