Download European Red Fox - Yass Area Network

European Red Fox
(Vulpes vulpes)
L A N D W A T E R L I F E
F A C T
S H E E T
Foxes are regarded as a serious pest of environmental and
grazing systems in Australia. After their deliberate
introduction in Victoria during the 1800’s they now occupy
all mainland Australia (except the tropical north) and have
recently been discovered in Tasmania.1
Impacts
Foxes generally account for 2% to 5% of lamb mortality,
although there are reports of foxes preying on up to 30%
of lambs in some areas.1 A study undertaken in the
Boorowa district during the 1990’s concluded that between
1% and 10% of lambs were predated by foxes.2 Nationally,
the impact of foxes on sheep production is estimated at
$17.5 million per year.3
Photo: Reiner Richter
Foxes also prey heavily on native birds, reptiles and mammals, and the economic consequences of
this are estimated to greatly exceed the cost to agriculture ($190m).1
Fox Control
Legislative responsibilities
Rabbits, wild dogs, wild pigs and locusts are declared pests in NSW. Under the Rural Lands
Protection Act 1998 all land managers in NSW, whether on public or private land, have an obligation
to control these species on their land. There is currently no obligation for landholders to control
other declared nuisance animals including foxes. It should be noted however, that there is
currently a trial of foxes as declared pests in Northern NSW.
Baiting
Fox baiting is generally more effective than intensive
measures such as trapping or shooting. Meat inoculated
with sodium monofluoroacetate (compound 1080) is
most palatable to foxes and has a relatively high target
specificity. Commercial baits are also available.
The use of visual and auditory cues, odorous chemicals,
“draw baits” such as carcasses or other foods and
synthetic pheromones can be used to attract foxes to a
baiting site and increase the baiting effectiveness.
A fox with a native mammal as it’s prey.
Photo: Victorian Government Department of
Primary Industries
Trails conducted in the NSW Southern Highlands
found the application of synthetic fermented egg (SFE)
to bait stations significantly increased site visitation by
foxes and wild dogs.2 This product is now
commercially available.
PAGE
Baiting is best done collaboratively with adjoining landholders on a
landscape scale as young foxes can disperse large distances (2 40kms) from their home and can quickly re-invade controlled
areas.2 Baiting at least twice a year (autumn and spring) in the
month leading up to lambing is also recommended. This will
reduced local fox populations and the associated predation rates
when stock are most susceptible. Foxes are also more susceptible
to baiting during these times, especially in spring when females are
breeding and nutritional stresses are greatest.2 Baits are typically
laid at a density of 5-10 per km2. Baits need to be checked
regularly and replaced until the rate of bait uptake declines.
Complementary fox control
Controlling foxes prior to lambing can reduce
A local study found that many lambs taken by foxes were severely
predation of newborn lambs. Photo: NSW
affected by mismothering, exposure or starvation and were unlikely
Department of Primary Industries
to survive despite fox predation.2 Individual landholders can reduce
the loss of lambs to foxes by taking steps to avoid these scenarios.
This includes providing high quality lambing shelter, reducing ewe disturbance, reducing fox harbor near to
lambing sites and maintaining healthy ewe condition based on appropriate stocking rates and good pasture
condition.2
Secondary poisoning
Baiting can affect native carnivores and scavengers such as goannas and some scavenging birds, as well as
domestic dogs. Secondary poisoning is possible through consumption of undigested bait in the stomach of a
poisoned animals. Non-target species can also be poisoned by consuming the vomit of target species which
have consumed 1080 or by eating maggots in meat baits which can accumulate enough toxin to kill vertebrates
such as insectivorous birds.4
Contacts
The Livestock Health and Pest Authority (formerly the Rural Lands Protection Board) are typically
responsible for coordinating bating programs and providing fox baits.
13 Mitchell Street (PO Box 10) Yass NSW 2582 ph (02) 6226 1155 fax (02)6226 2989
website www.lhpa.org.au
References
1
Jones, R, Saunders G. and Balogh, S. Outfox the Fox. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Sydney, 2006.
Available at: www.invasiveanimals.com/invasive-animals/foxes/
2
Saunders, G. and McLeod, L. Improving Fox Management Strategies in Australia. NSW Department of Primary
Industries and Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra 2007.
Available at: www.affashop.gov.au/product.asp?prodid=13833
3
Invasive Animals CRC, The Fox: Australia’s worst predator. n.d. Available at: www.invasiveanimals.com/invasiveanimals/foxes/
4
Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J. and Braysher, M. Managaing Verterbrate pests: Foxes. Bureau of Rural
Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Services, Canberra 1995. Available at: www.affashop.gov.au/
product.asp?prodid=12934
This fact sheet was produced with the assistance of funds from the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority and was written by
Clare McInnes (Greening Australia Capital Region) on behalf of the Jerrawa Creek Landcare Group
August 2009
Jerrawa Creek Landcare Group
Bob Spiller (Secretary) PO Box 23 Gunning 2581 ph/fax: (02) 48458217 email: [email protected]
2