IntroductionThe introduction of animals throughout the last two centuries has resulted in the establishment of large populations of introduced animals becoming pests within Australia. Pest animals contribute to the degradation of the environment and cause economic losses to farmers through: competition with livestock and wildlife for resources (food, water, shelter, breeding sites):
- predation of stock and native wildlife
- damage to crops and native vegetation
- soil disturbance and erosion
- damage to fences and water courses
- disease threat.
Pest animals are grouped into two categories in the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994:
1. Restricted pest animals
- prohibited pest animals
- controlled pest animals
- regulated pest animals
2. Established pest animals.
Restricted pest animals are animals that have the potential to become, or are a serious threat in other parts of the world.
Established pest animals pose a serious environmental threat and this category can include native animals.
In Victoria, the most damaging established pest animals are the European rabbit and the European fox.
Legal responsibilityLandowners must take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of and as far as possible eradicate established pest animals on their properties and adjoining roadsides of undeclared roads" (Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994). Management of rabbits is identified as a high priority activity in the Corangamite Regional Catchment Strategy 1997.
Listed on the following pages are the Proclaimed Established Pest animals found in the Geelong region, their biology and control techniques.
