2016 Biodiversity Pressures In this report, we describe pressures facing biodiversity in general. However, pressures facing aquatic ecosystems are described in detail in the Coasts (coastal and estuarine ecosystems),...

2016Damage from feral buffalo, camels, cattle, donkeys, goats, horses and pigs is a key pressure on native ecosystems. Introduced herbivores transform ecosystems, thus reducing the resilience of native systems, opening pathways for weed invasion and increasing fire risks.  

2016  Groundwater management gained significant attention and impetus during 2011–16, and focus on groundwater-dependent ecosystems has increased. A national suite of collated and standardised groundwater data is available, building on the long-term efforts of states and territories. The...

2016  Retreating glaciers, higher ambient temperatures and precipitation as rain rather than snow make the terrestrial environment more accessible to plant and microbial communities. A warmer climate and increased availability of liquid water enable the populations of some species to expand...

2016Urban and peri-urban areas continue to directly encroach into surrounding natural ecosystems and may also cause indirect impacts by acting as a source of invasive species. Native wildlife in urban areas can be viewed as a benefit by residents, but can also be a source of conflict as...

2016A new and emerging pressure in the coastal and marine zones is the increasing amount of human litter, which affects coastal and marine ecosystems and food webs. Approximately three-quarters of the debris found along the Australian coast is plastic.