Page 2850 - Week 10 - Thursday, 7 October 2021
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The ACT’s remaining woodlands are nationally significant, as they are among the biggest, best connected, most botanically diverse examples of their type. The critically endangered yellow box-red gum grassy woodland is particularly important. The ACT’s native woodland conservation strategy guides the protection, restoration and adaptive management of our woodlands for the next 10 years. Similarly, our native grassland conservation strategy and associated action plans guide the protection, management and restoration of native grasslands for the next 10 years. Together, these strategies outline key actions to conserve, protect and restore habitats.
Across the Molonglo Valley, the ACT government has restored five hectares of the habitat for the threatened pink-tailed worm-lizard, and restoration of a further two hectares is underway. We are also working to protect our beautiful but threatened bird species. Breeding and movements of the vulnerable little eagle have been monitored in the ACT by the ACT government since 2016. The research is run in collaboration with the CSIRO, the ANU and Ginninderry. Sixteen birds have had GPS transmitters attached, and 14 breeding pairs were monitored last year. We have discovered that these birds travel great distances interstate during their winter migration.
The research has provided evidence to guide the management actions of our environment and to ensure that this species can continue to breed successfully in the ACT. Research into another iconic bird, the endangered superb parrot, is also underway to ensure that critical breeding and habitat resources are maintained in the ACT. Breeding success is monitored at two key breeding sites, and GPS trackers have been attached to four birds to help us understand their movement patterns and habitat needs. Genetic analysis of these populations has commenced so that we can understand their genetic diversity and viability.
We are even looking after our iconic threatened fish and other aquatic species. The ACT government undertook annual monitoring of two threatened fish species, the Macquarie perch and the two-spined blackfish, as well as the near-threatened Reiks crayfish. These monitoring programs have a special importance after the considerable impacts on populations following the Orroral Valley fire. Understanding the mechanisms through which these species are impacted will help guide the management of our aquatic environment and restore the conditions that the species need.
We also care about our threatened ACT flora. The ACT government conducts annual monitoring of many populations of threatened plants and their habitat condition. Threatened orchid seeds are being banked in an ongoing collaboration with the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and the translocation of the Canberra spider orchid is being planned. Genetic analysis of the few remaining individuals of the endemic Tuggeranong lignum is underway to inform future on-site and off-site population management and enhancement.
Looking after our species also means helping the community to understand and experience native species and ecosystems and what is needed for their long-term protection. The Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, run by a partnership between the ACT government, the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and the Australian National
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video