Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p60
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 173949–177153

lowlands fauna is not fully known, it is clear they are contributing to the decline of many species, especially small mammals. No fully effective control programme has been demonstrated for feral cats in this environment and management options remain limited.

    * Cane toads (highly significant)

  Cane toads have had a significant impact on many species in the lowlands, including quolls, goannas, large dragons and elapid snakes. This threat cannot realistically be humanly controlled and will be monitored to enable an adaptive response to possible impacts.

    * Feral herbivores (highly significant)

  Feral herbivores such as buffalo, pigs, cattle, horses and donkeys are abundant in neighbouring areas and are increasing in lowland areas of the park. In the lowlands they degrade habitat and spread weeds, and populations will quickly build up if they are not continually controlled.

    * Dogs, invasive ants, feral bees (low significance)

  Feral dogs interbreed with dingoes. They place increased pressure on native animals and also cause safety issues around living areas. Introduced ants and European bees are capable of displacing other invertebrates and alter food availability and habitat for native animals.

  Knowledge gaps (moderately significant)
There is significant uncertainty surrounding the cause of decline of many species in the lowlands and the interactions of different threats. In particular, research on the cause of small mammal decline remains inconclusive and it is therefore difficult to develop management solutions with confidence of success. Actions addressing research and knowledge management are covered in Section 7 (Research and knowledge management).

Potential threats to values

  Weeds (highly significant)
Highly invasive African pasture grasses such as gamba grass represent a major potential threat to the lowlands. Gamba grass has a higher biomass and cures later in the dry season than native grasses; it causes dramatic increases in the intensity of fires. Climate change related temperature increases are likely to exacerbate these impacts. The great extent of the lowlands makes weed management challenging and resource intensive.
Actions

     5.2.10           Manage fire in the lowlands in accordance with the Policies and Actions in Sections 5.3.17 to 5.3.26 to reduce impact on plants, animals and habitats.

     5.2.11           Manage weeds in the lowlands prioritising control of the spread of gamba grass.

     5.2.12           Manage feral animals in the lowlands through:

        (a)       development of cost-effective strategies for management of feral cats in priority areas

        (b)      management of pigs, horses, donkeys and buffalo, particularly in areas of high density.

     5.2.13           Manage native plants and animals in the lowlands through:
        (a)       development and implementation of a park strategy for the conservation of threatened species and threatened ecological communities, including actions in recovery plans for relevant species
        (b)      identification of other significant species (e.g. indicator and culturally significant species) and implementation of specific management