Introduction

Aim of this topic

The aim of this topic is to develop an understanding of the environmental, economic and social impacts of invasive species.

We'll do this by asking you to consider this question in detail, for three case-study species - a fungus, (black Sigatoka), an animal, (cane toad) and a plant (gamba grass) - all of which have invaded northern Australia. You'll examine the environmental, economic and social effects that have resulted from the establishment and spread of these three species.

However, we'd first like to briefly introduce some other examples, which demonstrate the range of threats posed by invaders and the impacts caused by successful invaders.

High intensity Gamba Grass fire. Photo courtes of Dr Samantha Setterfield