Long-nosed Bandicoot update - Glenburn

Long-nosed Bandicoot (LNB) numbers seem to have increased since the 2009 fires along the Stony Creek at Kinglake West, along the King Parrot Creek down to Hazeldene and at Toolangi.
The thick regrowth of native vegetation has probably favoured the bandicoots and provided protection from predators such as foxes and cats.
Our fauna monitoring with remote sensor cameras in these areas has turned up many photographs of the usually secretive creatures.

Long-nosed Bandicoot at Glenburn

Long-nosed Bandicoot at Glenburn

 




Recently after noticing diggings and other possible signs on a property in Glenburn we set up our cameras and were rewarded by these photographs of Long-nosed Bandicoots.

This site is on private land along a tributry of Katy's Creek in an area of native riparian vegetation. The area has been fenced off by the landowner to protect it from their cattle and to encourage natural regeneration. This has certainly paid off because as well as the bandicoot's we also photographed Swamp Wallabies, Bush Rats, Wombats, Brush-tail Possums and birds including the shy Bassian Thrush.
 
This map shows the locations where we have recorded LNB's throughout the Kinglake Ranges over the last two years.

Map showing locations of Long-nosed Bandicoots observations by UGLN

If you see a bandicoot or possible evidence please let us know by phoning 5736 0104 or email ugrecovery@gbcma.vic.gov.au

Long-nosed Bandicoot Recovery

The Long-nosed Bandicoot (Perameles nasuta) pictured here was recently killed by a vehicle on the Whittlesea-Yea Road and is unfortunately one of five known road-kill bandicoots in the past few months, mostly in the Stony Creek area at Kinglake West.

Long-nosed bandicoot road-kill at Kinglake West

There is conjecture about the reasons for this spate of road deaths. One theory, looking on the positive side, is that, although disturbing to see these lovely animals being killed, it may indicate a large increase in the local bandicoot population following the bushfires in the area in 2009.

This may be as a result of the past two relatively wet years providing soft earth to dig in and a flush of insects and fungi, which constitute a large part of the bandicoot’s diet.

Long-nosed bandicoots forage in leaf litter and often dig characteristic conical holes to locate invertebrates and underground-fungi. The bandicoot also eats lush plant material and the prolific regrowth of vegetation after the fires provides both food and cover from predators.

Long-nosed Bandicoots are most active during the night. It is more likely that you will see evidence of the animal’s conical diggings on your property before you see a bandicoot.

Long-nosed Bandicoot near King Parrot Creek

Long-nosed Bandicoot near King Parrot Creek

At one site near the King Parrot Creek we have been able to capture dozens of photos of living Long-nosed Bandicoots by using movement activated cameras.

If you do see a bandicoot, alive or dead, or possible evidence please let us know by phoning 5736 0104 or

email ugrecovery@gbcma.vic.gov.au

Lorax Project 2012

Our revegetation project (Lorax Project) has kicked off for 2012.
We recently have had volunteers from NAB, Aspect Personnel, Camberwell Secondary College and Conservation Volunteers Australia planting trees and shrubs along the Spring Creek, Stony Creek, at South Cathedral Farm in Buxton and the Kinglake Lions Park.

South Cathedral Farm - Buxton

NAB at Kinglake Lions Park

CVA at Stony Creek

Buxton Burger Lunch

For enquiries about tree planting on your fire affected property or to volunteer phone Chris Cobern on 5736 0104.

It is not all about Tree Planting

Woody Weed removal has been another important activity volunteers have undertaken .

After the bushfire is an excellent time to get on top of invasive exotic weed species.

Volunteers have been 'cutting and painting' broom , blackberries, holly and gorse from patches of remnant bush.

Loppers are used to cut the plants at ground level then the cut stems are quickly dabbed with neat round-up. This kills the plant and has the added benefit of using very little chemical .

It is time consuming and physically demanding work ( a little bit boring really ) but these young volunteers from SW Sydney Environment Group managed to clear a large patch at Kinglake West , Stony Creek Reserve. Thanks guys.