James

Horses were introduced into Australia and New Zealand in the European Settlement in 1788. The first horses that were introduced to Australia were 2 stallions (male horses) and 5 mares (female horses). The horses were first recognised at pests in the 1860’s.
 * [[image:untitled.JPG align="right"]]Research Report **
 * When was the species introduced in Australia? **

People can ride horses for recreational uses and they were used for work in the farming communities like towing machinery for the farmer’s jobs. They were used for transporting people around with the cart.
 * Why was it introduced? **

Horses walk up to 50 km’s a day for food and water and have few predators and diseases. Under great conditions the horse population can increase up to 20% per year.
 * Why has it survived so well in Australia? **

The feral horses are mainly found in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and smaller populations of horses are found in eastern Australia, mainly in alpine and sub-alpine areas.
 * Where are the feral horses found? **


 * What diseases are associated with the species?**

There are not many diseases within the horse world but the bad disease that is associated with the horse is known as the equine influenza. This is the worst disease ever known for a horse and spreads very quickly. Also horses struggle in the droughts which causes starvation, lack of water and consumption of usually avoided toxic plants which can lead to death.


 * Activity 3**

The cattle have been denied access to grazing in the highlands because of the impact they would leave on the environment such as bad water quality.
 * 1. Why have the cattle been denied access to grazing? **

The DSE is responsible for allowing licenses for cattle grazing in the highland.
 * 2. Who is responsible for issuing licenses for cattle grazing? **

Only 12 parks let cattle graze in the Summer
 * 3. How many parks are likely to recommence grazing in summer? **

The vegetation cannot grow because there is snow on top of the grass. 5. What does Ian Harris say the problem with cattle grazing in Alpine areas? ** Ian Harris said the cattle erode stream banks and pollute the waterways. That is a huge impact on the environment.
 * 4. Why are the recovery time slower in areas above 800m? **