Invasive non-native terrestrial fauna species

Key Finding

Invasive non-native fauna species — introduced pest animals — place considerable pressure on Queensland’s native biodiversity. Negative environmental impacts include:

• predation on native fauna — foxes and feral cats have been implicated in the decline or extinction of native species
• destruction of habitats and natural resources including reduced water quality, increased soil erosion and land degradation, and destruction of native plants that provide food and shelter to native species
• competition with native animals for food and shelter
• disease, poisoning or injury to native animals — a decline of native predators has been attributed to poisoning from cane toads.

Some pest animals impact on specific habitats or species; others are more general and affect many species and ecosystems as well as ecological and physical processes. For example, feral rusa deer consume and damage native vegetation, disperse weed seeds and cause water fouling.

New pest animals introduced via the illegal pet trade or unknowingly transported, for example in cargo or fodder, continue to threaten Queensland’s environment. More than 20 pest animal detections have been made in recent years including ferrets, boa constrictors, American corn snakes, and an iguana.

More information:

• Invasive plants and animals
• Pest distribution maps

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets

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• Distribution of fox (Vulpes vulpes) between 2013–2014

• Distribution of Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in 2018