Review of the management of feral animals and their impact on ...

populations on various isl<strong>and</strong>s around <strong>the</strong> world <strong>and</strong> in South Africa (Long 1981). In
Africa <strong>the</strong>y occupy inl<strong>and</strong> woodl<strong>and</strong>s very similar to those in outback Australia, <strong>and</strong>
<strong>the</strong> possibility remains that helmeted guinea fowl could become a successful <strong>feral</strong> bird
within <strong>the</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong>s, although previous attempts to establish <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> wild in
Australia have failed (Long 1981), perhaps because <strong>of</strong> foxes <strong>and</strong> dingoes.
3.7.25 Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Summary
An uncommon <strong>feral</strong> duck that hybridises with black ducks
Distribution
Mallards occur widely in south-eastern <strong>and</strong> south-western Australia. Within <strong>the</strong>
Rangel<strong>and</strong>s <strong>the</strong>y are recorded from <strong>the</strong> Riverine Plain in New South Wales, <strong>and</strong> from
eastern <strong>and</strong> central Queensl<strong>and</strong> (Barrett et al. 2004), but <strong>the</strong>y are uncommon. Some <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> records <strong>of</strong> this species probably refer to tame birds in town ponds ra<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>feral</strong>
populations.
The mallard is native to Europe, Asia <strong>and</strong> North America. It is <strong>the</strong> ancestor <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>
domesticated duck.
Impacts
Mallards <strong>of</strong>ten hybridise with native black ducks. In New Zeal<strong>and</strong>, where <strong>the</strong>
population <strong>of</strong> native black ducks is much smaller, hybridisation is a major concern,
but in Australia it is not rated as a serious issue, although it has been considered a
serious concern in <strong>the</strong> past (Frith 1973).
3.7.26 Rock Dove (Columbia livia)
O<strong>the</strong>r names
Domestic Pigeon
Summary
Widespread in urban <strong>and</strong> some rural areas in <strong>the</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong>s but unlikely to be having
any significant <strong>impact</strong> upon biodiversity.
Distribution
Recorded from towns <strong>and</strong> some homesteads all over <strong>the</strong> Rangel<strong>and</strong>s. Often found in
rural areas where grain is grown or stored. Sometimes ventures into woodl<strong>and</strong>s,
grassl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> beaches near towns.
Native to Europe, Asia <strong>and</strong> North Africa, but now found as a domesticated <strong>and</strong> <strong>feral</strong>
bird all over <strong>the</strong> world.
Impacts
Because it is mainly found in towns <strong>and</strong> highly modified farml<strong>and</strong>, <strong>the</strong> rock dove is
unlikely to be having much <strong>impact</strong> upon biodiversity. Nesting birds may occasionally
displace native <strong>animals</strong> from <strong>the</strong> cliff ledges <strong>and</strong> tree hollows <strong>the</strong>y use for nesting,
although most nesting takes place on buildings. Around Alice Springs, rock doves
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