Pest animals

Many non-native or introduced vertebrate animals have become established as unmanaged or feral populations across Australia. These animals have become pests locally or over wider areas. The reasons why they are pests include:

  • preying on domestic or farm animals
  • damaging crops and food production
  • posing a threat to native animals and ecosystems
  • being a nuisance and health hazard to people.

Some commonly kept animals have the potential to become pests if they are not managed or kept under licence or conditions. Some native animals are also potential pests in certain situations.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development manages pests in Western Australia through policy development, risk assessment, research and development, provision of technical advice and information, implementation of regulation, emergency response, property inspections, industry liaison, and the planning and coordination of significant species control/eradication programs.

For advice on pest animals search our website or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

Articles

  • This animal pest alert provides information on the identification, biology, and pest potential of the rusa deer in Western Australia.

  • Three species of feral deer are found in Western Australia: rusa, red and fallow. All 3 species are declared pests and need be reported.

  • This biosecurity alert provides information on the identification, biology, and pest potential of the house crow in Australia.

  • This article provides information on the identification, biology, and pest potential of the sulphur-crested cockatoo in the south-west of Western Australia.

  • This article provides information on the requirements for keeping fallow and red deer species in Western Australia.

  • Information on policy and management concerning vertebrate animals in Western Australia and risks of emerging pest animals.

  • This article provides information about the identification, biology and impact of the northern palm squirrel for Western Australia.

  • A number of starlings have recently been detected along the State's south coast. This article provides information on the identification, biology, impact and management of the common starling.

  • Green snail (Cornu apertus) is a declared pest under section 22 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

  • The rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). It is a small, brightly coloured parrot that was introduced to WA during the 1960s.

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