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JUNE 2007 How this bird can help save northern Australia

Breaking News: AWC bids to link Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert australian

wildlife saving australia’s conservancy

threatened wildlife Pictograph the awc mission The mission of Australian Wildlife elcome to the June 2007 edition of Wildlife Matters. Thank you to all of our Conservancy (AWC) is the effective Wsupporters who helped with the purchase of Wongalara. Your generosity has conservation of all Australian animal made it possible for AWC to protect a very special property and its suite of animals species and the habitats in which they and plants, many unique to the Top End. As you will read on pages 8-9, AWC has live. To achieve this mission, our actions now completed the acquisition and has commenced delivery of key on-ground are focused on: actions, including fi re management and a baseline biological inventory. Already, • Establishing a network of sanctuaries some of the property’s biological secrets are being revealed as our fi eld staff which protect threatened wildlife and document signifi cant range extensions for several species. Additional survey work is sure to turn up more exciting discoveries. ecosystems: AWC now owns 15 sanctuaries covering over 1,100,000 On behalf of AWC, I would like to extend a special thank you to the Thomas hectares (2.7 million acres). Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, who have provided generous support for AWC during the last 12 months including in relation to Wongalara. As reported on • Implementing practical, on-ground page 7, the Thomas Foundation and TNC have established a program under which conservation programs to protect donations of more than $10,000 to AWC for eligible projects may be matched. the wildlife at our sanctuaries: these programs include feral animal control, Long-term supporters will recognise that this is our largest edition of Wildlife Matters. It reports on a wide range of AWC projects in all four corners of the continent (and in fi re management and the translocation the centre!), including feral animal control, fi re management, monitoring programs of endangered species. and the conduct of key research projects. The scale of AWC operations highlights • Conducting (either alone or in the growing maturity of the organisation and the professionalism and skill of AWC’s collaboration with other organisations) dedicated staff team. We are, with your support, developing an exciting new model scientifi c research that will help address for conservation in Australia. the key threats to our native wildlife. A good example of AWC’s leadership has been our role in delivering fi re management • Hosting visitor programs at our in the Kimberley. This year, AWC was contracted by government to implement fi re sanctuaries for the purpose of management across more than 8 million acres of the Central Kimberley. This has education and promoting awareness been achieved by AWC, working in close collaboration with a range of landholders of the plight of Australia’s wildlife. (see pages 14-16). I am not aware of any other example of a non-government conservation organisation delivering fi re management at this scale in Australia. It is a wonderful example of AWC’s capacity to help make a real difference on the about awc ground in one of Australia’s most remote areas. AWC is an independent, non-profi t An important part of our approach to implementing practical conservation programs organisation based in Perth, Western is developing a process for measuring our effectiveness. I am pleased to report that Australia. Donations to AWC are tax preliminary indicators, such as the population of key species at our sanctuaries, deductible. are positive – see the report on Scotia’s endangered mammals (pages 22-23). During the last four years, over 90% of In other words, we are delivering a good return on your charitable investments by AWC’s total expenditure has been spent translating donations into higher populations of threatened species! on conservation programs, including AWC is now well placed to attempt another ambitious project – linking Lake Eyre land acquisition. Less than 10% has been National Park and the conservation reserves of the Simpson Desert through the spent on development (fundraising) and acquisition of the 667,000 hectare (1.65 million acre) Kalamurina pastoral station. administration. This is conservation on a truly grand scale: establishing the nation’s largest private Cover Photo: The Red-backed Fairy-wren nature reserve and creating a contiguous network of protected areas in central is the subject of an important AWC research Australia that is larger than Tasmania. This is our next great challenge – I hope you project at Mornington; see pages 17-19. (photo: can help us meet this challenge of securing a precious desert wilderness before Dean Ingwersen). the end of 2007. Inset on Cover: The Kultarr is one of the many Thank you again for your generous support. I hope you enjoy reading about how rare and threatened species at Kalamurina; see that support is helping AWC make a difference where it really counts – in the fi eld. pages 3-5. (photo: Lochman Transparencies). Note: Photo on December 2006 cover also by Jiri Lochman. australian wildlife conservancy PO Box 1897 West Perth 6872 Atticus Fleming Ph: +61 8 9226 0340 Chief Executive www.australianwildlife.org

2 Breaking News: Kalamurina AWC bids to link Lake Eyre & the Simpson Desert Kalamurina contains important habitat for migratory birds. Ecopix

AWC has secured a remarkable opportunity to establish the largest privately-owned nature reserve in Australia. Kalamurina covers a stunning 667,000 hectares, stretching from the northern shore of Lake Eyre to the southern boundary of the Simpson Desert reserves. It is a property of exceptional conservation values, containing endangered species and habitats not represented in any national parks.

This is conservation on a grand scale - by linking the Lake Eyre National Park and the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve, AWC’s acquisition of Kalamurina will create a single protected area in central Australia that is larger than the entire State of Tasmania.

In order to complete the acquisition of Kalamurina, AWC must raise $3 million by 21 December 2007 – a total of $4.50 per hectare (approx $1.80 per acre). Please help make this remarkable project a reality. All donations are tax deductible.

Kalamurina: A summary of its signifi cance • Kalamurina will, if acquired, become the largest non-government nature reserve in Australia and, to the best of AWC’s knowledge, the largest highly protected private reserve in the world. • By linking the Lake Eyre National Park and the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve, the acquisition of Kalamurina will create a contiguous protected area in central Australia that is larger than the entire State of Tasmania. • The acquisition of Kalamurina will, by consolidating such a large area for conservation, play a vital role in helping the fauna of central Australia respond to the effects of climate change. • Kalamurina protects a diversity of arid zone ecosystems including extensive dunefi elds, a network of freshwater and saline ephemeral lakes, claypans, desert woodlands and shrublands and a range of vegetation types associated with the creeks and fl oodplains of the Warburton River system. • Several threatened habitat types occur on Kalamurina, including riparian habitats that are not represented in existing national parks. • Kalamurina protects a stunning array of desert wildlife including: - several threatened species, such as the Ampurta; and - several species endemic to the Lake Eyre Basin (ie, found nowhere else in the world), including the Lake Eyre Dragon.

3 Linking Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert. Ecopix in Australia and the fi fth largest terminal lake in the world, highlighting the national and international signifi cance of the region for conservation. With an annual average rainfall of only 140mm, Kalamurina relies heavily on receiving water from the channel country of southwestern Queensland. The Georgina and Diamintina Rivers fl ow out of this channel country and into Warburton Creek, which then enters Kalamurina Station and meanders toward Lake Eyre. In the western section of Kalamurina, Area, location and States covering, in total, more than 7 the Macumba and Kallakoopah Creeks converge with the Warburton before regional context million hectares (18 million acres). This is an area larger than Tasmania. it enters Lake Eyre. Here is the key to Kalamurina is located 950 kilometres the diversity of wildlife on Kalamurina The size of Kalamurina, and its role in north of Adelaide, west of the iconic – the convergence of three of central connecting Lake Eyre and the Simpson Birdsville track. For many decades, Australia’s most important rivers to form Desert, is important because: Kalamurina has been operated as an intricate pattern of habitats which • Kalamurina captures a large and a cattle station, one of the largest in are not represented in existing national ecologically signifi cant section of the Australia. It covers a vast area of more parks. Lake Eyre catchment, including the than 6,670 square kilometres (667,000 Warburton Creek generally fl ows every lower reaches of three major river hectares or 1.65 million acres). two years, but exceptional rain events systems (the Warburton, the Macumba are required for the fl oodwaters to reach Kalamurina straddles two bioregions and the Kallakoopah). The conservation – the majority of the property is in the Lake Eyre, and this only happens once of Kalamurina is thus critical to the a decade. However, the creek breaks its Simpson Strzelecki Dunes Bioregion, integrity of Lake Eyre itself. with a small proportion of the eastern banks about every four years, producing • Many of the animals found in section in the Channel Country Bioregion. a fl ush of green growth in the surrounding Australia’s arid zone require large The strategic signifi cance of the property fl oodplains. areas of habitat for their survival. This is further highlighted by its location at As this edition of Wildlife Matters goes enables them to utilise temporary the intersection of three of Australia’s to press, the Warburton Creek is fl owing refuge areas produced by isolated central deserts – the Simpson, Tirari and into Lake Eyre, hopefully symbolising a storms and showers. Even small Sturt’s Stony Deserts. new era of conservation for this unique mammals have been recorded landscape. However, of even greater importance travelling up to 10 kilometres in is the fact that Kalamurina provides response to isolated rain. The habitats on Kalamurina a vital link from Lake Eyre National • The establishment of large Park to the Simpson Desert Regional Kalamurina protects a diversity of arid conservation areas and corridors, Reserve. The acquisition of Kalamurina zone ecosystems including extensive particularly areas covering a signifi cant for conservation will create a contiguous dunefi elds (white and red sand), north-south latitudinal gradient, will network of protected areas across two a network of freshwater and saline assist animal and plant species in ephemeral lakes, claypans, desert adapting to climate change. woodlands and shrublands and a range Desert rivers of Kalamurina of vegetation types associated with the creeks and fl oodplains of the Warburton A feature of Kalamurina is the River system. Kalamurina also contains Warburton Creek system, one of small areas of gibber and spinifex Australia’s major inland river systems. country. In total, the National Land and Warburton Creek runs into Lake Eyre Water Resources Audit has identifi ed at near the south-western boundary of least 7 threatened ecosystems that are Kalamurina. Lake Eyre is the largest lake likely to be present on Kalamurina.

4 Ampurta. Robinson Eyrean Grasswren. Chapman

The riverine and fl oodplain habitats are has previously been recorded near the We need your help to save perhaps the most biologically signifi cant property boundary. The reptile fauna is Kalamurina and its wildlife areas of Kalamurina, providing oases diverse, including more than 50 species in an otherwise very dry landscape. such as the endemic Lake Eyre Dragon. AWC has secured an opportunity However, it is these riparian areas that to purchase Kalamurina and create one are also the most heavily degraded Key management issues of the world’s largest wildlife corridors. by cattle grazing. Removal of stock is Given the arid nature of the property, We now have until December 2007 to raise the $3 million required to complete essential if these habitats are to survive and the relatively small area of and recover. the purchase and provide for the effective spinifex, fi re management is not likely management of Kalamurina. The wildlife of Kalamurina to be a major management issue at If AWC cannot complete the purchase Kalamurina. Similarly, our inspection of Kalamurina, it is likely the property Kalamurina is home to a rich of the property revealed that there are will revert to being a cattle station and assemblage of arid zone fauna, including very few weeds. Accordingly, following the opportunity to link Lake Eyre and the a large number of threatened species. the removal of cattle from Kalamurina, Simpson Desert will be lost. The most signifi cant mammal species the major management issue is likely Please make a tax-deductible on Kalamurina is the Ampurta, a small to be the control of feral predators donation to AWC to support the carnivorous marsupial which is listed as Kalamurina project. At a cost of and herbivores. endangered under Federal legislation. $4.50 per hectare ($1.80 per acre) for Kalamurina and adjacent lands are one Camels are widespread and abundant acquisition and management, your of the last strongholds for this little-known in the Simpson Desert, but relatively few donation will make a real difference. species. Other mammals on Kalamurina were seen at Kalamurina during AWC’s A donation of $300 will provide for are likely to include the Kultarr, the Long- assessment of the property. Predation the purchase and management of 66 haired Rat, at least two dunnart species by cats and foxes is, however, a major hectares (165 acres) of this spectacular and possibly the Kowari, the Plains threatening process for arid zone fauna, desert wilderness. Mouse and the Dusky Hopping-mouse. particularly medium-sized mammals. If you donate $300 or more, or make a monthly pledge of $25 or more, AWC will Over 160 bird species are likely to be In addition to rabbit and camel control, send you a certifi cate to commemorate AWC will need to implement a dedicated present on Kalamurina, including the your donation. For details, see the Eyrean Grasswren. Other threatened or feral predator control strategy, drawing enclosed donation form or the back page declining species include the Australian on our work at places like Scotia and at of this newsletter. Thank you for any Bustard and the Plains Wanderer, which Mt Gibson. support that you are able to provide.

5 Arid zone rivers and their associated habitats are a feature of Kalamurina. Ecopix Newhaven A Great Desert Skink burrow. Rains

wo priority species at Newhaven are the Mulgara and the Great Desert Skink. Both species Tare listed as vulnerable to extinction under Federal biodiversity legislation. However, both species are also signifi cant because of their potential as indicator species for the health of habitats, especially in relation to the impacts of fi re and feral animals. Recent surveys suggest that healthy populations of Mulgara and Great Desert Skink survive at Newhaven. The article below is drawn from a report by Rachel Paltridge (a local ecologist working with AWC) on an initial survey for both species which was conducted in March 2007.

The main objective of our initial fi eld trip were separated by a minimum of 4km recorded at a total of 10 sites. Only 1 of was to conduct a broadscale survey of to ensure independence relative to the the 10 positive sites was in the western Newhaven to determine the distribution home-ranges of Mulgara and Great half of the property, just west of old of two species - the Mulgara (Dasycercus Desert Skink. Gurner homestead. Most of the sites cristicauda) and the Great Desert Skink At each survey site an area of with active Mulgara sign had been burnt (Egernia kintorei). This survey was part approximately 300m x 200m was between 2002 and 2004 but they also of a broader project being implemented searched for 1 person-hour for tracks, occurred in mature (unburnt for > 20 in conjunction with the local indigenous scats, burrows and diggings. Fortunately, years) soft spinifex habitat at two sites. community, under which members of the presence of both the Great Desert that community are employed to assist Active Great Desert Skink burrows Skink and Mulgara can be identifi ed with with surveys and potentially also with were recorded at six of the 42 random relative ease by skilled observers. The fi re management. Both the Mulgara and plots, as well as two additional sites the Skink are sensitive to altered fi re Great Desert skink has a characteristic where burrows were observed whilst regimes. A key objective of the project warren with multiple entrances and a travelling in the vehicle. Most sites is, therefore, to identify appropriate fi re large latrine within a few meters of the comprised regenerating spinifex (burnt warren. Mulgaras also have distinctive regimes for these and other threatened between 2002 and 2004) but six of the burrows, which can be readily confi rmed species in central Australia. eight plots with active burrows were by the presence of tracks, diggings and Forty two stratifi ed random plots were either adjacent to unburnt habitat or sometimes scats nearby. selected prior to conducting the survey, contained scattered unburnt mature using the Newhaven Vegetation Map Mulgara sign was common and hummocks within the fi re scar. and the Newhaven fi re-history database widespread in the eastern half of This initial survey represented a (1970-2006) for the stratifi cation. Plots Newhaven with active Mulgara burrows great start to the project, with abundant evidence of Mulgara and Great Desert Skink on Newhaven. Additional survey work is planned, as well as intensive burrow mapping to compare the abundance of Skinks between sites where patch burning has been regularly conducted with sites that have been burnt by larger wildfi res. The “patchiness” of different aged vegetation at these sites will be determined through fi ne scale fi re-scar mapping from satellite imagery. Footnote: The second survey program at Newhaven revealed a total of 42 small mammals across 7 sites including Desert Mice, Stripe-faced Dunnarts, Hopping Mice, Sandy Inland Mice and Mulgaras. It is clear there is a large population of Mulgara at Newhaven.

6 Rachel Paltridge during a biological survey at Newhaven. Rains Solar Power at Mornington Reducing our carbon footprint

As AWC’s largest sanctuary and a major regional centre for research and conservation, Mornington Sanctuary has the largest electrical power demand of any of our properties. Mornington’s remote location means that electricity is currently supplied by diesel generators, with accompanying fuel costs and greenhouse-gas emissions. However, with your support, AWC is planning a comprehensive program to slash the Solar panels supply electricity to a residence at Mornington, but a large solar facility is required for use of fossil fuels at Mornington: the conservation and research centre. Murphy • Phase 1 involves implementing an array of energy effi ciency measures. The initial capital costs of solar We need your help to raise • Phase 2 involves establishing a power systems are substantial – for the additional funds - more than $200,000 major solar photovoltaic power plant Mornington program, the overall cost - to establish the solar facility at to provide clean electricity. Mornington and to implement key is more than $500,000. The WA This program will cut Mornington’s fuel energy effi ciency measures. Government’s Sustainable Energy consumption dramatically - to a third Please help AWC reduce our carbon of the current usage. This will result in Development Offi ce has recently footprint. Donations can be made on annual savings of: approved a $245,000 subsidy for our the donor form included with this • 24,000L of diesel fuel program. In addition, an AWC donor newsletter or the form on the back page, or by contacting Beth Reid • $30,000 in diesel fuel costs has generously offered to donate in our Perth offi ce (08 9226 0340). • 70 tonnes of emitted carbon dioxide $100,000 towards the solar power plant Remember, your donation will be This is the equivalent of driving a if contributions from other donors match doubled as a result of the match being quarter of a million kilometres! this amount! provided by another AWC donor!

to eligible projects undertaken by AWC The Thomas Challenge and other Australian partners of TNC. This means that donations to AWC Matching major gifts for conservation of between $10,000 and $1 million can be matched by TNC under the Thomas The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and structured as a “challenge grant”. Challenge. This is a unique opportunity an eminent Australian, philanthropist Under the challenge grant, The Thomas for AWC supporters to “double” their David Thomas, have announced one of Foundation is contributing $2 million per contribution to conservation. For more the largest private gifts to conservation annum for 5 years. These funds will be information about the Thomas Challenge, in Australia’s history: a $10 million gift used to match gifts given by individuals please contact Atticus Fleming, AWC’s Chief Executive (08 9226 0340). The contribution to conservation by David Thomas and his wife, Barbara, is a remarkable act of generosity and leadership, and a wonderful outcome for conservation in Australia. Already, the Thomas Challenge has had a profound catalytic impact, generating over $900,000 in eligible donations for the acquisition and management of Wongalara. AWC thanks David and Barbara Thomas and TNC for their extraordinary support and assistance through the Thomas Challenge.

7 Michael Looker (TNC), Rob McLean (TNC) and Max Bourke (Thomas Foundation and TNC) discuss northern Australian issues with Dr Sarah Legge. Wongalara Wildlife Sanctuary Delivering practical land management at AWC’s newest sanctuary

hank you to all of the AWC supporters who contributed to our Wongalara campaign. As a result Tof your generosity, AWC has now completed the acquisition of Wongalara and commenced implementation of an ambitious land management program. Wongalara is AWC’s 15th sanctuary, meaning the organisation and its small team of dedicated staff now manage more than 1.1 million hectares around Australia. In the paragraphs below, Dr Sarah Legge talks about the initial steps in delivering our conservation programs at Wongalara. Sarah’s article highlights the fact that the acquisition of a property like Wongalara is just the beginning – the real challenge is to deliver practical and effective on ground management on an on-going basis.

Almost as soon as AWC completed its Chance observations such as these mix of open woodlands and shrublands. acquisition of Wongalara, the heavens are thrilling and informative, but unlike The sandy uplands are cloaked in opened as if to celebrate the dedication diurnal, brightly coloured birds, most Woollybutts, Rusty Bloodwoods, of this extraordinary property for animals are cryptic - hiding under leaf Stringybarks and Scarlet Gums with a conservation. Massive fl ooding cut off litter or underground, only emerging heathy understorey of grevilleas and access to the property in spectacular from cover at night, or requiring a very peas. Stands of Lancewood (a very hard timbered acacia) perch on the sides and fashion. However, as the creeks subside, close examination with an eye lens in tops of many of the hills; the Firegrass the muddy mess around the homestead order for their identity to be revealed. that typically coats the ground under the is cleaned up and the tracks are made This means we need to set a variety of lancewood emits an attractive rosy blush navigable once again, the top priorities different traps to capture animals, and between the grey-green leaves of the actively search and use spotlights at at Wongalara are to begin the biological acacia canopy. The gullies running off night for certain species. Most animals inventory and monitoring program, and the higher country are choked with tall are also fussy about where they live, to implement a biodiversity-friendly fi re paperbarks and pandanus, with rainforest so biological inventory work must be management program. As this newsletter patches on the steeper, rockier sections. goes to press, a team from Mornington structured around the full range of In the north of the property the extensive Sanctuary are temporarily based at ecosystems found in an area. cracking blacksoil-fl oodout country of Wongalara making great progress with Wongalara supports a diverse array the Mainoru River runs into paperbark both of these priorities. of ecosystems, dominated by a wide fl oodplains and open grasslands. Commencing the biological inventory of Wongalara There’s a special brand of excitement that fl avours a fauna survey in any new location, and Wongalara, sitting just under Arnhem Land, was bound to throw up some highlights. Sure enough, we were rewarded from the moment we entered the front gate where a pair of Hooded Parrots fl ew up from the track to welcome us. Hooded Parrots are confi ned to a very small area of the Top End, and there could be no better species to symbolise the entrance to the newest AWC property. Sixty kilometres later and now very near the homestead, we crossed a creek that was being visited simultaneously by Gouldian Finches. We have encountered them at this creek fairly regularly since then.

8 AWC ecologist, Ray Lloyd captures a small snake in a Wongalara crevasse. Swanie provides moral support. Heathcote new routes and contingencies that are developed on the run, adding a spicey condiment to the burning program. Operational spice notwithstanding, the burning program at Wongalara during May has been very successful, with fi res generally carrying long enough to form good fi rebreaks, burning patchily and being extinguished at night by the heavy dews that characterise this time of the year. This fi rst prescribed burning season The lost city at Wongalara is prime habitat for Rock Ringtail Possums. Ecopix has been a great start to our goal of changing fi re patterns on Wongalara so Our survey is sampling this variety Fire management at that the size and frequency of fi res are of habitats and thus characterising Wongalara both reduced. Over time, the biodiversity their associated fauna. For example, monitoring program that we are in wetlands we are catching Common Without active intervention, frequent establishing this year should help reveal Planigales as well as a broad assemblage and extensive fi res dominate the north the benefi ts of this fi re management to of frogs (17 species so far, out of a total Australian landscape in the mid to late wildlife by recording the recovery of dry season. A management priority for of 22 species likely to occur on the species and ecosystems over time. property). In the southwest of Wongalara Wongalara is to implement a prescribed an astonishing formation of limestone burning program that limits the frequency rock pillars emerge from the Scarlet and extent of these uncontrolled fi res. Gum woodland, and here we are fi nding After examining the region’s fi re Common Rock Rats and Rock Ringtail history using archived satellite images, Possums. The heavy sandstone slabs and talking to neighbours to explain that nestle between Callitris pine and our strategy and get their feedback, eucalypt woodlands near the centre of we developed a prescribed aerial burn the property are a refuge for Knob-tailed plan for May 2007. The aim of our Geckoes, Nephrurus shea. This fi nd is burn plan is to stop large fi res from especially exciting as it represents a entering Wongalara from the most large range extension from the previously common ignition points outside the known distribution. property boundaries, and also to break The region that includes Wongalara is up ecosystems within the property into relatively poorly surveyed, and we are two or more ‘cells’ so that if a fi re affects already picking up range extensions for that area later in the year, it will not burn a number of species other than the Knob- the entire vegetation patch. In this way, A Common Planigale captured at Wongalara. Heathcote tailed Gecko, including plants (eg. the we hope to create vegetation of mixed Snappy Gum, Eucalyptus leucophloia, a ages within any single ecosystem, thus favoured nest tree for Gouldian Finches), catering for fauna with a wide range of as well as large populations of species for ecological requirements. which Wongalara purportedly lies on the In practice these simple objectives very edge of their recorded distributions can be hard to achieve operationally. For (eg. Apostlebird, Struthidea cinerea). example, translating a hypothetical line This fi rst survey effort is forming the on a map into a real burn on the ground basis of a larger biodiversity monitoring is challenging if that area burnt last year program that will track the changes in (and the grass regrowth is limited), or the fl ora and fauna over time as we remove area is low lying (and is holding moisture stock, feral animals and weeds, and longer than elsewhere). This means that manage fi re. hypothetical plans are often “shelved” for

9 Two Common Tree Snakes. Ecopix Brooklyn Wildlife Sanctuary Inventory and monitoring in a biodiversity hotspot

rooklyn Wildlife Sanctuary ranges from high altitude World Heritage tropical rainforest and Btall wet Eucalyptus forest in the east, through a decreasing altitude and rainfall gradient to vast open savanna woodlands in the west. In 2006, AWC, CSIRO and the Queensland Herbarium commenced a survey and monitoring program at Brooklyn to investigate the fl ora and fauna patterns across the property and to measure its recovery during the process of destocking. In this article, Dr Alex Kutt (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems) and Jeanette Kemp (Queensland Herbarium) describe the progress to date on this important collaborative project.

Measuring changes at Brooklyn The 50 sites have already been diversity) on the Mt Lewis footslopes. sampled twice; for two weeks in A number of new and signifi cant species In May 2006, our project commenced May 2006 (wet season), and two in have been recorded; including the rare with the establishment of 50 permanently November 2006 (dry season). A third Yellow-naped Snake and the very cryptic marked monitoring plots across Brooklyn. survey was being undertaken as this blind snake Ramphlotyphlops broomi. The monitoring sites are expected to newsletter was going to press. The Part of the signifi cance of Brooklyn tell a fascinating story about Brooklyn’s November 2006 survey involved 9 is its biogeographic location at the recovery from grazing and its response Earthwatch volunteers and 5 staff from crossroads of the wet-dry tropical divide. to AWC’s practical land management. CSIRO, James Cook University and the For example, four species of whipsnake The sites were stratifi ed by altitude, Queensland Environment Protection (Demansia spp.) occur on the property geology and vegetation type. Twice a Authority. To date 800 bird counts, 1200 and gecko diversity ranges from two year, a standardised survey of plants pitfall trap nights (1 trap open for 1 night rainforest endemics (chameleon and and animals will be undertaken at each = 1 trap-night), 1900 funnel trap nights, leaf tail geckoes), a granite boulder site over a four night / fi ve day period. 16,000 Elliott trap nights, 400 cage trap endemic (Oedura coggeri) and a Each fauna sample will comprise 8 timed nights, and 100 active searches have number of typical savanna and arid bird counts, 4 pitfall traps, 6 funnel traps, been completed. species (Diplodactylus spp). 20 Elliott traps, 2 cage traps and 5 timed Some of the emerging patterns In the latest survey (May 2007), 100 “active searches”. This standardisation include the high diversity of granivorous nest boxes were mounted permanently requires an extraordinary level of effort, birds, mixed bird fl ocks and reptiles in trees in each of the sites. The nest but ensures that the sites will faithfully in the stony ranges; and the high boxes will specifi cally target more reveal patterns of change over time. mammal diversity (but relatively low bird cryptic species such as the Feathertail

10 A Northern Freetail Bat photographed at Brooklyn during a biological survey. T.Reardon Glider and the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Quoll population at Brooklyn will become though a range of arboreal mammals is increasingly important as this beautiful The Northern Death-adder (Acanthophis praelongus) expected to be recorded. animal disappears across much of its is moderately common on Brooklyn. Vanderduys range elsewhere in northern Australia. Mammals and climate change Phenomenal fl ora diversity A number of the monitoring sites are located down the altitudinal gradient The native plant species list for from the high rainforest of Mt Lewis to Brooklyn is spectacular, currently the alluvial plains of the Mitchell River. including 988 species representing The top sites can only be accessed by more than 11% of Queensland’s native foot, and sampling requires an arduous plants. The most diverse groups include 10km return journey every morning for grasses (130 species) and legumes (75 fi ve days to check traps. This gradient species). Brooklyn is certainly one of the was established to investigate how the most fl oristically diverse conservation fauna, particularly mammals, respond reserves in Australia! With a number to changes in altitude and habitat. A of habitats yet to be sampled, the fl ora diversity of ground-dwelling mammals list will soon pass 1000 species. Some (predominantly rodents and dasyurids) areas are extremely species rich, and have been recorded, including the very can contain more than 80 plant species secretive Prehensile-tail Rat (a fi rst for in a 500m² plot: surprisingly, these Solanum multiglochidiatum is one of the 46 rare and threatened plant species recorded at Brooklyn to date. Kemp Brooklyn). Neat patterns occur; as we areas include non-descript, seasonally move down the slope, the predominantly inundated open woodlands. rainforest species Dusky Antechinus, The number of threatened plants at Bush Rat and Fawn-footed Melomys Brooklyn is equally extraordinary; 46 give way to open woodland species like species, representing 5% of the total the Yellow-footed Antechinus, Canefi eld fl ora. This is largely due to the high Rat and Grassland Melomys. As our number of rare and restricted high altitude climate warms, the habitat boundaries rainforest endemics. More rare species along the altitudinal gradient on Mt Lewis are likely to be recorded as rainforest are expected to shift. Accordingly, over botanists concentrate on Mt Lewis in time, our sites on Mt Lewis will provide the near future. For at least 16 rainforest important data on the long-term effects species, Brooklyn represents a large of climate change on native mammals. proportion of their total population and distribution. Several plants are also very Northern Quolls: defying the poorly known, with 6 species recorded Cane Toad less than 10 times in the Queensland Herbarium’s collection. This includes the The endangered Northern Quoll; this young animal was trapped The Northern Quoll is listed as in a pitfall trap and was one of fi ve individuals recently trapped on the foothills of Mt Lewis. Vanderduys endangered, and is sadly declining very rare white potato orchid (Gastrodia across northern Australia. A key factor urceolata), recorded at Brooklyn Station in the demise of the Northern Quoll is for only the third time in Queensland. the relentless expansion of the Cane The fi eld herbarium at Brooklyn now Toad. However, at Brooklyn, our surveys contains specimens of 540 woodland have revealed a healthy population of and open forest species. Digital Northern Quolls on the granite slopes scans of every specimen and some of Mt Lewis despite the occurrence of 218 fi eld photographs comprise a Cane Toads in this area. It is unclear why “virtual herbarium” enabling creation the Brooklyn Quolls appear to readily of fi eld identifi cation books to be used co-exist with Cane Toads. Perhaps at Brooklyn and other AWC wildlife the rugged refugial habitat at Brooklyn sanctuaries such as Mt Zero/Taravale. ensured the survival of the Quoll We look forward to providing further population until individual Quolls learnt updates as the Brooklyn plant list not to eat Cane Toads? In any event, the exceeds the magical 1,000 species.

11 An example from the fi eld herbarium for Brooklyn. Kemp Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary

aruna Wildlife Sanctuary is a 14 kilometre wildlife corridor covering more than P2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) and functioning as a critical link between Walyunga and Avon Valley National Parks. Located approximately an hour from Perth, Paruna is a vitally important site for the conservation of the threatened mammals of south-western Australia. AWC ecologist, Dr Jacqui Richards, provides an update on our programs at Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary.

Halting the decline of ten animals were fi tted with radio collars animals that were re-trapped had gained the Woylie to monitor their survival and track their weight. This confi rmed that Paruna offers post-release movements. quality habitat with an ample food supply. Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary, AWC’s In a bid to enhance our understanding Overall, 90 of the 96 released animals fi rst reserve, has long played a vitally of the factors that infl uence Woylie were trapped at Paruna in the fi rst two important role in the conservation of survival, AWC staff and University of WA weeks post-release, providing evidence one of Australia’s iconic endangered Honours student Andrew Hide monitored for the success of the translocation. mammals – the Woylie or Brush-tailed the Woylies released at Paruna for However, three radio-collared Woylies Bettong. Sadly, the Woylie appears to three months. This involved extensive were killed by foxes or cats, and more have declined signifi cantly in recent trapping across the entire 2,000 hectare recent monitoring in 2007 suggests years and Karakamia now appears to sanctuary, with more than 2,000 trap that additional Woylies have been lost be home to the only remaining high- density population of Woylies in Western nights undertaken. In addition, radio- to predation. Fortunately, the Woylie Australia. tracking of the collared animals occurred population still manages to produce new on a daily and then a weekly basis. recruits, and the animal is a common Karakamia is free of feral cats and sight during regular spotlight monitoring. foxes, with the property surrounded by Paruna contains good habitat for a feral-proof fence. As a result of this Woylies and AWC employs an intensive The monitoring program also security from feral predators, the Woylie feral animal control program: however, highlighted the importance of Paruna for population at Karakamia enjoys a high Paruna is not completely surrounded by other endangered mammals – more than rate of recruitment. This allows AWC a feral-proof fence. Accordingly, there 40 Quenda were captured as well as 14 to translocate, each year, a number is a relatively low level of feral predator Chuditch (Western Quoll). of animals to AWC’s nearby Paruna activity at Paruna. AWC’s monitoring of The Woylie monitoring program Wildlife Sanctuary. The Woylies released the released Woylies was designed, in at Paruna has provided important in Paruna also bolster the populations part, to help identify whether the level information on the ecology of this highly in Walyunga and Avon Valley National of feral predator activity at Paruna is endangered mammal. The project has Parks, both of which adjoin Paruna. impacting on the Woylie population and, also confi rmed that Karakamia and In mid-2006, AWC translocated ninety if so, to what extent. Paruna will continue to play a critical six (96) Woylies from Karakamia to The initial monitoring results role in the conservation of the Woylie. Paruna. Each animal received a thorough demonstrated that the Woylies did not However, a preliminary analysis of health check prior to translocation, and disperse far from the release site and all the results also suggests that AWC

12 Camera-traps at Paruna reveal feral predators (foxes and feral cats) as well as endangered mammals such as the elusive Chuditch (Western Quoll). AWC fi eld ecologist, Jo Williams, releases an endangered Black-fl anked Rock-Wallaby, with assistance from Noah Fleming (trainee ecologist!). Blaxell must consider the construction of a one of eight transects running along the is also working with DEC and the Invasive feral-proof fence around the entire Avon River, in areas of high mammal Animals CRC to develop a bait that Paruna sanctuary if we wish to secure traffi c. Each camera is accompanied by will allow the broadscale control of a signifi cant and sustained further a sand pad (for tracks), a lure of ‘pongo’ feral cats. More information on that increase in the population of the Woylie – a delightful combination of cat urine project, at Mt Gibson Wildlife Sanctuary, and other endangered mammals. and other material – and a FAP (Feline will be included in the next edition of Capturing cats on camera Attracting Phonic), which emits a regular Wildlife Matters. high-pitched, cat-like noise. John Angus While foxes are controlled within from the WA Department of Environment Endangered Rock-wallabies Paruna by regular baiting, little is known and Conservation (DEC), who has released at Paruna about the number of feral cats that occur conducted similar camera trapping The Black-fl anked Rock-wallaby within the sanctuary. AWC has sought projects throughout WA, has provided a population within Paruna Wildlife to address this issue by implementing wealth of advice to AWC on the use of Sanctuary was boosted in April 2007 with an innovative cat monitoring program the camera traps. using “camera traps”. Established with the release of a further 18 individuals. The initial results have provided an the support of the Threatened Species In a joint operation with DEC, the animals intriguing snapshot of the lives of several Network (TSN), the objectives of the were sourced from Mt Caroline Nature fauna species in Paruna. At least four camera trap program include: Reserve and Querekin Rock. More feral cats, sporting a variety of coat than 70 Black-fl anked Rock-wallabies • to determine whether feral cats are colours, have been ‘captured’ by the have now been released at Paruna playing a role in reducing the rate of digital cameras. A number of young population increase of threatened foxes dispersing into Paruna have also since 2001. mammals, such as the Woylie and been photographed, along with the odd The 18 animals included 8 males Quenda; feral pig. By far the majority of images, from Mt Caroline and a further 5 males • to estimate how many cats occur however, have included Woylies, and 5 females (4 of which also carried in Paruna and to enhance our Chuditch, Echidna, Tawny Frogmouths pouch young) from Querekin Rock. The understanding of their behaviour; and and Magpies – we are obviously blessed Rock-wallabies were released at dusk • to help develop a mechanism for the with inquisitive native fauna. as part of a special event involving control of cats. We will provide more information on supporters from as far as away as New The camera traps have been in place the results of our camera trap surveys York. The event was covered by Channel since the beginning of 2007. Each trap is on the AWC website. As regular readers 10, who showcased these beautiful placed for a period of four weeks along of Wildlife Matters will be aware, AWC Rock-wallabies on the 6pm news.

13 A new approach to fi re management Implementing a co-ordinated fi re strategy across more than 8 million acres

n April 2007, AWC was engaged to develop and implement an innovative fi re management Istrategy across the Central Kimberley. By June 2007, the strategy had been prepared and extensive prescribed burning operations had been delivered in partnership with Kimberley landholders and government agencies.

The role of AWC staff in implementing fi re regimes, our efforts in 2007 will be Mornington. The satellite map included the Central Kimberley fi re strategy has regarded as successful if the prescribed with this article shows the Kimberley, included: burns operate to limit the scale and intensity the boundary of Mornington Wildlife • preparing basic fi re history maps for of wildfi res in the late dry season. Sanctuary, and the areas covered by 8 pastoral leases, one national park and The problem: a cycle of each of these fi res. To illustrate their an area of unallocated crown land; scale, the outline of Switzerland has extensive wildfi res • working with landowners to develop been superimposed onto the map. Both prescribed burning strategies for For over 20 years, the Kimberley has of these fi res were started by people. their properties; been locked into a regular cycle of intense Although lightning strikes can also ignite massive fi res, this happens relatively • implementing aerial burning and very extensive fi res in the mid to late rarely because lightning is usually operations, from a helicopter, along dry season. These fi res typically recur in associated with rain. burn routes extending for more than any one area every two years. In the fi rst 1,750 km; and year after a fi re the fuel loads are usually Both the scale and the high frequency too low to carry another fi re, but after of these Kimberley fi res are causing • partnering with government agencies, two years the grass layer has built up enormous damage to the wildlife and including the Department of just enough so that high temperatures, Conservation, to ensure co-ordinated habitats of the Kimberley. For example, dry air, and persistent south-easterlies delivery of fi re management across wildfi res destroy the sensitive vegetation between June and November conspire the Kimberley. along creeks (and thus the animals that to encourage confl agrations which depend on this fragile habitat like Purple- The fact that AWC was engaged to engulf large areas. crowned Fairy-wrens). They are also work with landholders and deliver fi re blamed for eating away at the margins of management across such a large area For example, in late 2006 two massive of the Kimberley is important recognition fi res in the Central Kimberley burnt a total rainforest pockets, penetrating too deeply of AWC’s leadership in the area of fi re of 1.3 million hectares over the course of into sensitive gorge habitats, causing management and our track record six weeks before they were extinguished woodland thinning, and promoting the of working collaboratively with other by AWC staff when the fi res entered decline of plant species like cypress landholders. In fact, the early success of the strategy is a powerful example of what can be achieved by landholders and an organisation like AWC working together, with the support and assistance of government agencies. Participating landholders have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving fi re management, for the benefi t of both the environment and the productivity of their pastoral operations. Their practical expertise has been a critical factor in the success, to date, of the strategy. The next step for AWC is to map the prescribed burns that have been carried out and to monitor their effectiveness during the dry season, especially when we enter the period of high risk for wildfi res. While it will take several years to re-establish conditions in the Kimberley that are fully compatible with the delivery of appropriate

14 Two large fi res in late 2006 burnt a combined area of more than 1.3 million hectares. in the Central Kimberley

pine (Callitris intratropica) and heathy vegetation with slow life cycles. Some animal groups such as small to medium sized mammals are particularly intolerant of high fi re frequencies. For conservation managers, addressing the problem of frequent massive fi res is therefore extremely important. Pastoralists are also concerned by the pattern of regular, extensive wildfi res as they cause signifi cant loss of pasture at a time of the year when fodder for stock is already a scarce resource. The solution: a new, regional approach to fi re management Tackling a problem of this scale represents a formidable challenge - the Kimberley is vast and sparsely populated, resources for fi re management are constrained and the region has, until now, lacked a co-ordinated approach to fi re management.

In response to this challenge, A fi re lit by aerial incendiary in the Central Kimberley. Legge the Rangelands Natural Resource Management Co-ordinating Group (a community-based organisation responsible for delivering Federal and State funding) contracted AWC to deliver the fi rst stage of an NHT-funded project (“Ecofi re”). The Ecofi re project aims to reduce the extent of mid to late dry season fi res in the Kimberley by facilitating better cooperation and communication between neighbouring properties, and by bolstering the resources available to the community for fi re management implementation. AWC was contracted, in part, because our fi re management at Mornington has always involved dialogue and cooperation with our neighbours. The development of a fi re management strategy for the Central Kimberley is, therefore, a natural extension of AWC’s approach at Mornington. In addition to Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, the project requires AWC to help in the development and implementation of fi re management on eight other properties in the Central Rainforest patches in the Kimberley are at risk from extensive wildfi res. Woldondorp Kimberley. These properties represent

15 Central Kimberley Aerial Control Burns

A map showing the routes over which AWC conducted aerial prescribed burning with landowners: incendiaries were dropped over more than 1,700 kilometres.

a range of land uses including pastoral to establish fi rebreaks which, hopefully, extinguished on the fi rst night by heavy properties, Aboriginal pastoral land and will stop the spread of wildfi res later in dews, yet still formed good breaks. national park. The project is therefore the year. The Plan also identifi es where to By the end of the year, some of these an important model for co-ordinated fi re put in mineral earth breaks to act as fi re fi rebreaks will be put to the test from management across multiple tenures. fi ghting lines, if required. the massive uncontrolled fi res that are Delivery of the Following this initial planning, AWC staff bound to affect the Kimberley. This spent the best part of three weeks in an will be the ultimate test of whether our Central Kimberley fi re R44 helicopter, dropping incendiaries over new, collaborative approach to fi re management plan a cumulative 1,750 km of fi rebreak lines management has been able to improve In the fi rst stage of the project, AWC in the Central Kimberley. The results look outcomes for both the environment and carried out an analysis of fi re patterns in extremely promising, in that the prescribed pastoral production by minimising the the region using archived satellite imagery. fi res have burnt “patchily”, were mostly scale and frequency of wildfi res. This analysis was shared with property managers and, when combined with their own experience, helped to identify which areas of each property were most at risk from extensive wildfi res (because of high fuel loads, or proximity to a regular ignition point, etc). In turn, this led to the development of a regional “Burn Plan”. The Burn Plan includes specifi c details of where prescribed burning will occur

16 The fi re project has involved collaboration by a range of stakeholders. Legge The Red-backed Fairy-wren Defi ning a model for wildlife-friendly fi re

A male Red-backed Fairy-wren in breeding plumage. Murphy

nappropriate fi re management is a key factor in the decline of many mammal and bird species Iacross northern Australia. In particular, extensive fi res in the late dry season are recognised as having a severe impact on biodiversity. Most land managers therefore advocate the use of prescribed burns in the early dry season. Fires in the early dry season (while there is still some moisture around) are easier to control and are less intense, so can be used strategically to “break up” the country, helping to limit the scale of any wildfi res which may occur later in the season.

There is no doubt that a key objective patches of “long unburnt” habitat and the managers. There are many gaps in our of fi re management must be to limit need to avoid creating a homogenous existing knowledge. How do we design the scale and frequency of late, dry landscape of young vegetation. our early season burning strategy to season wildfi res. There is also no doubt Accordingly, when AWC undertakes accommodate fi re sensitive species? that prescribed burning in the early dry prescribed burning operations in the Can we afford to increase the size of season is a key strategy in achieving this early dry season in northern Australia early dry burns so they are more effective objective (as refl ected in our strategy for we are aiming to achieve both of the at stopping late dry wildfi res? How big the central Kimberley - see pages 14-16). following objectives: do the unburnt patches need to be? However, recent evidence suggests We need more information about the • breaking up the country to limit the that some early dry season fi res may have impact of early dry season fi res and, in scale and intensity of any wildfi res their own negative impacts and pose a particular, the mechanism by which fi re that may occur later in the dry; and risk to the survival of some plants and affects sensitive species. animals. For many small mammals and • delivering a “patchy” burn, so that To answer these questions, AWC other fi re sensitive species, the key factor individual fi res leave patches of Ecologist, Dr Steve Murphy, has may be the length of the interval between habitat unburnt as they move through embarked on a ground-breaking fi res rather than the season or intensity of the landscape: this means that the study of a key indicator species – the any fi re – in other words, the survival of landscape should always contain a mix Red-backed Fairy-wren. In the following fi re sensitive species is likely to require of vegetation of different ages, including paragraphs, Steve talks about his project, the maintenance of patches of “long- patches of long-unburnt habitat. which promises to make a signifi cant unburnt” habitat within the landscape. However, achieving these outcomes contribution to the development of Prescribed burning programs must ‘in the fi eld’ represents an enormous fi re management strategies across therefore take into account the need for challenge for AWC and other land northern Australia.

17 Why did you choose the (2 on each leg) that we use for individual • What are the social and demographic Red-backed Fairy-wren? marking. All of this helps with census implications on the neighbours of work and population monitoring. birds whose habitat has been burnt? AWC has an established research • Do patches burnt early in the year program examining the relationship What are the key questions being addressed by this act as refugia if adjacent territories between fi re and the decline of seed eating are burnt later in the year? (granivorous) birds, like the Gouldian research project? Can you describe the key Finch. The Red-backed Fairy-wren is The key questions relate to an ideal species to look at the effects of understanding why a fi re sensitive components of the project? fi re on insectivorous animals. Previous species will persist, decline or become The project involves identifying three studies have shown that Red-back Fairy- locally extinct when exposed to early different populations of Red-backed wrens are fi re sensitive – ie, they respond and late dry season fi res. In particular: Fairy-wrens and applying a different fi re to fi re - which is a necessary attribute for • How do various fi re attributes (such regime to the habitat of each population. an indicator species. Also, they are very as early versus late, proportion of • The habitat of Population 1 has been common and occupy relatively small territory burnt etc) affect population subject to an early burn. territories, which means that devising parameters such as immediate post landscape-scale experiments is logistically fi re survival, individual physiological • Population 2, which is adjacent to easier than if we were looking at a larger fi tness, habitat use, the likelihood of Population 1, will be subjected to a later, ranging species. Red-backs are also staying on the territory after the fi re, hotter fi re, similar to the widespread easy to catch and observe, and have long pair maintenance, later reproductive fi res that commonly occur in the legs capable of holding the 4 small bands success etc? Kimberley in the late dry season.

Sattelite image showing the three Red-backed Fairy-wren populations. 18 burnt, but were more likely to stay depending on the number of shrubs that remained unburnt, rather than a specifi c threshold of unburnt grass. • In 376 observations since the burn, few birds have been seen foraging in burnt parts of the study area. Some birds move back into their former The cool burn in Population 1 habitat: 35% of the area was left in unburnt patches. Rains territories each evening to roost. • A surprising result is that several birds have moved into areas that • The third population is the “control” bird used the different elements in their were unused by wrens before the population. habitat (i.e. grasses, shrubs, trees etc). burn. Why these patches were For each population, it was necessary In mid-May, the habitat of Population unsuitable before the fi re is unclear, to build a “pre-burn” profi le by identifying 1 was burnt in a cool fi re (35% of the 40 but over the coming weeks, these, the intimate details of individual birds hectare area was left in unburnt patches). along with all of our other birds, will within each population. This was This early dry simulation affected the be re-caught to see how they are coping physiologically. achieved by recording, on multiple territories of 56 individuals. • We expect the birds in Population occasions, the exact location, activity • At three days after the burns, and social partners of each bird. Also, 2 will also survive the late season 53 birds had been resighted and individuals were captured and scored fi re, when it is applied. However, we further surveys are expected to show for physiological health (eg the amount are interested in the demographic that all birds survived the actual fi re. of haemoglobin in the blood, muscle parameters and subsequent mass, body weight). • Most pre-burn pairs have remained breeding success of these birds, stable despite some considerably After the experimental early dry burn compared to Population 1 birds. large movements. (Population 1), we have immediately This is a vitally important project in set out to fi nd and repeat all these • Preliminary results show that the helping to defi ne fi re management measures for all of our birds. The data response of the birds depended strategies that will promote the survival will be analysed against the proportion on the amount of their former of fi re-sensitive species. Watch out of territory burnt, which is mapped using territory that burnt – birds relocated for an update in future editions of aerial photography. completely if all of their territory was Wildlife Matters. Later in the year, the habitat of Population 2 will be burnt in a late dry wildfi re simulation, and we will repeat the profi ling process. The habitat of Population 2 is adjacent to the area that has been burnt in an early cool fi re (Population 1). We will be particularly interested to see if the early burnt patches are recolonised as refugia, and if subsequent breeding success differs for birds in the various fi re treatments. What are the results to date? One-hundred and sixty-six Red-backs were caught and colour-banded within the three populations prior to the fi rst experimental burn. These birds were observed 639 times prior to burning, and so we have a clear picture of who was with who, territory size and how each

19 Dr Steve Murphy implementing the cool burn in Wren habitat (Population 1). Rains Australia’s Mammal Extinctions

r Chris Johnson is one of Australia’s leading biologists. AWC is pleased to be working with DChris at Mt Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary and Brooklyn Wildlife Sanctuary, where one of Chris’ students is undertaking a project on the endangered Northern Bettong. The Northern Bettong is one of many Australian mammals that are listed as threatened with extinction. In a recently published book, Chris provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of mammal extinctions in Australia over the last 50,000 years. Here, Chris shares with AWC supporters some of his thoughts on the causes of Australia’s mammal extinctions.

Is there something wrong with ago. The cause has been debated for their populations were slow to replace Australian mammals? Over the last over 150 years: was it a change in the animals killed by hunters. Because of 200 years at least 18 species have climate? hunting by ancient Aboriginal this, even low rates of killing amounted gone extinct. This is about half of all people? or habitat change caused by to over-harvest. Very similar patterns of recent mammal extinctions world-wide. those people’s use of fi re? extinction followed human arrival in other With many of our surviving mammals I think the evidence is now parts of the world. Australia’s mammals in precariously low numbers, more overwhelming: it was hunting. It’s not just suffered especially badly, but this is extinctions are possible. Australian that the extinctions coincided so closely explained by the fact that our mammals mammals seem to be exceptionally with human settlement throughout tend to have unusually low reproductive prone to extinction – why? Australia, at a time of stable climate rates. Slow reproduction is presumably In a new book I take a long view of and unconnected with any widespread an adaptation to the low productivity this problem, beginning with the giant increase in fi re. More tellingly, the of Australian ecosystems, but it put mammals that still roamed the continent species that disappeared shared a diprotodons and the rest at a special 50 000 years ago: the diprotodons, particular set of traits that would have disadvantage when people arrived. marsupial tapirs, marsupial lions, giant made them especially susceptible Some slow-reproducing species did kangaroos and others known collectively to over-hunting. Most important, they survive, but only if they had the protection as the ‘megafauna’. They disappeared had low reproductive rates and long of dense forests or lived in trees where in a mass extinction about 45 000 years development times, meaning that they were harder to hunt.

20 The Diprotodon: part of Australia’s extinct megafauna. The mainland Mala is one of Australia’s rarest mammals. The Dingo may hold the key to controlling foxes Parish and cats across parts of Australia. Ecopix

The next phase of mammal extinction which affected medium-sized mammals rufous hare-wallaby). In 1987 this once- unfolded about 3 000 years ago, with from drier habitats in inland Australia. common animal survived only in a small the extinction of the thylacine and devil There has been much debate over part of the Tanami Desert that was free of on mainland Australia. The blame for the causes of these recent declines. foxes and cats. Dingoes were common, this is usually laid on the dingo, which Proposals include changed fi re regimes, and because they sometimes hunted came to the mainland at about that disease epidemics, effects of rabbits mala, they were poisoned. Foxes and time. But there is another, and I think and introduced livestock, and introduced cats invaded within a few weeks and a better explanation – thylacines and predators. However, the evidence points soon all the mala had been killed. From devils declined because of increased clearly to introduced predators, the the early days of European settlement hunting pressure, due to more effi cient red fox and the feral cat, as the main dingoes have been persecuted as weapons in the hands of an increasing cause in almost all cases. Why did these predators of livestock, and they are rare human population. During the last few two predators cause such appalling or absent across large areas of southern thousand years Australian Aborigines damage to Australia’s mammals? Partly, Australia. These are the places where adopted many new technologies and this was because the introduction of the foxes and cats are most abundant and strategies for hunting and gathering, rabbit resulted in enormous populations have been most destructive to native and population densities increased. of foxes and cats. But the lack of large mammals. The invention of the spearthrower was native predators was also crucial. It is clear that if we want to guarantee an especially important change in the Predator species are often intensely native mammals a future, we need to hunting of large mammals. We know from aggressive towards one another. Large protect them from introduced predators. rock art that people hunted thylacines by predators attack and kill smaller ones, This can be done by predator eradication spearing them. The rock art of northern making it diffi cult for a new predator to in intensively-managed nature reserves, Australia suggests that thylacines get established in an environment that as has been achieved in some AWC disappeared when people began using already has a large native predator. In properties. Elsewhere, I believe we spreathrowers, before the dingo arrived. the absence of native large predators should be thinking about using dingoes The spearthrower never reached Australia was completely open to the cat to control foxes and cats, and thus help Tasmania, where devils and thylacines and fox invasion. us protect native biodiversity. (at least until recently) survived. Or almost completely open: when the By the time Europeans reached thylacine went extinct the dingo stepped Australia, therefore, the mammal fauna into the role of top predator on mainland of the continent had already been Australia. We have good evidence that fundamentally changed by human dingoes reduce the numbers and impact impact. All of the largest species of foxes and cats, enough to suggest that had gone, and in particular all of the dingoes could help protect vulnerable original predators above quoll-size had native species from extinction. This disappeared from the mainland. This may seem far-fetched, but consider the removal of the original predator fauna set story of the extinction in the wild of the the stage for the next wave of extinctions, mainland sub-species of the mala (or

Chris’ book is available from all good bookstores and is a “must- read” for anyone interested in Australia’s natural history and, in particular, in the conservation of Australia’s mammal fauna.

21 AWC’s Peter Hensler and Brooke Bateman, a student of Chris Johnson’s, conduct a survey at Mt Zero. Scotia Wildlife Sanctuary Measuring the success of AWC’s threatened mammal releases

Bridled Nailtail Wallaby, one of the mammals reintroduced at Scotia. Ecopix

ir David Attenborough has described the Scotia Endangered Mammal Recovery Project as S“a vitally important project for Australia and the planet”. The Project involves the establishment of the largest feral-predator free area on mainland Australia. In total, 77 kilometres of feral-predator proof fencing will be constructed at Scotia enclosing over 15,000 hectares (nearly 40,000 acres). Already, an area of 4,211 hectares has been enclosed by the feral exclusion fence, with 6 endangered mammals released into this cat, fox and rabbit-free environment. Dr Joss Bentley reports on the success of the project and its signifi cance for the conservation of Australia’s most endangered mammals.

In November 2004, AWC launched to release a minimum of six additional of existing populations is measured. the Scotia Endangered Mammal Project nationally threatened mammal species. So every three months, the Scotia to help prevent further extinctions of Over the past two years, fi ve species ecologists and numerous volunteers Australia’s threatened mammal fauna. have been reintroduced. In November spend a sleepless but rewarding week Scotia is located on the far western 2004 there was a pilot release of trapping Stage 1’s inhabitants. To do plains of New South Wales, the area with Woylies, which was soon followed with this a permanent trapping grid has the highest mammal extinction rate in quarterly releases of Boodies, more been established and over 9,500 trap Australia – 22 species, more than 47% Woylies, Bilbies and Bridled Nailtail nights of data have been collected of the region’s terrestrial mammals, Wallabies until September 2005. Then (the fi rst two years data was collected have disappeared. To address this in March 2006, Greater Stick-nest Rats by Graeme Finlayson of the University situation, AWC set out to protect a small were reintroduced. of Sydney, and will form the basis of and struggling population of Numbats Although it is planned to reintroduce his PhD). Preliminary inspection of that had been reintroduced by Scotia’s additional species to Scotia in the future, the data suggests that each of the previous owners (Earth Sanctuaries), and it is critical that the health and wellbeing four species initially released appear

22 to have established self-sustaining in the GPS and the direction of the track populations. The Boodies and the recorded. Although it’s not possible to Bilbies in particular appear to be thriving tell exactly how many individuals make with steady but continuous increases in these tracks, it is possible to make a population size since the fi rst release. general estimation of population size, The Boodie population has increased and population trends and patterns from the initial 20 in the fi rst release, of habitat use can be inferred. Recent to over 150 (see graph). In March this surveys suggest that the Numbat year it was particularly gratifying to see population has climbed to more than female Woylies with large pouch young, 80 animals, and has been stable for the as although Woylies were routinely past couple of years. captured previously, few appeared to As well as monitoring the populations have large pouch young, and there of reintroduced animals, it’s important was some concern that reproduction to understand the impact of their and recruitment rates for this species reintroduction and the associated may be too low. Over the past six management (ie the exclusion of feral months, however, Scotia has returned predators and competitors) on the to ‘average’ rainfall, and it appears that wildlife populations that exist naturally at the Woylies have responded. It may be Scotia. To do this, nearly 40 monitoring that this species will only recruit new sites have been established. Sites are animals into the population in average or stratifi ed across the four main vegetation good years, unlike the other species that An extensive network of monitoring sites is helping AWC types found at Scotia, and are located measure the impact of our land management at Scotia. remain continuous breeders. Despite both inside and outside Stage 1. At each a shaky start, the Stick-nest Rats also site reptiles, birds and small mammals appear to have established a small but are surveyed, vegetation characteristics vigorous population, with those animals and landscape function are measured that made it through the fi rst few weeks and a photographic record taken. post-reintroduction all surviving. Small Although the data from the 2006/2007 stick-nests have started to appear at summer monitoring is yet to be analysed, various locations throughout Stage 1. nine new species were recorded, four of Unlike the other species, which are which are threatened: Western Pygmy all relatively easily captured, Numbats Possum, Mallee Worm-lizard and cannot be trapped, and are diffi cult to Australian Bustard (all Endangered), survey using observational techniques. and the Wedgesnout Ctenotus So for this species a different monitoring (Vulnerable). It is clear that Scotia is technique is used: track surveys. Over making a signifi cant contribution to the 15 km of dirt roads in Stage 1 are protection of Australia’s threatened fauna ‘dusted’ early in the morning, then late in not only through reintroductions, but Fat-tailed Dunnart. Goodall the afternoon the roads are inspected for also by protecting naturally occurring numbat tracks, each of which is entered populations of threatened species.

23 The population of Burrowing Bettongs (Boodies) has steadily increased at Scotia. Western Pygmy Possum. Goodall . We willsendareceiptwithin45daysofthe conclusionofthefi7. nancialyear We willpromptlyrespondtoanyconcerns you mayhaveaboutamountsdebited 6. We willkeepallinformationpertainingtoyournominatedaccountatthe 5. We theright tocancelyourmonthlydonationAustralianWildlife reserve 4. We willnotchangetheamountorfrequencyofdrawingsarrangements without 3. Where theduedate fallsonanon-businessday, thedrawingwillbemadeon 2. We willadvise you, inwriting,thedetailsofyourmonthlydonationto 1. Drawing Arrangements: Our Commitmentto You, australian wildlife - Reply Paid conservancy 1897 West Perth WA 6872 Phone: 089226 0340 www.australianwildlife.org Please post thisform to: eehn:W H) E-mail: Telephone: W) State: Address: Postcode: Name: Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms Country: we urgently needyour help

I wishtopayby: I wishtopayby: $5000 $1000 $300 $100 $ single taxdeductible I amunabletogivemonthlybutwouldlikemakea DONATION each month I wishtobecomearegularandgivetaxdeductibledonation supporter MONTHLY PLEDGE Bequests summarizing yourentireyear’s giftsfortaxpurposes. to youraccount. Financial Institution,privateandconfi dential. Financial Institutionandtoarrangewithyouanalternative paymentmethod. ifthreeormoredrawingsarereturnedunpaidbyyournominated Conservancy your priorapproval. next workingday. made onthe15thdayofeachmonth(orpartthereofasspecifi ed). least 3calendardayspriortothefi rstdrawing.Thereaftereach drawingwillbe (amount,frequency,Australian WildlifeConservancy commencementdate)at Please sendmesomeinformation. I aminterested inmakingabequestmywill. of: $10 $25 $50 $ Payable totheAustralianWildlifeConservancyFund. Cheque/Money Order Credit card Credit card Please fi ll inDirect Debit Request(seeopposite). Direct debitfrom my bankaccount donationof:

- Please - fi - Pleasefi ll indetailsorcall(08) 9226 0340. ll indetailsorcall(08) 9226 0340. - (enclosed) . It isyour responsibilitytoensurethatsuffi1. cientfunds areavailableinthe Your responsibilities: Your commitmenttous, Where youconsiderthatadrawinghasbeeninitiatedincorrectly(outsidethe 4. You mayrequestachange tothedonationamountand/orfrequencyof 3. You maystoppaymentof amonthlydonationbygivingwrittennoticedirectlyto 2. You at mayterminateyourmonthlydonationtoAustralianWildlifeConservancy 1. Your Rights: Claim throughyournominated FinancialInstitution. take thematterupdirectlywithuson(08)92260340,or lodgeaDirectDebit arrangements)youmay monthly donationtoAustralianWildlifeConservancy requirements nolessthan5businessdayspriortothedue date. monthly donationsbycontactinguson(08)92260340 and advisingyour prior totheduedate. Institution. Noticegiventousshouldbereceivedbyat least5businessdays us (POBox1897West PerthWA 6872),orthroughyour nominatedFinancial should bereceivedbyusatleast5businessdayspriortotheduedate. 6872), orthroughyournominatedFinancialInstitution.Noticegiventous any timebygivingwrittennoticedirectlytous(POBox1897West PerthWA Other (minimum$10) Other (minimum$10)

Commemorative Certifi Please directfundstoKalamurina Kalamurina yes, Iwanttohelpsave australia’s wildlife endangered Mornington SolarFacility conservation ofKalamurina. Please sendmeacertifi I havedonated$300ormore ormadeamonthlypledgeof$25more. • Adonationof$100willpurchase andprotect 22hectares (55acres) • Kalamurina canbeprotected foronly$4.50perhectare ($1.80peracre). Kalamurina. Please allocatemydonationtotheacquisitionandmanagementof I wouldliketohelplinkLakeEyre andtheSimpsonDesert. Please use my donation to support AWCPlease usemydonationtosupport operationsaround Australia. facility atMornington. I wouldliketohelpAWC reduce itscarbonfootprintbyestablishingasolar A donationof$5,000willpurchase andprotect 1,111hectares (2,778acres) rne aei ul BSB: Printed NameinFull: Signature: Date: ofthe“Direct DebitClientServiceAgreement”terms (setoutbelow). I /We acknowledgethatthisDirectbythe DebitRequestisgoverned Account Number: permonth,forthepaymentofamonthlydonation Account Name: Institution: Accountdetailsare My/Our $ I /We request thatyoudrawbywayoftheDirect DebitSystem, Direct DebitRequest Signature: Cardholder’s Name: Visa AMEXBankcard Diners Mastercard Credit Card Details Information information onourlatest initiativesandprogress.information Please tickthisboxifyoudoNOTwishtoreceive newsand Card Number cate cate commemoratingmycontributiontothe to AustralianWildlifeConservancyFund. . Please enquirewithyourFinancialInstitutionifyouareuncertainwhether 5. It isyourresponsibilitytoarrangeasuitablealternativepaymentmethodwith 4. It isyourresponsibilitytoadviseusiftheaccountnominatedfortransactions 3. It isyourresponsibilitytoensurethattheauthorisationgivendrawon 2. available onyouraccount.) if thedirectdebitfacilityisnot fee byyourFinancialInstitution direct debitfunctionsareavailableonyouraccount.(You maybechargeda cancelled eitherbyyourselvesoryournominatedFinancial Institution. Funddrawingarrangementsare us iftheAustralianWildlifeConservancy Fundistransferredorclosed. with theAustralianWildlifeConservancy Financial Institutionwhereyouraccountisbased. nominated account,isidenticaltotheaccountsigninginstructionheldby insuffi cientfundsinthenominatedaccountwhenweattempttodeductdonations.) by yourFinancialInstitutioniftheaccountdetailsareincorrectorthere nominated accounttomeetadrawingonitsduedate.(You maybechargedafee

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