Pest animal survey 2004-06

The total costs of pest animals in Australia have been estimated at over $700 million annually (McLeod 2004). These costs are considered conservative due to lack of information about the cumulative impacts of pest species such as land degradation. In NSW, there are many species that are considered pests because of their adverse effects on our environmental, agricultural and social values.

In the agricultural regions of NSW, the primary pest species of concern are feral pigs, feral goats, wild deer, foxes, rabbits and wild dogs/dingoes (West and Saunders 2003). Less than 0.3% of NSW can claim freedom from these species. Other pests of concern include feral cats, European starlings, introduced carp, and cane toads.

In the years preceding this survey, widespread drought conditions was reported to have altered the distribution and abundance of many pest species, and the way they were managed. This report identifies changes in the pest animal populations and presents recommendations for pest species management.

This report provides state-wide representation of pest animal extent, impacts and control to provide a platform for regional pest animal planning, and a benchmark for ongoing monitoring and reporting activities.

The survey is available for download below. You can download the full version of the survey, or you may choose to download individual sections.