Managing invasive animals after a natural disaster

Natural disasters can affect where invasive animals occur on your property. Flooding can lead to increased amounts of food, which encourages invasive animal populations to grow. Damage to invasive animal exclusion fencing may also allow some species to spread.

In some cases there may be a reduction in some invasive fish from areas after significant flood events. It's essential that you understand how to prevent and manage invasive animal incursions after a natural disaster.

Landowner responsibilities

As a landowner, under the Biosecurity Act 2014, you are required to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive animals under your control. This is known as the general biosecurity obligation (GBO). You need to be able to identify potential invasive animals early to reduce their long-term effects.

After a natural disaster, you should:

• check your property for new invasive animal incursions
• undertake effective management practices to reduce invasive animal incursions
• regularly monitor your property and follow up treatment to ensure invasive animals do not spread further
• report any suspected sightings to your local government or Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23. Biosecurity Queensland works with government agencies, industry and community groups to manage issues related to invasive plants and animals that emerge from natural disasters.

Learn more about controlling invasive animals on your property.

Also consider...

• Learn how to manage invasive animals on your property.
• Check the FeralScan website to help map pest animals sightings in your area.
• Learn how to identify and prevent the spread of invasive fish.
• Report an invasive fish.