Given their protected status, the only legal and ethical method to effectively manage and remove a brush turkey causing issues in your garden is to arrange for its safe capture and relocation to a suitable natural habitat by authorized professionals.
Understanding Brush Turkeys and Their Protected Status
Australian brush turkeys (also known as Bush Turkeys or Gweela) are a common sight in suburban areas, particularly across eastern Australia. While fascinating creatures, their vigorous mound-building and foraging habits can cause significant damage to gardens, lawns, and landscaping. It's crucial to understand that brush turkeys are a protected native species under wildlife legislation, which means it is illegal to harm, injure, or kill them. This protection dictates the permissible methods for managing their presence.
The Only Legal Way to Remove a Brush Turkey: Relocation
Because they are a protected species, individual attempts to remove or harm brush turkeys are illegal and can result in penalties. The only sanctioned approach to "getting rid" of a persistent brush turkey that is causing extensive damage is professional intervention for safe capture and relocation.
Steps for Safe and Legal Relocation
If a brush turkey is causing significant and ongoing issues, consider these steps:
- Do Not Attempt Capture Yourself: Without proper training, permits, and equipment, attempting to catch a brush turkey can be dangerous for both you and the bird, and it is against the law.
- Contact Wildlife Professionals: The first and most important step is to reach out to local wildlife rescue organizations, your state's environmental protection agency, or a licensed pest control service that specializes in native animal management. These groups have the necessary permits and expertise.
- Examples:
- In NSW, contact the Department of Planning and Environment Wildlife Team.
- In Queensland, reach out to the Department of Environment and Science.
- Local wildlife rescue groups (e.g., WIRES in NSW, Wildcare Australia in QLD) can also provide guidance or assistance.
- Examples:
- Professional Assessment and Capture: Licensed professionals will assess the situation and employ humane trapping methods to safely capture the brush turkey. They understand animal behavior and minimize stress during the process.
- Relocation to a Suitable Habitat: Once captured, the brush turkey will be relocated to an approved, more suitable natural habitat away from residential areas. This new location will offer ample food, water, and space, reducing the likelihood of it returning to urban gardens.
Preventing Brush Turkeys from Returning: Deterrents and Garden Management
While relocation addresses an existing problem, proactive garden management can significantly reduce the likelihood of brush turkeys settling in your yard in the first place or returning after relocation.
Garden Modifications
Making your garden less attractive for nesting and foraging can be an effective deterrent.
- Protect Garden Beds:
- Heavy Mulch or Rocks: Brush turkeys prefer loose leaf litter and soil for their mounds. Replacing light mulch with heavier options like large river pebbles, decorative rocks, or heavy-duty weed matting covered with a thin layer of lighter mulch can make an area less appealing for digging.
- Physical Barriers: Use chicken wire, netting, or small fences (at least 50-60 cm high) around vulnerable garden beds or individual plants to prevent digging.
- Densely Planted Areas: Brush turkeys prefer open, disturbed ground. Densely planting an area can make it less appealing for mound building.
Food and Water Source Management
Eliminating easy access to food and water can discourage brush turkeys from frequenting your property.
- Secure Compost Bins: Ensure compost bins are fully enclosed and inaccessible to wildlife.
- Remove Food Scraps: Avoid leaving food scraps or pet food outdoors. Bring pet bowls inside after feeding.
- Manage Fruit Trees: Harvest ripe fruit promptly and regularly clear any fallen fruit from the ground.
- Limit Water Sources: If you have shallow bird baths or other accessible water sources, consider covering them or making them less inviting.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents (Use with Caution)
While some people try visual (e.g., scarecrows, reflective items) or auditory deterrents, brush turkeys are generally quite adaptable and may quickly become accustomed to these. Their effectiveness is often limited and temporary.
Quick Guide: Do's and Don'ts of Brush Turkey Management
Here’s a summary of what you should and shouldn't do when dealing with brush turkeys:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Contact wildlife authorities or licensed professionals for relocation | ❌ Harm, injure, or kill a brush turkey (it's illegal) |
| ✅ Implement garden deterrents like heavy mulch, rocks, or netting | ❌ Attempt to capture or relocate them yourself without proper authorization |
| ✅ Secure compost bins and all potential food sources | ❌ Feed brush turkeys, as this encourages them to stay |
| ✅ Educate yourself and neighbors about their protected status | ❌ Ignore their presence if damage is severe; seek professional help |
By following these guidelines, you can manage brush turkeys effectively, legally, and humanely, protecting both your garden and these unique native birds.
