The arrival of Europeans to the continent in 1788 also contributed to the evolution of flora in Australia. Agricultural practices that were brought over by Europeans made significant changes in plant life. Despite the fact that Aborigines managed to live off the plants and animals native to the continent, the British who arrived thought the land was too barren and the climate too hostile to supply them with an adequate amount of food.
The settlers knew they couldn’t sustain themselves solely on imported goods because it took eight months to cross the ocean from England to Australia. The ships of the First Fleet, lead by Captain Arthur Phillip, brought over livestock, plants and seeds to ensure the survival of the British settlers. Among the plants were Prickly Pear and Spanish Reed. (Source: http://www.florabank.com.au/)
The settlers knew they couldn’t sustain themselves solely on imported goods because it took eight months to cross the ocean from England to Australia. The ships of the First Fleet, lead by Captain Arthur Phillip, brought over livestock, plants and seeds to ensure the survival of the British settlers. Among the plants were Prickly Pear and Spanish Reed. (Source: http://www.florabank.com.au/)
There are at least 30 species of pest animals around Australia, and more than 500 weed species. Pest animals and weeds damage agriculture and harm our environment. Controlling them is a common area of concern for farmers and conservationists alike.
Since the arrival of Europeans, there have been significant declines and extinctions among Australia’s native fauna and flora. Historically, introduced pest animals and weeds have been identified as the major cause for many of these losses. Furthermore, pests continue to represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Australia with new species still being detected. Australia's introduced plants and animals date from the very first days of European settlement in the late 1700s. Ever since, they have been brought from other countries and released into the Australian environment, sometimes with the best of intentions, sometimes not. (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/) |
Introduced FaunaSince colonisation, many species of animal have been introduced into Australia from other countries. They include cane toads, goats, foxes, deer, rabbits, pigs, cats, dogs and horses.
Introduced predators, such as foxes and feral cats, can decimate prey populations and are believed to have caused the extinction of many native species. Many other native animals face the threat of extinction if the impacts of introduced predators are not controlled. (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/) |
Introduced FloraIntroduced weeds reduce the diversity and/or abundance of native species or adversely affect the function of natural ecosystems.
In addition, weed infestations can reduce the appeal of our natural environment for public recreation and appreciation, and invade neighbouring properties where they may reduce agricultural production. Unlike native plants, introduced weeds have no natural predators or diseases in their new environment. (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/) |
Indigenious Ways for Caring for the EnvironmentFor thousands of years Aboriginal people survived in the Australian landscape relying on their intricate knowledge of the land and its plants and animals. Tracking and hunting, digging soakages and maintaining surface waters were just some of the ways that people survived the harsh desert environment and in turn developed important knowledge about how the land worked.
Traditional fire management practices helped new growth for preferred animal species and increase the amount of favoured bush medicine and bush tucker plants. These practices are linked to the Aboriginal culture and spirituality and offer important insights about the way we manage the environment now. (http://www.clc.org.au/) |