Aussies take bold action against menace threatening homes and lands
- Replies 27
Australia is a land of stunning natural beauty, home to unique wildlife and diverse ecosystems.
However, it's also a battleground where invasive species wreak havoc on the environment and local communities.
Among these invaders, the European red fox is one of the most pervasive and destructive.
Introduced by European settlers for recreational hunting in the 1850s, the red fox has since spread across approximately 80 per cent of Australia's continental landmass.
With an estimated population of over 1.7 million, these feral foxes pose a significant threat to native wildlife, agriculture, and even suburban areas.
In Western Australia, full-time electrician and hunter Adam Wright has taken up arms against this invasive predator.
What began as a hobby to assist local farmers has evolved into a full-fledged feral animal control business.
Adam and his team offer their services to many clients, from small property owners and hobby farmers to large-scale agricultural operations, caravan parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Adam's team is meticulous in their approach, keeping detailed records of each animal they remove, including sex, weight, and diet through stomach content analysis.
They prioritise ethical hunting practices, ensuring that the foxes are dispatched humanely.
The impact of fox predation on livestock is a driving force behind the demand for Adam's services.
Foxes are known to prey on lambs, chickens, and young calves, causing farmers significant economic losses.
Adam recounts a farm that lost around 200 lambs annually to fox attacks. Since his team's intervention, that number has plummeted to just 19.
Beyond the economic toll, invasive predators like the fox majorly contribute to Australia's declining biodiversity.
They are estimated to kill around 300 million native mammals, birds, and reptiles each year, threatening the survival of many species.
Disease transmission is another concern associated with feral foxes.
They can carry mange, a skin disease caused by mites, and there's a potential risk of rabies transmission to working dogs, livestock, and humans.
Despite the clear necessity of their work, Adam and his colleagues often face backlash from the public.
The stigma surrounding pest control and the graphic nature of their work can lead to online harassment and threats from animal activists.
However, Adam uses both positive and negative attention to raise awareness about the importance of feral animal control.
He also advocated for developing new technologies to aid their efforts, carefully editing images to avoid displaying graphic content.
The fight against foxes isn't limited to professional hunters like Adam.
Community-led initiatives, such as huntress Kirby Dickson's annual Williams community fox shoot in the Great Southern region of WA, contribute significantly to controlling fox populations.
These events can be confronting, but they highlight the harsh reality of the damage caused by foxes to livestock and native wildlife.
There are calls for more government support in the battle against foxes.
In Victoria, a fox bounty scheme offers financial incentives for each fox scalp presented by shooters, a program some believe should be replicated in other states.
Adam suggested that Western Australia could benefit from reintroducing a similar scheme and exploring other options, such as responsible hunting on public land, which could involve a yearly fee or a lottery system for access.
The fight against invasive species like the fox is a complex and ongoing challenge.
It requires a multifaceted approach, including public awareness, government support, and the dedication of individuals like Adam and Kirby.
As Australians, we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our unique environment from the threats posed by these unwelcome invaders.
Have you encountered issues with invasive species in your area? Share your experiences and thoughts on how we can collectively address this pressing environmental issue.
However, it's also a battleground where invasive species wreak havoc on the environment and local communities.
Among these invaders, the European red fox is one of the most pervasive and destructive.
Introduced by European settlers for recreational hunting in the 1850s, the red fox has since spread across approximately 80 per cent of Australia's continental landmass.
With an estimated population of over 1.7 million, these feral foxes pose a significant threat to native wildlife, agriculture, and even suburban areas.
Invasive species, especially feral foxes, are causing major damage to biodiversity and livestock in Australia. Credit: Facebook
In Western Australia, full-time electrician and hunter Adam Wright has taken up arms against this invasive predator.
What began as a hobby to assist local farmers has evolved into a full-fledged feral animal control business.
Adam and his team offer their services to many clients, from small property owners and hobby farmers to large-scale agricultural operations, caravan parks, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Adam's team is meticulous in their approach, keeping detailed records of each animal they remove, including sex, weight, and diet through stomach content analysis.
They prioritise ethical hunting practices, ensuring that the foxes are dispatched humanely.
The impact of fox predation on livestock is a driving force behind the demand for Adam's services.
Foxes are known to prey on lambs, chickens, and young calves, causing farmers significant economic losses.
Adam recounts a farm that lost around 200 lambs annually to fox attacks. Since his team's intervention, that number has plummeted to just 19.
Beyond the economic toll, invasive predators like the fox majorly contribute to Australia's declining biodiversity.
They are estimated to kill around 300 million native mammals, birds, and reptiles each year, threatening the survival of many species.
Disease transmission is another concern associated with feral foxes.
They can carry mange, a skin disease caused by mites, and there's a potential risk of rabies transmission to working dogs, livestock, and humans.
Despite the clear necessity of their work, Adam and his colleagues often face backlash from the public.
The stigma surrounding pest control and the graphic nature of their work can lead to online harassment and threats from animal activists.
However, Adam uses both positive and negative attention to raise awareness about the importance of feral animal control.
He also advocated for developing new technologies to aid their efforts, carefully editing images to avoid displaying graphic content.
The fight against foxes isn't limited to professional hunters like Adam.
Community-led initiatives, such as huntress Kirby Dickson's annual Williams community fox shoot in the Great Southern region of WA, contribute significantly to controlling fox populations.
These events can be confronting, but they highlight the harsh reality of the damage caused by foxes to livestock and native wildlife.
There are calls for more government support in the battle against foxes.
In Victoria, a fox bounty scheme offers financial incentives for each fox scalp presented by shooters, a program some believe should be replicated in other states.
Adam suggested that Western Australia could benefit from reintroducing a similar scheme and exploring other options, such as responsible hunting on public land, which could involve a yearly fee or a lottery system for access.
The fight against invasive species like the fox is a complex and ongoing challenge.
It requires a multifaceted approach, including public awareness, government support, and the dedication of individuals like Adam and Kirby.
As Australians, we must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting our unique environment from the threats posed by these unwelcome invaders.
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