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FOXES are more likely to be seen in December in Tasmania than in any other month and in the course of their regular work in the field Forestry Tasmania staff will be on the alert for telltale signs of the unwanted and pest.
This week relevant FT staff were informed about the latest evidence and work being undertaken to eradicate foxes from Tasmania. They were briefed by Fox Eradication Taskforce community management facilitator Chris Leitch who showed examples of what to be aware of and asked staff to report any sightings or signs of activities such as animal kills, remains around dens including scats and footprints.
Foxes are thought to have been bred and released in northern Tasmania in the 1990s and were first noted in areas around Burnie and Carrick.
Exact numbers are still unknown and although densities are low the most recent reports indicate they have now reached as far as the Cygnet area.
On the mainland the foxes’ main habitat is in dry, open sclerophyll but in Tasmania their preferred habitat is still unknown. Most sightings and evidence has been discovered near highways where there have been clusters of activity.
The European fox is recognised as a key threat to native wildlife as well as to lambs and agricultural production.
Lack of natural predators and the reduced use of 1080 means there is little to prevent fox numbers increasing.
Mr Leitch will visit other FT districts and said all members of the Tasmanian community could assist the fox eradication effort by remaining vigilant and immediately reporting any fox sightings and evidence of fox activity.
Reports of fox sightings and possible evidence of fox activity can by made by phoning the
24 hour hotline 1300 FOX OUT (1300 369 688).
