Resources for managing pest animals in Tasmania

There are many pest animals in Tasmania which are negatively impacting biodiversity and natural values. The most-discussed pest animals in Tasmania are feral rabbits, feral cats, and feral deer, but there are others.

Here are some links to resources for helping to manage pest animals. The network of dedicated Landcare members and partner organisations hold the potential to help manage pest animals across the state.

 

PestSMART

PestSMART_managing_rabbits.JPGhttps://pestsmart.org.au/

Best practice information hub for pest animal management.

There are several resources available on many pest feral species, including rabbits, hares, cats, deer, mice, and some fish and bird species. Most resources are available online, but some guides have been published in print for purchase or download.

 

 

Feral Cats

Feral and roaming cats are widespread across almost all of Australia, with millions of cats living in the bush, urban areas and as pets, and they occur in nearly every habitat on the continent. Overall, feral cats in Australia kill about 2 billion reptiles, birds, frogs and mammals each year, and over a billion invertebrates. Pet cats that roam and hunt kill an additional 390 million mammals, birds and reptiles annually. This intense hunting pressure has driven declines and extinctions of many native species and makes cats one of the most damaging invasive predators in Australia.

Cats can host a parasite called Toxoplasma which can cause toxoplasmosis. The problems caused by toxoplasmosis can occasionally result in serious health problems for humans, can kill certain species of wildlife (like bandicoot, wombats and wallabies), and have serious implications in the agricultural industry, particularly for sheep.

We've developed a comprehensive summary of the most recent information and resources on how to responsibly take action on the issue of feral cats (Updated 2022) 

Feral Cats: Impact to Action

Additional Resources

As a result of significant consultation, Landcare Tasmania has identified that a major barrier to effective cat management is the difficulty in knowing the best way to manage stray and feral cats on different land tenures across Tasmania. With contributions from experts in the field, Landcare Tasmania has developed this guide to help landowners, farmers, residents, community groups and government agencies navigate the legislation associated with cat management activities.

It is a practical guide to help users navigate a series of questions and considerations, leading to tailored solutions for cat management. 

Cat Management Working Group

Landcare Tasmania has a Cat Management Working Group, involving people from Landcare Tasmania's Members Council & staff, cat management experts, and interested Landcare Tasmania member groups. If you are interested in contributing, please email [email protected]

 

Non-native ducks 

Did you know that introduced (non-native) ducks can outcompete native ducks? The Pacific Black Duck is at risk of extinction because of non-native mallards. Find out more through the Derwent Estuary Program and the Pacific Black Duck Conservation Group:

 

Rainbow Lorikeets (not native to Tasmania)

 

European Rabbits