The Impact of fire on Buffel Grass
A native of southern Asia and east Africa, Buffel Grass (Cenchrus cillaris) was introduced to Australia as an improved pasture. Buffel Grass is considered to be an excellent fodder species and is widely used as a pasture plant. It is currently found right across Northern Australia.
Well-managed Buffel Grass pastures do not cause toxicity problems for sheep and cattle, though lush plants may cause oxalate poisoning if grazed by hungry sheep. Horses may be affected by a condition known as 'bighead', caused by an induced calcium deficiency.
However, the fact that Buffel Grass displaces native grass is a major concern, particularly in the arid inland of Australia. It forms dense swards in moist habitats such as along river banks or in alluvial pans. This is one species in which fire is not an effective management tool as Buffel Grass is fire resistant and has the ability to carry fire in areas where fire is not a naturally occurring part of the ecosystem. This in turn alters the naturally occurring fire regime of infested area.
Links
Buffel Grass threatens half of country
www.theage.com.au/news/Busines
Article from "The Age" Newspaper
Global Invasive Species Database: Buffel Grass
www.issg.org/database/species/
Database that provides a description of the species, its preferred habitat, dispersal methods,managment information and its environmental impacts
Weeds Australia Identification Guide: Buffel Grass Cenchrus ciliaris
www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedi
This identification guide, on the Weeds Australia Web Site, includes photos, a description of the plant, notes on its distinguishing features and its dispersal ability, and a map of its current and potential distribution
