Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002:front:0:p71
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00002
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 204445–207338

vertebrate native animals (not only impacting on prey species but also reducing food resources for other native animals), and they have toxic defences that can result in the deaths of animals that eat toads. These impacts also affect the availability of some bush foods for Bininj/Mungguy. Since the arrival of toads in the park, there has been a notable decline in the numbers of quolls and goannas. Large dragons, elapid snakes, freshwater crocodiles and other species are also likely to be affected. Control of cane toads has not been attempted in the park as at the time of preparing this plan there is no known method to manage populations of cane toads over large areas in high-rainfall zones. However, monitoring programmes related to cane toad distribution and impacts on native animals are in place and the park is participating in collaborative research projects that involve relocation of quolls to toad-free islands and training quolls to be toad adverse.

    * Horses and donkeys
  Horses and donkeys cause erosion around water bodies, carry disease, and aid the spread of weeds such as mission grass, gamba grass and rattlepod. Information is required on seasonal distribution and survey techniques to help develop more effective targeted control programmes.

    * Introduced ants
  Introduced ants are capable of displacing other invertebrates such as green ants, thereby altering food availability for native animals. Introduced ants currently found in the park include the ginger ant, pharaohs ant, Singapore ant, ghost ant and big-headed ant. Major costs have been associated with the control of big-headed ants in Kakadu, Jabiru and lease areas since 2001. The possible introduction of the yellow crazy ant is of major concern. Staff and residents need to be well equipped to quickly and reliably recognise introduced ant species.

    * Dogs
  Feral dogs interbreed with dingoes, and in some locations packs of wild dogs and hybrids place increased pressure on native wildlife within the park. Dogs that are not looked after may pose health and safety risks in Jabiru, park resorts and lease areas, and in Aboriginal outstations.

    * Black rats
  Recent research has shown an increasing abundance and distribution of this non-native rodent across many areas of the Top End, including Kakadu. It can spread disease, compete with native species, predate on native species and also cause considerable economic detriments. A study conducted in Kakadu did not find any diseases that would potentially impact on small mammals, but further research would be advantageous.

    * Exotic aquatic animals
  The introduction of exotic aquatic animals and aquarium plants into waterways within the park would pose significant ecological risks. Exotic marine animals such as the black-striped mussel could pose significant threats to coastal and estuary areas, and introduction of