Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Media Release, 6 September 2024

The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its new website on Threatened Species Day, 7 September. This significant day marks the anniversary of the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger in 1936 and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to Australia’s unique wildlife.

The new website provides landowners, community groups and the public with a central point to find valuable resources on best-practice methods for humane and effective feral cat and fox control across Australia.

Gillian Basnett, National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, said this comprehensive platform aims to drive national efforts to reduce the devastating impact of these invasive species on threatened native wildlife, agricultural productivity and human health.

“Over the last three years, I’ve had many requests for a central point for people to access information. With the launch of this website we are providing this resource.

“Australia faces a critical challenge from feral cats and foxes, which together kill over 2.6 billion native animals every year. Feral cats are responsible for the extinction of 26 native mammal species and continue to threaten more than 200 nationally listed species.

“Foxes also contribute significantly to the predation of native species and livestock, with predation by foxes thought to be key in the extinction of 14 native mammal species”, said Ms Basnett.

The impact of feral cats and foxes extends to the agriculture sector, costing the industry millions of dollars annually through predation by foxes and transmission of diseases such as toxoplasmosis and sarcocystosis, particularly affecting the sheep industry.

The website offers users a central point to find the tools and knowledge to adopt best-practice management strategies to mitigate these challenges, providing tailored solutions in feral cat and fox management.

By working together, the impact of these predators on Australia’s unique ecosystems can be reduced, leading to the protection of threatened native wildlife today and into the future.

Key features of the website include:

• Detailed information on feral cat and fox impacts: Extensive research on the ecological, agricultural, and human health impacts of feral cats and foxes, including their role in the decline of native species, spread of disease, and damage to livestock.
• Best-practice management techniques: Guidelines on adaptive and integrated approaches to managing feral cat and fox populations, including the use of trapping, baiting, and habitat modification.
• Community engagement and capability building: Supports landowners, biosecurity groups, and First Nations ranger groups by offering training resources and promoting cross-tenure collaboration in managing these invasive predators.
• Alignment with national conservation goals: The Program supports key conservation initiatives, including the Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032, ensuring that all management activities align with national efforts to protect Australia’s biodiversity.

The website is delivered by the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program, which works to coordinate and support feral cat and fox control efforts on a local, regional, and national scale. The Program is funded by the Australian Government through the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.

For more information, visit the new website at feralcatandfox.com.au and learn how you can contribute to this vital national effort.