Feral animals
Feral deer, foxes, feral dogs and cats and cane toads are the main pest animals inhabiting the Pullen Pullen Catchments. Ther are many other introduced species of mammals (feral rabbit), fish, birds (Indian Mynah), reptiles (Asian Gecko) to name a few, that either prey on our native wildlife or compete for habitat and food.
So, what is a feral animal?
Animals are referred to as feral when they rely totally on the natural environment for their food and shelter or semi-feral when they have some reliance on humans for food or shelter.
Under the Rural Lands and Protections Act 1985 some are declared pests which places certain responsibilites upon landholders in relation to the control of these animals.
- All mammal animals NOT native to Queensland (mammals living in domestic situations are exempt and exotic birds, amphibians ansd reptiles are not covered under this Act.)
- All reptiles NOT native to Queensland
- Locusts
Declared mammals include
- Dingo hybrid and feral dog
- Fox
- Rabbit
- Hare
- Feral horse
- Feral buffalo
- Feral camel
- Feral donkey
- Feral goat
- Feral pig
Impacts of feral and pest animals
- Feral animals such as rats and cats carry diseases and parasites that affect humans, domestic animals and native wildlife
- Feral animals such as feral dog and fox prey on livestock and poultry and destroy crops
- Feral animals such as the cane toad can prey on native animals, thus reducing diversity in the natural environment . In some cases this has resulted in small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish becoming extinct or endangered
- Feral animals can impact on human activity and can reduce enjoyment and quality of life for residents. For example, feral deer and rabbit can damage domestic gardens and fox can prey on backyard poultry