Upload
peter-pigott
View
220
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
1/6
Welcome to this summer edition of
Escarpment to Sea. Its great to be able to
say that I hope you have all enjoyed the
recent rain after what has been an
uncommonly dry spell. Before the big rains
brought by the remnants of ex-tropical
Cyclone Oswald, I witnessed a number of
clear indications of the extended dry.
Dairy farmers in the Jamberoo Valley
have been hand feeding stock due to
the poor result of over-sewn rye
grasses in kikuyu pasture and then
very slow summer growth of the
kikuyu itself.
Landholders have been hand watering
young trees in shelter belts and
revegetation areas.
Lantana has been very slow to put on
s u m m e r l e a f g r o w t h , b u t
unfortunately it is highly resilient to
such dry conditions and willundoubtedly bounce back.
Native grasses in woodland areas
such as the Dunmore Hills and Dapto
have had a very poor year in terms of
seed set and distribution.
It will be interesting to see how things
change over the coming weeks.
Following the Spring edition of Escarpment
to Sea I received some welcome comments
from a number of readers. Of particular
interest were observations of pigeons
around the district. It seems that ourmagnificent large fig trees attract a wide
range of fruit eaters in both urban and rural
settings. I also received a number of
requests to add new addresses to the
mailing list. In some cases these were for
friends or family members who are not
residents of our region. Were always happy
to do this as it helps to spread the news of
some of the great projects that people are
implementing in our region to conserve
native species diversity.
Inside this edition you will read about one of
our endangered frogs, efforts to reduce the
spread of one really nasty woody weed and
another aquatic weed from our wetlands
and waterways. You will find out how to
involve local volunteers in your project and
pick up some tips for spotting one of our
most common but little known groups of
mammals. I hope you enjoy the read.
Case Study: Habitat Creation for the greenCase Study: Habitat Creation for the greenCase Study: Habitat Creation for the greenCase Study: Habitat Creation for the green
and golden bell frog in Port Kemblaand golden bell frog in Port Kemblaand golden bell frog in Port Kemblaand golden bell frog in Port Kembla
The green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea)
was once common along the coast of NSW
but its numbers and distribution have
declined rapidly since the 1970s. It is now
listed as endangered in NSW and Port
Kembla sustains one of the key remaining
populations.
One of the major threats to the green and
golden bell frog is loss, fragmentation and
alteration of its habitat. Southern Rivers
CMA and the Office of Environment and
Heritage are working together to implement
a project funded by the Australian
Governments Caring for our Country
initiative, aimed at creating or enhancing
existing habitat and actively managing it for
the conservation and protection of bell frogs.
The project is being implemented at six sites
in Port Kembla and management
agreements have been formed with land
owners and managers. At each site specific
actions have been identified which will help
bell frog conservation efforts. These actions
include creation of breeding habitat through
the provision of above ground ponds, reliningof existing ponds, fencing to prevent access,
damage and disturbance, weed removal and
planting of appropriate aquatic and
Summer
2012/13
Escarpment to Sea- Conserving biological diversity in theIllawarra and Shoalhaven
Inside this issue:
Green and golden bellGreen and golden bellGreen and golden bellGreen and golden bell
frogsfrogsfrogsfrogs
Alligator weedAlligator weedAlligator weedAlligator weed
Broad leaf privetBroad leaf privetBroad leaf privetBroad leaf privet
MicrobatsMicrobatsMicrobatsMicrobats
Whats onWhats onWhats onWhats on
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
2/6
Page 2
Southern
Rivers CMA
is working
with local
land-owners
to protect
and enhance
regional
corridors.
terrestrial plants.
These actions should provide suitable
breeding, foraging, dispersal and over
wintering habitat and enhance the
resilience of the Port Kembla
population. While the project is only inthe preliminary stages there are already
indications of success. At one site an
existing pond had been completely
overgrown with aquatic vegetation.
These conditions favour striped marsh
frogs whereas bell frogs prefer ponds
with some areas of open water. Some of
the aquatic vegetation from the pond
has now been cleared and is being
managed to maintain areas of open
water. Recent monitoring has recorded
male and female bell frogs and tadpoles
at the site.
If you would like to be involved in the
conservation of green and golden bell
frogs there are a number of ways you
can help:
Tell us if you see or hear a green andTell us if you see or hear a green andTell us if you see or hear a green andTell us if you see or hear a green and
golden bell froggolden bell froggolden bell froggolden bell frog.
Visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
surveys/bellfrogonlineform.htm
Make your garden or workplace moreMake your garden or workplace moreMake your garden or workplace moreMake your garden or workplace more
green and golden bell frog friendlygreen and golden bell frog friendlygreen and golden bell frog friendlygreen and golden bell frog friendly.
Install a frog pond (fish free) or other
suitable habitat. There are best practice
guidelines and advice on how to do this.
Visit
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
threatenedspeciesapp/profile.aspx?
id=10483
Case study: Jamberoo Mountain privetCase study: Jamberoo Mountain privetCase study: Jamberoo Mountain privetCase study: Jamberoo Mountain privet
controlcontrolcontrolcontrol
A number of landholders in Jamberoo
Valley are banding together to tackle a
major infestation of broad leaf privet
(Ligustrum lucidum) on their properties.
In partnership with Kiama Council,
Southern Rivers CMA and the Paddy
Pallin Foundation, mature trees have
been removed. In some cases they have
been treated with herbicide and left to
die in situ. Conservation Volunteers are
helping to hand weed seedlings in
locations where mature trees are being
treated. The efforts will reduce the
amount of seed that is produced in the
area and hence slow down the spread of
the weed.
Broad and small leaf privet species are
both fairly common woody weeds in the
area. The small leaf species (L.igustrum
sinense) occurs mostly on moist creek
banks. Broad leaf privet is tolerant of drier
sites and is common along fence-lines and
slopes as well as on creek and river banks.
At this time of year broad leaf privet is veryeasy to recognise due to its profusion of
small creamy yellow flowers. The flowers
form on the end of the branchlets and so
create a cloud of creamy yellow all over the
top and sides of mature trees. If the plant is
growing amongst other trees it can easily
reach a height of ten metres and may have a
trunk up to 500 mm in diametre. The
flowers have a sickly sweet fragrance which
can produce an allergic reaction in some
people. The berries form through autumn
and winter and gradually ripen from green
through red to purplish black and may reach
over 10 mm in length and diametre.
Although they grow well in full sun, broad
leaf privet seedlings may germinate even in
deeply shaded areas. This means that
seedlings can carpet the ground under a
dense canopy of foliage and have the
potential to rapidly form dense thickets that
restrict the establishment of native species.
The project is focussing on the Jamberoo
Mountain Road area. To date several
hundred trees have been treated on the
roadside and within five adjacent properties.
Re-planting is planned in some areas where
native species are absent.
If privet is a problem on your property, you
may wish to contact Southern Rivers CMA
for advice or assistance.
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
3/6
The
escarpment
supports
large area of
native
vegetation
and a
diversity of
habitat types
Page 3
Microbats under the spotlightMicrobats under the spotlightMicrobats under the spotlightMicrobats under the spotlight
When you think about mammals, what sorts of creatures spring to mind?
Cows, rats and roos? Maybe people?
Did you know that one quarter of all mammal species are microbats?
Ranging from as small as 3 grams to over 150 grams, microbats are members of the sub-order
Microchiroptera and are amongst the most common of our native mammals. And yet very few of
us have actually seen one close up. Australia boasts over 50 native species and more than 20 of
these can be found in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Ten of the locally occurring species are
listed as Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Act.
Most microbats are insectivores. Feeding on mosquitoes, moths and beetles many species con-
sume half their body weight each night. The southern myotis has recently been recorded near
the Minnamurra River and is known to roost in culverts and under bridges. It includes small fish
in its diet which it catches by skimming just above the water surface and snatching surface
feeding fish and insects with its disproportionately large feet.
Vulnerable microbats of theVulnerable microbats of theVulnerable microbats of theVulnerable microbats of the
Illawarra and ShoalhavenIllawarra and ShoalhavenIllawarra and ShoalhavenIllawarra and Shoalhaven
Eastern cave bat
Eastern bentwing bat
Eastern false pipistrelle
Eastern free-tail bat
Golden tipped bat
Greater broad nosed bat
Large eared pied bat
Little bentwing bat
Southern myotis
Yellow bellied sheath-tail
bat
Southern myotis
Harp trap
Eastern bentwing
Little bentwingYellow bellied sheath-tail
Little bentwing
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
4/6
Species such as the eastern false pipistrelle and eastern freetail roost mainly in tree
hollows but have also been known to reside under bark and in buildings and even in
cracks in posts. The eastern bentwing also roosts in tree hollows, bridges and culverts
but breeding occurs en masse in a small number of maternity caves such as those
found in the limestone region of Bungonia. It is thought females travel in large
numbers to maternity sites in November and December and return to coastal regions
in early March.
In our region microbats are most active in the warmer months and in forested
locations when insects are plentiful. Several species are known to enter a state of
torpor in the cooler months where they can reduce their body temperature to close to
that of their surroundings and remain motionless for many weeks.
The larger fruit bats and flying foxes (sub-order Chiroptera) seek out their food sources
by sight and smell. Microbats can see, but rely on echolocation for navigation and
hunting. They are able to produce a pulse of soundwaves which bounce off objects
and the returning waves are detected by the bat to give a picture of their surroundings
and even tiny insects on the wing. The soundwaves produced by most species are
inaudible to the human ear but some can be recognised as a series of regular clicking.
Monitoring for the presence of microbats in your area is not hard. Look for them
exiting tree hollows and foraging in areas of high insect activity; such as flood lights,
dams and creeks around sunset. Identifying which species you have is more difficult
because they are so small and fast moving. Ecologists and researchers use a number
of tools. Harp traps are frames strung tightly with closely spaced strings positioned
above a collection chamber. The traps are placed in locations where surrounding trees
or structures funnel the bats into a narrow flyway. The bats hit the strings and fall
undamaged into the chamber where they can be captured and identified prior to
release. Alternatively, acoustic monitoring equipment is used to record the sound
waves which can then be analysed to identify the species.
As with most of our native fauna, the greatest threats to microbat populations are
habitat destruction and fragmentation. Do your bit by retaining old trees with hollows,alive or dead. Retain and enlarge or improve the condition of native vegetation
particularly along water courses and around dams. If you are aware of roosting
locations please try to avoid disturbing them. You can also consider installing nesting
boxes, particularly in areas where tree hollows have been removed or are scarce. You
can build boxes yourself but make sure that you research appropriate sizes and
materials. Alternatively they can be purchased online.
The Australasian Bat Society invites interested people to coordinate Bat Nights in
March each year. If you are interested in organising or joining such an event find out
more at http://ausbats.org.au/#/australasian-bat-night/4560496090
Volunteers to assist in Shoalhaven/Illawarra Biodiversity corridor projectsVolunteers to assist in Shoalhaven/Illawarra Biodiversity corridor projectsVolunteers to assist in Shoalhaven/Illawarra Biodiversity corridor projectsVolunteers to assist in Shoalhaven/Illawarra Biodiversity corridor projects
Conservation Volunteers (CV) has been a very active contributor in the delivery of on-
ground works in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions since the early 2000s. The
organisation is not for profit and non-government and committed to engaging
volunteers from varied backgrounds and involving them in practical environmental
projects.
In partnership with Southern Rivers CMA, CV is now offering to assist private
landholders in our region who are working on projects within identified regional
biodiversity corridors. The teams can help with weed control, fencing or planting
projects and are particularly helpful in follow-up maintenance work.
If you are interested in taking up this offer, contact your local CMA biodiversity officer.
Supporting
local people to
live and work
in ways that
lead to a
healthy and
productive
environment.
Page 4
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
5/6
Page 5
One of the worlds worst weeds found in the ShoalhavenOne of the worlds worst weeds found in the ShoalhavenOne of the worlds worst weeds found in the ShoalhavenOne of the worlds worst weeds found in the Shoalhaven
One of the worlds worst weeds, the aquatic Alternanthera philoxeroides or alligator weed as it is commonly re-
ferred to has been found in the Shoalhaven catchment.
The weed typically occurs in lowland wetlands and on the banks of fresh water bodies, but it is so robust it can also
thrive on land well away from water. In aquatic situations it can form dense floating mats over the water surface,
choking waterways, restricting other plant and animal species and reducing water flow and quality. On land it de-
grades pasture and slashes crop production. Plant fragments can cause new outbreaks if they are washed down-stream or if transported by people, machinery or boats or in soil or turf.
The Shoalhaven outbreak was discovered in a farm dam near Berry and the landholder is working with Southern
Rivers CMA and Shoalhaven City Council to eradicate the problem with funding from the NSW Department of Pri-
mary Industries and the Australian Governments Caring for our Country initiative.
The extent of the infestation meant that the best approach was to dig out the weed and bury it. A large excavator
has been used at the site for three weeks to remove over 800 metres of spoil. The material has been buried in a
plastic lined pit 20 metres long, 10 metres wide and 4 metres deep. The site will be monitored and maintained for
the next 10 years to ensure the weed has been eradicated.
Alligator weed leaves are glossy, spear-shaped, and smooth from 2 to 7 centimetres long. The single, white, papery
ball-like flowers are 1.2 to 1.4 centimetres in diameter. A key identifying feature is the stem, which is completelyhollow.
Anyone who finds alligator weed is urged to contact Shoalhaven City Councils weed officer or the Illawarra District
Noxious Weed Authority.
Todays glorious garden plantstomorrows bushland weedsTodays glorious garden plantstomorrows bushland weedsTodays glorious garden plantstomorrows bushland weedsTodays glorious garden plantstomorrows bushland weeds
Its common knowledge that many of our
bushland weeds arrived in Australia as garden
ornamentals. Many lilies, daisies, succulents
and berry producing trees and shrubs fall into
this category and now cost the nations gov-
ernments and farmers millions of dollars and
hours each year.
At this time of year, spring and summer flow-
ering ornamentals are going to seed. Remov-
ing these seed heads and disposing of them to
landfill in sealed bags is a simple way of re-
ducing the problem and preventing new inva-
sions.Dont delay, take your agapanthus seed heads
away!
Excavation to remove Alligator weed Alligator weed
7/29/2019 Escarpment to Sea Newsletter Summer 2012-3
6/6
Funding information:
Environmental Trust Workshops
Granted: how to get funding anddeliver a successful project
Thursday 21st FebruaryNovell, North Beach WollongongBookings essential:[email protected]
Community Landcare Grants
Grants from $5,000 to $50,000 forlocal community groups
Applications due on
Wednesday 20th March
For information:www.nrm.gov.au or 1800 552 008
Whats on:
Wollongong City CouncilBushcare/Fiready Forum
5pm-7pm Tuesday 12th FebruaryBellambi
Bookings essential: Paul Hellier4227 8113 [email protected]
Jason Carson
5 OKeefe AvePO Box 309Nowra NSW 2541
Ph: 4429 4446Mob: 0428 626 332Fax: 4429 4458E:[email protected]
Michael Andrews
Level 1/84 Crown StPO Box 3095Wollongong NSW 2500
Ph: 4224 9715Mob: 0408 633 649Fax: 4224 9669E: [email protected]
Page 6
Contact us
with any
comments or
contributions
for future
editions of
Escarpment
to Sea
Escarpment to Sea is a Southern Rivers CMA project in partnership with
the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Landcare Illawarra,
Shoalhaven Landcare and local government.
For more information about Southern Rivers CMAs current projects and programs
contact your nearest CMA office.
Illawarra Rainforest and WoodlandProject Launch and Botany Workshop
Saturday 23rd FebruaryFoxground
Bookings essential: Megan Rowlatt4229 7526 [email protected]
Slow Food Saddleback
Zucchini and Rhubarb Workshop
Sunday 24th FebruaryGerringongFor information: Carolyn Evans0433 233 405 or
Clean Up Australia DaySunday 3rd March
Business Clean Up DayTuesday 26th FebruarySchools Clean Up DayFriday 1st March
Register or join a siteFor information:www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au