21 - Mammals introduced to southern Australia

Summary

Many mammals have been introduced to southern Australia in the 200 years of European settlement of the region. During one of the most active periods for animal introduction, between 1860 and 1880, more than 60 species of vertebrates were released into the Australian environment. More were to follow later with the advent of a broader immigration policy and the development of aquaculture and aviculture. Some of these introductions failed, whilst others prospered. Some introduced vertebrates are now problems in northern Australia. The majority of the 47 species of mammals brought into Australia (Myers, 1986) were introduced, however, into southern, mediterranean-climate regions (Table 21.1).

Of the larger pest species, only the goat (Capra hircus), pig (Sus scrofa) and water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) have been studied in detail, mainly in relation to regional pest situations (see e.g. Henzell & McCloud, 1984, on goats; Taylor & Friend, 1984, on water buffalo). Several smaller species of pest mammal have been the subjects of intensive research because of their impact on the southern Australian sheep and grain industries; they include the mouse (Mus domesticus) and rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and one of their principal predators, the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes). In this chapter we shall attempt to elucidate the importance of the latter introduced mammals in mediterranean regions in Australia by examining their invasive characteristics.

Herbivores

Deer

Approximately 16 species or subspecies of deer or deer-like mammals were introduced into Australia; the fate of these has been discussed more specifically by Myers (1986).