Supplementary pest control program
Feral animals cause significant impact to the environment and native species. About 40 per cent of threatened species are impacted by introduced animals like feral pigs, rabbits, wild dogs and foxes.
Read more about Supplementary pest control program
NSW National Parks use a strategic, integrated approach with numerous methods to maximise the effectiveness of its feral animal control programs.
Our Supplementary Pest Control (SPC) program is a method where qualified volunteers from the Sporting Shooting Association of Australia (SSAA) work with NPWS staff to control feral animals.
NPWS places safety first. Volunteer shooters are highly skilled, with accreditations and training in:
- using firearms to humanely destroy animals (AHCPMG304)
- providing first aid (HLTAID011)
- navigation
- communications.
SPC operates state-wide across diverse landscapes, parks and reserves.
Between September 2025 and February 2026, NPWS delivered 14 SPC operations in 16 reserves. Ground shooting removed more than 4,700 feral animals and 14 animals were trapped.
Our volunteers contributed more than 1000 hours of support during this time. We expect this to increase as we offer more operations and expand the pool of trained volunteers.
Learn more about the program or email us for more information.