Feral Animals Surge in Drought-Stricken Australia

0:00The latest headlines, weather, and stories, right here on Adelaide News today. Drought in South Australia and floods in Queensland are fueling a surge in feral animals like goats, pigs, and deer. These pests are overwhelming rural areas, competing with livestock for scarce water and feed during the worst dry spell on record. Landholders face extra headaches as the animals invade even small towns, such as Hawker, Corn, and Cooper PD. At stations like Kwondong, which spans 147,710 hectares and focuses on marina wool, feral goats number in, the tens of thousands. They devour ground cover and browse trees that sheep can't reach, slashing the land's carrying capacity and starving out domestic flux. Owners like Mary Lou Bishop say the goats exploded recently after goat me prices dropped, making costly musters uneconomical. A partnership with the South Australian Airdlands Landscape Board sends some goats to zoos for lion feed, but it barely dents the population.

1:00Meanwhile, feral pigs are growing menace, spotted for the first time this year in the Northern Flinders ranges. They cause $106 million in agricultural damage annually, breeding big litter's even in tough conditions and fouling stock water, truffs while praying on lambs. Deer add to the woes as one of the state's worst pests, damaging fences, roads, and habitats while costing farmers millions. An eradication program has code over 28,000 since 2022, but their numbers rebound quickly no matter the efforts. Thanks to our sponsor for helping bring you this episode. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com