Current estimates indicate that there are more than 7.2 million red fox with a range extending throughout most of the continental mainland. The species became established in Australia through successive introductions by settlers in 1830s. Due to its rapid spread and ecological impact it has been classified as one of the most damaging invasive species in Australia.

The spread of the red fox population corresponds with declines in the distribution of several medium-sized ground-dwelling mammals and also impact to farmers with stock losses of new born lambs. This has been heightened with the reduction of rabbit numbers from the introduction of Calici.

Serious economic damage results from fox predation on farm livestock, including lambs, calves, poultry, water fowl and goats.