In 1948, the Banteng cattle was found to have become a feral species. While cattle are concentrated in the Northern Territory, their hard hooves do major damage to the land by trampling the soft ground and delicate native plants. Weeds then grow, overtaking the soil and inhibiting native plants from growing back. In order to provide better grazing for cattle, native plants were often replaced by non-native plants (such as the buffel grass).

Although cattle are environmentally destructive, they have become a major industry in Australia. Cattle such as the Bos Indicus and the Bos Taurus are important cattle exports to countries such as Europe, Canada, the Middle East and Asia (mainly southeast Asia).

Another hard-hoofed species, the Water Buffalo, has caused the greatest damage to wetlands in northern Australia. The presence of the buffalo has disrupted the land. When they walk, they trample delicate wetland plants. They also crush native turtle and crocodile nests and eggs hidden in the vegetation. Buffalo also severely damage the soil, causing it to suffer rapid erosion.

Buffalos have no problems adapting to life in wetlands. They graze and wallow on the edge of billabongs causing silting of waterways. They cause saltwater to seep into freshwater areas by breaking natural levee banks.