The pest is history! Put your knowledge to the test

By Fiona McFarlane, Kate Cranney

Bellyache bush. Bridal creeper. Prickly pear. Some invasive species just sound nasty. But others are trickier to distinguish … some weeds can be beautiful. “Oh, my, isn’t that lovely rosy dock pretty?” No! Step away from the nice flowers! Rosy dock is a weed.

From cane toad to rabbits, weeds and pest species have had a devastating impact on our island home. Our scientists are researching ways to manage pests and weeds with biological controls, aka biocontrol agents. It’s a way of using nature to fight nature.

You may have heard of the European carp … but how much do you know about the other pesty animals in Australia? Put your noxious knowledge to the test!