A risk assessment for the Spotted hyena has been undertaken by the Depaartment.
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 in Africa. CLIMATCH revealed “moderate” potential (47 cells in the top 5 score) for suitable habitat across the entire state.
The risk assessment determined the Spotted hyena as highly dangerous to humans, having a low establishment risk and with an extreme consequence of establishment. It was therefore proposed the species be assigned to a serious threat category.
Following the initial risk assessment, the Department considers permitting the importation of animals assessed as ‘serious risk’ into the State as long as appropriate mitigation measures, enforced through a wildlife exhibition licence, can be identified and applied.
Mitigation options to reduce the risk associated with importing Spotted hyena could include:
- Limit importation to registered wildlife parks or zoos to ensure that holding facilities meet the stringent keeping standards that apply to all such institutions in Tasmania;
- Require any wildlife park or zoo to submit a Spotted hyena Species Management Plan (including enclosure details) prior to import; and
- Require wildlife exhibition facility licence holders to clearly demonstrate that they have proficient keepers for the species.
Spotted Hyena Risk Assessment (PDF 159Kb)