Wildlife corridors for the Scenic Rim
Focussing on low-altitude forests and woodland supporting squirrel gliders and other open forest species
This is the relatively new (founded 2013) Scenic Rim branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society, which was founded over half a century ago and is thus the longest running conservation society in Queensland, has since its outset been active in conservation issues, and produces the magazine Wildlife Australia
For two years, under a grant from the Scenic Rim Regional Council, we conducted nocturnal surveys and set motion-sensing cameras to investigate the distribution of squirrel gliders, which in contrast to others gliders in the region tend to occupy the drier, more open habitats of the valleys, which are not as well protected by national parks as the mountain forests. We identified a number of “hubs” with gliders and other wildlife species (Kooralbyn/Josephville, Boonah area, Maroon area, Birnam Range and Upper Kelrry Valley) and areas between them fairly devoid of native vegetation. WPSQ raised $5000 towards establishment of corridors, and we received a further $10,200.00 from a federal grant, through the Community Environment Program. A number of members and non-0members volunteered to assist with planting, and various landowners in the hubs and the corridors agreed to have native plants established on their properties, and the grant allows for tree guards, fencing from cattle and other needs. While our primary focus is the squirrel glider we are also planting for koalas, glossy black cockatoos, native bees, butterflies and all small native species that need understorey shelter. Nest boxes are also being established in areas without large trees capable of forming hollows. Locally native plant species are selected with these species in mind, with a preference for fire-retardant and drought resistant species where possible. Council has provided the first 960 plants and a few hundred tree-guards free of charge. So far, we have supplied plants to, and mostly planted on, fourteen properties, and increasing numbers of landowners are signing up for the project. We are conducting fauna surveys in hubs and corridor routes to be compared with the situation in the future as corridor the plants grow.
