Queensland Lake Eyre and Bulloo Freshwater Biogeographic Province

Queensland Lake Eyre and Bulloo Freshwater Biogeographic Province – Introduced fauna—riparian

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• Overview
• Climate
• Geology and topography
• Hydrology
• Water quality
• Habitat
• Photos
• Introduced fauna—aquatic
• Introduced fauna—riparian
• Introduced flora—riparian

Feral animals and livestock can damage riparian zones, banks, edge habitat and dry stream beds while accessing water and other resources. Pugging, rooting and trampling can accelerate erosion and alter instream sediment dynamics. Soil compaction can also occur along stock trails, reducing water infiltration whilst increasing run-off.

Grazing of vegetation by introduced fauna can alter the structural diversity of the riparian vegetation and decrease bank stability.

Feral pigs consume native aquatic plants and animals such as freshwater mussels and blueclaw crayfish.

Dry stream beds provide habitat for invertebrates. These communities reflect the health of dry stream ecosystems.

  Increased erosion produces fine sediment which can remain suspended (turbidity), while coarser sediment can settle and smother benthic habitat.

  Urine and faeces in and around waterholes can change water quality and increase nutrients which can lead to increased algal growth, reduced oxygen levels and cause anoxic conditions.

 
Disturbed areas are more susceptible to weed invasion. Animals can aid in the transport of weeds by transporting them on hair, fur or in faeces.

Altered instream habitat can lead to changes in the structure and function of ecological communities and ecosystem processes.         

Last updated: 22 May 2014