About FERAL
We are a team of passionate conservationists, ecologists, and communicators dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of feral animals on Australia’s extraordinary native wildlife.
Our Story
FERAL was founded in 2020 by a group of Australian wildlife researchers and conservation advocates who saw a critical need for a dedicated public resource on the issue of invasive feral animals in Australia. While excellent scientific research was being conducted across the country by organisations such as the CSIRO, the Invasive Species Council, and numerous universities, much of this knowledge remained locked behind academic journals and technical reports, inaccessible to the general public.
We set out to change that. Our mission is to bridge the gap between science and community, translating the best available research into clear, engaging, and accurate content that empowers every Australian to understand and act on the feral animal crisis.
Our Mission
FERAL exists to educate the Australian public about the devastating impact of feral animals on native wildlife and ecosystems, to advocate for evidence-based management policies, and to connect communities with the resources and organisations working to protect Australia’s unique biodiversity.
We believe that every Australian deserves access to accurate, up-to-date information about the feral animal species that threaten our natural heritage. We believe that informed communities are empowered communities, and that lasting change comes from the ground up — from landholders, volunteers, community groups, and everyday Australians who care about the future of our wildlife.
What We Do
Through our website and blog, we publish in-depth profiles of Australia’s most damaging feral species, covering their history, biology, ecological impact, and the management strategies being used to control them. We report on the latest research, policy developments, and community initiatives, and we provide practical guidance on how individuals and communities can get involved in conservation action.
We work closely with leading conservation organisations, research institutions, and government agencies to ensure that our content is accurate, authoritative, and current. Our editorial team includes contributors with expertise in wildlife ecology, invasive species management, environmental policy, and science communication.
Our Team
Dr Sarah Mitchell — Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Sarah is a wildlife ecologist with over 15 years of experience researching the impacts of feral predators on Australian native mammals. She holds a PhD in Conservation Biology from the University of Melbourne and has published extensively in leading ecological journals. Sarah founded FERAL to make the science of invasive species accessible to every Australian.
James Koori — Conservation Writer
James is an award-winning environmental journalist and proud Wiradjuri man with a deep connection to the Australian landscape. With a background in both ecology and Indigenous land management, James brings a unique perspective to his writing about feral animals and their impact on Country.
Dr Rachel Tan — Science Adviser
Rachel is a research scientist specialising in biological control of invasive species. She has worked with the CSIRO and several Australian universities on projects related to feral cat and fox management, and provides scientific review of all content published on the FERAL website.
Liam O’Brien — Community Engagement Coordinator
Liam brings over a decade of experience in community-based conservation, having worked with Landcare groups and pest animal management programmes across rural New South Wales. He coordinates FERAL’s outreach activities and connects communities with local conservation resources.
Our Values
Science-based: Everything we publish is grounded in the best available scientific evidence. We do not sensationalise or speculate — we present the facts as clearly and accurately as possible.
Compassionate: We care about animal welfare. While we advocate for effective feral animal management, we support the use of the most humane methods available and oppose cruelty in all its forms.
Inclusive: We recognise and respect the knowledge and perspectives of Indigenous Australians, who have been the custodians of this land for over 65,000 years. We are committed to incorporating Indigenous voices and perspectives in our work.
Empowering: We believe in the power of informed communities to drive positive change. Our goal is to equip every Australian with the knowledge they need to make a difference for native wildlife in their own backyard and beyond.
Want to get in touch? Visit our Contact page or email us at info@feral.org.au.