Predator management refers to practices intended to manage the population of predators to benefit the owner’s target wildlife population. Predator control is usually not necessary unless the number of predators is harmful to the desired wildlife population. It really depends on your goals under the management plan you draft for your wildlife valuation.
Predator control and management should not be counted as one of the seven wildlife management activities necessary to qualify for agricultural use appraisal unless it is part of a comprehensive wildlife management scheme or plan. Some types of predator management and/or control are:
- mammal predator control
- fire ant control
- brown-headed cowbird control
- grackle or starling control
Mammal predator control may be necessary to increase the survival of the targeted species. Key native predator species may include: coyotes; raccoons; bobcats and mountain lions; while exotic predators may include wild house cats, wild dogs and wild hogs.
Fire ant control (imported red fire ants) can be used to protect native wildlife species or their food base. Treatments should comply with the label instructions and should cover at least 10 acres or one tenth of an infested area each year—whichever is more.
Controlling brown-headed cowbirds to decrease nest parasitism of targeted neotropical bird species (for example, endangered songbirds) also may be part of an overall planned program.
Grackle/starling control can be undertaken as part of a planned program to reduce bird diseases and overcrowding, which can harm the population of white-winged dove and/or other neotropical birds.