Find a pest animal in South Australia

There are more than 80 vertebrate pest animals established in Australia, costing more than $1 billion nationally per year.

The pest animals of greatest concern to South Australia are listed below, impacting our environment, economy and social amenity.

Landholders need to know how to manage pest animals that occur on their land. Control requirements vary according to the species and its location.

It is important to also be aware of animals which are not established but are a serious threat to South Australia. If you see any of these animals, you must report them.

Asian black-spined toad >

Described as one of Australia’s “10 most unwanted” species. If established it could be more damaging than the cane toad as a social and environmental pest.

Reportable
>
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • Cane toad >

    One of the world’s worst animal pests. It is yet to establish in South Australia, but a small number are detected following accidental introduction every year.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • Red-eared slider turtle >

    In the top 100 of the world’s worst invasive pests. This turtle has invaded many countries and has been detected, on occasion, in South Australia.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    Reportable
    >
  • Spice finch >

    Wild populations are established in New South Wales and eastern Queensland. In South Australia it is illegal to keep Spice Finch.

    Reportable
    >
  • 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.

    >
  • Page last reviewed: 30 Apr 2021

     


    Top of page