Australia has the highest record for biodiversity loss anywhere in the world, and since the arrival of Europeans, we have lost 110 plant and animal species to extinction.
A large part of this loss can be attributed to pest animals and it is now recognised that the fox is a major threat to Australian native wildlife. Rabbits too are responsible for changing ecosystems by consuming native plants and excavating warrens.
The Carp is considered a threat to our native river fish and ecosystems because of its ability to adapt to almost any fresh water body and through its feeding and breeding habits, which change environmental parameters such as turbidity, light and water temperatures.
Australia is host to 56 invasive vertebrate animal species. Cats, dogs, pigs, mynah birds and cane toads are considered amongst the worst in environmental and economic terms.
Our challenge is to find ways to reduce numbers of these pest animals to help restore native biodiversity and reduce losses in the agricultural industries. (Information provided by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research centre.
Information on specific feral species
Foxes
Rabbits