Exotic Animals - Minor Pests

Ferral Cattle

Family: Bovidae

Scientific names: Bos taurus, Bos indicus

Background

Cattle were first introduced to the Northern Territory in the 1820’s. Between the 1820’s and 1840’s, a number of pastoral properties were abandoned and the existing cattle were let loose. It was thought that these cattle might establish wild populations that may be harvested at a later date. Today, some pastoral properties harvest feral cattle for domestic and international markets, making control programs for this species relatively difficult.  

Feeding

Feral cattle primarily feed on native and introduced grasses.

Impacts

Feral cattle negatively affect the natural environment by contributing to land degradation through trampling, soil compaction and erosion, increased nutrient loading, spread of weeds, and sedimentation of waterways. They also negatively affect agricultural productivity by competing with domestic cattle for feed and water. In most cases, it is preferable to control feral cattle because they cause difficulties in mustering, handling and population control of domestic animals. Feral cattle also carry and spread disease, and may cause significant problems during disease control operations.

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