Read more about the Invasive Animals CRC national photo competition.  Great prizes are up for grabs with free entry.  The competition closes at the end of October 2011.

Vertebrate pests occur in all parts of Australia, causing major damage to crops and agriculture, native bushland, rivers and waterways, and even sporting fields and beaches. Many private and public land managers spend considerable time and resources managing the impacts of pest animals which also cause significant social impacts among rural and urban communities. Already this year, farmers have suffered losses as a result of the devastating impacts of mice, wild dogs and feral pigs on crops and livestock, with more damage expected to come this spring. There are also ever increasing reports of pest problems in urban zones especially due to foxes, rabbits and deer.

To help raise awareness about pest animals and illustrate the damage that is being done across the country by pest animals, the Invasive Animals CRC (IA CRC) is running it's first-ever 'Feral Photos' photography competition. They are looking for your photos showing pest animals in their habitat, the damage caused by pest animals and also photos that exhibit the various control methods that are available.

The Invasive Animals CRC Natural Resource Management Liaison Officer, Jessica Marsh hopes the photo competition will remind landholders, environmental staff, volunteers and members of the public about the widespread presence of pests and the importance of keeping a record of pest animal sightings and damage. "I hope the competition encourages people to get out there and see what is happening in their environment and to get creative about how they can record and report on pest animals in their area"

Photos provide strong visual evidence of pest animal impact and if used continuously, can help land managers and government agencies to monitor changes across the landscape. There are great prizes up for grabs so make sure you visit www.invasiveanimals.com/feral-photos or contact Jessica for an entry pack This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it