Lexi Webster
Foxes in Australia are a widespread and destructive agricultural pest, causing significant environmental and financial damage. They are considered a threat to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and have even contributed to the extinction of some species. Due to their impact on the ecosystem, they have been classified as one of the most damaging invasive species in the country. As a result, various control methods such as poison baiting, shooting, and den fumigation are used to manage fox populations. This paragraph introduces the topic of finding fox dens in Australia and highlights the importance of understanding their behaviour to implement effective control measures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of red foxes in Australia | 7.2 million-8 million |
| Year introduced to Australia | 1830s-1870s |
| Purpose of introduction | Hunting |
| Spread | 76% of the continent |
| Weight | 5-7 kg |
| Mobility | High |
| Hunting time | Night time |
| Hunting method | Ground and aerial baiting, shooting, trapping, fumigation |
| Humaneness | Assessed by an independent expert panel under the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy |
| Threat to | 14 species of birds, 48 mammals, 12 reptiles, 2 amphibians, livestock, native wildlife, backyard chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, pets |
| Advantage | Suppression of rodents, rabbits, feral cats |
| Fox-free areas | Tropical areas of northern Queensland, the Kimberley and the Top End of the Northern Territory |
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What You'll Learn
Foxes in Australia: a conservation problem
Red foxes pose a serious conservation problem in Australia. They are widespread throughout the country, except for the tropical north, and are considered one of the most damaging invasive species in the country. Foxes are a significant threat to native wildlife and have been implicated in the decline and extinction of many small and medium-sized rodent and marsupial species. They are also a threat to livestock, preying on poultry, lambs, and kids, and can pose a health risk to humans and pets in high-density areas through the transmission of diseases. The environmental and agricultural impacts of foxes cost Australia more than $200 million each year.
European red foxes were introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s by settlers to uphold the traditional English sport of fox hunting. They have since spread across 76% of the continent, with a range extending throughout most of the continental mainland. The spread of the red fox population corresponds directly with the declining populations of several endemic terrestrial marsupials, including the brush-tailed, burrowing, and rufous bettong, the Greater bilby, numbat, bridled nailtail wallaby, and the quokka. Foxes are also found in higher concentrations in densely populated suburban areas and large cities, such as Melbourne.
Foxes are highly mobile and efficient breeders, and their denning behaviour and nocturnal hunting make them difficult to eradicate. The main form of control is poison bait, typically containing 1080 poison, which is considered the most effective broad-scale method of fox control. Complementary control methods include shooting and den fumigation. Within smaller fenced reserves, eradicating feral cats and red foxes can allow the reintroduction of extirpated mammal species. However, eradication can be very time-consuming and labour-intensive, and one-off or reactionary control programs are ineffective in the long term.
Research has shown that the presence of dingoes can decrease the presence of foxes and increase native fauna. Some have advocated for the reintroduction of Tasmanian devils to the mainland to perform a similar role and ensure the ongoing survival of that native species. Local eradication programs exist, and fox hunting is legal in all states. Landholders are responsible for controlling foxes on their properties under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019.
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How to spot fox dens
Red foxes pose a serious conservation problem in Australia, threatening biodiversity and agriculture. They are widespread throughout the country, except for the tropical north, and are considered apex predators. Foxes are highly mobile and efficient breeders, travelling up to 15 kilometres from their dens in search of food. They are also intelligent and curious, quickly learning to associate certain sights, sounds, and smells with danger.
To spot fox dens, you can employ various tactics and technologies. Here are some methods to consider:
- Camera Trapping: This involves setting up cameras in strategic locations, such as game trails or areas with fox tracks. Cameras can be positioned out of the fox's direct line of sight to increase the chances of capturing footage without being detected. Using infrared flash and passive infrared sensors can help capture clear images at night when foxes are most active.
- Tracking and Mapping: Record and map sightings of foxes, fox damage, and control activities in your local area using resources like the FoxScan website or app. This data can help identify patterns and hotspots, aiding in the location of dens.
- Baiting and Trapping: Targeted baiting has been used in the past, but it can be costly and may not always be effective. However, baiting can be combined with trapping methods. For example, you can use cage traps baited with food or lures that simulate the sound of injured prey, attracting foxes to the trap.
- Aerial Surveillance: Aerial baiting and surveillance are employed by pest management programs to cover large areas and gain a broader perspective on fox populations and potential den sites.
- Hunting: Hunting is legal in Australia and can be done with spotlights and whistles to attract and locate foxes. Hunting can be an effective way to reduce fox numbers and protect livestock and native wildlife.
By combining these methods and working collaboratively with neighbours and local authorities, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of fox den detection and control efforts.
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Baiting and fumigation methods
Baiting and fumigation are two methods used to control fox populations in Australia. Foxes have a devastating impact on native wildlife across Australia, threatening 14 species of birds, 48 mammal species, and 12 reptile species. They also cause significant economic damage, with an estimated cost of $227.5 million per year.
Baiting Methods
Baiting is the most common method of fox control. Poison baiting is currently the most effective broad-scale method, and baits can be offered year-round. The best results are often achieved with an intermittent 'pulse' baiting pattern, where poison baits are offered for 1 to 2 months, followed by 1 to 3 months with no bait. Baits should be placed near fences and tracks in the target area and throughout the paddocks, buried at 200 to 500-metre intervals. Poison baiting is most effective when combined with other control methods, as no single method is successful on its own. One of the more successful baits for cage traps is chicken fast food or rabbit, and these traps have the advantage of allowing captured domestic pets and non-target animals to be released unharmed.
Fumigation Methods
Fumigation is another option for controlling fox populations, particularly in localised areas such as dens located near lambing paddocks or poultry. Fumigation of breeding or natal dens with carbon monoxide gas is sometimes used to kill young cubs older than 4 weeks of age. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that causes oxygen depletion, leading to unconsciousness and rapid death without pain. However, den fumigation is time-consuming and labour-intensive, and it is not effective as a general fox control method. It is important to note that fumigation should only be undertaken with the right permits in place.
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Hunting foxes: tips and tricks
Hunting foxes require a good deal of experience and preparation. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:
Preparation
Before setting out, it is important to be aware of the conditions that will influence your hunt. These include the terrain, weather, scents, breeding periods, prey, and time of day. For instance, foxes are more likely to respond to calls at sunset or during the cold season when prey opportunities are limited. Additionally, foxes prefer open areas and are more active when their prey is active, which can be at any time of day.
Equipment
When it comes to equipment, a good fox game call is essential. Different calls will be more or less effective depending on the terrain and the volume and tone of the call. For example, lower-volume calls are better suited for terrain with bushes and trees, while higher-volume calls are recommended for open areas. Other equipment you may want to consider includes a seat cushion or low hunting chair, a spotlight, and an mp3 player with pre-loaded calls.
Technique
Once you have selected an appropriate hunting field and set up your equipment, it is important to remain silent and still for 5 to 10 minutes before using your game call. When using a call, remember to take advantage of the wind to carry the sound. Additionally, you can use a critter decoy to attract foxes by reproducing the calling sounds of wounded prey. If you are hunting with a gun, remember to position yourself in a way that does not give away your location, such as by sitting on the ground or using a low-volume call when hunting in terrain with bushes and trees.
Baiting and Trapping
Another technique is to use baiting and trapping methods. This involves controlling the fox's food source, such as rabbits, and setting traps in areas where foxes are known to be active. One hunter reported success using a combination of baiting and trapping techniques, as well as a "secret weapon" that they did not disclose.
Scent Control
It is important to be mindful of your scent when hunting foxes, as they have a keen sense of smell. Avoid wearing chemical cleaners or smoking near the hunting area, as these scents can deter foxes. Instead, try using natural scents, such as urine from a previously shot fox, to confuse the fox's senses.
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Foxes as a threat to livestock
Foxes pose a significant threat to livestock in Australia. They are widespread across the country, except for the tropical north, and are considered one of the most damaging invasive species. Foxes were introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s for hunting purposes and have since spread across 76% of the continent. They are highly mobile, travelling up to 10 km per night, and efficient breeders, making them a persistent challenge for farmers.
Foxes are a threat to livestock, preying on poultry, lambs, and kids. They also pose a health risk to humans and pets in high-density areas by transmitting diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and mange. The presence of foxes has been implicated in the decline and extinction of many small and medium-sized rodent and marsupial species in Australia. They are believed to be the primary cause of the decline in numerous Australian small mammal species, particularly those in the ''critical weight range' of 35 g to 5,500 g.
The impact of foxes on the environment and agriculture is significant, costing Australia an estimated $200 million each year. In 2020-2021 alone, foxes cost Australia approximately $198 million in lost production. Foxes are also a potential biosecurity risk, as they may spread exotic diseases such as rabies if they enter the country. This could have devastating consequences for livestock, wildlife, and human health.
To address the threat of foxes to livestock, various control methods are employed. Poison baiting is currently the most effective broad-scale method of fox control. Other complementary methods include shooting and den fumigation. It is important to note that controlling foxes without also controlling their primary food source, such as rabbits, can be ineffective, as it can lead to a rapid recovery of the fox population. Successful fox management relies on a coordinated approach, utilizing a combination of strategies such as baiting, shooting, and trapping, often in collaboration with neighbouring properties.
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Frequently asked questions
Foxes pose a serious conservation problem in Australia, threatening native wildlife and contributing to the extinction of several species. They are also a major problem for farmers and their livestock. Foxes are widespread throughout Australia, except for the tropical north.
Poison baiting is the most effective broad-scale method of fox control. Other complementary methods include shooting, den fumigation, and trapping. The RSPCA Australia recommends using humane, target-specific, and effective methods for fox control.
Yes, the PestSmart website provides detailed information on European foxes, including their biology, ecology, impacts, and best practice management. The FoxScan website and app also allow users to record and map sightings of foxes, fox damage, and control activities in their local area.
Foxes are highly intelligent and curious, so hunters need to outsmart them. An effective luring tactic is to use a fox whistle, which simulates the sound of an injured rabbit or bird, their preferred prey. Hunting spotlights, such as halogen Striker or Blitz spotlights, can also help achieve a quick, clean, and ethical shot.
