According to Iggy Honan - Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management’s program manager biosecurity – the board recently completed its largest fox baiting program in many years.

Around 8000 baits were distributed to Eastern Eyre groups and landholders in 2010 - more than double the amount used last year.

However, a spotlight survey by NRM officers this month, revealed fox numbers are still at an all time high in the Arno Bay to Verran transect – a distance of 85km – and fox litters are unusually large this season.

Locally, foxes historically take a high toll at lambing time – as much as 10 per cent.

Foxes also prey on small native mammals, reptiles and ground-nesting birds, Iggy said.

The breeding boom has been prompted by abundant food supplies over the previous spring and summer, he said.

While 1080 baiting is traditionally done in autumn, lowel level baiting will continue on Eastern Eyre this winter and baits are available from local NRM offices.

In the meantime, the region’s farmers and landholders are taking additional measures, trapping and shooting to combat increased fox numbers.