Our planet: Eating the invaders

Australia has one of the highest mammal extinction rates in the world, in large part due to animals introduced by humans (rabbits and camels, for example). The new ABC program, Eat The Invaders, takes a thoughtful and entertaining look at the problem. Host and culinary adventurer Tony Armstrong, travels the country, talking with ecologists, indigenous rangers and invasion biologists, assessing the damage done by these predators. Researchers are looking at scientific solutions but this series offers another option: we could eat the invaders.

Over six episodes, Armstrong is joined by Kirsha Kaechele, artist and curator at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona), who is a champion of creative ways to turn trash into treasure. In this series, they enrol the help of chef Vince Trim to turn unwanted pests into a new food source.

Exactly what will we be eating?

The first episode considers rabbits, which were introduced back in 1859 by a Victorian pastoralist for hunting. It didn’t take long for the 24 wild rabbits to breed and become a plague that is still a problem today as they compete with native animals for food and shelter. Although rabbits used to be a menu staple, they are not readily available these days.

Another episode looks at cats. The issue of feral cats is considered but the way we humans control the domesticated animals is also questioned. In terms of recipes featured? Cats are not on the menu, just the results of their predatory nature.

The series is a blend of history, science and creative dishes, along with quite a few laughs as taste testers, such as chef Poh Ling Yeow and the ABC’s Dr Karl, are brought into the mix. There are some tummy turning scenes when it comes to killing and cooking these animals, which viewers might want to prepare for, but it’s definitely worth asking the question: what would you eat to help save our diverse environment?

 You can watch Eat The Invaders on ABC iview.