Project helps protect threatened species 
Source: Trees For Life

An environmental project to help protect several threatened orchid species and the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot is underway in Ironbank.

The project, entitled Restoring Native Habitat in a Biodiversity Hotspot, is being undertaken by Trees For Life on a privately owned property and adjacent roadside on Morgan Road, Ironbank.

Funded under the 2012-13 State NRM Program Community Grants, the project aims to restore and protect 8.5 hectares of remnant woodland.

“The site we’re working on is adjacent to precious populations of several threatened orchid species, including the nationally endangered Caladenia behrii and C. rigida, and the nationally endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot which is known to use habitat on the property,” project coordinator Peter Watton said.

“To ensure we accommodate these species’ requirements in the management of the property Trees For Life is liaising with orchid specialists and bandicoot researchers about how to best protect and enhance the local populations.”

The project will develop a plan of management actions, taking into account the importance of the property within the landscape, and surrounding land use.

The property is an important part of a much larger habitat as it is adjacent to a further 24 hectares of bushland on neighbouring properties, and has links to Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, the Upper Sturt River Catchment area, Scott Creek Conservation Park and extensive bushland around Mt Bold Reservoir.

“The site will also be brought into our Bush For Life program to ensure a long term management approach. The initial on-ground works will include Bush Action Teams, organised by one of our regional coordinators, to work with the landowner and local community volunteers,” Mr Watton said.

“Part of the property assessment will include looking at a cleared former grazing area to determine how revegetation and-or natural regeneration can be used to restore it to better condition.”

To supplement the volunteers’ work TFL’s professional staff will undertake pasture grass and woody weed control surrounding the core sensitive bushland areas on the property and roadside.

The Restoring Native Habitat in a Biodiversity Hotspot project will involve 18 volunteers and is due to be completed in September.

For more information phone Trees For Life Media & Communications Officer Tania Kearney on (08) 8406 0500. 

www.treesforlife.org.au/