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Pests

A pest is any unwanted organism that has moved into an area that it previously wasn’t found in.

They can be introduced to a new area through natural ways such as an insect hitching a ride on a migratory bird. More commonly, pests have been introduced by humans, either accidently or deliberately.

Pests like the Red Fox were deliberately introduced into Victoria in the 1870s for recreational hunting. As Australia didn’t have many large mammal predators before this, foxes soon ate their way throughout mainland Australia and have contributed to the extinction of at least twenty native species.

Other pests like the common rat hitched a ride on boats. They have thrived in Australia and have eaten food that other animals relied on. Without as much food to eat, the populations of many of these native species have declined over time.

Learn more

Parks Victoria

Our rangers use a variety of strategies to control pests. For animals, this includes baiting, shooting and trapping. For plants, this includes spraying with herbicides, covering exposed soil with matting and physically removing weeds.  Find out more:

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI)

DEPI helps coordinate Victoria’s approach to dealing with pest species with a focus on public and private land. Their website has excellent information on:

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPC)

DSEWPC coordinates Australia’s response to pest species. Their website can help you learn more about:

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