Invasive Species Presence

AUS-TSR-CON-ISP General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

3.1 individuals/km²
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

Feral pigs cross a detrimental threshold when their population density leads to measurable and persistent ecosystem degradation at a density of approximately 3.1 animals per square kilometre.

Metric Definition:

Population density of feral pigs leading to significant ecosystem degradation.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark represents the population density of feral pigs in tropical and subtropical rainforests under conservation management at which significant and often irreversible ecosystem degradation occurs.

Justification:

At this density, significant declines in seedling density, soil macroinvertebrate density, and leaf litter cover were observed, indicating chronic ecosystem impairment.

Sources (1)

Preview of The impact of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on an Australian lowland ...
The impact of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on an Australian lowland ... Government

The impact of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) on an Australian lowland ..., accessed July 22, 2025,

View Source

Supporting Sources (7)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Daintree National Park Management Plan 2019 - Parks and forests
Daintree National Park Management Plan 2019 - Parks and forests
Contextual Support Journal

Daintree National Park Management Plan 2019 - Parks and forests

View Source
Preview of Invasive species and pathogens pressure on the Wet Tropics of Queensland
Invasive species and pathogens pressure on the Wet Tropics of Queensland
Direct Evidence Journal

Invasive species and pathogens pressure on the Wet Tropics of Queensland, accessed July 22, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Invasive species are Australia's number-one extinction threat - CSIRO
Invasive species are Australia's number-one extinction threat - CSIRO
Contextual Support Government

Invasive species, problematic native species, and diseases | Australia state of the environment 2021, accessed July 21, 2025

View Source
Preview of Miconia calvescens DC. - Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR)
Miconia calvescens DC. - Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR)
Direct Evidence Journal

Miconia calvescens DC. - Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project (HEAR)

View Source
Preview of Wet Tropics of Queensland | World Heritage Outlook - IUCN, accessed July 20, 2025,
Wet Tropics of Queensland | World Heritage Outlook - IUCN, accessed July 20, 2025,
Contextual Support Government

Miconia calvescens, accessed July 22, 2025,

View Source
Preview of Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program | Wet Tropics Management ...
Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program | Wet Tropics Management ...
Contextual Support Government

Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program | Wet Tropics Management ...

View Source
Preview of Yellow Crazy Ant eradication success a wake up call for federal fire ...
Yellow Crazy Ant eradication success a wake up call for federal fire ...
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

Yellow Crazy Ant eradication success a wake up call for federal fire ...

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Rainforests
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 6 Jun 2026

Notes

This threshold represents a chronically degraded state where key ecosystem processes are continuously impaired.