Maribyrnong River: Wildlife of the waterways

T he areas surrounding the Maribyrnong River are home to a range of animals including birds, frogs, fish and mammals. Many native plants have disappeared and introduced plants such as willows and blackberries now dominate waterways in the catchment.

Drawing water for domestic and agricultural use has altered the pattern of flows in a number of these waterways. In areas that are being urbanised, changes are also expected as increased run-off generates more flows into rivers and creeks. Such changes in flow patterns can impact on the fish, frogs and other species living in our waterways.

Recent studies in the catchment have focused on the importance of ensuring sufficient flow to protect the animals and plants that live there. We have provided you with an overview of some of the animals you are most likely to see in the area but don’t be surprised if you see even more! Fish

I n 2005, the Maribyrnong catchment including its major tributaries were surveyed for fish. The surveys captured more than 5000 fish across 38 survey sites. Ten species of native fish and eight species of exotic fish were found.

Native fish made up 65% of all fish sampled. There were good numbers of five native species, each having at least 250 fish sampled. The exotic fish were dominated by a single species, Eastern Gambusia, and this was the most common fish in the Maribyrnong. Exotic fish compete with native fish for available food and habitat, and injure or predate on native fish.

Four of the native fish found are migratory, using the downstream estuaries or ocean as well as freshwater habitats at different life stages. The existence of weirs, fords and dam walls can prevent migratory fish from accessing upstream habitat. Water has constructed five fishways in the Maribyrnong system at existing barriers, including three within . The fishways allow fish to travel past the barriers, and further fishways are being planned.

The most common fish species in the Maribyrnong are: Fish

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Eastr e n Gambusia Com m on Galaxia Flat-ed h a ed Gudgeon A l ustra ian Smelt Gambusia holbrooki Galaxias maculatus Phily pnodon grandiceps R etropinna semoni Other name: Mosquito Fish Other name: Size: up to 12cm Size: up to 6cm Common Jolly Tail (commonly 8cm) Size: males 3.5cm, T hese small, slender, silvery fish females 6cm Size: up to 19cm T his native fish made up almost were the fourth most common T hese small pale olive-green/ T his migratory fish made up 15% of fish sampled and was fish in 2005 surveys, making up grey fish are native to north and almost a quarter of fish sampled most common in the main almost 15% of the number central American rivers, which in the Maribyrnong. Adults move channel of the Maribyrnong and caught. They are most common drain into the Gulf of Mexico. downstream to estuaries to the lower part of . It in the Maribyrnong River up to They are believed to have been spawn and young spend the first is a small dark fish with irregular Keilor and in Jacksons Creek introduced into in the six months at sea. When they colouring and markings. It has around Bulla. They prefer 1920s. They feed on rotting return to freshwater streams, a distinctive broad head with slow-flowing areas and can debris, insect larvae and pupae, they are part of large spring a wide mouth and eyes near sometimes be seen shoaling fish eggs and fry. This is the whitebait migrations. Their diet the top of its head. It prefers near the surface or around most common fish in the consists primarily of terrestrial still or slow-flowing water, plants or woody debris. They Maribyrnong and made up insects deposited onto the areas with aquatic plants and spawn in spring when each almost one-third of all fish in water surface, with aquatic muddy bottoms. female lays up to 200 a 2005 survey, and was found insects and crustaceans also transparent and highly adhesive at half of the sites sampled. consumed. They are a long eggs on aquatic vegetation. The species is known to harass olive-grey fish with variable These fish eat insects and algae and compete with small native mottling on their sides. and are often eaten by larger fish and the young of larger fish in the Maribyrnong. native fish. Fish

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S outhERn Pygmy Perch Sh-in ort f n ed Eel Fewtr sh a er Shrimp Sc uds N annoperca australis A nguilla australis A tyidae Ai mph pods Size: up to 8.5cm Size: males up to 60cm, Size: up to 4cm Size: up to 2.5cm females up to 90cm T hese small fish are food for Freshwater shrimp are S cuds are small crustaceans. larger animals such as tortoises, T hese native migratory fish translucent and can be mottled They have seven pairs of birds, other fish and frogs. They have a long snake-like body and with blues, greens and darker walking legs and three feathery are usually pale golden with an even golden to olive-green markings. The front two pairs swimming limbs. Amphipods greenish-brown mottling and colour. They are active at night of legs of the shrimp bear feed on plants and animals, a silver belly. Their diet consists and eat crustaceans, insects, distinct brushes. Freshwater using a wide range of methods of small crustaceans, insects and yabbies, fish and frogs. All shrimp occur in the slower- including shredding, filter their larvae. They can live up short-finned eels migrate and flowing (lowland) rivers and feeding and grazing. They to five years and inhabit the breed at one site in the Coral in ponds and billabongs. They are usually green, but can be vegetated edges of streams, Sea near New Caledonia. They feed mainly on sediment, other colours, including orange. billabongs and drains, preferring spawn at depths of more than fine decomposing vegetation, Ceinidae live among aquatic still or gently flowing water. 300m before soon dying. The bacteria and algal particles. vegetation in still to slow- They made up about 1 in 20 newly hatched young drift moving water. Another fish sampled in the 2005 survey, back to coastal areas on ocean amphipod, the Paracalliopiidae, is and were most common in currents. Short-finned eels abundant in the middle reaches Deep Creek. should be widespread and of the Maribyrnong River. abundant, but made up about 5% of fish sampled. It is suspected that a disease that afflicted short- finned eels throughout in early 2005 was detrimental to the species. B irds

T he Maribyrnong River is home to a diverse population of native and migratory bird species. There is a varying range of species, with waterbirds making up large numbers. An extensive revegetation program along the river’s length has been successful in retaining and recreating habitat that is essential in providing food and shelter for a vast amount of Victorian birds as well as those making the trek from countries such as Japan, China and Korea.

Some of the waterbirds that are frequent visitors to the Maribyrnong River and its surrounding environment include such species as Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Straw-necked Ibis, Purple Swamphen and Masked Lapwing.

Although waterbirds are prominent along the length of the river, many other familiar bird species can be found feeding on the plants and chasing the insects that form part of the Maribyrnong ecology.

At least 100 bird species inhabit this environment during different times of the year. Birds

Pa cIFIC Black Duck Mask ed Lapwing Wiu h te-pl med Pupw r le S amphen A nas superciliosa Vanellus miles Honeyeater Por phyrio porphyrio Size: up to 60cm Other name: L ichenostomus penicillatus Size: up to 48cm Spurwing Plover T his duck has a dark body and Size: up to 19cm T he purple swamphen has a head with two characteristic Size: up to 35cm T he bird is olive-grey with bright red bill and frontal shield, cream stripes across each sides T his bird has a brown back, a yellow head and black bill. purple chest and black head of its head. In flight, it shows white chest and characteristic It features a faint black line and back. It is a common and a green speculum (panel) and yellow facial wattles. It is a bit before its white neck plume. widespread bird in swamps and pale underwing. This sociable smaller than the Australian Its voice is recognisable by the marshy paddocks. It feeds on duck is found throughout magpie. It prefers grasslands, ‘chick-owee’, ‘chick-abiddy’ soft shoots of reeds, frog, snails, Australia and the Pacific. It feeds mudflats and wetlands and sound. It lives in open forests eggs and ducklings and builds on aquatic plants, seeds, worms feeds on insects, seeds and and woodlands, particularly a hidden nest of reeds. All family and snails and nests in hollow grubs. It nests in a scrape in red gums on watercourses. members share in the incubation trees, long grass or reeds. It can the ground from July onwards of young. Its voice is a harsh, interbreed with the introduced and is recognisable by its screaming ‘hee-ow’ noise. mallard duck and the hybrid Kerr-kick-ki-ki-ki call. offspring have orange-brown legs and feet. Birds

N e anke n Night Heron R-reed b ow d Finch Wle il i Wagtail R ed Wattlebird N ycticorax caledonicus N eochmia temporalis Ri h pidura leucophrys A nthochaera carnunculata Other name: Other name: Size: up to 22cm Size: up to 36cm Rufous Night Heron Red-browed Firetails T he willie wagtail is the T he red wattlebird is a large, Size: up to 64cm Size: up to 12cm largest and best known noisy honeyeater. The common T he nankeen night heron T he red-browed finch is green Australian fantail. The plumage name refers to the fleshy reddish is a stocky bird with a rich and grey but most easily is black above with a white belly. wattle on the side of the neck. cinnamon-coloured upper body recognised by its bright red Willie wagtails are distinguished The plumage is grey-brown on and cream underparts. The top eyebrow, rump and beak. It is from other similar-sized black the body, with prominent white of its head is black and it has often observed in small flocks, and white birds by its black streaks and yellow on the belly. short, yellow legs and feet. which feed on the grass and fly throat and white eyebrows and The face is pale and the tail is During breeding, the back of its into dense undergrowth when whisker marks. They are found long with a white tip. The red head bears three white, long, disturbed. Red-browed finches in most open habitats, especially wattlebird feeds on nectar, trailing feathers. Young birds are feed on seeds and insects on the open forests and woodlands, which it obtains by probing heavily spotted and streaked ground, but sometimes perch are often associated with flowers with its thin curved bill. white, brown and orange-brown. on seeding grass heads. Their watercourses and wetlands and Some insects are also eaten, Nankeen night herons feed at preference for open grassy areas are common around human taken from foliage or caught night in shallow water on surrounded by dense shrubbery habitation. Willie wagtails are in mid-air. Berries and the insects, crustaceans, fish and enables them to survive well in active feeders and can be seen honeydew produced by some frogs and breed throughout weedy areas along railway tracks darting around lawns as they insects add to the bird’s diet. the year, depending on food and creek lines, where seeding hunt for insects on the ground. availability. They roost in trees grasses escape the lawnmower. As they do so, their tails wag close to the water. Breeding from side to side. Insects are takes place in colonies, often also captured in the air. together with egrets and cormorants. The nest is a loose stick platform over water. Both sexes incubate the eggs. Birds

C rIMson Rosella Ce h stnut Teal R- ed rumPEd Parrot D usky Woodswallow Platycercus elegans A nas castanea Pse photus haematonotus A rtamus cyanopterus Size: up to 36cm Size: up to 50cm Size: up to 27cm Size: up to 18cm (commonly 42cm) T he crimson rosella has mostly R ed-rumped parrots are U p to 100 dusky woodswallows crimson (red) plumage and T he chestnut teal is a small medium-sized, slender parrots. may form a tight swarm on bright blue cheeks. The feathers dabbling duck with a high The adult male is bright green, a tree branch as they settled of the back and wing coverts are forehead and rounded head. with a blue-green head, a red down for the night. They do black, broadly edged with red. Males are distinctive, having rump, and yellow shoulders this by clinging to the shoulders The flight feathers of the wings a glossy green head, chestnut and belly. The female is a duller, and wings of the bird below. have broad blue edges and the brown neck, breast and flanks, olive-green, with a green rump Sometimes you can see them tail is blue above and pale blue dark brown upper body and and faint yellow or light green huddling together like this below and on the outer feathers. wings, and a black undertail scales on the belly. Young birds on a chilly day. These summer Young crimson rosellas have the with contrasting white patch. of both sexes are duller in migrants return each year characteristic blue cheeks, but Females are mottled dark brown colour. The red-rumped parrot to breed. the rest of the body plumage is and grey, with a pale throat is found in open grasslands or green-olive to yellowish olive streaked brown and a dark eye lightly timbered plains, as well (occasionally red in some areas). stripe. In both sexes the eye is as along watercourses and in Crimson rosellas are normally a deep red, the bill is blue-grey mallee farmlands with access to encountered in small flocks and and the legs and feet are water. It feeds in pairs or small are easily attracted to garden green-grey. The wings have flocks on the ground, preferring seed trays. Once familiar with a dark glossy green to purple seeds and leaves of grasses. humans, they will accept speculum (panel) edged white It also will feed on seeds, fruits hand-held food. Natural foods and the underwing is brown, and flowers in trees and is often include seeds of eucalypts, with white wing pits. seen feeding in suburban parks grasses and shrubs, as well as around Melbourne. insects and some tree blossoms. Frogs

A bout 12 species of frogs and toads have been recorded in the region that includes the Maribyrnong River, each with their own distinctive calls and characteristics and more likely to be heard than seen. If you’re quiet when approaching, a variety of species can be encountered while close to the Maribyrnong River and its wetland areas.

Two species – the Growling Grass Frog and Bibron’s Toadlet – have been classed as threatened and/or vulnerable because of degraded habitats the prolonged drought and threats of fungal diseases.

Various community groups and schools are involved in restoring frog habitat, however we all need to participate. The easiest way to help frogs survive is to avoid pouring soaps, detergents and chemicals into sinks and drains. Frogs are extremely sensitive to toxins. Frogs

Growling Grass Frog B iBRon’s Toadlet Com m on Froglet S outhERn Toadlet L itoria raniformis Pseudo phryne bibronii C rinia signifera Pseudo phryne semimarmorata Other names: Other names: Other name: Southern Bell Frog or Southern Bullfrog or Common Eastern Froglet Size: up to 3cm Warty Bell Frog Native Eastern Banjo Frog Size: 2cm T he southern toadlet is very Size: up to 9cm Size: up to 3cm T he colour and pattern on similar in size, ecology and T hese large frogs with long back T hese small frogs have short the common froglet is behaviour to bibron’s toadlet, legs are easily recognised by legs and numerous large warts extremely variable. At one yet has a more restricted their green and gold colour and on their back. In the Melbourne extreme, the back is smooth and distribution. The Southern scattered warts over their skin. area, bibron’s toadlet is limited uniformly brown; at the other, Toadlet is small, with short Feeding mainly on terrestrial to the northern and western longitudinal ridges are present legs and has numerous large invertebrates such as beetles, suburbs and to the west of Port with alternating light and dark warts on its back. It is bright termites, cockroaches, moths, Phillip Bay. It has been found in brown bands, or even shades of orange under the limbs and butterflies and various insect the middle and upper reaches green or red. The common throat. The southern toadlet is a larvae, growling grass frogs breed of the Maribyrnong River and froglet breeds from April to terrestrial species, found in open from August until April. Their call its upper tributaries. Numbers December, and its mating call forest, woodlands, grasslands is a growling ‘waaah waaah have declined over the past can create a deafening chorus. and heaths, wherever sufficient waaah’. They are found scattered decade, and the frog has After rain, breeding occurs in still damp soil and cover is present. throughout the Maribyrnong now disappeared from or is waterbodies or slow-flowing Its breeding season extends River, mainly concentrated in rare in areas where it was creeks. It is common throughout through late summer to autumn. the middle reaches. once common. the Maribyrnong catchment, Listed as vulnerable in Victoria, especially in central and the southern toadlet has been southern areas. recorded several times in the upper Maribyrnong catchment. Frogs

Sp otted Marsh Frog B rown TREE Frog Pob b le onk S trIPEd Marsh Frog L imnodynastes tasmaniensis L itoria wingier L imnodynastes dumerilii L imnodynastes peroni Size: 4cm Other names: Other name: Size: up to 7Cm Ewing’s Tree Frog or Southern Bullfrog or T his medium-sized frog has Southern Brown Tree Frog Eastern Banjo Frog A large wetland-dwelling frog a pale back, broken up by and voracious hunter, this frog numerous clearly defined spots Size: up to 5cm Size: up to 8cm eats almost any animal smaller ranging from brown to green, T his medium-sized frog usually T he pobblebonk is a medium to than itself, including small frogs. and its underneath is smooth has a dark to light brown back, large frog. Two sub-species occur Its distribution extends along and white. It is highly adaptable white underside and the back of around Melbourne: one to the the east coast from Queensland and often forms large breeding its thighs range from yellow to a north and west of Melbourne to South Australia. It is most aggregations, with vocal male deep red. The brown tree frog (L. dumerilii dumerilii) has a commonly associated with choruses. Males call while calls from and breeds in farm relatively uniform dark brown wetlands and permanent water floating in water, usually among dams, ponds, creeks and back. The other, to the east and and shelters among reeds and aquatic vegetation, from August waterholes. It tends not to be south of Melbourne (L. dumerilii other debris. until May. It is most common in associated with fast-moving insularis), has a pale stripe the central and southern parts water. It is common throughout running down its back and more of the Maribyrnong catchment. the Maribyrnong catchment, variable colour. Males call from although most recent records August to April and may migrate are from the northern part of up to one kilometre to reach the catchment. breeding sites. Large numbers of pobblebonk may be apparent following rain. Mammals

A great variety of mammal species are common to Maribyrnong River and its local environment. The mammals known to inhabit the area include 10 species of bat, , koalas, sugar gliders and even the Short-beaked Echidna.

One of the more interesting mammals in the area is the Black Wallaby. With an ample water supply and the restoration/revegetation of its natural habitat, the shy Black Wallaby grazes on coarse shrubs, bushes and grasses. Kangaroos and wombats can also be found along the Maribyrnong River, feeding on grasses. The Common Wombat also enjoys munching on bark and fungi whereas kangaroos like to chew on leaves as part of their narrow diet.

Other native mammals recorded in the area include Brushtail and Ringtail Possums, Water Rats and a variety of pest species. Animals such as foxes, rabbits and domestic cats are widespread across much of Victoria and wreak havoc on our indigenous wildlife. Mammals

Wobt m a Sh-ek ort b a ed Echidna Platys pu Rakalo i r Water Rat Vombatus ursinus hirsutus T achyglossus aculeatus O rnithorhynchus anatinus H ydromys chrysogaster Size: up to 1.2m, Size: up to 45cm Size: up to 60cm Size: up to 30cm weight up to 35 kg T hese curious egg-laying T his top predator is found T his native mammal is highly T he common wombat is the mammals live a solitary life with in rivers and streams across adapted to aquatic life. Its upper largest burrowing herbivorous no fixed address and very few much of eastern Australia, parts vary from grey-brown to mammal. Indeed, it is such an requirements other than ants including the Maribyrnong rich golden brown to blackish. accomplished burrower that or termites to eat, and a log River. It feeds on a wide range Underneath it is cream to early settlers called it a ‘badger’, or bush in which to shelter. of benthic (or bottom-dwelling) golden-orange. Water rats have a term that is still heard today. When in danger they dig down, macroinvertebrates, along with a distinguishing broad white tip However, the closest relative of baring an uninviting wall of yabbies, worms, shrimp and on the end of their tail. the wombat is the koala. With quills to the enemy. Echidnas small shellfish. Platypus surveys Widespread and common in its short tail and legs, are ‘true-blue’ Australians and have only been carried out in much of coastal Australia, they characteristic waddle and should not be confused with the middle reaches of the have been recorded in the Upper ‘cuddly’ appearance, the porcupines or hedgehogs, Maribyrnong River, where Maribyrnong catchment. Most wombat is one of the most neither of which occurs they were found to be present active at night, they hunt prey endearing of Australia’s native naturally in this country. in low densities. This unique such as fish and frogs in the animals. It is a fairly large, solidly Once the young echidnas monotreme is a valuable water before bringing them built animal with a squat, round, grow spines, their mums indicator of the health of onto land to eat. bear like body, small ears and eject them from the pouch aquatic ecosystems. eyes, and a large naked nose. Its (who would blame them!). thick, coarse fur varies from sandy brown to grey and black, and is sometimes flecked with fawn. Wombats usually come out at night to graze when temperatures are lower. Mammals

Eastr e n Grey Kangaroo Bla ck Wallaby Ge-dr y h a ed Flying Fox Eue rop an Red Fox M acropus giganteus W allabia bicolor Ptero pus poliocephalus Vul pes Vulpes Other names: Great Grey Other name: Swamp Wallaby Size: body up to 29cm Size: head and body Kangaroo or Forester or Black-tailed Wallaby 46-86cm, tail 30-55cm T he grey-headed flying fox is Size: about 1.4m tall Size: up to 76cm the largest Australian bat, with T he European red fox was when standing T his wallaby is dark and stocky a wingspan to 1m. They are introduced to Australia for T hese kangaroos have with coarse fur. Across its back nocturnal, seeking out sources of recreational hunting in 1855 grey-brown upper parts with it is dark grey or blackish, with fruit, pollen and nectar at night. and fox populations became pale grey or white underneath. flecks of grey, yellow and orange. During the day they roost, established in the wild in the The males (weighing up to Its underparts are pale yellow or hanging upside down in the early 1870s. During the day, 66kg) are twice the weight of orange. They are common along canopy of trees, often in quite the fox sleeps in dens, logs and females (weighing up to 37kg) the entire east coast and are large numbers. They have long other shelter – it is mainly active and are more heavily developed found in a wide range of grey body fur, with a collar of at night. The fox eats almost in the chest and forearms. They habitats including in the golden-orange fur. They are anything, scavenging and are widespread and common Maribyrnong catchment. They found throughout eastern preying on whatever is available. throughout eastern Australia, are more active during the days coastal Australia, including in Its main food source is small including along sections of the than most other kangaroos and the Maribyrnong catchment. animals, but it also eats insects Maribyrnong River. The eastern wallabies and are solitary and A largely migratory species, they and fruit, particularly in summer greys are most active at dusk shy. They feed on foliage of shift in response to changing when preferred prey is less and dawn and gather in large shrubs, ferns, sedges and some food resources, although a abundant. Both males and mobs where food is abundant. grasses. Their breeding is permanent breeding colony females are sexually mature Breeding is continuous when continuous when water is has been present in Melbourne at the age of one year. Litters, water is available, although available, although most births since the 1980s. averaging four cubs, are born most young are born from in Victoria are during winter. during August and September, March to May. and emerge from the den in late spring. R eptiles

A bout 20 reptile species are known to inhabit the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas, with skinks making up a large proportion of that number. Other reptiles are dragons, snakes, geckos, blue-tongue and legless lizards, and the Common Long-necked Turtle.

About four species of snakes are known to inhabit the area including the Eastern Brown Snake, Lowland Copperhead, Red-bellied Black Snake and the Tiger Snake.

Although these snakes are highly venomous, they are protected species in Victoria and must not be caught or killed. Generally speaking, snakes need not be feared and are more likely to flee should they sense danger or human approach. Reptiles

Eastr e n Long-necked Tiger Snake Eastr e n Brown Snake Co pPERHEad Snake Turtle N otec his scrutators Pseudonaja textilis A ustrelaps superbus C elodina longicollis Size: up to 1.7m Other name: Size: up to 1.6m Other names: Common commonly 1.2m Common brown snake commonly 1.2m Long-necked Tortoise and T hese snakes are highly Size: up to 1.5m C opperheads vary in colour, Snake-necked turtle venomous and have a T he eastern brown snake’s but can be distinguished by Size: upper shell length of reputation for being aggressive. pale areas on the side of the up to 25cm colour is variable, ranging If threatened they are often from shades of brown to face. Copperheads can be T he eastern long-necked turtle forced to defend themselves almost black. It is widespread active in cool weather and will belongs to a group of turtles that because they are slow moving throughout dry parts of commonly hunt at night as well. fold their head sideways under and can’t escape quickly. Usually eastern Australia, including Although venomous they are the edge of their shell rather found on the ground near water, the Maribyrnong catchment. not aggressive snakes and will than pulling their head directly they can hunt up in trees as Land clearing has apparently strike only if cornered. Preferring backwards into their shell. It is well. Mating sometimes takes been beneficial to this species damp areas, these reptiles are thought that they can live for place in two bursts – first in as numbers appear to have usually seen in grass tussocks, more than 35 years. This turtle spring and again in autumn increased. It is extremely rotting logs and tree roots. is the most common and when the females store the swift, alert, nervous and widespread in Australia. However, sperm ready for use the quick to retaliate if provoked. it did not naturally occur in the following spring. Tiger snakes Their diet is a variety of Melbourne region. In the 1950s are active during the day with vertebrates, particularly and 1960s this turtle was very a diet that includes frogs, reptiles and mammals. popular as a pet and large lizards, birds and mammals. The species is regarded numbers were imported from They are widespread in southern as dangerously venomous. the . Melbourne Australia, favouring cool moist populations are thought to have areas such as swamp edges started from released pets. and creek banks including the Maribyrnong catchment. Reptiles

Eastr e n Blue Tongue Mab r led Gecko T iliqua scincoides C hristinus marmoratus scincoidesi Size: up to 10cm Other name: Common blue tongue T his gecko is coloured pale to dark grey or pinkish brown with Size: up to 56cm dark lines forming irregular T his lizard’s colour is highly marbling, it sometimes has variable, but usually includes irregular pale grey blotches. It pale bands between its nape shelters beneath loose bark and (back of neck) and hips and rock but has also been known bands on its tail. In spite of their to enter houses. Geckos feed slow movement and large size, mainly on arthropods such as it continues to thrive in urban insects, spiders and scorpions. areas. It is active during the day, sheltering under logs, in thick low vegetation and burrows. It feeds on fruits, flowers, foliage, arthropods, snails, eggs and small vertebrates. It is found in virtually all habitats throughout eastern Australia, including the Maribyrnong catchment. B ugs and Insects

More than 60 species of aquatic insects are found in the Maribyrnong River. Some of the most common types are described below. There is a large variety of aquatic insects. Different types are suited to different environments, such as fast-flowing water or still pools, a mud stream bottom or stones, different water temperatures and different water chemistry.

The nature of the Maribyrnong gradually changes along its length from a small headwater stream through a lowland river to an estuary where it meets the sea. As it changes, the types of aquatic insects also change to those best suited to the environment. For example, shredders are mainly found upstream where most leaf litter falls. These are patterns that are common to many river systems.

The aquatic insects that can be found in the Maribyrnong River are also influenced by the geology of the region which affects water chemistry and stream bed material, irregular flows and by changes to land use along its length.

The greatest threats to aquatic insect diversity are the irregular flow regime and stormwater pollution. Flow can almost cease in some parts of the Maribyrnong over summer due to low rainfall and irrigators pumping from the river, while great scouring flows can be delivered to the river from urban areas during storms. Bugs and Insects

DiBe ving e tle Eli el m d Be t e May fly Int e roduc d D ytiscidae E lmidae B aetidae Freshwater Snail Size: up to 3.5cm Size: up to 6mm Size: 10mm Physa acuta A dult diving beetles can be E lmid or riffle beetles are small T hese mayflies are small to Size: up to 3cm recognised by their streamlined and dark and have long legs in medium-sized with mottled T his snail is found throughout shape and thin antennae. Their relation to their body. Elmid colouring and rounded bodies the Maribyrnong River. It has a hind legs have paddle-like beetles are usually found in and heads, which feature a pair mottled mantle that is usually appendages called tarsi, which well-oxygenated streams on of long antennae. They are visible through its shell and a have a dense fringe of hairs. submerged wood or on rocks strong swimmers and move fleshy digitate margin (a fleshy Diving beetles are one of the in riffles. Their diet is decaying with rapid wiggles of their finger-like process under the most diverse groups of aquatic vegetation and algae. Both abdomen. The Baetidae is a edge of its shell). It lives in beetles, with 226 species larvae and adult beetles cannot diverse family with worldwide a diverse range of aquatic recorded in Australia. They are swim and so crawl along distribution, including the habitats, mostly in slow-moving most likely to be found in ponds, submerged objects. Adults Maribyrnong River system. waters, and grazes on algae. lakes, billabongs, dams and breathe oxygen dissolved in Baetids are more diverse in These snails are capable of slow-flowing rivers. Adults often the water around them. cooler, flowing waters, but self-fertilisation and reproduce fly from one habitat to another. species do occur in warmer at least once a year. Both adult and larvae eat a lowland systems and variety of other invertebrates occasionally in wetlands. and will sometimes attack They feed mainly on algae small fish and tadpoles. grazed from a variety of substrates such as rocks, wood and aquatic plants. P lants

More than 290 species of flora can be found within 50 metres of the Maribyrnong River. Plants play an important part in maintaining the vast ecology of the river and its surrounds. Trees provide homes and nesting places for birds and some mammals while also providing an important food source.

Some of the parks such as , Maribyrnong Park and nearby reserves have been planted out with exotic trees, while at Brimbank Park the native grasses can be seen along the river. Upstream, the flats on the east bank were used for market gardening until 1983.

Here are some of the plants you may be able to see in the area: P lants

Rr ive ed Gum Manna Gum Bla ckwood Swee t Bursaria E ucalyptus camaldulensis E ucalyptus viminalis A cacia melanoxylon B ursaria spinosa Size: up to 45m Size: up to 30m Size: up to 3m Size: up to 8m R iver red gums are the monarchs T his tall and spreading forest T he furrows and cracks in Flowering time transforms of our changing landscape. Silent or woodland tree has long, blackwood trunks provide this scraggly plant into a witnesses to many comings and narrow, fragrant leaves and homes for insects and spiders, splendid highlight of the dry goings, these giants are home to sheds its bark in long ribbons, which hide under the bark and summer landscape. The sweetly many living things, both resident revealing cream or white bark. burrow into the wood. This scented, cream flowers develop and nomad alike. Even when Its cream flowers are mostly long-lived wattle has dense into small brown seed vessels dead, as logs on the ground, seen in summer and it provides foliage, creamy lemon winter/ that rattle in the wind. Being they continue to provide shelter many hollows for nesting birds spring flowers and dark, heavy thorny, bursarias offer safe and homes for many plants and marsupials. It grows along wood. A lot of fine Australian refuge for small birds. This and animals. Old age for a red watercourses and on moist furniture has been made from humble plant rose to instant gum starts somewhere around well drained soils. its timber. Blackwoods are fame in 1987 when it was found 300-400 years. Their thick excellent habitat for wildlife to provide the exclusive home trunks, spreading crowns and and beautiful to look at! of the extremely rare Eltham gnarled branches create a grand copper butterfly. and graceful character… as well as nesting hollows for wildlife. P lants

Sivr l e Wattle Bla ck Wattle Treeil V o et Rr ive Bottlebrush A cacia dealbata A cacia mearnsii M elicytus dentacus C allistemon sieberi Size: up to 20m Size: up to 15m Size: up to 4m Size: up to 7cm I n August and September the P eople appreciate these wattles T his shrub is a favourite haunt N ow far less common than yellow blossoms of this tree for their bright yellow flowers for little birds who like to eat the before European settlement, light up the environment and delicate, feathery foliage. pretty bluish berries. It grows river bottlebrush have fairly surrounding the river. It has But to birds and other creatures, along the river and creek banks. stiff sharp-pointed leaves. By grey-green leaves and was they are well-stocked bush The tree violet’s sweet perfume contrast, new leaves are reddish, given its name because of silver pantries. Some 350 kinds of may beckon you to sniff at its soft, silky and lovely to touch. patches on the bark of mature insects were found in one old many tiny bell-shaped flowers. Look for them along the trees. It is easily identified tree. Sugar gliders feed on gum But beware, the branches are riverbanks where some very by its feathery foliage and exuded from the bark and black armed with sharp thorns! old, spreading examples abundant early flowers. rip open the trunks can be found. in search of insects. They flower in spring and early summer. These wattles grow very fast and are often used to control soil erosion.