Living with Wildlife - Impact of European settlement on species abundance and distribution

Western Grey Kangaroos
Photo: Scott Jennings

Silver Gulls
Photo: Tim Fuhlbohm

The balance of many species has altered with changing land use, urbanisation, habitat fragmentation and environmental and agricultural management practices. Some native species that were abundant are now threatened (eg Southern Brown Bandicoots) and conversely, some species with naturally low population numbers have become abundant (eg Little Corellas and Silver Gulls).

Species such as the Emu and large common kangaroos (eg Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo and Euro) have generally been advantaged by European settlement due to a reduction in predation following the construction of the dingo-proof fence, habitat clearance, the provision of additional water sources and pasture improvement.

Silver Gull populations have also benefited from European settlement, having expanded dramatically in response to increased food waste available at rubbish tips and from loitering around humans waiting for a free feed. Flocking birds, such as the Little Corella, have generally been favoured by the introduction of agricultural systems since European settlement. The increased availability of food from grain harvests during summer and early autumn enables more birds to survive through to the breeding season and can result in an increase in the species population.

For possums, the modification and urbanisation of many natural areas has placed this species in conflict with humans. The absence of large old gum trees with tree hollows has meant they may use the roof space of a building for shelter. Fewer natural areas and food sources has also forced possums to forage for food from fruit trees and ornamental plantings (eg roses) and species such as Rosellas and Lorikeets to feed on commercial and residential horticultural crops (eg apples, apricots and cherries).

See Living with Possums