Fox Management in South-eastern Australia

The European red fox is recognised as one of the most devastating vertebrate pests in Australia causing significant impacts to biodiversity and agricultural production. Fox management strategies rely heavily on poisoning using baits impregnated with sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Factors such as the ability of foxes to locate bait, palatability and toxicity of bait, pattern and density of bait distribution, and cost/benefits of specific use patterns all affect the overall efficiency of management programs. It is essential to examine and refine all such factors to manage the damaging impacts of this pest species. This book examines the problems associated with management of the fox in south-eastern Australia, highlights deficiencies in best-practice baiting techniques, and provides recommendations to improve current management strategies and guide future research. It should be especially useful to students, managers, scientists and policy-makers in the wildlife management field, or anyone else who may utilise baiting to manage the impacts of pest animals.