Australian Atheists Forum

Research indicates that invasive species numbers will grow dramatically unless further action is taken.

Agriculture Victoria figures show fox numbers have reached about 16 per square kilometre in Melbourne, compared to between four and eight per square kilometre in agricultural regions.

A report by the CSIRO found rabbits, first introduced in Geelong, had infested two-thirds of Australia. And the Invasive Species Council estimates deer numbers have reached about 1 million in Victoria alone.

The council’s deer project officer, Peter Jacobs, said deer were doing extensive damage to sensitive natural habitats, gardens and farmland while posing a danger on roads where they are often hit by cars.

Irrev-Black wrote: ↑Mon Aug 07, 2023 1:32 pm Sending the brumbies good thoughts isn't working. It might be a return to aerial shooting in Kosciuszko.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-07/ ... /102697020

European hares can cause significant damage by gnawing the bark of young trees and shrubs. Hares also chew the stems off young trees, which damages or kills the plant. This makes hare particularly problematic at revegetation sites.

European hares are opportunistic feeders that predominantly graze on grasses, but they also consume crops, such as vegetables, lucerne and cereal. This can cause significant economic losses to landowners. Hares can also travel significant distances, so the potential for one animal to cause widespread damage to plants is high. European hares can also be a problem in forestry, ornamental and fruit producing plantations as they often gnaw the bark of young trees and vines leading to ringbarking and death of the plant.

Another 48 native species including butterflies, geckos and crayfish have been added to Australia’s list of wildlife at risk of annihilation, spurring a new plan to cut the deadly feral cat population and exposing the challenge of delivering the government’s pledge to stop extinctions.

The draft cat plan released by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to mark National Threatened Species Day on Thursday is “declaring war on feral cats”. Her first step is seeking feedback on curfews for pet cats to be inside at night, desexing requirements and a household limit on number of cats.