INVASIVE SPECIES the most serious threats to Australia’s natural
environment cause damage to natural landscapes,
What are invasive species?
Species that are foreign to a region and cause
damage to the environment or to human interests.
Many species have been introduced to Australia to
a point where they have spread and multiplied,
thus, damaging the environment, and threatening
the existence of native plants and animals or
causing problems for agriculture. Invasive animals
and invasive plants are one of the biggest
environmental problems facing Australia today.
Can you name some invasive species in Australia?
Can you name some invasive species in South
Australia?
Invasive species Include the Following;
-Diseases, fungi and parasites (Mundulla Yellows,
Myrtle Rust, Chytrid amphibian fungus)
-Feral animals (toads, rabbits, red fox, camels, cats,
deer, goat, horse, pigs)
-Insects and other invertebrates Invasive bees,
Tramp ants)
-Introduced marine pests (Northern pacific sea
star, Japanese kelp, European shore crab, Bag
mussel)
-Weeds (Salvation Jane, Chick weed, Radiata Pine,
Glaucous Goosefoot)
Deep Creek
Deep Creek Conservation Park preserves the
largest portion of natural vegetation in the Fleurieu
Peninsula. Experiencing the views when bush
walking will surprise you with views and native
vegetation. However, invasive weeds are some of
Australia has the worst mammal extinction record
in the world, due mainly to invasive species like
agricultural lands, waterways and coastal areas.
Phytophthora
Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora) known as root-rot
fungas or a plant pathogen is killing native plants,
thus, damaging the eco system and threatening
the survival of many animals that depends on
plants for food source and shelter. The plant
pathogen can be found in plant roots, soil and
water, therefore, any activity that moves soil,
water or plant material can spread Phytophthora.
What are some strategies you implement to help
stop the spread of Phytophthora?
-Complying with all Phytophthora management
signs
-staying on the designated tracks
-Using wash down or hygiene stations
- Footwear, tools and vehicles are clean on arrival
-Vehicles clean on arrival and departure
- Obey road signs
- Ensure purchased plants are free of Phytophthora
-Avoid driving, riding or walking in areas when soils
are wet and sticky.
foxes and feral cats.
Click here to see a map illustrating the abundance
of feral cats in Australia.
Feral cats have cause havoc through extinction of
some ground dwelling birds, small sized mammals
and threaten survival of over 100 native species in
Australia (endangered animals – bilby, bandicoot
and bettong). Moreover, Feral cats can carry
infectious diseases which can be transmitted to
native animals, domestic livestock and humans.
They use rabbit burrows, logs or rock pile as
shelter or safety during the day and are carnivores,
therefore eat birds, rabbits, fish and insects.
Invasive species are major threats to Australian
Biodiversity and have caused the greatest number
of animal extinctions in Australia in moderns times.
Prevention is much easier and cheaper than cure.
Between 2007-2008, the annual cost of pest
animals to Australia was estimated to be $743.5
million between 2007-2008.
What are some other ways we can prevent the
spread of invasive species?
-Clear your hiking and fishing gear
-Don’t move firewood
- Fish using native bait when possible
- Volunteer at removal efforts
- Buy native plants for your garden
- Report any invasive species
- Check pet paws when travelling with them
References

Deep Creek Conservation Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-

park/Browse_by_region/Fleurieu_Peninsula/deep-creek-conservation-park

Department of the Environmental and Energy. (n.d). Feral cats. Retrieved from
https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/feral-animals-
australia/feral-cats

Department of the Environment and Energy. (n.d). Invasive species. Retrieved from
https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species

Department of the Environmental and Energy. (n.d). Phytophthora dieback. Retrieved from
https://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/diseases-fungi-and-
parasites/phytophthora-cinnamomi-disease

Pests & Biosecurity Home. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/Plants-and-Animals/Pests-
Biosecurity/Pages/home.aspx