Settlers introduced non-native bird species to help them feel more at home in this isolated corner of the vast Australian continent. These new species meant increased competition for resources with native species.

Not all species, such as the turtledove and partridge, survived in the unfamiliar habitat. However some, such as the Laughing Kookaburra, (Dacelo novaeguineae) thrived. The Kookaburra was introduced in 1897 to control snake numbers.

Although successful, it also preyed upon other native species, threatening their numbers.