THE WEB The national newsletter for the Threatened Species Network WELCOME TO SUMMER 2007

The Threatened Species Network is a community -based program of the Australian Government and WWF-

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore MP, WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne and Earth Hour Youth Ambassador Sarah Bishop at the launch of Earth Hour on 15 December 2006. Sarah Bishop will walk from Brisbane to Sydney in early 2007 as a way of voicing young Australians’ concerns about global warming. During the two-month, 1000-kilometre walk, Sarah will exchange ideas and make presentations to communities along the way, illustrating the simple things people can do to make a difference. © WWF/Tanya Lake.

COMMUNITY ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE By Katherine Howard, TSN Program Officer, WWF-Australia Welcome to the Summer Web! In the last couple of editions we’ve talked about the topic that’s on everyone’s lips – climate change. Here at the TSN we are very excited about an upcoming event called Earth Hour, organised by WWF-Australia and Fairfax Publishing. At 7.30 pm on 31 March, businesses and households all over Sydney will switch off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour is part of a major effort CONTENTS to reduce Sydney’s greenhouse gas pollution by 5% in one year, and will send NATIONAL NEWS a very powerful message that it is possible to take action against global warming. What’s On 2

The threat of climate change needs to be tackled by a two-pronged approach: mitigation and adaptation. We REGIONAL NEWS need to both lower our greenhouse emissions to reduce the extent of climate change (mitigation) and to build SA 3 the resilience of our native species and natural ecosystems to the changed conditions (adaptation).1 The TSN’s Queensland 4 speciality is community-based, on-ground conservation, so we particularly focus on building resilience, but we Arid Rangelands 6 certainly haven’t forgotten how crucial it is to also reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases. Northern Savannas 8 NSW 9 Earth Hour follows a similar event in Thailand in 2005 when 14 million Thai businesses and households Tasmania 10 simultaneously turned off just one unused light. In five minutes this saved more than 700 megawatts of power Victoria 12 2 – enough to shut down one of Thailand’s 14 power stations. WA 14 If you live in Sydney, you can take part by registering your home or business at www.earthhour.org and New Faces 15 committing to turn off your lights for Earth Hour. If you are not in Sydney, feel free to take part and switch off CONTACTS 16 your lights anyway! Not everyone has the time or ability to get out and do on-ground species recovery work, but we can all reduce our own personal greenhouse emissions. Earth Hour will clearly demonstrate the connection between energy use and climate change. Even more importantly, it will show that we as a community can address the biggest threat our planet has ever faced. 1 wwf.org.au/ourwork/species/ntsd2006/ The Web • 1 2 www.worldchanging.com/arhcives/002832.html NATIONAL NEWS The national newsletter for the Threatened Species Network

WHAT’S ON

TSN Community Grants Program Round 10 of the TSN Community Grants Program will open on 2 April and applications will close on Friday, 1 June. Program guidelines and application forms will be available from wwf.org.au/tsn. If you would like to receive an email notification when the grants open, please contact Katherine Howard at [email protected] or on 02 8202 1233.

Earth Hour 31 March On the evening of 31 March, WWF-Australia and Fairfax Publishing aim to get as many Sydney households and businesses as possible to switch off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour will demonstrate in Australia’s largest city the direct connection between energy usage and climate change, and will show what we as a community can do to address the biggest threat our planet has ever faced. For more information go to www.earthhour.org

Eco Choices for Sustainable Living Workshop, Marrickville, NSW 24 February An interactive workshop introducing the concept of the ecological footprint as a measure of our impact as consumers and practical advice on how to be a ‘green consumer’ and how to make smart ‘green’ choices in your home, travel, waste disposal and food consumption. For more information contact The Watershed on 02 9519 6366 or at [email protected].

Wanted: Fox DNA The University of (UWA) is conducting an Australia-wide study of the genetics of introduced foxes. The project aims to improve knowledge of fox movement patterns and the effectiveness of control programs. UWA is asking the public to collect DNA samples from any foxes that are shot, trapped or found as roadkill. If you would like to contribute to this study, or find out more, go to www.foxDNA.animals.uwa.edu.au or contact Dr Oliver Berry on 1800 633 097.

Australian Bush Heritage Fund Volunteer Ranger Program Ongoing opportunities For people with time, energy and skills to contribute, Bush Heritage runs a Volunteer Ranger Program at Carnarvon Station Reserve and Goonderoo Reserve in central Queensland; and in south-western Western Australia; and in far western Queensland; and Tarcutta Hills Reserve in southern New South Wales. Opportunities also exist for volunteer rangers to support management work at the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetlands Reserve in northern Queensland. For more information, contact Joelle Metcalf at [email protected].

TO FIND AN EVENT OR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY NEAR YOU, CHECK OUR ONLINE CALENDARS AT wwf.org.au/act/events and wwf.org.au/act/volunteer. The Web • 2 REGIONAL NEWS

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

PYGMY LIZARD RECEIVES FAMOUS VISITOR By Vicki-Jo Russell Sir David Attenborough, during a visit to Australia in October to film his next epic natural history series, Life in Cold Blood, came to South Australia’s mid-north to see first hand three of Australia’s unique reptiles, including the pygmy bluetongue lizard. The world-renowned broadcaster and naturalist announced his support for the efforts of Flinders University, the Recovery Team (of which the Threatened Species Network SA is a member), and funding and research partners to bring the pygmy bluetongue lizard back from extinction.

Previously found The role of private from Adelaide to land managers in the Burra district the survival of this in South Austral- species is para- ia’s north-east, the mount. As the critically endangered species is found pygmy bluetongue is only on public land, now known on just it relies entirely on 22 sites within the the public’s support, mid-north region. which to date has These small cryp- been commendable. tic lizards are found The best action land only in native grass- managers with these land remnants and lizards on their spend the majority properties can take of their lives down is ‘to do and change Sir David Attenborough talks to local spider burrows. press. © Julie Schofield. nothing’. Land man- agers who want to Researchers from Flinders University have change land practices found that young pygmy bluetongues live in are encouraged to spider burrows with their mother for up to six contact the Recovery weeks and in some cases over winter, suggest- Team to talk through ing a level of parental care unusual in reptiles. any potential impli- It is this unique feature that convinced Sir Pygmy bluetongue. © Mark Hutchinson. cations. A guideline David to choose it for inclusion in the series. outlining best practice has been developed to support land managers in The pygmy bluetongue is the only lizard species decision making. in South Australia to have been considered extinct. Fortunately, this charismatic critter was given a The Recovery Team aims to down-list the species to en- rare second chance at life when it was rediscovered in dangered through the further support and engagement 1992 in the stomach of a dead brown snake on a road of land managers and local government, identification near Burra. of opportunities to extend and connect existing popu- lations and ongoing searches for new populations. The pygmy bluetongue is threatened by the destruction of its grassland habitat. Ploughing of native grasslands For further information contact Julie Schofield, PBT alters the vegetation and destroys the lizard’s burrows. Project Officer, on 08 8841 3403. Today, just 2% of the native grasslands of south- eastern Australia remain. Pests and weeds, grazing at high rates, ripping, pesticides, fertilisers, frequent fire and trafficking are also risks to this species. The Web • 3 REGIONAL NEWS

QUEENSLAND

RAINFOREST COUNTRY, THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA – IT’S EVERYONE’S BUSINESS By Rebecca Richardson The Scenic Rim of south-east Queensland combined with the Border Ranges region of north-eastern New South Wales is extraordinarily diverse. It is the most biologically diverse area in southern Queensland and the whole of New South Wales; as a result it has been recognised by the Commonwealth Government as a biodiversity ‘hotspot’. is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation. Although most remaining natural areas are protected, centuries of land-use change have placed these natural areas under considerable pressure from threats such as weeds, fire and feral animals. The region is currently the subject of a multi-species rainforest recovery plan. This recovery plan will be used to guide funding programs and on-ground action to help restore and manage the region’s rainforest species and communities. Landowner and wider community involvement is crucial to the development and implementation of the plan. Over the month of November, SEQ Catchments Learning about the rainforest ecosystems of the Scenic Rim region. © Annie Keys. held four successful community consultation work- shops throughout the Scenic Rim region. Feedback The region contains an array of distinctive landscapes: from these workshops is being incorporated into the subtropical rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, coastal draft recovery plan. swamps and floodplains, mountain ranges and escarp- ment waterfalls, many of which are found on private In early 2007, when the draft plan is nearing comple- land. An abundance of plant and animal life, includ- tion, the team will hold another round of community ing a significant number of threatened species such as consultation workshops. If you missed out on the Fleay’s barred frog, the long-nosed potoroo, spotted first round, this will be an opportunity for you to help tailed quoll and eastern bristle bird, and the critically determine the future of the Border Ranges’ rainforest endangered Coxen’s fig parrot, is dependent on these country and learn about some of the region’s threat- The southern angle-headed landscapes. ened species and endangered communities. dragon, Hypsilurus spinipes. This species is found only in rainforests and moist euca- South-east Queensland has experienced high and Both the Northern Rivers Catchment Management lypt forests. © H. Bower. sustained population growth in the last two decades, Authority (NSW) and SEQ Catchments (QLD) are assist- growing at an average of 55,300 persons each ing with the community consultation. More information year between 1986 and 2004. The on this project is available at www.seqcatchments.com. varied landscape has drawn au or by phoning SEQ Catchments on 07 3211 4404. people to this region since the first Aboriginal people Reference: Fact Sheet: Border Ranges Biodiversity Project – Community Con- arrived in Australia. The sultation August 2006, ‘Rainforest Country, the Mountains to the Sea, It’s Every- region’s high population one’s Business’, available at www.seqcatchments.com.au/projects.html# growth, combined with associated urban and tourist develop- ments along the coast, The Web • 4 COMMUNITY GROUP RECOGNISED FOR SERVICES TO BAT CONSERVATION By Kendall Benton, Conservation Officer, WWF-Australia Gold Coast volunteer group Bat Rescue Inc was recently awarded a Gold Gecko by the Gold Coast & Hinterland Environment Council for demonstrating outstanding service to the environment through their work to conserve the Cascade Gardens flying-fox colony.

Cascade Gardens is an impor- has installed interpretive signs, tant roost and maternity site held a community education for grey-headed flying-foxes, day and conducted a survey of a species listed federally as residents and visitors’ attitudes vulnerable. The site is a small towards the bat colony. island of habitat surrounded by urban sprawl. Yet thanks to the Of the visitors to Cascade efforts of Bat Rescue members Gardens who participated and volunteers from the com- in the survey, 63% cited the munity, the profile of these flying-fox colony as the main flying-foxes has been raised attraction of the area. Par- considerably and the colony is ticipant comments included: being embraced by local resi- ‘What wonderful but strange creatures… tourists need to dents and visitors to the area. Volunteers and interpretive sign see this sight!’ and ‘They are on site at the southern end of the ‘With the support of a TSN beautiful creatures that need to colony. © Bat Rescue Inc. Community Grant, Bat Res- be protected’. cue Inc and personnel supplied by Community Services have Of all the residents and visitors worked over 2000 hours to sta- surveyed, 75% had an over- all positive attitude towards Bat Rescue Inc was recently bilise and rehabilitate the site presented with a Gold Gecko through weeding and reveg- flying-foxes, while 54% of Award for its dedication to the conservation of the flying-fox etation, including planting these were strongly positive. colony at Cascade Gardens. 1800 trees within the colony All 10 neighbours surveyed © Bat Rescue Inc. and buffer area’, said Robert agreed with the statement, James of Bat Rescue. Ground ‘Living near the flying-fox weeds on this site consisted colony is a source of interest mainly of fragrant succulent, and enjoyment to me’. Singapore daisy, seeding According to Ms White, the ochnas and Easter cassias. project ‘will continue to ben- According to Jeannie White, efit this bat colony at Cascade the site supervisor for the project, ‘The removal of weed Gardens thus allowing a safe species prevents the produc- bush land environment for them tion of seeds which can be and their future generations … spread by birds to other areas [as well as] … providing a safe of bush land’. environment for the public to view these lovely animals’. As well as the vital on-ground works that have increased the Grey-headed flying-foxes are listed as vunerable under the EPBC Act. health of the site, Bat Rescue © Bat Rescue Inc. The Web • 5 REGIONAL NEWS

ARID RANGELANDS

MANAGING FIRE TO CONSERVE THREATENED SPECIES AT NEWHAVEN RESERVE By Rachel Paltridge, Wildlife Consultant, Desert Wildlife Services In the last edition of The Web, we reported that the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) was a recipient of funding from Round 9 of the Threatened Species Network Community Grants Program to assist the conservation of threatened species on Newhaven Reserve in the .

The funding will be used to learn The western boundary of Newha- Tracking plots will be selected us- more about the fire regime require- ven Reserve is only 10 kilometres ing detailed fire history and vegeta- ments of two species classified as from the Nyirripi Community, and tion maps. Both species have char- vulnerable to extinction, the mul- regular hunting and burning occurs acteristic tracks, scats and burrows gara and the great desert skink. on the western edge of the reserve. which can be used by experienced Appropriate fire regimes will then High densities of great desert trackers to rapidly identify their be implemented in an attempt to skinks have been recorded in this presence at a site. Following the increase populations of these two area. Across the remainder of the broad-scale surveys, six long-term species across the reserve. property fire has been actively ex- monitoring sites will be established cluded for the past 50 years while and population abundances deter- Results from previous TSN Com- it was managed as a pastoral lease. mined, using Elliott trapping for munity Grants projects have sug- When fires have occurred they have the mulgara and intensive burrow gested that mulgara, great desert been very extensive, causing the searches for the great desert skink. skink and bilby are more likely to majority of the property to be burnt Population abundances on sites occur in the zone around the Nyir- within a two-year period. burnt under a regularly conducted ripi Aboriginal Community, where patch-burning regime will be com- hunting and burning are regularly The AWC assumed ownership and pared with those on sites burnt by practised, than in more remote ‘un- day-to-day management of the re- wildfires, ensuring that vegetation managed’ parts of the region. It has serve in 2006 and is keen to identify type and time since the last fire are been hypothesised that the patch and implement an appropriate fire similar under the two treatments. burning conducted by local Abo- regime that will promote conserva- riginal people increases the habitat tion of species such as the mulgara The project will provide an oppor- suitability for the mulgara and the and the great desert skink. tunity to develop relationships be- great desert skink by decreasing the tween the new managers of New- patch size of fires, increasing the The project, to be conducted be- tween March 2007 and June 2008, haven Reserve (AWC) and the local proportion of cool season fires and community, and to discuss different generally maintaining a greater va- aims to work with local Aboriginal perspectives on fire management riety of stages of regenerating vege- people to carry out broad-scale tation than in surrounding areas that tracking surveys to determine the with scientists, western land man- remain unburnt for long periods, distribution of mulgara and great agers and Indigenous land owners but occasionally experience vast desert skink in relation to fire history. and managers. hot wildfires.

The Web • 6 Newhaven. © Joss Bentley, AWC. LOOKING FOR NINU ON NGAANYATJARRA LANDS By Joyce Nelson, Ngaanyatjarra Land Management Unit This is a story about the Tjirrkarli community’s search for ninu (bilby). Ninu is a threatened animal in Australia, but we’ve found a lot of fresh burrows and tracks out here. Recently we had a visit by staff from the WA Depart- ment of Environment and Conservation in Kalgoorlie to see our work. They brought some big spotlights to try and see the animals at night. During the day we went looking for fresh burrows and for a good place to spotlight at night. We drove around through the rirra (gravelly downs), looking in the purti (mulga woodland) for ninu. We found lots of fresh bur- rows, as well as old ones left behind when the young ones moved out. We took the school kids with us on this trip to show Tjirrkarli kids. © Ngaanyatjarra them what we’d been doing, and they helped us look Land Management Unit. for the burrows. We also showed them how we work with the data sheets and the GPS, and some of the kids had a go at doing this. During our search for the ninu burrows we found an old ngaanamarra (malleehen) nest, which hadn’t been used for a long time.

Eventually we found a good place to spotlight, and set off after dark with the kids. They were all really excited. Fresh ninu burrow. © Ngaanyatjarra Land We sat there for about two hours – but no luck. The kids Management Unit. were a bit too noisy! We’ll try again another time.

Inspecting the old malleehen nest. © Ngaanyatjarra Land Management Unit.

The Web • 7 Looking for burrows. © Ngaanyatjarra Land Management Unit. REGIONAL NEWS

NORTHERN SAVANNAS

AUSTRALIAN AND NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENTS’ SPECIES INFORMATION PARTNERSHIP Taken from the Australian Government’s Department of Environment and Heritage website.

The Australian and NT Governments both maintain As a result of this partnership, in late 2006, 20 endemic lists of threatened species. The Species Information NT species have been listed as nationally threatened, Partnership between the two governments aims to: 6 species have been delisted nationally and 2 species have been transferred from the vulnerable category to 1) improve information available on threatened species the endangered category. For more information visit: listed by both jurisdictions and www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/ 2) enhance list alignment where appropriate. pubs/nt-species-partnership.pdf

NATIONALLY VULNERABLE NORTHERN HOPPING-MICE FOUND IN DIFFERENT HABITAT By Dr Simon Ward, NRETA So now we know – nationally vulnerable northern hopping-mice, Notomys aquilo, are not confined to coastal sand dune areas of Groote and nearby coastal Arnhem Land (and maybe the tip of Cape York). In a joint project by the NT Depart- ment of Natural Resources, Envi- ronment and the Arts (NRETA) and the Anindilyakwa Land Coun- cil (ALC), we recently found hop- ping-mice using areas of flat sandy woodland in the centre of Groote Eylandt. Four, possibly five, were seen while spotlighting along tracks, both from a vehicle and on foot. This seems to be a more successful way of detecting the Northern hopping-mouse. © Ian Morris. species than using traps. Initial comparisons of these areas with other sandy woodland areas where hopping- mice were not seen indicate that hopping-mice prefer Anindilyakwa Ranger Vince Lalara and NRETA scientist Simon Ward exca- areas of more floristically diverse heath vegetation, but vating an old northern hopping-mouse burrow system in sandy woodland, central Groote Eylandt, November 2006. © NRETA. previous work also suggests that they don’t like the vegetation to be too thick – it probably makes it too their natural heritage. Feedback from talks indicates difficult to make a quick hopping getaway! enthusiastic community support for the project. How- ever, information gleaned from audiences suggests The Anindilyakwa Rangers also have an active commu- possible confusion about hopping-mouse identifica- nity education program on Groote, talking to schools, tion. To address this issue a display tank has been set Community Development Employment Project work- up in the ALC office containing two spinifex hopping- ers, visitors to the island and old-age-home residents. mice (from Central Australia, but they look very simi- Their work on the hopping-mice is an integral part of lar to their northern cousins). These hopping-mice are this education program, and it is providing community shown to any groups holding meetings in the office. So The Web • 8 groups with a better understanding of their lands and now they know too. NEW SOUTH WALES

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUP CARES ABOUT THE MACQUARIE PERCH By Alison Colyer

The Macquarie perch is a freshwater fish that is endangered and in decline throughout most of its former range. The Friends of the Mongarlowe River (FMR) were among the lucky recipients of a Threatened Species Network Community Grant in 2006 for their project ‘Protecting the Mongarlowe River Macquarie Perch and Its Habitat’. The lack of knowledge about the Macquarie perch population in the Mongarlowe River is an issue that will be addressed during the course of this project.

One of the planned conservation activities will be tat. Some private riparian landholders have already the monitoring and sampling of the Macquarie perch demonstrated a good understanding of this threatened population. This will help to identify the genetic and species and have agreed to commence processes for taxonomic status of the Macquarie perch, its popula- either Voluntary Conservation Agreements or Conser- tion structure and recruitment success in the light of vation Covenants for their properties. present and future threats. The FMR will be assisted by Mark Lintermans, a Macquarie perch expert, and In the long term it is hoped that this project will close several partner organisations including the NSW some of the existing knowledge gaps Department of Primary Industries and the Southern regarding Macquarie perch populations Rivers Catchment Management Authority. and that the conservation activities will serve as a model for A conservation information package will be developed other community groups, to target local landholders, project partners, and visitors to local shops and tourist information centres. local government and The package will provide general information on private landholders the Macquarie perch, specific information gained from in the region. local habitat surveys and species monitoring, as well as suggestions for conservation activities. Community awareness will also be raised through public meetings and newsletter articles, and signs will be put up in prime fishing spots and key habitat areas to make fishers aware of the conservation sta- Macquarie perch. tus of the Macquarie perch and key threats to its habi- © Arthur Mostead, Murray–Darling Basin Commission.

1 MILLION NHT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR ENDANGERED ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES AND THREATENED SPECIES

Available to private landholders and community groups on Sydney’s Cumberland Plain, the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment and greater Blue Mountains area.

For more information contact Department of Environment and Conservation Project Officers by email: xuela. [email protected] or phone 02 9585 6691; or [email protected] or phone 02 9585 6575. The Web • 9 REGIONAL NEWS

TASMANIA

RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE GIANT FRESHWATER LOBSTER ADOPTED BY TASMANIAN GOVERNMENT By Peter McGlone After ten years of work and four different drafts, we now have a final ‘Giant Freshwater Lobster Recovery Plan 2006–2010’.

The major challenges for the TSN and others on the habitat will be classified as either high suitability recovery team will be to ensure that adequate funding habitat (below 250 metres altitude, within the range is received (primarily through the NRM process), of the GFL) or moderate suitability habitat (between recommended changes to the forest practices system 250 and 400 metres altitude, within the range of the are implemented and the priority research projects GFL). One major change (from existing management identified in the final plan are carried out. prescriptions) is proposed for stream buffers: high suitability habitat will receive slightly stronger protec- On the most conten- tion with 30-metre buffers for class 2, 3 and 4 streams tious issue of giant (currently class 4 streams receive 30-metre buffers only freshwater lobster where GFLs have been recorded). Moderate suitability (Astacopsis gouldi) habitat will receive the same level of protection as is management in areas currently the case, i.e. 10-metre streamside reserves on subject to forestry class 4 streams, 30 metres for class 3 and class 2, and activities, there has 40 metres for class 1. been no change from the draft plan While the class 4 stream buffer recommendation is a (as summarised in positive move, the TSN is concerned that the cut-off for the Winter 2005 high suitability habitat may be set too low at 250 metres edition of The altitude. As requested by the TSN and others, the plan Web). Under the does recommend ongoing research to test the habitat final plan, the suitability definitions. giant freshwater lobster’s (GFL) Giant freshwater lobster. © R. Mawbey. OTHER RECOVERY PLANS ADOPTED IN 2006 Other recovery plans adopted by the Tasmanian Government in December 2006 were: Lomatia tasmanica Recovery Plan Threatened Tasmanian Orchid Recovery Plan 2004–2008* 2004–2008* Ranunculus prasinus Draft Recovery Plan Argentipallium spiceri Recovery Plan 2004–2008* 2004–2008 Eucalyptus morrisbyi Draft Recovery Plan Forty-spotted Pardalote Recovery Plan 2004–2008* 2006–2010* Alpine Karst Flora Recovery Plan Threatened Tasmanian Eagle Recovery Plan 2004–2008 2006–2010 Threatened Tasmanian Grasstrees Recovery Plan Tasmanian Galaxiidae Recovery Plan 2004–2008* 2006–2010*

The recovery plans for Alpine Karst Flora, Argentipallium spiceri and Threatened Tasmanian Eagles are still being assessed by the Australian Government. The Tasmanian Government has not adopted the Eucalyptus ovata – Callitris oblonga Community Draft Recovery Plan 2004–2008 as it is not a state listed community. Adoption of these plans is a major step forward for threatened species conservation, with the plans covering a total of 92 species, and will particularly assist with implementation of the Threatened Plant Action Group project as announced in the previous edition of The Web. The Web • 10 * Also adopted by the Australian Government FOX FREE TASMANIA UPDATE By Samantha Vine

Some good news for those who were dismayed by the Winter Web article on the faltering Fox Free Tasmania initiative; the Tasmanian State Government has committed $28 million over the next 10 years to eradicate foxes from the state.

The red fox has been listed as one of the World the proposal and to expect an announcement in early Conservation Union’s (IUCN) 100 worst invasive 2007. While we don’t yet have any specific details as to species. Predation by foxes is listed as a key threat- how the funding will be allocated, the aforementioned ening process under the Australian Government’s expert report makes several strong recommendations, Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conserva- particularly in relation to community engagement. tion Act 1999 and the Fox Threat Abatement Plan acknowledges the importance of Tasmania’s fox free The problem is that foxes are incredibly cryptic and status to Australia’s biodiversity. Foxes have been elusive. The detection of populations at low densities is implicated in the extinction and continued suppression difficult because individuals often occur sporadically of many native Australian animals, and have the over vast areas. Tasmanian foxes occur at extremely low potential to cause catastrophic damage to the wildlife densities and thus are like needles in a haystack, and of Tasmania. Tasmania is a very big haystack. While the taskforce can concentrate their efforts on identified hotspots of Since the late 1860s there have been several fox activity, foxes dispersing into new areas are most documented reports of unsuccessful fox incursions likely to be detected by chance. into Tasmania. Evidence suggests that the latest cohort was systematically introduced in the late 1990s. With Community vigilance and support are therefore critical the recent crash in Tasmanian devils (a species with to the success of the fox eradication plan. obvious potential to buffer the establishment of foxes) due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease, and the large areas of optimal fox habitat throughout Tasmania, there is a high probability of foxes becoming established this time. The Fox Free Taskforce was created to confront this threat. Since 2001 the taskforce has received more than 1000 reported fox sightings and accumulated an alarming collection of ‘hard evidence’ such as fox carcasses, footprints, scats and DNA. However, as Craig Woodfield reported in the Winter Web, the taskforce was itself facing the threat of extinction due to lack of funding. Fortunately, an independent expert review into the Tasmanian fox incursion was released in June 2006. The report concluded that eradication of the Tasma- nian fox population is still achievable provided enough resources are made available. A few months later, the Tasmanian State Government launched a 10-year $56 million plan to eradicate foxes from the island – a welcome relief! The Tasmanian Government has so far committed $28 million over Fox with bandicoot. © Clive Marks, Invasive Animal CRC. the life of the plan and has proposed their contribution be matched by the Federal Government. The Federal Government has advised us that they are considering The Web • 11 REGIONAL NEWS

VICTORIA

VICTORIA’S THREATENED SPECIES – FUTURE GUARANTEED? By Verity McLucas, Environment Defenders Office (Victoria) On 2 November 2006 the EDO held the successful pilot conference, ‘Victoria’s Threatened Species – Future Guaranteed?’, in conjunction with the Threatened Species Network. The one-day conference brought together expert speak- for listing – a community group perspective’. A panel ers equipped with extensive knowledge of the Flora of three (Jason Doyle, Karen Alexander and Richard and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988), related research and Hughes) presented information on the Threatened policy areas, and the interaction of the FFG Act with Species Network, the Victorian National Parks Asso- Victoria’s planning schemes. The conference achieved ciation and the proposed Biodiversity and Land Health its aim of highlighting the need for a review of the FFG White Paper. The panel also invited questions from Act, exemplified by the detailed address of issues and the audience who in turn highlighted additional inter- actions relative to listed and non-listed threatened flora ests and concerns pertaining to Victoria’s threatened and fauna species in Victoria. The audience consisted species, corresponding policy, and government, indi- of PhD and Masters students, industry professionals vidual and community group action. A complete list of and members of community groups. speakers and their presentations is available for view- ing and downloading at www.edo.org.au/edovic. An expert panel of 12 speakers generously donated their time in presentations to the conference, including This event provided an excellent analysis and discus- Professor Mark Burgman from the University of Mel- sion of current and emerging issues, associated prob- bourne’s School of Botany, ‘Listing criteria, uncertain- lems and solutions, and future prospects relating to the ty and change’; Brendan Sydes, Principal Solicitor, Act, together with the skills, research, law and policy EDO (Victoria), ‘Options for reform: some sugges- relevant to the plight of Victoria’s (and Australia’s) threat- tions for reinvigorating the FFG Act’; and Ray Maino ened species. of the Threatened Ecosystems Network, ‘Nominations

BOOK REVIEW: Yellingbo: A Special Place With a foreword by John Landy, Governor of Victoria 2001–2006, Yellingbo: A Special Place tells the story of the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve, home to the endangered helmeted honeyeater and Leadbeater’s possum, Victoria’s faunal emblems. The book illustrates the values of Yellingbo through hundreds of beautiful images taken by Jason Edwards, along with exquisite paintings by botanical artist Margo Heeley. The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater have pub- lished this book to show the people of Victoria how special the reserve is and to remind Victorians that it needs lots of friends. To order a copy of the book, send a cheque/money order for $28 (includes p&h) to The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, PO Box 131, Woori Yallock VIC 3139, including a return address. The Web • 12 BLACK RANGE BANDICOOT RECOVERY PROJECT By Jane Marriott, Convenor of the Black Range Bandicoot Recovery Project Bandicoot boxes and bandicoot kits are all part of the mix in a project to conserve the endangered southern brown bandicoot.

Anecdotally, and from previous trapping results, it Despite the disruption caused by the fires, the program has been established that bandicoot numbers in the has had many successes. The community education Black Range have plummeted over the last 10 years. A and awareness program, in particular the distribution group of interested landholders, supported by a range of the bandicoot kit, has generated local interest in the of agency staff, therefore applied for a TSN grant to plight of the Black Range bandicoots. Satellite images, address this serious decline. The plan included remnant vegetation mapping, site visits and advice conducting a community awareness program, iden- from experts have identified key nodes and corridors tifying the southern brown bandicoot and its threats, for revegetation works, which will be targeted as an and engaging the local community in revegetation, fox ongoing activity. control and monitoring. The sighting of three bandicoots However, not long after the project was launched in in an unburnt area of the Black 2005, the extensive New Year’s Day fires swept through Range in September was excit- 75% of the Black Range. Besides having devastating ing and gave us the impetus we effects on any remaining bandicoots and much of need to continue our bandicoot their habitat, many participating landholders were also recovery efforts. ‘devastated’. The plan for bandicoot activities swung to an immediate response to the fires, and a widespread fox control program was promoted and refuges for bandicoots and other small native fauna were made a priority. Two hundred bandicoot boxes were made by volunteers and most were distributed across the range. Later, a Volunteers constructing bandicoot refuges. bandicoot refuge program involving the erec- © Jane Marriott, Black Range Bandicoot Recovery Team. tion of 16 large refuges in key areas took prior- ity over a fencing program. Black Range specimen of the southern brown bandicoot. © Ian Mitchell.

The Web • 13 Graeme Cox volunteered to make bandicoot boxes to provide refuge for bandicoots and other fauna soon after the 2006 New Year’s Day fires. © Jane Marriott, Black Range Bandicoot Recovery Team. REGIONAL NEWS

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

INNOVATIVE SCARE TECHNIQUES REDUCE THREAT TO BOTH COCKATOOS AND CROPS By Lee Fontanini, Project Officer, Southern Forests Landcare Baudin’s white-tailed black-cockatoos, endemic to the south-west of Western Australia, are classified by the WA Department of Environment and Conserva- tion (DEC) as a threatened species; numbers are thought to be around 10,000. Threats to the birds include habitat loss (nest sites and food), feral bees taking over nest sites and illegal shooting.

During the 2004/05 fruit season, higher than usual Thirty community members volunteered to record damage to crops by black-cockatoos was recorded in Baudin’s cockatoo numbers, food types and breeding the Manjimup area leading to the Warren Catchments data. Over 1500 individual entries have already been Council (WCC) in Manjimup recognising the need to recorded, providing valuable information for the lower help orchardists find new ways to protect their crops. south-west area. Threatened Species Network funding for the 2005/06 Warren Catchments Council has committed funds for fruit season allowed the WCC to work with k-co the next two years to continue working with in’s blac ckatoos aud . © orchardists to find non-lethal scare le B Lee orchardists; they have also fostered ma Fo fe nt techniques to keep the cockatoos d an a good relationship between the an in e i. al out of the orchards. Two bird M DEC and the WA Fruit Growers scare systems were trialled in Association, enabling partner- two orchards: one is a radar ship trials and ongoing field- system that detects birds as work to find practical and they fly into the orchard and affordable scare techniques activates several different to help safeguard not only noise and visual devices to the future of Baudin’s discourage the birds from cockatoos but also that of settling; the other plays 12 the fruit growers. different audible noises that interfere with the birds’ sen- For more information, or sory systems. Field days were to take part in recording c well attended by local orchard- ockatoo activity, contact Lee ists who are keen to protect their Fontanini at Southern Forests crops from the cockatoos with Landcare – Manjimup on 08 9771 non-lethal methods (there is a $10,000 7958 or 08 9771 8180. fine for each bird killed). Although both systems are dramatically different in the way they work, they both proved successful and were purchased by orchardists. Bird Frite, a 12-gauge cartridge containing a noise cracker that can travel up to 50 metres before exploding, also proved to be valuable in moving birds on and will be used in the future.

Apple damage by Baudin’s black- cockatoos. © Lee Fontanini. Field day participants with inflatable bird scaring device and solar tower. © Lee Fontanini. NEW FACES

NEW BLOOD FOR THE THREATENED SPECIES NETWORK

Katherine Howard, TSN Program Officer Since our last edition there have been a number of changes to our team. Late last year we sadly farewelled our fearless leaders, TSN Manager Mary Watt and WWF Species Program Leader Nicola Markus. Mary leaves us to spend more time with her family, and Nicki to pursue her blossoming literary career. Victorian Coordinator Julie Kirkwood has moved into another exciting position at WWF as Invasive Species Policy Officer; and we’ve also said a temporary goodbye to NSW & ACT Coordinator Alison Colyer, who by the time this newsletter reaches you will be a very proud new mum! We wish them all the best with their respective plans and we know that their commitment to Australia’s threatened species and communities will never fade. On the bright side we have a raft of new talent coming on board to fill the gaps. Firstly, a warm welcome to our new TSN Manager, Dr Tammie Matson. Tammie is a zoologist with lots of on-ground experience working with individuals and communities, and she has the necessary energy and verve to be a great team leader. At the time of going to press Tammie was in Africa so was unable to write her own greeting, but she’ll be taking over the front page by the next edition. Meanwhile, say hello to our new Coordinator for Victoria, Natalie Holland, and for NSW & ACT, Samantha Vine.

We welcome all our new team members and wish them luck in their new roles! INTRODUCING INTRODUCING

NATALIE HOLLAND! SAMANTHA VINE! It is wonderful to have started as Hi everyone! the TSN Coordinator for Victoria, replacing Julie Kirkwood who has I’m delighted to join the TSN team as the Coor- moved on to another role within dinator for NSW & ACT while Alison Colyer is WWF-Australia. By way of in- on maternity leave. And I’m really excited about troduction, I come from a sci- getting more involved with community-based con- ence background having studied servation. I’ve most recently come Natural Resources Management from the Institute of Wildlife Research at Deakin University. For the past where my ecological research focused seven years, I have been working on fox ecology and detecting rare and at Trust for Nature, where I have been fortunate to cryptic mammals. I’ve also managed work with landholders and community groups across projects investigating small mammal Victoria to protect areas of conservation significance food webs, measuring the impor- on private land. I was also fortunate to have been tance of habitat variables in relation awarded a Churchill Fellowship in 2005 for travel to small mammal assemblages, and to the United States where I visited a number of looking at the effects of grazing and landscape-scale conservation projects to look at an fire on several threatened species, approach to conservation planning developed by so hopefully I can add a little to this The Nature Conservancy. impressive network. If you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call. I really look forward to working with all of you, and hope to get out and visit many Looking forward to meeting you and of the current projects over the next working together on some exciting projects over the coming year. few months. The Web • 15 CONTACTS MAILING LIST DETAILS Remember to check out wwf.org.au/tsn for updated factsheets and TSN Community Grants information. If you have any enquiries concerning threatened species conservation in Australia, please contact TSN on ph: 02 9281 5515 or email: [email protected] Are your mailing details correct? Please indicate any changes below or email the above address Please change my details Please remove me Please add me Supporter number (the first line on your address label)______Name______Organisation______Address______Email address______

If undelivered return to: Threatened Species Network WWF SURFACE POSTAGE GPO Box 528 PAID Sydney NSW 2001 MAIL AUSTRALIA

The Web Print Post Approved PP 634660/100037 TSN CONTACTS Visit TSN’s website for more information, at http://wwf.org.au/tsn TSN Manager Arid Rangelands Coordinator Tasmania Coordinator Tammie Matson Linda McGuire Peter McGlone WWF-Australia Arid Lands Environment Centre Tasmanian Conservation Trust GPO Box 528, Sydney 2001 PO Box 2796, Alice Springs 0871 102 Bathurst Street, Hobart 7000 T: (02) 9281 5515 T: (08) 8952 1541 T: (03) 6234 3552 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] TSN Program Officer – Grants Northern Savannas Coordinator Victoria Coordinator Katherine Howard Jarrad Holmes Natalie Holland WWF-Australia WWF-Australia WWF-Australia GPO Box 528, Sydney 2001 GPO Box 1268, Darwin 0801 Level 1, 288 Russell Street, T: (02) 8202 1233 T: (08) 8941 7554 Melbourne 3000 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: (03) 9669 1300 E: [email protected] New South Wales & ACT Coordinator Western Australia Coordinator Samantha Vine Katherine Miller WWF-Australia WWF-Australia GPO Box 528, Sydney 2001 PO Box 4010, Wembley 6913 T: (02) 8202 1222 T: (08) 9387 6444 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Queensland Coordinator South Australia Coordinator Rebecca Richardson Vicki-Jo Russell WWF-Australia SA Conservation Centre PO Box 710, Spring Hill 4004 120 Wakefield Street, Adelaide 5000 T: (07) 3221 0573 T: (08) 8223 5155 The Web • 16 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]