Australia's animal crisis: From rabbits to feral cats, here are some tips you need to know

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutAustralia's Animal DisasterNow I will summarize the relevant issues, hoping that through this in-depth analysis, I can help new and old immigrants, international students, and readers who are concerned about Australia's ecology to fully understand this special national condition.

### Panoramic picture of the current situation of animal disasters in Australia
As one of the countries with the most serious biological invasions in the world, Australia suffers economic losses of up to 240 million Australian dollars each year due to animal infestations. From the "rabbit disaster" in the mid-19th century to the feral cat crisis today, this "animal kingdom" has always been fighting against ecological imbalance. The latest satellite monitoring shows that there are more than 300,000 wild camels roaming around in the central region alone, and the number of feral cats in the country has exceeded 6 million, killing more than 3 million native animals every day.

#### Five typical species prevention and control records
1. **Hares: A Hundred Years of Human-Rabbit War**
In 1859, 24 rabbits were introduced by British immigrants, and they multiplied wildly to 10 billion on the Australian mainland. The government took a combination of measures, including:
- Biological control: Myxoma virus released in 1950
- Physical isolation: The "Rabbit-Proof Fence" was built in 1901
- Chemical control: zinc phosphide poison bait is placed at specific locations
- Latest technology: Gene editing sterilization research to start in 2021

2. Wild cats: invisible ecological killers
These "cute pets" have become the driving force behind the extinction of 127 native animals. The "feral cat eradication plan" implemented in the Northern Territory includes:
- Intelligent trapping device (equipped with AI recognition system)
- Air-delivered poison sausages (containing 1080 poisons)
- Establish cat-free zones (such as the Christmas Island Ecological Reserve)

3. Camel: Trapped Desert Beast
The government's Desert Management Plan, launched in 2023, includes:
- Drone swarm expulsion technology
- Commercial slaughter and export (annual processing volume 50,000 peak)
- Establish an ecological carrying capacity assessment model

4. Kangaroos: The sweet troubles of a national treasure
Population management programs implemented in the Capital Region:
- Satellite tracking of ethnic migration
- Humane sterilization surgery
- Set up a "Kangaroo Traffic Warning System"

5. Cane Toads: Poison Invaders
Western Australia's "Toad War"
- Set up UV trap lights
- Training sniffer dogs to identify tadpoles
- Build a citizen scientist observation network

### In-depth analysis of the four-dimensional prevention and treatment system
1. **Legislative level**
The Biosecurity Act 2016 includes 61 species of animals in the control list, and those who keep them illegally face up to 5 years in prison. For example, New South Wales clearly stipulates that those who feed wild kangaroos privately will face a fine of 11,000.

2. Technological innovation
The "gene scissors" technology (CRISPR) developed by CSIRO has successfully achieved the sterilization rate of wild mouse embryos in the laboratory. The "Sky Eye System" launched in 2023 can monitor the movement of camel populations in desert areas in real time through satellite thermal imaging.

3. Public participation
The Ministry of Environment has launched a 24-hour animal invasion reporting hotline (1800 900 090), and successfully intercepted 23 illegal pet smuggling cases through public reports in 2022. The "Eco-Guardian" scholarship set up by various universities trains 200 professional prevention and control talents every year.

4. International cooperation
The Oceania Biosecurity Alliance, jointly established by Australia and New Zealand, has achieved cross-sea species database sharing. An international summit on invasive species prevention will be held in 2024, focusing on the impact of climate warming on species spread.

### Authoritative answers to frequently asked questions
**Q: What should I do if I find a wild kangaroo in my backyard? **
A: Please keep a distance of more than 10 meters and do not feed the animals. If you encounter an injured individual, please call 1300 ANIMAL (264625) immediately to contact wildlife rescue organizations.

**Q: Is it legal for international students to participate in prevention and treatment? **
A: You can apply for the position of "ecological volunteer" with a student visa, but you need to pass the biosafety training certification. The University of Melbourne and Queensland University of Technology have special practical courses.

**Q: Can animal meat products be brought back to China? **
A: Canned kangaroo meat can be checked in (declaration required), but camel meat products are subject to restrictions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is recommended to ask for a quarantine certificate when purchasing.

### Ecological Revelation
From the Great Wall of Rabbits in 1901 to today's intelligent monitoring system, Australia has used a century of practice to verify the golden rule of ecological governance: prevention is better than governance, technology empowers tradition, and the participation of all people can protect the ecological red line. The latest environmental white paper shows that through comprehensive prevention and control measures, 17 endangered species have escaped the risk of extinction.

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandAustralia's Animal DisasterThe current situation and coping strategies. Whether you are planning to immigrate, study abroad, or travel to Australia, understanding this unique ecological test paper will make your life in Australia more relaxed. Welcome to follow our special series of reports to get more in-depth ecological information.