Bush Heritage News Summer 2005

ABN 78 053 639 115 www.bushheritage.org Lake Eyre.The colours and the In this issue Our latest purchase vastness of the landscape took my Cravens Peak – another bit of the breath away. Rich ochres of every hue and cobalt-blue sky seemed to Anchors in the landscape Outback stretch into infinity. weeding bee

Bush Heritage’s latest reserve, I was standing on the edge of the Cravens Peak, is ‘just down the Channel Country, that highly metropolitan Melbourne or Sydney) road’ from in productive region of Queensland and also the most expensive because far-western Queensland but, as famous for fattening cattle, and for of the ‘value’ of the Channel Country. Conservation Programs Manager this reason so far poorly reserved. We still have a great deal of money Paul Foreman points out, this new I contemplated the significance to raise! pastoral lease is very different of Bush Heritage’s buying and protecting some of this valuable Cravens Peak is now our most diverse On my first visit to Cravens Peak ecosystem at Cravens Peak Station, reserve, in both its geomorphology Station in May this year I stood where the Mulligan River plains and biology. It is an exciting acquisition on an outcrop of the Toko Range are still relatively intact. and presents us with an unprecedented and gazed over the source of the management challenge. Mulligan River.This is one of the On 31 October 2005 Cravens Peak headwaters of the immense Cooper became the 21st Bush Heritage Creek system that braids its way reserve. It is our largest reserve ever Grasslands and creek lines spread out from the rocky Toko Range where foxtails Ptilotis sp. emerge from between the through hundreds of kilometres at over 233 000 hectares (2330 square rocks. PHOTO: PAUL FOREMAN Insets from top: Purple-necked rock of the Outback to finally spill into kilometres or about the size of wallaby. PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM Plains-wanderer. PHOTO: TOM WHELLER

1 Waterhole on the eastern boundary drainage lines, swamps and claypans of Ethabuka Reserve. provide an abundance of habitats for the desert wildlife. Spinifex Tr iodia The Toomba Range, with its gorges, grasslands on the dunes are some of lies to the west, the result of upheavals the most important habitats for small along a massive ancient fault line. mammals. In these oldest rocks is located the conspicuous mesa ‘Cravens Peak’, Once all the cattle have been removed, for which the property is named. the grasslands so prized by the pastoral The dunes and swales that cover industry will be able to grow and set much of the east of the reserve are seed without the pressure of stock, LANDSCAPE just a thin veneer of wind-blown sand for the first time in decades. deposited in very recent geological Striking parallel dunes, plateaus, low times on these older sandstones. WILDLIFE ranges of ancient sandstone, and grassland and woodland plains make VEGETATION Cravens Peak has three main landscapes up this magnificent landscape. types – dunes, ranges and plains – The Mulligan River carves its way Most of the 21 known vegetation and each has its own characteristic along the eastern boundary of the communities on Cravens Peak are wildlife. Over 220 species have been reserve through soft rocks that were either unreserved or poorly reserved recorded. As at Ethabuka, the dunes formed under the ocean about 500 in Queensland.The property supports are home to a great diversity of small million years ago and are subject to some unique vegetation types mammals, including the carnivorous erosion.The adjacent Toko Range – including hummock grassland with mulgara, and one of the richest reptilian at 280 metres above sea level, one of red mallee Eucalyptus pachyphylla. faunas of any desert area in the world. the highest points of the region – is formed of harder, more resistant Short open grasslands with saltbush; Recent rain filled the ephemeral wetlands and brought sandstone. Not far south of the Mitchell Astrebla grasslands; shrublands of a flush of wildflowers to the dunes. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX Insets from top: Fat-tailed pseudantechinus. PHOTO JIRI homestead the Toko Range disappears acacia, hakea and emu bush Eremophila; LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES Flowering foxtails Ptilotis sp. beneath the sands, and vegetation communities associated on the grasslands. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX and the river meanders on to Pulchera with the rocky ranges, waterholes,

2 The plains, with sparse short grass and Grazing reduces or even removes herb vegetation, provide habitat for a the vegetation needed for food and nationally vulnerable bird, the plains- shelter by small mammals, ground- wanderer. Small animals such as the nesting birds and reptiles. Even some fat-tailed pseudantechinus occur in birds of prey are affected, as the cattle the ranges, well east of the centre of prevent the regeneration of trees their distribution in the MacDonnell suitable for nesting. Ranges near Alice Springs. THE FUTURE As part of the conditions of sale, stock Cravens Peak is entirely surrounded Suitable habitat exists for the bilby, will be removed from Cravens Peak by pastoral leases. It will soon be an purple-necked rock wallaby and within twelve months of settlement. island of protected habitat without spectacled hare wallaby and This was a necessary concession to cattle, unprecedented in western unconfirmed records suggest that secure the property and was considered Queensland. It will provide a we may find them at Cravens Peak. acceptable given our long-term vision. permanent refuge for an extraordinarily We may even discover the elusive diverse assemblage of arid-zone night parrot. Fire is also a major threat.Too many animals and plants including many or too few fires change the extent and species and vegetation communities THREATS AND MANAGEMENT structure of woodland communities. of national importance. Wildfires eliminate the ground cover, Overgrazing and trampling by cattle exposing ground-dwelling animals Once the homestead is properly are the main threats to the vegetation to predators such as cats and foxes. equipped, supporters will be able communities, and thus the wildlife, Under Bush Heritage management, to visit and explore this magnificent at Cravens Peak.Wetlands and water- strategic ‘patch-burning’ will create new reserve.A great deal of work lies courses are especially vulnerable.The a mosaic of small burnt areas that ahead, both in raising the necessary bores, which provide readily available will give variety and stability to the funds and establishing the reserve.We surface water, also sustain artificially landscape and reduce the likelihood would love your help.You can help high numbers of native herbivores. of broad-acre wildfires. us to buy and protect Cravens Peak by sending your donation or, if you Cat and fox control will begin in enjoy the desert landscape, you can conjunction with control programs get involved as a volunteer ranger run by our neighbours.Weed or in future working bees. infestations, especially of buffel grass,

will be managed once the stock has Clockwise from top: Paul Foreman with foxtails Ptilotis sp. been removed. Rain brings a green flush to the desert landscape. Swainson’s pea Swainsonia sp. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX

3 a healthy temperate river ecosystem. Anchors in the In the same way,we can see that landscape Bush Heritage reserves are not just sanctuaries for plants and animals; Beyond the Boundaries Coordinator they are also important in helping Stuart Cowell gives a long-term to sustain the natural systems of perspective on the role of Bush the regions in which they occur. Heritage reserves in providing Moreover, the reserves are sources a genuine conservation solution of expertise and hope for other conservation workers, and places from There is no doubt that Bush Heritage which to build regional conservation reserves are spectacular places. Each initiatives. In other words, Bush conservation in the wider community, in its own way safeguards some of Heritage reserves are ‘anchors’* in and build on what we had already ’s most important plants and the landscape. achieved. animals and the bush on which they rely. But the reserves are also important In Bush Heritage News Autumn 2003 It would take a lifetime of ‘cups of because they provide a conservation Sophie Underwood and I reported tea by a river’ to reach universal ‘focal point’ in their region, a focal on work done by Bush Heritage to agreement about where our efforts point that can nurture conservation determine the strategy that would should be focused.There are always efforts on surrounding properties. produce the most effective conservation other regions, other priorities, other results.That work launched a ‘free and possibilities. However we needed to Let me illustrate this by telling you frank’exchange of views that crystallised start somewhere. In the end, five about a pleasant Saturday in May when into a plan for the future: to focus regions stood out: south-west Western my father and I spent some time our efforts in specific regions rather Australia, the grasslands and grassy clearing the walking track on the than spreading our resources thinly woodlands of southern Australia, the Liffey River Reserve in Tasmania. across the country, and yet to remain midlands of Tasmania, the Channel and Taking a break, we sat sharing a ‘cuppa’ open to broader opportunities. Gulf country of Queensland and the under an old myrtle tree and watched , and the brigalow as a platypus searched methodically The regions we chose had to be under belt and uplands of Queensland. through the sand and pebbles on the immediate threat from a factor or riverbed for a tasty meal. factors that we could influence, protect Opportunities will arise outside these as many significant species as possible, regions, and in fact already have. Some Once, my father and I might have seen be able to support healthy ecosystems are too important to pass up: working the platypus as simply a delightful throughout the process of climate to protect Hunter Island, trialling a river-dwelling animal that needed change, be located where the new conservation model at Reedy protection for its own sake.We now establishment of an ‘anchor’ would Creek in Queensland, developing know that it is also an integral part of provide significant benefits for partnerships in South Australia.

4 It would be negligent of us not to to their land, the country and its wildlife follow these to their conclusion. will see much greater benefits.

But there are also many lifetime’s My father and I finished our cups work in the ‘anchor’ regions.There of tea – it’s always hard to have one are reserves to acquire, conservation in such a relaxing spot – and got on management to refine, and support with the day’s work.The platypus to give for conservation management was long gone. However, knowing on neighbouring country. she was still there somewhere in the river gave me confidence that the Using the same determined and river was healthy, and hope that by methodical approach as our platypus protecting habitats like those at the searching for her dinner, we, the Liffey River Reserve we can be supporters and staff of Bush Heritage, instrumental in restoring the health have identified and protected key of our environment both within and properties by using the best of our beyond our reserve boundaries. knowledge and combining our *An anchor not only represents security; in resources.We will keep on doing it heraldry it is the emblem associated with hope. for the foreseeable future. But there are also other important opportunities to seize, including working beyond From the top: Liffey River Reserve, Tas. Ethabuka Reserve our own boundaries. By concentrating on the edge of the Channel Country. PHOTOS: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX our efforts around our ‘anchors’ in the Judith Eardley Reserve in the grassy woodlands of south- landscape and helping neighbours and eastern Australia. PHOTO: DAVID TATNALL Monjebup Reserve in the South West Botanical Province. Rare Corackerup moort other regional land managers to bring Eucalytus vesiculosa is protected on Monjebup Reserve. conservation management and expertise PHOTOS JIRI LOCHMAN/LOCHMAN TRANSPARENCIES

5 Weeds, work and sticky date pudding

Wendy Radford was a volunteer at Our work at Quandong Well was the recent weeding blitz at Charles an example of how we tackled the Darwin Reserve, problem. It took the team five days to clear this area. Our aim was to In August 2005 Charles Darwin allow the plentiful native vegetation Reserve was a rippling sea of white to out-compete the weeds.This and pink paper daisies, and we were meant weeding the infested areas by struck by the beauty of the woodlands hand rather than spraying, including and the spectacular variety of flowers. along drainage lines out into the Our intrepid crew of weeders was bush.Where weeds had completely primed to do battle against double taken over it was possible to spray, gee, cape weed and London rocket, but only if the seed was still immature. weeds that posed a threat to this wonderland of biodiversity. At night we enjoyed the company around the pot-belly stove after hearty Months earlier, in a flash of audacity, meals prepared by Jackie, Leigh and Reserve Manager Leigh and his wife the gang.Yes,‘Donga’s Restaurant’ Jackie had conceived of achieving a provided some memorable culinary weed-free reserve. Leigh was not sure delights, including sumptuous how his plan would work with the chocolate cheesecake and sticky date wide range of volunteers who arrived pudding.A view of the stars from the to help, but the evenings spent sharing roofless shower after a hard day’s expertise with novices and experts weeding was just one of the many alike helped to fine tune the details. impressions I took with me from Charles Darwin Reserve. At Charles Darwin Reserve, weeds occur where there have been farming Thanks, Jackie and Leigh and all of activities and disturbance of the ground, our fellow workers, for a thoroughly whether by vehicles, stock or water. memorable time. The wells, stock traps and roads are the chief repositories of weeds, and the wild goats and vehicles the main vectors.Thirty-seven sites have been Clockwise from top. Getting the weeds by mechanical means. Satisfaction by the bucketful. Hand weeding the identified as problem areas, occupying comfortable way. Some of our intrepid weeders. less than two per cent of the reserve. PHOTOS: LEIGH WHISSON

A heartfelt thanks to all those who participated with such commitment in the inaugural weeding bee at Charles Darwin Reserve.With a total of 42 participants and nearly 300 person-days of work, it was a huge success. Of the 37 sites surveyed, 25 were completely weeded and seven partly weeded. Only five sites were not visited. A fantastic effort! Please join us again next year.

Leigh Whisson Reserve Manager, Charles Darwin 6 Reserve and research teams.They are also places research, visitation and education. From the CEO of learning, where our knowledge The reserves we protect contribute Bush Heritage has secured its 21st of the environment and how best to measurably to the abundance of life on reserve and it is stunning (see Pages manage it is growing all the time. earth.As I write this in my flourishing 1–3). Cravens Peak lies in the heart As we continue to work with, and spring garden in the suburbs, it makes of the Outback and will protect examples learn from, our neighbours and local me optimistic and enthusiastic about of some of the most important and as communities, we will be better able the opportunities ahead. yet unreserved vegetation communities to help care for the broader in the Channel Country. Its populations landscapes around us. Thank you for your continuing support of small mammals and reptiles are and encouragement of Bush Heritage. unusually diverse. Recently our colleagues at The If you can help us further by giving Nature Conservancy (TNC) in the for the acquisition of Cravens Peak, With the purchase of Cravens Peak, United States announced the startling it would be an important contribution. Bush Heritage now protects over ‘one reappearance of the ivory-billed The forthcoming months promise million acres’ of land and water, more woodpecker in the Big Woods of further exciting developments. In than 171 vegetation communities and Arkansas (www.nature.org/ivorybill). the meantime, please enjoy a safe populations of at least 55 threatened The bird had been considered and happy festive season and New animal species.What a remarkable extinct but was rediscovered in areas Year, and don't hesitate to visit achievement for our 14 000 supporters conserved by TNC and others in the www.bushheritage.org or call the in only fourteen years! Mississippi Delta.Whether or not we Conservation Support Centre at contribute to such a discovery in 1300 NATURE (1300 628 873) However, these reserves are more than Australia, Bush Heritage reserves if you have any questions. satisfying lists or figures in accounting provide a haven for native species, tables.They are functioning, living contribute significantly to maintaining systems, supported and actively managed healthy, functioning landscapes and by professional staff, volunteers, visitors provide wonderful opportunities for

In memory In celebration Thanks

Judith Ambler,‘a passionate and Paul Pryor made a donation for Our special thanks to the late Valette concerned protector of the natural Jacquie Pryor to become a patron Williams who left a significant bequest environment’ and loyal supporter of of the Charles Darwin Reserve on to Bush Heritage to help protect the Bush Heritage since 1993, passed away the occasion of her 60th birthday. Australian animals and birds that she recently.At Judith’s request her friends loved. and family donated to Bush Heritage The Winter, Myles and Duff families in her memory.The gifts were too and friends made a commitment at New staff numerous to mention individually. Christmas time to donate to Bush She will be sadly missed. Heritage instead of buying Christmas Richard MacNeill has presents.They have made a wonderful taken on the responsibilities Heather Willsher and family remembered contribution towards Ethabuka of geographic information their pa Ted Fitzgerald,‘who loved Reserve in western Queensland. systems (GIS) and data coordinator. our Australian bush’.Anne Marks Before coming to Bush Heritage he honoured her father Charley Morris. Birthday gifts were sent by Janet worked with the Victorian Government Forster for her son-in-law Mitchell administering cultural heritage databases Deborah Lehman and Michael Alpers sent Cork,by Jill Robinson for her brother- and coordinating the development of a gift for their close friend Sandy Skinner, in-law Barrie Robinson,by Stuart spatial information systems. and Dr Ieva Dzintars remembered and Leah Brooks for their daughter Mr Meihubers.Julia Masny gave in Dr Roslyn Brooks,by Nolene Rowell Julian Fennessy has memory of Genevieve Palmer, and for Margaret Flint, and by Mrs R joined Bush Heritage as Heather Stewart honoured Cec Filipczyk for her son Martin Filipczyk. Conservation Partners Southern (Croft) ‘for more than Geoff Cumming donated to celebrate Coordinator. Julian has 50 years of friendship’. the 60th birthday of Garth Powell. worked in wildlife research and community-based Julie Hamilton donated in memory of To celebrate their 50th birthdays, twins natural resource management for many Dr Margaret Scott,‘Tasmanian poet Heather Coleman and Phillip years in the arid zones of southern Africa. and a warm and inspiring person who Sinclair asked guests to donate to For the past five years, he has worked in embraced Tasmania as her home’. Bush Heritage in lieu of gifts. conservation in the non-profit sector.

7 Getting involved WORKING BEES VOLUNTEER RANGERS Bush Heritage working bees involve camping, some hard work and a lot of fun and satisfaction. The tasks depend on the management priorities If you enjoy being in the bush, why not of the reserve but include maintaining tracks, become a volunteer ranger? It might be your removing fences, improving infrastructure first stint or your fifth but, if you are good and, of course, weeding. with your hands, or prefer just to lend a hand, FIELD TRIPS please consider working with us somewhere April 2006: Goonderoo Reserve, Qld, in Australia’s great outdoors on your next We have an exciting program of field trips Saturday 22 to Sunday 30. scheduled for 2006, which will be advertised holiday.You will play a vital role in caring for Our first working bee on this beautiful one of the Bush Heritage reserves. in future editions of Bush Heritage News and reserve will focus on small-scale infrastructure on the website. Bookings are essential, as places improvements and weeding. Planning for the 2006 Volunteer Ranger are limited. Below are some trips available Program is under way.Any of you interested early next year. Dates will be confirmed, and A number of working bees are planned for bookings, open in 2006. in a spot of intense weeding at beautiful the Judith Eardley Reserve,Victoria, in early Carnarvon Station Reserve over the summer, 2006. Dates will be confirmed in the next April: please contact us! Goonderoo Reserve in Bush Heritage News. Burrin Burrin Reserve, NSW,evening south-central Queensland will begin taking spotlight tour, Friday 7. volunteer rangers in 2006.This reserve, nestled For all volunteering enquiries please look Brogo River Reserve, NSW,field day, Sunday 9. in the heart of the Brigalow country, is a on the website or contact Joelle Metcalf on Charles Darwin Reserve,WA, field trip, late gem with a remarkably complex vegetation email [email protected] April (date to be confirmed). structure.Work will include general reserve or 03 8610 9102 or 1300 NATURE management tasks and infrastructure projects. (1300 628 873). May: Tarcutta Hills Reserve, NSW,field weekend, Friday 12 to Sunday 14. Ethabuka, Charles Darwin and Carnarvon Sally Jarvis injecting wheel cactus at Judith Eardley Station reserves benefited greatly from the work Reserve, Vic. PHOTO: DAVID BAKER-GABB Sunset at Cravens Peak For information on attending field trips, or of volunteer rangers in 2005. Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: WAYNE LAWLER/ECOPIX to RSVP, please contact Katrina Blake on 03 8610 9124, fax 03 8610 9199 or email [email protected] CAMPING Carnarvon Station, Charles Darwin and Ethabuka reserves will be closed for camping over the summer fire season, from November 2005 to March 2006. Camping, caravan sites and home stays are available at ,WA. Please ring the reserve direct on 08 9936 1038 or fax 08 9936 1054. Printed on combination 50% recycled and 50% plantation fibre. ✂ Return to: Australian Bush Heritage Fund, Reply Paid 329, Flinders Lane VIC 8009 buying back Phone: 1300 628 873 Fax: 03 8610 9199 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bushheritage.org Office address: Level 5/395 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Phone: 03 8610 9100 the bush Australian Bush Heritage Fund is a company limited by guarantee ABN 78 053 639 115

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