South East Queensland

JULY 2009 Volume 3 Number 3 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Program South East Queensland ISSN 1835-3851

South East Queensland Contents Koalas - a grim future? 2 Editorial & Contacts ustralia has a diverse range of wildlife Abut none perhaps quite as unique as Fauna the Koala. 1 SEQ Koalas - a grim future? Koalas climb down from their trees in 3 Fauna Vignettes - Lace Monitor search of a mate during spring and summer and to search for feed trees. Dispersing 4 Richmond young also venture in search of a new Breeding in home range. In today’s environment in 8 Giant Golden Orb-weaver SEQ this daily cycle is incredibly risky. Feed trees are fewer and far between, roads It has been shown that bushland sites Flora isolate habitats and patches of bushland rely on immigration of urban Koalas to are fragmented. Cars are plentiful and dog maintain viable populations. As urban 3 In Praise of Macaranga attacks are more frequent. These effects on Koala populations decline, flow-on effects 10-11 Some ecological and habitat Koalas can lead to disease or mortality. are now being recorded in protected areas restoration values of Acacias such as Venman Bushland National Park Once common along eastern , the 15 Precious Chlorophyll decline of Koalas has long been recognised. and Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Perhaps most evident is the decline within The future of Koalas within SEQ is SEQ where Koalas once had a stronghold. a responsibility that we all share. Weeds SEQ continues to be the fastest growing Governments must act to protect Koalas; 6 -7 Creeping Lantana region of Australia, with clearing for however, landholders and the community 12 Water Mimosa development into Koala habitat continuing can contribute too. Simple actions can to threaten the survival of Koalas. make a difference. In 2004, Koalas were listed as Vulnerable • Plant food and habitat trees for Koalas. Practicalities in the SEQ Bioregion under the Nature • Drive slowly at night and keep to speed 5 Pardalote Housing Conservation Act 1992. However, a recent limits. Koalas, like most native marsupials, report, Decline of the Koala Coast Koala are nocturnal. Property Profile Population: Population Status in 2008 • Ensure that property fencing is wildlife 9 My Little Corner released by the Dept. of Environment and friendly. Resource Management, shows that Koala 14 Cornubia Forest Park Expansion numbers continue to decline at an alarming • Take precautions and ensure your dog is 13 Book Reviews rate. Since 2005-2006 the Koala Coast restricted from Koala habitat at night. population (Brisbane, Logan and Redlands) • Report or record Koala sightings to local 16 National Koala Strategy wildlife networks, Local Government and has declined by 51% in less than 3 years. Fire and Biodiversity Fact Sheets the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. In less than 10 years this same population has declined by 64%. A study on Koalas in • Report sick, injured or dead Koalas to the the former Pine Rivers Shire found a 45% Daisy Hill Koala Centre. decrease in numbers since 2001. Article by Melanie Harrison Published with Modelling predicts that, if the current rate Land for Wildlife Extension Officer the assistance of of decline continues, there will be less than Redland City Council the Australian 500 Koalas remaining on the Koala Coast See backpage for information on how Government. by 2010. you can contribute to the National Koala Conservation Strategy. editorial orking in the environment sector Another motivator could be summarised Land for Wildlife Wwe can come across a fair bit of in the 80’s flavoured catch-phrase bad news. Which is why, when I was Think Global, Act Local. The fact Extension Officers asked recently to speak at the Sunshine that the majority of SEQ is in private South East Queensland Coast Conservation Forum, I chose to ownership means that if we are serious Brisbane City Council speak about motivation. What keeps us about protecting threatened All enquiries, 3403 6777 motivated to pull out weeds, look after and ecosystems, then we must assist Fflur Collier our threatened species and plant trees? landholders to manage them. Long Jenny Staples lists of birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, I think the first motivator is at a property Greg Siepen plants, mammals and invertebrates scale. I have met Land for Wildlife Scott Sumner form State and National threatened members who have transformed Susan Finlay species legislation. Many occur on Land weed-choked creeks into clear flowing Gold Coast City Council for Wildlife properties. Knowing that waterways and those who have remarked Darryl Larsen, 5582 8896 your activities on your property directly at the return of birds or butterflies as a Lexie Webster, 5582 8344 contribute to the survival of a rare plant or result of their tree planting efforts. These can be an excellent motivator. Ipswich City Council benefits are enjoyed close to home. Peter Copping, 3810 6608 So I wish to thank all Land for Wildlife On another scale, motivation may be Mark Bell, 3810 6666 members who stay motivated, for drawn from neighbouring landholders Andrew Bailey, 3810 6666 whatever reason, to manage and protect working together for similar conservation our ecological assets. Lockyer Valley Regional Council goals. There are examples of this Martin Bennett, 5462 0376 happening in SEQ whereby Land for You may notice that contacts for the Wildlife members get together to remove Burnett Mary Region have been added Logan City Council weeds and plant trees on each others’ on this page. This newsletter is now being Rachel Booth, 3412 5321 Nicole Lechner, 3412 4859 properties. These occasions foster social distributed across the Burnett Mary and I Lyndall Rosevear, 3412 4860 and shared-ecological benefits and can welcome all readers from this region. be a great motivator. Land for Wildlife Moreton Bay Regional Council I hope you find this edition interesting, Extension Officers have played a key role Amanda Sargeant, 3283 0291 and perhaps even motivating. Thanks to all in supporting these local projects through Stuart Mutzig, 3283 0296 contributors, and as always, I welcome any the provision of grants and equipment. Ed Surman, 3283 1235 stories or images that you wish to share. As Land for Wildlife in SEQ continues Redland City Council to grow, I believe that we will see more Deborah Metters Melanie Harrison, 3820 1106 collective working bees working on a sub- Land for Wildlife Gavin Hammermeister, 3820 1102 catchment scale. Regional Coordinator Scenic Rim Regional Council SEQ Catchments Keith McCosh, 5540 5436 Somerset Regional Council Landholder Registrations, Land for Wildlife SEQ - 01/06/2009 Martin Bennett, 0428 198 353 Michelle Ledwith, 5422 0516 Registered Working Towards Total Area under Sunshine Coast Regional Council Total Area Retained Properties Registration Restoration Dave Burrows, 5449 5202 Josh Birse, 5441 8002 2535 550 45,992 ha 2,744 ha Stephanie Reif, 5441 8672 Nick Clancy, 5439 6433 Alan Wynn, 5439 6477 Forward all Letters to the Editor, Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is Toowoomba Regional Council Fauna Vignettes and My Little Corner a quarterly publication distributed free of All enquiries, 4688 6611 contributions to: charge to members of the Land for Wildlife program in South East Queensland. The Editor Print run - 4200 Burnett Mary Region Land for Wildlife Newsletter SEQ Catchments Backcopies from 2007 - 2009 Gympie Region PO Box 13204 available for download from Marc Russell, 5482 4766 George Street QLD 4003 www.seqcatchments.com.au/LFW.html Backcopies from 1998 - 2006 Fraser Coast Region 07 3211 4404 available upon request to the Editor. Roger Currie, 4129 0762 [email protected] ISSN 1835-3851 North & South Burnett Region Land for Wildlife is a voluntary program Louise Newman, 4165 3551 that encourages and assists landholders Bundaberg Region to provide habitat for wildlife on their Kate Lyons, 4181 2999 properties. Baffle Creek Region www.seqcatchments.com.au/LFW.html Derani Sullivan, 4181 2999

2 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 Fauna Vignettes is a new feature designed for you - Land for Wildlife members - to send in images of wildlife fauna vignettes from your property. In 2009, all contributors to Fauna Vignettes will receive a free Suburban and Environmental Weeds of South-East Lace Monitors and Chook Pens Queensland DVD valued at $64.90. Send good quality images and he resident pictured makes regular visits explanations to the Editor Tto our chook house leaving with a skin full (see pg 2). of egg yolks. It is not interested in swallowing shells. Also is not interested in being afraid of humans. An excellent tree climber, it prefers the shady side while waiting for a chance to visits its favourite restaurant. In Praise of Macaranga This Lace Monitor lizard is only the second one to be seen on our property at Chambers Flat in or 25 years, I have been developing a native rainforest the 15 years we have been here. We first noticed Fgarden that now extends over 7 acres and has recently been empty egg shells in the chicken house and registered with Land for Wildlife. Not a year goes past but I eventually saw the culprit leaving the shed one sing the praises of Macaranga - in my opinion the outstanding day. In appreciation of its presence, the lizard is pioneer rainforest plant in the South East Queensland corner. allowed to take some eggs on each visit. Requiring no special attention, it grows fast and tall in the forest (bushy in the field) allowing a regular influx of filtered light Lorna Tolleson and Keith Sayers that favours understorey species. In lightly-forested or drought Land for Wildlife members situations, it sheds its that provide heavy mulch for when Chambers Flat conditions improve and things return to normal. You can prune Macarangas as much as you like (Energex trimmers hack into it regularly at my place) but it quickly regains shape. I let them grow naturally admiring their splendid habits and the birds (lorikeets, king parrots, brown pigeons) that favour their flowers and fruits and spread their seeds. No plant has been as useful and praiseworthy to my eyes.

John Hornsey Land for Wildlife member Clagiraba, Gold Coast

Macaranga (Macaranga tanarius) in flower. Photo by Darryl Larsen.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 3 fauna report Birdwing Butterflies are Breeding in Brisbane! Article by Dr Don Sands President Richmond Birdwing Recovery Network Richmond Birdwing female (above) and male (below). Photos by Ray ike many other butterflies, the beautiful There may now be enough birdwing vines and Pam Seddon, Richmond Birdwing L“Vulnerable” listed Richmond Birdwing in the western suburbs of Brisbane to Recovery Network. Butterfly ( richmondia) is support this first reproducing population under severe threat of disappearing from and sufficient vines across the city and Brisbane. greater area to prevent in-breeding of the butterflies within the highly fragmented It is threatened by the loss and disturbance landscape. of habitat and corridors, a lack of larval food plants, spreading invasion of weeds and The RBRN are a group who promote drought stress. However, now the future of the protection and conservation of the these butterflies is looking more colourful Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, its food thanks to the committed efforts of the plants and habitats across Brisbane. The Richmond Birdwing Recovery Network RBRN promote liaison between community (RBRN). Many RBRN members, private members, catchment groups and state and landholders and catchment groups across local government authorities. The RBRN the city and the wider SEQ region have acknowledges the support of Brisbane been cultivating and planting many of the City Council, through the Environmental birdwing food vines (Pararistolochia spp.). Grants Program, SEQ Catchments, State and Federal Governments grants, and In early March this year, a male and many dedicated, passionate and patient female Richmond Birdwing Butterfly were members. observed near the Indooroopilly bridge and a week later an egg and several larvae For more information on how you can help were found on the carefully maintained bring back the birdwing butterfly and other birdwing vines planted not far upstream of conservation concern, please visit from this sighting. This is very exciting news www.richmondbirdwing.org.au as the last observed breeding in Brisbane occurred almost a decade ago, at Chapel Hill in the summer of 2000. Richmond Birdwing Butterfly egg. Photo by Nick Clancy.

Richmond Birdwing Butterfly larvae. Photo by Nick Clancy. Planted Richmond Birdwing vine supported by bamboo posts and twine. with a birdwing larvae. Photo by Deborah Metters.

4 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 practicalities Home-made nest boxes for pardalotes using hollow bamboo, recycled Pardalote Housing tins and newspaper.

Article compiled by Peter Copping Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Ipswich City Council

Based on experience by Very early in the project, Jim and Pat Jim constructed a couple of habitat boxes Jim and Pat Ledwith realised that their nasty bare earth out of lengths of hollow bamboo, recycled Land for Wildlife members, creekbank, was in fact providing tins and newspaper. Purga townhouse accommodation for dozens of pardalotes. This left them in a difficult He set them up in the garden where he situation: “to plant, or not to plant”, that could monitor their use. n 1981, Jim and Pat Ledwith purchased a was the question. Many of us would have The first trial was so successful, that he small farm at Purga in the Bremer Basin. spent some time mulling over the choice. I went into mass production. Soon he had Their land borders Warrill Creek which pardalotes moving into virtually every one runs from Moogera Dam in Boonah and Jim, however, is not the man to let high of his tubes, throughout the garden, the meets the Bremer River at Amberley. Until density residential land get in the road shed and even on the verandah. the purchase, the property had been used of his forest! His solution was brilliant, and yet brilliantly simple. He reasoned mainly for grazing and was virtually treeless Today, the creek bank is fully vegetated, that “to plant, or not to plant” was not the and badly eroding along Warrill Creek. and the Ledwiths have more pardalotes question at all. Rather, he decided that the than ever before. And the little critters are Jim and Pat realised that their immediate crux of the issue was “to house, or not to quite happy to share the garden with Pat, aim was to stop the erosion. They have house”. This simple step outside of the box, Jim, their children and grandchildren. been so successful in doing so, that in 1998, coupled with a dense stand of introduced Council offered them Land for Wildlife bamboo that he was busy cutting down, membership and a voluntary conservation led to his most remarkable invention: agreement as well. Pre-fabricated Pardalote Pads!

1981 active erosion along Warrill Creek.

Pardalote tubes in the shed...

2008 clearly an amazing improvement. ... and in the garden.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 5 weed profile Creeping Lantana - The Forgotten Lantana?

Article and photographs by Scott Sumner Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Brisbane City Council

The author, Scott Sumner, with a reeping Lantana (Lantana bushland understorey covered in Cmontevidensis) is the much smaller Creeping Lantana. cousin of the well known and despised shrub Lantana (.) It is a creeping or scrambling, low, woody ground cover with square stems and leaves to 30 mm.

Landholders may recognise the dense Typical purple-lilac flowers mats of profuse purple-lilac lantana and red fruit of Creeping flowers which develop dark brown or Lantana. purple-black fruit 2-8 mm. The fruit (each capable of producing two seedlings) are Creeping Lantana can adversely affect both predominantly spread by birds and water, native plants and . Brisbane City however the plant itself is capable of “Creeping Lantana is not an easy weed to control as it has a Council has identified Creeping Lantana as reproducing vegetatively when horizontal a significant threat to the Collared Delma stems touch the soil and take root. tuberous woody taproot” (Delma torquata) a rare small legless lizard which requires habitats with many small Landholders may also recognise the exposed rocks that are in contact with the distinctive scent emitted from crushed Perhaps Creeping Lantana has been soil. The extremely hardy Creeping Lantana leaves beneath their feet whilst walking overshadowed by the much more obvious flourishes in these rocky soils forming through infested areas. Lantana camara, but in the Eucalypt thick mats which cover these surface rock forests of SEQ it has become a significant Creeping Lantana is not new to South East habitats. It can also affect many other pest by dominating the understorey, Queensland (SEQ). The first mention of wildlife species by reducing the availability out-competing native groundcovers Creeping Lantana as a garden escapee or of native food plants. and grasses, and inhibiting the natural weed is by Bailey and Tenison Woods (1879) regeneration of shrubs and trees. Its ability In the Ipswich region, Creeping Lantana has who recorded the species in the Brisbane to spread has earned it a ranking in the top been identified as a threat to the nationally River area. The Queensland Herbarium has 20 of the 200 most invasive environmental endangered plant Plectranthus habrophyllus specimens that indicate Creeping Lantana weeds in SEQ. which grows on rock outcrops of sandstone had naturalised near Ipswich by 1888. in eucalypt woodland. The main identified

So-called “ornamental” varieties of white, lilac and yellow flowering Creeping Lantana are still a common sight in gardens and parks. These commercial breeds previously thought to be sterile can in fact produce viable seed or hybridise with feral varieties, increasing genetic variation in populations of both Creeping Lantana and the larger Lantana camara.

This continual mixing of genes may enhance the ability of lantanas to evolve and adapt to new environments in Australia. This is one of the many good reasons that all varieties of lantanas are declared pests and banned from sale and deliberate spread in Queensland.

6 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 Creeping Lantana used in landscaping. threats to P. habrophyllus are competition from introduced weeds, such as Creeping Lantana, which also increases fuel loads resulting in increased fire intensity and frequency.

Creeping Lantana is not an easy weed to control as it has a tuberous woody taproot called a xylopodium which acts as a carbohydrate storage organ allowing the species to resist fire, drought and herbicide damage. Fire will not kill Creeping Lantana. It re-sprouts from the taproot beneath the soil after the first good rain. However, fire can help to reduce the quantity of lantana seed in the soil seed bank. Follow-up control after a controlled burn is critical.

Some landholders have experienced selective so they will have little or no effect control techniques as mentioned above, success with manual control of Creeping on most monocots (grasses, mat rushes, eradication can eventually be achieved. If Lantana by cutting the plant back to the flax lilies etc.) which will, in turn, help to only small patches are present, they should main stem and gently “tickling” the woody out-compete any regenerating Creeping not be ignored. Attend to them without root out of the soil with a small digging Lantana. delay to prevent its further spread. Give this implement. Care needs to be taken to not little creep the flick! break the root as it will re-shoot from the Landholders who have the misfortune of root left in the ground. This labour intensive having this weed on their property should method is practical only for small outbreaks not despair. With dedicated persistence and requires patience and a good set of and the employment of effective knees.

There are many herbicides registered for References & Further Reading foliar spray use on Creeping Lantana but Batianoff GN & Butler DW (2002) National Weeds Strategy Executive the timing of application is absolutely Assessment of invasive naturalised plants Committee (2001) Weeds of National critical for effectiveness. For example, in south-east Queensland. Queensland Significance Lantana Strategic Plan. trials undertaken using glyphosate based Herbarium. Neal J (1999) Assessing the sterility of herbicides applied during the major Brisbane City Council (2005) Conservation ornamental lantana varieties. Are growing seasons (spring, summer and Action Statement for Delma torquata. we exacerbating the weed problem? early autumn) failed to provide any control, Federal Government (2008) Approved Department of Botany, University of killing all the grasses and leaving patches Conservation Advice for Plectranthus Queensland. of Creeping Lantana and bare ground. habrophyllus. NSW Department of Primary Industries Glyphosate applied at the end of the (2007) Review of the declaration of growing season (late autumn) gave good O’Donnell C & Tyler R (2002) The Creeping Lantana species in New South Wales. control. Lantana Handbook: a guide to ecology, control and management. Dept. of Queensland Herbarium (for hard to Fluroxpyr based herbicides give excellent Primary Industries. identify plants). control as long as it is applied when Qld Department of Natural Resources, plants are flowering. Fluroxpyr herbicides Mines and Energy (2004) Lantana also have the benefit of being broad- Control Manual.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 7 fauna profile Giant Golden Orb-weaver

Article by Andrew Bailey Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Ipswich City Council

ntroducing the Giant Golden Orb-weaver Dr Robert Raven, Senior Curator of I(Nephila pilipes). This particular species is Arachnida at the Queensland Museum, perhaps one of the more colourful of the later responded to our email enquiries Nephila species found in Queensland. about the species. In his reply, Dr Raven mentioned that the species had rarely In the orb spider world, the female is the been recorded south of and was larger of the genders. Females often have possibly only present due to the recent a body size of between 3 and 5 cm, with rains. Surprisingly, Dr Raven also mentioned a leg span often stretching up to 20 cm. that we “actually have some bigger spiders The female’s size absolutely dwarfs that of in the area”. One thing I know for sure is I the male of the species, whose body size will be looking up instead of down a lot reaches only a mere 5-6 mm. more when I’m out. Golden Orb-weavers (Nephila spp.) gain The Giant Golden Orb-weaver differs It just goes to show, that we can stumble their name from their yellow webs. from other Nephila species as its legs across (or in this case, into) some of are generally longer, more slender, with the most surprising things out in our distinct yellow patches under the leg joints environment. Keeping an eye out for and red-coloured palps (small leg-like them doesn’t really seem to matter, they appendages either side of the fangs). can appear when least expected and Giant Golden Orb-weavers differ from other sometimes outside of their known or Nephila species in that they bury their egg natural range. sac (containing over 2000 eggs) in leaf litter rather than above ground like other orb spiders are known to do. The female Giant Golden Orb-weaver “...a whole bunch of long black (pictured right) was discovered in the legs appeared from over the Mount Mort area south west of Ipswich. brim of my hat...” The discovery was completely by accident as the picture might suggest. Whilst I was scrambling down from a large rock, completely focussed on my landing spot, I failed to notice the enormous golden web in front of me. Launching head first into the spider’s sticky web, I couldn’t help but feel a little wrapped up like Frodo Baggins in the third instalment of the Lord of The Rings movie trilogy. I found myself struggling to break through the strong cable-like golden web. I was initially unsure of the scale of what had just happened until a whole bunch of long black legs appeared from over the brim of my hat, slowly making their way onto my face. Thus instantly confirming what I feared most. After letting out one very manly scream, I threw off my hat and moved very calmly, yet swiftly away from A female Giant Golden Orb-weaver and the area. The spider quietly sat on my hat as the remainder of its web on my hat. if frozen, perhaps to avoid being detected. Despite their size, female Giant Golden After gathering some composure back, Orb-weavers only live for about one year. my colleague and I managed to take a few Photo by Andrew Bailey. photos before placing her on the forest A female Giant Golden Orb-weaver on a floor. Land for Wildlife property at Flaxton. Photographs by Deborah Metters.

8 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 \

Have your reflections on your Land for Wildlife property printed in My Little Corner in 2009 and receive a free Suburban and Environmental Weeds of South-East Queensland DVD valued at $64.90. Send a max. of 200 words and a min. of 3 good quality images to the my little corner Editor (details on pg 2).

yself, and a lot of others, too often Mwonder why some people move from an urban environment to a rural bushland one, and then change it to the same type they left - and manage to get away with it. Perhaps this story may sum it up better. Graham Reese Land for Wildlife member Rochedale

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 9 flora profile ‘Wattle’ Help Restore Wildlife Habitat? Some ecological and habitat restoration values of Acacias

Article by Nick Clancy Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Article adapted from Victorian Land for Wildlife Note ‘Wattles and Wildlife’ by Sarah Berry & WB Black Wattle (Acacia leiocalyx) in flower. (August 1999).

attles are an iconic group of Wattles and Birds “From wallum to rainforest, it WAustralian plants; indeed they take Wattle seeds provide a valuable food seems every ecosystem type has centre stage on our nation’s coat of arms. source for King Parrots, rosellas, Red and at least one representative of the Entire regions of Queensland such as the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos, wattlebirds wattle clan .” Brigalow Belt (Acacia harpophylla) and and some pigeons. Smaller forest birds the Mulga Country (A. aneura) are defined such as Brown Thornbills and Fan-tailed by the locally dominant wattle or Acacia Cuckoos glean insects directly from the Wattles and Mammals species. However it seems many Australians foliage of wattles. have a love-hate relationship with wattles. In winter, energy-rich food sources such as Many wattles possess glands at the base nectar and insects tend to be scarce. During To me, wattles typify the hardy resilience of the leaves or edge of the phyllode (leaf this time Acacia gum provides an important required to survive in the Australian bush. stem that has been modified to function source of carbohydrate for both Squirrel Indeed it is probably this very quality like a leaf). During flowering this gland may and Sugar Gliders. The value of Acacia gum that frustrated many early settlers as produce a sugary fluid that attracts a wide as a food source varies between forest they struggled to satisfy government variety of birds including New Holland, types and Acacia species. requirements to clear and maintain new White-naped, Yellow-faced, White-plumed land holdings. Imagine hand clearing acres Research in Victorian forests has shown that and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Silvereyes of bush, burning it, only to find that wattles the population density of Sugar Gliders is and thornbills. The flowers of the Black came back thicker than the original bush! determined by the amount and availability Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon) have nitrogen of plant exudates (eg. gum), ranging from Unfortunately the disdain for this diverse rich pollen that Red and Little Wattlebirds a minimum of one animal per hectare genus of plants seems to have become and a range of honeyeaters also feed on. where wattles are absent, to as many as 12 culturally ingrained amongst some present Sugar Gliders per hectare where wattles day land managers. This article aims to Wattles are often a dominant feature are abundant. Yellow-bellied Gliders also highlight some of the beneficial qualities of of regrowth areas where Yellow-tailed occasionally feed on Acacia gum. our iconic wattles. Black Cockatoos can often be seen (or heard) chewing the trunks and branches Wattles provide food and habitat for a The Acacia genus consists of about 1350 as they seek out wood-boring grubs. In range of other mammals. Microbats and species worldwide, including 1000 in such areas, taller wattle species such as antechinus will shelter under the loose bark Australia. In SEQ we have around 120 Acacia melanoxylon and Hickory Wattle of dead wattles, as will geckoes, skinks, as recognised species of wattles. From wallum to (A. disparrima) provide perches for aerial well as a wide range of invertebrates. rainforest, it seems every ecosystem type has insectivores such as cuckoo-shrikes. While at least one representative of the wattle clan. at the other end of the spectrum the smaller, compact shape, dense foliage or Queensland Silver Wattle (Acacia prickly nature of some wattles eg. Prickly podalyriifolia) is a popular ornamental Moses (A. hubbardiana) provide shelter and plant, but it can colonise bushland areas nest sites for a range of smaller birds. outside of its natural range.

The number of Sugar Gliders present in a forest is determined by the amount and availability of gum that is exuded from wattles. Photo by M. Atkinson.

10 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 Wattles and Invertebrates Wattles and Natural Pest Control The foliage, nectar and pollen of wattles Sugar Gliders can be common in suitable attract many insects. During flowering, habitat where wattles are present. Sugar the sugary glands attract native bees, Gliders prey upon scarab beetles and other wasps and ants which feed on the sugars invertebrates which defoliate eucalypts and produced. contribute to dieback. One study estimated that each Sugar Glider ate 3.24 kgs of Wattle seeds possess an oil-rich attachment insects per year. Hence, wattles and other (elaiosome) that is designed to attract ants understorey species which are important which, in turn, aid in the seed dispersal of to larger predators indirectly contribute to some Acacia species. Reportedly, some biological control of pests and maintaining weevils predate so heavily on wattle the health of native vegetation. seed that they can reduce annual seed production by 15-25%. Ornamental Values Many invertebrates are attracted to Many wattles flower in winter when there’s Thirty-six species of wattle are known to Black Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon) pollen. often not much else providing colour in be food plants for Australian butterflies. Photo by Deborah Metters. The wide spread Black Wattle (Acacia the garden. The vibrant yellow flowers and melanoxylon) is a larval food plant for the attractive foliage of some wattles has led to they provide considerable benefits to Tailed Emperor, while the larvae of the Fiery them being included in gardens all around habitat restoration projects because they Jewel Butterfly feeds on the Hickory Wattle the world as ornamentals. establish rapidly, condition the soil and (Acacia disparrima). provide shelter for slower-growing species. Warning - Environmental weeds “What we must learn to do is harness the As a result of garden plantings, some In revegetation plots, larger wattle species wattle species have established themselves tremendous vegetative energy of the wattle. As can ultimately cause some damage to land managers we should allow it to improve outside of their natural range and adjacent smaller, slower growing plants have colonised bushland areas. Some soils, halt erosion and create ecological when they grow old (senesce) and fall. diversity, and see that phenomenally quick examples are the Queensland Silver Wattle This reflects succession in a naturally (Acacia podalyriifolia), Zig-Zag Wattle (A. growth, leaf litter and all that dead and rotting regenerating system, so if your objective is wood for the great benefits and not negatives, macradenia), Brisbane Wattle (A. fimbriata) to create wildlife habitat this shouldn’t be and Cootamundra Wattle (A.baileyana). they can present us with.” reason for concern. If that’s not sufficient Spencer Shaw, Bush Regenerator. Once these plants reach maturity a large reassurance then such damage can be quantity of seeds will remain viable on the reduced or even avoided by undertaking Wattles and Erosion Control forest floor for a considerable duration. regular pruning. Such pruning can be a In the event of a wildfire or similar Wattles establish quickly, even in poor soils. valuable resource to assist in building up They form a relatively quick canopy over disturbance, non-local wattles pose a humus, which is often lacking in the early significant threat as invasive species. For bare or denuded soils that helps protect stages of many revegetation sites. vulnerable soils from erosion during this reason it is recommended that you intense downpours. Used along degraded Rather than being seen as a mess to clean only plant wattles that occur naturally in watercourses wattles can rapidly provide up, dead fall should be viewed as the your local area. greater bank stability, reducing erosion and catalyst for the recommencement of fungi filtering run-off and sediment input into and invertebrate driven decomposition; streams. vital ecological processes that underpin the renewal of forest systems. Wattles for Revegetation or Cover Crop Many wattles have high frost resilience and can be used as a cover crop to protect frost susceptible species. Wattles grow much quicker than most other species and in doing so provide protection from frost and full sun. Wattles fix atmospheric nitrogen, allowing them to grow well in soils low in both nitrogen and phosphorus. Post fire, wattles generally regenerate rapidly and are instrumental in restoring the nitrogen balance within recently burnt forests.

But they don’t live very long… Wattles have a reputation for being short- lived. This is true of many Acacia species, but not all. As a general rule species with Green Wattle (Acacia irrorata) planted as a cover crop in a rainforest revegetation project. bipinnate foliage tend to have shorter life Wattles can be useful for protecting frost sensitive seedlings and quickly establishing a spans, while others such as Black Wattle canopy. Photo by Nick Clancy. (Acacia melanoxylon) and Hickory Wattle (A.disparrima) can live considerably longer. References There are many variables that can affect Sarah Berry & WB (1999) Wattles and Wildlife. Keast A et al (ed.) (1985) Birds of Eucalypt Forests the longevity of a tree. Wattles are ‘pioneer’ Victorian Land for Wildlife Note No. 17. and Woodlands. Surrey Beatty & Sons and RAOU. (first coloniser) species that exploit the Smith A (1992) Sugar Gliders, Wattles and Rural high light and low competition that occurs Eucalypt Dieback. Aust. Network for Plant Pizzey G (1988) A Garden of Birds. Viking O’Neil. following disturbance. Wattles are legumes, Conservation Newsletter, Vol 1(2). New TR (1984) A Biology of Acacias. Oxford University Press.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 11 weed profile Water Mimosa: An aquatic weed used in Asian dishes threatens the health of our waterways

Article by Rachel Booth Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Logan City Council

ater Mimosa () is Wan aquatic weed that can release “[Water Mimosa] was found nitrogen into waterways, which affects growing in a dam for cooking water quality and can lead to increased purposes in Logan City.” algae. It is thought to be native to Mexico, Costa Rica and northern South America. It is a perennial creeping or aquatic herb which purposes in Logan City Council. More either grows prostrate near the water’s recently several additional crops were edge or floats by spongy-fibrous stems. located by Logan City Council pest inspectors. These crops were thought Leaves are sensitive and close when to be used by some South-East Asian touched and are arranged in opposite pairs communities as a vegetable and are along the stem. It is easily recognisable being sold in local farmers’ markets in the in summer when it forms bright yellow, Brisbane area. ball-shaped flowers. Fruit are a distinctive flattened seed pod. This plant has a thick Potential good news is that a , taproot that becomes woody. gunniella, that has been introduced to Australia for the biological Water Mimosa takes root on the banks of control of another Class 1 pest in watercourses but can grow out over the Queensland - or Giant water surface, forming floating rafts. Stems Sensitive Tree, could also help control can be up to 1.5 metres long becoming Water Mimosa. Studies have shown that detached from primary root system and Neurostrota gunniella lays its eggs on the forming spongy-fibrous swollen internodes terrestrial form of Water Mimosa, but is less (to float) and rooting at nodes when inclined to lay its eggs on the aquatic form. growing in water. Neurostrota gunniella was not released It is found in fresh water ponds, swamps in South-East Asia because it showed and canals in South-East Asia at low substantial attack on the important local altitudes up to 300 m. The plant will perish vegetable, Water Mimosa. There is hope once the water level falls and it prefers 30- that Neurostrota gunniella could have a 80 cm depth of slow moving water, full sun greater impact on Water Mimosa, as it is and hot humid conditions to survive. more soft and fleshy, than on Mimosa pigra.

Water Mimosa fixes its own nitrogen via a Due to its potential to have detrimental Water Mimosa (top to bottom): symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria impacts on Queensland’s waterways, Water Leaves, flower and spongy fibrous layer stored in specialised root nodules. The Mimosa is a declared Class 1 plant under covering the stem. release of nitrogen into water bodies can the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Photos by DPIF www.dpi.qld.gov.au lead to increased algal blooms and increase Management) Act 2002. Floating plant showing the thick woody the vigour of associated Class 2 pest plants A Class 1 pest is not commonly present stem and the infested dam found at Logan. such as Water Hyacinth, Water Lettuce and in Queensland and has the potential to Photos by Logan City Council Pest Officers. Salvinia. Dense growth of Water Mimosa cause an adverse economic, environmental may also increase water loss from dams or social impact. It is illegal to transport, Water Mimosa Declaration Details through increased transpiration from the supply or release Class 1 plants under the plants leaves. Act. The community should not attempt Declared Class 1 plant under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route It is not known when Water Mimosa first to control a Declared Class 1 pest before Management) Act 2002 arrived in Queensland, but the first record is contacting their local council, or preferably the Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries possibly from a glasshouse in the Brisbane  Importation, possession and (DPIF) to gain accurate identification and Botanic Gardens in 1979. sale is prohibited. up-to-date control methods. In 2006, two occurrences were recorded  Landowners are required by in South East Queensland, one of which law to keep their land free of was found growing in a dam for cooking References this plant. Queensland Primary Industries and  If you have seen this plant call Fisheries - www.dpi.qld.gov.au. DPIF on 13 25 23.

12 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 book reviews

Bowerbirds by Peter Rowland

he fascinating group of birds commonly bowerbird species have been lost since Tknown as bowerbirds are the European settlement – food for thought for quintessential interior decorators of the all of us living in an increasingly urbanised forest floor. Unique to Australia and New society. Guinea, male bowerbirds construct and decorate ornate bowers using a variety of The book contains a key to bowerbirds organic and sometimes inorganic materials and gives well presented and informative to attract female mates in an interesting accounts of all species with an emphasis display of creative courtship. on those that inhabit Australian forests.

Bowerbirds condenses published The colour photos of the birds and their knowledge of this unique family of birds bowers are beautiful and really capture the into an information loaded paperback fascinating and unique approach to bower that is accessible to bird enthusiasts of all building each species adopts including levels. Along with introductory chapters one Satin Bowerbird that had decorated his bower with over 100 blue straws! Published by CSIRO Publishing, 2008 on bowerbird classification, evolution Paperback, 144 pages and details of their habitat requirements Overall this book was a pleasure to read Colour and black & white images and distribution, the book delves into key and will sit comfortably within any bird ISBN: 9780643094208 threats to the family including some of the enthusiasts reference library. I found it easy Price: $39.95 predicted effects of climate change. to approach, informative and a glowing It was extremely concerning to learn that tribute to Peter Rowland’s passion for our a third of all forested habitats favoured by feathered bower-building friends.

Mound-Builders by Darryl Jones and Ann Goth

rowing up in the inner-Brisbane area, on their behalf. This is no mean feat; and Gone comes to quickly recognise the as such, the birds continually check their trademark mound of the Australian Brush- mound regulating temperature by adding turkey. But for what purpose does this and removing layers as required thereby mound serve? And why should we learn to ensuring their eggs the best chance of love these scrambling piles of leaves and survival. sticks and tolerate their presence in our suburban backyards? The simple answer As intriguing as this approach to egg is because the mounds are nests housing incubation is, it gets even more fascinating and incubating eggs – eggs left to fend as the book delves into the parentless for themselves in a bizarre but ingenious life of mound-builder hatchlings as approach to parenting. well as the complex social organisation underpinning Megapode survival. The Mound-builders is a comprehensive future management for conservation account of three Australian species of of these unique birds in Australia is also mound-building birds from the family discussed. Mound-builders covers all bases Megapode – the Scrubfowl inhabiting the in introducing these unusual birds in an humid tropics; the Brush-turkey inhabiting easily accessible format that readers of all Published by CSIRO Publishing, 2008 densely forested areas from Cape York to expertise can enjoy. Paperback, 128 pages Sydney; and the Mallefowl inhabiting the Colour and black & white images arid interior. I must admit as someone who has grown up in the presence of Brush-turkeys in and ISBN: 9780643093454 The most remarkable thing about these around suburban Brisbane my whole life Price: $39.95 birds we colloquially refer to as mound- I had taken mound-builders for granted. builders is that they do not incubate their After reading this logically assembled and Book Reviews by Robbie Burns eggs using body heat but rather exploit well illustrated book I can safely say I have Conservation Partnerships naturally occurring heat sources such as developed a newfound appreciation for Support Officer solar energy and the heat generated from these remarkable birds and I look forward to Brisbane City Council decomposing organic matter to incubate my next encounter.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 13 Cornubia Forest Park Expansion

Article and photos by Lyndall Rosevear Principal Environment Officer Logan City Council landscape conservation

ogan City Council and the Federal species including Glossy Black Cockatoos, staff handing out free native plants to LDepartment of Environment, Water, Koalas, Powerful Owls, Greater Gliders and community members and leading a bush Heritage and the Arts recently jointly the Great Barred Frog. walk through the newly acquired area. purchased an area of nationally significant Cornubia Forest Park bushland was The next step in the acquisition process is bushland in Cornubia. The 43 hectares identified by Logan City Council and to develop a management plan for the area, of bushland is located near Daisy Hill the Logan community as being of high which will take into account management Conservation Park, adjacent to the biodiversity significance. In addition, actions for the many significant species Cornubia Conservation Park, on the the site was confirmed to be of national found on the site. northern border of Logan City Council. environmental significance and the Federal Logan City Council has also identified Eleven Land for Wildlife properties are Government allocated a $1.5 million a number of other environmentally located within Cornubia; some of which are National Reserve Scheme (NRS) grant to significant properties throughout the city connected to Cornubia Forest Park. These assist Council with its purchase. Logan City and will be working in partnership with the properties provide a vital buffer around, Council contributed $1.2 million to the Federal and State Government and other and corridor between, our conservation purchase, with all money sourced from South East Queensland Councils to secure reserves. the Environmental Levy paid by Logan more funding to protect vital habitats for ratepayers. Cornubia Forest Park contains an many of the local significant species. endangered Regional Ecosystem identified The official opening to the expansion Land for Wildlife property owners play as RE 12.11.23 containing Blackbutt of Cornubia Forest Park was held on 19 a vital role in our community to provide (Eucalyptus pilularis) open forest. The April with the Federal Minister for the wildlife corridors and buffers between our park contains the highest peak in eastern Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, conservation reserve systems to creeks and Logan from which there are views to North The Hon. Peter Garrett, along with other other tracts of remnant vegetation. Stradbroke Island. The bushland provides dignitaries in attendance. The day was important habitat for many significant a great success with Logan City Council

(above) The Hon Peter Garrett presenting a tree to Danielle Bain of WPSQ at the official opening of the expansion of Cornubia Forest Park. (top of page) Sand dunes of North Stradbroke Island can be seen from Cornubia Forest Park. (right) Attendees walk through the new reserve.

14 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 flora facts Precious Chlorophyll

Article by Keith McCosh Land for Wildlife Extension Officer Scenic Rim Regional Council

hat is the most valuable chemical Wcompound in the world? Not gold! Not diamonds! Not petroleum! But a green pigment called chlorophyll. Where would Fan Palm (Licuala ramsayi) by Darren McPherson. we be without it? The world as we know it, with 10 million species of life and still counting, was made by chlorophyll. The Chlorophyll is a complex compound. chlorophyll and removes the waste product blue planet that we know so well (Earth) Photosynthesis likewise is very complex oxygen. Most plants shed their old leaves should be known as the Green Planet. with numerous intermediate stages. Only so in order that precious chlorophyll is not Chlorophyll is a large organic molecule in recent times have humans picked the wasted it is withdrawn to be used on new (i.e. based on carbon atoms) that captures lock and worked out how it all happens (we leaves. The old leaves turn brown or yellow light from the Sun – a process called think). Many Nobel prizes were won in this and fall off the plant. “photosynthesis”- and turns it into electrical search. Chlorophyll is green by virtue of the fact energy that then fuels all the millions of that it absorbs all the red and blue fractions chemical reactions of life. It is the greatest of white light and leaves the green fraction solar battery. “Chlorophyll stands alone for us to see. And we do this very well – see Using chlorophyll, plants and algae create as the greatest supporter green that is. We have a special agent simple sugars from carbon dioxide in the of life on Earth.” called “rhodopsin” in our eyes that enables air, and give off oxygen in the process. us to do this very efficiently. We were born These simple sugars then form the basis to see green. We were born to eat green. for bigger and more complex compounds At the molecular level, chlorophyll consists We were born to love green. – in fact all the compounds of life. Plants, of an antenna and a reaction centre. The and other green things, are called “primary antenna section is excited by photons of producers” as they produce all the light and gives off electrons that move chemical building blocks that the rest of us to the reaction centre where complex consumers depend upon. All the food you chemicals are created. In the process, eat derives from plants. All the tissues in carbon dioxide is consumed and oxygen your body ultimately come from plants. We created. The chlorophyll molecule can even eat chlorophyll. be described chemically as a tetrapyrrole (C55H72O5N4Mg). The element Very early in the history of life on Earth, magnesium is a key atom at the heart of one species (a plant and algae ancestor) chlorophyll. Thus magnesium deficiency invented chlorophyll and thrived. Over in plants is characterised by yellowing of hundreds of millions of years, the toxic leaves because they can’t make green stuff. atmosphere of the young Earth (carbon dioxide and ammonia) was changed to the Plants have cells in their leaves that have air we breathe today – solely by the action special features called chloroplasts. Here of chlorophyll. And in all this time, no other resides chlorophyll. Plant cells organise water and carbon dioxide to get delivered compound has been “invented” by Nature Moreton Bay Fig (Ficus macrophylla) by to the chloroplast and move sugars to do the same thing. Chlorophyll stands Martin Bennett. alone as the greatest supporter of life on to other parts for further processing. Earth. Plants make sure that sunlight can reach

Fallen Chinese Elm leaves by Deborah Metters.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009 15 Land for Wildlife Regional Coordination is proudly Koala photo managed by SEQ Catchments with support from the Australian Government. courtesy of Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Updated Fire and Biodiversity Fact Sheets

he Fire and Biodiversity Consortium has The fact sheets have up to date information Trecently updated two of their Living with with new photos and diagrams. Both are Fire fact sheets. essential reading for landholders thinking about undertaking a burn on their property Living with Fire: Fire management for and for those who want to be prepared for a protected vegetation discusses the steps fire either planned or unplanned. that landholders with remnant bushland should undertake before a planned fire. This Fact sheets are available with the rest of the includes a fire management checklist and Fire and Biodiversity Consortium’s products who to contact. at their website www.fireandbiodiversity. org.au or from your Land for Wildlife Living with Fire: Bushfire safety for your home Extension Officer. fact sheet discusses property design, house survival during bushfires, reducing fine fuels Article by Stephanie Reif and plant selection. There are also examples Land for Wildlife Extension Officer of well prepared and poorly prepared Sunshine Coast Regional Council houses in bushland settings.

National Koala Conservation and Management Strategy

he Australia Government is developing For more information and a copy of the Ta strategy for Koala conservation and draft strategy can be found at http:// management and would like your input. www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/ Public submissions on the draft National publications/koala-strategy or ask your Koala Conservation and Management local Land for Wildlife Extension Officer for Strategy 2009-2014 close on 5 August 2009. a copy.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is proudly delivered and locally coordinated by Opinions expressed by contributors to the Land the following 11 Local Governments and the Burnett Mary Regional Group: for Wildlife newsletter are not necessarily those of the Land for Wildlife program nor any of the supporting agencies.

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16 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2009