There are more than 80 vertebrate pest animal species established in Australia. Their impact on our environment, primary industries, and social amenity costs more than $1 billion nationally per year.
Landholders need to manage pest animals on their land – the control requirements vary according to each species and its location.
Find out about the pests of greatest concern to South Australia, listed below. You should also be aware of animals that are not established but pose a serious threat. If you see any of these animals, you must report them.
Asian black-spined toad
Asian black-spined toad
Barbary dove
An invasive species that has become established in many countries. There is a small established population in metropolitan Adelaide from escaped pets.
Birds
Over 60 species of birds including starlings and feral pigeons, cause damage to horticultural crops in Australia. Pet birds can become pests if they are released or escape.
Canada goose
An invasive species that has become established in many countries. It could become a pest of agriculture, the environment, and a nuisance in public areas.
Corn snake
Illegal to keep as pets in Australia. They have been found in the wild, across all states, after escape or release from the illegal pet trade.
Cane toad
Cane toad
Common myna
In the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive pests. It has established populations along the East coast of Australia but not in South Australia.
Feral camels
There are over 300,000 feral camels across Australia. They compete with livestock and native herbivores for food and damage infrastructure.
Feral cat
Cats threaten the survival of about 80 endangered and threatened species, and may be the single biggest threat to Australia’s native animals.
Feral deer
Feral deer may be Australia’s worst emerging pest problem as they impact agriculture, the environment and public safety.
Feral fox
The most widespread carnivore in the world. Environmental and agricultural impacts cost Australia more than $200 million yearly.
Feral goats
Found across all states they outcompete livestock and native herbivores for food. They contribute to land degradation.
Feral horses & donkeys
Feral horses and donkeys present a challenge. They are an agricultural and environmental pest.
Feral pigs
More feral pigs are being detected here. They are an agricultural and environmental pest and can be hosts for parasites and diseases.
House crow
There are currently no known wild populations of the House Crow in Australia but have been found on occasion, transported on ships from Asia.
House mouse
Mouse plagues cause substantial economic and social hardship damaging crops and infrastructure as well as transmitting diseases to humans.
Indian ringneck parakeet
A species that is common in aviaries across Australia. Escapees and accidental releases account for a number of birds spotted in South Australia.
Oriental garden lizard
The oriental garden lizard is one of the most invasive lizard species across the world. It is responsible for declines and extinctions of native species everywhere it has invaded.
Pacific rat
The Pacific Rat is the 3rd most widespread rat across the world. It has established populations on Australian offshore islands, but not within South Australia.
Red-eared slider turtle
Red-eared slider turtle
Red-whiskered bulbul
This species has wild established populations along the East coast of Australia. In South Australia it is illegal to keep Red Whiskered Bulbul’s.
Savannah cat
A hybrid species from a domestic cat and the Serval. It is popular in the pet trade in other countries but is illegal in Australia.
Spice finch
Wild populations are established in New South Wales and eastern Queensland. In South Australia it is illegal to keep Spice Finch.
Wild dogs & dingoes
Wild dogs and dingoes cause damage to livestock production through predation and disease transfer.
Wild rabbits
Rabbits have spread faster than any other invasive mammal in the world, and today cost Australia more than $200 million per year.