Re-introducing fire to critically endangered grassland ecosystems on Trust for Nature owned propertiesPresented by: Justine Leahy

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Background

CFA & Trust for Nature

• TfN owned properties (~ 2,300 ha)• Long unburnt/grazed (>10 yrs)• Nationally threatened flora, fauna &

communities• Priority habitat management –

Plains Wanderer

Plains Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus)

Hooded Scaly-foot Red Swainson-peaSlender Darling-pea

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Plains Wanderer ‘Good’ Habitat

CFA & Trust for Nature

• 50% bare ground• 10% litter• Plants 10 – 20cm apart• 94% vegetation ~5cm tall• Small number of taller vegetation up to

30cm tall

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Plains Wanderer ‘Poor’ Habitat

CFA & Trust for Nature

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TfN habitat management

CFA & Trust for Nature

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Partnership

CFA & Trust for Nature

Autumn 2014• 340 ha burnt

– 100 ha– 100 ha– 140 ha

Autumn 2015• 155 ha burnt

– 120 ha– 35 ha

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Future Plans

CFA & Trust for Nature

• 15 yr management plan• Mosaic approach• CFA Brigade training

opportunities• Community barriers

9 mths post-burn (Jan 2015)

12 mths post-burn (Apr 2015)

Male & female Pains Wanderer (D.Baker-Gabb)