Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
140
Logs
120
100
80
Open
ground
60
40
20
0
0
10
20
30
40
Number of samples
Figure 4.11:
The number of beetle species from open ground and logs in a grassy eucalypt woodland.
the number of beetle species found around logs continues to climb, with twice as
many species found at 30 logs compared with 30 open patches.
Threats to fallen timber and their management
Firewood removal can cause a significant loss and degradation of fallen timber
resources (see Box 4.5). Therefore, careful management to limit the extent of
firewood collection will have positive benefits for farm wildlife. Preventing
firewood contractors from removing fallen timber and cutting down dead standing
trees is the best way to halt the depletion of log resources on a farm. There is also a
need for ongoing lobbying to encourage urban Australians to use alternative kinds
of home heating to firewood. Cool climate cities like Melbourne, Canberra,
Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga import massive quantities of firewood from
threatened woodland environments.
Box 4.4.
A falling fenceline but rising biodiversity
Old fence posts left on the ground to decompose provide important refuges for many
different kinds of animals.
37
In the grasslands of Terrick Terrick National Park, a two-
kilometre fallen fenceline consisting of 270 posts provided habitat for the threatened
Curl Snake. Over a nine-month period, 38 Curl Snakes were observed sheltering
beneath the fence posts. These small (40-60 cm) nocturnal snakes were not the only
animals to use fallen fence posts. Geckos, legless lizards, skinks and frogs all make
use of log refuges.
36
Many of these species spend almost their entire lives sheltering
beneath the same log, or group of logs, and will often forage within a short distance
from their home-site. Old fence posts left on the gound alongside newly established
fences provide small reptiles and native mammals with a habitat corridor.
