Magazine of National Parks Association of

Back to basics: Biodiversity and park management PLUS Cooloola bioblitz Jumping spiders ALSO FEATURED and Fire

Conondale National Park Issue 25 Spring 2019 1 Contents From the President ������������������������ 3 ...... 8 FROM THE PRESIDENT Back to Basics: Value Planning in Cooloola BioBlitz ...... 10 Park Management ������������������������� 4 Jumping Spiders ...... 12 Eungella National Park and Fire ������� 6 The National Park Experience...... 13 Ecological Values of Eungella National Spotlight: Ranger of the Month...... 14 Park ��������������������������������������������� 7 What’s On...... 15

Editor Advertising enquiries Marika Strand. Please email [email protected] or phone (07) 3367 0878. Graeme Bartrim Contributor guidelines Advertising policy President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) NPAQ invites contributions to Protected Advertisements are required to align with articles. Please email [email protected] for a relevant NPAQ policies. NPAQ reserves the Welcome to the Spring edition of community prioritises. with like-minded people and to schedule of future editions. right to refuse any advertisement at any time. Advertisement in Protected does not imply Protected. Kenneth Hayne AC QC, former demonise those with a different point Contributors, please include contact details NPAQ’s endorsement of products or services. This edition features a description Justice of the High Court and royal of view. and brief personal summary. Articles can be of the consequence of fire in one commissioner, recently gave a speech It seems that we live in an age when submitted via email or hard copy. Digital photos Copyright and disclaimer should be minimum 300dpi. national park as well as consideration at the Melbourne Law School and information developed through science NPAQ retains copyright of Protected. Articles of where we are at in terms of our made thoughtful comment around carries limited weight. As Jonathan Cover image may be quoted provided that appropriate biodiversity. Two conclusions out of government finding it difficult to Haidt has suggested, the scientific acknowledgement occurs in the reproduction this are that parks provide for address certain issues, instead often method and peer review has proven Newly found spider species Thomisidae Edgar. and use of material. Photo: Robert Whyte threatened plants and animals and that turning to royal commissions. He to be a reliable (but not perfect) way of Articles in Protected do not necessarily reflect they require care and maintenance to questioned the efficacy of our current getting close to the truth of a matter. NPAQ’s opinion or position. ensure long term biodiversity viability. system: The prevailing scientific view is that our We also look at the Cooloola BioBlitz, "Does reference of these matters biodiversity is in decline and protected About NPAQ jumping spiders, and Conandale suggest that our governmental areas have value in arresting this. National Park, as well as our ranger structures can deal effectively only The challenge for our community is to Our Purpose profile. with the immediate spot fire and manage this along with a number of other priorities whilst maintaining an The National Parks Association of Queensland Neil Young, nearly 50 years ago, in cannot deal with large issues?" (NPAQ) promotes the preservation, expansion, his song, After the Gold Rush, sang eye to the long term. Maybe there is good management and presentation of National Suggesting that the issue may be our "Look at Mother Nature on the run in much to bring us together; the average Parks, and supports nature conservation in focus on the divide, rather than what supporter probably values the Queensland. the 1970s". brings us together: benefits of agriculture and mining. And Council Staff As much of the country experiences "Policy ideas seem to be framed the average farmer most likely values President Graeme Bartrim unprecedented drought and spring Conservation Principal Laura Hahn only for partisan or sectional our unique wildlife. Vice Presidents Yvonne Parsons fires, and some areas are faced advantage with little articulation of Operations Manager Marika Strand with the reality of trucking in water to Jacqueline Rose’Meyer how or why their implementation supply the townspeople, it is worth Hon Treasurer Neil Williams Contact details would contribute to the greater considering how we as a community Hon Secretary Debra Marwedel good." Office Unit 9/36 Finchley St, Milton QLD respond to pressing long-term Councillors David Ball Post PO Box 1040, Milton QLD 4064 environmental issues. Along with social trends in information Suzanne Cooper Phone (07) 3367 0878 consumption: Julie Hainsworth Web www.npaq.org.au Our news refers to the impacts of "Too often the information that Kalam McTaggart Email [email protected] daily; the decline in our is available is neither read nor Karan Pandey ABN 60 206 792 095 state's biodiversity is well defined. Yet, understood. And even if the Colleen Thornton as with a number of long-term issues that require our urgent attention, there information has been read and Want to get involved with NPAQ? appears to be minority community understood, debate proceeds by NPAQ welcomes people from all walks of life and offers a variety of ways to be involved: support for genuine expenditure reference only to slogans coined by • Have fun in the bush – come • Step up – become a National • Connect with us – Facebook, or redress. This is a mystery, as partisan participants." along on a bush walk or Parks Conservation member Instagram and Twitter in surveys Queenslanders tend to Jonathan Haidt, author of The or a National Parks Protector other activity • Stay in touch – read regular express their love for national parks Righteous Mind has added to this • Donate – support our work • Get your hands dirty – updates on our website and support there being more of them. discussion suggesting that “We are participate in on-ground • Volunteer on exciting projects • Share a bush adventure with It is easy to say our politicians need easily divided into hostile groups, each conservation efforts • Subscribe to Protected and children – download NPAQ’s • Join us – become a member Neck of the Woods via email Kids in National Parks guide to show leadership or that they are one certain of its righteousness." He advocating for sectional interests, but, has also suggested that with all the Above: Girraween after fire. Photo: Paul politicians do spend a fair bit of time benefits of the internet, social media Donatiu. Banner: Undara Volcanic National SUPPORT NPAQ AND HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE Park. Photo: Marika Strand. BECOME A MEMBER, DONATE OR VOLUNTEER trying to work out what a majority of the has made it easier for us to connect www.npaq.org.au/get-involved www.facebook.com/NPAQld @nationalparksassocqld www.npaq.org.au

2 Connect and Protect 3 BACK TO BASICS:

Biodiversity and Park Management

Graeme Bartrim, President, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ) Julia Bartrim, Member, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

The Queensland Parks and decades (the total number of species The conflict between commercial way of proportionate action. Why is change is controlled. We have abrogated responsibility. Wildlife Service is currently updating globally is estimated to be 8 million). development and the ongoing this? • On a busy 4 lane freeway Longer term thinking, planning and Management Plans for the Park The key threatening processes in maintenance of a RAMSAR We as a community seem to surrounded by industrial estate a leadership is required to change this. estate. This is a large and important descending order are: changes in at Toondah Harbour in understand the situation yet be sign informs drivers of a phone It is heartening that the CSIRO/NAB task and funding for implementation land and sea use, direct exploitation, brings it home to us in Queensland. unprepared to pay the cost to improve number to call if injured wildlife Australian National Outlook considers will likely become an issue. climate change, pollution and invasive Nationally there are presently 1,800 it. A few examples of our interaction are observed. People who work choices that are to be made with a alien species. Although to date a small number species listed as threatened. with wildlife may help shed some light with injured wildlife do a wonderful focus on industry, urban, energy, land of Management Plans have been An ABC Four Corners episode, None of this is new, although on this question; job, and it is well meaning but the and culture out to 2060. Although it revised, it is anticipated that two broadcast on June 24, provided an perhaps more urgent in our own state: • In a large new housing estate where overwhelming cost to our wildlife is acknowledges that many issues are not addressed in depth, it does raise themes will emerge as more plans are Australian perspective, reinforcing Queensland's Nature Conservation bushland has been cleared streets the initial clearing and vehicles. that our biodiversity is in decline the need for investing in biodiversity completed: Act lists 731 plants and 224 animals are named after native , for • Politicians often defend a and that our legislative framework is and ecosystem health and linking as Threatened (Extinct in the Wild, example; Honeyeater Street or development approval, lauding the 1) Parks provide refuge for our not effective in responding to this. carbon sequestration planting with Endangered or Vulnerable). Bellbird Street. It is well established quality of our legislation and our unique plants and animals, quite a The examples of trying to ensure that in such locations it is largely strict approval processes. This is conservation goals. We commend number of which are in decline - it’s The word “crisis” is over-used the survival of the eastern quoll the hardy black and white birds convenient at the time and certainly the State in establishing a Land and has to a large degree, lost reasonable to consider national parks and Leadbeater's possum clearly that tend to remain along with the adds to the light and heat that is Restoration Fund but are concerned its meaning, but it does seem as serving a similar purpose as that of show how prioritisation, funding and noisy miner and a few introduced associated with gaining approvals. about meaningful progress. Noah’s Ark, and, long term threat management can appropriate for the state of our species. However, it ignores the reality that References determine the fate of a species. biodiversity, yet there is little in the • In the cafes below the Sydney limited resources are devoted Australian National Outlook (2019) CSIRO, NAB High Level Aspects of Three Recent Management Plans Opera House one can enjoy a to confirming agreed approval meal whilst soaking up the view of conditions are being met or that Department of National Parks, Recreation, National Park Date of Plan Example of values Threats Sport and Racing (2014) Management Plan, the harbour and the bridge. At this assessments of the conditions are • Vulnerable Green • Mainland effective. Reliance upon the vexed Capricornia Cays National Park and adjoining location an enterprising business Waters. Queensland Government Turtle pollutants is paid to walk a well-trained dog approach of biodiversity offsets is a good example of this. Department of National Parks, Sport and • 38 species • Scale Insect up and down, its sole purpose is Racing (2017) Hinchinbrook Island management listed in Capricornia Cays 2014 • House Mouse to frighten away any adventurous Our biodiversity is declining which Plan. Queensland Government International National Park seagull that may land, with an eye to suggests legislation relevant to IPBES (May 2019), Summary for Policy Makers Agreements • Sewage/chemical pinching a chip or two. This location species protection is not working. of the Global Assessment Report. runoff returning • Pisonia forest has been completely altered from Further it seems that we as a 2) There are threatening processes dredged sand to QPWS (1919) its natural state and one of the few community do not genuinely extend Management Plan. Queensland Government, at work in each park which require Heron Island Cay creatures that can withstand this our empathy to our flora and fauna. Jabalbina. management. See table to the right. • Mangrove flats • Feral pigs Recently we had the release of the • • Parramatta Grass IPBES (Intergovernmental Science- Hinchinbrook Island 2017 Policy Platform on Biodiversity and • Hinchinbrook Is • Cane Toads National Park Nursery Ecosystem Services) summary • Climate change (World Heritage) report. Some 145 representatives • Traditional • Visitor overuse from 50 countries, drawing on owner 15,000 scientific and government connection sources have presented global • Cultural values • Invasive species findings that are a sobering reminder eg cat, pig toad • Montane upland to us all. Some 75% of land and Daintree 2019 • Lantana 66% of the marine environment has • Endemic species National Park • Inappropriate fire been significantly altered by human • Rainforest (World Heritage) management activities. Another 1 million species biodiversity are likely to become extinct within hotspot • Inappropriate visitation Above: Threats to parks include fire and invasive species. Photos: J. Francis and K. Glen via Unsplash. Banner: Daintree National Park. 4 5 EUNGELLA NATIONAL ECOLOGICAL VALUES OF PARK AND FIRE EUNGELLA NATIONAL PARK

Graeme Bartrim National Parks Association of Queensland President, National Parks Association of Queensland

Eungella National Park some 80 Director - Northern Parks and Forests) for years to many decades. Eungella National Park lies on the To the west, drier open eucalypt forest blue-eyed honeyeaters, red-brown km west of Mackay occupies nearly Marty McLaughlin (Principal Ranger) The extreme summer and resultant boundary of tropical and subtropical scatters the surface of Dick’s Tableland. finches, or the green flash of foraging 53,000 ha having been declared and Greg Lennox (Ranger) to gain an burning has caused the service rainforest and subsequently boasts a Much of the park is rendered largely noisy pittas. highly diverse range of , flora National Park in two tranches, one understanding of the impact of the to reconsider pre-emptive fire inaccessible by steepsided gorges Water-dwellers such as turtles and and fauna. in 1941, the other in 1986. Its name fire. management. It is generally accepted carved over time by flowing eels may also be spotted, and in the is the Aboriginal term for “land of the The fire itself travelled very quickly that more heat, less reliable summer With a number of its plant and animal and rivers dotted by deep, clear pools. deep pools of Broken river, there is the cloud”. It is a centre of endemism and along the ridgeline that forms rains and more frequent fires are likely species found nowhere else, Eungella It was these deep gorges and cool chance to witness Eungella’s perhaps for Australian rainforest species and part of the boundary of the park. It to be the norm for land managers. National Park is considered one of the peaks that, after 30,000 years of most popular occupant – the . the is one of its penetrated to varying degrees into the most ecologically diverse national parks The park attracts international attention In responding to the fire, park continental drift and isolation, together better known inhabitants. Threats to rainforest. in Queensland. due to its reputation as one of the best resources were generally focused provided the right conditions for the its biodiversity values include habitat sites in to observe the elusive, The consequences were variable on protecting private property on Eungella contributes to the mere 0.3 diverse vegetation communities we see fragmentation, feral species and semiaquatic monotreme. with blackened rainforest regenerating percent of the Australian continent today. uncontrolled fire. adjoining and down slope lands. This successfully in some areas; in other is understood and shows the need to covered by tropical rainforest and is Wildlife National Parks Association of The park was in the news last small locations the ground was bare undertake fire mitigation works pre- also the oldest and largest stretch of Queensland Involvement in Eungella’s long isolation from similar November [From rainforest to cinders: with no regeneration. Rainfall would emptively to ensure the viability of park subtropical rainforest in Australia. Protecting Eungella National Park habitat has produced a highly diverse National park may take 'hundreds of improve the situation. It was apparent biodiversity values. Landscape and Vegetation and unique animal community, In 1931, determined to see the area’s years' to recover from bushfire disaster that wind had carried embers, initiating Fires that are too frequent can A testament to its rich biodiversity, which boasts a number of endemic diverse ecosystem protected, NPAQ (ABC News December 4, 2018) and isolated and separate fires. In some simplify vegetation, and this is evident Eungella’s landscape and vegetation subspecies of birds, reptiles and founder and president Romeo Lahey Queensland bushfire crisis escalates locations intervention may be required on the slopes of the below the are varied and beautiful. . met with the Mackay Mayor to discuss at Eungella and Broken River in state's to support regeneration and in others park. Recovery management can be the proposal of a national park at north (ABC News November 30 this will occur naturally. The park’s north is peaked by Some of these, such as the Eungella Eungella. 2018)]. required for decades. As clearing of the ; these honeyeater and Eungella tinkerfrog, are Headlines are momentary but can of vegetation continues to occur cool northern highlands support also included on the long list of rare or In 1938, botanist and NPAQ councillor An unprecedented dry and hot successfully establish perceptions. throughout the state managing parks mist-shrouded subtropical rainforest threatened species which are protected Dr. Andrew Herbert of the University summer had meant that the valley At a distance some of us were successfully becomes more critical. habitat with a complex tree canopy that within the park. of Queensland, advised the Minister below and the park itself (Land of the concerned that irreparable damage for Lands that a scenic reserve Park neighbours can contribute to includes the endemic Mackay tulip oak. An evening of spotlighting may reveal Cloud) were very dry and a major fire had been done to the park. The was insufficient tenure for the land’s or hinder park management. Some Lush, tropical rainforest blankets the greater gliders, sugar gliders, brushtail moved very quickly from the valley into situation does not appear to be that protection and that the reserve should can encourage compatible planting park’s warm southern lowlands where possums, longnosed bandicoots, the park. bad, but park management has be brought under the National Park Act. and minimize fire risk, others can moss-coated rainforest trees such grassland melomys, tawny frogmouths In May I was fortunate to inspect the lessons and actions to consider, as allow weed infestation and increase as strangler figs and epiphytic ferns and several species of bats. Romeo Lahey conducted further park with James Newman (Executive consequences of the fire will remain fire hazard. I understand the service surveys in 1939 and proposed abound. Wet sclerophyll forest acts as During daylight hours, visitors may devotes much energy to ensuring 200,000 acres of land be secured as an ecotonal community between the observe a large array of birdlife, positive and co-operative relationships national park. During this time, area two rainforest types. including jewel-bright rainbow lorikeets, with adjacent landholders and plan fire destined to become Eungella National response. Park was regazetted as timber reserve and would likely have remained so Thank you to James for the invite without the efforts of NPAQ and the providing insight into the practicalities Mackay Tourist group. and challenges of park management. Finally, in 1941, 48,195 ha of land Note: The dry conditions that preceded this was declared as Eungella National Park, fire were very widespread. Walking the Larapinta making it Queensland’s largest national trail in autumn I found large swathes of the park for 26 years, and it has been country had been burnt. Dry lightning strikes increased somewhat over the years. had lit fires after a month of over 40 degree temperatures in the summer. Above: Eungella tinker frog (Taudactylus liemi); Photo: Jean-Marc Hero. Above right: Eungella Photos: Queensland Government. Honeyeater (Bolemoreus hindwoodi); Photo: John Brinnand. Banner: Eungella National Park; Photo: Stefan Heinrich. 6 7 PARK IN F CUS Conondale National Park

John and Lyn Daly Sourced from their book Take a Walk in South-East Queensland

EVOLUTION intended trucking 100,000 tonnes of proposals based on an extensive flora year moratorium so a complete fauna forested areas and is home to an fauna species, some found only in study could be conducted. incredible range of plants and animals. the Conondales. More than 180 This is the traditional land of the unprocessed ore into the Conondales study of the Conondales. These were species of birds, including 22 rare Dallambara people, a clan from the for processing. The state government all shelved by the government. With a new name (in 1982) to Mountainous ranges of subtropical and endangered species, have been Gubbi Gubbi (or Kabi Kabi) language rejected the plan. The mining The Queensland Conservation promote a positive message, the rainforest and eucalypt forest forms recorded. The plumed frogmouth is grouping. The land provided stacks company shut down and removed Movement took the call in 1973. They Committee the wilderness area of Conondale considered one of the rarest birds in of natural resources and these self- their equipment. They went into became the Wildlife Research Group continued to lobby for protection of Ranges. The forest is almost Australia and has been documented at sufficient people were able to live receivership in 1990, leaving an area and their extensive fauna surveys the ranges. Their slogan became impenetrable with dense woody vines only a few other sites. their traditional lifestyle in all seasons of devastation including holding ponds helped the cause for a national park. ‘Don’t Log the Frog,’ a cry to save intertwined through the trees. The park of extremely noxious sodium cyanide. the gastric-brooding frog. Bjelke- houses five of the tallest peaks in the Other birds include powerful and for many thousands of years before After the discovery of the unique The government only held a $20,000 Petersen’s government announced Sunshine Coast hinterland; Mounts sooty owls, tawny frogmouths, European settlement. gastric-brooding frog in 1973, and rehabilitation bond but eventually a fauna study but this was to be Langley, Ramsden, Lofty, Cabinet and Coxen’s fig parrots, rainbow lorikeets Nuts from the bunya pines were then the southern day frog in the allocated $860,000 to repair the conducted while logging was Constance and takes in the upper and king parrots, wompoo fruit doves, particularly sought after and featured Booloumba Creek catchments, QPWS damage. The restoration took years continuing! Over the next few years catchment of east and west branches peaceful doves, top–knot and wonga in many festivities and ceremonies. officers conducted a fauna survey. and the final stage was completed in small timber mills closed down, but of Kilcoy Creek and some sections pigeons, yellow-eyed cuckoo shrikes, During the bunya feasts, up to 600 They found these two species also April 1997. big businesses bought out the larger of Ramsden, Peters, Bundaroo and satin and regent bowerbirds, paradise people from all over south-east inhabited Kilcoy Creek’s catchment. Booloumba creeks. The last three flow and Victoria’s riflebirds, catbirds, Queensland would gather in the CONSERVATION ISSUES ARE NOT The first papers about them were mills. into the , one of the state’s eastern whipbirds, noisy pittas, black- area now submerged by Baroon NEW TO THE CONONDALES published in 1974, and the country’s After one of the most consistent, largest river systems that supplies breasted button-quails, red-backed Pocket Dam, near Montville. They Since the 1960s, concerned citizens conservationists were suddenly alerted hard-fought campaigns in water for a growing population. and variegated fairy wrens, bellbirds made pathways through the forest and action groups have lobbied for to this exceptional unspoiled area. Queensland’s history, the extended and noisy miners, red-browed firetail The park protects stands of the to define their territorial boundaries, government action to protect the The Wildlife Research Group was Conondale National Park was officially finches, sacred and forest kingfishers, six major forest types found in the and these were often followed to the peaks, ridges, gorges, creeks, forests particularly interested and their regular announced in July 1992. It was purple swamphens, red and grey ranges – four types of rainforest; dry bunya celebrations. Today, Gubbi and endangered animals found in the visits revealed the Conondales was enlarged in 1995 and subsequent goshawks and Peregrine falcons. Gubbi people strive to maintain their Conondale Range, known colloquially home to many animals of scientific additions have also increased the sclerophyll (eucalypt) forest, and tall strong cultural links and pass on their as ‘The Conondales’. interest. park. Around 23,000 hectares of scrubby forest. Bunya pine and cedar Pouched or hip-pocket are are significant. Rainforest surrounding found in the park. They were named knowledge in an effort to help protect Passionate bushwalker and scout Save the Conondale Range Forest Reserves has also been the Mount Gerald Trail section of the because their young tadpoles develop this important area. leader, Ross Scott from Kenilworth, Committee was formed in 1976. They set aside as part of the South East Mount Langley walk is representative in bilateral skin pouches in the adult Severe logging began in the spear-headed the campaign. His opposed the planting of extensive pine Queensland Forestry Agreement. of forest that covered most of the male’s hips. They belong to the most 1950s, after the construction of the local scout group set about compiling plantations and continued to monitor These protected areas are vital for ranges prior to European settlement. primitive groups of Australian frogs. Mount Gerald Trail. Conservationists a complete list of local ferns and wildlife in conjunction with the Wildlife the survival of threatened plants and Large areas of diverse forest types conducted many studies to ascertain documented around 70 species. Research Group. The next year they Other rare and vulnerable species animals. have been heavily logged and today the effects of extensive logging on Armed with this and other evidence, submitted their first proposal for a recorded include the giant spiny ENVIRONMENT hoop pine plantations from state forest local fauna. Sadly by 1984, two Scott began ‘educating’ the Kenilworth 31,000 hectare area to be set aside lobster, Queensland lungfish, days, flank several sides of the park. of three species of endangered people about the assets in their as a national park. Two separate areas Conondale National Park harbours Stephen’s banded snake and the fauna being studied at the time, had backyard and the need to have the were declared by the government one of Queensland’s most substantial The region has many unique yellow-bellied glider. disappeared from the Conondales. forests protected. He worked tirelessly totalling just 2,126 hectares. GASTRIC BROODING FROGS – Extinct acid, and then not eating when brooding her froglets. The gastric brooding frog and and even door-knocked the locals to The Forestry Department proposed These tiny frogs, about the size of a man’s Her lungs would deflate and breathing was by gas southern day frog were last seen in gain enough signatures on a petition a road be pushed through some thumb, were found only in the Conondale and exchange through the skin as her stomach swelled 1979. that he presented to the Queensland Blackall Ranges. The small area of rainforest, wet and largely filled her body cavity. After six weeks, sensitive areas in 1981. The Save when the tadpoles had developed to froglets, they premier in 1966 asking for a national sclerophyll and riverine gallery open forests that Gold prices rose in 1987 and there the Conondale Range Committee they inhabited were less than 1400 square kms. were regurgitated. This was unique, not only for the were plans to reopen an old mine park to be gazetted. objected but construction began in They were Australia’s only truly aquatic frog, and the frog, but for the whole animal kingdom. most primitive , and never strayed far from Gastric brooding frogs were last seen in the wild in on Booloumba Creek as an open- Several locals supported the push, the wee dawn hours of November 16 water. the Conondales in 1979, and the Blackall Ranges in cut mine. This was even opposed and in 1970 the Country Party’s and the road builders worked from Also referred to as ‘platypus frogs’ because of their 1981. The last captive frog died in 1983. by the Forestry Department. The Kenilworth branch submitted a national dawn to dusk to speed up operations. largely aquatic nature, they were the only vertebrates There are several thoughts as to why they became mining company planned to expand Major Australian conservation groups in the world to incubate their young entirely in the extinct. Habitat loss, degradation and pollution are park proposal to the government. The Above: The extinct Gastric Brooding Frog. female’s gastric system. After external fertilisation the suspected, but pathogens, parasites, the amphibian its operation the next year, making same year, other prominent figures and opposition parties supported the Photo: Mike Tyler. Banner: Booloumba Creek, female would swallow the eggs. She had an uncanny chytrid , and over-collecting may have also it more financially viable. They and organisations submitted their own committee in their request for a three Conondale NP. Photo: Darren McMillan. method of ‘turning off’ the production of hydrochloric contributed. 8 9 COOLOOLA BIOBLITZ Great Sandy National Park

Robert Whyte Arachnologist

In August 2018 arachnologist areas, representing distinctive habitat • turning logs and rocks (returning image of a live specimen of Cetratus things, bringing specimens from their ecosystems were so special they Robert Whyte participated in the types easily accessible from Rainbow them to their initial position post circumlitus (L. Koch, 1876); a range backyards. It all counts in a fauna, supported completely different spider flora and fungi stock-take of an area. inaugural Cooloola Coast BioBlitz, Beach, the centre of operations. inspection) extension for a species previously fauna. This once again demonstrated known only from NSW. the importance of the region. Our leading a team of naturalists to The sites included mangrove forests Some of the new species not • transferring leaf litter into bags, survey of both sites was by no explore sites on Carlo Road, at Bullock Point, Lake Poona perched Carlo Point was a haven for mentioned above included an Eilica then sifting through a handful at a time means exhaustive, and many more Searys Creek and Inskip Point, not in the high dunes, the littoral forests some known but undescribed sp (Ant Hunter), two Money Spiders, The first new species was new species are surely yet to be imagining in his wildest dreams the of Inskip Point Peninsula, rainforest small Jumping Spiders, which four Fishing Spiders, seven Jumping spotted on Friday night when Ben discovered there. One is saddened number of new spider species they at Bymien, wallum heathlands and we nicknamed Mr Stripey and Spiders, 14 Cobweb Spiders Revell trekked out to Lake Poona, by the fact that funding for taxonomy would find — and the scale of the eucalypt forests adjacent to Carlo Exclamation Point! The question (Theridiidae), two Crab spiders, a where he found a new species of world’s reaction to them. Sandblow and a fast-running Searys everyone was asking was: “Are Mr Trachelid and a Trochanteriid. Perhaps is so meagre in Australia, it may take Ornodolomedes. He is so adept at It was August, not usually known Creek. Stripey and Exclamation Point different the most exciting of all, we found years for these new species to be finding these spiders, one of them, and photographed both a male as a month buzzing with invertebrate species?” The answer was yes, described, if ever. I knew whatever we found over Ornodolomedes benrevelli was named and a female of a Baalzebub sp. in action. Added to that, there hadn’t something we were able to document Some of the new species found the following two nights and two in his honour. from this expedition. Theridiosomatidae, an incredibly rare been any rain over the past five days would be scientifically valuable. were unsurprising, since they have Our initial findings at Carlo Point spider. weeks. The terrain was salt-streaked Spiders represent an important We also found a stunning new been appearing in recent surveys on Saturday morning suggested we All together we found 37 new and dusty. On Friday evening, the component in terrestrial food webs; species of Desognaphosa in family in the encompassing area of south were encountering far greater diversity species in about 5-8 hours of legendary saviour of K’gari (Fraser they are an indicator of insect diversity Trochanteriidae, better known for east Queensland, but many were a than I had expected. I had imagined collecting. This was amazing. The Island), John Sinclair met us at the and abundance and they themselves its extremely flat spiders which live suprise. Of these exciting of these the combination of 500,000 year-old story was first broken by the ABC Community Hall, the HQ for the event. become prey to each other, frogs, in rock crevices and other narrow new species was a Dolichgnatha soils with low nutrient levels and the Wide Bay journalist Johanna Marie, He was looking forward to my spider reptiles, birds and small . places. sp., the first Australian photo of a live preceding dry weather would mean but it soon went viral across the ABC talk after dinner, he said. It was good Many lineages of spiders have Searys Creek, a beautiful spring-fed specimen of the “true” Dolichognatha low diversity. The opposite was true, nation-wide and then to commercial to see him again, I hadn’t seen him evolved to utilise the terrestrial habitat with a sandy bottom and clear with four humps. The Steatoda suggesting that the relative stability radio, newspapers and magazines since the 1970s, and I had heard he niches where their food is found, water, harboured a new Opisthoncus - Whiteslash was known to us, of the landscape over long periods across Australia, the UK and America. was ill. If so, he didn’t show it; he was some in quite specialist ways. related to Opisthoncus sexmaculatus depicted in A Field Guide to Spiders of time has resulted in adaptations to My phone just about rang its way in fine form. and many new cobweb spiders in the of Australia (Whyte & Anderson 2017), We intended to use only a few of suit a huge variety of micro-niches. through my pocket. John Sinclair was The Fraser Island Defenders family Theridiidae. but was notable for the large number many possible sampling methods In total we collected over 700 spider interviewed and made a persuasive Organisation and Cooloola Coastcare Inskip Point, with significant areas of specimens observed at the Fens, over the search period, including: specimens over the weekend. After case for the upgrading of Cooloola had successfully planned the of rich wet sclerophyll littoral forest, one in almost every grass clump. • careful visual study of bush, releasing on-site the well-known Coast to the same environmental Cooloola BioBlitz to run from Friday did not disappoint. The Inskip Similarly the Mysmenid and the leaves, bark and ground, to see duplicates and juveniles we had Status as K’gari (Fraser Island). 24 to Sunday 26 August 2018. Peninsula represents an area of great Orchestina sp. have been reported movement, spiders suspended on about 165 adults remaining to be Had the spider team already Ninety-seven people had signed on to potential significance as far as spiders before but not yet described. Barraina silk, or spiders on any surface investigated. Of these, 37 species discovered all the new species on identify and track down as many living are concerned and is well worth and Tara Jumpers were easy to spot were new. the Cooloola Coast? Hardly! The plants, animals and natural resources • shaking foliage, causing spiders to continuing to investigate with close as papers describing these are being return visit in May 2019 Cooloola as possible across seven target fall onto a white tray or cloth We also achieved the world’s first scrutiny. prepared by us, similarly with the BioBlitz, resulted in 41 more new Some of the most interesting spider species. Hadrotarsine and the two Tharrhalea. The missing female for the already material gathered in a BioBlitz, or I hardly imagined we could gather any biodiversity survey, comes from described Helpis foelixi was a great more new spider species over a find. participants whose interests and weekend, when we had already collecting methods, often at night, spent a previous weekend with such John Sinclair died after the first leads them into peculiar places. success. Our choice of sampling Cooloola BioBlitz and before the People who from outside the sites, Bymien’s subtropical littoral second one. He was deeply missed spider team brought us specimens rainforest and The Fens, a freshwater for his enthusiasm and knowledge. He included botanists, entomologists lake surrounded by sandy wallum, left behind many fond, enlightening, and fungi specialists. Even Rainbow played a big part in the incredibly and often life-changing memories for Above (R to L): Theridiidae Steatoda whiteslash; Araneidae araneinae Araneus praesignis Alien Butt Spider; Salticidae Plurabella exclaimation point. Beach residents got into the spirit of small overlap of new species. These all of us who knew him. Banner: Thomisidae Tharrhalea. Photos: Robert Whyte. 10 11 WILDLIFE THE NATIONAL PARK FEATURE EXPERIENCE Jumping Spiders Personal reflection on why our parks must be valued

Dr Barbara Baehr Susanne Cooper Queensland Museum Councillor, National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ)

Dr Barbara Baehr is an arachnologist Raven, 2013) after Terri Irwin who is In 1985, we returned to Queensland based at the Queensland Museum. one of the most courageous women with two small children after many She has described over 600 species supporting Australia’s wildlife. With the living years overseas. Where to go for of spiders to date. Dr Baehr made genus name we honoured scientific family holidays? With so many national headlines in July when she and explorer Ludwig Leichhardt. parks within a few hours’ drive, the colleagues described five new species The five new jumping spider answer was easy. of Australian jumping spider. species you and colleagues recently Typically we would head for What is it about spiders that described are the size of a grain of somewhere with water – either rocky fascinate you? rice, how were they even found? gorges with great swimming holes It is the great diversity of these They live mostly in lower vegetation in clear rivers and creeks, or the creatures. They conquer three and you need a lot of patience to spider species. coast. Kids are always attracted to dimensional spaces with their webs. watch them in the grass. We get them What do you think needs to be water, and it’s a great basis for a fun, They have many different hunting normally with net sweeping or pitfall done to change this? rewarding holiday. From our campsite, approaches, and occupy all spaces traps. I recognise them only under the Slowly people are becoming aware we would often take a small backpack from burrows in the ground to giant microscope as the features are so tiny. of our environment and that spiders with lunch and a book, and walk webs in trees. They also have niches How many arachnid species are a big part of it. We have extremely along a track to a great swimming in time; some of them are night are known to science in Australia old and unique fauna which needs to spot, taking time on the way to stop hunters and some hunt in the daytime. and how many do you estimate be preserved for future generations. and observe things of interest. After a Above: Our tiny yacht – the only way to access the off-shore island national parks. Banner: On top of Mt Greville. All photos: Susanne Cooper. When you identify a new spider still need to be discovered and Australian museums need much more great day at the swimming hole, we’d species, who gets to choose the described? financial and scientific support to do come back to light the campfire and sort out dinner. No need for a wash – The thrill of exploring coral reefs, who had just arrived from UK, when name? How is it decided? The checklist of Australian Spiders their work. the river made us clean enough. seeing stingrays, dugongs, and we spotted on our walk a python, The author of the new species gets from Volker Framenau (27 July 2018) How would you suggest promoting diverse shorebirds in glorious goanna, kangaroos, plus many We spent many years sailing out to choose the name. The choice of tells us that 3,839 species from 82 spiders so people take more solitude has always stayed with us. magnificent birds. Their excitement of in our tiny yacht to the Keppel Bay name depends on if the new species families are described. We think interest in their welfare? Importantly, our kids actually enjoyed seeing in their natural habitat animals Islands National Park, and camping has an obvious feature, then it can get that the collections of the Australian Australia’s spiders have a bad image rationing water and other supplies that had previously only belonged in on a small, uninhabited island. As named for that. If there are no obvious Museums contain around 10,000 of being dangerous, hairy and ugly; while camping there; it was all part of the realm of TV and books was such features then it can be named after species or more. this is not the case for most spiders. we booked the whole island on the the adventure and fun. And enjoying a thrill and an enduring memory of the locality where it was found. QLD Museum CEO Jim Thompson The courtship dances of the Peacock national park website (it only takes the total freedom and simplicity that Australia’s unique fauna. 6 people!) we had the memorable Or it can be named to honour has previously stated that the QLD spiders and other jumping spiders being away from crowds and other I find that these all these experiences State Collection is a “treasure trove show how cute and caring they are. experience of having it to ourselves. somebody who has made a huge visitors brings. are permanently etched in our kids – of new species…waiting to be Magic! contribution to nature conservation. Scientists and invertebrate We’ll never forget watching the night now adults with children of their own. For example, we named a swift spider officially described.” naturalists, like Mark Newton and sky while snuggled in a sleeping More recently, I have explored many Leichhardteus terriirwinae (Baehr & Indeed, he is right. Around 60 per Joseph Schubert, provide live bag on the beach, chatting round a wilderness and remote areas in more cent of species in the Museum’s spider images to the public that campfire while some curious beach distant national parks, including collections are not described, hence document the amazing wildlife of the stone-curlews came in for a closer the Kimberley and Kakadu. The not known to science. Australian outback. This helps to raise look, or looking up at sunset and combination of ancient landscapes, awareness about our spiders and how Is there a shortage of seeing a mother dugong and her baby memorable rock art, stunning they are part of Australia’s biodiversity. arachnologists in Australia working frolicking just off the beach. biodiversity and a true sense of being on describing and discovering new Do you see a role for National We also explored many places close immersed in wilderness makes me species? Parks in preserving spider species? to home, often taking visiting friends want to explore these areas even from the UK, USA and NZ. I’ll never more. I don’t feel a strong urge to Above: Dr Baehr (centre) with Terri Irwin and an Yes, there is. The Europeans Yes, of course. National Parks image of Leichhardteus terriirwinae. Banner: and Chinese have a lot more provide natural habitats where fauna, Above: Camping in glorious solitude on Conical forget one day climbing Mt Greville visit many iconic (and busy!) parks Desis bobmarleyi. Top right: Jotus fortiniae. arachnologists and much better including spiders, are safe. We need Island (in the Great Keppell group). in the Moogerah Peaks National Park overseas; there is so much to Photos: Barbara Baehr. equipment to study and describe more National Parks. just outside with two friends experience here. 12 13 For more information on activities RANGER OF WHAT’S & events, visit our website: THE MONTH N www.npaq.org.au/events Insights into the diverse backgrounds and day-to-day Ecotourism Seminar NPAQ activities activities of Queensland’s park rangers Albert River Circuit Carly Smith Date: Sunday 22 September 2019 Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS) Meet: 8:00 am, O'Reilly's carpark, Grade: Moderate Carly Smith is a Ranger at Cost: $5 Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Can you describe your favourite Leader: Frank Freeman (0427 655 514 or Park in the Central West region national parks experience? [email protected]) of Queensland Parks and Wildlife A ranger who was working at Service (QPWS). She was a full- Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) NP (before Vegetation Management Group time (Army) reservist when she was me) put me on to this: sitting on top Date: Saturday 19 October 2019 advised to ‘get serious and find a of a range on the Constance Range Meet: 9:00 am, Jolly's Lookout at D'Aguilar long-term career’. This was around walking track and watching the sun National Park the time that Cyclone Larry had hit the go down on one side of the range Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446 or coast and QPWS and then turning around and watching [email protected]) was offering traineeships at Cardwell the moon rise up on the other side of and Cape York Peninsula. She the range. Beautiful! Vegetation Management Group applied for both, and was selected for What is the best part about NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF QLD PRESENTS Date: Saturday 23 November 2019 the Cardwell position. working in a National Park? Meet: 9:00 am, Jolly's Lookout at D'Aguilar National Park How long have you worked in For me the best part is the lifestyle Leader: Angus McElnea (0429 854 446 or national parks? that I get to lead and the rangers I get MONEY ON TREES [email protected]) A lucky 13 years! I started in 2006. to work with and live with in remote THE PROS & CONS OF ECOTOURISM IN QUEENSLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS areas. I have had a great opportunity Which parks have you worked in? to work and live in some of the most SPEAKERS | PANEL DISCUSSION | Q&A I’ve worked in a few… spectacular and remote parts of NPAQ events I started in QPWS Cardwell office Above: QPWS Ranger Carly Smith. Top: Queensland; and work and live with Lawn Hill Gorge section, Boodjamulla (Lawn some great rangers…and those Join us as we delve into the world of ecotourism in Queensland’s National Parks. and worked in all the nearby parks Hill) National Park. Photos: Queensland NPAQ Ecotourism Seminar and state forests including Cardwell experiences will stay with me forever. Money on Trees will hear from four industry leaders on both sides of the fence in Government. an open-minded seminar exploring the threats, benefits and strategies of Date: Thursday 24 October 2019 State Forest, Tully Gorge NP, Murray ecotourism operations in Queensland’s National Parks. Hills NP, Blencoe Falls and the What is your top tip for visitors to Time: 6-8 pm Falls and Edmund Kennedy sections parks for bushwalking? recently-purchased Wairuna station, THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2019 Cost: $25 adults / $10 students of Girramay NP and Blencoe Falls, before it became Girringun NP. I’ve Sometimes to really appreciate and WELCOME DRINKS & NIBBLES | 6PM- 6:30PM Girringun NP. I also jumped on the SEMINAR | 6:30PM - 8:00PM Venue: The Precinct, Level 2, 315 also worked out of the Clermont office experience things you just need to Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley boat and worked with the marine park THE PRECINCT | LEVEL 2, 315 BRUNSWICK STREET, on Nairana and Cudmore NPs and stop and watch. The river system FORTITUDE VALLEY rangers on Hinchinbrook Island NP Epping Forest NP (Scientific). here at Boodjamulla is so important to $25 GENERAL ADMISSION and Dunk Island, in the Family Islands $10 STUDENT ADMISSION NPAQ November Member’s both plant and animal life, and if you NP. I am currently based out at Meeting stop and watch for a while, you will be Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) NP…and do VISIT NPAQ.ORG.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION Then it was off to ‘The Cape’, where amazed by what you’ll see. Date: Wednesday 20 November 2019 I worked at Mungkan Kandju NP, as the odd job or project down at our Time: 7:15pm for 7:30pm start What is your top tip for campers? it was known when I was there; it other park, Camooweal Caves NP. Venue: To be confirmed later changed to Oyala Thumotang What is your most memorable Don’t be in a rush to get somewhere! NP (CYPAL). I also worked at Rinyirru moment? Some of the best spots, like (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL) and in other Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) NP, can be I have been lucky enough to have Vale nearby parks including Cape Melville found a bit out of your way and off the The National Parks Association of was made an Honorary Life Member in many NPAQ outings with her husband NP and Jack River NP. quite a few, so it is hard to choose, main road. But they are so worth it! but I suppose you can never beat Queensland mourns the passing of 2007. Bruce. Rob Hitchcock, former president of the I’ve taken the opportunity to work in NPAQ thanks Carly for taking time to His contributions to NPAQ were many NPAQ also grieves the passing of life enjoying a wet season thunder storm Association. relieving positions in Kutini-Payamu while sitting back watching it roll in answer our questions. We appreciate and we will miss his presence in the member Marjorie Taylor. Marjorie and her (Iron Range) NP, and at the Princess Rob joined NPAQ in 1961. He served Association. husband Ray joined NPAQ in 1954 and and then…CRACK!! the work all QPWS rangers undertake in Hills office which included Princess protecting Queensland’s national parks. as Treasurer from 1994-2001 and NPAQ was also saddened by the passing became life members in 1959. President from 2001-2005. He was also of life member Mavis Lucas. Mavis Our sincere condolences to their friends a Councillor for a number of years. Rob became a member in 1965 and enjoyed and families.

14 15 NATIONAL PARKS ASSOCIATION OF QLD PRESENTS MONEY ON TREES THE PROS & CONS OF ECOTOURISM IN QUEENSLAND’S NATIONAL PARKS

SPEAKERS | PANEL DISCUSSION | Q&A

Join us as we delve into the world of ecotourism in Queensland’s National Parks.

Money on Trees will hear from four industry leaders on both sides of the fence in an open-minded seminar exploring the threats, benefits and strategies of ecotourism operations in Queensland’s National Parks.

THURSDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2019 WELCOME DRINKS & NIBBLES | 6PM- 6:30PM SEMINAR | 6:30PM - 8:00PM

THE PRECINCT | LEVEL 2, 315 BRUNSWICK STREET, FORTITUDE VALLEY

$25 GENERAL ADMISSION $10 STUDENT ADMISSION

16 VISIT NPAQ.ORG.AU FOR MORE INFORMATION