Australia is infamous for its large variety of venomous creatures, but it turns out that depending upon what type of mammal one is, those may not be the biggest threat.

Australia has a large variety of venomous creatures, but it turns out that depending upon what type of mammal one is, those may not be the biggest threat.

According to a study referenced by the Associated Press, the declines of a number of small animal populations on the continent have been linked to the arrival of European settlers and the cats and foxes they first showed up with beginning in 1788.

Since that time approximately 10 percent of Australia’s native mammal species have gone extinct, and another 20 or so percent is considered critically endangered.

While neither the settlers nor humans in general are directly responsible for the loss, their two trusted hunting companions most likely are.

The fact that both cats and foxes are consummate hunters is what made them attractive travel companions in the f