Ferals and Invasive Species

Feral animals and invasive species pose a threat to Australia’s biodiversity. An invasive species is “a
species occurring, as a result of human activities, beyond its accepted and normal distribution and
which threatens valued environmental, agricultural or other social resources by the damage it causes”
(Department of the Environment and Energy, n.d.). Invasive species include diseases, fungi and
parasites; feral animals; insects; introduced marine pests and weeds. This brochure provides some
information about weeds, feral deer, the European wild rabbit and a root rotting fungus,
Phytophthora.

Weeds (invasive plants):

Invasive weeds pose a serious threat to the natural
environment as they displace native species,
contribute to land degradation and reduce farm and
forest productivity. This has a major economic,
environmental and social impact on Australia’s
natural landscapes, agricultural lands, waterways
and coastal areas. The Australian Government
describes a weed as “any plant that requires some
form of action to reduce its effect on the economy,
environment, human health and amenity” (n.d).
Weeds can inhabit all environments and are
spreading faster than can be controlled. Native
plants can become weeds when they establish
themselves outside of their natural habitat and
have a competitive advantage over indigenous
plants. In order to help stop the spread of weeds,
particularly through national and conservation
parks, visitors are encouraged to “Arrive Clean,
Leave Clean” to ensure they are not contributing to
the spread of invasive plant diseases and weeds
(Australian Government, Department of the Environment
and Energy, n.d.).
Feral Deer:
Deer were introduced to Australia in the 19th
Century from Europe as game animals. The wild
populations of deer are causing significant damage
to the environment. They live predominantly in
grassy forests eating mostly grass but also shrub
leaves, trees, herbs and bark. The diversity and
abundance of plants are lower where there are
more deer and when their numbers are not
adequately controlled, weeds may flourish and
spread. They compete with kangaroos and wallabies
for food and contribute to erosion and the
degradation of water quality in creek and river
systems. The control measures in place are to
contain established populations, ensure that farmed
deer do not escape and shooting which is usually
carried out by recreational hunters (Australian
Government, Department of the Environment and Energy,
2011).
European wild Rabbit:
This rabbit is found Australia wide causing severe
damage to the natural environment and agriculture.
Domestic rabbits arrived with the first fleet with
the first feral population reported in 1827 in
Tasmania, by 1910 these rabbits had spread
throughout most of Australia. They live in many
habitats, particularly where the soil is deep and
sandy. They eat grass and herbs and dig below the
grass to reach roots and seeds. Feral rabbits breed
at four months of age and in favourable conditions
can produce up to four or five litters a year. They
compete with native wildlife, damage vegetation and
degrade the land, preventing regeneration by eating
seeds and seedlings. The Government has various
methods for controlling rabbits including biological,
chemical and mechanical methods. Biological
controls include the release of the disease
myxomatosis which killed about 90% of rabbits that
caught it, although some rabbits have developed a
resistance. Chemical controls include pressure or
diffusion fumigation of rabbits while they are in
their warrens and mechanical methods include
shooting, trapping and explosives to destroy
warrens (Australian Government, Department of the
Environment and Energy, 2011)
Phytophthora (root-rotting fungus):
Phytophthora are microscopic fungus like organisms,
carried in soil and water that cause disease and
death in native plants, fruits, vegetables and garden
plants. It is the most common and destructive
species attacking plant roots and stems causing
them to rot. The plants can no longer take up water
or nutrients and therefore, die. It is difficult to
discover but the first sign of an infection is the
discolouration of the leaves. Phytophthora is native
to South-East Asia and probably reached Australia
through imported plants. The most susceptible
plants in South Australia are the grass-trees
Xanthorrhoea. Phytophthora can be found through
the Mount Lofty Ranges, the Fleurieu Peninsula and
on Kangaroo Island. It spreads from plant to plant
through root contact and most rapidly when rainfall
coincides with warm temperatures. Bushwalkers and
bike riders can help the spread by transferring
infested soil on their boots and tyres. The best way
to control this disease is to prevent the spread of
infested soil and plant material (Australian
Government, Department of the Environment and Energy,
n.d.; Government of South Australia, Department for
Environment and Heritage, 2009).
Arrive Clean, Leave Clean!
For more information visit:
http://www.environment.gov.au
/biodiversity/invasive-species
References:
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (2011). Feral European Rabbit. Accessed September 10,
2018 from
http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/7ba1c15
2-7eba-4dc0-a635-2a2c17bcd794/files/rabbit.pdf
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (2011). Feral Deer. Accessed September 10, 2018 from
http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/c6679b
32-5f03-4839-aa57-9c5723153b0f/files/fs-feral-deer.pdf
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (n.d.). Invasive species. Accessed September 10, 2018
from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-
species
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (n.d.). Phytophthora cinnamomi disease. Accessed
September 10, 2018 from
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-
species/diseases-fungi-and-parasites/phytophthora-cinnamomi-
disease
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (n.d.). What is a weed. Accessed September 10, 2018
from
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/wee
ds/what.html
Australian Government, Department of the Environment and
Energy. (n.d.). Weeds in Australia. Accessed September 10, 2018
from
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/weeds/inde
x.html
Government of South Australia, Department for Environment
and Heritage. (2009). Phytophthora is killing our plants!
Accessed September 10, 2018 from
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-
park/Browse_by_region/Fleurieu_Peninsula/deep-creek-
conservation-park
Amanda Kellett