Reduced 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)#.  Weeds compete with native plant species for resources, often  leading to a reduction in species diversity.  The occurance of weed encroachment 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+ 

Reduced invasion of environmental weeds may be associated with:

Potential associated impacts Suggested indicators+ 
Reduced competition and stress to native vegetation
Changed fauna habitat (food, shelter, access to water, etc.)
  • Impacts on native fauna
  • Fauna behaviour
  • Native land fauna
  • Exotic pest fauna
Changed riparian zones affecting buffering capacity influencing waterway health
  • Fine sediments in water
  • Nitrates in water
  • Phosphates in water
  • Faecal coliforms in water
  • Farm chemicals 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