Local Area Biodiversity Plan · 2010-11-10 · 4 Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Biodiversity Plan Statement of Purpose. “To protect, enhance and extend indigenous biodiversity

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Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood GroupLocal Area Biodiversity Plan

Fat-tailed Dunnart (Photo: Andrew Bennett)

Clover Glycine (Photo: JohnEichler)

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This Plan has been compiled by the Flora and Fauna Unit of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Colac), with assistancefrom the Biodiversity Unit of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and in consultation with the Woady Yaloak CatchmentGroup and the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group. The plan is intended to be used as both a community resource and to assist Project

Officers in planning and implementing the conservation and restoration of biodiversity within the Linton-Pittong area.

Produced October 2003

Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood GroupLocal Biodiversity Action Plan

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Table of Contents

Statement of Purpose………………………………………………………………………………………. 4Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Overview of the Target Area……………………………………………………………….. 7The Bioregional Planning Context…………………………………………………………………… 8

Victorian Bioregions………………………………………………………………………………… 9Biodiversity of the Regional Landscape………………………………………………………… 10

Landscape Zones………………………………………………………………………………………. 10Biodiversity of the Local Area………………………………………………………………………… 11

Vegetation…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11Threatened flora and fauna…………………………………………………………………… 13

Biodiversity Planning Principles and Priorities…………………………………………….. 14Remnant Protection / Enhancement Criteria……………………………………………….. 15Remnant Protection / Enhancement Actions……………………………………………….. 16Restoration Priorities and Actions…………………………………………………………………. 17Focal Species………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18

Focal Species Approach………………………………………………………………………….. 18Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Focal Species………………………… 19

Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area Priorities………………………………… 21Priority Remnants on Private land Map…………………………………………………………. 22Priority Creeklines Map…………………………………………………………………………………….. 23Priority Roadsides Map……………………………………………………………………………………… 24Threatened Species Habitat Map………………………………………………………………….. 25Linkage Zones Map…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26Remnant Clusters Map………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Appendix 1 – Flora Species List for Linton-Pittong NeighbourhoodGroup Area…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 28Appendix 2 – Vertebrate Fauna Species List for Linton-PittongNeighbourhood Group Area……………………………………………………………………………… 31Appendix 3 – Bioregional Conservation Status of EVCs…………………………… 32Appendix 4 –Information and Contacts……………………………………………………….. 33

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Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Biodiversity Plan

Statement of Purpose.

“To protect, enhance and extend indigenous biodiversity while promotingsustainable ways of living in the landscape.”

This plan seeks to:• Increase awareness within the local

community of the need for biodiversityconservation

• Outline the processes which threatenbiodiversity values within the local area

• Highlight the habitats and species that aremost in need of protection

• Provide focus and direction for actions toenhance biodiversity values

• Facilitate partnerships between the community,public land managers and other agencies ororganisations with responsibility forenvironmental protection or natural resourcemanagement

• Promote biodiversity conservation within acontext of sustainable agricultural production

• Provide a resource that will act as a basis fordiscussion and future decision-making withregard to biodiversity restoration

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What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity (or biological diversity) refers to the variety of life forms; thedifferent plants, animals and microorganisms, the genes they contain, and theecosystems they form. For the purposes of this plan, we are referring to thelocal native biodiversity of the Linton-Pittong area.

Why is native biodiversity important?

Biodiversity affects us all and is a fundamental part of our lives and of allagricultural production. Local ecosystems provide services, such as clean airand water, on which we all depend and which are vital to agriculture. Manyinteractions, such as pollination, would not be possible without the presence ofother species and processes.

Some examples of benefits to rural landholders from biodiversityconservation practices are outlined below:

Introduction

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BENEFITS TO LANDHOLDERS

Retention of remnant vegetation Habitat for birds, mammals and insects (potential reduction in insecticide use). .

Increased shelter for stock, pasture and crops (resulting in increased production).

Potential for family recreational opportunities (bird watching, nature walks, etc).

Increased property values.

Conservation and protection of rare species.

Legacy for future generations.

Increased gross value of pasture output (at its highest when proportion of remnants is34%).

Natural regeneration of indigenous species.

Seed supply for on-farm revegetation.

Less reliance on introduced pollinators (as much as 50% of pollination is carried outby native insects that fly from nearby bushland).

Reduced salinity, waterlogging, wind and water erosion problems.

Improved property landscape and aesthetics.

Retention or establishment of vegetation Increase in wildlife species. Waterfowl eat the snail that hosts the liver fluke parasitearound farm dams and wetlands in sheep.

Safer working conditions.

Decreased stock fatalities.

Bank stabilisation.

Interception & use of nutrients before entering storage.

Natural filtration provides cleaner water for stock and homestead.

Maintenance of native grasses Fire protection (green fuel in summer).

Feed source (selective grazing) in summer.

Low rates of fertilizer required.

Reduced micron size for wool

Wetlands established Fire protection (firebreak and water source).

Drought back-up.

Family swimming area.

Habitat created (with resultant natural pest control).

Mount Bute Reserve, Golden Plains Shire. Vegetation Type: Grassy Woodland (Photo: David Cootesand Ken McBeath 2003)

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Goals for Biodiversity

The principles and objectives outlined in the National Strategy for theConservation of Australia’s Biodiversity (1996) and further refined in thestatewide strategy Victoria’s Biodiversity (1997) provide the framework forbiodiversity conservation at a National and State level, and establish“bioregions” as the basic regions for biodiversity planning.

Briefly, the statewide goals for biodiversity management are to:• Reverse the decline in the extent and quality of native vegetation• Maintain and improve the diversity and long-term viability of species and

ecological communities• Maintain and restore ecological processes in terrestrial, marine and

freshwater environments

The Biodiversity Action Planning Strategic Overviews for the CentralVictorian Uplands and Victorian Volcanic Plain bioregions detail the prioritybiodiversity assets within these bioregions, and translate the principles intoactions that will assist in achieving the statewide objectives.

The Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Biodiversity Plan acknowledges theguiding principles and core objectives of the national, state and bioregionalstrategies. The plan outlines at a local level the priorities and actionsnecessary to conserve and enhance natural habitats and improve the long-termviability of the populations of native plants and animals within them.

What is Biodiversity Planning?

Biodiversity Action Planning is an approach to identify and protectour native plants and animals. This approach involves prioritising toconserve threatened and declining species.

Brush-tailed Phascogale (Photo: Peter Robertson)

Field officer inspecting native grassland (Photo: DSE, Colac)

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Overview of the Target AreaThe Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group covers an area of approximately4,000 ha south of the Glenelg Highway, extending from Linton in the east to afew kilometres west of Pittong. The area lies within the catchment of theWoady Yaloak River, and is drained southwards by the headwaters ofNaringhil Creek.

The landscape of the area is characterised mainly by low granite hills withduplex soils. This landscape once supported vast areas of Grassy Woodland,but native vegetation now covers just 8% of the study area.

Ninety-nine per cent of the area is freehold land, and is used primarily forsheep and cattle grazing, and blue gum plantations. Public land in the areaincludes the Mt Bute Scenic Reserve, which is managed by Golden Plains ShireVictoria, and the adjoining former gravel reserve site at Flagstaff Hill.

Dryland salinity affects most of the study area, which forms a target areafor action in the Draft Corangamite Salinity Action Plan. Other issues in thearea include erosion of streambeds, sedimentation of waterways, woody weedssuch as gorse, rabbits and invasion by spiny rush in waterways and salinedischarge areas.

Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

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1 0 1 2 Kilometres

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Victorian BioregionsBioregions are the principal regional units adopted for biodiversity planning inVictoria. These regions are based on biological and geographical criteria,including geology, soil type, topography, climate and vegetation type. Sincebioregions reflect underlying environmental features, they can also be relatedto patterns of land use, and provide a natural framework for recognising andconserving biodiversity values.

Victoria comprises 22 terrestrial bioregions as indicated on the map below.The Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area lies mostly within the CentralVictorian Uplands, with smaller sections (south of Pittong and east ofFlagstaff Hill) in the Victorian Volcanic Plain Bioregion.

The Bioregional Planning Context

Victorian Bioregions - Version 51.1 Lowan Mallee (LM)1.2 Murray Mallee (MM)1.3 Wimmera (WI)2.1 Glenelg Plain (GP)2.2 Bridgewater (BW)3.1 Victorian Volcanic Plain (VP)4.1 Victorian Riverina (VR)4.2 Murray Scroll Belt (MSB)4.3 Robinvale Plains (RP)4.4 Murray Fans (MF)5.1 Gippsland Plain (GIP)5.2 Otway Plain (OP)5.3 Warrnambool Plain (WP)6.1 Goldfields (GO)6.2 Central Victorian Uplands (CVU)6.3 Greater Grampians (GG)6.4 Dundas Tablelands (DT)7.1 Northern Inland Slopes (NIS)8.1 East Gippsland Lowlands (EGL)8.2 East Gippsland Uplands (EGU)9.1 Wilsons Promontory (WPR)10.1 Highlands - Southern Fall (HS)10.2 Highlands - Northern Fall (HN)10.3 Otway Ranges (OR)10.4 Strzelecki Ranges (STZ)10.5 Monaro Tablelands (MT)11.1 Victorian Alps (VA)

100 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Kilometers

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Central Victorian Uplands BioregionThe Central Victorian Uplands covers 1.2 million hectares from the Grampiansand Ararat in the west, to Porepunkah in the east, and from Lurg in the north,to the You Yangs and Lara in the south. It has a unique and relatively earlyhistory of European settlement due to the gold rushes in nearby regions in the1850’s and soldier settlements after World War I and II. This bioregion wasformerly dominated by foothill forest, some of which is still found on theupper slopes. The flatter and more fertile areas have been largely cleared.Seventy-eight percent of the bioregion is privately owned and predominantlyused for agriculture. There are also large blocks of public land includingseveral major National Parks and State Forests. Native vegetation covers 29%of the Central Victorian Uplands and 8.5% of this is occurs in formal reserves.The bioregion still retains examples of most of its original vegetation types,however much of the native vegetation cover has been substantially modified.

Victorian Volcanic Plain BioregionThe Victorian Volcanic Plain Bioregion extends over 2.3 million hectares fromPortland in the west to Craigieburn in the east and from Clunes in the north toColac in the south. It consists primarily of undulating plains of volcanic origin.This bioregion also has a relatively early history of settlement, partly due tothe ease of access and the fertility of the open grassland plains. Thelandscape has been radically altered within the last 150 years, particularly foragriculture. Most of the region is private freehold dominated by agricultureand there are small blocks of public land. The native vegetation of theVictorian Volcanic Plain bioregion is one of the most depleted in the State.

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Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group boundary

Bioregions

Victorian Volcanic Plain

Central Victorian Uplands

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1 0 1 2 Kilometres

Bioregional Boundaries within the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

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Landscape ZonesEach bioregion has been divided into a number of ‘landscape zones’. Theseunits capture areas of common vegetation types and landscapecharacteristics, and provide an intermediate planning scale between thebioregional and property scale.

It is at the landscape scale that many ecological processes occur andtherefore this is a useful level at which to plan for maintenance of theseprocesses and conservation of biodiversity. These zones or landscapes alsoprovide areas of manageable size in which to work, and are more readilyrecognised or identified by local communities.

The Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area falls almost entirely within theEnfield Landscape Zone.

Prior to European settlement, thelow ridges of the Enfield LandscapeZone were dominated by HeathyDry Forest, with Grassy Woodlandon the low granitic hills andundulating plains.There are extensive areas ofnative vegetation remaining in thezone, comprising over 40% of thepre-1750 cover, however manyremnants have been highlydegraded due to mining, timberharvesting, grazing and weed invasion. The close proximity of the area toBallarat and the gold fields resulted in extensive soil disturbance andprotracted, intensive harvesting of the native forests for mining timbers,firewood and building materials. Most of the remaining vegetation is HeathyDry Forest and Grassy Dry Forest in the north and east of the zone, whereasthe Grassy Woodland that once occupied the more fertile plains in the westand south of the zone has been almost entirely cleared for agriculture.Most of the waterways in the zone are in marginal or poor condition, withthreats including sedimentation from catchment erosion, Gorse invasion,salinity and uncontrolled stock access. Opportunities for biodiversityenhancement and restoration can be integrated with waterway protection,salinity control and erosion control actions, to provide habitat linkagesthroughout the landscape.

Biodiversity of the Regional Landscape

Enfield Landscape Zone(Central Victorian Uplands Bioregion)

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VegetationNative vegetation varies significantly across geographic regions in accordancewith differences in geology, soil types, climate, rainfall, elevation, drainageand aspect. The group of plants that occur together in association with aparticular set of these conditions is referred to as a “vegetation community”.It is important to be able to accurately describe and know the nativevegetation we are working with, because different vegetation types respond indifferent ways to management practices.

The Department of Sustainability and Environment has developed a unit ofvegetation classification called Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC). An EVC iscomprised of one or more vegetation communities that occur within aparticular environmental niche, and is a useful unit for vegetation planning andmanagement.

Prior to European settlement, most of the Linton-Pittong NeighbourhoodGroup area was covered by the Grassy Woodland EVC, with Riparian Woodlandand Plains Grassy Wetlands along the alluvial plains to the south. Thesedimentary ridges to the east of the study area supported Grassy DryForest, with Valley Grassy Forest along the tributaries of Springdallah Creek.Patches of Heathy Dry Forest were present in the north-west and south-eastof the study area.

Today, less than one tenth of the original vegetation cover of the arearemains. Virtually all of the grassy woodland and riparian communities onprivate land have been cleared for agriculture. Some large areas of nativevegetation have been retained in the north-east of these study area,comprised of Grassy Dry Forest, Grassy Woodland, and Valley Grassy Forest;these remnants provide important linkages with Linton State Forest to thenorth-east of the study area.

Change in Vegetation Cover in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)

(20) Heathy Dry Forest

(22) Grassy Dry Forest

(47) Valley Grassy Forest

(55) Plains Grassy Woodland

(68) Creekline Grassy Woodland

(125) Plains Grassy Wetland

(164) Creekline Herb-rich Woodland

(175) Grassy Woodland

(641) Riparian Woodland

(647) Plains Sedgy Wetland

(897) Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy Woodland Mosaic


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Current

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Pre-1750

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Biodiversity of the Local AreaLinton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group

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Each vegetation type (Ecological Vegetation Class, EVC) within each bioregionhas been classified as Endangered, Vulnerable, Depleted, or of Least Concernaccording to its current extent compared with its Pre-1750 extent. Theseclassifications are known as the Bioregional Conservation Status of EVCs andare explained further in Appendix 3. The table below shows the extent andconservation status of each vegetation type found in the Linton-PittongNeighbourhood Group area.

Extent and Status of Vegetation Typesin the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area

Ecological Vegetation Class Pre-1750area (ha)

Current area(ha)

% remaining BioregionalConservation

Status

Heathy Dry Forest 258 5.7 2.2 % Least Concern

Grassy Dry Forest 400 148.1 37.1 % Depleted

Valley Grassy Forest 89 24.0 27.0 % Vulnerable

Plains Grassy Woodland 194 0.5 0.3 % Endangered

Plains Grassy Wetland 65 4.0 6.2 % Endangered

Grassy Woodland 2508 140.7 5.6 % Endangered

Riparian Woodland 216 0.4 0.2 % Endangered

Plains Sedgy Wetland 9 0.0 0.0 % Endangered

Plains Grassland/Plains GrassyWoodland Mosaic

265 2.1 0.8 % Endangered

Of the 8% (325 ha) of original vegetation cover that remains in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area, 18% is on public land. There are only twoblocks of public land within the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood area: Mt ButeScenic Reserve, which is managed by Golden Plains Shire, and the adjoiningFlagstaff Hill Reserve, which is a former quarry site. Both blocks supportremnants of Granitic Grassy Woodland, an endangered vegetation community.Freehold land across the area has an average of approximately 7% nativevegetation cover which has been subject to a number of threats includingfragmentation, the removal of trees and fallen timber, invasion by weeds,grazing by stock, and salinisation. In almost all remnants with a long-termhistory of grazing, the understorey is extremely sparse and simplified, orcompletely absent.

Any remnants on private land that retain large old trees, a diverseunderstorey, and a range of groundcover species are of high biodiversityvalue. The identification and protection of these remnants is a high priorityfor biodiversity management in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area.Native grasses in particular have been severely depleted throughout the area,and the protection of any remaining grassy areas should also be a highpriority.

Conservation Status of Vegetation in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

Vegetation Conservation Status

Presumed Extinct

Endangered

Vulnerable

Depleted

Least Concern


NKilometres0.5 0 0.5 1

Public Land in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

Public Land Categories

Conservation Parks and Reserves

State Forest (Special Protection Zone)

State Forest (General Management Zone)

State Forest (Special Management Zone)

Other Public Land

Linton-P ittong Neighbourhood Group Boundary1 0 1 2 Kilometres

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Mt Bute Scenic Reserve

Flagstaff Hill

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Threatened Flora and FaunaA number of threatened bird species have been recorded in or around theLinton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area in the last thirty years, includingHooded Robin, Swift Parrot, Black Falcon, Painted Honeyeater, Little Button-quail, Black-eared Cuckoo, and Pied Cormorant. One threatened mammal, theFat-tailed Dunnart (see page 20) has also been recorded. Clover Glycine (anationally threatened grassland plant) was recorded at Mt Bute ScenicReserve in the early 1990s, and may still occur in the area. Early last century,

when there were more extensive areas of Grassy Woodland, species such asPlains Wanderer inhabited the area. A Brush-tailed Phascogale (see page 6)was recorded just north of the study area in 1959. In addition to thosespecies listed as threatened, there are a number of woodland bird species inthe area which are thought to be generally declining. These include GoldenWhistler (see page 19), Red-capped Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, RufousWhistler (see page 19), and Restless Flycatcher.

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Brolga

Hooded Robin

Black Falcon

Swift Parrot

Powerful OwlHooded Robin

Common Dunnart

Painted Honeyeater

Painted Honeyeater

Fat-tailed Dunnart

Little Button-quail

Clover Glycine

Pied Cormorant

Hairy Tails

Threatened Species in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group

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Common Name Scientific Name Vic Status Aust Status FFG

FAUNAPied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius LRBrolga Grus rubicunda vul LSwift Parrot Lathamus discolor end End LPainted Honeyeater Grantiella picta vul LLittle Button-quail Turnix velox LRHooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata LR LBlack Falcon Falco subniger vulPowerful Owl Ninox strenua vul LCommon Dunnnart Sminthopsis murina vulFat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata LR

FLORAClover Glycine Glycine latrobeana vul Vul LHairy Tails Ptilotus erubescens L

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end / E nd endangered (Vic) / (Aust) (EPBC Act 1999)L listed under FFG Act 1988 (Vic)LR near threatened (Vic)vul / Vul vulnerable (Vic) / (Aust) (EPBC Act 1999)

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Biodiversity Planning Principles and Priorities

Principles

Across a region, the estimated pre-1750 extent of avegetation type can be compared with its currentextent. When less than 10% is remaining thatvegetation type is said to be “endangered”. The moreendangered vegetation types tend to be found increek lines, river flats, and other areas with bettersoils.

The more endangered a species or community is the higher priority itis.

It is much easier and more effective to protect and enhance anexisting remnant than to establish a new one. Remnants require theleast effort to maintain but the most effort to regain, and in anycase can never be entirely recreated.Similarly, new plantings are often more effective if they are close toexisting vegetation or if they link patches up. Natural regeneration anddispersal of animals will assist the rehabilitation process.

The protection of strategic biodiversity assets is the key tosuccessful long-term biodiversity conservation

The best patches of native vegetation in our landscape are extremely valuableand if protected and suitably managed will form the core habitat upon which tobuild a landscape rich in biodiversity.

The environments most likely to provide the best habitat for nativewildlife are the environments that were here prior to 1750.

Although native wildlife are found in farm situations and certain nativespecies have flourished as a result of clearing, research by BirdsAustralia has found that a 10% increase in native vegetation can result ina 7% increase in the diversity of bird species. Also, in farm sites whereunderstorey shrubs were present, there was a 30% increase in thediversity of woodland-dependent birds. In addition ground-nesting birdswere almost three times as diverse where understorey was present.

• Protect remnants first.

The irreversibility principle is important here: retain rather than regain.

• Enhance the quality of remnants.

Restore missing species or missing structural elements like shrubs. Bufferingby new plantings can enhance a remnant by increasing its size, and bydecreasing impacts on the core.

• Restore some of the extent ofindigenous vegetation.

This can be achieved by:-Linking remnants.-Creating new areas away from existingpatches.

PrioritiesActions to benefit biodiversity should be prioritised in the order of protect,enhance and then restore.

Native ecosystem loss is virtually irreversible at human timescales.

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Remnant Protection / Enhancement Priorities

Remnant Protection / EnhancementPriority-Setting Criteria

• Conservation statusEach vegetation type (Ecological Vegetation Class, EVC) has been classified asEndangered, Vulnerable, Depleted, or Least Concern according to the amountthat remains in the bioregion, compared to its pre-1750 extent. The moreendangered the vegetation type comprising the remnant, the higher itspriority. The presence of threatened flora or fauna species will also increasethe conservation status of a remnant.

• SizeThe larger the remnant the higher the priority.

• Quality/conditionAs measured by Habitat Hectares or Vegetation Quality Assessmentprocedures. For a given conservation status, the higher the quality, the higherthe priority.

ShapeRemnants that are more square or circular in shape tend to provide betterquality habitat than elongated remnants of the same size.Because of the detrimental impacts on habitat quality known as ‘edge effects’,the lower the ratio of remnant perimeter to remnant area, the higher thepriority.Elongated blocks like roadsides are a lower priority than those with a moresquare or circular shape. Riparian remnants that are naturally linear in shapemay be exceptions.

• Spatial distributions – proximity and fragmentationThe closer to other remnants, the higher the priority. For a given proximity,the size of neighbouring remnants will also influence priority.As a rule of thumb remnants within 100m of core habitat (patches >50ha)would be accorded the highest priority with those greater than 1km from corehabitat accorded the lowest priority.Patterns of clustering of remnants, even if individual remnants are of small size,can lead to higher priorities.

*As information on quality or condition of remnant vegetation is lacking,priority is usually determined by conservation status and size.

VICTORIAN STATUS CATEGORIES FOR SPECIES AND COMMUNITIES(Categories highlighted in blue are those collectively referred to as ‘threatened’ species and communities)

ANIMALS

Critically Endangered Ü Endangered Ü Vulnerable Ü Lower Risk– near threatened Ü Data deficient Ü Unlisted

PLANTS

Endangered Ü Vulnerable Ü Rare Ü Poorly Known Ü Unlisted

VEGETATION COMMUNITIES (ECOLOGICAL VEGETATION CLASSES)

Endangered Ü Vulnerable Ü Depleted Ü Rare Ü Least Concern

MOST AT RISK LEAST AT RISK

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Suggested Remnant Protection / Enhancement Actions

Protection - Fencing to manage stock access- Controlling pest plants and animals- Retain fallen timber and large trees- Establish buffers; minimum 20m, preferably 50m in areas of high priority or riparian remnants- Monitor threatened species populations

Enhancement- Expanding size of remnant by buffering as above- Re-vegetating to replace missing species- Ecological thinning to allow more rapid growth of large trees- Artificial nest-site placement- Introducing coarse woody debris onto site, if appropriate (eg. Hollow logs for habitat)

Expanding size of remnant by buffering with revegetation

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Restoration Priorities

• ConnectivityMany fauna species are restricted in breeding, feeding and movement byfragmentation of native vegetation cover. Priorities for establishing linkagesshould be determined by the priority of the remnants to be linked andknowledge of specific wildlife requirements.

Where possible smaller remnants should be linked to core (larger) areas, orlinkages across different environments (e.g. creeklines to ridges) created.Generally, short linkages are more effective, and long linkages should only beused between large core areas. Because the edges of connecting links tend tobe of poorer quality, linkages should preferably be at least 50m wide to beeffective for most wildlife. The longer a linkage, the wider it needs to be toprovide adequate refuge, foraging and breeding sites.

Long corridors require additional patches or ‘nodes’. These should ideally beat least 2ha in size and no more than 500m apart.Smaller patches or ‘stepping stones’ at regular intervals can be used tobenefit some species if complete linkages cannot be established.

• Faunal ProductivityThe more fertile and well-watered parts of the landscape are more productivefor native wildlife, and are a high priority for revegetation. Creeklines alsomake good linkages with the added benefits of erosion control and improvedwater quality if protected and revegetated.

• Conservation status of Pre-1750 vegetation coverAreas that were previously occupied by currently threatened vegetationcommunities (e.g. Endangered EVCs) are also high priorities for revegetation.

Suggested Restoration Actions.

- Select highest priority sites according to above criteria- Prepare sites carefully, particularly with regard to weed and rabbit control- Locally indigenous species should always be used for revegetation- Seed for propagation should be collected locally- Where possible, direct seeding is the best and most cost-effective establishment method

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Focal Species Approach

The focal species approach is a management approach developed by CSIROWildlife and Ecology that links the needs of vulnerable species with thethreats responsible for their decline. By managing threatening processes at alevel that protects the species most sensitive to those threats, it isconsidered that a range of other less-sensitive species will also be protected.In any landscape, there will be a number of threatening processes occurring,and a focal species can be assigned for each threat. Focal species can also beassigned according to habitat type, if a particular threat is likely to affectspecies differently in different habitats.

The steps in applying the focal species approach are:

1. Identify the threats to be managed

2. Determine the species most sensitive to each threat

3. Establish minimum requirements of the most sensitive species

4. Utilise minimum requirements to assist with developing guidelines for

landscape restoration

5. Implement restoration program

6. Monitor and evaluate

* See following pages for details of focal species selected for the Linton- Pittong Neighbourhood Group area

The following table lists a range of possible threatening processes that mayreduce native biodiversity within a landscape. Listed alongside the threatsare the selected focal species for the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood GroupArea.

KeyThreatsNumber

Threat Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood GroupArea focal species

1 Reduction in size and connectivity ofremnants

Rufous Whistler, White-napedHoneyeater, Golden Whistler, White-throated Treecreeper

2 Reduction in size of remnants

3 Loss of hollow-bearing trees White-throated Treecreeper

4 Loss of mature trees for nectarsupply / insects

Rufous Whistler, White-napedHoneyeater, Golden Whistler, White-throated Treecreeper

5 Loss of shrub cover Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler

6 Loss of logs / woody debris Fat-tailed Dunnart, Richards Pipit

7 Replacement of native grasses withexotics

Fat-tailed Dunnart, Richards Pipit

8 Predation by cats and foxes Fat-tailed Dunnart, Richards Pipit

9 Nest predation by cats and foxes Golden Whistler

10 Inappropriate fire regimes

11 Poor quality riparian habitats

12 Over grazing Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler,Richards Pipit

13 Invasion of perennial weed species

14 Siltation of streams

15 Clearing of woody debris fromstreams (desnagging)

16 Altered flow regimes

17 Competition from introduced fish

Focal Species

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Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area Focal Species

White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus)

Conservation Status: declining woodland species

Patch Size and Isolation: Found mostly in patches >10-30 has, that areclose to or connected with other core habitatareas (not isolated)

Habitat Requirements: Needs flowering trees and shrubs on whichto feed over autumn and winter. Usuallyfound in forests and woodlands with a goodtree canopy cover, small shrubs and groundlitter.

EVCs: Grassy Woodland, Heathy Dry Forest,

Key Threats: (1) Reduction in size and connectivity ofremnants(4) Loss of mature trees for nectar supply

Management Recommendations: Protect large remnants and mature treesBuffer/connect smaller remnants to createpatches >10 ha

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris)


Patch Size and Isolation: Found mostly in patches >10 has, that areclose to or connected with other core habitatareas (not isolated).

Habitat Requirements: Prefers dry open forests and woodlands witha shrubby understorey and fallen timber.

EVCs: Heathy Dry Forest, Grassy Woodland

Key Threats: (1) Reduction in size and connectivity of remnants

(5) Loss of shrub cover(12) Overgrazing(4) Loss of logs/woody debris

Management Recommendations: Protect large remnantsRetain fallen timberManage grazing to allow regeneration ofshrubby understoreyBuffer/connect smaller remnants to createpatches >10 ha

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)


Patch Size and Isolation: Needs large habitat patches (>30-100 has),that are close to or connected with othercore habitat areas (not isolated)

Habitat Requirements: A winter migrant to the area, found in openheathy forests and woodlands. Prefers goodcover of tree canopy and ground herbs, and ashrubby understorey.

EVCs: Heathy Dry Forest, Grassy Woodland

Key Threats: (1) Reduction in size and connectivity ofremnants(9) Predation by cats and foxes(4) Loss of mature trees for nectarsupply/insects(5) Loss of shrub cover(12) Overgrazing

Management Recommendations: Protect large remnants and mature treesControl cats and foxesManage grazing to allow regeneration ofshrubby understoreyBuffer/connect smaller remnants to createpatches >100 ha

Female Rufous Whistler and Male Rufous Whistler (Photos: McCann/DSE)White-naped Honeyeater (Photo: Bob Winters)

Female Golden Whister and Male Golden Whister (Photo:McCann/DSE)

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Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area Focal Species

White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaeus)

Conservation Status: common

Patch Size and Isolation: Found in a range of patch sizes, but mostlyin patches that are within 200m of corehabitat areas.

Habitat Requirements: Prefers forests and woodlands with rough-barked eucalypts (stringybarks andpeppermints) and old trees. Needs treehollows for breeding.

EVCs: Valley Grassy Forest, Grassy Dry Forest,Grassy Woodland, Heathy Dry Forest

Key Threats: (1) Reduction in connectivity of remnants(3) Loss of hollow-bearing trees(4) Loss of mature trees for insects

Management Recommendations: Retain hollow-bearing treesImprove connectivity between remnants

Fat-tailed Dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata)

Conservation Status: Near Threatened

Patch Size and Isolation: home ranges vary, but movements of up to1km have been recorded

Habitat Requirements: open grasslands where there are adequaterocks, logs and posts for nesting andshelter

EVCs: Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy WoodlandMosaic

Key Threats: (6) Loss of logs/woody debris and rocks(7) Replacement of native grasses withexotics(8) Predation by cats and foxes

Management Recommendations: Retain logs, fallen timber and rocksRetain native grassesControl cats and foxes

Richards Pipit

Conservation Status: common

Patch Size and Isolation: Found in a range of patch sizes. They aresometimes found in semi-isolated sites (upto 200m from similar habitat), otherwise inor close to core areas.

Habitat Requirements: Open country such as grasslands andfarmlands. Forages on the ground andbuilds its nests in depressions in theground, usually in the shelter of tussocks,stumps or rocks.

EVCs: Plains Grassland/Plains Grassy WoodlandMosaic

Key Threats: (8) Predation by cats and foxes(7) Replacement of native grasses withexotics(6) Loss of logs/woody debris and rocks(12) Overgrazing

Management Recommendations: Retain native grassesRetain logs, fallen timber and rocksControl cats and foxes

Fat-tailed Dunnart (Photo: Andrew Bennett) Richards Pipit (Photo: McCann/DSE) White-throated Treecreeper (Photo: McCann/DSE)

21

Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area Priorities

The following section of the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group BiodiversityPlan contains six maps presented in priority order. As has been notedpreviously, the highest priority is to protect existing and most viableremnants. The next priorities are then to enhance remnants, and finally torevegetate to restore the extent of native vegetation.

Remnant Priority MapThe best patches of bush are very valuable. The patches of bush we have nowwill be the best patches in the landscape, despite any revegetation work, forat least the next 100 years. Preserving what is left must therefore be thehighest priority.The Remnant Priority map indicates the priority for protection andenhancement of all remnant patches in the target area.

Priority Creeklines MapOnce baseline data on creeklines has been collected in the Linton-Pittong area,it can be used to identify those stretches of creekline that are the highestpriority for both protection and revegetation. The high priority creeklinestypically retain areas of native vegetation, or are linked to adjacent remnants.Protecting and revegetating creeklines will provide important habitat for arange of fauna reliant on riparian environments for foraging, breeding anddispersal.

Priority Roadsides MapRoadsides frequently contain flora species that have disappeared fromadjoining farmland, or have the potential for use as the core of a wildllifecorridor. This map identifies the roadsides of highest conservation value, andtherefore in need of the highest level of protection, based on currentlyavailable information.

Threatened Species Habitat MapThreatened species are generally those most vulnerable to habitat loss anddegradation. Often threatened species are associated with depletedvegetation types, or with high-quality habitat that retains important elementssuch as mature trees, intact understorey or diverse instream habitats. Thethreatened species habitat map identifies priority actions for the protectionand enhancement of threatened species populations.

Linkage Zones MapLarge remnants form the core habitat for most remaining native flora andfauna. Linking up core areas will help to maintain viable breeding populationsand will provide more available habitat to fauna species that are not able tocross cleared areas. This map identifies potential zones where linkages couldbe made.

Remnant Clusters MapThis map indicates areas where groups of small remnants could beconsolidated to form larger patches, reducing the “edge effects” of thesmaller remnants, and providing larger core habitat areas.

The following maps have been compiled and presented to identify options,and are not intended to be prescriptive. Linkage zones and remnantcluster zones are thus areas where there is high benefit to be gainedfrom revegetating with indigenous species, but exactly where thatrevegetation should occur depends on local circumstances. Similarly thepriority remnants map identifies high priority remnants according to anumber of criteria, but leaves many options as to which remnants receiveattention.

22

Priority Remnants on Private LandPriorities for protection and enhancement of remnant vegetation in theLinton – Pittong Neighbourhood Group area were determined primarily on thebasis of:• Remnant size• EVC Conservation Status (Endangered, Vulnerable, Depleted, Least

Concern)• Remnant quality (where available)The following Size / Conservation Status criteria were applied:

EVC ConservationStatus

Size of remnant(ha.)

Priority

>10 ha High5-10 ha MediumEndangered0-5 ha Lower> 15 ha High

10-15 ha MediumVulnerable0-10 ha Lower> 25 ha High

20-25 ha Medium15-20 ha Lower

Depleted

< 15 ha Least> 30 ha High

25-30 ha Medium20-25 ha Lower

Least Concern

< 20 ha Least

Additional landscape distribution criteria were then taken into consideration:• Isolation: Remnant patches adjacent to large core areas were given a

higher priority• Linkages: Remnants that made valuable linkages were given a higher

priority• Quality: Remnants that were assessed as being of excellent quality were

given a higher priority, while poor quality remnants were given a lowerpriority

• Riparian zones: Remnants along gullies and waterways were given a higherpriority as they tend to support productive habitat and diversevegetation, and play an important role in maintaining water quality

*The remnant priorities shown here are to be considered as guidelines only, sincethe condition of some remnants was not known. Assessment of habitat conditionand current management would be required before recommending works in aparticular area, and may alter the priority of some remnants.

Remnant Priorities

High

Medium

Lower

Least


Public Land

1 0 1 2 KilometresN

23

Priority CreeklinesEstablishing and maintaining good quality vegetation alongcreeklines is important to:• Create habitat for particular terrestrial species that

preferentially use creeklines, e.g. Eastern Yellow Robin andRing-tail Possum

• Maintain good quality aquatic habitat for fish and invertebratespecies

• Ensure water quality is maintained and enhanced• Prevent erosion• Provide corridors for wildlife movement• Provide drought refuges for fauna

If information on the creeklines of the Linton-PittongNeighbourhood Group is collected, it could be used to prioritisecreeklines for biodiversity action, using criteria such as:• Instream habitat e.g fallen vegetation, roots, rocks, flows,

shade• Presence of established riparian vegetation• Extent of pest plants e.g. gorse, blackberry and spiny rush• Channel stability

Priority for protection, enhancement and restoration should betargeted initially at those creeklines with the highestenvironmental condition.

Potential actions that could be implemented on priority creeklinesinclude:• Fencing to manage stock access (Preferably 25m each side of

creekline)• Revegetation with locally indigenous riparian species• Weed Control• Erosion control works

1 0 1 2 KilometresN

(student data on stream condition to be collected)

24

Priority RoadsidesRoadside vegetation, although often in narrow, linear strips, oftenincludes large old trees, native grasses and understorey speciesthat are absent from adjoining land.

For this reason, roadsides can be important sources of seed forlocally indigenous species, and can also be incorporated intocorridor linkages between remnants.

Significant roadside vegetation has been identified on “BiodiversityMaps” prepared by the Department of Sustainability andEnvironment, using information in existing reports and theknowledge of local staff. The Priority Roadsides in the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area are based on these maps. Notall roadsides have been assessed – completion of this task in theLinton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group area would assist in thefurther development of the Biodiversity Action Plan.

Information on the presence of significant roadside vegetation canbe used to identify roadside remnants that should be protectedfrom impacts such as road-works, herbicide spraying, ploughing forfire-breaks and other degrading processes. It can also be used toassist in planning the location of linkage zones.

N1 0 1 2 Kilometres

Significant Roadside Vegetation

Native Tree Cover


25

Threatened Species HabitatA number of threatened species have been recorded in the Linton-Pittong area in the past. However, there are no records from thepast decade within the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area,possibly due to a lack of surveys. Clover Glycine and Fat-tailedDunnart were recorded in the early 1990s, and may still occur inthe area. A priority for the protection of these species in the areais to determine whether they still occur in the area, the extent oftheir distribution, and any management requirements for protectionof their habitat.

Clover Glycine is a small herb with narrow oval leaves and mauve peaflowers, flowering in summer. It is found mostly in grasslands andgrassy woodlands, and may still occur at Flagstaff Hill and Mt ButeScenic Reserve. Threats to this species include may removal ofnative vegetation, grazing and trampling by stock, grazing pressurefrom kangaroos and rabbits, and inappropriate fire regimes (egburning in late spring-early summer destroys flowers and seeds).

Fat-tailed Dunnarts occur in open grasslands where there areadequate rocks, logs and posts in which to shelter and nest. If Fat-tailed Dunnarts are found to occur in this area, management actionsthat should be considered include protection of native grasslandand shelter, and control of foxes and cats.

Focal Species expected to benefit: Fat-tailed Dunnart,Richard’s Pipit

*The survey priorities shown here are to be considered as guidelines only,since the extent of suitable habitat is unknown. Survey areas may bealtered according to reports of possible sightings and an assessment ofsuitable habitat areas.

Clov

er G

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: Joh

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Dun

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Native Tree Cover


Threatened Species Survey Priorities

1 0 1 2 KilometresN

Fat-tailed Dunnart survey

Clover Glycine survey

26

Linkage ZonesThese zones have been identified as areas where substantiallinkages are required between large blocks of remnant vegetation.

The purpose of these linkages is to:• Enable the movement of small mammals, birds and reptiles that

will not venture far from cover• Allow the dispersal of young animals after leaving parental care• Enable re-colonisation of areas following fire, disease, or other

events that may reduce the populations of some species

Important principles for linkages include:

• The wider the better – at least 30m and preferably 50m• Linkages should provide quality habitat (food, shelter, nesting

sites) as well as a pathway for movement• Long or narrow linkages can be supplemented by regular ‘nodes’• Linkages that connect gullies to ridges may benefit more species

than those that join similar land classes• Links are more effective if they include existing patches of

mature vegetation or natural features such as creeklines

Existing vegetation along roadsides and unused road reserves canoften provide a good basis for a linkage between remnants.

Regularly spaced patches of vegetation or ‘stepping stones’ canallow for movement of some species where complete linkages cannotbe established.

Focal Species expected to benefit: Rufous Whistler, White-naped Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, White-throatedTreecreeper

*The linkage zones represented here are indicative only, and are notintended to specify exactly where a linkage should be made.

Potential Linkage Zones

Native Tree Cover


1 0 1 2 KilometresN

27

Remnant ClustersSmall remnants close to each other can be linked together withnew vegetation to form larger patches.

These smaller remnants often contain mature trees or even largeold trees with hollows that are valuable resources for wildlife, andprovide a good core of vegetation on which to build.

Linking clustered remnants reduces the edge effects experiencedby small individual patches.

A new patch created by linking a cluster of remnants can also bevaluable as a ‘stepping stone’ if a complete linkage corridor isunavailable.

Remnant clusters are a higher priority than isolated remnants ofthe same size.

Focal Species expected to benefit: Rufous Whistler, White-naped Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, White-throatedTreecreeper

*The clusters on the accompanying map are provided as examples only.There may be many other opportunities to consolidate clusters of smallremnants into larger patches

Native Tree Cover


Remnant Clusters

1 0 1 2 KilometresN

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Appendix 1Flora Species List for the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

Ferns and Fern-like Plants

Green Rock-fern Cheilanthes austrotenuifoliaNecklace Fern Asplenium flabellifoliumAustral Bracken Pteridium esculentumAustral Adder's-tongue Ophioglossum lusitanicum

Conifers

* Radiata Pine Pinus radiata

Monocotyledons

* Three-corner Garlic Allium triquetrumBlue Stars Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosaChocolate Lily Arthropodium strictum s.l.Pale Vanilla-lily Arthropodium milleflorum s.l.Twining Fringe-lily Thysanotus patersoniiBulbine Lily Bulbine bulbosaDwarf Aphelia Aphelia pumilioHairy Centrolepis Centrolepis strigosa ssp. strigosaCommon Early Nancy Wurmbea dioicaMilkmaids Burchardia umbellataCommon Bog-sedge Schoenus apogonCommon Grass-sedge Carex breviculmisLittle Club-sedge Isolepis marginataRed-fruit Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberianaTall Sedge Carex appressaThatch Saw-sedge Gahnia radulaVariable Sword-sedge Lepidosperma lateraleTiny Star Hypoxis glabella var. glabellaYellow Star Hypoxis vaginataYellow Star Hypoxis vaginata var. vaginataYellow star Hypoxis glabella s.l.

* Onion Grass Romulea rosea* Capitate Rush Juncus capitatus

Common Woodrush Luzula meridionalisCommon Woodrush Luzula meridionalis var. densifloraCommon Woodrush Luzula meridionalis var. flaccidaLoose-flower Rush Juncus pauciflorusPale Rush Juncus pallidusRush Juncus spp.Woodrush Luzula spp.Water Ribbons Triglochin procerum s.l.Common Onion-orchid Microtis unifoliaGolden Moths Diuris lanceolata s.l.Leopard Orchid Diuris pardinaNodding Greenhood Pterostylis nutansOnion Orchid Microtis spp.Rabbit Ears Thelymitra antenniferaSlender Sun-orchid Thelymitra pauciflora s.l.Small Gnat-orchid Cyrtostylis reniformisSun Orchid Thelymitra spp.Tall Greenhood Pterostylis longifolia s.l.Tiger Orchid Diuris sulphurea

Veined Helmet-orchid Corysanthes diemenicaWallflower Orchid Diuris orientisWax-lip Orchid Glossodia majorBlack-anther Flax-lily Dianella revoluta s.l.Black-anther Flax-lily Dianella revoluta s.s.Tasman Flax-lily Dianella tasmanicaYellow Rush-lily Tricoryne elatior

* Annual Meadow-grass Poa annuaBent/Blown Grass Agrostis s.l. spp.Bristly Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia setacea

* Brown-top Bent Agrostis capillaris s.l.Common Blown-grass Lachnagrostis filiformisCommon Love-grass Eragrostis browniiCommon Tussock-grass Poa labillardiereiCommon Wheat-grass Elymus scaber var. scaber

* Early Hair-grass Aira praecoxFibrous Spear-grass Austrostipa semibarbataFive-awned Spear-grass Pentapogon quadrifidus

* Great Brome Bromus diandrusGrey Tussock-grass Poa sieberianaGrey Tussock-grass Poa sieberiana var. sieberianaKangaroo Grass Themeda triandraKneed Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia geniculata

* Large Quaking-grass Briza maxima* Lesser Quaking-grass Briza minor

Long-hair Plume-grass Dichelachne crinitaMat Grass Hemarthria uncinata var. uncinata

* Paspalum Paspalum dilatatumPurplish Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia tenuior

* Quicksilver Grass Aira cupaniana* Rat's-tail Fescue Vulpia myuros* Red Brome Bromus rubens* Rough Dog's-tail Cynosurus echinatus* Rye Grass Lolium spp.

Short Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia carphoidesSilvertop Wallaby-grass Joycea pallida

* Silvery Hair-grass Aira caryophyllea* Soft Brome Bromus hordeaceus ssp. hordeaceus

Soft Tussock-grass Poa morrisiiSpear Grass Austrostipa spp.

* Squirrel-tail Fescue Vulpia bromoidesStiped Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia racemosa var. racemosaSupple Spear-grass Austrostipa mollis

* Sweet Vernal-grass Anthoxanthum odoratumVeined Spear-grass Austrostipa rudisVelvet Tussock-grass Poa rodwayiVelvet Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia pilosaWallaby Grass Austrodanthonia spp.Weeping Grass Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides

* Wild Oat Avena fatua* Yorkshire Fog Holcus lanatus

Dwarf Mat-rush Lomandra nanaMat-rush Lomandra spp.Small Grass-tree Xanthorrhoea minor ssp. luteaSmall-flower Mat-rush Lomandra micrantha s.l.Spiny-headed Mat-rush Lomandra longifoliaWattle Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis

29

Wattle Mat-rush Lomandra filiformis ssp. coriacea

Dicotyledons

Australian Carrot Daucus glochidiatusBlue Devil Eryngium ovinumPennywort Hydrocotyle spp.Stinking Pennywort Hydrocotyle laxifloraYellow Pennywort Hydrocotyle foveolataAnnual Fireweed Senecio glomeratusAustral Bear's-ear Cymbonotus preissianusButton Everlasting Helichrysum scorpioides

* Cape Weed Arctotheca calendula* Cat's Ear Hypochoeris radicata

Common Bottle-daisy Lagenophora stipitataCommon Everlasting Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.l.Common Everlasting Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.s.

* Common Sow-thistle Sonchus oleraceusCommon Sunray Triptilodiscus pygmaeusCotton Fireweed Senecio quadridentatusCreeping Cudweed Euchiton collinus s.s.Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuataGrey Everlasting Ozothamnus obcordatusGroundsel Senecio spp.

* Hairy Hawkbit Leontodon taraxacoides ssp. taraxacoidesJersey Cudweed Pseudognaphalium luteoalbumLemon Beauty-heads Calocephalus citreusMoss Sunray Hyalosperma demissumPale Everlasting Helichrysum rutidolepis s.l.Rough Daisy-bush Olearia asterotricha

* Rough Sow-thistle Sonchus asper s.l.Scaly Buttons Leptorhynchos squamatusShrubby Fireweed Senecio minimusSlender Fireweed Senecio tenuiflorus

* Slender Thistle Carduus pycnocephalusSmall Wrinklewort Siloxerus multiflorus

* Smooth Cat's-ear Hypochoeris glabraSmooth Solenogyne Solenogyne dominii

* Spear Thistle Cirsium vulgare* Winged Thistle Carduus tenuiflorus

Wiry Buttons Leptorhynchos tenuifoliusYam Daisy Microseris scapigera spp. agg.Sweet Hound's-tongue Cynoglossum suaveolensBlue Pincushion Brunonia australisMatted Pratia Lobelia pedunculata s.l.Poison Lobelia Lobelia pratioidesSwamp Isotome Isotoma fluviatilis ssp. australisTall Bluebell Wahlenbergia stricta

* Chickweed Stellaria media* Common Mouse-ear Chickweed Cerastium glomeratum s.l.* Erect Chickweed Moenchia erecta

Black Sheoak Allocasuarina littoralisDrooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata

* Sowbane Chenopodium muraleSmall St John's Wort Hypericum gramineumKidney-weed Dichondra repensPink Bindweed Convolvulus erubescens spp. agg.Sieber Crassula Crassula sieberiana

Spreading Crassula Crassula decumbens var. decumbens* Three-part Crassula Crassula alata var. alata* Water Crassula Crassula natans var. minus

Erect Guinea-flower Hibbertia ripariaUpright Guinea-flower Hibbertia stricta s.l.Climbing Sundew Drosera macranthaPale Sundew Drosera peltataPale Sundew Drosera peltata ssp. peltataScarlet Sundew Drosera glanduligeraScented Sundew Drosera whittakeri ssp. aberransTall Sundew Drosera peltata ssp. auriculataCommon Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatusCommon Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus var. virgatusCommon Heath Epacris impressaCranberry Heath Astroloma humifusumFringed Brachyloma Brachyloma ciliatumHoney-pots Acrotriche serrulataPeach Heath Lissanthe strigosa ssp. subulataSmall Poranthera Poranthera microphyllaAustral Indigo Indigofera australis

* Clover Trifolium spp.V Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana

Common Flat-pea Platylobium obtusangulumCommon Hovea Hovea heterophyllaCreeping Bossiaea Bossiaea prostrataDwarf Bush-pea Pultenaea humilisGolden Bush-pea Pultenaea gunniiGrey Parrot-pea Dillwynia cinerascens s.l.

* Hop Clover Trifolium campestre var. campestreNarrow-leaf Bitter-pea Daviesia leptophyllaPurple Coral-pea Hardenbergia violaceaRough Bush-pea Pultenaea scabraRunning Postman Kennedia prostrataSmooth Parrot-pea Dillwynia glaberrima

* Subterranean Clover Trifolium subterraneum* Suckling Clover Trifolium dubium* White Clover Trifolium repens var. repens* Common Centaury Centaurium erythraea* Slender Centaury Centaurium tenuiflorum* Slender Cicendia Cicendia filiformis

Yellow Sebaea Sebaea ovataAustral Cranesbill Geranium solanderi s.l.Grassland Cranesbill Geranium retrorsum s.l.Heron's Bill Erodium spp.Magenta Stork's-bill Pelargonium rodneyanumStork's Bill Pelargonium spp.Variable Cranesbill Geranium sp. 2Swamp Goodenia Goodenia humilisTrailing Goodenia Goodenia lanataCommon Raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynusVaried Raspwort Haloragis heterophyllaAustral Bugle Ajuga australis

* Topped Lavender Lavandula stoechasCoarse Dodder-laurel Cassytha melanthaFairies' Aprons Utricularia dichotoma s.l.Drooping Mistletoe Amyema pendulaBlack Wattle Acacia mearnsii

30

Blackwood Acacia melanoxylonGold-dust Wattle Acacia acinacea s.l.Golden Wattle Acacia pycnanthaHedge Wattle Acacia paradoxaHop Wattle Acacia strictaLightwood Acacia implexaMyrtle Wattle Acacia myrtifoliaPloughshare Wattle Acacia gunniiSilver Wattle Acacia dealbataSpreading Wattle Acacia genistifoliaThin-leaf Wattle Acacia aculeatissimaVarnish Wattle Acacia verniciflua

# Wirilda Acacia retinodesWoolly Wattle Acacia lanigeraBroad-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus divesBrown Stringybark Eucalyptus baxteri s.l.Heath Tea-tree Leptospermum myrsinoidesManna Gum Eucalyptus viminalisManna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. viminalisMessmate Stringybark Eucalyptus obliquaNarrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus radiata s.l.Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum continentaleRed Stringybark Eucalyptus macrorhynchaRough-barked Manna-gum Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensisScentbark Eucalyptus aromaphloiaSwamp Gum Eucalyptus ovataYellow Box Eucalyptus melliodoraVariable Willow-herb Epilobium billardierianumGrassland Wood-sorrel Oxalis perennansWood Sorrel Oxalis spp.Yellow Wood-sorrel Oxalis corniculata s.l.Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosaVariable Plantain Plantago variaLove Creeper Comesperma volubileDock Rumex spp.

* Sheep Sorrel Acetosella vulgarisSlender Dock Rumex brownii

* Pimpernel Anagallis arvensisSilver Banksia Banksia marginataAnnual Buttercup Ranunculus sessiliflorusAustralian Buttercup Ranunculus lappaceusAustralian Piert Aphanes australianaBidgee-widgee Acaena novae-zelandiaeHairy Sheep's Burr Acaena agnipila

* Parsley Piert Aphanes arvensisSheep's Burr Acaena echinataSheep's Burr Acaena spp.

* Sweet Briar Rosa rubiginosaCommon Woodruff Asperula confertaRough Bedstraw Galium gaudichaudii

* Small Goosegrass Galium muraleVariable Stinkweed Opercularia variaCommon Correa Correa reflexaCherry Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformisHairy Speedwell Veronica calycinaSlender Speedwell Veronica gracilis

* Twiggy Mullein Verbascum virgatum

* Black Nightshade Solanum nigrum sensu Willis (1972)Creamy Stackhousia Stackhousia monogynaGrass Trigger-plant Stylidium graminifolium s.l.Grass Trigger-plant Stylidium graminifolium s.s.Common Rice-flower Pimelea humilisCurved Rice-flower Pimelea curviflora s.l.Pink-bells Tetratheca ciliataIvy-leaf Violet Viola hederacea sensu Willis (1972)Showy Violet Viola betonicifolia ssp. betonicifoliaTree Violet Hymenanthera dentata s.l.

* Introduced Species # Outside normal distribution V- threatened species (Vulnerable)

31

Appendix 2Fauna Species List for the Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Area

Mammals

* Red Fox Canis vulpesBrush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafaFat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudataBlack Wallaby Wallabia bicolorEastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteusCommon Brushtail Possum Trichosurus vulpeculaCommon Ringtail Possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus

Birds

Black Kite Milvus migransBrown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatusSwamp Harrier Circus approximansWedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax

* Skylark Alauda arvensisAustralian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoidesAustralian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubataBlack Swan Cygnus atratusChestnut Teal Anas castaneaGrey Teal Anas gracilisPacific Black Duck Anas superciliosaDarter Anhinga melanogasterWhite-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutusWhite-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiaeAustralian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicenDusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterusGrey Currawong Strepera versicolorMasked Woodswallow Artamus personatusGalah Cacatua roseicapillaLong-billed Corella Cacatua tenuirostrisYellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereusWhite-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensisWhite-winged Triller Lalage sueuriiBlack-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanopsMasked Lapwing Vanellus milesWhite-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeusWhite-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphosAustralian Raven Corvus coronoidesLittle Raven Corvus melloriBlack-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculansBrush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosusPallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidusGrey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosaMagpie-lark Grallina cyanoleucaRestless Flycatcher Myiagra inquietaRufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifronsSatin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleucaWillie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrysBlack Falcon Falco subnigerBrown Falcon Falco berigora

* European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelisWelcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena

Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiaeSuperb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneusBrown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostrisEastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostrisNew Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiaePainted Honeyeater Grantiella pictaRed Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculataWhite-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotisWhite-fronted Chat Epthianura albifronsWhite-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatusWhite-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatusYellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysopsRainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatusRichard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae

* Common Blackbird Turdus merulaVaried Sittella Daphoenositta chrysopteraOlive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatusGolden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralisGrey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonicaRufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventrisBrown Thornbill Acanthiza pusillaBuff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloidesStriated Pardalote Pardalotus striatusStriated Thornbill Acanthiza lineataYellow Thornbill Acanthiza nanaYellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

* House Sparrow Passer domesticusRed-browed Finch Neochmia temporalisPlains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatusEastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australisRed-capped Robin Petroica goodenoviiScarlet Robin Petroica multicolorLittle Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucosAustralasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiaeCrimson Rosella Platycercus elegansRed-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotusSwift Parrot Lathamus discolorBuff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensisDusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosaEurasian Coot Fulica atraPurple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

* Common Starling Sturnus vulgarisAustralian White Ibis Threskiornis moluccaStraw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollisLittle Button-quail Turnix veloxSilvereye Zosterops lateralis

Reptiles

Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea

* Introduced Species # Outside normal distribution

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Appendix 3Bioregional Conservation Status of Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs)

Status Definition*Endangered(E)

On verge of extinction. 90% or more cleared. Less than10% of its pre-European (1750) extent remains.

Vulnerable (V) Moving towards extinction. 70% or more has beencleared.10-30% of its pre-European (1750) extent remains.

Depleted (D) Likely to become threatened if clearing or otherthreatening processes continue. 50-70% has beencleared. 30-50% of its pre-European (1750) extentremains.

Rare (R) Vegetation that is inherently rare and naturallyrestricted in range. Total range less than 10 000 ha,and/or area less than 1000 ha, and/ or patch size < 100ha.

Least Concern(LC)

More than 50% of pre-European (1750) extentremaining.

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Appendix 4Information and Contacts

Project Funding Sources

Natural Heritage Trust FundingSonia Mahony, Community Funding Officer, Corangamite CMA,52329100 / 0407053226www.nht.gov.au/envirofund/index.html

National Action Plan for Salinty and Water Quality (NAP) FundingShane Herbertson, NAP Project Officer, Corangamite CMA52329100

Conservation Works on Public LandParks Victoria Community Grants131963

Botanic Guardians (threatened species)Andy Arnold, Threatened Species Planner, DSE5336 6720

Additional Contacts

Jennifer ClarkeNeighbourhood Group FacilitatorWoady Yaloak Catchment Group53388549 / 0407331720

Pest Plant and Animal informationDoug May, PPA Team Leader, Ballarat5336 6632

WaterwaysMark Turner, Waterways Officer, Corangamite CMA,52329100 / 0407559163

Biodiversity Protection and EnhancementNick Jaschenko, Flora and Flora Coordinator, DSE5336 6719Tony Overman, Biodiversity Manager, Corangamite CMA5232 9100

Trust For Naturewww.tfn.org.auPeter Moulton (Corangamite Regional Coordinator)52228139 / 0412521228

Land For WildlifePam Clunie (State Coordinator-Bendigo)5430 4363

Greening AustraliaClaire Dennis, Regional Facilitator GAV5236 2399

Department of Primary Industries (Ballarat)Paul Ryan (Native Vegetation Officer)5336 6622

Corangamite ShireLyle Bond (Environmental Officer)5593 7100

Golden Plains ShireRob Gibson (Natural Resources Officer)5220 7103

Local Area Biodiversity Plan · 2010-11-10 · 4 Linton-Pittong Neighbourhood Group Biodiversity Plan Statement of Purpose. “To protect, enhance and extend indigenous biodiversity

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