Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01713:body:0:p39
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01713
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 177014–179844

K'gari/Fraser Island, Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island and Bribie Island. Foxes are an emerging threat on K'gari/Fraser Island and South Stradbroke Island, where they established as recently as 2012 and 2013 respectively (Allen et al. 2017). Fox density is highest in areas with dense human populations (Stobo-Wilson et al. 2022).
European red fox sign or presence on cameras has been reported during targeted water mouse surveys on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, in the Great Sandy Strait, and on the central Queensland coast (Burnham 2000; Kaluza et al. 2016; White & Power 2016; Sutherland 2017; Kaluza 2018; Pioneer Catchment Landcare 2020). European red foxes dismantled 88 % (42/48) of monitored active water mouse shelters in the Maroochy River Conservation Park and adjacent areas following rapid urban development nearby and a thorough 'wild dog' control program in the surrounding region (Kaluza et al. 2016; Kaluza 2021 pers. comm.). The European red fox is also suspected to have damaged water mouse shelters at Wangoolba Creek on K'gari/Fraser Island (Kaluza 2016g; Allen et al. 2017). The loss of active water mouse shelters from saltmarsh on the Gold Coast is believed to be due to European red fox and/or cat predation (Boody 2021 pers. comm.).
Predation by European red fox is a recognised Key Threatening Process for threatened species in Australia.
Figure 21: Camera trap detections of European red foxes disturbing and dismantling water mouse mounds along the southern Queensland coast.
Source: © Janina Kaluza (top @ Great Sandy Strait in 2016 & 2015; bottom @ Maroochy River in 2016).
Feral pig: all areas
Predation and dismantling of critical shelters by the introduced feral pig (Sus scrofa) are major concerns for the water mouse across its distribution. There is a high degree of overlap in distribution and areas occupied by the two species, and pigs are able to detect and dig into compacted mud to prey on small vertebrates (Redhead & McKean 1975; Van Dyck & Gynther 2003; Gynther 2011; Kaluza 2018; Pioneer Catchment Landcare 2020). The feral pig continues to expand its distribution and increase its abundance across northern Australia including along the north and east Queensland coasts (Bengsen et al. 2017).
Feral pigs have been recorded dismantling critical shelters and preying on water mouse at multiple locations along the east Queensland coast (Van Dyck & Gynther 2003; Kaluza 2021 pers. comm.) and evidence of feral pig damage to water mouse habitat has also been observed in these regions (Gynther 2011; White & Power 2016; Kaluza 2018; Pioneer Catchment Landcare 2020). Feral pig rooting causes significant structural damage to water mouse shelters and habitat, and to natural hydrological flows (Redhead & McKean 1975; Burnham 2000).
Predation and habitat loss by feral pigs is a