Around your reserves in 90 days

New species for Charles Darwin Reserve

	Ecologists Dr Jim Radford and Dr Matt Appleby install a pitfall trap at Charles Darwin Reserve. Photo: Catherine Hunt

Charles Darwin Reserve continues to surprise and amaze our ecologists and supporters with the discovery of yet more ecological riches.

In September, the reserve hosted an Earthwatch Survey Group of Earthwatch and Bush Heritage staff, volunteers from BHP Billiton Iron Ore and scientists from Edith Cowan University.

In one week the group laid 144 pitfall traps across the reserve, capturing and releasing a total of 182 animals.

The group was over the moon to learn that ten of the species trapped (nine reptiles and a mammal) are first sightings on the reserve. Earthwatch Director of Field Management Jen Alger said there was particular excitement when Notomys mitchelli (Mitchell's hopping mouse) was identified and added to the reserve's official species list.

'We were thrilled to conduct such a large-scale biodiversity survey at this spectacular reserve. Next year, we hope to send in three more teams and keep adding to the list.'

Winning the war on weeds

	Before and after: showing the difference a weed control program can make. The left-hand photo was taken in September 2009, and the right in October 2010. Photos: Jeroen van Veen

Every winter for the last three years, resolute Bush Heritage volunteers have converged on Nardoo Hills Reserves with one thing on their mind: weed control.

The team's efforts have seen huge reductions in the incidence and spread of both wheel cactus and Patterson's curse.

'This season we've made a huge dent in the Patterson's curse,' said Bush Heritage Field Officer Jeroen van Veen. 'Native species like kangaroo grass and spear grass are flourishing.

These grasses provide seed that the diamond firetail feeds on, and is important for the hooded robin as well, so this is a real positive for these threatened species.'

King George Island. Photo: Al Dermer

Island life looks pretty good

In our last newsletter we gave a sneak peek of what life might be like on Tasmania's King George Island, bequested to Bush Heritage by the late Henry Baldwin.

Since then, we have opened the doors and put this stunning island on the market, with much interest from potential buyers.

Al Dermer said 'We've had a lot of people express interest in the island. It's not surprising that people are attracted to such a beautiful place – it speaks volumes about to the importance of keeping precious places like this protected.'

Bush Heritage assisted with the drafting of a conservation covenant for the island to ensure its conservation values are protected forever, as was Henry's wish. Proceeds of the sale will help our work to protect the Australian bush and its unique species.

When it rains...

	Clouds gathering over Cravens Peak Reserve. Photo: Nella Lithgow

In 2010, one topic has always made the headlines at Bush Heritage's weekly phone link-up with reserve managers and ecologists from around the country – rain, or the lack of it.

This has been the 'year of the big wet' for our normally arid central Queensland reserves. At Carnarvon Station Reserve, just over one meter of rain fell from January to October – well above the average of 657 millimetres.

The town of Boulia, near Cravens Peak and Ethabuka, had 336 mm instead of the average 210 millimetres. But, in WA it's a different story.

While Charles Darwin Reserve's average rainfall for January to October is 265 mm, the reserve received just 127 mm for the same period this year. 'In spring last year there were wildflowers everywhere,' says Reserve Manager Dale Fuller, 'but now it's the driest I've seen it since we've been here.'

Mission accepted

	The artesian springs at Edgbaston Reserve – home to the critically endangered red-finned blue-eye. Photo: Wayne Lawler

Thank you! Generous supporters like you have ensured that freshwater ecologist, Dr Adam Kerezsy, can continue his vital work to save the red-finned blue-eye on your Edgbaston Reserve.

In October we asked supporters to help save this critically endangered native fish, and you've responded generously.

Continuing rain has delayed his plans but we've just got news that Adam is only days away from departing for Edgbaston.

There, he'll start controlling the feral gambusia and relocating some red-finned blue-eyes to establish new populations. The Federal government has now given approval for our program under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and we now await only state approval.

The Flying Doctors arrive on the airstrip at Carnarvon Station Reserve. Photo: Cathy Zwick

Flying Doctor field day

Imagine if you lived 200km from the nearest town and your family member became dangerously ill.

Would you know what to do? Thanks to a recent Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) field day at Carnarvon, Reserve Manager Chris Wilson and Field Officer Cathy Zwick can answer 'yes' to just that question.

The field day, hosted by Bush Heritage, allowed Chris, Cathy, and 18 of their neighbours to refresh their knowledge of remote first aid and emergency evacuation procedures.

RFDS Senior Pilot, Roger Rudduck, stressed the importance of maintaining airstrips and outlined simple ways to nightlight strips, from tins of sand soaked in diesel, to battery-powered landing flares.

Painted honeyeater. Photo: Rob Drummond/Birds Australia

A change in the feather

Bush Heritage Ecologist Sandy Gilmore has been busy at Tarcutta Hills Reserve, undertaking ecological condition monitoring of bird species.

According to Sandy, increased rainfall this year has led to an improved vegetation response, which has driven a change in the status of various native bird-feeding groups or 'guilds'.

'During our drier times we see a lot of flowering eucalypts which attract nectarivorous species such as the red wattle bird and noisy friar bird.

With the wetter weather we're seeing fewer trees flowering but more crown growth and subsequently more leaf litter.

'Native birds have responded to this resource change and crown-feeders such as the rufous whistler, and ground-foragers such as the buff-rumped thornbill are more abundant.'

Sandy believes this resource boom, coupled with the general excellent condition of Tarcutta, has led to his first sightings of the superb parrot and painted honeyeater, both of which are listed as nationally vulnerable.