Introduced+Species

Humans are not the only invaders of the Australian continent: approximately ten percent of Australia’s 15 000–20 000 species of vascular plants were introduced from somewhere else. (Invasion can be defined as the successful founding of a colony in a region where no colony of that species existed before, and the successful rapid expansion of that colony.)

Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Australia have been invaded successfully by plants and animals. Many plant and animal species now regarded as pests in Australia were deliberately introduced. Introduced animals have included donkeys, camels, water buffalo, cats, rabbits and cane toads. With these came fleas, lice, and other insects, such as the American cockroach. Introduced plants include water hyacinth, lantana, bitou bush and skeleton weed.

The introduction of new species of plants or animals to the Australian environment causes great change to established and balanced ecosystems; as well, it causes degradation to the physical environments. This option allows students to concentrate on specific examples of introduced plants and animals. By studying the impact of introduced species, students can further develop their analytical skills to predict long-term consequences and design rehabilitation and control programs.

This module increases the students’ understanding of the historical background, the implications for society and the environment and the current issues, research and developments in Earth and Environmental Science.


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