26-Oct-2011

Works were underway at a property on Coochiemudlo Island at the end of October, to control the spread of a number of weeds within a wetland area with the aim of improving the habitat of a large colony of flying foxes.

Black and Grey Headed Flying Foxes, the latter of which is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 , live in relatively great numbers within this wetland. The flying fox roost is found within Coochiemudlo’s biggest remaining privately owned patch of land.

One of the threats to the flying fox colony on the island has been the buildup of a great number of weeds, including Singapore daisy, Umbrella Trees, Cocos Palms, and the well-known Mickey Mouse plant Ochna, which can have a ‘suffocating’ effect on the local ecosystem.

SEQ Catchments Community Partnership Manager for Redlands, Bay, and Islands, Joel Bolzenius, says that the spread of weeds can be very damaging for local ecosystems.

‘‘There are over 20 different species of weeds that have spread in this area that can greatly change the structure of the ecosystem to such an extent that reduces the viability of the flying fox roost. This initial weed management work is taking place over a period of 5 days, and we hope that through ongoing maintenance of the site, that the integrity of this unique remnant ecosystem will be assured.’’ Joel said.

SEQ Catchments has provided funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country program as part of SEQ Catchments’ ‘Flying Fox Project’ to support landholders, Carolyn Brammer and Lindsey Duncan, with weed management on their property.

‘‘Our primary aim over the next few days is to eliminate the weeds on the edges of the property, which will greatly improve the health of this wetland area, including the flying fox roost itself.’’

Mr and Mrs Brammars’ property on Coochiemudlo is currently certified under the Land for Wildlife program, which is a voluntary program for landholders to protect native wildlife and plants on their properties. They commented how drastically their property has changed to when they first moved into the property in the early 1990’s.

‘‘When we first bought the property parts of it were very bare, with very few plants and animals. Gradually over the years we have planted a number of native species and we are pleased to see that it has attracted a great number of wildlife that has built up in the area, including flying foxes.’’ Carolyn said.

‘‘We are happy to get involved and do our bit to manage the property in a way that is better for the local environment. SEQ Catchments has guided us during this process and made us aware of which weeds are the biggest threat and how they can negatively affect flying fox roosts.’’

The couple has been involved in monitoring and protecting the habitat of flying foxes on their property for a number of years and together with other local community groups carry out a bat count on their property on a monthly basis for monitoring purposes.

To find out more about SEQ Catchments’ flying fox project please click here.

SEQ Catchments is a community-based, not-for-profit business that works to protect and restore South East Queensland’s natural environment.

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Further information: Sibel Korhaliller, Communications Officer, 0488 713 340 or skorhaliller@seqcatchments.com.au