Fox control at Booderee
Red fox
Ranger setting fox bait
Foxes are highly adaptable predators. They can survive in a wide number of habitats. They were introduced into Australia in the 19th Century and are now found throughout the southern two thirds of the continent.
Why do we want to get rid of foxes?
Foxes have a major negative impact on a wide range of Australian fauna particularly medium sized mammals (bandicoots, quolls, bettongs, potoroos, bilbies, pademelons).
How are foxes controlled in the Park?
Baits containing sodium monoflouroacetate (1080) are buried at 1 km intervals throughout the Park.
1999 - August 2003: non-lethal baits were set out once every six months, then replaced with lethal baits once evidence of consumption by foxes was present.
2003 - present: lethal baits are set out every month and removed after two weeks.
How do we know whether it has been successful?
- Because fox numbers have declined
- Because bandicoots have increased until 2007 when they declined (probably due to drought conditions)
- There are more animals in Booderee National Park than in surrounding National Parks
Fox bait warning sign
Photo: Bubs Smith
Fox prey - bandicoot
