Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Bioeconomic Models To Maximize Benefits From Vertebrate Pest Control: Lamb Predation By Feral Pigs, David Choquenot, Jim Hone

Human Conflicts with Wildlife: 2002 Symposium

The question “When should investment in pest control stop?” either explicitly or implicitly underpins decisions concerning pest control made at every level of enterprise or government, regardless of whether these decisions are tactical or strategic. Bioeconomic modeling provides a quantitative framework for considering the benefits and costs of alternative pest control strategies. In this case study, we develop 3 bioeconomic models that examine strategies based on helicopter shooting and 1080 poisoning, for reducing feral pig (Sus scrofa) predation of newborn lambs in wool-growing enterprises located in Australia’s rangelands. In the first model, marginal analysis indicated that helicopter shooting …