Feral animals are a significant ecological and agricultural concern worldwide.
Here's a
comprehensive overview:
What are Feral Animals?
Feral animals are individuals of domesticated species that have escaped from captivity or been
released into the wild and have established self-sustaining populations. They are distinct from
"wild" animals, which have never been domesticated, and "introduced" animals, which are
non-native species intentionally or accidentally brought to a new region (though many feral
animals are also introduced species). The key is their domesticated origin followed by a return
to a wild or untamed state.
Characteristics of Feral Animals
● Domesticated Ancestry: They are descended from animals that were once kept by
humans (e.g., pets, livestock).
● Wild Behavior: They exhibit behaviors necessary for survival in the wild, often reverting
to more "wild" traits like increased aggression, fearfulness towards humans, and altered
feeding or social patterns.
● Adaptability: Feral animals often demonstrate a strong ability to adapt and survive in
various environments, from forests and grasslands to urban areas.
● Physical Changes: Over generations, they may develop physical differences from their
domesticated counterparts, such as changes in size, coat color, or body shape, that are
more suited to their wild existence.
● Reproductive Potential: Many feral species have high reproductive rates, allowing their
populations to grow rapidly.
Common Examples of Feral Animals
Numerous species have established feral populations globally. Some prominent examples
include:
● Mammals:
○ Feral Cats: Domestic cats that have become wild.
○ Feral Dogs: Domestic dogs that have become wild.
○ Feral Pigs (Wild Boars/Hogs): Descended from escaped domestic pigs, notorious
for their destructive habits.
○ Feral Horses (e.g., Brumbies in Australia, Mustangs in the US): Escaped
domestic horses.
○ Feral Goats: Highly adaptable, readily return to a wild state.
○ Feral Camels: Particularly problematic in Australia.
○ Rabbits: Descended from domestic rabbits, especially impactful in Australia.
○ Deer: Various species of deer have established feral populations in different parts
of the world.
○ Donkeys: Feral donkeys can cause significant environmental damage.
● Birds:
○ Feral Pigeons: Descended from domesticated homing pigeons.
○ Monk Parakeets: Self-sustaining feral populations exist outside their native South
America.
● Other:
○ Cane Toads: An introduced species that is also highly feral and invasive.
Impacts of Feral Animals
Feral animals often pose significant threats to ecosystems and human interests due to their
invasive nature. Their impacts include:
● Ecological Damage:
○ Predation: They can prey on native species, including endangered birds,
mammals, reptiles, and insects, leading to population declines and even
extinctions.
○ Competition: They compete with native wildlife for food, water, and habitat, putting
pressure on already vulnerable populations.
○ Habitat Degradation: Grazing and Browse by feral herbivores (e.g., pigs, goats,
horses) can destroy native vegetation, leading to soil erosion and loss of habitat for
other species. Their hard hooves can also damage sensitive environments.
○ Disease Transmission: Feral animals can carry and transmit diseases (e.g.,
rabies, foot-and-mouth disease, tuberculosis) and parasites to native wildlife,
livestock, and even humans.
○ Hybridization: They can interbreed with wild relatives, leading to genetic dilution
and loss of unique genetic traits in native populations.
○ Altered Ecosystem Processes: They can change natural processes like nutrient
cycling and fire regimes.
● Economic Impacts:
○ Agricultural Damage: Feral animals can destroy crops, pastures, and fencing, and
prey on livestock, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers.
○ Disease Costs: Managing and controlling the spread of diseases carried by feral
animals can be expensive.
● Social Impacts:
○ Nuisance: Feral animals in urban areas can be a nuisance, damaging property and
raising public health concerns.
○ Impact on Cultural Sites: Damage to culturally significant sites on indigenous
lands.
Management of Feral Animal Populations
Controlling feral animal populations is a complex and ongoing challenge. Strategies often
involve a combination of methods:
● Prevention:
○ Responsible pet ownership to prevent escapes and abandonment.
○ Strict biosecurity measures to prevent accidental introductions.
● Control Methods:
○ Lethal Control:
■ Baiting: Using poisoned baits (e.g., for foxes, rabbits, pigs).
■ Trapping: Live traps or kill traps (e.g., for cats, pigs).
■ Shooting: Aerial culling (e.g., for horses, pigs, deer) and ground shooting.
■ Biological Controls: Introducing diseases or parasites (e.g., myxomatosis
and rabbit hemorrhagic disease for rabbits).
○ Non-Lethal Control:
■ Exclusion Fencing: To protect specific areas from feral animal access.
■ Guard Animals: Using livestock guardian dogs to protect herds.
■ Capture and Relocation: Less common due to the challenges of finding
suitable release sites and potential for spreading problems.
■ Sterilization Programs: For some species, though often difficult to
implement on a large scale in the wild.
● Monitoring and Assessment:
○ Regular surveys (ground and aerial) to estimate population sizes and distribution.
○ Tracking impacts on native species and ecosystems.
○ Evaluating the effectiveness of control programs to adapt strategies as needed.
● Integrated Management:
○ Collaboration between government agencies, landowners, and research
organizations is crucial for effective and sustainable management.
○ Developing tailored management plans based on the specific species, location, and
desired outcomes.
○ Adhering to humane control practices and relevant legislation.
Understanding feral animals and their impacts is vital for conservation efforts and maintaining
healthy ecosystems.
