A conservation group has written to the federal environment minister to call for a ban on a wild "super cat" which it claims could threaten native wildlife.
A Senate committee is presently looking into the issue of whether the law needs to be changed in relation to the importation of savannah cats - a cross between an African serval and a domestic cat - into Australia.
A loophole in the current law means if the animal can be demonstrated to be at least five generations removed from their wild constituent species, they are treated as domestic cats and can be lawfully imported under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act without a permit.
As many as 16 savannahs are currently in quarantine in the US waiting to get approval to enter Australia.
WWF Invasive Species Policy Officer Julie Kirkwood has written to Environment Minister Peter Garrett and expressed the group's outrage at the situation.
Ms Kirkwood's principal concern is its possible effects on native wildlife.
"Birds in trees that aren't currently hunted by cats might suddenly be affected by the savannah because it is able to reach higher and be a better climber," she said.
She said Mr Garrett has called for an environmental assessment to be carried out on the savannah cat.
That report showed the animal has a high chance of escape and is an extreme pest risk, she said.
"I think the report is fairly strong in terms of demonstrating the risk of cats escaping and then becoming a pest," she said.
If it did escape there are concerns it could breed with a feral cat, posing an even greater threat to wildlife.
The savannah can jump around two metres high and is about 40cm to 60cm long, with a 30cm tail.
It appeals to a niche market, Ms Kirkwood said.
"They go for around about $5,000 each so I guess it's a large cat, an interesting animal for people to have."
There is a website advertising savannahs for sale and calling for enthusiasts to sign a petition to allow their entry into the country.
Ms Kirkwood said many owners walk the "super cat" on a leash.
The loophole also potentially means other hybrids could be allowed into the country, so she wants the entire legislation amended.
