In January 2018 the International Ornithological Union  identified a new species of Fairy-wren in Australia.

The Purple-backed Fairy Wren (Malurus assimilis) species was previously a sub-species (Malurus lamberti assimilis) of the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti), a bird (pictured below) which we are familiar with here in the catchment.

But exactly what features determined the need to create a new species?

The March edition of Jim Butler’s Feather Fascination describes the criteria used by ornithologists to identify the Malurus assimilis.

It’s a very interesting read – click here to learn more: Feather Fascination March 2018 

Here’s a wonderful opportunity to chat with carers from groups involved in the rescue and/or rehabilitation of injured and orphaned native animals.

THECA (The Hut Environmental and Community Association) is holding a drop-in session from 9am till 11am on Sunday 25 March with representatives from the RSPCA, BIRO, Wildcare, and Bat Conservation and Rescue Queensland.

They will be happy to answer your questions and chat about the wonderful work they do.

The event will be held at The Hut, 47 Fleming Road, Chapel Hill (opposite the Fleming Road shops).

There’s no need to book – just drop in!

For more info visit the THECA website 

Or check out the flyer: {module_literature,i,184355}

      

      

     

Images taken within the MCCG catchment courtesy of Chris Read, Vicki and Paul Campbell and Ed Frazer

Western suburbs residents may be interested in following the progress of the Mt Coot-tha zipline project.

The Brisbane City Council website contains an artist’s impressions, milestone dates and info about the location and design of three zipline experiences, and – importantly – environmental considerations for the project.

For more info, please click here.

CANE TOAD COLLECTION EVENT FRIDAY 9 MARCH

Brisbane  City Council, in collaboration with the MCCG and the Cubberla-Witton Catchment Network (CWCN),  is running an ADULT CANE TOAD CAPTURE NIGHT. 

The purpose of the event is to supply adult toads for the Cane Toad Challenge (CTC) Team from the University of Queensland (UQ).

As CTC affiliates, we’d like to invite MCCG members to help gather adult toads in support of the CTC program. 

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WHEN?   Friday 9 March, starting at 5.30pm

WHERE? CWCN House, 47-57 Hepworth Street Chapel Hill (click to open Google Maps)

WHAT?    Barbecue from 5:30pm then out into the dark to collect adult toads.

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OR …. BYO TOADS

You are welcome to drop off pre-captured, euthanased toads on the night. Toads must be intact and frozen as per the guidelines below for correct toad euthanasia. Please be mindful that toads are to be caught and euthanased in a manner that causes them as little stress as possible. Wear protective gloves and handle them gently. 

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ABOUT THE CANE TOAD CHALLENGE

CTC is a UQ initiative that aims to support research and development and facilitate the uptake of innovative cane toad control technologies. 

The technology uses cane toad pheromones (baits) in conjunction with traps, to achieve the large-scale capture and removal of cane toad tadpoles from managed waterways such as dams, ponds, streams, creeks. The toxins from the adult toads are used to synthesise baits used in tadpole traps.

Coordinated implementation of tadpole trapping has the potential to dramatically reduce cane toad populations, and alleviate the environmental impact of this toxic invasive pest.

For more information about CTC, please click here.

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HOW TO HUMANELY EUTHANASE CANE TOADS AND CANE TOAD TADPOLES

Prior to attempting the process outlined below, please be sure that the animal you have is a cane toad as shown in the picture and not a native frog that looks similar.

IF YOU AREN’T SURE DO NOT EUTHANASE IT! 

The fridge-to-freezer method is the preferred way to humanely euthanase any toads captured as a part of the CaneToad Challenge. If you follow the steps below exactly, this will ensure that toads and tadpoles experience minimal stress. 

1. Toads/tadpoles should be placed in appropriate containers (e.g. plastic takeaway containers) and clearly labelled. The container should have a layer of paper towel or similar in the bottom to prevent the toads/tadpoles directly contacting cold surfaces.
2. Place toads/tadpoles in the refrigerator and leave them there for a minimum of 12 hours (overnight) to ensure their body temperature reaches that of the fridge.
3. Remove toads/tadpoles from refrigerator and quickly check for any response. Examples include attempting to right themselves when upside down and limb movement. If there are no signs of consciousness, place in the freezer for 48-72 hours to ensure they have completely frozen.
4. Once frozen, toads/tadpoles can be stored as long as required until collection or disposal can be organised. Frozen toads/tadpoles can be disposed of in the household rubbish on bin collection day.

 

PLEASE DO NOT attempt any of the following:

• Placing toads/tadpoles straight in freezer without first chilling them
• Placing toads/tadpoles in direct contact with cold surfaces in fridge or freezer.
• Hitting or use any forceful manner of euthanasia
• Removing the toads/tadpoles prior to complete refrigeration or freezing
• Any other euthanasia method (e.g. sprays, Dettol, decapitation etc.).

Failure to follow the recommended euthanasia method may result in cruelty to the toads and the possible removal of support for the program in your area.

We hope to see you on the night!

Creekside Street Park has a lovely play area for children, with wide expanses of parkland to kick a ball around or go for a walk!

Why not take the kids along for some fun on Sunday morning 25 February? 

You’ll find the park tucked away in Kenmore Hills.

And while you’re keeping an eye on the kids, you can help us out with some bushcare activities down by the creek.

For more info see our Working Bee calendar or contact Jim Pope on 07 3374 4181.

For many years there have been unsubstantiated rumours  that a Red-necked Pademelon had been seen in the vicinity of Gold Creek Road.

But no-one could provide proof, so we weren’t really sure!

We now have evidence that this small elusive marsupial does indeed live locally.

During evenings at home on his Broofkield property, Ed Frazer has often heard a very distinctive single thump. This is the sound a pademelon makes when it is disturbed: it sends a warning to predators by thumping its hind feet. 

Ed has never seen the animal as they are particularly cautious, easily frightened and notoriously difficult to spot.

So Ed set up his Infra-red triggered camera and recently was fortunate enough to pick up the following shot of the timid Red-necked Pademelon:

The rumour has become reality:  we now have proof that the Red-necked Pademelon is present in the lower areas of Brookfield! Very heartening news indeed. 

Note: to learn more about the Red-necked Pademelon, visit the Queensland Museum website.

STOP FOR A MOMENT TO THINK !  Can you see the beauty in a spider?

If you read our latest Bush Bites article you may find yourself captured by the magic of the Golden Orb Weaver!

These large, often strikingly colourful spiders are plentiful in our Catchment and you will have no trouble finding one, even in your own yard!

Ed Frazer has teamed with respected arachnologist Robert Raven to introduce us to the world of the Golden Orb Weaver.

Click here to read on.

In this month’s issue of Feather Fascination, Jim Butler explains physiological features of the Australasian Darter which enable it to perform so many remarkable and varied manoeuvres.

It can dive into water with barely a ripple, swim underwater for 30 metres but it can also soar swiftly and beautifully at high elevations on air thermals.

Find out also about their spear fishing techniques and learn why we often see them fanning their wings, as in the photo of a female below, provided by Ed Frazer.

 Click to read on: Feather Fascination February 2018

Did you know … that fungi can no longer be considered as native plants?

Our summer newsletter reported that, following last year’s annual photography competition, mycologists were keen to let us know that fungi need to be classified in their own separate category! 

This is because  because fungi are in a scientifically recognised kingdom in its own right (i.e. not animals, nor plants).

You can learn more about fungi at our members’ Cottage Talk on Thursday 15 February when respected mycology expert, Dr Diana Leeman, will provide a presentation called: Funghi and its Place in the Scheme of Things.

The talk will run from 10am until around midday at the Cottage.

For more info, contact Dale Borgelt by email: [email protected] 

Or you can call Dale on 0408 741 035

We often think of mistletoe as a scourge!

Mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic woody plant which attaches to other plants with its haustoria, specialised tubes which allow it to penetrate the host plant in order to absorb water and nutrients.

But whilst mistletoe does feed off trees such as eucalypts, iron barks and acacias, it also provides food and shelter for several bird species and small mammals such as possums and gliders. It is also a host plant for many moths and butterflies.

Our very first Bush Bites article was a piece about mistletoe written by Ed Frazer. It was called A Never Ending Story and it described Ed’s observations of the birdlife and other activity occurring within his mistletoe!

The story continues!

Read about Ed’s latest encounters and enjoy more photos from under the mistletoe by clicking here.