Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Likely impacts of foxes on Tasmania The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a highly successful predator that has colonised much of the Australian mainland. The fox is ecologically flexible, survives well in a range of habitats and has no specific dietary requirements. There is no doubt that foxes could establish and thrive in Tasmania, bringing with them a disastrous range of environmental, economic and social impacts. This information sheet outlines some of the key impacts that would result from an established fox population in Tasmania. Visit the Invasive Species Branch website for more information www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/fox. Economic impacts Wildlife under threat Foxes are estimated to cause national agricultural and environmental impacts costing over $225 million per year in Australia. The damage cost to the Tasmanian economy is estimated at over 20 million a year. The fox is recognised nationally as the single most devastating introduced pest and threat to Australia’s wildlife. Capable of taking ground-dwelling prey up to 5.5kg, the fox has been implicated in the extinction of 23 native mammals on mainland Australia and the significant decline of at least 30 more. In addition to direct costs from stock losses and reduced tourism, there would also be significant ongoing costs for fox control programs and research required to protect agricultural industries and native biodiversity following fox establishment. In Tasmania, at least 70 species of native animal would be under threat from fox predation. Many of these are Tasmania’s icon species such as the Eastern quoll, Eastern barred bandicoot, Tasmanian bettong and Tasmanian devil. Species of ground dwelling or nesting birds, such as the Tasmanian native hen and little penguin, would also be under threat. Agriculture under threat The fox is a significant predator of livestock, particularly lambs. It is reported to cause lamb losses of up to 30 percent in some areas on the mainland. Foxes may also attack subadult and adult sheep, poultry, goats and even small calves. The impact of foxes is often increased by their ‘surplus killing’ behaviour and the action of rogue foxes. Hor ticultural enterprises may also be effected by foxes, due to loss or damage of fruit eaten by foxes or from physical damage to irrigation infrastructure from fox chewing. Help Tasmania to be FOX FREE. Report all fox sightings & any possible fox evidence to 1300 FOX OUT (1300 369 688) Tourism will suffer The tourism industry plays a significant and increasing role in the Tasmanian economy. An established fox population would severely compromise Tasmanian tourism due to reduced accessibility of wildlife and damage to our clean, green image. Disease Foxes have the potential to reintroduce and spread diseases such as hydatid tapeworm and sarcoptic mange. Foxes also have the potential to distribute rabies, should it enter Australia. Invasive Species Branch Depart ment Pri mary Industri es, Pa rks, Wat er and Envi ronment Notesheet 2 Enemy of the State