STRATEGIES TO REDUCE MARSUPIAL IMPACT ON EROSION PROCESSES
INTRODUCTION
The Stomping Out Sediment in the Burdekin project gave Strathalbyn Station manager Bristow Hughes an opportunity to better understand the impact of high numbers of marsupials on erosion processes at one of the project sites .
The site included an area of severe scalding and erosion , across about 25ha , targeted for remediation work and improved grazing management aimed at increasing ground cover and reducing sediment loss . There was a dense infestation of rubber vine which harboured high numbers of wallabies . Observations indicated management of marsupial grazing pressure might improve erosion outcomes across the site .
Bristow had previously observed significant grazing pressure from wallabies . Management strategies on Strathalbyn include weed management and improved grazing practices to increase ground cover .
“ During good years , wallabies breed like rabbits , and are harboured in the weed thickets , and then in poorer years , they eat everything in sight ,” Bristow said .
“ Using dense areas of weeds like rubber vine as a refuge , marsupials can dramatically impact grass production , and especially vegetation recovery after drier seasons , because they crop new growth after rainfall .”
Bristow Huges
Photograph by Gynther , I ., DEHP
MARSUPIAL EXCLUSION
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