South East JANUARY 2013 Volume 7 Number 1 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Program South East Queensland ISSN 1835-3851

CONTENTS

1 Pobblebonks, not Toads

2 Editorial and contacts

3 Fauna Vignettes

4-6 Flora Profi le: Boronias of Southern Pobblebonks, not Queensland Toads 6 Book Review

ainy days bring out a variety of 7 Snake Sense and Rcalling from our gutters and our Sensibility gardens, one of the most distinctive being from our Pobblebonks. The Pobblebonk 8-9 Property Profi le: or Eastern Banjo ( Releasing Rehabilitated dumerilii) and the or Wildlife on Land for Wildlife Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk (Limnodynastes Top: The Scarlet-sided Pobblebonk derives Properties terraereginae) are strikingly similar and are its name from the red markings on its groin commonly found in wetlands and rivers. and hind legs. Photo by Todd Burrows. Both species are burrowing frogs and are 10-11 Revegetation Profi le: Above: The Pobblebonk or Eastern Banjo Tree Planting on Land for often dug up by gardeners. They spend Frog is highly variable in colour and most of the dry periods underground and sometimes has this yellow side band as Wildlife Properties emerge to feed and breed after rain. Their shown. Photo by Grant Webster. common name is derived from their loud 12 Practicalities: ‘bonk’ call similar to the sound of a rubber woodlands and its range extends into the Give Lantana the forks! thong hitting a PVC pipe. southern states of . Both species of pobblebonks are 13 Book Reviews Making a frog friendly backyard is easy. commonly confused with the Planting native species is essential when (Rhinella marinus). Pobblebonks and Cane 14 My Little Corner attracting native frogs. Recommended Toads both sit upright and have shortish A Landholder’s Perspective species include dianellas, lomandras, limbs. Both pobblebonks have large glands mat rushes, native ginger and native lilies. on their upper jaw and legs and are similar 15 Letters to the Editor These species provide multi-layered habitat in colour to the Cane Toad. Pobblebonks and attract insects, spiders and other small Ragamuffi n Earth can reach up to 8 cms in size, again similar invertebrates which are eaten by frogs. Multiple Bowers to Cane Toads. There are lots of good websites, books and Limnodynastes terraereginae can be 16 2012 Healthy Waterways smart phone apps to help you correctly identifi ed by red markings on its thighs and identify any toad-like native frogs before Report Card groin area and can be found north along you start Cane Toad control. Alternatively, the Queensland coast to Cape York. It is the you can send a photo of your unknown most commonly found pobblebonk in SEQ. frog to your local Land for Wildlife Offi cer is found more for identifi cation. in inland regions of SEQ, on farms and Article by Stephani Grove Published by SEQ Catchments, through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country editorial

and for Wildlife Offi cers from across opportunities for wildlife. This edition LSEQ meet at least six times a year to showcases some of these eff orts whether work together on regional projects and it is rehabilitating injured wildlife, planting Land for Wildlife provide strategic direction to the regional trees or removing weeds. Every bit counts. Extension Offi cers Land for Wildlife program. Sometimes An interesting outcome of actively South East Queensland we meet at Land for Wildlife properties restoring an area, apart from seeing with our most recent meeting held at wildlife return, is developing sound the tucked-away location of Mt Byron Brisbane City Council botanical knowledge. Bush regenerators on the western side of the D’Aguilar All enquiries, 3403 8888 with self-taught knowledge of our native Range. This part of the Somerset region Jenny Staples Ffl ur Collier are motivating to be around. Each is predominantly grazing land with Cody Hochen Scott Sumner species and genus has a story to tell. This scattered paddock trees and some areas Peter Hayes Tony Mlynarik edition profi les the genus Boronia. When of contiguous bushland on the hills. I have Catherine Madden not in fl ower, these shrubby plants can been to Mt Byron three times and each be overlooked, like so many native plants, Gold Coast City Council time I have seen at least three Koalas. This but they all provide habitat whether it be Darryl Larsen, 5582 8896 time, I saw fi ve, and that was just from the for tiny invertebrates or iconic species like Lexie Webster, 5582 8344 roadside and the gardens of the Land for Koalas. Todd Burrows, 5582 9128 Wildlife property. I extend my thanks to all Land for Wildlife Ipswich City Council Our landscapes in SEQ used to be like members for your eff orts in 2012 to make Stephani Grove, 3810 7173 this – full of Koalas and other wildlife. We our ecosystems healthy and full of wildlife. all know that things have changed in our Lockyer Valley Regional Council I wish all readers a safe summer and a lifetimes and that there are simply less Kaori van Baalen, 5462 0376 cheerful start to 2013. species and less numbers of than Logan City Council there once was. As always, I welcome all contributions to Lyndall Rosevear, 3412 4860 this newsletter. We will be giving away For me, visiting Mt Byron and seeing Nicole Walters, 3412 4859 some great books in 2013 (starting with abundant Koalas brings hope. Visiting the Field Guide to the Frogs of Queensland) Rachel Booth, 3412 5321 restored bushland areas brings hope. to select newsletter contributions, so I Rebecca Condon, 3412 4979 Seeing butterfl ies lay their eggs on trees hope this provides the encouragement I have planted brings hope. Meeting Moreton Bay Regional Council you need to send me a story or photo. landholders who do the hard yards of Clinton Heyworth, 5433 2351 restoration brings inspiration. Redland City Council Many Land for Wildlife members are Deborah Metters Maree Manby, 3820 1106 Land for Wildlife doing what they can on their properties Scenic Rim Regional Council Regional Coordinator to restore habitats and provide Keith McCosh, 5540 5436 SEQ Catchments Somerset Region Trevor Page, 5424 4000 Landholder Registrations, Land for Wildlife SEQ - 1/12/2012 Michelle Ledwith, 5422 0516

Registered Working Towards Total Area under Sunshine Coast Council Total Area Retained Alan Wynn, 5439 6477 Properties Registration Restoration Dave Burrows, 5485 0229 2995 732 54,427 ha 4,574 ha Ed Surman, 5475 7358 Marc Russell, 5475 7345 Nick Clancy, 5439 6433 Stephanie Reif, 5475 7395 Forward all Letters to the Editor, Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is Fauna Vignettes and My Little Corner a quarterly publication distributed free of Toowoomba Regional Council charge to members of the Land for Wildlife contributions to: All enquiries, 4688 6611 program in South East Queensland. The Editor Print run - 4895 Land for Wildlife Newsletter Back copies from 2007 - 2013 SEQ Catchments available for download from PO Box 13204 www.seqcatchments.com.au/LFW.html George Street QLD 4003 Back copies from 1998 - 2006 Burnett Mary Region 07 3211 4404 available upon request to the Editor. [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.seqcatchments.com.au/LFW.html

2 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 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 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)

Owlet Nightjar Delight

his Owlet Nightjar has moved in permanently and Tmade the nest hollow home. 9 out of 10 times we check the box, he/she is there, sitting in the doorway.

Connie Clune Land for Wildlife member Jimboomba, Logan

Monitoring for Conservation have been surprised with some of the I have experimented with using road kill, I sightings and data I have collected on my bird seed, peanut paste/honey and oats motion-sensor fauna camera to date, and balls (my mum really likes these), fruit I am excited about what I might discover. I (banana’s seem to be the most luring), am fi nding a lot more activity occurring in chicken necks and setting the camera up the daylight hours than anticipated. near the last remaining water in a creek. When I fi rst started using the cameras, I At the moment I am searching for button- would put the camera along a track for a quails on my property. I know they are month or so and hoped that I would get there as I see the platelets on the ground I believe that monitoring is such an a variety of animals. As time has past, this and get an occasion glimpse of one, but I important part of conservation. It indicates technique has been a great way to capture am not able to get a positive identifi cation. that what you are doing on the ground wild dogs, foxes, deer, cats, possums, So with a bit of luck and patience I should is having a positive eff ect for species bandicoots, wallaby’s and brush turkeys know soon which species it is with the help protection, or on the fl ipside, if land but not much else. Of course there was of a fauna camera. management activities need to be altered. the occasional bird and reptile and it got The Noisy Pitta shown in the photo was me thinking that I need to diversify my Catherine Madden attracted to some banana that I put out in monitoring techniques. Land for Wildlife member front of the camera as an attractant. Guanaba, Gold Coast

Nesting Cockatoos

When I was out at a Land for Wildlife on us even though we were 25 metres property at Kenmore Hills in August away. Bird-lady then fl ew over to join last year, the landholders and I spotted him after about 30 mins to make sure he a pair of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos was doing it right. Maybe she wanted investigating a hollow branch. to be close to her mate since we were hanging around watching. It was so cute The bird-chap was checking out the to witness such nesting behaviour. hollow and having a chew while his bird-lady was perched on a nearby Ffl ur Collier branch. He kept turning around after a Land for Wildlife Offi cer short chewing session, to keep an eye Brisbane City Council

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 3 fl ora profi le

Boronias of Southern As the name suggests, this delightful plant, Wallum Boronia (Boronia Queensland falcifolia), grows on coastal sand plains from Bundaberg to the NSW border.

here are approximately 100 species of rare situations where Boronias are growing levels will kill Boronias. As a cautionary TBoronias in Australia and they occur in prolifi cally the eff ects of massed flowering note, quite a few Boronias are listed every state. Except for one species found can be absolutely stunning. When most as threatened species and as such are in New Caledonia, all Boronias are endemic Boronia species are in full fl ower, their protected by law. Therefore permits to Australia. They are members of the large cheery pink blossoms shine like beacons, in are required to collect seed or cutting plant family , which also contains otherwise drab surroundings. In this regard material and to grow and sell them. the genus Citrus. The genus Boronia was I consider Boronias as being very special Also some of the rarer Boronia species fi rst described by English botanist James and iconic. Most Boronias fl ower from July occur only within National Parks or other Edward Smith in 1798 in honour of Italian through to February. However they can classes of conservation reserves and as naturalist Francesco Borone (1769 – have fl owers at other times, but this can be such collection of plant material is not 1794), who had impressed Smith with his infl uenced by unusual weather events and permitted. Wholesale collecting of Boronia enthusiasm and ability. seasonal variation. plant material could place some rare species under further threat. Of the 100 or so Boronia species in Two Boronia species that you are most Australia, about 28 occur south from likely to see in South East Queensland (SEQ) If you have naturally occurring Boronia Rockhampton to the Queensland/NSW are Wallum Boronia (Boronia falcifolia) and species growing on your property you border. Boronias are usually shrubs or rarely Forest Boronia (Boronia rosmarinifolia). should consider yourself extremely small trees or herbs. Leaves are opposite, However due to urban expansion in coastal fortunate and you should feel very proud. simple or compound, glandular and often and sub-coastal SEQ these two species This is because the presence of a Boronia aromatic. The fl owers of all Queensland are rapidly disappearing from their usual species is a sign of good land management species are white through to deep pink habitats. and usually indicates excellent health and with 4 and a 4 lobed calyx. Fruit condition of the plant communities and the is a capsule of 4 parts, which explosively Other harder to locate or rarer species ecosystems they are found in. releases small black, grey or brown seeds. in SEQ to keep a watchful eye out for Seeds of most Boronia species are relatively are Key’s Boronia (Boronia keysii), Rock In October 1996 during a botanical survey long lived in the soil. Boronia (Boronia occidentalis), Swamp in the Gayndah district, I had the good Boronia (Boronia parvifl ora), Dwarf Boronia fortune of fi nding an attractive Boronia Boronias inhabit a variety of habitats (Boronia polygalifolia), Wide Bay Boronia growing on low but rugged ridge. At including shrubby open forests, woodlands, (Boronia rivularis), Safrole Boronia (Boronia the time I suspected that this diff erent wet and dry heaths (shrublands) and safrolifera), Boronia grimshawii, Border looking Boronia could possibly be a new occasionally marshlands. Soils in these Boronia (Boronia repanda) and Splendid undescribed species. It was fl owering habitats are usually acidic, relatively low Boronia (Boronia splendida). prolifi cally at the time and I was struck by in nutrients and mostly derived from its variably coloured deep pink to almost coarse-grained sedimentary (sandstones), Some Boronia species have been grown in white fl owers. Even though it is common rhyolitic or granitic type rocks or from horticulture. However these have usually on this one ridge, so far this Boronia alluvial siliceous sands. Boronias can be been southern species grown in southern hasn’t been found in any other location. very sensitive to various disturbances. States. Some Boronias are fussy growers Eventually the Boronia taxonomist, Marco Threats to their survival in the wild include: and can be short lived unless given Duretto, described it as a new species intensive wildfi res and too frequent specifi c growing conditions. Germination after examining my collected specimen. controlled burning, increases to soil of Boronia seed requires some pre- I was amazed when he chose to name nutrients, exotic weed invasion (particularly sowing treatment such as scarifi cation, it Boronia grimshawii, a rare honour. It is regarding displacement by introduced pouring boiling water over the seed, then amazing that new Boronia species can African grasses), vegetation clearing and immersion in water for long periods. Most still be discovered in this modern day and modifi cation (i.e. urban and industrial Boronia species can be struck readily age and some species, which have not development, domestic grazing etc.), from cuttings of fi rm young growth. The been seen for decades, have been recently changes to soil hydrology (drainage) and application of root promoting hormones to rediscovered. However time is running out fl ower and plant material collecting. cuttings can be benefi cial. for fi nding new species or rediscovering lost species of this iconic genus of plants In undisturbed situations, wild Boronias are The ideal growing situations for growing Boronias are in containers or on mounds of due to continuing vegetation clearing and able to compete with and survive quite ably widespread land degradation. alongside numerous other native shrub friable sandy soil mixed with fi ne humus. Use of fertilisers with high phosphorous and low growing plant species. In such Article continues on page 6

4 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 Sandstone Boronia (Boronia glabra) is mostly found in scattered populations on sandstones of Central Queensland, Burnett district and the Darling Downs.

Boronia grimshawii in fl ower with both white and pink fl owers on one plant. The small white egg on the top of the fl ower shown on the right is the egg of the Satin Opal (Nesolycaena albosericea) butterfl y. The Satin Opal is one of four species of butterfl y, all in the genus Nesolycaena, that rely solely on Boronias for their existence.

Border Boronia (Boronia repanda) is found just north of Stanthorpe and is listed as Endangered under both NSW and Commonwealth legislation.

Forest Boronia (Boronia rosmarinifolia) can be found in heathland across SEQ. This photo was taken from a site at Moggill that was needlessly destroyed for a housing development, with non-local native species planted in their place.

The Satin Opal adult butterfl y lays its eggs on the fl owers of Boronias. When the larvae emerge they feed almost entirely on the Boronia fl owers. While this butterfl y species is not currently listed as a threatened species its total reliance on a few Boronia species as host food plants for its larvae make it uncommon and diffi cult to locate and see. Photographs of the Satin Opal generously provided by Geoff Walker. Visit Geoff ’s website with impressive images of nearly every species of Australian butterfl y at www.australianbutterfl iesphotographed.com Wide Bay Boronia (Boronia rivularis) is found on sandy soils and heathland in northern coastal regions of SEQ.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 5 Article continued from page 5

References Leiper G, Glazebrook J, Cox D & Rathie K Atlas of Living Australia, Centre for (2008) Mangroves to Mountains: A Field Australian National Biodiversity Research Guide to the Native Plants of South-east and Australian National Herbarium, Queensland (Revised Edition). Logan www.ala.org.au River Branch Australian Plants.

Braby MF (2005) The Complete Guide to Orr A & Kitching R (2010) The Butterfl ies of Butterfl ies of Australia. CSIRO Publishing. Australia. Allen & Unwin.

Duretto MF (1999) Boronia sect. Valvatae Sands DP (1971) The life history and (Benth.) Engl. (Rutaceae) in Queensland taxonomic relationships of Nesolycaena Australia. Austrobaileya Number 2 - 1999 albosericea (Miskin) (Lepidoptera : Pages 263 -298. Queensland Herbarium. Lycaenidae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 10: 290 – 292. Duretto MF (2003) Notes on Boronia (Rutaceae) in eastern and northern Australia. Muelleria 17; 19-135. National Herbarium of . Article and photographs by Key’s Boronia (Boronia keysii) is listed Paul Grimshaw as Vulnerable under Commonwealth Elliot WR & Jones DL (1982) Encyclopaedia Land for Wildlife member legislation and is found around Noosa, of Australian Plants - suitable for Mt Crosby, Brisbane Kin Kin and Lake Cootharaba. cultivation, Volume 2. Lothian Publishing.

book review Butterfl ies of Coastal SEQ

revor Ford completed the third of The small size (A6) This Identifi cation Guides in 2012 of these booklets entitled Butterfl ies of Coastal SEQ. This means that each is in addition to his previous booklets page opening suits Waterbirds & Raptors of Coastal SEQ (2011) the comparative and Shorebirds, Gulls & Terns of Coastal SEQ display of closely (2010). All three booklets are the same related or similar- size and follow the same format. They are looking species excellent resources for anyone with an such as Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwits interest in birds or butterfl ies. (very similar shorebirds) or the often- confused Meadow Argus and Australian All images in the booklets are high quality Painted Lady butterfl ies. colour photographs often showing both male and female plumage or breeding Some of the images in the fi rst two books / juvenile forms. I fi nd photographs of are almost too small, but this issue has live butterfl ies (in contrast to pinned been resolved in the latest butterfl y booklet specimens) particularly useful when trying with all images at reasonable sizes. The text copies of these booklets to giveaway to identify species. is quite crowded but probably unavoidable to Land for Wildlife members, so SEQ when trying to fi t in descriptions and These booklets are clearly a work of love Catchments is giving away 50 copies of multiple images of nearly 100 butterfl y and although funding was received to print Butterfl ies of Coastal SEQ to Land for Wildlife species into 62 small pages. the booklets, I know that there would have members in the Scenic Rim, Lockyer, been countless hours of voluntary work by These Identifi cation Guides focus on Ipswich, Logan, Toowoomba and Somerset contributing authors and photographers to species found in coastal regions of SEQ regions. Contact Deborah Metters on 07 make these booklets a reality. from Noosa to the NSW border as the 3503 1423 or dmetters@seqcatchments. booklets were collaboratively funded by com.au to receive your free copy. The information in the booklets is primarily coastal Councils and SEQ Catchments. to assist correct identifi cation and thus Alternatively, all three booklets can be However, most bird and butterfl y species is concise and relevant to SEQ. However downloaded for free from www.sunbittern. found on the coast can also be seen in there are also snippets of information that com (click on the Publications tab). inland parts of SEQ. could only be gleaned from years of keen observation of these animals. Most coastal Councils will have free Review by Deborah Metters

6 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 fauna profi le Yellow-faced Whip Snakes feed on small Snake Sense and Sensibility lizards and are potentially dangerous to humans. Photo by Sarah Bennett.

lthough we all try to encourage wildlife A few tips to decrease your chance of Get more tips on how to live safely with Ainto our backyards, sometimes snakes a surprise visit from our slithery friends snakes from the Living with Wildlife section are left off our guest list. We don’t need to around the immediate house area include: of the Department of Environment and be rolling out the red carpet and inviting • Maintaining your lawn. Heritage Protection website or http:// them into our homes but with a few tips tinyurl.com/bykacpe • Locating gardens and sheds away from and some common sense, we can learn to the house. The recommended fi rst aid for Australian live harmoniously with snakes in the areas snake bites is: around our home. • Ensuring timber, building and rubbish piles are neatly stacked. ü Keep the patient very still and calm - the Snakes are an important part of our • Placing food scraps in closed compost more agitated and mobile the patient environment but are often misunderstood. bins to avoid attracting rodents to the is, the more the toxin will fl ow through Not every that looks like a snake yard. their body. is a snake. Burrowing skinks and legless ü Call an ambulance, ring 000. lizards are often mistaken for snakes. Like • Making your bird aviaries and chook all native wildlife, snakes are protected sheds rodent and snake-proof. û DO NOT cut, clean or wash the wound. under the Queensland Nature Conservation • Storing bird seed in rodent-proof ü Immediately apply a broad, elastic Act 1992 and intentionally harming a snake containers. bandage to the bite area. If you do is an off ence under this legislation. Under not have a bandage, torn clothing or It’s important to remember that not all this same legislation, snakes can only be stockings will do the job if nothing else snakes are venomous, and not all venomous removed from their habitat, including your is available. snakes are dangerous, with most only home or yard, by trained and authorised û DO NOT apply a tourniquet or disrupt having enough toxin to stun small prey such persons. blood fl ow to the limb. as frogs and lizards. However, Australia’s This time of year is when we generally see venomous snakes are some of the most ü Bind the entire limb with even pressure an increase in snake activity. The warmer lethal in the world, and so any snake and bandage thickness (e.g. from the weather also fi nds us humans being bite should be regarded as serious and bite area, down to the fi ngertips and more active and doing more jobs around immediate fi rst aid should be administered. back up to the armpit or from the bite the home. Some of these handyman Most snake bites occur as a result of trying area, down to the toes and back up to adventures fi nd us turning over building to move or kill a snake, so never try to the groin). materials or moving junk around in the corner, capture or harm a snake. ü Immobilise the limb with a splint - any shed which increases our chances of fairly straight, hard material can be used If you encounter a snake, stay calm, and uncovering a surprise visitor such as a (e.g. a broom handle, a tree branch if possible, walk away. Most snakes, even snake. It is important to remember that etc) this splint needs to be loosely the venomous ones will retreat if given unless a snake is provoked, it presents little bandaged on. the chance. If you have a snake inside your or no danger to us. house the most important thing is to leave ü Mark the bite area on the outside of the Snakes are particularly fond of hanging it alone, which gives the snake a chance bandage. around our houses because there are to leave on its own. If possible, close all ü For bites on the body or face, maintain more opportunities for them here: more your internal doors and open the external fi rm pressure over the bite area as the food, more shelter and fewer predators. A doors and keep everyone including pets above ‘immobilisation’ method cannot favourite food item of snakes is rats. Rats away from snake. If this doesn’t work, call be applied to these areas. also love to hang around our houses to take Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service on û DO NOT attempt to kill or catch the snake. opportunity of our compost gardens as 1300 130 372 for contact details of a local ü Take the patient immediately to medical well as excess chook food and bird seed. snake catcher who can relocate the snake. aid.

Coastal Taipans are considered Australia’s most dangerous snake and can become aggressive if cornered or harassed. Their preferred prey is rats.

Article by Rebecca Condon Land for Wildlife Offi cer Logan City Council

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 7 property profi le

Releasing Rehabilitated Wildlife on Land for Wildlife Properties

y property at Jimboomba is a 14 acre with the majority Mnatural bush block (with about 3 successfully being acres cleared for the house area). It backs released. onto a corridor to the Birnam Range and is surrounded by other large bush blocks I have had extensive rehabilitation Inside and outside enclosures on Annette’s property provide a making it an ideal release site for many safe place for injured reptiles to rehabilitate. species. It has two very large dams with experience of all year-round water. In the wet, they form native wildlife for over part of a creek system and thus, are cleaned 25 years through my and advanced rescue workshops. during wet times. ex-vet nursing days. I have only recently Additionally, Wildcare boasts dedicated gotten back into wildlife rehabilitation species coordinators meaning that each My property also contains rehabilitation and joined Wildcare Australia as their species has a ‘gatekeeper’ with specialist enclosures for native animals, mainly reptile coordinator and trauma carer two knowledge ensuring the workload is spread reptiles. My facilities include 30 indoor yearss ago. I joined Wildcare Australia for with appropriate people coordinating the enclosures and various outdoor enclosures a numbermber of reasons:reasons: theirtheir educationeducation rescue and rehabilitation placements.placementsp acemments. ThThereere and this year alone I have had 320 plus programgram is unsurpassed, with species-species- is always someonemeone to contactconc taactc for advice,advvice, reptiles and through my door specificifi c training, fi rst aid and beginning directiondirerectctiion and mentorship.mentorshipp.

“Desperately seeking.... Family of four seeks suitableabbleble long-term long-teermm accommodation, preferably close to shops and transport”raansportt” What to do if you fi nd on’t worry - Land for Wildlife hasn’t commercialisedallisede iintontn o sick or injured wildlife? Dwanted ads. By ‘shops’ I mean eucalypts and byy ‘transport’‘trrana spport’t I mean connected corridors. That’s right, our familyy ofof fourfoour isis a 1. Observe the animal for signs of injury or illness and group of Ringtail Possums who have been rehabilitatedttated and are approach carefully. Always ensure the safety of yourself now ready to fi nd a home. and others. If it is an injured or sick koala, bat, snake or adult kangaroo or wallaby, please call a registered Wildcare Australia is desperately seeking suitable releaseeelease sitessites wildlife care organisation and do not handle the animal for all kinds of wildlife who have either come into careare as a as they can cause serious injury. result of being sick, injured or orphaned. Whilst everyery attempt is made to release adult animals that come into caree backback 2. Remove the immediate threat and check if the into the territory where they came from, sometimess tthishis isn’isn’tt animal is still alive. If it is a bird, small mammal or small possible (e.g. the habitat has been cleared for development).loopment). non-venomous reptile pick the animal up using a towel For orphans, they never had a territory to begin withth and so or blanket and place in a ventilated box and keep warm, now require a place to call ‘home’. Wildcare Australiaa iiss hoping dark and quiet whilst transferring it to a vet. to work with Land for Wildlife members who may be interested 3. If you fi nd a healthy uninjured baby bird that in releasing animals on their properties. has fallen from the nest, you can attempt to re-nest You do not need to possess advanced skills to be a vitvitaltal ppartart the chick. Visit Wildcare Australia website for more of the rescue and rehabilitation process. There are mamanyny information on how to do this. diff erent ways that you can become involved in nativetivee animal 4. Remember to check the pouches of dead rehabilitation, even if you work full-time. kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, possums and bandicoots for young. If you fi nd pouch young, do not If you are interested in your property becoming a releaseeleaase sitesite pull them off the teat, but seek advice from a wildlife for rehabilitated animals, or if you would like to fi ndd outouut more care group. about supporting Wildcare Australia, please visit thee WWiWildcareldcare Australia website at www.wildcare.org.au or email enquenquiries@uiries@ 5. Seek advice from a vet (several vets are open 24 wildcare.org.au hours) or call a wildlife care group listed on facing page.

8 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 Brodie’s Amber’s Story Story

rodie (pictured mber (pictured above) is the most delightful Blue Tongue Skink Bright) is a young Awho met foul play one evening with a large Doberman. Her female Eastern Water injuries were unspeakable. She was clearly in severe distress and Dragon who came could barely breathe. The kindest thing for her would be immediate into care after being attacked by a cat. Brodie suff ered bite euthanasia but while I was contemplating my decision, she went into wounds all over her body and was unable to move either labour and began delivering the fi rst of her 12 babies. I immediately hind leg. She required pain relief, antibiotics and hand placed a dressing over her open chest wound and made a mad dash feeding. Brodie rested for the fi rst month and then started for home. I set her up in a suitable heated enclosure and in between physiotherapy, including hydro-therapy as she regained use babies, I gave her some pain relief, fl uids and antibiotics. After baby of her rear legs. number 12 was born, I could no longer contemplate euthanasing her and so I kept her as comfortable as possible overnight and got her to Over the next few weeks, it became apparent that Brodie Currumbin Wildlife Hospital the next morning where she underwent had another surprise in store for me: she was also pregnant. immediate emergency surgery. A short while later, Brodie began laying her eggs but not normally. She was given medication to help her deliver the She came back to me a few days later and despite her poor prognosis eggs and assisted further by warm soaks in water and belly has never looked back. Amber’s babies were released a week later massages. (at a site away from the dog) and Amber is still with me but now enjoying life. She has no breathing diffi culty but will stay a few more I am pleased to report that all 11 of Brodie’s eggs hatched. months to fully recuperate. Amber has taught me a valuable lesson Also on the same day, Brodie stood unassisted for the and highlights what we already knew – reptiles are very tough and fi rst time in months. I can’t describe the joy of seeing her can often survive the unthinkable. While we can, we will always give progress. Brodie’s babies will be released after a week of them our full attention and the best care possible: that’s my pledge care and I hope that sometime in the near future, Brodie to our native reps. herself may join them back in the wild. She still has a long way to go but things are looking up – she is now actively hunting her own crickets and is using both rear legs. Brodie Article by Annette Bird is one of the reasons we fi ght so hard – she has never given Land for Wildlife member up, and she is always a delight to treat. Jimboomba, Logan City

Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups in SEQ

All regions Central/Greater Brisbane (including Redlands and Logan) RSPCA 1300 ANIMAL (1300 BARN (Brisbane Area Rescue Network) 0405 056 066 264 625) Bat Conservation and Rescue 0488 228 134 Wildcare Australia 5527 2444 Brisbane City Council Wildlife 3403 8888 North (including Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast) Ambulance Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital 1300 369 652 Pelican and Seabird Rescue 0404 118 301 Bribie and District Wildlife Rescue Inc 0400 836 592 Redland City Council After-hours Wildlife 3833 4031 Ambulance Pine Rivers Koala Care 0401 350 799 West (including Ipswich and Lockyer Valley) Moreton Bay Koala Rescue 0401 080 333 FAUNA 1300 FAUNA1 WILVO'sW 5441 6200 (1300 328 621) SouthS (including Logan) Ipswich Koala Protection Society Wildlife 0419 760 127 or Ambulances 0417 604 761 DaisyD Hill Koala Ambulance 3299 1032 or 0412 429 898 Bats Qld (Lockyer Valley) 4697 5122 LoganL City RSPCA Animal Ambulance 1300 ANIMAL Australian Rescue and Rehabilitation of 0430 904 415 (all(a hours) Wildlife Association (ARROW)

Article by Nicole Walters Land for Wildlife Offi cer Logan City Council

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 9 revegetation profi le

Images left and centre: Before revegetation at the Two Million Tree Planting on Land for Wildlife Properties Trees project site on a Land for Wildlife property at Upper Brookfi eld.

hen one thinks about tree planting were regularly monitored for progress to Trees were planted just before Christmas Won a Land for Wildlife property, the ensure maximum growth, tree health and 2011 and maintenance has since tree numbers are usually only in the tens, an overall survival rate of over 90%. The commenced. The rainfall experienced over hundreds or perhaps a few thousands. objective was to achieve site-capture and summer has been both a blessing and a However, over 32,000 trees have been a high level of site resilience by the end of curse. It has helped the trees grow but the planted on several Land for Wildlife the two year maintenance period. weed grasses have grown just as quickly properties participating in Brisbane City too, requiring the 2MT team to keep a tight Council’s 2 Million Trees Project. While the majority of land for the two rein on the site. During winter, the weed million trees was a mixture of state growth settled down, allowing the trees to In 2008, then Lord Mayor Campbell and council ownership, all Land for become established unhindered. Newman initiated the 2 Million Trees Wildlife property owners in the Brisbane Project (2MT) in Brisbane City Council, local government area were invited Property 2 - Kholo with the goal of planting 2 million native to participate. Four Land for Wildlife Jan and ‘Pop’ were one of the fi rst Land for trees in Brisbane City by 2012. The tree properties, which met the program’s goals Wildlife members to apply to be part of planting project would support Brisbane and objectives, were selected. the 2MT Project. They have a small level City Council’s Vision 2026 goal to have 40% property at Kholo and were keen to have it coverage of native habitat across the city by Property 1 - Upper Brookfi eld planted with native trees. the year 2026. John and Edith’s Land for Wildlife property in Upper Brookfi eld, approximately 28 Like the Smiths’ property, the area was The restored native forests were also hectares in total area, contains 6.5 ha of inspected, rows sprayed with glyphosate to intended to enhance and expand existing lowland rainforest - this area is known as kill the exotic grasses and 3,080 trees were natural areas, provide forest linkages and Smith’s Rainforest Nature Refuge. John planted over 0.766 ha in September 2011. fauna corridors, create wildlife habitat, also grows fruit trees on the property. restore degraded lands and prevent land Approximately 16 hectares were placed “So far, the trees are growing well and we degradation. On 5 February 2012, Lord under covenant and 4.2 hectares selected don’t have any problems with herbivores. Mayor Graham Quirk planted the two for planting under the 2MT Project. The native hibiscus is growing exceptionally millionth tree at the Mt Gravatt Outlook well and if some plants inadvertently die, Reserve, ending phase one of this project. “I’m very pleased that the Council has they would be replaced by dry rainforest selected my property to plant these trees. species. Whilst we may only be 0.154% of Over 75 sites (mainly Council and State- The property has been in my family for the total 2MT project, we feel very happy owned land) were selected on which to three generations and I had no hesitancy in with our contribution.” Pop said. plant the two million trees. Tree species agreeing to a covenant being placed on the were determined by an analysis of the pre- property title to protect these trees from Property 3 - Moggill clearing native vegetation and regional being cleared forever,” John said. Gavin and Cate bought a property in ecosystems occurring on or adjacent Moggill several years ago with the express to each site. The aim was to create a The 2MT area is very steep and a lot of time purpose of re-treeing it. It already has a structural framework of trees of canopy was spent planning the safest way to plant big patch of bushland on it, the result of a and understorey (primary and secondary) and maintain the trees. 22,000 trees were planting in the 1950s and they wanted to species suited to each site’s geology, planted at this site. Council will maintain extend this planting across the property. soils, aspect, topography and other site them for two years, after which time John conditions. will be responsible with some assistance “One potential problem was the occurrence from Council. The initial plant list consisted of coal seams near the land surface that After planting and initial establishment, of about 90 species, of which 58 were may aff ect future tree selection and each 2MT site was inspected for compliance able to be sourced from local nurseries in growing”, Gavin said. With careful planning, and signed off . Two years of maintenance line with the required timing and quality a species list which was suited to the site would then commence according to standards. was selected and site preparation started in defi ned performance specifi cations. Sites September 2011.

10 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 Image above and below. Upper Brookfi eld site after planting. “So far, the plants have grown very well. The main issue has been keeping the quick growing grasses under control to give the trees a greater chance of survival”, Gavin said.

Property 4 - Pullenvale Tree planting has just been completed at the time of writing this article. Although it seems a simple procedure, it has taken several months to develop covenants, licence agreements as well as the tree management plans and site specifi cations for each property. One of the main issues in this area is the marauding feral deer population, which threaten the planted trees as they mature. Planning has already begun to minimise this potential impact.

It is envisaged that the thousands of trees planted on these Land for Wildlife properties will provide suitable shelter, nesting sites and food for many types of wildlife. Eventually, fully functioning ecosystems will develop based on the framework structure provided. Insects and birds have already been recorded on the sites and reptiles and mammals are moving through them. It is the intention to establish fauna monitoring on these properties to collect data on fauna use over time.

When mature, the 2MT Project will have provided a signifi cant positive environmental benefi t to the city by increasing our level of native tree cover and total habitat area by over 470 hectares, thanks in part to these generous and passionate landowners.

Article and photos by A Two Million Trees planting site on a Greg Siepen Land for Wildlife property at Kholo. 2 Million Trees Offi cer Brisbane City Council

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 11 practicalities Give Lantana the forks!

here would be very few rural properties long handle. The plant is then levered out Tin South East Queensland that could of the ground, roots and all. Lantana Forks honestly claim a Lantana free status. I can’t are now used all over Queensland from think of another weed that is as prevalent Cape York to south of Brisbane. Each time in our landscape as Lantana camara. In they have a new batch of forks made at a my role as a Land for Wildlife Extension local engineering workshop they tweak Offi cer one of the most commonly asked the design in an attempt to make it lighter question I receive would have to be ‘..so without compromising the strength. Some what is the best way to get rid of lantana?” of the advances have been shortening the Unfortunately there is no short answer (and fork to increase lift power and reduce the there is no silver bullet), but what is clear is stress on the handle, adding supports to that many landholders are looking for ways the back of the pole to stop it bending and to make the task easier. adjusting the angle of the fork to make it easier to thrust into the base of plants. Lantana is an extremely adaptable plant; it occupies a diversity of habitats and The latest version (see design below) uses takes on varying growth forms to meet lighter Bisalloy for the fork section, the specifi c local environmental conditions. To pole and foot are made from steel pipe (2 successfully control such a versatile weed mm thick), the support for the foot is 10 you generally require an equally diverse set mm thick and the support along the back of tools, techniques and strategies. of the pole is 5 mm thick steel. Simon says, “It costs me $150 per fork to have made at Recently I was shown an innovative new a local engineering workshop, but there is tool that has been designed specifi cally nothing that couldn’t be done elsewhere. for manually removing lantana bushes. If someone fi nds a way to make it lighter Over the last few years the ‘Lantana Fork’ without weakening it I’d love to know. has been a work in progress for Cape York Mine now weighs under 10 kgs. From our Nature Refuge Offi cer, Simon Thompson. calculations it can produce between 350- Simon initially asked a colleague to make 700 kgs of lift, easily enough to unearth the a big version of the garden weed puller. roots of the toughest Lantana plant.” The fi rst version did not have a foot which The Lantana Fork off ers a great alternative sort of worked, but it weighed about 20 for landholders that are looking for a non- kg so it was easier to pull out plants by herbicide option of controlling Lantana. hand. Together they worked on improving I have also trialled it on saplings of other the design and added a ‘foot’ in order to woody weeds such as Groundsel Bush, increase the lift potential but mindful of Camphor Laurel and Small-leaved Privet not compromising strength they used very and it is eff ective when there is good soil thick (but heavy) steel. Simon explained moisture. The tool is probably best suited that they gave this prototype a reasonably to Lantana bushes that have a shrub like adequate fi eld trial using the original growth form (usually in drier more open design to pullout more than 250,000 forests) than in areas where the plant has lantana plants from 40 Mile Scrub National long runners at ground level. Park! The Lantana Fork is not available The Lantana Fork works by fi rmly clasping commercially but Simon says he is happy the base of the Lantana plant’s trunk (a if anyone wants to use the design to make prong on each side of the main stem) and their own so they too can give Lantana the then applying downward pressure on the forks!

150

80 TOP VIEW

Steel pipe 50mm Article and photos by 35° 1800 approx 50mm wide 300 Nick Clancy (forks) 100 x 10 x 50 (foot support) 2mm thick Land for Wildlife Offi cer 900 x 30 x 5 Sunshine Coast Council (back support) SIDE VIEW

12 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 book reviews

Field Guide to the Frogs of Queensland By Eric Vanderduys

t has been quite a few years since a in the keys, excellent anatomical diagrams Iphotographic fi eld guide to Australian are shown in the introduction. frogs was published making this book is a welcome new release. Although I The author clearly has a passion for suspect this book will not be as popular frogs and their conservation over many as chocolates under the Christmas tree, decades. The short introduction gives the it is a great gift for those with an interest reader an insight into some of his travels in our summertime noisy amphibious and how frogs have evolved to live in neighbours. both the dry deserts and wet tropics of Queensland. Eric’s concerns about the It is a compact book, full of colour survival of some of our native frogs and photographs and is easy to follow with their habitats is unequivocal; particularly one species described per page. Each frogs in highly populated areas such as of the 132 species described has one or SEQ as their habitats are being fi lled in more photographs, a distribution map, and drained for humans, as well as frogs detailed descriptions and a list of similar that live on remote cool mountain tops species. and will have nowhere to go as global Published by CSIRO Publishing, 2012 temperatures rise. Paperback, colour photos, 208 pages. Like all good frog fi eld guides, the ISBN: 9780643106307 fi ve Families of native frogs and one This book is easy to read, enjoyable to Price: $45 introduced Family (Bufonidae - Cane fl ick through, and will be useful in the Available from CSIRO Publishing Toads) are introduced separately with fi eld. A great addition to any wildlife and all good bookshops. dichotomous keys presented for each enthusiast’s library. Family. To help decipher technical terms

Australian Lizards: A Natural History By Steve K Wilson

he author admits up front that he has 420 species, Australia has the greatest Tbeen “completely enraptured by the diversity and abundance of skinks anywhere charm of lizards” since he was a toddler. on Earth. There are over 70 species of This book represents a lifetime of enjoying dragons in Australia and provide fascinating lizards and is a remarkable synthesis of such examples of convergent evolution whereby knowledge. We are very lucky to be able to unrelated, but incredibly similar looking, access such knowledge and the incredible species inhabit similar ecological niches. photographs throughout this book. Finally, geckos, of which Australia has 30 named species including the introduced This book showcases lizards based on what Asian House Gecko, considered the world’s lizards do, such as what they eat, how they most invasive lizard. regulate their temperature, how they breed and how they survive the extremes of The Perentie is Australia’s largest lizard Australia. The photographs are remarkable reaching 2 metres in length and is a showing lizards shedding their skins, eating member of the Family Varanidae (monitors). Published by CSIRO Publishing, spiders, sipping nectar, keeping cool in the Monitors are comparably quite intelligent 2012 desert, laying eggs, displaying breeding and are known to memorise tracks and Paperback, 208 pages. plumage and camoufl aging themselves. The features in a landscape and are able to ISBN: 9780643106406 images alone tell countless stories about recognise individual humans. Price: $49.95 the often secret lives of our lizards. Available from CSIRO Publishing Packed full of facts and amazing stories, this and all good bookshops. Lizards are divided into four main groups is a book to pick up and enjoy over and over - skinks, dragons, monitors and geckos. again. It does not try to be a fi eld guide but Australia has half of the world’s total is more of a personal tribute to our amazing Reviews by Deborah Metters number of monitors with 27 species found lizards. Thank you Steve for writing this. in every state except Tasmania. With over

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 13 my little corner ind numbing activities such as pulling MCobbler’s Pegs and lantana, allow one to think outside the square. It keeps me A Landholder’s Perspective going when the going gets tough! Here some examples of my mental musings. and for Wildlife to us means Landholder Environmental Grants has Lcommunity. You become part of certainly enabled us to revegetate 1. IQ and Property Size. After speaking to and a community that shares the same and restore major areas that we observing those in the revegetation game, I values – repairing past environmental would never have been able to. worked out a simple mathematical relationship mistakes and at the same time between a person’s IQ and the size of the After about eight years of being ensuring a continued and increasing property purchased for reveg. The relationship weekend Land for Wildlife warriors diversity of wildlife and fl ora. is: a person’s IQ is inversely proportional to the and 18 months full time (retired) we size of their property! We have 32 rugged acres Community also means revealing can now see the benefi ts of the grants and our neighbour has 60. This means he is to the wider population what has and the activities. For some time the twice as silly as we are! But we are three times as been lost, what can be achieved and benefi ts were slow to see, but now silly as someone who has bought 10 acres. On the transformation that can take they seem to have suddenly become refl ection, there is a fl aw with my formula. Taken place. Through such means others obvious: more animals are seen to its logical extension the brainiest people in the community are encouraged around the house (more protection) would be those who buy a unit in a city. I don’t to become members of the Land and elsewhere; areas cleared of know about you, but I would rather be dumb for Wildlife community. A win-win lantana and other feral fl ora have and live on 30 acres and work my guts out than scenario. suddenly regenerated with native be smart and live in a highrise unit. pioneer and other species; areas Although at fi rst you think you cleared and replanted are attracting know it all and have all the answers 2. Learning. You never cease to learn once you birds which then provide seeds of you soon realise you don’t. That is start the reveg caper. Take my experience. diverse fl ora and are now growing; where being part of Land for Wildlife Prior to being involved in reveg I did not swear. and (hopefully) areas subject to is essential. Property visits, advice However, being bitten by jumping ants on landslip which have been replanted and encouragement from Council one’s ‘sensitive parts’, impaled by cockspur with tubestock from Land for Wildlife Conservation Partnerships Offi cers, thorns, putting your hand within six inches of a grants will become more stable. and the realisation that one size does red-bellied black snake, sliding uncontrollably down slippery slopes, having a leech attached not fi t all, contribute to picking you The journey from property purchase, to your eyeball, having near death experiences up when it all seems too much. to the Land for Wildlife community, to on your tractor, or discovering that the brush receiving Landholder Environmental Everyone responds to turkeys have dug up all of your carefully planted Grant, to seeing the obvious encouragement. The annual Land trees provide you with a very fast learning benefi cial results led us to the next for Wildlife tubestock grant not only curve in the fi ne art of swearing. Somehow, logical step – progressing to a encourages you to keep on planting ‘oops’, ‘dash it’, ‘oh dear’, ‘fancy that’, or ‘darn’ Voluntary Conservation Agreement. but also forces you to plan for a just don’t seem to cut it. You have to vent to particular area to be revegetated. It the primordial utterances that would make a also helps you to prioritise those areas bullocky blush. And guess what? It makes you at most risk. Let’s face it, revegetation Articles by Ian Webster feel good! It somehow decreases the pain, fear on larger properties is expensive. Land for Wildlife member or exasperation that you are experiencing. Tubestock grants, together with Flaxton, Sunshine Coast So the next time you feel depressed or overwhelmed with your reveg project look on Ian Webster and Dianne Lanskey purchased the light side and enjoy yourself. It works for me. 32 acres in 2002 at Flaxton. It consisted of remnant forest, large areas of lantana and every other feral and noxious weed as well as grass paddocks (for grazing purposes). During that time they have hand cleared acres of lantana, glycine, desmodium, camphor laurel etc. and planted 17,000 trees. They continue to fi nd hidden pockets of remnant forest. - Ed Surman, Land for Wildlife Offi cer, Sunshine Coast Council.

14 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 letters tot the editor Ragamuffi n Earth n response to Spencer Shaw’s weed profi le bees like them and dead plants are Above left: The orange fruit of Cockspur. I(October 2012), you may be familiar with good kindling. But as my largely native Would this prickly native plant work as a the term ‘novel ecosystem’. This is defi ned garden develops, the Cobbler’s Pegs are replacement for lantana? as an ecosystem that has been infl uenced diminishing and my socks are becoming Above right: Inkweed fruit attracts a wide by humans, but is not under human less uncomfortable. range of birds. Photos by Rob Whyte. management. Lantana? Hmm… Well after the 2010/11 Surprisingly, despite there being a An article entitled ‘Ragamuffi n Earth’ in severe torrents that raged down my little resident population, I have yet to see Pied Nature Collections (March 2010) defi nes creek, if it had not been for Lantana camara Currawongs eating the fruit or going into novel ecosystems as “land without plants on the banks, erosion would have the Ink Weed after small birds. agricultural or urban use, embedded been much worse. I only wish we had as with agricultural or urban regions”. This, I vigorous a native replacement. Native Past experience with such weeds as Lime believe, is what most of we Land for Wildlife Cockspur (Maclura cochinchinensis) might Bush (Eremocitrus glauca) and Galvanised / conservationists / regenerationists have qualify, but with comparable discomfort Burr, leads me to believe that they are the to work with – ecosystems that we can and inconvenience. dominant remnant species on over-used make habitable for fl ora and fauna and land because they are relatively inedible. I At present, my favourite weed is Ink provide some ecosystem services, but suspect this also applies to Bursaria spinosa. Weed (Phytolacca octandra) which was which will also contain introduced species Anything is better than bare ground - even well established before we bought here of varying degrees of benefi t. Property Prickly Pear has very attractive fl owers. I four years ago. It grows quickly into a profi les in the Land for Wildlife newsletters confess to fi nding complimentary things quite attractive shrub, is reasonably easy are mostly about such ecosystems. (Is it to say about Noogoora and Bathurst Burrs to remove when necessary, makes good reasonable to suggest that the introduction diffi cult. Perhaps some readers could assist mulch, shades new plants and attracts of Mus musculus [house mouse] has been me here. a wide range of birds. In addition to benefi cial? After all, brown snakes like the many LBBs (little brown birds) and Having said all this, my proof-reader has them). LGBs (little grey birds) that I have yet to now advised that I am only seeking to And Spencer Shaw points out that not all identify, visitors include Koels, Silvereyes justify the fact that I am a lazy, disorganised weeds are bad – or not ‘all bad’. by the dozen, three kinds of wren (Superb, gardener / landscaper who hates weeding. Variegated and Red-winged Fairy-wrens), Cobbler’s Pegs are vigorous and annoying Brown Cuckoo-doves, Pale-headed Peter Darvall pioneer plants. I can successfully grow Rosellas, Lewin’s Honeyeater, Red-browed Land for Wildlife member them to a greater than head height in Finches and others. Stockyard, Lockyer Valley a good season on new ground. Native

2. The resident failed to attract mates to the Multiple Bowers original bower and so built another. There e Satin Bowerbird High Density Bowers appears adequate construction material on Rin Fauna Vignettes (Land for Wildlife SEQ the fl oor nearby obviating the necessity of Newsletter October 2012) there are several using old bower material. explanations. 3. The original occupier died or was 1. There appears to be only one displaced. The new occupier chose to functioning bower although the display build a new bower because, (a) the old material covers the other bower. There bower contained saliva and/or scent of would seem no evolutionary advantage the previous occupier, or (b) there was in constructing two bowers other than adequate building material. practice. The picture may even show There appears little in the literature on this three bowers! Younger birds improve matter but the following paper may be construction over time. The cost of of help: Bravery BD & Goldizen AW (2007) maintaining (constructing, decorating, Male satin bowerbirds compensation for painting, defending) two bowers in sexual signal loss by enhancing multiple Gordon Wilkinson working order at the same time would display features. Naturwissenschaften 94(6), Land for Wildlife member surely outweigh the small advantage of pp 473-476. Brookfi eld, Brisbane giving a female a choice.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013 15 2012 Healthy Waterways Report Card

very year since 2000 Healthy While these report cards are useful EWaterways has been monitoring and environmental monitoring our waterways and marine areas in is essential, over time, it is SEQ and producing a ‘report card’ of understandable that we all want the results. These Ecosystem Health to see our waterways receiving As, Report Cards tell us a story about Bs or Cs, not the current suite of our landscapes. Unsurprisingly, Ds and Fs. For this to occur, there the story is roughly the same year would need to be political will, to year with diff erences largely community support plus lots and attributed to varying rainfall. The lots of revegetation and ecological Mid-Brisbane, Lower-Brisbane, restoration, on a scale not currently Lockyer and Oxley Catchments have seen in SEQ. never fared well in report cards showing little habitat values and Many landholders and agencies poor ecological processes. On the are doing great work to protect other hand, the Noosa, Tallebudgera our waterways and prevent and Stanley Catchments are quite erosion, sedimentation and healthy with aquatic animals and pollution. However, the scale of the little pollution. This is science degradation in some catchments backing up logic as most of us can needs a monumental response to see the diff erence between creeks in improve these report card grades the Noosa or Oxley catchments. and provide positive reinforcement to those landholders who are The 2012 report card shows a return already doing the hard yards of to typical conditions after the heavy restoration. rains and fl oods of recent years. Highly urbanised catchments such All report cards can be found on as Lower Brisbane and Redlands the Healthy Waterways website or slightly improved to a D+ whereas contact your local Land for Wildlife the Mid-Brisbane declined to a F due Offi cer for a copy of the 2012 report probably to riverbank slumping as a card. result of fl oods in this region.

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

Opinions expressed by contributors to the Land for Wildlife newsletter are not necessarily those of the Land for Wildlife program nor any of the supporting agencies.

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16 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland January 2013