Several species have been introduced to Tasmania, many of which have had a detrimental effect on the environment.
The types of problems can be broadly divided into three categories: those which prey on native fauna; those which compete with native fauna for resources; and those which cause problems for people.
Feral cats are one of the biggest predatory threats, as they feed on many native birds and mammals. The crown of thorns starfish, believed to have been introduced to Tasmanian waters in ship ballast, has proved a marine threat.
Mice and rabbits have become problems for people, particularly in agricultural areas.
On the whole though, Tasmania has fared better than most other Australian states as far as introduced species are concerned, with the state's terrain confining the spread of grazing animals such as rabbits and deer. Tasmania's natural separation from the mainland has helped keep the state free of larger predators such as dingoes.
Foxes were first sighted in Tasmania only a few years ago. They are considered a major threat not only to the small mammals they hunt, but also to the Tasmanian Devil, for which it would be a competitor. Foxes have been extremely destructive on the mainland of Australia, and an eradication campaign is under way in Tasmania to ensure that the ecological damage is not repeated.
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Last reviewed 2006-08-05 17:39:54