whether any cats survived consumption of a toxic bait. This foxes may be more frequently detected in road assessment could ordinarily be made by assessing presence of locations in densely vegetated areas (Towerton et Rhodamine B bands in facial whiskers (Fisher et al. 1999; Fisher al. 2011). Preliminary trials have demonstrated that 2000). However, the density of vegetation at the site precluded captive Red Foxes (n=4) can be poisoned with the use of VHF-guided hunting of collared cats. Curiosity® baits (Johnston and Gigliotti, unpublished data). The observed survival of foxes A similar explanation is probable with the observed impact on (4 of 4) in this study suggests that further research the population of Red Foxes with respect to expected detection is warranted to determine the attractiveness and at bush camera sites and choice of lure. Foxes are readily palatability of Curiosity® baits to free-ranging detected by automated cameras with food lures in off-track animals. situations (Robley pers. comm.), although 34
whether any cats survived consumption of a toxic bait. This assessment could ordinarily be made by assessing presence of Rhodamine B bands in facial whiskers (Fisher et al. 1999; Fisher 2000). However, the density of vegetation at the site precluded the use of VHF-guided hunting of collared cats. A similar explanation is probable with the observed impact on the population of Red Foxes with respect to expected detection at bush camera sites and choice of lure. Foxes are readily detected by automated cameras with food lures in off-track situations (Robley pers. comm.), although foxes may be more frequently detected in road locations in densely vegetated areas (Towerton et al. 2011). Preliminary trials have demonstrated that captive Red Foxes (n=4) can be poisoned with Curiosity® baits (Johnston and Gigliotti, unpublished data). The observed survival of foxes (4 of 4) in this study suggests that further research is warranted to determine the attractiveness and palatability of Curiosity® baits to free-ranging animals. 34
curiosity-wilsons-prom-np.docx