Assessment Summary
A risk assessment for the Water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis has been conducted by the Department.
As a key component of risk assessment for import into Tasmania, conventional climate modelling was applied to compare the state’s environment with the species’ natural range CLIMATCH revealed “very low” potential for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the water buffalo as highly dangerous to humans, having a moderate establishment risk and with a high consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a serious threat category.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing buffalo include:
- The animal must not be released, or be allowed to escape from effective control.Specimens seized or forfeited as a result of illegal or accidental introductions, where rehousing is not available, will be humanely euthanized.
- Animal welfare requirements under the Animal Welfare Act 1993 and any approved Code of Practice or Management Plan must be met.
- Import only permitted by holders approved to keep the species under licence.
- Individuals to be micro-chipped or otherwise identified, or treated to allow identification.
- Facility must meet minimum standards for welfare and security.
- Facility must be available for inspection at any reasonable time.
- Audits of facilities and collections.
- The maximum number of individuals of a species held at the facility to be stipulated on the licence, taking into account relevant factors. Gender may also be stipulated.
- Written approval prior to movement of animals between facilities and trade of species under licence.
- Record keeping and reporting to DPIPWE as required by NRE Tas.
- Collections containing species subject to approval by NRE Tas. as meeting best practice for keeping the species concerned.
- Bonds, insurance or cost recovery systems.
- Import of serious threat species will generally be prohibited unless sufficient measures exist for the secure housing and on-going management of the species. Species kept solely for:
- Wildlife Exhibition purposes approved by NRE Tas. and/or
- Genuine scientific research approved by NRE Tas. and/or
- Domestic farming for the purposes of dairy or meat production approved by NRE Tas.
Specific requirements for fencing will apply to the import and keeping of this species. Animals must be housed within fencing that must consist of a minimum of 1 solid post sunk to a depth of 60 cm every 6 meters with a minimum of 5 droppers between posts. Wire must consist of either 3 strands of standard wire and 3 strands of wire electrified with a minimum of 4,000 volts or 6 strands of six strand barbed wire.
Assessment Documentation
Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) (684Kb)