Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

January 2008 Vol. 12, Number 1

NEWSLETTER OF THE LAND FOR WILDLIFE SCHEME

Registered by Australia Post Print Post: 606811/00007

BUgs in the bushes - how oil mallees are contributing to biodiversity in the Wheatbelt

Anita Lyons

Mallees are small eucalyptus trees, usually less than perennials is that, when established in alleys, they can 10m tall, with multiple stems arising from the base. reduce recharge while still allowing a profit to be made They are common to low rainfall, arid and semi-arid from conventional farming between the rows of trees. regions of Australia. Oil mallees are known for their While some work has been done on aspects of mallee high levels of essential oils, which can be extracted for ecology in order to maximise productivity, little is known use in perfumes, solvents and a variety of other products. about their value as a source of biodiversity in natural and They have also been agricultural systems. promoted as a good As a result, it is not source of raw material known if oil mallees for renewable energy are beneficial or production through could somehow pose biomass combustion. a threat to farming Today however, the systems. Some claim major reason that oil that growing trees mallees are grown in paddocks simply in the wheatbelt of gives pests a place is as to shelter and causes a potentially valuable them to multiply. asset in the prevention Others suggest that and reduction of overall biodiversity dryland salinity. of paddocks could be It has recently been vastly improved by suggested that the use of planting oil mallees commercial perennial and that they could crops will soon be the Oil mallees growing in alleys encourage beneficial only effective way to species such as reduce groundwater recharge sufficiently to prevent the predatory insects and insectivorous birds. spread of dryland salinity. The lack of suitable options As part of PhD research at Curtin University of for use in low rainfall regions, combined with the salinity Technology, I have been conducting a study in the control potential of mallees, has made them the obvious wheatbelt of WA to determine the level of invertebrate choice for farm forestry development in the wheatbelt diversity associated with oil mallee plantings. The timing of Western Australia. and location of this study are opportune, as the oil mallee The major benefit of oil mallees over some other industry, while still in its infancy, is growing rapidly. This

continued on page 4 1 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

EDITORIAL

In the Questionnaire Survey If you have had both types of Greetings all! distributed in January 2005, we reports, could you please let me asked a question about the level know whether the extra level of I hope you all had a pleasant and of detail in the LFW property detail from the quadrat-based relaxing festive season. reports. 97% of the respondents survey has provided you with Land for Wildlife staff finished were satisfied with the level of valuable information that you the year with a workshop at Muresk detail provided, while 3% thought can use for the management of Campus, Northam, and we invited the report was too long. With this the bushland site? Or is it just staff from WWF and The National endorsement, we carried on as interesting detail without direct Trust to join us. This proved to be an before. But there is a higher level management reference? excellent way to exchange practical of detail, such as is produced by It is a pleasure to announce that information and network with some biological surveys, and it is this there will soon be two new LFW of our colleagues who are also extra detail we were discussing at Officers, one at Bridgetown and working with private landholders the workshop. Some LFWers have one at Kojonup. Ring Claire Hall on biodiversity extension. experienced both a LFW report and for their contact details. a biological survey undertaken on We spent a whole day discussing Best wishes for 2008. their property, the latter either by vegetation assessment, to see if more Penny Hussey quantitatively based measurements the Wildflower Society of WA or by could be useful for reports to WWF and The Herbarium under the landholders. Quadrats and transects aegis of the ‘Woodland Watch’ or are much more time-consuming than ‘Healthy Ecosystem’ projects. the random walk that we usually do, but their data is more easily LFW staff, Muresk, November 2007. translated into State and National databases. Front row, from rear: Irene Vo, Mal Harper, Cherie Kemp, Dorothy Redreau, INDEX Avril Baxter, Kara Kivell. Back row, from rear: Botanical monitoring day Wagin Lakes __14 Fiona Falconer, Heather Adamson, Penny Hussey, Bugs in the bushes ______1 Claire Hall, Wayne Gill. Bush Detective ______8 Bushland management with friends ___ 15 Carnaby's cockatoos use artificial nests 10 Coming events ______16 Earwig flies ______5 Editorial ______2 Fungal diversity in karri forest ______9 Contact details for Land for Wildlife Officers Malleefowl in Merredin Peak Reserve __ 11 More on trees with sunstroke ______9 Name Location Phone Email Native seed-eating fauna need native to eat the seeds of ______10 Heather Adamson Mandurah (08) 9582 9333 [email protected] New books______16 Avril Baxter narrogin (08) 9881 9218 [email protected] Thanks for your help ______3 Fiona Falconer Coorow (08) 9952 1074 [email protected] The Great Biodiversity Bus Tour _____ 12 Using the broombush key ______13 Wayne Gill esperance (08) 9083 2100 [email protected] The Great Orchid Hunt ______13 Claire Hall Perth (08) 9334 0427 [email protected] Western Australian Orchids ______6 Wild grapes - bush tucker ______14 Mal Harper Merredin (08) 9041 2488 [email protected] Penny Hussey Perth (08) 9334 0530 [email protected]

Cherie Kemp Busselton (08) 9752 5533 [email protected] Use of articles from Western Wildlife Material may be reproduced without permission as long as Zara Kivell Mundaring (08) 9295 9112 [email protected] the source is acknowledged and the article is reproduced in its entirety without any alterations. If you wish to use only Dorothy Redreau Albany (08) 9842 4500 [email protected] part of an article, please liaise with the Editor. Irene Vo Perth (08) 9334 0404 [email protected]

2 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FAUNA Thanks for your help! Kellie Mantle

periods. Burrowing activity millepede species. Poor dispersal practically ceases over abilities, seasonal activity patterns this time and the existing and very restricted distributional surface chimney structures ranges are characteristic of short- erode and collapse into an range endemic species, which indistinguishable pile of makes them particularly vulnerable sand. to human disturbance and gives Several burrowing rise to their poor conservation crayfish specimens were status. This is certainly the case collected from LFW for the Dunsborough burrowing properties by rather crayfish which is ranked as laborious means (digging endangered because of its limited With a pink body and purple claws, the Dunsborough a deep hole in the sticky geographical distribution, <200km2, burrowing crayfish is a colourful animal. mud!) and will be crucial known from only a handful of Surveys in early October 2007 to Quinton Burnham’s PhD locations, poorly represented in the confirmed the presence of the study on the Engaewa (pronounced conservation reserve system and endangered Dunsborough burrowing en-GAY-wah) genus which is threatened by stock trampling, dam crayfish (Engaewa reducta) on four currently known to contain five construction and continuing habitat Land for Wildlife properties with species, three of which are listed fragmentation. several other LFW properties also as threatened fauna likely to contain them. under the Wildlife Conditions for looking for these Conservation Act small terrestrial burrowing crayfish 1950. Quinton will were ideal with recent, much needed be investigating rainfall recharging the watertable in Engeawa DNA to the vegetated swamps and seepage try and understand areas. This prompted the burrowing the evolutionary crayfish to do a bit of 'spring cleaning', relationships, building and maintaining their patterns of burrows. The characteristic surface distribution as mud chimneys of the burrowing well as habitat crayfish were easily identifiable by requirements. This looking for the freshly dug piles of will vastly improve A chimney composed of pellets of sticky grey mud. dirt pellets. There were some pretty our knowledge of impressive structures observed, the burrowing crayfish and help in Efforts by LFW property owners ranging from a few centimetres in developing appropriate conservation to protect remnant vegetation on height up to 30-40cm and seeming management strategies. their properties are contributing to defy gravity. Burrowing crayfish are referred significantly to the conservation of this species. Many thanks to all those Attempts to look for burrowing to as a ‘short-range endemic landholders for their hospitality, crayfish in March of this year proved species’. These are usually relict enthusiasm and help in our search to be quite challenging. Not only are species from the Gondwanan era for the beautiful and unassuming the swamp areas rather warm and a that have become tied to habitats Dunsborough burrowing crayfish. tiger snake’s haven, but it appears that still provide moist conditions that over the summer months the (eg. wetlands, swamps, caves burrowing crayfish retreat down to or constructed shelters). Other Kellie Mantle is Project Officer the water table via their extensive examples of short-range endemics Fauna, DEC, Kensington. She can burrow system to sit out the hot dry include some arachnid, snail and be contacted on 9334 0579

3 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1 continued from page 1 ECOSYSTEMS Bugs in the bushes means that results from this work will be available to primarily by canopy fogging, which involves spraying assist in the early decision-making processes of a large insecticides with a fogging machine into the canopy of proportion of growers and investors, and will provide individual trees. Sheets were placed beneath the trees baseline data to support future work on oil mallees before fogging, and 60 minutes after spraying the trees by other researchers. With Western Power testing were shaken to dislodge any remaining insects. Insects were a processing facility at removed from the sheets Narrogin to produce oil, by shaking into trays by activated carbon and hand. Once collected, electricity concurrently samples were stored in from oil mallees this is alcohol until sorting. an ideal time to further For each tree, samples explore the potential of each type of scale, benefits of these plants. gall, sedentary insect As part of this and other formation of study, I have conducted interest were also taken comparisons of the by branch clipping. diversity observed in This was intended to mallee plantings with demonstrate the diversity that of local remnant of invertebrate fauna vegetation. I have also not collected by canopy compared some of the fogging. After field commonly grown mallee Christmas beetle eating eucalyptus leaves collection, all samples species with each other were taken to Curtin to determine if some species of oil mallee are University of Technology for sorting and identification. better suited to promoting biodiversity than others. Preliminary results indicate that mallees could have Invertebrate biodiversity might not be the first thing a positive impact on biodiversity in the wheatbelt. The that comes to mind when we think about conservation invertebrate diversity found in planted oil mallee is much issues. Invertebrates however, do have important roles greater than that which we would expect to encounter in to play in natural systems through the large number a paddock containing crop or pasture alone. However, of vital ecosystem functions they perform and their oil mallees do not support all of the invertebrate species place in many major food chains. that are found in the nearby remnant vegetation. This This study will concentrate on the canopy may be due to the distances required to be travelled by invertebrate fauna of the mallees. While canopy invertebrates moving from native vegetation to reach and research involving invertebrates is common in tropical colonize the oil mallee alleys. Another possibility is that systems, there is limited information on temperate the planted mallee vegetation does not contain all of the systems and still less relating to agro-forestry or requirements needed to support the entire complement of conservation plantings in the agricultural areas of species found in remnants. Australia. Hence this work will fill a void in the As this project progresses it is hoped that this work scientific literature by using commonly used techniques will show how oil mallees can provide multiple benefits in a different environment. to both farmers and the environment. Seven experimental sampling sites were set up in the wheatbelt of Western Australia in 2005. Four of Anita Lyons worked for seven years as a broad acre these sites were used to examine differences between agronomist in Esperance. She has now returned to Curtin the oil mallee species Eucalyptus polybractea, E. University of Technology to conduct this PhD project. horistes, and E. loxophleba subsp. lissophloia. The other three sites compared oil mallees to E. wandoo subsp. wandoo (wandoo) and E. astringens (brown mallet) in remnant vegetation. Sampling took place during spring 2005 and autumn 2006. Trees at both alley and remnant sites were sampled

4 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FAUNA Earwig flies? Ancient and mysterious insects Allan Wills Earwig flies have large forceps at their tail end that remind us of earwigs but they are not earwigs, and they have two pairs of wings and fly but they are not flies, which have only one pair of wings. They look at first glance more like a strange brown cockroach - but they are very much more interesting and mysterious than any of these everyday insects. Earwig flies are ancient insects with fossils dating back almost 200 million years. For such an ancient insect almost nothing is known about its biology and life history. Only adults and eggs from captured adults are known, as larval stages have never been found or recognised. Like marsupials, for example Austromerope poultoni. Underside view of a male about 20 mm length. Photo courtesy Dr the marsupial possums in Australia Jan Taylor and the marsupial opossum of North collected on the ground, while flying Environment and Conservation, America, existing earwig flies specimens are attracted to ultraviolet Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery (family name Meropeidae) have lights at night. Ground active Centre 6983, Western Australia. Be a strangely disjunct distribution. specimens have been collected sure to enclose details of your return Meropeidae exist today only as in pitfall trap surveys. Crawling address and telephone number, two species: Merope tuber found specimens are brown, like a small as well as the capture location in the forests of eastern USA, and slender cockroach with two pairs (GPS, map reference, or precise Austromerope poultoni in south- of long wings of similar form and description), habitat, and date of west WA. Fossils of an extinct colour to each other that do not capture. species are known from Siberia. tightly overlap like cockroach wings. The WA species is found in a variety Males have the distinctive forceps. Allan Wills is a Technical Officer, of habitats ranging from woodland You can collect non-protected Science Division, DEC, specialising near Kojonup, near invertebrate specimens from in entomology. Walpole north to Darlington, and in private property with the owner’s sand plain vegetation near Eneabba. permission. While exploring the Further reading: Maybe there are some in bushland bush, if you find what you think is I Abbott, T, Burbidge and A. near you! an earwig fly and would like a formal Wills (2007) Austromerope poultoni What to look for: Earwig flies identification, capture it (use a small (Insecta, Mecoptera) in south-west fly at night and are also active on paint brush to flick it into suitable Western Australia: occurrence, the ground and in litter. Adults seem small container with a lid, something modelled geographical distribution, to be most active in spring, but like a baby food jar), place it in a and phenology. J. of the Royal specimens have been captured from small, rigid, ventilated container Society of Western Australia, 90: August to December. Specimens enclosed in an envelope and post 97-106. found during the day have been it to Allan Wills, Department of

5 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

FLORA

Western australian orchids - the masters of deceit Andrew Brown

While some south-west Western Australian orchid sophisticated development in south-west WA. species are able to multiply vegetatively (asexually) by Some of the first observations of pollination events producing two or more tubers each year, most rarely were made in the 1870s by Robert Fitzgerald who is multiply this way. They must instead rely upon seed well-known for his perceptive studies on the pollination dispersal as a means to increase their numbers and this of species of sun orchids (). Using jars to dependence requires the flowers to be actively pollinated by cover flowers, Fitzgerald demonstrated that, unlike insects or, in rare cases, by self-pollination or apomixis. most other Australian orchids, some sun orchid species Western Australian orchids use a variety of contrivances were capable of pollination without insects. In the 1900s in order to attract pollinating insects. Some are no different Oswald Sargent unwittingly observed the pollination to most other flowering plants in offering food to potential of the dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) by a black wasp. This was followed by Edith Coleman’s observation in the 1930s of the pollination of slipper orchids (Cryptostylis), thus putting Australia firmly on the map as a place where unusual and unique pollination systems occur. A diverse group of insects pollinate orchid

Oswald Sargent unwittingly observed the pollination of the dragon orchid (Caladenia barbarossa) by a black wasp. pollinators. However, many circumvent the system by providing neither nectar nor pollen. Instead, they engage in pretence and deception. There are flowers that resemble fungi, some that smell like rotten meat, others that have structures like pollen laden anthers of lilies and some flowers simply mimic other flowers to catch the unwary or inexperienced bee. The masters of deception, however, are those orchids that deceive male wasps or flying ants by successfully emulating females of the insect species. This is done by emitting chemical attractants and also, Several orchid groups in the south-west offer nectar and attract a range of insects as pollinators. A beautiful occasionally, by visually resembling the female. This is example is the fringed leek orchid (Prasophyllum fimbria). an evolutionary theme that reaches its most diverse and

continued on page 7 6 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

continued from page 6 Orchids FLORA

(Caladenia) exemplify this specialisation. The lip and combine to form an open-mouthed tube that can be forced apart only by bees of the required size, shape and strength. Many insects, such as beetles and bees, are attracted to bright colours, a feature shown in several south-west orchids. The intense yellow of the common cowslip orchid (Caladenia flava) and the bright pink of pink fairies (C. latifolia) are familiar sights in the spring. These orchids often produce massed displays, particularly following summer fire. On first inspection, the intricate and delicate flowers of donkey orchid (Diuris) species make little sense in terms of pollination. Neither perfume nor nectar are offered. When seen in the wild, however, it will be noticed that there is a close similarity between the central parts of donkey orchid flowers (dorsal and lip) and those of co-blooming pea flowers. Studies have shown that bees regularl visiting pea flowers for their rich source of nectar occasionally explore the donkey orchid flower in the same way. This is often referred to as 'floral mimicry' because the orchid appears to mimic another flower.

It will be noticed that there is a close similarity between the central parts of the donkey orchid (Diuris) flowers and those of co-blooming pea flowers, including the colours - yellow, brown and mauve. flowers. These include beetles, fungus gnats, midges, mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps and flying ants. Although it would appear that bees are the most common pollen vector used by orchids, it is in the latter two groups that some of the closest ties between orchid and pollinator occur. There are several orchid groups in the south-west that offer nectar and attract a range of insects as pollinators. The two largest are the leek orchids (Prasophyllum) and the mignonette orchids (Microtis), both of which advertise their nectar by producing sweet floral fragrances and, in some species, colourful flowers. A typical example of Prasophyllum is the beautiful P. fimbria. Like others, it advertises the droplets of nectar found near the base of its brightly coloured lip by its sweet floral scent. The flowers of both this and other Prasophyllum species attract many nectar-feeding insects, including flies, beetles, bees and wasps, many of which will pollinate the flowers. Flower bees respond to certain fragrances and colours, and usually seek pollen and nectar from The spectacular queen of sheba (Thelymitra variegata) mimics flowers. A diverse array of Western Australian orchids flowers of the tinsel lilies () and is pollinated by the same native bees. It is fabulously coloured in orange, purple and yellow. have flowers specially modified to attract bees as (For a photo of a tinsel lily, see WW 11/4 - Ed.) their major pollinators. Some fairy spider orchids

continued on page 8 7 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

continued from page 7 FLORA Orchids

As William Dampier first observed at Shark Bay in 1699, Western Australia has an unusually high number of blue- flowered herbs and shrubs, most of which attract bees as pollinators. These flowers are mimicked superbly by some species of sun orchid (Thelymitra). The nectarless scented sun orchid (Thelymitra macrophylla), for instance, has a prominent yellow apex to the column that bees appear to mistake for the bright yellow pollen-bearing anthers of native lilies. Bees are known to collect pollen from these lilies by a special mechanism called “buzz pollination”, achieved by audibly vibrating their wings to release pollen from the flower’s anthers. Occasionally The dank floor of WA's south-west forests or the sodden margins of swamps are the home these bees mistake a sun orchid species of the inconspicuous helmet orchid. for an associated lily and, in an attempt (To be continued next issue.) to buzz the false anther, inadvertently pollinate the flower. Other sun orchid species that mimic associated native flowers include the spectacular Queen of Sheba Andrew Brown is Coordinator Threatened Flora, at (Thelymitra variegata) which resembles species in DEC Kensington, with a special interest in orchids and the genus Calectasia (tinsel lilies) and the blue lady eremophilas. He can be contacted by email: andrew. orchid (Thelymitra crinita) which is a close match for [email protected] the blue morning iris (Orthrosanthus laxus). The dank floor of south-west Australia’s forests or the sodden margins of swamps are the home of the inconspicuous helmet orchid (Corybas) species. Bush Detective Fungus gnats appear to be attracted to these orchids, probably due to their fungus-like odour and dull purple This object, growing in sand near a pine plantation and brown colouration. This combination may well in Perth, is a yellowish deceive the gnat into perceiving the orchid flower as egg-shaped ball that has a fungal fruiting body and on visiting the flower they cracked open to reveal achieve pollination. a crumbly, sandy-brown Many Caladenia species offer neither nectar nor mass inside. The leaves pollen, nor do they contain false anthers, pseudopollen around it (banksia and or mimic other flowers. However, they do attract a liquidamber) give scale. large range of insect pollinators such as flies, beetles, What is it? Hint, when dry, the interior mass will disperse like dust if touched or blown hoverflies, bees and wasps. This group of orchids are in the wind. known to emit various scents ranging from sweet and fragrant to obnoxious, the latter often like rotting meat. It is a puffball, Scleroderma sp. These are common fungi, It would appear that insects are attracted by these found throughout Australia among leaf litter in forests and odours. Interestingly, a group of flower spiders have woodlands. There are probably several different species and specialised in using the Caladenia flowers as traps our WA expert, Neale Bougher, calls them all just ‘sp’. They for unwary prey. Beautifully camouflaged to look like are almost certainly mycorrhizal with the trees and shrubs the anther at the top of the column, the spiders often under which they grow. That is, despite their rather scruffy capture insects attracted to the flower. appearance, they are definitely one of the good guys!

8 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FLORA More on trees with sunstroke

In April 2007 (WW 11/2) Avril under extreme stress than the Baxter and Peter White highlighted greener-leaved ones – woops! the problems that high temperatures Perhaps the extra wax helps under can cause to trees, inducing total mild stress conditions, but is a defoliation that looks like sudden hindrance – perhaps a drain on death. It is not only the high resources – during severe ones? temperatures that can affect plants, Next time you are in a wheatbelt increased amounts of incoming woodland, look at the two species, solar radiation (insolation) can salmon gum and inland wandoo, also be harmful. This is especially which often grow side by side. Both important for paddock trees, which have similar-shaped hanging leaves, get no shade, as the potentially but the salmon gums’ are light green damaging insolation can impact on and shiny, while the inland wandoos’ the whole tree for the whole day. are dull grey-green. Same stresses Light provides the energy source – two different approaches to the for photosynthesis, but damage can problem. Which will be more occur whenever the light energy successful in a changing climate? absorbed surpasses the amount that Perhaps a PhD student in WA would can be used. This could potentially Typical hanging leaf, marri. like to look into these adaptations? occur on many of our brilliant, clear dissipate light in that way. Salmon Penny Hussey summer days, and especially if the gums show both features, and their is under water stress at the time crowns shimmer and ripple with – water being another ingredient for FUNGAL DIVERSITY IN reflected light on a sunny day. photosynthesis, of course. KARRI FOREST But what makes the leaf We are all aware that insolation reflective? It may involve a layer of A recent survey* examines can damage human skin, causing wax covering the cuticle of the leaf. fungal diversity in burnt and unburnt sunburn or skin cancers, and that Raquel Esteban of the University of karri regrowth near Pemberton. A humans have various mechanisms Basque Country, Spain, has been total of 322 species of macrofungi such as skin pigments to counteract investigating the photoprotective were recognised, only 127 of which the problems. If plants have a similar role of waxes in juniper trees. could be identified to species. This problem, how do they manage? These normally evergreen trees is an amazing diversity, given that Plants have multiple can defoliate under conditions of the total area of all 36 replicate photoprotection mechanisms that extreme environmental stress (like plots sampled was only 900 square operate together. One strategy our wandoos and salmon gums) and metres. There was slightly more operates at cellular level and is this is their main photoprotective diversity on the burnt sites. It has based on a chemical process of response, but it has a very drastic been claimed that there are more dissipating energy by metabolising effect on the overall health of the species of fungi in WA bushland antioxidants. The second strategy tree. Raquel wanted to know if than there are of understorey plants involves changes to the structure reflecting more light was a useful and – this certainly seems to support that and morphology of the leaf. less damaging protective feature. point of view! One obvious adaptation is to have Some Junipers have glaucous leaves that hang vertically, thus the (greyer) leaves, caused by a higher * Robinson R.M. and V.L. flat leaf blade will only get the full than usual wax layer, which she Tunsell. 2007. A list of macrofungi sun in the morning or the afternoon, found do reflect more light than recorded in burnt and unburnt when the insolation is less intense. the greener ones. So, does this Eucalyptus diversicolor regrowth Many eucalypts show this feature. extra reflectance help the tree cope? forest in the southwest of Western Another possibility is to make Maybe, but, the glaucous-leaved Australia: 1998-2002. Conservation the leaves more reflective and so types showed worse defoliation Science W. Aust. 6: 75-96.

9 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

IN BRIEF - FAUNA Native seed-eating fauna - NEED native plants to eat the seeds of!

Western ground parrot eating semaphore sedge. Western ground parrot eating Daviesia teretifolia WA’s rarest endemic bird, the western ground parrot triangular pod shaped like a sailboard sail. Being peas, (WGP), was recorded on videotape for the first time this they contribute nitrogen to the soil. Easy to collect year by Mike Barth, the WGP Recovery Project Officer. seed, easy to grow – why not included some daviesias in At the same time, Brent Barrett was taking some still your next replanting project? If you are on heath on the pics, two of which are shown here. As well as being eastern side of the south coast, try D. teretifolia – some excellent shots of this very rare and elusive bird, they other animal will thank you, even if you are not fortunate record what the bird is feeding on. Mike notes that while enough to have a western ground parrot! they were observing the bird, it fed on all sorts of low Photos: Brent Barrett heath plants, pulling the fruits down to beak level. The most common food items were small semaphore sedges (Mesomelaena sp.) but they also ate the seeds of Daviesia CArnaby's cockatoos use teretifolia, as well as sundry other plants. artificial nests As well as other parrots, quite a number of native birds feed on seeds and fruits when they are available. On Alison Doley’s From the emu, through bustards, bronze-wing pigeons, farm, 'Koobabie', at malleefowl, button-quails, and various parrots to pipits Coorow, there were 33 and finches, seeds are an important part of their diet. active Carnaby's cockatoo Although in the south-west area agricultural seeds nests this year, including – weeds and crops – have largely taken the place of native four in the seven artificial plants, it is still important to ensure that revegetation nest boxes that have contains low-growing seeders for the smaller, ground- been installed. They are feeding birds. It is possible that this activity could be supported by 4” galvanized important to distribute the seeds, as some may survive pipes which have a major to germinate in the droppings. The seed dispersal of advantage in that no nest many low sedges, curly grasses and twine rushes, for predator can reach them. example, is not well understood, nor, unfortunately, is As well they should be their seedling cultivation. safe from fire, unless an ember should blow into Daviesias (bitter peas) are another matter. These low- the wooden nest. This medium height shrubs are widespread across the whole Photo courtesy of Peter lady of the house seems of WA, so there will be one or more species suitable for Odekerken. quite content with her every area. They are often prickly and form dense, low accommodation! nest sites. The flowers are red or brownish-russet and usually very attractive. They are followed by a small

10 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

NEWS - FAUNA MALLEEFOWL IN MERREDIN PEAK RESERVE Mal Harper Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) were reported to be scats, vegetation, tracks, presence of eggshells and any widespread in the early days of colonisation by Europeans other relevant observations. Once the record was made but are now threatened with extinction. The causes are the survey continued. During the survey, sightings of probably habitat destruction or decline in habitat quality, other birds and animals were also recorded. We were and predation by introduced species such as cats and fortunate to have an expert on birds as a volunteer and foxes. Whilst this decline has been noted it is important 57 species of birds were noted during the week. that it be researched and documented. In the Shire of Merredin many sightings of malleefowl have been made on roads close to reserves and in one case in a backyard in town. These included some sightings in the Merredin Peak Reserve, which is an area of approximately 1800 hectares adjacent to the town and vested in the Shire of Merredin. The newly formed Merredin Malleefowl Group felt that it was important to survey the reserve because, being close to town, the effects of cats, dogs and humans on malleefowl populations was not known, so the Malleefowl Preservation Group (MPG) was approached to help carry out a baseline survey of It was very successful! Thirty-one malleefowl mounds malleefowl numbers and habitat. were recorded, eight of which showed signs of fresh Thirty local residents attended an induction evening. malleefowl activity and 22 were determined to be old or With the benefit of local knowledge from community very old. A follow up monitoring survey of all the active members and malleefowl expertise from Susanne mounds was undertaken in October 2006 to determine Dennings of the MPG, an area of approximately 370 if the level of activity had changed. This survey found hectares within the reserve was chosen as the area to be that seven of the eight original mounds were still active, surveyed. The survey took place over one week in June which was a very pleasing result. 2006 and 21 people were involved during the week, 11 Another monitoring survey was conducted in October of whom were visitors from as far away as Denmark. 2007, coordinated by Carl Danzi from WWF-Australia The Merredin Peak Reserve is composed of a number who is the WA Malleefowl Network Facilitator. All 31 of vegetation associations ranging from dense thicket, previously discovered mounds were monitored but none mainly Acacia and Allocasuarina species, which is very of the mounds were found to be active. This was very difficult to traverse, to open salmon gum and inland distressing – perhaps it is due to the current drought wandoo woodlands. conditions? The survey methodology was to form a team of All data collected during this survey was recorded on volunteers along a base line and have a leader and a a number of palm computers. One of the participants was tail end person both with GPS systems. The leader a ten-year-old girl who was given the job of recording then walked into the bush on an east-west line and was with one of the computers. This greatly contributed to followed by the next team member after having walked her interest in the survey and her determination to do 10 to 15 metres. The team members were spaced 10 the hard work of walking through the difficult terrain. metres apart. These small distances were necessary due There may be a lesson to be learned here! to the dense bush, where it was difficult to see people at The Merredin Malleefowl Group have now committed any greater distance, and to ensure that no malleefowl to maintain the monitoring of the mounds every year mounds were missed. The density of the bush required between October and December and to do a complete that the searchers wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers survey of the site every five years so that the Merredin and eye protection. community retains ownership of the results. If a mound was found, the line halted to record all relevant mound attributes such as position, recent activity, Mal Harper is LFWO at Merredin. He can be contacted mound dimensions and shape, soil type, habitat, litter trails on 9041 2488.

11 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

NEWS

THE 'GREAT BIODIVERSITY BUS TOUR'

factors including their legs before continuing the land clearing, tour to Hopetoun. development On arrival we gathered together pressures, and I planted some seeds of thought salinity, weeds, by asking if someone could define feral animals biodiversity? Why is any loss of and disease. biodiversity important? Left to The Australian ponder these questions, people Government started wandering spurred on by announced the the myriad of form and function identification on show. A test of species richness of 15 national as the most basic measure of hotspots in biodiversity was conducted. As October 2003, time dwindled we gathered together 16th September 2007. A group including the for some LFW-sanctioned bakery of keen Land for Wildlifers and Fitzgerald which has more than treats and a quick chat about our members of the Esperance Bird 1800 species of plant with about 70% respective finds. I reminded all of Observers Group and Esperance endemism. To put this into perspective, a quote I found whilst researching Wildflower Society met with a more than 18% of Western Australia’s the trip; common goal - to participate in plant species are within the Fitzgerald “A definition of biodiversity that the Great Biodiversity Bus Tour. River NP. The main threat here is is altogether simple, comprehensive, The aim was to raise awareness from the 'biological bulldozer' known and fully operational ... is unlikely of the high level of diversity we as dieback, Phytopthora cinnamomi, to be found.” (Noss, 1990) have in the area with particular which has been found within the The final statistics showed a respect to biodiversity hotspots national park. With a high proportion flora list in excess of 80 species such as the Fitzgerald River of plants susceptible to the disease including one priority and a bird National Park and associated and no known remedy the threat is list of 14 species. Finally it was Ravensthorpe Range. We planned very real. time to load the bus and head for to experience it first hand by visiting We spent just over an hour at the home. On arrival back in Esperance the Ravensthorpe Wildflower Show Wildflower Show intrigued by the the feedback was excellent. Taking and then conducting surveys at diversity of species found within some a bus load of enthusiastic nature Louise Lodge’s LFW property in of the genera on show and impressed lovers touring around the country Hopetoun. To take the hassle out by the palate of colour. Some took the side was a great way to spend a of transport and to provide an opportunity to purchase new books Sunday. atmosphere where the participants while others just enjoyed stretching could freely chat and exchange Wayne Gill ideas, I hired the Esperance Residential College’s bus for the On the other hand - the nightsTalk …! day and I put on my bus driver's hat. Thanks to Peter Jarzabek, manager In September, a small group of the College, for providing the went nightstalking on a property bus at half the going rate. near Esperance, hoping to spot Australia is one of the five most a quenda. No luck – lots of ecologically diverse countries in the frogs, though. But what we world. The Fitzgerald River NP is didn’t spot was a deep sticky a hotspot. A hotspot, by definition, patch of quicksand --- squidge! is rich in plant and animal species Well, some things work well, with a high degree of endemism some don’t! and under immediate threat from Wayne Gill

12 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

FLORA

USING THE BROOMBUSH KEY - INCREASING THE OPTIONS FOR REVEGETATION Prue Dufty A landholder east of Doodlakine recently asked us to visit his property for some information on restoration and revegetation. This property was situated on a salt lake system, so the challenge was to identify what species would have grown in that area previously, and even more importantly, would grow there again when site conditions and climate have changed. A walk in a small area of remaining vegetation revealed broombush growing around midslope on the lunette on the east side of Lake Baandee (Fig. 1). Whilst there was evidence of decline, some healthy trees were growing on obviously salt affected soils reflected by the presence of samphires as the major ground cover. Fig. 1 M. atroviridis growing at Lake Baandee The salt lake system east of Doodlakine is typical of ability to resprout, which means generally they can be many areas where extensive clearing has triggered rising harvested every 4 to 5 years. Margaret’s key suggested groundwater and, together with grazing, has resulted in there were two M. atroviridis variants, one a resprouter deterioration of remaining vegetation. Many landholders and the other not. are now prepared to fence off waterways, discharge Along Great Eastern Highway adjacent to this lake areas and salt affected lands to protect them from stock. system we noticed a small broombush was growing on However revegetation of these areas is necessary to re- the gravel verge, as shown in the Fig 2. The base of the establish indigenous species due to the loss of seed bank plant was quite thick, indicating that it had resprouted and changed soil condition, as well as the establishment and hadn’t reseeded. The leaf shape in cross section, of an array of exotic species. The challenge is 'what oil glands and bark were similar to the trees growing native species will perform best and will also assist in on the lunette. It does appear this M. atroviridis variant reversing previous degrading trends?' growing around these lakes is a resprouter and would be Eleven separate species of broombush are now suitable for agroforestry. recognised which makes identifying a particular plant difficult as most at first glance look remarkably similar. Prue Dufty is a Natural Resource Management Officer in Whilst generally a flowering part is needed for a positive the Department of Water, Narrogin. She can be contacted identification of most species, identifying broom bush by email: [email protected] species not in flower has been made easier by the key developed by Margaret Bryne, which is based on the [Fencing and main morphological characteristics (ref: WW 11/4). revegetation Whilst this Broombush species found on the lunette of waterways was not in flower, the infructescence was cylindrical, in the Avon the bark papery, leaf shape circular in cross section Catchment with scattered oil glands, identifying this species as M. is an Avon atroviridis. This identification provided us with some Catchment additional options for this landholder. If this variant of Council project delivered by the M. atroviridis was a resprouter, as well as being a useful Dept. of Water species in a biodiverse planting, it could also be a suitable and funded agroforestry species (that is, if grown on suitable sites it Fig. 2 M. atroviridis on the road shoulder with investment could be harvested for an economic return). Broombush from the State is increasingly being planted for harvesting for brush and Australian governments through the NHT and the fencing, as most species within the complex have the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.]

13 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

FLORA

Many WA plants produce edible Australia. The English name is wild fruits, and Aboriginal people used Wild Grapes - grape, or sometimes nitre bush. This to move around their country latter comes from the Latin word for collecting them at the appropriate bush tucker saltpeter, ‘nitrum’, as the first-named season. Along the coast, one such Trevor Walley species in the genus came from salt plant is the wild grape (Nitraria flats in Siberia. Bay. He wrote: “On the rocks we billardierei). found growing on low bushes great Last January, a group of quantities of a fruit resembling Noongyar elders visited Weedee half ripe black grapes, we partook sparingly of them at first but finding no ill effects continued to eat them as they were rather agreeable in flavour, and with some we made an excellent pudding the next day”. The plant grows on the coast and islands from Carnarvon right around through South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and into Queensland. There is also an inland Budjar (Penguin Island) to look for form, growing on natural salt lakes. This is a low, spreading shrub bush tucker and the photo shows In 1860, C. Wilhemi described its use growing on coastal limestone Shane Pickett on the boardwalk, as food in Victoria: “In December or limey sands. It has oblong, indicating a bush absolutely covered and January the bushes are so full of fleshy, greyish-green leaves and is in fruit. The next time you visit a fruit, the natives lie down on their covered in starry white flowers in limestone coastline in summer, see backs under them, strip off the fruit late spring. The fruits are purplish, if you can find some wild grapes. with both hands, and do not rise until like small grapes, with a large stone the whole bush has been cleared of surrounded by juicy flesh having its load”. Trevor Walley is a Project Officer, a light, slightly sweet taste. Very DEC, Kensington. He can be pleasant eating! Unfortunately no Noongyar name for this plant has been contacted by email: trevor. Back in January 1831, William [email protected] recorded, although the existence of Shenton and friends took a boat this summer lolly treat was certainly Illustration by E. Rippey from 'Plants of the to explore south of Fremantle, known. The name 'karambi' was Perth Coast and Islands'. anchoring one night at Mangles recorded at Port Lincoln in South

Botanical monitoring day at wagin lakes Botanists on survey study everything! Participants on the Friends of Wagin Lakes/LFW ‘Botanical Monitoring Day’ at Wagin Lakes in October were amazed by the diversity of ground layer plants, both annual and perennial, found in the quadrats. Though they were not tall or lush-growing in this dry year, yet nevertheless, there were dozens of different species in each quadrat. In wheatbelt woodlands, this is the vegetation layer that shows the most biodiversity. The group has since completed the re-survey of all the established quadrats, and the results will be available soon. Avril Baxter

14 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Scheme

NEWS

Bushland management with friends! LFW coffee morning at chittering

LFW participants with once again the skies opened up, and properties in the Shire of we ran for shelter and a final cuppa. Chittering were invited to A well-timed excursion! attend an enjoyable and Judging by the comments made, interesting LFW coffee the coffee morning provided an morning held at 'Peace Be excellent opportunity for LFWers Still'. This stunning 170 ha to get together and meet with like- property, owned by Wendy minded people and relax in an Gellard, contains walktrails informal atmosphere. There were and extends eastwards from calls for more such events! the Brockman River to Zara Kivell the Avon Valley National Examining warrine growing amongst dolerite boulders. Park. Whilst refreshments Ringbarked wandoos indicated very If you would be prepared to were being enjoyed, Wendy early clearing to promote pasture host a LFW coffee morning, with discussed her property and in and heavy grazing continued until refreshments and organisation particular the escalating problem 20 years ago. It was interesting to provided by LFW, please contact: of feral pigs. Alex, a friend of see the difference in vegetation along Zara Kivell (Hills and Avon Wendy’s, was introduced to the this boundary as, although shrub Valley) ph 9295 9100; or regeneration has been excellent, group and described how he has Heather Adamson (Coastal the ground flora on the grazed been tracking and identifying the Plain) ph 9582 9333 resources used by the pigs prior section was still dominated by to determine the most effective paddock weeds such as paterson’s method of control. Everyone took curse, cape tulip, capeweed and the opportunity to talk about their white bartsia. These weeds are KATANNING SHOW properties, raise management issues very sparse in the never-grazed area and discuss points in common, with away from disturbance caused by many useful suggestions being the fence and tracks. As if it were made. prearranged, our native wildlife The weather cleared as the group put on a demonstration for us with set out on a walk up the valley father emu and his clutch of chicks slope to where the lateritic plateau stalking through the valley. begins and a fenceline denotes the For many participants, the end of the previously grazed area. pig damage in the commercial orchard on the river flats was an eye- opener, with extensive soil disturbance and damage sustained to the reticulation. If this continues, it means that the orchard will not be able to be watered over summer The kids enjoyed themselves and the commercial making badges with rare flora and potential will be lost. fauna themes. The spiders were very popular! Just as we were Pig damage. Wendy is holding broken reticulation. returning to the house, Avril Baxter

15 Western Wildlife Vol 12 No. 1

COMING EVENTS IN BRIEF

European House Borer – State NRM Conference don’t move pine March/April 2008 This beetle is a major pest of pine timber that has somehow got into Perth. It is devastatingly destructive The next WA Natural Resource Management Conference will be held on 31st March to 1st April 2008 at Bridgetown of pine timber – including furniture and structural and Boyup Brook, hosted by the Blackwood Basin Group. timber – and the adult beetles can spread widely. Many The theme is 'Regional NRM – Bridging the Barriers to areas of the metropolitan area are now quarantined and Better NRM'. movement of pine is forbidden, including furniture and www.nrmconferencewa2008.com.au firewood. If you have to move any pine into or out of Perth, please check the free hotline first: 1800 084 See you there! 881 or visit: www.ehb.wa.gov.au

Policymakers synthesis on NEW BOOKS climate change This is the summary document used at the Bali Back from the Brink climate change conference. In just 23 pages it summarises climate change science to date, and what The ‘Back from the Brink’ project has produced the ‘Activity future predictions reveal. It urgently warns that the Book on Threatened Species and Communities’ suitable risks are greater, and possibly closer in time, than was for middle to upper primary school age children (or adults who like puzzles). It is well illustrated and packed full appreciated even six years ago at the time of the last of interesting facts and activities to make learning about IPCC report. The atmosphere is rapidly warming, threatened species fun. snow and ice are melting and the global sea level is ‘Back from the Brink’ is a project based in the Northern rising at an increasing rate; yet the problem is solvable Agricultural Region that aims to raise awareness and if governments act decisively. undertake actions that will help threatened flora, fauna and communities survive. It is a collaboration between DEC and Download it from the internet and read it yourself: the Northern Agricultural Catchments Council. www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar4/syr/ar4_syr_ If you know of a young person who would enjoy these spm.pdf activities, why not get them a copy of the book? You could find out more about the ‘Back from the Brink’ project too. Contact: Renee Hartley at DEC Jurien on 9652 1911. Did you know …

Pests and Diseases Image Library … that the Lake Magenta Catchment is not part www.padil.gov.au of the Avon Basin, although maps usually show that it is? The newest Digital Elevation Model shows This web site has diagnostic photographs and information that most years it is an internally draining playa with on almost 1000 pest organisms and more than 100 diseases no outlet, but in extreme events it drains south into that do (or could) affect Australia. Mostly they are exotic pests and diseases that affect agriculture, but some, such the Fitzgerald Catchment. In very extreme events, it as guava rust, also would affect native plants. Search for might possibly also run north towards the Lockhart your interests, or just browse – the images are superb. and the Avon. Geoff Hodgson, CSIRO

This newsletter is a compendium of articles written by many different people. The views expressed are those of the authors, not necessarily those of the Department of Environment and Conservation. Published by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth. All correspondence should be addressed to: The Editor ‘Western Wildlife’, Department of Environment and Conservation, Species and Communities Branch, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983.

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