West Corurgan Wildlife

Matthew Herring Hugh McGregor Jessica Herring David Webb Alexandra Knight INTRODUCTION

Publication Details

ISBN: 978-0-9775829-6-9 Matthew Herring Hugh McGregor Jessica Herring David Webb Alexandra Knight

For any further information contact Why we did a wildlife 2) To raise awareness about wild- in the region, together with reveg- [email protected] survey? life ecology and promote conser- etation on previously cleared land. or to obtain additional copies con- vation of the remaining species tact the Murray CMA. One of the best things about liv- Methods used to survey wildlife ing in the Murray region is all the What methods did we use? included: wildlife that we share our landscape with. Unfortunately we have A total of 70 sites were estab- • 420 x 20 minute Bird Surveys lost several animal species since lished across the Central Riverina (Two surveys in each of three sea- European settlement, such as the and West Corurgan areas. Formal sons at all 70 sites) White-footed Rabbit-Rat and East- surveys were conducted over the ern Hare-wallaby, and many others 14-month period at the sites, with • 30 x 1 hour Active Searches for are in serious danger of becoming an additional 20 sites surveyed reptiles and frogs (e.g. log rolling) extinct as well. Fortunately though, incidentally. The sites were spread • 30 x 1 hour Spotlighting surveys there is a growing commitment in across 28 farms and were surveyed for mammals, reptiles and noctur- the country to wildlife conserva- between September 2006 and Oc- nal birds Acknowledgements tion on the farm. As we improve tober 2007. The sites incorporated • 6000 x Elliot trap-nights for small our knowledge of the local land- the range of broad vegetation types mammals and reptiles The West Corurgan/Central Riverina scape and the animals and plants • 120 x Harp trap-nights for bats. Wildlife Survey was funded and sup- that live in it we will be in a much • Opportunistic Anabat bat call re- ported by the NSW Murray Catch- better position to ensure our natu- cording, Pitfall trap-nights for rep- ment Management Authority. Special ral heritage is maintained for future tiles and frogs and call broadcasting thanks to all the farmers for support- generations. to attract birds. ing the project so enthusiastically, with access to your properties, help during trapping sessions, strong attendance at This wildlife survey was an initiative Surveying over the entire West the field days and seminars, and amaz- of the Murray Catchment Manage- Corurgan and Central Riverina ar- ing hospitality. Rosie Smith, Shanna ment Authority (CMA) and is the eas involved over 60 days of field Rogers, Natasha Lappin and Sue Logie largest and most extensive ever work, usually with at least two from the Murray CMA made a signifi- undertaken in the local area. It people. cant contribution to the project – their builds on three previous studies in efforts are greatly appreciated. The the catchment: the Murray LWMP Magpie Goose work by Gary Herring, Jamie Jackson and Scott Lucas during the field work Wildlife Survey conducted in the was first class. Thanks also to David Les- Berriquin, Cadell, Wakool, and lie, Dean Metcalfe, Jack Chubb, Katrina Denimein areas from 2005-2006; Grundy, Anthony Couroupis (Murray the Murrakool Wildlife Survey CMA) and Ian Davidson for reviewing conducted around Barham, Swan an earlier draft and for general support Hill and Tooleybuc in 2003-2004 throughout the project. We are indebt- and; the Heartlands Eastern Billa- ed to the graphic design, IT and pub- bong Wildlife Survey conducted lishing expertise of Dylan O’Donnell who enabled our visions to materialise around Holbrook, Culcairn and into this booklet. Thanks also to the Ru- Walbundrie in 2001-2002. These ral Lands Protection Boards and NSW projects have two broad aims: Forests for access to TSR’s and State Forests, and to Charles Sturt University 1) To determine the distribution, and the Department of Environment & habitat and local status of birds, Climate Change for scientific permits reptiles, mammals and frogs and equipment hire.

2 CENTRAL RIVERINA / WEST CORURGAN - SPECIES LIST

Galah C Olive-backed Oriole R Little Corella R Masked Woodswallow R Sulphur-crested Cockatoo C White-breasted Woodswallow R Cockatiel R White-browed Woodswallow R Superb Parrot R (t) Black-faced Woodswallow R Eastern Rosella C Dusky Woodswallow R Yellow Rosella R Grey Butcherbird C Mallee Ringneck R Pied Butcherbird C Flame Robin Peron’s Tree Frog Birds Blue Bonnet R Australian Magpie C Frogs Red-rumped Parrot C Pied Currawong R Emu R Pallid Cuckoo R Little Raven C Peron’s Tree Frog R Stubble Quail R Horsfields Bronze-cuckoo R White-winged Chough C Plains Froglet C Brown Quail R Southern Boobook R Apostlebird R Common Eastern Froglet C Pacific Black Duck R Barn Owl R House Sparrow R # Spotted Marsh Frog C Wood Duck R Powerful Owl R (t) Red-browed Finch R Barking Marsh Frog R Black Swan R Tawny Frogmouth R Zebra Finch R Wrinkled Toadlet R Magpie Goose R (t) Australian Owlet-nightjar R Diamond Firetail R (t) Australian Shelduck R Fork-tailed Swift R Mistletoebird R Grey Teal R White-throated Needletail R Welcome Swallow C Reptiles Chesnut Teal R Laughing Kookaburra C Tree Martin U Hardhead R Azure Kingfisher R White-backed Swallow R Eastern Long-necked Turtle R Australasian Grebe R Sacred Kingfisher R Clamerous Reed-warbler R Southern Marbled Gecko R Hoary-headed Grebe R Rainbow Bee-eater R Little Grassbird R Wood Gecko R Darter R Dollarbird R Rufous Songlark U Tree Dtella R Great Cormorant R White-throated Treecreeper R Australian Pipit R Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko R Little Black Cormorant R Brown Treecreeper U Singing Bushlark R Lace Monitor R Little Pied Cormorant R Striated Pardalote C Brown Songlark R Sand Goanna R Australian Pelican R Spotted Pardalote R Silvereye R Carnaby’s Wall Skink C White-faced Heron R White-browed Scrubwren R Common Blackbird R # Wood Mulch Slider R White-necked Heron R Speckled Warbler R (t) Common Starling R # Boulenger’s Skink C Royal Spoonbill R Weebill C Dwarf Skink R Yellow-billed Spoonbill R Western Gerygone U Southern Rainbow Skink R Great Egret R Brown Thornbill R Spotted-backed Ctenotus R White Ibis R Inland Thornbill R Bronze-blazed Ctenotus R Straw-necked Ibis R Chestnut-rumped Thornbill R Tree Crevice Skink R Black-shouldered Kite R Yellow-rumped Thornbill C Robust Ctenotus R Black Kite R Yellow Thornbill C Yellow-bellied Water Skink R Swamp Harrier R Buff-rumped Thornbill R Dwyer’s Snake R Spotted Harrier R Southern Whiteface R Echinda Curl Snake R Whistling Kite R Red Wattlebird R Eastern Brown Snake U Brown Goshawk R Painted Honeyeater R (t) Mammals Red-bellied Black Snake R Wedge-tailed Eagle R Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater R Bearded Dragon R White-breasted Sea Eagle R Striped Honeyeater R Short-beaked Echidna R Prong-snouted Blind Snake R Little Eagle R Noisy Friarbird R Squirrel Glider R (t) Nobbi Dragon R Brown Falcon R Little Friarbird R Sugar Glider R Australian Hobby R Noisy Miner C Black Wallaby R Black Falcon R Blue-faced Honeyeater R Eastern Grey Kangaroo C Key Peregrine Falcon R White-plumed Honeyeater C Red Kangaroo R Australian Kestrel R Black-chinned Honeyeater R (t) Ring-tailed Possum R R - Rare (1-10% of sites) Brolga R (t) Brown-headed Honeyeater R Common Brushtail Possum C U - Uncommon (11-25% of sites) Dusky Moorhen R White-fronted Chat R Gould’s Long-eared Bat R C - Common (26% sites or more) Purple Swamphen R Jacky Winter R Lesser Long-eared Bat U # Introduced Eurasian Coot R Flame Robin R White-striped Freetail Bat R (t) Threatened Black-tailed Native Hen R Red-capped Robin R Southern Freetail Bat R Bush Stone-curlew R Hooded Robin R (t) Inland Freetail Bat R Painted Button-quail R Grey-crowned Babbler C (t) Goulds Wattled Bat U Marsh Sandpiper R White-browed Babbler R Chocolate Wattled Bat R Common Greenshank R Varied Sittella R Inland Broad-nosed Bat R Sharp-tailed Sandpiper R Crested Shrike-tit R Inland Forest Bat R (t) Black-winged Stilt R Golden Whistler R Little Forest Bat C Red-necked Avocet R Rufous Whistler U Large Forest Bat R Red-kneed Dotterel R Grey Shrike-thrush C Southern Forest Bat R Black-fronted Dotterel R Restless Flycatcher U Feral Cat R # Masked Lapwing R Leaden Flycatcher R House Mouse U # Banded Lapwing R Australian Magpie-lark C Black Rat R # Australian Pratincole R Grey Fantail U Rabbit C # Peaceful Dove R Willie Wagtail C Brown Hare U # Common Bronzewing U Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike C Fox U # Crested Pigeon C Ground Cuckoo-shrike R Feral Pigeon R # White-winged Triller R Lace Monitor 3 GRASSY BOX WOODLAND

Grassy Box Woodland includes Catchment. Today, the wildlife any stands of White Cypress-Pine, found in these woodlands usually Yellow Box, Grey Box or Buloke, consists of common species like that aren’t on sandhills. Prior to the Australian Magpie, Noisy European settlement this was the Miner, Red-rumped Parrot, Galah, most widespread vegetation type Eastern Brown Snake and Eastern across the NSW Murray Catch- Grey Kangaroo, all of which are ment with large expanses in the associated with relatively open ar- West Corurgan region. eas and can persist in landscapes that are mostly cleared. From a conservation perspective, the few remaining stands of high At times it was very dishearten- quality Grassy Box Woodland are ing for us to survey these sites like gold. When in good condition, and record the same dozen or so these beautiful woodlands contain species again and again. The good a great variety of understorey news is that many special species shrubs such as wattles, saltbushes like the Red-capped Robin and Speckled Warbler are capable of It is vital that we returning to Grassy Box Wood- land sites that have been restored rest areas from and now support plenty of young grazing to allow trees, shrubs, native grasses, fallen young trees and timber and other habitat.

shrubs to Thankfully there are at least some regenerate. high quality patches of Grassy Box Woodland remaining in the West Corurgan area, such Fencing off Grassy Box Woodland patches, like this and hopbushes, together with a as Kentucky and Palmer State Grey Box stand on “Cawarra”, greatly improves wild- wide range of native grasses and Forests. Restored areas of Grassy wildflowers. Box Woodland are able to attract life habitat, allowing young trees, shrubs and grasses the surplus of wildlife produced to regenerate. The soils found in Grassy Box at these hotspots as the animals Woodland have been favoured for disperse through the landscape agriculture and more than 95% looking for places to live. A Real Winner: The Noisy Miner of the original area has disappeared from the NSW Murray One native species that has done especially well since European settlement is the Noisy Miner. It was one of the most abundant bird species recorded during the surveys, and is often indicative of The Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko is real jewel of the small, degraded and fragmented woodland patches that have widely bush. It is mostly nocturnal but can be found during spaced Eucalypts. It is quite aggressive to other native birds, and the only small woodland bird that seems to tolerate them in large the day hiding under logs, rocks or bark on trees. densities is the Striated Pardalote.

The orange throat of this Boulenger’s Skink identifies it as a breeding male. When there is good habitat this species can be abundant and is probably the region’s most common reptile.

4 young trees is to avoid continuous waterways, they rely on other grazing regimes and ensure the vegetation types to feed in. The area is rested for long enough to retention of remnant vegetation allow regeneration. Sites can be along roadsides helps facilitate strategically grazed once shrubs the movement of this species and young trees have become between its breeding and feeding established. sites throughout the landscape.

Direct-seeding or planting local The discovery of the Bronze- shrubs that have disappeared blazed Ctenotus (Ctenotus al- from an area is another easy lotropis), a small skink not thought way to reinstate the understorey. to occur as far south as the NSW A good cover of native peren- Murray Catchment, in the Allan nial grasses is also an important habitat feature to aim toward and these can also be reintroduced Retaining fallen by spreading seed and managing timber benefits weeds. many wildlife spe-

Native grasses not only reduce cies. Piling it up and erosion and improve the overall burning it wastes a ecological health of a site, but also valuable resource. provide seeds for species like the beautiful Diamond Firetail (see front cover), which is only rarely Carroll Flora & Fauna Reserve at recorded in the region and con- Boree Creek, was a major high- sidered a threatened species in light of the study. Other high qual- The Wahgunya, Berrigan, Kentucky, Lonesome Pine, NSW. Native grass tussocks also ity Grassy Box Woodland sites like Ringwood Tank, Palmer and Coreen State Forests provide cover from predators for Lonesome Pine and Ringwood several reptiles. Tank State Forests supported contain stands of Grassy Box and Sandhill Woodland additional uncommon to rare of immense regional significance to wildlife. Restora- The appropriately named Superb reptiles species, such as the Nobbi Parrot was closely associated Dragon, Tree Dtella, Wood Gecko, tion on private land adjacent to these biodiversity with Grassy Box and Sandhill Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko, Curl hotspots is a conservation priority. Woodlands, and although they Snake and Dwyer’s Snake. breed in the red gum forests Grassy Box Woodland sites that Wallaby, White-browed Babbler along the Murray and other major have a good cover of native and Speckled Warbler. One of shrubs supported a number of the simplest ways to reinstate a important species like the Black patchy understorey of shrubs and The Superb Parrot (below) and Grey-crowned Bab- bler (bottom left) are among the last woodland birds The tiny Speckled Warbler was only found at two to hang on in heavily cleared areas, long after most sites, both large (300+ hectares) Grassy Box Wood- of the smaller species like robins and thornbills have land patches, but can readily colonise revegetation. become locally extinct.

4 5 SANDHILL WOODLAND

High quality Sandhill Woodland Remaining stands of native pine is outstanding for native wildlife are examples of remnant sandhill and supports a plethora of native woodland that are excellent start- plants, however these days it is ing blocks for future restoration. hard to find good quality patches. This can be done by fencing out It includes vegetation capable of stock, controlling common weeds growing in sandy soils and often (e.g. Patterson’s Curse, Cape merges with Grassy Box Wood- Weed and Barley Grass) and land. Large trees include White replanting with shrubs. Controlling Cypress-Pine, Buloke, Yellow Box, rabbits, hares, foxes and cats will Grey Box and Needlewood. also make a site more attractive to native wildlife. Parts of the West Corurgan area have extensive sandhills but when the area was first settled in the Sandhill Woodland 1800s they were heavily cleared sites dominated by for grazing and then later for cropping. Fortunately, there are native pines are un- still a handful of significant Sandhill attractive to Noisy Woodland remnants like those in Miners because of the Mulwala/Savernake/Berrigan area. the lack of Euca- lypts and higher Sandhills originally had a very tree density. diverse shrub layer with species such as Emu Bush, Quandong and various Acacias and saltbushes. Nocturnal birds of prey like the Sandhill Woodland supports a particularly unique Reinstating this understorey into Barn Owl, Boobook Owl, and stands of trees on sandhills will Tawny Frogmouth were frequently suite of wildlife and high quality sites are hotspots help to bring this beautiful vegeta- detected at Sandhill Woodland for reptile diversity. tion back from the brink of local sites. and many other parts of the extinction. landscape. Along with Brush- tailed and Ring-tailed Possums, Maintaining healthy remnant vegeta- Good quality sandhill woodland is these species rely on old trees tion on sandhills is great news for a haven for reptiles and woodland with hollows. birds. The sandy soils allow move- wildlife and helps stabilise the fragile ment of underground animals like soils from wind and rain. blind snakes, and provide ideal nesting sites for Rainbow Bee- eaters and Sand Goannas.

The Wood Gecko, also known as the Eastern Stone The Prong-snouted Blind Snake is easily recognised Gecko, was one of four gecko species found in the by it’s distinctive tri-lobed snout. It spends much of West Corurgan and Central Riverina areas. It is eas- its time underground. Blind Snakes feed on termites ily recognised by the distinction pattern on its back. and ants, their eggs and larvae.

6 BOREE WOODLAND

Boree Woodland is dominated fallen logs, branches, shrubs, sheets by Boree (Acacia pendula) and of corrugated iron, old fence posts originally covered large areas of or other habitat contained healthy the West Corurgan area. It was reptile and bird assemblages. Such the dominant vegetation in the “messy” areas are good habitat far north-western part of West for the Dwyer’s Snake and Curl Corurgan. Today, there are just a Snake, as well as many of the few scattered stands remaining, small, insectivorous woodland representing a small fraction of birds that are declining. the original area. Conservation of the remaining One of the single stands of Boree is crucially important for the West Corurgan area most important and the NSW Murray Catchment things that can be as a whole. Fortunately, Boree can done for wildlife in usually regenerate easily if stock grazing is controlled to allow the West Corurgan regrowth of young Boree trees. area is protect- ing the remaining These new trees not only provide a future for the site but also act stands of Boree. as an understorey while they are young. Shrubs will also have a much better chance of reestab- A well-managed Boree remnant lishing if the area is rested from with good habitat can support grazing. dozens of bird species and around 10 reptile species, even if the site Retaining fallen timber and is only a hectare or two in area. encouraging native grasses can It doesn’t take long to enhance a make a huge difference as well so Young Boree trees have regenerated at this site stand of Boree trees into an oasis if you’re lucky enough to have a because it has been rested from grazing for long for wildlife. stand of Boree consider giving it a enough to allow young trees to become established. future by taking up the incentives All sites, irrespective of their veg- offered by the Murray CMA to As a result of this the trees here are no longer the etation type, that have old grass, improve habitat for native wildlife. “living dead”. Well managed Boree also supports a range of native shrubs, ground covers and wildflowers, such as saltbushes and rare Swainsona Peas. Boree often supports Grey Mistletoe so it is a great When abundant Grey Mistletoe (inset) is present in place to see the Mistletoebird. This male has been a Boree site it often attracts the threatened Painted munching on ripe mistletoe fruits. Within half an Honeyeater (below), which is dependent on mistle- hour or so these will pass through the bird and toe, and was found near Lake Urana in the Central potentially germinate if they attach to a suitable Riverina. branch.

6 7 Locals gather on the edge of the Murray River floodplain at “Boomanoomana” for a wildlife field day.

Within the West Corurgan landscape, the Yellow-bellied Water Skink is restricted to the Murray River floodplain.

These locals were among more than 450 people who attended the 12 West Corurgan and Central Riverina field days and seminars.

The West Corurgan and Central Riverina region is one of the most important Brolga breeding areas in south-eastern Australia. Local kids were fascinated by the diversity of bats on their farms.

The Black Wallaby, also called a Swamp Wallaby, prefers bush- land with plenty of understorey shrubs and young trees.

Locals enjoy the birdlife at a field day on “Savernake Station”. RIVER RED GUM

River Red Gum (Eucalyptus other birds. The abundant leaf lit- camaldulensis) is one of the most ter produced by River Red Gums intact vegetation types in the is another valuable resource for NSW Murray Catchment. The wildlife. red gum forests of the Mur- ray region are one of Australia’s Some species strongly associated greatest ecological assets. The with red gums and creeklines in- value of major waterways in the clude the Pacific Black Duck, Nan- West Corurgan area such as the keen Night Heron, Yellow Rosella, Billabong Creek and Murray River Sacred Kingfisher, White-throated cannot be overemphasised. Good Treecreeper, Little Friarbird, quality red gum habitat booms Restless Flycatcher, Sugar Glider, with wildlife, particularly birds and Tree-crevice Skink and a range of mammals. bats and frogs. Some birds like the colorful Dollarbird migrate all the Large, old River Red Gums, some way from Northern Australia and of which were around long before beyond during summer to use European settlement, are the these River Red Gum forests.

The Billabong Creek and other River Red Gum major waterways in the West waterways like the Corurgan area act as wildlife Billabong Creek ‘highways’ through the landscape, enabling wildlife populations to facilitate wildlife intermix. Intermittent flood- movement through ing of red gum directly benefits the landscape, en- waterbirds, frogs and bats but also maintains the overall health of the abling populations system. Restoring flows to water- to intermix. ways and wetlands that are dying of thirst is clearly a priority. equivalent of Hollywood mansions A total of twelve bat species for wildlife because they are filled were recorded for the West High quality River Red Gum areas like this site with a range of hollows and crev- Corurgan and Central Riverina along the Murray River near Mulwala are home to ices. Bats, possums, gliders, parrots, surveys, many of which were most pardalotes, owls, various reptiles abundant in River Red Gum. All an array of gliders, possums, wallabies, bats, owls and numerous others all shelter these bat species are insectivo- and small sensitive birds like the Varied Sittella and and nest in red gums. rous and play an important role in controlling insects, consuming up White-browed Scrubwren. Shedding bark is important for to half their body weight in insects treecreepers, the Crested Shrike- every night! special bats trapped included the Creek in between Rand and tit, the Southern Marbled Gecko Inland Broad-nosed Bat, Inland Urana, a long way westward of and Peron’s Tree Frog. Fallen logs During the day these bats roost in Forest Bat, Gould’s Long-eared their previously confirmed sight- provide homes for the Yellow- tree hollows, crevices and under Bat and Southern Forest Bat. ings on this waterway. Waterways footed Antechinus, Bush Stone- bark. The greatest number and like the Billabong Creek, as well Curlews and various species of diversity of bats were recorded in Squirrel Gilders, which are listed as continuous stands of roadside reptile. River Red Gums attract a wetlands and along rivers, where as a threatened species in NSW, trees, act as corridors and enable myriad of insects, as well as hon- invertebrates like mosquitoes are were found along the Billabong populations to intermix, prevent- eyeaters, lorikeets and numerous most abundant. Some of the more The nocturnal Southern Marbled Gecko is common- In the West Corurgan area Red-browed Finches (or ly found under the bark of River Red Gums. Peron’s Firetails as they are sometimes called) are largely Tree Frogs also favour red gum bark to shelter restricted to the Murray River floodplain. under.

10 ing inbreeding and local extinction. fallen logs in your patch of bush Squirrel Gliders feed on insects, and planting woodlots for future gum from wattles, sap from euca- firewood supply will help ensure lypts, as well as nectar and pollen. these amazing critters don’t They benefit from having a range become another addition to the of tree and wattle species that of- list of mammals that have disap- fer different resources at different peared from the Murray region times of year. since European settlement.

Despite 6000 Elliot Trap-nights Early settlers in the West Coru- (30 sites x 50 traps x 4 nights) not rgan area had the pleasure of a single Yellow-footed Antechinus finding native animals like the East- was found, a very disheartening ern Quoll, Eastern Hare-Wallaby, result. The Yellow-footed An- Greater Bilby and White-footed techinus is a small, carnivorous Rabbit-Rat, now all extinct in the marsupial that is well known for Murray region. Today, the only its bizarre breeding habits where common native mammal species all males die of exhaustion after in the region, apart from bats, are the winter breeding season. the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Common Brushtail Possum, which We’re quite confident that the are both regularly found in high complete lack of Yellow-footed densities in River Red Gum areas. Antechinus detection was at least partly due to successive years of drought. With previous surveys across the NSW Murray Catch- ment we have found “Yellow- foots” along major floodplain waterways that have extensive areas of remnant vegetation like the Murray, Edward and Wakool Rivers, as well as high quality remnants on hills in the South- The Powerful Owl, Australia’s largest owl at over 60 west Slopes such as those around cm in height, mainly feeds on possums and gliders. Holbrook and Albury. The amazing Squirrel This threatened species has declined severely in the In areas where there are numer- Glider, capable of gliding drier woodlands of New South Wales and Victoria. A ous old, hollow logs on the ground we frequently record for up to 100 metres, pair was present throughout the study period along them in densities between 4 is larger and normally the Murray River in between Barooga and Mulwala. and 24 per hectare. Retaining much rarer than the The “Bell’s Form” (below left) of the Lace Monitor (also called Tree Goanna) is Sugar Glider. Squirrel very distinctive from the usual form that people normally see (below centre). Gliders would have once Lace Monitors are thought to exclusively lay their eggs in termite nests, either occurred across most of on the ground or in trees. West Corurgan.

10 11 OPEN WETLANDS

Much to our disappointment, types of wetlands in the West the beautiful Canegrass wetlands Corurgan area so it is not surpris- (and other open wetlands) of ing that the area is one of the the West Corurgan region didn’t most important Brolga breeding fill during our survey period, and regions remaining in the state. so we didn’t have any sites that These sites also support the incorporated them. Undoubtedly, Australasian Bittern and other sig- if we’d had the appropriate rainfall nificant species when they are full. and these sites did fill, then we would have recorded many more The Marsh Sandpiper and Sharp- waterbird and frog species. tailed Sandpiper are migratory shorebird species that visit the A number Brolgas were found West Corurgan area every Spring in the Central Riverina and West and Summer. They essentially live their lives in an endless summer, Many waterbird migrating between the northern and southern hemispheres. These species prefer tree- species breed in Europe, Siberia less wetlands to and China, and in Australia favor feed and breed in. shallow, muddy wetland areas for foraging. Treeless wetlands that support a range of water- The most common frogs re- plant communities with mudflats and shallows, like Corurgan areas during the study. corded during the study were There are fewer than 1000 Plains Froglet, Common Froglet this one in the Urana-Jerilderie area, are often home Brolgas remaining in south-eastern and Spotted Marsh Frog. They to 50 diffferent waterbird species, as well as numer- Australia, with their survival were frequently recorded in large ultimately depending on how wet- numbers near water, along rivers, ous frogs, bats and other wildlife. lands are managed on farms. creeks, and farm dams. The adults and tadpoles of these common is a rare example of a species waterplants and mudflats attract Brolgas breed almost exclusively frogs provide a great food source that has actually benefited from a wide range of new species like in large, ephemeral, open wetlands for waterbirds like Great Egret the proliferation of farm dams. egrets, herons, crakes, sandpip- (usually between 10 and 200 and reptiles like the Tiger Snake. Simple changes to farm dams ers, spoonbills and stilts. Avoiding hectares) that are only flooded for can substantially increase their constant grazing pressure from about 2-6 months at a time, then Most farm dams have insuffi- wildlife carrying capacity. stock will also enable mudflats allowed to completely dry out. cient habitat to support a good and waterplants to flourish variety of waterbirds, frogs and Earthworks that create seasonal- resulting in a greater range of There are a number of these bats. The Australian Wood Duck ly flooded shallows that support wildlife utilising your farm dam.

The Yellow-billed Spoonbill (left), like most waterbirds, relies on shallow wetland areas to feed in. The Little Bittern (below) is closely associated with dense Cumbungi and Phragmites reed beds. They were not found during the surveys but are a rare summer breeding migrant to the Riverina from further north, the coast and possibly Papua New Guinea.

12 REVEGETATION

faced Cuckoo-shrike. mitigation are a much better ‘crop’ for most wildlife than conventional Some plantings in the Central agriculture. Old Man Saltbush Riverina and West Corurgan areas plantings attract the most birds that are only 5-10 years old actu- when they are situated around ally had higher bird diversity than remnant trees. Several species many of the degraded remnants like the White-fronted Chat avoid that are dominated by large bird trees and respond well to these species like the Pied Butcherbird, sites but most shrub-loving birds Australian Magpies and Eastern in the region also require tree Rosella. cover. Most revegetation sites are Other less mobile species, like ungrazed, at least for the first many reptiles and small mammals few years while trees and shrubs will only benefit from revegetation that is situated adjacent to existing The response of remnants. Isolated sites of ad- small, insectivorous equate size and with appropriate habitat that are thought to once woodland birds again be able to support viable to revegetation is populations of these immobile phenomenal. Revegetation helps bring back structural habitat di- species may make suitable reintro- versity to the landscape. The Rufous Whistler (inset) duction trial sites in the future. become established. As a result, is one of dozens of bird species that benefit from Old sheets of corrugated iron, wildlife species that favour thick revegetation in the West Corurgan area. fence posts and roofing tiles can grass benefit. Reptiles like the Ol- provide homes for a range of ive Legless Lizard are attracted by skinks, geckos and legless lizards the cover provided by grass tus- For years we’ve had faith that that would otherwise have to wait socks. The Rufous Songlark nests revegetation would benefit wildlife These small birds are even able to many decades for fallen logs and in long grass and is often closely and now it is clear that many spe- colonise isolated patches of reveg- branches to accumulate. Simi- associated with ungrazed or lightly cies, particularly birds, are readily etation, many kilometres from the larly, nest boxes designed for bats, grazed parts of the landscape. able to colonise suitable revegeta- nearest remnant but revegetated possums, gliders, parrots, owls tion patches that landholders have sites attract the most species or other hollow-nesting wildlife Variation in tree and shrub density planted. when they are 5 or more hectares can provide shelter and nest sites within a large planting will benefit in area, incorporate a range of well before hollows form in trees, species that prefer dense areas, as Whistlers, thornbills, fantails, tree and shrub species and are which takes place decades down well as species that prefer more warblers, robins, honeyeaters and situated adjacent to remnant veg- the track. open areas. The key to attracting numerous other birds take ad- etation. The popular ‘wind-break’ a maximum number of species is vantage of the dense young trees plantings in isolated paddocks that Farm forestry plantations of Euca- habitat diversity. and shrubs. Here, they have cover involve thin strips generally only lypts and Old Man Saltbush plant- from predators and aggressive benefit species already doing well ings for grazing value and salinity Noisy Miners, opportunities to like Crested Pigeon, Willie Wagtail, nest, and places to feed. Red-rumped Parrot and Black- The much-loved Red-capped Robin has disappeared The Yellow-rumped Thornbill and numerous other from most of the West Corurgan landscape and small bird species benefit from the young trees and is now largely restricted to the native pine State shrubs of revegetation, as cover from predators, a Forests. Fortunately though, they readily colonise suit- place to nest and a source of invertebrate food. able revegetated areas.

12 13 LOCAL HOTSPOTS

Biodiversity hotspots are a priority for conservation. They are reservoirs of life and are the last remaining ‘jewels in the crown’. There is an urgent need for us to target our on-ground conservation efforts towards local biodiversity hotspots in the West Corurgan area. By getting the biggest bang for our buck we can ensure as many individuals and species as possible benefit from our efforts. We can increase the wildlife carrying capacity of these HOTSPOTS: Sandhill Woodland in the Savernake/Berrigan/Mulwala region, such sites and expand the area of the as Wahgunya and Berrigan State Forests, and any stands of Boree Woodland. sites by improving and creating habitat adjacent to them.

The local biodiversity hotspots identified here are characterised by at least one of the following at- tributes: relatively large patch, high habitat diversity, high number of species, high number of threatened or locally endemic species, high productivity/fertility or a severely depleted vegetation type. Different vegetation types support different suites of wildlife. Con- servation of all vegetation types across the West Corurgan region is therefore very important. HOTSPOTS: Grassy Box Woodland found in Kentucky, Lonesome Pine, Ringwood Tank, Palmer and Coreen State Forests, as well as Goombargana Hill and other

Photo Credits significant patches on private land.

Peter Merritt: PM, David Webb: DW, Matthew Herring: MH, Sue Logie: SL, Shanna Rogers: SR, Dylan O’Donnell: DO, Hugh McGregor: HM, Paul Scan- nell: PS.

FRONT COVER: Sand Goanna: DW, Field Day: SR, Powerful Owl: DW, Local kids looking for geckoes and skinks: SL, Southern Rainbow Skink: DW, Reveg- etation and Jamie Jackson holding Sand Goanna: MH. Squirrel Glider: PM. Page 2: PM. Page 3: All PM except goanna: DW. Page 4: All DW except habitat: MH. Page 5: Habitat: MH, Speckled Warbler and Grey-crowned Babbler: HOTSPOTS: River Red Gum along the Murray River and Billabong Creek. PM, Superb Parrot: DW. Page 6: All DW. Page 7: All DW except Grey Mistletoe flower: MH and Mistletoe- bird: PM. Pages 8 & 9: Boomanoomana field day: SL, skink: DO, Savernake Field Day: SR, Brolgas: PM, Balck Wallaby: DW. Page 10: Habitat: MH, Finches: PM, Gecko: DW. Page 11: All DW except Bell’s Form Lace Monitor: PS & other Lace Monitor:PM. Page 12: All PM. Page 13: All PM except revegetation: MH & Yellow-rumped Thornbill: DW. Page 14: All MH except top photo: DW. PAGE 15: All MH except Fox and constructed wetland: PM. BACK COVER: Bush Stone-curlew: DO, stilt and frog: PM, possum and habitat: MH, field days: SL & SR, bat: HM. HOTSPOTS: Large Canegrass Wetlands such as Native Dog and Nulla Nulla Swamps.

14 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP KNOW YOUR RETAIN FALLEN HABITAT TIMBER

The most important thing Tidying up the farm by piling up that landholders in the West logs and branches and burning Corurgan area can do for wildlife them is bad news for wildlife. conservation is to identify the Retaining fallen timber will benefit significant remnant vegetation many species like the Yellow-foot- sites on their properties and ed Antechinus, Bush Stone-curlew manage them in a way that will and a whole range of reptiles such maintain or improve the quality as geckoes and skinks. Even junk of habitat. such as old fence posts and sheets of corrugated iron can be valuable habitat.

REVEGETATE REST AREAS FROM GRAZING The response of wildlife to plantings on cleared land is Avoiding continuous grazing phenomenal, especially for birds. pressure and resting areas from Revegetated sites attract the stock dramatically improve wildlife most species when they are 5 or habitat, allowing young trees, more hectares in area (but not in shrubs and grasses to regener- thin strips), incorporate a range ate. Fencing incentives available of tree and shrub species, and through the Murray CMA are en- are situated adjacent to remnant abling landholders to make major vegetation. improvements to wildlife habitat on their farms.

MODIFY YOUR DAM REINSTATE UNDERSTOREY Simple changes to farm dams can also increase wildlife diversity on Reinstating an understorey of your property. Earthworks that shrubs into remnants is another create ephemeral shallows (50 cm easy way to make a big difference and less) and exclusion of stock to wildlife habitat on your farm. promotes waterplant growth and Direct-seeding or planting of a productive mudflats. This results in range of appropriate shrub spe- a wetland oasis for frogs, water- cies, depending on the vegetation birds and bats. Stock water can type, is great news for wildlife. be pumped to a nearby trough if needed.

CONTROL FERALS RESTORE FLOWS On top of improving habitat on Flooding River Red Gum, Black your farm, controlling introduced Box, Canegrass and other wetland predators like Foxes and Feral sites from time to time will help Cats will also benefit wildlife. maintain the health of these Broad-scale baiting programs, like ecosystems and greatly improve those coordinated by the Rural wildlife habitat. Intermittent flood- Lands Protection Board, that in- ing promotes waterplant growth, corporate numerous neighbouring stimulates regeneration and properties are the most effective maintains the health of old trees for fox control. Control of other and waterplant communities, all introduced animals like Rabbits, benefiting wildlife. as well as weeds, is generally also good news for wildlife.

14 15 Berrigan Deniliquin 79-81 Chanter Street 315 Victoria Street Murray Catchment BERRIGAN NSW 2712 DENILIQUIN NSW 2710 P: 03 5885 2804 P: 03 5880 1400 Management Authority

Corowa Albury [email protected] 157 Sanger Street 421 Swift Street www.murray.cma.nsw.gov.au COROWA NSW 2646 ALBURY NSW 2640 P: 02 6033 0947 P: 02 6051 2200