Caring for Tasmania since 1968

THE TASMANIAN CONSERVATIONIST Number 311 May 2007 Farce on Macquarie Island

Landslip on rabbit-grazed slope at Bauer Bay, Macquarie Island, September 2006 The Tasmanian Conservationist is the regular Contents newsletter of the Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc, 102 Bathurst Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000. From the Director 3 ABN: 63 091 237 520 Phone (03) 6234 3552 Fax: (03) 6231 2491 Minister Challenges Public’s Rights of Appeal email: [email protected] under Threatened Species Legislation 3 website: http://www.tct.org.au World Heritage Embarrassment 4 Director: Craig Woodfield President: Geoff King New Era of Dam Building 6 Warming to the Ice Plants 7 The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Tasmanian Conservation Bits and Pieces 9 Conservation Trust Inc (TCT). Gambusia Control Update 10 Editor: Craig Woodfield The Cascade Effect 11 Shorebird Conservation in Tasmania 12 We permit photocopying of all original material in The Tasmanian Conservationist. Miena Cider Gums Fight Back 14 Feel free to make use of our news and articles, but please acknowledge the source. Clean Up Australia Day a Smashing Success 15 Circular Head Shearwater Support 15 Contributions: We encourage our readers to submit articles of interest for publication. Articles should preferably be short (up to 600 words) and well illustrated. Please forward copy on computer disk or by email if possible. Guidelines for North-West Branch contributors are available from the TCT office. We reserve the right to edit contributions. Tasmanian Conservation Trust Meetings of the North-West Branch of the TCT are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Deadline for next issue: 31May 2007 The venue for the meeting is the Advertising: We accept advertising of products Penguin Railway Station at 5pm and services that may be of interest to our All members of the North-West Branch are invited readers. Our rates are GST inclusive: to attend to disuss conservation issues in the area.

1 Issue 2 Issues 3 Issues

Full Page $250 $450 $600 Writing Half Page $150 $280 $400 Editing

Quarter Page $110 $200 $280 Proofreading Specialising in conservation issues. Reports, management plans, newsletters and books. Proofreading: Janice Bird Layout: Patricia McKeown Circulation: 475

Front Cover: Landslip on rabbit-grazed slope at BA (Hons) Literature Bauer Bay, Macquarie Island, September 2006. Member of Society of Editors (Tas), Photo: Andreas Glanznig, WWF Australia Tasmanian Writers’ Centre, Society of Authors. Cover story:‘World Heritage Embarrassment’, ABN 86 028 924 992 page 4. Phone (03) 6234 6569 Email [email protected]

2 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 from the Director Amidst the deterioration of due process and transparent ones as well, including enhancing our organisational and accountable governance that has been occurring in efficiency and mitigating climate change. Tasmania in recent months, we have been busy turning Some of the targets are collaborative ones, and rely just our gaze inwards and attempting to define exactly what as much on the actions of other bodies as those of the the Tasmanian Conservation Trust represents and what TCT. Nevertheless, they represent important outcomes we are trying to achieve. The outcome of this will be the which we intend to work towards, hence their inclusion organisation’s first ever strategic plan, which has just been in the strategic plan. sent out to some of our key stakeholders for feedback. There is no question that this strategic plan is an Once finalised, this document will provide the strategic optimistic and challenging one, and the funds that will direction for the TCT for two years, starting from 1 July be required to implement it are substantially higher than 2007. It is intended to be a living document that will be our current income. Nevertheless, we believe that it is reviewed, and if necessary revised, as and when required, better to set our sights too high rather than too low. including at least once prior to the end of June 2008. Once finalised, the strategic plan will be made public The strategic plan is divided into a number of key through our website, and the objectives and actions challenges for the organisation. Each of these challenges contained within it incorporated into our budget. By the has one or more objectives associated with it, and in turn time that the period covered by this plan concludes in each of these objectives has a number of actions and June 2009, it is intended that a second and preferably targets. This not only provides us with specific campaign longer plan will have been developed and be ready to be and administrative guidance, but also benchmarks against implemented. which we can measure our performance in these areas. What does all this mean? A more efficient and better The challenges that we have identified include obvious focused organisation that can and will continue to fight ones such as supporting our key stakeholders and to protect Tasmania’s precious environment for decades protecting Tasmanian biodiversity. But there are some new to come. Craig Woodfield Minister challenges public’s rights of appeal under threatened species legislation In the 11-year history of the Tasmanian Threatened Species ground, that he had in fact made his decision under the Protection Act (TSPA), there have only been two instances section of the Act that required he make a decision! The where a recommendation by the Threatened Species judge has reserved his decision, which has not yet been Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to list a species has handed down. not been accepted by the responsible Minister. In 2005 If the judge decides in favour of the Minister then the the SAC’s recommendation to list blue-fin tuna was public’s right to appeal future Ministerial decisions under refused. In August 2006 the current Minister, David the TSPA could be substantially restricted. Also at stake Llewellyn, refused to list four species of lichen found at is the standing of the SAC as the pre-eminent source of South Sister near St Marys because he could not determine advice for the responsible Minister when making listing whether they were at risk. decisions. In November 2006 a St Marys resident appealed this David Clement (Appellant) latter decision by the Minister, under section 14(3) of the Threatened Species Protection Act, to the Resource Electronic version Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal (RMPAT). of At the subsequent RMPAT directions hearing the The Tasmanian Conservationist Minister disputed the appellant’s right to appeal, claiming now available that the right of appeal related only to decision to make Advances in technology at the TCT office mean changes to the existing contents of the schedules, not to that this newsletter is now available in PDF decisions not to add new species. format for members who would prefer an The RMPAT ruled that the appeal was competent, which electronic version. lead the Minister to instruct the Director of Public Please send us an email at [email protected] Prosecutions to apply to the Supreme Court to order that including your name and address and the email the decision by RMPAT be quashed. At the Supreme Court address you would like to use, and we will send your newsletter by email every two months. Hearing in February 2007 the Minister introduced another

Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 3 World Heritage embarrassment The credibility of the Tasmanian Government on nature species, the Macquarie Island parakeet and Macquarie conservation has sunk to previously unplumbed depths Island rail, are already extinct. this year, with the farcical standoff over funding for A range of feral animals was introduced to the island in Macquarie Island best illustrating this situation. the 19th century including cats, weka (a New Zealand Macquarie Island lies 1,500 kilometres south-east of bird), rabbits, rats and mice. Without any natural predators, Tasmanian in the midst of the Southern Ocean. By the these species multiplied and have impacted enormously on the natural values of the island. Both wekas and cats have now been successfully eradicated, but the remaining introduced rodents are causing extensive damage to the island’s vegetation and seabird habitat. Rabbits The myxoma virus was introduced in the late 1970s to control the rabbit population, and this resulted in the partial recovery of the vegetation and, coupled with the eradication of cats, enabled the grey petrel to Sandy Bay staircase 1990 - tourist boardwalk staircase at Sandy Bay, one of only two sites successfully breed on the tourists can land on the island. Photo: Jenny Scott island for the first time in more than 100 years. Tasmanian Government’s own admission, Macquarie However, rabbit numbers have increased dramatically Island is one of the most important reserves in Australia since 2001 and unprecedented levels of grazing damage and even the world. As well as being a Nature Reserve are now occurring around the island. This population under Tasmanian law, it is also a World Heritage Area increase is thought to have resulted from a combination and an International Biosphere Reserve; it is listed on of factors: the Register of the National Estate and the surrounding waters are a Marine Protected Area. The island is a prolific breeding ground for seabirds, with around 4 million individuals nesting there each year, including a number of albatross species as well as burrow-nesting seabird species such as petrels. The island provides critical habitat for two nationally threatened albatross species – the wandering and grey-headed albatross. Only about 80 pairs of the latter breed each year on Sandy Bay staircase following landslip on severely grazed slope in 2006. Photo Jenny Scott the island. Two endemic bird

4 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 • the development of resistance to the myxoma This is where it all went wrong. Months of wrangling virus within the island’s rabbit population (rabbit between State and Commonwealth Governments about calicivirus is considered unlikely to be effective who would pay for the eradication plan ensued. This in Macquarie’s cold and wet conditions); culminated in late March with the extraordinary • warmer and drier conditions due to climate announcement by Tourism, Arts and the Environment change, leading to increased rabbit breeding Minister Paula Wriedt that Tasmania would not contribute success; and anything towards the $25 million cost of the eradication • the reduction in predation pressure on rabbits plan. The Minister asserted that it was the responsibility following the eradication of feral cats. of the Australian Government to fund the eradication because the island has World Heritage status. This Entire hill slopes are now being denuded of vegetation statement conveniently ignores the status of the island as by the expanding rabbit population on the island. This a Tasmanian Nature Reserve and all the associated has destabilised many hill slopes; in one month alone in statutory obligations. As well as the longstanding 2006, 20 landslips were reported on the island, one of involvement of Tasmanian agencies and scientists in its which killed a number of king penguins. In addition, the management. The position of the Tasmanian Government loss of vegetation has made it difficult for albatrosses and has effectively put back the full implementation of the petrels to nest because they are left without nesting grasses eradication plan for another full year. or shelter from predators. At one light-mantled sooty albatross breeding area, several years of overgrazing by In late 2006, WWF Australia and eco-tourism company rabbits caused such slope instability that some nests simply Peregrine Adventures handed over a cheque for $100,000 fell off the hill. This contributed to almost half the nesting birds failing to rear a chick at the site in one season. Rats and mice The number of rats and mice on the island also continue to grow. Breeding success for six petrel species is directly affected by rats on the island, and scientists have reported evidence of rats killing burrowing petrel chicks in their nests. Rats and mice can have a devastating impact on native birds within a short time. Blue petrels are seriously threatened by rat predation and now breed only on off-shore rock-stacks. Research on other islands has demonstrated that rats and mice will also feed on the albatross chicks, resulting in a significant Tussock stumps on destablished slope, Bauer Bay, Macquarie Island. Photo impact on the reproductive Andreas Glanznig WWF Australia success of these already threatened birds. to the Tasmanian Government as a contribution to the Eradication eradication effort. Not surprisingly, WWF Australia is now Eradication of all three problem species – rabbits, rats suggesting that Tasmania cede control of the island to the and mice – in a single operation is considered to be the Commonwealth. Not such a bad idea, really. most efficient, humane and cost-effective long-term solution. Localised rabbit and rodent control on the island Craig Woodfield has been attempted, but has never been completely Thanks to WWF Australia and the Tasmanian Parks and successful and would be unsustainable in the longer term. Wildlife Service for background information. In 2006 the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service prepared a combined rabbit and rodent eradication plan and sought international opinion on its content. The eradication plan proposed using helicopters to distribute brodifacoum (an anti-coagulant) bait all over the island, followed up by hunting teams to target any surviving animals. The program would be undertaken during winter when there would be minimal disturbance to the native fauna. Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 5 New era of dam building In early March the Tasmanian Government tabled a Bill contribute to the scheme. The report concluded that ‘the in Parliament that would see sweeping changes to the dam project economics are doubtful’. Both sites also have a assessment process, giving more power to the Assessment number of threatened species present, including federally Committee for Dam Construction and limiting appeal listed ones. rights. Among other things, it is proposed that the The site of the proposed Waterhouse Dam on the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 will be amended Boobyalla River in the northeast has even greater so that the recipient of a dam permit granted by the environmental values, being almost pristine floodplain Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC) and incorporating one of the largest and most significant will not need a permit to destroy a listed threatened species. tracts of the threatened forest community Eucalyptus ovata It is unclear how threatened species assessments for dam remaining in the state. However, in documents obtained proposals will now occur, because the Bill also amends by the TCT, Tasmania’s Chief Forest Practices Officer the Water Management Act 1999 to remove all reference advised the proponents of the dam in 2003 that the dam to flora and fauna, replacing these with the term ‘natural could not be built. He said at that time, ‘…my advice to values’. A further amendment to this legislation will limit you is that I do not believe that the Board’s obligations appeals undertaken against dam permits, such that they under the RFA, the NHT 2 Bilateral Agreement and the ‘may only be instituted, heard and determined on the Board’s moratorium on clearing endangered forests would grounds that the process by which the decision or allow it to certify a forest practices plan for the clearing determination appealed against was procedurally incorrect of the Waterhouse Eucalyptus ovata forest. In my view, or unfair having regard to the requirements of this Act any such forest practices plan submitted to the Board and natural justice, not on the grounds that any technical would be refused.’ information taken into account in making the decision or However, not all is bad news. Although the oversight of determination, or that any technical finding made in the Threatened Species Section has been successfully reaching the decision or determination, was incorrect as removed from the dam assessment process, the Forest a matter of fact.’ Practices Authority must still make threatened species These two amendments put enormous power in the hands assessments whenever a Forest Practices Plan is required. of the ACDC, particularly in light of the unbalanced nature It was originally intended to remove this body from the of this body, which has no community or environment process altogether, but it would seem that this ended up representation and no independent scientific expertise. The being beyond the pale even for this government. presence of two senior bureaucrats, two Tasmanian Intriguingly, large dam assessments look to retain appeal Farmers and Graziers Association members and an ex- rights due to the requirement of such schemes to be also Hydro executive (out of a total of six members) implies assessed by the Board of Environmental Management and that this committee is little more than an instrument of Pollution Control. These rights are further protected by government and industry will. the requirements of the bilateral agreement between the Already the proponents behind the Longmarsh and Australian and Tasmanian Government on Waterhouse dam proposals have publicly floated these Commonwealth environment law. schemes again. The Longmarsh scheme is a particularly Nevertheless, this is an extremely disappointing turn of bad idea. The original proposed site is at the headwaters events, which was exacerbated by the Minister’s office of the Macquarie River approximately 10 km south of barring the TCT from receiving a copy of the draft Bill Lake Leake. This site, which features heritage-listed prior to it being tabled in Parliament. This sort of convict ruins, was found to be geologically unstable during behaviour, combined with the government’s obvious intent investigations in 2000/2001. In 2002, an assessment of to further erode public participation and independent an alternative site further downstream by Hydro Tasmania scrutiny of development in Tasmania, does not leave one found it to be environmentally and economically unviable. much hope for the future of due process in this state. It was estimated that private investors would expect to be able to sell water at $180 per ML before they would Craig Woodfield

6 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 Warming to the Ice Plants

Introducing the ice plants The challenges of global warming are yet to be fully the ice plants, native grasses (Poaceae) and the cactuses appreciated in relation to their potential impacts on our (Cactaceae) will be competitively advantaged and vulnerable indigenous vegetation communities and the potentially increase their natural ranges. Consequently habitat they support for our threatened flora and fauna. they will attract attention due to their tolerance and One predicted response to the gradual global warming adaptability. An obvious example will be kangaroo grass will be a relentless search for tolerant species, suitable (Themeda triandra), which benefits from a more efficient for our future landscape and revegetation sites, which will photosynthetic process (known as a C4 pathway) enabling be able to adapt to the harsher environmental realities. it to flourish in the dry summer periods when most other Fortunately members of the ice plant family have a series competitive grasses withdraw into dormancy. of rare attributes which will enable them to flourish in Interestingly, recent observations suggest an increased these predicted climatic extremes. This article seeks to richness of native grasses on disturbed dark-soil grassy explore these attributes further as well as highlight some woodland due to their exotic competitor grasses, such as of the fascinating cultural, historic and bush-tucker values Yorkshire fog grass (Holcus lanatus) and quaking grass ascribed to its members. (Briza maxima) withering and dying under drought stress. Known botanically as the Aizoaceae (Latin for Remarkably, ice plants have evolved a separate ‘evergreen’ or ‘ever-living’), the family’s name reflects mechanism as ‘night-time breathers’1 – technically the ability of members to maintain green coverage of fleshy Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), that will increase foliage whilst existing in the harshest and driest the plants adaptive capacity to climate change. By storing environments. There are over 2,300 succulents, herbs and carbon, in the form of organic acids produced during shrubs in the family, from South Africa, Asia, North and night-time respiration, they do not need to absorb carbon South America, with only 60 indigenous Australian species dioxide by opening their stomatal pores. Hence CAM (four of them Tasmanian). Disturbingly, already over 20 plants stop moisture losses through their pores during naturalised South African invaders thrive in Australia’s the heat of the day. This endows them with added harsher locations, suggesting climate change may xerophytic abilities that enhance their succulency exacerbate their invasive potential. mechanism to accumulate moisture and halophytic characteristics to survive in highly saline areas. The family is composed of two groups, based on the presence or absence of petal-like staminoides (large sterile A family with many appealing common names stamen). The sub-family Mesembryanthemoides has The family members are suitably bestowed with intriguing showy daisy-like flowers made of these brightly coloured common names, most relating to their striking attributes staminoides typically seen in pigface Carprobrotus rossii, that enable them to survive low moisture or high salinity whilst the other sub-family, Ruschioides, has small conditions. The name ‘ice plant’ is linked with many insignificant flowers that are brightly coloured on the family members mostly as a consequence of their leaves inside, as seen in Tetragonia implexicoma. being surfaced with salt-accumulating bladder-like cells Like many of the Australian species, the Tasmanian that often sparkle like ice granules to reflect sunlight and representatives act as key framework species in saline reduce transpiration. This name is applied to the fleshy- wetlands and dry coastal communities. Local examples leaved South African ice plants (Mesembryanthemum sp. include the Pitt water and Lauderdale salt marshes as well and Lampranthus sp.) as well as the previously mentioned as the remaining 100 kilometres of undisturbed Tasmanian T. implexicoma. sandy beaches exclusively vegetated by indigenous flora. The aptly named ‘Livingstones’ or ‘pebbles’ (Lithops From a historic perspective, immense significance can sp.) and Livingstone daisy (Doroanthemum bellidiformis) be directly attributed to two of the family’s indigenous are robustly designed to mimic both the colour patterns species, Tetragonia implexicoma and T. tetragoniodes and tough surface textures of surrounding stones and (many common names apply such as ice plant, NZ spinach, pebbles. This ensures survival during arid periods by Botany Bay spinach, Warrigal greens and Cook’s cabbage). imparting drought resistance and camouflage from These species could be held directly responsible for the foraging herbivores. During the rainy season when the choice of establishing Australia instead of colonial African desert is alive with edible vegetation they transform from nations as the preferred penal colony. their chameleon-like behaviour into large, perfumed, Adaptive responses to the global warming challenge boldly coloured daisy-like flowers in an attempt to gain the pollination services of passing insects or butterflies. Climate change’s predicted warming, reduction of overland flows and reduced soil moisture will impose ‘Noon flower’ is another popular descriptive name severe habitat limitations on our indigenous plants and applied to family members such as the Australian coastal animals. However, certain plants within families such as noon flower C. glaucescens, the Tasmanian salt marsh

Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 7 round-leaf noonflower Disphyma crassifolium, and the except that the flowers were not yellow but reddish purple’. many South African species such as wiry noonflower Settlers at Collins’ first settlement at the ‘Camp’ (Risdon (Psilocaulon tenue), due to their habit of opening attractive Cove) collected ice plants for nutritious ‘greens’3 whilst blooms around noon and closing later in the afternoon. inland explorer Edward John Eyre partook of pigface fruits freely, noting the ripe fruit was rich, sweet and refreshing The resulting colourful carpets are irresistible to their in hot weather. insect pollinators, which are at their busiest from noon to mid-afternoon. Robust landscape plants with weed potential The less than attractive common name ‘snot wort’ relates Australia has approximately 25 exotic species recognised to the slimy roots of the succulent Conicosa pugioniformis as environmental weeds, a number of which derived from which surprisingly are valued as a South African bush- naturalising around old settlements, especially near the tucker delicacy. coast. The tasty ‘greens’ were highly valued by early explorers The Tasmanian weed representatives including noon flower Lampranthus glaucus, heart-leafed ice plant Aptenia During his 1768 voyage to observe the transit of Venus, cordifolia, common ice plant Mesembryanthemum Captain Cook satisfied his scurvy-stricken crew’s desperate crystallinum, the South African Hottentot fig or sour fig need to savour fresh greens by harvesting the pot herb New Carprobrotus edulis and the Chilean pigface C. Zealand spinach, T. tetragoniodes, from the New Zealand aequilaterus. Of these, the latter two present major shoreline. Following discovery along the Australia coast concerns as they are either out-competing the native species by Cook and other explorers of large swards of both T. or are being inadvertently planted by unaware, enthusiastic tetragoniodes and Botany Bay greens, T. implexicoma, bush regenerators. Their ability to release hundreds of seeds sailors soon they soon came to rely on these greens as when triggered by rainy spells or to establish from fresh dietary necessities, to enhance their spartan rations. If the or even significantly dehydrated cuttings ensures they will early explorers and colonists had shown a little appreciation remain a persistent threat. Given the recent enthusiasm for the Aboriginal way of life, they would have selected for planting indigenous pigfaces, it is important to today’s popular bush-tucker treats, but instead they limited positively identify the species before planting. Remember, their choice to only those indigenous plants that resembled if it has a yellow flower err on the side of caution and English vegetables. These included sea celery (Apium check that it is not a weedy sour fig. prostratum) and Botany Bay greens (Atriplex cinerea). Valuable ‘people’s plants’ supplying food and medicine So impressed was Sir Joseph Banks with the latter, he sent seeds to Kew Gardens from where it rapidly gained It was apparent that explorers and colonists developed a favour in high society cuisine as a summer spinach. In strong desire for the tasty and nutritious green foliage of 1779 Bank’s fondness for this plant’s ability to provide Tetragonia species. This attraction continued to gain reliable quantities of nutritious greens was portrayed momentum over the next two centuries with these pot herbs exuberantly in the House of Common’s inquiry into the being cultivated in European gardens. They have now relative suitability of Australia compared to West Africa become an heirloom vegetable, worthy of any menu, as a convict-based colony2. He obviously left a strong especially suited to stir fries, spinach dishes and quiches. impression and the rest is now history. Of course, they also prove just as attractive to wildlife; hence protection from browsing is required during their Was ‘pigface’ Tasmania’s first bush tucker? establishment. Once they are growing vigorously, wildlife Tasman’s voyage of 1642 was not only historically grazing can be advantageous as marsupial pruning shears significant as the arrival of the first explorers in Tasmania, to limit their rampant growth. but also for the collection of ‘greens’ (recorded as a It is important to be aware that, like rhubarb and Mesembryanthemum sp.) by his crew’s shore from the silverbeet, eating too much can have ill effects, due to low banks of the Boomer Creek flowing into Marion Bay. This levels of oxalates and saponins in the succulent leaves and collection heralded the start of the current bush-tucker stems. bonanza. The collection of what is considered to be Carprobrotus rossii was reported to be ‘not unlike a certain Local Aboriginal people eagerly awaited the summertime plant growing at Cabode Bona Esperance’ (Cape Town). ripening of the luscious fruits of Carprobrotus rossii. Family bands would often establish camp next to broad Many diaries of early explorers and settlers not only expanses of fruiting pigface in order to supplement their record positive entries on the edibility of these ‘greens’ fish and seafood diets. They not only enjoyed the fruits but also draw attention to the unique strawberry-fig-like but also cooked the leaves of this native pigface or sometime flavour of the native pigface’s fruits. During the late 18th the round-leaf noonflower Disphyma crassifolium to century a number of explorers referred to the harvesting accompany their pit-roasted possum, roo or echidna. of ice plants for pot herbage or edible fruits. These included Bligh’s 1788 voyage on the Bounty in Adventure Bay, When squeezed, the finger-like leaves and stems ooze a Bruny Island and D’Entrecasteaux’s 1793 voyage on the gel-like sap which acted as a soothing lotion in much the Esperance in Recherche Bay. During the latter voyage same way as aloe vera does today. These bulky, sappy leaves D’Entrecasteaux noted that ‘the fruit proved a delicacy have proven problematical for all those plant collectors with the New Hollanders (Aborigines) and resembled the and students who have attempted to use plant presses to Hottentot’s fig of South Africa (Mesembryanthemum edule) dry and press specimens.

8 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 When exploring the world-wide range of extraordinary consequence of their efficient methods of seed dispersal, plant uses attributed to ice plants, it would be remiss not ease of propagation from cuttings or off-sets, their to mention the mind- and mood-altering qualities of the succulence, pest and disease resistance, fire resistance South African species known locally as ‘Kanna’, Sceletium and xerophytic and halophytic abilities, all supported by tortuosum4. their CAM metabolism. In light of global warming, it is predicted that their recent popularity as landscape, This has been used by hunter-gathers and pastoralists erosion control, bush tucker and revegetation species from prehistoric times to elevate mood and decrease will increase. anxiety, stress and tension (attributed to the alkaloid ‘mesembrine’). Amazingly, larger doses have no severe Disappointingly these competitive advantages will also adverse affects, as it induces a euphoric state. This has result in the prevalence of many more exotic members been used to decrease thirst and hunger or as a local menacing indigenous vegetation communities as invasive anaesthetic and analgesic for tooth extraction. weeds. Traditionally prepared by crushing the succulent plant, However, the thick, succulent leaves, symbolising shapes sun-drying then chewing, smoking, inhaling as snuff or of limbs and fingers, can provide an inspiring contrast brewing as a tea, it is an important child sedative and has with the two-dimensional, flat leaves of most other plants been effectively used by indigenous healers to withdraw in the landscape5. alcoholics from their addiction. Even now the plant is sometimes called onse droe drank, ‘our dry liquor’. Phil Watson Although once widely traded in the South African Cape provenance and stocked in trading stores, inventories of wild plants have dwindled due to over-harvesting and Reference habitat destruction. This has sadly resulted in replacement 1. The term night time breathers was referenced from with alcohol, tobacco and cannabis. Using only cultivated the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens information rather than wild harvested materials, phyto- sheet ‘The Century Plant’. pharmaceuticals from sceletium are currently being 2. Low, T. Bush Tucker – Australia’s Wild Food Harvest, extracted for clinical trials in readiness for the Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1992: 134-135. international market. 3. Potts, B. et al. (ed.) Janet Somerville’s Botanical Another South African pigface look-alike known as History of Tasmania, 2006. ‘Khadi root’, Khadia acutipetala has a fleshy rootstock 4. Ben-Erik van Wyk and Nigel Gericke People’s Plants: that provides an alternative yeast source, used as the key A Guide to Useful Plants of Southern Africa, Briza fermentation agent in brewing a distinctively flavoured Publications 2003. and extremely prized beer known as Khadi. 5. Low, T. Bush Tucker – Australia’s Wild Food Harvest, Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1992. Conclusion The ice plant family primarily consists of hardy and environmentally resilient plants. Their tolerance is a Conservation bits and pieces

Cradle Mountain development of the term ‘should’ as opposed to ‘must’ or ‘will’. Such The TCT has made a representation on a proposed wording somewhat negates much of the value of having accommodation development on private land adjacent to the policy in the first place, and we have urged the review the northern boundary of the Cradle Mountain–Lake St committee to tighten it up. Clair National Park. This proposal is linked with a well- known mainland-based property developer, and we are More development at Freycinet concerned that it does not comply with the local planning Despite it being one of Tasmania’s most fragile and scheme. biodiverse areas, with extremely highly levels of Draft Environmental Protection Policy (Noise) endemism, hordes of threatened species and very limited The TCT has finalised a brief submission on the draft natural resources, development on the Freycinet peninsula Environmental Protection Policy dealing with the impacts continues unabated. Two major subdivisions, an upgraded of noise. We have been engaged in this process for some wastewater treatment plant and kilometres of pipes have time, which has taken a great deal longer than it should all been advertised in recent weeks. The TCT has have. Our main concern with this draft document is its previously appealed the approval of dams, water licences non-prescriptive nature, in particular the widespread use and a resort in this area.

Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 9 Gambusia Control Update Gambusia holbrooki, (mosquito fish) is an introduced pest fish that has established self-supporting populations in the Tamar and is a declared controlled fish under the Inland Fisheries Act 1995. It is an extremely hardy species, capable of tolerating a wide range of water temperatures, oxygen levels and salinities. Gambusia also produce monthly broods of 50 to 100 live young, when water temperatures are warm. Gambusia is an aggressive fish, and forms dense populations that can impact heavily on native fish and frogs, both directly through predation on eggs and young, and through competition for native invertebrate food sources.

A contract for the Australian Maritime College (AMC) to Isolating this channel would make the following potential research and develop a gambusia trap was signed and future options for managing this channel physically started early in January 2007. Inland Fisheries generously possible. This could be of significant benefit to the long- contributed $1500 towards funding the research. Riverside term conservation of frogs at TIWR, including the rare dam, which was previously assessed as ‘unlikely to succeed’ green and gold frog (Litoria raniformis). if treated, largely dried out. Treatment with rotenone was Longer-term options: therefore carried out in February 2007 and appears to have (1) Just isolate the trench and use dip-netting as an been successful. Legana dam was partially drained and ongoing control measure. treated with rotenone in March 2007. Follow-up checks (2) Isolate the trench and stir up monosulphitic black will be needed next summer to determine whether the ooze to kill gambusia via temporary acidification and treatment was successful. At this stage all known ‘closed deoxygenation of the water. water body’ infestations have been treated. Dip-netting of (3) Isolate the trench and assist drying. gambusia at Tamar Island Wetlands three times a week by (4) Isolate the trench, assist drying and apply chemical volunteers was initiated in February 2007. treatment. Distribution Survey Possible problems with this approach include: some A distribution survey was completed in March 2007. This gambusia may be present outside of the channel; and some showed that gambusia has not extended its range since 2005. sandbagging may be visible. Sandbagging could be Gambusia was primarily recorded in wetland-type strategically placed to minimise any aesthetic impact. environments with little or no flow. There appear to be three b) Isolate the Channel and Pools Immediately to the North major infestations, the largest occurring on the Landfall of the Wetland Centre property on the East Tamar opposite Tamar Island, with This approach would more completely capture and isolate Tamar Island and Windermere being the other major sites. the gambusia population from the Tamar. Possible problems with this approach include: more sandbagging/alteration Landfall (East Tamar) of existing levees would be required; a greater area would Options for Landfall are being negotiated with the be affected in terms of migration of native fish species. landowners and the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS). Likely Works Required options involve rotenone treatment of small areas, which Mesh, preferably stainless steel, will be needed to cover are isolated due to current low rainfall and resultant drying the ends of culverts joining the pools north of the wetland out. If treated, these areas will have mesh screens put in centre to the area of reeds, rice grass and tea tree. place to prevent the movement of gambusia back into these Sandbagging of levees would also be required to ensure areas after water flows increase in the winter months. levees could not be overtopped by king tides or flood events. Tamar Island Wetlands Windermere The following options for Tamar Island are still being Currently this site has not been evaluated. Any treatment evaluated and negotiated with the Parks and Wildlife is likely to be scheduled for late summer of 2008 at this Service. stage, to coincide with the lowest possible water levels and a) Isolate the Channel adjacent to the wetland centre connectivity between water bodies. This trench is the site with the highest densities of gambusia at the Tasman Island Wetlands Reserve (TIWR) Awareness and no successful breeding of the green and gold frog can In 2006 contact was made with 36 fishing clubs across occur there currently. Tasmania via mail and email. Gambusia Management

10 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 Guide, and Workbooks were sent out to the 23 fishing New ‘Devil of a fish’ gambusia stickers and posters were clubs that expressed interest. Contact with Riverside High designed and produced in 2006, and a new brochure in and Launceston Christian School was initiated in 2006. keeping with this theme was produced early in 2007. Other Talks were arranged and conducted in February and March awareness-raising efforts have included an advertisement of 2007 to: Kings Meadows High School year 10 science on WIN television in 2006, and several live gambusia students, Launceston College life-science students and displays at public events such as world wetlands day and environmental science students at both Scotch Oakburn in public spaces, e.g. Launceston Mall, University campus College and Newstead College. Talks are planned for all and Evandale markets. other colleges in Launceston, and several schools in Grant Scurr Gambusia Project Officer proximity to the Tamar at both High and Primary school Phone 03 6336 5331, mobile 0400 923 967 level. [email protected] The Cascade Effect So what would it mean if the Tasmanian devil did become ‘We’re seeing increasing reports of feral dog problems, extinct or even if numbers reduced so much it was not but most significantly is the fox threat now facing the ecologically functional? The consequences could be far State’, he said. greater than many realise according to wildlife biologist ‘The coincidence of DFTD and fox evidence is stark. Nick Mooney, who has been studying Tasmanian wildlife Devils have probably previously acted as a buffer to fox for more than 30 years. establishment in Tasmania but with their decline that ‘It’s very similar to pulling a thread out of a blanket,’ he measure of protection for the State is now drastically said. ‘You might think that we won’t notice one thread reduced; it seems we have taken our little devils for gone, but that one thread coming loose can lead to another granted and even if for selfish reasons we have to make coming loose and before you know it, you’ve lost a whole every effort to keep them in-situ.’ range of pieces you didn’t even realise were connected.’ ‘A fully established fox population would prey on at According to Mr Mooney, already we are possibly seeing least 70 vertebrate species, directly endangering seven. the early signs of changes in the landscape from the Some of these animals are exactly what foxes eliminated decreasing devil population – and those effects could be on mainland Australia so predicting the impacts is not impacting on our agricultural industries as well as our rocket science – let alone the impact an established fox environment. population would have on our agricultural industries.’ ‘We’re seeing a void being created in the carnivore guild. ‘Although devils aren’t specialist predators, when at Because the devil population decrease seems to have carrying capacity they almost certainly help with quantity nothing to do with food, there are now large amounts of and quality control; they help limit wallaby and possum surplus carrion in the landscape (up to 100 tonnes/day) numbers and contribute to minimising disease outbreaks which isn’t being eaten and is now there for other animals, by removing sick prey.’ not all of them benign. ‘Wallaby numbers have been increasing in recent years ‘Naturally other carnivores are responding to that surplus and the decrease in devil numbers will probably accelerate food and the removal of the devil as one of their that because another risk factor for wallaby survival has competitors.’ been removed. There is already some evidence that grazing Mr Mooney says there is already anecdotal evidence pressure is increasing, both as complaints from farmers indicating quoll and forest raven (often incorrectly referred and our own observations on native plants. This process to as ‘crows’) numbers are increasing in areas where devil is of course complicated by the lack of rain but the signs numbers have decreased. are there. Although these changes have their own impacts it is the Mr Mooney believes that the risks are so clear that we introduced, invasive species that pose the greatest threat must think beyond the issue of devils’ survival in zoos or – and now have the best opportunity for major expansion. other artificial situations and be innovative about keeping According to Mr Mooney, ‘feral cats appear to be them in-situ, doing what they do best, and that means for increasing in Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD) areas, us too. which will have significant impacts on our native species Warwick Brennan in addition to agricultural industries as carriers of Department of Primary Industries and Water toxoplasmosis. Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 11 Shorebird conservation in Tasmania... the Cradle Coast region

Shorebirds Under Threat coast that provide important breeding habitat for resident Shorebirds are among the most spectacular migratory shorebirds and feeding and roosting habitat for migratory species in the world, travelling some of the greatest shorebirds. distances of any migratory birds, up to 10,000 kms The Cradle Coast shorebird project is supporting the non-stop. Many make a round trip of 25,000 kms each following key activities in the region: year between Australia and their breeding grounds in • Shorebird Training Workshop – to raise awareness Siberia, northern China and Alaska. of important habitat and provide education on Twenty per cent of shorebird species that regularly identification and protection of key shorebird species migrate along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway (planned for Sunday 18 March in Devonport) have been officially classified as globally threatened, • consultation with landholders/managers to with substantial population decline. explore the options for conservation agreements Migratory shorebirds share the flyway with nearly to protect important shorebird habitat (e.g. Land half of the world’s human population and are For Wildlife or covenants) particularly under threat from rapid economic • surveys to identify lesser known shorebird sites development and population growth in East and South- in the region East Asia. • monitoring of important breeding and migratory In Australia, threats to both migratory and resident shorebird sites shorebirds include: • provision of information via the web. • loss (reclamation) of coastal and inland Information packs have been developed and are available wetlands (e.g. through agriculture and urban on request, containing: development) • Shorebird Conservation Toolkit (CD) • invasive weeds (e.g. spartina, marram grass) • Wingspan supplement, ‘Shorebird Conservation • introduced predators (e.g. cats, dogs, foxes) in Australia’ • human-related disturbance (people, pets and • case studies – ‘Success stories in Australian vehicles on beaches) shorebird conservation’ • climate change. • brochures – ‘The future survival of beach-nesting Resident shorebirds, such as pied oystercatchers, birds is in our hands’ and ‘Dogs and leashes, birds hooded plovers and red-capped plovers, which nest and beaches’. along beaches and bays in Australia during the spring Copies of the Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory and summer months, are especially vulnerable to Shorebirds are also available on request. human disturbance because people, vehicles and dogs frighten the birds, leaving exposed eggs and chicks A Shorebird Training Workshop was held recently at the susceptible to predators and trampling. Devonport Entertainment where participants learnt about important shorebird sites in their region, how they can Conserving shorebirds in the Cradle Coast region, help to manage these sites and how to identify and count NW Tasmania shorebirds. A field trip to Moorland Point for participants A Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management priority to practise their new skills in the field was arranged. Talks project being delivered by the Department of Primary may be arranged elsewhere if there is enough interest. Industries and Waters’ Threatened Species Section, in Shorebird conservation on private land – support for collaboration with WWF-Australia and Birds landholders Tasmania, is aiming to help better protect and enhance shorebird habitat in the Cradle Coast Region. If you own property in the northwest region with shorebird values please contact the Threatened Species Section of Wetlands located in that region are extremely DPIW. There is a small amount of funding available to important for migratory shorebirds. The Boullanger help you with property protection like fencing, stock or Bay/Robbins Passage wetlands are home to more weed control etc, and the Section is keen to help now. shorebirds than the rest of Tasmania combined. More Contact Sally Bryant, Manager Threatened Species than 20,000 shorebirds congregate in these wetlands Section, Department of Primary Industries & Water, 134 each summer, before many return to the northernmost Macquarie Street, or GPO Box 44, Hobart Tasmania 7000, parts of the Northern Hemisphere to breed. There are Ph: (03) 6233 2863, Fax: (03) 6233 3477,E-mail: also several lesser-known sites along the north and west [email protected].

12 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 East Asian–Australasian Flyway: a round trip of 25,000 km between Australia and breeding grounds in Siberia, northern China and Alaska.

Shorebird Conservation Toolkit WWF-Australia, with funding from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, has developed a Help the TCT Shorebird Conservation Toolkit to help protect and enhance shorebird habitat across Australia. It builds on Members of the TCT can help us in a variety of the success of the national Shorebird Conservation Project ways. Here are just a few: (2001–2005), drawing from over 30 on-ground and community-driven shorebird conservation projects. · Help us expand our membership Recommend the TCT to a friend, family The toolkit is a comprehensive resource that enables users member or colleague, give a gift subscription to: to somebody you know or distribute some • understand and appreciate shorebirds, their membership forms for us. habitat and locate important shorebird sites in · Provide us with some recycled paper Australia and access population estimates We are always looking for good-quality paper • develop site survey and monitoring programs used on one side, to use in our printers. Help • identify/assess site management needs, and save us money and reduce our paper implement/evaluate management actions consumption. • write grant applications, site communication · Write a letter plans and media releases Contact us for suggestions or simply use any of • access existing resources the information in this newsletter as the basis • identify and advocate international/national of an inquiry to a politician, business or conservation options government agency. We’d love to see any • access organisations with knowledge/expertise in replies that you receive. practical shorebird and wetland conservation. · Pass on a rumour The toolkit is available online at www.shorebirds.org.au, We’re always interested in hearing interesting or on CD. rumours and stories about environmental issues, or just observations of what might be For further information contact going on in your local area. Bianca Priest on 03 6225 1394 or If you think you can help in any of these ways, please email [email protected] write to us (email is best) at [email protected] or snail mail at 102 Bathurst Street, Hobart 7000, or phone 6234 3552.

Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 13 Miena Cider Gums fight back

Since our report in the Autumn 2006 issue a great deal Tree bands have traditionally been made from metal but most of work has been done to secure two of the eight of these have fallen down so the practice seems to have stopped remaining stands of the endangered Miena cider gum in Tasmania. We have trialed plastic ‘root-stop’ material, which in Tasmania’s Central Plateau. This species is we recommend as a superior material for banding trees to threatened by drought that is probably caused by exclude possums. climate change, in addition to browsing by a range of Based on our observations, brush-tailed possums cannot animals. climb the ‘root-stop’ material and it is slightly cheaper, much In February and March 2007 two Greencorp groups lighter and safer to install and more flexible to apply to trees worked with the Threatened Species Network with convoluted trunks. Banding trees is not as simple as we Coordinator in Tasmania for eight days to prefabricate originally thought and we will compile our observations into and install 40 cages around cider gum seedlings and an information sheet (see below). 10 bands on mature cider gum trees to protect them All of the seedling cages we have installed have survived from browsing animals. The Greencorp teams took to and been effective at excluding all ‘problem animals’. These the tasks very enthusiastically and gained valuable cages are not an entirely new idea but we have refined the idea experience as well as being excited to help save an and would be happy to provide information on the design, endangered species. materials and installation. The cost of these cages (at about $40 each for materials) will limit their potential applicability so we welcome ideas on how to achieve the same result with less cost, e.g. can the cages be held down without star pickets? The Threatened Species Network (TSN) is developing a detailed information sheet showing the design, materials, costs, installation methods and limitations of the seedling cages and tree bands. Contact the TSN Coordinator for a copy of the information sheet. We have 35 cages ready for installing at our second priority site near Great Lake. If you want to join with other Greencorp volunteer installing tree cage to protect seedings from animal browsing. volunteers and give a cider gum a Photo Peter McGlone. better chance while working on the top The tree bands were very difficult and time- of Tasmania, get in touch for details. consuming to install as many of the trees are large and We are also looking for volunteers who would like to make old with convoluted trunks. The cages installation was cages for cider gum seedlings. We can supply the materials, also very time-consuming as they had to protect the tools and guidelines for making them. You need lots of time seedlings from possums, sheep, rabbits, wallabies and and a fair amount of space in your back yard. deer. This summer has been quite wet but if conditions Peter McGlone become drier we will need to water the caged seedlings. Threatened Species Network Watering mature trees is not feasible given current resources but we are confident they will survive simply because of the elimination of browsing by possums.

14 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 Clean Up Australia Day a smashing success

The Tasmanian Conservation Trust has hosted Clean Up interesting reported finds were a plastic dinosaur, a Australia Day (CUAD) for another year and with fantastic tomahawk and a locked safe. results. Across the state more sites and schools have Communities have also taken new approaches to the participated, to increase numbers by 35% with a total of normal CUAD activities. The Tranmere–Clarence Plains 215 clean up sites, 105 schools and 19 businesses. This Land and Coastcare group was the first in the country to increased participation has resulted in more positive tackle the problem of feral Pacific oysters, which have impacts on the environment. Tasmania pulled its weight been declared a pest of national significance. Feral Pacific oysters are not only a hazard to the most wary beachgoer, they also take up space in the intertidal zone, out-competing other native organisms for space. The group succeeded in smashing approximately 3000 feral Pacific oysters on CUAD and will continue this work into the future. Schools have also taken an integrated approach to Schools Clean Up Day by teaching and learning about waste and resource management. Many schools have utilised the Schools Clean Up Kit, which includes lesson plans on ecological footprints and waste reduction, in addition to a rubbish collection. Businesses have also taken some Tranmere Foreshore, Clean Up Australia Day. Volunteers smash time off to clean up this year: 19 businesses nearly 3,000 feral Pacific oysters and then remove them from the from Flinders Island to Hobart pitched in foreshore. Photo: Wendy Andrew collecting over 570 bags. in helping Australia meet the goal of one million Clean Up Australia Day has become more than just an volunteers nationwide. In this state, over 40,000 people event: it is a movement. It encourages people to come to- collected more than 406 tonnes of rubbish. Plastic and gether to improve their environment and see change happen glass beverage containers continued to be among the most in a small amount of time. It has also allowed people to find common items found, which could be recycled. The most innovative solutions within their community. Alexis Vertolli Circular Head Shearwater Support ‘Circular Head Council has endorsed an idea to allow aged aware) a complaint was immediately lodged to the then and disable pensioners to mutton-bird on the Stanley Nut. Minister of the Environment, Judy Jackson. ‘Cr. Graham Wells of Stanley opposed the motion owing Roll on one year and three men were each fined $500 in to tourism sensitivity. “My main concern is international the Burnie Magistrates Court on 20 February 2007 after and Australian tourists being exposed to mutton-birding pleading guilty to taking muttonbirds from the Nut State practices. It is not one of the most pleasant things to see if Reserve at Stanley. The three admitted to taking juvenile you are not used to the practices.”’ (Extract from the birds from reserved land last April, entering a restricted Advocate, 18 March 2006). area and interfering with nests of wildlife. As the Nut State Reserve is protected by an excellent Barry Hebbard management plan (of which the Council should have been

Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007 15 If undelivered return to: Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc POSTAGE 102 Bathurst Street, Hobart TAS 7000 SURFACE PAID Bathurst St Hobart 7000 The Tasmanian Conservationist MAIL Australia

Print Post Approved: PP731161/00009

TCT Membership/Donation Form Please circle relevant amounts Membership 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs Name:...... categories

Address:...... Regular $30 $55 $72 ...... postcode:...... Concession $18 N/A N/A Phone:...... (home)...... (work) ‡ I wish to join the Tasmanian Conservation Trust Household / ‡ I wish to renew my membership Organisation $40 $70 $90 ‡ I wish to make a donation ‡ I enclose a cheque/money order Corporate $500 $1,000 $1,500 ‡ Please charge my ‡ Bankcard ‡ Visa ‡ Mastercard Cardholder name:...... Life $700

No: ______/ ______/ ______/ ______Overseas surcharge $25 $50 $75 Signature:...... Expiry date:...... airmail only

Send completed form to: Tasmanian Conservation Trust, Donation 102 Bathurst Street, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia. Tax-deductible –– –– –– Ph: 6234 3552 Fax: 6231 2491 See the TCT website at http://www.tct.org.au Total –– –– –– Tasmanian Conservation Trust Inc ABN 63 091 237 520

16 Tasmanian Conservationist May 2007