Managing predators on livestock producing properties in South Africa and Western Australia – producer perspectives

Context Predation impacts livestock farming enterprises worldwide. In South Africa and Western Australia, native and non-native predators negatively impact sheep and cattle farming enterprises. Aims We hoped to compare the perspectives on predator impacts of livestock producers in relation to livestock predation in South Africa and Western Australia. Methods Online and in-person surveys consisting of 26 questions were posed to farmers and pastoralists in both countries. The questions related to land ownership, property size, livestock management, predation impact (financial and livestock losses), control of predators, and other impacts on productivity. Key results Livestock production properties are of a similar size and stocking rate in both countries, but Western Australia has some very large stations. Predation impacts on livestock production are felt in both countries, with South Africa having a larger array of predators, resulting in higher financial impacts. Despite control tools being similar in both countries, deployment of the tools differed. Conclusions Losses to predators are higher in South Africa as their predator management is localised and reactive to predation, whereas Western Australia has a proactive landscape-scale approach to predator control through Recognised Biosecurity Groups. Implications Predators impact farming enterprises in both countries, but the number of predators and the use of available control methods influence the level of impact the predators have on the productivity of farms in both Western Australia and South Africa.