The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has removed more than 3,000 feral animals as part of its 2026 autumn feral animal control program across national parks and reserves across northern inland and western NSW, protecting native wildlife, landscapes and cultural values.
Midway through the program, NPWS's Feral Animal Aerial Shooting Team (FAAST) has removed 3,060 animals in 82 hours across 12 reserves, including key parks in the Bourke region and surrounding areas.
This brings the year-to-date FAAST total in north-west NSW to 12,640 animals, including 7,023 pigs, 4664 goats, 603 deer, 243 horses, 58 cats, 37 foxes, nine wild dogs, two donkeys and one camel.
When combined with additional trapping, mustering, ground shooting and joint programs with Local Land Services, NPWS has removed 19,446 feral animals this financial year, including 10,331 pigs and 111 cats.
Aerial shooting remains one of the most effective control methods across large and remote landscapes in western NSW, allowing NPWS to rapidly reduce feral animal populations and limit damage to native habitats and cultural sites.
In addition to direct control, NPWS has distributed 27,975 1080 baits across the region through both ground and aerial programs, with major autumn aerial baiting still to come.
Feral animal control programs play a critical role in protecting threatened species, supporting biodiversity and maintaining the health of Country across western NSW.
Quotes attributable to NPWS Director Northern Inland Branch John Whittall:
"These results show the scale of work underway across western NSW and the importance of sustained feral animal control in protecting our parks and reserves.
"We're working closely with neighbours, local communities and Aboriginal Owners to deliver coordinated, landscape-scale outcomes that benefit both the environment and surrounding landholders.
"With more work to come this season, including aerial baiting, we'll continue to build on this momentum and target feral animal populations where they have the greatest impact."
