Why are feral animals a problem?

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Feral animals such as foxes, rabbits, wild pigs and feral cats pose a significant threat to Australia’s native ecosystems, which evolved in isolation from many of the predators and herbivores found on other continents. These invaders contribute to the decline and extinction of native species by preying on vulnerable wildlife, competing for food and habitats and degrading the landscape through overgrazing and erosion. For instance, feral cats alone kill an estimated two billion native animals annually. Removing feral animals not only helps restore biodiversity but also ensures the survival of endangered species, improves soil health, and reduces agricultural losses, offering both ecological and economic benefits.

 

How night vision and thermal technology is changing pest control

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Night vision and thermal imaging technologies have become much more accessible and have helped revolutionise feral animal control in Australia. Since many feral species are nocturnal these tools provide critical visibility for wildlife management. Night vision scopes amplify available light to reveal animals hidden in low-light conditions, while thermal imaging detects the heat signatures of animals regardless of obstacles like dense vegetation or total darkness. This precision minimises collateral harm to native wildlife, increases efficiency in culling programs, and allows for targeted interventions - significantly enhancing the impact of eradication efforts while avoiding impact to local wildlife or livestock.

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Benefits of artificial hollows for native wildlife

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Hollows play a vital role in supporting native Australian wildlife, particularly birds, mammals, and reptiles that rely on tree hollows for shelter and nesting. In fact, approximately 15% of Australia's wildlife relies on follows for shelter. Unfortunately, it can take up to 70 years for these habitats to naturally occur and to compound this issue habitat loss from deforestation has drastically reduced their availability. Species like the Sugar Glider and Powerful Owl depend on these spaces to survive and breed. By utilising the latest drilling technology we can install artificial hollows, instantly creating safe refuges for native fauna, boosting population recovery efforts. This initiative not only mitigates the loss of natural nesting sites but also fosters biodiversity by supporting species that are essential to maintaining balanced ecosystems.