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| DPIPWE Fox Eradication Branch
It is important that all fox sightings or any possible evidence of fox activity be reported immediately.
Ring the 24hr FOX OUT Hotline on 1300 FOX OUT (1300 369 688).
 Fox Eradication Branch Activities
Scat Collection
Public Sightings
Detector Dog Involvement
Program Review
Further Information
In November 2006, the Minister for Primary Industries and Water announced a significant expansion of the fox eradication effort in response to the very real and serious threat posed by the European red fox to the Tasmanian environment, agricultural industries and economy. A commitment was made to fund a ten-year program that would build on the extensive work already undertaken by the Fox Free Taskforce. This program was renamed the Fox Eradication Program. The Tasmanian Government committed to provide $2.53 million per year for 10 years (commencing in 2007/08), in addition to $600,000 ongoing funding for the fox eradication effort.
Fox Eradication Branch Staff and Detector Dogs (Aug 2008) | The Australian Government has similarly recognised the serious threat that foxes pose to Tasmania and committed to support the Tasmanian fox eradication effort. The Australian Government provided $1.00 million in funding for the 2009/10 financial year.
The objective of the Fox Eradication Program is to eradicate foxes from Tasmania to protect biodiversity, agriculture, human health and the Tasmanian brand, recognising that this task requires a high-level of community support and assistance to be successful.
A detailed Project Plan directs the activities of the Fox Eradication Program. This plan has been developed and endorsed by the management committee which has membership from DPIPWE, Forestry Tasmania, the Department of Tourism, Arts and Environment, the Australian Government and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IACRC).
 The Branch’s objectives are:- To eradicate foxes from Tasmania by developing a coordinated strategic response, building on the work of the “Fox Task Force”.
- To prevent incursions of foxes into Tasmania.
- To gain broad community cooperation and support and to develop a community attitude which actively opposes the presence of foxes in Tasmania.
- To gain a better understanding of population trends of at risk species.
These activities will be undertaken by the four main working groups of the expanded Fox Eradication Program:
Operations - Statewide strategic fox baiting program, trapping, shooting and other eradication operations.
Investigations & Monitoring - Investigations, Scat Collection Survey, scat detector dogs, fox tracking dogs and other monitoring activities.
Research & Development - At-risk species monitoring, bait take research and other research projects.
Community Engagement – Promoting community awareness, and encouraging active participation and support of the fox eradication effort.
Steve Barrow sign searching | During 2009, there was on ongoing focus on scat collection and this has been successful in identifying a number of areas of fox activity within the state. This focus will continue into 2010. Scat collection is undertaken by both the Branch itself and by field officers funded by the Australian Government, who are undertaking broader research on behalf of the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre.
The project, “DNA approaches to Fox in Tasmania” aims to provide the link between fox presence and control by undertaking a comprehensive survey of predator scats in Tasmania and using a PCR species identification test to identify scats that contain fox DNA. Scats identified as originating from foxes, will serve as a trigger for fox control measures and increased surveillance in the surrounding area. In addition, the IACRC will have the capacity to collect additional information on the distribution of Tasmania’s other five top carnivores, including feral cats.
Developing techniques for detecting and monitoring of foxes at very low densities (such as they are in Tasmania) is critical in establishing effective, long-term monitoring for foxes in the State.
Useful improvements in DNA analysis (including successful genotyping analysis of scats) and camera technology mean monitoring is now more practical and potentially effective, and these techniques will be integrated with more traditional methods such as sign-searching for footprints, dens and actual foxes themselves.
Further information on the investigation of latest fox evidence, including recent fox positive scat finds.
The Fox Eradication Branch relies on a vigilant public to assist in monitoring of locations of possible fox activity. A number of the most important pieces of hard evidence indicating fox activity in Tasmania have been provided by members of the public, and public hotline reports help guide the Branch's investigation activities.
Please remember, all calls to the 24hr Fox Out Hotline are strictly confidential and will be taken seriously. The information you provide may be vital.
Boss, fox detector dog, with Dog Handler Coordinator, Craig Bester | As part of the monitoring resources of the Fox Eradication Program, four dogs were received in December 2009 to be trained as scent tracking dogs. These dogs will be used to track and locate foxes in their daytime locations or dens.
It is hoped that the scent tracking dogs will have the same success that the Fox Eradication Program’s three scat detector dogs have already achieved. The scat detector dogs, which were activated in late 2007, have been instrumental in locating a number of areas of fox activity within Tasmania, allowing targeting of fox baiting programs.
The scent tracking dogs will give the fox eradication effort an additional capacity to locate individual foxes that might be missed by baiting programs. It is expected that the scent tracking dogs will complete their training and be activated in the field by the end of 2010.
The dogs will be specially trained to detect fox scent and will have ongoing training both here and on the mainland to ensure their skills remain sharp.
In April 2009, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) commissioned Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd to undertake a comprehensive review of the Fox Eradication Program. This review was carried out to assess whether eradication was still a feasible goal and to identify changes that might be required to ensure that the Tasmanian fox eradication effort has the greatest chance of success
The report is available in full. If you would like to be sent a copy, please contact the Fox Eradication Branch on the number at the bottom of this page.
Contact: Fox Eradication General EnquiriesFox Eradication Program
167 Westbury Road
PROSPECT TAS 7250
Phone: 03 6336 5320
Fax: 03 6336 5453
Email: Fox.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Media enquiries should be directed to 03 6233 3625; 0438042610.
Department switchboard: 1300 368 550 (local call cost within Australia)
Please report all fox sightings and any possible evidence of fox activity to the 24hr hotline: 1300 FOX OUT (1300 369 688)
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