Vertebrate pests of the Wet Tropics bioregion: current status and future trends

Abstract

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The invasion of natural ecosystems by exotic species is considered one of the major processes threatening global biodiversity (Species Survival Commission 2000). Disruptions to ecosystem function and changes to patterns of native species richness and abundance are common forms of degradation attributable to exotic or pest species invasions (Sax & Brown 2000; Species Survival Commission 2000). To date, all continents have been negatively affected by the introduction of exotic species. However, islands and other isolated habitats have been significantly more susceptible to biodiversity loss (Mack et al. 2000; Sax & Brown 2000). This susceptibility is attributed to higher levels of endemism in these isolated regions (Species Survival Commission 2000).