Protecting Australia’s Native Wildlife from Feral Animal Threats
FERAL is dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species in Australia — educating communities, supporting conservation, and advocating for evidence-based management of the feral animals threatening our unique biodiversity.
Australia’s Feral Animal Crisis
Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and extraordinary wildlife. But our native species face an unprecedented threat from invasive feral animals that have been wreaking havoc on ecosystems across the continent since European settlement.
1.5 Billion
Native animals killed by feral cats every year across the Australian continent.
30+ Species
Native mammal species driven to extinction since European settlement by feral predators.
$1 Billion+
Annual economic cost of feral animal damage to Australian agriculture and the environment.
The Worst Offenders
Feral Cats
An estimated 2.8 million feral cats kill 1.5 billion native animals annually, making them the single greatest threat to Australia’s small native mammals.
European Foxes
More than 7 million foxes have contributed to the extinction of multiple native species and cost Australian agriculture over $227 million per year.
Cane Toads
Now numbering over 200 million, cane toads continue their westward march across northern Australia, poisoning native predators in their path.
Feral Rabbits
From 24 rabbits in 1859 to hundreds of millions today — rabbits have reshaped the Australian landscape and cost over $1 billion annually.
Feral Pigs
Up to 24 million feral pigs act as ecological bulldozers, destroying wetlands, raiding sea turtle nests, and spreading disease.
Feral Deer
Australia’s fastest-growing feral animal problem — deer populations are exploding across the eastern states, damaging forests and farmland.
Feral Goats
Feral goats number over 4 million across Australia, stripping rangelands bare and competing directly with native herbivores for food and habitat.
European Carp
European carp dominate Australian waterways, making up over 90% of fish biomass in some rivers and destroying aquatic ecosystems across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Brumbies
Australia’s wild horses trample fragile alpine ecosystems and waterways, sparking one of the nation’s most heated conservation debates.
What We Do
Educate
We publish in-depth, evidence-based articles about every major feral species in Australia, making complex science accessible to all Australians.
Advocate
We advocate for stronger policies, better-funded control programmes, and evidence-based decision-making in invasive species management.
Connect
We connect communities with conservation organisations, volunteer opportunities, and practical ways to make a difference in their local area.
Get Involved
Every Australian can play a part in protecting our native wildlife. Whether you’re a landowner, a suburban resident, a student, or simply someone who cares about Australia’s unique animals — there are practical steps you can take today.
- Keep pet cats indoors, especially at night
- Report feral animal sightings to your local council or Landcare group
- Support conservation organisations working on the ground
- Volunteer for local feral animal control programmes
- Share knowledge and raise awareness in your community