Forest floor choked with decaying plant matter, forest floor, adaptive evolution, leaf litter

Invasive species and biosecurity

Invasive species and biosecurity research focuses on managing invasive species and enhancing biosecurity measures to protect ecosystems and biodiversity. It develops strategies to mitigate threats, control species spread and inform policies for sustainable environmental protection and agricultural resilience.

About

Species that have evolved elsewhere such as weeds, feral animals, insects and other invertebrates, diseases, fungi and parasites can have major impacts on native biodiversity.

  • Evolutionary changes in invasive species can increase their impact on native species and their geographic spread.
  • Hybridization between exotic and native species can also have significant impacts in invaded habitats.
  • The management of exotic pathogens can be improved by identifying resistance in the invaded host’s genome.
  • Native species may become invasives when they move from their current ranges as they adapt to climate change.

For information on Australia's biodiversity policies see the Department of the Environment and Energy:

See also:

Projects

The Ignition Grant Round 7 investigated the microbiome of European brown hares and rabbits in Australia, revealing differences in microbial diversity due to behaviour and diet. The study improved understanding of lagomorph pathogens and fostered collaboration between ANU and CSIRO, culminating in a published paper.

The project investigates the genetic connectivity between Indian and Australian pink bollworm populations, using genomic sequencing to assess biosecurity threats to Australia. It aims to identify the source of Australian populations and develop genomic resources for future pest management strategies.

News

A CBA Ignition Grant brought together the team currently providing crucial COVID-19 genome information to ACT Health.

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The ACT Science Plan will provide structure to support and deliver scientific research in environmental conservation across the region.

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A major objective of the CBA is to exchange knowledge, perspectives and challenges amongst scientists and policy makers, and find ways to effectively engage, now and into the future.

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A major objective of the CBA is to exchange knowledge, perspectives and challenges amongst scientists and policy makers, and find ways to effectively engage, now and into the future.

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These internships are an exciting opportunity for recent graduates or PhD students to use their science knowledge that will, in turn, provide a unique experience outside a university setting.

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The project is an exciting opportunity to work between the Ecogenomics and Bioinformatics lab at ANU and CSIRO Black Mountain laboratories. The successful candidate will also receive a generous $5,000 stipend.

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Events

Helicoverpa armigera
Thursday, 26 Nov 2026, 9:30am - Monday, 30 Nov 2026, 4:30pm

A hands-on workshop focused on the application of whole-genome population genomics to monitoring and managing invasive and endangered populations.

View the event