Sample of Invasive Species in Australia
European Red Fox, Feral Camel, European Wild Rabbit, Cane Toad, Feral Cat, Feral Deer, Feral Goat, Feral Horse, Feral Donkey, Feral Pig, Feral Water Buffalo
Tramp Ants (including Red Fire Ant), European Honey Bee, Asian Honey Bee, European Wasp
Northern Pacific Seastar, New Zealand Screwshell, Caulerpa Taxifolia (alga)
Lantana, Blackberry, Prickly Pear
Chytridiomycosis (Chytrid Amphibian Fungus), Myrtle Rust (Puccinia Psidii Fungus)
Articles and Websites
- DOE. (2015). Invasive species. Retrieved from http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species
An invasive species is a species occurring, as a result of human activities, beyond its accepted normal distribution and which threatens valued environmental, agricultural or other social resources by the damage it causes. - The marine pest threat. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.marinepests.gov.au/marine_pests/Pages/default.aspxIntroduced marine pests threaten our enjoyment of many coastal recreational activities including fishing, sailing, boating and scuba diving. They also threaten the viability of our tourism, fishing and seafood industries and reduce the operating efficiency of vessels.
- Invasive species. (2015). In Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved from http://school.eb.com.au.db.plcscotch.wa.edu.au/levels/high/article/544407Invasive species, also called introduced species, alien species, or exotic species, any nonnative species that significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it colonizes.
- Hutchins, C. (2015). Keeping toads out of the Pilbara. Wildlife Australia, 51(1), 32-35.The article focuses on how cane toads can be prevented from invading and destabilising the ecosystems of Pilbara, Western Australia. It informs that Pilbara has a stable population of endemic species and northern quolls, which may get affected by invasive cane toads. It suggests creating a barrier between cane toads and bore-fed water sources in the area between the Indian Ocean and the Great Sandy Desert to prevent cane toads from entering Pilbara.
- Thresher, R. (2014). Male-only gene trick could leave invasive fish species floundering. Ecos, (195), 38-40.The article focuses on the development of the daughterless technology by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) which will be used against invasive fishes in Australia. A brief overview of the technology is provided which modifies the genes of fishes to prevent breeding by creating male-only populations. The potential use of the technology in other forms of pest control is highlighted.
- Lach, L., & Thomas, M. L. (2008). Invasive ants in Australia: Documented and potential ecological consequences. Australian Journal of Entomology, 47(4), 275-288.
A growing number of species are being transported and introduced by humans to new locations and are establishing self-sustaining populations outside their native ranges. Since ants play many ecological roles, introduction of an invasive ant species, and subsequent disruption of Australia's rich and abundant native ant fauna, has the potential for numerous adverse consequences. - Nogales, M., Vidal, E., Medina, F M., Bonnaud, E., Tershy, B.R., Campbell, K.J., & Zavaleta, E.S. (2013). Feral cats and biodiversity conservation: The urgent prioritization of island management. Bioscience, 63(10), 804-810.A great part of the Earth's biodiversity occurs on islands, to which humans have brought a legion of invasive species that have caused population declines and even extinctions. The domestic cat is one of the most damaging species introduced to islands, being a primary extinction driver for at least 33 insular endemic vertebrates.
Media
Lewis, M. (Producer). (2011). Cane Toads: The Conquest [Television broadcast]. Sydney, Australia: Screen Australia and Radio Pictures.
Isdale, A. (Producer), Lass, D. (Producer), Hastie, S. (Producer), & Woodley, K. (Producer). (2009). Invasive Species [Television broadcast]. In S. Waller (Producer). Scope. Melbourne, Victoria: ATV-10.