Agricultural
10 February, 2025
1080 a lifeline for threatened animals
As the future of Australia’s most vulnerable species becomes ever more uncertain, the effective use of 1080 baiting remains critical to control one of their key threats: introduced predators – feral cats and foxes.
Australia has some of the most unique wildlife and biodiversity in the world, but these two impressive predators have already snuffed out 32 native animal species and are helping to drive over 200 more to extinction.
Together with the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, Gillian Basnett, is sounding the alarm as misinformation surrounding sodium fluoroacetate (known as 1080) undermines its critical place as a lifeline for native species.
“Effective 1080 baiting is the ‘thin green line’ that protects many of our threatened and other native species from extinction,” Ms Basnett said.
“The facts around 1080 are clear: native animals have a higher tolerance to this toxin than introduced predators.
“It’s important to remember that baits are not 100 per cent toxin and only authorised and properly trained operators are permitted to handle 1080 and prepare baits.
“Each bait is carefully developed to contain the minimum amount of 1080 required for the target species, in this case a feral cat or fox,” Ms Basnett said.
The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions’ CEO, Shauna Chadlowe, endorses the use of 1080, stating it is currently the best control tool available.
He said along with advocating for best practice invasive species management using current methods, the Centre prioritises humaneness and is committed to collaborating with its partners to develop new and improved control tools.
