Baiting with 1080 poison is a key method of controlling pest populations in Australia. Understanding the fate of 1080 baits is necessary to evaluate current protocols and inform optimal baiting techniques. This study aimed to investigate (1) the potential movement of meat baits by animals in the landscape, and (2) the interaction of ants with meat baits in an arid environment and any effect on bait availability. Camera traps and radio transmitters were used to monitor the fate and movement of 104 non-toxic fresh meat baits, replicating those used at an arid project site in Sturt National Park, northwest New South Wales. In total, 21% of baits were moved at least 10 m from their deployment location, with five baits moved between 100 m and 1.5 km. Four baits were carried by birds over 1.8 m high fences, into adjacent management zones. Ants attacked baits within hours of deployment, with some completely consumed by ants within 1-3 days. Treatment of baits with permethrin insecticide at deployment resulted in significantly lower bait degradation than untreated baits. Considering and quantifying the impacts of non-target species interactions with baits is important for the adaptive management of pest control programs, optimising efficacy and improving outcomes.