New fox brochure released - Feb 2008.
Since they were introduced for recreational hunting in the mid-1800s, foxes have spread across most of Australia. They have played a major role in the decline of a number of species of native animals and they also prey on newborn lambs.
Control of foxes relies heavily on conventional techniques such as shooting, poisoning and fencing. In the future, a combination of biological and conventional control methods may be able to reduce the damage foxes cause.
The Impact of Foxes
The fox has played a major role in the decline of ground-nesting birds, small to medium sized mammals such as the greater bilby, and reptiles such as the green turtle. It is thought to have caused a severe reduction in populations of many other threatened species, including the bridled nail-tail wallaby and the night parrot.
The fox causes significant economic losses to farmers by preying on newborn lambs, goat kids and poultry. The fox could also act as a carrier of rabies, should the disease accidentally be introduced into Australia. Rabies mostly affects members of the dog family, but can also be passed on to humans, livestock and native mammals. (Australian Government's Dept of Environment and Heritage - download their factsheet)
Controlling Foxes
Spotlight on Foxes - A guide for landmanagers A comprehensive guide to the control of foxes.
Download the document 
(Pdf 1.7 mg)