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Report Wildlife Emergency

As a charity, Wildlife Victoria unfortunately only has enough resources to respond to sick, injured or orphaned native animals. It is important to be able to determine between species that are native or non-native before calling us. While we cannot send volunteers out to non-native animals, we can provide advice or refer you to other organisations and services who can help.

Here are some species which are commonly mistaken for native animals, and the native species they are confused with:

Birds

Rock Dove (Common Pigeon)
Non-native
Spotted Turtle Dove
Non-native
Crested Pigeon
Native
Common Bronzewing
Native
Common (Indian) Mynah
Non-native
Noisy Miner
Native
House Sparrow
Non-native
Welcome Swallow
Native
Common Blackbird
Non-native
Common Starling
Non-native
Red Wattlebird
Native

Mammals

Black Rat
Non-native
Antechinus
Native
Native Rat
Native
Rakali
Native
Rabbit
Non-native
Ringtail Possum
Native
Brushtail Possum
Native
Red Fox
Non-native
Dingo
Native
Deer
Non-native

Click here to download a native vs. non-native cheat sheet. This may be a handy resource for veterinary clinics looking to quickly identify common wildlife.

We hope that by increasing your understanding and awareness of our beautiful wildlife, you will feel empowered to manage wildlife situations confidently and in an informed, safe and appropriate manner. For support at any time, please call our 24/7 Emergency Response Service on (03) 8400 7300.