Further Translocation of the Redclaw, Cherax Quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), to Lake Ainsworth in Northeastern New South Wales, Australia

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Further Translocation of the Redclaw, Cherax Quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), to Lake Ainsworth in Northeastern New South Wales, Australia CRUSTACEAN RESEARCH, SPECIAL NUMBER 7: 1–4, 2012 Further translocation of the Redclaw, Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda: Parastacidae), to Lake Ainsworth in northeastern New South Wales, Australia Jesse C. Leland, Jason Coughran and James M. Furse Abstract.—The native Australian crayfish its tolerance of extreme environmental Cherax quadricarinatus (or Redclaw) is a large, conditions (e.g. water temperatures up to highly fecund and fast growing species that 34°C and poor water quality, including has been widely translocated both interstate brackish water), these intrinsic qualities have and internationally. This paper describes a facilitated the worldwide translocation of C. translocated population of the species in Lake quadricarinatus for aquaculture research, Ainsworth, an acidic coastal window lake in New commercial farming, recreational fishing South Wales. This population now represents (Horwitz, 1990; Kailola et al., 1993) and the the southern–most extent of its translocated aquarium trade (Peay et al., 2010). Recipient range within Australia, and coincides with regions include the Americas, Europe, Asia two native crayfishes, Cherax cuspidatus and a and the Middle East (Lawrence & Jones highly imperilled species of Tenuibranchiurus. 2002) and, more recently, areas within Consistently high trap catches and collection of Australia beyond its natural range (Coughran berried females indicates that the population in Lake Ainsworth is large, well established and self– & Leckie, 2007; Doupé, 2007; Doupé et al., sustaining. The probable pathway of introduction 2007; Wingfield, 2008). to the lake was by human action (deliberate or Translocation of crayfish species accidental), rather than natural dispersal from of commercial aquaculture potential previous sites of introduction. Native crayfish (e.g. Procambarus clarkii (Girard) and were not captured in the lake, but their presence Pacifastacus leniusculus (Dana)) (Anastacio was confirmed in ephemerally connected habitats et al., 1999; Gherardi et al., 2002; Peay ~2–3 km away. There are serious concerns about et al., 2010) have been replicated in the the further spread of the highly invasive C. Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), quadricarinatus and its potential to displace native where both C. quadricarinatus and Cherax species. destructor Clark have been introduced (Coughran & Leckie 2007; Coughran et al., 2009; Coughran & Daly, 2012). Coughran INTRODUCTION & Leckie (2007) described the first invasion The Redclaw crayfish Cherax of a NSW waterway (Emigrant Creek) by quadricarinatus (von Martens) is native to C. quadricarinatus and discussed the need Queensland, the Northern Territory and New for monitoring the translocation of this Guinea (Kailola et al., 1993; Lawrence & species. However, it appears that no funding Jones 2002; Wingfield, 2008) and is listed or effort has been allocated to this objective, as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and no further reports of C. quadricarinatus (Austin et al., 2009). This tropical species translocation have been made since that time. is highly fecund, grows rapidly (harvestable The presence of C. quadricarinatus in size of 50–90 g in 8–12 months), matures Lake Ainsworth, NSW was brought to the quickly (between ~30–70 g in 6–9 months), authors’ attention in April 2011, when a and can reach substantial weights of up to recreational fisher was observed removing 590 g (Wingfield, 2002). Combined with large adult crayfish from his traps. Lake 2 J. C. LELAND ET AL. Ainsworth (28.78327°S 153.591936°E) is movement through local waterways and a relatively uncommon lake–type (perched overland migration is possible. However, freshwater window lake) that occurs along more probable pathways include inadvertent the east coast of central Australia (Timms, “bait–bucket” transfer, aquarium discards, 1982). The geology of the area is dominated and intentional (and illegal) translocation/ by basaltic and rhyolitic bedrock and soils stocking by recreational fishers. from the former Tweed Volcano (Willmott, Extensive trapping surveys and 1986). Lake Ainsworth was formed by opportunistic observations of recreational coastal siliceous sand deposits overlaying fishers, indicate that large numbers of the bedrock, and has a surface area of ~0.12 mature C. quadricarinatus can be captured km2 with a maximum depth of ~10 m. As irrespective of season and suggest that is typical in perched window lakes, pH is the population is well established (Leland usually acidic (~pH 5.0) and salinity is low unpublished data). Reproduction is occurring (70–115 ppm) (Timms, 1982). within the population as evidenced by Riparian vegetation includes various the capture of berried females, which are grasses and macrophytes, and the northern extremely rare in trap catches, probably and southern landward extents of the lake because of trap avoidance (Brown & Brewis, are bordered by extensive coastal swamp 1978). Compared with males, females are and floodplain. The bordering Melaleuca disproportionally common and low numbers swamps are inhabited by the native of juveniles in catches probably indicate crayfish species Cherax cuspidatus Riek similar behaviour, due to the presence of and Tenuibranchiurus sp. Riek (authors larger adult crayfish in or around the traps unpublished data and Coughran 2006a, (i.e. trap size–selectivity Mitchell et al., 2006b). The former is classified as Least 1994; Rabeni et al., 1997). Further studies Concern, while the latter is considered an to quantify the population characteristics are “Evolutionarily Significant Unit” (ESU, needed, with a view towards identifying best Moritz, 1994) by Dawkins et al. (2010) and practises for controlling C. quadricarinatus therefore a very high conservation priority. in Lake Ainsworth. To our knowledge there have been no The absence of native crayfish in catches initiatives in funding, education, or field is of some concern. It may be that C. effort to reduce the spread of this exotic quadricarinatus has displaced the smaller, species since it was first reported in NSW. native C. cuspidatus, which is otherwise Of particular concern regarding this new ubiquitous in the area. However, it is also population in Lake Ainsworth is that the possible that native crayfish are present in the species is now in immediate proximity lake, and were simply avoiding the traps in to the only known site inhabited by the the presence of the larger C. quadricarinatus. previously outlined Tenuibranchiurus sp., a During 2010 and 2011, trapping and sweep– highly imperilled native crayfish (Dawkins netting surveys of the adjacent Melaleuca et al., 2010). In this paper, our aim was to (i) swamp habitat (~2–3 km north of Lake formally report the presence of the species Ainsworth) confirmed the presence of the and (ii) briefly discuss the implications for native C. cuspidatus and Tenuibranchiurus native crayfish in Lake Ainsworth. sp. in the area (Furse unpublished data). During that time, C. cuspidatus were captured with the same bait traps in the DISCUSSION Melaleuca swamp, which establishes the To our knowledge, this is the first formal species was not generally ‘trap shy’ at that record of a C. quadricarinatus population time. To date C. quadricarinatus have not in an acidic coastal window lake. The been captured in any adjacent habitat by the pathway of the species’ introduction to authors or our colleagues. Lake Ainsworth is unknown, but the lake Freshwater crayfish (including C. is in the same catchment as the Emigrant quadricarinatus) are well known for their Creek population, so a combination of ability to move overland (Riek, 1951; Translocation OF C. QUADRICARINATUS IN Australia 3 Olszewski, 1980; Furse et al., 2004; International Union for Conservation of Nature Coughran & Leckie, 2007), and we are and Natural Resources. Gland, Switzerland. concerned about the further spread of this Brown, D. J. & Brewis, J. M., 1978. A critical look species. In particular, there is a serious at trapping as a method of sampling a population of Austropotamobius pallipes (Lereboullet) in a concern regarding the potential of this mark and recapture study. Freshwater Crayfish, 4: species to disperse into adjacent, ephemerally 159–163. interconnected swamps and waterways, Coughran, J., 2006a. Field guide to the freshwater especially to the north where the only crayfishes of Northeastern New South Wales known locality of the ESU Tenuibranchiurus (Compact Disk Format). Natureview Publishing, sp. is situated, ~2–3 km away from Lake Bangalow, NSW, Australia. ISBN: 0 9581149 3 5. Ainsworth. At a broader level, it also appears Coughran, J., 2006b. Biology of the freshwater crayfishes of Northeastern New South Wales, that the species may be being deliberately Australia, Ph. D Thesis. School of Environmental translocated in the northeastern NSW region, Science and Management, Southern Cross where it appears capable of establishing feral University, Lismore, Australia. populations. This region supports several Coughran, J. & Daly, G., 2012. Potential threats rare and endangered crayfish, fish and other posed by a translocated crayfish: the case of aquatic species (e.g. amphibians): and Cherax destructor in coastal drainages of New introduced crayfish are well known for their South Wales, Australia. Crustacean Research, capacity to displace native crayfish, fish and Special Number 7: 5–13. Coughran, J. & Leckie, S. R., 2007. Invasion of amphibian species (Horwitz, 1990; Harlioğlu a New South Wales stream by the Tropical & Harlioğlu, 2006). Crayfish, Cherax
Recommended publications
  • Lamington National Park Management Plan 2011
    South East Queensland Bioregion Prepared by: Planning Services Unit Department of Environment and Resource Management © State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management) 2011 Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Enquiries should be addressed to Department of Environment and Resource Management, GPO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001. Disclaimer This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties. Information contained in this document is from a number of sources and, as such, does not necessarily represent government or departmental policy. This management plan has been prepared in accordance with the Nature Conservation Act 1992. This management plan does not intend to affect, diminish or extinguish native title or associated rights. Note that implementing some management strategies might need to be phased in according to resource availability. For information on protected area management plans, visit <www.derm.qld.gov.au>. If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412. This publication can be made available in alternative formats (including large print and audiotape) on request for people with a vision impairment.
    [Show full text]
  • North Coast Bioregion
    171 CHAPTER 14 The North Coast Bioregion 1. Location 2. Climate The North Coast Bioregion runs up the east coast of NSW from just north of The general trend in this bioregion from east to west is from a sub-tropical Newcastle to just inside the Qld border. The total area of the bioregion is climate on the coast with hot summers, through sub-humid climate on the 5,924,130 ha (IBRA 5.1) and the NSW portion is 5,692,351.6 ha or 96.1% of the slopes to a temperate climate in the uplands in the western part of the bioregion. The NSW portion of North Coast Bioregion occupies 7.11% of the bioregion, characterised by warm summers and no dry season. A montane state. climate occurs in a small area in the southwest of the bioregion at higher elevations. The Sydney Basin Bioregion bounds the North Coast Bioregion in the south and the Nandewar and New England Tablelands bioregions lie against its western boundary. The North Coast Bioregion has proven to be a popular 3. Topography place to live, with hundreds of “holiday towns” lining the coast and eastern inland, including Port Macquarie, Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Tweed The North Coast Bioregion covers northern NSW from the shoreline to the Heads, Lismore, Alstonville, Dorrigo, Forster and Taree. Great Escarpment. Typically, there is a sequence from coastal sand barrier, through low foothills and ranges, to the steep slopes and gorges of the The Tweed, Richmond, Clarence, Coffs Harbour, Bellinger, Nambucca, Macleay, Escarpment itself, with rainfall increasing inland along this transect.
    [Show full text]
  • We Tend to Think of Tamborine Mountain Itself As Timeless And
    NATURE NOTES With Tamborine Mountain Natural History Association www.naturalhistory.org.au We tend to think of Tamborine Mountain itself as timeless and unchanging, in fact the landform we know today has been created and modified by millions of years of geological processes such as erosion, weathering, subduction and volcanic activity. The Mountain’s geological history includes being 1000m underwater, thrust up from the seabed, smothered in lava and eroded Three to four hundred million years ago, the eastern edge of Australia was west of its present position. In our region the coastline was west of Toowoomba, shallow seas and a continental shelf extended eastward. Our area was in deep ocean probably over 1000 metres in depth. Around this time (give or take a few million years), west of Toowoomba the oceanic crustal plate was forced under the continental plate (subduction) forming a chain of volcanoes. Over millions of years basalt lava flows and large volumes of eroded sediments from the mountain chain flowed or were deposited eastward. The sea became shallower as evidenced by the shallow sea fossils found on the foothills of Mt Barney. Three to two hundred million years ago, geological activity on the deep seabed thrust up a high mountain range called the Neranleigh-Fernvale beds. This high terrain was reduced by erosion, and is now seen as the eastern foothills of the Tamborine Plateau, Cedar Creek Falls and outcrops on the north of the Plateau. Two hundred and fifty million years ago, the eastern edge of the continent began to stabilise, but then about two hundred and twenty five million years ago there were widespread violent volcanic eruptions west of the Neranleigh-Fernvale beds.
    [Show full text]
  • The Scenic Rim of Southeastern Queensland, Australia: a History of Mid Cenozoic Intraplate Volcanism
    103 by Benjamin E. Cohen The scenic rim of southeastern Queensland, Australia: A history of mid Cenozoic intraplate volcanism School of Earth Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. E-Mail: [email protected] Intraplate volcanism was widespread in southeastern volcanism extending over 4,000 km, covering a present-day area of 2 Queensland during the mid Cenozoic, leaving a legacy 1.6 million km (Figure 1a) (Johnson, 1989). Eruptions occurred throughout the Cenozoic (Wellman and McDougall, 1974; of variably eroded volcanoes and rugged topography Vasconcelos et al., 2008), with the most recent activity as little as known locally as “The Scenic Rim”. These plume-derived 4.3 kya (Blackburn et al., 1982; Robertson et al., 1996). volcanoes provide a detailed record of northward The products of intraplate volcanism were particularly abundant Australian plate velocity, and indicate a major slowdown in SE Queensland during the mid Cenozoic, extending over the state commencing at 26 Ma and persisting until 23 Ma, border into New South Wales (Figures 1 and 2). The largest Cenozoic volcanoes on the continent are located in this region; the Main Range correlated with initial collision of the massive Ontong volcano is over 80 km N-S, and Tweed has a diameter of c. 100 km Java plateau with the northern subduction margin of the (Figure 1b). This region also hosts some of the greatest diversity of Australian plate. Despite traversing over 36 km of magma types found in eastern Australia, and an unusually large volume continental crust, trace element and isotopic signatures of highly fractionated rhyolites (Ewart et al., 1985; Ewart and Grenfell, 1985; Ewart et al., 1988).
    [Show full text]
  • 'Geo-Log' 2009
    ‘Geo-Log’ 2009 Journal of the Amateur Geological Society of the Hunter Valley ‘Geo-Log’ 2009 Journal of the Amateur Geological Society of the Hunter Valley Inc. Contents: President’s Introduction 2 Barrenjoey Lighthouse Walk 3 Geological Tour of the Central Coast 4 Ash Island History and Walk 6 Rix’s Creek Coke Ovens 7 Catherine Hill Bay to Caves Beach 9 Kurri Kurri Murals 11 Murrurundi Weekend 12 Soup and Slides 16 Plattsburg Historical Walk 17 Newcastle Botanical Gardens 19 Geological Seminar - Rocks and Minerals 19 Sculptures by the Sea 21 Lorne Basin Excursion 22 Christmas Social Evening 27 North Coast of NSW - Geological Safari 2009 28 1 Geo-Log 2009 President’s Introduction. Hi members and friends, It has been yet another very successful year and thanks go to all those members who contributed in whichever way they could. Most of our outings continue to attract a lot of interest and even after 30 years we still manage a variety of interesting activities without repeating too much from previous years. Society outings again reflected our wide range of interests, from Bob Bagnall’s fascinating tour of old Plattsburg to a superbly organised weekend of pure geology looking at the structure and stratigraphy of the Lorne Basin near Taree with new member Winston Pratt. The safari to the North Coast of New South Wales was moderately successful and venturing off the more frequented tracks revealed some astonishing scenery and more than a few interesting rocks. A few people even climbed Mount Warn- ing. It was very surprising to see such a large turnout at the geological seminar at Ron’s place in Octo- ber, where Brian and Ron struggled successfully to get through a packed program of mineral and rock identification, with Barry following up with an excellent account of map reading.
    [Show full text]
  • PAPERS Department of Geology
    PAPERS Department of Geology University of Queensland Volume 11 Number 4 PAPERS Department of Geology »University of Queensland VOLUME 11 NUMBER 4 The Tweed and Focal Peak Shield Volcanoes, Southeast Queensland and Northeast New South Wales . A. EWART, N.C. STEVENS and J.A. ROSS P. 1 - 82 1 THE TWEED AND FOCAL PEAK SHIELD VOLCANOES, SOUTHEAST QUEENSLAND AND NORTHEAST NEW SOUTH WALES by A. Ewart, N.C. Stevens and J.A, Ross ABSTRACT •Two overlapping shield volcanoes of Late Oligocène — Early Miocene age form mountainous country in southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales. The basaltic-rhyolitic volcanic formations and the putonic rocks (gabbros, syenites, monzonites) of the central complexes are described with regard to field relations, mineralogy, geochem­ istry and petrogenesis. The Tweed Shield Volcano, centred on the plutonic complex of Mount Warning, comprises the Beechmont and Hobwee Basalts, their equivalents on the southern side (the Lismore and Blue Knob Basalts), and more localized rhyolite formations, the Binna Burra and Nimbin Rhyolites. The earlier Focal Peak Shield Volcano is preserved mainly on its eastern flanks, where the Albert Basalt and Mount Gillies Volcanics underlie the Beechmont Basalt. A widespread conglomerate formation separates formations of the two shield volcanoes. Mount Warning plutonic complex comprises various gabbros, syenite and monzonite with a syenite-trachyte-basalt ring-dyke, intrusive trachyandesite and comen­ dite dykes. The fine-grained granite of Mount Nullum and the basaltic sills of Mount Terragon are included with the complex. Each phase was fed by magma pulses from deeper chambers. Some degree of in situ crystal fractionation is shown by the gabbros, but the syenitic phase was already fractionated prior to emplacement.
    [Show full text]
  • Tweed Shire Rural Land Use Strategy Resource Inventory and Land Capability Assessment 20131220 FINAL
    Authors Mike Ruzzene [Planner, Urban Economist] Urban Enterprise Darrel Brewin [Agriculture and Environment Consultant] EnPlan Partners Alan Thatcher [Planner, Natural Resource Management] EnPlan Partners Graeme A David [Planning and Environment Consultant] EnPlan Partners Shashi Karunanethy [Economist] Urban Enterprise Jojo Chen [Planner, GIS officer] Urban Enterprise Document Information Filename Tweed Shire Rural Land Use Strategy Resource Inventory and Land Capability Assessment 20131112 FINAL.docx Last Saved 20 December 2013 10:53 AM Last Printed 20 December 2013 11:21 AM File Size 7,832 kb Disclaimer Neither Urban Enterprise Pty. Ltd. nor any member or employee of Urban Enterprise Pty. Ltd. takes responsibility in any way whatsoever to any person or organisation (other than that for which this report has been prepared) in respect of the information set out in this report, including any errors or omissions therein. In the course of our preparation of this report, projections have been prepared on the basis of assumptions and methodology which have been described in the report. It is possible that some of the assumptions underlying the projections may change. Nevertheless, the professional judgement of the members and employees of Urban Enterprise Pty. Ltd. have been applied in making these assumptions, such that they constitute an understandable basis for estimates and projections. Beyond this, to the extent that the assumptions do not materialise, the estimates and projections of achievable results may vary. The above disclaimer also applies to EnPlan Australia Pty Ltd. RURAL LAND STRATEGY TWEED SHIRE RESOURCE INVENTORY AND LAND CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT 5.8. LOCATION OF SOCIAL AND PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN RURAL PART C: LAND USE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CONTROL CONTENTS TWEED SHIRE 42 PLANNING 111 5.9.
    [Show full text]
  • Read Full Article Here
    DISCOVER THE SCENIC RIM ESCAPE TO THE LUSH VALLEYS AND WORLD HeRITAGE-LISTED NATIONAL PARKS OF QUeeNSLAND’S GOLD COAST HINTERLAND… WORDS: Karen Bleakley hen can we go digging for thundereggs?” eight-year- old Lincoln asks eagerly as we pull into the car park at Thunderbird Park at Tamborine Mountain. “Do you know there was a volcano near here a long time ago? Do you think it could erupt again?” Thunderbird Park’s picturesque bushland setting is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. Located 66 kilometres “Wfrom Brisbane, the 112-hectare activity park set beside Cedar Creek in the Gold Coast Hinterland offers a range of outdoor attractions for all ages, from mini golf to tree top high ropes and horse riding to laser skirmish, not to mention the thunderegg mine, which is the perfect place for geology-mad kids to indulge in their love of volcanos. TRAIL RIDING Mount Tamborine is set in the third oldest National Park in the world, and its volcanic history is Main image: Sunset views from fascinating for adults and kids alike. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat mage: mage: I 30 Australia & NZ | December 2018 www.getmedownunder.com www.getmedownunder.com Australia & NZ | December 2018 31 DISCOVER THE SCENIC RIM Millions of years ago, the earth was a single Hinterland. We arrive at the paddock to find a row of We meet Eva and Matt in the café just as the landmass – the supercontinent known as Pangaea. ponies saddled and ready to go. lorikeet feeding is underway. The kids take handfuls Around 200 million years ago, the land broke apart “Do you want to go on a big horse or a little pony of bird food and hold out their arms so swarms of 5 FUN FAMILY and the country we know as Australia split off and for your lead rein ride?” the riding instructor asks colourful birds land on them.
    [Show full text]
  • Kyogle Crown Reserves Strategic Plan Has Been Initiated by Kyogle Council to Support Its Key Role in the Management of the System in the Kyogle Local Government Area
    Kyogle Council Crown Reserves Strategic Plan 2009 - 2013 Kyogle Council working to meet the Challenge of Our Unique and Diverse Region Kyogle Council Acknowledgements This Strategic Plan was initially prepared by Jennifer Roberts and then updated and expanded by Samantha Muller of R&S Muller Enterprise, with written contributions supplied by Peter Baumann from the Land & Property Management Authority (LPMA) – Grafton Office. Assistance was also provided by other LPMA officers from the Grafton Office and Kyogle Council. The planning process leading to the development of this plan has involved the collection and use of a large amount of information, which for reasons of document size, has not been included in this plan. Disclaimer Any representation, statement, opinion or advice expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith but on the basis that Kyogle Council, R& S Muller Enterprise, their agents and employees are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, Statement or advice and referred to above. Copyright of Kyogle Council No part of this document may be reproduced without prior permission in writing of the General Manager. December 2009 Crown Reserves Strategic Plan – Page 2 of 132 Kyogle Council EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Kyogle area is one of the most picturesque parts of NSW. It has a diverse rural landscape with great natural beauty in which Crown land plays a vital part.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Strategy a Ten Year Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Scenic Rim
    BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY A TEN YEAR STRATEGY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SCENIC RIM 2015 - 2025 Page 2 | Biodiversity Strategy | Scenic Rim Regional Council CONTENTS A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR ..................................................................4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................6 ABBREVIATIONS .............................................................................................8 THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY ...........................................................9 What is Biodiversity? ...................................................................................................... 9 MEETING LEGISLATIVE OBLIGATIONS .......................................................11 THE STORY OF BIODIVERSITY IN THE SCENIC RIM ..................................12 Plants ............................................................................................................................ 13 Vertebrate Animals ....................................................................................................... 14 Invertebrate Animals ..................................................................................................... 16 Diversity of Vegetation .................................................................................................. 16 Poorly Conserved Ecosystems .................................................................................... 16 Core Bushland, Critical Corridors and Stepping Stones .............................................
    [Show full text]
  • An Artistic Journey from the Darling Downs to Fraser Island – September 2021
    An Artistic Journey from the Darling Downs to Fraser Island – September 2021 31 AUG – 13 SEP 2021 Code: 22170AU Tour Leaders David Henderson Physical Ratings Journey through the Darling Downs, Lamington National Park, Kingscliff, Brisbane and Fraser Island to explore artistic and literary reactions to the landscape. Overview Join award-winning artist David Henderson on a journey through the Darling Downs, Lamington National Park, Kingscliff, Brisbane and Fraser Island, to explore how the Australian landscape has exerted a powerful influence on Australian painting and literature. At Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) view the exhibition European Masterpieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, an extraordinary opportunity to see one of the finest collections of European painting in the world. Attend a performance of Boy Swallows Universe as part of the Brisbane Festival. This sell-out production is an adaptation of Trent Dalton's award-winning novel. Tour historic homesteads on the Darling Downs including the grand country house, ‘Jimbour’, Bromelton House (birthplace of novelist Rosa Caroline Praed), and Coochin Coochin, home of the Bell family, whose past guests there included the Queen Mother, Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Agatha Christie. In Toowoomba visit the Lionel Lindsay Gallery and Library Collection. The gallery includes works by the Lindsay family, as well as by Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and Rupert Bunny. The library collection, considered of national importance, includes letters by Henry Lawson and Lionel Lindsay’s personal papers. Visit sites associated with author, P.L. Travers, best known for her Mary Poppins By private appointment we visit her former home in Allora, and in Maryborough we visit the museum housed in the former bank where her father worked, and where she was born.
    [Show full text]
  • Pages Pinnacle
    Fact sheet Pages Pinnacle Protecting important habitats Pages Pinnacle is a rocky outcrop on the Gold Coast Hinterland, which Fauna was formed approximately 23 million years ago when Mount Warning Pages Pinnacle provides important refuge for a variety of native erupted as a volcano. Pages Pinnacle is part of the ancient volcano fauna, including several species of gecko, skink, snake, butterfly caldera, or the rim that surrounds the main volcano. and birds. Pages Pinnacle was formed as an elongate plug of rhyolite lava, filling Pages Pinnacle is also a classic high point, which is often used for a subsidiary vent on the northern side of the Tweed Volcano. the phenomena of hilltopping. This phenomenon is a mating behavior seen in many flying insects such as dragonflies, butterflies, wasps, Why are rocky outcrops important? bees and flies. A male butterfly may be seen flying around a hilltop for days seeking a mating partner. Rocky outcrops are important landscape features with high biodiversity. They are home to many unique plants and animals. Peregrine Falcons (Falcon peregrinus) often use Pages Pinnacle for They are critical breeding sites for many top order mammal and bird breeding between the months of August to November. They are species, including nesting sites for large birds of prey, bats, swifts and known to dig a scrape on a high cliff ledge, where they will lay up to ecological refuges for ancient lineages. two to three eggs, and will be incubated by both adults for 33 days. If birds are persistently disturbed during nesting season, it is possible To Indigenous Australians, they are sacred places and provide that eggs may not hatch and they will fail to raise young that year.
    [Show full text]