Fauna
Introduced and pest animals
The pressures exerted by introduced predators and herbivores on the original mammalian fauna of Central Australia were a major factor in the extinction of about 40% of the native species.
Of the 27 mammal species found in the Park, six are introduced: the house mouse; camel; fox; cat; dog; and rabbit. These species are distributed throughout the Park but their densities are greatest in the rich water run off areas of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Large numbers of rabbits led to the introduction of a rabbit control program in 1989. This has resulted in a great reduction of the rabbit population, a noticeable vegetation recovery and a reduction in predator numbers. However low numbers of rabbits means that the transmission of the introduced calicivirus to control the remaining rabbit numbers is difficult.
In the Park camels have been implicated in the reduction of plant species particularly the more succulent species such as the quandong. The house mouse is a successful invader of disturbed environments and habitats that have lost native rodents.
Subjective estimates of cat and fox numbers have been collected in association with the rabbit control program.
The national threat abatement programs may provide the framework for controlling them.
Anangu knowledge and tracking skills are invaluable in the management of these introduced animals.
The Park regulations prohibit visitors bringing animals into the Park unless they are a guide dog for the blind or deaf, or a permit is granted by the Director of National Parks.
Quick links
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window