New aliens in Australia: 18 years of vertebrate interceptions

• DOI: 10.1071/wr18185
• Publication Date: 2019-12-18T04:29:28Z
• Authors: Adam Toomes; Pablo García-Díaz; Talia A. Wittmann; John Virtue; Phillip Cassey
• Keywords: Biosecurity; Propagule pressure

Abstract ContextAustralia has a high diversity of endemic vertebrate fauna. Yet, transnational human activities continue to increase the rate transportation, introduction and establishment new alien vertebrates in Australia, detriment environmental socioeconomic services. Eradication invasive is often costly without guarantee success; therefore, methods for detecting, intercepting preventing transport species earlier invasion pathway provide substantial benefit. AimTo anticipate emergent threats Australian biosecurity posed by over time. MethodsWe collated interception data from various mainland State, Territory Commonwealth government reporting agencies, including previously published study, at both pre-border post-border stages 1999 2016. Using generalised linear additive modelling, we predicted trends frequency using predictors such as taxa, detection category status. Key resultsInterception increased time all classes, stowaways captive at-large interceptions, with no saturation accumulation Five were responsible almost half incidents, which red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are prominent Australia’s illegal pet trade. Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) legal cage-bird trade, remains poorly regulated. Asian common toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) frequently detected stowaways, most stowaway incidents originated Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, via shipping. Data deficiency rapidly 2015 ConclusionsAustralia subject persistent increasing risk introductions incursions time, owing partly trade well global tourism. ImplicationsThe future dependent on stringent border security prevent arrival novel species, but our findings also highlight importance ongoing management control high-risk already present, illegally, within Australia.