Download Enemy of the State Impacts_#2.indd

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