Indian MynaThe Indian (or Common) Myna is brown with a black head. It has a yellow bill, legs and bare eye skin. In flight it shows large white wing patches. The Common Myna is a member of the starling family and is also known as Indian Mynah.
The Common Myna was introduced into the cane fields of north-eastern Queensland in 1883, to combat insect pests, particularly plague locusts and cane beetles. Other releases occurred, and by the 1940s and 1950s it was established in many eastern metropolitan areas. Failed introductions were made at Launceston, Tasmania in 1900 and later in 1955. Some sightings have occurred since, however, probably of birds that have flown there from the mainland. In southern Asia Common Mynas are not generally considered pests, as flocks follow the plough to feast on the insects and grubs turned up with the soil. In Australia, however, their fruit-eating habits make them a pest of fruit trees, especially figs. Birds are also responsible for picking off seedlings in market gardens. |
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European RabbitFeral rabbits can be found in many different habitats across Australia, ranging from deserts to coastal plains — wherever there is suitable soil for digging warrens.
Feral rabbits compete with native wildlife, damage vegetation and degrade the land. They ringbark trees and shrubs, and prevent regeneration by eating seeds and seedlings. Their impact often increases during drought and immediately after a fire, when food is scarce and they eat whatever they can. Today, feral rabbits occur throughout Australia, except in the northernmost areas. (http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
European Red FoxSince they were introduced for recreational hunting in the mid-1800s, foxes have spread across most of Australia. They have played a major role in the decline of a number of species of native animals and they also prey on newborn lambs. Control of foxes relies heavily on conventional techniques such as shooting, poisoning and fencing. In the future, a combination of biological and conventional control methods may be able to reduce the damage foxes cause.
(http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
CamelsThe first camels arrived in Australia in 1840 from the Canary Islands. During the 1880s and 1890s the camel importation rate rose sharply as camels were utilised for exploration purposes. It is estimated that 10,000 to 20,000 camels were imported between 1880 and 1907 to be used for freight haulage. (Source: www.lrm.nt.gov.au)
Although their impact on the environment is not as severe as some other pests introduced in Australia, camels eat more than 80% of the plant species available. Some traditional food plants harvested by Aboriginal people in areas are seriously affected by camel-browsing. While having soft-padded feet makes soil erosion less likely, they do destabilise dune crests, which can contribute to erosion. Feral camels do have a noticeable impact on salt lake ecosystems, and have been found to dirty waterholes. (Source: wikipedia) |
Horses and DonkeysHorses arrived with the First Fleet in 1788 to be used as working farm horses. Donkeys arrived in Australia in 1866 to serve as pack animals and in haulage (carrying) teams.
Feral horses and donkeys are serious environmental pests, causing erosion and damaging vegetation with their hard hoofs. They damage and foul waterholes, and introduce weeds through seeds carried in their dung, manes and tails. Feral horses and donkeys may also compete for food and water with native animals. (http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
PigsThe feral pig in Australia is a descendant of various breeds of the domestic pig. Feral pigs can be hosts to a number of endemic (infectious) parasites and diseases, some of which can affect other animals or people. Livestock health can be significantly affected by feral pigs.
Feral pigs disturb natural environments through rooting up soils, grasslands and forest litter and consuming a range of native plants and animals. Feral pigs prey on newborn lambs. They also reduce yields in grain, sugarcane, fruit and vegetable crops through consuming or trampling plants. Fences and water sources can be damaged and dams and waterholes dirtied. (Source: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/) |
CatsFeral cats are the same species as domestic cats, however they live and reproduce in the wild and survive by hunting or scavenging. They are found all over Australia in all habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and arid areas.
(http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
GoatsGoats arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788. As they were small and hardy, ate a range of plants and provided milk and meat, they were convenient livestock for early European settlers.
Feral goats have a major effect on native vegetation through soil damage and overgrazing of native herbs, grasses, shrubs and trees. This grazing can cause erosion and prevent regeneration (stop plants regrowing). They foul (dirty) waterholes and can introduce weeds through seeds carried in their dung (poo). Particularly during droughts, feral goats can compete with native animals and domestic stock for food, water and shelter. (http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
DeerDeer are indigenous to all continents except Australia and Antarctica. Originally introduced in the 19th century from Europe and Asia as game animals by European settlers, Australia is now home to six species of deer; fallow, red, chital, hog, rusa and sambar. While deer continue to be farmed for venison (their meat), the wild populations are causing significant environmental damage.
Deer compete with kangaroos and wallabies for food and generally add to grazing pressure. As hoofed mammals, deer can act as carriers of disease that affect livestock such as cattle and horses. They also contribute to erosion and damage the water quality in creek and river systems. (http://www.environment.gov.au/) |
Water BuffaloWater buffalo were imported to Australia in the 19th century to supply meat to remote northern settlements. The feral buffalo has been a major environmental
disaster in the wetlands of the top end of the
Northern Territory. They dramatically alter the character of the northern
floodplains through their wallows (muddy area used by animals), trails, dung, trampling
and disturbance, resulting in soil erosion, channelling
of floodwaters, increased intrusion of saltwater
into freshwater habitats and destruction of wetland
vegetation.
(http://www.environment.gov.au/) |