The Town of Mosman Park is dedicated to the ongoing management of environment pests within the Town, often working in partnership with other councils to enhance our impact across the wider region.
Feral animals are responsible for the decline, and in some cases extinction, of many unique flora and fauna species that make Australia so special. Whether it be through competition for resources, damage to habitats, the spread of diseases or direct predation, control of these species is required to manage their impact.
Below are just a few of the species which pose a threat within our Town.
Rabbits
Rabbits are a declared pest and one of the most widely distributed in Australia. They put grazing pressure on vegetation and can create large warrens which can destabilise the soil, especially in venerable areas like sand dunes or riverbanks. The Town undertakes rabbit control throughout the year to ensure their numbers don’t proliferate too aggressively. As biological controls are one of our most effective and targeted methods of control we strongly recommend if you have pet rabbits that you keep their vaccinations up to date to ensure they are protected against any rabbit borne diseases.
European Red Foxes
Since being introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s red foxes have spread across the continent, playing a major role in the decline of many of our native species. They are highly adaptable animals capable of dealing with the unique challenges presented by an urban environment. As opportunistic scavengers they’ll readily take advantage of access to rubbish and food waste when in search of a meal, as well as preying on pets and native animals.
Feral Cats
Feral cats are one of the greatest challenges facing Australia’s native animals. They kill over 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs every year, and are a recognised as a threat to more than 200 nationally threatened species. They also pose a threat to domestic pets who they may transmit diseases to, injure or kill. We strongly recommend keeping any pet cats indoors to protect them from these dangers and to avoid further exacerbating the dangers posed to our native wildlife.
Feral Animal Observation Form
If you’d like to help play a part in reducing the impacts for these species, we encourage you to report any sightings. Reporting on the presence of feral animals can help improve the management of these species and alert the Town to changes that might be happening within local populations. If you’d like to submit information about a sighting, please complete the form included here, and email it to our environmental officers at environment@mosmanpark.wa.gov.au