Invasive Species Presence

AUS-ASP-AGR-ISP General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

0.5 rabbit/ha

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

Research demonstrates that the regeneration of key native flora, specifically drooping she-oak (Allocasuarina verticillata) and sweet bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), cannot occur when rabbit densities are at or above 0.5 rabbits per hectare.

Metric Definition:

Density of European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) per hectare at which regeneration of key native flora is prevented.

Benchmark Definition:

Detrimental threshold density of European Rabbit above which native flora regeneration is inhibited in arid shrublands agricultural crop production systems.

Justification:

This threshold is supported by ecological research in arid South Australian ecosystems demonstrating the negative impact of rabbit densities ≥0.5 per hectare on native plant regeneration.

Sources (1)

Preview of Managing for biodiversity: impact and action thresholds for invasive ...

Managing for biodiversity: impact and action thresholds for invasive ... Journal

Research and prospects of environmental DNA (eDNA) for detection of invasive aquatic species in East Asia - Frontiers

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Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Final report - MLA, accessed July 19, 2025,

Direct Evidence

Queensland Government guidelines for grazing lands

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How Biodiversity-Friendly Is Regenerative Grazing? - Frontiers, accessed August 5, 2025,

Direct Evidence Journal

The Science behind Regenerative Agriculture

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Invasive species and their impacts on agri-ecosystems - CSIRO PUBLISHING | The Rangeland Journal, accessed July 7, 2025

Direct Evidence Journal

Expert commentary: Invasive species driving Australian biodiversity loss - CSIRO

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New pasture plants intensify invasive species risk - PMC - PubMed Central, accessed August 6, 2025,

Direct Evidence Journal

Athel pine or tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla) - Weed Management Guide - Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

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Context

Region Australia
Biome Arid Shrublands & Stony Plains
Land Use Agricultural Crop Production
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 6 Jun 2026

Notes

This threshold represents a critical point beyond which ecosystem recovery is prevented due to invasive herbivore pressure. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-ASP-AGR-ISP family.