Recent invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on to Fraser Island (K'gari) and South Stradbroke Island

A recent study confirms the invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) onto Fraser Island (K’gari) and South Stradbroke Island, two significant RAMSAR wetland areas off Queensland’s southeast coast. Through camera trap footage and scat analysis collected between 2012 and 2016, researchers documented seven fox observations on Fraser Island and verified fox presence on South Stradbroke Island via DNA testing and subsequent camera traps in 2016. This discovery indicates the establishment of small fox populations, posing a critical threat to native fauna that have historically lacked exposure to these predators. The findings underscore the urgent need for predator eradication efforts to prevent widespread ecological damage before it becomes irreversible.

Allen, B. L., Behrendorff, L., Willsher, L., Kaluza, J., & Oakey, J. (2017). Recent invasion of European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) on to Fraser Island (K’gari) and South Stradbroke Island. Austral Ecology, 42(7), 752–758. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12494