Invasive species

Invasive species, such as vertebrate pests, weeds, marine pests and diseases, are a key threat to Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and the environment.

ABARES invasive species research and analysis contributes to Australia’s preparedness for the incursion of exotic species, and the management of nationally significant pests, weeds and diseases, as well as their potential impacts on Australia’s economy, society and environment. This research is part of ABARES’ broader research focus on biosecurity

The Invasive Species program provides research, analysis and advice to policy areas of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, NEBRA, Sectoral Committees (Environment and Invasives Committee and Marine Pest Sectoral Committee), emergency response consultative committees, pest and weed technical advisory groups, and external clients. Our work plan includes a focus on:

• scientific advice on invasive species and biosecurity-related issues, pre- and post-border
• development of tools, methodologies and risk assessment to underpin the national approach to pre- and post-border biosecurity
• risk assessment of exotic and established invasive species including the analysis of the impacts of weeds, pest animal and marine pests on the economy, the environment and society
• development and implementation of frameworks for the prioritisation of exotic invasive species
• species distribution modelling
• data collection and analysis
• research leadership and stakeholder engagement.

A summary of ABARES research outputs on invasive species is provided below. For access to all ABARES past invasive species-related research, visit the ABARES publications library.