Omari Gates
Australia has one of the worst animal extinction records in the world, and invasive species are a leading cause. These invasive species include feral cats, foxes, rabbits, pigs, goats, rats, and more. They threaten native wildlife, the environment, and human health. The financial cost of invasive species in Australia is estimated to be $390 billion over the past 60 years. Climate change and land use change have encouraged the increase of invasive species, and the impact of these species is expected to grow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Invasive Species | Feral cats, foxes, cane toads, weeds, rabbits, feral pigs, goats, camels, deer, rats, fungi, fire ants, birds, myrtle rust, white spot disease in prawns, ehrlichiosis disease in dogs, fall armyworm, Asian honeybees, blackberry, black rats, feral cattle, St. John's wort, prickly pear, tilapia |
| Impact | Invasive species are the leading cause of Australia's wildlife extinction, threatening native plants and animals, and degrading the environment |
| Financial Cost | Estimated to have cost Australia $390 billion over the past 60 years |
| Human Impact | Fire ants threaten human health, and a highly contagious strain of bird flu looms |
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What You'll Learn
Feral cats, foxes, and rabbits
Feral cats (Felis catus) were introduced to Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. Today, there are an estimated 6 million feral cats in Australia, found in almost every remote area of the country. They are considered the most damaging invasive pest in Australia in terms of cost, and the fourth most damaging overall to the environment. Feral cats have been linked to the decline and extinction of various native animals in Australia, particularly ground-nesting birds and small native mammals. A study in the 2010s estimated that each feral cat kills 740 wild animals per year. They have also hampered attempts to reintroduce threatened species back into areas where they have become extinct. Feral cats carry diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which impacts humans and livestock at a cost of more than AUD $6 billion annually.
Foxes, particularly red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), are another invasive species in Australia, with a population of over 7.2 million as of 2012. They were introduced to the country by settlers in the 1830s, originally for the purpose of traditional English fox hunting. Foxes have been directly implicated in the extinction and decline of several native species, including the desert rat-kangaroo, the brush-tailed bettong, the burrowing bettong, the rufous bettong, the Greater bilby, the numbat, the bridled nailtail wallaby, and the quokka. Foxes have also learned to climb trees to hunt for birds, baby koalas, and other creatures, dispelling the belief that arboreal creatures were safe from them. Fox hunting is legal in all states, and they are typically controlled using baits containing poison.
Rabbits, specifically the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), are a serious environmental and agricultural pest in Australia. They have a significant impact on farm productivity and native ecosystems, leading to financial loss and environmental devastation. Rabbits can prevent the successful regeneration of many native trees and shrubs, and they are estimated to cost Australia nearly A$2 billion.
In summary, feral cats, foxes, and rabbits are invasive species in Australia that have had detrimental effects on the country's native ecosystems and agriculture. These species have contributed to the decline and extinction of native animals, disrupted ecological balance, and caused economic losses.
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Fire ants and other insects
Fire ants are one of the world's worst invasive species. They are native to South America and were first detected in Australia in 2001 in Queensland, specifically in Brisbane. They have since been found in multiple locations across Queensland, northern New South Wales, and the Murray Darling Basin. Fire ants are highly invasive and pose a serious threat to the environment, economy, society, and human health. They are aggressive and their stings can be lethal to people and livestock. Fire ants are estimated to be the costliest invasive insect in Australia, with the potential to cost the state of Queensland alone an estimated $45 billion Australian dollars.
Fire ants are also a threat to native plants and animals. They feed on ground-dwelling animals, such as insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This could lead to the displacement or elimination of some of Australia's native animals, including endangered birds and threatened turtles. Fire ants also damage crops by eating seeds and tunnelling through roots and stems, and they invade the food and water supplies of animals, deterring them from feeding and drinking, which can lead to starvation and dehydration. In addition, fire ant mounds can damage roads, footpaths, electrical equipment, and machinery during harvesting operations.
To prevent further damage and eradicate fire ants, increased funding and action are needed. The Australian government has recognized fire ants as a Key Threatening Process and has implemented biosecurity legislation that requires anyone who thinks they have seen fire ants to report them. Community support and advocacy are crucial to holding governments accountable and ensuring that invasive species are prioritized.
In addition to fire ants, other insects that are invasive species in Australia include the European wasp, and several invasive ant species such as the Asian honeybee. These insects can have devastating impacts on native animals, ecosystems, and habitats. Invasive species are a leading threat to Australia's wildlife, contributing to the country's high animal extinction rate. Climate change, habitat loss, and land-use change have all contributed to the increase in invasive species.
Australia has strict biosecurity laws to prevent new invasive species from entering the country. However, with a warming world and wilder weather, the pace of invasion is expected to increase. It is crucial to address this threat through prevention, early action, and the development of stronger laws and policies to protect Australia's unique nature and vulnerable native species.
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Rats and other rodents
In Australia, the black rat and brown rat are the two most common invasive rat species. These rats were introduced to the country by early European settlers in the late 1700s, along with the house mouse. The black rat, or "ship rat," has a long tail and large, rounded ears, while the brown rat is primarily identified by its brown fur and paler belly. These rats have established themselves around human habitations and animal enclosures, impacting native wildlife and ecosystems.
Australia also has several indigenous rodent species, belonging to the family Muridae. These rodents are considered "Old endemics" and "New endemics." The "Old endemics" group, including rabbit-rats, rock rats, water rats, and stick nest rats, among others, arrived in Australasia between 11 and 9 million years ago from Asia. The "New endemics" group, on the other hand, are presumed to have arrived more recently, between 4 and 3 million years ago, also from Asia. These indigenous rodents have adapted to various habitats, including coastal heath, arid deserts, and tropical rainforests.
The introduction of invasive rat species has had detrimental effects on Australia's native wildlife and ecosystems. They compete with native species for resources, spread diseases, and contribute to the decline and extinction of native animals. Rats are known to prey on native birds, reptiles, and small mammals, disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems. Additionally, they can damage crops and infrastructure, leading to economic losses for farmers and communities.
To control and mitigate the impact of invasive rats and rodents, pest control measures are often employed. Local pest control experts are equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively eradicate rat infestations and restore areas to safety. Community education and preventative measures are also crucial in reducing the spread of these invasive species and protecting Australia's unique biodiversity.
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Feral pigs and cattle
Feral pigs have a significant negative impact on agriculture and the landscape. They prey on newborn livestock, reduce crop yields, compete for pasture, damage farm infrastructure, and degrade water sources and soil. Additionally, they spread invasive weeds and act as vectors for diseases impacting livestock, humans, and plants. Their presence in arid regions depends on the availability of permanent water.
Feral cattle were introduced to Australia in the early 1800s and have since established wild populations. They are a significant threat to native wildlife and ecosystems, particularly in northern Australia, where they trample and degrade fragile habitats such as wetlands and river systems. Feral cattle also contribute to the spread of invasive weeds and the transmission of diseases to native species. They compete with native herbivores for food and can alter the composition of plant communities through selective grazing.
The impact of feral pigs and cattle on Australia's environment and agriculture is extensive. Their predation, habitat degradation, and disease transmission contribute to the decline and extinction of native species. Managing these invasive species is crucial for conserving Australia's unique biodiversity and maintaining the health of its ecosystems.
To address the issues caused by feral pigs and cattle, various strategies are being employed. This includes the development and implementation of national action plans, recreational hunting, baiting, trapping, fencing, and aerial shooting. These efforts aim to reduce the populations of these invasive species and mitigate their negative impacts on Australia's natural environment and agricultural industries.
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Weeds, fungi, and other invasive plants
Invasive fungi and bacteria in Australia affect many native plants and animals and agricultural crops. Citrus canker was eradicated twice in the Northern Territory in the 1900s, but it was detected again in 2018. The Oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, or wildflower dieback, has also created a massive problem in some types of native vegetation, especially jarrah forest and banksia woodland. An exotic fungus has also killed off frogs, and the chytrid fungus has been responsible for mass deaths of frogs worldwide and is widespread in Australia.
Fungal 'weeds' have been introduced into Australia and are now well-established, spreading from parks and gardens into bushlands. These weeds displace native Australian fungi that have beneficial symbiotic relationships with native animals and plants. The most damaging weed species are difficult, if not impossible, to eradicate, but actions can be taken to stop their spread. Myrtle rust spores, for example, can be spread via contaminated clothing, hair, skin, and personal items, making them extremely difficult to control.
The management of invasive species is carried out by individuals, conservation groups, and government agencies. The Invasive Species Council, formed in 2002, seeks stronger laws, policies, and programs to protect nature from harmful pests, weeds, and diseases. The management of weeds cost Australia $1.5 billion in weed control and a further $2.5 billion in lost agricultural production in 2016. Invasive species, predominantly weeds, cats, rabbits, and fire ants, have cost Australia an estimated $390 billion over the past 60 years.
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Frequently asked questions
Invasive species are species that occur in an area due to human activities and threaten the environment, agriculture, or social resources by causing damage.
Some examples of invasive animal species in Australia include feral cats, foxes, rabbits, pigs, goats, rodents, and cane toads.
Invasive animal species have caused the decline and extinction of many native Australian species. Cats alone kill an estimated 75 million native animals every night. They also degrade habitats, destroy crops, and spread diseases.
Australia has implemented various strategies to manage invasive species, including tough biosecurity laws, national frameworks like the Australian Pest Animal Strategy, and state-level policies and control measures for specific invasive species, such as cane toad management in Western Australia.
Individuals can help by volunteering with local conservation groups, demanding government action, and following biosecurity guidelines when travelling, such as not bringing restricted items into the country and declaring all items upon return.
