Bridal Creeper Control in the Avon River

A project aimed at mapping and control of Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) and Tamarisk, both Weeds of National Significance (WONS), has begun in the Avon river. The aim of the project, funded by the Australian Government,  is to understand the distribution and abundance of these WONS and then develop an effective control program.

Greg Warburton from Wheatbelt NRM began the mapping earlier this month, and has already surveyed more tham 3km of the riverbank in Northam.

"We have plotted more than 200 occurrences of Bridal Creeper so far- and one site with Tamarisk" reported Greg.

'The focus of our efforts so far has been on mapping the Bridal Creeper while it is still lush and green from the recent rain' explained Greg. 'It dies back in summer and goes dormant, so then we'll focus on the Tamarisk'

Some early spraying has been done already.

Bridal Creeper  is a WONS because it can invade intact bushland and then smother the understory beneath its dense canopy. The resulting monoculture is hard to remove and acts as a source of propagules for new infestations.

Image courtesy of Florabase (http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/8779)

The bright red berries are spread readily by small birds.

Control of Bridal Creeper will benefit the plants and wildlife that use the waterway as a home and feeding resource, as well as many cultural sites along the river. This is a real win for the our regions namesake.

This project is specifically about controlling Bridal Creeper in the main channel of the Avon river, but anyone who wants to report an outbreak of Bridal Creeper in their area can email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au

Blind Snakes!

A friendly kitty from Ardath, in the Lockhart sub-catchment of the Avon river, brought in an interesting critter the other day. In its mouth was a Prong-snouted Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops bituberculatus) from the Order Squamata.

 

Natasha from Merredin says these snakes are subterranean, non venomous creatures eating ant pupae and only coming to the surface at night especially after rain. These snakes are known from WA through SA to NSW & Vic. but Ardath would be close to the limit of their western range according to KingSnake.com

With a secretive lifestyle underground, little is known about this snake or the other 42 Australian species. However, we do know they are not actually blind - their eyes are covered by scales to protect them from the ants who's mounds they raid for food.

 Thanks to Natasha and the crew from Ardath for sharing their find!

This is another example of the amazing animals which call the Avon Wheatbelt home. To find out more visit www.wheatbeltNRM.org.au or email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au

Corrigin Wildflower Walk

Earlier this month, Cindy from Corrigin, with help from the Shire of Corrigin, organised a Spring Wildflower Walk near Corrigin in the central wheatbelt. More than 15 people from the local area and beyond joined in the walk, which included a visit to see the Corrigin Grevillea (Grevillea scapigera), which is in flower this time of year.

This unique and interesting low open shrub is an important species for locals to be aware of, as it only grows around the Corrigin area.

After learning more about this plant and its conservation, the group took a walk through the Corrigin Town Reserve to look at the variety of wildflowers that were on show. Many Acacia's and ephemeral annual herbs were in flower, as well as several patches of Enamel Orchids (Thymelitra spp.). A brief snack of fruit and cakes in the bush was a real treat for the kids and adults alike - then back to the wildflowers!

On the way back, several of the kids were lucky enough to see a large green Katydid - a predatory cricket-like invertebrate - sitting on some shrubs. Katydids are quite common and are found all across the south west - providing some entertaining 'songs' throughout the Spring and Summer.

For everyone involved it was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon - with good company and natural surroundings.

This casual get together was part of a plan by Cindy and the Shire to increase the communities involvement in managing the reserve. If the turn-out is any indication of the interest from the community, it likely won't be long until a local 'Friends of Corrigin Reserve' group gets going.

If you are keen to know more about this activity, be part of the Friends of Corrigin Reserve or know about similar events in the Avon, email info@wheatbeltnrm.org.au or call the WheatebltNRM office in Northam on 08 9690 2250.

Lazy Days Lizard

This 'lil fella was seen lurking about in the native plats out the front of the Wheatbelt NRM office in Northam last week!

It's a Shingleback Lizard, (Teliqua rugosa) also often called a Blue Tongue Lizard. They eat flower buds and snails, and are known to form long term bonds with their mates, like some other reptiles.

Cool days with lots of sunshine provide perfect conditions for these lizards to be found sunning themselves on roads and tracks in or near the bush, so keep an eye out when you are on the road!

Interestingly, these reptiles give birth to live young, unlike most other reptiles. Up to three young can be born from a single female!

Glorious Green Gobblers

Anyone in the wheatbelt who left their outside light on over the last few nights has likely been bombarded by large, iridescent flying beetles with rather large mandibles! They are known as Green Carab Beatles (Order: Coleoptera), Stink Beetles or Caterpillar Hunters!!

These shiny beetles have come out of the ground and begun to gather around lights across Australia, ready to meet a mate and begin the next generation of beetles. They might also enjoy a tasty moth or catrpillar as a snack if they can get one!!

Their iridescent colours are created by light that is refracted from fine grooves in their pitted carapace, which is actually black - not green!! Other species across the nation and world are various colours, including red, yellow, blue and green.

Green Carab Beetles are active at night and hunt slow-moving prey such as caterpillars. They can be beneficial as a predator of insect pests, such as armyworms and cutworms. The larvae are also carnivorous.

But, don't get too close - if you do you might get a dose of a foul smelling scent on you. They use this smell to deter predators, and it works a treat. Phew!