THE discovery of five swamp antechinus in a Coronet Bay reserve has heartened those working to preserve and improve remnant vegetation in the area.
The species was listed as vulnerable under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in 2016.
The fauna survey of the Wang toolome Parnung (Norsemens Road Pond), reserve and surrounding foreshore was commissioned by the Coronet Bay Ratepayers & Residents Association.
The species was listed as vulnerable under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in 2016.
The fauna survey of the Wang toolome Parnung (Norsemens Road Pond), reserve and surrounding foreshore was commissioned by the Coronet Bay Ratepayers & Residents Association.
CBRRA president Chris Petrie said the primary purpose was to inform and educate the local community. “We hope that having current information about our local fauna will foster greater understanding, awareness and involvement in the conservation of the area.
He said the discovery of the swamp antechinus highlighted the importance and environmental value of the foreshore and surrounding vegetation.
The five specimens were all dead but this is not as catastrophic as it sounds as males only live for a year and die after breeding.
Other animals noted during the survey were four swamp rats, one short-beaked echidna, three wombats, one ringtail possum, one eastern long-necked turtle, seven eastern grey kangaroos and one eastern blue-tongued lizard. Of more concern were nine red foxes and one feral cat.
He said the discovery of the swamp antechinus highlighted the importance and environmental value of the foreshore and surrounding vegetation.
The five specimens were all dead but this is not as catastrophic as it sounds as males only live for a year and die after breeding.
Other animals noted during the survey were four swamp rats, one short-beaked echidna, three wombats, one ringtail possum, one eastern long-necked turtle, seven eastern grey kangaroos and one eastern blue-tongued lizard. Of more concern were nine red foxes and one feral cat.
The Coronet Bay Faunal Survey
by ProCon Pest & Wildlife noted there was minimal suitable habitat in the assessment area with many of the larger banksias dying off and creating voids in the canopy, which made it harder for possums and sugar gliders to avoid predators.
The survey company recommended measures to enhance the biodiversity of the reserve for a range of common and threatened native species including southern brown bandicoot, lace monitors, swamp skink and growling grass frogs:
Chris Petrie said the fauna survey would be a useful tool in the ongoing preservation, maintenance and enhancement of the reserve and foreshore.
“We hope the findings will add to everyone's appreciation of these small but vital pockets of remnant vegetation. It also shows how important these areas are in providing links to larger wildlife corridors.”
by ProCon Pest & Wildlife noted there was minimal suitable habitat in the assessment area with many of the larger banksias dying off and creating voids in the canopy, which made it harder for possums and sugar gliders to avoid predators.
The survey company recommended measures to enhance the biodiversity of the reserve for a range of common and threatened native species including southern brown bandicoot, lace monitors, swamp skink and growling grass frogs:
- Retain thick vegetation, even if it is not native, at least until native plant species become the dominant cover. This helps native animals avoid predation by invasive predators such as foxes and cats.
- Plant thick vegetation, endemic grasses and low shrubs.
- Further engage the community to create, expand and protect corridors of native and non-native vegetation, especially close to low-lying areas.
- 1-2 meters of extra cover along fences and drainage lines can provide refuge to small native species such as Swamp Antechinus.
- Fence wet areas to keep stock from damaging aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
- 165m of fence, running parallel with the shore to protect the wetland from domestic animals. This action would greatly improve the environmental significance of the area and the adjoining Corinella Foreshore Reserve.
- Dig out the north end of the drain and add habitat such as rocks and logs.
Chris Petrie said the fauna survey would be a useful tool in the ongoing preservation, maintenance and enhancement of the reserve and foreshore.
“We hope the findings will add to everyone's appreciation of these small but vital pockets of remnant vegetation. It also shows how important these areas are in providing links to larger wildlife corridors.”
The Wang toolome Parnung reserve near Norsemens Road.