Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

July 2009 Vol. 13, Number 3

NEWSLETTER OF THE LAND FOR WILDLIFE SCHEME

Registered by Australia Post Print Post: 606811/00007 DANCES with wolves - australian wolf Volker Framenau "Wolf spiders? Aren’t they all large, hairy and really wolf spiders. The second character unique to wolf spiders dangerous?" This is a common question asked by many is their mobile brood care. After mating, females will people when I tell them what I am doing for a living. construct a spherical eggsac in which they lay their Let’s get some of these misconceptions straight! eggs; around 3-5 in the small Zoica species and up to Wolf spiders, scientifically and may be more than 1,000 in the known as the family largest spiders. The females then Lycosidae, may be large, i.e. up fix this eggsac to their spinnerets to 30 mm body length or so (not and will carry it everywhere they counting the legs), but many are go (Fig.1). Often, in burrowing also much smaller when fully species, females will expose the grown. In fact, one of the smallest eggsac to the sun, possibly to speed wolf spiders known is the tiny up the development of the eggs. Zoica minuta that was discovered After the young spiderlings on the Old Argyle Station in the hatch from their eggs and leave Kimberley region of WA in the late the eggsac with the help of their 1970s. The body of these spiders is mother, they do not immediately only up to 1.5 mm (!) long. Wolf disperse. They climb onto the spiders are only moderately hairy Fig. 1: Artoria mckayi, female with eggsac (Avon female’s abdomen where special (in particular compared to other River, Victoria). (V. Framenau) hairs allow them to hold on for spiders) and often display striking another 2-4 weeks, piggybacking colour patterns (e.g. Figs 3 and 4). wherever mum goes to avoid They are not dangerous to humans, hazardous situations. Often, there although bites of the larger species are so many spiderlings on a female, might hurt for a while (but not more that they also cover the carapace of than a bee sting). the mother which is barely visible What characterises a ? underneath. This mobile brood care, A number of features differentiate in combination with their diversity wolf spiders from all other spiders. in hunting strategies (vagrant Morphologically, wolf spiders have to permanently burrowing; see below) and their efficient dispersal a unique eye pattern, with a single Fig. 2: Tetralycosa alteripa, juvenile (Lake Lefroy, row of four small frontal eyes, and Western Australia). (V. Framenau) capabilities via ballooning (wind four additional large eyes, situated dispersal on a strand of silk), is in almost a square, on top and in the frontal half of their thought to be responsible for the huge ecological success carapace (Fig. 2 and 3). Some of the larger eyes have a of wolf spiders. With almost 2,400 scientifically described highly reflective structure, the tapetum, that reflects light species worldwide, they are the fourth largest spider and allows nocturnal spotlighting of even the smallest family. Around 160 species are currently described from

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EDITORIAL Greetings! habitat".* Certainly, let’s celebrate of the holding". Eighty years on, LFW celebrated reaching a the biodiversity, but how have we it is these ‘desirable’ trees that are significant milestone when the changed our land use activities being removed. 2,000th property was registered. to reverse the exceptional loss of As well as the international The Minister for the Environment habitat? biodiversity hotspot list, Australia presented a certificate to Glenn Why, for example, are we has also listed 15 sites that are Dewhurst of the Black Cockatoo permitting the removal of huge old national hotspots. The Pilbara is Rehabilitation Centre, surrounded roadside or paddock trees whose one of these. Read Stephen van by well-wishers and very noisy hollows provide nesting sites and, Leeuwen’s summary of findings cockatoos. See page 3 for more if marris, whose blossom sustains from the recent Pilbara Biological details. nectar-feeding fauna including Survey to see just why this area honeyeaters throughout the autumn Just what is a ‘biodiversity qualifies. From the same region, feed gap? Isn’t this somewhat hotspot’? Stephen Davies reminisces about short-sighted? In the WA Centenary one of the region’s interesting We probably all know by now publication The Story of a Hundred , the pebble mound mouse. that the south-west of WA has been Years (1929) the then Director of identified as a ‘global biodiversity Agriculture, G. L. Sutton says "So We continue to get fascinating hotspot’. We tend to be really proud great has been the desire of the settler stories from members, and in this of this, as it celebrates our truly to conquer the forest and produce issue you will read about boodies, outstanding natural diversity, but we crops that far too little timber has phascogales (two species), leucistic should not forget that the definition been left for the purposes of shade, cockies, ants and another snake tale. of these ‘hotspots’ does not just relate shelter and firewood. This defect And note how the real-life bush to the flora and fauna. The term is recognised by many of the later detective led to information about refers to an area where "exceptional settlers, who are leaving clumps a fascinating group of creatures. concentrations of endemic species of trees in the paddocks as well as Have you got a story you would like are undergoing exceptional loss of strips of uncleared land, one chain to share? What about something or more wide, on the boundaries botanical? INDEX of their paddocks. This practice is most desirable and should become Penny Hussey Antics ______12 general. It adds alike to the [* For ref, contact Ed.] A piebald cockie ______13 usefulness and the attractiveness A wambenger story ______15 Biodiversity of an economic hotspot ___ 6 Boodie rats ______12 Contact details for Land for Wildlife Officers Bush detective ______4 Celebration of the 2000th registration___ 3 Name location Phone Email Dances with wolves ______1 Heather Adamson Mandurah (08) 9582 9333 [email protected] Editorial ______2 Looking through the phone book _____ 14 Avril Baxter Narrogin (08) 9881 9218 [email protected] Mystery 'droppings' are beetle 'push- Fiona Falconer Coorow (08) 9952 1074 [email protected] ups' ______16 Newly-naturalised bindweed –––––––– 19 Wayne Gill Esperance (08) 9083 2100 [email protected] Pebble-mound mice ______9 Claire Hall perth (08) 9334 0427 [email protected] RabbitScan ______19 Swan Weeds Database ______19 Mal Harper Merredin (08) 9041 2488 [email protected] The Gompholobium ______10 Sheila Howat Bridgetown (08) 9761 2405 [email protected] The murdering animal ______18 Western ground parrots distinct from eastern Penny Hussey perth (08) 9334 0530 [email protected] ground parrots ______17 Cherie Kemp Busselton (08) 9752 5533 [email protected] Wildflowers of the Great Southern ____ 18 Wonderful Wongan Wildlife! ______20 Zara Kivell Mundaring (08) 9295 9112 [email protected] Sylvia Leighton Albany (08) 9842 4500 [email protected] Use of articles from Western Wildlife Material may be reproduced without permission as long as Dorothy Redreau Albany (08) 9842 4500 [email protected] the source is acknowledged and the article is reproduced in its entirety without any alterations. If you wish to use only Philip Worts Kojonup (08) 9831 0832 [email protected] part of an article, please liaise with the Editor. www.dec.wa.gov.au/landforwildlife

2 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

A Celebration of the 2000th Registration! In the years since LFW first started Glenn responded with an outline in 1997, over 2000 landholders have of the future for the BCRC, and registered their properties with the a huge vote of thanks to all scheme. It was decided to celebrate volunteers. the 2000th at Kaarakin, the Black The site is vested in the City Cockatoo Rehabilitation Centre of Gosnells, and the Mayor, Cr (BCRC). Olwen Searle JP, outlined the The BCRC had recently moved many initiatives that the City has from private property to a site vested undertaken to maintain biodiversity in the City of Gosnells, formerly on its land. She, too, praised occupied by the Cohunu Wildlife volunteers. Park. The 16 hectare site has some Refreshments were then served, good bushland, but also areas of and Kaarakin volunteers took groups overgrazed kangaroo enclosures, of visitors around to see the facilities so the LFW report concentrated on and get close to these beautiful bushland rehabilitation techniques. birds. Coincidentally, this location demonstrates how threatened species can unite all levels of the community in working to ensure their survival. State and local government, community groups, private landholders and volunteers The Minister with a symbolic firestick. are all involved in helping Kaarakin (Maureen Griffiths) become established, and all were represented at the celebration, as as a symbol of the importance of fire well as a large number of LFW in caring for country. members. The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Director The occasion began with a Harmony was a great favourite! Here she ‘welcome to country’ from Nyoongar General, Keiran McNamara, is with Cr Julie Brown, Deputy Mayor, City elder Trevor Walley. He also spoke on the department’s role in of Gosnells. (Maureen Griffiths) presented firesticks - smouldering conservation on private land. banksia spikes - to both the BCRC We were very pleased to welcome representative and to the Minister Ms Faragher who emphasised for Environment, Donna Faragher, the importance of biodiversity conservation in WA and congratulated all LFW members on their commitment. She then presented BCRC’s Glenn Dewhurst with a Are these forest red-tails being a bit too framed certificate, friendly! (Catherine Jack) the 2,000th sign, the property report It was a very enjoyable event, and, as an extra, a and I would personally like to cheque for a grant thank all those who helped in the from the Minister’s organisation, especially Zara Kivell Community and Claire Hall, who undertook most Conservation of the work. From L-R: Trevor Walley, Glenn Dewhurst, The Minister for Grants. Environment Donna Faragher, Penny Hussey, Keiran McNamara. Penny Hussey (Catherne Jack)

3 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

' Bush detective had never seen anything like this before, so sent our photos to various invertebrate experts to see if they knew what it could be. Dr Volker Framenau replied that it could be the turret for the burrow of a shuttlecock wolf spider (Mainosa Who made this? sp.), and after reading his paper describing these spiders we became excited again, as the location of the turret we found was well outside the current known distribution for shuttlecock wolf spiders. To confirm that the turret belonged to this particular spider we needed to get a specimen, so off we went spider hunting! Armed with small jars, methylated spirits (for preserving) and spade, we went back to the turret that we had found previously. After digging out the first burrow we were quite disappointed to find it empty! Not deterred, we thought there must be more around, so with eyes glued to the ground we searched, and found another five burrows within a six metre radius of the first one. Eric carefully dug another burrow out, and about 20 cm down, found a spider who quickly tried to This interesting structure was spotted in bushland. scurry away! The chase was on, for another 30 cm, then we It is so bizarre that it might have been created as an caught the spider and carefully placed it in the jar. The spiders entrant in the 'Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Exhibition of that we found were immediately 'cured', and sent off to the Bush Art'! Who constructed it? Jodi Wildy recounts WA Museum for verification. the detective story ... The spiders were identified to belong to the Dingosa Not long ago, we were walking through some genus of Australian wolf spiders (we collected two species, bushland that had long been fenced from grazing D. serrata and D. murata) that are more commonly found activities on a farm near Boyup Brook. Eric, the within this area. The Dingosa and Mainosa spiders are the farmer/bush expert, was showing us a population of only two ‘turret’ building spiders in Australia, and there is Verticordia carinata, a Declared Rare Flora species that no real evidence as yet as to why these turrets are built at is not known anywhere else but in the Stirling Range. the entrance to the burrow. It is suggested that the Dingosa While we were walking along, my husband spotted uses the turret as a barricade whilst waiting for prey, and a woven twig structure sticking out amongsthe leaf to stand on the walls of the barricade to look out for prey. litter. The twigs were intricately placed and woven with Although the great spider chase did not end as hoped, we leaves and webbing, and seemed to be the entrance discovered how valuable being able to detect such creatures for a burrow that had been dug in the sand. is in measuring the health of the bush. The fragile turrets built by these spiders are an indication of another layer of Having not seen anything like this before, we all got diversity present in this patch of bush that would not exist if quite excited so we took some pictures of the structure not for excluding hard-hoofed livestock. to send off to Penny Hussey, who we thought would know what it could be. Penny in turn replied that she Jodi Wildy continued from page 1 Wolf spiders subfamily Zoicinae, to which the at least one of the genera in this group, tiny, abovementioned Zoica belongs. Venonia, build small sheet-webs in Australia, but an estimated 500+ Only one species is described from low vegetation or depressions in species may exist. Much is there Australia, but there might be up to the soil. Spiders hide in a small silk still to be learnt about Australian five unnamed species, all confined funnel of the sheet-web and wait for wolves! to the subtropical and tropical north prey to land on the sheet. Two other Four main groups (subfamilies) of the country. These minute spiders genera, Anomalosa (two Australian of wolf spiders occur in Australia. do not build burrows but hunt freely species) and Allotrochosina (also These groups differ in morphology amongst low vegetation where they two species) also belong to the (in particular of the genitalia, maybe difficult to detect. Venoniinae which can be found in which are important for spider The second group, the subfamily the wetter, generally coastal parts identification), but members of Venoniinae, also includes fairly of Australia and are absent from the these groups often share a similar small species, maybe up to 5 mm arid interior. biology. The smallest group is the body length. The seven members of The third group is the subfamily

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continued from page 1 Wolf spiders FAUNA

which they rarely Burrow construction is fairly leave for hunting. uniform in wolf spiders; most species The spiders most live in open burrows that they may commonly sit at close with a loose layer of silk and the entrance of the substrate in adverse conditions burrow to attack or when they are inactive (e.g. passing prey. during moulting). However, two Only males will remarkable burrow modifications leave the burrow occur. Some Hoggicosa species after maturation close their burrow with a solid to search for trapdoor that is made of a plug the burrow of of substrate or a pebble. These a female. The burrows are indistinguishable from Fig. 3: Hoggicosa bicolor, penultimate male construction of the surrounding soil and spiders are (Western Australia). (V. Framenau) a permanent burrow allowed the difficult to detect for predators (or Artoriinae, which includes the Lycosinae to colonise the arid human scientists...). species-rich genus Artoria (more interior of Australia with enormous The second adaptation, to my than 20 species described, possibly success. Spiders will spend the hot knowledge unique to wolf spiders, 100+ unnamed species) (Fig. 1), days in the burrow and will generally are palisades around the entrance the salt lake inhabiting Tetralycosa only hunt at night. The burrow of the burrow, made of pebbles or (Fig. 2) and another five or so is often closed during the heat of leaves. These palisades are known smaller genera. These spiders are the day. Overall, the Lycosinae from two Australian lycosine genera, small to medium-sized (3–20 mm are poorly known in Australia, Dingosa (Fig. 4) and Mainosa, and body length) and generally have although some recent work dealt both genera occur in WA. Due to the a lightly coloured, narrow central with some spectacular groups. The unique construction of the burrow, band on the abdomen. Similar to genus Hoggicosa includes some the latter spiders were aptly named the Venoniinae, they occur more of the most dramatically coloured ‘shuttlecock wolf spider’ by Barbara commonly in densely vegetated wolf spiders known, such as the Main from the University of WA. areas towards the coast. They common inhabitant of arid regions, The function of these palisades typically include forest dwellers and Hoggicosa bicolor (Fig. 3). The is currently unknown. They may often inhabit rural parks and gardens. genus Tasmanicosa can easily be provide an efficient barrier against The most extreme environmental recognised by the ‘Union-Jack- debris that could otherwise fall into adaptation of all Australian wolf pattern’ on the carapace (light the burrow. They may also play an spiders can certainly be found in and dark radial lines) and two of important role in foraging: prey the salt lake dwelling species of the its representatives, Tasmanicosa may be attracted to the palisade as genus Tetralycosa (Fig. 2). Hidden godeffroyi and Tasmanicosa an elevated resting place and the in a burrow during the day, these leuckartii belong to the most turret also provides the spider with species hunt on the dry surface of commonly collected wolf spiders a vantage point; I have seen them salt lakes during the night. How they throughout the southern half of the sitting on the top of the turret during survive prolonged inundations of country. the day. Finally, palisades may have the salt lakes is currently unknown. an important thermoregulatory All other Artoriinae appear to be function such as to avoid hot surface vagrant, i.e. they do not construct air penetrating the burrow. burrows.

The fourth group of wolf spiders, Volker Framenau is a Research the subfamily Lycosinae, is the Fellow – Arachnology at the largest of the groups in number Western Australian Museum. of species, but also includes the He can be contacted on: volker. largest spiders. Many of these [email protected] large spiders live permanently in self-excavated burrows (although Fig. 4: Dingosa serrata, male (Perth, [for ref. list, contact Ed.] burrow stealers have been reported), Western Australia). (V. Framenau)

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RESEARCH

Biodiversity of an economic hotspot the pilbara biological survey Stephen van Leeuwen

The Pilbara region in north- western Australia is unequivocally Australia’s most important region with respect to the economic wealth and prosperity of the nation. In 2001 the Pilbara contributed over $105 billion to the Australian economy or over 15% of GDP. The Pilbara is the leading resources sector region in WA, accounting for 63% of the value of mineral and energy Archipelago - during his voyage provide a framework on which to production in the State in 2007. along the coast of New Holland base future sustainable land use and Despite the global financial crisis in 1699. Over the subsequent 300 biodiversity conservation decisions, which has slowed the resources odd years, research has continued the Department of Environment and boom juggernaut somewhat, the to document the biodiversity of the Conservation (DEC) commissioned importance of the region to the Pilbara culminating in the region the Pilbara Biological Survey. State’s and nation’s economic being recognised as one of the most The Pilbara Biological wellbeing cannot be understated. extensively trapped and sampled Survey is a $13.8 million project This economic hotspot is driven by parts of WA. funded principally by DEC with the mineral and petroleum wealth of Nevertheless, despite a wealth contributions from the Federal the Pilbara, particularly the region's of knowledge, no rigorous Government (National Heritage endowment in iron ore, precious assessment has been undertaken Trust), WA Museum and several metals, natural gas and conditions of biodiversity across the entire resource companies, in particular suitable for solar salt production. 179,000 square kilometres of Rio Tinto, BHP-Billiton Iron Commensurately, the Pilbara the Pilbara. Simple questions, Ore and Straits Resources. The also has a wealth of biodiversity critical for making informed nature survey, the largest of its kind to be and has been recognised as one conservation, sustainable land undertaken in WA and arguably of the nation’s 15 biodiversity use and development decisions Australia, commenced in 2002 hotspots. Documenting the Pilbara’s are hindered by a lack of regional and is due for completion in 2009. biodiversity commenced when perspective as to how biodiversity It is a multidisciplinary project William Dampier collected several is distributed across the region, the involving over 110 researchers who plants, including Sturt’s desert condition of this biodiversity and are documenting terrestrial and pea, from the archipelago which the threats that impinge upon it. aquatic flora and fauna, including now bears his name – Dampier To address this shortcoming and invertebrates, and the communities

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continued from page 6 Pilbara survey RESEARCH

Ore and, perhaps is distributed, the sustainability most notably, of current land use practices or botanists and the effectiveness of the existing taxonomists from conservation reserve network. all the mainland Preliminary results for the survey State herbaria in indicate that the Pilbara is a very Australia. This biodiverse natural region. This survey team diversity was unexpected for many sampled 412 of the targeted groups sampled sites on two or but in hindsight can be attributed three occasions to a number of factors associated and in so doing with the heterogeneous climate, collected over geology, landforms and soils of the 80,000 vouchers. region, and the impacts of important The survey team processes such as tropical cyclones Botanists recording plants in a quadrat. (Bob Bromilow) travelled 128,000 and fire. It is now clear that the into which they are arranged across km throughout the region over Pilbara is indeed one of Australia’s the region. All field work for the a three-year period during 14 biodiversity hotpots, as supported survey is now complete with voucher collecting trips which culminated by the facts below. sorting, specimen identification, in a total of 1,260 person days (3.5 data compilation and analysis years) in the field. underway. During the overall survey, a The effort required to total of 304 terrestrial, an additional comprehensively survey an area 108 botanical, 90 aquatic and 550 as large as the Pilbara has been stygofaunal biodiversity sites were substantial as demonstrated by sampled on at least two occasions. survey effort statistics for the The location of sample sites across botanical component of the project. the region was designed to capture In total the botanical survey team the major geological and landsystem comprised a core of four DEC units that characterise the Pilbara scientists supported admirably by while also taking into consideration three technical officers. This DEC patterns in climatic variation and team was in turn assisted in the field fire history which strongly influence An example of Pilbara stygofauna. (Stuart Halse) by another 32 collaborators who the patterning of biodiversity. It included DEC volunteers, other DEC must be stressed that these types • Over 350 stygofaunal scientists, technical and operational of regional surveys are designed to invertebrates, the majority of which staff, employees of Rio Tinto Iron sample the characteristic widespread are tiny crustaceans (ostracods community of and copepods) that are new to a region and science. Most of these aquatic not the rarer groundwater invertebrates are short and often range endemics (very restricted charismatic distributions) and over 90% are special habitats endemic to the Pilbara. The Pilbara which are very is now recognised as the international important hotspot for stygofauna. (Stygofauna biologically. are aquatic invertebrates that live in However , these groundwater aquifers and never see surveys do not the light of day.) provide insight • 1,035 species of aquatic into how the invertebrate of which 10% are biodiversity new to science and 20% are only Allan Burbidge checking a pitfall trap. (Jim Rolfe) of the region known from the region. Significant

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continued from page 7 Pilbara survey RESEARCH wetlands that support diverse invertebrate communities • Up to 248 species of ground dwelling ants of and restricted species include coastal claypans, some which 10 % are new to science. springs (Weeli Wolli, Millstream, Karijini gorges), deep • Over 100 reptiles including several new gecko permanent river pools, claypans on the Fortescue River species and species range extensions which represent and the nationally significant Fortescue Marsh. new records for the Pilbara. • Recognition of the Pilbara as a centre of diversity • Approximately 250 species of non-oceanic birds for charophytes (stoneworts) with 36 species and varieties including several rare species like the grey falcon but being identified in wetlands of which about 30% are unfortunately no night parrots which were recently undescribed and 20% are restricted to the region. The reported to occur on the Fortescue Marsh. aquatic flora is also rich is diatoms with 283 species being • Eighteen species of terrestrial mammal including collected, 26 of which are new to science. the nationally threatened (vulnerable) mulgara. It • A diverse community of ground spiders with about appears that soil type and rockiness play a very important 320 species being collected of which 80-90% are new to role in the distribution of ground mammals across the science. Species richness approaches 40 species per 0.25 region. Basically those mammals that live in burrows ha site. occur on sandy substrates as they need to dig, while • A similarly diverse community of ground beetles those that seek refuge in fissures live on cracking clays, with 600+ species of which about 80% are also new to whereas those that shelter under rocks live on rocky science. Species richness for ground beetles approaches substrates. 65 per 0.25 ha site and many appear to have very short • The identification from sub-fossil deposits geographical ranges. obtained from caves, owl pellets and bat roosts of evidence (teeth, skulls) that the pre-European (5000-200 years before present day) mammal fauna comprised over 57 species, 11 of which are now extinct. • Eighteen species of bat with one nationally threatened species, the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat, appearing to have an ubiquitous but cryptic distribution across the entire region. • More than 20 new species of vascular plant including several Acacia and Eremophila species and many new records of both Kimberley and desert species for the region.

The survey is now drawing to a close with researchers DEC cadets installing pitfall traps. (Jim Rolfe) busily analysing, writing and submitting manuscripts for publication. Unfortunately the botanists are still identifying many of their 80,000 vouchers and thus are a little behind! It is envisaged that the entire project will be completed by December 2009 when the survey results will be published as a volume in the Records of the Western Australian Museum. Online electronic versions of already completed papers (ground mammals, bats) should soon be available, via the WA Museum’s website, for distribution.

Stephen van Leeuwen is a research scientist at DEC Woodvale. He can be contacted on: [email protected]

Botanists preparing and processing plants in the field. (Stephen van Leeuwen)

8 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FAUNA

Pebble-mound miCE Stephen Davies

Pseudomys. Subsequently three more species have been described, extending their distribution across northern Australia. Fig. 2. A site on Erong Station, WA, The little pebble-mound mouse showing the positions of pebble mounds (Pseudomys chapmanii) once surmised to have been built by P. Fig. 1. Sites in WA in which pebble mounds lived on Mileura Station, where chapmanii (small dots) and an unknown surmised to have been made by P. chapmanii large murid (large dots) in a mixed colony. (hollow triangles) and an unknown murid I did my most intensive work on (black triangles) were located. emus. It does so no longer but still admirable screenings for concrete- lives on the Hamersley Range. It making by pastoralists. For many years, pastoralists in characteristically builds a pebble the Pilbara have found neatly sorted mound, each pebble within a weight No one has yet done experimental collections of pebbles, work to prove how the all the same size, on mounds are used but it the hillsides of their is surmised that they properties. Regarding act as dewponds, the these as 'gifts from God', pebbles cooling at night they made good use of and heating more slowly them as aggregate when than the surrounding air mixing concrete for their as the sun rises, so that various constructions. water condenses onto When I first drove across them. In this way the the divide between mice could obtain water the Murchison and in places where the soil is Gascoyne Rivers in 1959 too shallow to allow them I was intrigued by these to dig deeply to moist mounds, photographed soil, usually about 60 cm them and discussed them below the surface. Such with David Ride, then A large old pebble mound - arrow indicates top edge. (Stephen Davies) sites are often vegetated Director of the WA Museum. by Senna bushes that yield a He suggested that they might large crop of seeds for the mice be made by a mouse, perhaps a to eat. Leggadina (then the name of the In 1976 it was possible to genus that is now Pseudomys). survey the distribution of these My photograph was published in pebble mounds in the Murchison the first edition of E.P Walker’s and Pilbara. Figure 1 contains (1964) book 'Genera of Living data from 1981* and 1986* Mammals' in the section on showing the mounds to be widely Leggadina. As I travelled around distributed. At one site where we the Murchison and Goldfields mapped the mounds, we found in those days I found many to our surprise that there were, mounds, but none seemed to be Pseudomys chapmanii. (Bert and Babs Wells/DEC) intermingled with the small actively in use. It was not until range of 1.5-3.8 g and of a volume pebble mounds, mounds of large Andy Chapman found active ones 0.6-1.7 cc. These mounds can be pebbles (weight range 15.5-26 g; in the Hamersley Ranges that living two metres across and one metre volume range 6.5-12.0 cc). The animals were caught and described, deep, the uniformity of their pebbles distribution of the large pebble proving to belong to the rodent genus is such that they do, indeed, make mounds differs from that of the small

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FLORA

The genus gompholobium - glorious but little-studied legumes Ann Smithson Gompholobium is a relatively little-studied endemic Australasian genus of native legumes (pea plants), having around 44 species, all bar one of which are endemic to Australia. They are sometimes more commonly known as glory peas or wedge peas, and are generally small to medium shrubs often forming a conspicuous component of the forest understorey and kwongan. Gompholobium species might be familiar to you through their characteristically large, inflated, globular pods that can be very conspicuous during fruiting, and their very colourful and often quite large flowers, which are typically-shaped for members of the pea family. They can also be distinguished from other similar genera by the calyx surrounding the corolla, which is very deeply divided into five lobes. While the well-known eastern states species G. latifolium is commonly called the G. marginatum, G. preissii and G. tomentosum. (Illustration by Margaret Wilson from 'Flora of the Perth Region') golden glory pea due to its very bright yellow flowers, Gompholobium flowers can be yellow, orange, red, nitrogen to nitrate. This nitrate is subsequently utilised by pink, blue or purple, depending on the species, and the plant for growth and can be taken up by other plants when flowering are often very showy. WA is the centre or animals after decomposition or through consumption, for Gompholobium diversity, with all but 14 of the 44 hence legumes increase the availability of nitrogen in species predominantly or exclusively found here, and ecosystems. Indeed, adaptation to nutrient limitation the combination of few studies together with the many may well be one of the key factors driving high plant species that have very restricted known distributions diversity in the south-west WA biodiversity hotspot, make this a particularly fascinating genus to study. and adaptation to different Rhizobium species is one Native legumes in general are the most diverse plant mechanism that could drive divergence and speciation family in Australia, comprising around 13% of known in legumes. In WA, flowering legumes, such as the species. Legumes are such an important component of our 'eggs-and-bacon' peas (genera Daviesia, Bossiaea, vegetation, by species numbers and by biomass, because Gastrolobium and Chorizema) and Gompholobium, of their role as nitrogen attract substantial numbers of native insects as pollinators fixers. Australia has through production of nectar and pollen, and thus have an old and highly leached important ecosystem services function in the landscape. soils depauperate in Research has suggested that some co-flowering legumes nutrients essential may mimic each other to increase pollinator attraction, for plant growth, and many flowering legumes includingGompholobium particularly nitrogen may in turn be mimicked by rare co-flowering orchids and phosphorous, such as species of Diuris**, indicating pollination compared with the may be another important mechanism driving species rest of the world. divergence and adaptation. Legumes have a Unlike the closely-related genus Gastrolobium, symbiotic relationship whose species produce the toxic compound fluoro- with nitrogen-fixing acetate in their leaves giving rise to their popular name Rhizobium bacteria, of poison-peas, the leaves of Gompholobium species Roots of G. marginatum from cultivated which are contained in are not toxic, and are often heavily grazed. In most speciments at Kings Park with a typical nodules on plant roots Gompholobium species, female insects are also attracted root nodule (nodule is approx. 4 mm long). (Ann Smithson) and fix atmospheric to the developing seed pod while they are green and soft,

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continued from page 10 Gompholobiums FLORA

sourcing zones for revegetation of native habitats and for conservation. G. polymorphum is for us a species of particular interest, and is a very characteristic species as it is the only member of the Gompholobium genus that can actively twine up surrounding understorey vegetation - most commonly Xanthorrhoea and Acacia pulchella. As the name suggests, G. polymorphum is also highly variable morphologically, particularly in having at least three distinctive flower colour forms - yellow, orange and crimson/pink - which usually do not co-occur in the same population. Our data so far suggest that these corolla colour forms are geographically restricted, with the yellow-flowered form being found in jarrah forest understorey from the Perth Hills south to Albany, the orange-flowered form from the Perth Hills to Serpentine Bright red G. polymorphum. It can be regognised by its twining habit and trifoliate leaves. The flowers are 30mm across. (Ann Smithson) often on more open sites, and the crimson/pink-flowered form on southern coastal sandplains and around the and lay an egg inside. As the pod inflates, the seeds are Stirling and Porongurup ranges. While genetic data consumed by the developing insect larva. The larva generated so far show no consistent DNA sequence usually chews its way out of the now-empty seed pod, differences between forms, differences in physiological to pupate elsewhere. It is not uncommon to find up to traits such as germination and growth rates are found. 90% of Gompholobium seed pods in native bushland We therefore suspect that G. polymorphum is a mosaic so attacked, with each pod bearing a characteristic hole of recently diverged forms locally adapted to specific on the outside - frustrating for seed-hunting botanists environments within south-west WA. Additionally, the and plant alike! However, no-one yet knows which recently described G. gairdnerianum, which is restricted species of insects are involved, although they are likely to very specific habitats in Mt Lesueur National Park, to be specific, since Gompholobium seeds contain the may well be a further northern form within the complex. aminoacid canavanine, which is both an insect-feeding Has local adaptation been driven by adaptation to soils deterrant and a food source for the developing seed. and nutrient limitation, or to different pollinator types, or other factors? We hope to be able to answer these questions soon. Has this article interested you in these glorious peas? If so, look out for Gompholobium at your local native plant nursery or at the Kings Park native plant sales - many species make a showy display when grown as a small group within a native plant garden and will germinate well from seeds that garden plants produce (lightly scarify the seeds with sandpaper, or pour boiling water over them and leave to soak, prior to germination on the surface of native plant potting mix). However, do check that the Gompholobium species you are buying suits your soil type. If you find the twining G. polymorphum in G. polymorphum showing the inflated pod and deeply five-lobed calyx typical of the genus. (Ann Smithson) native bushland in the coming spring I’d be particularly interested to hear about the location from you, especially Renewed interest in Gompholobium has been recently if you note the flower colour form that you find. stimulated by a comprehensive taxonomic revision of [* for ref, contact Ed. ** see WW 12/1, Jan 2008] the genus, describing a number of new species.* Our research at the University of Western Australia and Kings Ann Smithson is a Research Scientist in the School Park shows how much there is still to do to understand of Plant Biology, UWA, and at Kings Park and Botanic about these fascinating species. We are focusing on Gardens. Records of sites for G. polymorphum can be studying local adaptation, in particular in jarrah forest sent to her at: [email protected] understorey species, as an aid to determining optimal seed

11 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

Members' Page

Boodie rats antics Brian English Fiona Falconer In summer of 2007 we began to notice large numbers of little black ants that periodically invaded our kitchen, particularly during unsettled weather. In January 2008, the invasions had become so bad that specimens were collected and dispatched to the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Pest and Disease Information Service for identification. The ant was identified as an Iridomyrex species, a relative of the commonly encountered meat ant Iridomyrex purpereus. Then, on 18 April 2008, a walk in the bush that surrounds our homestead led to the discovery of an open trapdoor spider burrow and a line of little black ants nearby led to the body of a shield-backed trapdoor spider Another reason for us to support the ‘Red Card for Idiosoma nigrum. Identity of the spider was confirmed the Red Fox’ programme is that the harmless boodie rats by the WA Museum. It was thought that the unfortunate fell victim to the fox. My wife’s grandfather, who took spider was probably a juvenile that may have been forced up land at Arthur River over 100 years ago, described the to vacate its burrow because of invading ants. It did not boodie rat to me at least 50 years ago. My recollection is get far before being overcome! not clear, but I think he said that they were bigger than Talking to other landholders in the Waddy Forest area a rat, but smaller than a rabbit. He also said that they east of Coorow revealed that all had been having trouble were very numerous. with little black ants. Interestingly, the little black ants To this day we can still see the homes of these animals. appear to have displaced their larger meat ant relative I have farmed a property at Pingelly for the last 40 years in garden and bush areas around homesteads. and, as you can see from the crosses on this photo, have A most disturbing account came from Alison Doley six sites the same as those described by the late pioneer about live Carnaby’s cockatoo chicks being adversely of Arthur River. The boodies dug out many tonnes of affected by the little black ants. These cockatoos breed earth from granite outcrops. Typically the site would on Alison’s property, Koobabbie. be an aggregation of large boulders with all the soil In the 2008 breeding season, monitoring revealed removed from between them. The soil is mounded around that live chicks in three out of 36 active nests had been the stones some three to five metres from the granite. invaded by little black ants. Previous observations It appears that they removed all the soil. Development suggested that ants only invaded nests when there was of these sites would have taken many years. With the a dead chick. demise of the boodie, these premises were enjoyed by This was the story provided by Alison from Carnaby’s foxes particularly and to some degree by rabbits. The nest 24 and nest 59 . arrival of the rabbit as a competitor for food also had a In nest 24 on 4 December 2008, the chick had ants on serious influence on the population. it and was showing signs of distress. Around the opening Today the boodie is known as the burrowing bettong of the cloaca the skin was reddened and scabby. Dejan and is being bred in protected environments such as the Stojanovic, Conservation Officer for the Carnaby’s Black Francois Peron National Park at Shark Bay. The WA Cockatoo Recovery Project, obtained some chlorpyrifos Museum website has comprehensive information on and sprayed the base of the salmon gum. By 15 December these and other native animals. the chick had recovered completely and showed its good health and appreciation by hissing aggressively! By 15 It is interesting that we don’t January 2009 the chick had fledged. value things till they are gone and In nest 59 on 21 December 2008 there was a one- nearly forgotten. week-old chick and a dead chick with some ants on it that was removed. On 23 December a light application of

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Members' Page

Then, on Easter Monday, a mid-air commotion turned out A piebald cockie! to be that unusual cockatoo under attack from a magpie Sheila Howat as the flock flew towards Deb's pines to feed. She thought that perhaps the magpie thought that the cockatoo was Land for Wildlife member and bird enthusiast, Deb a trespassing magpie due to its unusual coloration. The Perry, has been thrilled to have an albino-like leucistic magpie and leucistic cockatoo almost hit the house as Carnaby’s black cockatoo regularly visit her Bridgetown they tumbled through the air. farm this autumn. Deb says that the flock with this unusual bird comprises Deb says that flocks of Carnaby’s feast on the seeds around 30 Carnaby’s, including some young which she has of her stone pine trees every autumn. The cones are seen and heard being fed by the adults. Her observations sometimes opened and eaten in the trees, but more often during the flock’s regular visits over autumn suggests that are opened by the birds on the ground after they have cut the leucistic bird is simply treated as one of the ‘gang’, them off with their powerful beaks. They often leave screeching, squawking and squabbling over pine nuts them on the ground for a week or more before returning with the rest. Each evening they fly back down the gully to open them. towards the Blackwood River to roost for the night. In late March, Deb heard from intrigued friends that Carnaby’s black cockatoo specialist, Dejan Stojanovic they had seen a white bird flying down to the Blackwood says that the leucistic mutation is an extremely rare and River at dusk with a flock of white-tailed black cockatoos. random genetic chance whereby both parents possess a recessive partial albino gene. He says that a similar bird has been sighted a few times in the last two years, and may in fact be the same bird. Deb, who keeps a general nature diary and records bird observations on the farm on a monthly basis (she has 90 species on her list) will certainly be looking out for the extraordinary cockatoo next autumn.

Pebble mound mice

continued from page 9 continued from page 12 pebble mounds and is more southerly (Fig. 2). Andrew Burbidge has suggested to me that they may be relicts Antics of the nests of the true stick-nest rat, rather than a giant chlorpyrifos was sprayed around the base of the tree. On dew-pond mouse, and I am inclined to agree. 15 January 2009 the chick was healthy. On 19 February The pebble-mound mouse has left behind a series of at 7pm the chick was at the mouth of the nest, obviously public works that must have taken years to build and troubled by ants. Eventually it glided to the ground. Little been used by generations of mice. Perhaps all those at black ants were on its tongue and through its feathers. one site were not occupied at the same time? It is to It did not have a full crop. The chick was placed in a be hoped that the population in the Hamersley Range York gum that was free of ants and the parent birds were is secure. observed feeding it. Next morning there was no sign of [* For reference list, contact Ed.] parents or chick. In the 2009 breeding season ant control on active nests will be given top priority.

Landholders have various theories in regard to the Stephen Davies is a zoologist who has worked in increasing numbers of ‘little black ants’. Perhaps the CSIRO and Curtin University as well as being national adoption of minimum till in cropping systems has created President of Birds Australia. He currently works as a favourable conditions for this species of ant, or maybe consulting ecologist. it is seasonal conditions experienced in recent times, particularly the dry years of 2006-07?

13 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

Members' Page Looking through the phone book Jessie MacIver It was a warm and sunny autumn I was throwing through the pergola reckoned it gave him enough of Sunday in Denmark so I thought door with my wrong hand so was an adrenalin rush to last the week! I’d have my morning tea out on the making a poor job of it. So ended up As I was heading back to the front front verandah. As I was about to throwing bird books, travel books, door I noticed the skink clinging step outside I noticed the old king even the LANDSCOPE, spent ink for dear life to the very top of the skink with a shortened tail and holes cartridges, Denmark phone books flywire door. He got down a couple in its back where the kookaburras until eventually the much more of hours later. had been pecking at him lying on substantial south-west phone book So thank you Ranger Dick for the mat, so, to leave him in peace, I which landed face down and open. your wonderful service. I feel a bit went out another door but I was too This distracted the snake at last and sorry for the snake because it was his close for the skink and it sauntered the skink scurried under the book, home too, so I hope you found him a off to the pergola end of the house, followed by the snake, but into place full of rats and mice to eat. different pages. The skink made leaving me to enjoy the day. My only regret was that I broke its escape but the snake looked and my favourite coffee cup. looked for ages, coming up to the Photo: P. Hussey door where I was standing, before it went around the other side of the house towards the front door. Creating It started climbing up the flywire door so I was banging the wooden Bushland door shut to try and dislodge it. Eventually it glided off away from Links the house. I scurried around spraying Do you have wandoo Shoo Snake in my dog’s enclosure growing on your Shortly after, it came hurtling and outside doors. I went into the property? back towards me as fast as its little pergola to retrieve all my bits and legs could carry it, closely followed pieces and there was blood so I was Would you like to create by a huge dugite about 2.5 metres quite despondent about the skink’s patches of wandoo long. I leapt up and threw my cup chances. bushland? of coffee at them and rushed to bring About an hour later the snake was The Wandoo Recovery Group my old blind and deaf collie inside. back and inside the dog’s enclosure (WRG) is calling for interested She was very comfortable thank – so much for the Shoo Snake! This landowners to create corridors of you lying outside in the sand next was getting serious, so I rang Ranger wandoo bushland on their property to her enclosure, so I had to lift her Dick and he came really promptly, to link areas of native vegetation. inside, shut the enclosure and close although it seemed an age to me. He This project to restore wandoo the doggy door into the house. So checked the snake wasn’t outside the bushland will utilise a range of then I rang a friend, as you do! front door for me to come outside. options and techniques appropriate The skink had bolted back to Around the corner lying next to for specific locations. Guidelines the pergola and that’s where the the dog’s enclosure was the snake, for the project can be developed to snake caught up with him and coiled luckily with its tail towards us. assist landowners. around him to try and sink his fangs Dick was most impressed with its If you would like to become in. Now I know I shouldn’t interfere size and not sure whether he could involved or want more information, with nature but I’m quite fond of that manage to catch it. As it started please contact Liz Manning, WRG old skink and his battle for survival. to slither towards the shrubbery Executive Officer, by phone on So we decided I should get some he caught it about mid body with (0427 441 482) or email Elizabeth. small rocks from outside to throw his metal catcher and put it into [email protected]. and try and distract the snake. Well, the wide-opening calico bag. He

14 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

Members' Page A wambenger story Peter Vickridge Late in October last year Carol wire on the hutch door to release and I received four baby wambengers themselves. The first time we (brush-tailed phascogales, discovered them roaming the house Phascogale tapoatafa) into care. we thought the toggle had been They had been found by DEC staff left down, but on returning them who were falling a dangerous tree at to their cage they quickly repeated Hester Block near Bridgetown. their escape. There were three males and one In early January the chest scent female in the group, each weighing glands on all three males became in at around 30 grams. The three noticeable with staining, so the males all had some injuries, decision was made to move their assessed as not serious by the vet taken. From then on Wombaroo rabbit hutch outdoors into an aviary in Donnybrook, and the female was milk and mealworms, cockroaches, fitted out with hollow logs and uninjured. They were all promptly earwigs and spiders were included branches, to permit a soft release. given “W” names – Walter, Wayne, in their diet and water was taken At the end of January a panel in William and Winona. They were regularly, particularly on hot days. the cage was opened to allow the housed together in a covered rat The three males’ injuries healed wambengers to leave when they cage with a heat pad, later into a rapidly and all showed complete were ready. The males all left fairly re-wired rabbit hutch and lastly in mobility and agility. quickly and did not return, but the an aviary. Although difficult to feed Weights were regularly measured female continued to return to the at first, they were quick to recognise with rapid increases recorded, in a cage by morning for over a week a syringe and plastic tube as food period of only 57 days the average before finally moving on. and took their milk substitute, at first weight went from 32 grams to 113 The three months we had with Divetelact and later Wombaroo. At grams, an amazing 253 per cent these four wambengers in our care first they sucked and chewed at the increase in weight, or 4.5 per cent was extremely rewarding, and tube but quickly started lapping, per day! made us realise what an exquisite which made feeding easier and Wambengers are clearly little animal they really are. It is a definitely less messy. Although shame that so few Australians are various insects and Wombaroo intelligent and masters of escape and learn quickly how things work. even aware of their existence in Insectivore was offered repeatedly, our forests. none of the wambengers showed any Incredibly, they worked out how to real interest until early December turn the swivel toggle on the rabbit when daddy longlegs and huntsman hutch door by tapping with their Peter Vickridge has a property at spiders and mealworms were all forelegs on the toggle through the Kirup.

Did you know …? by mosquitoes, it may well be worth that a nesting pair of swallows adding a small wooden ledge in consume some 900 insects a day the eaves for the birds to build on, to feed their young? That’s 27,000 especially if you live near a wetland insects in a month! Swallows are where mosquitos breed. Sure, a especially efficient at collecting swallow’s nest under the eaves of mosquitoes at dusk. Considering the a house or shed is a bit messy, but number of human diseases such as Welcome swallow at nest (M. Thompson) think of the enormous natural pest Ross River virus (and now Dengue From: Western Australian Birds: Vol II. control they are contributing to your fever in Queensland) that are spread Johnstone & Storr. WA Museum. environment.

15 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

FAUNA Mystery animal 'droppings' are beetle 'push-ups' Terry Houston which they themselves feed. Some, if not all, of the fungi eaten are mycorrhizal fungi (i.e. they form close attachments to plant roots and provide the plants with essential nutrients). This makes the beetles of special interest as they may play an important role in the ecology of the fungi by helping to disperse their spores. This has been the focus of a study I have recently undertaken in collaboration with Dr Neale Bougher of the WA Herbarium. The beetles’ life-histories are still very incompletely known. Females of at least some species lay just one relatively gigantic egg (more than half their own weight) at a time. In order to lay enough eggs to sustain Have you ever seen a pile of what nocturnal in habits, the earth-borers the population, the beetles must looks like animal droppings only to fly after heavy rain and excavate be long-lived. It has been reported find that the lumps are composed fresh burrows before sun-up. After that some earth-borers deposit their entirely of sand? Such piles appear burrowing downwards for a time, eggs in large brood cells provisioned on the ground after heavy rain and are a beetle will ‘bull-doze’ a load of with humus (much as dung beetles most commonly seen in bushlands loosened, damp sand towards the provision brood cells with dung). with sandy soils (although they burrow entrance, forcing it out like However, my observations indicate sometimes appear on harder soils as tooth paste from a tube. that this is not common to all species and ongoing research at the WA well). They are not the product of a Earth-borers belong to the family Museum aims to document the life- large animal but rather the work of Geotrupidae and range in length histories of more species. some remarkable scarab-like beetles from 5-30 mm. They resemble dung known as ‘earth-borers’. Mainly beetles in having a domed body form, spiny digging legs and Your best chance of encountering a variety of horns or spines on these fascinating beetles is to sit by a the head and thorax in males. lantern in the bush just after dark one They can be distinguished to several days after a soaking rain. from dung beetles in their One or more specimens may come brown (rather than black) circling in noisily and crash land colouration and in having somewhere close to you. Listen for prominent rounded knobs their peculiar ‘huffing’ or squeaking on the ends of the antennae. sound produced by stridulation. It is Australia has 166 species and as if they are complaining – “What 100 are represented in WA. hit me?” The beetles burrow in search of underground fungi, Terry Houston is Curator of Insects at Photos: T. Houston including native truffles, on the Western Australian Museum

16 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FAUNA Western ground parrots distinct from eastern ground parrots Allan Burbidge The western ground parrot is parrots in Tasmania and down the tested falls clearly into either the a Critically Endangered, cryptic, east coast. This work has been eastern group or the western group. ground-dwelling parrot that lives steadily progressing, with important This confirms that the two sets of in near-coastal heaths on the south developments in the last couple of birds have been clearly separate coast. Recent survey and research months. for a very long time, and have have shown that population numbers One specimen that was always diverged in isolation. The extent are now reduced to about 110 of interest was a bird collected at of that difference is very similar individuals, with the majority in one the Reedbeds, near Adelaide, in the to the genetic difference between population, in Cape Arid National early days of European settlement. buff-rumped and western thornbills, Park. The species became locally extinct which everyone agrees are clearly Western ground parrots long ago in the Adelaide region, differentiated species. disappeared from the Manypeaks – but this population was the one Whether the eastern and western Waychinicup area near Albany about geographically closest to the ones ground parrots are confirmed as five years ago and, more recently, in WA. They were, therefore, the separate species awaits confirmation they have declined drastically in ones that might be expected to be by acceptance in the scientific the Fitzgerald River National Park, similar genetically to the WA birds. literature. However, what is certain which was once thought to be However, because the specimen was is that the eastern and western birds their stronghold. The South Coast so old, it was proving very difficult are separate evolutionary lineages Threatened Birds Recovery Team to extract DNA from it. that have been diverging over a believes that the situation is dire, After a bit of frustration, the very long time. This adds even more and the deployment of integrated team running the genetics program urgency to efforts to conserve the predator management on the south decided to recruit the assistance of western ground parrot, as it is one coast (for cats as well as foxes) and Dr Jeremy Austin, of the Australian of the most endangered parrots in establishment of a captive breeding Centre for Ancient DNA, at the the world. program are urgent and important University of Adelaide. Jeremy We urgently need help to priorities for conservation and is an expert at extracting DNA conserve the western ground recovery of this critically endangered from difficult sources, and rose parrot. If you would like to bird. Because ground parrots are to the challenge – he was able to volunteer with survey work, or help susceptible to large wildfires, on- extract DNA from this important out in any other way, please contact going careful fire management is specimen, and has confirmed that the project officer, Abby Berryman also important. the test sequence matches closely (phone (08) 9842 4513; email abby. The urgency of this situation the sequences from Victoria and [email protected]) or the has recently been highlighted by Tasmania. Friends of the Western Ground the preliminary results of genetic We now know that all the eastern Parrot (Brenda Newbey phone (08) research that suggest that the western birds, from south-eastern Queensland 9337 5673; email wgparrot@exetel. ground parrot is a separate species to Victoria and Tasmania, are very com.au or Anne Bondin phone (08) from the eastern ground parrot. This similar to each other genetically. The 9844 1793; email wgparrot@exetel. work was instigated by the WA South WA birds tested from the Fitzgerald com.au). The Friends group has Coast Threatened Birds Recovery area and Cape Arid National Park just held a meeting to formalise its Team as a collaborative project are also very similar to each other, association. If you can’t help in between DEC, Steve Murphy of the but differ significantly from all the person, they would be very pleased Australian Wildlife Conservancy, eastern birds. The result from the to accept any donations, however and Leo Joseph of CSIRO. Reedbeds specimen was important large or small! Preliminary data suggest that because it demonstrated clearly that western ground parrots may be quite there is no gradual change from east Allan Burbidge is a Senior Research distinct genetically from ground to west – all ground parrot DNA Scientist at DEC, Woodvale.

17 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

Members' Page The murdering animal - or, a case of biting off more than you can chew Avril Baxter The red-tail phascogale, which was once found was never like this, it looked like "a fox had gone mad throughout southern and central regions of WA, has now in a hen house". retreated to an area largely bordered by Boddington, They kept looking in the nests to see if anything was Kondinin, Kojonup and Jerramungup. It has become an alive, only to find a very fat little red-tail phascogale icon for groups such as the Wagin/Woodanilling Landcare curled up and sound asleep. They realised that it had Zone (WWLZ), in which individuals can take action to been two days since they had visited the aviary and preserve an endangered species. during that time a single red-tail phascogale had killed The red-tail phascogale lives happily alongside human their precious breeding stock. beings as testified by the WWLZ’s call for sightings, which pictures an animal crawling up the security door of a house. And cute and cuddly as they appear to be, LFW members Rob and Anne Battley whose home is 30 metres from the edge of Dryandra woodland, have another story to tell. These animals are blood-thirsty! Rob and Anne love all animals and have an aviary in which over the years they had gradually bred up a population of 42 Gouldian finches and canaries. One morning they went out to the aviary and wondered why they didn’t see any birds flying around. On further It is a testament to their concern for the native animals investigation they found all the birds were dead, many they live alongside that the Battleys relocated the partied- had their bellies eaten out, others' heads were chewed. out red-tail phascogale to the nearest balga. What had happened? They were used to an occasional carpet python getting into the aviary, but the destruction Illustration: Louise Burch

Wildflowers of the great southern

When late rains in 2008 led to a profusion of wildflowers, LFW decided to make a photography Robyn Morris: competition the focus of our display "White spider on a at this year's Woolorama. white spider orchid" The call went out to LFW Bernie Masters: "A members in the Great Southern to rare calectasia" send in their best wildflower photos, Jeremy Mitchell: which made the daily checking "The morning dew." of emails a joy for LFW officer Avril Baxter as nearly 30 excellent photographs were received. The three most popular photos were enlarged, framed and given Avril Baxter presenting the first prize to Naomi White, who is accepting it on behalf of her sister, Robyn Morris, who took back to their owners as prizes. the photograph. Our thanks go to prize winners:

18 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

Weeds and Ferals

RabbitScan The Swan Weeds A- newly Database naturalised To coincide with the 150th Bindweed found anniversary of the wild rabbit Swan Weeds is a new database in a wetland at being introduced into Australia, that has been developed by DEC Busselton the national Rabbit Management Swan Region to provide easily Advisory Group has requested accessible information on the most assistance from around Australia problematic environmental weeds The morning glory family with the implementation of their in WA, with particular emphasis on consists mostly of twining vines with new initiative – RabbitScan. those species occurring on the Swan trumpet-shaped flowers. They can RabbitScan is a nation-wide Coastal Plain and Darling Scarp and be beautiful and are often grown in challenge for community and schools Plateau. gardens, but many are hard to get rid to help scientists map where rabbits Swan Weeds aims to provide of and become a problem in paddock are, by asking people to ‘scan’ their web-based delivery of up-to-date or bushland. landscape (school, farm, parkland, information on the biology and roadside reserves, ovals etc.) for management of environmental signs of rabbits and their damage, weeds. and to register and load their results This is delivered via the State online. Registration is available now Herbarium’s website FloraBase, and results can be loaded from the where it supplements existing beginning of RabbitScan Month in descriptions, images and distribution May 2009. information with additional details of It is important for planning, a weed’s origin, biology, suggested implementing and assessing the methods of management and control effectiveness of management of and a management calendar. It is invasive species over time that land designed to help individuals, land managers and government authorities managers and community groups Great bindweed (Calystegia have up to date information on the understand and manage their most sylvatica) has large white or pink- distribution and abundance of rabbits threatening bushland weeds. and-white striped flowers, and can within Australia. It is also very be found twining up supporting Information is now available important to record where rabbits vegetation in hedgerows and waste for 58 geophyte (bulbous, cormous are not found to understand the places from southern Europe through and tuberous) species. The aim is to full extent of their distribution and into Britain. It has been discovered expand this to over 300 weed taxa, factors that may influence this. going wild and smothering native covering grasses, other herbs, trees vegetation in a wetland near For background and further and shrubs. information on RabbitScan and Busselton, presumably originating Information has been collated to register, please refer to the from dumped garden rubbish*. from a large number of sources. RabbitScan web site at www. The Busselton population is being targeted for eradication. rabbitscan.net.au or go to the link How to access Swan Weeds on the DEC website at www.dec. This raises two matters of wa.gov.au/animals/rabbits/index. Example pages and further concern – firstly please use all html information on the project is the influence you have to stop available on the FloraBase website, people dumping garden rubbish in Morea via the ‘Themes’ menu or directly bushland, and secondly, if you see fugax. at florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/weeds/ a suspicious-looking twiner, check (Kate swanweeds/. Individual species’ it with a DAFWA weed officer, or Brown) information is available by searching your LFWO. This life form is not FloraBase directly. very common in WA, so it could be that you have located something weedy. [* for ref, contact Ed.]

19 Western Wildlife Vol 13 No. 3

NEWS WONDERFUL WONGAN WILDLIFE! Thirty years ago, members About 40 people of the WA Naturalists’ Club attended, some locals and conducted a three-year survey of some from further afield, the Wongan Hills, culminating in including people who had the book The Natural History of been on the original survey the Wongan Hills*. It confirmed team. Unfortunately the this extraordinary location as a survey’s leader, Kevin biodiversity hotspot – long before Kenneally, was called away the word ‘biodiversity’ had even at the last minute and so been invented! LFW collaborated was unable to attend, but with the Avon Catchment Council’s Stephen Davies’ talk on the Ecoscape project to arrange a field recent malleefowl survey A highlight was finding a hatchling thorny devil. Thorny day to see what the surveyed sites was fascinating, and shows devils feed only on ants and are found in woodlands, shrubland, mulga, mallee and grassland, across the arid look like now. that the Wongan Hills are zone of WA and the drier wheatbelt, South Australia, the still a stronghold for the Northern Territory and far western Queensland. It lays a bird. small clutch of up to 10 eggs in Nov/Dec, hatching in early autumn. (Lee Francis) The bushwalks were in It was a very pleasant day, private property, with woodlands fuelled by some excellent food, and and thicket in excellent condition, our thanks go to Fiona Falconer having almost no weeds evident. and to Margaret Redfern, the But it was very dry – the plants Ecoscape Coordinator, for their were under drought stress and few superb organisation. animals were visible. Plans were made to return in spring, when the Penny Hussey Looking out from The Speaker’s Chair towards Lake Hinds. Note how these greenstone wildflowers will be out, for a proper * The book is available from hills rear out of a very flat, largely cleared botanizing walk. the WA Naturalists’ Club, email; landscape. (Penny Hussey) [email protected] The Land for Wildlife team Do you know …?

how to calculate the age of a jarrah tree in forest? Measure the trunk diameter over the bark (the DOB) at 1.3m above the ground surface. (This should be recorded in centimeters, ie 1.3m is 130cm.) Then do the following calculation: age = 2.345 x DOB + 6.968 This formula assumes that the site has been subjected to neither fertiliser application nor clearing, both of which would alter the The LFW team, 2009. Back row, L-R: Phil Worts, Wayne Gill, growth rate. Zara Kivell, Avril Baxter, Sheila Howat, Dorothy Redreau, Cherie Kim Whitford DEC Kemp, Mal Harper, Penny Hussey: front row, L-R: Claire Hall, Sylvia Leighton, Heather Adamson, Fiona Falconer.

This newsletter is a compendium of articles written by many different people. The views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily those of the Department of Environment and Conservation. Published by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth. All correspondence should be addressed to: The Editor ‘Western Wildlife’, Department of Environment and Conservation, Species and Communities Branch, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983.

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