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The
threatened Squirrel Glider, which you can find in most dry forests
in eastern and northern Australia, is an ecological specialist.
It needs dry eucalypt forests, paddock trees and road verge trees
for food, with plenty of tree hollows for nesting. To keep your
gliders happy ensure there are acacias and banksias, and at least
one type of flora should flower heavily in winter. Photo: DEC |
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Owls,
like the threatened Barking Owl, occur throughout Australia. To
keep your property owl friendly protect remnant vegetation, including
isolated paddock trees, and don't tidy up too much. Fallen timber,
shrubs and dense understorey vegetation are important habitats for
the animals that the owls prey on. Photo: DEC |
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Colourful
parrots adapt well to rural landscapes and human habitats. What
they need are trees with hollows to breed in and remnant vegetation
that provides the right mix of food including blossoms and seeds.
Photo Hans Walloschek |
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Kookaburras
are quite adaptable. They are however sensitive to pesticides which
poison birds when they eat contaminated insects. Photo John Blay |
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Remember,
all parrot species, including Regent Parrots, need tree hollows
to breed. Eucalypts take decades to develop suitable hollows, and
even a dead tree can still be useful habitat. The more tree hollows
you provide, the more different parrots and gliders you may attract.
Photo DEC |
Private landholders can make a huge difference towards preserving Australia’s native flora and fauna. This article outlines some steps that owners of larger properties on urban fringes and in rural areas can take to ensure that their land is working for them as well as for the native animals and plants they share it with.
Protect
Remnant Bushland
One of the most important areas to focus on is the remnant bushland on
a property. It can range from vast areas to a single small remaining stand
and could cover all types of native vegetation. Even a tiny remaining
patch of the original bush can be of use – for example, tree hollows
take decades to form and provide nesting sites for birds and mammals.
Dead wood, bush rock, leaf litter etc. are all important parts of a complete
ecosystem. Concerns about fire can be handled through appropriate measures
best discussed with local authorities. Controlled burning in step with
the natural fire regime can be beneficial to native plant regeneration.
Fencing may be necessary to protect remnant bushland from stock so that the understorey can regenerate. It provides protection, food and nesting sites to many native animals, especially birds. It can also be a matter of life and death for the remaining trees. The understorey hosts native birds and mammals that feed on insects that would otherwise threaten the trees and their seedlings. It protects the soil too – when it is gone and stock or invasive species take over, the soil will degrade through compaction, accumulated droppings or erosion.
Create
Wildlife Corridors
A wildlife corridor is a link of native vegetation between larger areas
of similar native habitat. They help maintain biodiversity and prevent
the isolation and eventual local extinction of native flora and fauna.
They let wildlife move about their natural range without the risks involved
in traversing open ground and ensure viable populations through intermingling
and expansion of the gene pool. Wildlife corridors also allow native pest
control, by letting possums, birds and reptiles to move freely between
stands of vegetation.
Wildlife corridors can be remnants of native bushland, but they can also be planted by the landowner. Fencing areas between patches of bushland and allowing native vegetation to regenerate from the fringes is a simple way to link habitats on rural properties.
Control
Weeds
Removal of weeds and other invasive species is important to regenerate
the bush. Native wildlife depends on a diverse mix of local native flora.
However, it is worthwhile considering how this is to be tackled, as in
some cases, the existing weeds may be providing the only real understorey
cover for many native species. Even a weed like lantana can prove habitat
for the likes of bandicoots or superb blue wrens. If this is the case,
a gradual approach may be necessary so that a protective understorey is
available at all times.
Turn
Dams into Habitats
Dams and watercourses are important for wildlife as well as livestock.
If they must share the resource, some simple steps can ensure that it
is not degraded. Restricting the area used by stock through fencing and
a sealed ramp to the water will protect the banks and water quality. Plantings
of local native plants such as reeds and sedges around the banks will
help stabilise them whilst providing habitat for many native animals.
Control
Feral Animals
Control of feral animals is extremely important as they prey on native
animals and sometimes even stock and compete for food and shelter. It
is a good idea to consult with relevant authorities such as the Rural
Lands Protection Board or the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
before planning feral animal control. It’s also vital to ensure
that your own pets are not a threat to native wildlife. According to the
NPWS cats are known to take over 100 species of native birds, 40 species
of native mammals and 30 species of native reptiles. Cats and dogs need
to be suitably confined as bells and the like are often simply not effective.
Some online resources worth investigating are:
NPWS
Conservation Partners Program
NSW
Dept of Environment and Conservation
Rural Lands
Protection Boards
For funding options for conservation on private land Landcare
Australia is a good starting point
Greening Australia
has some good online fact sheets on dams, fencing, planting and weed management
Banner Photo Max Herford
