Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Incorporate additional structure
. Fallen timber that might otherwise be burnt
can be relocated into tree plantings on outcrops. Similarly, old fence posts and
other wood off-cuts can be placed in plantings to provide shelter sites for small
lizards and invertebrates. Dead shrubs should be retained as this type of
habitat is commonly used by the Olive Legless Lizard.
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Control livestock grazing
. Tree plantings where livestock is excluded have
higher reptile diversity than grazed plantings. Some reptiles such as the Olive
Legless Lizard and the Three-toed Skink are more common in ungrazed tree
plantings than in grazed remnant vegetation. This is because perennial grass
that is left to mature is an important habitat that is usually limited in
agricultural landscapes.
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Summary
Rocky outcrops are critically important environments for native plants and
animals in agricultural areas. They support many specialist species that are rare or
absent elsewhere in farming landscapes. Rocky outcrops need special management
attention to maintain their ecological integrity. Key management practices include
management of grazing pressure by domestic livestock, appropriate fire
management, carefully implemented feral animal control programs, fencing,
appropriate planting programs, and weed control.
Box 5.4. Beelawong - a case study for managing rocky outcrops for
biodiversity conservation
Near the town of Gerogery, in southern New South Wales, Chris and Sue Cain of
'Beelawong' are managing a large granite outcrop to improve the condition of native
vegetation and the conservation of wildlife. In 1997, they constructed a fence around
the base of the outcrop to exclude livestock and commenced an invasive animal
and plant control program.
Poison baits are laid on the property and on the outcrop on a regular basis to
reduce fox numbers and minimise predation of the Inland Carpet Python, a species
of conservation concern which occurs in low population densities on rocky out-
crops in the region. The Cains work closely with their neighbours and the Livestock
Health and Pest Authority (formerly the Rural Lands Protection Board) to control
rabbits on their outcrop. This involves laying poison baits instead of ripping or
imploding rabbit burrows. Invasive exotic plants such as St Johns Wort are spot-
sprayed to help native ground cover plants to recover.
The management of the Cain's outcrop is now relatively passive. Since grazing
was removed, native vegetation has begun to naturally regenerate and today the
rocky remnant supports a diversity of rare and threatened plants.
