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 Pacific rat in Australia.

  • This article provides information about rabbit warren and harbourage destruction.

  • Feral pigs are declared pests in Western Australia. This article provides information on controlling feral pigs by trapping.

  • High priority invasive species are defined in the Department of Agriculture and Food's Invasive Species Plan for Western Australia as high risk species that can establish widely and cause undesirab

  • This web page is part of the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia.

  • Indian ringneck parakeets are declared pests with the potential to damage cereals, oilseeds, horticulture as well as stored grains, and even backyard fruit and trees.

  • Bananas in the Ord River Irrigation Area face two major insect pests (banana weevil borer and sugarcane bud moth) and two mites (russet and two-spotted).

  • Residents in Cloverdale and surrounding suburbs are urged to look out for unusual toads with raised black pimple-like warts after a live animal was recently discovered in a local resident’s yard.

  • Persons in built up areas or special rural zones planning to trap declared vertebrate pests, using means other than cage traps, must apply for a permit from the Department of Agriculture and Food,

  • This animal pest alert provides information on the identification, biology, and pest potential of the Canada goose in Australia.

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