Exotic Animals
About 80 introduced animal species have established significant wild populations on mainland Australia. Some of these have become significant environmental and agricultural pests e.g. rabbits, foxes, feral pigs, feral cats. Introduced species have the potential to alter ecosystems and landscapes to the detriment of native fauna and flora.
Vertebrate pest animals have major social, economic and environmental impacts. Some of these impacts include:
- Declines in the abundance and diversity of native plant communities due to trampling and ingestion of seedlings.
- Increased soil erosion and sedimentation of natural waterways and water bodies as a result of trampling.
- Competition with native species for feed and habitat.
- Consumption of seedlings and plant materials, reducing the capacity for the ecosystem to regenerate.
- Increased spread and establishment of weeds.
- Decreased abundance and diversity of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
- Decreased agricultural productivity by reducing the availability of feed for stock.
- Damage to fences and other infrastructure.
The extent and severity of these impacts vary for each pest species, thus management actions proposed to address these impacts should be carefully considered and based on an appropriate suite of deciding factors. In terms of limited resources, the nature and extent of impacts, and the ability to eliminate or contain impacts, it is imperative that control programs are strategic in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Apart from the overriding environmental impact, the impacts at other levels should be considered when planning a vertebrate pest control program.
Currently 18 mammal species and 51 bird species are declared (Northern Territory Government Gazette No.G2, 17January 2001) as feral species under section 47(1) of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2006 (TPWC Act) and therefore subject to control.
