The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is an introduced species in Australia, not native to the continent. It is considered one of the most damaging invasive species, posing a significant threat to native wildlife. Their presence has had profound effects on Australia’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Their Arrival in Australia
The European red fox was deliberately introduced to Australia for recreational hunting. Early introductions occurred as far back as 1833 in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) and by 1845 in the Port Phillip District and Sydney regions of New South Wales. The species became established on the mainland around the early 1870s, particularly following releases in southern Victoria.
From these initial points, foxes rapidly expanded their range across the continent. By 1905, they had reached South Australia, and by 1907, they were present at the Queensland/New South Wales border. The widespread presence of rabbits, another introduced species, provided an abundant food source that facilitated the rapid spread of fox populations. Within approximately 50 to 100 years of their establishment, red foxes had colonized most of mainland Australia.
Where Foxes are Found
Red foxes are widespread across most of mainland Australia, covering approximately 75% of the continent. They inhabit various environments, including urban, alpine, and arid areas, and are found in major cities like Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.
Despite their broad distribution, foxes are generally less prevalent or absent in tropical northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, as well as on Tasmania and many offshore islands. However, confirmed evidence of foxes in Tasmania has been reported since 2010, leading to ongoing eradication efforts. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, often preferring lightly wooded agricultural landscapes.
Ecological Impact
The presence of red foxes in Australia has had a severe and lasting impact on native wildlife and ecosystems. They are highly efficient predators, contributing significantly to the decline and extinction of numerous native species. Foxes prey on a wide variety of animals, including small to medium-sized native mammals, ground-nesting birds, and reptiles.
Foxes are implicated in the extinction of an estimated 16 native mammal species and continue to cause population declines in many others. Species particularly susceptible to fox predation include those weighing 35 grams to 5.5 kilograms. Vulnerable species impacted by foxes include the greater bilby, numbat, brush-tailed bettong, bridled nailtail wallaby, quokka, malleefowl, and little penguin. Reintroduction programs for threatened species often face challenges due to persistent fox predation.
Foxes exhibit “surplus killing,” meaning they sometimes kill more prey than they consume, further exacerbating their impact. Their predatory activities also extend to agricultural animals, with significant economic losses from predation on newborn lambs and poultry. The combined environmental and agricultural impacts of foxes are estimated to cost Australia hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Managing the Fox Population
Controlling the widespread red fox population in Australia involves a range of management strategies. Common methods include lethal baiting, trapping, shooting, and exclusion fencing. Baiting programs, often utilizing poisons such as sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) and PAPP, are effective for broad-scale control.
Native Australian wildlife has a natural tolerance to 1080 because it is derived from compounds found in some native plants, making it a targeted option for introduced species. Control efforts are often integrated, combining multiple techniques to achieve sustained reductions in fox numbers. Exclusion fencing helps protect specific vulnerable populations, creating fox-free areas where native species can recover.
Managing an invasive species as widespread and adaptable as the red fox presents ongoing challenges. Foxes are prolific breeders, and their mobility means that removed individuals can quickly be replaced by others from surrounding areas. Effective fox management requires continuous, coordinated efforts across landscapes and often involves collaboration between government agencies, landholders, and conservation groups.