- European Rabbit: Rabbits are the most destructive invasive species in Australia, affecting over 300 threatened species. They damage native vegetation by feeding on seedlings, competing with native herbivores for food, and altering soil composition with their droppings[1][2].
- Feral Cats: Feral cats are responsible for the decline of many small to medium-sized native mammals and birds. They predate on a wide range of species and are implicated in the extinction of several native animals[1][3].
- Feral Pigs: These animals destroy habitats by rooting up vegetation and creating wallows, which affects about 150 threatened species. They also consume small mammals and reptiles[1][2].
- Red Foxes: Foxes prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, contributing to the decline of numerous native species[1][3].
- Phytophthora cinnamomi (Root Rot Fungus): This plant disease affects more than 200 threatened plant species by causing dieback in a variety of plants, shrubs, and trees[1][5].
- Feral Goats: Goats compete with native herbivores for food and can cause significant habitat degradation[1][2].
- Lantana and Blackberry (Weeds): These invasive plants outcompete native vegetation, altering habitats and threatening biodiversity[1][2].
- Black Rats: These rodents are known to impact native bird populations by preying on eggs and young birds[1].
- Feral Cattle: They trample vegetation and can degrade habitats, impacting native species[1].
These invasive species pose a significant threat to Australia’s biodiversity by competing with native species for resources, predating on them, or altering their habitats. Efforts to control these invasive species are crucial for the protection of Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Sources
[1] Australia’s 10 worst invasive species – The University of Queensland https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2019/02/australia%E2%80%99s-10-worst-invasive-species
[2] [PDF] Australia’s 10 Worst Invasive Species https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5975d67457047a04aaa28a39/5dfc3a10305f51d146daacce_top%20ten%20threatening%20processes%20fg%20edit.pdf
[3] Invasive Species https://www.soe.epa.nsw.gov.au/all-themes/biodiversity/invasive-species
[4] What are invasive species? https://invasives.org.au/our-work/invasive-species/
[5] An inventory of threats https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/sphgvm15/4-4-5-threats-to-threatened-species-findings-factsheet.pdf
[6] [PDF] Invasive Species in Australia https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/invasive.pdf
[7] Endangered Animals and Other Threatened Species | The Nature Conservancy Australia https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/australias-endangered-animals/endangered-animals-and-other-threatened-species/
[8] Australian endangered species list – Australian Geographic https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2014/06/australian-endangered-species-list/
