PARK WATCH Article March 2025 |

Park Watch editor, Paul Clifton spoke to Tony Armstrong about his bold take on Australia’s feral pests and the future of invasive species cuisine

When Tony Armstrong, the charismatic host of ABC’s Eat the Invaders, declared that the tastiest meal he’d enjoyed during filming was cat – specifically, ‘the most delicious rotisserie chicken’ he’d ever had – he certainly stirred the pot. It wasn’t just a quirky culinary confession, but a provocative call to rethink how we view feral species. After all, he wasn’t too worried about ruffling the feathers of cat lovers across the nation.

Armstrong’s bold statement is part of a larger message: feral cats aren’t the cuddly creatures many pet owners see them as – they’re ruthless, high-powered killing machines. With somewhere between 1.4 and 5.6 million feral cats in Australia, each one capable of slaughtering seven native animals a night, their impact is undeniable. As Armstrong points out, ‘Cats have helped make Australia a global leader in extinctions.’

But the problem isn’t just with feral cats. Domestic cats, though lovingly kept as pets, also contribute to this ecological crisis, killing an estimated 300 million native animals each year. The solution here is relatively simple: keep them indoors. If started on an indoor life as kittens, cats can adapt well.

However, tackling the issue of ferals is far trickier. No amount of adventurous bush grub or gourmet dining will solve this massive problem. It’s a theme that runs throughout the series, as Armstrong explores the challenges of controlling six invasive species, each more stubborn than the last.

Take camels, for example. While camel meat is a global delicacy, in Australia we cull thousands every year. The challenge lies in their remote habitats, making meat production a logistical nightmare. Then there are the infamous carp – dubbed ‘ghetto trout’ and ‘sewer salmon’ because of their reportedly unpleasant taste – mostly due to the difficulty of preparing them properly. Meanwhile, rabbits, once a staple during Australia’s tough times, are still multiplying despite repeated attempts at population control through the calicivirus.

Next there’s the cane toad, a particularly tricky, sticky and icky invader. While some bush cooks have embraced it as a delicacy, no lab in Australia could guarantee a safe, toxin-free meal for human consumption. Ironically, birds like Kookaburras and Australian White Ibises have figured out how to feast on these toxic creatures without damage to themselves. And while markets in Southeast Asia could potentially create demand for thousands of cane toads caught annually, the infrastructure simply isn’t there to support it.

The science behind solutions

To navigate these invasive species issues, Armstrong consulted experts Professor Andy Lowe and Professor Phill Cassey from Adelaide University’s Invasion Science and Wildlife Ecology Group. The scientists brought down-to-earth solutions to the show, debunking some of the more whimsical ideas about culinary control.

One intriguing possibility is the use of genetic editing, a technique that could alter sex ratios within populations, quickly leading to their demise. This would be particularly effective with smaller, fast-reproducing mammals. ‘For invasive species like rabbits, it would probably work really well,’ explains Dr Lowe. But for larger creatures like deer or camels, culling remains the most practical approach.

When it comes to feral deer, controlling their population is more about management and legislation than science. South Australia, for example, has made strides in eradicating deer from the Mt Lofty Ranges, taking out thousands of animals over just two years. The key, as Dr Lowe points out, is long-term commitment from governments.

One of the more controversial ideas? Reintroducing apex predators like the Dingo to help control populations of rabbits and cats. While this could be effective, it would require significant government involvement. It’s a complex issue, but similar programs in places like Yellowstone National Park have proven it’s not only possible, but also eminently successful.

So… will we be eating tabby tacos?

Despite the exotic-sounding meals like tabby tacos or camel burgers (apparently delicious!), Armstrong acknowledges that we’re not likely to see these dishes on Aussie menus anytime soon. Still, his hope is that Eat the Invaders will serve as a conversation starter, encouraging Australians to rethink the food they consume – and how their eating habits might influence the battle against invasive species.

After all, the issue isn’t just about what’s on the plate, but the impact those choices have on the land we share with the native wildlife fighting for survival.

Eat the Invaders is available on ABC iView