Vertebrate Pests
Introduced animals, including rabbits, foxes, feral goats and feral pigs, have established large and widespread populations in Australia. The extent of these populations means that eradication from the entire mainland is not feasible. There is a need, therefore, to accept the continued presence of pest animals, apart from exclusion or localised eradication campaigns, and to determine how best to manage them to reduce agricultural and environmental impacts.
The National NRM Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (NM&EF) called for the identification of 'matters for target'. Each matter for target has a set of 'indicators' used to monitor and report on the topic.
Matter for target: Ecologically significant invasive species
Indicator heading: Extent and impact of selected ecologically significant vertebrate invasive species extent and impact
Indicators:
- Distribution and abundance of significant invasive vertebrate pests
(Endorsed by the Audit Advisory Council March 2007) - Impacts of significant invasive vertebrate pests (recommended)
(see the Natural Resource Management website for background information)
Sponsor Agencies and National Coordination
The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has primary portfolio responsibility for the invasive vertebrates theme. The national coordination committee for vertebrate pests is the Vertebrate Pests Committee (VPC) and the vertebrate pests coordinator is Peter West.
National Database
There are no current national databases. The national vertebrate pests coordinator is currently compiling maps of the distribution and abundance of ten pest species, compiled from all state and territory agencies datasets where they exist. The Audit worked closely with both national coordination committees for invasive species and the Australian Government to define the needs of a national information system for both weeds and vertebrate pests.
The ten species recommended by the Vertebrate Pests Committee include: feral pigs, feral goats, red foxes, rabbits, dingoes and other wild dogs, feral cats, cane toads, European starlings, and common carp.
Useful Reports and Information
A freely available, searchable database of information on invasive vertebrate species was established by the Pest Animal Control CRC (now invasive animals CRC) in cooperation with the University of Canberra, and the assistance of the Bureau of Rural Sciences.
The revised version of the Review of alien fish monitoring (2007) is now available. In Australia the number and abundance of pest fish species in rivers and wetlands has risen significantly in recent years. This report outlines the current information regarding alien fish in Australia and presents key issues and recommendations
Review of alien fish monitoring techniques - revised (pdf - 958KB)
The invasive animals workplan outlines the steps needed to:
- develop and agree to national indicators of invasive animals
- develop national invasive animals information systems
- develop national invasive animals information products for reporting against the Matter for Target.
Invasive animals work plan (pdf - 839KB)
Audit Related Publications