Reducing Impacts on Native Biodiversity
Langhorne Creek
Biodiversity Plan
Karina Mercer Catherine Miles Bill New
Disclaimer Rural Solutions SA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability, currency or otherwise. Rural Solutions SA and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice.
© Rural Solutions SA This work is copyright. Unless permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Rural Solutions SA. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Business Manager, Business Development & Marketing, Rural Solutions SA, GPO Box 1671, Adelaide SA 5001.
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 5
ACRONYMS 5
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND 6
1.1 Background – Environmental Management in Viticulture at Langhorne Creek 6
1.2 Purpose 6
1.3 Biodiversity Goal 7
1.4 Links to other plans and policies 7
1.5 How to Use the Plan 8
2 THE LANGHORNE CREEK DISTRICT 9
3 BIODIVERSITY OF THE PROJECT AREA 10
3.1 Significant Biodiversity Areas 10
3.2 Outside Influences 14
3.3 Priority Plant Associations 15
3.4 Flora of Conservation Significance 16
3.5 Fauna of Conservation Significance 19
3.6 SIGNIFICANT HABITATS 24
THREATS 25
4 PRIORITY ACTIONS 28
4.1 On-Ground Actions 28
4.2 work to date 31
4.3 knowledge gaps 31
4.4 revegetation design and principles 37
4.5 Monitoring 38
3 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING 41
APPENDICES 45
Appendix 1. Plans and policies relevant to the project 46
Appendix 2. Remnant Roadside Vegetation 50
Appendix 3. Vegetation Associations of the District 51
Appendix 4. Flora of Conservation Significance of the District 55
Appendix 5. Fauna of Conservation Significance of the District - Birds 58
Appendix 6. Fauna of the District – Native Mammals 64
Appendix 7. Fauna of the District – Reptiles and Amphibians 65
Appendix 8. Fauna of Conservation Significance of the District - Freshwater Fish 66
Appendix 9. Fauna of Conservation Significance of the District – Butterflies 76
Appendix 10. Plant Community Conservation Priorities 89
Appendix 11. Enhancing Older Revegetation Sites 91
11.1 Supplementary Planting 91
11.2 Seed Production Areas 94
11.3 Thinning 95
11.4 Hollows 97
11.5 Burning 97
11.6 Controlling Perennial Grassy Weeds 98
4 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Amelia Hurren - South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage Andrew Graham - South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage Ann Prescott - South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage Bianca Priest - WWF Australia Graham Carpenter - Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Jason Vanlaarhoven - Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Melissa White - Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation Michael Hammer - University of Adelaide / Native Fish Association (SA) Nigel Willoughby - South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage Rick Trezona - Langhorne Creek EMS Roger Grund - Butterfly Conservation SA Scotte Wedderburn - University of Adelaide Tanya Milne - Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
ACRONYMS
AMLR - Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges CAMBA - China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement CRC - Co-operative Research Centre DEH - Department for the Environment and Heritage DWLBC - Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation EMS - Environmental Management System EPBC - Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation GWLAP - Goolwa-Wellington Local Action Plan JAMBA - Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement LBCP - Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan LWD - Large woody debris NRM - Natural Resource Management SAMDB - South Australian Murray Darling Basin SANPWS - South Australian National Parks & Wildlife Service SPRAT - Species Profile and Threats database WAP - Water Allocation Plan
5 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
1.1 BACKGROUND – ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN VITICULTURE AT LANGHORNE CREEK Over the last four years, 20 Langhorne Creek vineyards have participated in an Environmental Management System (EMS) trial initially funded by Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) following successful community action with the work of the Angas Bremer Water Management Committee. The objective of the trial was to develop and introduce environmental stewardship into irrigated viticulture operations. The Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture has provided subsequent funding to continue the exercise.
The trial has involved the development of a regional framework for EMS linked to the achievement of catchment targets. The program includes a methodology for assessing the environmental risks of viticulture activities. Locally developed environmental standards in the form of Best Management Practices (BMPs) underpin the framework. These were developed with the support of local Natural Resource Management (NRM) officers, and were designed to achieve NRM/Catchment outcomes. Environmental issues identified by the growers under their EMS are addressed using these BMPs.
However, biodiversity has become an issue for the project, with the Biodiversity BMP requiring reference to a local biodiversity plan, which had not been established. The group, with the support of the Langhorne Creek Wine Industry Council, decided to initiate a biodiversity plan for the Langhorne Creek region to provide information and guidance on biodiversity issues. This will allow grape growers and other community members to be able to identify the most significant biodiversity assets and coordinate work on their properties with the goals of the region.
With the support of the Goolwa to Wellington LAP Group, DWLBC and AMLR NRM Board, the services of Rural Solutions were engaged to develop a suitable plan for the broad community of the region. The biodiversity assets of the region have been identified. Interested community members, including NRM workers, local government and Landcare were invited to contribute with the growers to identify the significant assets and develop the regional biodiversity goals. A Community Consultative Workshop was held in June 2006, and feedback during the workshop and on the draft plan has been incorporated into this final document.
1.2 PURPOSE The biodiversity plan and associated map(s) are intended to provide a means for landholders to identify easily the biodiversity resources in their area and from that identify the particular priority actions that may be appropriate for them to undertake.
6 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
1.3 BIODIVERSITY GOAL The State Govt recently released ‘No Species Loss’ a draft strategy for South Australia’s biodiversity. The vision for ‘No Species Loss’ is “ the people of south Australia supporting their native plants, animals and ecosystems to survive, evolve and adapt to environmental change” . This is a reflection of the value of the state’s biodiversity assets, and the need for all South Australians to play a role in the effective conservation of South Australia’s biodiversity. It aims to “ promote strategic thinking for achieving its recommendations and targets, while encouraging ownership, engagement, partnerships and innovative solutions ”. It recognises the provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting ecosystem services that are provided (DEH 2006).
The Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan has been developed in recognition of the importance of the value of biodiversity, upon which much of the State’s economy is based, and the need to ensure that the natural systems which underpin business, community, and agriculture, are managed responsibly. It is intended that this Biodiversity Plan assist landholders to reduce negative impacts on biodiversity within the District.
1.4 LINKS TO OTHER PLANS AND POLICIES To be most effective across the region, key actions for the LCBP are consistent with other State and regional priorities, which include: • South Australia’s Strategic Plan • International Convention on Biological Diversity • State Natural Resource Management Plan • Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan for the South Australian Murray Darling Basin • Regional Biodiversity Plans (SA MDB. No completed plan yet available for MLR) • Water Allocation Plan for the Angas Bremer Prescribed Wells Area • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar 1971) • Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA 1981) • China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA 1988) • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn 1979) • Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian- Australasian Flyway • Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy 2001-2005
Relevant aspects of the above documents are outlined in Appendix 1.
Appendix C of the State NRM Plan provides an extensive list of all legislation, policies, strategies and plans that relate to NRM in South Australia (note: not all of those listed in the appendix of the Plan may be applicable to the LCBP).
7 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
1.5 HOW TO USE THE PLAN Step 1: what are the biodiversity assets that you have on your property or site and in the District? Chapter 3 outlines the biodiversity assets of the Langhorne Creek District and surrounding areas which include: • Significant Biodiversity Areas • Priority Plant Associations • Flora of Conservation Significance • Fauna of Conservation Significance • SIGNIFICANT HABITATS • Details of the ecology and management requirements of these are outlined in the Appendices.
Step 2: What are the threats to biodiversity in the Langhorne Creek District? Chapter 0 outlines the key threats to biodiversity the impacts and management to reduce the negative impacts.
Step 3: What actions should be taken at the property and District level to achieve the biodiversity objectives for the District? Chapter 4 outlines the key actions that need to be undertaken to achieve the biodiversity objectives of the region. The actions have been prioritised by the author and community to enable readers to incorporate them into a property management plan. The on-ground actions have been developed by the Langhorne Creek community, and indicators to monitor the outcomes of these actions are suggested.
8 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
2 THE LANGHORNE CREEK DISTRICT
For the purposes of this project, the area of the Plan is the area of the Angas Bremer Irrigation Management Zone (referred to herein as ‘the District’), however the Plan also takes into consideration the biodiversity of nearby areas. The District includes the lower Bremer and Angas Rivers, their confluence with Lake Alexandrina and part of the Lake Edge.
The District falls within the broader Goolwa-Wellington LAP (GWLAP), which encompasses all the plains and catchments draining into Lake Alexandrina. It is also within the SA Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resource Management Region (referred to herein as ‘SA MDB’).
There are 12 vegetation associations defined within the District, eight of which are considered threatened in the broader SA MDB. These vegetation associations are mentioned in brief in Priority Plant Associations, with further information found in Appendix 3.
Soil types vary across the District and include heavy red soils, red sandy soils, black cracking soils, white sandy soils, and gradational soils.
Major land uses include cropping, vineyards, grazing and other horticulture. Many vineyards and horticulture are irrigated with managed flooding and/or groundwater use.
For a more detailed description of the District see the Water Allocation Plan for the Angas-Bremer Prescribed Wells Area (2001).
9 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
3 BIODIVERSITY OF THE PROJECT AREA
The following section outlines the biodiversity assets of the District and immediate surrounding areas. The assets have been classified into the following groupings: • Significant Biodiversity Areas • Priority Plant Associations • Threatened Flora • Threatened Fauna
3.1 SIGNIFICANT BIODIVERSITY AREAS The natural history of the District is quite diverse, however due to a lack of recent surveys some species data is restricted to historical information. Key biodiversity areas are represented in Table 1.
Table 1. Significant Biodiversity Areas in the District, with brief description Significant Description and comments Biodiversity Area River Systems The river systems of the Angas and Bremer (as well as the Tookayerta, Finniss and Marne) are important as they provide suitable habitat for populations of endangered native fish, and other fauna, and support an important vegetation community Red Gum Swamps Remnant Red Gum swamps are restricted to areas along the Angas and Bremer Rivers, and local depressions across the alluvial flats. Current extent of Red Gum swamps near Langhorne Creek is approximately 50 hectares. Red Gum swamps are dependent upon seasonal flooding. RAMSAR sites Lake Alexandrina is part of a Wetland of International Importance under the RAMSAR convention. The wetlands provide habitat for local species as well as migratory birds from as far a field as Alaska. Lake Edge Lakes Alexandrina and Albert are part of the Coorong and Lower Lakes RAMSAR wetland (see previous). The lake margins include a variety of critical habitats such as submerged aquatic vegetation, which is important for native fish species, reedbeds that protect the lakeshore from erosion by wave action, and temporary and permanent fresh and saline wetlands, which are important for birds, frogs, tortoises and macro-invertebrates. Lignum and samphire shrubland has been degraded through stock trampling, earthmoving, and land reclamation. Tolderol Game Large area of water and swamp recognised as one of the best areas on Reserve the lakes for bird life, regular breeding by Straw-necked Ibis and White Ibis. Refuge area for summer when large numbers of migratory waders. Likely to be an important seasonal and spatial link between ephemeral Angas and Bremer River systems and permanent Lake Alexandrina. Cemeteries Langhorne Creek – Lee Rd, Langhorne Creek – 55 indigenous flora species Mosquito Creek Local government reserve south of Wellington Road containing 67
10 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Significant Description and comments Biodiversity Area Reserve indigenous flora species. Groundwater dependent shallow pool, generally clear and saline, and thought to represent a drought refuge for Congolli (For more information on Congolli refer Appendix 8). Water regimes should be maintained to maintain summer permanency and sustaining of ecosystem. Borret’s Swamp East of Sheoak Road ~4km south east of Langhorne Creek Heritage Areas R. Eckert Heritage Area - east of Sheoak Road; ‘Nappyalla’ Heritage Area; Natt Heritage Area; Belvidere Heritage Area Remnant roadside Alexandrina Council Undeveloped Road Reserve Management Planning vegetation / unmade Project surveyed undeveloped road and other reserves in the council roads region (Picket & Mallen, 2004). High priority roadside vegetation is shown in Appendix 2; there are undeveloped roads containing vegetation in excellent or moderate condition SE of Langhorne Creek. For more detailed information please refer to the Picket & Mallen report. Road reserves may be areas of significant biodiversity benefit as they may be relatively undisturbed, providing example of original native vegetation, serving as a conduit for fauna movement, acting as a buffer against adjacent practices such as construction and agriculture, and may conserve threatened flora or fauna.
Pioneer Road in the Langhorne Creek region is an example of remnant roadside vegetation. Such remnants provide key habitat and resources for flora and fauna, as well as seed sources for revegetation and natural regeneration. Photo ©Karina Mercer
11 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
The Langhorne Creek Cemetery is an important vegetation remnant in the region. There is a diversity of species, and evidence of natural regeneration. Such remnants require ongoing protection to minimise impacts such as weed invasion. Photo ©Karina Mercer
Enchylaena tomentosa , Ruby Saltbush, is an important groundcover plant that provides, amongst other benefits, food resources for native birds in the form of berries. Photo ©Karina Mercer
Disphyma crassifolium Round-leaved Pigface, is an important groundcover plant that provides, amongst other benefits, soil stabilisation and creation of microclimates through shading of the soil. Photo ©Karina Mercer
12 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Map 1.
13 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Aerial videography DWLBC has undertaken aerial videography for all 3 rd order and above watercourses for the Mount Lofty Ranges covering an approximate length of 3800km. From this imagery has been coded into ESRI shapefiles the location of all visible baseflow, permanent pools, instream structures (weirs, fords, culverts, bridges, pump stations, dam spillways, stock crossings), and the watercourse stability associated with these structures.
Much other information can be captured from the videographic data, and has been done so far for the Torrens Catchment, and the Southern Fleurieu Peninsula. Coded features for these regions include upper storey native riparian vegetation structure, lower storey vegetation density, native riparian vegetation width, exotic vegetation, instream vegetation type and density (reeds vs. sedges / rushes), bed and bank stability, and location of rockbars.
Other information can potentially be coded, dependent on the resolution of the data (which is quite high), and the visibility of the structure under the riparian vegetation cover. The coding of other data would need to be negotiated with DWLBC, as would be the usage of the videographic data.
3.2 OUTSIDE INFLUENCES In addition to the key biodiversity areas outlined in Table 1, there are some important biodiversity areas outside the District that are considered relevant to the LCBP. These additional important biodiversity areas are represented in Table 2.
Table 2. Significant Biodiversity Areas outside the District, with brief description Significant Description and comments Biodiversity Areas outside the District Milang Wetland Important site for Latham’s Snipe, which breeds in Japan and Eastern Russia and over-winters in Australia during our summer. Also an important frog breeding site, and contains significant native vegetation. Heritage Area Private heritage areas in the region include: Wundersitz Heritage Area - north of Harvey Road, Dunn Heritage Area - ~8km west of Milang), and ‘Muntiri’ Heritage Area - ~8km south west of Milang Cemeteries Milang – Landseer Rd, Milang – 73 indigenous flora species; Strathalbyn – Parker Avenue, Strathalbyn – 53 indigenous flora species; Woodchester – Dalveen Road, Woodchester – 44 indigenous flora species Wider Lake Fresh to brackish / saline waters forming a natural wetland system Alexandrina with associated shoreline marshes at the mouth of the River Murray. Connected to the Coorong via long narrow wetland complex, and provide habitat for a diversity of species predominantly waterfowl;
14 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Significant Description and comments Biodiversity Areas outside the District Orange-bellied Parrots are known to over-winter on the reserve. Mosquito Point Good summer population of Cape Barren Geese Tuckers Swamp ~3km north east of Strathalbyn on either side of the railway line Fischer’s Swamp ~1km south west of Tolderol Point, on the north east boundary of Tolderol Game Reserve Nurragi Reserve West of Milang in the south-western corner of the project site and (Sandergrove-Milang continuing north-west towards Sandergrove (outside of the project Rail Corridor) site). Twenty-eight indigenous flora species recorded. Cultural Area noted for extensive Aboriginal (traditional and archaeological) historic and geological sites of the Ngarrindjeri people. Threatened Ecological Swamps of the Fleurieu Peninsula are mentioned in an area search of Communities (TEC) the Australian Government’s SPRAT database. Provide a rearing ground for juveniles of larger recreational species, and provide habitat for smaller native species like Southern Pygmy Perch. Pink Gum Woodland Extensively cleared vegetation association occurring in areas with less than 500mm rainfall and on sandy / loamy soils of poor fertility. Considered threatened due to poor conservation, degraded conserved examples, and poor health of Pink Gums generally (limited regeneration, little leaf canopy, high mistletoe content, extensive lerp damage).
3.3 PRIORITY PLANT ASSOCIATIONS There are 12 recognised vegetation associations that are threatened in the SA MDB; eight of those vegetation associations can be found in the District and are listed below. For further information on how vegetation associations are assigned conservation status, refer to Appendix 10. • Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak Low Woodland - threatened plant community of SA MDB with 2% protected (western Murray flats). Important food source for Red-tailed Black-cockatoo and other parrot species; • Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress Pine Low woodland - threatened plant community with 11% protected (western Murray flats); • Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum Woodlands - threatened plant community with 3% protected (western Murray flats). Tree hollows provide important nesting and breeding sites including regent parrot and carpet python; • Eucalyptus fasciculosa Pink Gum Open Woodland - threatened plant community with 2% formally protected (western Murray flats); • Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp SA Blue Gum Woodland - threatened plant community with 7% protected (western Murray flats); • Eucalyptus odorata Peppermint Box Low woodland - threatened plant community with <1% protected formally (western Murray flats). High priority for conservation;
15 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
• Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Box Mallee / Low woodland - threatened plant community with 1% protected (Western Murray flats). High priority for conservation; • Melaleuca halmaturorum Swamp Paperbark Tall open shrubland - poorly protected association with 0% protected (western Murray flats); • Sarcocornia sp, Sclerostegia sp, Halosarcia sp Samphire Low shrubland - part of threatened habitat area of Coorong and Lower Lakes. Important habitat areas on Finniss River and Currency Creek for endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu Wren; and, • Lomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush Open grassland – State threatened and regionally threatened plant community with 0% protected (western Murray flats). Very high priority for protection.
3.4 FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE Flora of conservation significance in the region is recorded through a variety of means, including the SA MDB Biodiversity Plan, regional threatened species recovery plans, flora management plans, DEH survey and opportune records, state herbarium records, and others. For brevity in this section of the LCBP, a brief list has been provided; further information is provided in Appendix 4. Maps 2 and 3 highlight known locations of flora of conservation significance. It should be noted that these maps are produced using known locations of plant species; it should not be inferred that the plant species do not occur anywhere else.
The following national conservation significance (EPBC) records are from a search of the District using the Australian Government’s online SPRAT database (note that this is a guide only and may not be representative of the species that may actually occur).
Table 3. Plant species of national conservation significance (SPRAT database) within the District Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Rating Acacia rhetinocarpa Neat Wattle, Resin Wattle AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Vulnerable; MU : Vulnerable, SL : Endangered Caladenia colorata Small Western Spider-orchid, AUS : Endangered; SA : Endangered; SL, Coloured Spider-orchid MU & SE : Endangered Caladenia tensa Greencomb Spider-orchid, Rigid AUS : Endangered; SA : Endangered; SL & Spider-orchid SE : Endangered Recovery plan recommends downgrading from Endangered to Vulnerable. Euphrasia collina subsp. osbornii Osborn’s Eyebright AUS : Endangered; SA : Endangered; SL & SE : Endangered SA endemic species Glycine latrobeana Purple Clover, Clover Glycine AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Vulnerable; SL : Vulnerable Olearia pannosa subsp. pannosa Silver Daisy-bush AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Vulnerable; MU & SL :Vulnerable, SE :Threatened Thelymitra epipactoides Metallic Sun-orchid AUS : Endangered; SA : Endangered; MU & SE : Endangered Listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora).
16 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
MAP 2
18 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Map 3
19 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
3.5 FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE Fauna of conservation significance in the district is recorded through a variety of means, including the SA MDB Biodiversity Plan, regional threatened species recovery plans, fauna management plans, DEH survey and opportune records, SA Museum records, and others. For brevity in this section of the LCBP, a brief list has been provided; further information is provided in the Appendices. Map 4 highlights known locations of fauna of conservation significance. It should be noted that these maps are produced using known locations of plant species; it should not be inferred that the plant species do not occur anywhere else.
3.5.1 Native Birds Known species lost to date since European settlement includes Brolga, Bush Stone-curlew, Magpie Goose, and Ground Parrot. Changing land use has and may continue to impact on the long-term persistence of some species, due to loss of suitable habitat. Such habitat may include dense understorey vegetation, hollow trees, or ground layer cover such as fallen logs or branches.
The following species of national conservation significance (EBPC) records are from a search of the District using the Australian Government’s online SPRAT database. Greater detail can be found in Appendix 5.
Table 4. Bird species of national conservation significance (SPRAT database) within the District
Common Name Conservation Status Scientific Name Spotted Quail-thrush (MLR) Threatened (IUCN - Critically Cinclosoma punctatum Endangered. May be extinct) anachoreta Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl Threatened (IUCN Vulnerable) Biziura lobata Musk Duck Neophema chyrsogaster Orange-bellied Parrot Endangered (EPBC, SA NPWS) Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria. Also a Listed Marine Species under EPBC. Pachycephala rufogularis Red-lored Whistler Threatened Rostratula australis Australian Painted Snipe Rare (SA), Vulnerable (EPBC), CAMBA Listed as marine – overflies marine area
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle Migratory terrestrial Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail Migratory terrestrial Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Migratory wetland Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Listed marine – overflies marine area Ardea alba Great Egret, White Egret Listed marine – overflies marine area Ardea ibis Cattle Egret Listed marine – overflies marine area Gallinago hardwickii Lathams Snipe, Japanese Snipe Listed marine – overflies marine area Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Listed marine – overflies marine area Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater Listed marine – overflies marine area
19 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
3.5.2 Native Mammals A brief list of native mammals recorded in the broader Strathalbyn / Langhorne Creek region is provided. Additional species recorded through SA Museum records or DEH survey / opportune records can be found on Map 4. Greater detail on the species in the following table can be found in Appendix 6, including notes on habitat and ecology.
Table 5. Mammal species of national conservation significance (SPRAT database) within the District
Scientific Name Common Name Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ring-tail Possum Hydromys chrysogaster Water-rat Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat ? Mormopterus spp Southern Freetail-bat Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat C. morio Chocolate Wattled Bat Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat V. darlingtoni Large Forest Bat V. regulus Southern Forest Bat V. vulturnus Little Forest Bat
3.5.3 Reptiles and Amphibians A brief list of reptiles and amphibians recorded in the broader Strathalbyn / Langhorne Creek region is provided. Species recorded through SA Museum records or DEH survey / opportune records can be found on Map 4. Greater detail on the species in the following table can be found in Appendix 7, including notes on habitat and ecology.
Table 6. Reptile and amphibian species of national conservation significance (SPRAT database) within the District
Scientific Name Common Name Frogs Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Grass Frog
Turtles Chelodina macquarii macquarii Murray Turtle Chelodina longicollis Long-necked Turtle
3.5.4 Freshwater Fish Several freshwater species have strong distribution alignments with stream habitat, and are found in specific stable habitats (such as River Blackfish), or have life histories that are suited to a variety of habitats (eg Mountain Galaxias, Southern Pygmy Perch). Others are found in both streams and wetlands, thus necessitating a greater tolerance to the variation of extremes found in those environments (eg Gudgeons). There are migratory species that can be found in the lower sections of streams when conditions are favourable (eg Common Galaxias), and these stream habitats may be used for breeding and recruitment (eg Congollis). The following table outlines threatened fish species found in the District, for more information see Appendix 8.
20 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Table 7. Freshwater fish species of national conservation significance (SPRAT database) within the District
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation rating Craterocephalus fluviatus Parli, Murray Hardyhead AUS : Vulnerable (Action Plan for Australian Freshwater Fish), SA : Endangered Geotria australis Pouched Lamprey SA : Proposed Endangered (SANPWS) Mordacia mordax Shorthead Lamprey SA : Proposed Endangered (SANPWS) Anguilla australis Shortfinned Eel SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Atherinosoma microstoma Smallmouth Hardyhead Craterocephalus Fly-specked Hardyhead SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) stercusmuscarum fulvus Melanotaenia fluviatilis Crimson-spotted Rainbow Fish SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Hyporhamphus spp Garfish Nematalosa erebi Tukari, Bony Bream Pseudaphritis urvillei Congolli SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Hypseleotris spp hybrid Carp Gudgeon SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Hypseleotris klunzingeri Western Carp Gudgeon SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Mogurnda adspersa Purple-spotted Gudgeon SA : Proposed Endangered (SANPWS) Philypnodon grandiceps Flathead Gudgeon Philypnodon sp Dwarf Flathead Gudgeon SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Gadopsis marmoratus River Blackfish SA : Proposed Endangered (SANPWS) Nannoperca australis Southern Pygmy Perch SA : Proposed Endangered (SANPWS) Considered to be Locally Endangered, and is protected under the Fisheries Act 1982. Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch SA : Proposed Vulnerable (SANPWS) Galaxias brevipinnis Climbing Galaxias SA : Proposed Vulnerable (SANPWS) Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias - ** don’t think it is in SA : Proposed Vulnerable (SANPWS) this region Galaxias olidus Mountain Galaxias SA : Proposed Rare (SANPWS) Tandanus tandanus Pomeri, Freshwater Catfish SA : Proposed Vulnerable (SANPWS)
3.5.5 Butterflies There is little information available on South Australian butterflies; the main source of information that is readily accessible comes from the SA Butterfly Conservation Association.
The main threat to South Australian butterflies is habitat degradation, particularly the loss of feeding plants for both adult butterflies, and caterpillars. Given that many butterflies or caterpillars are linked to a particular ‘host’ plant – for example Gahnia filum for the Yellowish Sedge-skipper – the loss of the ‘host’ plant from the habitat can have a permanent impact on the persistence and distribution of species. Loss of suitable plants is due predominantly to loss of habitats and insecticide spray drift.
It should be noted that invertebrates are the base food source for many other species not just butterflies, and that without these basic “building blocks” the whole ecosystem can collapse. For example, butterflies are important in the pollination of numerous plant species. Therefore the use of chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, insecticides) should be carefully considered and non- lethal and / or specifically targeted chemicals be used. See Appendix 9 for more information.
21 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
As yet, no butterfly species are covered by the SANPWS species schedules 1. Conservation ratings provided here are suggested by the SA Butterfly Conservation Association. Migrants refer to species moving into an area depending on seasonal conditions; vagrants may include those species ‘lost’ or blown off course due to unfavourable weather. These species are generally unlikely to maintain permanent residency in an area, unless suitable food is provided, such as the Wanderer butterfly and its reliance upon urban gardens for food resources. Historic and current distribution, habitat and ecology, broad recovery objectives, specific restoration and management actions information has been provide for each species. Greater detail can be found Appendix 9.
Table 8. Butterfly species of conservation significance within the District (as per Butterfly Conservation SA rating suggestions)
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Rating Anisynta cynone cynone Cynone Grass-skipper Vulnerable Antipodia atralba Black and White Sedge-skipper Rare Belenois java teutonia Caper White Migrant Candalides heathi heathi Rayed Blue Rare Cyprotides ( Candalides ) cyprotus Cyprotus Pencilled-blue Rare cyrpotus Danaus chrysippus petilia Lesser Wanderer Local (Uncommon) (Northern Vagrant) Delias aganippe Wood White Rare (Vagrant) Erina ( Candalides ) acasta Blotched Dusky-blue Local (Uncommon) Erina hyacinthine form simplexa Western Dusky-blue Local (Uncommon) Euploea core corinna Common Crow, Oleander Northern Vagrant Butterfly Eurema smilax Small Grass-yellow Migrant. Herimosa albovenata albovenata White-veined Grass-skipper Vulnerable Hesperilla chrysotricha cyclospila Chrysotricha Sedge-skipper Vulnerable Hesperilla donnysa donnysa Donnysa Sedge-skipper Local (Uncommon) Hesperilla idothea clara Flame Sedge-skipper Vulnerable Hypochrysops ignitus ignitus Fiery Jewel Vulnerable (SA only. Non-threatened elsewhere) Jalmenus icilius Icilius Hairstreak Rare Lucia limbaria Small Copper Rare Motasingha trimaculata trimaculata Dingy Four-spot Sedge-skipper Local (Uncommon) Neolucia agricola agricola Fringed Heath-blue Local (Uncommon) Ocybadistes walkeri hypochlora Southern Grass-dart Local (Uncommon) Ogyris genoveva Genoveva Azure Rare Ogyris idmo halmaturina Large Bronze Azure Endangered Ogyris olane Olane Azure Local (Uncommon) Ogyris otanes otanes Small Bronze Azure Vulnerable Papilio aegeus aegeus Orchard Swallowtail Vagrant Papilio anactus Dingy Swallowtail Local (Uncommon) Papilio demoleus sthenelus Chequered Swallowtail Local (Uncommon) (Northern Vagrant) Taractrocera papyria papyria White-banded Grass-dart Rare Theclinesthes albocincta Bitter-bush Blue Not rated Theclinesthes miskini miskini Wattle Blue Local (Uncommon) Vanessa itea Australian Admiral Local (Uncommon) (Migrant)
1 The ‘Species Schedule’ form part of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 . Flora and fauna are listed in the species schedule as endangered, vulnerable, or rare. While all native flora and fauna is protected, the schedules list those species that are under particular threat.
22 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Map 4
23 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
3.6 SIGNIFICANT HABITATS
Reedbeds All streams in the catchment would originally have supported this vegetation community (Hyde 1999). In deeper areas within streams the reedbeds would have been extensive; in shallower waters it would have been fringing vegetation. Disturbance through stock grazing and trampling have impacted on this vegetation community. Reedbeds have an important role to play in bank stabilisation, maintaining water quality, and providing riparian habitat, especially nesting habitat for birds such as Clamorous Reed Warbler or Purple-breasted Swamp Hen. Weed invasion has also resulted in degradation, particularly Fennel, Phalaris, Couch and Kikuyu.
Other information Hyde (1999) provides information on what were considered significant sites of remnant native vegetation. Appendix 4 of the report provides location information and a description of the plant community present. Sites which may be relevant for the plan, include:
Locale Location Vegetation Description Significance Woodchester Intersection of Brook Aristida behriana grassland High conservation and Tinpot Road with sparse Eucalyptus priority, good condition odorata grassland remnant Woodchester Hassam Road Lomandra effusa and Stipa High conservation blackii tussock grassland priority, good condition remnant in largely cleared area. Seed source for S. blackii . Woodchester Red Creek Road Dodonea viscosa spatulata Rare community in the shrubland over Lomandra region, in good condition. effusa and tussock grasses Woodchester Burnside Road Lomandra effusa tussock High conservation grassland priority, remnant in very good condition, few weeds, high species diversity Sandergrove Braewood Road Eucalyptus odorata High conservation woodland priority, Stipa breviglumis , S. multispiculis, S. verticillata + rare species, high species diversity Mosquito Perrey Road Eucalyptus camaldulensis Intact example of very Creek open forest rare understorey community Langhorne Road reserve Eucalyptus camaldulensis Intact example of very Creek between Woodstock open forest rare understorey and Borrett Roads community Tolderol Road reserve Lomandra effusa tussock Intact example of very between Metala and grasslands rare community Dog Lake Roads Milang Blackwell Road Themeda triandra tussock Rare community remnant grassland
24 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
THREATS
Natural resource priorities for the District are erosion, salinity, biodiversity, and watercourse management. Vegetation loss has had a direct impact on fauna and flora species, as well as significant flow-on effects on riparian systems affecting environmental flows, water quality, salinity and sediment loads. Weed invasion into areas of biodiversity conservation significance is of high priority for control. Native fish populations have decreased as a result of changes to environmental flows, environmental changes, decreased water quality, and impacts of introduced exotic and native species.
Table 9. Key threats and their impacts (may not be a comprehensive list)
Key Threat Main impacts of threat Loss of vegetation Clearance of hilltops (specific threat) as these are gathering points for and habitat (such as butterflies and thought to be importance in the search for breeding rocks and branches) partners (In NSW clearance of such areas is considered a Key Threatening Process (KTP) under their Threatened Species Conservation Act (Schedule 3)) Fragmentation resulting in isolated populations less able to withstand further change or impacts, e.g. climate change, inability to move between food and host plants Loss of food plants for butterflies and other native fauna Loss of riparian vegetation resulting in a reduction in extent and quality of permanent refuges, aquatic biodiversity loss, reduced water filtration, reduced protection of banks from erosion Removal of roosting sites exposing birds to ground predation Reduction in species’ capacity to withstand natural disturbances such as occasional drought or flood Localised habitat destruction Removal of riparian vegetation / buffer strips Lack of recruitment due to microclimate changes, loss of pollinators Reduction in range for fauna species such as birds, particularly those which migrate or move seasonally Reduction in overall core fish habitat including from de-snagging of watercourses, lack of instream habitat protection Increased mortality of species due to loss of habitat and exposure to introduced predators Fire (such as Direct impact on early stages of butterfly development (caterpillars) and changes to fire adults. regimes) Direct impact on fauna through loss of individuals, and longer-term impact through reduction of available resources. Weeds Competition with native plants for light, space, soil moisture, pollinators and nutrients Potential to alter habitats / microclimates due to shading and alteration of the soil chemistry, such as Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob which can alter a soil’s pH Direct impact on early stages of butterfly development (caterpillars) and adults through a reduction in available food resources Reduction in available food resources for native fauna Deciduous trees in watercourses such as willows reduce flow capacity,
25 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
shade out native species, provide poor habitat for aquatic fauna, and are invasive and likely to spread Removal of some weed species (which are now providing habitat for native fauna due to a loss of indigenous species through urbanisation and agricultural production) may impact on some fauna species to their detriment (e.g. Blackberries provide habitat for Southern Brown Bandicoot and numerous small birds, therefore staged removal and replacement with suitable local native flora species is essential) Salinity Direct impact on early stages of butterfly development (caterpillars) as affects food plants Reduced health of native vegetation Ongoing Widening of roads with high conservation significance resulting in loss development of flora species, and potential for impact on fauna through loss of habitat and food resources. Direct impact on early stages of butterfly development (caterpillars) and adults through loss of habitat Changes to environmental flows through regulation or modification through irrigation, dams, weirs and barrages Poor provision for fish passage Erosion Sedimentation fills up water-holes, and particles held in the water makes conditions unsuitable for fish and other wetland or riparian flora / fauna Degradation of banks resulting in loss of bank vegetation Discourages regeneration of native species as exposed soil is unsuitable for recolonisation, or is not stable enough to allow for it Lakeshore erosion Use of chemicals Direct impact on early stages of butterfly development (caterpillars) and adults through use of insecticides, or indirectly through loss of food plants due to herbicides Run-off entering watercourses, wetlands and swamps Pesticide use beyond agricultural regions includes spraying of roadside or railway remnants, which may be last refuges for particular species or serve as corridors linking habitat remnants Herbicides used to control weeds also kill caterpillars and adults (butterflies), as well as removing food and nesting plants Herbicide spray drift / Loss of native flora, and associated reduction in habitat for native fauna off target damage (including predatory fauna such as spiders and wasps which target agricultural insect pests) Impact on fish and other riparian invertebrate populations leading to a decrease in diversity of riparian biota Non-management Increase in weed species loss of native flora biota especially of native vegetation Loss of native fauna Control of pest fauna Non-coordinated programs may result in pest animals moving into newly programs vacated territory to exploit available resources Impacts of introduced exotic and native fish species, with predation, competition, and diseases and parasites all impacting on native freshwater fish Introduced fish species of concern are: • Salmo trutta - Brown trout. • Oncorhynchus mykiss - Rainbow trout • Cyprinus carpio Carp • Carassius auratus Goldfish • Tinca tinca Tench
26 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
• Gambusia holbrooki Gambusia. • Perca fluviatilis Redfin Increased mortality of some native species due to reduction of selected predators but not others. Grazing Trampling of wetlands. Fouling of watercourses, and loss of riparian vegetation resulting in streambank erosion. Loss of native vegetation and prevention of regeneration Lack of knowledge Species protection and recovery hampered by inadequate knowledge of distribution, abundance and population trends, and inadequate knowledge of ecology and threats. Lack of awareness by people resulting in direct and indirect impacts. Lack of knowledge transfer, both from scientific to community and back.
27 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
4 PRIORITY ACTIONS
4.1 ON-GROUND ACTIONS
4.1.1 Rivers and River Floodplains Objective/Outcomes Indicator (links to monitoring section) Healthy and regenerating River Red Gum Refer Kerri Muller’s assessment sheet Swamps Continuous ‘strip’ of native vegetation in Mapping of riparian vegetation, establish good condition directly adjacent to Bushland Condition Monitoring to monitor watercourses condition Increase in / stable breeding fish populations Native fish monitoring (‘Healthy’) Maintain or improve water quality Native fish monitoring; stream health monitoring (aquatic macro-invertebrates); Waterwatch monitoring Reduce turbidity of watercourses Waterwatch monitoring; native fish monitoring; Dragonflies and damselflies can act as indicator species for river health Maintain water quantity in rivers (critical to Utilisation of gauge staff to monitor water levels, local groundwater recharge) and flow heights to measure environmental flow Salinity risk minimised Bushland Condition Monitoring
Priority On-ground Action 1 Exclude stock from watercourses and at least 10m, or greater, from banks 1 Control highly threatening weeds along watercourses 1 Maintain appropriate flooding regimes2 for health of River Red Gum Swamps 1 Improve wetland and floodplain management, recognising their affect on river salinity 2 Appropriate extraction rates, flooding for environmental flows 2 Support actions and policies in the wider catchment that conserve flows in the rivers 2 Control rabbits and hares along watercourses Revegetate watercourses where native vegetation is absent and does not regenerate 2 (in some cases this may just be re-establishing absent understorey) Improve watercourses in contiguous sections to allow for the creation of habitat 2 “corridors” 2 Control or limit in-stream erosion where feasible 2 Implement best practice grazing management for River Red Gum Swamps Enhance older watercourse revegetation sites where appropriate (see Appendix 11) 3
Addition of large woody debris (LWD) in appropriate3 locations and LWD not removed 3 from watercourses
2 ‘Appropriate flooding regimes’ will be dependent upon the condition of the vegetation, seasonal factors, availability of water, and historical water regimes. Proposed regimes should aim to mimic natural wetting and drying cycles as much as is possible. 2 Historically, flooding in the winter-spring period provided ½ to /3r rds of water requirements (From: Riparian Forests: Managing flows to maintain riparian forests. http://www.forestscience.unimelb.edu.au/research/forests_water/projects.html). 3 There is some concern about the likelihood of LWD creating an erosion risk. The rehabilitation of damaged or degraded riparian systems should be undertaken holistically and include removal of weed species, introduction of desired local native species, removal of inappropriate structures both in- and out-of-stream, and recreation of suitable habitats such as repairing stream pool-riffle systems, waterfalls, matching turbulence to natural values to allow oxygen entrainment (From: Riparian Forests: Managing flows to maintain riparian forests. http://www.forestscience.unimelb.edu.au/research/forests_water/projects.html).
28 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Priority On-ground Action 3 >70% groundcover in areas that are flooded in managed and unmanaged floods 3 Control moderate threat weeds
4.1.2 Terrestrial Habitats Objective/Outcomes Indicator (links to monitoring section) Remnant vegetation retained and condition Bushland Condition Monitoring improved Threatened plant species populations Monitor species retained and increased Threatened animal species continue to Bird and reptile monitoring inhabit the area Native vegetation cover increased to Native vegetation cover mapping minimum biodiversity threshold level of 10% Reduce the fragmentation and isolation of Native vegetation cover mapping remnant native vegetation
Priority On-ground Action Fence off and manage grazing (in most cases exclude grazing) in high priority remnant vegetation: • Threatened plant communities (see 3.3) 1a • Known habitats of threatened fauna (see 3.5) • Containing threatened flora (see 3.4) • Significant biodiversity areas (see 3.1) Control weeds in the above areas, working from least infested areas first and 1b concentrating on the most threatening weeds Fence off and manage grazing (in most cases exclude grazing) in other remnant 1c vegetation Control weeds in the above areas, working from least infested areas first and 1d concentrating on the most threatening weeds Re-establish through revegetation: • Threatened plant communities 1e • Habitats for threatened fauna • Populations of threatened flora where possible 1f Coordinated control programs for pest animals Revegetate adjacent to remnant vegetation to increase the size of native vegetation 2a patches, with priority to placement of revegetation adjacent to priority remnants (1a), and reducing the overall edge to area ratio Revegetate to provide corridors between remnant vegetation, with priority to linking 2b priority remnants, and remnants that are close-by (i.e. less than 500m) with wide corridors (i.e. 30m+). Integrate biodiversity into production areas 4 (use of native grasses and saltbushes as 3 inter-row cover, seeds as a food source for birds and lizards providing natural pest control, increase in soil health, reduction in local water table) Revegetate buffers to remnant vegetation to protect them from spray and fertiliser 3 drift, wind etc. Develop and implement a coordinated fire management program that conserves and 3 promotes native vegetation and native fauna.
4 Virginia Horticulture Centre can be contacted for more information on flow-on benefits.
29 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Priority On-ground Action 3 Enhance older revegetation areas (see Appendix 11) to increase habitat values Revegetate high productivity (disproportionately cleared) soil types, with priority to 3 larger blocks and a low edge to area ratio 4 Revegetation of other areas, with priority to larger blocks and a low edge to area ratio
4.1.3 Lake Edge (RAMSAR, migratory birds, Orange-bellied Parrots, channels used by fish, turtle breeding, native fish habitat requirements Objective/Outcomes Indicator (links to monitoring section) Protect RAMSAR sites against decline in the Maintenance of ecological character (refer ecological character of the site RAMSAR ecological character information sheets for each site) Protect RAMSAR sites habitat value for Habitat value maintained (refer RAMSAR migratory waders ecological character information sheets for each site) Protect stop-over points for migratory waders Habitat value maintained, and enhanced where and other species of conservation appropriate significance like Orange-bellied Parrots System health Native fish diversity, especially threatened species such as Southern Pygmy Perch Variable flows – seasonal fluctuations to Increase in successful reproduction events, enable access to breeding habitats monitored through native fish diversity and abundance
Priority On-ground Action Fence-off (where necessary) Lake Edge sites and manage grazing to improve the 1 habitat of the site (in most cases keep stock out altogether) 1 Maintain channels and backwaters to retain native fish habitat Control weeds in Lake Edge sites, working from the least infested areas first and 1 concentrating on high threat weeds. Control Lake Edge erosion by protecting establishing reeds and rushes using local 2 native species 2 Re-establish missing species from Lake edge sites (see Lower Lakes NRM folder) 2 Coordinated control programs for pest animals 3 Revegetate adjacent to Lake Edge Sites
4.1.4 Landscape Scale Objective/Outcomes Indicator (links to monitoring section?) The capacity of biodiversity in the District to Long-term persistence of native species in the adapt to threats is improved District.
Priority On-ground Action 3 Revegetate to provide a broad corridor to act as a refuge for biodiversity
30 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Priority On-ground Action Revegetate to improve the linkages between habitats, in particular linking terrestrial 3 remnants to River and Lake Edge environments. Establish new populations of threatened plant species in more southerly (cooler) 3 sites. 3 New revegetation projects to be more strategic 3 Develop existing revegetation projects into habitat “corridors”
4.2 WORK TO DATE In the scope of this document it was not possible to document the range of on-ground works undertaken to date. It is acknowledged that significant works have been undertaken in the region, which will provide “stepping stones” upon which to build future works.
It is recommended that efforts be made to gather information on biodiversity protection works undertaken to date. This will provide a “benchmark” against which to measure progress against suggested on-ground actions in 4.1, and allow monitoring of future actions against goals.
4.3 KNOWLEDGE GAPS There are some critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to facilitate better biodiversity management. Those key areas discussed at the Community Consultative Workshop are outlined.
31 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Item Knowledge Gap / Area of Discussion / Action Strategy Potential Information Sources / Concern Partnership opportunities 5 Large Woody Debris Potential for impact on areas of LWD is considered a vital Information sheets regarding the management of LWD are (LWD) ecological importance, and component for the healthy varied. Some sources include: creation of erosion risk functioning of rivers. • Environmental Best Practice Guidelines 6. Managing Large Woody Debris in Waterways . Produced by the LWD actually decreases erosion Tasmanian Department of Infrastructure and Water. of riverbeds and banks by Available for download from: resisting and deflecting flows, and www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Attachments/CDAT- generally does not contribute 5EJ4JC/$FILE/6%20woody%20debris%20in%20water significantly to flooding. ways.pdf • Treadwell, Simon (ed) 1997. Managing snags and The creation of scour pools is large woody debris . Produced by the Australian essential in providing habitat for Government. Available for download from: fish and other aquatic animals www.rivers.gov.au/acrobat/techguidelines/tech_guide_ during periods of low flow. vol2_chapb.pdf • Rutherfurd, I., Marsh, N., Price, P. and Lovett, S. 2002, LWD is less likely to cause ‘Managing woody debris in rivers’, Fact Sheet 7, Land & erosion if it is parallel to river flow, Water Australia, Canberra. Available for download from: rather than blocking it (see River www.rivers.gov.au/acrobat/facts07.pdf Landscapes Fact Sheet) but such • Rutherfurd, I., Jerie, K. & Marsh, N. 2000, A actions need appropriate expert Rehabilitation Manual for Australian Streams — Volumes advice . One and Two , Land & Water Australia / CRC for Catchment Hydrology, Canberra. Advocates the planning and development of LWD management projects in accordance with the guidelines for river protection, restoration and management. Available for download from: http://www.rivers.gov.au/publicat/rehabmanual.htm or for $25 from Canprint Communications (details on the website). Note that the CRC for Catchment Hydrology was succeeded in 2005 by the e-Water CRC. Visit www.ewatercrc.com.au Grazing of Red Gum Some swamps in the region are Additional information on grazing NRM Board programs / officers Swamps grazed and in good condition, regimes is needed. others are grazed but are not in
5 Note: the listing of specific individuals or organisations is in no way meant to indicate that the mentioned individuals or organisations have already pledged support for actions. Rather, this is recognition that the mentioned individuals or organisations may have skills, resources or funding programs that may be of use.
32 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Item Knowledge Gap / Area of Discussion / Action Strategy Potential Information Sources / Concern Partnership opportunities 5 good condition. Additional information on management of swamps is Discussion on the likelihood of needed. swamps to withstand some grazing pressure, as these The continued grazing of swamps would have been one of the few should be monitored to assess sources of green feed in long any potential impacts (negative or dry spells pre-European positive). If grazing were to be settlement. removed, an appropriately targeted weed management plan would be advisable. Phragmites australis Clogging up pools Phragmites australis or Common Native Vegetation Council Guidelines regarding removal Common Reed Reed is a native plant that can of Phragmites are available for download from: form dense stands in permanently www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/files/commonreeds_bulrushes.pdf. or seasonally flooded sites. It provides habitat for birds and The Native Vegetation Secretariat or Biodiversity other native fauna, provides Assessment Services in the Department for Water, Land erosion control, and can aid in and Biodiversity Conservation can be contacted on 08 pollution abatement programs. 8124 4753.
An increase in the distribution of Phragmites can be attributed to sedimentation in watercourses, and hydrological changes. Increase in nutrient loads may also be a contributing factor.
Clearance of Phragmites is exempt under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 provided where actions are in compliance with Native Vegetation Council Guidelines (boat ramps or artificial channels). Removal outside of areas identified in the guidelines, such as from natural watercourses, requires the permission of the Native Vegetation Council.
33 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Item Knowledge Gap / Area of Discussion / Action Strategy Potential Information Sources / Concern Partnership opportunities 5 Regardless, it is recommended that before any removal is undertaken, consideration be given to causative factors for its presence, the likelihood of stream bank erosion, and the potential for removal of habitat for native fauna species, including bird species such as the Clamorous Reed Warbler and Purple-breasted Swamp-hen. Light Brown Apple Native insect but considered a Recent research (2006) • Cate Paull, University of Adelaide – Waite Campus Moth (LBAM) pest in vineyards. Also a serious conducted in SA focussed on (School of Earth and Environmental Sciences) Epiphyas postvittana pest of pome fruit, and reducing the use of pesticides in glasshouse and other crops. wine grape production. Several • Australian Research Council How can it be controlled? species of parasitic wasps and http://www.arc.gov.au/arc_home/default.htm mites were identified as effective biological control agents for • Coonawarra Grape Growers Association LBAM. http://www.coonawarra.org/
ACTION : Application for use of • Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. biological control in other grape Information Notes are available for download from: growing regions should be http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/nreninf.nsf/Home+Page/ pursued. DPI+InfoSeries~Home+Page?open and following the links: horticulture>fruit>grapes DPI Victoria has noted that Richogramma funiculatum (a native wasp) is an egg parasite, and both spiders and earwigs Forficula auricularia are predators of the moth.
Cultural practices include removal of broad-leaved weeds, as larvae are known to feed on these also. Removal of suitable smooth- leaved feed plants (other than vines) may reduce numbers.
34 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Item Knowledge Gap / Area of Discussion / Action Strategy Potential Information Sources / Concern Partnership opportunities 5 Climate Change How will it impact and what Doug Bardsley (DWBLC) / SA The Managing Climate Variability (MCV) Program is should be done MDB NRM to undertake managed by Land & Water Australia. MCV produces a investigation into climate change free monthly publication, CliMag, which is available free. impact assessment for the region, Visit www.lw.gov.au/subscription_form.asp so opportunities should be taken to link with this. Environmental weeds How to kill / manage Numerous information sources for The CRC for Australian Weed Management environmental weeds weed management exist. www.weeds.crc.org.au has a great deal of information on the management of particular weed species. Fact sheets The development of a site-specific are available for download from their website. weed strategy taken in a holistic context would be beneficial (i.e. In addition, free copies of their publication, Introductory targeting priority weeds on Weed Management Manual, are available. This manual individual properties while being includes information on how to develop and implement a aware of potential invasion of weed management plan, weed control methods, and how other species external to the site). to collect unknown plant species for identification. A range of Weed Management Guides are also available, which A range of contractors and provide management information on specific weeds. organisations exist that can provide information on weed Contact local NRM office, Natural Resource Centre, management. Landcare officer for information on how to target environmental weeds, and potential sources for Numerous funding sources exist assistance and advice. that can provide assistance and advice. Details on such programs Funding sources may include SA MBD NRM Board, should be available from Natural Envirofund, LAP, private sources, sponsorships / Resource Management centres. partnerships, Natural Resource Management centres. Maintenance of How to maintain channels to Any channel maintenance Information on Native Fish requirements may be available channel integrity conserve native fish and meet activities should be in close from the Native Fish Society SA, GWLAP officers, EPA requirements consultation with key native fish RMCWMB, or individual native fish experts including experts to ensure proposed Michael Hammer and Scotte Wedderburn (contactable activities are not detrimental to through the University of Adelaide). native fish or their habitat.
Site-specific issues and actions should be discussed, and action plan development undertaken to be a strategic guide. Benchmark actions to Where is the District at, what Community knowledge regarding Local LAP officers may be able to provide information on
35 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Item Knowledge Gap / Area of Discussion / Action Strategy Potential Information Sources / Concern Partnership opportunities 5 date remnants are protected, what activities in the region, such as sites funded through the LAP scheme (e.g. revegetation condition are remnants in, where revegetation projects undertaken, works, fencing, watercourse rehabilitation). has revegetation been done to should be documented. date? Local council may be able to provide information and / or Flora mapping through DEH access to vegetation reports that detail location of would identify remnant vegetation remnant vegetation (including roadside) and health / in the region (including Heritage condition of vegetation. Agreements, roadside vegetation, watercourses and wetlands). Community organisations and / or non-government Some information regarding the organisations such as the Nature Conservation Society location and health of remnant SA, Trees for Life, and Greening Australia may be able to vegetation exists (e.g. Pickett’s provide information regarding such issues as remnant 2004 survey of remnant roadside vegetation, revegetation activities, and flora / fauna vegetation). priority locations.
36 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
4.4 REVEGETATION DESIGN AND PRINCIPLES
Connectivity of Habitats (“Corridors”) To be most effective, revegetation areas should have a short distance between remnants (<1km) and be as wide as possible, but consideration should be given to other factors such as management and maintenance. A 100m wide corridor is impressive but would require significant time to manage appropriately. The most effective corridor plantings are those that are a patch rather than linear, and that link vegetation within the immediate area, rather than long risky corridors.
Size Size of patches influences other factors such as habitat availability for fauna, edge effects, potential for outside events to have great impact (e.g. fire through a small patch is likely to be more devastating to restricted populations than through a larger patch where it is possible for areas to remain unburnt, thus providing resources). As most revegetation sites are small, increasing the size of revegetation areas may be required. Larger patches support higher numbers and diversity of fauna depending on the nature of the vegetation type. Increasing the width of linear strips can avoid edge effects, encourage development of microclimates, and support a greater number of wildlife.
Structural Diversity Establish layers of vegetation by planting diversely – structural diversity maximises available resources for native fauna. Include upper canopy, understorey and groundcover vegetation. Different types of species within each layer provide different resources also – rough-barked trees such as stringybarks provide habitat under loose bark for invertebrates that are food for lizards, birds and other animals. A lack of understorey plants can favour aggressive increaser species such as Noisy Miners, which can displace less-aggressive species.
Habitat features such as dead trees with hollows should be retained as these provide nesting and perching resources for many woodland birds and birds of prey. Ground-layer features such as logs, rocks, cryptograms (lichens and mosses), leaf litter, low vegetation and open spaces provide a variety of habitat features. They provide habitat for a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates such as lizards, providing habitat and resources not only to those species, but also the species that are in turn dependant upon them. Such habitat features also aid in minimising soil erosion, and encourage soil fauna and fungi to develop, many of which are needed for healthy vegetation (such as mycorrhiza fungi), as well as microphytic crust that help reduce soil erosion.
Avoid neat rows of plants / plants of the same species – in natural environments plants are spaced unevenly; revegetation for biodiversity should attempt to mimic this, as it provides the best opportunity for a suite of fauna species rather than restricting to a few, by providing a diverse range of habitats.
37 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Staged Planting Identify which species to use in the initial phase and second phase. Undertake planting over several years to encourage the development of different age classes. Planting different species in successive years can mimic natural succession; many species do not thrive if planted outside of their natural succession time, or simply will not germinate until conditions are appropriate. Some species require extensive ‘weathering’ before germination will occur, and may not appear for 2-3 years after sowing.
4.5 MONITORING Biological monitoring should include monitoring of plant health, bird presence and use, waterbird breeding, and presence of other fauna such as frogs, turtles and water rats. Fauna and flora monitoring can include observational and quantitative (measurable) methods.
Flora monitoring can include qualitative (photopoints) and quantitative (measurable) methods. For example, photopoints provide a ‘snapshot’ of vegetation change over time, while survey transects provide specific information related to species presence / absence and abundance. Recruitment of plant species, or fruiting / seeding events, can be useful indicators of plant health and long-term viability. Lack of fruit / seed may indicate a lack of suitable pollinators either bird or insect.
Monitoring of specific environmental features may be restricted to seasonal events such as flooding or planned water releases from reservoirs. For example, River Red Gums germinate profusely following flood events. Such events can be useful in gauging system health, and may have additional ‘spin offs’ such as triggering breeding events for waterbirds or frogs.
Large-scale and complex monitoring methods, such as the recently developed Nature Conservation Society of SA’s Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual , are useful for assessing remnant vegetation condition.
Fauna monitoring quantitative methods can be similar to those for flora; the use of transects or trap lines. Observational methods may include noting the presence / absence of diggings, nests, scats, tracks, or hairs / sloughed skin. Nesting events by birds are indicators of a resource-rich environment that is providing enough food for both adults and nestlings.
Aquatic invertebrates, including insects, snails, dragonfly and caddis larvae, are an essential part of riparian ecosystem functioning. Their presence or absence from a system can be a useful indicator of riparian health. Community monitoring programs, such as Waterwatch, focus on these and other aquatic invertebrates to determine the health of a system. Such programs also use other indicators to monitor river health, including native fish.
Freshwater fish are important indicators of stream health due to their total reliance on aquatic environments for all life history stages. The presence of non-native fish is also an indication of
38 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
the poor quality or suitability of habitat for native fish. For example, where Gambusia 6 occurs native fish are found in low numbers. Native fish such as Southern Pygmy Perch can breed quickly in short spaces of time given favourable environmental conditions, thereby making them an ideal environmental indicator of ecosystem health and habitat condition.
There are a range of monitoring techniques and datasheets, many of which can be found freely on the Internet, or through community groups or project officers.
Weed monitoring is also important to gauge the effectiveness of any weed control programs, and to be aware of any new incursions. It is also important to be aware that some weed species provide essential habitat to native species, and therefore the control of such weeds must be approached with caution. The CRC for Weeds is useful for information on weed identification and control.
Table 10. High weed threat species that may require control in the District (not a comprehensive list. Contact your local natural resource management officer for assistance and advice)
Weed Species Threat Boxthorn Birds and foxes can distribute fruit. Plants can be killed on-site through poisoning, and left to provide habitat and perching sites for birds Bridal Creeper Highly invasive. Distributed by fruit and through spreading rhizomes. Smothers vegetation. Bridal Veil Similar to Bridal Creeper. Deciduous climber that smothers vegetation, and competes for space, light, water and nutrients. Berries distributed by fruit, also spread vegetatively from root tubers or following soil disturbance. Spiny Rush Dispersed by seed. May be confused with native sedges. Sharp spines present a hazard. Highly invasive. Blackberry May form thickets that reduce available productive land, invade native vegetation, and harbour feral animals. Should not be confused with native species of blackberry. In some areas, blackberry provides critical habitat for native fauna, and any planned removal should consider this. Horehound Unpalatable plant that spreads easily as its seed is rough and can attach to fur, hair or clothing. Olive Feral trees can invade bushland or roadside vegetation and decrease biodiversity over time by out-competing native species. Can be hard to kill as will re-shoot from roots / stump following poisoning. Birds and foxes spread fruit easily. Phalaris Highly invasive grass difficult to control. Mature plants are
6 Gambusia holbrooki , mistakenly called the mosquito fish but more aptly known as the Plague Minnow, was introduced from its native Gulf of Mexico in the 1920’s in an attempt to control mosquitoes. Investigations into the suitability of Gambusia involved placing them in tanks with mosquito larvae to see if the larvae would be eaten. This “successful” experiment resulted in the introduction of Gambusia into Australian waterways. Gambusia does eat mosquito larvae but generally in the absence of other more favoured food. Additionally, its effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes is less than that of native fish. Gambusia attacks native fish and tadpoles, and out-competes native fish. Eggs and fry of native fish are eaten, and recent studies suggest that Gambusia have a preference for tadpoles over mosquito larvae. The impact of Gambusia on fish, amphibian and macro-invertebrate populations of Australian waterways is immeasurable.
39 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Weed Species Threat unpalatable to stock. Increases fuel loads. Dense stands can exclude all other vegetation. Intensive treatment, and competition with native groundcovers, can be effective. Perennial Veldt Grass Highly invasive grass difficult to control. Dense stands can displace all other vegetation. Increases fuel loads. Fire and slashing can promote spread. Palatable to stock only while young. Shallow-rooted so easy to pull out, though native plants should be immediately planted / sown to increase competitive advantage of natural systems to recover.
40 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING
Managing Remnant Vegetation Bush for Life program, Trees for Life, 08 8372 0150 Bush Management Advisor, DEH, 08 8391 7500 The Tungkillo Landcare Group, 08 8538 7075 $ Eastern Hills & Murray Plains Catchment Group, 08 8531 2077
Robertson, M. (2005) Stop Bushland Weeds – A Guide to Successful Weeding in South Australia’s Bushland. 2 nd Edition. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia. Croft, S. J., Pedler, J. A. & Milne, T. I. (2005) Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual, Southern Mount Lofty Ranges, Volume 1, 2 & 3 , Nature Conservation Society of South Australia.
Caring for Your Bushland – Bradley Method Bradley, J. (1988) Bringing Back The Bush: The Bradley Method of Bush Regeneration . Lansdowne-Rigby, Sydney.
Revegetation Design Dalton, G. (1998) Fact sheet: Creative Revegetation - Enhancing biodiversity by design NCSSA (2000) Fact sheet: Biodiversity PIRSA (2005) Fact sheet: Windbreaks
Revegetation Methods Martin (1999) Natural Regeneration of Native Vegetation Rural Solutions SA (2003) Fact Sheet: Direct Seeding PIRSA (1998) Hand Direct Seeding of Native Plants Murphy and Martin (1999) Seed Pre-treatments for Native Understorey Species Upper Torrens Land Management Program. Native Aquatic Plants in the Mt Lofty Ranges
Native Grasses and their Establishment Native Grass Resources Group. Series of fact sheets on native grasses. Lamp, C.A., Forbes, S.J. & Cade, J.W. (2001) Grasses of Temperate Australia: A Field Guide. C.H. Jerram Science Publishers, Melbourne Bennet, E. (2005) Management of Native Grasses in the Urban Landscape. Native Grass Resources Group Inc., Adelaide.
Plant Identification How to collect seed and grow Bonney, N. (2003) What Seed is That? (Revised Edition), Finsbury Press. Dalton, G. (1993) Direct seeding of trees and shrubs – a manual for Australian Conditions. Revegetation Centre, Murray Bridge, PIRSA> Dean, J. (2002) Hand Direct Seeding of Native Plants , Primary Industries & Resources SA Factsheet.
41 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Florabank Guidelines: http://www.florabank.org.au/ Greening Australia (1991) How to collect native tree seed, easily Clarke, Ivan (2004) Revegetation Guidelines for the Eastern Hills and Murray Plains Local Action Planning Group: Marne River, Saunders and Milendella Creeks . Rural Solutions SA in partnership with Trees for Life. Adelaide.
Native plant identification Bonney, N. (2004) Common Native Plants of the Coorong Region – Identification, Propagation, Historical Uses . Australian Plant Society (SA Region) Inc. Dashorst, G. R. M. & Jessop, J. P. (1998) Plants of the Adelaide Plains & Hills , Second Edition. State Herbarium of South Australia Gibbs, J. (2001) Grass Identification Manual – for Everyone . Native Grass Resources Group Inc., South Australia. Nicolle, D. (1997) Eucalypts of South Australia . Lane Print Group. Prescott, A. (1988) It’s Blue with Five Petals – Wildflowers of the Adelaide Region . Openbook Publishers.
Fauna Birds Taws, N. (2001) Bringing Birds Back – A Glovebox Guide. Greening Australia, Canberra RAMSAR convention www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/ecocons.html#Ramsar Tolderol Game Reserve bird watching - http://homepages.picknowl.com.au/anne_brown/Bird_Watching.htm Turner, M.S. (2001) Conserving Adelaide’s Biodiversity: Resources Urban Forest Biodiversity Program, Adelaide. Commonwealth of Australia (2005) Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Plan . Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. Garnett, S.T. & Crowley, G.M. (2000) The Action Plan for Australian Birds . Commonwealth of Australia. Environment Australia. Cutten, J.L. (1998) Distribution and abundance of Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) in the Murray Mallee and South East regions of South Australia. Based on the results of a Landholder Survey and the collation of existing Malleefowl records . Nature Conservation Society of South Australia Inc. Adelaide, South Australia.
Reptiles and Amphibians Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6 th Edition . Reed New Holland, Sydney. Macquarie Turtle – Emydura macquarii macquarii website: http://www.carettochelys.com/emydura/emydura_mac_mac_1.htm ;
Fish Australian Museum Fish Site http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/fishfacts/index.cfm Hammer, M. (2004) The Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges Fish Inventory: Distribution and conservation of freshwater fishes of tributaries to the Lower River Murray, South Australia. Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc. and River Murray Catchment Water Management Board.
42 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Hammer, M. (2001) Swamp and drain management strategy for the Milang-Bremer River Mouth fringe of Lake Alexandrina . Report to the Alexandrina Council and Goolwa to Wellington LAP. Hammer, M. (2002) Recovery Outline for the Southern Pygmy Perch in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia . Department of Environmental Biology, Adelaide University and Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc. This report provides good clear pictorial and textual guidelines on what constitutes ideal Southern Pygmy Perch habitat, and how to identify it. Hammer, M. (2004) Recovery Progress for the Southern Pygmy Perch in the Mount Lofty Ranges South Australia: 2001-2003 . Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc., Adelaide. Hammer, M.P. and Walker, K.F. (2004) A catalogue of South Australian freshwater fishes, including new records, range extensions and translocations. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia 128(2): 85-97.
Butterflies The Butterfly Conservation South Australia provides a website and fact sheets of what you can do to help butterflies in your area. “ Butterflies – an introduction ” and “ Attracting butterflies to your garden ” are both available from the BCSA via the SA Museum. Sands, D.P.A. and New, T.R. (2002) The Action Plan for Australian Butterflies . Environment Australia, Canberra. A new Butterfly book is planned for 2006 / 2007 as part of an awareness campaign on butterflies of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The proposed book will include a paragraph on each butterfly species, and both adult butterfly and larva photographs, and host and nectar plant photographs. The book will focus on local indigenous plant species. For more information, contact Butterfly Conservation SA Secretary Jan Forrest c/- the Sa Museum or via email [email protected]
Other Aerial videography Contact: Jason VanLaarhoven - Senior Ecologist. Major Investigations, Knowledge and Information Division, Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. (08) 8463 6992. Contact: Craig Walker - Information Manager. Information Management, Knowledge and Information Division, Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation. (08) 8463 6975. Goolwa-Wellington LAP http://www.rivermurray.sa.gov.au/lapgroups/goolwa/natural.htm l
General Pickett, M. and Mallen, N. (2002). Alexandrina Council Undeveloped Road Reserve Management Planning Project—Road Reserve Survey . Unpublished report on a Natural Heritage Trust project, prepared for the Alexandrina Council, Goolwa, South Australia. Environmental Regeneration Australia (2000) Angas-Bremer Irrigation Region Revegetation Booklet . Commissioned by the Angas-Bremer Water Management Committee. River Murray Catchment Water Management Board (2001) Water Allocation Plan for the Angas-Bremer Prescribed Wells Area . Government of South Australia.
43 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Department for Environment and Heritage (2006) No Species Loss: A Biodiversity Strategy for South Australia 2006-2016 . Government of South Australia. Strathalbyn Naturalists Club Inc. (2000) Natural History of Strathalbyn and Goolwa . Strathalbyn Naturalists Club. Edwards (2001), Section 9 - Planning Principles for Hygiene Management. Contains details on best practice activities, the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) also has a Phytophthora Species Project Officer who should be worked with, contact your local DEH office. Neagle, N. 1995. An Update of the Conservation of the Major Plant Associations of South Australia. Native Vegetation Conservation Section, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Adelaide. Coorong, Goolwa to Wellington LAPs and DEH. Lower Lakes and Coorong, natural resource management folder . DEH (2000) Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan Hyde, M (1999) The Native Vegetation of the Bremer Barker Catchment. Mt Lofty Ranges South Australia. Wallowa Mallee Research P/L. Adelaide. Reseigh, J., Bartsch, D. & Harding, C. (in prep) Strategic Grazing Guidelines – Aquatic (Wetland Ecosystems) Rural Solutions SA & DEH. This draft document may be useful for general management of Red Gum Swamps. Further information should be sought for site-specific management. Please contact Jodie Reseigh if you would like more information on this draft document.
44 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDICES
45 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 1. PLANS AND POLICIES RELEVANT TO THE PROJECT Policy or Plan Key Points Targets Priority actions South Australian Strategic Greenhouse emissions Achieve the Kyoto target during Develop an industry-wide greenhouse strategy **state Plan 2008-2012 government - in progress** (Note: new version being drafted) Native vegetation Clearance of native vegetation Establish and manage a comprehensive, adequate and offset by significant biodiversity representative (CAR) protected area system; and manage, in an benefit ecologically sustainable way, natural resources across the Integrate native vegetation / broader landscape that are not part of the protected area biodiversity mgt in South system. Australia’s eight NRM regional Particular emphasis on those bio-regions where less than 15% plans of the land area is currently protected. Lose no species Incorporate biodiversity values into rural businesses operated by landholders Encourage private landholders to protect remnant vegetation from further decline and to actively manage their local resource Ecological footprint Reduce our ecological footprint to Existing industries to reduce their ecological demands and new reduce the impact of human industries to be less ecologically demanding settlements and activities within 10 years No Species Loss Conserving South Maintain and improve landscape Threats to biodiversity are managed Australia’s biodiversity condition Reconstruct landscapes Declining ecological communities, species and ecological processes can be maintained and improved through restoration processes Protect and conserve declining Decline is halted and threatened species and ecological communities State Greenhouse Strategy (in draft format) SA MDB Regional Retain, restore, re-establish No further loss or degradation of Over 2,000 ha of native vegetation retained and restored in Biodiversity Plan and manage remnant native remnant native vegetation through Heritage Agreements and NPWSA reserves vegetation clearance or grazing
46 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Policy or Plan Key Points Targets Priority actions - Retain, restore and re- Increase in the formal protection 50% representative examples of Lomandra effusa Grasslands, establish threatened plant of threatened plant communities box Grassy Woodlands, River Red Gum and Black Box communities Increase in the area and viability Woodlands, Native Pine, Sessile-fruit White Mallee and Blue of threatened plant communities Mallee threatened plant communities retained, restored and re- established in Heritage Agreements and NPWSA reserves Downgrading of threatened plant communities Decrease in the impact of salinity, grazing and weeds - Retain, restore and Increase in the management and RMS developed and implemented manage roadside viability of roadside reserve Roadside Vegetation Management Plans for all local Govt areas vegetation for the vegetation, particularly threatened prepared and approved by NVC conservation of biodiversity and significant sections 85km native vegetation protected and managed along 6 priority Increase in the sue of roadside roadsides and a Bushcare site established in each area reserve native vegetation as links between blocks of habitat Decrease in the impact of fragmentation, isolation, salinity, weeds and introduced animals - Retain, restore and re- Increase in the area and long- 50ha of native vegetation as linkages in the Ferries McDonald to establish areas of native term viability of habitat Monarto Fragmented Habitat Areas vegetation that provide links Increase in links between core 500ha of native vegetation in the Southern Hills and River and buffers between habitat for threatened species Corridor Threatened Habitat Areas existing habitat Decrease in the impact of re-establishment of 100ha of linkages between core habitat for fragmentation, isolation, salinity, Nationally threatened species grazing and weeds Decrease in the potential impact of wildfire - Retain, restore and re- Increase in the area and viability 1000ha of viable habitat (individual blocks of 100ha or greater in establish other native of threatened plant communities total area) formally protected in Heritage Agreements and vegetation providing viable Increase in viable feeding and NPWSA Reserves feeding, breeding and long- breeding habitat for threatened term habitat species Decrease in the impact of salinity, grazing and weeds Develop and implement Reduction in the impact of Coordinated control programs for introduced animals developed coordinated control introduced animals on threatened and implemented across the region programs for introduced species and habitats
47 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Policy or Plan Key Points Targets Priority actions animals Increase in the viability of habitat throughout the region SA MDB NRM Plan Improving land use and Improve farming practices within a Develop and implement plans and incentives for vegetation (Note: new versions of management landscape approach to enhance protection, targeted native / indigenous revegetation and investment strategies being agricultural sustainability regeneration drafted) Implement programs to reduce Develop and implement coordinated control programs for pest pest animals and weeds plans and animals to enhance agricultural sustainability and to protect species of conservation significance found on private land Enhancing biodiversity Improve the development of Develop principles for best practice revegetation to provide policy and programs for benefits for biodiversity, water use, greenhouse and land biodiversity conservation management purposed Purse the integration of Develop and implement codes of practice, management plans biodiversity and habitat and management agreements for managing remnant vegetation conservation activities on public land and reserves (including roadsides) Encourage the formal protection of priority habitats and species through sanctuaries, covenants, reserves and heritage agreements Target financial incentives to community groups to develop and implement strategies for: - Retention and regeneration of natural habitat - Revegetation of threatened habitat areas and vegetation communities - Revegetation activities that buffer, link or provide stepping stones between remnant vegetation - Revegetation (and fencing) of riparian zones - Encouragement of natural regeneration of degraded areas Develop and implement integrated local and regional programs for the control of pest plants and animals Support the recovery of Protect and manage critical habitat and key threats for threatened ecological threatened species communities, threatened species Protect and manage threatened flor and fauna species and and other species of conservation ecological communities of national, state and regional significance significance
48 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Policy or Plan Key Points Targets Priority actions State NRM Plan Landscape scale Increased resilience of natural Increase in management at landscape scale management that maintains systems so as to cope with Diversity in natural systems enhanced to increase their healthy natural systems and climate change and other adaptability is adaptive to climate pressures change (goal 1) Prosperous communities Prosperous communities and Reduced level of stress in landscapes and ecosystems including and industries using and industries with reduced ecological water, soil and biodiversity resources managing natural resources footprints within ecologically sustainable limits (goal 2) Integrated management of Reduced risk to natural resources No new pest plants, animals or pathogens established biological threats to Spread of existing pests is prevented and their range and minimise risks to natural numbers reduced systems, communities and industry (goal 4) Impacts of existing pests reduced Threats to agriculture, natural environments reduced
49 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 2. REMNANT ROADSIDE VEGETATION NOTE: Map taken from Pickett, M. & Mallen, N. (2004) Alexandrina Council Undeveloped Road Reserve Management Planning Project 2000- 2004 . For more information please refer to this report. To view the map in larger scale, please double-click (opens in Adobe Reader).
50 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 3. VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS OF THE DISTRICT Information source: Native Vegetation of the Murray Region South Australia (Greening Australia).
Vegetation Community Comment and location Conserved Description Threats Actions WOODLANDS Allocasuarina verticillata Threatened plant 2% protected Open grassy-tussocky Fragmentation due to Protection of existing Low Woodland community of SA MDB (Western Murray woodland with A land clearance remnants Found western parts of flats) verticillata dominant +/- Stock grazing Fencing from stock region on sands to shallow Callitris gracilis, E. Degradation by feral Control of pest plants rocky/limestone soils diversifolia, E. species and animals fasciculosa, E. Competition with Revegetation for leucoxylon, E. odorata, introduced plants buffering and / or E. porosa restoration of habitat Important food source for RTBC and other parrot species Callitris gracilis Low Threatened plant 11% protected C gracilis sole dominant Fragmentation due to Protection of existing woodland community of SA MDB (Western Murray overstorey species land clearance remnants Found on shallow flats). No areas Stock grazing Fencing from stock limestone to deep sandy protected formally in Degradation by feral Control of pest plants soils parks system species and animals Competition with Revegetation for introduced plants buffering and / or restoration of habitat Eucalyptus camaldulensis Threatened plant 3% protected Tree hollows provide Fragmentation due to Protection of existing Woodlands community of SA MDB Western Murray flats important nesting and land clearance remnants breeding sites including Changes to Fencing from stock regent parrot and carpet environmental flows due Control of pest plants python to river regulation and animals Salinisation of Revegetation for floodplains buffering and / or Stock grazing restoration of habitat Degradation by feral Restoration of animals environmental flows - Competition with community requires introduced plants flooding every two years to maintain healthy populations and encourage regeneration Eucalyptus fasciculosa Threatened plant 2% formally Eucalyptus fasciculosa Fragmentation due to Protection of existing Open Woodland community of SA MDB protected in reserves dominant +/- land clearance remnants
51 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Vegetation Community Comment and location Conserved Description Threats Actions Located on poor sandy such as Ferries Allocasuaraina Stock grazing Fencing from stock soils McDonald CP and verticillata, E. diversifolia, Degradation by feral Control of pest plants heritage agreements E. incrassata, E. animals and animals (Western Murray leucoxylon, E. odorata Competition with Revegetation for flats) introduced plants buffering and / or restoration of habitat Eucalyptus leucoxylon spp Threatened plant 7% protected Eucalyptus leucoxylon Fragmentation due to Protection of existing Woodland community of SA MDB (Western Murray ssp dominant +/- land clearance remnants Located in areas receiving flats) Allocasuarina verticillata, Stock grazing Fencing from stock >400mm rainfall, on sands E. diversifolia, E. Degradation by feral Control of pest plants to sandy-loams fasciculosa, E. animals and animals incrassata, E. Competition with Revegetation for leptophylla, E. odor ata introduced plants buffering and / or restoration of habitat Eucalyptus odorata Threatened plant Poorly protected with Eucalyptus odorata Fragmentation due to High priority for Peppermint Box Low community of SA MDB <1% protected dominant +/- land clearance conservation woodland Slopes of Eastern Hills of formally (Western Allocasuarina verticillata, Stock grazing Protection of existing MLR, onto Murray Plains Murray flats) Callitris gracilis, Degradation by feral remnants and south to Lake Eucalyptus leucoxylon, animals Fencing from stock Alexandrina Eucalyptus porosa , Competition with Control of pest plants mallee eucalypts introduced plants and animals Revegetation for buffering and / or restoration of habitat WOODLAND / MALLEE Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Threatened plant 1% protected Eucalyptus porosa Fragmentation due to High priority for / Low woodland community of SA MDB (Western Murray dominant, +/- Eucalyptus land clearance conservation Heavier soils especially flats) odorata, E. leptophylla , Stock grazing Protection of existing along slopes of intermittent mallee eucalypts, Degradation by feral remnants watercourses Allocasuarina verticillata animals Fencing from stock Competition with Control of pest plants introduced plants and animals Revegetation for buffering and / or restoration of habitat MALLEE Eucalyptus gracilis, E. Moderately protected 10% protected Eucalyptus gracilis, E. Historical loss due to Hollows develop in this oleosa Open mallee Second largest community (Western Murray oleosa (dominant), +/- E. pre-European vegetation community in older in the Western Murray flats flats) brachocalyx, E. clearance mallees providing calycogona, E. dumosa, Fragmentation due to important habitat for E. leptophylla, E. phenax, land clearance fauna E. socialis Stock grazing Protection of existing Degradation by feral remnants
52 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Vegetation Community Comment and location Conserved Description Threats Actions animals Fencing from stock Competition with Control of pest plants introduced plants and animals Revegetation for buffering and / or restoration of habitat Eucalyptus incrassata Good protected in reserves 28% protected Eucalyptus incrassata Fragmentation due to Protection of existing Open mallee such as Ferries McDonald (Western Murray dominant, +/- E. land clearance remnants Located on deep sands Conservation Park flats) arenacea, E. diversifolia, Stock grazing Fencing from stock E. fasciculosa, E. Degradation by feral Control of pest plants leptophylla, E. socialis animals and animals Competition with Revegetation for introduced plants buffering and / or restoration of habitat SHRUBLANDS Melaleuca halmaturorum Poorly protected 0% protected Melaleuca halmaturorum Increased soil salinity Protection of existing Tall open shrubland association (Western Murray (shrub and tree forms) levels remnants Higher ground Successful regeneration flats) Fragmentation due to Fencing from stock surrounding saline reliant on irregular flood land clearance Control of pest plants swamps and seasonally events Stock grazing and animals inundated depressions Degradation by feral Revegetation for animals buffering and / or Competition with restoration of habitat introduced plants Sarcocornia sp, Part of threatened habitat Samphire species Fragmentation due to Restore natural flows to Sclerostegia sp, area of Coorong and including Sarcocornia land clearance floodplain areas Halosarcia sp Low Lower Lakes quinqueflora, Stock grazing Protection of existing shrubland Important habitat areas on Sclerostegia, Halosarcia Degradation by feral remnants Low-lying saline areas Finniss River and Currency animals Fencing from stock Creek for endangered Competition with Control of pest plants Mount Lofty Ranges introduced plants and animals Southern Emu Wren Revegetation for buffering and / or restoration of habitat GRASSLANDS / SEDGELANDS Lomandra effusa Open Threatened plant 0% protected Lomandra effusa +/- Fragmentation due to Very high priority for grassland community of SA MDB (Western Murray Acacia sp., Allocasuarina land clearance protection Slopes of Eastern Hils of State and regionally flats) verticillata, Bursaria Stock grazing Protection of existing Mount Lofty Ranges threatened spinosa, Callitris gracilis, Degradation by feral remnants Eucalyptus fasciculosa, animals Fencing from stock E. odorata, E. porosa, Competition with Control of pest plants Melaleuca lanceolata introduced plants and animals
53 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Vegetation Community Comment and location Conserved Description Threats Actions Revegetation for buffering and / or restoration of habitat
54 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 4. FLORA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DISTRICT Scientific Common Conservation Rating Comment Habitat and Ecology Threats Actions Name Name Thelymitra Metallic Sun- AUS : Endangered; SA : Subject of Grows mainly in open heathland, Lack of recruitment; grazing; Increase recruitment of epipactoides orchid Endangered; MU & SE : a national open heathy woodland or grassy fragmentation; inappropriate fire individuals; understand Endangered recovery coastal shrubland, usually in regimes; inadequate knowledge of why recruitment is not Listed under CITES plan swampy depressions on fertile distribution, abundance and occurring; survey (Convention on loam soils; also found in drier population trends; inadequate potential and critical International Trade in inland heaths, open forests and knowledge of ecology and threats; habitat to document new Endangered Species of woodlands. lack of formal protection; weeds populations; improve wild fauna and flora). In the MM known to occur in the (Bridal Creeper and others); weeds quality of habitat to RESOURCE: DEH following vegetation (Perennial Veldt Grass). increase chances of SPECIES PROFILE associations: successful recruitment SPRATS DATABASE. • Melaleuca uncinata Open occurring Heath with an understorey of Lepidosperma viscidum • Callitris preissii Woodland. • Also found to occur in Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. stephanie +/- Eucalyptus diversifolia Open Woodland (Recovery Plan) A post-disturbance coloniser, it utilises early successional stages of its habitat after various forms of disturbance, such as animal scratching, death of a plant, human activities or fire. Without disturbance it will fail to flower (goes dormant) – burning during dormancy breaks dormancy and increases flower protection. Response (while not dormant) to fire is unknown. Orchid pollinated by small native bees Nornia spp.
Acacia Neat Wattle, AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Insufficient information Inadequate knowledge of ecology and rhetinocarpa Resin Wattle Vulnerable; MU : threats; fragmentation; grazing; Vulnerable, SL : weeds (Bridal Creeper and others); Endangered inappropriate fire regimes; lack of recruitment; lack of formal protection; inadequate knowledge of distribution, abundance and population trends; weeds (Perennial Veldt Grass); road / rail maintenance activities; edge
55 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Rating Comment Habitat and Ecology Threats Actions Name Name effects; vegetation clearance; dieback and Phytophthora; illegal collection; recreation; trampling; other disturbances Caladenia Small AUS : Endangered; SA : Insufficient information colorata Western Endangered; SL, MU & Spider- SE : Endangered orchid, Coloured Spider-orchid Caladenia Greencomb AUS : Endangered; SA : Occurs in dry woodlands of SE Weed invasions; grazing by native tensa Spider- Endangered; SL & SE : SA and introduced herbivores; orchid, Rigid Endangered Found in Cypress Pine / Yellow inappropriate fire regimes; recreation. Spider-orchid Recovery plan Gum Woodland, Heathy Introduced perennial grasses like recommends Woodland and Mallee on sands Perennial Veldt Grass pose largest downgrading from and sandy loams derived from threat. Endangered to Aeolian sand deposits. Vulnerable. Most species occur within fragmented ecosystems subject to a range of threats
Euphrasia Osborn’s AUS : Endangered; SA : Insufficient information collina Eyebright Endangered; SL & SE : subsp. Endangered Osbornii SA endemic species
Glycine Purple AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Found in association with latrobeana Clover, Vulnerable; SL : Eucalyptus viminalis Woodland Clover Vulnerable and Open Woodland, Eucalyptus Glycine goniocalyx grassy Woodland, and Eucalyptus fasciculosa Low Open Forest.
Olearia Silver Daisy- AUS : Vulnerable; SA : Populations scattered Weeds (Bridal Creeper, others); edge Increase recruitment of pannosa bush Vulnerable; MU & throughout agricultural areas of effects; lack of recruitment; road / rail individuals; improve subsp. SL :Vulnerable, EMLR and MM/MP maintenance activities; fragmentation; quality of habitat to pannosa SE :Threatened Found in areas with flat, sandy lack of formal protection; inadequate increase chances of terrain, and woodland or mallee knowledge of distribution, abundance successful recruitment areas with rocky soils and population trends; inadequate occurring; protect Has been recorded in low heath knowledge of ecology and threats; existing and potential scrub associated with Acacia weeds (Perennial Veldt Grass); habitat; expand existing calamifolia, Eucalyptus gracilis recreational activities; other habitat through targeted mallee and Eucalyptus disturbances (such as dumping of revegetation. diversifolia mallee. rubbish, covering and flattening (Recovery plan (Obst) Recovery plan recorded most young individuals and reducing the provides detail on
56 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Rating Comment Habitat and Ecology Threats Actions Name Name common vegetation associations available ground area for seedling specific threats and as: recruitment); grazing; trampling; suggested actions for • Eucalyptus phenax ssp. inappropriate fire regimes; dieback known populations) phenax mallee commonly and Phytophthora; vegetation associated with several clearance. other overstorey species including E. socialis, E. calycognona, E. odorata, E. brachycalyx and E. gracilis . • Eucalyptus odorata woodland commonly associated with several other overstorey species including E. leucoxylon spp. Leucoxylon, E. phenax ssp. phenax, E. socialis, E. rugosa, E. porosa, E. gracilis, E. oleosa, E. leptophylla, E. fasciculosa, E. brachycalyx, Myoporum platycarpum and Allocasuarina verticillata . • Eucalyptus fasciculosa woodland commonly associated with several other overstorey species including E. odorata, E. leptophylla, E. rugosa, E. phenax ssp. compressa, E. oleosa, E. socialis, E. phenax ssp. phenax and Allocasuarina verticillata . • Eucalyptus rugosa mallee commonly associated with several other overstorey species including E. leptophylla, E. socialis, E. phenax spp. phenax, E. fasciculosa, E. gracilis, and E. odorata .
57 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 5. FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DISTRICT - BIRDS Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status Regional State National (EPBC)
Cinclosoma Spotted Quail- E E Threatened (IUCN - Found in eucalypt forest Habitat clearance; fires; Surveys to punctatum thrush (MLR) Critically feeding on seeds, fragmentation; investigate anachoreta Endangered. May insects and other degradation of habitat persistence and be extinct) invertebrates. and introduction of cats / or locate and disturbance by dogs populations and people. required. Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl V V VU A1ce+2bce Found predominantly in Range reduced by mallee eucalypt habitat clearance, and woodland and scrub as grazing by domestic well as dry forest stock; mortality increased dominated by other by introduced predators; eucalypts. More inappropriate fire regimes information is needed to reduce breeding determine species densities (recently ecology (particularly burned sites provide habitat requirements, insufficient resources to population dynamics, sustain populations), effect of predators and remove roosting sites fire). (exposing birds to ground Malleefowl were predation), removing recorded north of Lake nesting material. Alexandrina prior to the Lack of suitable scrub 1990’s. Now known only outside of current from Ferries-McDonald reserves is likely to be CP and Monarto CP, limiting population growth and the regrowth areas and expansion. in between. Coturnix Brown Quail V V VU B1+2c All records from the ypsilophora River Red Gum swamp and vineyard country of the Bremer River from Langhorne Creek south to Lake Alexandrina Oxyura australis Blue-billed Duck R R RA a Occasionally recorded from swamps adjacent to Lake Alexandrina. Noted breeding from Tucker’s Swamp near Strathalbyn. Dead bird found near Langhorne Creek in 1984.
58 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status Biziura lobata Musk Duck V R RA bc(i) Recorded breeding at Tolderol in 1989 and near Milang in 1996. Introduction of European Carp and destruction of aquatic plants and algae may have impacted on suitability of habitats. Anas castanea Chestnut Teal U Breed in River Red Gum swamps of Langhorne Creek and lower Angas River when conditions suitable. Anas gracilis Grey Teal Lake Alexandrina important in times of inland drought. Anas rhynchotis Australasian R R RA a Nests at Tuckers Shoveler (Blue- Swamp near winged Strathalbyn, and east of Shoveler) Milang near the lake shore. Aythya australis Hardhead U Observed breeding at (White-eyed Tucker’s swamp in ’71
Duck) and ’96. Podiceps cristatus Great Crested R R RA c(iii) persists in waters which Grebe are carp-free Neophema Orange-bellied E E EN C2b Endemic to south- Loss of suitable wintering chrysogaster Parrot eastern Australia. habitat following
Migrates from Tasmania migration from Tasmania. Listed as a Marine as far west as Lake Habitat destruction Alexandrina. predominantly due to Species urbanisation, industrial Habitat includes development, agricultural saltmarshes, coastal development (grazing, dunes, pastures, trampling and shrublands, estuaries, disturbance, drainage of islands, beaches and wetlands for grazing) and moorlands, usually recreational activities. within 10km of the Increased coastal coast. In SA, beaches, development recently is dune frontages and likely to have a greater adjacent dune systems impact, particularly wind and sheltered areas farms (areas coincide along rocky foreshores with the migratory and
59 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status are utilised. Has been winter range of the OBP). sighted in the Nappyalla Trapping for aviculture area of Lake Predation by cats and Alexandrina. foxes Feeds on seeds and Competition for food fruits of grasses, resources by introduced chenopods, sedges and finches such as herbs. Main food European Goldfinch and sources likely to be European Greenfinch, Sarcocornia Starlings, and also quinqueflora – beaded Rabbits. Glasswort, and Invasive weed species Sclerostegia arbuscula such as Rice Grass, – Shrubby Glasswort. Coast Barb-grass, Sea Currently numbers no Barley-grass, Marram more than 150 birds. Grass, Sea Spurge, Boxthorn which are salt- tolerant colonisers with the capacity to overtake native food plants. Pachycephala Red-lored Threatened R RA a Insufficient rufogularis Whistler information Rostratula australis Australian MLR declining V VU A1b Found in shallow inland Painted Snipe wetlands, either Listed as Marine freshwater or brackish, Species that are either permanently or CAMBA listed temporarily filled. species Nests on ground amongst tall reed-like vegetation near water, and feeds near the waters edge and on mudflats, taking invertebrates such as insects and worms, and seeds Scattered distribution in many parts of Australia, MD drainage system appears to be key area of species. Areas of most sensitivity to the species are those where the birds frequent and
60 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status are known to breed. Haliaeetus White-bellied V EN D recorded in River Red E leucogaster Sea-eagle Gum swamps near Migratory terrestrial Langhorne Creek, and native pine scrub at ‘Nappyalla’. Hirundapus White-throated Migratory Insufficient caudacutus Needletail terrestrial information Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Migratory wetland Insufficient Sandpiper information Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift Listed as Marine Insufficient Species information Ardea alba Great Egret, Listed as Marine Numbers reduced with White Egret Species arrival of European carp probably due to turbid water. Forages in swamps away from the lake. Ardea ibis Cattle Egret U R RA c(iv) Increasing numbers since 1970’s, no records Listed as Marine of breeding here Species (presumably breed in NSW or QLD). Ardea pacifica White-necked U Noted as possibly Heron (Pacific nesting in River Red Heron) Gum swamps at Langhorne Creek; T. Milne recorded 30 birds in 1976 in the Langhorne Creek area. Botaurus Australasian V V VU C2a Recorded from Tolderol poiciloptilus Bittern (Brown and Bremer River. Bittern)
Nycticorax Nankeen Night- U Recorded as far north of caledonicus heron the Lake along the Bremer River as Hartley. Frequents River Red Gum swamps around Langhorne Creek. Gallinago Lathams Snipe, V R RA c(ii) Favours swampy areas hardwickii Japanese Snipe around the lake and Listed as Marine occasionally river Species swamps and pools, or
61 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status vineyards where floodwaters remain. Found regularly at the end of Mosquito Point, and swampy land adjacent to Milang. Tringa hypoleucos Common R RA c(ii) Recorded from Tuckers Sandpiper Swamp in ’72 and ’83. Heteroscelis Grey-tailed R RA c(ii) Once recorded from brevipes Tattler Fischer’s Swamp near Tolderol GR. Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed R RA c(ii) Recorded from Godwit Mosquito Point to Tolderol. Numenius Eastern curlew V V VU D1 Very rare visitor. madagascariensis Numenius miniatus Little Curlew Recorded from Mosquito Point-Tolderol Game Reserve. Numenius Whimbrel R R RA c(ii) Recorded from Tolderol phaeopus Game Reserve. Larus Silver Gull Listed as Marine Insufficient novaehollandiae Species information Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee- MLR declining Listed as Marine Insufficient eater Species information Accipiter Collared Recorded from Ferries- cirrhocephalus Sparrowhawk McDonald CP and occasionally from Bremer River Aquila audoax Wedge-tailed Recorded nesting at Eagle Belvidere, Langhorne Creek. Haliastur Whistling Kite U Nests in trees along sphenurus watercourses or around swamps Hieraaetus Little Eagle Insufficient morphnoides information Milvus migrans Black Kite Records in the region in 1993. Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon R R RA c(i) Recorded on various occasions including Langhorne Creek as recent as 1995. Falco peregrinus Peregrine R R RA c(i) Possible nesting at
62 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Scientific Name Name Status Falcon Dunn’s Scrub and near Langhorne Creek. Falco subniger Black Falcon Known to nest at ‘Nalpa’, Langhorne Creek and Milang. Fulica atra Tuuri (Eurasian Nests on lower swamps Coot) of rivers. Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Regarded as Insufficient Native-hen uncommon. information Porzana fluminea Australian Found in Tucker’s Spotted Crake Swamp and known to nest at lakeside swamps Porzana pusilla Baillons Crake R Not yet recorded from Bremer or Angas River, regular sightings in Tolderol Game Reserve Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake U R RA c(i) Found in rivers and lakeside swamps, nesting recorded in Milang and Tolderol Game Reserve Turnix velox Little Button- Favour cereal crops for quail cover (prior to clearance, favoured Lomandra grasslands).
63 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 6. FAUNA OF THE DISTRICT – NATIVE MAMMALS Scientific Name Common Name Habitat and ecology Pseudocheirus Common Ring- Resident found in small numbers in the Red Gum country at Langhorne peregrinus tail Possum Creek, and along Mosquito Creek. Hydromys Water-rat Captures from Langhorne Creek. Also in the Angas River (2004 surveys). chrysogaster Known from lake margins and rivers. Population estimated to be 25% of what were present in 1950’s-60’s. Impact of European Carp increasing water turbidity and reducing yabbies may have impacted on species. Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat Known to have increased. Prevalent around reedy areas of Lake Alexandrina, and in similar habitat along rivers. Mormopterus spp Southern roosts in buildings Freetail-bat Tadarida australis White-striped Roosts mainly in trees Freetail-bat Nyctophilus Lesser Long- Makes use of buildings for roosting geoffroyi eared Bat Chalinolobus Gould’s Wattled Roosts mainly in tree hollows gouldii Bat C. morio Chocolate Recent captures around Langhorne Creek, Nurragi and Finnis Wattled Bat Vespadelus Inland Forest Capture south of Langhorne Creek in early 1990’s baverstocki Bat V. darlingtoni Large Forest Roosts fairly commonly in buildings Bat V. regulus Southern Forest Captures from Hartley (1980) and Finnish (1983). Bat V. vulturnus Little Forest Bat Known to roost in buildings
64 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 7. FAUNA OF THE DISTRICT – REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS Scientific Common Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Frogs Limnodynastes Spotted recorded in the Angas River tasmaniensis Grass channel (2004 surveys) Frog
Turtles Chelodina Murray Found along the River Murray, Predation of Confirmation of the presence of macquarii Turtle and down to the Lower Lakes. nests is turtles in the area is best done by macquarii Inhabits permanent water mainly by undertaking specific trapping for only, so are generally found in birds and them, or through discussion with rivers but may be found in foxes, but local fishermen who are likely to see waterholes that are also water- turtles while fishing. permanent. rats, Water bodies inhabited goannas, include rivers, lakes, creeks, and ravens lagoons, and large waterholes. There is a preference for slow moving or stagnant waters Chelodina Long- Recorded in the Angas River Confirmation of the presence of longicollis necked (2004 surveys). Lives in turtles in the area is best done by Turtle freshwater environments and undertaking specific trapping for feeds upon aquatic them, or through discussion with invertebrates, tadpoles and local fishermen who are likely to see small fish. It is found along the turtles while fishing. length of the River Murray and so may be seen in the area. This species prefers to inhabit lakes, ephemeral swamps, or slow moving rivers, but has been found in virtually any kind of freshwater habitat including ponds and wetlands. It occurs in both permanent and ephemeral water bodies, and in both clear and turbid water, though sandy substrates are preferred, as well as logs and rocks upon which the species can bask. It can make great movements over land in search of new waterholes and nesting areas, so a turtle found walking across a road or through a paddock is likely to be this species. Wild individuals (as opposed to captive specimens) are readily distinguished by their intense smell.
65 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 8. FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DISTRICT - FRESHWATER FISH *A "SA Freshwater Fish Action Plan" is to be released for public consultation early in 2007. This plan is being prepared by Native Fish SA and DEH. This document will include recovery plans SA Threatened fishes and be a source of background information and guide for regional action. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* Craterocephalus Parli, Murray Nationally Vulnerable Historically recorded in the Inhabits margins of slow lowland Need to determine Insufficient fluviatilis Hardyhead (proposed IUCN Angas catchment. rivers, and lakes, billabongs and location of information criteria?) Vulnerable Recorded from Boggy Lake backwaters. Wetland habitat at populations; (Action Plan for in summer 2004 by S. the lower end of streams protect known Australian Freshwater Wedderburn (pers.comm.) including the Angas River populations and Fish) Endangered Previously last recorded mouth. Found amongst aquatic habitat; investigate (SANPWS) between Lake Alexandrina, plants and over gravel beds in translocation and SA and Lake Hattah, Vic in both fresh and highly saline establishment of 1970’s. waters. Appears omnivorous, new populations appears to eat insects as well as plant material, so may help control insect pests Geotria australis Pouched Lamprey Proposed Collected from near Juvenile stage spent in rivers, at Insufficient Insufficient Endangered Tolderol in 1989. Only three years moves to sea and information information (SANPWS) record. Historically parasitises other marine fish. recorded in the Angas and Migrates as an adult to rivers to Bremer catchments spawn and die. Weirs and other obstacles can prevent migration and spawning. Changes to riverine environments can affect juvenile stage Mordacia mordax Shorthead Proposed Museum specimens Juvenile stage spent in rivers, at Insufficient Insufficient Lamprey Endangered collected 1972 and 1978. three years moves to sea and information information (SANPWS) May historically have been parasitises other marine fish. present in the Angas and Migrates as an adult to rivers to Bremer catchments, based spawn and die. Weirs and other on availability of suitable obstacles can prevent migration habitat and spawning. Changes to riverine environments can affect juvenile stage Anguilla australis Shortfinned Eel Proposed Rare Museum records from Insufficient Insufficient (SANPWS) irrigation equipment in information information 1988 and 1996. Historically recorded in the Bremer catchment Atherinosoma Smallmouth Collected from Tolderol GR Insufficient Insufficient microstoma Hardyhead in 1999; M. Hammer found information information it near the barrages also.
66 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* Recorded in the Angas and Bremer catchments (2004 surveys). Probably occurs in brackish environments which provide suitable habitat. Feeds in eel-grass beds (Zostera sp) predominantly on crustaceans and insects Craterocephalus Fly-specked Proposed Rare Considered present in the Wetland habitat at the lower end Insufficient Insufficient stercusmuscarum Hardyhead (SANPWS) Bremer catchment. Not of streams including the Angas information information fulvus recorded in either the River mouth. Found in Angas or Bremer freshwater streams where it eats catchments, but may be mainly mosquito larvae and found in the wider EMLR aquatic insects, and also area. Endemic to Australia. crustaceans Considered common in the Lake by M. Hammer
Melanotaenia Crimson-spotted Proposed Rare One collected from Finniss Insufficient Insufficient fluviatilis Rainbow Fish, (SANPWS) in information information Murray-Darling translocated species Rainbow Fish Not recorded in either the Angas or Bremer catchments, but may be found in the wider EMLR area. Hyporhamphus spp Garfish Collection from vineyard Insufficient Insufficient dam near Langhorne information information Creek in 1987. Current lake species are probably River Garfish (not Sea Garfish). Not recorded in either the Angas or Bremer catchments, but may be found in the wider EMLR area Nematalosa erebi Tukari, Bony Recorded in the Angas and Insufficient Insufficient Bream Bremer catchments (2004 information information surveys). Occasionally found in the Bremer as far north as Langhorne Creek
67 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* Pseudaphritis urvilli Congolli Proposed Rare Historically found in the little information known about its Insufficient Insufficient (SANPWS) Angas, and also in the lifecycle, or the importance for information information Bremer (and Finniss) recruitment of stream habitats in Rivers, where it is found the region currently. Recorded in the Angas and Bremer catchments (2004 surveys). Limited to terminal wetlands and lowland stream sites. Often found in vineyards following floodwaters along the Bremer Hypseleotris spp hybrid Carp Proposed Rare Recorded in the Angas and Insufficient Insufficient Gudgeon (SANPWS) Bremer catchments (2004 information information surveys).
Hypseleotris Western Carp Proposed Rare * translocated species Insufficient Insufficient klunzingeri Gudgeon (SANPWS) Recorded in the Angas and information information Bremer catchments (2004 surveys).
Mogurnda adspersa Purple-spotted Proposed May historically have been Usually found in water up to 2m Insufficient Insufficient Gudgeon Endangered present in the Bremer deep, usually with abundant information information (SANPWS) catchment, based on cover in the form of rocks, snags availability of suitable or aquatic vegetation. Known to habitat. Rarely collected. spawn in hollow logs. Water with Nocturnal species. Was low turbidity appears to be a once widespread but now common theme, as eggs will die found only in some if covered with silt. Threats are Adelaide Hills predominantly from agricultural watercourses outside of run off and weir desilting the metropolitan area, operations; bank erosion including the Angas River causing sedimentation of the watercourse may also be a threat. Philypnodon Flathead Widespread and common Prefers pools and wetland areas Insufficient Insufficient grandiceps Gudgeon historic distribution similar that have instream structures information information to that found today. like rocks and snags. The Recorded in the Angas and species has a wide Bremer catchments (2004 environmental tolerance and has surveys). been recorded in a variety of in-
68 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* pool conditions including stable, flowing and highly fluctuating areas, of various depths and of differing water quality. Effects such as increased salinity may have assisted in a greater distribution in some areas such as the Bremer River. Philypnodon sp Dwarf Flathead Proposed Rare Found in Tolderol GR. favours areas with more Insufficient Insufficient Gudgeon (SANPWS) Found in the Angas River; permanent pools that have information information collected in 2000 at the stable levels over summer, river mouth by M. Hammer. including river channels, Recorded in the Angas and wetlands, spring pools and Bremer catchments (2004 larger mainstream pools. surveys). Endemic to Submerged cover and thick Australia. Occurs in vegetation or rocks and snags coastal freshwaters provide shelter. The species is able to tolerate wide variances in salinity levels Gadopsis River Blackfish Proposed Previously found in the Medium to large permanent Insufficient Insufficient marmoratus Endangered Bremer River, and large pools that are deep, ie >1m with information information (SANPWS) permanent pools near good instream cover and always Langhorne Creek. The with well developed emergent species underwent a structure, ie Typha on banks. serious decline in 1950’s Pools are generally spring fed, due to habitat degradation. providing cool deep pools over Recently found in a dam in the summer period. 1982 leading to a breeding Feeds on small crustaceans program. Re-established in such as shrimps and yabbies, the Angas. Found at insects, worms and small fish. It Willyaroo in 1990. May is a nocturnal species that now be reasonably favours areas of high water common at a few sites quality and cover, including along the Angas River. boulders, snags and reeds. Recorded in the Angas and Species is reliant on freshwater Bremer catchments (2004 to complete its lifecycle which surveys). involves spawning in hollow logs. Juveniles require leaf litter in watercourses to provide shelter during their development. Sedimentation can affect spawning events by
69 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* smothering eggs and limiting availability of suitable habitat like snags. Other threats include habitat removal and modification, chemicals, alterations to environmental flows, and predation by introduced fish. Nannoperca australis Southern Pygmy Proposed Recorded in the Angas Main requirement is the Improve the status Protection of Perch Endangered catchment (2004 surveys) availability of permanent and of the SPP in the key habitats – (SANPWS) and possibly in the cool water; therefore, the loss of MLR by increasing the section Considered to be Bremer. Widespread in the the species from many habitats the security and between Milang Locally Endangered, fringing swamps and is an indication that the extent (both range and the Bremer and is protected tributary streams of the freshwater environment has and density) of River mouth under the Fisheries Lower Murray and Lake been altered greatly. Found in populations in contains a Act 1982. Alexandrina. Key small pools or swamps with each of the patch of populations are found dense aquatic, emergent or catchment areas vegetation along Milang-Bremer River overhanging edge vegetation. occupied, by important for mouth of Lake Alexandrina Submerged cover such as increasing the the SPP and in a section of fringing algae, rocks, snags, emergent amount and quality other aquatic swamps and irrigation vegetation and submerged of stream and flora and fauna. drains, with other aquatic plants is important. Has swamp habitats. Current subpopulations located in been found in larger pools that Establish long-term environmental Finniss River, Inman River, lack introduced predators. government and and agricultural Lake Alexandrina and Lakeside populations favour community support values should Tookayerta Creek drainage habitats with healthy to promote the be maintained, lines. These are all Ceratophyllum demersum SPP within particularly genetically distinct sub- growth (i.e. not covered in regional planning maintenance of populations; therefore, the sediment) and good riparian and management existing artificial loss of one sub-population growth such as overhanging as well as aquatic flows along the cannot be replaced by grasses. Most often found in protection, drains by translocating species from fenced and ungrazed areas, and restoration and pumps. another sub-population. sites with the highest numbers education Consultation Species was once more had the thickest and healthiest programs (such as with relevant widespread and common. edge / riparian vegetation. illegality of experts highly Local extinction events are Feeds on small crustaceans and introducing recommended continuing to reduce invertebrates, and are excellent fingerlings into prior to any numbers. All known mosquito predators, thereby environment changes to populations occur on providing natural mosquito without a licence, management private land, there are no control in swamps and streams. clarification of practices. known populations Move into shallower areas native vs Avoidance of conserved in reserves. during flooding events, and to introduced earthworks and
70 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* feed. Edge vegetation is species). changes to flow favoured for this, with the ??Include this or regimes. species moving out of the flow not?? Fencing and area and sheltering in the stiller (Broad fish restoration / water. Juveniles favour edges of recovery revegetation of habitat and shelter in the objectives) threatened overhanging vegetation found Protection of water swamp habitats here. The species is a poor resources, Provision of disperser, and is short-lived (2-5 maintenance of artificial refuge years). environmental dams, threat – heavy and competing flows and natural especially in demands for water use in variation in Angas River drought periods is a time of streams catchment critical impact for the species. Protection and Investigate Threats: enhancement of environmental Habitat alteration and refuges (eg flows to ensure degradation – stock grazing / inclusion of snags, that trampling / fouling, drainage, encouragement / groundwater access and vegetation removal planting of riparian and surface Reduced environmental flows – / swamp water flows are abstraction through farm dams vegetation) to maintained for and the depletion of suppress SPP survival groundwater, reduction in introduced fish and especially flooding, drainage, decline in favour native fish during critical water quality species periods such as Introduction of exotic flora and Improvement of drought and / or fauna habitats (stock reproduction Introduced fish – predation, exclusion, times. competition, behavioural revegetation, Feral fish changes, habitat modification, removal of control targeted disease and parasites. Main introduced fish) to carp, species: carp, goldfish, tench, Cessation of gambusia, redfin, rainbow trout, brown pumping of pools redfin and trout trout, and gambusia Identification, Monitoring of management and water quality at cessation of point known habitat source pollution sites (eg road and stormwater runoff) Monitoring especially of removal of
71 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* introduced fish and expected recovery of system / native fish Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch Proposed Vulnerable Recorded in the Bremer Insufficient Insufficient (SANPWS) catchment. Collection from information information Milang in 1975. Rarely collected since, may be locally extinct Galaxias brevipinnis Climbing Galaxias Proposed Vulnerable Recorded from Angas Migratory species favouring Insufficient Insufficient (SANPWS) River in 1993. clear headwater streams. It is information information Historically recorded in the able to climb moist rock faces Angas catchment. Was and waterfalls, allowing it to once abundant in coastal recolonise habitats. It eats a drainages but habitat wide range of invertebrates degradation has caused a including aquatic insects such decline in numbers and as mayfly and caddis fly larvae, distribution. Predation by terrestrial invertebrates such as introduced fish is an millipedes, flies and beetles, additional threat. and crustaceans such as amphipods. Galaxiella pusilla Dwarf Galaxias Proposed Vulnerable Not recorded in either the Insufficient Insufficient (SANPWS) Angas or Bremer information information catchments, but may be found in the wider EMLR area Galaxias olidus Mountain Proposed Rare Was once more Lives in freshwater streams, Insufficient Insufficient Galaxias (SANPWS) widespread but threatened intermittent stream pools, spring information information by large predators such as fed streams, swamps, instream trout. Overall distribution dams. Most suitable habitat is and abundance has been small to medium stream pools in reduced due to changes in a series, with near year-round environmental flows, flow and at higher elevations particularly from (wetter areas). Found in large abstraction and fewer deep lowland pools in the lower pools. Common in the Angas River. Groundwater flow higher reaches of the and shade are considered to be Angas River. Recorded in important components in the Angas and Bremer maintaining the cooler habitat catchments (2004 that is required over summer. surveys). Endemic to Eats a range of food items Australia. including insects (aquatic and
72 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Historical and current Habitat and ecology Broad recovery Specific rating distribution objectives* restoration and management actions* terrestrial), crustaceans, worms, molluscs, and spiders where vegetation overhangs watercourses Tandanus tandanus Pomeri, Proposed Vulnerable Numbers have declined Insufficient Insufficient Freshwater (SANPWS) since 1940’s. Found off information information Catfish Milang jetty in early 1990’s. Not recorded in either the Angas or Bremer catchments, but may be found in the wider EMLR area Maccullochella peelii Murray Cod Occurred within the Favoured large snag-filled pools Insufficient Insufficient peelii Bremer River catchment information information within and upstream of Langhorne Creek
73 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Changes to environmental flows through regulation or modification Water resource development has had considerable effect on the health of fish populations especially during natural dry periods. Dams, weirs and barrages alter the seasonality, duration and depth of flow. Water flow in a natural season allows for winter inundation and summer drying; due to damming of flows over winter and releasing over summer, seasonality of flow is altered and breeding success of fish species may be affected. The ability of migratory fish to return to spawning grounds is also impeded. Watercourses are more likely to dry early due to unnatural retention of large volumes of water in dams. Desilting of weirs and dams causes sedimentation of watercourses affecting turbidity and minimising successful spawning of some species. Retention of large floodwater flows minimises potential floodplain area available for spawning fish, further reducing breeding numbers. Culverts, fords and large log jams can also prevent migration of fish species, as well as limiting dispersal into new habitats or avoiding environmental change such as drying of watercourses.
Terrestrial environmental change: Removal or alteration of composition of riparian vegetation affects suitability of habitat for fish to breed and survive. Reduction in suitable aquatic habitat such as fallen timber by removal of riparian vegetation, and desnagging of watercourses, minimises availability of potential habitat further. Erosion and sedimentation affect turbidity of watercourses and potential for successful spawning and maturation of eggs.
Water quality: Fish breeding cycles are an environmental cue triggering spawning events. Unnatural retention of water in dams and weirs increases water depth and therefore decreasing temperature. Releases of large flows of cold water can also impact on environmental triggers to spawning by altering watercourse temperature. Runoff from agricultural properties, roads and urban developments can introduce chemicals into watercourses, affecting fish health. Severe incursions can cause the death of fish. Use of chemicals on land particularly around catchment areas can cause an influx of chemical residue into the riverine environment. Deposition of large volumes of leaf litter from exotic deciduous trees along watercourses can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in the water as the organic matter decomposes. The release of large volumes of water from dams or weirs can also decrease available oxygen levels as this water is usually depleted of oxygen. Sedimentation of watercourses caused primarily by catchment and bank erosion leads to reduced light levels, smothering of spawn, and decrease in suitability of habitat for native fish while favouring exotic species like Carp. Increasing salinity in watercourses affects native fish particularly those with complete freshwater lifecycle or those that require marine environments only for a particular phase of their lifecycle. Freshwater fish have the ability to cope with some salinity but not the significant increase in salinity levels over recent years.
Impacts of introduced exotic and native species Introduced predators have restricted the occurrence of small native fish. Both direct predation, and influencing fish behaviour by the presence of predatory fish driving prey fish out of systems, can impact on native species. Competition for similar resources such as habitat and food can limit the population of native fish through increased mortality or decreased growth rates.
74 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Diseases and parasites from introduced fish can impact on native fish, as no immunity exists. For example, Redfin Perch carry a virus for which Mountain Galaxias and several other native fish species have no immunity. Introduced native species outside of their natural range can affect local native fish through predation, competition, and disease.
75 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 9. FAUNA OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DISTRICT – BUTTERFLIES Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Anisynta Cynone Vulnerable Found in open woodland and coastal Grazing, land improvement, Conservation of specific patches of cynone cynone Grass- dune grasslands. development, fire, changes to grassland habitat may be required. skipper Larvae feed on native grasses, including water regimes, and weed invasion. Feral rabbit control in coastal areas Austrostipa spp such as Austrostipa Loss and / or degradation of is necessary. scabra Rough Spear-grass, Poa spp native grasslands has impacted on such as Poa poiformis var. poiformis species persistence, particularly Coast Tussock Grass, and introduced through overgrazing and trampling grasses including Brachypodium by stock, and the impacts of distachyon False Brome, Cynodon introduced herbivores such as the dactylon Couch, Ehrharta calycina rabbit. Perennial Veldt Grass, and Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet. Feeding occurs at night thus avoid many predators such as birds. Possibly may occur in the area. A range contraction of 80% over the past 50 years is estimated. Antipodia Black and Rare Found in areas where host plants occur Bushfires, and agricultural and The use of Gahnia lanigera food atralba White Sedge- Should be found in sufficient densities, including urban development. Larvae can plants in revegetation projects skipper in the area, local limestone based open mallee. Host occur abundantly on fresh growth where appropriate may be of value. distribution will plants include Gahnia lanigera Black following fires; however, such fires depend on Grass or Desert Saw-sedge, G. have potential to impact on availability of host ancistrophylla Curly Leaf Saw-sedge, population numbers. plant species. and G. deusta Mallee Saw-sedge, and Recolonisation of habitat following G. hystrix Dwarf Saw-sedge on KI. bushfires is limited due to Gahnia ancistrophylla and G. lanigera fragmentation of habitat. Off-target are the preferred food plants. damage caused by agricultural spray drift is a threat. Herimosa White-veined Vulnerable Found in grassy woodlands sometimes A lack of suitable protected habitat Better management of such albovenata Grass- with limestone outcrops, grasslands, or in SA limits the persistence of this grasslands would allow the species albovenata skipper grassy coastal heathland. Habitat is species, with most suitable habitat to recover as it is adapted to its temperate Austrostipa grasslands confined to roadsides, grassy habitat and is hardy occurring within the 250-600mm rainfall remnants or on farmlands, and a band. Occurrence is limited by presence lack of connectivity between of food plants. patches. The species is dependent upon native Roadwork, clearance and grasses. Larval host plants include overgrazing are key threats. Austrostipa scabra falcata Delicate Increased fire frequency, Spear-grass, A. eremophila Desert unseasonal fires, and lack of Spear-grass, and possibly A. corridors allowing species to semibarbata Fibrous Spear-grass, and recolonise potentially suitable possibly Danthonia sp. Adults feed on habitats all limit population growth. flowers of Goodenia sp found in The use of pesticides and Austrostipa grasslands. Historically predation by mouse plagues also
76 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating present in Langhorne Creek area but impacts numbers. Loss of now likely extinct. Austrostipa sp. grasslands has a direct consequence on the persistence of this butterfly. Hesperilla Chrysotricha Vulnerable (SA Occurs in Gahnia wetlands in cool- Very susceptible to degradation of The retention of Saw-sedge chrysotricha Sedge- only, non- temperate coastal or near coast habitat, and therefore its presence wetland habitat is essential for cyclospila skipper threatened creeklines, and upland spring habitats. is a good indicator of the health of species survival. Riparian and elsewhere) Food plants include Gahnia deusta saw-sedge wetlands. wetland rehabilitation should Mallee Saw-sedge, G. filum Thatching Habitat fragmentation and include, where appropriate, Grass, G. radula Thatch Saw-sedge , G. degradation due to urbanisation planting of Gahnia species; fencing sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedge, and G. and agricultural use have of riparian zones and wetlands trifida Cutting Grass. Both habitat and impacted on this species, which should occur; an appropriate food plants must be in full sun. Possibly shares the same coastal habitat grazing regime may be suitable in may be in area. as the Nationally Endangered some instances; drainage of Orange-bellied Parrot, and Mt wetlands should cease as this Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren. stresses Gahnia plants making Threats are predominantly from them unpalatable to larvae. disturbance to, and destruction of, Gahnia wetland habitats through clearance, drainage, burning and grazing. Remnant Gahnia habitats along watercourses are critical for the survival of the species. Invasion and degradation of these habitats by exotic plants such as ash, blackberry, broom, ivy and kikuyu reduce potential habitat. Hesperilla Donnysa Local Occurs wherever suitable habitat is in Threats are predominantly from The retention of Saw-sedge donnysa Sedge- (Uncommon) high enough density. The larger types of disturbance to, and destruction of, wetland habitat is essential for donnysa skipper Gahnia are larval food plants, including Gahnia wetland habitats through species survival. Riparian and Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedge (cold clearance, drainage, burning and wetland rehabilitation should sinkhole wetlands), G. deusta Mallee grazing. Remnant Gahnia habitats include, where appropriate, Saw-sedge (limestone based heaths and along watercourses are critical for planting of Gahnia species; fencing mallee woodlands), G. radula Thatch the survival of the species. of riparian zones and wetlands Saw-sedge (moist forests), G. sieberiana Invasion and degradation of these should occur; an appropriate Red-fruit Saw-sedge (upland wetlands) habitats by exotic plants such as grazing regime may be suitable in and G. trifida Cutting Grass (lowland ash, blackberry, broom, ivy and some instances; drainage of freshwater wetlands). These species of kikuyu reduce potential habitat. wetlands should cease as this Gahnia require freshwater. stresses Gahnia plants making Females prefer to lay eggs on new them unpalatable to larvae. growth, or mature plants regenerating following a fire or slashing. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Hesperilla Flame Vulnerable Habitat is cool forest or cool moist open The sub species is declining due The retention of Saw-sedge
77 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating idothea clara Sedge- woodland. This subspecies requires to urbanisation and degradation of wetland habitat is essential for skipper Gahnia with Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit watercourse habitat through species survival. Riparian and Saw-sedge the principal food plant, and invasion by weeds including ash, wetland rehabilitation should G. trifida . Food plants normally need to blackberry, broom, ivy and kikuyu include, where appropriate, be in a shaded spot. reduce potential habitat. planting of Gahnia species; fencing Found in Meadows – may not occur in of riparian zones and wetlands study area? should occur; an appropriate grazing regime may be suitable in some instances; drainage of wetlands should cease as this stresses Gahnia plants making them unpalatable to larvae. Motasingha Dingy Four- Local Widespread distribution. Major threats are fire, urban Last recorded in Black Swamp in trimaculata spot Sedge- (Uncommon) Occurs in a range of habitats where development and farming 1942 – may not be in area? trimaculata skipper sufficient densities of food plant occur. In practices such as aerial spray Possibly may occur in the area SA, this is mostly open forest and drift. Habitat fragmentation has woodland. Adults favour hilltops, ridge occurred due to agricultural and summits and large sand hills. urban development, and so Food plant is Lepidosperma carphoides recolonisation of potentially Black Rapier-sedge in sandy areas and suitable areas has been unable to L. viscidum Sticky Sword-sedge in occur. heavier or rocky soils, with the latter being the preferred species. Although also found in sandy soils, L. concavum is not known to be used as a food plant. Females prefer young or small plants to lay eggs. Ocybadistes Southern Local It is found where the food plants are Main threats are from drought and Insufficient information walkeri Grass-dart (Uncommon) green enough to provide year-round agricultural activities such as hypochlora resources. It may also be found on urban sprays and herbicides. lawns, along damp grassy watercourses, and irrigated areas. The subspecies utilises both native and introduced grasses including Enteropogon acicularis Branching Umbrella Grass or Curly Windmill Grass, E. ramosus Tussock Umbrella Grass or Windmill Grass, Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass and Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass, or exotic species of Brachypodium distachyon False Brome, Bromus spp., Cynodon dactylon Couch, Ehrharta erect Panic Veldt Grass, E. longiflora Annual Veldt Grass, Lolium spp Ryegrass, Panicum spp., Paspalum vaginatum Salt-water Couch,
78 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu, and Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet. Occasionally Dianella sp. or Cyperus vaginatus Stiff Flat-sedge are used. Possibly may occur in the area Taractrocera White- Rare It is found where the food plants are Main threats are from drought and Insufficient information papyria papyria banded green enough to provide year-round agricultural activities such as Grass-dart resources. It may also be found on urban sprays and herbicides. lawns, along damp grassy watercourses, and irrigated areas. Swampy areas are also favoured. The subspecies utilises both native and introduced grasses including Austrodanthonia spp Wallaby Grass, Austrostipa spp Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass, Echinopogon spp Rough-bearded or Hedgehog Grass, Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass, Enteropogon acicularis Branching Umbrella Grass or Curly Windmill Grass, Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides Weeping Rice-grass, Poa spp, and Phragmites australis Common Reed, or exotic species of Agrostis capillaris Brown Top-bent, Cynodon dactylon Couch, Ehrharta calycina Perennial Veldt Grass, Ehrharta erect Panic Veldt Grass, E. longiflora Annual Veldt Grass, Lolium spp Ryegrass, Panicum spp., Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum, Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu, and Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet. Occasionally Carex gaudichaudiana Sedge is used. Possibly may occur in the area Papilio aegeus Orchard Vagrant Has adapted to using Citrus, but can Insufficient information Insufficient information aegeus Swallowtail also be found on other food plants but not recorded as using any food plant other than Citrus in SA. Sightings in SA are usually sporadic, and may be the result of escapees from private collections. Recorded at Belvidere in 1973; probably too cold for populations to establish Papilio anactus Dingy Local Found around citrus trees; original food Susceptible to sprays. Insufficient information Swallowtail (Uncommon) plants were native citrus plants in the eastern states such as Geijera parviflora
79 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Wilga, and has since adapted to using introduced Citrus trees such as grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, and orange. Generally found in urban areas and orchards in SA. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Papilio Chequered Local Found on Cullen sp. and in SA has been Insufficient information Insufficient information demoleus Swallowtail (Uncommon) found feeding on C. australasicum Tall sthenelus (Northern Verbine, C. cinereum Annual Verbine, C. Vagrant) graveolens Native Lucerne and C. patens Native Verbine. Food plants in the southern part of its range die back during summer, and so colonies are unable to persist in the region. Unlikely to breed in the area. Eurema smilax Small Grass- Migrant. Found on Senna spp, in SA has been Insufficient information Insufficient information yellow recorded on S. artemisioides coriacea Desert Cassia and S. artemisioides petiolaris Grey Cassia. Unlikely to breed in the area. Belenois java Caper White Migrant Host food plant in SA is Capparis Insufficient information Insufficient information teutonia mitchellii Tree Caper. Species is generally only found during migration where it can be founding SA during the warmer months. Unlikely to breed in the area. Delias aganippe Wood White Rare (Vagrant) Numbers declined overall in SA over the Threats to persistence in SA Insufficient information past 30 years. include urbanisation and Widespread species occurring in agricultural development leading woodlands and sometimes heathland. to habitat fragmentation. Food plants upon which the species has been recorded feeding in SA include Amyema melaleucae Melaleuca Mistletoe, A. miquelii Box Mistletoe, A. preissii Wire-leaf Mistletoe, A. quandong quandong (Grey Mistletoe), Exocarpus cupressiformis Native Cherry, E. strictus Dwarf Cherry, and Santalum acuminatum Quandong. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Geitoneura Common Common Found in higher rainfall areas, Insufficient information Insufficient information klugii Xenica particularly areas with consistent autumn
80 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating rain and annual rainfall exceeding 300mm. Occurs in open temperate heathland, shrubland, woodland and forest. Less often found in dry mallee or coastal environments. In SA has been recorded feeding on native and introduced grasses including Austrodanthonia spp, Austrostipa spp, Poa spp including Poa tenera Slender Tussock Grass and Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass, and Brachypodium distachyon False Brome, Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt Grass, and Vulpia sp. Fescue. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Heteronympha Common Common Found in higher rainfall and swampy Loss of native grasslands Insufficient information merope merope Brown areas, in areas where food plants remain particularly due to perception of green. such areas as harbouring vermin Feeds on native and introduced grasses. or snakes, has led to a reduction In SA has been recorded feeding on in butterfly numbers. Austrostipa spp. Spear Grasses, Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass, Microlaena stipoides var . stipoides Weeping Rice-grass, Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass, Poa spp, and occasionally Gahnia sieberiana Red- fruit Saw-sedge, as well as Brachypodium distachyon False Brome, Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass, Cynodon dactylon Couch and Ehrharta spp. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Junonia villida Meadow Common In SA the species is considered to be Insufficient information Insufficient information calybe Argus (Migrant) susceptible to few threats, and given the distribution of host plants is likely to thrive, particularly in urban gardens. Native species on which the species has been recorded are Goodenia spp. including Scaevola aemula Fairy Fanflower, Portulaca oleracea Muyneroo and Stemodia florulenta Bluerod, and introduced species
81 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Centaurium spicatum Spike Centaury, Plantago lanceolata Ribgrass, Antirrhinum majus Snapdragon, Kickxia elatine Toadflax, Phyla canescens Lippia, Verbena spp including V. officinalis Common Verbena, and Scabiosa atropurpurea Scabious. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Vanessa Australian Common Similar in habits and biology to Meadow Insufficient information Insufficient information kershawi Painted Lady (Migrant) Argus. Open temperate to arid habitats are preferred. Both native and introduced flora comprise food plants in SA: Asteridea athrixioides athrixioides Wirewort, Bracteantha bracteata Strawflower, Calocephalus platycephalus Billybuttons, Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting, Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered Everlasting, Helichrysum scorpioides Button Everlasting, Xerochrysum bracteatum Strawflower and Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed and Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Vanessa itea Australian Local Should be found in the area, local Insufficient information Insufficient information Admiral (Uncommon) distribution will depend on availability of (Migrant) host plant species such as Parietaria debilis Smooth Nettle and Urtica incisa Scrub Nettle. Danaus Lesser Local Predominantly favours Urticaceae as Insufficient information Insufficient information chrysippus Wanderer (Uncommon) food plants, in SA in only known to feed petilia (Northern on the Urtica incisa Native Stinging Vagrant) Nettle, and U. urens the introduced Stinging Nettle. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Danaus Wanderer, Common All food plants known to support the The removal of these introduced Insufficient information plexippus Monarch (Vagrant) species in SA are introduced species, plants, particularly Broad-leaved plexippus namely Araujia sericifera Cruel Plant, Cotton-bush, is likely to limit the Asclepias curassavica Red-head Cotton- distribution and persistence of this
82 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating bush, Gomphocarpus fruticosus (Garden migratory species. Swan Plant), G. physocarpus Balloon Cotton-bush, G. cancellatus Broad- leaved Cotton-bush, and Orbea variegata Carrion Flower. Native milkweed species are not eaten. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Euploea core Common Northern Vagrant This species has only been recorded Insufficient information Insufficient information corinna Crow, feeding on Mandevilla spp Chilean Oleander Jasmine in SA. Butterfly Not established in SA. Hypochrysops Fiery Jewel Vulnerable (SA The species can occur across many Bushfire is considered to be the Insufficient information ignitus ignitus only. Non- habitat types including dry mallee major threat in conservation threatened woodlands and heathlands to moist areas. Agricultural and urban elsewhere) forests. Usually occur near large areas of disturbances are a threat, and the pristine habitat. In SA it has been species seems permanently recorded feeding on Acacia leiophylla affected by disturbance. Collecting Smooth-leaf Wattle, A. pycnantha by enthusiasts is often greater Golden Wattle (food plant around the than individual colonies can Adelaide region), Choretrum glomeratum sustain. Predation on larval stages Common Sour-bush, C. spicatum Spiked by the introduced European Wasp Sour-bush, Exocarpus aphyllus Stiff also impacts on population Cherry, and Dodonaea humilis Dwarf numbers. Hop-bush. A symbiotic relationship exists between the larvae, and ants of the Papyrius sp., with the ants providing habitat during the larvae’s early stages, and the larvae provide liquid food from a special gland for the ants. This ant is itself uncommon, and also found in undisturbed areas. In the Mt Lofty Ranges the species was last recorded at Victor Harbor; it is not known if this population still persists. It is Presumed Extinct in Adelaide region but found elsewhere across state, though still in low numbers. Historically present in Langhorne Creek area but now likely extinct. Lucia limbaria Small Copper Rare Usually found in moist grassland or very Threats to persistence are Insufficient information open woodland with open grassy areas. agricultural and grazing practices, Host plants in SA are Oxalis perennans as agricultural land is its primary Native Oxalis and O. corniculata Yellow habitat in the area. Herbicides, Wood-sorrel. Iridomyrmex ants attend to insecticides, stock trampling and
83 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating larvae. overgrazing have particularly Availability of host plant, and areas impacted. Fires greater than an which receive greater than 250mm occasional light grass-fire are rainfall, seem to be limiting factors to another threat, therefore regular distribution. burning-off is likely to affect Found in Highland Valley area. colonies. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Ogyris amaryllis Amaryllis Common Extensive range. Good numbers Removal of Amyema mistletoes Insufficient information meridionalis Azure Found in occurrence with Amyema should be undertaken cautiously, Mistletoes, usually in open shrub and as the butterfly is dependent upon woodland. In SA the species is known to it, as are numerous other fauna feed on Amyema maidenii maidenii Pale- such as the Mistletoe Bird. In a leaf Mistletoe, A. melaleucae Melaleuca non-stressed environment, mistletoe, A. miquelii Box Mistletoe, A. Mistletoe is rarely detrimental to miraculosa boormanii Fleshy Mistletoe, its host. A. pendula pendula Drooping Mistletoe, A. preissii Wire-leaf Mistletoe, and A. quandong var. quandong Grey Mistletoe. Preference in temperate areas is for Melaleuca and Wire-leaf Mistletoes. The Australian endemic Lysiana Mistletoes are toxic to the species. Larvae are usually attended by Crematogaster and Iriodomyrmex spp. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Ogyris olane Olane Azure Local Generally found where food plants occur Removal of Mistletoe from its host Insufficient information (Uncommon) and rainfall exceeds 300mm, in is a limiting factor for this species. temperate woodland and forest. Favours Removal of Amyema mistletoes Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe and A. should be undertaken cautiously, pendula pendula Drooping Mistletoe. as the butterfly is dependent upon Larvae are attended by ants including it, as are numerous other fauna Crematogaster sp, Iridomyrmex spp, such as the Mistletoe Bird Ochetellus sp., Podomyrma adelaidae , SCIENTIFIC NAME??. In a non- Camponotus consobrinus and C. stressed environment, Mistletoe is terebrans . rarely detrimental to its host. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Ogyris Genoveva Rare Food host is mistletoe Amyema miquelii Insufficient information Insufficient information genoveva Azure Box Mistletoe or Amyema pendulum spp. pendulum – Pendulous Mistletoe. Larvae protected by Camponotus spp – Sugar
84 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Ants Possibly may occur in the area Ogyris idmo Large Bronze Endangered Presumed Extinct? Insufficient information Insufficient information halmaturina Azure Ogyris otanes Small Bronze Vulnerable Occurred in open heath, mallee and Fire on KI favours the butterfly by Insufficient information otanes Azure transitional mallee-heathland opening up woodlands where communities, with larval heath plant Choretrum occurs as a regrowth Choretrum glomeratum . Larvae tended plant after fire (initially destroying by Camponotus ants, which favour sandy colony). On mainland due to soils. Adult butterflies “hilltop”. fragmentation, fire has potential to Historically present in Langhorne Creek permanently destroy colonies due area but now likely extinct. to lack of remaining suitable habitat / recolonisation by Choretrum. Butterfly only survives where there is a critical density of the plant in pristine mallee, dry woodland or tall dry shrubland habitat. Jalmenus icilius Icilius Rare In SA favour Acacia anceps Port Lincoln Occurs in discrete colonies and so Insufficient information Hairstreak Wattle, A. aneura aneura Mulga, A. is very vulnerable to localised calamifolia Wallowa, A. pycnantha events such as bushfires or aerial Golden Wattle, A. retinodes var . insecticides. retinodes (Wirilda – hills form), A.r. uncifolia , A. tetragonophylla Dead Finish, A. victoriae victoriae Elegant Wattle, Senna artemisioides coriacea Desert Cassia, S. a. filifolia , S. a. petiolaris . Attended by Iridomyrmex ants, or Dolichoderus ants. Found wherever its host plants occur. Historically present in Langhorne Creek area but now likely extinct. Candalides Rayed Blue Rare Should be found in the area, local Bushfire, drought and urban / In addition in the MLR, the heathi heathi distribution will depend on availability of agricultural expansion are endangered Derwentia host plant species. detrimental, but as it can use derwentiana Derwent Speedwell, is Found on Westringia rigida Western various food plants it can be another food plant and one that Rosemary, Eremophila longifolia resilient. should be considered for Weeping Emubush, and Stemodia revegetation projects. florulenta Bluerod. In wetter areas of the MLR they use introduced ribwort as well. Larvae attended by Iridomyrmex ants. Found within its range provided food plants occur. Cyprotides Cyprotus Rare Possibly Cox’s Scrub and Scott CP – is it Insufficient information Insufficient information (Candalides ) Pencilled- in this area too? cyprotus blue Historically present in Langhorne Creek
85 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating cyrpotus area but now likely extinct. In temperate SA is known to use Grevillea huegelii Comb Grevillea and Hakea leucoptera Needle Bush as food plants. Larvae attended by Iridomyrmex species. Occurs in open mallee (low rainfall) habitat but also higher rainfall shrubland / heathland. Grazing is not a threat as the host plants are generally prickly or not palatable. Erina Blotched Local Favours native vegetation with Cassytha. Main threats are from bushfires, Healthy trees tend to be able to (Candalides ) Dusky-blue (Uncommon) Should be found in the area, local urban development and tolerate the parasitic plant; in non- acasta distribution will depend on availability of agriculture. Removal of host healthy systems where dodder is host plant species. Favours Cassytha plants is also a threat, as dodder- having an impact, thinning rather glabella form dispar Slender Dodder- laurel is a parasite that can grow than complete removal is laurel, C. flindersii and C. pubescens. extensively and smother its host. preferable. Host plants seem to need minimum of 300mm rainfall. Erina Western Local Should be found in the area, local Main threats are from bushfires, Healthy trees tend to be able to hyacinthine Dusky-blue (Uncommon) distribution will depend on availability of urban development and tolerate the parasitic plant; in non- form simplexa host plant species. agricultural activity. Removal of healthy systems where dodder is Food plant is Cassytha melantha Coarse host plants is also a threat, as having an impact, thinning rather dodder-laurel, which has a parasitic dodder-laurel is a parasite that than complete removal is preference for Eucalyptus spp. can grow extensively and smother preferable. its host. Lampides Long-tailed Local (Migrant) Adaptable No major threats. Thrives in urban gardens. boeticus Pea-blue Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Food plants include Crotalaria spp., Cullen australasicum Tall Verbine, Cullen patens Native Verbine, Gompholobium ecostatum Dwarf Wedge- pea, Kennedia prostrata Running Postman, Lotus australis Trefoil, Pultenaea tenuifolia Bush-pea, Sesbania cannabina Yellow Pea-bush, Swainsona spp Darling Peas, Oxalis perennans Native Sorrel, and Templetonia retusa Cockies Tongue. Nacaduba Two-spotted Common Widespread No major threats. Insufficient information biocellata Line-blue Should be found in the area, local biocellata distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Host plant species are most Acacia spp Wattles including Acacia pycnantha , A.
86 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating rupicola , A. victoriae victoriae Elegant Wattle and A. tetragonophylla , as well as Lepidosperma viscidum Sticky Sword- sedge Normally attended by Iridomyrmex. Neolucia Fringed Local Only present in native vegetation No major threats but in urban Insufficient information agricola Heath-blue (Uncommon) Should be found in the area, local areas development and agricola distribution will depend on availability of agricultural disturbances threaten host plant species. local populations. Host plants include Daviesia sericea Showy Parrot-pea, Eutaxia microphylla var. microphylla Mallee Bush-pea, Pultenaea largiflorens Twiggy Bush- pea, P. rigida var. ovata , P. tenuifolia Bush Pea and Pultenaea acerosa Bristly Bush-pea. In wetter regions of the MLR it will also use Dillwynia sericea Showy Parrot-pea. Generally favours mallee, coastal heath, and drier habitats where Eutaxia microphylla var. microphylla is found. Theclinesthes Bitter-bush Not rated Mainly coastal, dependent on food Areas with dense A. klotzschii do Conservation of the Coast albocincta Blue supply such as Adriana quadripartita occur in coastal areas but Bitterbush is needed. (formerly klotzschii ) & A. hookeri , so generally away from marinas and reduced in numbers coast shack developments, which Should be found in the area, local are a threat to the butterfly. distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Host plant is Adriana spp including A. quadripartita var . klotzschii Coast Bitterbush, A. quadripartita x A. tomentosa Hybrid Bitterbush, and A. tomentosa var. hookeri Mallee Bitterbush. Numerous species of ant attend the larvae. Theclinesthes Wattle Blue Local Should be found in the area, local No major threats. Insufficient information miskini miskini (Uncommon) distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Food plants are predominantly Acacia species including Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle, A. tetragonophylla Dead Finish, and A. victoriae victoriae Elegant Wattle. Not common in the colder wetter areas. Usually found wherever host species occurs.
87 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Common Conservation Habitat and ecology Threats Actions Name Name Rating Theclinesthes Salt-bush Common Present on saltbush No major threats. Found in urban gardens. serpentata Blue Should be found in the area, local serpentata distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Usually feed on saltbushes including Atriplex , Chenopodium, Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush and Rhagodia . Not common in the colder wetter areas. Usually found wherever host species occurs. Zizina labradus Common Common Native hosts include pea flowers but also No major threats. Found in urban gardens. labradus Grass-blue (Migrant) found on introduced legumes. Should be found in the area, local distribution will depend on availability of host plant species. Host plants are generally Leguminosae species including Cullen spp, Glycine spp, Hardenbergia violacea Native Lilac, Indigofera australis , Lotus australis Trefoil, Kennedia prostrata Running Postman, Pultenaea tenuifolia Bush-pea, and Swainsona spp Darling Peas. Usually found wherever host species occurs.
88 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 10. PLANT COMMUNITY CONSERVATION PRIORITIES An index of conservation priorities for plant association categories not conserved or poorly conserved in South Australia (Neagle, 1995)
A. Association Categories of the Agricultural Regions Poorly conserved or not conserved interstate or only in South Australia : PRIORITY 1 Nil Conservation in South Australia Very rare and endangered in SA. Poorly conserved in SA PRIORITY 2 Very rare and endangered in SA. PRIORITY 3 Most remaining examples are small and/or degraded and/or atypical. PRIORITY 4 Much depleted but a few large examples still remaining in SA. PRIORITY 5 Numerous moderately large examples still remain in SA but many examples have degraded understoreys and/or are currently under threat. Moderate conservation interstate : Nil conservation in SA PRIORITY 6 Very rare and endangered in SA. Poorly conserved in SA PRIORITY 7 Several examples still remain in SA but most are only small and frequently invaded by exotics and/or degraded. PRIORITY 8 Several examples still remaining in SA but threat of too frequent fires reducing species richness of understorey. PRIORITY 9 Not conserved or poorly conserved in SA but similar association categories moderately conserved in SA. PRIORITY 10 As above but similar association categories reasonably conserved in SA. PRIORITY 11 As above but similar association categories excellently conserved in SA.
B. Association categories of the non agricultural regions PRIORITY 12 Poorly conserved or not conserved interstate or only occurs in SA. PRIORITY 13 Reasonably or excellently conserved interstate. PRIORITY 14 Not conserved or poorly conserved in SA but similar association categories reasonably conserved in SA.
Codes indicating conservation status of the plant associations E-Excellent : Vegetation Association is present as a very large area of the reserve in 2 or more very large Reserves, with a high proportion of the original understorey diversity present, and with virtually no invasion of exotic weed species and virtually no pressure from human activity. R-Reasonable : Vegetation association is present as a large or moderately large area of the reserve in one large or several large Reserves with a moderate to high proportion of the original understorey diversity present, and with minimal invasion of exotic weed species and minimal pressure from human activity. M-Moderate : Vegetation association is present as a moderately large area of one moderately large Reserve, with a small proportion of the original understorey diversity present, and with minimal invasion of exotic weed species and minimal pressure from human activity. OR Vegetation association is present as a small area of several Reserves, with a moderate
89 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan proportion of the original understorey diversity present, and with minimal invasion of exotic weed species and minimal pressure from human activity. P-Poor : Vegetation association is present as a small area of the reserve in one small Reserve with a small proportion of the original understorey diversity present. OR Vegetation association is present as a very small area of a few small Reserves and with very heavy invasion of exotic weed species. N-Nil : Vegetation is not present in any form or condition in any Reserve.
90 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
APPENDIX 11. ENHANCING OLDER REVEGETATION SITES There are now many revegetation sites within the district at least five years old. The following section outlines different techniques to increase the range of native species and their dominance, provide a range of habitats within a single area and provide year round food sources for animals.
11.1 SUPPLEMENTARY PLANTING After five to ten years, the initial revegetation species form canopies, weeds are reduced, microclimates develop, leaf litter builds up, insects begin to recycle nutrients into the soil and other natural processes occur. The site is then ready for establishing species such as Vanilla Lilies ( Arthropodium sp ), Old Man’s Beard ( Clematis microphylla ) and Fanflowers ( Scaevola albida ) that require shelter and good weed control (see Table 11).
Shade, leaf litter and good weed control underneath 10 year old direct seeding, suitable for planting understorey species as well as other habitat enhancement activities, Neil Hodge’s property (Note the light coloured stems are Eucalypts, and the darker stems are mostly wattles).
Where there are few native grasses on site, they should be established so that they can become dominant (especially in lower rainfall areas) before wattles drop out and pasture grasses re- colonise. Native grasses are an important food for seed eating birds, as their seeds do not decay as quickly as introduced grass seeds and hence provide food over a longer time period.
Little weed control will be required for planting Phase Two species as planting sites should be selected where weed levels are already low. For those species for which little seed can be found or can only be propagated from cuttings, tubestock establishment will be required. These should then be planted close by to one another to increase the chances of cross-pollination and to make the plants more easy to locate again for on-going collection.
For those species where large quantities of seed are available (eg some grasses, daisies and some lilies) hand direct seeding can be used. This can be done either by seeding in ‘spots’ as
91 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan previously outlined, or by seeding lines between direct seeding rows. Lightly raking the ground before and after seeding will help seed come into contact with the soil.
For winter growing species, hand direct seeding should be done in Autumn, around the time of the opening rains, while summer growing species should be sown in spring while the ground is still moist but starting to warm. Take care to observe the level of shade and leaf litter in which the species naturally occur, some species would be unlikely to grow under dense direct seeding.
A revegetated understorey of Wallaby Grass ( Danthonia sp. ), Weeping Rice-grass (Microlaena stipoides ) established with hand direct seeding, and Bush-peas (Pultenaea sp.) and other small shrubs established with tubestock (Flaxley).
If time is limited, knowing the exact identity of each species planted into a site is not critical, provided it is known to not be a weed and can be collected from a nearby site of similar land type. Understorey planting can be as simple and unsophisticated as spending one afternoon in early January collecting the ripe seed heads of species such as native grasses, sedges and rushes, lilies, daisies, and even difficult to grow species such as Sword Sedges ( Lepidosperma spp.). Search underneath Honey-pots ( Acrotriche serrulata ) and Native Cranberry ( Astroloma humifusum ) for their large seed which can require several years of weathering before they germinate. Store all the seed heads in a paper bag in the pantry. In May, scratch a line down the centre of your direct seeding rows with a rake, scatter the seed heads and any seed that has fallen out in the line, then scrape back over the top with the flat side of the rake. Come back in spring and see what has happened! Some species may take several years to germinate, and some may not take at all, but for the amount of effort you should see a satisfactory result.
Many direct seeded sites contain a limited range of middle storey species because they are not suitable for establishment by this method (eg Banksias and Hakeas ). These will increase the range of food sources flowering over a greater part of the year for nectar feeding birds. Species such as this that are listed in the phase one lists can be planted into older sites. As these
92 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan species are relatively competitive they can be planted into areas that are still relatively weedy following slashing/whipper-snipping and spraying.
It is also important to maintain “waves” of new growth across a developing site. Therefore the establishment phase can be on-going until well beyond the end of the funding cycle or project life.
The following is a list of species that can be added to older revegetation sites. The list is based on the plant communities identified in the WAP. For areas close to Lake Alexandrina see the Lower Lakes and Coorong NRM Folder.
Table 11. Supplementary species planting list
Scientific Name Common Name Heavy Red Red Sand Black Cracking White Sand Gradational Seed? Cuttings? Division? Difficulty?
Adriana klotschii M Aristida behriana Brush Wire-grass M Arthropodium fimbriatum Nodding Vanilla Lily M Arthropodium strictum Common Vanilla-lily E Atriplex semibaccata Creeping Saltbush E Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass E Austrostipa drummondii Cottony Spear-grass E Austrostipa elegantissima Elegant Spear-grass E Austrostipa eremophila Desert Spear-grass E Austrostipa flavescens Coast Spear-grass E Austrostipa nitida Balcarra Spear-grass E Austrostipa nodosa Knotty Spear-grass E Baekea behrii Silver Baeckea M Banksia ornata Desert Banksia E Billardiera cymosa Sweet Appleberry M Bursaria spinosa Christmas Bush M Calostemma purpureum Pink Garland-lily E Calytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle M Carpobotrus Pigface M Chloris truncata Windmill Grass M Clematis microphylla Old Man’s Beard E Convolvulus remotus Grassy Bindweed M Correa reflexa var. reflexa Common Correa M Correa schlechtandalii Narrow-bell Correa M Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Sedge * E Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily H E Einadia nutans Creeping Saltbush E Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush E Enneapogon nigricans Black-head Grass E Eutaxia microphylla Mallee Bush Pea M
93 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Scientific Name Common Name Heavy Red Red Sand Black Cracking White Sand Gradational Seed? Cuttings? Division? Difficulty? Grevillea ilicifolia Holly-leaved Grevillea M Hakea muelleriana Desert Hakea E Helichrysum leucopsideum Satin Everlasting M Isolepsis nodosa Knobby Club-rush E Juncus sp? Rushes E Kennedia prostrata Running Postman E Kunzea pomifera Muntries M Lasiopetalum behrii Pink Velvet-bush M Lomandra effusa Scented Mat-rush M Lomandra multifora ssp. Hard Mat-rush M multiflora Lomandra sp. M Maireana brevifolia Bluebush E Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum E Myoporum platycarpum Sugarwood M Myoporum platycarpum False Sandalwood M ssp. platycarpum Phragmites australis Common Reed E Pittosporum angustifolium Native Apricot M Poa labillardieri Common Tussock-grass M Pultenaea tenuifolia Sand Dune Bush-pea M Santalum acuminatum Quondong H Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass M Vittadinia sp.? E
11.2 SEED PRODUCTION AREAS Some species are hard to collect seed from because they are low growing, few and far between or only have a very brief window of opportunity for collection. It is recommended that a small number of such species be first grown in a garden or small revegetation area which are then used as the collection source. Species which can also be divided or propagated from cuttings would also benefit from this technique. The plants can be mulched and weeds easily controlled, reducing competition and increasing seed production. The plants are easy to find and the majority of the seed/cutting material can be harvested, ‘unlike’ wild plants where some seed should be left for ‘ecosystem processes.’ It is important to keep good records of the original seed source and take measures to conserve the genetic variability.
Some species to consider for production areas are: • Iron-grasses ( Lomandra spp.) - for seed or division • Flax-lilies ( Dianella spp.) – for seed or division • Running Postman ( Kennedia prostrata ) – for seed • Guinea Flowers ( Hibbertia spp.) – for cuttings • Spider-flower ( Grevillea lavandulacea ) – for cuttings or seed.
94 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Seedpods of Running Postman ( Kennedia prostrata ) collected from garden grown plants of local provenance, in this situation large quantities can be collected in short time period compared with collecting in the wild.
11.3 THINNING Many older revegetation sites, (especially direct seeded sites and areas where some natural regeneration of Eucalypts has taken place), have a much higher tree density than occur naturally in remnant bushland. The main ‘problems’ with this when revegetating grassy woodlands are: 1) the trees all grow tall and straight, lacking substantial side branches 2) there are a lack of ‘open spaces’ within the revegetation, 3) the structure and density of the site is very uniform and lacks variety.
The openness of grassy woodlands provides horizontal low perches for native birds which specialise in watching for insects on the ground, such as Hooded Robins. They also supply a source of food for birds which specialise in eating grass seeds, such as Diamond Finches and Red-rumped Parrots. Reptiles and insects move around to feed and breed in spaces between native grass tussocks (A. Prescott pers. com.).
95 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
Trees thinned on five year old revegetation site to reduce overall density, Flaxley
Canopy species, mainly Eucalypts, can be selectively thinned to average spacings of at least ten metres, but up to 40m (provided there are other native species within the ‘gap’) taking care to conserve trees that have strong lateral branches. Thinned trees should have their stumps poisoned to prevent re-growth. Where there are few trees with lateral branches, coppicing (ie cutting down the tree without poisoning to encourage regrowth) can be used to create multi- stemmed trees. The waves of new growth created by coppicing attracts insects which in turn are food for birds. Coppiced trees are, however, more prone to falling over so coppicing should not be done near fencelines, buildings or other assets.
Many sites have also been sown with ‘generic’ local mixes, so thinning can also be used to remove those species that are no longer considered appropriate for the type of plant community that is being created. In particular, target ‘weedy’ non-local wattles such as Golden Wreath Wattle ( Acacia saligna ). In general, locally indigenous wattles will not need to be thinned as they are short-lived and also provide a role in weed suppression. Sometimes wattles may suppress the growth of other species such as Sheoaks where they germinate close by and in this instance the wattles may also be cut down to favour the other species.
The thinned trees and any other fallen trees should be left where they fall unless they are considered to pose a fire risk. The logs will provide food for insects and the animals which feed on them as they decay, as well as hollows for lizards. Smaller branches with their leaves may be cut up and placed around understorey plantings to provide mulch and protection from grazing by rabbits or kangaroos.
96 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
11.4 HOLLOWS Tree hollows provide critical nesting sites for many native animals including birds, bats and possums. If a revegetation area incorporates mature Eucalypts, then the site more than likely already has several hollows already. If there are no mature trees on the site, then it may be 100 years or more before the revegetation produces any hollows, within which time remnant paddock trees with hollows will continue to fall over taking their hollows with them. Artificial nest boxes can be used to provide an intermediate home for animals. They can be attached to older revegetated trees, or concrete in a special nesting box post. Attach boxes at a variety of heights with different size and shape entrances (see Upper River Torrens Landcare Group Inc. 2003 for more detail about nesting boxes).
11.5 BURNING The rehabilitation of revegetation areas may, at some time in the future, look to the use of fire to promote regeneration of local vegetation types. Fire can act as a quick boost to the movement of an ecosystem, producing new vigour and subsequent seed-set within a number of species. However there is little information available on the use and effects of fire in revegetation areas. Any use of burning in revegetation should only be carried out at a small scale on a trial basis. Burning may be a useful tool in establishing native grasses but expert assistance should be sought. Where possible, photo points should be established within these burnt areas and a monitoring program developed.
Yaccas ( Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata ) with new flower spikes following a bushfire.
97 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA
Langhorne Creek Biodiversity Plan
11.6 CONTROLLING PERENNIAL GRASSY WEEDS In some sites, non-native perennial grasses (eg Cocksfoot, Phalaris, Perennial Veldtgrass), may still be the dominant ground-layer several years after revegetation, especially along watercourses and/or where the initial revegetation did not establish very densely. Management of these grasses will depend on the objectives for the site: • If the objective for the site is to re-establish the original native vegetation association, then weed control followed by revegetation should be carried out. • If the objective is for the area to protect a watercourse, provide a shelterbelt or for amenity, then either leaving the site alone, careful time managed grazing 7 or slashing could be used.
Where removal of weeds is carried out, bushcare-type methods should be applied whereby weeds are controlled in the least weedy areas first and pushed outwards. For example, in watercourses, spray weeds in a half metre wide ring around sedges and rushes to encourage them to set seed.
In particularly weedy revegetation sites, it may be necessary to re-plant with an appropriate competitive native species, instead of waiting for natural regeneration to take place. Some highly competitive species include: • Wattles Acacia spp. • Sticky Hop-bush Dodonaea viscosa ssp. spatulata • Pale Rush Juncus pallidus • Sheoaks Allocasuarina spp.
Once weeds are better under control then Phase Two species may be planted.
7 Note that some revegetation funding agreements do not allow sites to be grazed.
98 2006, COMMERCIAL IN CONFIDENCE RURAL SOLUTIONS SA