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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 - Fox baiting, trapping and other eradication activities.
Investigations & Monitoring - Investigations, Scat Collection Survey, scat detector dogs and other monitoring activities.
Research & Development - At-risk species monitoring, bait take research and other research projects.
Community Engagement – Promoting community awareness of the issue, and encouraging active participation and support of the fox eradication effort.
Steve Barrow sign searching | During the 2008/09 financial year, 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 2009/10. 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 its monitoring activities. Community engagement is one of the Branch’s primary roles, and the importance of passing on information to the public is taken very seriously.
Advertising, media and community education through presentations and displays at key events is one part of this strategy. The Branch also provides opportunities for Tasmanian students and teachers to learn more about the issue by participating in the FOX FREE schools program.
A number of the most important pieces of hard evidence of the presence of foxes in Tasmania have been provided by members of the public, and public sighting reports helps guide the Branch's investigation activities.
Member of Fox Eradication dog team | Please remember, all calls to the Fox Out Hotline are strictly confidential and will be taken seriously.
As part of the monitoring resources of the Fox Eradication Program, three fox scat detectors dogs provide a vital fox detection capacity.
The dogs are specially trained to detect fox scats and have ongoing training both here and on the mainland during their employment with the program to ensure their skills remain sharp.
An independent review of the Fox Eradication Branch took place in November 2005, chaired by Professor Stephen Harris of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Bristol. Nick Mooney, Fox Eradication scientific adviser and wildlife biologist, also took part in the review. 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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