The Arid Recovery Project

Transcription

1 The Arid Recovery Project Annual Report 2002

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3 Table of Contents MISSION STATEMENT... 6 PROJECT SUMMARY... 6 MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROJECT TEAM... 9 Staff... 9 Committee members in Research students... 9 ARID RECOVERY RESERVE FERAL ANIMAL CONTROL RABBITS CATS AND FOXES Aerial Baiting Trials VEGETATION RECOVERY PERMANENT PASTORAL SITES SEEDLING RECRUITMENT SITES RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIVE FAUNA TRACK TRANSECTS ANNUAL CAGE TRAPPING GREATER STICK-NEST RAT BURROWING BETTONG GREATER BILBY WESTERN BARRED BANDICOOT RESEARCH BIOLOGICAL MONITORING SITES PUBLICITY, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY AWARENESS VOLUNTEERS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT FRIENDS OF THE ARID RECOVERY PROJECT INDIGENOUS TRAINING CAMPS CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS AUSTRALIA UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE EARTHWATCH AWARDS

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5 2002 BUDGET CONTRIBUTIONS EXPENDITURE PROPOSED BUDGET AND WORKPLAN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EXPENDITURE LONG TERM OBJECTIVES AND 2003 WORKPLAN Fencing and maintenance Feral animal control Monitoring Threatened species re-introductions Education, Tourism and Public Awareness Research Fire, drought and flood contingency plans (Front cover: Knob-tailed Gecko, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Parakeelya flowers, ARP staff setting cage traps, Bilby tracks, Native Pines) 5

6 Mission Statement To facilitate restoration of arid zone ecosystems through on ground works, applied research and industry/community partnerships. Project Summary The Arid Recovery Project is a joint conservation initiative between WMC Resources, Friends of the Arid Recovery Project, the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) and the University of Adelaide. The project was instigated in June 1997 to take advantage of rabbit numbers reduced by calicivirus, by removing feral animals from an arid zone landscape. The entire 60km² Arid Recovery Reserve, 5km north of the Olympic Dam mine in northern South Australia, is now completely enclosed within a rabbit, cat and fox-proof fence. The project aims are; 1) To facilitate ecological restoration of arid ecosystems through: Removal and exclusion of feral animals Recovery of existing native vegetation Re-establishment of threatened species Adaptive management based on monitoring outcomes To monitor and research the processes of ecological restoration and provide transferable information and resources for environmental management of Australia s arid lands including, Arid zone recovery trends and techniques Re-introduction and rehabilitation protocols Cost-effective large-scale feral animal control A source of acclimatised animals for other arid zone re-introduction sites 2) To demonstrate how mining, pastoralism, tourism and conservation organisations can work together to achieve sustainable ecological outcomes. 3) To provide education and training opportunities which will: increase community and industry awareness of arid zone conservation issues encourage and train arid zone restoration ecologists The project depends heavily on volunteer labour and is assisted by the local community, conservation organisations, students and indigenous groups. The Arid Recovery Committee oversees the running of the project with a member of each founding organisation represented. The Arid Recovery Project has been planned in stages to allow monitoring of project progress. Project stages and their progress are outlined in Table 1. 6

7 Table 1: Project stages and current progress Stage no. Details Start date Finish date Results so far 1 Construction of a 14km² exclosure August 1997 January 1998 Exclosure constructed by contractors and volunteers 2 Removal of rabbits October 1998 January 1999 All rabbits removed from exclosure after over 8000 hours of volunteer effort 3 Establishment of a plant and animal monitoring system 4 Electrification of the fence and removal of cats and foxes from main exclosure 5 Re-introduction of between 3 and 5 nationally threatened species 6 Increase the size of the Reserve to 60km² 7 Remove all rabbits, cats and foxes from the expansion areas of the 60km² Reserve 8 Increase community awareness and participation in arid zone conservation 9 Establishment of a regional buffer zone 10 Research the restoration of ecological processes within the Reserve August 1997 April 1998 More than 300 plant and animal sites established January 1999 March 1999 Audio lures used to eradicate the last cat. No breach of fence to date. April 1999 April 2000 Greater Stick-nest Rats in April 1999;Bettongs in October 1999;Bilbies in April 2000, Western Barred Bandicoots in 2001 May 1999 Dec 2000 First(8km²), second (8 km²) and third (30km²) expansion areas fenced. May 1999 Dec 2001 All cats and foxes were eradicated from the Reserve by April June 1999 ongoing Viewing hide, new viewing platform and self-guided walkway constructed. Over 250 items of publicity generated to date. Site based eco-tours began in 2002 January 1999 ongoing Aerial baiting trials conducted in April Further trials planned for ongoing ongoing More than 10 research projects currently in progress. Four scientific papers submitted to peerreviewed journals 7

8 Major Achievements in 2002 During 2002, many achievements were made at the Arid Recovery Project. The most notable achievements include: Aerial Baiting Trials within the Buffer Zone around the Reserve. An Aerial baiting trial for cats was conducted in a 10km buffer zone around the Reserve. Baiting was successful with cat activity declining immediately after baiting. However, re-invasion of the buffer zone occurred within 3 months. Further trials are being conducted during Winning three awards through the Friends group. The Friends group won $7500 in the National Australia Bank Community Link Awards, came highly commended in the Best Wildlife Project through the Friends of Parks group and won the S.A. KESAB Tidy Town award for environmental education and action. Re-introducing bettongs and bilbies into the northern expansion area. Three months after removing the last rabbit from the northern expansion, 6 bilbies and 27 bettongs were relocated from the main exclosure to the northern expansion. Re-introduced animals now occur within the main, 1 st and northern expansion. The second expansion is being kept free of re-introduced animals to act as an experimental control. Installing a new viewing platform, new information displays at the guided walk, new roadside info displays and initiating guided tours of the project. Facilities at the Reserve were upgraded during 2002 and are now ready for tours and accommodating volunteers was the Year of the Outback and guided tours of the Reserve commenced. 8

9 Project Team The project team is made up of committee members and project officers. The Project supports two full time positions made up of one Project Coordinator and part time project officers. Research students from Universities around Australia also conducted research projects within the Reserve in Staff Katherine Moseby- Project Coordinator Nicki Munro- Interim Project Coordinator, Project Officer Bree Galbraith- Casual Project Officer Jude Carter-Casual Project Officer Marty Kittel-Casual Maintenance Officer Michelle Odewahn Casual Project Officer Committee members in 2001 Katherine Moseby- Friends of the Arid Recovery Project representative Dr John Read- WMC Land Management representative Peter Copley- Department for Environment and Heritage (NP&W S.A.) representative Dr David Paton- University of Adelaide representative Steve Green- WMC Environment Dept. representative Research students Bree Galbraith-University of Queensland Tyrone Lavery- University of Queensland Serena DeJong- Melbourne Graeme Finlayson- Melbourne Anthony Pieck-University of S.A. 9

10 Arid Recovery Reserve The Arid Recovery Reserve comprises 60km² of arid land (Figure 1). Many habitats are present within the Reserve including chenopod (saltbush/bluebush) inter-dunal swales, Acacia dunes, native pine and mulga sandplains, canegrass swamps, canegrass dunes and claypans. The Reserve is bordered to the north by the Dog Fence, the east by the Borefield road and to the south by the Olympic Dam Special Mine Lease. The northern boundary of the Reserve was re-aligned with assistance from the Dog Fence Board in The Reserve is situated partly on the Mine Lease (7km²) and partly on adjoining pastoral properties including Roxby Downs Station (49km²) and Stuart Creek Station (2km²) leased by WMC Resources, and privately leased Mulgaria Station (1km²) and Billa Kalina Station (1km²). The project is within the boundaries of three soil conservation board districts namely Kingoonya, Marla-Oodnadatta and Marree. In order to facilitate manageable and effective rabbit control, the Reserve was gradually fenced in sections until the whole 60km² was finally enclosed in December The area is divided into a main 14km² electrified exclosure where endangered species are first re-introduced, two 8km² expansion areas adjoining the main exclosure and a northern 30km² expansion area. The entire 60km² Reserve is now free of all rabbits, cats and foxes. 10

11 Figure 1: The 60 km2 Arid Recovery Reserve Showing expansion areas and land donated by neighbouring pastoral stations. All land between the old dog fence an the mine lease fence is situated on Roxby Downs Station leased by WMC Resources. The old dog fence (red line) has been realigned along the northern boundary of the project 11

12 No. per square km Feral animal control Rabbits Rabbits were completely eradicated from the Reserve in late One rabbit gained entry to the second expansion during March 2002 by pushing under a section of exposed foot netting. The rabbit was eventually captured and euthanased in mid April and additional rubber matting placed over the foot netting. No other fence breaches were recorded. Spotlight transects indicate that rabbit densities outside the Reserve increase periodically but have still not reached pre-rcd levels (Fig. 2 and 3). Rabbit densities during 2001 were the highest since the arrival of RCD and probably reflect the good winter rains received during that year. Based on spotlight counts and the presence of dead rabbits on warrens, RCD is thought to have led to mass die off of rabbits on at least two occasions in 2001, in late Winter and again in Spring (Fig.3) was an extremely dry year and rabbit numbers have gradually declined since January Recent spotlight counts of 10 per km² underestimate true rabbit density and should be used as an indication of temporal trends only. Rabbit control using 1080 poison oats was conducted within 500m of the western fenceline of the Reserve during Opportunistic fumigation of rabbit warrens using Phostoxin pellets was also conducted along the dunes to the south of the Reserve Apr-89 Apr-90 Apr-91 Apr-92 Apr-93 Apr-94 Widely-spaced Dunes Apr-95 Apr-96 Apr-97 Apr-98 Apr-99 Apr-00 Apr-01 Apr-02 Figure 2: Rabbit Densities at Roxby Downs showing decline after the arrival of RCD. WMC Environment Section long term monitoring data. 12

13 Oct-95 Apr-96 Oct-96 Apr-97 Oct-97 Apr-98 Oct-98 Apr-99 Jan-00 Jul-00 Jan-01 Jul-01 Jan-02 Oct-02 no. per square km widely-spaced dunes Figure 3: Rabbit density (no. per km²) spotlight counts conducted by WMC staff since the arrival of RCD in Shown at a lower scale than Fig. 2 to illustrate post RCD changes in rabbit density. Cats and foxes Cats and foxes were completely eradicated from the main 14km² exclosure in 1998 and the entire Reserve in early No cats or foxes have since gained access to Reserve. The number of permanent trap sites (audio lures and soft leg-hold traps) set outside the 34km Reserve fence was increased from 7 to 12 during These traps are checked daily using remote telemetry tracking. During 2002, 22 foxes and 16 cats were captured using this method compared to 25 foxes and 19 cats in 2001 (trap nights 3012, trap success 1.46%). A further 14 cats and 2 foxes were shot in the vicinity of the Reserve in 2002 increasing the total number of feral animals trapped or shot from around the Reserve fence to 60 individuals in 2002 compared to 61 in More than 80% of cats and 90% of foxes were captured or shot during the first 6 months of 2002 prior to the aerial baiting trials in June. Aerial Baiting Trials An aerial baiting trial for introduced predators was conducted in 2002 under an experimental license held by Western Australia Department of Conservation and Land Management kangaroo sausage baits were distributed by helicopter at a density of 25 per sq km. Baits were distributed along sand dunes within a 10km buffer zone outside the ARP Reserve (total baited area 600 sq km). Three weeks prior to the baiting, dried kangaroo fox baits were shallowly buried within the 10km buffer zone to reduce the non-target uptake of cat baits by foxes. Changes in cat activity before and after baiting were monitored within the baited zone and in control areas through spoor counts on tracks, conducted monthly for 6 months before and after baiting. Nine feral cats were also captured within the buffer zone and 13

14 Average percentage of cat presenc on segments / transect radio-collared prior to baiting. Aerial baiting was conducted in June with the assistance of Friends group members, ARP staff and Peter Bird from the Animal and Plant Control Commission (APCC). Seven of the nine radio-collared cats died after the fox baiting but before the cat baiting. Three of the seven carcasses were fresh enough to send for organ analysis and of these, two tested positive for 1080 suggesting that at least some cats took the buried fox baits prior to the cat baiting. The remaining 2 radio-collared live cats were found dead immediately after the cat baiting, one of which had taken a cat bait (identified through presence of red dye from the bait in the stomach). Track transects indicated a 100% reduction in cat activity in the buffer zone transects immediately following baiting (Figure 4). Cat activity also declined slightly in the control transects but for three months cat activity was considerably lower in the baited zone than the unbaited zone. After this time, re-invasion was rapid with no detectable difference in cat activity between control and baited transects after just three months. Fox activity showed similar trends (Fig. 5), also declining dramatically immediately after baiting within the buffer zone but with re-invasion leading to no difference between control and baited transects after a few months. The decline in cat and fox activity in the control areas after baiting may have been due to a sink effect where animals were gradually migrating into the adjacent baited zone as animals within the baited zone took baits and died Baited Non-baited Oct 01 Nov 01 Dec 01 Jan 02 Feb 02 Mar 02 Apr 02 May 02 Jun 02 Jun 02 Jul 02 Aug 02 Sep 02 Oct 02 Nov 02 Figure 4: Presence of cat tracks on car track transects before and after baiting. Baiting was conducted in June

15 Peter Bird from the Animal and Plant Control Commission injecting sausage baits with 1080 during the aerial cat baiting trials. A radio-collared feral cat found dead after the aerial baiting trials. A post-mortem revealed that it had taken a 1080 sausage bait. 15

16 Average percentage of Fox presence o segments/transect Baited Non-baited Oct 01 Nov 01 Dec 01 Jan 02 Feb 02 Mar 02 Apr 02 May 02 Jun 02 Jun 02 Jul 02 Aug 02 Sep 02 Oct 02 Nov 02 Figure 5: Presence of fox tracks on car transects before and after baiting. Baiting was conducted in June Vegetation Recovery 43mm of rainfall was recorded in 2002, the lowest annual rainfall since the establishment of the Reserve in 1997 (Fig. 6). Conditions were very dry and little ephemeral vegetation cover was recorded during the annual monitoring in August. Despite the dry conditions, seedlings of a number of perennial species were recorded including Silver Cassia (Senna artemisioides), Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Native Plum (Santalum lanceolatum). Vegetation monitoring during 2002 included 29 permanent pastoral sites inside and outside the Reserve as well as more detailed monitoring of seedling recruitment of 7 perennial shrub species. Permanent Pastoral Sites 24 vegetation monitoring sites, 12 inside and 12 outside the Reserve, were established by Arid Recovery and Department for Environment and Heritage staff in Jessup transect, step point, photopoint and species presence data were recorded. Due to the considerable expansion of the Reserve, some of the original outside sites, situated in rabbit and stock areas, were incorporated within the Reserve. To overcome this, 5 replacement sites were established outside the Reserve in An additional 5 sites were also placed within the expansion area in 2002 to act as control sites where no rabbits, stock or re-introduced species are present. Thus, at present there are 12 sites located within the main exclosure, 11 outside the Reserve and 7 within the second expansion. These sites are monitored annually to allow comparisons of vegetation change inside and outside the Reserve. Results from 2002 monitoring are currently with DEH and have not been entered onto the database at present. 16

17 rainfall (mm) Figure 6: Annual rainfall recorded in the Roxby Downs region. Rainfall was recorded at the Olympic Dam Mine situated 5km from the Reserve in 1997,1998 and 1999 and from a rain gauge established at the Reserve from 2000 onwards. Average rainfall is 160mm and is represented by a dotted line. Seedling Recruitment Sites Funding was obtained from the Native Vegetation Fund (DEH) to determine the abundance and growth rate of selected plant seedlings at sites under four grazing regimes. Grazing regimes included rabbit grazing only, cattle and rabbit grazing, grazing by re-introduced mammal species (inside Reserve) and no grazing by rabbits, cattle or re-introduced species (control). Plant species targeted (Mulga (Acacia aneura), Native Plum (Santalum lanceolatum), Native Apricot (Pittosporum phylliraeoides), Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius), Silver Cassia (Senna artemisioides), Umbrella Wattle, (Acacia ligulata) and Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa)), were those known to be preferred by rabbits, stock or reintroduced species. Ten sites were chosen for each species in each grazing treatment. At each site the number of seedlings were recorded within a set search radius of the adult tree. To test for historical differences between the 4 treatments, the number of 1 to 2 m subadults per site were compared. Sub-adults between 1-2m would have germinated prior to the establishment of the Reserve and can thus give an indication if any differences in seedling germination are influenced by other historical or geographical factors. There was no significant difference in the number of 1-2 m sub-adults of any species tested between the 4 treatments suggesting that any differences in seedling germination were due to the removal of rabbits and stock from the Reserve. Seedlings of Mulga, Native Plum and Silver Cassia (Figs. 7-9) were found at significantly more sites within areas of the Reserve than outside sites where cattle and/or rabbits were present. The number of seedlings per site was also higher within the Reserve than outside sites. Results were significant when tested using chisquared and non-parametric Kruskall Wallis tests. There was no significant difference in the number of sites with seedlings or number of seedlings per site for the remaining 4 species, Native Apricot, Umbrella Wattle, Hopbush and Bullock Bush. However, rabbits have been removed from the Reserve for only 3 years and these species may reveal increased seedling germination rates in the longer term. All sites will be revisited in September

18 No. sites containing subadults n=10 No. sites containing seedlings and subadults no. monitoring sites with subadults and seedling. n= subadult seedling control re-introduced species rabbits rabbits and stock Figure 7: Number of Mulga sites with <50cm subadults and seedlings within the 4 grazing treatments <50 seedling 2 0 control reintro rabbits pastoral Figure 8: Number of Native Plum sites containing <50cm subadults and seedlings within the 4 treatments < control re-intro rabbits pastoral Figure 9: Number of Silver Cassia sites containing <50cm subadults within the 4 treatments. 18

19 Re-establishment of native fauna At least 27 species of native mammal once inhabited the Roxby Downs region but over 60% have become locally or completely extinct since European settlement. Some bird species have also declined and many plant species are now rare in the Reserve. The Arid Recovery Project aims to restore as much as possible of the original fauna and plants to the Reserve through natural re-establishment and planned re-introductions. Re-introductions are research-based to obtain information on how the animals survive in the arid zone and whether long term re-establishment is possible. Some species such as the Spinifex Hopping-mouse have re-established naturally in the Reserve. A sub-fossil deposit found 30km from Roxby Downs was used to determine which mammal species formerly occurred in the region (see below). Globally extinct species are in italics, species which have already been re-introduced are in bold and species that could potentially be re-introduced are underlined. Locally extinct mammal species from the sub-fossil deposit. Pig-footed Bandicoot Lesser Stick-nest Rat Short-tailed Hopping Mouse Long-tailed Hopping Mouse Goulds Mouse Greater Stick-nest Rat Burrowing Bettong Greater Bilby Western-barred Bandicoot Golden Bandicoot Kultarr Ampurta Common Brush-tailed Possum Long-haired Rat Rare bird species such as the Bush Thick-knee and Plains Wanderer have also been recorded from the Roxby Downs region in the past and could potentially be reintroduced into the Reserve. Woma Pythons also formerly inhabited the region and plans are in place to trial a release in the future. 19

20 Four threatened mammal species have been re-introduced to the Reserve to date. Reintroductions began in 1998 with the Greater Stick-nest Rat followed by the Burrowing Bettong in 1999, Greater Bilby in 2000 and the Western-barred Bandicoot in All re-introductions were initially into the main 14km² exclosure. During 2001, some bilbies, bettongs and stick-nest rats were translocated from the main exclosure into the first expansion area. During 2002, bilbies and bettongs were also transferred from the main exclosure to the northern expansion area. A summary of releases, movements and population estimates is presented in Table 2. Table 2: Population estimates as of Dec 2002 and transfers to date within the Reserve Species Main Exclosure (14 sqkm) First Expansion (8 sqkm) Second Expansion (8 sqkm) Northern Expansion (30 sqkm) Bettongia lesueur (30 released) 26 (8 trans.2001) - 30 (27 trans. 2002) Macrotis lagotis 100 (9 released) (2 released and 13 trans. 2002) - 10 (3 released and 3 trans. 2002) Leporillus conditor 150 (100 released) (15 trans. 2001) - - Perameles bougainville (10 released) Monitoring of re-introduced species included track transects, a cage trapping transect, radiotracking of animals transferred between exclosures, remote scanning plates and opportunistic trapping. Track transects Dry conditions and removal of animals for release into expansion areas may have contributed to the decline in track activity recorded for the Greater Bilby in 2002 (Fig. 10). Sixteen bilbies were relocated from the Main Exclosure of the Reserve in 2002 into the first and northern expansions. Burrowing Bettongs were also relocated but not until after the last track count for Conversely, track activity in the first expansion increased during 2002 (Fig. 11) as transferred animals began to breed and spread throughout the new expansion areas. 20

21 Tracks per km May-00 Aug-00 Nov-00 Feb-01 May-01 Aug-01 Nov-01 Feb-02 May-02 Aug-02 Nov-02 tracks per km SNR BB GB WBB 0 Figure 10: Tracks per km of re-introduced species within the 14 sq km main exclosure of the Reserve. Total distance of walking transects is approximately 10km SNR BB GB 2 0 Apr-02 May-02 Jun-02 Jul-02 Aug-02 Sep-02 Figure 11: Tracks per km of re-introduced species within the 8 sq km first expansion. Total distance of walking transects is approximately 5.5km. Annual Cage Trapping 84 permanent trap sites have been established adjacent to roads in the main exclosure and are trapped for one night each every September, total trap nights 84 (Table 3). Trap success refers to individuals only, re-captures within a session are excluded. During the annual monitoring in 2002, bilbies and bandicoots were recorded for the first time. Bettongs made up the majority of captures. Bettongs are extremely trap happy and easy to trap. They also frequently travel along the tracks within the Reserve which may increase their likelihood of capture. 21

22 Table 3: Trap success of re-introduced species during the Main Exclosure annual cage trapping. Species 2001 trap success 2002 trap success Bettongia lesueur 26% 24% Macrotis lagotis 0% 2.4% Leporillus conditor 2.4% 2.4% Perameles bougainville 0% 1.2% Total trap success 28.6% 30.1% Greater Stick-nest Rat The Greater Stick-nest Rat (Leporillus conditor) is a native rodent that was once widespread in arid and semi-arid areas. After European settlement stick-nest rats became extinct on the mainland and survived naturally on only two off-shore islands in S.A. DEH (NP&W SA) conducted a re-introduction program for the stick-nest rat which successfully re-introduced the rats to 3 off-shore islands. However, despite several attempts at re-introduction on the mainland, the Arid Recovery Reserve is currently the only successful mainland re-introduction site. 100 Greater Stick-nest Rats were released into the main exclosure in April and June Rats are monitored through trapping at nest sites, opportunistic trapping and track transects. Thirty one rats were captured during 2002 during trapping at 20 permanent nest sites. Despite the dry conditions some juveniles were trapped but track transects indicate that rat numbers gradually declined during 2002 inside the main exclosure (Fig. 10). Track transects and radio-tracking data indicate that rats undergo a summer die-off each year followed by a gradual increase in numbers over the winter months after breeding. The dry conditions experienced in 2002 probably led to lower levels of winter breeding but all 20 monitored nest sites remained active. Tail tips collected from stick-nest rats within the Reserve are being analysed by a PhD student from La Trobe University to help determine the size and genetic diversity of founder populations in the Reserve and nest fidelity at the 20 permanent nest sites. Fifteen stick-nest rats (9 female, 6 male) were translocated from the main exclosure to the first expansion area in August There was a gradual increase in the incidence of tracks in the first expansion during 2002 (Fig. 11). Stick-nest rat distribution is heavily dependent upon the location of suitable nest sites as they prefer thick cover at ground level when building nests. The location of suitable substrate is patchily distributed within the Reserve and the majority of prime nest locations inside the main exclosure are now occupied. Plans are in place to re-locate some stick-nest rats into the northern expansion area in 2003 where large patches of suitable nesting habitat are found. Stick-nest rat tracks have already been observed in the northern expansion area and in areas outside the Reserve as the rats are able to climb the fence and disperse naturally. 22

23 Burrowing Bettong 30 Burrowing Bettongs from Bernier Island in W.A. were released between October 1999 and September 2000 into the 14 square km main exclosure of the Reserve. Bettongs bred continuously from release until October The very dry conditions recorded in 2002 resulted in a slowing of reproductive activity during the year but some females were still being captured with pouch young. Eight bettongs were translocated into the first expansion in late 2001 and there are currently 26 individuals known to be alive in that area. A further 27 animals from the main exclosure were translocated into the 30 square km northern expansion in October and November A total of 123 new Roxby-born bettongs have been captured in the Reserve since first release and the current population estimate stands at between 150 and 200 individuals (Fig 1). Recent home range analysis indicates that the current average home range of females within the Reserve is approximately 30 hectares (Fig. 12). Females occupied between 1 and 4 warrens during the 3 months study with most females using 1 burrow most of the time. Warrens within the Reserve range from 1 to 11 entrances. Bettongs were not using habitat randomly with more fixes in dune habitat than expected from the habitat distribution. Dune edges were used extensively and the majority of warrens were situated in this habitat. More than 100 warrens have been mapped within the Reserve. Bettongs in the first expansion made extensive use of the area immediately around the field station probably searching for water or scraps that are occasionally found there when the field station is occupied. During 2002, an ejected bettong pouch young was hand raised by a Native Animal Network representative in Roxby Downs. The bettong was successfully reintroduced to the Reserve during late 2002 following a period of acclimatisation which included supplementary feeding, exposure to natural foods during rearing, radio-tracking after release and regular weighing. Figure 12: Home range of female bettongs within the Reserve. Only the Main and First Expansion areas are shown. 23

24 A Roxby-born Burrowing Bettong released into the Northern Expansion during 2002 Greater Bilby 9 (5F,4M) Greater Bilbies from the Monarto Breeding Facility were released into the main 14 square km exclosure at Roxby Downs in April A further 2 animals (1M,1F) were released in October 2001 (into the first expansion) and 3 animals in July 2002 (2F,1M into the northern expansion). Total animals released to date is 14 (8F,6M). Since release 51 new Roxby born individuals have been captured (April 2000-August 2002). Continual reproduction was recorded between release in April 2000 and February 2002 and bilby numbers increased considerably during that time (Fig. 1). During this period bilbies were transferred between the main exclosure and adjacent expansion areas of the Reserve. 13 Bilbies (7M,6F) were transferred from the main exclosure to the first expansion in late 2001-early 2002 and a further 3 Bilbies (3M,3F) were transferred from the main exclosure to the northern expansion in mid Less than 50mm of rain was recorded in 2002 at Roxby and conditions were extremely dry. Breeding slowed considerably in all animals including bilbies, bandicoots and bettongs. The decline in reproduction and the removal of 16 individuals for transfer to expansion areas has led to a decline in bilby tracks within the main exclosure. A capture of a female bilby in the main exclosure in September 2002 revealed a small pouch young and juvenile bilby tracks and one juvenile capture was recorded in January However, bilby diggings, active burrows and tracks are still seen throughout the entire main exclosure and most parts of the first expansion. Bilbies are also regularly seen during spotlighting within the main exclosure although counts have declined from up to 14 a night during the summer 2001/02 to 1-5 per night recently. Tracks within the first expansion have increased recently possibly due to the addition of an artificial soak in the area or because bilby activity or numbers have increased in response to being transferred to a new 24

25 previously bilby-free area. No bilbies have been captured in the first expansion since release but juvenile tracks have been recorded. The large northern expansion has pockets of bilby activity spread evenly throughout the dunes. A bilby burrow within the main exclosure. Burrow activity is being monitored to determine if it can be correlated with bilby density. Western Barred Bandicoot Ten Western-barred Bandicoots were re-released into the 8ha release pen of the Reserve in May 2001 after quarantine at Adelaide Zoo. Three bandicoots subsequently died from collar-related deaths or natural causes and the seven remaining bandicoots utilised the leaf litter of a variety of overstorey species for their nest sites with favoured species including Dodonaea viscosa. Radio-tracking data collected before the collars were removed indicated that dune habitat was favoured by bandicoots. Juvenile bandicoots were first captured in late October 2001 and 8 young were captured between 24 th October 2001 and April No juvenile bandicoots or pouch young have been recorded since this time, probably due to the very dry conditions. Three additional captive-bred animals from Monarto were released into a smaller release pen in April Holes were cut in the sides of the main release pen in April 2002 and the small release pen in September 2002 to allow bandicoots free access to the main 14 square km Reserve. One trap death was recorded in mid 2002 leaving a maximum of 17 bandicoots present in the Reserve. Track transects, trapping and scanning plate data have shown that only two original release female bandicoots still inhabit the release pens and both animals use the holes in the side of the pen to access outside areas. The remaining bandicoots gradually left the release pen and current track transects indicate at least 7 known nest/activity sites outside the release pen (Fig. 13). Scanning plates were buried opportunistically around these known sites to determine the occupants. Two bandicoots have been identified outside the release pen using remote scanning and an additional 2 bandicoots have been trapped. All four bandicoots (3 males, 1 female) are Roxbyborn individuals which were born and first captured whilst the original release animals were in the release pen. 25

26 Figure 13: Western-barred Bandicoot Tracks 26

27 Research Five research students completed 10 week scholarship programs at the Arid Recovery Project during These included Anthony Pieck and Serena DeJong who studied the home range and activity of rabbits and implications for control, Tyrone Lavery who compared soft and hard release protocols for burrowing bettongs, Graeme Finlayson who studied the influence of density on home range size of bettongs and Bree Galbraith who used scanning plates to determine if bilby density can be estimated through burrow activity. Additionally, two research papers were accepted for publication in Scientific Journals in 2002 and two are awaiting review. These journal articles include: The comparative dietary preferences of the Greater Stick-nest Rat and European Rabbit. Sarah Ryan, Katherine Moseby and Dr David Paton. Accepted by Australian Journal of Mammalogy (Funding provided by Nature Foundation S.A.). Re-introduction of the Bilby to northern S.A: survival, ecology and notes on re-introduction protocols. Katherine Moseby and Erin O Donnell. Accepted by Wildlife Research (Funding obtained from the Wildlife Conservation Fund) The activity of Sand Goannas and their predation on the re-introduced Greater Stick-nest Rat at Roxby Downs, Northern S.A. Julia Bolton and Katherine Moseby. Awaiting review by Pacific Conservation Biology. Influence of drought, landform and different herbivore grazing on survival of Bladder Saltbush and Low Bluebush. John Read. Awaiting review by Journal of Arid Environments. An additional 7 scientific papers are being prepared for publication during Trial re-introduction of the Greater Stick-nest Rat in arid South Australia; shelter preferences, home range and impacts on perennial plant species. Katherine Moseby and Jackie Bice. To be submitted to The S.A. Naturalist in early 2003 The Diet of Burrowing Bettongs and Greater Bilbies re-introduced into the Arid Recovery Reserve, northern S.A. Jackie Bice and Katherine Moseby. To be submitted to Australian Mammalogy in 2003 (Funding obtained from the Nature Foundation). The comparative use of rabbit, bilby and bettong warrens by native species. Judith Carter, John Read, Katherine Moseby, Aaron Greenville (Funding obtained by the NHT Rabbit Abatement Program). The home range and habitat use of the European rabbit: implications for control. Katherine Moseby, Serena DeJong, Anthony Pieck, Nicki Munro (Funding obtained from the NHT rabbit abatement program). Home range of Burrowing Bettongs: the influence of density and supplementary food. Graeme Finlayson and Katherine Moseby. 27

28 Percentage of fixes Percentage of fixes Control and exclusion of feral cats and foxes in northern S.A.: designing an effective fence and comparing audio and olfactory lures. Katherine Moseby and Rob Selfe Seedling germination and growth rates of selected perennial species under rabbit, cattle and native mammal grazing regimes. Nicki Munro and Katherine Moseby. Funding obtained from the Native Vegetation Fund Research was conducted by Arid Recovery staff and research scholarship on a range of new and ongoing projects in 2002 including the following: The home range and habitat use of the European rabbit: implications for control. Funding obtained from the NHT rabbit abatement program. Rabbits were radio-collared during both winter and summer to determine changes in activity and home range size. Results suggest that rabbits spend a significant proportion of their time outside their warrens even during summer (Figs. 14 and 15). Control methods which include fumigation of warrens should target times of least activity between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Even during these times the probability of a rabbit being down its warren is only about 50%. 100% % 60% 40% 20% 0% Warren Active Time Figure 14: Winter activity of radiocollared rabbits. Numbers above the bars refers to the total sample size of fixes for that time category. 100% % 60% 40% Warren Active 20% 0% Time 28

29 Percentage Figure 15: Summer activity of radiocollared rabbits. Numbers above the bars refers to the total sample size of fixes for that time category. Home range of Burrowing Bettongs: the influence of density and supplementary food. The density of bettongs in the main exclosure is approximately twice that of the first expansion. 10 female bettongs were radio-tracked in the main exclosure and first expansion to compare activity and home range size at two different densities. Home range size in both areas was approximately 30ha with activity in the first expansion focussed on the field station site where bettongs occasionally had access to supplementary food and water. Habitat use was similar in both areas with significantly more time spent on the dune habitat than expected due to chance (Fig.16) Fixes Available habitat Swale Dune Swale Dune First Expansion Main Exclosure Figure 16: Percentage of Burrowing Bettong radio-tracking fixes in swale and dune habitat compared to habitat area. Standard errors were calculated for the 5 females in the main exclosure and 5 in the first expansion. Burrowing characteristics of the Trilling Frog, Neobatrachus centralis. Sufficient rain fell in late 2001 for burrowing frogs to emerge within the Reserve. After a few days, frog activity declined and frogs began burrowing back into the ground leaving a distinctive mark on the surface. 20 random burrow sites on dunes were marked with metal pins with each site marking 2 burrows within 10m of each other. One of each pair of burrows was dug up immediately in October 2001 to determine the depth of burrow. The remaining burrow of each pair was left for 4 months until the end of February 2002 and dug up to determine the burrow depth. The average burrow depth on dunes immediately after burrowing was 66cm with a max of 107cm. After 4 months of dry conditions the average burrow depth was 107cm with a max of 193cm. Seedling germination and growth rates of selected perennial species under rabbit, cattle and native mammal grazing regimes. Funding obtained from the Native Vegetation Fund Funding was obtained from the Native Vegetation Fund at DEH to determine the number and growth rate of selected plant seedlings at sites under a variety of grazing regimes. These included rabbit grazing only, cattle and rabbit grazing, grazing by reintroduced mammal species and no grazing by rabbits, cattle or re-introduced species. 29

30 % baits taken/available bait nights Plant species targeted were those known to be preferred by rabbits, stock or reintroduced species and include Mulga (Acacia aneura), Native Plum (Santalum lanceolatum), Native Apricot, Bullock Bush (Alectryon oleifolius), Cassia (Senna artemisioides), Umbrella Wattle, (Acacia ligulata) and Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa). Results to date were outlined in the earlier vegetation monitoring section. Using remote scanning technology to investigate burrow activity of Greater Bilbies: Can population size be estimated by counting active burrows? Bilbies are difficult to trap in the Arid Recovery Reserve due to trap shyness and Burrowing Bettongs entering traps first. Population size needs to be estimated using alternative methods such as track transects and burrow use. This study used a remote microchip scanning plate placed at the entrance of burrows to record the timing and use of burrows by individual bilbies. Results to date suggest that bilbies often use a minimum of five burrows at any one time and that a burrow may be used by up to 3 bilbies. Results during 2002 are now being reviewed and the project will be continued in Feral cat baiting trials- Factors influencing the uptake of different bait types by target and non-target species In conjunction with the aerial baiting trials conducted in June 2002, a number of bait uptake trials were also performed. Baits were placed on dune and swale habitat both out in the open and on the ground within bushes. Baits were checked each morning and the percentage taken recorded. Cats took more baits from dune habitat and from within bushes (Fig. 17). Corvids took on average 57% of the baits but this figure was high because corvids were learning to follow researchers as they set up bait stations Site 1 Site 2 Site Open Within Open Within Swale Dune Figure 17: Bait uptake by cats from Dune and Swale habitat at three different study sites. Baits were placed either out in the open or on the ground within bushes. During the aerial baiting trial, some radio-collared cats died from fox baits. To investigate differences in uptake of fox and cat baits a trial was conducted comparing uptake of sausage cat baits, buried fox baits and unburied fox baits. Results were inconclusive due to the low number of cat visits to bait stations. However, results did indicate that surface baits are taken faster than buried baits and that cats will take surface fox baits. More tests will be conducted during 2003 to further investigate the uptake of fox baits by feral cats. 30

31 Percentage per available bait night Fox Corvid Unknown Sp. Cat Medium Bird Raptor Native Small Mammal 0 Sausage Bait on Surface (n=301) Fox Bait on surface (n=271) Fox Bait Buried (n=380) Figure 18: Percentage bait uptake over 4 nights for three different bait types The effect of soft and hard release protocols on the movement and condition of re-introduced Burrowing Bettongs Burrowing bettongs were released into the northern expansion under two release protocols; a hard release of 8 animals directly into the area and a soft release of 6 animals where animals were placed within a 2ha release pen with supplementary food and water and artificially dug burrows. After 3 weeks, the soft release animals were allowed access to the northern expansion through holes cut in the sides of the release pen. Differences in the distances moved after release, the condition of the animals and how far they settled from the release pen were compared. Soft release animals moved on average 1km from the release pen compared to an average of 2km for hard release animals. Soft release animals did not lose weight immediately after release but hard release animals lost up to 8% of their body weight. However, both soft and hard release individuals experienced similar changes in body condition. Hard release animals took longer to settle down into one burrow system and continued to move between burrows for an average of 18 days compared to soft release animals which generally stopped moving between burrows after 12 days. All re-introduced animals survived after release but soft release animals appeared to move shorter distances, maintain body weight and settle into burrow systems sooner. Additionally hard release animals were more likely to be found on the surface after release than soft release animals increasing their chance of predation. Comparative thermal properties of nests and burrows within the Arid Recovery Reserve. Study to be conducted in Extreme temperatures are recorded during the summer months at Roxby Downs with high mortality recorded in Stick-nest Rats during extended hot periods. Radio-collars and tail transmitters fitted with temperature sensors will be placed on individual rats, bilbies and bettongs to determine how temperature influences activity and mortality. Temperatures inside and outside nest and burrow sites will be recorded during a range of ambient temperatures. Daily peaks and troughs in temperature will be investigated and the position of nests and burrows will be compared with their insulation properties. 31

32 Biological monitoring sites The monitoring of plants and animals within the Arid Recovery Reserve increased significantly during 2002 from 371 to 474 (Table 4) and now includes extra control sites established within the second expansion area. The number and length of track transects were also increased in 2002 to include monitoring for aerial baiting around the Reserve and native track transects within the first expansion. Table 4: 2002 monitoring sites in the Arid Recovery Reserve, detailing type and number. Type of monitoring site Method Freq. No. Reason Plant Jessop transects, step point, species list, photopoint and abundance Annual 34 Investigate regeneration of native plants after removal of rabbits and domestic stock Plant small exclosures Annual 4 Investigate effect of stick-nest rats on survival and recruitment of Gunniopsis quadrifida Plant small exclosures Annual 3 Investigate effect of stick-nest rats on vegetation in preferred habitat areas. Plant seedling counts Annual 280 Investigate impact of stock, rabbits and reintroduced species on recruitment of seven perennial plant species. Small vertebrates pitfall sites Annual 34 Investigate response of native animals to removal of introduced herbivores and predators Birds bird transects Annual 12km Investigate response of birds to removal of feral cats and rabbits including increases in structure and vegetation cover and lower predation levels. Birds mist netting Annual 3 Investigate site fidelity, longevity and habitat preference of native bird species Feral cats, foxes, rabbits Feral cats, foxes, rabbits Re-introduced species Re-introduced species spotlight transect Quarter 34km Investigate the temporal changes in feral animals around the Reserve fenceline track transects Month 9 Determine the efficacy of aerial baiting trials around the outside of the Reserve track transects Quarter 15km Investigate temporal changes in abundance of SNR, BB, GB and WBB in main and 1 st expansion trapping transect Annual 84 sites Annual trapping to determine population increase European Rabbit radio tracking Opport. 20 To determine home range size and activity outside Reserve in order to maximise control techniques Stick-nest Rats nest sites Six month 19 Trapping to determine nest fidelity and relatedness at nest sites. Greater Bilbies radio tracking Opport. 3 Investigate post-release survival in the northern expansion area. Burrowing Bettongs radio tracking Opport. 30 Investigate home range in the main exclosure and first expansion area and soft vs hard release in the northern expansion area. Western-barred Bandicoots scanning plates Opport. 2 Investigate survival after re-introduction into the main exclosure Total monitoring sites in 2001 = 371, total 2002 = 474 Total animals radio tracked in 2001 = 64, total 2002 = 53 32

33 Small vertebrate pitfall sites are located at vegetation monitoring sites and are trapped annually to determine changes in the abundance and diversity of small reptiles and mammals. There are 12 sites situated inside the main exclosure of the Reserve and 11 situated outside. An additional 7 sites are now located within the second expansion control site. A total of 768 small mammals and reptiles were captured during the 2002 survey from the 30 sites, a trap success of 30.4%. Results from the first three years of animal trapping (pitfall and Elliott traps) have revealed little difference in native mammal captures between sites inside and outside the exclosure (Fig. 19). However, during 2001 significantly higher numbers of native mammals were recorded at sites within the Reserve than outside (t=2.482, df=21, P<0.05). During 2002 the difference between captures at inside and outside sites was even more pronounced with an average of 27 small mammals captured per site inside compared to 6.5 outside. The majority of these captures were spinifex hopping mice, Notomys alexis and Bolams mice, Pseudomys bolami. The 2002 trapping was conducted in February after good seasonal conditions during Numbers inside the Reserve may reflect the abundance of grass and vegetation cover since the removal of rabbits and may also reflect lower predation rates within the Reserve. Interestingly, the number of house mice at sites inside and outside the Reserve were not significantly different and may reflect the transient and ephemeral nature of the species. Native mammals are more likely to be resident in the area than house mice which will build up in number in good seasons and disperse through the Reserve and surrounding areas inside outside Fig. 19: Average number of small native mammals captured at inside and outside pitfall and Elliott sites over the 4 nights of trapping. Total number of sites was 12 inside and 11 outside. Bars indicate standard error. 33

34 inside outside Figure 20: Average captures of introduced house mice, Mus domesticus, at inside and outside sites. Total inside sites is 12 and outside is 11. Bars indicate standard error. Reptile captures also showed little difference in captures between inside and outside sites during the first few years of trapping. However, recent capture results show less reptile captures within the Reserve than outside, an opposite trend to the native mammals (Fig. 21). Some reptile species may be favoured by sparse vegetation cover and many reptiles respond to change in vegetation structure rather than vegetation cover. During 2003, reptile data will be analysed further to determine if any individual species are responding inside outside Figure 21: The average number of reptiles captured at inside and outside sites. Bars indicate standard error. 34

35 Bird numbers are monitored in April each year by the University of Adelaide. Results have not yet been analysed but bird species richness and abundance of some species are thought to be higher within the Reserve. Dry conditions during 2002 led to few notable bird records within the Reserve however a grey fantail was recorded inside the Reserve on three separate occasions. Barn Owls, Frogmouths and Boobook Owls are commonly seen inside the Reserve during spotlighting despite fewer records of these species in surrounding areas. Pellets have been collected and sent to the museum for analysis to determine if they are feeding on any of the re-introduced species. Although difficult to verify, increased numbers of Barn Owls could be expected considering the high number of small native mammals now found inside the Reserve. Barn owls, Boobook Owls and Tawny Frogmouths (pictured) are now frequently seen roosting inside the Reserve. Publicity, education and community awareness More than 250 known media items have been generated by the Arid Recovery Project since 1997 with 47 items of publicity recorded in 2002 (Table 5). Highlights included an article in the U.K. Financial Times about the Arid Recovery Project, a student essay featured in the Advertiser, an interview on the National ABC Sunday Program and an outline of the project in the international Earthwatch Brochure. Students from around Australia were involved in the project in 2002 through National Science Week talks at Port Pirie and Adelaide and visits from students and/or staff from Melbourne Uni, Adelaide University, Marree School, Muiriden College, Roxby Downs Area School, Urrbrae High School and La Trobe University. The Arid Recovery project is increasingly featured on WMC itineraries for visitors including project tours and BBQ s. Other visits this year included Marree and Marla/Oodnadatta soil boards, Arid Lands Water Board, State Labour MPs, Japanese Aerospace Lab, Animal and Plant Control Commission, Academy of Engineering, University of Adelaide students, Tidy Towns, Californian Conservation Corps and the Northern Industries Environment Forum. The Friends group web page has been 35

36 updated and now provides an on-line comprehensive guide to the project. Tours of the project are being run by the Friends Group through the Visitor Information Centre in Roxby Downs. Friends group volunteers lead groups on an interpretive walk to the viewing platform at sunset followed by time in the viewing hide to observe nocturnal fauna. Table 5: Known items of publicity generated by the project in 2002 Medium Date Media Group Item Radio Feb 12 th, 2002 May 2002 June, 2002 June, 2002 Melbourne ABC ABC regional ABC regional ABC National Sunday program Interview re: wbbs and Aust. Geo. Aerial baiting trials Aerial baiting trials Interview re project aims and progress August 5, 2002 ABC regional Aerial baiting trial results (preliminary) interview with Bree distributed as news reading by presenter. July, 2002 ABC regional Interview with Nicki and Jodie about recent bilby release, genetic diversity and Monarto s captive breeding facilities (3 sessions). Oct 1, 2002 Oct 2, 2002 Nov 22, CK Port Pirie ABC Regional 5CK Port Pirie ABC Regional 5CK Port Pirie ABC Regional Radio interview with Nicki regarding an update on the project Interview with Katherine tours of the project Radio Interview with Seonie re: National Australia Bank Award received by ARP. Jan 16, 2003 ABC Radio (Adelaide) Interview with Nicki Munro focussing on drought conditions at ARP and the success of Bouncy Bettong. Feb, 2003 ABC Radio-regional Interview with Nicki Munro re annual trapping Print Jan, 2002 Dam News Aerial baiting trials article Feb, 2002 Rangeland Newsletter Article on visit to project Mar, 2002 WMC Annual Report ARP Mar, 2002 S.A. Great publications ARP listed as winner of S.A. Great Award May, 2002 Environmental Institute of Aust Outline of talk by Nicki Munro on the project Mar, 2002 Aust Geographic Update on bandicoots at ARP Mar, 2002 Ethical Investment Co Article on their sponsorship of bandicoots Apr, 2002 Dam News Article on Bilby burrow scanning project May, 2002 Dam News Article on aerial baiting May 3, 2002 Dam News Article on release of young bandicoots May 2002 Northern Sun Article on aerial baiting May 2002 Financial Times in UK Article on bilbies May 2002 WMC shareholder review ARP photo 36

37 May 2002 WMC sustainability report ARP outline June 2002 Landcare Yearbook Article on the project July, 2002 Red Dunes 2 articles on cat baiting results and recent bilby release July 26, 2003 Northern Sun Article on new release of bilbies at ARP Sept 20, 2002 Dam News Camp out for ARP Open Day Oct 4, 2002 Northern Sun ARP Open Day photo ARP Team Oct 4, 2002 Northern Sun ARP Open Day article Oct 18, 2002 Dam News Dam News article on Open Day Oct 18, 2002 The Dam News FARP Named SA s top volunteers Oct 25, 2002 Red Dunes Red Dunes article on Open Day Oct 29, 2002 The Advertiser Minding the Outback student science essay on ARP by Lara Burgstad. Oct 30, 2002 Oct, 2002 CSIRO Sustainability Network Newsletter Earthwatch Institute Brochure Overview of project and visit by Elizabeth Heij, including web link. Outline of ARP Earthwatch project Nov 1, 2002 The Northern Sun ARP wins state National Australia Bank award Nov 2, 2002 Dam News WMC Open Day ARP stall Nov 15, 2002 Dam News Call for FARP meeting and photo of National Australia Bank Community Link award presentation Nov 29, 2002 Dam News Tidy Towns Awards Environmental Action and Education award to ARP Dec 3, 2002 The Advertiser KESAB Tidy Towns Awards Dec 13, 2002 The Northern Sun KESAB Tidy Towns article ARP Environmental Action and Education Award. TV Feb 2002 Clive Taylor Footage of Wbbs and BBs Nov, 2002 Discovery Channel Documentary on ARP by Canadian Company Nov, 2002 Feb 2003 ABC Clive Taylor Ten Million Wildcats aired on TV Footage of annual pitfall trapping The project increased its public awareness and education campaign during 2002 with information disseminated to a wider audience through a range of media (Table 6). Table 6: Education and awareness initiatives generated by the project during 2002 and to date (from 1998) Type of publication or activity Details Target audience Total to date 2002 Info brochures General public Info displays Glendambo Field Day Pastoralists 1 37

38 Talks Scientific Conferences National Parks festival General public 3 Environmental Expo General public 1 Roxby Downs Market Day Roxby Downs community 7 1 WMC Family Day Mining community 3 1 Roxby Pageant Float Roxby Downs community 2 1 World Environment Day School children 4 National Science Week School children 2 1 Olympic Dam Expansion WMC employees 1 Eclipse at Roxby Downs General Public 1 1 Friends of the Arid Botanic Gard. Natural Resource Management Forum Conservationists 3 Pastoralists 1 National Parks Forum National Parks staff 1 World Environment day Northern Industries Forum Roxby Downs school students Mining and industry delegates Field Naturalist Society Roxby Downs community 1 Friends of Parks Forum General public 1 Environment Institute Professionals 1 1 Adelaide Investigator Centre School/Uni students 1 1 Roxby Downs Area School School students 1 1 Resource 2000 Mining Scientific community Mammal Society of Australia Scientific community 1 Ecological Society of Australia Australian Rangelands Society Australian Wildlife Management Scientific community 1 Scientific community 2 1 Scientific community 1 Birds Australia Scientific community 1 Australasian Vertebrate Pest Scientific community 1 Earthwatch Conference Scientific community and General Public Australian Vet Conference Veterinarians 1 1 University camps University of Adelaide University students 6 1 University of South Australia University students 2 School educational School children and

39 visits University students Green Corp/CVA Youth 5 1 Indigenous training camps Open days, working bees Aboriginal groups 4 2 Friends members, general public 12 3 Media articles General public Permanent Displays Visitors 3 1 Volunteers and community involvement Over 430 people have actively assisted the Arid Recovery Project on a voluntary basis since its inception in July Participants came from a wide range of backgrounds and include: Friends members and volunteers >150 WMC Resources staff- 17 University of Adelaide students- 88 University of S.A. students- 26 National Parks staff and Government staff- 10 CVA/Greencorp trainees- 93 Members of Indigenous organisations- 60 Friends of the Arid Recovery Project The Friends of the Arid Recovery Project now has over 170 member households with members from as far a field as W.A. and New Zealand. Membership includes WMC employees, primary, secondary and tertiary students, local pastoralists and soil boards, general public, National Parks Friends groups and employees, 4WD Clubs, Australian Geographic and local businesses. The Friends group produces a quarterly newsletter which is distributed to all members and sponsors. The group coordinates volunteer involvement in the project, organises fundraisers and conducts working bees. Fundraisers during 2002 included commissioning a painting of the Reserve by renowned artist Kaye Kessing. Posters and limited edition signed framed prints of the painting are being sold by the Friends group as well as t-shirts, caps and hats depicting scenes from the painting. Other activities organised by the Friends group this year included an open day at the project in September, night tours, assisting with feeding at the hide and release pen, coordinating 4 volunteer research student projects and assisting with the first aerial cat baiting trials in S.A. During 2002, the Friends group applied for 6 grants (Table 7) and received or secured over $ Many local businesses also sponsored the Arid Recovery Project through the use of their goods and services. Macro Meats (kangaroo meat producers) are donating 15% of the profits of kangaroo sales above base sale levels in Roxby 39

40 Downs to the Arid Recovery Project. The Arid Recovery Project supports the ecologically sustainable harvesting of kangaroos for meat production and always purchases kangaroo meat for Friends group functions and visitor BBQs Table 7 : Grants applied for and monies received/secured by the Friends Group during 2002 Grant Amount Received (or secured) Friends of Parks- fox/cat traps INRM Not yet known NHT Envirofund Friends of Parks- CVA team Native Veg Fund- seedling project Wildlife Conservation Fund Total Indigenous Training Camps ARP hosted two training camps for indigenous groups during During April, 20 Anangu from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands in Northern S.A. visited the project for a week on a look and learn visit. Activities included night spotlighting and bilby catching, demonstrations on rabbit control and feral-proof fencing and searching for stick-nest rat nest sites and bilby burrows. ARP staff and Anangu exchanged information on the re-introduced species as some Anangu could remember when bilbies and bettongs still inhabited the Pitjantjatjara Lands. During August, a group from the Pt Augusta TAFE indigenous studies group attended a training session at Arid Recovery. Training included trapping and handling mammals, fencing, rabbit control and spotlighting. Four Arid Recovery Indigenous training camps and look and learn visits have been conducted to date and have been extremely successful. Visits will continue during 2003 with a group from Arnhem Land in the NT potentially visiting the site. 40

41 TAFE Aboriginal Land Management group and ARP staff during training at the Reserve Conservation Volunteers Australia A CVA (Conservation Volunteers Australia) group worked at the Arid Recovery Project for two weeks in September The group was part of an exchange program with the Californian Conservation Corp in the USA. The Friends group had applied for an assistance grant from CVA through the Commonwealth Bank Lend a hand scheme and was successful in securing one weeks worth of work by a CVA team. The Friends group added an additional paid week and the volunteers assisted with jobs such as clearing a firebreak around the fence and building a release pen in the northern expansion. A group from the Californian Conservation Corp who assisted with monitoring and fence maintenance at the Reserve in

42 University of Adelaide Three groups from the University of Adelaide visited the project during One group visited Roxby Downs to trap hopping mice for a post-graduate project and another group of third year students conducted a one week research project on bilbies. The third group was led by Dr David Paton and conducted the annual bird monitoring in April Earthwatch The Arid Recovery Project successfully secured Earthwatch Funding during 2002 with Earthwatch trips due to start in April Earthwatch is an international organisation where volunteers pay to assist with research projects around the world. Two trips will be run each year consisting of up to 10 volunteers for 12 days. Both 2003 trips are currently fully booked and volunteers will assist with a range of projects at Arid Recovery. More than $ has been secured by the project for 2003 through Earthwatch funding. Awards The Arid Recovery Project was successful in receiving 3 awards in 2002; The National Australia Bank Community Link Award ($7500), highly commended in the Best Wildlife Project category from Friends of Parks ($100) and the KESAB Award for Environmental Education. ARP also featured in a talk presented at the Australian Rangeland Conference which won a $400 award for best paper by a young researcher. The money received from these awards was used to improve volunteer facilities at the project including erecting shade over the accommodation facilities and installing a shed. ARP staff member, Bree Galbraith (second from left) receiving the KESAB award for Environmental Education and Action on behalf on the Friends Group 42