Contents for Wildlife Property 2 Editorial 2 Contacts Any Rare and Interesting Plants Mand Animals Are Found on Land for Wildlife Properties

South East Queensland

JULY 2008 Volume 2 Number 3 Newsletter of the Land for Wildlife Program South East Queensland ISSN 1835-3851

Rarity found on a Land Contents for Wildlife property 2 Editorial 2 Contacts any rare and interesting plants Mand animals are found on Land for Wildlife properties. The photograph here Fauna shows one such animal. It is displaying 1 & 3 Pink Underwing Moth large blue-black ‘eyes’ and barring rows 3 Jumper Ants of white ‘teeth’ in a supposed attempt to ward off predators. This animal is 6-7 Brushtail and Ringtail about 12 cm in length and is the larvae Possums of one of Australia’s largest and most 12 Glider Feeding Scars threatened moths, the Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes imperialis) southern subspecies. This bizarre looking creature is the larvae Flora of the rare Pink Underwing Moth southern 3 Carronia multisepalea Nick Clancy, Land for Wildlife Extension species. A new breeding colony of this Offi cer, found this caterpillar on a Land threatened moth was discovered during a for Wildlife property in the Sunshine Land for Wildlife property visit. Weeds Coast hinterland while conducting a 5 Silver-leaved Desmodium property visit. The Pink Underwing Moth southern species was fi rst discovered 14-15 Cats Claw Creeper and identifi ed by a CSIRO team in 1988 at “landholders play a vital role Biocontrol Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, which, in the protection of many until Nick’s recent fi nd, was the only confi rmed breeding site in Queensland. rare species that depend on Property Profi les rainforests for survival” 8-9 Yarrawonga Dry Rainforest, Knowing that the Pink Underwing Moth Yarraman southern species larvae eat only one 10-11 Dillon, Hunchy species of plant, Carronia (Carronia Similarly, it is vital that programs like multisepalea), Nick kept an eye out for Land for Wildlife offer sound ecological Carronia and was rewarded to fi nd a assessment and management advice. 13 Book Reviews heavily defoliated plant and a larvae. At least 45 Land for Wildlife properties 12 Letters to the Editor The Pink Underwing Moth southern within the Sunshine Coast Regional species is listed under Commonwealth 16 The Open Property Scheme Council region contain populations legislation as Endangered and is the - celebrating 10 years of of Carronia. These properties will be subject of a Threatened Species Network Land for Wildlife in Queensland revisited by Land for Wildlife offi cers to project and other activities to confi rm look for potential Pink Underwing Moth taxonomy, locate breeding sites and raise southern subspecies breeding sites. community awareness. If you own a property that supports Given that over 75% of rainforest and rainforest or vine forest, you may wish vine forests in the Sunshine Coast region to keep an eye out for any Carronia are found on private land, it is obvious plants. This plant species is reasonably that landholders play a vital role in the easy to identify as it has a couple of protection of many rare species that Published with assistance of characteristics traits which are described depend on rainforests for survival. the Australian Government. in detail on page 3. continued page 3. PAGE 2 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 editorial elcome to the Land for Wildlife SEQ I am planning to visit several Open Land for Wildlife Wnewsletter for winter 2008. Properties, so please introduce yourself and let me know what topics you would Extension Offi cers in SEQ After many years of thought, discussion like to see covered in this newsletter. and planning, the fi rst Land for Wildlife Brisbane City Council Open Property Scheme has fi nally arrived The rest of this newsletter covers Susan Finlay, 3403 6575 in Queensland. animals from the extremely rare (Pink Underwing Moth) to almost too Gold Coast City Council To help celebrate Land for Wildlife common or problematic (brushtail Darryl Larsen, 5582 8896 Queensland’s 10th anniversary, there possums and jumper ants). Alan are 28 Land for Wildlife properties which has provided an excellent article on are open for a designated period of time the biocontrol of Cats Claw Creeper Ipswich City Council during the month of September for other involving Land for Wildlife landholders. Peter Copping, 3810 6618 Land for Wildlife members to come and It will be interesting to watch the long- have a look at. term effects of biocontrol on such an Lockyer Valley Regional Council The enclosed Open Property Scheme ecologically damaging weed. Martin Bennett, 0428 198 353 brochure details 27 properties, with One good part of my job is that people Logan City Council the backpage of this newsletter giving send me photographs of wildlife, plants information about an additional one that and fungi that they have come across. Penny de Vine, 3412 5321 unfortunately missed out on being in the I have included some of these here for brochure. your interest. Moreton Bay Regional Council Amanda Sargeant, 5433 2472 As you will see, there is a wide selection of As always, I welcome any comments or Lyndall Rosevear, 3480 6529 properties from South-east Queensland. contributions that you may have. Some large grazing properties, some small peri-urban blocks and some Happy reading. Redland City Council education centres. All have unique stories Gavin Hammermeister, 3820 1102 to tell about how they are contributing Deborah Metters to the overall health and wellbeing of Land for Wildlife Regional Coordinator Scenic Rim Regional Council ecosystems in SEQ. SEQ Catchments Keith McCosh, 5540 5436 Phone: 07 3211 4404 Pages 8 to 11 of this newsletter showcase Somerset Regional Council two quite different Open Properties. Given [email protected] the diversity of properties and the wide Martin Bennett, 0428 198 353 geographic spread across SEQ, I hope you Michelle Ledwith, 5422 0516 will be inspired to participate in the Open Property Scheme. South Burnett Regional Council Caroline Haskard, 4163 5090

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Nick Clancy, 5439 6433 Alan Wynn, 5439 6477 Josh Birse, 5441 8002 Amanda Ozolins, 5441 8414 Dave Burrows, 5449 5202

Toowoomba Regional Council Veronica Newbury, 4688 6572 Kym Campbell, 4698 1155 Images (L to R): Lesuer’s Frog, Madeira vine tubers, Koala released after rehabilitation at Australia Zoo, unidentiﬁ ed spider, Stephen’s Banded Snake, Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.

Forward all letters to: Landholder Registrations, Land for Wildlife SEQ - 30/06/2008 The Editor Registered Working Towards Total Area under Land for Wildlife Newsletter Total Area Retained SEQ Catchments Properties Registration Restoration PO Box 13204 George Street QLD 4003 2265 481 43,750 ha 2,929 ha PAGE 3 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 fauna proﬁ le Pink Underwing Moth continued from page 1

Identifying Carronia In SEQ, Carronia multisepalea is an uncommon rainforest vine found on the Blackall Range, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Mt Tamborine and the Border Ranges. Suitable habitats for Carronia include rainforests on red basalt soils (regional ecosystem 12.8.3), in vine forests on alluvial ﬂ ats (regional Pink Underwing Moth (Phyllodes ecosystem 12.3.1) and in rainforests on imperialis). Photograph by Don Sands granite soils on the western slopes of courtesy of CSIRO Entomology. the Blackall Range (regional ecosystems 12.12.1 and 12.12.16). Carronia prefers unlogged, intact rainforest remnants.

In low-light conditions, Carronia will Carronia growing as a climbing vine grow as a rambling small shrub, but and as a shrub. Note the long petioles, will rapidly grow up into the canopy as swelling where the petiole meets the a strong climbing vine if light becomes leaf and angle of leaf away from petiole. available. Leaves are dark green and have Photos by Deborah Metters. prominent lateral veins. An important identifying feature of this plant is the petiole – the small stem that joins the leaf to the main stem or branch. The petiole is usually long and straight (up to 5 cm long) and has a distinctive swelling where it meets the leaf. The leaf distinctively grows at an angle (up to 90 degrees) to the petiole.

Carronia vines are dioecious with male and female ﬂ owers on separate plants. Their pollination vectors and fruit- dispersing agents are currently unknown.

Identifying the Larvae Dr Don Sands, a retired CSIRO Underwing Moths do not pierce fruit as do entomologist who has been studying this some of the related fruit-piercing moths. Given the wonderfully complex ecological moth for over 20 years, and Nick Clancy Adult moths live for about 30 days and systems found in rainforests it is of no are working together to identify potential probably disperse widely to suitable surprise that the Pink Underwing Moth breeding sites through analysing feeding rainforests. Late October and December- larvae is not the only animal to enjoy scars on Carronia. Sites with a high March are the two main known fl ight a feed on Carronia leaves. Several leaf likelihood of being breeding locations will periods. predators such as snails and larvae of be revisited during October - November other moths also eat Carronia. Large when the larvae start to appear. This recent discovery of a new breeding caterpillars of the Pink Underwing Moth population of a threatened species southern subspecies commonly strip Pink Underwing Moth Ecology confi rms that community involvement is the entire leaf leaving only the petiole essential to protect threatened species. behind. The caterpillars are also known The Pink Underwing Moth southern to eat half a leaf down to the midvein. subspecies can grow up to 13 cms in This article was compiled by Deborah These distinctive eating patterns may size and has mottled brown wings that Metters from information presented at lead you in the direction of fi nding a Pink look like eucalypt leaves. A bright pink the Pink Underwing Moth Revegetation Underwing Moth. section on the underwing can be fl ashed if disturbed. Dr Sands believes that Workshop held at Mary Cairncross Pink Underwing Moths seem to prefer to the southern subspecies of the Pink Reserve on 12 May 2008 organised by breed on Carronia vines found in dark Underwing Moth is threatened due to Barung Landcare. the loss and fragmentation of its highly rainforests with minimal sunlight. Young Ecological information about Phyllodes caterpillars need to eat young soft leaves, specifi c rainforest habitats. imperialis is from Clarke, GM & whereas mature caterpillars will eat most Spier-Ashcroft, F (2003) A Review of leaves and petioles. Larvae are only in The Pink Underwing Moth southern the Conservation Status of Selected the fi eld for a short 4-6 week period per subspecies feeds on the juice of rotting Australian Non-Marine Invertebrates, year and then they pupate and remain in or over-ripe fruit that has not fallen to Commonwealth of Australia. diapause from May to September. the ground (D. Sands pers. comm.). Pink PAGE 4 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 fauna profi le Jumper Ants Article by Nick Clancy Land for Wildlife Extension Offi cer Sunshine Coast Regional Council

t is quite possible that your Land for IWildlife property is home to as many as 100 different species of ants. Ants occur just about everywhere in our environment and represent an impressive amount of diversity. Around 1300 species of ants have been formally described in Australia. It is estimated that this represents only about one third of the continent’s total ant fauna. Ants play important ecological roles such as recycling nutrients, devouring carrion, dispersing seeds, controlling potential ‘pests’ as well as highly speciﬁ c interdependences with other fauna such as is the case with the Jumper Ants inhabit moist forests Crematagaster Ants and the Illidge’s Blue of eastern Australia. In SEQ they Butterﬂ y. are found on rainforest edges and in wet eucalypt forests. They One primitive species that is quite reach about 12-17 mm in length. infamous amongst landholders living in Both the head and the gaster (rear the bush in SEQ is the Jumper or Jumping section) are black, while the middle Ant (Myrmecia nigrocinta). Jumping Ants section (mesosoma) is a reddish- are related to Bull Ants and are just one brown with a black band. The large of the 89 described Australian species in mandibles are red-yellowish in the Myrmecia Genus. Characteristic of the colour. Photos by Peter Chew. Myrmecia Genus are the very prominent forward pointing mandibles.

Worker ants forage individually during Jumper Ant nests are often found at the day and on warm nights for small the base of a tree or grass clump. invertebrates both on the ground and in about aggressively in a defensive Photo by Nick Clancy. vegetation. They use their strong sting to charge. If you are unfortunate subdue prey and their large mandibles to enough to be bitten, the ants transport them back to the nest. Protein deliver a powerful ‘bite’ with an in the form of insects is carried back to intense sting that often causes the nest to feed the larvae. Workers also local swelling. The Jumper Ant gather nectar and honeydew by feeding grabs its victim with its powerful on sap-sucking insects and fl owers. The mandibles and holds on while the adults live entirely on sugary foods which tail is thrust forward to deliver the once consumed is carried in their crop sting. Stings have been known to back to the nest where it is regurgitated cause serious allergic reactions and shared with others. in some people. This renowned sting of Jumper Ants is currently Walking through the bush you are the subject of promising cancer most likely to notice the Jumping Ants research at the University of distinctive cone shaped mound nests Technology Sydney. You really which are often built at the base of a only need one introduction to this tree or grass clump. These are made of relatively common species and dirt and are generally about 200 mm it’s extremely unlikely that you in height. This is the tip of the iceberg will ever forget it! Jumper Ant nest entrance. Photo by Peter as the tunnels and galleries can extend Chew from Brisbane Insects and Spiders a metre or more underground. It goes References website at http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/ with out saying that these nests are Burwell, C. (2007) Ants of pchew_brisbane/index.html best avoided. When disturbed the nest Brisbane. A Queensland Museum erupts with a swarm of ants that jump Wild Guide, Queensland Museum. PAGE 5 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 weed profi le Silver-leaved Desmodium... A Sticky Problem Article by Nick Clancy Land for Wildlife Extension Offi cer Sunshine Coast Regional Council Silver- leaved Desmodium his Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus stem caught in ear Tgeoffroyii) pictured was recently found dead on a Land for Wildlife property near Conondale in the Mary Valley. It was entangled in the environmental weed Velcro Vine or Silver-leaved Desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum). This vigorous vine is used as a pasture legume but has also become an invasive weed in bushland and regrowth areas. In winter it produces an abundance of sticky, velcro-like segmented seed pods that are dispersed as they latch onto passing animals, machinery and humans. The leaves and stems also have velcro-like hairs that cling onto most things they come in contact with.

Landholders have reported a range of small native species such as frogs, small Silver- birds, moths and other invertebrates leaved Desmodium stem becoming entangled in this problematic attached to forearm. weed. Small animals that forage in the understorey and forest edges are most likely to become entrapped. The Lesser Long-eared Bat forages for insects close to and even on the ground making it particularly vulnerable to entrapment in the sticky stems of the vine.

We would be interested in hearing your stories and seeing any photos if you have encountered wildlife that has become trapped in Silver-leaved Desmodium.

Control of Silver-leaved Desmodium Look out for the distinctive pink pea like fl owers in early winter. Small seedlings can be hand-pulled when the soil is moist. Being a nitrogen fi xing legume, more mature plants have extensive tap roots that can be diffi cult to hand pull, grubbing out is an option.

Herbicide treatment may be required for larger infestations. An off-label permit allows for the foliar spraying of this invasive weed with Brushoff®, Kamba 500® and Kamba M®. Be sure to read Silver-leaved Desmodium images the label carefully before use and always showing the leaves, sticky hairs, pods use the herbicide in accordance with label directions. Target control efforts and ﬂ owers. Photographs by Sheldon annually prior to vines setting seed in Naive from Suburban and Environmental winter and mark treated infestations Weeds for South-east Queensland and so you can check for any regrowth the northern NSW CD-ROM (2002). following year. PAGE 6 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 fauna proﬁ le Our Urban Neighbours - The Brushtail and Ringtail Possums

Article by Gavin Hammermeister Land for Wildlife Extension Ofﬁ cer Redland City Council

he Common Brushtail Possum T(Trichosurus vulpecular) and Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) are two of the best examples of native fauna who have adapted to our suburban lifestyle. As our urban footprint expands, the majority of native fauna struggles with the loss of habitat, However, both the brushtail and ringtail possum see this as an opportunity to expand their ranges, culminating in them being possibly the most common native mammals in major cities and towns of South-east Queensland. They have easily made the transition from their typical habitat of open forest and woodlands to our backyards. The Common Brushtail Possum - a sometimes unwanted visitor into South-east Queensland homes. Photo by Darryl Larsen. The Common Brushtail Possum has a black bushy tail, large pointy ears and a silver-grey coat and is roughly the same size of a cat. Males also have reddish- brown fur on their shoulders. Males is listed as rare in South Australia and has been reported that there are up to 7 weigh anywhere from 1.3–4.5 kgs while endangered in the Northern Territory. Common Brushtail Possums per hectare the females range from 1.2–3.5 kgs. Introduced predators such as feral cats in suburban Brisbane. The ringtail is less and foxes, introduced herbivores such as of a problem as it constructs a spherical cattle, rabbits, horses and camels, and nest (referred to as a drey) in trees in “there are up to 7 Common changed ﬁ re regimes have all contributed which it resides during the day. to the decline. It is interesting to note Brushtail Possums per hectare that before protection in Queensland the If you wish to stop a brushtail living in in suburban Brisbane” brushtail was hunted for its pelt, much your roof, then a few simple steps can be like the Koala was. taken:

While Common Brushtail Possums are 1. Find out where the possum is getting The Common Ringtail Possum is declining in parts of Australia, they out by cramming paper into suspected comparable in size to a brushtail however are one of New Zealand’s most serious entry points during the day, when the its colouration consists of grey with white pests. In the 1800’s, around 200 were possum exits at night it will push out patches behind the eyes and on the belly, introduced for the fur trade and now the paper showing where it is getting and orange-brown tinges on the tail and number in their millions and are found out. limbs. Its long prehensile tail has a white in most parts of the country. In New tip and it uses it like a fi fth limb to climb 2. Provide alternate homes by placing Zealand the brushtail is a vector for and jump. nest boxes or hollow logs in nearby bovine tuberculosis, has changed forest trees. These will need to be monitored Both species are nocturnal and very composition through selective browsing to ensure introduced species such as agile climbers as they can often be of native plants and also preys on the the European Honey Bee and Indian seen climbing along powerlines and eggs and chicks of native birds. Myna do not take over. Brushtail fences using them as their own personal With the expansion of both of these possums will happily use nest boxes. highways. Both eat a variety of native possums into urban settings in South- and introduced leaves, fl owers and fruit. 3. Once nest boxes are installed, seal east Queensland, this has lead to The brushtail also consumes a variety of the entry points into the roof. Do confl ict with humans in suburbia. Both household refuse. this between the hours of 8 – 10pm brushtails and ringtails eat garden plants when the possum is out. It is also While both possums are listed as and can cause faecal contamination of recommended to splash disinfectant common and protected in Queensland, water tanks, however it is the brushtail around the old entries to destroy the Common Brushtail Possum is actually that tends to have the most confl ict where the possum has marked the declining through Central Australia and with humans due to its habit of taking entry points with its scent glands. up residence in the roofs of houses. It PAGE 7 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008

A family of Common Ringtail Possums. Photograph by Redland IndigiScapes Centre.

Both Common Brushtail Possums and Mountain Brushtail Possums (pictured) will happily use nest boxes.

an interesting fact about the Common This Common Brushtail Possum was Ringtail Possum is that Possum scats. upset after having being disturbed it eats its own poo in its nest box by prying Galahs. Photo by Jason Flynn.

Trapping should never be undertaken by the home owner as permits are I thought I would fi nish this article with The ringtail produces two types of pellets required to do so. Most pest controllers an interesting fact about the Common in the caecum using a clever separation are experienced at removing brushtails Ringtail Possum by discussing the reason mechanism. These two types are faecal and are licensed to use harmless traps why it eats its own poo. As the ringtail and caecal pellets. Faecal pellets are if required. A trapped possum has to be eats mostly leaves, its energy source is hard, dark and contain unwanted recycled released within 50 metres of the capture obtained from the cellulose in the plant matter. The caecal pellets are soft, site so it is still within its home range. fi bres. Cellulose is a poor food choice but greenish and still contain undigested Brushtail and ringtail possums that also diffi cult to break down and digest. nutrients. A sleeping ringtail curled up inhabit woodlands, forests and urban into a ball with its nose next to its cloaca The problem is solved by specialised fringes face a number of predators which consumes the caecal pellets so that bacteria in the gut that breaks up, can impact on population numbers. remaining nutrients can be extracted. The ferments and digests the cellulose. This These include the Dingo, Powerful Owl, mother also passes these to the young to process happens inside a very large Carpet and other large pythons and the increase their gut bacteria to enable them fermentation chamber called the caecum European Fox. However, their city cousins to ferment and digest the leaves they eat. that is located towards the end of the also face their fair share of peril. Causes gastro-intestinal tract. of mortality in urban areas include References car strikes, dog and cat attacks and The chewed-up leaf litter passes through Pest Animal Control CRC website. accidental/deliberate poisoning. the gastro-intestinal tract until it reaches Australian Koala Hospital Association Inc, the caecum. Once in the caecum the Wildcare Australia website. Dense urban populations of brushtail and specialised bacteria break down the ringtail possums can be more susceptible EPA website. cellulose further by fermentation. This to disease. Most possums that are Wildlife of Sydney website. then passes through the large intestine illegally relocated face a high chance of and is excreted through the cloaca in mortality as they face competition with pellet form. existing territorial possums. PAGE 8 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 property profi le “Yarrawonga” - a Land for Wildlife Open Property

Article and photographs by Bruce Lord Community Partnerships Manager, Upper Brisbane Catchment SEQ Catchments

he most westerly property involved in Tthe Land for Wildlife Open Property Scheme is “Yarrawonga”, an impressive beef cattle enterprise managed by Bill Hobbs. The property contains extensive remnant dry rainforest patches and some innovative farm forestry plots. “Yarrawonga” is located south-west of the Yarraman township in the Toowoomba Regional Council district.

Sawmilling Company , Broadfoot & Foote were original owners of the 456 hectare ( 1128 acre) block and had logged the original rainforest for Hoop and Bunya Pine and some Yellowwood. Purchased by the Boisen family in 1935 and a through a long-standing relationship with Hobbs Endangered Araucarian dry rainforest remnants on “Yarrawonga”. family that extends through generations until the present day, the property has been managed by, and the home to, the In addition to retaining and Hobbs family since 1936. establishing shade trees for stock across the property, Bill has also On arriving at the property and camping established a number of small farm in a tent in 1936, Bill Hobbs’ father set forestry trials on the property and about progressively clearing the scrub continues to plant trees across the which covered the whole block. In property. these early days the scrub was felled by axe and burnt. Improved pastures The Hobbs’ family has also been were established on rich upland basalt generous in sharing the rainforest soils to support a dairy herd. In 1938 a with other interested people. The ﬁ rst complete dairy herd was walked from a campers arrived in 1953 and a small farm at Tingoora in the South Burnett to hut has been constructed at the edge commence dairying at “ Yarrawonga”. of each remnant, with regular visitors ever since. While some of the original As was often the case, the property was campers enjoyed shooting scrub run as a mixed farming operation with turkeys which damaged corn crops, the raising of pigs and dryland cropping people now come to getaway and in conjunction with the dairy herd which enjoy the natural values of the scrub. continued until 2000. Today the property is managed as a beef cattle enterprise As well as having numerous private with a breeder herd running on improved visitors each year , Bill’s involvement pastures and annual crops to produce with the Rosalie North Landcare weaners. Group has seen the family host several ﬁ eld days and guided scrub During the early days, the 2 large Bill Hobbs standing in front of a walks for people interested in the remaining patches of scrub on the rainforest remnant. natural values and diversity in these property were not cleared to allow large dry rainforest remnants. remaining smaller pines to mature and because of the steep terrain. This whole “Yarrawonga” contains two main area has been retained and preserved remnants with an approximate total by successive generations of the Hobbs area of 160 hectares. These remnants family. are comprised of Araucarian complex notophyll and microphyll dry rainforest on weathered basalt PAGE 9 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008

“whether it be planting trees or shrubs or pasture, you should always aim to establish species which are suited to your country””

identiﬁ ed as the Endangered Regional Ecosystem 12.5.13 with a small area of Of- Rainforest scrub in the distance over the dam. Concern Regional Ecosystem 12.8.13.

Bill Hobbs aims to protect and maintain the condition of these large dry rainforest remnants through the maintenance of fences to exclude stock access and the control of weed species, especially lantana, around remnant edges.

The main natural resource management issues over time have been the gradual replacement of fencing, ongoing weed control and the damage to the remnant and degradation of surrounding pastures from large populations of wallabies which shelter in remaining patches of scrub.

One of the remnants joins Yarraman State Forest to the east forming a large and signiﬁ cant tract of core vegetation.

Bill has a couple of favourite natural spots within the scrub, including massive ﬁ g trees (one over 13.8 metre around) in a gorge, with one particular strangler ﬁ g growing over large rocks. With regard to wildlife, Bill has a soft spot for the native marsupial mice which live around the camp and have become very quiet, cheeky, and comfortable sharing their Entrance to a dry rainforest remnant on Yarrawonga. accommodation with human visitors.

When looking to the future Bill believes that whether it be planting trees or shrubs or pastures you should always aim to establish species which are suited to your country and it is essential to have sufﬁ cient soil moisture to ensure success. Bill hopes that the condition of the rainforest scrub will be maintained over time and that he can continue to enjoy the beauty and diversity of the scrub.

If you wish to visit “Yarrawonga” as part of the Open Property Scheme please ﬁ ll in the enclosed RSVP form. Visitor numbers to “Yarrawonga” are capped at 40 so that 2 groups of 20 people will have guided rainforest walks. A botanist with expertise in dry rainforests is Sharp contrasts - remnant rainforest scrubs and pasture. being arranged for the day. PAGE 10 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 property proﬁ le “Dillon” - a Land for Wildlife Open Property Article and photographs by Joan Dillon Land for Wildlife landholder

ur part of the Sunshine Coast OHinterland is, as a result of historical land use, a patchwork of vegetation fragments. First the timber cutters took out any Red Cedar and White Beech, leaving behind only inaccessable trees in the steep gullies. Clearing for bananas came next, followed by small crops, Lantana and other weed control on the Dillon’s property. dairying, and ﬁ nally a combination of beef cattle, subdivision, and casual grazing on unoccupied land. Needless to say conditions were ideal for the growth of many of the weeds common in SEQ.

The results of all the above confronted us 10 years ago when we moved onto our 4.4 hectare property in Hunchy. The land was dissected with gully lines, had highly erodible but reasonably deep soils and a few old landslip sites. We were, however, fortunate to have a very small but permanent creek, one of the many un- named sources of Petrie Creek, a tributary of the Maroochy River. A few remnant trees had survived the depredations of history and there was some moderately mature regrowth. Lantana, glycine, desmodium and mistfl ower were the A successful revegetation site on the Dillon’s property. priority weeds. There were, of course, plenty of others! revegetation program were maintenance, has been useful in protecting the soil Apart from weeds, the existing dominant maintenance and maintenance. It was and has also provided food for various trees were Cryptocarya obovata and really important not to take on too much invertebrates in the course of breaking Cryptocarya triplinervis, Streblus at any one time. down. These in turn have provided food brunonianus, Olea paniculata, Ficus for the many insectivorous birds. fraseri and Ficus coronata, Elaeocarpus We propagated many trees ourselves obovatus, Dysoxylum meulleri, Guioa from seed harvested on our own and The revegetation program has also semiglauca, Aphananthe philippinensis neighbouring properties and were involved the creation of a large wildlife and Mallotus philippensis. We were fortunate to be able to access additional friendly garden utilising local and regional fortunate that there were suffi cient stock from Barung Landcare’s excellent species with space set aside for a home numbers of Macaranga tanarius, Pipturus nursery in Maleny. Various small grants orchard and vegetable garden. It’s quite argenteus and Trema tomentosa nearby for the purchase of plants and mulch remarkable what can fi t onto 4.4 hectares, to naturally establish as pioneers. Where helped along the way. Hares were and particularly when the land form is a mix of light reached the ground in the gullies, still are a major problem and all young gullies, slopes and moderately level areas there was a partial cover of native forest trees have to be protected with chicken with several different aspects. grasses amongst the weeds. mesh guards. Several hundred have been made and are constantly recycled. A comprehensive plant list for the Blackall Our revegetation program over the past Range has helped with the selection 10 years has focussed on patch planting, Our only water is from tank storage so of appropriate species to improve the working out from clear edges such as the none of the revegetation is irrigated. general diversity of our establishing internal driveway and existing vegetation. All trees receive 10 litres at planting, a forest. Patch clearing of lantana The size and shape of the patches generous layer of mulch and after that combined with the development of the has been designed to minimise edge they are on their own. Survival rates have dense, layered garden has provided the effects and, as far as possible, reduce been above 95%, helped by a clay soil whipbirds with a safe haven close to maintenance. We soon learned that in with good moisture holding capacity and the house and safe corridors from the this climate and with our soil type, the planting timed to avoid hot, dry weather. remaining lantana and regrowth. three major issues when undertaking any Brush mulching with broken lantana PAGE 11 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008

plus natural regeneration has shown us that the natural shrub understorey in the dry vine forest of the valley is quite sparse. A dense layer of leaf litter with A rainforest restoration ferns on the south east facing slopes workshop for Land for is, however, suited to several ground Wildlife members on the feeding birds such as the pigeons, Noisy Dillon’s property, May 2007. Pitta, Bassian Thrush and of course the ubiquitous turkeys. Our overall bird count of identiﬁ ed species is now just over 100.

A mix of planting and natural regeneration is resulting in the return of palms and treeferns to the creek and gully lines with ground ferns gradually replacing the mistﬂ ower. We’re also seeing many young seedlings waiting for a break in the canopy so that they can make a dash for the light. Wonga vines and cockspur have had to be strategically controlled as they have brought down several trees through sheer weight. Their trailing stems and roots do, however, hold the soil together on steep banks. Managing a new forest can be quite a challenge!

We have appreciated the Land for Wildlife network providing information such as plant lists to help with particular projects, and also the encouragement to do a bit of experimenting with what, in this area, is a “mulching with broken Our revegetation program has also very much modifi ed landscape. targetted several other species in terms lantana has been useful in of specifi c habitat creation. When you It’s sometimes hard to believe the protecting the soil” have a mostly blank canvas, you might photographic evidence of what the as well be creative! The current project property used to look like and there’s is the planting of a sedge and grass fi eld still some distance to go. However, We were told that the during the in a seasonal drainage line as a means waking up to melodious birdsong, seeing depression years the valley had been of encouraging the fi nches and wrens to an occasional shy wallaby, even if it a hunting ground for locals shooting return. They had been favoured by the does nibble the young trees, noting the pigeons for the pot and with this in many tall weeds and exotic grasses which fl owering and fruiting of trees we planted mind we consciously planted a range have now gone but are still abundant and sharing our experiences with others of additional food trees, particularly on adjacent properties. Strategically is an incredible reward for doing what we fi gs native to this area. Apart from the planted windbreaks, either permanent, love doing anyway. existing sandpaper fi gs we are also the Syzygium australe, or temporary, Acacia proud stewards of a magnifi cent Ficus perangusta, seem to have been quite virens (image right) from which hangs If you wish to visit the Dillon’s effective in controlling wind blown seed. the grandchildren’s swing. What is a property as part of the Land for Wildlife Open Property Scheme please large tree with long strong overhanging Observation of existing remnants and fi ll in the enclosed RSVP form. branches without a swing! the progress of our own revegetation The pigeons seem to have appreciated our efforts and are defi nitely coming back, and increasing in numbers. Nine species now either live with us permanently or are regular visitors. Figbirds, fruitbats, carpet snakes, possums and many other species also appreciate the additional resources. Our numerous honeyeaters, assorted fl ycatchers and pardalotes spend hours removing tiny insects from around the twigs and under the leaves. PAGE 12 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 letters to the editor Recycling, Habitat Restoration and Special Education

any thanks for your editorial on I’m delighted that the Kingfi sher Centre education curriculum are already in Mclimate change, the most crucial has already scored another volunteer place. But what will happen to our waste issue ever to have faced humanity. If to help our students with considerable minimisation program, then, 24 years we don’t start to address this issue disabilities process the centre’s ever after its inception, who knows? Please now, today, the future for much of our mounting volume of recyclables. As spread the word because I’d hate all our non-voting wildlife appears wild and always, habitat groups and school hard yakka to go down the tube. woolly indeed. Rupert Murdoch recently community recycling initiatives thrive said “climate change poses clear, on VIPs and OBEs – Volunteers In All the best in the future you choose. catastrophic threats”. But there are also Partnerships and Other Beggar’s Efforts. the catastrophic environmental and social Harry Johnson (former) Co-ordinator threats. Just a small point about the photo of the Land for Wildlife sign attached to a Kingfi sher Centre Many thanks for the newsletter. It stringybark tree. Some people might think Aspley Special School’s Recycling Station was excellent. Great to read how the that a Land for Wildlife sign that looks as The world’s most comprehensive school red-bellied black snake is making a if it’s nailed to a native tree isn’t a good recycling project! comeback. Many years ago on a bushwalk look. Combined letters from May & Nov. 2007 with the students we saw a couple of I agree with the article about the linkage red-bellied blacks entwined together, Ed – thanks for your letters and your between trees and rainfall and I found mating or fi ghting? Very spectacular. They passion shown for school recycling the practical article on killing weed trees certainly are beautiful creatures. projects. I hope that the recycling to be excellent and obviously we enjoyed program stays strong. With regards to Good news here is that three enthusiastic the article on SEQ kingfi shers. our signs, the Land for Wildlife program volunteers rolled up wanting to form a encourages members to attach their signs habitat group to weed and regenerate I retire this year at the end of 40 years to fence posts and gates, not trees, in line the beautiful bush around the Aspley in Special Education. My replacement with your sentiments. Special School’s Kingfi sher Recycling has expert knowledge about birds and has already carried out spotlighting Centre. That’s fantastic since our kids Aspley Special School is a registered Land and accurate weed surveys on site. are great at putting down cardboard for Wildlife property in northern Brisbane. Plus BCC weed offi cers have already and then mulching but anything small The property contains over 1.5 hectares visited the site to assist with major that is growing is, to them, a weed. of an “Of-concern” Melaleuca ecosystem weed tree eradication, so some aspects We’re delighted with the support of BCC that fringes two creeks forming an of Kingfi sher Centre’s environmental Northern Catchments Coordinator. important riparian wildlife corridor.

Glider Feeding Scars

ere is a photograph of incisions made by a Yellow-bellied HGlider (Petaurus australis). A key component to the diet of Yellow-bellied Gliders is the sap from eucalypt trees which they extract by gnawing incisions into the bark of trees. Incisions are usually in the shape of a shallow V and are on average about 12 cm long and 1-5 cm wide.

Usually only one tree within a stand of similar trees is tapped for its sap at any one time. The selected tree may change over time and seasons, although single trees have been reported as being used as sap sources for over 10 years.

Yellow-bellied Gliders are one of Australia’s largest gliders requiring mature, unfragmented forests with hollows for survival. These gliders can still be found across SEQ in areas where there are large tracts of undisturbed vegetation.

Reference: WPSQ, Bayside Branch newsletter, August 2007.

Photo by Bruce Lord. PAGE 13 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 book reviews Mangroves to Mountains: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland (revised edition) by Glenn Leiper, Jan Glazebrook, Denis Cox & Kerry Rathie

he revised edition of Mangroves to the plant you are trying to identify. The TMountains was launched in early text is concise and easy to understand June. It is now just one volume and and is useful for confi rming the identity of includes all the species found in the plants. People new to identifying plants original two volumes and many more. in the fi eld will fi nd the text mostly free Over 2200 species of plants from the of confusing technical terms and there is NSW border to Fraser Island and west a simple glossary in the back of the book to the Great Dividing Range are pictured for those words like ‘lenticel’ (no they’re and described with updated names and not great in a curry). classifi cation. For many Land for Wildlife property As with the original volumes the owners it is sometimes diffi cult to make photographs are superb and the same use of the fl ora species list provided easy to use layout of the original two during a Land for Wildlife assessment. volumes has been retained. The layout With this book you will be able to put makes using this book to identify plants a ‘face to the name’ and become more very simple; the book is divided into familiar with the native plants in your sections that covers the major vegetation backyard. types as well as a section on mistletoes Society for Growing Australian Plants and the eucalypts (and eucalypt look-a- This book is the most comprehensive (Queensland) Inc, 2008. likes). Each section is then divided again fi eld guide available for the native Soft cover, 544 pages, full colour. according to fruit or fl ower colour. plants of South East Queensland and is ISBN: 978 0 646 48846 2 a valuable resource for property owners RRP: $50 The sections are colour coded to make who want to gain a better understanding fi nding the relevant pages easy and of the fl ora on their block. quick. It is then simply a case of scanning the photos to fi nd the plant that matches Review by Alan Wynn.

Native Mice and Rats by Bill Breed and Fred Ford

ustralia’s native rodents are a Native Mice and Rats describes the Arelatively little known group of evolution and ecology of this much- mammals which actually make-up 25% neglected group of animals. It details the of all our mammals. They are the most diversity of their reproductive biology, ecologically diverse family of Australian their dietary adaptations and social mammals with about 60 living species. behaviour. The book also includes They range in size from the very small information on rodent parasites and delicate mouse to the highly specialised, diseases, and concludes by outlining the arid-adapted hopping mouse, the large changes in distribution of the various tree rat and the carnivorous water rat. species since the arrival of Europeans as well as current conservation programs. Australian native rodents do not adapt well to disturbance of their habitat One of the main aims of the authors in and have not become pest species. writing this book is to increase awareness Unfortunately, the native species are and knowledge in an effort to conserve CSIRO Publishing, 2008 often mistaken for the more notorious what is left of this important native group Soft cover, 192 pages, colour photos pest species that have been introduced to of animals. ISBN: 9780643091665 Australia. RRP: $39.95 Review by Amanda Ozolins. PAGE 14 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008 weed proﬁ le Biological Control of Cats Claw Creeper

Article by Alan Wynn Land for Wildlife Extension Ofﬁ cer Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Caloundra District

iological control or ‘biocontrol’ is the Buse of naturally occurring insects or pathogens from a weed’s country of Adult leaf tying pyralid moth. origin to reduce the overall vigour of a Photo by DPI Biosecurity pest plant. The agent can do this in a Queensland. wide variety of ways including, but not limited to; sap-sucking, leaf eating, seed predation and disease.

Many people will be familiar with some of the more successful biocontrol programs, usually these have been the ones that resulted in spectacular results such as the Leaf tying pyralid moth larvae. Cactoblastis moth on prickly pear. Many Photo by DPI Biosecurity biocontrol programs do not result in such Queensland. spectacular results and often a range of agents and many years are needed before there are noticeable reductions in weed density.

The development of a biocontrol program Adult leaf sucking tingid bug with nymphs. typically costs $2-3 million over a Biocontrol agent release for Cats Photo by DPI Biosecurity Queensland. period of 5-10 years and follows a strict Claw Creeper on a Land for Wildlife process that has little in common with property the disastrous introduction of the Cane produces in great quantities around April Toad. Approval for release of a biocontrol In late March of this year Mariano Trevino each year. agent is given only after assessment by 21 and Jayd McCarthy travelled from the Alan Fletcher Research Station in Sherwood to agricultural, conservation and scientifi c The potted host plants carrying the organisations. All 21 organisations must a Land for Wildlife property near Maleny. They brought with them a precious cargo tingid (both nymphal and adults) were approve the release and fi nal approval placed in amongst the dense Cats Claw is granted by both Australian Quarantine – over 40 Cat’s Claw plants in pots and 2 large plastic boxes fi lled with Cats Creeper on the forest fl oor. After only ten Inspection Service and Environment days the tingid had dispersed from the Australia. Claw foliage. The potted plants were the temporary host for the leaf-sucking tingid potted plants to the wild plants and their leaves showed signs of chlorosis (loss of Some limitations of biocontrol are: bug (Carvalhotingis visenda) and the chlorophyll). Closer inspection revealed • Weed populations will never be boxes of foliage provided a ‘travelling lines of eggs laid into the midrib of the completely eradicated by biocontrol lunch’ for the leaf tying pyralid moth leaf clearly visible as small black dots. agents. (Hypocosmia pyrochroma). • Not all weeds have biocontrol agents This particular site was chosen as it is one “after ten days, the that would be considered safe for of the few signifi cant Cats Claw Creeper introduction. infestations at altitude (approximately caterpillars completely • Biocontrol is not suitable where 425 metres). Mostly Cats Claw Creeper defoliated about one cubic fast control or total eradication is is a problem in riparian forests at lower metre of foliage” desirable. altitudes. The infestation covers about 10 hectares over several properties Biocontrol is best considered as part of Nearby the plastic boxes of leaf covered including a Conservation Reserve and a long term solution to a particular weed with the larvae of the leaf tying pyralid the topography has made conventional problem in combination with cultural and moth were emptied onto a dense ‘lump’ control techniques diffi cult and chemical control methods. When these of Cats Claw Creeper. A mosquito net expensive. The location of the infestation control methods are combined it is known was placed over the introduction site is also of strategic importance as it sits as Integrated Pest Management and of the moth to reduce predation of the in the head waters of the Mooloolah provides the most sustainable approach larvae and ensure that when the adult River and has the potential to not only to weed control. moths emerge from their pupal stage that spread down the catchment but also into fi nding a mate will be easy. After ten days hinterland forest via the winged seed it PAGE 15 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008

A potted host plant showing chlorosis (pale leaves due to loss of chlorophyll) is placed among healthy Cats Claw Creeper plants at the release site. After only 10 days the tingid had dispersed from the potted plants to wild plants. Photo by Alan Wynn.

Mariano Trevino from Biosecurity Queensland This ﬁ gure shows a decrease in Cats Claw Creeper with the host plants ready for placement at tuber size in relation to tingid herbivory (C= no the release site. Photo by Alan Wynn. herbivory; G1 = single generation of herbivory; G2 = two generations of herbivory; G3 = three generations of herbivory) over 26 weeks.

the caterpillars completely defoliated the important for the tingid than with the 20 minute search period which failed ‘lump’ (about one cubic metre of foliage) moth as, due to its size, the tingid does to fi nd any adult tingids though there that they had been placed on. They are not travel very far from the introduction were healthy numbers of juveniles and expected to remain dormant as pupae site. The moth can be shifted around eggs. The researchers commented on the in the soil over the colder winter months simply by cutting sections of cats presence of an unidentifi ed skink in high so they may not be as effective in higher claw foliage with larvae on them and numbers around the release site perhaps altitude sites like this one. transporting these to new sites. Though explaining the absence of adult tingids. this is only viable once the population The next phase of the establishment for has established at the release site. the tingid and the moth is their dispersal within the infestation (especially if it It is still early days but it is hoped that covers a large area) and then on to new these two agents will reduce the vigour References: infestations. We can effectively reduce of the vines to the point that once the CRC for Weed Management http:// the time scales involved in dispersal if mature vines have been cut the creeper www.weeds.crc.org.au/weed_ we lend a hand. Distributing the tingid will have diffi culty in regaining the canopy management/biological_control.html involves the growing and nurturing of of the forest. So while these two insects healthy potted cats claw plants. Once may not be the ‘silver bullet’ that many CSIRO Entomology http://www.ento. they are large enough these plants hope for when dealing with aggressive csiro.au/biocontrol/classical.html will be taken to the release site to be environmental weeds they are useful Biosecurity Queensland www. infested with the tingid then moved tools in the kit. weedscrc.org.au or www.dpi.qld.gov. to a new location. This process can be au - for more information on Cats Footnote: The researchers returned repeated as often as necessary to assist Claw Creeper and biocontrol agents. the insect in building up its population recently (2 months after the release) in the wild and to disperse to other cats to monitor the tingid population at the claw infestations. This process is more release site. The monitoring included a PAGE 16 Land for Wildlife South East Queensland July 2008

A tale of a missing pet cat was solved through an x-ray of a Carpet Python. Note the cat collar and bells. The python was taken to Australian Wildlife Hospital for monitoring and was released healthy back into the wild 2 weeks later after the bells had passed through. A good reminder to keep your pets inside at night!

The Land for Wildlife Open Property Scheme has arrived !! Helping to celebrate 10 years of Land for Wildlife in Queensland

eptember 2008 is shaping up to be an inspiring n addition to the 27 properties shown in the Open Property Scheme Sand possibly hectic month for Land for Ibrochure, Moreton Bay Regional Council is hosting an Open Property Wildlife members. 27 Land for Wildlife properties G Day at the Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre in Queensland are opening their front gates to (CREEC) on Saturday the 6th September between 9.30am and 12.30pm. share their stories and take pride in their nature conservation achievements. Land for Wildlife members are invited to attend. There will be a guided walk and talk by Jim Pulsford with a BBQ lunch, tea, coffee and refreshments All Open Properties aim to recognise the personal provided. Wheelchair access is available for the guided walk. efforts made by members of the Land for Wildlife program to conserve nature on their properties. CREEC is a registered Land for Wildlife property set on 18 hectares within Burpengary Creek providing a wildlife corridor for fauna moving 25 Open Properties are in the between CREEC, nearby council reserves and other Land for Wildlife wider SEQ region - a great properties. opportunity to travel across one of Australia’s most biodiverse CREEC contains an Endangered gallery rainforest with many important regions to properties which are species such as the Richmond Birdwing Butterﬂ y Vine, Blue Quandong, not found on any tourist map. ancient ﬁ gs and Foam Bark trees. Since 1999, CREEC volunteers have been replanting rainforest species to restore riparian vegetation and have cleared dense areas of lantana.

Please ﬁ nd enclosed the Open CREEC also has a 2.5ha Macadamia plantation for research purposes. Property brochure and RSVP as The CREEC site runs on solar power and has a grey-water recycling soon as possible. Please note system that is used to irrigate the Macadamia plantation. that many properties can only take limited registrations. If you wish to attend the Open Property at CREEC, please RSVP by 15 August 2008 to Cheryl Regan or Julie Caught on (07) 5433 It is free of charge to attend 2294. Registrations are limited to Open Properties. 100 people. CREEC is located at 150 Rowley Road, Burpengary.

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland is proudly managed by SEQ Catchments (the accredited regional body for Natural Resource Management in South East Queensland) and proudly delivered by the following 11 Local Governments:

Land for Wildlife South East Queensland Regional Coordination is supported by the Australian Government.

Opinions expressed by contributors to the Land for Wildlife newsletter are not necessarily those of the Land for Wildlife program nor any Moreton Bay Regional Council of the supporting agencies. Incorporating Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Printed on Monza Satin Recycled paper.