Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 1 of Bushcare Participant’s Workbook Participant’s Bushcare Boosters Module 3 Module Boosters Bushcare The Birds and the Bees 2 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook This projecthasbeenassistedbytheNewSouthWales GovernmentthroughitsEnvironmentalTrust. © CopyrightSydneyMetropolitanCatchmentManagementAuthority2012. Martin Shultzforuseofhisphotos. Catchment ManagementAuthority, DepartmentofEnvironmentandClimateChange,Hurstville,to Profile Sheetsfromtheirpublication(2008)RapidFaunaHabitatAssessmentoftheSydneyMetropolitan Thanks totheNewSouthWales OfficeofEnvironmentandHeritageforpermissiontoreproducetheFauna not tobereproducedwithouttheirpermission,apartfromusewithinthesetrainingmodules. photos andillustrationsinthisresourcearethecopyrightofphotographerorartist.They provided thatthesource,includingpublisherandfundingbody, isacknowledged.All This materialhasbeendevelopedtobeavailableforcopyinganduseastrainingmaterial, (02) 98956207www.sydney.cma.nsw.gov.au Illustrations byVirginia [email protected] NSW OfficeofEnvironmentandHeritage. Joel Winter, LeeParker, AkosLumnitzer, DavidJenkins,NSWNationalTrust ofAustralia, Other Photos:ThomasMorgan,BevDebrincat,BryanWyer, Sophie Constable,BevDebrincat, Front coverphoto:BlackbuttCreekinGordon(SydneyMetropolitanCatchmentManagementAuthority) Thanks toWaverley CouncilandHornsbyShireforhostingthepilotworkshopsthismodule. Robert Stevenson(CityofCanadaBay) Steering Committee:LeanneBunn(RandwickCityCouncil),SueStevens(Waverley Council), Editing byNicolaDixonandJudyChristie Email: Phone: PO Box476EastwoodNSW2122 Bushland ManagementSolutions Frank Gasparre Workshop materialsdevelopedby: Acknowledgements Published bySydneyMetropolitanCatchmentManagementAuthority, POBox3720,ParramattaNSW2124. [email protected] 9858 2727

Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 3 1 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 19 20 21 23 23 23 24 25 27 28 29 31 33 ...... 2.1 Natural change in ecosystems 3.1. Plants. . 3.2. Caves, Rocks and Crevices 3.3. Hollows 3.4. Leaf litter and debris. 3.5. Soil. . 3.6. Water 3.7. Man-made objects. . behaviour 4.1 Territorial . 4.2. Predation and introduced species 6.1. Step 1 – Observe your site. 6.2. Step 2 – Understanding change at your site. 6.3. Step 3 – Fauna habitat management. 6.4. Step 6 – Monitoring. About the Bushcare Boosters training modules . training Bushcare Boosters About the Contents Contents About Module 3. About Module Learning outcomes for this workshop (Module 3). for this workshop (Module Learning outcomes . 1. Introduction . ecosystems and Fauna relationships 2. Understanding 3. Elements of habitat . 4. Animal interactions 5. Specific Fauna Requirements. 6. Steps to create a fauna friendly Bushcare site. 7. Limitations of urban fauna . site exercise. 8. Work 9. Resources: Publications and websites. 10. Glossary. . Appendix: Fauna in the SMCMA Landscape – Profile Sheets 4 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 1 Module 1 – Working safely and weed control techniques safely and weed control techniques Module 1 – Working Picture Module 2 – Bushcare and the Big of bushcare Module 3 – The Birds and the Bees Module 3 looks at the sometimes forgotten side of the Bushcare equation, the fauna. Module 3 looks at the sometimes forgotten side of the Bushcare aim to provide some tips While it will not give you detailed solutions for every situation, we for making your Bushcare project as fauna friendly as possible. for volunteers who The content of Module 3 is of a general level and is most suitable in a short refresher have some practical experience in the field but who wish to participate and the Bushcare course to develop a better understanding of the importance of fauna obtained have who volunteers at aimed not is It habitat. fauna enhance can that techniques 3 does require some accredited training in environmental restoration. However Module experience in Bushcare to be of most benefit to participants. About Module 3 About The modules do not need to be completed in numerical order or in their totality. The series completed in numerical order or in their totality. The modules do not need to be flexible delivery approach that can be tailored to meet the has been designed to support a group. Each workshop in the Bushcare Boosters program individual needs of each training training event or combined with other modules and can be delivered as a stand alone base information which can be altered, added to and field sessions. The modules provide volunteers. There are specific learning outcomes tailored to suit the needs of participating for each workshop. workshop program developed by the workshop program of the Bushcare Boosters This module is part as support training material Catchment Management Authority Sydney Metropolitan to help volunteers value and Boosters workshops aim for Bushcare volunteers. work as part of the big picture of Bushcare and other on-ground understand their the encourages recognition of across Australia. The program biodiversity restoration or small and the contribution it makes of work across all sites, big interconnectedness and landscape change. to habitat health The series includes: About the Bushcare Boosters Boosters Bushcare the About modules training 2 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook This workshophasbeendesignedtohelpyou: 3)(Module Learning outcomes forthisworkshop and tellthemthefollowinginformation: To gettoknowyourfellowBushcarersinthegroup,pleaseintroduceyourself Activity 1:Gettingtoknowhegrup • • • • • Y What youwouldliketogetoutoftoday’s session take therightstepswhenplanninga‘wholeofenvironment’Bushcareproject increase yourconfidencetomanageforfaunahabitatonworksites habitat inBushcarework improve yourknowledgeandunderstandingoftheintrinsicimportancefauna our nameandthesite(s)whereyouvolunteer Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 3

Echidna Source: OEH Silvereye Photo by: Bev Debrincat Introduction In urban areas, both bushland and non-bushland sites (e.g. weedy ‘wild’ areas, parks, In urban areas, both bushland and can provide essential refuge and connections built structures and man-made objects) of many fauna species. that help support healthy viable populations TIP: Eastern water dragonPhoto by: Thomas Morgan fauna you would like to see on your Bushcare site. Do you have a favourite fauna fauna you would like to see on work? experience from your Bushcare na feelings Activity 2: Your fau fauna fascinates you the most and /or what Give an outline of what native Although much of what Bushcarers do is about plants, to be truly successful at Bushcare Although much of what Bushcarers environment of our site and promote the diversity of life we need to look after the whole that is possible there. The pressures on our natural environment are many. One of the consequences is the consequences One of the are many. environment on our natural The pressures the globe. Despite the seriousness our plant and animal species across continuing loss of and/or across Australia where plants are hundreds of success stories of the threats, there action of the community. saved and restored by the timely animals have been landscape, can be the of Bushcare sites across the Bushcare site, and the network Your of native fauna. and survival for some species between local extinction difference 1. 4 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Ecosystems provideservices,including: has evolvedovermany, manythousandsofyears. The waythatplantsandanimalsinteractwiththeenvironmentcanbeverycomplex change, whichevidenceshowswillchangetemperaturepatternsandincreasesealevel. sea and,eventually, thewholeEarth.Atagloballevelitcanincludethingssuchasclimate grain ofsandwithitsrichmicrofauna,toawholebeach,anestuary, toasemi-enclosed non-living things.Ecosystemsmaybeconsideredatdifferent geographicalscales,froma An ecosystemismadeupoftheinteractionsbetweenlivingthingsand 2. model Bear Virginia interaction Source: ecosystem simple A • • • • • physical andmentalbenefits. reducing theimpactoffloodanddrought organic wasterecycling water filtration provision ofcleanair and faunalrelationships Understanding ecosystems Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 5 Striped marsh frog Photo by: Brian Wyer ‘Graphic flutter’ dragonfly Photo by: Sophie Constable What are the features of the site that they are using? How does your fauna interact with each other? Birds – around 850 species Monotremes and marsupials – 2 and 140 species respectively Mammals – 270 land-dwelling species Fish - more than 4,400 species including 300 freshwater species Fish - more than 4,400 species Amphibians – more than 200 species Reptiles – around 850 species Invertebrates – more than 275,000 species including more than 220,000 Invertebrates – more than 275,000 insect species digging and aerating soil digging and aerating trees create hollows in pest and insect control pollination of flowers and propagules spreading seeds grazing on plants • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Don’t forget what’s happening at your feet in the soil! Share the information happening at forget what’s Don’t in small groups. Of the fauna that you have seen on your site: Every landscape element in a given environment may provide habitat for fauna. Every landscape element in a given your site, such as plant and tree removal or the Before any work is carried out at to observe (either by formal survey or informally) movement of soil or rock, you need the fauna relationships at your site. ‘Green grocer’ Photocicada by: Brian Wyer your Bushcare site ships at on na relati Activity 3: The fau Our native Australian fauna includes: The key to maintaining ecosystem services is maintaining diversity of species (biodiversity). (biodiversity). diversity of species is maintaining services to maintaining ecosystem The key aspects of animals, and physical plants, other interacts with is on fauna, which Our focus roles that many important fauna carry out and climate. Our such as soils, geology, the site as: services such provide ecosystem and thrive. Fauna survive help ecosystems 6 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Human societycanhavemanyimpactsonthenaturalenvironment.Thisinclude: balance rightisahugechallenge. that largescaledisturbancecanhavedamagingeffects. Gettingthe“natural”disturbance processes tooccur. Butthesmallandisolatednatureofmanyurbanremnantsmeans of faunaspecies.Insmallerurbanremnants,disturbanceisstillessentialformanynatural The resultisa“mosaic”ofvariedhabitatfeaturesacrossthelandscapethatsuitrange In largereservestheimpactsarespreadacrosssystemswithlotsofbuffers tochange. flooding, heavy storms, etc can cause major changes to the makeup of a bushland system. There aremanyaspectsoftheenvironmentthatcausemajorchangetohabitat.Bushfires, Disturbance although sometimesverychallengingevenforspecialistscientistsworkinginthisfield. understanding changeatyoursite,andthelikelyimplicationsforfaunaisimportant, noticeable changesoccurringtofaunaatdifferent stagesofthecycle.Thismeansthat Each stagehasitsadvantagesanddisadvantagesforfauna,withsometimesvery fauna. community. Bothmagnificentintheirownright,butquitedifferent intheirpotentialfor A tallEucalyptforestcommunityinthelongtermabsenceoffiremaybecomearainforest 10, and20yearslater. sandstone ridgelineimmediatelyafterthepassageofafireisverydifferent one,from5, plants andmayinfluencethelocalenvironment.Forexample,environmentofa The naturalenvironmentdoesnotstaystill.Asplantsgrow, theyinturninfluenceother Succession 2.1. Photo by: David Jenkins www.nomadphoto.com.au www.nomadphoto.com.au Jenkins David by: Photo rescue penguin Little • • • • • • • and manymore. introducing weedsandpredators clearing vegetation altering landformfeatures changes towaterflows changes tobushfirepatterns pollution Natural change inecosystems Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 7 you do about it? What can (yes / no) Minor / Major on your site, a problem is it? Is this happening Is this happening if so how much of if so how much Explanation Loss of old trees means and less the loss of shelter, connections across the landscape. May leach contaminates and lead to feral animals and rats taking refuge. More water might change local vegetation and therefore change habitat for fauna. displacing local native Weeds bushland can reduce the diversity of food sources for fauna. Changes to bushfire patterns can change the structure of native plants at your site, changing habitat type. Feral predators can eat local fauna, and grazing animals such as rabbits can compete for food. Most of our bush remnants are now small & isolated. Connecting to other patches allows fauna to move, and also repopulate after a disturbance. Clearing Dumping Runoff and changes to moisture invasion Weed Changed fire patterns Feral animals Fragmentation Problem Most importantly, identify some possible solutions to address the problems. to address the possible solutions identify some Most importantly, that your site oblems at the pr y 4: Describe Activit na cal fau on lo impact 8 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Important featuresofthelandscapeinclude: and breed. where aplantoranimallives,andtheelementsoflandscapethatitusestosurvive ‘Habitat’ isallthephysicalandbiologicalthingswhichcollectivelymakeup‘theplace’ 3. Connections betweennaturalareasareextremelyimportantforthemovementoffaunato: of howwell-linkedanyonenaturalareaiswithothers. increasingly isolatedsetofnaturalareas,bothlargeandsmall.Connectivityisameasure The increasingAustralianpopulationandexpandinglanddevelopmenthasleftan extreme eventssuchasdroughtorfire. able tobemaintainedinthelongtermandmorevulnerablepopulationwill As ageneralrule,themoreisolatedanarea,lessspeciesofplantandanimalwillbe • • • • • • • • • exchange geneticinformation(bothplantsandanimals) repopulate afternaturaldisturbancesuchasfire Land use–humanusesofthesurroundinglandscape and escaperoutes Connectedness –linkstoothernaturalareas,populationsoffauna, micro-climates Climate –variationsoftemperature,rainfall,andlocalinfluences of theland Geology –theinfluenceofrockmaterialonshapeandsurfacecovering Landform features–e.g.slope,aspect,topography Plants –typesofplantsandthestagetheyarein,intheirdynamiclifecycles structure anddynamics. allow movementtoareasofmoresuitablehabitatascommunitieschangein Elements of habitat habitat Elements of Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 9 Source: National Trust of Australia (NSW) Plants Plants TIP: thinking of how local fauna values often place our own values on vegetation without We “untidy” grasses and dead timber We might not like long, and uses aspects of the flora. animals in the bush these might be essential parts and leaves in our garden, but for fauna, we often need to think messy is good, and of their habitat. When it comes to of what we sometimes tell our children!! chaotic is fine. The complete opposite This challenges the assumption that in nature (in terms of habitat at least), one type of This challenges the assumption communities As a general rule, diverse native plant plant is always better than another. overgeneralisation to say that, for fauna, non-native make the best habitat, but it is an play an important role. vegetation can’t weeds, and also non-native amenity plantings in In urban situations this means bushland can be habitat for native fauna. For example, lantana can parks gardens, rail corridors etc. for small birds, reptiles and insects in the absence of sometimes provide excellent habitat unusual places. Important habitat can be found in some of the most suitable native cover. using built structures For example a small population of long-nosed bandicoots was found Hill. Investigations showed that weedy refuges may also Dulwich for shelter in inner-city population is now have helped to protect them from domestic and feral animals. This protected and part of a long term program to expand their numbers. ask yourself: So before controlling or removing any plants, even noxious weeds, underground. “Whose home could that be?” Remember to consider what is happening 3.1. at your site and age of plants Structure shelter, They provide food, for fauna habitat. building block a fundamental Plants are for many fauna to occur. and help to define the possibilities breeding places structure of the plants (the height, that in many instances, the Research has shown of fauna as the type is just as important for some species and diversity) density, of plants themselves. 10 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook The structuralelementsofthevegetationthatneedtobeconsideredare in theSydneyregionandtheirimportancetofauna. plant communities.SeeAppendix1forprofiles sheets showingthebroadvegetationtypes a particulartypeofecosystem.Therearequitedistinct faunaassociationswithdifferent A plantcommunityisanassemblageofplantsand animalsthatexisttogethertomakeup Plant CommunityType Bear Virginia Source: habitat of Elements different purposes.e.g.nestinginthecanopyorgrass;feedingopenground. Each layermayoffer different featurestofauna,withsomeusingdifferent layersfor • • • • Canopy Mid storey Ground layer Mulch layer Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 11 (Note: a site might include a (Note: a site might

What is on your site? What is Is there any plant missing on Is there any plant would like to your site that you return? number of different types of vegetation types of number of different where is it?) – what is there and Describe… Description with very little Dense at the top through to the light penetrating bottom layers. and similar hard Eucalypts Tall leaved trees (e.g. Turpentines) dominate the top layer of plants. Fairly green and lush in the lower levels. and similar hard Eucalypts Tall leaved trees (e.g. Angophoras) dominate the top layer of plants, with hard dry types of shrubs and ground layer plants below. Scattered medium sized trees with a grassy or scattered shrubby understorey. Heavily dominated by grasses and low herb type plants. Hard, low and leathery shrubs dominate. Areas where water either permanently or temporarily inundates the bush, usually have sedges and rushes as a part of the flora. Fungi, rocks, fallen timber Areas planted with native species. Even some introduced plantings can have biodiversity value. our own patch Y Rainforest Eucalypt Wet Forest Dry Eucalypt Forest Grassy Woodlands Grasslands Heathlands Wetlands Other features Reconstructed area Type of Bush Type (Remnant or reconstruction) ccurri ng nities o plant commu the ate y 5: Nomin Activit ur site. yo at 12 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook temperature extremes,predators,andtheweather. weed growth.Thesecrevicescanbeimportantrefugesforgrounddwellingfaunafrom Crevices betweenrockscansometimesbefilledbydumpedsedimentandvegetation,or Species Legislation. This processhasbeenlistedasa“KeyThreateningProcess”underNSWThreatened The lossofbushrockcanhaveadramaticimpactontheabilityfaunatosurvive. scope andintensityoffiresassistinginpreservingsoilmoisture. and microenvironmentbyinhibitingsoilerosion,retainingslopestability, reducingthe and lichens.Bushrockalsoservesabroaderfunctionofhelpingtomaintainthemacro number ofthreatenedplantspeciesandadiversitybryophytes(mossesliverworts) Bush rockisalsoknowntoprovideegg-layingsitesforreptiles.Itprovideshabitata avoid extremeweatherconditionsandescapebushfires. environments forshelter, modifybodytemperature,tohidefrompredators,findfood, may befoundintheseelementsofthelandscape.Manyanimalsuserocksandrock Not onlyaretheyusefulforprotectionbutmanyfoodsourcesthatimportantfauna Caves, rocksandcrevicesareessentialelementsofthelandscapeformanyspecies. 3.2. Species homepageoftheNSWOfficeEnvironmentandHeritage. shown improvementsinlocalpopulations.FormoreinformationvisittheThreatened Experimental studieswherethecanopywasthinnedandrockreturnedhave the canopyinsomeareasofitsrange,havemadesnakeathreatenedspecies. retains heatwell.Thetheftofbushrockcombinedwiththeincreasingdensity headed snakeneedsaparticularflattypeofsandstonerockthatdistributesand Relationships intheenvironmentcanbeveryspecific-forexamplebroad Case Study: Broad-headed snake Caves, Rocks andCrevices Source: SMCMA Source: snake headed Broad by threatened removal rock bush Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 13 Powerful Owl Photo by: Akos Lumnitzer Hollows Hollows Powerful owls Powerful study: Case hollows Powerful Owls nest in large tree that are (at least 0.5 m deep), in large trees breeding at least 150 years old. During the in a season, the male powerful owl roosts “grove” of up to 20-30 trees, situated within 100-200 metres of the nest tree where the female shelters. They can range over many hundreds of hectares including using heavily urbanised areas. A Marrickville Bushcarer reported a pair sighted in her backyard, which was confirmed by the museum on photo evidence. Despite their ability to use the urban landscape, without suitable hollows they cannot persist. This is why they are listed as the tree that you a Threatened Species. Will save from weedy vines be powerful owl habitat in a few decades time? Quite possibly. TIP: of its risk to people, think about turning the former If a tree has to come down because snake, lizard, ant and worm home. Nest boxes can possum, bird or bat roost, into a sites for birds and tree dwelling mammals, but provide important temporary nesting bees or and monitor them for the presence of European choose your design carefully, take over an artificial nest box. Common Mynahs, which will sometimes 3.3. of the biggest for fauna. One a mature habitat feature of are an essential hollows Tree especially those carry risk issues, hollows often is that trees with in urban areas challenges enough sure that other trees live long Protecting hollows, and making in mixed use parks. urban fauna. is a critical part of protecting to generate hollows, but for a range of different on the ground are just as important, hollows But remember, number one mistake by Bushcarers up ground timber is probably the fauna. Cleaning fauna. when it comes to 14 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook and breakdownorganicmattertomakeitavailableforotherplants. Worms andapileofleaflittergohandinhand,withworms helpingtoaeratesoil,bind their websbetweenbitsoftimberdebris,deadbranches,andoverhangingvegetation. Next timeyoutakeawalkthroughthebush,examinehowspidersinparticularliketospin marsupials. fauna, inparticulartheinvertebrates,frogs,reptiles,andnon-treedwellingmammals means different layers.Thegroundlayercanbecriticalforlotsofdwelling Generally speakingadiversityofstructuralelementsisgoodthingforourfauna.This So therearenoabsoluteswhenitcomestofaunaneeds. invertebrates, theirpreferredenvironmentistheashbedafterafire,wheretheythrive. multiple layersoflitteranddebris,albeitfordifferent reasons.Havingsaidthat,forsome up, andgrassgetsneatlymown.Ourfaunaarealittlebitliketeenagers,theyprefer Humans haveatendencytolike“neatandtidy”environments.Leaflittergetsraked 3.4. “tidied up”isoflimitedvalue. standing waterthatlastslongenoughforthemtobreedin.Soanareahasbeen and humusisessentialfortheirlocalsurvival.Theyalsothriveinopportunistic Bell frogspreferunshadedponds.Sothegroundlayerincludinglonggrass,debris deep mudcracks,reeds,rubblepiles,rocksandlogsatsomestageintheirlifecycle. Green andgoldenbellfrogswilloccupyponds,bareground,turf,longgrass,weeds, Case study: Green andgoldenbellfrogs Leaf litteranddebris Leaf Source: NSW National Trust of Australia of Trust National NSW Source: frog bell golden and Green reeds of use making Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 15 nesting in soil Spotted pardalote pair Photo by: Bev Debrincat Soil Even some bird species take advantage of different soil characteristics, like the of different Even some bird species take advantage exposed banks of loamy soil, sometimes on eroding pardalote that makes nests in the spotted pardalote forages on the foliage of trees upper banks near waterways. The sugary exudates from leaves and psyllids. When for insects, especially psyllids, and provided with enough breeding places or shelter, small insect eating birds are not nearby eucalypt trees. This is currently occurring in outbreaks of lerps can occur on plague proportions in western Sydney. : Spotted pardalote : Spotted pardalote study Case 3.5. on of the key influences as being one As well key part of the landscape. Soil is a animals, and for burrowing on distribution an important influence type, it can be vegetation of the invertebrates that are the basis kind but also the millions of not just the big cuddly higher order species. food chain for many of can be a major limit to the suitability have shown that soil compaction Scientific studies and soil microfauna. So keeping in particular for burrowing animals an area for habitat, the millions of soil borne fauna. Without one of the hidden needs of our our soil healthy is layers up the food chain, our fauna and providing food for the away, organisms beavering bush. Healthy soils make for healthy but for no obvious visible reason. might be limited 16 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook properties. Thismightfavoursomeanimals,anddisadvantageothers. pre-development, withrunoff fromthesurroundingareachannellingwateraway Urban bushlandareastendtohavemorewaterafterdevelopmentthantheydo as enoughwatertofollownaturalpatterns. of localplantsandanimals,agooddrycyclemightbejustasimportantinsomecontexts wetting anddryingcyclesduetoourchangingweatherpatterns.Thinkabouttheneeds It’s alsoimportanttorecognisethatAustraliahasanenvironmentisadapted can provideimportanthabitat. whether itbeforresting,feeding,breeding,ornestingpurposes.Evenintermittentpuddles fish, amphibians,birdsandmammalsthatdependonwaterforallorpartoftheirlifecycle, vegetation type.Theabundanceofwaterdeterminestheveryexistenceinvertebrates, Water isanessentialpartofanyecosystem.Water isoneofthekeyinfluenceson 3.6. they prefertoliveawayfromthewateravoidcontactwithmales. surroundings. Femalearefoundonthewaterwhentheymateorlayeggs,otherwise and adultsarepredatorycarnivores.Maledragonfliesusuallyfoundnearaquatic emerge, itclimbsoutofthewaterandemergesfromtightlarvalcase.Bothlarvae several moults,becominglargereachtime.Whenthewingsoflarvaarereadyto tissue ordirectlyintothewater. Larvaehatchfromtheeggsandprogressthrough lives hiddenfromhumaneyesaslarvaeinthewater. Femaleadultslayeggsinplant streams, marshes,poolsandlakesalmostyearround.Theyspendmostoftheir The lifecycleofadragonflyisdependantuponwater, whichcanincluderivers, Case study: Dragonflycycle life Water Source: M. Bedjani M. Source: cycle life Dragonfly (8) Adultinsect (7) Lastmoulting–emergence (3-6) Larvaldevelopment (2) Egg-laying (1) Mating Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 17 Man made objects made Man railway sleepers fence posts tyres sheets of corrugated iron concrete dumped cars pavers and bricks pots roof and wall tiles pipes : Artificial microhabitat on the far south coast on the far south microhabitat : Artificial study Case the The Far South Coast Conservation Management Network have demonstrated of installing artificial microhabitat as a potential restoration technique effectiveness vegetation such where these features have been removed, or in new areas of native white-footed as tree planting. Eastern pygmy-possums, southern water skinks, jacky dragons have dunnarts, eastern blue-tongue lizards, giant burrowing frogs and all been found to use the replica habitat. • • • • • • • • • • can provide important shelter, for reptiles, snakes, amphibians and insects. These for reptiles, snakes, amphibians and insects. can provide important shelter, the sun goes down, and create safe hidey-holes materials often retain heat long after be missing from a site. where other habitat elements may play in providing habitat Remember to consider the habitat role that artificial objects may very carefully before removing them from your site. Look under artificial structures may even consider introducing and monitor other species that are on site as well. You nesting boxes etc suitable artificial materials, such as sandstone rocks, logs and debris, ecosystem, because to your site to help bridge the gap and help restore balance to the in the number of an increase microhabitat can take decades to be naturally replaced. With small fauna an increase the number of larger fauna will follow! 3.7. them Shelter protects of animals. to the survival is essential or micro-habitat, Shelter, raise their reproduce, and while they and predators human intervention weather, from bad fauna, and therefore range of different shelter is often sought out by a young. The same form of habitat, shelter comes in the role in the food chain. In a natural plays an important foliage and fallen logs. soil, debris, trees, hollows, leaf litter, caves, rocks, crevices, often considered to be ugly rubbish found in our local bushland are Man-made objects they do not occur naturally in the although from a site. However, that must be removed for these artificial items. Man-made have adapted to and found uses environment, fauna objects such as: 18 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook factor inhowanimalsinteract,andtheireffects oneachotherandtheirabilitytosurvive. at different sites.Thesizeandconnectednessofbushlandreserveswillbeanimportant each sitemightbedifferent, andtheneedsofeachspeciesorgroupmightvary area, inotherinstancesitmightsimplybecompetitionforalimitedfoodresource.Again, In someinstancesterritorialbehaviourmightlimitthenumberofanimalsthatliveinagiven 4.1. can includeanimalsofthesamespecies. urban bushland,andrelationshipsbetweenanimalscompetingforthesameresource.This look athowanimalsinteractwitheachother-forexample,predator/preyrelationshipsin Our faunadoesn’t justinteractwiththephysicalpartsofenvironment.It’s importantto 4. adequate territory. So forthisspecies,largewellconnectedsystemsofbushlandareneededtoprovide into athroatyrattle.Theyusetheircallstohelpdefineterritorialboundaries. It hasaloud,distinctivecall,beginningwithhigh-pitchedshriekandsubsiding 20 to85hectaresencompassdispersedandseasonallyvariablefoodresources. is about45cmlong.Theyareverymobileandoccupylargehomerangesbetween - 700grams,haveaheadandbodylengthofabout30cmlargebushytailthat The yellow-belliedgliderisalarge,active,sociableandvocalglider. Adultsweigh450 Case study: Yellow-bellied glider Territorial behaviour Animal interactions Winter. Joel by: Photo territorial The glider yellow-bellied Source: Office of Environment and Heritage and Environment of Office Source: Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 19 Red fox on farmPhotos land by: Lee Parker Predation and introduced species and introduced Predation 4.2. Key Threatening legislation as a under NSW feral animals is listed by a range of Predation dwelling cats. Ground dogs, and feral foxes, feral This includes to Biodiversity. Process and vulnerable, especially in smaller as bandicoots, are particularly native fauna, such have shown excellent northwest Fox control programs in Sydney’s isolated reserves. fauna increase in local native local populations, with a corresponding results in reducing in regard to feral animal urban councils can be quite limited being seen. However, boundary issues are complex. where land ownership and management, especially other that baiting attracts pet dogs and are controversial given Current control techniques non-target species. bees and some and even rabbits, goats, pigs, dear, Other introduced species such as In the case of the herbivores it is competition for species of ant cause major problems. the damage. food, space and shelter that cause as a threatening process to biodiversity and is one of the The gambusia fish is also listed our aquatic ecosystems as mature fish eat the juveniles most significant threats to all of of natives. 20 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook produced by Birdlife Australia’s Birds in Backyards Program. Backyards in Birds Australia’s Birdlife by produced Habitat Bird Enhancing for Guidelines Practice Best the from Adapted 5. Fauna Type Birds Requirements forSpecific Fauna heron. spoonbill, mangrove grey-faced heron, birds e.g.greategret, Waders andwater kookaburra. kites, falcons,laughing pied butcherbirds, eaters) e.g.currawongs, Carnivores (meat spotted pardalote eastern yellowrobin, e.g. superbfairy–wren, Insectivores pigeon bowerbird, wonga koel, silvereye,satin eaters) e.g.common Frugivores (fruit finch bronzewing, red-browed rosella, common eaters) e.g.eastern Granivores (seed brown honeyeater e.g. easternspinebill, Small nectarivores Type scaly-breasted lorikeets e.g. littlewattlebirds, (nectar feeders) Large nectarivores occasionally otherbirds mammals, and crustaceans, small amphibi­ terrestrial invertebrates, Fish, aquaticand Wetland plant seeds. mammals, marsupials reptiles, frogs, Other birds,insects, ground and shrubsoronthe and foliageoftrees inhabit eitherthebark invertebrates that Insects andother syzygium Ficus, eleocarpus, themeda lomandra, poa, leptospermum, Acacia, casuarina, banksia callistemon, hakea, correa, eucalyptus, Melaleuca, epacris, Food source eucalyptus, callistemon melaleuca, grevillea, Banksia, hakea, ans, reptiles, par­ emergent marshesare and shrubs perching over. Trees for standinginor than 12inchesdeep Shallow waterless as nestsites. for nesting. Some requirehollows roosting andnesting. Tall treesforperching, foraging. some openareasfor sites aswell protection andnest important for Dense shrubs important habitat. Shrubs andtreesare mature grasses. but alsoforageon nesting andforaging trees forperching, Utilise shrubsand trees. in shrubsbutalsouse foraging andperching Spend mosttime Habitat Preference hollows fornesting. nesting. Somerequire foraging, perchingand Shrubs andtreesfor ticularly important Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 21 Habitat Preference creeks, ponds, Lakes, and small streams have water pools that developed due to in rainfall, residing nutrient-rich, murky brown or greenish- colored water Dense foliage in understorey and canopy layers. Rocks, logs, leaf litter, shallow pools. Everything everywhere! Soil for burrows; leaves, trees and mulch for web- building mulch and trees ad leaf litter, shrubs, Logs, bare rock, bare earth, termite mounds, sand, drain fallen timber, pipes, animal burrows, hollows, under brickwork and stonework. In-stream debris, sedges and rushes, fallen timber or rocky outcrops. Food source Food source and Plants, algae until the detritus legs develop and then insects, larvae, microbes or other small animals. Insects and bugs, worms, spiders, other frogs, small lizards and mammals. Leaves, nectar, pollen, Leaves, nectar, sap, fruit, other insects, dead animals, blood of larger animals, roots, seeds, stems and wood. Fungi, leaves, other animals, dead animals, carnivores, blood and tissues of larger animals, detritus, Smaller invertebrates, amphibians, crustaceans, fish, birds, insects, mammals and reptiles. Eggs. Grasses, leaves, fruits, shrubs and marine plants such as algae and kelp. Aquatic insects, shrimps and other freshwater crustacea, worms, tadpoles and small fish. Adult e.g. striped marsh frog, dusky toadlet, little john’s frog. Type (tadpoles) Juvenile biting e.g. robber fly, midge, balsam beast, wanderer pumpkin butterfly, beetle, reed bee, cuckoo wasp. e.g. freshwater shrimp, trapdoor purple spider, stone centipede, earthworm. e.g. eastern long- necked tortoise, southern leaf-tailed water eastern gecko, skink. e.g. long-finned gudgeon, eel, cox’s mountain jollytail, glass perchlet. Amphibians Insects Fauna Type Invertebrates Reptiles Fish 22 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook monotremes and marsupials Mammals, Fauna Type wallabies. bandicoots, bush rats,possums, e.g. echidnas,bats, Type insects. seeds, spidersand eggs andnestlings, and orchardfruits, fungi, grasses,native shoots, buds,bark, Nectar, succulent Food source culverts, densevines. roofs andstormwater outcrops, buildings, under ground,rocky stream banks, shrubs, holesin hollows, dense mature treeswith open grassyareas, Forest andwoodland, Habitat Preference Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 23 Bushcare site Bushcare Steps to achieve a fauna friendly friendly a fauna to achieve Steps Step 2 – Understand change at your site site at your change Step 2 – Understand Step 1 – Observe site your Ascertain what was there previously Describe what is there now Envisage what will be there in the future without any intervention. Classify the living and non-living parts of your site Classify the living and non-living and fauna at your site Identify the key threats to flora ‘missing’ from your site. Determine what’s Get familiar with the physical habitat elements of your site Get familiar with the physical habitat • • • • • • • Have a look at a less disturbed patch of bush, with similar plants and natural features Have a look at a less disturbed patch your own Bushcare site. as a “reference” site to understand TIP: Find out about locally endemic native fauna by comparing similar local sites, asking Find out about locally endemic native fauna by comparing similar of the scientific long-term local residents what used to be there, consulting members of different community or by reading about the distribution and habitat requirements Atlas is a good starting place for your research The NPWS Wildlife species in Sydney. on Page 30). Resources (see Website What changes, if any, either positive or negative, have had an impact on fauna at either What changes, if any, at your site? your Bushcare site? What could you do to support fauna habitat your site at Activity 6: Impacts 6.2. Before any work is commenced at your site it’s important to observe or survey what’s survey what’s important to observe or at your site it’s Before any work is commenced a year Give yourself at least the site effectively. there. This will also help you to monitor is using your site. to try and work out what wildlife 6.1. work long term focus and a staged as fauna friendly as can be requires Making your site that are if not fatal, for the wildlife transition period can be devastating, plan, otherwise the the game. the site. Patience is the name of dependent upon 6. 24 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Maintain diversity different orevencontrarytothoselistedbelow guide therestorationprocess.Beawarethatmanagementactionsinplansmaybe may existforthatspeciesandtheseplans(availableontheinternet)shouldbeusedto hostile, moretailoredactionsmaybeneeded.AThreatenedSpeciesManagementPlan species. Formanyrareorthreatenedspecies,speciesthatfindurbanenvironments following tipsareverygeneralinnature,andapplytotheaveragerangeofmorecommon Please notethatbecausetherearenouniversalprescriptionsapplytoallfauna,the fauna. You willfindsomegeneraltipsthathelpyoumanageyoursiteforfaunabelow. has allofthelandscapeelements(discussedinSection3)thatareneededtosupport Once youknowwhatfaunaisorshouldbeatyoursite,canassesswhethersite 6.3. 1 Thefollowingsections arebasedonmanyoftheconceptsandideas communicated byDanieOndineathrougharticles, workshopsandwalkstalksshedelivered in Sydney • • • • • • • • groundcovers withexposuretofullsunforsunbaking. Include fallenwoodymaterial,bushrocksandscatteredopengrasses supporting habitatsthatattractthesespecies. such asinsects,snails,worms,reptiles,frogs,fish,smallmammals,etc.andthe Consider availabilityoffoodresourcesincludingseed,fruit,nectar, arangeofprey becomes higherandmoredense,viceversa. species thatthriveinopenlowvegetatedareasmaymoveonwhenthevegetation Maintain avarietyofageclassesplantgrowth–forexamplesomebirdandinsect dense shrubbery, and someareasofdensecanopy. Maintain “structural”diversity–havesomeareasoflowgroundcover, someareasof herbs andvines. Maintain adiversityofplantspecies,includinggrasses,groundcovers, you select. Try toprovideyearroundfloweringandfruitingwiththelocallynativeplants less aggressivebirdswiththeirsizeandbelligerence. territorial birdssuchaswattleandnoisyminers,whichcanexcludesmaller, and hardy, insome instancestoomanymightfurtherfavoursuccessfulurban Remember -althoughnectar-producing nativeplantssuchasgrevilleasarebeautiful, Maintain adensemoistunderstoreyandgroundcovernearcleanwatersources. Step 3–Manageforfauna thehabitat 1 : . Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 25 Install weed mats correctly so that the mats are securely pinned down across the Install weed mats correctly so that the mats are securely pinned entirety of the material. They may create a barrier to wildlife. Create safe travel routes such as connecting canopy. Research on roadways has Create safe travel routes such as connecting canopy. movement of some shown that even aerial ropes strung across large trees can allow arboreal mammal species, keeping them away from the risk of traffic. Target your planting activities to provide buffers to good quality bushland, and activities to provide buffers your planting Target connections with other high value areas. natural areas such Where possible make connections across the landscape to other reduce the distance as waterway corridors, parks and bushland reserves. Attempt to as many small and shy bird species cannot traverse between dense thick shrubbery, wide open spaces. Minimise the amount of pesticide that is used Minimise the amount of pesticide control authorities. Report feral animal problems to local Avoid tidying up the ground layer - ground debris and leaf litter can provide very tidying up the ground layer - ground Avoid sources as they decompose. Note, always avoid important cover and a range of food site problems. or create other might regrow, leaving weed material on site that as ponds, creeks and waterways from pollution and Protect clean water on site such a stormwater outlet sedimentation e.g. that comes through Assess dense vines for nests and possum dreys before removing them. Ensure Assess dense vines for nests and Poison the vines rather than pull them down so that replacement habitat is available. to move. the animal has warning and time Maintain bird ‘display’ sites e.g. dead branches, tree trunks etc. sites e.g. dead branches, Maintain bird ‘display’ rock walls, previously secure wildlife the base of boulders and When weeding around to predation. Carry out the work exposed, leaving wildlife vulnerable shelters may be pattern and replant as you go. over a number of weeks in a mosaic Carry out major weed removal works outside of the site-fauna breeding seasons. weed removal works outside of the Carry out major on frogs, insects and worms a home has to go, give the lizards, If a tree with hollows of removing it from site completely. the ground, instead Keep old trees and trees with hollows as a priority, as shelter and rest sites. If they rest sites. If as shelter and a priority, with hollows as trees and trees Keep old If that is not a safe away. keeping people the risk by risk, try to move are a safety and the fragile limbs arborist can remove council or an option, see if your enough standing. keep the solid trunk • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Consider connectivity Managing existing habitat Managing 26 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Monitoring yoursiteallowsyouto: invertebrates etc.andwhatresourcesyouhaveavailable.= survey andmonitoringdependingonwhatyourspeciesfocusis,e.g.plants,birds,reptiles, quantitative, repeatable,quickandsimpletodo.Therearevariousdifferent methodsof It isimportanttosetupanassessmentandmonitoringprogramatyoursitethatcanbe 6.4. Heritage homepage.See page30forlinks. For informationaboutgetting involvedinthisprocess,visittheOfficeof Environment and a programthatrecordsthe locationsofplantandanimalsightingsinthe “Wildlife Atlas”. For moreenthusiasticBushcarers, theNSWNationalParksandWildlife Serviceshave have abilitytoGPSrecordthelocationofphotographs. will allowfuturephotographerstotakephotosfrom thesamepoint.Somecamerasnow Incorporate featuresthatdon’t change,e.g.alargetreetrunk,rock,watercourse. This Tips forsettingupphotopoints: have manylimitations,butaretheeasiestformof monitoring. photographs offaunacanbeafantasticresource toconfirmyouridentification.Photos and structureofvegetationovertime,otherphysicalfeaturessuchaslandform.Actual Take periodicphotographicrecordsofyoursite. Photorecordscanhelptoshowthetype Formal monitoring or negative,andmanyotherresearchpurposes. These mightbeveryusefulovertimeasevidenceofchangesinpopulation,eitherpositive record theimportantdetails: Keep asitenotebook.Write downanyinterestingfaunaobservations.Keepitsimplebut Informal monitoring Tips formonitoring • • • • • • • • • other evidenceoffauna-e.g.scat,scratching,nest,deadanimals any additionalitemsofinterest-e.g.powerfulowlhadsmallrodentintalons description oftheobservation-e.g.sawpowerfulowlsittinginpittosporum date andtime name ofpersonmakingtheentry over time. determine whatfactorsarecontributingtositesimprovingorremainingthesame prioritise andtargetmanagementactions assess andimprovemanagementactions compare biodiversityovertime Step 4-Monitoring Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 27 Other interest groups such as the Frog and Tadpole Study Group and Birdlife Australia Group and Birdlife Study Tadpole as the Frog and groups such Other interest your group that you or monitoring programs have excellent Birds Australia) (previously part in. might take by Birds produced Urban Bird Habitat for Enhancing Practice Guidelines The Best http://www.csu.edu/cerc/researchreports/documents/ in Backyards Program (or search the website BestPracticeGuidelinesforEnhancingUrbanBirdHabitat.pdf plan for developing a bird habitat restoration ) provides advice www.birdsinbackyards.net an initial site assessment, for The guidelines recommend doing for bushcare sites. least a month before any work simple 20 minute bird survey at example doing a use and then to continue to regularly in spring to assess breeding commences, ideally The Birds the outcomes of your project. surveys to compare over time monitor with similar to can register a useful template for urban sites. You in Backyards survey forms provide contribute your surveys at www.birdsinbackyards.net/surveys This program Bug Survey. the Biannual Water The NSW Government also supports waterways and helps to identify and classify them to monitors macro invertebrates in activity, a must do fun it before, do it once, it’s done assess stream health. If you haven’t especially for kids (big and small!) 28 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook return toyoursite. able tosurviveatallsites.Setrealistictargetsbasedonthefaunayouhopeprotector An importantpointtorememberaboutfaunaatBushcaresitesisthatnotallwillbe 7. species Common urban Fragile urbanspecies species Rarely foundurban Species categories Limitations of urban fauna Limitations of of othernativespecies. sometimes totheexclusion bushland surrounds– urban environmentand sometimes thriveinthe Able totolerateand and nectarivorousspecies. small-bodied, insectivorous The birdsareoften connections inthelandscape. sort ofrefuges,habitatand hostile withouttheright Find theurbanenvironment e.g. Ku-ring-gaiChaseNP urban areas. connections tosurvivein and goodqualitylandscape Require verylargerefuges Comment Examples • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • water dragon striped marshfrog red belliedblacksnake butterfly triangle monarch andblue wattle bird rainbow lorikeets noisy miner broad headedsnake sugar glider antechinus platypus orange ringletbutterfly brown snake sugar glider powerful owl Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 29 Possible actions? Prompting questions Prompting questions Are these common, fragile, or Are these common, rare urban species? disappearance, recent a this Is or a long term progressive disappearance? Has something changed on site that may have links to this disappearance? Is this a reversible, natural, or otherwise identifiable event or change? Sites with similar characteristics retain these species in urban areas. Sites with similar characteristics have also lost these species in urban areas. Is the size, configuration, landform, plant structure or composition of your site compatible with the needs of your species of interest? range, E.g. – territory, diversity of habitat etc Can you restore, introduce, or enhance essential environmental features to enable a population to survive in the long term? E.g. Feral animal control, managing visitors, pollution control, etc Work site exercise (Activity 7) (Activity site exercise Work Fauna possibilities Fauna possibilities What animals are What animals are site occurring on your now? What animals have are been recorded but or no longer present, evident? What animals might be found in a site with your characteristics, but are not currently present? Are the current characteristics of your site able to support a population of your species of interest? (either present or absent) If not, are the characteristics of the site able to be enhanced to bring back the fauna or make them more viable? Are there local pressures on fauna that can be managed? 8. 30 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook to achieveyourgoal? support, andresources Do youhavethetime, plan orstrategy? into alargerscaleaction Can actionatyoursitefit be considered? regulations thatneedto Are thereGovernment partners required? your goalsalone,orare Is yourgroupabletoachieve occurring? other largescalestrategies animal control,replanting,or enhancement projects,feral Are therecorridor research orstrategies. Practice Guidelines,other Action Statements,Best Recovery PlansorPriority E.g. ThreatenedSpecies Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 31

olume 12 No 2 August 2011 Resources – Publications Resources TIP: publications with more or supervisor may know of other Council Bushcare Officer Your are there to help and can they staff, Make use of your local support local information. gems of information. often pass on valuable Birds in Backyards Program, 2008, NSW. Birds in Backyards Program, 2008, Biodiversity Strategy Ku-ring-gai Council, 2006, Gordon. guidelines Bushland fauna assessment and M.Couston for Ku-ring-gai Council, 1999, B. Wilson G.M.McKay, University. Key Centre for Bioresources, Macquarie Restoration – V Ecological Management and conservation: Ecological tree removal for habitat Includes article “Chainsawing for and Richard Shine Jonathon K. Webb management” by David A. Pike, landscapes Kurnell Peninsula: a guide to the plants, animals, ecology and 2010, Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority. Bear, Virginia Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority area NSW. Department of Environment and Climate and Climate Change, 2008, A field guide to Australian mammals scats and other traces: Tracks, 1996, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. B. Triggs, Urban wildlife more than meets the eye NSW. South Wales, D. Lunney and S. Burgin, 2004, Royal Zoological Society of New Suburbs Western Sydney Wild: Exploring Nature in Sydney’s West 2005, Rosenberg, Sydney. A. Fairley and D. Waterhouse, Australian Bats Reed New Holland, Sydney. S. Churchill, 1998, of Australia A complete guide to reptiles Holland, Sydney. and G.Swan, 2003, Reed New S.Wilson Urban Bird Habitat: Scientific Report Best Practice Guidelines for Enhancing 9. 32 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 1852_3.%20Urban_Habitat_Guidelines_for_the_ACT.pdf http://www.anu.edu.au/anugreen/files/ Urban HabitatGuidelinesforthe ACT For informationortoorder [email protected] www.sydney.cma.nsw.gov.au Sydney MetropolitanCatchmentManagement Authority http://www.sydneybats.org.au/cms/ Sydney Bats http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/sydneyBasin.pdf Sydney BasinBioregion Wildlife Atlas. Submit, searchandmaprecordsofflorafaunasightingsacrossNSWtothe http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au/ NSW Bioet http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/nswbiostrategy.htm NSW BiodiversityStrategy www.habitatnetwork.org Habitat Network A bird-spottingatlastowhichanyonecancontribute. http://www.eremaea.com/ Eremaea birds www.fats.org.au Frog &Tadpole Study GroupofNSW www.eca.nsw.org.au Ecological ConsultantsAssociation http://iogyba.blogspot.com.au Dragonfly lifecycle www.birdsinbackyards.net Birds inBackyards http://australian-insects.com/ Australian insects to find,access,combineandvisualisedataonAustralianflorafauna. The AtlasofLivingAustraliaprovidestoolstoenableusersbiodiversityinformation www.ala.org.au Atlas ofLivingAustralia Websites andLinks Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 33 a term used to describe tree dwelling fauna (also see terrestrial tree dwelling fauna (also a term used to describe fauna) area. of plants and animals in an the total assemblage micro- plants, animals and life forms, the different the variety of all of which they they contain and the ecosystem organisms, the genes form a part. the patterns of ecological biogeographic areas that capture seascape and form part of the characteristics in the landscape or for Australia. Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation to reduce impact on a core area or a designated area which is used biodiversity value to be protected. that exist together to make up an assemblage of plants and animals a particular type of ecosystem. between disjunct landscape the capacity for biodiversity to move lakes and streams (also see elements such as habitat patches, corridors and links). for a species, some variations a systems of rating the level of threat ICUN (world), EPBC (Australia), exist according to jurisdiction eg. TSC (NSW), a linear strip of habitat that facilitates the movement of biodiversity between separated habitats, thereby increasing ‘connectivity.’ is the known limits or geographic extent of an area where a species of known to occur (this does not imply the species occurs in all parts its distribution but rather it may occur at suitable habitats within its distribution). together with the atmosphere, soil, the organisms of a community, water and light which form a functioning system. transitional zone or area between ecological communities. having a natural occurrence to a specified area. incorporates all living and non-living surroundings of a plant or animal. Glossary Arboreal fauna Arboreal fauna Biota Biodiversity Bioregion Buffer Zone Community Connectivity Conservation status Corridor Distribution Ecosystem Ecotone Endemic Environment http://bird.net.au/ http://bird.net.au/ and Data Information Resources from Biodiversity Adapted 10. 34 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook EPBC Act TSC Act species Threatened fauna Terrestrial Subspecies Species vegetation Remnant Rare forest Old growth species Indigenous Home range Habitat Exotic species Threatened SpeciesConservationAct1995,New SouthWales. endangered, criticallyendangeredorextinctinthe wild. a speciesthatisassignedconservationstatus of vulnerable, fauna thatisgrounddwelling(alsoseearborealfauna). which canbeconsistentlycharacterisedbygivenfeatures. a discretegeographicalorindependentbreedinggroupofspecies gene pool. fertile offspring undernaturalconditionscontributingtoacommon individuals ofthesametypewhichareabletointerbreedproduce revegetation/regeneration greaterthan10yearsold. settlement. (forplanningpurposesitcanincludeareasofnative the remainsofnativevegetationunclearedsinceEuropean threatened species). is restrictedtoarelativelysmallarea(seeconservationstatus, used wheretherearerelativelyfewknownpopulationsorthetaxon where theeffects ofdisturbancesarenownegligible. vegetation initsoldestgrowthstage,includingsenescenttreesand an ecologicallymatureforestthatcontainssignificantamountsof part ofthenaturalbiodiversityaplace. belonging to,orfoundnaturallyinaparticularenvironmentandforms functions suchasfeedingandbreeding. the areautilisedbyanindividualanimaltofacilitateitsnormallife landscape thatitusestosurviveandbreed. ‘the place’whereaplantoranimallives,andtheelementsof all thephysicalandbiologicalthingswhichcollectivelymakeup a speciesnotnativetoAustralia. Commonwealth ofAustralia. Environment ProtectionBiodiversityConservationAct1999, Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 35 ). ) and Ptilinopus ) ) and Sooty priority fauna ). ). Today these P. superbus Kerivoula papuensis Kerivoula P. regina e e rare in other vegetation ubtropical ubtropical species at their ). Trichosurus Trichosurus caninus ), ), a species listed under the TSC : Yes ), ), Superb Fruit-Dove ( : Highly Restricted Restricted : Highly : : Some of the best patches are situated on t; b) distribution within the CMA; c) reservation reservation c) CMA; the within distribution b) t; communities communities within the CMA, such as the Mountain Brushtail Possum ( (Tyto tenebricosa Owl frugivorous pigeons listed under the TSC Act 1995, such as the Rose-crowned Wompoo Fruit-Dove ( Fruit-Dove region. to the only vagrants are species ( (Mixophyes balbus Act 1995 that appears no longer to be present within CMA. the have not yet been recorded within the CMA but may Bat Golden-tipped e.g. ( occur southern southern range limit, such Catbird.Green as the Logrunner and magnificus of these habitats is shown in Map 2, excluding onally significant species and has restricted In the past supported a number of threatened In the past supported the Stuttering Provides potential Frog habitat for some species that Supports a number of s Supports species that ar benefit benefit to threatened species and conservation to on on of what constitutes a priority fauna habitat and he region. This section outlines for each identified supports varying fauna assemblages, thereby ese ese vegetation types have been used to broadly Appendix Appendix 1. The broad distribution of priority fauna ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Given limited resources, protection and enhancement enhancement Given protection and limited resources, Distribution in CMA Distribution Reservation Status unreserved land, such catchment as linking Royal in NP rainforests. Endangered Ecological the Communities (under TSC to Upper the Illawarra Hacking Act 1995) Escarpment River include Littoral Rainforest, Rainforest Western Sydney and Dry Sydney subcanopy).rainforest Blue Gum High Forest (with Fauna Habitat Priority a Importance to to Fauna: Importance habitat has been listed as a priority habitat. A habitat. priority as a been habitat listed has . Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville Environment and Climate Change, . Department of Rapid Fauna Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area is a broad environment utilised by a suite of fauna with similar environmental is identified as a fauna habitat that is of exceptional importance for the conservation of fauna habitat Management Authority Area Fauna in the SMCMA Landscape – Profile Sheets – Profile Landscape in the SMCMA Fauna of Environment and Heritage permission from the NSW Office Reproduced with from: DECC (2008) Appendix (pages 8-19). requirements. requirements. Eleven broad vegetation (adapted from Keith types 2004; DECC have 2007a) and been th identified occurring within the CMA define ‘fauna habitats’ in this study. The distribution contex regional a in fauna to importance the a) habitat: marine marine habitats. Each of contributing to the high fauna value biodiversity of t the identified habitats a whether d) and within region; status the occurrence occurrence within the CMA. A more detail descripti habitat vertebrate fauna, particularly threatened and regi a brief description of these habitats is provided in habitats with the CMA area is shown Map in 3. of priority fauna habitat will generate the maximum vertebrate diversity in the region. region. the in diversity vertebrate 8 1) Rainforest (RF) 2.3 2.3 landscape CMA in the Fauna A 36 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid The distribution of broad vegetation types (adapted from Keith 2004) the within Map 2: The distribution of broad vegetation types (adapted from Keith 2004) within the Sydney Sydney the within 2004) Keith from (adapted types vegetation broad of distribution The Metropolitan CMA are (excluding some coastal and all subtidal habitats) boundary (taken (taken boundary habitats) subtidal all and coastal some (excluding are CMA Metropolitan from Tozer et al. 2006) al. et Tozer from BroadVegetation Communities Sydney MetropolitanCMA Area Broad VegetationTypes within Grassy Woodlands FreshwaterWetlands ForestedWetlands DrySclerophyll Forest AlluvialForest andWoodland SydneyMetropolitan CMA Boundary boundary (taken from Tozer Sydney Metropolitan CMA area (excluding some coastal and all subtidal habitats) # Campbelltown Prospect Reservoir Woronora Reservoir # Blacktown #

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e r 0 Harbour Sydney # Sydney 3 # Harbour Middle N Randwick # Kilometres 6 Manly 9 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 37 ). ) ) and the Greater High Forest (Critically buted buted across CMA. the : No Relatively protected well in DECC, : Patchily : Patchily Distributed Petauroides Petauroides volans that are patchilyare that distri uncommon in other vegetation communities, such as (Menura the novaehollandiae Pilotbird, ( Glider Superb Lyrebird that trees provide roosting and nesting habitat for a variety adjacent of vegetation species communities This group that to includes range tree-hole feed. a and numberspecies. of bird roosting into bats Supports a wide range of wet forest species Supports a number of species that are Typically supports important hollow-bearing ¾ ¾ ¾ Importance to to Fauna: Importance Endangered Community), Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Moistand parts) Woodland. Shale (wetter Forest Fauna Habitat Priority Distribution in CMA Distribution Reservation Status: DPI (Forests) Endangered Ecological Communities (under and TSC Act 1995) local include government Blue reserves. Gum Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area 10 2) Wet Sclerophyll Forest (WSF) 2) Wet Sclerophyll Forest (WSF) 38 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 3) Dry Sclerophyll Forest and Woodland (DSF) Woodland and Forest Sclerophyll Dry 3) Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid ImportanceFauna:to PriorityHabitatFauna Endangered reserves. (driersections). Forest Ironbark Turpentine Sydney and Forest government Duffys include 1995) Act TSC (under Communities local Ecological and Status: Reservation DistributionCMA in ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Cracks and crevices provide important habitat habitat important provide crevices and Cracks provide localities some in Overhangs regionally of number a for habitat Important threatened of number a for habitat Important Sydney the supports that habitat primary The ald ek ( Gecko Broad- the tailed as such reptiles, of variety a for Large-earedPiedBat ( Eastern ( the Bentwing-bat including of number species, a threatened for habitat ( roosting important Heathwren varius pyrrhopygius Chestnut- the as rumped such species, ( significant Cockatoo fimbriatum Gang-gang ( Cockatoo australiacus ( Goanna (Heleioporus Frog Burrowing Giant the including species, expansive in these reserved well Basin. ringingtheSydney parks national supporting are species Habitat Rockwarbler. and Snake Broad-headed Toadlet, Red- crowned the fauna: endemic Bioregion’s Basin Cunningham’s SkinkCunningham’s( ). Varanus rosenbergi Varanus : Widespread. : ). Well protected in DECC, military military DECC, in protected Well aytrycu lathami Calyptorhynchus : No : ad ae oio ( Monitor Lace and ) iipeu schreibersii Miniopterus hluu platurus Phyllurus Egernia cunninghami Egernia Chalinolobusdwyeri ), Rosenberg’s Rosenberg’s ), ), Glossy Black- Glossy ), Callocephalon Calamanthus Varanus Varanus and ) ) and and ) ) and and ) ). ). ). 11 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 39 ), ), Jacky Petaurus Pteropus ). ) ) and White- ) ) and Diamond Firetail of of the CMA but today Pseudophryne Pseudophryne bibronii ) ) and vulnerable Speckled Corcorax melanorhamphos). ) and Black-chinned Melithreptus gularis Melithreptus ). : Yes Poorly protected and most ), Brown Treecreeper : Very Patchily Distributed with few grallarius norfolcensis (Climacteris picumnus ). guttata (Stagonopleura the Brown Toadlet ( Tree-base Litter-skink (Carlia foliorum Winter (Microeca Chough winged ( fascinans poliocephalus Honeyeater ( present resulting in fauna. a Patches that support depauperate tree hollows are hollow importance. of critical in in the western parts remnants are predominantly small, isolated, weed infested and disturbed. Consequently, the fauna occurring within either this habitat disappeared, has is disappearing in or the is CMA. the distribution within process rare and of restricted in include the endangered Bush (Burhinus Stone-curlew sagittatus (Pyrrholaemus Warbler disappearing include a range of species such as the threatened Squirrel Glider ( species, such as the threatened Swift Parrot, Grey-headed Flying-fox ( Species that are rare and restricted include Most remnant patches have few tree hollows This type vegetation formerly was widespread Species that have recently disappeared Species that are in the process of This habitat is important for nectarivorous ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ relatively undisturbed patches remaining. patches undisturbed remaining. relatively Reservation Status: reserved patches are isolated from adjacent patches. Endangered Ecological Communities (under TSC Act 1995) include Castlereagh Swamp Woodland, Cooks River/Castlereagh Ironbark Forest, Cumberland Plain Forest. Transition Woodland and Gravel Shale Fauna Habitat Priority Distribution Distribution in CMA Importance to to Fauna: Importance Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area 12 4) Grassy Woodland 4) Grassy (GW) 40 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid (AW) Woodland and Forest Alluvial 5) PriorityHabitatFauna Communities CoastalFloodplains. Ecological on Forest Eucalypt River-Flat Endangered includes 1995) Act TSC (under sources. upstream or lands pollution adjacent from management adverse by adj from isolated are patches Status: Reservation uses.disturbed byland surroundingand heavily bands narrow as present vegetation CMA in Distribution ImportanceFauna:to ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Associated temporary wetlands are important for a a for important are wetlands temporary Associated motn hbtt o a va a for habitat Important species, nectarivorous for important is habitat This the include restricted and rare are that Species disappearing of process the in are that Species the include disappeared recently have that Species type vegetation this woodlands grassy the to Similar variety of declining waterbird species such as as such species ( waterbird Snipe Latham’s declining of variety suchFrog( as Tyler’s Tree GreaterBat( Broad-nosed Black-chinnedFlying-foxHoneyeater.and threatened the as such andWhite-winged Chough. Winter Jacky Litter-skink, Tree-base Toadlet, Brown Diamond and Firetail. Treecreeper Brown Glider, the Squirrel as such species threatened of range a include Stone-curlew SpeckledWarbler. Bush have endangered that species of withinrestrictedarerare indistributionCMA. and the or number disappearing of process now the in a are disappeared, is in fauna effect edge resulting high the a with bands of narrow to restricted much woodlands grassy the to similar Therefore estates. industrial and areas the urban fields, playing into reclaimed been has habitat in CMA. predominantly the of parts western ground swampy and low-lying watercourses along widespread formerly was : Patchily Distributed with most remaining remaining most with Distributed Patchily : Poorly protected and most reserved reserved most and protected Poorly : Yes : alng hardwickii Gallinago acent patches and still impacted impacted still and patches acent Swift Parrot, Grey-headed Grey-headed Parrot, Swift riety of bats including the the including bats of riety Scoteanaxrueppellii Litoriatyleri with a high ‘edge effect’ effect’ ‘edge high a with But today much of this this of much today But and vulnerable vulnerable and ). ad frogs and ) ). 13 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 41 ), ). Dasyornis Pezoporus Pezoporus ), Southern ), ), Chestnut- ). ), Bold-striped ) and Eastern ). Litoria Litoria littlejohni and and New Holland Mouse Gliciphila melanops Gliciphila ) Litoria freycineti Cercartetus nanus Cercartetus ) ) and Ground Parrot ( : Yes Isoodon Isoodon obesulus Stipiturus Stipiturus malachurus Acritoscincus Acritoscincus duperreyi Moderately protected. However : Patchily : Patchily Distributed. ). Freycinet’s Freycinet’s Frog ( Cool-skink ( Emu-wren ( rumped (Stagonopleura bella Heathwren, Beautiful Firetail Pseudomys novaehollandiae (Pseudomys species, such as the threatened Grey-headed Flying-fox and regionally Honeyeater ( crowned significant Tawny- increased increased level of increased incidence of disturbance wildfire, often a result of such as arson. the This intensity increased has resulted fire in threatened the species frequency loss in of the including and several last the few decades, Eastern brachypterus Bristlebird ( wallicus uncommon in communities. vegetation other Rosenberg’s Bandicoot Goanna, ( Southern Brown Pygmy-possum ( Burrowing Burrowing Littlejohn’s Frog, Tree Red-crowned Frog ( Toadlet, Regionally significant species present include This habitat is important for nectarivorous Much of this habitat has been subject to an Much of the fauna present within this habitat is Threatened species present include the Giant ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Distribution in CMA Distribution Reservation Status: some attributable heathlands to operations. display poorly Impacts streambed disturbance cracking, managed include wetland pollutants longwall loss features ground and into Ecological mining the Communities (under subsistence, input TSC Act 1995) headwater of SuburbsEastern Banksia andScrub Kurnell Dune Forest include streams. (heathier components) Endangered and Coastal Headlandsand Seacliffs Themeda Grassland on Fauna Habitat Priority Importance to to Fauna: Importance Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area 14 6) Heathland (HE) 42 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 7) ForestedWetland(FOW) Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid pollution sources. Endangered Ecological Ecological Endangered PriorityHabitatFauna Swamp include Forest. ForestSclerophyll and Swamp OakFloodplain 1995) sources. Act TSC adverse (under Communities by impacted pollution still upstream/coastal or lands adjacent from are management patches reserved Status: Reservation uses. land surrounding by disturbed heavily and effect’ ‘edge high a with bands narrow as present vegetation remaining CMA in Distribution ImportanceFauna:to ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Forested wetlands provide important winter winter important provide wetlands Forested include present species significant Regionally this utilise that species threatened Other Swamp scattered include that Stands intergrade an represents habitat This this of much woodland alluvial to Similar (Gerygone). mouki ( Robin ( of number a for habitat Freetail-bat norfolcensis East-coast and Bentwing-bat Eastern the including occur caledonicus Heron( asNankeenNight suchthe waterbirds, of range a and Frog Tree Tyler’s Bittern Black the (Ixobrychusflavicollis include type vegetation (XanthomyzaHoneyeater Regentphrygia endangered the occasionally and Parrot Swift endangered the for habitat feeding important ( Mahogany or wetlands adjacent either habitats. forested using to fauna buffer important an provides vegetation. it dryland Therefore backing and and saltwater) (freshwater wetlands treeless between effect’.‘edge high either are patches a haveand/or clearing past after regenerating remaining the of Much activities. reclamation land to due past the in or lost been has habitat Petroica rosea Petroica : Patchily Distributed with most most with Distributed Patchily : . vrey f netvru bats insectivorous of variety A ). ). Poorly protected and most most and protected Poorly : Yes : uayts robusta Eucalyptus ). ) and Brown Gerygone Gerygone Brown and ) bird species e.g. Rose Rose e.g. species bird substantially modified modified substantially Mormopterus Mormopterus ) provide provide ) Nycticorax Nycticorax ). ). 15 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 43 ) ) and ). ) ) and regionally Anas rhynchotis ). Litoria Litoria aurea ve colonies in the state. in ve colonies state. the de de important habitat for a Botaurus Botaurus poiciloptilus Erythrogonys cinctus). s s e.g. Snipe. Latham’s adverse management from ). ). Although deemed as a pest : Yes t Poorly protected and most reserved Megalurus gramineus Megalurus : Patchily : Patchily Distributed. Green and Golden Bell Frog ( and Golden Green species that are considered as various rail such and crake species. regionally significant, a variety of Freckled waterbirds, Duck (Stictonetta including naevosa the threatenedsignificant Australasian Shoveler ( ( Red-kneed Dotterel and sites, particularly (Threskiornis molucca of the by many during Australian times of drought Sydney’s wetlands White only of the support some acti Ibis much much of this habitat has been lost modified or substantially in the activities. Much of the remaining patches past are either due heavily to modified land CMA the in natural untouched remain wetlands reclamation or artificially associated fauna. distinctive with created. Few plains, particularly on the Woronora Plateau provide important habitat for a number of threatened frogs, such as the Littlejohn’s known Tree from a small Frog number of which locations within is region. the only Other threatened frogs Frog Red-crowned and Toadlet.Burrowing include the Giant type from extensive reedbeds to open expanses of water. A range of threatened species occur such as the Australasian Bittern ( non-colonial waterbirds but their importance poorly scale is crakes. understood e.g. state-wide on a utilising adjacent saltwater wetlands. For example, Dee Why Lagoon is used as an alternative site shelter to Long Reef by onshorestrong winds. migratory shorebirds during number number of bird migratory agreement species listed under passerine bird international species occur, ( Grassbird such as the Little Fauna Habita These wetlands support an extensive range of These are wetlands important as drought refuges for Some wetlands support colonial waterbird nesting Similar to alluvial woodland and forested wetlands, Freshwater wetlands encompass a number of types Hanging swamps associated with open treeless Freshwater wetlands elsewhere range in size and Many wetlands are important as nesting sites for Coastal are wetlands frequently important to species Freshwater wetlands provi A number of declining and regionally significant y ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Importance to to Fauna: Importance Distribution in CMA Distribution Reservation Status: patches are still impacted adjacent by lands Endangered Ecological Communities or (under TSC Act 1995) upstream/coastal include Freshwater Wetlands pollution on Freshwater Wetlands. Sydney Coastal sources. Floodplains and Priorit Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area 16 8) Freshwater Wetland (FRW) 8) Freshwater Wetland 44 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 9) Saltwater Wetland and Coastal Shoreline (SW) Shoreline Coastal and Wetland Saltwater 9) Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid Endangered Ecological Communities (under TSC Act Act TSC (under CoastalSaltmarsh. includes 1995) Communities Ecological Endangered or disturbance lands, adjacent by impacted still are patches Status: Reservation DistributionCMA in ImportanceFauna:to roiyFuaH Fauna Priority ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Predominantly secluded sections of shoreline shoreline of sections secluded Predominantly Reef platforms provide foraging habitat for the the for habitat foraging provide platforms Reef irtr soeid roos shorebird Migratory of range a for important also are flats Intertidal migratory of importance the of Recognition Bay Botany of parts in particularly flats, Intertidal The expanses of mangroves present have have present mangroves of expanses The the in rare now are saltmarsh of areas Extensive types of number a encompass wetlands Saltwater freshwater to Similar unrbe id ytrace ( the capped( Plover ( Oystercatcher for longirostris Pied Tern habitat vulnerable Little nesting endangered important provide species during high tide.high speciesduring these for habitat resting provide areas important These Reef. Long at and Bay Botany in localities Reef Egret ( Egret Reef ( Oystercatcher fuliginosus Sooty threatened other waterbirds,waterfowlothersuch as egrets. and Shorebird Endangered Delta Tidal ‘The Relict Point’.Sands atTaren the on of occurring Community listing the by demonstrated is Bay Botany within shorebirds bird migratory international under agreements. regionally listed which and of are many shorebirds, ) cinereus migratory significant (Xenus the ( Sandpiper as (such Knot threatened Great of number a support phaeopus ( Whimbrel the particularly shorebirds, migratory Some waterbirds. of range wide a and ae agoe eyoe ( Gerygone Mangrove rare regionally the support Mangroves flats. intertidal and saltmarsh of expense the at often increased species, significant regionally suchasRail. the Southern Lewin’s and Emu-wren other of a number for habitat important provide also ( at Point Towra sedgeland adjacent two and saltmarsh Chat Extensive only the White-fronted supports significant regionally the habitat of populations remaining This region. to flats intertidal rockyandislets. coastline from forest, mangrove ranging to fauna saltmarsh distinctive associated with Few shorebirds. of in theCMA. remain variety wetlands saltwater wide natural untouched a by flats in intertidal used activities, and saltmarsh reclamation of land areas particular to due past the or lost been has habitat abitat ) : PatchilyDistributed.: ) ad h rgoal sgiiat Red- significant regionally the and ) Poorly protected and most reserved reserved most and protected Poorly roost in mangroves athigh tide. inmangroves roost Egretta sacra Egretta : and regionally significant Eastern Eastern significant regionally and Yes airs tenuirostris Calidris Charadriusruficapillus adverse management from from management adverse coastal pollution sources. sources. pollution coastal wetlands, much of this this of much wetlands, ts occur at a number of of number a at occur ts ). substantially modified in in modified substantially phaua albifrons Epthianura eyoe levigaster Gerygone tra albifrons Sterna ) and Terek Terek and ) Haematopus Haematopus Haematopus Haematopus ). Numenius Numenius 17 ), ), ). ). ) 18 10) CoastalWaters(CW) Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid PriorityHabitatFauna ReservationStatus: DistributionCMA in study. current ofthe thebeyondscope Note:was offauna Thisgroup ImportanceFauna:to ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Inshore waters also provide important feeding feeding important provide also waters Inshore ot hetnd pce ocrig within occurring species threatened Most most the infrequent; are reptiles Marine A variety of seabirds occur ranging from tiny from ranging occur seabirds of variety A the by characterised are mammals Marine mammals marine and birds of range wide A An exception is the Little Penguin ( Penguin Little the is exception An regionally significant species such as the the as such ( White-frontedTern species and significant Tern Little regionally endangered the for habitat asatCape Banks. such elsewhere, occurred formerly colonies Other Head. North of shoreline the on nesting minor petrel( Giant- Southern the and gibsoni ) (Diomedea Albatross Gibson’s Whale, Humpback the as such visitors, non-breeding are habitats these coriacea mydas (Dermochelys Turtle (Chelonia Green the being recorded frequently Sea( Snake Wandering majestic the Albatross( to storm-petrels Australian FurSeal ( the being species common most the Whale with visitors occasional are Seals waters. Minke and acutorostrata (Balaenoptera Whale Humpback and the waters protected in Dolphin Bottlenose ( Dolphin Common waters. continental exposedinshelf protectedbaysto waters from ranging waters subtidal in occur , ih n nagrd population endangered an with ), Macronectes giganteus Macronectes Arctocephalus pusillus Arctocephalus :Extensive Poorly protected. Diomedea exulans Diomedea ). Pelamisplaturus ). : No : ), Leatherback Turtle Turtle Leatherback ), Sternastriata epiu delphis Delphinus ) and Yellow-bellied Yellow-bellied and ) ) in more pelagic pelagic more in ) ). ). ). ). Eudyptula Eudyptula ) and and ) Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 45 ) and Eudyptula ). ). ). ). ) ) in more pelagic ) and Yellow-bellied Delphinus Delphinus delphis Sterna striata Sterna ), ), Leatherback Turtle : No ). Pelamis platurus Diomedea exulans Poorly protected. Poorly : : Extensive Arctocephalus Arctocephalus pusillus Macronectes giganteus ), ), with an endangered population occur occur in subtidal waters ranging from waters bays to protected shelfin exposed continental waters. Common Dolphin ( Bottlenose Dolphin in protected waters the and Humpback Whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata and Minke waters. Seals are occasional visitors with Whale the most common species being the ( Fur Seal Australian storm-petrels to ( Albatross the majestic Wandering Snake ( Sea frequently frequently recorded being the Green (Chelonia Turtle (Dermochelys mydas coriacea these habitats are non-breeding visitors, such as the Humpback Whale, Gibson’s Albatross (Diomedea gibsoni) and the Southern Giant- ( petrel minor nesting on the shoreline of North Head. Other colonies formerly occurred elsewhere, such Banks.as at Cape habitat for the endangered regionally Little Tern significant and species TernWhite-fronted ( such as the An exception is the Little Penguin ( A wide range of birds and marine mammals Marine mammals are characterised by the A variety of seabirds occur ranging from tiny Marine reptiles are infrequent; the most Most threatened species occurring within Inshore waters also provide important feeding ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Importance to to Fauna: Importance Note: This group This of fauna Note: was beyond scopethe of the current study. in CMA Distribution Status:Reservation Fauna Habitat Priority Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area 18 10) Coastal Waters (CW) Waters (CW) 10) Coastal 46 Bushcare Boosters Module 3: The Birds and the Bees of Bushcare // Participant’s Workbook 11) Urban, Rural and Artifi and Rural Urban, 11) Rapid Fauna Habitat Assessment of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area Area Authority Management Catchment Metropolitan Sydney the of Assessment Habitat Fauna Rapid cial Environments(UE) ReservationStatus: DistributionCMA in ImportanceFauna:to ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Perhaps it is not surprising that a range of birds and and birds of range a that surprising not is it Perhaps n iue pos f lae ln o rrl pastures rural or land cleared of plots disused In Airport Sydney as such environments artificial In Houses and other buildings are not only utilised by by utilised only not are buildings other and Houses Gecko Broad-tailed the from range present Reptiles oe upiigy s t is surprisingly More of home the are environments these surprisingly Not retain areas many environments, alienated Although include environments artificial and rural Urban, ognsd adcos ( Bandicoots Long-nosed and of population mammals a recently example, non-flying For reptiles. even of range the is surprise greater Of landscapes. alienated these in occur bats headed Cisticolaheaded (Cisticola exilis ( ( Songlark Quail Brown ypilophora significant regionally as such the species weeds and grass long by typified Double- Pipit( Oystercatcher, Pied ( Plover the banded as such occur, species significant regionally and threatened other stormwater in bridges, drainsdisusedemplacements.and gunnery under as artificial of such variety structures a in roost Myotis Southern and Bentwing-bat Little Bentwing-bat, Eastern The fox. important Flying- Grey-headed an Both threatened the for are source food trees trees. planted some parkland and original and streetscape so flowering is Parrot Swift specie significant regionally pro ( Sparrow some geckoes but also as roosts by some some by (Tadaridaaustralis roosts as gouldii (Chalinolobus also Bat Wattled Gould’s the as but such bats, insectivorous geckoes some Black Skink Red-bellied the particularly Shinning Snake( the areas, to some Cream-striped indoors virgatus (Cryptoblepharus ventures also ubiquitous but letterboxes people’s some in living to adapted has only not that occurs around the built-up shoreline of Sydney Sydney of shoreline built-up Harbour. the chrysogaster around (Hydromys occurs Water-rat the Similarly bushland. pristine hardly Hill, Dulwich in discovered vulgaris tristis (Acridotheres musculus (Mus Mouse House the as such species, feral of range a diversity present. habitat,thehigherspecies remnant to proximity to addition in area, an in these great The species. native of variety a of plantings or trees original of scattering a urban-rural Sydney artificialsuch environments as Airport. extensive lands, and grassland, parks, rank with ornamental ground cleared industrial and fields playing landscapes, and residential Anthusaustralis Pseudechis porphyriacus Pseudechis ). :Extensive , ig ui ( Quail King ), NotApplicable asr domesticus Passer icohmhs cruralis Cinclorhamphus , lc Rt ( Rat Black ), ) and Australian Australian and ) bicinctus Charadrius ). ) and Common Starling ( Starling Common and ) metimes recorded foraging in in foraging recorded metimes ad ht-tie Mastiff-bat White-striped and ) e iest o traee and threatened of diversity he ). ). Snakes also occur in in occur also Snakes ). eaee nasuta Perameles er the representation of of representation the er s that also occur. The The occur. also that s . chinensis C. ats rattus Rattus ), Common Mynah Mynah Common ), ) may occur. may) occur. ). ad Golden- and ) ), Brown Brown ), ), House House ), Coturnix Coturnix Sturnus Sturnus was ) 19 )