A new study reveals how foxes spread across Australia in just 70 years, highlighting their devastating impact on native species and offering insights for future conservation efforts.

Seventy years after foxes were first introduced to Australia in 1870, they had successfully spread across the entire continent, a new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute and Curtin University have mapped the remarkable spread of these adaptable creatures, providing crucial insights into their impact on native Australia n species and offering potential avenues for future conservation efforts.

This comprehensive study, utilizing historical records, media reports, and DNA evidence, highlights the speed and extent of fox colonization, painting a stark picture of their dominance across the Australian landscape. The study's findings are particularly significant given that foxes, along with cats, are identified as the primary drivers of extinction for many native Australian species.\The research reveals that foxes rapidly expanded their territory, colonizing all suitable land across Australia by 1940, including areas as remote as the Pilbara region in Western Australia. The study's lead author, Sean Tomlinson, emphasizes the adaptable nature of foxes and their devastating impact on native wildlife. The population of foxes surged dramatically, reaching an estimated 1.7 million in the mid-20th century. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate the ongoing damage caused by foxes. The research aims to support conservation efforts, plan future initiatives to protect vulnerable Australian mammals and ultimately, help reverse population declines of Australian native species. The study also provides valuable historic context which can help us understand how quickly Australia lost many native species. The introduction of foxes into Australia was initially driven by the desire of the British aristocracy for hunting, with several attempts made to establish fox populations before they became the widespread pest they are today. The study serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing the complex challenges posed by invasive species and their detrimental effects on native ecosystems.\Experts stress the importance of understanding the fox's widespread presence. The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions highlights that foxes are 'here to stay', emphasizing the need to focus on protecting native animals and primary production through strategic collaborations. Authorities across Australia have been actively seeking solutions to control fox populations for years, recognizing the significant threat they pose. Dr. John Virtue from the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions emphasizes the high population densities of foxes, especially in urban areas, where abundant food sources contribute to their proliferation. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach involving cooperation between landholders, environmental authorities, and the implementation of targeted control measures. The aim is to mitigate their impact on biodiversity. The ultimate goal is to reverse the damage caused by these invasive predators and protect the unique and vulnerable native fauna of Australia. This work is an important step towards better managing invasive species in order to protect Australian ecosystems. The research seeks to offer insight into how to manage invasive species, protect native animal populations, and restore ecosystems. This involves a comprehensive approach that accounts for the historical context of invasive species, the need for collaboration between stakeholders, and the use of scientific data to inform conservation efforts

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