Wildlife in the garden - The Native Australian Plant Pages

Many of the clubs and societies give talks and workshops to help you learn how to encourage native wildlife in your garden. Such events happening around Qld sometimes appear in the Gardening Events Diary.

Note that native wildlife is variously protected by law. Feral animals also have issues. Please check with authorities if you have any problems or questions about dealing with wildlife in your district.

News

Snail Pellets Implicated in Bowerbird Deaths

Blue snail pellets are suspected of causing several regent bowerbird deaths in the Mount Tamborine region. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is requesting that residents stop using the pellets immediately. During the breeding season (August to January), males like to decorate their bowers with blue objects to attract a female. Deceased birds of both sexes have been discovered. Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information about these deaths or noticing unusual deaths of any bird species in Queensland should report them to the QPWS on 1300 130 372. Source: Bowerbird deaths linked to poison (August 2022)

Many Suburban Birds in Decline

Many native bird species that were previously considered "common" in Australian cities and suburbs are becoming less so, according to data collected by citizen scientists in the greater Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth regions. Analysis supports the view that smaller-sized birds tend to be less competitive in urban environments, but galah and kookaburra numbers are dropping too. However, there have been increases in noisy miners and rainbow lorikeets. "Planting more diverse forms of natives vegetation, particularly less nectar-rich species like wattles and she-oaks, can help maintain a diverse ecosystem," said researcher Carly Campbell. Source: Decreasing backyard bird diversity flies under the radar (August 2022)

More habitat secured for Brisbane koalas

Brisbane City Council has added a 52 hectare property at Burbank to Brisbane's Koala Bushlands, which has grown by more than 1,000 ha during 25 years of the Bushland Acquisition Program. The recent Burbank acquisition contains a large number of mature scribbly gums, which not only provide koala food, but can be expected to provide tree hollow habitats for many species. Source: Brisbane's Koala Bushlands grows by 1,000 hectares (November, 2015)

Plan for koalas

University of Queensland researchers have studied how tree cover and roads affected koala gene flow patterns across eight local government areas in SE Queensland. They found that "genetic connectivity" dropped rapidly once forest cover fell below 30 per cent. The presence of highways also had a dramatic effect. The findings indicate that forest cover and incorporation of habitat underpasses and bridges can help urban planners accommodate the needs of koalas. Source: Better urban planning can save koalas (March 2014)

Mine rehabilitation more than plants

Functional ecosystems include both plants and animals. A study of a rehabilitated sand-mining site on North Stradbroke Island has shown that areas revegetated with the most "success" did not necessarily attract koalas. On the other hand, some areas rated much lower with respect to flora were nevertheless being used by koalas. These findings indicate that fauna should be included when assessing the success of a rehabilitation project. Source: Koalas and mine site restoration (February 2013)

How to encourage birds in the city?

Environmental researchers from The University of Queensland have released a study suggesting urban birdlife can be better supported with compact development, provided suitable habitats can be retained in the form of parks and vegetated areas. Such habitats are not generally provided by urban sprawl. Source:Building bird-friendly cities (November 2012)

Native street trees benefit birds

A "world-first" study conducted in Canberra reveals that native street trees can have a significant effect on the number and diversity of bird species in the area. Exotic tree species, while having certain landscaping advantages, are not as good as eucalypts (especially large ones) in supporting birdlife, whether by food, shelter or nesting sites. Even though some management may be required to keep large eucalypts safe in a suburban environment, the researchers urge that the benefits to biodiversity be considered in vegetation planning. This includes proactively planting young trees to replace the large trees, which will eventually succumb to age. Source: Native street trees can boost birds' survival (November 2012)

Other Information Online

Insects

Birds

Frogs

Koalas

Bats

Gardens to attract wildlife in general

Nest Boxes

Various

Older news

Bowerbirds are gardeners, too
Research carried out in Taunton National Park in Queensland has revealed a high number of Solanum ellipticum around bowerbird bowers. Seeds in the fruits used to decorate them appear to be germinating nearby after the fruits are discarded, assisted by the birds' prior clearing of grass and weeds from the area. The scientists believe this is first known example of a species, other than humans, cultivating non-food plants. The birds also seem to be selecting for plants with more ornamental properties, with plants near bowers bearing fruit of a preferred greener colour. Source: Birds cultivate decorative plants to attract mates (April 2012)

Farm revegetation a boon for birds
In a major study conducted across southern NSW, researchers observed encouraging increases in rare and endangered bird numbers on farms with flourishing native plantings and regrowth. Heavily grazed old-growth areas are less attractive to birds, probably due to the lack of an understory. The findings suggest a diverse range of habitats are desirable to support a diversity of bird species, and that regrowth does have conservation value in this respect. Source: Yes, Australia can save its native woodland birds (April 2012)

Weed saves bluetongues
Bluetongue lizards that feed on cane toads can be killed by their toxin, but it has been found that some populations are resistant. It appears that the invasive weed mother-of-millions, which they also eat, has an almost identical toxin. This drove natural selection for toxin-tolerance in areas where the weed grows. Source: Invasive plant protects Australian lizards from invasive toad: Study (February 2012)

Boom away birds
Tablelands Regional Council's Bird Frite program, which scares away birds with loud "booms", will be extended into urban Atherton to deal with cockatoos that have been causing substantial damage to local gum trees and subsequent mess. Source: Council to frighten away troublesome cockatoos (June 2011)

Old trees vital to forest ecosystems While some animals (e.g. woodpeckers) can actively create cavities in trees, a new study of birds and animals that use tree holes for nesting indicates that in Australia, Asia, South America and Europe, more than 75 percent of the holes they use are created by damage and decay. This process can take hundreds of years, highlighting the importance of retaining old, large trees in forest ecosystems. Source: Old, large, living trees must be left standing to protect nesting animals: UBC study (June 2011)

"Frogs Booklet" updated
A new version of the popular publication from Moreton Bay Regional Council is now available. It contains hints on how to help frogs plus photographs and descriptions of 35 species local to the Moreton Bay area. More information about obtaining the booklet here: Free Frog Booklet for Frog Fans. (October, 2008)

The dingo may be forestry's best friend
Researchers at Curtin University of Technology and Chemistry Centre WA may have found a new way to help protect reforestation areas from kangarros, wallabies and possums - fresh dingo urine. Presumably warning the animals that a predator is nearby (aged urine had no effect), the active chemicals could be used to develop wildlife-friendly deterrents and alternatives to the controversial 1080 poison used by the logging industry in Tasmania. Unfortunately for gardeners, trials suggested that the Brushtail Possum may be less susceptible than the other marsupials studied. More information Curtin University of Technology here: Dingo urine offers humane solution to kangaroo cull (June 2008)

Pollinators the focus of proposed Canadian park
The Guelph Pollination Initiative hopes that rehabiliation of a local landfill site into a habitat for birds and insects will provide a model for other pollination parks. Decline in pollinator numbers threaten future agricultural production worldwide. More information from the University of Guelph here: For the Bees and Birds and here: Conference Looks at Turning Landfill Into World's First Pollination Park and (March 2008)

Warning: collection, destruction, propagation, movement, sale or purchase of any Australian native plant (including seeds or spores) may be subject to laws and regulations. Be sure to check with appropriate authorities before engaging in these activities, even on private property. Other laws may also apply to the treatment and movement of plant or soil material (for example, to control the spread of weeds, pests and diseases.)

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