Austral Ark: Invasive vertebrates in Australia and New Zealand

Summary Invasive vertebrate species have had a dramatic impact on the unique native ecosystems of both Australia and New Zealand. Some of these species were accidentally introduced, though many were introduced deliberately for a number of reasons: as a food resource, for hunting and trade, as a mode of transportation, as a control tool for other pests, and by acclimatisation societies to remind colonists of home. Regardless of the method of introduction, these invasive species have had major negative impacts on the native flora and fauna, including herbivory, predation, competition, disease, hybridisation and habitat change, and have also affected human health and industry. In both countries the aim is now to prevent establishment of new invasive species and preserve key areas of high biodiversity value through the control or eradication of invasive species. Introduction Invasions of vertebrate species into habitats outside their natural range have had major impacts across the globe and particularly in Australia and New Zealand (Simberloff & Rejmanek, 2011). Preventing the arrival of these species is the best protection for native ecosystems, but once introduction and spread have taken place, effective and efficient management of entrenched species is the goal. Sound management decisions rely on detailed information on the invasive population, the type and degree of impacts, and the strategic, science-based application of control.