CONSERVATION dogs have returned to the Sunshine Coast, led by the up-and-coming canine, Cooper, and his protégé, Hakka. Their mission is to target a relentless feral predator: the European red fox.
Accompanied by their handlers, Tom Garrett and Agaba Hannington, the dogs are on a quest to sniff out fox dens where breeding pairs of foxes reside. This effort is part of the Sunshine Coast Council’s ongoing Coastal Fox Control Program, now in its ninth year.
The program aims to reduce fox populations during their most active period, curbing their predation on vulnerable native species, including the spotted tail quoll, water mouse, Eastern ground parrot, and the endangered green and loggerhead turtles during their crucial egg and hatchling stage.
Since 2015, the program estimates it has saved the lives of 11,311 native small mammals, 31,391 birds, 10,612 reptiles (including turtles), and 699 macropods, based on studies of fox diets in the region.
In 2022, veteran conservation dog Rocky located 194 fox dens, with 18 actively used by breeding pairs. Rocky is now retiring after an illustrious career alongside his trainer and handler, Tom Garrett, for about eight years.
Now, it’s Cooper’s turn to shine as he mentors his young companion, Hakka. This changing of the guard marks the end of a distinguished career for Rocky, who has contributed significantly to conservation efforts in Australia.
The program, which targets areas between Peregian Beach and the Maroochy River, relies on the efforts of Cooper and Hakka, who have been given exemptions.
The European red fox was introduced to Australia in 1855 for recreational hunting but has since become a significant threat to native wildlife.