Foxes 'are widespread': report

FOXES are already widespread in Tasmania and urgent action is needed to wipe out the species before it is too late, a new study shows.

The report calls for increased baiting to try to eradicate the feral pests before they cause the extinction of native mammals.

The scientific research has thrown new light on the controversial fox taskforce that has spent $33 million during the past 11 years in an unsuccessful bid to find the animal.

The study's team leader, University of Canberra wildlife genetics professor Stephen Sarre, found that foxes were widespread in northern and eastern Tasmania.

"This research shows foxes are on the verge of becoming irreversibly present in Tasmania," Professor Sarre said.

"Their apparent widespread distribution indicates that the eradication effort is at a critical point. Eradication's a difficult but not impossible task."

Research published today in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology used forensic DNA techniques to map the presence of foxes in Tasmania and their likely distribution.

The findings are likely to add fuel to the already fiery debate within the Tasmanian community on the issue of fox baiting.

In recent months, Hobart residents have expressed alarm about the laying of poison 1080 baits in suburban areas and dog-walking tracks as part of the state's fox eradication program.

Since its inception 11 years ago, about $33 million in state and federal funds has been spent on the program but a live fox has never been found.

Earlier this year, Tasmanian MLC Ivan Dean called for a police inquiry into the program.

However, Premier Lara Giddings dismissed his concerns as a conspiracy theory.

Prof Sarre said foxes were so widespread in Tasmania that the practice of targeting only fox activity hot spots was unlikely to work and baiting all the animals' suitable habitats was the best option.

"The present situation could be as serious a threat to the pristine Tasmanian environment as the previous extinction wave was to Australia's mainland fauna ... we suggest an increased effort ... to maximise the chances of a successful eradication. Otherwise, Australia stands on the precipice of another major episode of mammalian extinctions."

The report pointed to Australia's record of half the known mammalian extinctions worldwide in the past 200 years.

Prof Sarre said the survey was one of the largest of its kind in the world. The research has also shown that fox DNA can still be detected in the animals' droppings even after three months.

Prof Sarre and his colleagues from various universities used DNA testing and fox scats to map the distribution.

A model developed by the team using knowledge of the fox's preferred habitat also forecast further spread. More than one-quarter, or 29 per cent, of the state is considered suitable habitat.

Last week, a sighting in Woodbridge south of Hobart was investigated by the fox-eradication program.

A reader passed on a report of a young fox in the area and details of poultry deaths.

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