Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00161:reg:2:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2018C00161
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2 (pt 2/7)
Character Range: 17425–21199

Australia), and an important activity is to monitor their distribution at the edge of their extent. The actions are of high to very high priority and could be achieved within three to five years. DEWHA is establishing a national database of introduced animals across Australian offshore islands that will complement this work.

Action 1.1 focuses on collating data on conservation values of island areas, the likelihood of significant biodiversity impacts from foxes, and the risk that predation by foxes will become a threat in these areas.

Action 1.2 develops contingency plans for preventing, monitoring and, if an incursion occurs, containing and eradicating foxes in areas with high conservation values. Assessment of invasion risk by foxes should use population genetic approaches for identifying past invasion routes. Action 1.3 implements these plans. Action 1.4 involves eradicating established populations of foxes from those 'islands' considered of high conservation value, depending on feasibility and cost-effectiveness. These actions follow on from implementation of Action 3.1. All planning and implementation work needs to recognise that foxes are only one possible pest, and therefore should be undertaken within the context of integrated management activities.

Performance indicators

  • No further establishments of foxes on offshore islands or in other fox-free areas.
  • Successful eradication of isolated populations of foxes where this is attempted.
  • Increased populations of affected native species in areas from which foxes, and other invasive species, have been eradicated, subject to interrelated issues.

Action                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Priority and timeframe

  1.1 Collate data on offshore islands and isolated mainland 'islands', assess their conservation value, the likelihood of significant biodiversity impacts from foxes and, if there are no foxes present, rank the level of risk of foxes being introduced and establishing populations.  High priority, short term

  1.2 Develop management plans to prevent, monitor and, if incursions occur, contain and eradicate any fox incursion, for 'islands' with high conservation values.                                                                                                                         High priority, medium term

  1.3 Implement management plans for high-conservation-value 'islands', including prevention and monitoring actions, and containment or eradication actions if incursions occur.                                                                                                           Very high priority, medium term

  1.4 Eradicate established populations of foxes from 'islands' with high conservation values (including Tasmania) where this is cost-effective, feasible and a conservation priority.                                                                                                     Very high priority, medium to long term

    Objective 2

Promote the maintenance and recovery of native species and ecological communities that are affected by fox predation

Key actions for Objective 2 include identifying priority areas for investment in fox control, implementing and supporting regional control programs, and applying incentives for promoting and maintaining control programs adjacent to the priority areas. Actions 2.1–2.3 focus programs in fox control on the maintenance and recovery of native species and ecological communities affected by fox predation. Actions 2.1 and 2.2 are of