South East Queensland OCTOBER 2013 Volume 7 Number 4 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Program South East Queensland ISSN 1835-3851

CONTENTS

1 Bats welcome in the belfry

2 Editorial and contacts

3 Membership Survey Preliminary Results and Prizes Announced

4-5 Fauna Profi les • Dazzling Dollarbirds • Tailed Emperors

6-7 Weed Profi le Wild Tobacco - friend or foe?

8-9 Weed Control Onward with your Weed Odyssey: A strategic approach to weed control on your property

10 Property Profi le An old cow bell hanging on the verandah has provided an unexpected roosting Strategic Approach to Weed site for a group of Eastern Long-eared Control: An example of Bats (shown top left). The owners have managing Camphor Laurels installed other bat nesting boxes (shown and Cat’s Claw Creeper near Bats welcome in left) to encourage more micro-bats and the belfry help control around the house. Kenilworth 11 Fauna & Flora Vignettes e had been puzzled for sometime in pursuit of insects when we’ve been Wabout the occasional sound of the out on the verandah at night, so it was a 12 Flora Profi le cow bell on our front veranda giving great pleasure to fi nd these little mammals The Ormeau Bottle a couple of tinkles late at night, until a happily roosting in the bell. quick look one day gave the answer – four 13 Book Reviews Eastern Long-eared Bats (Nyctophilus bifax) We’ve now put up a couple of nesting were using the bell as a roost. boxes to provide some alternative nesting 14-15 Property Profi le sites, and hope to see an increase in these They’ve been happily using the bell on and natural mossie deterrents living around our Welcome Wildlife: Watch off for several years now – usually only for house! Out Ochna a few days at a time, and sometimes just for a few hours during the night. We’ve Adrian and Cathie Mortimer 15 Letter to the Editor always known we’d had microbats around Land for Wildlife members – mainly by sensing one whooshing past Upper Brookfi eld, Brisbane 16 Water weed worries

Published by SEQ Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country editorial im Flannery was a worthy drawcard landholders, The Procivs at Mt Mellum, Land for Wildlife Tat another successful Sunshine Coast David Madden at Ormeau and the Reads Council Conservation Forum on election at Brookfi eld. All self-motivated and Extension Offi cers day in early September. Over 500 people working independently to improve the South East Queensland attended this event, the majority being health of their properties by increasing Land for Wildlife members. native biodiversity, and then sharing their Brisbane City Council stories with others. At the same time, they All enquiries, 3403 8888 Professor Flannery’s positivity was are also fostering their own well-being. contagious. He focussed on current Peter Hayes Catherine Madden activities, locally and globally, that are These are comparatively small, local Cody Hochen Scott Sumner steering us (Earth and humanity) towards stories that we have infl uence over and Tony Mlynarik Ffl ur Collier a future that we know must arrive. A low can share with others. Tim Flannery Gold Coast City Council carbon future. An ecologically abundant shared much broader stories such as the Darryl Larsen, 5582 8896 future. He didn’t dwell on the losses or leadership being shown by China and Lexie Webster, 5582 8344 the sceptics, but kept his gaze fi rmly the USA in renewable energies and that Todd Burrows, 5582 9128 on what we are all doing here and now one of the oldest known living things in to meet these challenging times. He is a Huon Pine tree in Tasmania Ipswich City Council stated that evolution is an achievement that is estimated to be 10,000 years old. Stephani Grove, 3810 7173 of cooperation, not competition, and It is good to remember that there are the Earth is currently carrying out an positive conservation stories everywhere Lockyer Valley Regional Council interesting experiment. We are clearly and I think it serves us well to get on Kaori van Baalen, 5462 0376 changing the planet, but through board with them and to share them with cooperation, we will come into balance others. Logan City Council with what he called “our enduring wealth” Lyndall Rosevear, 3412 4860 – the creeks, catchments and ecosystems. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and Nicole Walters, 3412 4859 thank you to everyone who contributed Rachel Booth, 3412 5321 It would seem that even after his recent stories and optimism. I welcome any Rebecca Condon, 3412 4979 employment re-shuffl e, Tim (if I may refer stories from your Land for Wildlife to him on a fi rst name basis) remains property that you would like to share. Moreton Bay Regional Council positive and fi rm in his resolve. To follow Happy reading. Danielle Crawford, 5433 2240 in his footsteps, and focus on a future Bree Wilson, 5433 2034 we want, there are many ways to do Deborah Metters this and I hope that this newsletter you Land for Wildlife Redland City Council are reading is one of them. This edition Regional Coordinator Maree Manby, 3820 1106 profi les three diff erent Land for Wildlife SEQ Catchments Scenic Rim Regional Council Keith McCosh, 5540 5436

Landholder Registrations, Land for Wildlife SEQ - 1/9/2013 Somerset Region Trevor Page, 5424 4000 Registered Working Towards Total Area under Total Area Retained Properties Registration Restoration Sunshine Coast Council Alan Wynn, 5439 6477 3020 743 54,854 ha 4,777 ha Dave Burrows, 5485 0229 Marc Russell, 5475 7345 Nick Clancy, 5439 6433 Forward all Letters to the Editor, Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is Stephanie Reif, 5475 7395 Fauna Vignettes and My Little Corner a quarterly publication distributed free of contributions to: charge to members of the Land for Wildlife Toowoomba Regional Council program in South East Queensland. All enquiries, 4688 6611 The Editor Print run - 4880 Land for Wildlife Newsletter SEQ Catchments Back copies from 2007 - 2013 PO Box 13204 available for download from George Street QLD 4003 www.lfwseq.org.au Back copies from 1998 - 2006 07 3211 4404 available upon request to the Editor. Burnett Mary Region [email protected] ISSN 1835-3851 Gympie, Fraser Coast, Land for Wildlife is a voluntary program North & South Burnett, that encourages and assists landholders Bundaberg and to provide habitat for wildlife on their Baffl e Creek Regions properties. For all regions contact the Burnett Mary Regional Group, 4181 2999 www.lfwseq.org.au

2 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 membership survey Preliminary Results

ur recent survey was a huge success Most LfW properties are described as a Owith 1,151 surveys received. This lifestyle or bush block (88% of members) is 30% of the entire Land for Wildlife with most LfW properties being 4-8 membership across SEQ (3,738 properties). hectares in size. Thank you to everyone who took the time to have your say. LfW members make good use of LfW resources particularly this newsletter We are still working on the interpretation and LfW Notes. Nearly a half (49%) of all and analysis of the complex survey members had attended a LfW fi eld day or 38% of members have received a grant answers with the fi nal report due for workshop. to assist with conservation works (62% release in early November. Therefore, haven’t). the January 2014 newsletter will present We are delighted to see that LfW members more in depth fi ndings, but here are some (92%) are either very satisfi ed (62%) or LfW members spend, on average, preliminary results. satisfi ed (30%) with the program. about one day a week on conservation Environmental and health benefi ts were management with weed control being the 82% of surveys were completed online via primary conservation activity. the SurveyMonkey website. This the fi rst the strongest motivations for participation time that we have trialled our regional in LfW activities. Thanks again to those who participated survey online, so we were pleased with the 15% of LfW members have a Voluntary in the survey. These results will help guide high uptake rate. Conservation Agreement (VCA), covenant or Councils and SEQ Catchments deliver Nature Refuge agreement on their property. a program that supports LfW members Land for Wildlife (LfW) members have, on in their conservation activities while average, owned their property for 16 years, There is strong interest in learning more about these options with 56% of members recognising that our health and well-being and have been a member of the program is directly connected to the health of the for 7 years. indicating that they would like to receive more information on this topic. ecosystems on our properties and beyond.

Prizes Announced

ongratulations to the following Land I Blakley, Cooroy; H Dolden, Sheldon; S Cfor Wildlife members who won prizes Dalton, Currumbin; P & K Sparshott, as a result of completing the survey. Ravensbourne; B Marshall, Currumbin; A Hayward, Moggill; W Partridge, Capalaba; Two night getaway for two to Lyola L Elias, Sheldon; E Friedrich Geyer; M Pavilions was won by Andrew Easton from Shevill, Rochedale; K Saxby, Tinbeerwah Upper Tenthill, Lockyer. and M Schumacher, Burpengary.

iPad with 16GB, WiFi and iPad smart cover A copy of Wild Guide to Moreton Bay was won by Linda and Peter Scharf from and Adjacent Coasts by the Queensland Witta, Sunshine Coast. Museum was won by C Brammer, Peter Scharf (right) gratefully receives his Two vouchers for dinner or lunch at Coochiemudlo Island. new iPad from Land for Wildlife Offi cer, Oceanview Estate Winery and Restaurant A copy of Australian Stingless Bees: A Guide Nick Clancy (left). were won by Lloyd Reeve-Johnson to Sugarbag Keeping by John Klumpp was from Anstead and Graham Joshua from won by L Daffi n, Conondale. Peter and Linda own a Land for Wildlife Beenleigh. property at Witta and have been working Thank you to our generous sponsors closely with their neighbours to restore Two vouchers for lunch at IndigiScape HarperCollins Publishers, Oceanview Estate rainforest and encourage wildlife. They Tea Garden Cafe were won by Samantha Winery, Lyola Pavilions and Redlands remove weeds in stages to ensure that they Duggan from Reesville and Kalindi Purtle IndigiScapes Centre. don’t displace wildlife. Linda has a keen from Nerang. interest in birds and has observed many Prizes were drawn by random selection on species utilising the clumping bamboo, 15 copies of The Field Guide to the Birds of 22 August 2013 and all winners have been which they will eventually remove when Australia (9th edition) by Pizzey and Knight notifi ed by post. (2012) were won by: K Reid, Mudgeeraba; other habitat is available. We hope you P Lamb, Conondale; W Pailthorpe, Nerang; enjoy your new iPad.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 3 The immature Dollarbird (left) is quite diff erent in appearance to the adult Dollarbird (right). fauna profi le Photos courtesy of Tom Oliver. Dazzling Dollarbirds Dollarbirds are named after the he warm weather is back, and with it perch on exposed spots such as the top distinctive American ‘silver dollars’ Tagain comes the familiar harsh cackling of bare branches, wires, telegraph poles, under their wings... “kak-kak-kak” call of the Dollarbird as these or tree stumps. From here they carry out aerial acrobats again return to Australia spectacular aerial forays as they dive, twist to breed. The Dollarbird belongs to the and turn to take their prey on the wing. but the young Dollarbirds continue to be Roller family and is the only representative Caught insects are normally brought back dependent on their parents for several of this group to reach Australia. The name to the perch where hard inedible parts weeks after this. Roller comes from the spectacular rolling like wings and wing covers are beaten off From around March through to April the courtship fl ights that the birds perform. before the remains are consumed. Even Dollarbirds again begin their migration These courtship fl ights usually occur late in in the hottest part of the day, when most north, as they leave Australia to return to the afternoon and are a pleasure to witness other birds have taken shelter from the their wintering grounds in New Guinea. as the birds zip around the sky. sun, Dollarbirds will often remain on their They are a colourful, entertaining and favourite exposed perch from where they regular reminder that the natural world Their scientifi c name, Eurystomus orientalis, make the occasional fl ight to catch insects. does not recognise boundaries and that we gives a hint as to their feeding method Although they prefer to hunt on the wing, are all connected through our actions. and also the widespread distribution of Dollarbirds will also take insects on the this species over a large area of Asia. The ground. As part of Brisbane City Council’s birds that have arrived in Australia have environmental monitoring program, overwintered in New Guinea and adjacent During breeding, pairs of Dollarbirds are regular bird surveys designed to capture islands, but they also range as far as China. often seen carrying out their characteristic long term data on bird numbers and Whilst in Australia, they can be found over rolling courtship fl ights which are species are undertaken on Land for the Kimberley, the Top End and down accompanied by their unmistakable Wildlife properties. Property owners are through the central half of Queensland and cackling calls. Like so many other able to assist in these surveys, which act New South Wales to Victoria. Australian birds and , Dollarbirds as a source of inspiration, education and require tree hollows to provide nesting enjoyment. Dollarbirds are a regular, albeit Dollarbirds are named after the distinctive sites. They therefore prefer woodland seasonal, feature of this important ongoing pale blue circles that are present under habitat with associated old for program. their wings towards the wingtip. These feeding and breeding. They are, however, American ‘silver dollars’ appear to fl ash as also known to use nest boxes. the birds wheel about in the sky chasing References their favourite food. A nesting site that will sometimes be http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/ used for several years in a row will be http://www.australianbirds.net.au Dollarbirds feed almost exclusively on aggressively guarded by a breeding pair insects which they generally catch on the who will see off other birds. Up to fi ve http://www.birdlife.org.au wing. This is where their Greek derived white eggs are laid in the chosen unlined Pizzey G & Knight F (2006) The Field Guide genus name Eurystomus (‘Eury’ for wide, tree hollow and these are incubated by to the Birds of Australia. Harper Collins. ‘stomus’, for mouth) comes in handy, both adults. After an incubation period of as they snatch insects out of the air. between 17 to 20 days, the young hatch, They prefer large prey such as cicadas, after which both parents are kept busy Article by Tony Mlynarik grasshoppers, beetles and moths. To feeding the growing brood. Fledging Land for Wildlife Offi cer hunt these insects, the Dollarbird loves to occurs about a month after hatching, Brisbane City Council

4 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 fauna profi le Tailed Emperors

ike many, I cannot help but see weeds Las ugly, taking up valuable bushland resources, but sometimes these weeds can be useful for some of our beautiful native creatures.

We recently saw these attractive Tailed Emperor butterfl ies (Polyura sempronius) sucking up the foamy juices from the stem of a near Kholo Creek, and we were surprised to fi nd the shrub was the weed Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. glabrata).

This butterfl y belongs to the Family and lives in mainly tropical areas from northern and eastern Australia, south to Adelaide. The adults feed not on fl owers, but on fermenting juices which ooze from wounds on trees or from fermenting fruit.

They have a wingspan of approximately 75 mm and are named for the pair of short, pointed tails on the rear of their hindwing. Coloured cream and black on the upper side, the underside of the wings (visible in photo) has a pattern of dark bands and spots. You’ll see them from October to May. They are swift, powerful fl iers, often fl ying high 2-5 metres in the air. ( sinensis) and also the colloquially Most adult butterfl ies prefer to take They lay single large yellow eggs on named native ‘bottle trees’, which include nectar from fl owers, but not the Tailed the underside of host plant leaves. The the Flame Tree ( acerifolius), Emperor, which prefers to feed on caterpillars have four recurved horns on Lacebark (B. discolor) and Kurrajong (B. fermenting fruit and plant exudates, such the head, and usually have a green body populneus). as this foamy juice from the weed, Easter with two yellow bands. Interestingly the Cassia. Photo by Sheena Gillman. larvae are highly territorial and build a Next time you set out to tackle the weeds, platform of leaves and spun silk from you might want to have a look underneath which they feed. Larvae on nests may show the leaves to see what eggs or nests are aggression to each other if their nests on hiding there as leaving some of the weeds References the same tree are too close together (as the for a short while longer may produce Orr A & Kitching R (2010) Butterfl ies of caterpillar crawls), while they react less to some pretty critters. Including butterfl y Australia. Allen & Unwin. food plant species in your revegetation to larvae on nests on neighbouring trees. Queensland Museum (2007) Wildlife replace weeds is also a great way to bring of Greater Brisbane. A Queensland Tailed Emperor larvae feed on the leaves these beauties to your bushland. of a wide range of , both native and Museum Wild Guide. exotic, from the Mimosaceae and Fabaceae For more information on our fascinating Tailed Emperor Butterfl y gardening families, including wattles (Acacia spp.), and fl uttering friends, I recommend The factsheet (2007) www. Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata), Butterfl ies of Australia by Albert Orr and butterfl ygardening.net.au Poinciana (Delonix regia), Chinese Elm Roger Kitching. It is a comprehensive, easy to read, and exquisitely illustrated guide to the biology, ecology, evolution and conservation of the 400 or so native Article by Ffl ur Collier Adults feed not on fl owers, but on butterfl ies. Land for Wildlife Offi cer fermenting plant juices... Brisbane City Council

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 5 weed profi le

Wild Tobacco - Wild Tobacco has been deliberately left in this once bare, heavily grazed paddock, which Paul and Melissa are regenerating back to rainforest. Friend or Foe? Wild Tobacco plays an important role in providing shade, deterring wallabies from eating planted trees and bringing back native plants.

n moving to the Sunshine Coast pastures of high rainfall areas. While having Coucals. Possums eat the leaves, stems and OHinterland in late 2007, we were many common names, here it is usually fruits apparently with impunity, and we advised to concentrate on eradicating the called Wild Tobacco or Tobacco Bush, have seen fl ying foxes eating the berries. (non-declared in Queensland) weed, Wild most likely because of the pungent odour In South , the berries also provide Tobacco ( mauritianum), which of its leaves and fruit. However, it should winter food for some fruit fl ies, and we grew sporadically through the degraded not be confused with real tobacco, the suspect this happens here as well. pastures covering two-thirds of our steep herbaceous tabacum, also in the 25 acre property. Once the previous family of nightshades, . We are not aware of anyone ever having owner’s cattle were removed, we started used Solanum mauritianum leaves as whittling away the extensive elephant Wild Tobacco is a spindly, semi-succulent, tobacco, but all its components, including grass and Setaria spp. re-growth, but also spreading tree that can grow to 5 metres leaves, fl owers and fruit, are said to be toxic invested considerable time and energy high in the open (10 m in a forest) and to humans. However, we could not fi nd (and cash) in attacking the Wild Tobacco. survive to 30 years, although we fi nd on convincing evidence in the literature, and However, accumulating experience with our property, most survive naturally only suspect that a large dose of green berries this fascinating plant has radically changed 2-3 years. They have large, grey-green, felty would be required to produce clinical our approach, so now we treat it as a useful leaves and can fl ower at any time, although eff ects in adults; human fatality has been ally in our overall revegetation strategy. peak fl owering occurs from late spring to ascribed to consumption of fruits in South mid-summer. Africa. Originating from (northern , and southern ), The pale mauve, yellow-centred fl owers Certainly, exposure to the leaves, sap and Solanum mauritianum was probably are followed by spherical green fruits (as berries can cause acute dermatitis, both spread along Portuguese trade routes in many as 30-40 in tightly packed bunches) through direct irritation and possibly the early 16th century and became widely that ripen to yellow or brown, up to 15 allergy, and the wood dust might cause established throughout many tropical mm in diameter. The seeds resemble those respiratory problems. In domestic animals, and subtropical countries and even New of tomatoes, and the fruits are regularly reports of poisoning are rare and poorly Zealand. In eastern Australia, it occurs eaten by a wide range of birds, including defi ned, even though Wild Tobacco is mainly in forest clearings and degraded doves and pigeons, currawongs, Pale- abundant throughout eastern Australia. headed Rosellas and, possibly, Pheasant Susceptibility varies as goats eat it with

6 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 book review Australia’s Poisonous Plants, Fungi and Cyanobacteria: A Guide to Species of Medicinal and Veterinary Importance

A wide range of fruit-eating birds eat Wild Tobacco fruit, including he author, Dr Ross McKenzie, is a retired Brown Cuckoo-doves, Pale-headed Rosellas, King Parrots, Tveterinary pathologist and toxicologist Regent and Satin Bowerbirds, Silvereyes (shown above) and Pied with the Queensland Government, and Currawongs. Photo by Deborah Metters. this book refl ects his life-long passion for poisonous plants and poisoning diagnostics. impunity, while sheep, cattle, pigs and us that is not their major benefi t. Native plants, weeds, garden ornamentals, horses might suff er diarrhoea, weight Underneath stands of Wild Tobacco fungi, ferns, blue-green algae and grasses are loss, neurological problems and heart trees in which large numbers of birds all covered in this book. About 600 pages are failure. roost or feed, it is common to fi nd detailed, illustrated profi les of at least 500 natural regeneration of native species. The major toxins of Solanaceae are species with a further 200 pages allocated to glycoalkaloids of the solanine group; While a limited study from New lists of all poisonous plants, fungi algae and the chief one in Solanum mauritianum Zealand indicates that Wild Tobacco cyanobacteria in Australia that were known to is solasodine, which is used can be allelopathic, i.e. its leaf the author at the time of publication. industrially as a precursor of synthetic leachates suppress seed germination Each profi led species details the toxic parts of steroidal compounds, including sex in some species, we’re not sure this the plant, known toxins, toxic doses, historical hormones. is a problem here. When the tobacco accounts of or human poisoning, leaves fall, or we decide to cut them clinical signs for poisoning in animals and Given its profuse seed production, down, the leaves and branches break humans, and recommended management or with eff ective dispersal by vectors down fast, especially during wet therapy should poisoning occur. such as birds and bats, Wild Tobacco seasons, adding a blanket of soft spreads widely and rapidly, and then mulch which helps suppress further The surprising profi les for me were onions grows fast as well, attaining maturity weed growth. What’s more, we and garlic, which are poisonous to dogs, cats within 2 years. Being fl exible enough suspect that their odour is repulsive to and cattle; avocados that are poisonous to pet to tolerate strong winds, it makes a wallabies, and so might help protect birds, horses and dogs; macadamia nuts that good edge plant. However, control is regenerating native seedlings in the are toxic to dogs; and the weedy ornamental not diffi cult: its branches are easy to immediate vicinity; although, as the garden plant, Duranta (‘Sheena’s Gold’), which break off , young trees can be readily Solanum leaves and cuttings dry out, has caused fatal poisoning in dogs, cats and a cut down with a cane knife or loppers, they rapidly lose their odour, and so human after eating the fruits. and all stages rapidly succumb to also their repellent eff ect. conventional glyphosate treatment. The author states up front that he hopes this Larger specimens can be cut down From originally regarding Wild book will empower people to prevent and with an axe, or killed by ring-barking, Tobacco as a nasty weed, we have manage plant poisonings. and disintegrate in the soil fairly converted to viewing it as the ultimate rapidly. On slippery, steep slopes, pioneer species, its major shortcoming This hefty hardcover book is a worthwhile purchase for those who have a keen interest in established specimens provide a being that it isn’t a native. Compared Australian fl ora, toxicology or veterinary care. workplace safety service, off ering solid to other exotic weeds, it is rather anchor points and hand-grips for our benign, not unattractive, easily revegetation work. controlled and much appreciated by CSIRO Publishing, quite a few of our native birds and 2012. Hardback, Once satisfi ed that Wild Tobacco mammals, who then thank us by 976 pages. could be controlled easily, we started spreading good trees. And, wherever ISBN: intentionally spreading seeds over a young canopy of native rainforest 9780643092679 newly cleared paddocks, using it as a is forming, the Wild Tobacco can be Price: $195 pioneer plant. Its leaves can produce removed without too much eff ort. Available from suffi cient shade to suppress some CSIRO Publishing other weed re-growth, although to and other book retailers.

The distinctive fl owers and Article by Paul and Melissa Prociv Review by fruits of Wild Tobacco. Land for Wildlife members Deborah Metters Photos by Paul Prociv. Mount Mellum, Sunshine Coast

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 7 Lantana in fl ower

Lantana stacks on a Land for Wildlife property. These piles of lantana provide perching sites for small birds looking for weed control insects. Pioneer species such as Bleeding Heart (Homalanthus nutans) often come up on the edges of lantana stacks. When undertaking follow-up maintenance, the owners throw weeds Onward with your Weed Odyssey: onto these lantana stacks to make sure that the roots of the weeds air dry and die. Photo by Ed Surman. A strategic approach to weed control on your property

he Oxford dictionary defi nes an odyssey weeds in highly disturbed areas. In healthy Weeds as habitat Tas “a long and eventful or adventurous bushland, weeds generally come back In areas with little native vegetation, weeds journey or experience”. While some may slower as there are fewer weed seeds in the often perform important roles in providing argue that controlling weeds may not soil seed bank, the canopy is more intact habitat for wildlife. Many native animals be the most exciting odyssey they can and usually the soil profi le has had little use weeds for their food, as well as shelter think of, it certainly is a long-term journey disturbance. This means you will get the and breeding sites. Stands of weeds can for most people in Land for Wildlife. The best results for your work and will speed also form corridors between isolated journey is discovering the best methods up your weed control if you work in the bushland assisting small mammals and that work for you, your property and the best areas fi rst. birds to move in the landscape. There are environment. areas throughout South East Queensland Prioritise weeds based on their threat Most Land for Wildlife landowners want to where signifi cant stands of Camphor Laurel have healthy bushland as this will provide The second tip is to manage weeds based are the only type of vegetation present. habitat for wildlife. Healthy bushland will on their level of threat to the environment. Removing these weeds all at once would also recover from disturbances such as You don’t need to panic about all the be too disruptive to wildlife. Similarly with bushfi res and storms thereby resisting weeds you have on your property! On the lantana removal if you remove all the weed invasion better than areas that Sunshine Coast we prioritise weeds based lantana in one go, the insects, small birds, are degraded. This concept is known as on their ability to change ecosystems or reptiles and mammals that rely on lantana ‘ecosystem resilience’. The healthier an their threat to a vulnerable species. For for cover and food would be displaced, ecosystem, the better it will withstand example, Cat’s Claw Creeper and Madeira forcing them to move to other areas at additional stresses and the more resilient Vine are high priority weeds as they can best. it will be. smother and kill native trees resulting in a highly simplifi ed and ‘unhealthy’ Using weeds to our advantage Unfortunately due to past land practices, ecosystem. Dutchman’s Pipe is another This is the part of the odyssey where we Land for Wildlife properties have varying priority weed because it kills the larvae get smart and use benefi cial aspects of states of bushland ranging from a cleared of the threatened Richmond Birdwing weeds to our advantage. One way of paddock to dense weeds, to mostly natives butterfl y. doing this is by using natural successional with some weeds, to quite good condition processes to bring back bushland. Weeds with few weeds present. Generally an Other weeds rank lower and often depend on the situation, their location and extent. may dominate an area but often there ecosystem dominated by weeds, while still is a lot of regeneration of native species providing habitat, is usually only simple For example, a newly detected weed at the top of a catchment may be a high priority underneath the weeds. Slowly removing habitat, whereas an ecosystem with few weeds and encouraging successional weeds and a diversity of native species to prevent it from spreading downstream with fl oods. processes to bring back natives is cheaper provides a complex habitat suitable for a and easier than revegetating a bare greater range of species. This is a simplistic description of a complex paddock. problem as most properties will have Protect the best areas fi rst multiple weeds and multiple threats to Similarly, if weeds are protecting an When it comes to weed control it makes think about (eg. erosion, landslip etc.) area from landslip, or a creekline from sense to protect bushland areas in the which may complicate the prioritisation erosion, leaving the roots in place serves best condition fi rst. There is no point process. Do the best you can, and if in a valuable role. Or if the site allows, it allowing weeds to overrun the best part doubt, ask for help. may be best to plant in adjacent areas of your bushland while you are controlling fi rst, let these plants establish and then control the weeds. In revegetation areas,

8 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 On this Land for Wildlife property, the owners started revegetating the creekline over ten years ago, fencing stock out of waterways and protecting the creekbanks from erosion. After the creekbanks were revegetated and the maintenance levels were manageable, the owners have been controlling lantana in stages along the steep hills.

To reduce the risk of landslips, areas of lantana are sprayed along the ridges in the growing season with ridgetops revegetated and maintained for a number of years before controlling lantana in the gullies.

Sometimes lantana is removed and stacked without spraying to ensure that there is still habitat for small mammals and birds. This is good winter work when the lantana is more brittle and temperatures are cooler. Note the existing revegetation in the foreground – this area was previously lantana thickets as well. Photo by Deborah Metters. some groundcover weeds stop erosion start, whereas a sea of lantana covering works for one landowner does not work for and shelter young plants, so rather than hills far and wide may seem impossible to you. Getting to know your property whilst spraying them and killing the whole plant, stage. Other considerations such as access staying fl exible and learning from your occasional brush cutting keeps the soil in to the site or a water source may make eff orts is essential. place. Or alternating brush cutting with stages more obvious. spraying helps build up a mulch layer while Everyone’s weed odyssey will be a unique protecting the soil. Maintain and monitor journey based on their property and the weeds present now and in the future. If you Trees, such as Camphor Laurels, that have Once you’ve learnt your weeds and have any questions on approaching weed been poisoned and left standing provide prioritised and considered the best management on your property please perching areas for wildlife, which bring approach, it’s time for the hardest work contactcontact yoyourur llocalocal LLandand for Wildlife Offi cer. in native seeds from surrounding areas. of all – controlling them…. isn’t it? They will also bring in weed seeds as Unfortunately, ongoing maintenance is the well; managing weeds will always be an most labour intensive part of the whole ongoing issue. process and is why we advocate staging your project. Sprayed lantana provides structural habitat for small birds and other animals before it Monitoring the area for weed regrowth is composts. Some landowners have found important whether you’re revegetating making piles of lantana retains structural an area or assisting the process of natural regeneration. Maintenance of weeded Top Weed Tips diversity and encourages a greater areas is an ongoing activity of many range of wildlife to use newly cleared 1. Work in the best areas fi rst revegetation sites. Others spread lantana LFW’ers and a vital way of getting to knoww 2. Prioritise weeds out in parallel lines along the contours as your property. Keeping a property journall an erosion control mechanism. Depending that tracks when and what weeds you haveve 3. Consider the wildlife using weeds on weather conditions, if you use these controlled will help. Taking photos of yourr 4. Use weeds to your advantage work before, during and after can also be techniques you will have to check the 5. Stage your weed control lantana piles and control any re-shooting. incredibly rewarding to see what you haveve achieved. Starting a weed seeding calendardar 6. Keep track of your activities Taking it one step at a time can also be helpful for prioritising follow 7. Control weeds prior to them setting seed up weed control. Once you have prioritised your weeds, it’s 8. Celebrate your achievements good to undertake control in stages. This Conclusion can be for a number of reasons such as landslip control as discussed above. The Each Land for Wildlife property has a other really important reason to undertake diff erent suite of weeds and everyone’s Article by Stephanie ReifReif weed control in stages is maintaining your capacity to manage their property is LaLandnd for Wildlife Offi cercer existing work before moving on to the next diff erent. Some landowners will work offff a SuSunshinenshine Coast CouncCouncilil stage. detailed weed management plan (see Note EW1 in your Land for Wildlife folder) whilst Sometimes stages are very obvious and others will have a plan in their heads. This Thanks to the rest of the Sunshine Coast Council others are not. For example a small isolated often depends on the size of the property Conservation Partnerships Team (Alan Wynn, patch of Blue Morning Glory is easy to and the weeds present. You may fi nd what Nick Clancy, Ed Surman and Marc Russell) who provided comments on this article.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 9 property profi le

Don and Mary Law on their stunning 100 hectare Strategic Approach to Weed Control: property where they integrate both beef production and conservation. This photo overlooks where they An example of managing Camphor Laurels and have removed Cat’s Claw Creeper from Oakey Creek Cat’s Claw Creeper near Kenilworth before it enters the Mary River. Kenilworth Bluff is in the background. Jack the kelpie and Hector the English bull mastiff accompany them.

on and Mary Ann Law own a 100 was in the canopy in isolated pockets. weed on their property. Removing the Dhectare property near Kenilworth on Knowing that cat’s claw can pull down Camphor Laurels in stages, rather than all the Sunshine Coast. The property is a beef mature rainforest trees through its sheer at once, will decrease the potential impact and citrus property, transitioning to beef. weight, priorities changed to focusing on on wildlife and the potential for erosion The property’s northern boundary follows cat’s claw fi rst. along the creek. Oakey Creek for 1.8 km. The vegetation along Oakey Creek forms a riparian Thinking about the principles outlined in Follow up includes monitoring for any corridor helping to link Mapleton National the article on pages 8-9, the property now regrowth of cat’s claw and keeping an eye Park to the Mary River. Along the creek is has two priorities. Firstly, controlling Cat’s on the rate of natural regeneration versus a mixture of riparian rainforest as well as Claw Creeper before it spreads further, and weed growth where Camphor Laurels numerous large Camphor Laurels, in some secondly removing Camphor Laurels in have been frilled (injecting herbicide into areas forming up to half the canopy. stages. the tree either through large drill holes or incisions made with a hand axe or chisel) Initially Don and Mary Ann knew they Follow up weed control, encouraging and left standing. When Don and Mary feel wanted to remove the Camphor Laurels natural regeneration and some comfortable that they can manage the and encourage native plants. They wanted revegetation (if needed) will be undertaken existing maintenance on the initial stages to improve the water quality along Oakey after controlling Camphor Laurels. This they will move onto another stage of Creek and provide a corridor for wildlife. approach should be the quickest way to controlling more Camphor Laurels, whilst However closer inspection of the creek build the resilience of the bushland on continuing to keep an eye out for cat’s showed that Cat’s Claw Creeper was their property. By removing the Cat’s Claw claw. spreading from west of the property and Creeper fi rst they have targeted the worst

The ‘claws’ of Cat’s Claw Creeper (far left). Cat’s Claw Creeper in fl ower (left). The distinctive bark of Camphor Laurel (above).

10 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 FREE BOOKS SEQ Catchments is giving away free copies of Field Guide to the Frogs of Queensland (released November 2012) RRP $45 to selected Land for Wildlife members who contribute published fauna & fl ora articles in 2013. Limit of three free books per newsletter edition. Please send your article and/or photographs vignettes to the Editor (details pg. 2)

Wasps parasitising wasps

ere is a photo of a wasp nest that has is used to lay eggs. This wasp is probably Happeared under the highest gable a species of Stenarella, of which there is of our house. I have not seen one like it only one species currently recorded in before. Can you identify it please? Australia, Stenarella victoriae. Stenarella is a genus in the Ichneumonidae family, Reply from Alan Wynn, Land for Wildlife which is a largely unworked family and Offi cer, Sunshine Coast Council and there may be other unrecorded species. Collection Manager of Entomology, Stenarella victoriae are known to parasitise Queensland Museum: other wasp nests, but usually mud nest It looks like a nest of a native paper wasp, wasps. The Queensland Museum has no Ropalidia romandi. They are less active in records of Stenarella victoriae using paper the cooler weather but will defend the wasps (Vespidae) as a host. Whether this nest if it is disturbed. They are useful pest individual was trying to lay eggs in this controllers in the garden, so it is good paper wasp nest is unknown. to leave them alone if they do not pose a threat. There is also a parasitoid wasp Linda Audley-Coote near the hive on the top right hand side Land for Wildlife member (circled). It has a long ovipositor, which Landsborough, Sunshine Coast

Echidnas return

e saw this juvenile crossing our paddock Wlast week, the fi rst time we have seen one for at least four years. There have been signs of echidna diggings since and we have been happy to have their return.

John and Rosemary Jeff reys Land for Wildlife members Verrierdale, Sunshine Coast

One giant cat’s claw nfortunately, this huge cross-section of a Cat’s Claw Creeper Uvine is not the largest specimen that bushcare workers with Noosa and Districts Landcare have come across. This one was cut down recently along the Mary River near Kenilworth and is probably about ten vines fused together to form one ‘trunk’. Despite cutting the vines and applying herbicide to the cut stump, some tubers (examples are shown in the background of this photo) will almost defi nitely re-shoot. The control of cat’s claw is a war of attrition requiring ongoing re-treatments with herbicide over several years. It is estimated that this vine is at least a decade old.

Phil Moran Land for Wildlife member Cooran, Sunshine Coast

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 11 fl ora profi le The Ormeau Bottle Tree

have made some interesting observations Even after intense and rat attacks, (the last time the trees produced a large I over the years regarding the Brachychiton 2012 was such a good year that these quantity of seeds) was a wet season also. endemic to the Ormeau area, Brachychiton minor setbacks did not aff ect the amount sp. Ormeau (LH Bird AQ435851). It is listed of seeds that were produced. On a Interestingly, the seeding specimens as critically endangered under the federal number of visits to the seeding trees, I had all occur on Regional Ecosystem 12.3.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity noticed that one tree in particular had (gallery rainforest on alluvial plains) Conservation Act (1999) and endangered been subjected to highly unethical seed classifi ed as endangered under the under the Queensland Nature Conservation collection methods and quantities. It was Vegetation Management Act (2009). It Act (1992). very disappointing. Natural limitations is estimated that less than 10% of this are often beyond human control, but ecosystem’s pre-clearing extent remains. Fairly typical to many of the Brachychiton regulations put in place on collection to Taking that into account for an already species, it will go through an array of protect already dwindling species must be limited habitat area, these areas are morphological changes before it reaches upheld to allow for optimal self-recovery of frequently subjected to temporary mature foliage, which is simple; however, these species within their environments. inundation, thus subjecting seeds and juvenile foliage is deeply lobed with long seedlings to what has been observed fi ngers. are greenish white and After a reproductive dormancy of 12 years to be unfavourable growing conditions. pods are brown and 30-60 mm long. Pods (prior to the recent seeding event), a huge Regardless of the fact that this ecosystem generally contain one to fi ve bright yellow crop of seeds was produced just before the is highly susceptible to weed invasion and seeds, but I have observed up to 11. The torrential rains that south east Queensland was cleared extensively for agriculture, seeds are covered in a hairy exotesta, the experienced in the summer of 2013. it would appear that the conditions of hairs are easily dislodged and cause some Based on many other seed germination recent times have resulted in severe irritation. preferences, I considered large quantities limitations on the species reproductive of rain just prior to, and into seed maturity, success. Areas subjected to grazing would Of the limited population of mature to be favourable. On closer investigation see seedlings trampled and young plants specimens of this species that remain, and trials, I found this to be quite the eaten. Brachychitons are frequently eaten only a few bear any quantity of seed, and opposite. Of the seeds that I collected by cattle with the Queensland Bottle Tree even then, since the beginnings of my and propagated through December and (Brachychiton rupestris) used as fodder observations about 18 years ago, I have January 2012/2013, I found that large during droughts. seen two fruiting episodes! It is interesting amounts of rain prior to germination to note that the seed viability is so close resulted in very poor germination Brachychiton sp. Ormeau is a handsome, to 100% and produces no noteworthy percentages. Even with precautionary hardy tree with a limited population. deformities, suggesting that fertile fungicide applications to all of my seedling Juvenile foliage is interesting and unique, specimens are not yet at a point of genetic trays, germination was less than 10%, and the new growth is beautiful and bright limitation. compared with more than 90% in the exact maroon-red. Flowers are not spectacular by same conditions minus the rain. All of my Brachychiton standards, but are beautiful Limitations on seed production and in their own right. It is a tree that can be natural recruitment in seeding events are trials were conducted outdoors in the full weather (in a rat proof situation). easily propagated and is certainly worthy noticeable even before ripening. It can be of cultivation. I am proudly donating seen that the pods are absolutely plagued This implies habitat and climatic limitations my seedlings to the conservation of the by exotic rats. There is barely a pod remains and intolerances for the species. A bumper species. on the tree that isn’t subjected to some year of seed production was followed chewing. A good proportion of what is left by what would appear to be extremely Article and photos by David Madden is attacked by a grub, which eats the seeds unfavourable recruitment conditions. Land for Wildlife member before moving onto the next pod. Records for the area indicate that 2001 Guanaba, Gold Coast

Pink juvenile leaves, mature seed pods (green and brown) and fl owers of the threatened Ormeau Bottle Tree.

12 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 book reviews The Untrained Environmentalist: How an Australian grazier bought his barren property back to life

n the days post brings it, I lustfully The book is also a modest history. Fenton Opore over my CSIRO Publications describes traditions of the Victorian Catalogue. On occasion, amongst the ‘fading squattocracy’ that he had to break scientifi c wonders, there is a release to pursue his vision of farm management. of widespread appeal. The Untrained He admits he nearly went broke. Environmentalist is such a book. Almost everyone I know has taken pleasure from Fenton’s messages could be summarised: it (or is anticipating doing so based on a “Do I think it would be a good idea friend’s recommendation). ... if every Australian farm became as It is the 50 year story of author, John environment-friendly? Yes, I do ... but this Fenton’s, restoration of a barren 1,715 is not to say that I would advise every acre sheep station in western Victoria. He Australian farmer to do what I have done. inherited it in 1956. In 2003, he passed Having done it, I know ... how hard it it on to his son, as a productive and has been – physically, fi nancially, even environmental award winning property. emotionally.”

Fenton chronicles his environmental “So what is to be done? In my view ... awakening. As a young man he starts if Australians want to see their unique with planting trees “simply ... reacting to and fragile environment cared for ... the Australian Government has to pay farmers fact that the property looked so bare and Published by Allen & Unwin, 2010 to do it... Farmers are the only people desolate” and dreaming of creating a lake Paperback, colour photos, 272 pages. capable of doing the job, and as things near the house to impress his new wife. ISBN: 9781742370194 stand now most farmers cannot possibly Over the years, he has realised the many Price: $35 aff ord to do what needs to be done.” benefi ts of planting. Not just tangible Available from online and all good benefi ts in healthier land and stock, but bookshops. joy brought to him, his family and visitors. Review by Margie Young Land for Wildlife member, Crows Nest

The Creek in Our Backyard: A practical guide for habitat restoration By Robert Whyte

obert Whyte is someone who I have with information and good plants to replace Rknown for years. He loves bushcare for them. all the right reasons: socialising, helping the community and obviously improving the The pictures in this book are stunning. They natural environment. He has been working add a real elegance whilst informing the with the local residents to unweedify and reader of what he is going on about. revegify the Enoggera and Fish Creeks. He I would recommend this book to anyone, uses a direct not-much-nonsense approach old or young, who is interested in the with his knowledge and furious speed and environment or who would like to be. I’m this defi nitely refl ects in the book. only twelve and even I enjoyed it.

The Creek in Our Backyard is a guide to Now I’ll stick to the usual scoring system inspire and inform about habitat restoration. that people seem to use. I give it a 10/10. The book focuses on waterways which In the words of Robert Whyte, “This book makes this book diff erent from other habitat is one small step along the way, I hope it Paperback, 60 pages. restoration books. The book is a 2nd edition inspires you”. meaning that it has even more natural ISBN: 9780646902142 goodness than the last. The Creek in Our Backyard is available to Price: free download for free from the Save Our Available to download from SOWN He starts off saying the problems, such Waterways Now (SOWN) website at www. website, or ask your local Land for as the weeds and rubbish, and then goes saveourwaterwaysnow.com.au. Free copies Wildlife Offi cer for a copy. on to the solutions, such as clean fresh of the booklet are also available via your waters and surrounding areas. He includes local Land for Wildlife Offi cer. examples of ongoing success stories with helpful tips. There are mug shots of weeds Review by Anna Harisson

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 13 property profi le Welcome Wildlife: Watch Out Ochna

t was mid-2009 when my wife Meg rang erosion, natural revegetation and active environment was extremely rewarding and Ivery excited to tell me about the three planting to encourage biodiversity, as well there was never a need to go the gym. acres of bush for sale that she had just as creation of habitat that encouraged visited in Brookfi eld. “You will love it” she wildlife. At the time I thought one year of A year or more in, I had a horrible said “it is so natural with birds everywhere” hard work in our spare time and we would realisation that much of the beautiful thick and it was from that conversation that our be done. understorey that I had been admiring on family’s next adventure began. our block was actually thousands of Ochna The fi rst target was lantana, an obvious plants (now a swear word in our house!). Our block is centred on a small rocky weed that we knew from elsewhere. Horror – please no more weeds! After a few feeder creek (shown above) between Although I didn’t realise it at the time, frustrating weekends with shears and a Brisbane Forest Park and Moggill Creek. that was the easy weed to get rid of by spray bottle full of glysophate, we needed The vegetation is dominated by riparian pulling out when the ground was wet, a break from revegetation for awhile. and dry rainforest and surrounded by with occasional help of a pinch bar for rolling hills covered in open eucalypt the really big roots. Within a month or During this time our family went on to forest. Being so amazingly green, quiet and so we were nearly done or so I thought. I build two frog ponds, one of which has peaceful, it is hard to believe that we are soon learnt what the two types of privet been amazingly successful (so long as only 13 km from Brisbane’s city centre. were, and soon after Camphor Laurel. A you collect and destroy the Cane Toads renewed surprise how much more there in the area reasonably regularly). We also It was early on that we joined the Land was to do - so we got stuck in with even built and installed sixty glider, possum for Wildlife program and proudly put more determined vigour, killing even the and bat boxes that are in constant use by our bright green sign on our letter box. biggest weed trees to create space for the many diff erent species. Rock-lined paths At that time we decided our objective extensive natural regrowth and planted were built to minimise erosion and create was to restore the local ecosystem tubestock, waiting for some light. For such access throughout the block for weeding, to achieve a healthy, sustainable and a quiet and peaceful place, the chainsaw planting and protection of most of the natural environment along our waterway. and drill were going regularly for a while. bush, especially when our adventurous By talking to our Land for Wildlife kids are playing ‘fl ag tag’ and similar Offi cer, we decided that this would be The satisfaction that we achieved after a games, or when spotlighting at night. achieved through control of the invasive hard day’s work knowing that we were More eff ective was the three metre brown environmental weeds, minimisation of so much closer to recreating a natural snake that hung around for a week or so,

The Read family built and installed 60 nest boxes on their property with most of them being used by a variety of wildlife. Shown here (from left to right): a pair of Feathertail Gliders, a resident Australian Owlet-nightjar (photo by Ed Fraser) and a family of Squirrel Gliders.

14 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 Letter to the Editor Hello Asian House Geckoes, goodbye frogs

was very interested to read the articles about geckoes in the I April Land for Wildlife Newsletter and would like to share some of my experiences and fears about the introduced house gecko.

One of the frog ponds built by the Reads has We moved to our present address in early 1983 and I was succeeding in attracting 12 species of frog. enchanted to fi nd our newly-built house came with its own set of geckoes. I blithely believed them to be the native house gecko as I busily was becoming aware of the biodiversity present on our acreage property. However, as magnifi cent as it was, its large marble like black eyes conversations with Ric Nattrass (then NPWS ranger) soon helped to make us all extremely careful when walking disenchanted me as I could not deny the “chuck-chuck” through the bush; I don’t think any of the newly planted sounds made by my geckoes. Over the years their number trees got trodden on at that time! has increased as they love our high timber ceilings and On our journey so far we have also joined two local exposed beams. catchment groups that provide great advice and access When we fi rst lived here we were constantly amazed by to unlimited free native tubestock plants. The fi rst the incredible diversity of insects that were attracted to our hundred plants took me hours to plant; now having windows at night and also by the frogs (including graceful, planted over 3,500 plants we have gotten a lot quicker. red and sedge treefrogs) that feasted on them. We also had Even our young kids got really interested in native an abundance of green treefrogs. We could always count on plants (for about 3 weeks a year) when they learnt their croaking whenever rain threatened. It is many years about the delights of native raspberry bushes. since I last saw the smaller treefrogs on my windows. This The regular prize discoveries of new birds, animals is the fi rst year I have not heard the croaking of the green or plants is a great buzz that keeps us going on our treefrogs and I lay the blame fi rmly on the introduced house wonderful hobby - and one day when the native trees gecko. re-close the canopy, all will be back to where it is meant I am well aware that the decline of frogs is well documented to be. Since 2009, we have seen 132 species of birds and is attributed to a multitude of causes but there has to be including Rose-crowned Fruit-dove, Grey Goshawk, another reason that the big old frogs that we knew so well resident Owlet Nightjar and breeding Painted Button- from around our house have gradually disappeared. I have quail; 16 species of native mammals including echidna, watched them in the last few years fi nding it harder and three types of gliders, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Red- harder to get a feed as the insects they fed on were snapped necked and Swamp Wallabies, native Water Rat and up under their noses by the geckoes. Every window has its Fawn-footed Melomys; and 12 species of frog including pair of geckoes that descend on any insect that alights on its Tusked Frog. Observing them is incredible, but even surface. more awesome is the knowledge that we, like many others are making a sustainable diff erence in providing We still have other frogs on our property that do not seem better quality habitat. so attracted to the house but they seem to be the more common species such as Striped Marsh Frogs and of course It was also fantastic to discover that our neighbours the Cane Toad. But I fi nd it worrying that I hear the “chuck- share similar loves for the area and the environment chuck” sound outside at night, even in our more bushy areas. and we have had great success working together on several projects. It was amazing to learn that some of Apart from the diminution of the insect diversity on our them have been passionately and successfully working windows I also mourn the loss of our beautiful huntsman on weeding and natural regeneration on their blocks spiders that we previously had an abundance of. They for over 10 years. We have just been informed that our obviously have been unable to cope with the competition application to Brisbane City Council for a Community from the increasing numbers of geckoes. Conservation Initiative Assistance has been granted for Like the Cane Toad, it’s probably too late to do anything our adjoining four properties, so watch out Ochna. We about the introduced gecko but surely we can learn from are back and you are right in the fi ring line! our experiences and be more wary of any other accidental introductions. The long-term implications of something seen Article by Chris Read as relatively benign such as the Asian House Gecko could be Uncredited photos by the Read Family catastrophic. Hence I fi nd it worrying and short-sighted that Land for Wildlife members the funding of biosecurity has been cut recently. Brookfi eld, Brisbane Lynn Roberts Land for Wildlife member Thornlands, Redland

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013 15 Above: The native aquatic plant, Azolla (Azolla pinnata) can densely cover a water body (left), but will die-back as shown two weeks later at the same site (centre). Philosophy Azolla grows green in the shade and red with Phil in full sun (right). Left: Salvinia - early detection and rapid Water weed worries response is a must to control this weed.

s it a goodie or a baddie? Native aquatic troubles such as blocking irrigation gear, As with all aquatic weeds, the best control Iplants such as Azolla and Duckweed, both increase in mosquito breeding, water loss method for Salvinia is early detection and small in size, can sometimes grow rapidly and even causing livestock to drown. quick action. If you fi nd a small outbreak of and will densely cover a water body, but an aquatic weed on your dam or creek, seek will soon die-off and contract. Our larger Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a particularly advice immediately on the best control native aquatic plants often have chewed aggressive aquatic weed. It is declared method. If you don’t know if it is native or a leaves – an indication that they are being as a Class 2 Pest in Queensland and is a weed, take a photo of it and send it to your eaten by insects, and these plants too can Weed of National Signifi cance. Salvinia local Land for Wildlife Offi cer, or ask me! spread when conditions are favourable, is a free fl oating aquatic fern, introduced but will then contract back to a sustainable into Australia around the 1950s as an Alternatively, you can go to population size. It is important to assess the ornamental. Salvinia is found throughout www.weeds.org.au or search for the impact of the plant before thinking about Eastern Australia and now Kakadu. Australian Government Weed Identifi cation treating it. To me, a ‘real’ aquatic weed Salvinia is common around Brisbane and Tool online. Both websites provide detailed is one where it upsets the balance of an the Sunshine Coast. Salvinia will cover information and photos of the most ecosystem, where it becomes a bully and wetlands, lakes, dams and slow-fl owing invasive aquatic weeds in Australia. These takes over the playground, or pond. rivers. In optimal growing conditions it can are the species that you want to control double in area in less than fi ve days. immediately after fi rst detection, before Aquatic weeds keep spreading until all they take over. You can also download available niches where it can grow are fi lled. Salvinia is mainly spread by humans the brochure on Aquatic Weeds of SEQ at They will often displace all other aquatic either deliberately (for aquarium plants, http://tiny.cc/dhau3w plants and can cause major declines in fi sh, quick growing mulch and frog ponds) or platypus and other wildlife populations. unintentionally (on boats, trailers and fi shing gear). It can also spread during fl oods. Birds Phil Moran They do this by direct competition and Land for Wildlife member by blocking all sunlight. Aquatic weed often get a bad rap for spreading aquatics, but in fact this rarely occurs. Cooran, Sunshine Coast infestations are also responsible for other Manager, Noosa and Districts Landcare

Phi•los•o•phy (say fuh’losuhfee) n. a system of principles for guidance in practical aff airs. Macquarie Dictionary.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is proudly supported by: newsletter is published by SEQ Catchments with support from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country.

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16 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland October 2013