European Red Foxes

The European red fox was deliberately introduced to Australia during the nineteenth century.

Since then it has spread across much of the mainland and become one of the country's most significant introduced predators.

Impacts on native wildlife

Foxes prey on a wide range of animals including:

• small mammals
• reptiles
• ground-nesting birds
• young waterbirds
• invertebrates
• vulnerable juvenile wildlife.

Australia's native fauna evolved in the absence of foxes, leaving many species poorly adapted to this form of predation.

Fox predation can therefore place substantial pressure on wildlife populations, particularly where habitat has already been fragmented or degraded.

Agricultural impacts

Foxes may prey on lambs, poultry, domestic birds and other small livestock.

Foxes can also kill more animals than they consume in a single attack, creating significant animal welfare impacts and economic losses.

Why targeted fox control matters

Fox control can form an important part of broader conservation programs, particularly where vulnerable native wildlife is being protected.

Control is often most effective when coordinated across neighbouring properties or incorporated into wider landscape-scale management.