South East Queensland APRIL 2017 Volume 11 Number 2 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Program South East Queensland ISSN 1835-3851

CONTENTS 1 Colouring the Forest Floor 2 Editorial and Contacts 3 Fungi Profile Amazing Endophytes 4-5 Fauna Profile Queensland Rarest Bird - the Eastern Bristlebird 6 Property Profile Restoring and Rejoicing, Pine Mountain, Ipswich 7 Property Profile Laughing Waters, Sunshine Coast 8-10 Property Profile Tools to encourage a biodiverse Colouring the Forest Floor grassy understorey hese brilliant blue-coloured are important to local ecosystems as they 11 My Little Corner Tmushrooms are always exciting to find. are mycorrhizal and so are the symbiotic Carrying on in my great, great They are usually hiding in deep litter on fungal partners on the roots of many of our grandfather’s footsteps the rainforest floor or on rotting logs. They local plants. They give their plant partners are decomposer fungi so are recycling micronutrients from soil and greater access 12 Weed Profile the nutrients in the leaf litter and logs to soil water. Coral fungi can grow quite Dwarf Papyrus on which they grow. They don’t have a large, to about the size of your hand, and common name so are referred to by their can be found on the forest floor, often in 13 Book Reviews species name, Entoloma hochstetteri, wet eucalypt forests. 14 Property Profile although there is some contention about It is important to remember that fungi this name across Australia. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital & have different parts – the fruiting bodies Koala Research All Entolomas give pink spore prints and that we see on the ground surface that often a pink blush can be seen on the contain spores and the colony of fine 15 The Cycle of Life gills. Look closely in the photo above. thread-like mycelium that live in logs, leaf Right Conditions for Fruiting Some readers may remember doing spore litter or in plants themselves. Like plants, prints at primary school whereby you left fungi only fruit occasionally, but unlike 16 New Fungi Brochures a mushroom (minus the stalk), gills down, plants, we often don’t know that fungi are Maps for Sale on a white piece of paper, and came back present until they fruit. a day or so later and gently removed it, Advertise your Property The Queensland Mycological Society, with revealing an intricate spoke-like pattern of support from Sunshine Coast Council, for Sale spores that had fallen from the gills. Spore has recently released two high-quality prints are an important technique for brochures on fungi – see review pg 16. identifying fungi as the spore print colour and microscopic spore characteristics like Published by Healthy Land and Water through Article by Sapphire McMullan-Fisher funding from the Australian Government’s size and shape can all be analysed. Queensland Mycological Society National Landcare Programme The other photo shown above is that of a Left image by Wayne Boatwright coral fungus (genus Ramaria). Coral fungi Right image by Paul Vallier Land for Wildlife Officers editorial South East Queensland oes visiting a rainforest improve nurseries to increase genetic diversity Brisbane City Council Done’s mental health? Are rainforest and resilience. All enquiries, 3403 8888 frogs recovering from the devastating Amanda Maggs Fflur Collier It was wonderful to connect with chytrid fungus? And should we be using Cody Hochen Peter Hayes leading science in genetics, ecology and fire to limit rainforest encroachment into Nick Swanson Susan Nolan technology. Genetics is being used in neighbouring eucalypt forests? These Catherine Madden Tony Mlynarik questions and many more were posed by clever ways to determine evolutionary pathways and to also track gene flow the symposium, Rainforests of Subtropical City of Gold Coast between plantations and neighbouring Australia (ROSA) in late March. Attended by Lexie Webster, 5582 8344 wild plants. Technological advances over 200 people including many Land for Saul Hondow, 5582 8022 are being made in acoustic monitoring, Wildlife Officers and members, it was two Scott Sumner, 5582 8896 days of thought-provoking discussion. using radar to quantify tonnes of soil lost through erosion, and using fungi to break Todd Burrows, 5582 9128 The first two questions above would down plastic waste. Fascinating topics! Ipswich City Council probably be answered with a yes. The third Stephani Grove, 3810 7173 question is more complex and ultimately I will finish with a quote from the astute Ian Lowe who stated at ROSA that “It is our depends on what the land manager is Lockyer Valley Regional Council trying to achieve for that bushland area. morale duty to see rainforests as essential, complex ecological systems… that allow Martin Bennett, 5462 0376 Some take-home messages included: us the opportunity to connect with our Logan City Council soul.” I couldn’t agree more. • It is arguably more important to protect Peter Copping, 3412 5321 refugia, such as creeks, gullies, mountain Finally, I would like to welcome Martin tops and swamps, than it is to connect Bennett as Land for Wildlife Officer Moreton Bay Regional Council patches of vegetation because Australia’s for the Lockyer Valley. He brings great Ainslie Dyki, 5433 2288 plants and animals generally contract ecological expertise, as well as a thorough Nicole Byrne, 0419 700 213 to refugia rather than move when the understanding of Land for Wildlife given Wendy Heath, 3883 5636 climate changes. his work with other Councils in this role. Welcome Martin. Noosa Council • Some native freshwater crayfish can Kylie Gordon, 5329 6500 live to 30 years of age, usually spending Thanks to all the amazing contributors to their entire life in one burrow system this edition and, as always, I welcome your Redland City Council underneath the rainforest floor. stories for future editions. Maree Manby, 3820 1106 • Lyrebirds and scrub-birds are, Scenic Rim Regional Council evolutionary, the oldest songbirds on Deborah Metters Keith McCosh, 5540 5436 Earth and only occur in the subtropics. Land for Wildlife Regional • It is best to buy the same species of Coordinator Somerset Region plant from many different native plant Healthy Land and Water Darren McPherson, 5424 4000 Sunshine Coast Council Alan Wynn, 5439 6477 Danielle Outram, 5475 7339 Landholder Registrations, Land for Wildlife SEQ - 1/3/2017 Dave Burrows, 5475 7345 Marc Russell, 5475 7345 Registered Working Towards Total Area under Total Area Retained Nick Clancy, 5439 6433 Properties Registration Restoration Stephanie Reif, 5475 7395 3246 877 59,560 ha 6,435 ha Qld Murray-Darling Region Forward all contributions to: Print run - 4745 Toowoomba, Crows Nest and Back copies from 2007 - 2016 western regions The Editor available for download from Qld Murray-Darling Committee, Land for Wildlife Newsletter www.lfwseq.org.au 4637 6228 Healthy Land and Water Back copies from 1998 - 2006 PO Box 13204 available upon request to the Editor. Burnett Mary Region George Street QLD 4003 ISSN 1835-3851 Gympie, Fraser Coast, 07 3177 9100 Land for Wildlife is a voluntary program that North & South Burnett, [email protected] encourages and assists landholders to provide Bundaberg and Baffle Creek habitat for wildlife on their properties. Burnett Mary Regional Group, 4181 2999

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland lfwseq.org.au is a quarterly publication distributed facebook.com/lfwseq free of charge to members of the Land for Wildlife program in South East Queensland.

2 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 The fruiting bodies of a large cup fungi profile fungus (Phillipsia subpurpurea) growing on logs. These fungi are endophytes and live most of their life inside plants. Amazing Endophytes When the plant dies, these fungi then need to fruit and reproduce. Photo by SJM McMullan-Fisher.

he longer we study ecosystems, production of chemicals that decrease Tthe more we realise there are many palatability of leaves and stems. Up to 20 different organisms living together with intimate • Improved ability to withstand extreme connections. You don’t get much more temperatures and drought. species of endophyte intimate than the relationship between • Increased tolerance to heavy metals. were found in the plants and their symbiotic partners called • Improved salt tolerance in some plants. ‘endophytes’. leaves of one plant, So the community of endophytes found in The name describes where these fungi the humble Wombat the tissues of their host plant, live together live: endo = inside and phyte = plant. We for years with no need to reproduce as they Berry. also have intimate relationships with other are getting everything they need to survive organisms like the microbiome in our stomachs that helps us digest food. (food and water). It is only when their host plant senesces or dies that the endophytes By definition, fungal endophytes are fungi, appear to revert to a decomposer lifestyle which inhabit the leaves, stems, bark and and start recycling their host plant. At roots of plants without causing disease this stage they produce fruit bodies and symptoms. Some of these may be latent undergo sexual reproduction. pathogens but generally the relationship is beneficial to the host plant. Many endophytes are in the phylum Ascomycetes, which often produce fruit Endophytes in grasses have been the most bodies that are shaped like discs or cups. widely researched because of commercial Phillipsia subpurpurea is one of these local /agricultural implications. However, endophytes with large burgundy coloured this article will focus on the non-grass centres and white undersides found on endophytes, though their stories are rotten logs in local rainforests. Fruiting similar and equally amazing. down near the ground allows the spores Endophytes remain hidden from human to be dispersed where there are young sight when we look at ecosystems, as they rainforest plants that the endophytes can are living and working entirely within partner with. If these young trees get the the tissues of their host plants. Molecular opportunity to fill a gap and grow up and (DNA) techniques are giving us insights join the canopy they will grow with their into some of the amazing diversity of endophyte partners already inside them to These small club-shaped fungi (Xylaria endophytes that live inside rainforest help them live. hypoxylon) are probably endophytes. plants in Southeast Queensland. Shown here are their fruiting bodies on References dead timber. Up to 20 different species of endophyte Mapperson RR & Dearnaley JDW (2014) Photo by SJM McMullan-Fisher. were found in the leaves of one plant Molecular taxonomy of Australian (the humble Wombat Berry, Eustrephus endophytic Pezizales. In: 2014 Scientific latifolius), in a study by Mapperson & Article by Sapphire McMullan-Fisher Meeting of the Australasian Mycological (mycologist) and Frances Guard (Land Dearnaley, 2014. Tropical rainforests have Society, 21-23 April 2014, Brisbane. even greater endophyte diversity. for Wildlife member) Rodriguez RJ, White Jr JF, Arnold AE & Co-authors of Fungi of the Sunshine Coast Some of the benefits for plants that host Redman RS (2009) Fungal endophytes: and Mushrooms of the Sunshine Coast endophytes include: diversity and functional roles. New produced by the Queensland Mycological • Improved resistance to herbivores, by Phytologist, 182(2), pp.314-330. Society (reviewed pg 16).

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 3 fauna profile Queensland’s Rarest Bird

Habitat of the last known Eastern Bristlebirds in Queensland - showing dense native tussock grasses (e.g. Sorghum and Poa species) under an open eucalypt canopy with nearby dense forest. Photo by Zoe Stone.

o tell the story about Queensland’s bred and hopefully this year a new facility David’s survey work includes finding nests Trarest bird, I am going to start with a in SEQ will open to further expand the and eggs, locating new birds, determining tale about the Californian Condor. This captive breeding program. territories and managing their habitat. The huge, long-lived bird of prey was once Eastern Bristlebird is a ground-dwelling widespread across North America, but Ecologist, David Charley has been bird that builds a nest close to the ground, numbers plummeted, and by 1987 there monitoring Eastern Bristlebirds in SEQ and usually in dense tussock grass, such as were only 27 birds alive, all in captivity. northern NSW since 1998. He has found Poa species. Their nests always occur on Through significant investment, the that their populations are now quite stable, ground underneath gaps in the canopy, Californian Condor’s population increased despite being so low. Male bristlebirds never under the canopy itself. This may be to 435 birds in 2015. Now hundreds of establish a territory about 1.5 hectares in because individual tussock grass clumps these magnificent birds are flying free in size and will regularly patrol their territory grow larger and more dense in full sunlight the wild. ensuring that neighbouring Eastern rather than under a tree. They also seem Bristlebirds do not encroach. David has to nest near old nests, but never re-use Although not quite as remarkable in seen male bristlebirds ‘yelling’ at each other an old nest. Eastern Bristlebirds keep their stature, the Eastern Bristlebird is arguably over their boundary ‘fences’. All known nests very clean - there are no droppings Queensland’s condor. Historically, the Eastern Bristlebird territories are in steep or feathers. Assumingly, this is a strategy Eastern Bristlebird (northern population) and rugged terrain. designed to avoid detection by predators. extended from about Glen Innes in NSW north to the Conondales. Surveys in 1988 In 2016, David confirmed three territories A unique survey technique used by counted about 154 wild birds; 30 years in Queensland, each with a pair of birds, all researchers is the conservation dog, later, numbers were down to less than 40. on one Land for Wildlife property. See map Penny, who has been specifically trained The current estimated wild population of below. Eastern Bristlebirds is about 38 individuals - six in Queensland and 32 in northern NSW. Eastern Bristlebird Territory Cluster 2016

All recent records from Queensland are from one Land for Wildlife property near Lamington Range in the Scenic Rim. Researchers are working in partnership with the landholders to actively manage and protect this population. Understandably, the Eastern Bristlebird is listed as Endangered under national and state legislation.

In 2013, a difficult decision was made N by researchers to capture wild Eastern Legend Bristlebirds from an at-risk population Nest Record in northern NSW. These individuals Preliminary Territories April 2016 were added to existing captive birds at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to expand Territory 1 the captive breeding program. Since 2015, Territory 2 the captive population has successfully Territory 3

4 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 Eastern Bristlebirds are ground- dwelling birds with long ‘bristles’ extending from the base of their beaks. Males often call loudly from the edge of their territory. Photos by Todd Burrows.

Low-intensity, well-managed planned burns help create habitat Penny is a detection dog, shown here at work, trying to for dense tussock grasses, which in turn, provide habitat for detect traces of Eastern Bristlebirds. She is trained to Eastern Bristlebirds. Planned burns aim to create a mosaic of sit quietly next to a site if a positive indication is found. burnt and unburnt areas. Note the low wind conditions and that Photo by Liz Gould. the fire is travelling downslope. Photo by Zoe Stone.

to detect Eastern Bristlebirds including cessation of regular planned fires plus one occur across private and public land their nests, feathers and droppings. She extensive, hot wildfire. (National Parks) in NSW and Queensland can easily move through potential habitat with regular cross-border collaboration. For using her excellent sense of smell to detect The owners of the Land for Wildlife example, Penny is owned and managed bristlebird traces. property with the Eastern Bristlebirds by the NSW Office of Environment and are cattle graziers who use fire as part of Heritage but also does survey work in Penny is only used once per breeding their land management strategy. They Queensland. Eighteen private landholders season per site, with subsequent surveys burn sections of their property every few are engaged with the Eastern Bristlebird done on foot by researchers. Playback of years to encourage palatable grasses for Recovery Program, with appropriate fire the bristlebird call is only used rarely in their cattle and to minimise the risk of management plans developed and being remote locations inaccessible to Penny, wildfire. Healthy Land and Water has long- implemented. Similarly over the past 30 where human visitation is low and outside supported the owners with weed control years, fire management within National of the breeding season. The indiscriminate, and the construction of fire breaks to assist Parks has been modified to restore and regular use of call playback is highly with fire management enabling them to maintain bristlebird habitat. disturbing to bristlebirds, as the resident burn downslope. male spends his time looking for the so- Hopefully in the decades to come, the called intruder rather than caring for the When preparing a site for a planned burn, wild population of Eastern Bristlebirds female and young. Lantana and Crofton Weed are first sprayed will increase. New populations could be and killed to help create enough fuel for re-introduced to appropriately managed A crucial piece of the Eastern Bristlebird the fire to be carried as well as reducing the areas using captive-bred birds. As we know puzzle is its dependence on appropriately total number of weeds. Fires are generally with the Californian Condor, successful fire-managed landscapes. If there is not lit along one front giving bristlebirds recovery programs do work, but they can enough fire, its habitat becomes over- escape routes. Ideally, bristlebird habitat be expensive. If you are in a position to run with shrubs and herbs (e.g. Lantana, is burnt about every 3-6 years depending donate to threatened species recovery, Crofton Weed, wattles and Red Ash, on rainfall. Planned burns are designed then I encourage you to consider investing Alphitonia excelsa), which shade out and to create a mosaic patchwork of burnt in the Eastern Bristlebird Recovery prevent germination of essential tussock and unburnt areas. Close-by gullies and Program by supporting Currumbin Wildlife grasses. If fires are too hot or too extensive, rainforests are key refugia for bristlebirds Sanctuary. the birds cannot find escape routes or and all known bristlebird territories adjoin refugia and will perish in the fire. Eastern rainforests or dense wet sclerophyll forest, Article by Deborah Metters (Healthy Bristlebirds are poor fliers and cannot which are not burnt. Land & Water) with thanks to David Preliminary Territories April 2016 fly far to escape fires. Appropriate fire The Eastern Bristlebird Recovery Plan guides Charley (WildSearch Environmental management is therefore essential to the Services), Liz Gould (Healthy Land & survival of Eastern Bristlebirds. The major on-ground work for wild populations as well as recovery activities for the captive Water) and Lynn Baker (NSW Office of decline in wild bristlebird numbers since Environment and Heritage) the 1980s can be mostly attributed to the population. Habitat management activities

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 5 property profile Restoring and Rejoicing: A story of persistence and achievement

ictor and Michele Bales have been making room for native plantings. Next on Over time, their values have become driven VLand for Wildlife members for just the hit list is Balloon Vine (Cardiospermum by the environment and providing a refuge over 10 years and have been living on grandiflorum). for native wildlife. their property for 35 years. Their property is situated in Pine Mountain, Ipswich and Victor has done exceptional work restoring “If possible, talk to older locals about is adjacent to Sandy Creek in the mid- a gully bed using native riparian plants. A your property. Look at the environmental Brisbane River Catchment. It is believed diverse selection of species were chosen history of your land and learn from that around 130 years ago the land was for different purposes. We started with previous mistakes made. Plan well, plant used as a vineyard and later for growing structural species for the purpose of wisely and use tree protectors for new sweet potatoes, more recently for grazing mitigating erosion, controlling velocity as trees. Planting should improve your soil, cattle and horses. Horses were a total well as reducing the effects of channelling. its water holding capacity and provide disaster during dry periods, as they grazed Such species included Lomandra sp., food and shelter for the wildlife. Never the grass right back to bare soil and ring- Melaleuca sp. and Casuarina sp. Bringing remove old dead trees, who knows, an barked native trees. back wildlife and enhancing biodiversity is animal in need of shelter might make the next stage for the property. your home their home.” - Victor Bales. During the years I have worked with Victor and Michele, I have observed significant Victor liked the idea of seeing more In recognition of his inspiring changes in the ecological values on their butterflies, small birds and invertebrates, environmental restoration work, Victor property. Since retiring, Victor has been so native plants such as Dianella sp., won a Gold Award at the 2016 Ipswich able to spend a lot more time fast tracking Eucalyptus sp. native grasses and Acacia City Council Awards for Excellence restoration outcomes on their property. sp. were planted and large hollow logs (Environment Category). Managing the The removal of weeds and restoring the were left to provide refuge for reptiles and nagging weeds and replacing the plants natural values using local native plant small mammals. Hoop Pine seedlings have that do not quite make it is business as species has been a priority for the Bales. naturally generated in their rainforest area, usual at their Pine Mountain property. which is very exciting indeed. Hard work is always rewarded when new Victor is one of the most determined discoveries are made, the most recent landholders I have come across, his Over the years of living at Pine Mountain, being a native bee hive in the fork of an old passion and rationale for conservation is Victor and Michele’s vision for their gum tree. encouraging. Piles of removed Climbing property has changed. Lessons were learnt Asparagus (Asparagus africanus) continue from initial experimental planting of trees Article by Stephani Grove to grow in size as Victor laboriously hand- which proved to be unsuitable for the soil Land for Wildlife Officer removes Asparagus crowns. Cobbler’s Pegs type. Restoring pasture, building a dam Ipswich City Council and undesirable grasses are sprayed out, and planting trees to create a screen and filter dust from the road were priorities.

One of the many trees planted by Nest boxes for wildlife have been Understorey plants have been planted Victor and Michele Bales. made and installed by Victor. to provide shelter for small animals.

6 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 Laughing Waters hosted a Land for Wildlife workshop where other landholders glimpsed the natural wonders - the waterfall and the Endangered herb, Plectranthus torrenticola (left).

property profile

Laughing Waters: A treasure trove of natural wonders

y feet are dangling over a basalt would form the framework for Laughing iteratus), Tusked Frog (Adelotus brevis), Elf Mrock formation that overlooks a Waters to be protected through Council’s Skink (Eroticoscincus graciloides) and Rose’s spectacular 20m waterfall. The light breeze VCA program. These are what led to Shade Skink (Saproscincus rosei). smells crisp and earthy; water vapour me sitting on the edge of that stunning lingers in the air. Bursts of bird calls break waterfall that day. Jane and Denis are very active Land for the silence of the forest. In my hand I can Wildlife members. In the early years they feel the fleshy, velvety leaves and stem of a I sent the velvety plant specimen to the attended many workshops to learn the botanical specimen that I would soon find Queensland Herbarium. They identified knowledge and skills they needed to out was a highly endangered plant species. it as Plectranthus torrenticola - listed as rehabilitate their property. Denis enjoyed Above me, a glint of turquoise catches Endangered at a State and Federal level the work so much he ended up making a my eye as a Richmond Birdwing butterfly and only known from a handful of sites career out of bush regeneration, becoming gracefully floats through the forest canopy. in the world. A vegetation survey also a contractor in his own right. detected threatened plants including The scene is utterly mesmerising. Welcome Denis and Jane generously hosted a Land to Laughing Waters. the Gympie Nut (Macadamia ternifolia), Richmond Birdwing Vine (Pararistolochia for Wildlife workshop recently to pass on Laughing Waters is a 24ha property which praevenosa) and ten hectares of the their valuable knowledge and experiences, is nestled next to Kondalilla National Park Critically Endangered Lowland Subtropical and to showcase their stunning property to in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Jane Rainforest ecological community. inspire other like-minded landholders. Abercrombie and Denis Wood have been As I walked back along the trail from custodians of the land for the past 19 years Sunshine Coast Council’s VCA program provides annual funding for contractor the waterfall that day I passed along the and were among the first Land for Wildlife babbling network of crystal clear streams members in the region. assistance for habitat rehabilitation. After many years of slogging away at planting and it was evident why Denis and Jane had After thinking long and hard about and weeding on their own the help from named this special place Laughing Waters. joining Council’s Voluntary Conservation professional bush regeneration contractors Large boulders adorned with a diversity Agreement (VCA) program, Jane and Denis was a welcome change. of tiny ferns, mosses and lichen overhung decided that they ultimately wanted to the walking track. Massive remnant trees protect the remnant rainforest for future “Bush regeneration is rewarding, as is with abundant hollows that had escaped generations and the many trees they had tree planting, but at times it is just plain a legacy of logging on the Blackall Range planted over the years. The big catalyst for hard work. So for me, Council providing formed multistorey dwellings for wildlife. them was witnessing illegal clearing on a contractors is a huge psychological I felt so grateful not only that my job was nearby property, where in less than two boost and I don’t feel I’m alone anymore. to protect this magical place from future hours a bulldozer wiped out the equivalent And the on-ground results are really destruction, but also to be able to work of what had taken them 15 years to plant. encouraging!” said Denis. with such progressive and dedicated nature lovers such as Denis and Jane. One of my first responsibilities when I Under Council’s Environment Levy Partnerships program, FaunaWatch did a started with Sunshine Coast Council was Article and photos by fauna survey on the property. Noteworthy to oversee the process of surveying and Danielle Outram threatened species identified include the registering a covenant on title as well as Land for Wildlife Officer Richmond Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera establishing the legal agreement and Sunshine Coast Council environmental management plan, which richmondia), Cascade Treefrog (Litoria pearsoniana), Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 7 property profile Tools to encourage a biodiverse grassy understorey

efore I purchased my property in 1975 it fire entered their hollows. I believed that species. Bell Miners also seemed to prefer Bhad been used as part of a larger cattle leaving the forest to its own devices would these habitats and the open forest has property and was partially cleared. My result in a healthier habitat. experienced a large extent of eucalypt die- 160 acres at Conondale is situated in the back, which is compounded by the miners. headwaters of the Mary River and covers In 2000 a huge wildfire, that was probably a diversity of ecosystems from lowland started by landowners burning off, I started becoming more observant of the riparian rainforest to wet sclerophyll and rampaged through our valley and we changes to the understorey and also read dry eucalypt forests on the drier spurs and couldn’t leave the house for a week more research about fire as a management ridges, which back onto Reesville on the or more. The result was astounding; tool. Slowly I started to accept the idea of Blackall Range. everything was bare. It was as though using fire as a habitat management tool. the landscape had been given a Brazilian I consulted with Land for Wildlife and The original survey map shows large areas wax. You could see much further into attended a fire management workshop depicted as ‘open grazing with apple the distance and see the underlying land which involved making a fire management gum’. When I bought the property there formations. I considered whether this plan for my property. were also many large Banksias. This open openness would have greatly assisted structure, together with fire-adapted Aboriginal people to hunt. My aim is to maintain tall eucalypt forests plants seems to indicate that the area was with a grassy understorey by limiting managed with regular burning by the I could also see the ground where lantana intrusion of rainforest plant species. This traditional custodians. had previously covered it with dense will help maintain the rich biodiversity of a thickets. Only the skeleton of the plants grassy understorey and will hopefully help “Burning off” was a common land remained. This didn’t last for long though manage the Bell Miner Associated Dieback management tool in my early days on as they were quick to reshoot. It did (BMAD). the land. All the farmers around me however inspire me to start pulling them burnt annually which meant I had to deal out as it was a much more achievable job. My plan involved identifying areas that with several fires a year. Usually I wasn’t That was the start of my war against weeds. would benefit from burning and protecting informed that my neighbours would be areas such as rainforest that would be burning and it was often a matter of using After the big wildfire, which evoked my damaged by fire. I then divided the back-burning to protect my property love of weeding, I joined Land for Wildlife property into manageable sections to burn once I noticed a fire approaching. I often and developed a property management using natural features and decided upon faced some dangerous situations with plan and undertook more strategic the frequency and intensity of burning fires encircling my house. Because of weed control. Since that time a lot of my according to the natural vegetation types this culture of uncontrolled, overuse of property is now weed free and reverting on the regional ecosystem map. Alan Wynn burning as a land management tool I into beautiful natural bushland. from Land for Wildlife assisted me to select the first areas. These were selected because became absolutely opposed to fire in A few years back I noticed the emergence natural habitats. I witnessed the dwindling they already had a diversity of grasses that of a new understory of wet sclerophyll warranted preservation. away of my precious rainforest areas and (along with lantana), under the eucalypt many habitat trees were burnt down as canopy that had previously had grass That was the beginning of another long

8 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 Fires are lit from the top of the hill and allowed to burn slowly down the slope, note the low flame height and low wind conditions.

‘The Terminator’ - a posi-track with a front-mounted slasher was used to clear narrow, low impact, temporary containment lines.

My aim is to maintain tall Old vehicle tracks make great containment lines and allow smaller areas to be safely burnt, resulting in a mosaic of patches at eucalypt forests with a different stages of post fire regeneration, including unburnt areas. grassy understorey.

journey that involved finding old farm tracks and clearing them strategically and sensitively as access tracks for fire management vehicles, fire trails and fire breaks. I used natural control lines where possible such as creeks, gullies and existing infrastructure such as roads. To re-instate some firebreaks such as old tracks and fence lines I used a rubber tracked “terminator” which has a narrow front-mounted slasher. The roots and debris then needed to be pulled out, removed and areas raked. Other areas were prepared with a brush-cutter or my ride-on mower and raked.

The fire in 2000 was the last uncontrolled fire on my property and since then the local land management culture has also changed with the influx of new residents looking for a lifestyle rather than an income from their land. There has emerged a strong resistance to burning. Even the local fire brigades were reluctant to undertake planned burns and were overly cautious about suitable burning conditions. Neighbours were concerned and resistant. Two years in a row, planned burns were scheduled but the conditions were not suitable and the fires quickly went out by themselves.

I have persisted and now have had three successful ecological Habitat trees, including this dead ‘stag’, were raked around prior to the burn so that they would not ignite. Note the charring on Story continues overleaf... the trunk caused by a high intensity wildfire in 2000.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 9 Example of a ‘natural containment line’ where the fire went The soil seed bank is stimulated to germinate after a burn. out when it reached the vegetation closer to the gully. This Here masses of native legumes and fire-adapted shrubs area has a well-developed rainforest understorey and is less such as Hovea acutifolia seedlings have germinated. Photo combustible in the conditions at the time of burning. by Nick Clancy.

burns on my place with the rural fire decision is to determine the most suitable minimal and may need to be undertaken brigade being very supportive when they time considering the seasonal conditions, again. The best time is at the end of the day can provide the personnel (volunteers). time of day, air humidity and dryness of when the air is still dry enough but at the These burns required a lot of planning and vegetation. Conditions can change in a time when humidity is increasing so the coordination with the rural fire brigade, fire very short time and can either become fire will naturally slow down. warden (to obtain a permit), neighbours too dry or too damp to burn. The rural fire and other support people on the ground. brigade will come and assess conditions The addition of fire as a property Once the fire permit had been approved but often because of the short window management tool has been the element there were certain conditions that had of opportunity the resources (usually that has put the icing on the cake as far as to be met as well. Many hours of site voluntary) cannot be assembled in time. managing my property. The first successful preparation were required. Fire breaks and ecological burn was perfectly timed. The control lines were cleared and raked or I have also had the advantage of advice extent and intensity of the fire couldn’t even blown. The site was checked for trees from someone who has undertaken many have been better. I then immediately that could fall across containment lines. environmental burns and can usually scheduled a second burn for the following Habitat trees, both standing and on the assess the conditions visually. I usually aim weekend which again was perfect. for a fire that burns consistently but doesn’t ground, were protected by raking away the While some patchiness (unburnt patches) leaf-litter from around them. rise higher than about 1.2 m high. If the fire is too hot a lot of vegetation will be is a desirable outcome for ecological burns, In initiating a burn the most critical destroyed and if too cool the affect will be my most recent burn last year was too patchy and had to be relit the following week. I have seen marvellous results especially in the flourishing understory of herbaceous plants and the increasing variety of grasses (see header photo pg 8). I have even witnessed areas of trees seriously affected by dieback spring back to life. For the time being at least the Bell Miners appear to have moved on. I intend to burn my first two sites again after a period of four years then every five years.

Article by Di Collier Land for Wildlife member Conondale, Sunshine Coast Uncredited photos by Di Collier.

The strategy for rainforest areas, such as this one shown, on Di’s property is to exclude fire. To help achieve this, controlled burns are undertaken in adjacent open forests to reduce the risk of wildfires entering these fire-sensitive rainforests. Photo by Nick Clancy.

10 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 my little corner Carrying on in my great, great grandfather’s footsteps

hett Richards-Dodd from Eudlo is 11 Rand is passionate about nature. His interest started very young with bird and insect watching. As his interest in fauna grew so did his interest in flora especially orchids.

He was very keen to get on board the Land for Wildlife program as we live in the bush and he learnt about the abundance of resources available. Rhett is so excited to After years of research and negotiating Budding entomologist, Rhett Richards- receive the quarterly newsletter. with the newly opened CSIRO, Allan Dodd proudly holding one of his great, Dodd (Frederick’s son) introduced the great grandfather’s butterfly collections. Rhett soon learnt about the endangered Cactoblastis Moth into Australia (1926) Richmond Birdwing butterfly and after which saved millions of hectares of discovering them at our home, he felt agricultural land being overrun by the obligated to help breed them up to be dreaded prickly pear. The major reduction released again. of one the world’s most prolific weed was made successful by a moth from Argentina Rhett’s great, great grandfather (Frederick simply because prickly pear was its host Parkhurst Dodd) was a famous naturalist plant. Allan Dodd was awarded the MBE working for the museum. His job was and OBE for his efforts. recording the behaviour of animals and insects and sending taxidermied Rhett has continued his great, great specimens back to the museum. To grandfather’s passion. The support offered supplement his income post war he by Sunshine Coast Council to Rhett is an sold butterflies and insects to some of investment in the young people of the the world’s richest collectors such as the Sunshine Coast to ensure the continued Rothschild family. He soon became known biodiversity and health of the region’s as the Butterfly Man of Kuranda because of ecology. his great collection that he displayed at his north Queensland home. Article by Tim Dodd Land for Wildlife member After returning from the Great War, Fred’s Eudlo, Sunshine Coast eldest two sons and two daughters took Fred’s collection on tour of Australia.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 11 weed profile Dwarf Papyrus

ver the last few years Dwarf Papyrus O(Cyperus prolifer) has been increasing in its occurrence and density throughout the Redland City boundaries. It has now been identified as occurring in most of the rural areas within swamps, wetlands, drainage lines, water bodies and waterways.

This weedy sedge is native to Africa and was historically used to make paper. The rhizomes were also used as a food source, although they are not very palatable. It has been extensively cultivated as an ornamental pond plant in Australia and is readily sold in many nurseries as a water garden feature. As with many ornamental plants, it marched its way beyond the garden fence and found its way into the landscapes of Queensland and northern NSW.

In the natural environment Dwarf Papyrus rays each containing a number of green A follow-up treatment in 3-4 weeks and invades wetland areas and is a smaller turning reddish-brown florets as they long-term monitoring and follow-up version of the other invasive sedge, mature. treatments will be required to assure long- Papyrus (Cyperus papyrus). Dwarf Papyrus term control of this invasive weed. Why do we need to control this weedy is a perennial plant that likes to grow in cyperus? Well, if it is allowed to reproduce Some success has also been achieved by sunny, damp or inundated areas with still it will out-compete native species in a short continuous slashing around the edges or slow-moving water. Dwarf Papyrus can period of time and change the natural of infestations. However, this can result grow to 60cm high, usually in thickets as ecosystem making it more difficult for both in seed spread if done when the seed is shown in the header photo. Like many the native flora and fauna that would have viable. It can also cause erosion around sedges, the leaves of Dwarf Papyrus are once thrived in the area. waterbodies/waterways if the area does reduced to sheaths at the base of the stem. not regenerate quickly after slashing. Manual removal of Dwarf Papyrus when Dwarf Papyrus reproduces via its rhizomes, in small populations is the easiest and As with all weeds, but especially aquatic which spread along the ground creating best control method. However, once the ones, early detection and control is large colonies of plants that are very tough plant has spread to form a dense thicket paramount to avoid the difficult process of and hard to remove once having taken around a waterbody or waterway the best controlling an established infestation. hold of an area. It can also reproduce via control method is to hand weed around seed, hence the species name ‘prolifer’ native sedges and rushes such as Woolly meaning a prolific producer. The flowering Article by Maree Manby Frogmouth, and then conduct a selective stems are rigid and upright with large, Land for Wildlife Officer spray treatment with herbicide formulated spherical shaped seed-heads. Each seed- Redland City Council for use in aquatic environments such as head has a grouping of over 100 flowering Roundup Biactive® or Weedmaster® DUO.

12 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 book reviews Wildlife Conservation in Farm Landscapes By David Lindenmayer, Damian Michael, Mason Crane, Sachiko Okada, Daniel Florance, Philip Barton and Karen Ikin

ow more than ever, I am hearing detailed analysis over time and across Nstatements like; “we use to see small varying climates. It provides exceptional birds all the time, but now hardly ever” examples of the importance of patchy or, “the last time we saw a Koala was 10 native vegetation and structured habitats years ago”. The presence and absence of for biodiversity as well as improved species is a crucial indicator of changing production, pasture and pollination. ecosystems and I believe it is the natural From controversial topics like kangaroos environment’s way of telling stories. and conservation, to factual snippets Wildlife Conservation in Farm Landscapes like why there aren’t Mistletoebirds in explores the challenges of ecological Tasmania, this book provides detailed and sustainable farming in the presence of proven success stories to enable better rising global populations. It draws upon informed individuals, communities and science and people, and discusses how we organisations for future generations. Published by CSIRO Publishing, 2016 can improve production and profitability Paperback, colour photos, 232 pages This book is one for ecologists and for whilst not undermining biodiversity, Price: $49.95 farmers. I have no doubt you will gain soils, vegetation and water quality. The Available from CSIRO Publishing or good appreciation for the absolute need to philosophy of this book is based on 17 bookstores. Also available as an eBook. integrate farming with conservation and years of research from over 847 field sites conservation with farming as a result of located on 300 farms across Victoria, NSW Review by Stephani Grove reading this book. and South East Queensland. Repeated surveys across the landscape have allowed the authors to give

Sedges, Rushes & Restiads of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve & Surrounding Regions By Sonia MacDonald and Stephanie Haslam

like plants. I know a few of them, even and is followed by Using sedges in Isome aquatic plants. But I do not know Wetlands as features in ponds and pots. much about sedges. I have tried to avoid Another article entitled Birds and Sedges questions about these very important by local bird expert Valda McLean talks pieces in the puzzle of plant life. about the importance of sedges to birds and other fauna. At last we now have a quality reference book by Sonia MacDonald and Stephanie It warmed my heart to also see a section Haslam that fills this void. This book adds on weedy sedges and rushes too. to the already available Grasses: Native and Thankfully there are not too many weed Introduced Grasses of the Noosa Biosphere species, however the ones that are weedy Reserve & Surrounding Regions, which are very weedy, and like aquatic weeds, was also written by the same authors. once you get them they are almost Indeed, grasses and sedges are similar, impossible to get rid of. Read this section, but different! and don’t plant ornamental Papyrus! Published by Noosa Integrated This book follows the same format of their Sedges, rushes and restiads (rush-like or Catchment Association (NICA), 2017 grasses book with great photography by bamboo-like plants) are vital parts of our Paperback with plastic cover sleeve, Stephanie and actual scans of real plants, ecosystems. They filter water, remove A4 format. with Sonia’s notes on each species. The nutrients, slow water flow, help oxygenate Price: $40 plus postage book also explains botanical terms and water, provide habitat for many critters characteristics you need to identify these and they look good too! Available from NICA via plants, as well as the grasses. This section www.noosariver.com.au I commend Stephanie and Sonia on this is vital and is accompanied by quality and select bookshops photos of each plant part described. But much needed addition to our knowledge of the Noosa Biosphere and the broader wait, there’s more. Review by Phil Moran SEQ region. An informative article on Landscaping with Sedges by Pat Aitken is also included

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 13 Left: The ‘Koala Kindy’ is a set of enclosures where young Koalas get used research to climbing trees before graduating to the larger soft-release enclosure. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital and Koala Above: Staff at Australia Zoo Wildlife Research on the Sunshine Coast Hospital taking blood from a Koala.

ecently, our team at Sunshine Coast for young Koalas and a soft release area for Wildlife properties. The Koalas are RCouncil had a tour of the Australia Zoo full of gumtrees to make sure they are radio-collared to track their movements. Wildlife Hospital. The hospital opened capable of surviving in the wild again once Before radio-collaring, they are first in 2004 and is managed by Australia released. The hospital is fully equipped to given a thorough medical examination, Zoo Wildlife Warriors, a not for profit conduct X-rays and MRIs if required. and if something is picked up they can organisation. The facility has been purpose be treated at the Australia Zoo Wildlife built for caring for wildlife and has the We met a very small orphaned Koala joey Hospital. philosophy that by saving one animal, you who had been found alone in suburbia. help save the species. Her mother was probably hit by a car or Since going on the tour I have a much chased by dogs, resulting in the baby better understanding of how some of the While they treat all native animals, during becoming separated from her. issues affecting Koalas are treated, and it’s the tour it became obvious that the good to know that Koalas needing medical Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital specialises Koalas are now listed as Vulnerable across attention are in very capable hands at the in Koalas, with almost 8000 being treated Queensland, and some populations, Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. at the hospital over the years. During the especially in Southeast Queensland, are tour we got to see Koala rehabilitation under more pressure than others. It is What you can do? in action. We saw triage areas where thought that Koala populations never  Protect existing Koala habitat. recovered from when millions of Koalas Koalas were being treated under general  Keep domestic dogs locked up at night. in Australia were hunted for their skins anaesthetic. Outside were numerous large  Keep domestic dogs on a leash when enclosures, a ‘Koala Kindy’ in the early part of the 20th century. One hundred years on, it is estimated that walking. Koalas are worth $1 billion annually to  Drive safely especially during the spring Australia’s economy through tourism. Koala breeding season. Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital  Quick Facts Obvious threats to Koalas are habitat Donate to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. • Up to 100 wildlife emergency loss, disease, animal attacks (including calls received daily domestic dogs and cats) and being hit  See Land for Wildlife Note A4 on Koalas for more information about this iconic • Up to 30 species admitted daily by cars. A less obvious threat is climate change, which is increasing the amount animal. • 70% of admissions are a result of and intensity of droughts and heatwaves trauma including car accidents and stressing Koala populations further. or domestic pet attacks Article & photos by • $7000 to treat one Koala Sunshine Coast Council in partnership Stephanie Reif • Average of 70 Koalas treated with researchers from the University of Land for Wildlife Officer monthly Queensland are studying three Koala Sunshine Coast Council populations, including some on Land

14 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 Right Conditions The Cycle of Life for Fruiting

e share our property at Witta, about 10 kms north of Maleny, with a lot have been growing Richmond Birdwing Wof wildlife and this spring we were very privileged to witness two male IVines (Pararistolochia praevenosa) on my 3 metre long Carpet Pythons fighting for territory on our roof and outside our Land for Wildlife property at Pullenvale for back door. around seven years.

The victor then mated with a female on the awning above our kitchen window. These vines are the only source of food Unfortunately we haven’t been able to find the clutch of eggs nor have we seen for the larvae of the stunningly beautiful any babies yet. They can lay anywhere between 30 and 47 eggs and the female Richmond Birdwing butterfly Ornithoptera( cares for the eggs until they hatch. She winds herself around the eggs and shivers richmondia), which is now virtually extinct to keep them at a stable temperature. The young hatch after 50-60 days at which around Brisbane. I have planted several time the female leaves to feed and the hatchlings are left to fend for themselves. vines down in our bushland and up around the house. It has been a struggle to keep We have also been visited on numerous occasions by some or all the pythons the bush-planted vines alive over the years, individually. They checked out the garden under our pergola, warmed themselves particularly during dry periods, however, the lying between the pergola rafters and the tin roof, explored our ceiling cavity and vines up at the house are thriving. The house sunned themselves on our pergola roof. One even knocked over the watering can vines receive regular watering, already having and then spent about 5 minutes drinking the spilled water! reached the top of the trees they are living The cycle of life is a wonderful thing to witness. on and cascading down again. Although the house vines have previously flowered, this is the first season they have successfully fruited. Article by Jill and Peter Cutting Currently, each vine is covered in fruit, and Land for Wildlife members it has been very exciting and rewarding to Witta, Sunshine Coast observe the fruit slowly ripening over the weeks.

The vines are located is in a partly shaded area to the south of the house which was planted with ferns a year or so ago. Regular water for the ferns significantly transformed the initially dry area into a moist environment rich in leaf litter. Considering the Richmond Birdwing Vine flowers require a specific midge insect for pollination, I can only assume the moisture and heavy leaf litter was the right environment for the tiny insects, as the previously drier conditions never resulted in successful flower pollination.

Although it is unlikely that we will encounter a spectacular and rare birdwing butterfly, I will endeavour to maintain the vines in the hope that someday it will happen. Despite their reputation of being challenging to PRIZES! grow, I have found these vines to be hardy and easy to grow if one or two fundamental Healthy Land and Water has three copies of Australian requirements are met, and I encourage all Wildlife After Dark to give-away to selected Land for landholders to plant a few to assist in the Wildlife members who contribute published articles return of these lovely butterflies. about nocturnal wildlife. Please send your article and Article by Emily Corbett photos to the Editor (details pg. 2) by 1st May 2017. Land for Wildlife member Winners announced in the July 2017 edition. Pullenvale, Brisbane

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017 15 New Fungi Brochures Maps for Sale

hese laminated brochures distil decades of research and f you ever wanted a large, laminated, Tappreciation into the fungi of SEQ by members of the Ihigh resolution map of your property Queensland Mycological Society (QMS). Each brochure offers you can now order one online via the thumbnail images of 100 species of fungi along with a basic Land for Wildlife website at www.lfwseq. description, relative size, spore print colour and its ecological org.au. Land for Wildlife members role. Personally, I find the ecological role fascinating as it receive a 10% discount and the map will gives us an insight into whether the fungus is a recycler/ be posted to you within 10 working days. decomposer, an endophyte (see pg 3), a mycorrhiza or a pathogen. Mapping is done by the GIS Team at Healthy Land and Water using the latest aerial imagery available. Various layers can be QMS members often get the question, “Which fungi can I eat?” requested such as waterways, contours and native remnant The answer, unfortunately, is none. Australia has so many vegetation. Optional extras are also available such as historical fungal species (about 5000 on the Sunshine Coast alone), that aerial imagery (dating back to the 1940s) through to geology, it is nearly impossible to know for certain if you are eating an ground temperature, soil and threatened species habitat. edible species or a similar-looking toxic one. So please don’t be disappointed at these brochures for omitting edibility. A1 laminated maps (as shown in insert image above) are $150. A3 laminated maps are $50. Digital pdfs are $30. I hope these well-priced brochures increase the recognition of fungi’s role in a healthy environment.

Written by Frances Guard Advertise your Property for Sale and Sapphire McMullan- any Land for Wildlife members ask, “Can I advertise Fisher. Published by the Mmy property for sale through the Land for Wildlife Queensland Mycological program?” Well now the answer is yes! Society. Price: $5 each ($10 for both Listings can now be advertised through the Land for Wildlife brochures) plus postage. website at www.lfwseq.org.au. Your listing will be live for 3 Available from Barung months and includes 2 Facebook posts. Landcare, Maleny or via Listings can be done online for $240 with your advert www.barunglandcare.org.au going live within minutes. We hope this encourages more For bulk orders, please conservation-minded people to buy Land for Wildlife contact [email protected] properties and continue the good work of previous owners.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is proudly supported by:

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland Opinions expressed by contributors to the Land Printed on EcoStar Silk 100% post-consumer newsletter is published by Healthy Land and for Wildlife South East Queensland newsletter recycled paper, FSC certified, chlorine-free Water through funding from the Australian are not necessarily those of the Land for Wildlife process and made carbon neutral. Printed by Government’s National Landcare Programme. program nor any of the supporting agencies. Greenridge Press, Toowoomba using vegetable based inks.

16 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland April 2017