Introduced plants and animalsIntroduced plants and animals

Introduced plants and animals

In the past many exotic plant species have been introduced and have spread through the park. Weeds compete with native plants, change the structure of vegetation communities, and impact on food and habitat availability for native animals. New weeds have the potential to be introduced to the park in many ways, including vehicles, animals and wind.

The most threatening weed in the park is buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Buffel grass is a perennial plant native to Africa and the Middle East, and is now established across central Australia. It can affect ecosystem function by out-competing native plant species, removing suitable habitat for native animals and reducing the amount of bush foods and medicines available for Aṉangu. Buffel grass also changes water flows, grows thickly in drainage lines, and can worsen erosion. Landscapes dominated by buffel grass burn more frequently and at higher intensity than uninvaded native vegetation. This further impacts the surrounding environment. The spread and ecological impact of buffel grass varies throughout the park, but it thrives especially around Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

Most other weed species in the park do not have a major impact on the park’s natural and cultural values. Many weeds only become evident after rain and the priority for their control is in locations such as waterholes, significant cultural sites and key visitor areas.

In addition to exotic plants, introduced animal species have had a significant impact on Australia’s arid regions, including the park’s cultural and natural values. Of the 27 mammal species recorded in the park, six are introduced: rabbits, camels, foxes, house mice, cats, and dogs (see Table 3). These animals cause erosion, damage sacred sites, spread weeds and disease and are recognised as a major factor in the extinction of the native species of Central Australia. Aṉangu knowledge and tracking skills are invaluable assets when monitoring invasive species, and are used in combination with scientific techniques, such as fauna monitoring cameras. As invasive species issues extend well beyond the boundaries of the park (such as camel management), effective control may depend on regional management programs and cooperation with neighbours. The impacts of other threats such as large scale wildfires can also exacerbate the impacts of introduced animals on native fauna. Although fire management is a key ecological management tool, intense large fire can also negatively impact on vegetation and reduce native habitat leading to increased predation by and establishment of introduced species.

Bringing in or keeping plants or animals, or cultivating plants in the park is prohibited, except in accordance with this management plan or a permit issued by the Director (see sections 3.2.3 and The Weeds Management Act 2001 (NT) also applies to the park. At the time of writing this plan rabbits, foxes and cats are listed as key threatening processes under the EPBC Act. Management of the park should align with national threat abatement plans for these species, which provide for the research, management, and any other actions necessary to reduce the impacts on native species and ecological communities.