Page 1841 - Week 05 - Thursday, 11 May 2017
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• reptile diversity and abundance in select reserves (Kangaroo impacts research)
• kangaroo abundance, density and off take (Kangaroo counts and impact research)
• bird diversity (COG and Kangaroo impacts research)
• small mammal presence /absence (periodic small mammal surveys)
• fire response (qualitative assessments of fuel reduction burns)
• threatened species population trends (Superb Parrot, Button Wrinklewort, Tarengo Leek Orchid)
• weed treatment areas and identification and assessment of potential new weed species (weed management program)
• recording of significant flora and fauna locations (Canberra Nature Map).
The Conservation Management Effectiveness Program will derive a series metrics to evaluate this monitoring and provide an overall picture of woodland condition.
(4) Decline can be measured in a number of different ways. Clearing for urban development is the most destructive and permanent way in which this habitat type has declined in the ACT.
Decline more commonly takes the form of decreasing condition, which can be measured in a number of ways such as a reduced number of native species occupying Yellow Box–Red Gum Woodland, a reduced abundance or cover of native species or a reduction in the quality or diversity of habitats that the woodlands provide.
Canopy decline models indicate that eucalypt dieback has had a detrimental impact on canopy cover, particularly between 2009 and 2015. Canopy decline was widespread across the Southern Tablelands and not restricted to the ACT. The cause(s) of this decline is currently unknown.
Ground layer monitoring of Yellow Box–Red Gum Woodland established in 2009 has shown the diversity and cover of native plant species in our woodlands has been relatively stable. Individual sites have declined during particular years but they have all rebounded in following years. Likewise, reptile diversity and abundance has remained relatively stable over the period of monitoring.
Threatened species populations have either been stable (Button Wrinklewort) or increasing (Superb Parrot and Tarengo Leek Orchid).
Conclusive statements about the overall trend of condition in Yellow Box–Red Gum Woodlands are difficult to make; however, the upcoming Conservation Management Effectiveness Program will draw this information together in a more holistic way.
(5) Mature trees in the non-urban areas are protected under the provisions of the Nature Conservation Act 2014. It is an offence to damage a native tree on leased land outside the urban area. There is an exception if the tree was damaged by an occupier of the land with the intention of using it on the land for a purpose other than sale (e.g. using the timber as fence posts) but most rural lessees understand the importance of these trees as shelter for stock. In addition, fencing practices have changed and most fence posts are now steel to protect the fence from fire.
In addition, rural leases contain a clause that states:
That the Lessee shall not cut down, fell, ringbark or otherwise injure or destroy (or suffer to permit the same) any live tree or tree-like plant on the land without the previous consent in writing of the Territory;
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