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1
“Who’s living on my land?” report for Canyonleigh workshop
Complied by Margot Law (citizen science officer)
Introduction “Who’s living on my land?” is a citizen science project run by the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA
NSW) that aims to increase the participation of landholders in conservation initiatives like habitat
retention and restoration and pest control.
The main objective of the project is to survey private land for wildlife by engaging landholders as citizen
scientists and training them how to use infrared motion detection cameras to document the presence of
native and pest animal species on their property. Landholders are encouraged to use the results of the
survey to alter their land management practice. All the results are uploaded to the NSW BioNET Atlas
which can be accessed by researchers, government and the public.
We trained landholders in camera trapping techniques and deployed fifteen infrared motion detecting
cameras across various private land tenures in the Canyonleigh district to survey local fauna in April 2016.
Nine properties participated in this citizen science project by surveying for wildlife activity on their land
and this report provides an overview of the results.
NPA NSW delivers the ‘Who’s living on my land?’ in partnership with the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative,
Wingecarribee Shire Council, Land for Wildlife, Office of Environment and Heritage and South East Local
Land Services through funding from the Community, Industry and Partnership fund.
Southern Highlands Great Eastern Ranges Link The Southern Highlands region is a crucial East-West link between the Blue Mountains World Heritage
Area and Morton National Park. The area was historically cleared for farming, but more recent urban
expansion has led to further clearing. The Southern Highlands contains a series of significant fragments
of remnant woodland vegetation on private and public land that act as stepping stones for flora and
fauna to move through the landscape.
Fragmentation of habitat can have many negative impacts on native species including; genetic
deterioration (loss of diversity and increased inbreeding); changed landscape processes and disturbance
regimes; increased edge effects; increase abundance of invasive species; and altered species interactions
affecting pollination, seed dispersal, predation and competition. Common vertebrate pest species in the
region include feral deer, foxes, goats, rabbits, cats and pigs. All these species can impact both the
biodiversity value of the region as well as agricultural practices.
Many landholders in the Southern Highlands are working with the Wingecarribee Shire Council, Land for
Wildlife, Great Eastern Ranges and South East Local Land Services to improve the condition of native
vegetation on their properties with the aim of improving the quality of habitat for wildlife through a
range of processes including: fencing out stock from native vegetation; removing invasive weeds, planting
appropriate locally sourced native species; and improving the connectedness of corridors in the area.
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Methods Landholders from the Canyonleigh district
attended a workshop on the 2nd of April 2016 to
participate in the ‘Who’s living on my land?’ survey
(Figure 1). Each participating landholder was
trained to use infrared motion detecting cameras
to survey their land for wildlife. The landholders
were issued one of the two camera models:
Keepguard SG-680 or Reconyx HC500. The cameras
were mounted 1-1.3m above the ground and
focused on a lure station. The lure station
contained a ball of peanut butter, honey, oats and
fish sauce which was replaced twice during the
survey. The lure was encased in a PVC vent cowl
and was secured to the ground with two tent pegs.
Each landholder was instructed to set the camera
to take three photographs when an animal
triggered the camera with an interval of 3 seconds
between triggers. The cameras were deployed for
a fortnight and two checks were conducted within
this time.
As each trigger initiated a set of three
photographs, each set of three photographs is
referred to as a DETECTION EVENT.
Following the completion of the project, the NPA
analysed the images and gathered species
presence data for each property. If wildlife was
captured in an image, then it was sorted into
either native mammal, reptile, bird or introduced
species group and subsequently classified to
species. Some images of wildlife were left
unidentified because of poor image quality.
Photographs of people, livestock and
domesticated animals were excluded from the
survey. False triggers of the camera may be caused
by wind, dappled shading, low hanging branches,
etc.
Discussion of Results Nine properties participated in the Canyonleigh ‘Who’s living on my land?’ wildlife survey. Twenty four species were detected from 10,739 photographs, including eight native mammal species, ten native bird species and six introduced species.
Figure 1. Distribution of 15 cameras in the
Canyonleigh ‘Who’s living on my land?’ Workshop.
Image sourced from Google Earth.
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Native Mammal Results All landholders detected native mammal species on their property (Figure 2). By far the most exciting
result is the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus; see creature feature section), which is a vulnerable species
in NSW.
The most common native mammal species detected in the Canyonleigh survey was the Common Wombat
(Vombatus ursinus; 9 properties) and Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor; 9 properties). Two other
macropods were detected in the survey: Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus; 7 properties) and
Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus; 1 properties).Two types of possums were identified from the
photographs – the Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula; 4 properties) and Common Ringtail
Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus; 2 properties). The only small mammal detected in the survey was a
single Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes).
Figure 2. Native mammal species detected at properties (n=9) participating in the 2016 Canyonleigh
survey.
Native Bird Results We detected ten species of birds in this ‘Who’s living on my land?’ survey, all of which were only detected
at single properties. As this survey is designed to target ground dwelling mammals; it is surprising that
we observed so many bird species. The pair of Spotted Quail Thrush (Cinclosoma punctatum) was the
most unusual bird we found, as it is usually quite shy. The other bird species that we detected in the
survey were:
Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen)
Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata)
Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)
Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)
Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae)
White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica)
White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos)
Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Wombat
Swamp Wallaby
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Brushtail Possum
Ringtail Possum
Red-necked Wallaby
Koala
Bush Rat
Number of properties each species was dected on
Nati
ve M
am
mal Specie
s
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Introduced Species Results We found seven introduced species in the 2016 Canyonleigh ‘Who’s living on my land?’ survey – which
included a mixture of types: carnivores and herbivores; hooved and soft footed; and, large and small
(Figure 3). The most common introduced species were the European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes; 7 properties)
and Fallow Deer (Dama dama; 7 properties). We observed male, female and juvenile Fallow Deer, which
indicates that there is viable breeding populations. European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; 3
properties) and European Hares (Lepus europaeus; 1 property) were only found at a few properties. Feral
cats (Felis catus) were found at a two properties but we observed at least three individuals.
Figure 3. Introduced species detected at properties (n=9) participating in the 2016 Canyonleigh ‘Who’s
living on my land?’ survey.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Red Fox
Fallow Deer
Rabbit
Feral Cat
Black Rat
European Hare
Number of properties each species was dected on
Intr
oduced S
pecie
s
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Creature Feature: Koala Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are one of
Australia’s most iconic species. This tree-dwelling
marsupial inhabits a range of eucalyptus-dominated
environments spanning the length of the Australian
continent from the far northern tropical rainforests
of Queensland right through to the semi-arid
communities of South Australia and in the Southern
Highlands! Primary Koala feed trees in the Southern
Highlands include the Grey Gum (Eucalyptus
punctata), Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) and
Ribbon Gum (E. viminalis).
Koalas occur naturally in four states - Queensland,
New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia - but
the health and status of koala populations differ
substantially across the continent. Victoria and
South Australia have large and thriving koala
populations, unlike Queensland and New South
Wales where koala populations are in decline and
are listed as vulnerable under the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Threats to Koalas The main threat to Koala population survival is
habitat loss and land clearing. When valuable feed
and shelter trees are lost to land clearing; ksoalas
have to travel further on the ground between trees.
Koalas are most vulnerable on the ground, where
they are susceptible to predator attack and car
collisions. Climate change is another significant
threat to Koalas, as it may accelerate extreme
weather events like bushfires and heat waves.
Some Koala populations have a high incidence of
chlamydia which can lead to infertility.
Koalas in the Southern Highlands Koalas have a long history in the Southern
Highlands. The name Koala is derived from the local
Aboriginal word for them – ‘Colo’ - and the first European sighting of a Koala was from the Bargo region
in 1798. Since then, their population has been affected by land clearing for urban and agricultural
development, bushfires and chlamydia.
The Southern Highlands Koala Conservation Project has been researching local Koalas since 2013 in
partnership with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Wingecarribee Shire Council, The
University of Sydney and The Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife. The project monitors the
Southern Highlands Koala population, how they move through the landscape and where their high quality
habitat is. Their research will help authorities inform land management decisions to ensure Koalas
populations are protected. To stay up to date, or to report a Koala sighting – like their Facebook page!
Figure 4. Koala records in the Southern Highlands. Sourced
from the Atlas of Living Australia.
Figure 5. Koala from Canyonleigh ‘Who’s living on my land?’
survey.
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Taking the next step
Found some amazing native species on your land?
There are many fun and creative ways to encourage native species to move in and share your property.
Here are some ideas:
Contact Landcare groups
Landcare adopts a community based approach to habitat management and restoration helping to improve
the sustainability of agricultural and other activities. Get in touch with your local Landcare group for
access to interesting workshops (e.g. weed management, pest management) and learn more about
weeding and planting.
For more information or to find your local landcare group, please visit: www.landcarensw.org.au
Get involved in the ‘Land for Wildlife’ program
This program encourages participation of landholders who own properties with half a hectare or more of
native bush land. The properties can be agriculture land or small blocks of bush. This is completely free
and with no effects on the property title. The ‘Land for Wildlife’ program links landholders with like-
minded people, provide useful information and invitations to workshops.
For more information, please contact Wingecarribee Shire Council or refer to the flyer that we have
included in your pack.
Contact: Karen Guymer (Bushland Project Officer) on 4868 0828 or [email protected]
Start your own animal monitoring program
Keep an eye on what species you have on your property.
There are many websites and smart phone apps out there
that you can use to help you keep a record. For example:
the Atlas of Living Australia or iNaturalist.
Check out the NPA’s ‘Survey Techniques for Citizen
Scientists’ (available at www.npapublications.org.au)
for a one stop shop on animal monitoring techniques
written in plain English.
Initiate your own habitat improvements
You will be surprised how simple steps could make huge
impacts on the habitat and environment. Books can be a
useful resource for the ‘Do-It-Yourself’ enthusiasts. The
books listed below contain some good information on
ways to improve habitat for wildlife and learn more
about wildlife on your land.
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Author(s): David B Lindenmayer Publisher: CSIRO Publishing, 176 pages (Description extracted from CSIRO website) This book brings together extensive scientific learning on what makes a good farm for biodiversity. Based on thirteen years of intensive research, it breaks the discussion into chapters on key environmental and vegetation assets and then discusses how to make these assets better for biodiversity. It is written in an engaging style and includes colour photographs and information boxes. It will be an important reference for landholders, hobby farmers, vineyard owners, naturalists interested in birds and other native animals, people from Catchment Management Authorities, natural resource managers and policy makers.
Author(s): Barbara Triggs Publisher: Oxford Publishing (Description extracted from book vendor website) This book contains hundreds of illustrations and is organized in an accessible format for easy identification of the visible traces left by Australian mammals in their passage. The author provides all the information needed to identify mammals anywhere in Australia, using only the tracks or other signs these animals leave behind. This is an indispensable guide for bushwalkers, naturalists, students, zoologists, and other professionals -- in fact, it will appeal to anyone who ever wanted a better understanding of Australia's unique mammal fauna.
Have you detected pest species on your property?
Pest species have significant impacts on our native species. While habitat improvement initiatives can
encourage a variety of native animals to move into your property, managing pest species is important to
sustain their populations. So, what can you do?
Contact your local council or government agencies for information and assistance
South East Local Land Services (SE LLS) – NSW Government
SE LLS provides advice on pest plant and animal management and focuses on building the knowledge and
skills of landholders and the community. You can join Feral Fighters, an initiative developed by SE LLS,
which seeks to strategically target feral species through community coordinated baiting and control
programs.
For more information, please visit: www.southeast.lls.nsw.gov.au
Local council
Your local council is often a great starting point if you decide to uptake pest management efforts on your
property. They would be able to point you in the right direction and discuss the various options available
8
to you. Informing yourself about the various pest management methods helps to improve your
understanding and hopefully consider pest control.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – NSW Government
DPI provides various resources, information and useful links about pest animal species and their
management.
For more information, please visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/vertebrate-pests
Visit websites for useful resources
The need for effective management of pest species is recognised in both National and State biodiversity
management plans. In light of this, there has been a considerable increase in the number of websites
with useful documents, fact sheets and information about the range of pest species prevalent in Australia.
Invasive Species Council
This website provides information on current projects dealing with pest management, fact sheets, and
other interesting resources surrounding current issues dealing with invasive animal species, weeds and
climate change.
For more information, please visit: www.invasives.org.au
PestSmart
This website has an extensive amount of information on pest animal species. There is a searchable
database containing resources such as research papers, images, and management strategies. Other useful
tools include ‘PestSmart toolkit’ providing guidance on best-practice for pest management, ‘PestMaps’
and many more. You can also download a FREE Mobile App, called ‘Field Guide to Pest Animals of
Australia’.
For more information, please visit: www.pestsmart.org.au/
Use infrared cameras to monitor before and after effects of pest management
Infrared cameras are a great monitoring tool to measure the before and after effects following pest
control activities such as fox baiting or pig baiting.
Using cameras before initiating pest control:
To identify the native species living on your property
To identify the pest species living on your property
To identify the target areas for fox baiting using lures
To identify the potential non-target species (e.g. native species, domestic dogs) visiting the bait
stations
Using cameras after completion of pest control:
Monitor if the density of pest species have decreased significantly after a pest control activity
like baiting (i.e. foxes may colonise freshly baited areas very quickly from adjacent lands)
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Monitor if there is an increase of native species on your property
In instances where more than one feral species were found at a property, it is critical to consider
integrated pest control measures. For example, rabbits are a great food source for the Red fox. Reducing
fox numbers alone may lead to a significant increase in the rabbit population leading to soil erosion (from
burrowing) and severe damage to native vegetation from browsing. Hence, control for both rabbits and
foxes should be considered when undertaking pest management.
Pest control can be both time and resource intensive. It is much more effective and efficient to carry
out pest control initiatives in collaboration with your neighbours. It is highly recommended that you
discuss such options when contacting someone for assistance and speak with your neighbours to pool all
available resources. Collaborative pest control initiatives may prove to be more cost and time efficient.
We wish to thank everyone who generously gave their time to participate in this
project! We have included a selection of images for your enjoyment.
10
A selection of images from the Canyonleigh Survey:
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Native Species Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) Native Species
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) Introduced species Spotted Quail-Thrush (Cinclosoma punctatum) Native Species
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Male Superb Lyre Bird (Menura novaehollandiae) Native Species Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) Native species
Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) Native Species Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Introduced Species