Director

Exotic Species Regulation Section

Wildlife Branch

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts

GPO Box 787

CANBERRA  ACT  2601

Dear Sir

Re: Draft environmental assessment of the suitability of the Import of the Savannah Cat (Domestic Cat x Servil hybrid specimens) into Australia

This submission is written on behalf of the 350 members of Friends of the Koala, Inc., a voluntary wildlife rehabilitation group with an energetic involvement in koala habitat restoration and enhancement, as well as research, community education and advocacy.  Our mission is to conserve koalas, particularly in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales, in recognition of the contribution the species makes to Australia’s biodiversity.  We have been engaged in this work for some 22 years.

Friends of the Koala vehemently opposes the proposed importation of Savannah cats for the serious threat they could pose at some point in the future to Australia’s remaining koala populations, and in particular the threat to our populations on the Northern Rivers.

We note the report’s assessment that there is a high risk of Savannah cats escaping or being released by some owners.  Whilst feral domestic cats are not generally acknowledged as a predator of koalas, we are alarmed by the report’s suggestion that the ‘potential breeding-in of wildcat genes to existing feral cat populations’ could result in a highly successful hunting animal.  Our concern is that such a breed would be capable of preying on koalas in the wild.

Northern Rivers koalas are already under serious threat from habitat loss and fragmentation, disease, vehicle impact, domestic dogs and other predators. The adverse impact of climate change on koala habitat is becoming better understood.  The risks associated with introducing an exotic animal that has the potential to become an efficient koala predator is entirely unacceptable.

Friends of the Koala is of the view that the damning evidence put forward in the draft assessment together with the Minister’s obligation to consider the precautionary principle is more than enough for him to prohibit Savannah Cats from the List of Specimens taken to be Suitable for Live Import  under Part 13A of the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.  We urge him to practice his powers under the Act to protect koalas and all other native species that would be put in peril should importation proceed.

Yours sincerely

Lorraine Vass

President

30 June 2008