Increased invasion of environmental weeds

Impact

‘Environmental weeds are plants (exotic and native) that invade natural ecosystems and can cause major modifications to indigenous species and ecosystem function’ (State of the Environment, 2001)#.  The occurance of weed invasion is higher in areas of disturbed habitat and/or areas of reduced competition from native species.  Weed seeds can be dispersed by wind, by water, on the coats of animals, in the faeces of animals and on farm machinery and vehicles.

Suggested indicators: Weed species+, Weed cover+

Increased invasion of environmental weeds may be associated with:

Potential associated impacts  Suggested indicators+
Toxic health risk to plants, animals and/or humans
  •  Weed species
Competition and stress to native vegetation
Changed fauna habitat (food, shelter, access to water, etc)
  • In-stream habitat
  • Wetland area
  • Impacts on wetlands
  • Fish
  • River & wetland fauna
  • Aquatic macro-invertebrates
  • Native land fauna
  • Fauna behaviour
  • Impacts on native fauna
  • Exotic pest fauna
Changed riparian zone affecting buffering capacity and waterway health
  • Fine sediment in water
  • Phosphates in water
  • Nitrates in water
  • Farm chemicals in water
  • Faecal coliforms in water

# State of the Environment 2001, Biodiversity theme report, Published by CSIRO on behalf of the Department of the Environment and Heritage, http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2001/publications/theme-reports/biodiversity/indicators.html (accessed July 6, 2010)

+ Descriptions of indicators (PDF, 76K)* provides a brief description of each indicator including techniques and purpose.

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Last updated 7 September 2010

Land Manager's Monitoring Guide