upper darling region pest management strategy

Upper Darling Region

Pest Management Strategy

2003 - 2006

N S WNATIONALPARKS ANDWILDLIFESERVICE

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003.This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no partmay be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service43 Bridge Street(PO Box 1967)Hurstville NSW 2220Telephone: 02 9585 6444www.npws.nsw.gov.au

For further information contact:Pest Management OfficerUpper Darling Region, Western DirectorateNSW National Parks and Wildlife ServicePO Box 453Cobar NSW 2835Telephone: 02 6836 2692

Cover image: Exclusion fences with drop down one-way goat ramps have been constructedaround artificial water points in Yathong Nature Reserve. The exclusion fences will improvethe control of feral goat populations and enable better management of other pest animalpopulations within the Reserve

Photograph by Michael Wales.

This plan should be cited as follows:

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2003). Upper Darling Region Pest ManagementStrategy 2003-2006. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW.

ISBN 0 7313 6697 2

http://www.npws.nsw.gov.au/

Regional Pest Management Strategies

Foreword

Pest animals and weeds are the targets of the five regional pest management strategies forcentral and western NSW. The strategies are an initiative of the National Parks and WildlifeService (NPWS) and have been released by the Western Directorate for public information.The release of the pest management strategies follows a two-month public exhibition of draftstrategies during August and September 2002, which provided an opportunity for thecommunity to have their say in how they were developed.

These strategies recognise that pest species are a problem across the landscape and theyaim to maximise the effectiveness of pest control programs, particularly through cooperativeprograms with neighbours and others.

The NPWS is committed to a regional approach to pest management where the programs aredeveloped and often undertaken in collaboration with neighbours, other governmentagencies, rural lands protection boards, local government councils, regional pest committees,CSIRO, universities and community groups such as Landcare, and Bushcare volunteers.

These documents identify the major pest populations within the regions, and establish prioritycontrol programs. The aim is to apply best practice, humane, cost effective methods, whichwill have minimal impacts on the environment. In general this requires careful planning, toensure an integrated approach is adopted using a range of techniques at critical times of theyear, and often, the targeting of more than one species.

The pest management strategies establish direction for pest management activities within theNPWS' western regions until 2006. The year to year focus of control activities will vary withclimatic conditions and available funding. The annual work programs will be set out inRegional operation plans. For further information on these details I encourage you to contactthe Regional Manager in your Region.

TERRY KORNDIRECTOR WESTERN

Table of Contents1 Background .................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................ 11.2 Upper Darling Region............................................................................................................ 11.3 Legislation and Policy............................................................................................................ 4

1.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974.................................................................. 41.3.2 Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 .......................................................... 41.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) Act 1998 .......................................................................... 41.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 .................................................................................................. 51.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) Act 1921........................................................................... 51.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation............................................................................................... 51.3.7 NPWS Field Management Policies .................................................................................. 5

2 Management Strategy.................................................................................................................... 6

3 Objectives of Pest Control Programs ........................................................................................... 7

4 Pest Programs and Threatened Species ....................................................................................... 7

4.1 Past Pest Management........................................................................................................... 74.1.1 Pest Animals..................................................................................................................... 84.1.2 Weeds............................................................................................................................... 9

4.2 Threatened Species............................................................................................................... 10

5 Regional Priorities ....................................................................................................................... 11

5.1 Criteria for Prioritising Pests.............................................................................................. 115.2 Regional Assessment ............................................................................................................ 12

6 Programs....................................................................................................................................... 15

6.1 Pest Animal Species.............................................................................................................. 156.1.1 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa ..................................................................................................... 156.1.2 European Red Fox – Vulpes vulpes................................................................................ 156.1.3 European Wild Rabbit – Oryctolagus cuniculus ............................................................ 166.1.4 Feral Goat – Capra hircus.............................................................................................. 176.1.5 Feral Cat – Felis catus.................................................................................................... 176.1.6 Wild Cattle and Sheep.................................................................................................... 18

6.2 Weed Species ........................................................................................................................ 186.2.1 Parthenium Weed - Parthenium hysterophorus ............................................................. 186.2.2 Spiny Burr Grass - Cenchrus incertus............................................................................ 196.2.3 African Boxthorn - Lycium ferocissimum ...................................................................... 196.2.4 Bathurst Burr - Xanthium spinosum ............................................................................... 206.2.5 Noogoora Burr - Xanthium occidentale ......................................................................... 21

7 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 21

8 Acknowledgements....................................................................................................................... 21

9 Further Reading........................................................................................................................... 22

Index of FiguresFigure 1: Map of Upper Darling Region............................................................................................. 3

Index of TablesTable 1: Distribution of pest animals and weeds on NPWS estate in the Upper Darling Region. 10Table 2: Threatened species protection programs. .......................................................................... 11Table 3: Priority classes for pest species. .......................................................................................... 12Table 4: Pest species priority classes for Upper Darling Region. ................................................... 13

Appendices

Appendix 1: Timing of Pest Control Programs…………………………………………………..…23Appendix 2: Noxious Weeds of Upper Darling Region………………………………………….…24Appendix 3: Threatened Fauna Species within the Upper Darling Region………………………25Appendix 4: Threatened Flora Species within the Upper Darling Region………………………..26

1

1 Background

1.1 IntroductionIntroduced pest species can seriouslyimpact upon the biodiversity of reservedareas by modifying species richness,abundance and ecosystem function. Theycan also have significant impacts on theeconomic and social values ofneighbouring areas.

This Pest Management Strategy is areview of the 1996/1997 Cobar DistrictPest Strategy and establishes the strategicdirection for pest management activitieswithin lands managed by the NationalParks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in theUpper Darling Region over the period2003 - 2006. Priorities and programs forrecent additions to the NPWS estate arestill being finalised and will be included insubsequent revisions of the strategies.

This strategy incorporates furtherinformation collated from weed mapping,neighbour liaison, field survey work andinformation received from keystakeholders. The strategy also includespest planning for the recent new additionsto NPWS managed lands and the changesto the Regional boundaries.

The aim of this strategy is to maximise theeffectiveness of pest control programs. Itidentifies the major pest speciespopulations within the Region, andestablishes criteria for prioritising controlprograms. The strategy provides a briefsummary of control programs to beundertaken. Specific details of individualprograms are addressed in operational pestcontrol plans.

It is envisaged that this review of thestrategy will continue to improve thedevelopment, coordination andimplementation of pest speciesmanagement within Upper DarlingRegion.

This Pest Management Strategy outlineshow the NPWS manages pest species. Inthis strategy, the term “pest species” refersto introduced species of weeds and pestanimals.

1.2 Upper DarlingRegion

The Upper Darling Region isapproximately 100,000 square kilometresin size and is located in a semi-arid regionof NSW, with an average annual rainfallof approximately 300 mm. The reservescontained within the Upper DarlingRegion include Yathong/NombinnieNature Reserves, Mount Grenfell HistoricSite, Gundabooka and Culgoa NationalParks, Nocoleche Nature Reserve,Ledknapper New Estate, Quanda NatureReserve and Paroo-Darling National Park(Thilta Karra section). The Region has astaff of 19. Figure 1 indicates the locationof the Upper Darling reserves.

Yathong and Nombinnie Nature Reservesare located approximately 130 km south ofCobar. Collectively they comprises162,000 ha. The area consists of plain andlow ridge country and comprises largecontinuous sections of remnant mallee,open woodlands, and sections of opengrassland. Yathong Nature Reserve is aninternationally recognised WorldBiosphere Reserve.

Nocoleche Nature Reserve is situatedapproximately 320 km north-west ofCobar. It is 87,300 ha. The reservecontains 8% of the total length of theParoo River in NSW within its boundariesand comprises low floodplain country(Cuttaburra Channels) with sandy ridges.Significant areas of Yapanyah trees, whichin NSW is restricted to the Paroo River,are contained within the reserve.

Gundabooka National Park is locatedapproximately 115 km north of Cobar. Itcurrently comprises an area of 43,568 haof former grazing land. The area consistsof Bimble Box-Pine, Mulga and Red Box,

2

Bimble Box and Belah. It is denselypopulated with Turpentine and Hopbush.It is recognised as an area noted forAboriginal heritage value and can beexpected to be a high visitation area.

Mount Grenfell Historic site is locatedapproximately 70 km west of Cobar. Thesite contains many examples of Aboriginalrock art as well as other occupationalevidence.

Culgoa National Park represents thegrazing properties formally known as“Cawwell”, “Byerawaring” and “BurbanGrange” 40k South West of Goodooga and100k North East of Brewarrina. This Parksamples areas of Coolabah woodlands,River Redgum communities, naturalgrasslands, sandhills, Brigalow andGidgee timber.

Ledknapper New Estate is a formergrazing property of 16,000 ha. It islocated 60 kms north-east of Bourke andcomprises a unique vegetation communityfrom spinifex to open woodland tohummock grasslands. It has greatAboriginal and European cultural heritagevalue.

Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karrasection) is a former grazing propertieslocated 50 km south of Tilpa, 160 km westof Cobar, and covers 24, 225 ha. Theproperty consists of open plains runninginto dispersed sandy rises and Poplar Boxswamps, large areas of lakes filled fromlocal and Darling River flooding, scatteredPoplar Box, Coolabah and Lignum alongchannels and shorelines. It is sparselytimbered with Western Rosewood, Belah,Neila, Poplar Box, scattered Mulga andother Acacia species on sandy undulatingcountry, and well covered with CopperBurr, Cannonball, Salt Bush and a largebody of Speargrasses and herbages.

Quanda Nature Reserve was formallygazetted in 1963 and covered 854 ha.Combined with the adjoining pastoralproperty of “Millyvale”, Quanda NR nowtotals 4,778.64 ha and is located 94 kmeast of Cobar and 50 km west of Nyngan.The reserve contains substantial stands ofopen woodland vegetation. Mallee, RedBox and Bimble Box dominate thewoodlands. White Cypress Pine, Wilgaand Kurrajong occur in association withthe main canopy species.

3

Figure 1: Map of Upper Darling Region.

4

1.3 Legislation andPolicy

The NPWS has a number of statutoryresponsibilities in relation to pest speciesmanagement, and has also adopted anumber of related policies.

1.3.1 National Parks and Wildlife(NPW) Act 1974

This Act vests the care, control andmanagement of National Parks, NatureReserves, Historic Sites and AboriginalAreas with the Director-General of theNPWS. Key management objectivesinclude conservation, provision ofappropriate scientific and educationalopportunities, and management of fire andpest species. These are achieved throughthe preparation and implementation ofplans of management for each reserve,which identify pest species present,control strategies and priorities for thatreserve. This pest management strategyincorporates actions identified in plans ofmanagement that have been completedwithin the Upper Darling Region.

1.3.2 Threatened SpeciesConservation (TSC) Act 1995

The main objective of the TSC Act is toconserve biological diversity. The Actprovides for the listing of threatenedspecies, populations and ecologicalcommunities. The Act also provides forthe preparation and implementation ofrecovery plans for threatened species,populations and ecological communitiesand the designation of areas as habitatcritical to the survival of those listed asendangered. The Act provides for theidentification of key threateningprocesses, and the amelioration of thesethrough the preparation andimplementation of threat abatement plans.

One of the major features of the Act is theintegration of the conservation ofthreatened species into the development

control processes under the EnvironmentalPlanning and Assessment Act 1979. Thus,proponents are required to assess thelikely impact of a development or activityon threatened species, populations orecological communities or their habitats.

1.3.3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP)Act 1998

The pest animal provisions of the RLP Actcommenced on 28 September 2001. TheRLP Act sets out the conditions underwhich “animals, birds and insects” canbecome "declared" pests and provides forthe control of such pest species.

Gazettal of pest species occurs throughPest Control Orders [s.143] which allowthe Minister for Agriculture to specifywhich species are pests, either on astatewide or local basis, and the conditionsor factors that apply to the control of eachpest. Rabbits, wild dogs and feral pigshave been declared pest animalsthroughout NSW.

The RLP Act binds the Crown for thecontrol of pest animals declared under theAct [s.142]. Public land managers such asthe NPWS are required to eradicate(continuously suppress and destroy) pestanimals "…to the extent necessary tominimise the risk of the pest causingdamage to any land" using any lawfulmethod or, if the Order specifies a methodto be used, by the method specified[s.156(1)]. The Minister for Agriculturemust consult with the Service beforemaking a Pest Control Order that appliesto lands managed by the NPWS [s.147].

Fauna listed under Schedule 1 or 2 of theThreatened Species Conservation Act1995 cannot be declared as pests[s.143(5)]. The Minister for theEnvironment must be consulted before anynative fauna is declared a pest [s.144(2)].

The Pest Control Order for wild dogs,gazetted on 2 October 2001, provides forthe general destruction obligation forlands listed in Schedule 2 of the Order

5

will be satisfied through a wild dogmanagement plan [s.156(4)] that addressesboth control and conservation objectivesand has been approved by the relevantRLP Board for that District. Schedule 2lists 254 reserves considered to containhigh quality Dingo habitat on landsmanaged by the NPWS, State Forests ofNSW, Sydney Catchment Authority andunoccupied Crown land managed by theDepartment of Land and WaterConservation.

1.3.4 Noxious Weeds Act 1993

Under this Act the Minister forAgriculture has the power to make Ordersdeclaring plants as “noxious weeds”(listed in Schedule 1 of the Act). Weedscan be declared “noxious” if they pose athreat to agriculture, the environment orcommunity health, and there is a publicbenefit from such declaration. A numberof environmental weeds have now beendeclared under this Act, for example, bitoubush in all coastal councils and gorse in anumber of tablelands and coastal councils.Noxious weeds are classified into fourcategories with different controlrequirements.

1.3.5 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD)Act 1921

The WWD Act requires landholders andoccupiers in the Western Division todestroy all wild dogs upon such land andfor the maintenance of the wild dog fencealong the north-western parts of theNSW/Queensland and NSW/SouthAustralian borders. The WDD Act doesnot bind the Crown.

1.3.6 Other Relevant Legislation

� Environment Protection andBiodiversity Conservation Act 1999

� Agricultural and VeterinaryChemicals Code Act 1994

� Occupational Health and Safety Act2000

� Environmental Planning andAssessment Act 1979

� Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms(General Regulation) 1997

� Heritage Act 1977

� Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act1979

� Pesticides Act 1999

� Occupational Health and Safety Act1998

� Wilderness Act 1987

� Native Vegetation Conservation Act1997

1.3.7 NPWS Field ManagementPolicies

A number of field management policiesare relevant to this strategy.

Policy 1.9 Exotic Plant Species givespriority for control programs to exoticplants that are increasing in abundanceand distribution, or displacing native floraand fauna, or where NPWS reservesadjoin land not infested or agriculturalland. Programs that are practical andinvolve techniques with little harmful orresidual environmental impact havepreference.

Policy 2.3 states that Introduced Animals(with limited exceptions) shall not beallowed to remain on NPWS reserves asthey may prey on native fauna or haveother adverse impacts on vegetation, soilsand water quality.

Policy 2.6 Wild Dogs acknowledges thecomplexities inherent in the need toconserve dingoes together with the need tocontrol wild dogs. Baiting programs areonly undertaken on NPWS reserves wherethere is adequate evidence of wild dogs

6

coming from those reserves and killing ormaiming stock.

The Firearms Policy sets out proceduresto ensure firearms are safely managed andused by NPWS staff in accordance withthe relevant legislation.

2 ManagementStrategy

The Service is committed to aregional/catchment approach to pestmanagement. The programs aredeveloped and often undertaken incollaboration with neighbours, othergovernment agencies, rural landsprotection boards, local governmentcouncils, regional pest committees,CSIRO, universities and communitygroups such as Landcare, Farming for theFuture, West 2000 and Bushcarevolunteers and local Aboriginal landcouncils.

Upper Darling Region incorporates partsof seven Rural Lands Protection BoardDistricts: Cobar, Bourke, Brewarrina,Hillston, Wanaaring, Wilcannia andNyngan. The Region is committed toworking in conjunction with theseorganisations for more effective control ofpest animals. Upper Darling Regionencompasses three Shire Councils areasand the unincorporated area. Cooperationbetween the Region and relevant Councilstaff will be developed to improve andinform other stakeholders of controlprograms and potential cooperativeprograms.

The Service aims to manage populationsof pest animals and weeds to minimisetheir adverse impacts. Many of theService’s weed control programs focus onenvironmental weeds because of the needto reduce the adverse impacts of thesespecies on biodiversity conservation.However, to protect neighbouringproperties, the NPWS also undertakesnumerous programs targeting noxiousagricultural weeds e.g. Serrated Tussock,

Bathurst Burr, Noogoora Burr, JohnsonGrass, Giant Parramatta Grass and ScotchThistle. There is a clear recognition thatthe eradication of introduced pests overlarge areas is rarely, if ever, possible andresources must be directed to thosespecies/localities where the benefits ofcontrol are likely to be greatest.

Wherever possible a strategic approach topest management is adopted and thereader is referred to the pest managementpublications by the Bureau of ResourceSciences for greater detail on pest animals(see Further Reading list) or to variousreferences for weeds (see Further Readinglist).

The Service employs a large number ofspecialist staff to develop and implementeffective pest management programs. Theaim is to apply best practice, cost effectivemethods that will have minimal impactson the environment. In general thisrequires careful planning, to ensure anintegrated approach is adopted using arange of techniques at critical times of theyear, (for example, the ground and aerialfox baiting program at Yathong NR), andoften, the targeting of more than onespecies (e.g. foxes and wild dogs).

Integrated pest management is likely toresult in the most effective long-termreduction in pest populations and avoidselection for bait shy pest animals, orherbicide resistant weeds. Biologicalcontrol is incorporated into programswhere effective agents are available, but inmost cases biocontrol must besupplemented with conventional controltechniques. The pest managementapproach adopted by the Service reflects abalance between the desire to use the mosteffective control technique (such as 1080baiting for foxes) with a requirement tominimise non-target impacts and animalsuffering.

The control of pest species in the UpperDarling Region is vitally important as pestanimal species prey on native fauna,compete with native fauna for food andshelter, physically damage the landscape

7

and may be carriers of exotic disease.Plant pest species compete with nativeplants to the point of excluding somespecies, and may invade neighbouringareas.

Pest control is also important forneighbour relations so that reserves arenot seen as a source of invasion of pestspecies. The reserves that make up theUpper Darling Region have a total of 57neighbouring landholders. All reserveneighbours have grazing and/or croppingenterprises and as such rely heavily onpest control activities to maximise theirviability. All efforts will be made by theRegion to undertake and encouragecooperative pest management programswith these stakeholders.

As the lead conservation agency in NSWthe Service has a duty to ensure its ownactivities comply with the law and areenvironmentally sound. All pest controlactivities proposed on NPWS land requirean appropriate level of assessment of theirenvironmental impacts. The level ofassessment undertaken relates to theprobable degree of impact and can rangefrom an initial analysis, to a Review ofEnvironmental Factors, to anEnvironmental Impact Statement.

All pest species control work will becarried out in compliance with theRegional Operational Plan, Plans ofManagement and the MalleefowlRecovery Plan. The Region will offerinput into Threat Abatement Plans.

3 Objectives of PestControl Programs

The overriding objective of NPWS pestcontrol programs is to conservebiodiversity and cultural heritage.

Programs also have the following specificgoals:

• Increase community understanding ofthe adverse impacts of pests on

biodiversity and Aboriginal andhistoric cultural heritage

• Manage pest populations to minimisetheir movement into NPWS estate, oronto adjoining properties where theyimpact on agricultural production

• Satisfy legislative responsibilities eg.Rural Lands Protection Act 1998,Noxious Weeds Act 1993 andThreatened Species Conservation Act1995

• Support cooperative approaches topest management with other agenciesand the community

• Foster community support.

4 Pest Programs andThreatened Species

4.1 Past PestManagement

Prior to 1995, pest programs in UpperDarling Region were restricted to smallannual programs and a number of reactiveprograms. These included:

• Aerial shooting throughout the Regionwas carried primarily in response toneighbour complaints or when moneywas available;

• Fox control was done on a localisedbasis, there was little ecologicalsignificance to programs. They weregenerally undertaken in conjunctionneighbouring properties beforelambing or as a reaction to noticeableincreases in fox populations. Therewas no coordination of the programsacross management areas and limitedfunding caused many programs to besporadic. The initial neighbour NSWNPWS baiting cooperation at YathongNature Reserve prior to 1995 didassist to develop the extensive jointneighbour NPWS baiting program that

8

is in place today and is currently beingexpanded across the Upper DarlingRegion;

• Weed control was undertaken on highprofile weeds and there was littleecological significance to the controlprograms. Control was concentratedalong reserve boundaries and roadeasements. Limited funding causedmany programs to be undertakensporadically, thus often resulting inweeds proliferating during wetterperiods when control is most feasible;

• Joint control programs with outsideagencies were not carried out to theirfull potential, and little planning wentinto many of the programs;

• Yathong Nature Reserve was a highprofile reserve and was the largestmanagement unit in the formerDistrict prior to the acquisition of newreserves. This resulted in YathongNature Reserve drawing a majorproportion of funding allocations,which in turn slowed the developmentof pest and weed programs in otherareas across the District.

Since that time, the Upper Darling Regionhas adopted a more strategic approach topest control management incorporatingprograms that were identified as highpriorities in the 1996/97 District PestStrategy. These included, weed mapping,integrated control techniques,development of short/long termcoordinated strategies, environmentalassessment, and monitoring andevaluation. The Upper Darling Regionhas also increased the number and scale ofcooperative neighbour pest programs withcooperative programs operating atYathong Nature Reserve, GundabookaNational Park and Culgoa National Park.It is hoped that by the end 2003cooperative neighbour pest programs willbe in place at all national parks andreserves in the region including therecently acquired areas of Thilta KarraNew Estate, Ledknapper New Estate and

the Millyvale extension to Quanda NatureReserve.

The strategic approach to pestmanagement in Upper Darling Region hasbecome increasingly important as thenumber of reserves has increased in recentyears.

Pest management priorities and programsfor recent additions to the NPWS estateare still being finalised and will beincluded in subsequent revisions of thisstrategy.

4.1.1 Pest Animals

Pest animal programs are undertakenthrough out the Region and cover anumber of species (Table 1).

Control of foxes is a high priority inUpper Darling Region because thisspecies actively preys on many nativefaunal species. Fox control programs havebeen undertaken on all reservesthroughout the region. Upper DarlingRegion has obtained a special permit toundertake aerial baiting programs toprotect endangered Malleefowlpopulations from predation by foxes in theYathong, Nombinnie and Round HillNature Reserves (undertaken inconjunction with Riverina Region). Aspecial dried-meat bait has been preparedand a computerised navigation systembased on GPS technology is used tomonitor bait placement accurately. Aerialbaiting of these reserves is complementedby an extensive ground baiting program onsurrounding properties and state foreststhat is coordinated by the Hillston RLPB.The baiting program has resulted insufficiently high survival of translocatedMalleefowl to maintain a stable breedingpopulation in the Reserves.

Foxes have been listed as a keythreatening process under the ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act 1995 and theNPWS has prepared a threat abatementplan for foxes (NSW NPWS 2001a). Thisplan has direct implications for fox control

9

programs in the Upper Darling Region, inthat additional funds have been providedfor fox control activities in Yathong andNocoleche NR. Fox control activities areundertaken in all areas according to bestpractice guidelines.

On other reserves extensive ground baitingprograms are carried out on internal tracksand boundaries. Neighbours are involvedwith the program and free 1080 baits aresupplied to encourage participation.Monitoring of bait takes and non-targetspecies are recorded to monitor thesuccess of individual programs.

The impact of Rabbits on vegetation andsoil disturbance is well documented.Rabbit infestation is moderate butwidespread at Yathong/Nombinnie NRs.Effective ongoing control is seen to be anintegral part of assisting with theMalleefowl repopulation by reducing thefood supply of predators. All otherreserves experience much lower impactsassociated with Rabbits, thus are listed asa lower priority for control. Monitoringoccurs and control measures undertaken ifthe population or warren numbersincrease.

Feral goats occur on all reserves withinthe Region with high priority given toGundabooka NP and Yathong NR wheremountain ranges are favourable habitat.Additionally, the potential forreintroduction of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies may exist at Gundabooka andYathong NRs. The Region has enteredinto goat mustering contracts forGundabooka NP, Yathong NR, NocolecheNR and Paroo-Darling National Park(Thilta Karra section). The contracts varyfrom traditional contracts in that royaltiesare paid to the Service per goat removed.The money generated is put back into pestprograms on the Reserves. Feral goatsalso pose a significant threat to theAboriginal heritage sites, especially whereferal goats inhabit the caves or rockoverhangs and can damage art sites. Theeffect of feral goats on the overall totalgrazing pressure of western lease country

is well known and must be significantlyreduced.

Pigs occur primarily on Culgoa NP,Nocoleche NR, Ledknapper New Estate,Gundabooka NP and Paroo-DarlingNational Park (Thilta Karra section). Pigscause large-scale damage to the landscape,particularly in the wetland areas ofNocoleche NR. This in turn impacts onthe breeding areas of migratory birds,waterbirds and threatened species.Nocoleche NR is listed under the JAMBAand CAMBA agreements. Pigs alsorepresent the principal pest concern ofneighbours to Nocoleche and Culgoa NRs,and Paroo-Darling National Park (ThiltaKarra section). Pigs are controlled onpark by a combination of pig trapping andbaiting and programmed ground and aerialshooting.

Cats occur in all reserves, with higherpopulations in reserves with greater rabbitinfestations. As is the case with foxes,cats are active predators of native faunaand therefore require urgent and constantcontrol. Current control measures includeopportunistic trapping and controlledshooting as part of the spotlight countswhen monitoring rabbit and fox programs.Research into an effective control agentfor cats is of vital importance.

There are no wild dogs on lands managedby Upper Darling Region. Should theyoccur local eradication programs will beimplemented immediately.

4.1.2 Weeds

Upper Darling Region weed controlprograms include:

• Chemical and physical eradicationprogram of Spiny Burr Grass inCulgoa NP.

• Chemical and physical eradication ofAfrican Boxthorn at Gundabooka NP,Yathong NR, Culgoa NP andLedknapper New Estate.

10

• Chemical control ofNoogoora/Bathurst Burr at allreserves.

• Prickly Pear control around the oldhomesteads at Gundabooka NP andCulgoa NP.

• Chemical control of Mexican Poppy atNocoleche NR.

The list of weeds in this strategy (Table 1)is not an exhaustive list of speciesoccurring within Upper Darling Region.A number of other weeds occur on NPWSmanaged lands but are of less importancein natural areas and, therefore, have notbeen included in this pest strategy. Manyare “weeds of opportunity” which areaddressed as required in response tochanging seasons and conditions.

Noxious Weeds recorded in UpperDarling Region, as identified by theRLPB, are listed in Appendix 2.

4.2 Threatened SpeciesThe conservation of threatened species isof the upmost importance whenconsidering pest management programs.Every effort is made to minimise anydisturbance to species, populations andcommunities when planning pestmanagement programs within the UpperDarling Region, on and off park.

Threatened species found within UpperDarling Region are listed in Appendix 3(fauna) and Appendix 4 (flora). Pestcontrol programs are undertaken in theUpper Darling Region by NPWS toprotect those threatened species listed inTable 2.

In NSW, the threat abatement planningprocess is an excellent mechanism fordelivering strategic statewide initiatives toprotect threatened species. To date, athreat abatement plan has been finalisedfor foxes, with others in preparation, e.g.feral cats, bitou bush and plague minnow.

Table 1: Distribution of pest animals and weeds on NPWS estate in the Upper Darling Region.

Species LocationPEST ANIMALSFeral pig Yathong NR, Nocoleche NR, Gundabooka NP, Mt Grenfell HS, Culgoa NP,

Ledknapper NR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section) andQuanda NR. UDR currently have trapping and baiting programs for allreserves.

Fox All reserves listed above. Major work carried out at Yathong NR withground and aerial baiting programs as part of the Malleefowl Conservationprogram. All other reserves have ground baiting programs.

Rabbit All reserves listed above. Programs include seasonal baiting, fumigatingand warren ripping. Extensive work carried out at Yathong NR.

Hare Culgoa NP.Feral goat All reserves listed above. UDR has entered into contracts for the removal

of feral goats from Service Estate. The contracts have a royalty paid to theService for each animal removed.

Feral cat Scattered populations in all areas.Wild cattle Nocoleche NR. Neighbour muster occurs every couple of years followed

by helicopter shooting.Wild sheep Gundabooka NP, Nocoleche NR, Yathong NR.WEEDSParthenium WeedParthenium hysterophorus W1

Gundabooka NP.

Spiny Burr GrassCenchrus incertus W2

Culgoa NP.

St John’s WortHypericum perforatum W2

Yathong NR.

African BoxthornLycium ferocissimum W2

Gundabooka NP, Yathong NR, Culgoa NP, Ledknapper NR.

11

WEEDSBathurst BurrXanthium spinosum W3

Yathong NR, Nocoleche NR, Gundabooka NP, Culgoa NP, LedknapperNR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section), Quanda NR, MtGrenfell HS.

Noogoora BurrXanthium occidentale W3

Nocoleche NR, Yathong NR, Gundabooka NP, Culgoa NP, LedknapperNR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section), Quanda NR, MtGrenfell HS

Paterson’s CurseEchium plantagineum

Yathong NR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section)

Saffron ThistleCarthamus lanatus

Yathong NR, Nocoleche NR, Gundabooka NP, Culgoa NP, LedknapperNR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section), Quanda NR, MtGrenfell HS.

Variegated ThistleSilybum marianum

Yathong NR, Gundabooka NP, Mt Grenfell HS.

Prickly PearOpuntia aurantiaca

Nocoleche NR, Gundabooka NP, Culgoa NP, Quanda NR.

Devil’s Claw Ibicella lutea Yathong NR.Mexican PoppyArgemone ochroleuca

Culgoa NP, Nocoleche NR, Gundabooka NP, Ledknapper NR, Paroo-Darling National Park (Thilta Karra section), Mt Grenfell HS.

Three-cornered JackEmex australis

Nocoleche NR.

Onion WeedAsphodelus fistulosus

Yathong NR, Gundabooka NP.

Crown BeardVerbesina encelioides

Gundabooka NP, Culgoa NP.

Mother-of-MillionsBryophyllum Tubiflora

Culgoa NP, Gundabooka NP.

Buffel GrassCenchrus ciliaris

Culgoa NP, Gundabooka NP, Nocoleche NR.

Threatened species Pest Program Reserve

Malleefowl Foxes/Cats Y Yathong NRBrush-tailed Bettong Foxes/Cats Y Yathong NR

Table 2: Threatened species protection programs.

5 Regional Priorities

5.1 Criteria forPrioritising Pests

The following criteria reflect the keyresponsibilities and impacts that areconsidered by the NPWS when settingregional priorities for pest management.The availability of suitable technology andresources (financial, human and physical)also influences which programs areimplemented.

A. A pest for which a national orstate emergency control program has beendeveloped (eg. feral animals implicated inany exotic disease outbreak).

B. Any relevant action specified in athreat abatement plan developed for a pestspecies which has been listed as a keythreatening process under the ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act 1995.

C. Actions identified in recoveryplans for threatened species.

D. A pest that the community hasidentified as a high priority for action (thisincludes, but is not restricted to, pestsdeclared under the Noxious Weeds Act1993 or the Rural Lands Protection Act1998). Priority will generally be given tothose pests for which state or regionalmanagement strategies have beendeveloped, or where there is support for acollaborative program.

12

E. A pest which threatens theconservation, cultural heritage orrecreational values of an area.

F. A pest population of limiteddistribution but known to be an importantproblem in other parks, or in other statesor overseas.

G. A pest for which continuedmanagement is necessary to maintainbenefits gained from previous controlprograms.

H. A pest for which a window ofopportunity occurs to undertake controlactivities (eg. where an effectivebiocontrol agent is available, or feral pigcontrol during floods or droughts).

I. A pest which must becontrolled/contained to allow another highpriority management program to beeffective.

J. Other factors: For weeds, locationof the infestation (i.e. within a watercatchment or ease of access) and thepotential of an area to regeneratenaturally, will influence the priority givento a program (natural regeneration is morecost effective, reduces maintenance andmaintains the genetic integrity of plantcommunities).

The pest species in Upper Darling Regionare prioritised for control based on theextent to which they satisfy the abovecriteria, and on the probability of practicalsuccess of a control operation. The latteris determined by:

� the existence of an effective means ofcontrolling the pest species;

� the availability of resources toundertake effective control;

� the likely availability of resources inthe medium to long-term to maintaincontrol efforts.

5.2 Regional AssessmentTable 3 illustrates how the criteria andprobability of success are cross-referencedin order to group pest species into threepriority classes.

Extent to which criteria satisfiedHigh Med Low

High 1 1 2Med 1 2 3

Prob

abili

tyof

suc

cess

Low 2 3 3Table 3: Priority classes for pest species.

Table 4 shows the application of thecriteria to reserves and pest species inUpper Darling Region, and the resultantpriority classes.

The appropriate timing for application ofchemical controls is given in Appendix 1.

Although the focus of NPWS pestmanagement is the priority pest species,monitoring for emerging pest problems isundertaken on an ongoing basis. NPWSwill continue to work with the PestAnimal Council, NSW Agriculture,RLPBs and local councils to addressproblems as they arise (e.g. outbreaks ofCategory W1 weeds).

13

Table 4: Pest species priority classes for Upper Darling Region.

Pest Species Criteria Reserve Prob. ofsuccess

Priority

Pest Animals A B C D E F G H I JFeral pig � � � � � Yathong NR

Nocoleche NRGundabooka NPMt Grenfell HSCulgoa NPLedknapper NRParoo-Darling NP(Thilta Karra)Quanda NR

LHHLHHH

M

2113122

1Fox � � � � � � Yathong NR


HLMLLLM

M

1223332

2Rabbit � � � � Yathong NR


MLLMLLL

M

2331332

2Hare � Culgoa NP L 3Feral goat � � � Yathong NR


MMMHLLM

L

2122322

3Feral cat � � � � � Yathong NR


MMMMMMM

M

3333333

3Feral cattle � � � Nocoleche NR M

L12

Wild/straysheep

� � � Gundabooka NPNocoleche NRYathong NR

LLL

222

Weed Species A B C D E F G H I JPartheniumWeed

� � � � � Gundabooka NP H 1

Spiny BurrGrass

� � � � � Culgoa NP H 2

St John’s Wort Yathong NR L 3

14

Pest Species Criteria Reserve Prob. ofsuccess

Priority

Weed Species A B C D E F G H I JAfricanBoxthorn

� � � � Gundabooka NPYathong NRCulgoa NPLedknapper NR

HHHH

2222

Bathurst Burr � � � Yathong NRNocoleche NRGundabooka NPMt Grenfell HSCulgoa NPLedknapper NRParoo-Darling NP(Thilta Karra)Quanda NR

MMMMMMM

M

2222222

2Noogoora Burr � � � � Yathong NR


MMMMMMM

M

3333333

3Paterson’sCurse

� Yathong NRNocoleche NRGundabooka NPMt Grenfell HSCulgoa NPLedknapper NRParoo-Darling NP(Thilta Karra)Quanda NR

LLLLLLL

L

3333333

3Saffron Thistle � All Reserves L 3VariegatedThistle

� Yathong NR,Gundabooka NPMt, Grenfell HS

LLL

333

Prickly Pear � � � � Nocoleche NRGundabooka NPCulgoa NPQuanda NR

LLLL

2223

Mexican Poppy � Culgoa NPNocoleche NRGundabooka NPLedknapper NRParoo-Darling NP(Thilta Karra)Mt. Grenfell HS

M 3

Three-corneredJack

� � Nocolehce NR L 3

Onion Weed � � Yathong NR,Gundabooka NP

LL

33

Crown Beard � � Gundabooka NPCulgoa NP

LL

33

Mother-of-Millions

� � Culgoa NPGundabooka NP

LL

33

Buffel Grass � � Culgoa NPGundabooka NP

LL

33

15

6 ProgramsThe following sections summarise thecontrol programs to be undertaken inUpper Darling Region, based on thepriorities established in Section 5.

6.1 Pest Animal Species

6.1.1 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa

Distribution

Present in all reserves, but with higherdensities in reserves with rivers, creeks,and floodplains, notably Nocoleche NRand Culgoa NP.

Impacts

Feral pigs can cause severe environmentaldegradation by:

• selective feeding on plantcommunities;

• creation of drainage channels inswamps;

• soil erosion and fouling of wateringpoints by their habit of wallowing androoting;

• direct predation on frogs, reptiles,ground-nesting birds and smallmammals;

• as an agent for the spread of weeds,particularly Noogoora and BathurstBurrs.

Feral pigs can kill and eat lambs undertwo weeks of age, and as such can have anadverse impact on sheep breedingenterprises. They also compete withdomestic livestock for pasture forbs, anddamage cereal crops and introducedpastures.

Pigs are a major potential host of anumber of exotic diseases such as Foot

and Mouth, African Swine Fever andRinderpest, as well as viruses to whichhumans are susceptible, such as MurrayValley Encephalitis and Ross River Fever.Of these, only Foot and Mouth would beunlikely to persist in the hot, dry and dustyclimates of western NSW.

Control Methods

Trapping, shooting (both ground shootingand aerial control programs), exclusionfencing and 1080 baiting are currently thepreferred methods of control.

Management Strategy

1. Continue to monitor pig distributionsand populations using monthly groundinspections and comments fromneighbours.

2. Continue with existing programs.Priority reserves for pig control areNocoleche NR, and Gundabooka andCulgoa NPs.

3. Maintain and improve cooperationwith neighbours undertaking feral pigcontrol work.

4. Undertake ongoing monitoring toevaluate effectiveness of currentcontrol techniques, and review asnecessary.

Performance Measures

Reduced feral pig numbers as indicated byevidence of pig activity in all reserves.

Comments from neighbours.

6.1.2 European Red Fox – Vulpesvulpes

Distribution

Widespread throughout all reserves in theRegion.

16

Impacts

Fox predation is a major threat to nativeanimal populations including threatenedspecies such as Malleefowl and Brush-tailed Bettongs. Foxes also contribute tothe dispersal of weeds such as Bathurstand Noogoora Burr, and are a potentialcarrier of disease. Predation by foxes onfarm livestock can be serious.

Control Methods

Fox control is undertaken in the peakdispersal periods (Autumn) and matingperiods but more frequently in relation topredation on threatened species (NSWNPWS 2001).

Fox control is undertaken in accordancewith the Fox TAP best practice guidelines.Methods include:

• 1080 ground baiting;

• 1080 aerial baiting under licence tothe NRA according to Off LabelPermits;

• shooting in conjunction with rabbitspotlight counting programs;

Management Strategy

Fox management will occur in accordancewith management models within the FoxThreat Abatement Plan (NSW NPWS2001). Management activities include:

1. Continue monitoring fox populationsregion-wide.

2. Undertake coordinated programs incooperation with other agencies andimmediate neighbours andstakeholders to protect threatened andother native species (as per ThreatAbatement Plan). Strategic 1080baiting programs are carried out on allestate along with ground shooting.Fox control if a high priority on allestate where they occur.

3. Undertake monitoring in all areaswhere foxes are likely to have a highimpact on threatened species.


Increased recovery of threatened speciesas per high priority programs identified inthe Fox Threat Abatement Plan (e.g.Malleefowl in Yathong NR, Brolga inNocoleche NR).

Short-term reduction in fox numbers asindicated by bait uptake and spotlightsurveys.


6.1.3 European Wild Rabbit –Oryctolagus cuniculus

Distribution

Rabbits occur in varying densitiesthroughout the Region and are morecommon in areas of disturbance or onareas adjacent to agricultural lands.

Impacts

Rabbits cause the following environmentaldamage:

• soil erosion;

• grazing on native vegetation andreducing regeneration;

• competition with native animals forsuitable habitat;

• impacts on historic sites throughfoundation disturbance.

Control Methods

Rabbit control uses a combination ofcontrol techniques, including baiting,fencing, fumigation, shooting, warrendestruction and biological control.

Programs also make use of naturaloutbreaks of myxomatosis and calicivirusto further suppress populations.

17

Management Strategy

Continue to monitor rabbit activity andevaluate their impact in NPWS reserves,using spotlight surveys, groundinspections to identify active warrens.

Control rabbit populations usingcoordinated programs in all reserves.Yathong NR is a priority reserve for rabbitcontrol given their role in maintaining foxpopulations at high levels.

Evaluate the impact of rabbits on all newreserves and establish control strategieswhere required.


A reduction in rabbit activity as indicatedby presence/absence monitoring andreduction in warren activity.

6.1.4 Feral Goat – Capra hircus

Distribution

Within the Region feral goats arewidespread and have adapted to the dryconditions. Parks containing ranges orhills have greater goat numbers becausethey prefer those habitats and control isdifficult in such terrain.

Impacts

Impacts include competition for water,food and shelter, soil erosion andcompaction, modification of vegetationstructure through overgrazing. They havethe potential to spread disease, especiallyFootrot and Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD),and also damage Aboriginal heritage sitesand art work.

Control Methods

Control methods include shooting (aerialcontrol programs), contract mustering andtrapping. Man-made watering points areclosed down or controlled at certain timesof the year to assist with mustering andtrapping programs.

Management Strategy

Continue monitoring of feral goatpopulations and their impacts:

• monthly monitoring of the extent offeral goat distribution and populationson NPWS managed lands.

• vegetation monitoring indicatingregeneration of species susceptible tograzing by feral goats.

• annual endangered species surveys.

Continue current methods of control.

Evaluate the current control programs inall areas and make any changes asrequired.


Reduced goat numbers as indicated bymonitoring programs.

Comments from visitors regarding feralgoat sightings.

6.1.5 Feral Cat – Felis catus

Distribution

Known to occur throughout the region inabundance but numbers are unknown.Areas with high rabbit numbers havehigher cat populations because rabbits area main food source for cats and warrensprovide shelter.

Impacts

Feral cats predate on native reptiles, frogs,small mammals and bird species. Theycompete for food and act as a reservoir fordiseases and parasites, which can betransferred to native fauna, domestic stockand humans.

Control Methods

No poison is currently registered for useon cats. Other control methods includetrapping and opportunistic shooting,

18

however they are largely ineffective on catnumbers. Feral cats are a difficult pest tocontrol, and major advances in theircontrol will depend on further progresswith the cat-specific toxin and baitingsystem currently being developed.

Management Strategy

1. Continue to record cat sightings onYathong NR.

2. Increase community awareness ofresponsible cat ownership inconjunction with local governmentand NPWS newsletters etc.

3. Undertake trapping where required forproblem cats.


Increased community awareness ofresponsible cat ownership.

Removal of identified problem cats fromareas using available techniques.

6.1.6 Wild Cattle and Sheep

Distribution

Not widespread but they do present adifficult problem on Nocoleche NR whereterrain makes it difficult to judge numbers.Other reserves occasionally have smallnumbers but removal is usually lessdifficult.

Impacts

Soil erosion and compaction, damage towetland habitats and Aboriginal heritageareas, and disturbance to native faunahabitats.

Control Methods

Include mustering, controlled shootingprograms and appropriate fencing torestrict migration from neighbouring land.

Management Strategy

Continue monitoring numbers andmaintain fencing agreements withneighbours. Continue communicationwith neighbours to effect removal andprevent future problems.


Comments form neighbours and reducedstock numbers as indicated bypresence/absence monitoring programs.

6.2 Weed Species

6.2.1 Parthenium Weed -Parthenium hysterophorus

Distribution

Infestations of Parthenium Weed haveoccurred on Gundabooka NP where theKidman Way passes through the Park.Localised infestations have been found onmajor roads in NSW.

Impacts

Once established, Parthenium Weed isdifficult to control as it seeds prolifically.Each plant can produce 15 000 seeds in agrowing season. Seeds germinate readilyand the species tolerates a wide variety ofconditions. It can germinate, flower andset seed within four weeks.

The weed affects animal and humanhealth.

Control Methods

These could include strategic herbicideapplication, physical removal of the plantsor quarantine of the affected area.

Management Strategy

Continual vigilance by all land managersto prevent spread of new outbreaks.

Any infestation of Parthenium Weed onNPWS estate will require immediate

19

commitment of resources andimplementation of control measures. Itspresence must be notified to the LocalControl Authority immediately. The LCAwill then advise the necessary actions thatare to be taken to control the infestation.


All outbreaks of Parthenium Weed arereported immediately to the LCA and allinfestations are eradicated as advised bythe LCA.

6.2.2 Spiny Burr Grass - Cenchrusincertus

Distribution

The only infestation to date is at CulgoaNational Park. It is found in light sandy,well-drained soils. It is common alongroadsides, creeks and river banks wheresoil has been disturbed.

Impacts

It is an objectionable burr and has theability to spread rapidly into densewidespread infestations. It competes withother native pastures and does extremelywell in drought times due to lack ofpasture competition. Stock will graze onearly growth but mature plants causehealth problems in stock, dogs andhumans. The sharp rigid barbed spinesmeans that the burrs are a major woolcontaminant and their presence candegrade visitor areas.

If moisture is present it will germinate atany time of the year and seeds will laydormant for as long as three years. Eachplant can yield up to 1000 seeds. It can beeasily transferred by animals and onvehicle tyres.

Control Methods

At this stage infestations can be controlledwith herbicide and physical removal ofisolated patches. Several herbicides areeffective on this species, and are applied

to actively growing plants, usually duringsummer.

To reduce spread of this weed, vehiclemovements are restricted to roads andlimited to service access only.

Management Strategy

Apply registered herbicides atrecommended rates.

Monitor and control spread from otherinfestations.

Continue presence/absence monitoringand compare mapping to existing data.


Reduction in the degree of infestation, asdemonstrated by ongoing presence/absence monitoring.


6.2.3 African Boxthorn - Lyciumferocissimum

Distribution

Present in varying densities in fourreserves: Yathong NR, Culgoa NP,Gundabooka NP and Ledknapper NewEstate. It was used as a hedge plant in the1800s and is therefore usually foundaround old homestead sites that have longbeen vacated. Spreads through thetransfer of seeds by birds.

Impacts

Can be an aggressive invader in areaswhere soil disturbance occurs. High soilreserves of dormant seed can germinateunder ideal conditions.

Troublesome insects such as fruit fly andthe common house fly breed on plants androtting fruit. The plant provides perfectcover for pest animals such as rabbits andcats that live in warrens under it, and ithas spiky branches that cause damage tonative animals and humans. Because it is

20

hardy it does well in the drier country, andis capable of competing and eliminatingconsiderable pasture areas.

Occurs mostly in watercourses. Smothersand outcompetes native vegetation andthreatens the conservation and recreationalvalues of service estate.

Control Methods

Physical removal by chainsaw and tractor,and treatment of stumps with appropriateherbicide. In areas of smaller plants andwhere manpower is restricted, herbicide orfire can be effective control measures.

Six months after treatment, stumps andregrowth are treated with an appropriateherbicide.

Management Strategy

Continue mapping program of AfricanBoxthorn infestations on NPWS managedlands.

Continue an integrated approach usingchemical and mechanical controlmeasures.

Reduce plant numbers in all areas.Priority areas are Yathong NR and areasof new estate soon after purchase byNPWS.

Monitor plants treated for regrowth, andfor newly germinated seed and plants.

Encourage neighbour participation insimilar control programs, especiallyCulgoa NP.


Ground inspections indicating a reductionin abundance and requirements for followup treatments.

6.2.4 Bathurst Burr - Xanthiumspinosum

Distribution

Minor infestations occur on all reservesacross the region.

Impacts

A summer-growing invasive weed ofdisturbed areas, such as along roadsidedrains, man-made water points and onfloodout areas.

A troublesome weed which has a spoilingeffect on wool.

Each burr contains two seeds, one ofwhich may not germinate for severalseasons after the first seed has germinated.Mature burrs are readily dispersed byanimals and flowing water.

Control Methods

Integrated approach using spot spraying ofherbicides and pulling or chipping ofisolated patches, such as along drainagelines.

Management Strategy

Treat all outbreaks as they occur andbefore they set seed. Priority areas arearound ground tanks where frequentanimal visitation promotes spread ofinfestations.

Contain current areas of infestation andmonitor areas for new outbreaks.


Ground inspections indicating a reductionin the degree of infestation, both in areaand plant density.

21

6.2.5 Noogoora Burr - Xanthiumoccidentale

Distribution

Minor infestations occur on all reservesacross the region.

Impacts

A summer-growing invasive weed ofdisturbed areas, such as along roadsidedrains, man-made water points and onfloodout areas.

Highly invasive weed of floodout areas ona range of soils from sandy clay loams toheavy self-mulching grey clays. Avigorous competitor against all nativepasture species.

A troublesome weed which has a spoilingeffect on wool.

Each burr contains two seeds, one ofwhich may not germinate for severalseasons after the first seed has germinated.Mature burrs are readily dispersed byanimals and flowing water.

Control Methods

Spot spraying of registered herbicides atrecommended rates wherever possible.Some pulling or chipping of isolatedpatches.

Management Strategy

Treat all outbreaks as they occur andbefore they set seed.

Continue to implement current controlmethods. Nocoleche NR is a priority areafor treatment of Noogoora Burr. Otherinfestations are treated on a needs-be basis

Contain current areas of infestation andmonitor areas for new outbreaks.


Ground inspections indicating a reductionin the degree of infestation, both in areaand plant density.

7 ConclusionPest management programs have beenundertaken throughout Upper DarlingRegion based on priorities andrecommendations in the previous regionalplan. This review of the 1996/1997 CobarDistrict Pest Strategy will assist in thecontinuation of works programs for 2003-2006 and highlight planning needs.

Setting priorities is only the beginning ofpest management. Once regionalpriorities are established, the planning,implementation of programs, monitoringand evaluation begins.

Successful pest management takes time.Programs are successful if they are wellplanned ensuring the appropriate controltechniques are used and follow-up isundertaken. Programs are also moreeffective if neighbours are encouraged tobecome actively involved in the overallimplementation of the programs across thelandscape.

This management strategy is only a tool toestablish pest priorities and establishbroad management guidelines. Moredetailed plans for individual pests orreserves have been prepared or requirepreparation as companions to this strategy.

The Upper Darling Region Pest SpeciesManagement Plan will be reviewedannually.

8 AcknowledgementsThe following National Parks & WildlifeService staff provided assistance in thepreparation of this plan: Melissa Schroder,Andrew Leys, Michael Fleming, KerryHolmes, Jim Balnaves, Dan Hough, JasonNeville.

22

Report Prepared by:

Rob Hurst & Heath Cull

Upper Darling Region

9 Further ReadingBlood, K. (2001). Environmental weeds:a field guide for SE Australia. CRC WeedManagement Systems. CH Jerram &Associates – Science Publishers, MtWaverley.

Braysher, M. (1993). ManagingVertebrate Pests: Principles andStrategies. Bureau of Resource Sciences,Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Choquenot, D., McIlroy, J. and Korn, T.(1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests:Feral Pigs. Bureau of Resource Sciences,Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Cunningham, G. M., Mullham, W.,Milthorpe, P. and Leigh, J. (1981). Plantsof Western New South Wales. SoilConservation Service of NSW, NSWGovernment Printing Office.

Ensbey, R. (ed). (2001). Noxious andenvironmental weed control handbook –2001/2002. NSW Agriculture: Orange.

Fleming, P., Corbett, L., Harden, R. andThomson, P. (2001). Managing theImpacts of Dingoes and Other Wild Dogs.Bureau of Rural Sciences, AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

Holmes, K. (1996). Broken Hill DistrictPest Management Strategy. NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Service.Unpublished report.

NSW Agriculture. (1993). NSW NoxiousWeed Legislation. Agnote.

NSW Agriculture. (1996). VertebratePest Control Manual. NSW Agriculture:Orange.

NSW Agriculture. (Sept 1999). NSWNoxious Weeds List. Agnote.

NSW NPWS. (2001). Final Draft PestManagement Strategy, Hunter Region2001 – 2004. NSW National Parks andWildlife Service. Unpublished report.

Olsen, P. (1998). Australia's PestAnimals: New Solutions to Old Problems.Bureau of Resource Sciences andKangaroo Press: East Roseville.

Parkes, J., Henzell, R. and Pickles, G.(1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests:Feral Goats. Bureau of Resource Science.Australian Government PublishingService: Canberra.

Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J. andBraysher, M. (1995). Managingvertebrate Pests: Foxes. Bureau ofResource Sciences. AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

Sindel, B. M. (ed). (2000) AustralianWeed Management Systems. (R. G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne). 506pp.

Williams, K., Parer, I., Coman, J.B.,Burley, J. and Braysher, M. (1995).Managing Vertebrate Pests: Rabbits.Bureau of Resource Science. AustralianGovernment Publishing Service:Canberra.

Personal Communication:

Leys, Andrew, Dr. (2001). CoordinatorPest Management, NPWS Head OfficeSydney.

Fleming, Mike, Dr. (2001). ManagerOSCU, NPWS Dubbo.

23

Appendix 1: Timing of Pest Control Programs

The NPWS tries to adopt a strategic approach to pest animal control, whilst also allowingsufficient flexibility to capitalise on windows of opportunity which arise (e.g. floods, droughts,fire). Similarly, some opportunistic weed control is undertaken in response to local events (e.g.control of mass germinations following flooding or rainfall events). Timing of control activitiesvary with the method used. For pest animal control activities, the timings indicated are generalin nature and are influenced by factors such as varying seasonal conditions. Factors thatdetermine timing of herbicide application include growth stage of the plant, time of year,herbicide used, mode of application and weather conditions. The following table outlines thebest time for control or key pest species in the Upper Darling Region. Timing for weed speciesrefer to herbicide treatment only.

Species Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May JunFeral Pig x x x x x x x x x x x xFox x x x x x x x xRabbit x x xFeral Goat x x x x x x x x x x x xFeral Cat x x x x x x x x x x x xWild Cattle x x x x x x x x x x x xWild Sheep x x x x x x x x x x x xPartheniumWeed

x x x x x x x x x x x x

Spiny BurrGrass

x x x

St John’sWort

x x x x x x x

AfricanBoxthorn

x x x x x x x

Bathurst Burr x x x x xNoogooraBurr

x x x

Paterson’sCurse

x x x x

Saffron Thistle x xVariegatedThistle

x x x

Scotch Thistle x x xHorehound x x x x x xPrickly Pear x x xDrooping TreePear

x x x

Devil’s Claw x x xMexicanPoppy

x x x

Three-cornered Jack

x x x

Onion Weed x x xCrown Beard x x xMother-of-Millions

x x x x x x x x x x x x

Buffel Grass x x x x x x x x x x x x

24

Appendix 2: Noxious weeds of the Upper Darling Region

Common Name Scientific Name Bourke Cobar Bogan CentralDarling

African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum W2 W2 W2 W2Alligator Weed Alternanthera philoxeroides W1 W1 W1 W1Bathurst/Noogoora/Californian/Cockle Burrs

Xanthium spp. W3 W3

Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra W1 W1 W1 W1Blue Heliotrope Heliotropium amplexicaule W2 W2Broomrape(except O. minor and O. cernuavar Australiana)

Orobanche spp. W1 W1 W1

Cabomba(Pink Cabomba C. furcata isexempt)

Cabomba spp. W4g W4g W4g W4g

Columbus Grass Sorghum x almum W2 W2 W2Golden Dodder Cuscuta campestris W2 W2 W2 W2Galvanized Burr Sclerolaena birchii W3Green Cestrum Cestrum parqui W2 W2 W2 W2Harrisia Cactus Harrisia spp. W4f W4f W4f W4fHawkweed Hieracium spp. W1 W1 W1 W1Horsetail Equisetum spp. W1 W1 W1 W1Jerusalem Thorn Parkinsonia aculeata W1 W1 W1Johnson Grass Sorghum halepense W2 W2 W2Karroo thorn Acacia karroo W1 W1 W1 W1Kochia(Summer or Mock CypressK. scoparia subsp. Tricophylla isexempt)

Kochia scoparia W1 W1 W1 W1

Lagarosiphon Lagarosiphon major W1 W1 W1 W1Mesquite Prosopis spp. W1 W1 W1Mexican Feather Grass Nassella tenuissima syn

Stipa tenuissimaW1 W1 W1

Miconia Miconia spp. W1 W1 W1Parthenium Weed Parthenium hysterophorus W1 W1 W1Prickly Acacia Acacia nilotica W1 W1 W1 W1Prickly Pears(Indian Fig O. ficus indica isexempt

Opuntia spp. W4f W4f W4f

Rhus Tree Toxicodendronsuccedaneum

W2 W2 W2

Salvinia Salvinia molesta W1 W1 W1Senegal Tea Plant Gymnocoronis spilanthoides W1 W1 W1 W1Siam Weed Chromolaena odorata W1 W1 W1 W1Spiny Burr Grass Cenchrus incertus W2 W2 W2Spiny Burr Grass Cenchrus longispinus W2 W2 W2Spotted Knapweed Centaurea maculosa W1 W1 W1 W1Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes W1 W1 W1 W1Water Lettuce Pistia stratiotes W1 W1 W1Willows(S. babylonica, S. reichardtii andS. calodendron are exempt)

Salix spp. W4g W4g W4g

Table of Explanation:W1 The presence of the weed on land must be notified to the local control authority, and the weed must be fullyand continually suppressed and destroyed.W2 The weed must be fully & continually suppressed and destroyed.W3 The weed must be prevented from spreading & its numbers and distribution reduced.W4 Various actions according to the following categories:(f) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Any biological control or other control programdirected by a local control authority must be implemented.(g) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

25

Appendix 3: Threatened Fauna Species within the Upper Darling Region

Common Name Scientific Name Legal Status

Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus VAustralian Bustard Ardeotis australis E1Barking Owl Ninox connivens VBlack-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon VBlue-billed Duck Oxyura australis VBrolga Grus rubicunda VBrush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa VBrush-tailed Rock-wallaby Petrogale penicillata VBush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius E1Chestnut Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castanotus VDiamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata VFlock Bronzewing Phaps histrionica E1Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa VGilbert's Whistler Pachycephala inornata VEastern Grass Owl Tyto capensis VGreater Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus timoriensis VGrey Falcon Falco hypoleucos VHall's Babbler Pomatostomus halli VInland Forest Bat Vespadelus baverstocki VKoala Phascolarctos cinereus VKultarr Antechinomys laniger E1Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus VLittle Pied Bat Chalinolobus picatus VLong-haired Rat Rattus villosissimus VMagpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata VMajor Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri VMalleefowl Leipoa ocellata E1Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae VNarrow-banded Snake Simoselaps fasciolatus VPainted Honeyeater Grantiella picta VPainted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis VPied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus VPlains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus E1Red-lored Whistler Pachycephala rufogularis E1Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii VSanderling Calidris alba VSandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis VShy Heathwren Hylacola cauta VSouthern Ningaui Ningaui yvonneae VSouthern Scrub-robin Drymodes brunneopygia VSquare-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura VStimson's Python Liasis stimsoni VStriated Grasswren Amytornis striatus VStripe-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura VSuperb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii VTurquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella V

26

Common Name Scientific Name Legal Status

Western Blue-tongued Lizard Tiliqua occipitalis VWoma Aspidites ramsayi VYellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris VE1 = EndangeredV = Vulnerable

Appendix 4 Threatened Flora Species within the Upper Darling RegionFamily Name Scientific Name Legal

StatusFabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia carneorum VFabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia curranii VChenopodiaceae Atriplex infrequens VPoaceae Bothriochloa biloba VAsteraceae Brachyscome papillosa VRubiaceae Dentella minutissima E1Chenopodiaceae Dysphania plantaginella E1Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon carsonii E1Goodeniaceae Goodenia occidentalis E1Haloragaceae Haloragis exalata VFabaceae (Faboideae) Indigofera helmsii E1Asteraceae Kippistia suaedifolia E1Brassicaceae Lepidium monoplocoides E1Chenopodiaceae Maireana cheelii VEuphorbiaceae Monotaxis macrophylla E1Chenopodiaceae Osteocarpum scleropterum E1Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus maderaspatensis E1Thymelaeaceae Pimelea elongata E1Orchidaceae Pterostylis cobarensis VSterculiaceae Rulingia procumbens VMalvaceae Sida rohlenae E1Solanaceae Solanum karsense VFabaceae (Faboideae) Swainsona murrayana VFabaceae (Faboideae) Swainsona pyrophila VFabaceae (Faboideae) Swainsona sericea VE1 = EndangeredV = Vulnerable

NSWNATIONALPARKS ANDWILDLIFESERVICE

43 Bridge Street Hurstville 2220 (02) 9585 6444

upper darling region pest management strategy

Documents