The impacts and management of foxes Vulpes vulpes in Australia

摘要: 1. The successful introduction of the red fox Vulpes vulpes into Australia in 1870s has had dramatic and deleterious impacts on both native fauna agricultural production. Historical accounts detail how arrival foxes many areas coincided with local demise fauna. Recent analyses suggest that can be successfully reintroduced to their former ranges only if have been controlled, several replicated removal experiments confirmed are major agents extirpation Predation is primary cause losses, but competition transmission disease may important for some species. 2. In landscapes, predation lambs losses 1–30%; variation due flock size, health management, as well differences timing duration lambing density foxes. 3. Fox control measures include trapping, shooting, den fumigation exclusion fencing; baiting using toxin 1080 most commonly employed method. Depending strategy, habitat area covered, reduce activity by 50–97%. We review patterns a large sheep-grazing region central New South Wales, propose guidelines increase landholder awareness strategies, concentrate coordinate bait use, maximize cost-effectiveness programs. 4. variable reduction within baited area, together ability recolonize rapidly, current practices eastern often ineffective, reforms required. These might increasing involvement group programs, use more efficient broadscale techniques, such aerial baiting.