Volume 24 Part 3
2006
Scientific Officer’s Report: RAMSAR WETLANDS – Protected or pillaged?
The status of Brushtail Possums on the Lower Eyre Peninsula following the Jan 2005 bushfire
Naked Rehabilitation At Maslin Beach
NCSSA 2006 Survey - revisiting Pre-European Vegetation of Adelaide.
NATURE CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF Xanthopus Volume 24, Part 3 Spring 2006 SOUTH Page 2 AUSTRALIA Around NCSSA
Arrivals Threatened Plant Action Group NCSSA major concerns include Our new Scientific Officer Georgina Green Tim Jury has been busy with coordinating commenced in July. See the facing page for a working bees over the past few months at • Native vegetation, short introduction from Georgie. sites including: Redgum-Blue gum woodland threatened species and and threatened plant species at Millbrook; habitats MLR Eastern Flanks Grassy Ecosystems Lachnagrostis limitanea at Tarlee, Mid-North; • Protecting all forms of Bill New has been doing some work at Pterostylis bryophila at Hindmarsh Reservoir life (biodiversity) on Callington including establishing a and Spyridium coactilifolium at Victor Harbor. land and in the oceans monitoring site which has been grazed. • Park dedication, He visited Callington Hill with Harry For information on how you can participate management and Seager to discuss management plans and in upcoming working bees see ‘Get a Grip’ legislation weed mapping. on page 4 of this edition of Xanthopus.
• Education about He is also updating information sheets: For further information contact Tim Jury on biodiversity to all the Grassy Ecosytem Species Information sections of the 8232 4088, [email protected] or check out community Sheets (begun by Jo Spencer); a general the NCSSA website. species sheet (in colour) and MLR EFGE • Cooperation with project introduction with contact details. Book Launch other conservation groups Bill can be contacted at the Mt Lofty Mt Bold Reservoir Reserve: a Biological Ranges Catchment Centre, at Mt Barker Survey of Flora and Fauna has now been on 8391 7500 or by email: printed and is available from the office (see Inside this issue: [email protected] previous Xanthopus Vol 24, 2 for a précis of the survey). Mt Lofty Ranges Bird Survey Around NCSSA 2 The official book launch will be on 22nd Tina Bentz has started on the coordination September in conjunction with the release of Annual General Meeting 3 of this years survey. It will run from the Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual - September until December. She is Coastal Vegetation Communities of the Get a Grip 4 currently contacting birdos (for surveying) Southern Mount Lofty Ranges. and landholders. She will be entering the Mount Lofty Ranges 5 If you are interested in attending contact the Grassy Woodland the collected data from the ~500 surveys office or email Sue Graham on Network as it comes in.. If you would like to assist [email protected] Scientific Officers Report: 6 or for further information contact Tina at RAMSAR WETLANDS the office on 8223 6301. – Protected or pillaged?
Leaving Erica for Dead 8 NCSSA people Naked Rehabilitation At 10 Maslin Beach Management Committee Staff The status of Brushtail 13 President Helen Vonow Possums on the Lower Vice-President Misch Benito Scientific Officer Georgie Green Administrative Manager Elizabeth Lonie Eyre Peninsula following Secretary Katie Fels Project Manager Tim Milne the Jan 2005 bushfire Assistant Secretary Peter Tucker Temperate Woodland Campaigner Penny Paton Treasurer Richard Winkler NCSSA 2006 Survey - 14 Mokota Project Officer Meg Robertson revisiting Pre-European General committee Eastern Flanks Grassy Ecosystems Officer Bill New Vegetation of Adelaide. Spencer Burgstad, Michelle Denny, Threatened Plant Action Group Coordinator Tim Jury Allan McIlwee, Caroline Wilson, Biodiversity Extension Officer Sue Graham Walks With Nature 15 David Moyle (co-opted) Bushland Condition Monitoring Project Officer Sonia Croft Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual Trainer Janet Pedler MLR Woodland Bird Survey Coordinator Tina Bentz Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 3
New Scientific Officer for NCSSA
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you and provide an insight into who I am and what I have been doing prior to commencing as the Scientific Officer with NCSSA.
I have had a varied career so far, and have worked for the Federal and State Governments and the private sector in an environmental capacity for several years. I hope that these varied experiences, combined with my current studies of a Masters in Wildlife Ecology will enable me to represent the Society in a professional and educated manner.
My most recent adventure was working as Ranger at Innamincka in the States’ far north east. This job involved the management of both the Innamincka and Strzelecki Regional Reserves and Coongie Lakes National Park. In total an area that covers over a million square kilometres of diverse ecosystems including sandy desert, gibber plain and wetlands.
Prior to working at Innamincka I was employed as the Ecologist / Information Officer at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders Ranges. During this time I was involved in developing ecologically sustainable tours and visitor education. I was also involved in research into the diverse array of fauna and flora on the property.
I have also spent time working in Canberra and Melbourne as an Assistant Media Advisor for the Federal Minister for the Environment. This has given me a good background in Federal environment legislation and an insight into the politics of politics.
As you can imagine it has been a very busy first month for me with NCSSA. Apart from familiarising myself with my responsibilities as the Scientific Officer, we have also made some important submissions and I have attended many meetings on behalf of the Society. Some of the submissions produced during the past month include comments on the Draft Australian Weeds Strategy and The Adelaide and Mount Lofty NRM Concept Statement.
I have also attended a meeting with The Hon. Gail Gago and other South Australian environmental organisations to table issues some issues of immediate environmental concern. These meetings will be held bi-monthly and I would welcome the input of any members who have concerns that they would like to have raised in future meetings.
I and a Conservation Council of SA (CCSA) representative met with a DEH officer to discuss the proposed changes to the Riverland Ramsar site boundary. I have chosen to focus on this issue for my first Scientific Officer’s report and I hope the article provokes some useful thoughts regarding the treatment of Ramsar sites in South Australia.
I am really looking forward to the new challenge of working with NCSSA and hope to be able to meet many of you at our Annual General Meeting on Thursday the 7th of September.
I can be contacted from Monday to Wednesday on 8223 1693 or by email at [email protected]
Georgina Green
NSCCA Annual General Meeting
Thursday 7th September at 6.30 for 7:00pm. Conservation Centre, 120 Wakefield Street, Adelaide. Wine & Cheese provided. All Welcome!
This is also National Threatened Species Day and we are pleased to have two speakers on the topic:
• Joe Quarmby, Lofty Block Orchid Project Officer Threatened orchids in the Lofty Block region
• Chris Obst, Murray Darling Basin Threatened Flora Officer Implementation of the SA Murray-Darling Basin Threatened Flora Recovery Program
Do you want to assist your Society? We have received nominations for the following positions: President: H. Vonow; Vice President: M. Benito; Secretary: K. Fels; Assistant Secretary: P. Tucker Treasurer: R. Winkler; Committee members: C. Wilson, M. Denny, Z. Dreschler and S. Burgstad.
BUT we need at least one or more extra nominations for Committee member.
We also require assistance with: Xanthopus – submissions and editing Projects – Steering Committees Activities – organisation and participation General Meetings – helpers and speakers
Your contribution enables the running of the Society. PagePage 4 4 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006
HANDS ON ACTIVITIES FOR MEMBERS
Our Society hasBeachcombing a long history, Sunday with a 15thparticular October emphasis on carrying out 11amBeachcombing -1pm, depending aton Portthe tide. Noarlunga scientific studiesDr and Bob lobbying Baldock on nature conservation issues. Most of the scientific studiesMeetRah, are at rah, funded the rah…. southern by competitive end of the Esplanade, application Marino. from granting
bodies (see detailsJoin Marinein the AnnualBiologists Report: Caroline Xanthopus and Katie Volfor a21 relaxed No. 5). walk An along Bushcare Support work- outline of ongoingthe beachprojects around follows. the Kingston Park/ Marino area looking at what's shop on .. washed up on the beach ~ then onto the rockpool area further south to explore what is in and around the pools.
To register your interest, contact the office on (08) 8223 6301 or contact Caroline Wilson 0402 136 338 or Katie Fels 0414 293 603
Activities of the Threatened Plant Action Group (TPAG)
Come andActivities be involved inof some the hands~on Threatened action toPlant help threatenedAction plantsGroup and vegetation(TPAG) communities recover with the Threatened Plant Action Group. Training and some tools are provided on the day. Everyone Welcome. Upcoming working bees overCome spring and will be occur involved on the in somefollowing hands dates: on action to recover threatened plant species and vegetation communities with the Threatened Plant Action Group. Training and some tools are provided on the day. Upcoming working bees over Millbrookthe Reservoirnext few months will Every occur Tuesday on the following dates. Come and help with site management and monitoring in grassy woodland, restoring habitat for threatened orchids and herbs such as Caladenia rigida, Glycine latrobeana and Diuris behrii. Wednesday March 9 & Wednesday May 25, Tarlee
Mount BevorHelp recover Spalding Wednesday blown-grass (SeptemberAgrostis limitanea 20 ) one of Australia’s most endangered grasses at a site north of Want to Adelaide.save a rare Activities beauty? includeWell how controlling about the introduced White Beauty grasses, Spider-orchid revegetation, (Caladenia and population argocalla )monitoring. in the eastern Some Mount shared Lofty Ranges. This orchid species is under threat from weed invasion. Remember to bring your secateurs! travel can be arranged. Grange Wednesday September 20 Believe itMonday or not the 4 April,nationally Hindmarsh vulnerable Falls sandhill greenhood hangs on in a small native pine remnant at Grange on the Adelaide
Plains. Help is needed to maintain habitat condition for this species & undertake an annual count of the surviving population here. Join in survey and weed management work to restore habitat for the Hindmarsh Correa (Correa calycina) and Belair threatened upland swamp Saturday communities October at 14 Hindmarsh Falls in partnership with the Hindmarsh Tiers Biodiversity Pitch in byProject. joining This efforts project to protectis supported and restore by SA Waterhabitat and for thethe Mount Leafy GreenhoodLofty Ranges orchid NRM Board.(Pterostylis cucullata) at Belair National Park. Share in the action by doing a morning’s work amongst beautiful Manna Gum woodland in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Wednesday 6 April, Clare Mid-North grasslands Friday & Saturday October 20-21 and Friday & Saturday November 17-18 Help recoverWant threatened to save a Temperaterare beauty? grasslands Well how and about grass the species white (e.g. beauty Lachnagrostis spider-orchid limitanea (Caladenia) at sites argocalla north )of near Adelaide. Clare. Activities This include siteorchid management, species isweeding, under threatslashing from and planting.invasion by topped lavender and your participation can help make a real difference. Pine PointRemember to bring your Weekend secateurs! of October 28 & 29 Join in the planting, weeding, and monitoring on these weekend trips to restore habitat for Acacia rhetinocarpa.
For informationSaturday on theseApril upcoming16 & Sunday events May please 15, contact Belair Tim Jury on 08 8232 4088 or [email protected]
Pitch in by joining efforts to protect and restore habitat for the Leafy green-hood orchid (Pterostylis cucullata) at Belair National Park. This long running project enjoys the joint efforts of TPAG, DEH (Lofty Block Orchid Project), the Native Orchid Society of SA, and theEnd Friends of ofYear Belair. CelebrationShare in the action by doing a mornings work amongst beautifulOur annual Manna end gum of woodland year celebration in the Mount willLofty be Ranges. held at 5.30pm on Friday 1st December 2006
at Botanic Park, opposite the Conservatory Gate. Saturday May 23 & 24 , Pine Point ALL WELCOME! Including children and inner children…! Come on an autumn weekend away over to Yorke Peninsula with the Australian Plant Society to protect habitat for Neat wattle~ party (Acacia games rhetinocarpa). including TPAGthe popular and APS NCSSA have been SCAVENGER working at Pine HUNT Point againfor a thisnumber year of years~ to rehabilitate and reestablish remnant vegetation for threatened species conservation. Activities include planting, weeding, and monitoring.
Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 PagePage 55
NCSSA MLR Grassy Woodland Network – now well into its 2nd year
Excerpts from the 5th MLR Grassy Woodland Network Newsletter below show the diversity of activities and interests covered in the Newsletter. If you would like to join the Network please contact the Co-ordinator Penny Paton – it is free and open to all with an interest in the conservation of grassy woodlands.
Friends of Cromer Catchment
As flagged in Newsletter 4 the Friends of Cromer Conservation Park is up and running. We held our first weeding day there on Sunday 9th July – a rather chilly start to the day but we enjoyed the sunshine and company as well as tackling some gorse and guarding about 20 additional Banksia marginata seedlings so that they can grow into mature trees to replace the existing trees, many of which are showing signs of senescence. Kangaroos are either eating or crushing any unguarded seedlings. Contact Penny for details if you would like to help on 27th August and/or 24th September. As well as volunteer effort, boundary fencing will be occurring and weed contractors will be working in the Park.
Western Cape Bridal Creeper alert
An alert has been issued regarding the recent discovery of a new form of bridal creeper in the Adelaide Hills, the Western Cape form. This has been known to be naturalised in the SE of SA for at least a decade but has not previously been reported in the Adelaide Hills. It is largely unaffected by the bridal creeper rust and has now been identified in Angove and Anstey Hill parks. It is not easy to identify; generally its leaves are larger, darker and duller than the usual bridal creeper. The easiest way to identify it is to dig up some tubers which are larger and have a different orientation. More information can be found at the website: Did you know that the Tree Martin is one
Mundulla Yellows Research
This interesting paper by researchers Joanne E. Luck, Rosa Crnov, Barbara Czerniakowski, Ian W. Smith and Jane R. Moran reports on their investigation of the presence of biotic agents associated with Mundulla Yellows and the role of biotic agents. Although no pathogenic fungi, bacteria, phytoplasmas or insect pests or vectors were found to be associated with the disease during this study, nematode analysis identified Merlinius spp. to be associated with soil (but not roots) from symptomatic trees. A copy of this article from Plant Disease (Volume 90 No 4, April 2006) is available for viewing at the Conservation Centre.
If you’d like to join the Network, please phone Penny on 08 8344 8891 or email her on [email protected]. There is no charge and you will receive 3 newsletters per year as well as workshop opportunities.
Penny Paton NCSSA Temperate Woodlands Campaigner
MOUNT LOFTY RANGES GRASSY WOODLAND NETWORK Page 6 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006
Scientific Officer’s Report:
Our Society has a long history, with a particular emphasis on carrying out RAMSAR WETLANDSscientific studies and lobbying – Protected on nature conservation or pillaged? issues. Most of the scientific studies are funded by competitive application from granting bodies (see details in the Annual Report: Xanthopus Vol 21 No. 5). An Are SouthBushcare Australia’s Support Ramsar work- wetlandsoutline receiving of ongoing the protection projects follows.Sea. Nowadays the name of the Convention is usually they shopdeserve, on .. or are the public being duped by the myth of written "Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)", Ramsar protection while many sites continue to be exploited or and it has come to be known popularly as the "Ramsar not managed at all? Convention". Ramsar was the first of the modern global intergovernmental treaties on conservation and wise use During a recent meeting with a representative of the of natural resources, but, compared with more recent Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH), the treaties, its provisions are relatively straightforward and Society and the Conservation Council of SA (CCSA) were general. Over the years, the Conference of the informed about changes to the boundary of the Riverland Contracting Parties (the main decision-making body of the Ramsar site. In essence the site will decrease in size from Convention, composed of delegates from all the Member 34,000 hectares to 30,000 hectares, with the new States) have developed and interpreted the basic tenets of boundary coinciding with the 1956 flood level line. The the treaty text with the aim of keeping the work of the new site boundary excludes some landholders from the Convention abreast of changing world perceptions, Ramsar site, while also including the Lake Woolpoolool priorities, and trends in environmental thinking. wetlands, which were previously omitted from the site (http://www.ramsar.org/about/about_infopack_2e.htm) declaration. While we agree that the Lake Woolpoolool wetlands should be included in the Ramsar site we have Many of you may be surprised to find out that Ramsar is expressed concern that the current land uses of the not a regulatory body. Participating nations are asked to surrounding properties continue to have a negative effect promote wetland conservation and each nation manages on these highly significant wetlands. It is also of great its listed sites in accordance with its own guidelines: this concern to NCSSA that there seems to be an existing means that no additional requirements are imposed by the trend in South Australia of reducing the size of protected convention. According to the Federal Government “the significant wetlands throughout the state. For example, broad aim of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, numerous sources have suggested that DEH are 1971) is to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to considering a change in boundary and a size reduction for conserve those that remain through wise use and the Coongie Lakes Ramsar site in the state’s far northeast. management.” (www.ramsar.org/key_wiseuse.htm). This statement prompts one very It was this meeting with DEH and obvious question, what is my extensive experience working classified as wise use? It is the in and around the Coongie Lakes use of such subjective terms Ramsar site that has lead me to that has allowed governments question the validity of South to sanction land uses that are Australia’s ratification of the not consistent with the Ramsar Convention. There is no conservation of ecological doubt that the Ramsar values on and near many Convention for the protection of Ramsar sites. internationally significant wetlands is a sound environmental concept, Case Study: The Coongie but without stringent regulation Lakes Ramsar site can we trust our governments to put wetland protection above The site at Coongie Lakes is a economic gain? troubling example of mismanagement of a Ramsar What is the Ramsar wetland. Not only does this Convention? area not have an active or current management plan, it is The Convention on Wetlands is also subject to severe internal an intergovernmental treaty and external impacts. One of adopted on 2nd February 1971 in the main problems for the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the Coongie Lakes and the whole southern shore of the Caspian Innamincka Regional Reserve is Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 7
a critical lack of funding for management and low staffing A prominent example of this is the proposed pulp mill levels. Over the past three years the area has been staffed near Penola in the states’ south east. The proposed site by no more than two DEH staffOur on Societya rotating has roster. a long In history,for this withmill is a approximately particular emphasis 40 kilometres on carrying from the outBool reality this means that there isscientific only one studiesstaff member and lobbying Lagoon on Ramsar nature site, conservation in an area that issues. is criss-crossed Most of thewith managing over a million scientific studies are funded by competitive applicationboth surface from granting and subsurface square kilometres of park bodies (see details in the Annual Report: Xanthopuswatercourses Vol 21 No. that 5). serve An to at a time.Bushcare It is Support no wonder work- outline of ongoing projects follows. rejuvenate the wetlands. It is then, thatshop theon .. area is being difficult to believe that a severly impacted on by development of this size that tourists, industry and feral will be relying on regional animals alike. aquifer water will have no impact on the hydrology and Feral animals are currently ecological character of an a problem within the already severely degraded Ramsar site with already region. high rabbit and pig numbers again on the rise. Rabbits in It’s now up to the general particular are having a public to place pressure on significant impact in the government to actively region as their burrows manage and protect the destabalise the dune ecological character of South systems causing increased Dingo at Coongie Lakes . Photo: G. Green. Australia’s Ramsar sites. dunal movement. Ultimately this will not happen until the myth that Ramsar sites are protected by A distinct lack of visitor information, infrastructure and an unbiased, independent organisation is dispelled. As the direction is also causing increased erosion within the site. NCSSA Scientific Officer I will aim to keep you updated There are increasing problems with visitors driving off on any changes to current Ramsar sites and I ask for your track and camping in areas that are without facilities and support to lobby the government to keep these beautiful unsuitable for this type of activity. These impacts will only areas as pristine as possible. get worse as the numbers of tourists visiting the region is constantly increasing. For further information please refer to the
following websites: The most worrying impact is the marked increase in petroleum and mineral exploration and mining within the www.ramsar.org - The International Ramsar website. region. Although mining is not allowed within the site, many exploration and drilling sites have sprung up very www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/index.html - The Federal close to the Coongie Ramsar site boundary. It is hard to Government Ramsar website. believe that this type of land use will have no detrimental www.penolapulpmill.com.au - The Penola Pulp mill, effects on the landscape and hydrology, especially one as including relevant environmental reports on the project. sensitive to change as Coongie Lakes. It is also impossible with such low staffing levels to ensure that all of the www.parks.sa.gov.au/innamincka/index.htm - Innamincka mining sites are following the relevant environmental Regional Reserve and Coongie Lakes National Park. protection and necessary rehabilitation procedures. www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/parks/murraylands/index.htm - The Murraylands Ramsar site. Conclusion The current Federal Ramsar website states that “a person www.santos.com/Content.aspx?p=188 - The Santos must not take an action that has, will have, or is likely to website which provides some information about its have, a significant impact on the ecological character of a acitivities in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. Ramsar wetland, without approval from the Commonwealth Environment Minister.” Again it seems that the wording of this statement is subject to interpretation by the State and Federal Governments as Georgie Green there are countless examples of South Australian Ramsar NCSSA Scientific Officer sites that are having their ecological characters significantly impacted on by incompatible land uses either Phone: 8223 1693 on or near the site. Email: [email protected]
Page 8 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006
HANDS ON ACTIVITIES WEEDING HINTS: Leaving Erica for Dead – the wack-and-stack method
Several Erica species are serious weeds in areas of bushland - particularly in high rainfall areas such as stringybark habitat.
Spraying is often not effective. Here is a Handy Weeding Hint about how to leave them for dead once and for all.
Erica has a large root swelling a bit like a mallee root (or lignotuber) where the stem becomes the root. However the junction between the stem and the root - just under the swelling - is very fragile. For almost all sizes of Erica up to about head high, there are two techniques which are effective:
Sway and Snap For single trunked plants, hold the trunk and sway it from side to side. With minimal effort, the tap roots will break and the whole plant, lignotuber and all, will pull out of the ground easily with very little soil disturbance.
Wack and Stack For more stubborn or multi-stemmed plants, hitting the side of the lignotuber sharply with a mallett or sledgehammer (or your boot) while applying a bit of upward tension on the branches with your other hand (or an assistant does this) will break the top and the lignotuber away from the root. As long as the swelling Illustration of Erica spp. from Stop Bushland Weeds breaks away with the stem, it is Instant Death.
For Big Ericas If the Erica plants are too big for the ‘sway-and-snap’ or ‘wack-and-stack’ methods, frill-and-swab and drill-and-fill are both effective options. The frill-and-swab method involves cutting through the stem about 20 cm above the ground, frilling lots of little slots into the stem and filling them with herbicide. Scraping off the outer layer of the lignotuber and swabbing is also effective. Drill-and-fill is drilling holes every 2cm at an angle into the top of the lignotuber and filling them with herbicide.
See the book Stop Bushland Weeds published by the Nature Conservation Society of South Australia for identification and further details.
Amelia Hurren (8336 0954) and Ann Prescott (8391 7511) Bush Management Advisers, Mount Lofty Ranges.
The totally new revised and improved edition of Stop Bushland Weeds - A guide to successful weeding in South Australia's bushland by Meg Robertson s available NOW. It can be purchased from the NCSSA office for $27.50 GST inclusive. Eds. Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 9
NAKED REHABILITATION AT MASLIN BEACH ‘A PIRSANAL TOUCH WITH HASSLES’
It’s astounding that we do not seem to have learnt anything after three decades of quarry rehabilitation in South Australia. A recent visit to Maslins Beach shocked me. Local residents ask me why do we still ‘engineer’ our natural landscapes like we did in the 1940 and 50’s, with straight lines and sterile drains? I concluded that we have lost an excellent opportunity to restore this part of the landscape, recreate a coastal wetland, and add a boardwalk and bird watching facility that visitors and the community could be proud of ~ instead of a rebirth to brutalism with rock and cloth. This project has now wasted nearly a million dollars of public money and is still not resolved. It looks like the mining industry has gone back to the Stone Age in its approach to rehabilitation.
The design chosen for this site is totally inappropriate for a coastal and marine environment… it’s not supposed to be a paddock. The site is subject to a high degree of silt runoff; exposed to strong winds and water erosion with no containment measures; a fast drain to carry soil flushed from the site with a direct route for pollutants and contaminants to the pristine beach and into the marine and benthic environment. This changed landform does not have any conformity with the surrounding natural dune formations ~ important as dunes are ever-changing. There has been no attempt to revegetate the area and it is now a public eyesore. It is diappointing that governments still allow belligerent engineering in attempting to repair our earth instead of taking the opportunity to create sustainable natural environments. Our natural areas are constantly being laid waste by development but we still lack the will to return altered environments back to Photo 1. From green to brown: Note original vegetation in foreground and denuded some semblance of originality and levelled earth background … ecological function.
Photograph 1 shows how the existing landscape with it’s undulating ‘mobile’ landform and sandy top strata provides a rough texture ideal for habitat and plant growth (in foreground). The variation of land surface is typical of the ever changing coastal environment. There was no attempt to recreate a natural landscape or a sustainable ecological system that could harmonise and compliment surrounding areas. The site in question is the ‘lifeless wasteland area in centre of the frame.
Photograph 2 shows a view of the ‘cloth and rock’ required to tether this insensitive design with no vision or creativity in re- Photo 2. Back to the past: an earth and rock conduit into the ocean... establishing a natural environment. No provision has been made for restoration of native vegetation or habitat recreation. We must take a stand to protect this and preserve our natural heritage not allow sort of wanton destruction. The culprits should be made to take account. Capability Green. June 2006 Page 10 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 The status of Brushtail Possums on the Lower Eyre Peninsula
Introduction Our Society has a long history,recorded with Brushtaila particular Possums emphasis at Lincoln on Nationalcarrying Park out and Brushtail Possums (Trichosurusscientific vulpecula studies) have becomeand lobbying on Thistleon nature Island conservation (Papenfus 1990). issues. Most of the locally extinct or rare across much of their range in South scientific studies are fundedRecent by competitive sightings of applicationBrushtail Possums from aregranting confined to the Australia (DEH 2002) and are bodiesconsidered (see endangered details in on the Annual Report: Xanthopus Vol 21 No. 5). An the Eyre Peninsula (Paton et al. 1996). southern Koppio Hills and an undescribed area north of Bushcare Support work- outline of ongoing projects follows.Yallunda Flat (Figure 1). The southern Koppio Hills sub- In Januaryshop on 2006.. a survey was undertaken to assess the population is considered the only local stronghold in the distribution and status of Brushtail Possums on the Lower region, and prior to the fire, was estimated to contain Eyre Peninsula (LEP) following the January 2005 bushfire. around 250 animals (Jason van Weenen; cited in Pieck The fire burnt approximately 78,000 ha of land in an area 2002). stretching from Wangary in the west to North Shields and Tumby Bay in the east. This includes approximately 14,000 hectares of remnant native vegetation, which provides over 50% of habitat available for Brushtail Possums in the region (van Weenen 2005). The fire is known to have destroyed many large hollow- bearing trees that provide nest sites for Brushtail Possums and the Critically Endangered Eyre Peninsula population of Yellow- tailed Black-Cockatoo (Sarah Way, Threatened Fauna Officer, DEH personal communication, January 2005). Those possums that survived the fire-front also had to cope with a sustained period of food loss. Vegetative cover was reduced, exposing them to greater predation by foxes. Prior to the survey, post- fire observations of possums were sparse. Fresh scats were observed on one property, while Fig . 1 Pre-fire distribution records of Brushtail possums on lower Eyre Peninsula on another – one individual denned in the roof of a house
(DEH 2005).
Pre-fire distribution and status Preferred habitat
On mainland Eyre Peninsula Brushtail Possums are Most records of Brushtail Possums on the LEP mainland confined to the Southern Eyre Hills IBRA Subregion (DEH occur in Sugar Gum (Euclayptus cladocalyx) low open 2005). This subregion has experience high levels of native forest with a healthy understorey or in River Red Gum (E. vegetation loss associated with agricultural development, camaldulensis) tall open woodland. Possums have with native vegetation now occupying between 7 and 15% occasionally been observed in SA Blue Gum (E. leucoxylon) of total land area (DEH 2005). open forest along creeklines, but this does not appear to be the species preferred habitat (Pieck 2002). Pre-fire distribution records for Brushtail Possums on the LEP were extracted from the South Australian Museum Large hollow-bearing trees are an important component and South Australian Biological Survey databases. A total of the preferred habitat of Brushtail Possums of 31 records were available from 1900 to 2004. The (Lindenmayer et al 1991, Whitford 2002). Hollows used records suggest that Brushtail Possums were once by the species are generally around 10cm in diameter and widespread throughout the LEP region from Marble Range take between 50 and 200 years to develop (Saunders et al. in the west, Mungerowie Scrub in the south and 1982). Across the southern Koppio Hills, Brushtail Cockaleechie in the north (Figure 1). Surveys by the Field Possums are generally absent from areas that lack mature Naturalists Society in the late 1960s and early 1970s also trees with hollows (Pieck 2002).
Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 11 following the January 2005 bushfire
Survey methods Traces of possum activity were observed at 14 sites, scats Our Society has a long history,at 8 sites with and a particularfresh scratches emphasis at 13 sites. on carrying Possums outwere A total of the 52 sites were scientificsurveyed overstudies a 10-day and lobbying observed on natureat all of conservation these sites during issues. spotlighting Most of survey the period in January 2006. Thirty-ninescientific sites studieswere located are funded and by two competitive additional sites application where no tracesfrom grantingwere found. The inside or near the edge the fire-affectedbodies area,(see anddetails 13 well in the highAnnual similarity Report: between Xanthopus the results Vol 21 of No.the 5).two An survey outside. Sugar Gum was the dominant tree species at 48 techniques suggests that possums were either absent or at Bushcare Support work- outline of ongoing projectsvery follows. low densities at sites where no animals observed. of the shopsites onand .. River Red Gum at 4 sites. Results from the survey suggest that Brushtail Possums Sites were searched for possum scats and fresh scratches are confined to two known sub-populations and a one on Sugar Gum trees during the day. At each site an area new sub-population. These include: of approximately 2-3 ha was surveyed. All large trees with a diameter at breast height (BDH) of 100+ cm were • a northern Koppio Hills sub-population that extends inspected for fresh scratches and scats. from Stevens Creek fire track (3 km south of Yallunda Flat) north as far as Uranno and east as far as Wadella During the evening the sites were surveyed for 30 Falls Road; minutes using a standardised time-area search method, covering the same 2-3 hectare area. Sites were surveyed • a southern Koppio Hills sub-population, which extends once only between the hours of 9.30 pm and 2.30 am. from Growdens Rd south across a series of remnants The locations of animals were recorded using a GPS. to Charlton Gully Rd. Remnants near Bald Hill Rd are considered the western limit of this subpopulation and Survey results remnants near Tucknott Scrub and Pope Drive are considered the eastern limit; and Brushtail Possums were observed at 16 of the 52 sites surveyed. Two of these sites were outside the burnt area, • a third small, isolated sub-population exists in the 14 sites were well within, and 2 sites were on the edge of south eastern Koppio Hills (not shown on Figure 2 at the burnt area (Figure 2). the request of the landholder).
Sugar Gum was the dominant tree species at 15 of the sites where Brushtail Possums were observed and River Red Gum the dominant tree species at 1 site.
Discussion Status and population size
This study has improved our understanding of the distribution and status of Brushtail Possums on the LEP. Based on previous surveys for scats and scratches in 2002 (Pieck 2000), it appears that there has been little change in the distribution of possums across the fire-affected area. Among 15 sites surveyed for scratches and scats in 2002 and 2006, 12 contained possums in 2002 and 11 in 2006.
Fig . 2 Post-fire distribution records of Brushtail possums on lower Eyre Peninsula Despite a small change in distribution, there has however been a significant decline in the abundance of possums A total of 34 individual animals were observed. This following the bushfire. We estimate with a reasonably high included one female with a back young. The highest level confidence that the South Koppio Hills sub- number of animals recorded at site was 7. Two sites population contains in the order of 80 to 150 animals. contained 4 possums, 1 site contained 3 possums, 5 sites contained 2 possums and 6 sites 1 possum. Page 12 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006
The status of Brushtail Possums on the Lower Eyre Peninsula following the January 2005 bushfire cont.
Post-fire survival Population recovery
Those possums that survived the fire faced a 3-4 month It is likely that the post-fire recovery of Brushtail Possums period of little or no natural foods including foliage, fruits in the Koppio Hills will be constrained by the availability of and blossoms. Many large trees with hollows burnt to the den hollows. Due to the significant loss of hollows, ground and a lack of protective cover made individuals possum densities are unlikely to recover to pre-fire levels vulnerable to predation. Considering these circumstances, in the short or medium term and it is possible that the it is interesting to know how the animals survived. level of competition for hollows between Brushtail Following the loss of tree hollows, possums may have Possums and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos will intensify. switched to using burrows, fallen logs or other forms of The Department for Environment and Heritage is in the shelter (such as roofs) as surrogate dens. This behaviour process of installing nest boxes at several sites to alleviate is common among possums that have been displaced from the shortage of hollows and will monitor their use and their dens. importance over the following years. Most interesting is the observation that possums responded to the lack of food by feeding on the sap of Sugar Gum trees. Sap appears to have been the main item in the diet until new growth became available (Willie Jansen, Landowner, personal communication, January 2006). This may not seem surprising given the lack of other food resources available. However the activity is rare among vertebrates and has not been reported in Brushtail Possums faced with food shortages. Tree sap, while rich in soluble sugars, has a very low protein and nutrient content and is therefore of poor nutritional value. Gliding marsupials in size range of 100 to 750g are the only species whose diets consist of eucalypt sap and these species to supplement their diet to various levels with more nutritious foods such as pollen and insects (Jackson 2001). Following the fire, supplementary water and food was Acknowledgements provided to five possums on one property to help them This project was funded by the Dept for Environment and overcome dehydration and starvation. All animals were Heritage through the Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire noticeably lethargic when first encountered and all readily Reestablishment Program. We thank Anthony Pieck for accepted and preferred water over food. This implies that his volunteer assistance on the survey. the key dietary constraint was a lack of water rather than energy, which makes sense when one considers that Brushtail Possums do not normally drink free water. References Instead they rely entirely on the water content of their diet to meet their water needs. DEH (2002) Biodiversity Plan for Eyre Peninsula. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. No studies to date have investigated the impacts of DEH (2005) The fire-response and future conservation of supplementary water on the health or survival of wildlife biodiversity in the low Eyre Peninsula bushfire area: Project Plan. after a bushfire. Such a study may have important Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. implications for wildlife rescue and fire rehabilitation Jackson, S.M. (2001) Foraging behaviour and food availability of workers. the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. Journal of Zoology 253:1- 13. Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 13
The status of Brushtail Possums on the Lower Eyre Peninsula following the January 2005 bushfire cont.
Lindenmayer, D.B, Cunningham, R.B., Tanton, M.T. and Nix, H.A. Whitford, K.R. (2002) Hollows in jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) (1991) Aspects of the use of den trees by arboreal and scansorial and marri (Corymbia calophylla) trees I. Hollow sizes, tree marsupials inhabiting montane ash forests in Victoria. Australian attributes and ages. Forest Ecology and Management 160:215-232. Journal of Zoology 39:57-65.
McIlwee, A.P. (2001) The distribution and abundance of arboreal folivores in response to variation in soil fertility, climate and the Allen McIlwee nutritional quality of eucalpt foliage. PhD Thesis. School of Fauna Ecologist Tropical Biology. James Cook University, Townsville. Ecological Associates Papenfus, D. (1990) Is the Brushtail Possum still common in South Australia? Unpublished Report. South Australia College of Advance Education, Salisbury. Pieck, A (2002) The distribution and habitat use of the common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula, in the yellow-tailed black-cockatoo breeding area, Koppio Hills, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Conservation and Park Management, School of Environmental and Recreational Management, University of South Australia. Saunders, D.A., Smith, G.T and Rowley, I. (1982) The availability and dimensions of tree hollows that provide nest sites for Cockatoos in Western Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 9:541-556. Van Weenen, J. (2005) The Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire and its impact on local bird life. Unpublished woodland bird assessment in weeks following the fire. Department for Environment and Heritage.
NCSSA Conservation Biology Grant
These grants aim to extend the excellent work undertaken by research students on aspects of the biodiversity of South Australia. Previous grants have contributed to research into diverse topics including studies of the ecology of single species and assemblages (eg. systematics and phylogeography of stone geckos; and guanophillic arthropod ecology and conservation in bat caves), interactions between ecosystem components (eg mistletoes in Pink Gum Woodlands; and the importance of hypogeal fungi in the diet of bettongs) and the effects of human interactions with biodiversity in South Australia.
2006 Conservation Biology Grant recipients:
Diane Colombelli-Negrel, Flinders University Video monitoring of nest predation events in the Superb Fairy-wren Annette Scanlon, University of South Australia The diet and activity of Adelaide City’s urban insectivorous bat populations and habitat management for conservation Jackie Watts, University of Adelaide Comparing biodiversity monitoring methodologies
How can you Help? Donations to the NCSSA are fully tax-deductible and will contribute to the ongoing work of the Society.
XANTHOPUS The views presented in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the NCSSA This edition and previous are alsoavailable on our website : http://www.ncssa.asn.au/
Copy deadline for the Summer edition is 16th October 2006. Contributions in a variety of formats will be considered, but electronic submissions are preferred.
Editorial Team for this issue: Misch Benito, Mel Kovac, Nicole Lewis and Helen Vonow. Page 14 Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006
NCSSA 2006 Spring Survey
Re-visiting theOur SocietyPre-European has a long history, withVegetation a particular emphasis of Adelaideon carrying out scientific studies and lobbying on nature conservation issues. Most of the scientific studies are funded by competitive application from granting It is now ten years since the Naturebodies Conservation (see details Society in theof South Annual Australia Report: published Xanthopus Pre-European Vol 21Vegetation No. 5). of An Adelaide: A SurveyBushcare from Support the Gawler work- Riveroutline to Hallett of Cove ongoing by Darrell projects N. Kraehenbuehl. follows. shop on .. In this landmark publication Darrell gave an historical account of the degradation of the flora of the Adelaide Plains, and provided details of the few significant remnants of native vegetation left. It is timely that we now revisit these biodiversity jewels and assess what changes have occurred in the intervening years. We will collect accurate baseline data for 2006 so that in the future we can reflect back to the current time to see if change has occurred.
This is an opportunity for NCSSA volunteers to participate in documenting comprehensive site descriptions, and plant species present in the sites. We will be verifying plants with the State Herbarium where required. The area of the site surveyed will be based upon the description of the site in Kraehenbuehl (1996). Local expertise will also be enlisted to help prepare the plant species lists for each site.
In addition, NCSSA officers will be conducting Bushland Condition Monitoring Assessments of some sites.
Survey Locations (as per Kraehenbuehl 1996) will be in the following regions/areas: "Black Forest region", "Plains and River Torrens", "Foothills", "Mallee Scrub of Adelaide Plains" "Northern Plains", “The Greater Reedbeds”, "Coastal Dunes" and "Coastal Cliffs".
Volunteers will be required over three weekends of: September 30th & October 1st, October 7th & 8th, and October 14th & 15th.
Contact the office to register your interest in participating on 8232 6301 or email [email protected]
For those of you who have not read Darrell’s book ~ you can buy copies from the office for $27.50 (inc GST). Featuring beautiful colour photos of plants, and historic information and descriptions of many sites across the Adelaide Plains: Pre-European Vegetation of Adelaide: A Survey from the Gawler River to Hallett Cove by Darrell N. Kraehenbuehl, 1996, published by NCSSA ~ its a must for your library
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I would like to be involved in the Spring Survey 2006
Name …………………………………………………………………………………………
Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......
Phone – mob: …………………...…...... hm: ………………….……...... … wk:………………………...... Email: ......
Dates Available: ......
Skills / Expertise / Experience level: ......
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Return this form to: NCSSA, 120 Wakefield Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Xanthopus Volume 24 Part 3 Spring 2006 Page 15
Our Society has a long history, with a particular emphasis on carrying out scientific studies and lobbying on nature conservation issues. Most of the scientific studies are funded by competitive application from granting bodies (see details in the Annual Report: Xanthopus Vol 21 No. 5). An BushcareWalks Support withoutline Nature of ongoing at Black projects follows.Hill Conservation Park workshop on .. “Try bushwalking, Australia!”
The annual Walks with Nature program kicks off on Sunday 10th September 2006. “The Rugged Ridges and Hidden Valleys of Black Hill” will take in spectacular Black Hill CP, located only 10km north east of Adelaide’s CBD.
Black Hill, influenced by historical land management and Aboriginal fire regimes, conserves an amazing diversity of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals. Experienced leaders accompanying each group will point out these features as you walk. Spot Koalas in tree tops, and take in spectacular views of the Adelaide Plains, before you descend into Ghost Tree Gully.
This FREE event presented by NCSSA, is one of 110 walks held across Australia as part of the Great Australian Bushwalk (GAB). This national celebration gives you the opportunity to discover the many benefits of bushwalking. So get to it and register!!!
Where: Black Hill CP, meet near the Wildflower Garden, Addison Ave, Athelstone. Signage will direct you from Gorge / Maryvale Road.
What: A bushwalk around 2 hrs in duration, covering 4-8km (depending on selected route) up the side of Black Hill and down into Ghost Tree Gully.
When: Sunday 10th September 2006, walks kicking off every 15 minutes or so between 10am and 12pm.
Getting There: Note that bus transport ceases to this area after 12pm on Sundays (179 route). Contact the NCSSA office (08) 8223 6301 for further information.
How: Fill out a registration form – it’s that easy!! Further walks information and easy on-line registration will be available from 24 July 2006 at www.greataustralianbushwalk.org.au
National Membership Competition – Join us and win! Join NCSSA before 31st Oct 2006 for your chance to win great bushwalking prizes from World Expeditions, Sea to Summit, Silva and Rockport. $5,000 in prizes is up for grabs in SA. Competition licence T06/3017. For full competition information visit www.greataustralianbushwalk.org.au
Supported By:
Final WWN Walk for 2006: Ferries Mac-Donald CP on Sunday 19th November. Stay tuned to the NCSSA (www.ncssa.asn.au) website for further details and registration requirements.
will held on the first Thursday of every second month at the
Conservation Centre Meeting Rooms 120 Wakefield Street Adelaide 7:00 pm (front door open at 6:45pm)
Upcoming meetings:
Thursday Sept 7th Annual General Meeting Threatened Species Day speakers Joe Quarmby and Chris Obst
Thursday Nov 2nd Tim Jury - the work Threatened Plant Action Group