Recovery Strategy for a Threatened Species Following an Extreme Environmental Event

Transcription

1 Recovery Strategy for a Threatened Species Following an Extreme Environmental Event A case study of the Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis) following Tropical Cyclone Yasi September 2011 Dr John Winter Threatened Species Partnerships Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management Atherton Photo:Bloodwood woodland 55 days after Cyclone Yasi - D. Flett Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

2 Photo: Mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis - M. Parsons Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

3 CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND Mahogany Glider Cyclones THE EXTREME EVENT TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI Mahogany Glider IMMEDIATE RESPONSE Identification of the Problem PROJECTS & THEIR EVALUATION Supplementary Feeding Stations Nest Boxes Glider Persistence in Habitat Murrigal/Corduroy Creek Persistence of gliders in other areas LESSONS LEARNT PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CYCLONE Habitat Enhancement Existing habitat Increasing suitable habitat Replantings Establishing linkages between habitat Reconnecting isolated habitat Installing artificial habitat elements Nest boxes Gliding poles Overhead walkways Reducing degrading elements Linear clearings Fences Post-cyclonic Clean-up Installing Supplementary Feeding Sites Improving Knowledge of Glider Establishment of monitoring sites Core population sites Regional population sites Specific requirement sites Ecology of glider Resource use Dispersal Metapopulation Disease Maintenance of reliable databases Community Engagement RESPONSE TO A CYCLONE RESPONSE TO OTHER EXTREME EVENTS Type of Extreme Event Immediate Actions Following an Extreme Event RESPONSIBILITIES REFERENCES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS APPENDICES Maintenance of Reliable Databases Glider records database Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

4 Site databases SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Supplementary Feeding Stations Persistence in Habitat Isolate Nest Box Assessment Nest Box Temperatures Camera-traps as a monitoring technique HEADING ONE... Error! Bookmark not defined Heading Two... Error! Bookmark not defined Heading Three... Error! Bookmark not defined Heading four... Error! Bookmark not defined. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

5 1. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to develop a recovery strategy for a species perceived to be at risk from a severe environmental disturbance event which can be used as a guide for severe events such as cyclones, severe wildfires, floods and storm surges which affect the natural environment. It uses the recovery actions undertaken for the endangered mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) following Tropical Cyclone Yasi as a case study to develop these strategies. The incorporation of Active Adaptive Management principle is an important component of this document and was explicitly devised as part of the objectives in the development of this recovery strategy. The use of an Active Adaptive Management framework values decisions which improve learning, defined by Holling 1978 and Waters 1986 (quoted in Wikipedia) as social process which aims to actively acquire new knowledge which can be used in adapting management practices. 2. BACKGROUND 2.1. Mahogany Glider The mahogany glider has one of the most restricted distributions of any mammal in Australia, found only on the coastal lowlands below 120 m in altitude, between Tully and Rollingstone to the south, a distance of approximately 120 kilometres (Figure 1). Their habitat is eucalypt open forest or woodland occurring within one of the highest rainfall belts of Australia (Jackson 2001, Jackson 2000a, Jackson 2000b, Jackson 2000c, Jackson 1998, Van Dyck 1993). The mahogany glider is classified as Endangered and is one of Australia s most threatened arboreal mammals. Major threats to the glider as listed in the Mahogany Glider Recovery Plan 2007 (Parsons and Latch 2007) are: Habitat loss and fragmentation as the result of clearing degradation and transition of remaining habitat as the result of thickening and rainforest capture as a result of infrequent use of fire and entanglement in barbed-wire fences (Parsons and Latch 2007). A loss of 49% of the glider s habitat has occurred since the commencement of broad-scale clearing to 2007 (Jackson et al. 2011). Although broad-scale clearing is no longer practiced, small scale clearing constantly erodes remaining habitat and linkages between habitat areas. Although disturbance from a cyclone may be dramatic and highly visible, most damage to mahogany habitat occurs at other times. The loss of a single tree in a narrow corridor or between forest fragments may result in a gap too wide for the gliders to safely cross. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

6 For management purposes the glider s distribution can conveniently be divided into a northern sub-population centred on Cardwell and a southern sub-population centred on Ingham, with only a tenuous ;inch-point link between the two sub-populations in the Cardwell Gap area (Figure 1). Mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. Photograph Daryl Dixon Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

7 Cardwell Gap Cardwell Ingham Figure 1. Mahogany glider habitat prior to brad-scale clearing (left) and remaining habitat in 2007 (Right) (Modified from Jackson et al 2011). Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

8 2.2. Cyclones Tropical cyclones are a regular feature of the northern Australian environment with an average of one every two years along the north east coast of Queensland (Figure 2 and 3). Figure 2. Average annual frequency of tropical cyclones in the Australian region (Australian Bureau of Meteorology). Figure 3. Cyclone tracks 1979 to 2007 indicative of the frequency of cyclones in the north eastern Queensland region (Australian Bureau of Meteorology). Many cyclones are relatively weak, category 1-2, and have a moderate impact on the natural environment. The more severe cyclones, categories 4 and 5 with their associated high winds can have a severe impact on the environment mainly as a result of canopy stripping, limb fall and tree topple. Three cyclones causing major damage to forest habitat crossed the Queensland coast between Innisfail and Tully in the past 25 years: Winifred, category 2-3, 1 February 1986, Innisfail Larry, category 4, 20 March 2006, Innisfail Yasi, category 5, 3 February 2011, Mission Beach Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

9 Cyclones vary in their structural damage to the forest depending on intensity, but even Winifred, with the lowest intensity, resulted in destructive winds between Cairns and Ingham (BOM web site) which totally stripped the canopy of foliage, flowers and fruit and caused tree topple over a wide area of the Wet Tropics rainforest. Although destructive cyclones are a natural part of the environment these have an ecological role identified by Lugo (2008). They: 1. Change the ecological space available to organisms 2. Set organisms in motion 3. Increase the heterogeneity of the landscape and the variability in ecosystem process 4. Rejuvenate the landscape and its ecosystems and redirect succession 5. Shape forest structure, influence their species composition and diversity and regulate their function and 6. Induce evolutionary change through natural selection and ecological creativity through self-organisation. Cyclones undoubtedly have a major effect on the environment and as noted by Webb (1958) Present observation in north Queensland suggest that cyclones are a potent ecological factor which regularly upset forest equilibrium, with far-reaching consequences for the regeneration, suppression, and reproduction of species. Forest fragments are more prone to significantly higher levels of damage than continuous forest. This is attributed to shape, size and surrounding non-forested aspects of a fragment (Laurance and Curran 2008). Because of their relatively small size, fragments may either totally escape or be totally affected by localised high speed wind gusts. Likewise, narrow riparian strips of forest may be subjected to major impacts over substantial sections along their length. Forest edges, on the other hand, are not significantly more prone to cyclone damage than interior forest because of the highly patchy, at local scales, wind effects (Grimbacher et al. 2008), Cyclone Larry stimulated considerable research into its impact on the rainforest environment of the Wet Tropics (Turton 2008a), but this record did not include eucalypt woodland areas of the region that is the habitat of the mahogany glider. However, Cyclone Monica which affected the eucalypt woodlands of Cape York Peninsula and the Top End of the Northern Territory in April 2006 provided insights into cyclone effects on this type of habitat (Staben et al. 2008, Turton 2008b). Cook and Goyen (2008) concluded that wind has an hitherto unrecognised influence on the spacing of trees in woodland with an expectation that 67% of trees would be windthrown about once every 100 years. Cyclone Larry had no discernable effect on the numbers of rainforest folivorous possums and Lumholtz s tree-kangaroo (Kanowski et al. 2008). Wilson et al. (2008) found some increase in home ranges in the more heavily impacted areas which they attributed to resources being more wide spread in these areas. However, they concluded that possum populations may be resilient to severe cyclone damage under the relatively wet conditions experienced post-cyclone Larry. Cyclones can play a constructive as well as a destructive role in eucalypt woodland. Murphy and Legge (2007) followed the history of 61 palm cockatoo nest trees over a period of six years during which time two cyclones, Ingrid and Monica, affected the Iron Range area of the study. During this time 16 (26%) of the nest trees were rendered unusable for palm cockatoos through loss from fire (63%), wind (25%) or decay (12%). At the same time the cyclones exposed suitable nest hollows through either through trunk snapping or lateral branch felling. They estimated that TC Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

10 Monica created 0.19 new nest-trees per hectare, while TC Ingrid created 0.02 per hectare. Recovery teams at work. Photographs D. Flett Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

11 3. THE EXTREME EVENT TROPICAL CYCLONE YASI Tropical Cyclone Yasi crossed the Queensland coast near Mission Beach between midnight and 1 am, 3 February 2011 (Figure 4). It was classified as Category 5 with wind gusts up to 285 km/hr and accompanied by heavy rain with falls of over 400 mm in the Innisfail and Tully areas resulting in some flooding (Australian Bureau of Meteorology). Figure 4. Track and intensity of Cyclone Yasi (BOM) 3.1. Mahogany Glider Habitat over almost the entire range of the northern sub-population of the mahogany glider, north of the Cardwell Gap, was severely impacted by the cyclone with estimates of % canopy damage (Figure 5). The high wind speeds resulted in canopy stripping, tree limb loss and tree topple. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

12 4. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE The impact of cyclone Yasi on the endangered mahogany glider s habitat was recognised early by DERM, key interested parties and the wider community. Following assessment of the habitat (Figure 5) DERM worked with key interested parties and progressively other stakeholders to provide feed stations and nest boxes on the perception that food and shelter would be in short supply for the gliders following the cyclone. Initiated by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld their was an immediate and generous response from organisations - Foundation for Australia s Most Endangered (FAME) and the RSPCA, and individuals in donating money, glider supplementary food, nest boxes, over 200, and sensor cameras. Their contribution to implementing recovery actions for the endangered mahogany glider was substantial. It was recognised by both DERM and WPSQ that any recovery actions undertaken needed an assessment of their effectiveness, both to determine longevity of the actions and as a basis for future actions following similar severe events. To this end the recovery program incorporated a number of projects that improved learning through a number of assessment projects Identification of the Problem Five days after Cyclone Yasi crossed the coast DERM undertook helicopter flights over the affected area to assess the impact on natural habitats. The greatest impact was between Innisfail and Cardwell impacting the geographical distribution of the northern sub-population of the mahogany glider (Figure 5). Estimates of % canopy damage occurred to the forests of the northern sub-population of the glider with trees stripped bare of leaves (Figure 6) and patch windthrow of trees. Although some areas of the southern sub-population of the glider were affected by the cyclone, the impact was not as severe. Consequently, it was decided that recovery effort be principally implemented for the northern sub-population of the mahogany glider. The immediate impact of the cyclone on the mahogany glider is not known. Although there are one or two anecdotal accounts of dead gliders found after the cyclone, no confirmed reports are known. A major difficulty in obtaining this type of information is the difficulty in accessing the glider s habitat because of trashed vegetation and flooding. It became apparent that many gliders survived the cyclone presumably by taking evasive or sheltering action. It is likely that the surviving gliders would suffer considerable stress as a result of their habitat disturbance. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

13 Tully Cardwell Figure 5. Assessment of Cyclone Yasi damage to forest canopy based on helicopter transects. Orange 80-90% damage, red % damage. Heavy dashed line outlines extent of the northern sub-population of the mahogany glider. (Damage estimate map from an internal DERM document). Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

14 Figure 6. Impact of Cyclone Yasi on mahogany glider habitat. Note trees totally stripped of leaves over extensive areas. Green on ground mainly a stripped leaf layer. Photographs by DERM. DERM also established a Mahogany Glider Task Force which met in Cardwell approximately every month. Its task was to: Coordinate recovery actions Liaise closely with other organisations in the recovery actions and Implement the evaluation of recovery actions. The task force was composed of a selection of stake holders with interests in implementing recovery actions for the mahogany glider. It included DERM personnel and representatives from other organisations Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ), Girringun Rangers, Terrain, Wet Tropics Management Authority, World Learning School of International Training (SIT) and James Cook University (JCU). The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) played a key role in the glider recovery program. The Society acted as: A non-government interest group to encourage recovery actions Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

15 A recipient for public donations of money and material An organiser of volunteer involvement A source of invaluable local knowledge of the glider s habits and habitats and A conduit for local community engagement. An important action of the Task Force was to establish a number of projects to implement recovery actions for the gliders. WPSQ Patron, Margaret Thorsborne, with SIT student, Lisa Trope, returning a mahogany glider to its habitat. Photograph M. Parsons WPSQ volunteer, Jared White, and SIT student, Kaity Conor, setting up a feeding station and sensor camera. Photograph J. Winter. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

16 5. PROJECTS & THEIR EVALUATION An important element of the recovery process was identified as an assessment of the effectiveness of recovery actions. Consequently a number of projects were devised by the Task Force to determine the: Effectiveness of supplementary feeding of gliders Use of nest boxes installed for the gliders and Persistence of gliders in habitat fragments. Three tertiary students were engaged to undertake the projects Supplementary Feeding Stations Assessing the use of Supplementary Feed Stations in a post-cyclone recovery effort for the endangered Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis). Kaity Conroy, Learning for International School Training (SIT), Cairns A common reaction to an event such as a cyclone which severely impacts an animal s habitat, is to provide food and shelter. This is based on the assumption that both will be seriously reduced by the cyclone. As a result approximately feeding stations were installed by both DERM and WPSQ in easily accessible locations immediately following the cyclone. Conroy examined the use of supplementary feeding stations at three localities, one in a partially fragmented area, Lily Creek (which included Hubinger Road), one in continuous habitat, Ellerbeck, and one in continuous habitat little impacted by the cyclone, Jourama Falls in the southern sub-population of the glider. Conroy used cameras to record visitation to feeding stations, moved stations between trees to avoid them becoming predator traps (e.g. owls and pythons) and offered both a complete supplementary food and a lure - a mix designed primarily to attract gliders. Conroy also assessed the availability of the natural nectar source, a major component of the glider s diet. Systematic supplementary feeding was commenced on 5 April, 2011, eight weeks after the cyclone made landfall. Feeding stations were mainly newly installed for the project, but a few were at sites installed earlier. Mahogany gliders were confirmed as occurring at all three localities after Cyclone Yasi; at Ellerbeck and Jourama Falls during Conroy s assessment and at Lily Creek soon after her project terminated (see Winter, Freeman and Flett supporting document). Conroy found that: 1. Lily Creek bowls were more frequently disturbed (21.43% of bowl nights) compared with Ellerbeck (1.56% bowl nights), with no sign of disturbance at Jourama Falls. However, disturbance could not be attributed to mahogany gliders as none were recorded visiting the bowls. Sugar gliders, giant whitetailed rats, lace monitors, melomys and possibly a striped possum were the recorded visitors. A confounding factor was that feed stations were in use at Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

17 some of the Lily Creek sites prior to the beginning of Conroy s study allowing animals to learn of the presence of the feeding stations. At both Ellerbeck and Jourama Falls supplementary feeding took place for the period of the study only. 2. Not all sites were visited - only one at Ellerbeck and four at Lily Creek, one of which was visited for six of the nine nights, the other three only once or twice. The frequently visited site occurred at a feeding station established prior to Conroy s study, mainly by a group of sugar gliders. 3. There was no significant difference in disturbance to bowls containing the food supplement or lure, but numbers were low. 4. Nectar bearing swamp mahogany trees (Lophostemon suavelolens) had flowered at both Ellerbeck and Lily Creek post Yasi, but had finished by the time of the study, eight weeks after the study commenced. The only flowering species at both localities were shrubs (lantana) or forbs (snake weed and sensitive plant) none of which are likely sources of nectar for the gliders. Conroy concluded that: The lack of feed station visitation by mahogany gliders, and the good condition of those trapped during other projects, strongly suggested that the gliders were obtaining sufficient for their needs from the natural environment at the time of the study Because the study commenced eight weeks after the cyclone it did not assess the possible effectiveness of feeding stations immediately following the cyclone The mahogany gliders may not have been attracted to the supplementary food mix; unlikely since they were known to come to a feeding station with the same mix at Curtis road (D.Dickson & G.Moffatt pers. comm.) Visitation of feeding stations may be determined by individual preferences of gliders or the positioning of the feeding site outside a glider s home range Impracticality of supplementary feeding on a large scale dictates that future supplementary feeding be restricted to areas where gliders were most likely to suffer serious food (nectar, pollen, gum, insect) depletion. Note The supplementary food was a mix of three powders supplied by Wombaroo Foods and designed for use of animals in care. The mix quickly deteriorated under field conditions and needed to be replaced every day. Daily renewal of the food imposed a major constraint on supplementary feeding operations under field conditions. Future supplementary feeding programs will need to carefully assess the type of provided food that best meets the needs of a wild glider population and whether a food can be devised that needs less intensive management. Conroy initially used a mix containing three powders - Wombaroo Lorikeet and Honeyeater Mix (nectarivore (nectivore) mix), Wombaroo Insectivore Mix and Wombaroo High Protein Powder. However it was concluded that the insectivore and high protein mixes were unnecessary (especially as insects remained abundant in glider habitat) and that the nectarivore mix should only be diluted close to the prescribed rate, to maintain the preservative effects of the balanced sugars it contains. Even when prepared in the optimal way, the nectarivore mix deteriorated quickly in the field. It is also important to ensure that no harm is being caused to the wild gliders by supplementary foods and lure mixes. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

18 5.2. Nest Boxes Nest boxes as supplementary dens for the endangered mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) as a post-cyclone recovery effort Christine Zelenka, James Cook University, Cairns. Mahogany gliders are known to use nest boxes (Van Dyck 1993, M. Parsons pers. comm., D. Dickson and G. Moffatt pers. comm.). Consequently nest boxes were considered potentially effective in the recovery program for the glider. In tropical Queensland unlined wooden nest boxes become significantly hotter than natural dens and experience a greater range of temperatures, which is potentially a deterrent to their use by the gliders (Isaac et al 2008). Consequently several models of insulated nest boxes were being trialled. A pilot project run by T. Ball (see supporting document) found that boxes constructed of two different diameter PVC piping separated by insulating material varied less in internal temperature than insulated wooden boxes. Zelenka helped DERM with the installation of 65 nest boxes, 25 at Ellerbeck, 25 at Lily Creek and a further 15 at other locations. The boxes came from numerous sources and included both insulated and non insulated models. At Ellerbeck and Lily Creek no attempt was made to set them in any particular pattern regarding type, but they were located at least 50m apart. The precise location of each box, its type, height of box, height and species of tree supporting the box were recorded. Between mid April and mid June Zelenka twice inspected all nest boxes for signs of occupation. A measure was also obtained of the number of trees with potential dens at a locality. This measure included the number of den bearing trees that may have been lost as a result of Cyclone Yasi as well as potentially new dens created. The report on this study is not due until the end of July 2011, but her preliminary findings include: No sign of occupation of the nest boxes by a vertebrate, the only occupants being colonies of a large black ant in some of the boxes at Ellerbeck. Although natural dens were lost as a result of Cyclone Yasi a number of new potential habitable dens were created as the result of broken tree limbs and trunks. She concluded that the lack of occupation of nest boxes suggests that surviving gliders had access to sufficient natural dens to meet their immediate needs Glider Persistence in Habitat Murrigal/Corduroy Creek Assessing the persistence of the Mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) at Corduroy Creek. Lisa Trope, World Learning School for International Training (SIT), Cairns Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

19 Murrigal/Corduroy Creek is a narrow habitat fragment approximately 1.75 kilometres long and 200 metres wide at its widest point, situated between the Bruce Highway and the Cairns to Brisbane railway. A narrow riparian strip along Corduroy Creek connects it to the Murray River, identified as a corridor in Vegetation - WT corridors and linkages [NR data]. During a 2005 widening of the Bruce Highway, Queensland Transport commissioned a survey of the mahogany glider population and constructed a rope bridge over the highway and glider launching poles each side of Murray Upper Road which dissects the southern end of the fragment. In a trapping and spotlighting survey of the fragment and connecting corridor, undertaken in September 2005, Burnett (2006) recorded six individual mahogany gliders, four adjacent to Corduroy Creek east of the highway and two in the fragment to the west of the highway. Subsequently, the only confirmed record for the locality prior to Cyclone Yasi was a road-kill obtained 10 April Burnett also recorded sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), striped possum (Dactylopsila trivirgata), common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and giant white-tailed rat (Uromys caudimaculatus). The purpose of Trope s project was to mirror, though not exactly repeat Burnett s survey to determine whether a mahogany glider population still existed in the isolate. Trope was assisted in the trapping by DERM personnel Russell Best, Mark Parsons and Alastair Freeman. Trope confirmed the presence of a pair of mahogany gliders in the fragment between the highway and railway west of the Bruce Highway, but none along Corduroy Creek east of the highway. Although not recorded along Corduroy Creek to the east of the highway the search effort may not have been sufficient to have detected the glider. Consequently no conclusion should be made regarding their possible absence along this section of the creek. Both adult male and adult female weights fluctuated between captures (the male three times and the female twice) spanning a range coming within that considered to represent individuals in good condition (Jackson 1998, M. Parsons pers. comm.). Trope, in consultation with M. Parsons, concluded that the two gliders were in good health. Trope also recorded sugar gliders (11 captures), striped possums (3 captures) and giant white-tailed rats. Subsequent to Trope s study, a road-kill common brushtail possum was collected on the Bruce Highway at the bridge over Corduroy Creek (J. Winter pers comm.). Thus the Murrigal/Corduroy habitat fragment has retained the full complement of arboreal mammals recorded during the 2005 survey. Trope located 26 of the 27 significant habitat trees recorded by Burnett in Of the 26, three had been cut down in an area used for a tree plantation, and three had become isolated by a gap of 170 m from remaining habitat by the clearing for the tree plantation. Trope s study confirmed that: 1. Mahogany gliders and other arboreal mammals are still present in the Murrigal/Corduroy Creek habitat fragment following Cyclone Yasi 2. The mahogany gliders captured were in good condition and 3. A high proportion of significant habitat trees mapped by Burnett in 2005 were still present. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

20 Trope s study was not able to demonstrate any population changes caused by Cyclone Yasi. Changes in numbers were too low to demonstrate a significant difference, and even if she had demonstrated a population change since 2005 this could have happened prior to the cyclone Persistence of gliders in other areas In addition to the above formalised projects a number of other localities were searched for gliders using: Live cage trapping by DERM at Ellerbeck and Mullers Creek Trial supplementary feeding in the immediate post Yasi aftermath by DERM Camera trapping both in association with cage trapping and as a mini project to assess their use as a monitoring technique at Ellerbeck and Lily Creek Spotlighting at Murrigal prior to Trope s study, Ellerbeck, Mullers Creek and Lily Creek Road Mahogany gliders were recorded at six of the seven localities searched where the gliders were known to have occurred prior to Cyclone Yasi (Table 1). At the only locality where the gliders were not recorded post cyclone, Hubinger Road, the search effort was minimal restricted to two feeding stations only one of which had a camera. Table 1. Mahogany gliders and other arboreal species recorded at locations where mahogany gliders were known to have occurred prior to Cyclone Yasi. Locality Search Species recorded Ellerbeck type effort Mahogany glider Sugar glider Striped possum T 40 O C O O P O S 1.5 Giant whitetailed rat? Lily Ck Mullers Ck* Corduroy Ck Curtis Rd Hubinger Rd Jourama Falls C O P+O P+O S 1.1 T >20** O C >20** S >5** O T 130 P P P P C 28 P P P P S P P+O C >60 O S >5*** O C? T 9 P C 40 Search type: Trap, Camera, Spotlighting. Search effort: Trap nights, Camera-trap nights, Spotlighting hours Record type: P recorded during Trope and Conroy s projects, O opportunistic records *Mahogany glider also located by radio **Locality subject to sampling by several projects ***Casual nightly observations over a two month period Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

21 6. LESSONS LEARNT 1. Mahogany gliders survived the cyclone even in areas heavily impacted such as in the Murrigal/Corduroy Creek fragment. Also those captured one month later were in good condition with no obvious evidence of having suffered from the experience. However, no estimate was obtained of gliders that may have died immediately or within the first month following the cyclone. 2. The use of supplementary feeding stations needs to be modified if they are to be effective as they were found to have a number of draw backs: a. It is not possible to supplementary feed the entire population of gliders affected by the cyclone because of the high logistical effort required to service the feeding stations b. None of the feeding stations monitored with cameras recorded mahogany gliders visiting them, even though the glider is known previously to have used feeding stations containing the same food supplement. This suggests that the gliders were obtaining sufficient food from the natural environment. c. Assessment of use of the feeding stations was not commenced until two months after the cyclone, by which time any surviving gliders may have been able to rely on natural food. d. The supplementary food used was designed for use by injured or sick captive animals needing a full and balanced diet. In the field, it had to be replaced daily before it fermented which considerably increased the logistical effort of servicing the feed stations e. The potential negative effects of 24-hour-old nectar mix and cordial bait containing artificial preservatives have not been assessed. 3. If supplementary feeding stations are to be used in the future they need to: a. Target more precisely areas where gliders are highly unlikely to survive on naturally occurring food b. Use a supplement food that does not need replacing every day, c. Have supplementary foods and baits assessed for potential negative effects on wild gliders d. Initiate feeding immediately after the cyclone e. Be monitored for visitation by mahogany gliders and other species. 4. Nest boxes were installed after Cyclone Yasi, but none were occupied by mahogany gliders or other vertebrate species. Possible reasons for this lack of occupancy were that boxes were: a. Not required by the gliders because sufficient natural dens were available b. Of the wrong type even though several different types were installed c. Not in place for a sufficiently length of time for the gliders to become accustomed to them d. Occupied by colonies of large black ants 5. If nest boxes are to be used in the future: a. Their design to make them acceptable to gliders needs refinement depth of box in relation to entrance and insulation properties and assessment Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

22 b. They need to be installed prior to a cyclone to enable the gliders to become accustomed to their presence c. Their placement needs to target areas where natural dens are most likely to be in short supply, because nest boxes are costly to make and to erect. 6. Lack of up to date data on presence of gliders at localities prior to the cyclone diminished the quality of information obtained on the gliders after the cyclone. This could be largely rectified by: a. Establishing a simple monitoring process capable of determining the presence of gliders at many locations b. Maintaining a reliable and up to date database of glider records 7. There was insufficient detailed knowledge of the glider s use of resources to enable precise decisions on the glider s immediate needs following a cyclone. This could be improved by investigating: a. The type and number of natural dens used by the glider which would enable a more productive use of artificial dens b. The glider s use of food resources, particularly of food bottle necks or pinch points, which would enable a better understanding of the need, if any, of supplementary feeding following a cyclone. 8. High quality habitat, of sufficient area and connectivity, is the key to ensuring the survival of mahogany gliders and other species following an extreme event such as a cyclone. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

23 7. PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CYCLONE In order to use the lessons learnt, a number of management actions are necessary to improve the ability of the mahogany glider to recover from any stresses imposed by a severe environmental event such as a cyclone. Active Adaptive Management explicitly incorporates learning as part of an evolving management strategy, acquired through undertaking projects involving recovery actions. This section presents both: Actions to be taken to improve the glider s ability to withstand severe stresses from future cyclones and Glider ecological projects to improve the effectiveness of management actions Habitat Enhancement Providing a high quality and sustainable habitat for the mahogany glider is the most effective method of ensuring the survival of the species and this can be dealt with in several ways Existing habitat Optimum mahogany glider habitat is one containing mature eucalypt trees with a relatively open but diverse understorey (Parsons and Latch 2007). Fire management and weed control strategies are essential components of managing existing habitat to retain these values. Cyclone damage, which may thin the number of canopy trees and reduce density of the understorey, leading to a more open woodland favoured by mahogany gliders, can be advantageous for management Increasing suitable habitat Increasing accessible habitat for mahogany gliders can be done in three ways by: Expanding the area of continuous habitat through suitable tree planting and Improving connectivity between otherwise disconnected habitat sectors. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

24 Replantings Since mahogany glider habitat is eucalypt woodland, tree plantings may need to differ from established Wet Tropics practice of dense plantings of mainly rainforest species. Widely spaced planting of eucalypt trees would be more beneficial to gliders by providing significant habitat trees with sparse to no understorey and providing suitable glide paths (van der Ree et al. 2003). Planting isolated paddock trees would also be advantageous to the gliders, in providing a glide-way between patches of habitat. Replantings should aim to: Expand habitat where it is tenuous or otherwise degraded Recreate a eucalypt woodland Establish significant habitat trees den or feed trees Establishing linkages between habitat For the northern sub-population the greatest extent of continuous mahogany glider habitat is situated adjacent to the coast, mostly within Girramay National Park, and extending south of Cardwell. A more or less, albeit narrow, continuous strip of habitat also extends along the footslopes of the escarpment of the main ranges (Figure 7, map of habitat). Existing, remnant, essential mahogany glider habitat between Bilyana and Cardwell, provides the foundation for linkages between the coastal and footslope areas of continuous habitat. Networks of existing habitat occur in three general areas: Bilyana (Figure 8) Meunga Valley (Figure 9) and Whitfield Creek (Figure 10) Working in cooperation with local landholders these linkages can be secured or repaired using: Conservation agreements Replantings Installation of artificial habitat elements (see Section 7.1.3) Reconnecting isolated habitat Isolated patches of mahogany glider habitat, mostly on private land, occur in two general localities, the Murray River area west of the Bruce Highway and the middle reaches of the Kennedy and Meunga Creek areas (Figure 7). With the involvement of landholders thought can be given to providing linkages between isolates and adjacent glider habitat. Isolated patches of mahogany glider habitat, particularly if they can be linked to larger areas of habitat, increase the probability of the glider s survival in the landscape. One such example is the patch of habitat between the Bruce Highway and the railway at Murrigal which is know to support a mahogany glider population (see Trope 2011). It is linked to the Murray River riparian strip of vegetation which is identified as a Wet Tropics habitat linkage (Figure 11). It is 2 kilometres long and 200 metres wide at its widest point. Main roads constructed an overhead rope bridge Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

25 across the recently widened Bruce Highway and installed gliding poles each side of Murray Upper Road which dissects the southern end of the habitat patch. Figure 7. Potential areas for establishing linkages between continuous essential mahogany glider habitat (within heavy dotted line) and habitat isolates (within cross hatched line). Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

26 Figure 8. The Bilyana network of essential mahogany glider habitat. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

27 Figure 9. The Meunga Valley network of essential habitat. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

28 Figure 10. The Whitfield Creek essential habitat network. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

29 Figure 11. Connection of a habitat isolate - Murrigal/Corduroy Creek to the Murray River corridor Installing artificial habitat elements Nest boxes, gliding poles and rope walkways are artificial elements that can be installed as measures to improve the quality of habitat, until such time as the habitat is restored to a more natural condition. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

30 Nest boxes Nest boxes are known to be used by both mahogany gliders (Van Dyck 1993) and other Petaurid gliders (Ball 2011, Ball et al. 2011, Beyer and Goldingay 2006, Traill and Lill 1997, Menkhorst 1984). Gliders use of den boxes will depend on both the availability of natural dens (likely to be preferred by the gliders), design of the nest box and the site selected. Nest box design is constantly improving to make them more attractive to gliders insulation to reduce the greater extremes of temperature in a box compared to natural hollows (Isaac 2008, T. Ball supporting document), and depth of box in relation to entrance to reduce predator pressure from goannas (G Moffatt pers comm.). Improved understanding of nest box positioning includes installing them in shaded sites and positioning the entrance aspect to reduce influence of weather. Although nest boxes are costly and labour intensive to install, once in situ they may exist for many years, depending on the material used in their construction. However, nest box attrition from tree fall and box deterioration can be high, as much as 51% after 8-10 years in mountain ash forest of Victoria (Lindenmeyer et al. 2009). Cyclones can cause major damage to nest boxes. For example, an estimate of damage caused by Cyclone Yasi to nest boxes was possible at Corduroy Creek where the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TRM) erected 55 boxes (Appendix I). Of the 39 boxes originally placed north of the Murray Upper Road and inspected by TRM in December 2010, 20 were found in May 2011,16 (80%) of which were either on the ground or had their lids missing. Successful uptake of nest boxes by Petaurid gliders may depend on the availability of natural dens. Traill and Lill (1997) demonstrated that provision of nest boxes in a Victorian ironbark woodland, depleted of dens by past logging practices, led to an increase in the population of sugar gliders from six individuals to 18, 13 of which were found in nest boxes with entrances too small for the slightly larger squirrel glider which also inhabited the area. In the Mackay area of tropical north Queensland Ball et al. (2011) obtained a 20% occupation by squirrel gliders of 56 nest boxes after three years in an area where natural tree hollows were judged to be adequate. In mountain ash forest of Victoria arboreal marsupials occupied 32% of boxes over a period of 10 years, and that nest box occupancy was greater in younger forests (58.3%) than in old forest (4.1%) (Lindenmeyer et al. 2009). Uptake of nest boxes is unlikely to be immediate, except in exceptional circumstances where all natural dens are eliminated by the extreme event. Preemptive instalment of nest boxes in selected habitat allows the gliders to become accustomed to the boxes, so even if not used prior to an event, the gliders will be aware of them, probably will have checked them out and possibly used them occasionally as emergency dens. Consequently if natural dens are depleted significantly by an event the gliders can immediately occupy the boxes. Although boxes will be destroyed by a cyclone, if replaced immediately, they are more likely to be accepted by the gliders, than new boxes in new sites. Costs, both of establishment and maintenance, and relatively low use of nest boxes by gliders predicate that a key consideration be given A key consideration must be to weigh the ecological and economic effectiveness of using nest boxes as a recovery action against other strategies such as natural habitat expansion and improvement (Lindenmeyer et al. 2009). Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

31 In summary, if nest boxes are to be used, the criteria for installing them include: Targeting areas where natural dens may fall below a critical level following an extreme event i.e. o Small isolated patches of habitat o Narrow corridors o Young tree replantings Locating them in linkages where short term emergency dens may be required by travelling gliders, particularly dispersing juveniles Accurately recording site location of each box, so they can be monitored regularly for occupancy by gliders Recording type and position of box in tree to determine preferences shown by gliders Including an evaluation program to assess the use of the nest boxes by gliders and other animals Retaining a reserve of nest boxes, to replace damaged boxes or to be installed as soon as required following an extreme event Gliding poles Gliding poles are documented as being used by both mahogany gliders (Asari et al 2010) and other Petaurid gliders (Goldingay et al 2011, Goldingay and Taylor 2009, Ball and Goldingay 2008) and are an option enabling gliders to cross gaps in natural habitat. They need to be positioned to enable the glider to traverse the distance between poles in one glide and to land high enough on the targeted pole to avoid fences and be out of reach of ground predators, particularly cats. Also the design of poles needs to be assessed, as to whether architectural features such as a launch spar, spiralling rope up the pole and an emergency shelters on the pole increase its attraction for the gliders. Criteria for pole site selection include: Narrowing the glide gap across linear clearings such as roads, fence lines and power lines, at suitable crossing points Enabling gliders to cross treeless areas between adjacent patches of habitat Ensuring poles are of sufficient height and spacing to enable gliders to clear any obstructions, particularly fences Establishing a program to assess the design of poles and their use by gliders to: o Determine whether spiralled rope up a pole is an aid or deterrent to glider use of the pole o Determine whether emergency shelters on a pole are used by gliders Overhead walkways Overhead walkways are costly to erect and maintain and their effectiveness for gliders is still being established. They have been trialled for rainforest possums in the Wet Tropics and found to be readily used when spanning a 15 metre wide road,but less so when spanning 40 metres of the Palmerston Highway (Weston et al 2011, Goosem et al 2008). Squirrel gliders are recorded using a rope bridge installed over a wide divided four-lane highway at Karuah, near Newcastle in New South Wales (Bax 2006). The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads have Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

32 installed an overhead rope walkway and associated glide poles across the 60 m wide gap of the Bruce Highway at Corduroy Creek, specifically for use by the mahogany glider. No gliders have been recorded using these structures to date (M. Yates pers comm. 25 Aug 2011) Reducing degrading elements Glider habitat is degraded in a number of ways and the impact can be reduced Linear clearings Habitat continuity is disrupted by linear clearings for features such as roads, railway lines, power lines, fences and fire breaks. Essential linear clearing should aim to: Clear only the minimum width necessary for the functioning of the clearing Incorporte glider crossing points along a linear clearing. The width between take off and landing points for a glider will be a function of the gliding angle of the mahogany glider, 1.91 m gained for 1 m loss of height (Jackson 1999), and height of launch tree Fences Barbed-wire fences are identified in the Recovery Plan (Parsons and Latch 2007) as a threat to mahogany gliders, which become entangled on the fence and die if not rescued. The greatest risk of entanglement occurs where fencing dissects sparsely distributed tall trees and where glides are likely to be longer than 20 metres (Parsons and Latch 2007). The risk from fences can be reduced by: Removal of non-functional fences Construction or modification of fences with a plain top strand and Covering a barbed top strand with polypipe or some other material, in sections identified as important crossing points for the glider Post-cyclonic Clean-up People s enthusiasm to participate in clean-up operations following a cyclone may lead to degradation of the mahogany glider s habitat. Of particular concern is the felling of: Trees along a fence line or isolated trees for reasons of safety or convenience. Removal of such trees may result in disruptions to a glider s pathway between patches of habitat or Large habitat trees which are important as mahogany glider den trees, felled often for reasons of safety. Instead, consideration should be given to either removing only the dangerous parts of the tree rather than the whole tree, or fencing off the tree. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

33 Trees along a fence line may provide important linkages for mahogany gliders travelling between habitat patches. Photograph J. Winter. Isolated paddock trees (in foreground) may provide important take off and landing trees for mahogany gliders traversing open country. Photograph D. Flett. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

34 7.2. Installing Supplementary Feeding Sites Before embarking on a supplementary feeding program thought needs to be given to potential harmful effects to a wild population of the gliders. Issues to be considered include: Quarantine to ensure that wild gliders are not exposed to disease carried by domestic animals or humans (see section 7.3.3) Feed stations acting as predator traps, where owls and pythons may wait in ambush at a feed station regularly visited by gliders Feed stations acting as meeting points for adult males leading to serious injury as a result of territorial battles Confirming that supplementary feeding is actually necessary Ensuring no harm is done to glider populations due to inappropriate feeding practices. If supplementary feed stations are to be used as a recovery action their effectiveness may be increased by: Establishing pre-determined sites in anticipation of an extreme event happening. This would enable sites to be activated quickly after a cyclone Selecting sites where food resources could be expected to become dangerously low following an extreme event. These would include small habitat isolates known to support a population of mahogany gliders, such as the Murrigal/Corduroy Creek patch, or narrow habitat corridors such as that along Whitfield Creek in the vicinity of Kennedy township Selecting sites where the gliders were know to occur prior to the cyclone Activating only those capable of being serviced on a regular basis which will depend on accessibility and human resources Overcoming any delay in the gliders finding a newly established supplementary feeding site by also using a site as a sensor camera survey site. This would encourage gliders to visit the site on their normal rounds. Providing a food supplement that meets the requirements of wild gliders and does not deteriorate rapidly in the field. This will depend on what food resource is depleted following a cyclone. It is possible that the gliders may need only an energy supplement, such as honey, and that their protein needs are obtained from insects which may still occur in abundance after a cyclone Monitoring sites with sensor cameras to identify any potential conflicts between territorial males Involving the local community in general monitoring activity at supplementary feeding sites to encourage their participation in servicing the sites when activated Maintain good hygiene when handling food and bowls keeping food and containers away from domestic animals and hand washing to prevent inadvertent transmission of disease. Supplementary feeding of wild animal populations is an effective way of engaging the general community in post traumatic recovery programs as it is perceived as a positive action. Where community engagement is undertaken, however, any potentially harmful effects of supplementary feeding need to be emphasised. Projects to assist in planning for future use of supplementary feeding include: Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

35 Determining the diet and nutritional status of un-supplemented post-cyclonic gliders, to assess if supplementary feeding is necessary Investigating a supplementary food designed to meet the requirements of wild gliders following a cyclone that has a field life of at least five days Testing visitation of feeding stations by gliders and other animals prior to any extreme event 7.3. Improving Knowledge of Glider It became obvious during this recovery action that gaps occurred in the knowledge of glider distribution and aspects of their biology, both of which hindered effective implementation and assessment of recovery actions. These included: Not knowing whether gliders were currently present in localities known to have had them in the past Inadequate understanding of gliders access to food sources Inadequate understanding of their ability to rapidly switch dietary requirements and Inadequate understanding the readiness of gliders to use nest boxes Establishment of monitoring sites For the purposes of enhancing the information base on which adaptive management decisions can be made, it is recommended that a number of permanent sites be established (Figure 12). These can be categorised as: Core sites a discrete locality where intensive, in-depth projects or research studies can be undertaken on the glider s ecology, Regional sites numerous localities covering the full geographical range of the glider where less intensive studies, but requiring a broad coverage, can be undertaken. Projects at core sites would seek to build up a detailed picture of the functioning and dynamics of a population at a particular location aspects such as: resource use and identification of resource bottle-necks resulting in pinchpoints for the gliders home range and dispersal movements glider condition disease/parasite profiles. Projects at regional sites would include: Regular rapid presence/absence monitoring of gliders to determine their persistence in habitat, particularly in habitat remnants Satellite assessment of habitat change following an extreme event Genetic profiling of gliders across their range to assess degree of gene flow between elements of the population or An understanding of the population at the meta-population level. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

36 Regional sites Regional population monitoring Broadscale habitat assessment Metapopulation Northern sub-population Northern Core study site Mullers/ Porters Creek Southern sub-population Southern Core study site To be determined Diet Diet Condition Condition Disease profile Disease profile Den use Den use Nest box use Nest box use Resource use Resource use Movements Movements Dispersal of Dispersal of young Resource bottlenecks/pinch points young Resource bottlenecks/pinch points Figure 12. Diagrammatic depiction of site selection for Adaptive Management Research Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

37 Core population sites A core population location is one where in-depth glider population studies take place, preferably at a location with a history of previous studies. Two are suggested, one in each of the northern and southern sub-populations in order to cover any significant differences in habitat composition and structure. Criteria for their selection would require they be: In continuous habitat to avoid population constraints the glider may experience under in fragmented or narrow linear habitats and Under secure protective tenure (Figure 13). Mullers/Porters Creek is the logical core study site for the northern sub-population. It is under National Park/State Forest tenure; has a solid foundation of knowledge on the glider population based on Steve Jackson s three year PhD study in the late 1990s; DERM has continuously monitored the population and a series of intensive studies by Powerlink on the ability of gliders to cross power line easements has been carried out there. Henrietta Creek area is a possibility for a core study site for the southern subpopulation it is a state government protected area and has extensive areas of mahogany glider essential habitat Regional population sites Of prime concern for management purposes is the establishment of population monitoring sites at a regional scale (Figure 13), using a hierarchy of techniques: 1. Cage trapping + spotlighting + sensor cameras 2. Spotlighting + sensor cameras 3. Sensor cameras only Trapping requires the erection of trap brackets and the daily checking and baiting of traps over a period of several days, but provides information on individually identified gliders. It requires the greatest effort but provides the most information. Spotlighting without trapping requires less effort nightly visits - but with minimal return, as the observation rate is approximately 1 glider sighting for 6 hours of spotlighting (M.Parsons pers. comm.). Sensor cameras require the least field time one visit to set up and one to retrieve them - and they have been shown effective in collecting presence/absence records. Viewing and recording of images from the cameras is the most time consuming activity of the method. Trapping transects - DERM already has a number of transects for trapping and/or spotlighting in both sub-populations. Their use can be continued with additional sites selected if necessary. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

38 Sensor Camera stations cameras would be used in conjunction with trapping sites. Because of their ease of use and effectiveness, many more sites need to be established to monitor the presence of gliders on a yearly basis at the regional scale. Figure 13 Map of both existing and possible monitoring sites for the northern sub-population of the mahogany glider. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

39 Specific requirement sites Some glider ecological projects will require sites with very specific criteria that negate the use of any pre-established core or regional sites. Determining the ability of gliders to cross linear gaps and the use of glider poles may require specially selected sites. These sites can then be incorporated into the regional population monitoring sites if appropriate Ecology of glider The ecology of the mahogany glider is well known as the result of several studies, a summary of which is given in the Recovery Plan (Parsons and Latch 2007). Nevertheless, certain aspects with particular relevance for the glider s ability to sustain a viable population, particularly following an event such as a cyclone, need better understanding Resource use Two resources potentially depleted by a cyclone are food items and den hollows. Diet of the glider is principally nectar with its associated pollen, but also includes wattle exudates, wattle arils, sap, honey dew, lerps and insects. Summer is a time when nectar bearing flowers are scarce and the glider relies largely on other foods (Parsons and Latch 2007). It is not known whether there are bottle-necks of food availability for the glider which, if they occur during the cyclone season, could have a critical bearing on the glider s ability to recovery following a cyclone. Recognising if dietary bottle necks occur would have a major influence on the need to implement a supplementary feeding program. Future studies could include: Identification of possible food resource bottle-necks Determination of seasonal fluctuations of glider condition in relation to food availability. Use of glider blood values to determine nutritional status under normal, bottle-neck and post-cyclonic conditions. Gliders rely on tree hollows as dens which they usually line with a thick mat of eucalypt leaves. Up to 10 dens may be used during a single season by one individual while pairs may use up to 13 dens (Jackson 2000a). Recognition of the type of den preferred by the gliders and distribution of dens within a home range would benefit the design and spacing of artificial nest boxes. Future studies could include: Type of den preferred by mahogany gliders Spacing and use of natural dens within a glider s home range and Level of den redundancy in the area (i.e. how many can they lose before they are truly homeless) Dispersal Both sexes of the mahogany glider appear to disperse from their maternal home range within a year and it is most likely to occur along corridors of habitat Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

40 (Jackson 1998). It is essential, therefore, that there is sufficient continuous or linked habitat for this to occur. A better understanding of juvenile dispersal would improve the design of habitat linkages. Future studies could include determining: Juvenile dispersal movements and Habitat requirements of dispersing juvenile gliders Metapopulation A metapopulation consists of a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact at some level ( A better knowledge of the composition of the metapopulation of the glider will enhance the understanding of its management needs, particularly as the more a population is fragmented into isolated subpopulations the greater the probability of local extinctions occurring. The better the connections between population units the more resilient the population, unless it is large enough for disconnected sections of the population to diverge towards forming new species. A trend towards speciation of the two sub-populations of the mahogany glider is a possibility because of limited exchange of individuals at the Cardwell Gap pinch-point. Future studies could include: Identifying population units over the glider s geographical range and the degree of connectivity between them and Determining genetic composition of population units as a means of assessing connectivity between them Disease Australian marsupials, because of their evolution in isolation, are susceptible to introduced diseases and parasites (Thompson et al. 2009). A possible contributing factor to collapses of native mammal population after the arrival of Europeans has been attributed to disease (Abbott 2006). One of the more common diseases, which can be fatal to marsupials, is toxoplasmosis the main carrier of which is the domestic cat (Felis cattus) (Tenter et al. 2000). Other diseases affecting Australian wildlife are Sarcoptes, Giardia, Echinococcus, Leishmania and Trypanosoma (Thompson et al. 2009). Future studies could include: A disease profile of the mahogany glider Potential disease sources for the mahogany glider Disease susceptibility of mahogany gliders as a result of increased stress from changed environmental factors Determining simple and effective quarantine methods when handling mahogany gliders. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

41 Maintenance of reliable databases The maintenance of current and reliable databases is essential for good management practices and for determining active adaptive management priorities. Mahogany glider records are stored in three databases maintained by DERM (Figure 14): 1. Wildnet, DERM s main database for both animal and plant records and maintained in Brisbane 2. A QPWS database maintained by the Geographical Information System unit in Townsville and 3. A separate database is maintained as a specific monitoring tool, recording morphometrics Care needs to be taken when two or more databases are used for the same data set that discrepancies do not arise between them, usually as the result of updating a record in one but not the other. Examples of obvious discrepancies are provided in Appendix I. Other sets of data may not meet the criteria for inclusion in either of the above three databases, but need to be maintained as essential basic information. They include those for feeding stations, monitoring sites and nest boxes, an example of which is given in Appendix I. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

42 Figure 14. Mahogany glider records downloaded from Wildnet, on 7 July 2011 and from the QPWS database (O:data/nr_data/DERM/mg_sightings_to_17oct2010.shp) updated on 17 October Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

43 7.4. Community Engagement Community engagement is essential in a mahogany glider recovery program. Community acceptance and active support of habitat enhancement activities ensures a better outcome for habitat improvement. Veterinarians and Wildlife carers are not only important in dealing with sick, injured and orphaned animals, but are an invaluable source of information on the habits of the animals they care for. In addition the community can provide valuable assistance in normal glider monitoring activities and in post-extreme event activities. Organisations such as Terrain, Giringun Rangers, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ), World Learning School for International Training (SIT), James Cook University together with individuals were all involved in the mahogany glider recovery actions after Cyclone Yasi. Continuing engagement with the community could include participation in: Regional monitoring of gliders using sensor cameras Installing nest boxes Installing gliding poles Maintaining supplementary feeding sites, if and when needed Engaging other members of the community Specific suggested projects Kaity Conroy talking to Lyn Jensen about the glider recovery program. Photograph J. Winter. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

44 Girringun Rangers, based in Cardwell, and capable of undertaking regional monitoring of the mahogany glider. Photograph D. Flett. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

45 8. RESPONSE TO A CYCLONE Rapid response following a major cyclone is desirable as it is in the first few weeks when the gliders and other animals may be most vulnerable. Access will be curtailed as a result of tree topple and flooding, emphasising the need for any pre-emptive measures, such as the establishment supplementary feeding stations, to have relative ease of access in mind. Actions include: 1. Identifying area and species most affected and requiring recovery actions 2. Establishing a task force of major interested parties 3. Determining what recovery actions, if any, are required 4. Immediately commencing certain recovery actions, such as supplementary feeding, if needed 5. Monitoring the population at regional sites affected to determine whether gliders are still present 6. Assessing survival of existing nest boxes and install additional boxes were deemed necessary 7. Engaging with the community to ensure the retention of remaining habitat linkages and glider occupied habitat isolates during post-cyclonic cleanup operations and 8. Establishing an on-ground disaster management team to help local landholders plan post-cyclonic activities that are not detrimental to wildlife habitat. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

46 9. RESPONSE TO OTHER EXTREME EVENTS Cyclones are not the only extreme environmental event that can occur in far north eastern Queensland. Other events include extreme wildfire extending into tree canopy, flooding and storm surges. Other outbreak events such as disease or plagues of animals can potentially cause major modification to habitats and species. Possible examples are out breaks of the Hendra virus or of Psittacine Circoviral Disease (beak and feather disease) affecting parrot populations, both of which may have severe implications for wild populations. However, detection, rate of impact and responses required will be different to those for first set of extreme events listed and are not considered further in this document Type of Extreme Event The natural environment of far north Queensland is prone to extreme events that can cause significant modification to habitat of both plant and animal species. They include: Cyclones Wild fires Floods Storm surges or Sunami The first three can affect large tracts of habitat during any one event while the last, storm surges, is confined to a narrow coastal band (Table 2). Table 2. General characteristics of extreme events. Cyclones Wild Fires Floods Storm Extent Habitat effected Very widespread Rainforest & sclerophyll forests (canopy midstorey) Restricted spread Sclerophyll forests (rainforest) River valleys and flood plains Riparian and flood plain vegetation mosaic Surges/Sunami Coastal strip Foreshore, backing dune and swale complex Frequency > decades? < decades >50 yrs Flora & fauna Forest Forest Aquatic Forest/aquatic/littoral affected Management implications for different types of extreme events: Cyclones o Can impact extensive areas o Tree canopy stripped of leaves plus fallen trees, but a mosaic of untouched habitat and ground layer may be little affected o Associated flooding Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

47 o Access restricted by tree topple and flooding Fires o Extent can vary from small restricted to widespread areas o Canopy fires cause total elimination of green vegetation right down to ground layer, thus severe depletion of resources o Access restricted by tree topple. Flooding o Damage mostly confined to watercourses and flood plains o Terrestrial loss of resources probably not as great as for cyclones and fires o Loss of aquatic resources greater as a result of scouring o Access restricted by wash-outs and standing flood water. Storm surges or Sunami o Restricted to narrow coastal belt o Variable resource destruction o Access restricted by debris piles and cut roads Elements of all four of the listed severe events may occur together, compounding the management implications; for example, severe wild-fire outbreaks in vegetation debris following a cyclone Immediate Actions Following an Extreme Event 1. Recognise type of event 2. Determine severity and extent of event 3. Establish task force incorporating interested stake holders 4. Determine species most impacted 5. Determine species needing recovery actions 6. Determine type of recovery action, if any, required 7. Determine timing of recovery actions and identify those requiring immediate action 8. Engage community 9. Commence immediately where delay may be critical to effectiveness of action e.g. activation of feeding stations Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

48 10. RESPONSIBILITIES Responsibilities for undertaking continuing management actions in the post Cyclone Yasi mahogany glider recovery program are listed in Table 3 (A.Millerd pers. comm.). Non-DERM participants include: WPSQ Terrain WTMA Girringun Rangers Table 3. Responsibilities for undertaking continuing management DERM managed places "Special" - DERM managed places "Special" - Non DERM Habitat Management Guidelines x x Data Management x x x Identify "Special" places and needs e.g. den places poles place reveg x x post event response guidelines x x x fire management x x monitoring - technical x x x monitoring - coordination x x x doing x x monitoring "special" places coordination x x x doing Note: "Special" managed places are those which require support to impriove Mahogany Glider viability. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

49 11. REFERENCES Abbott, I. (2006) Mammalian faunal collapse in Western Australia, : the hypothesised role of epeizootic disease and a conceptural model of its origin, introduction, transmission, and spread. Australian Zoologist 33, Asari, Y., Johnson, C.N., Parsons, M., Larson, J. (2010) Gap-crossing in fragmented habitats by mahogany gliders (Petaurus gracilis). Do they cross roads and powerline corridors? Australian Mammalogy 32, Ball, T., 2011, M. (2011) 'Temperature trial - insulation properties of nest refuges ' Internal Report: Department of Environment and Resource Management, Mackay. Ball, T.M., Goldingay, R.L. (2008) Can wooden poles be used to reconnect habitat for a gliding mammal. Landscape and Urban Planning 87, Ball, T., Goldingay, R.L., Wake, J. (2011) Den trees, hollow-bearing trees and nest boxes: management of squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) nest sites in tropical Australian woodland. Australian Mammalogy 33, Bax, D. (2006) 'Karuah Bypass Fauna Crossing Report.' THIESS Pty Ltd Prepared for NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. Beyer, G.L., Goldingay, R.L. (2006) The value of nest boxes in the research and management of Australian hollow-using arboreal marsupials. Wildlife Research 33, Burnett, S. (2006) 'Tully - Corduroy Creek flood mitigation project: Mahogany Glider and Southern Cassowary field survey.' Earthworks Environmental Services Pty Ltd, Townsville. Conroy, K. (2011) Assessing the use of Supplementary Feed Stations in a postcyclone recovery effort for the endangered Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis). SIT Study Abroad. Cook, G.D., Goyens, C.M.A.C. (2008) The impact of wind on trees in Australian tropical savannas: lessons from Cyclone Monica. Austral Ecology 33, Goldingay, R.L., Taylor, B.D. (2009) Gliding performance and its relevance to gap crossing by the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis). Australian Journal of Zoology 57, Goldingay, R.L., Taylor, B.D., Ball, T. (2011) Wooden poles can provide habitat connectivity for a gliding mammal. Australian Mammalogy 33, Goosem, M., Wilson, R., Weston, N., Cohen, M. (2008) 'Highway Overpass Evaluation of Effectiveness: Kuranda Range Road Upgrade Project.' Published by the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Cairns. Grimbacher, P.S., Catterall, C.P., Stork, N.E. (2008) Do edge effects increase the susceptibility of rainforest fragments to structural damage resulting from a severe tropical cyclone? Austral Ecology 33, Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

50 Isaac, J.L., Parsons, M., Goodmand, B.A. (2008) How hot do nest boxes get in the tropics? A strudy of nest boxes for the endangered mahogany glider. Wildlife Research 35, Jackson, S.M. (1998) Foraging ecology, behaviour and management of the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. PhD thesis, James Cook University. Jackson, S.M. (1999) Glide angle in the genus Petaurus and a review of gliding in mammals. Mammal Review 30, Jackson, S.M. (2000a) Home-range and den use of the mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis. Wildlife Research 27, Jackson, S.M. (2000b) Population dynamics and life history of the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis and sugar glider Petaurus breviceps in north Queensland. Wildlife Research 27, Jackson, S.M. (2000c) Habitat relationships of the mahogany glider, Petaurus gracilis and the sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps. Wildlife Research 27, Jackson, S.M. (2001) Foraging behaviour and food availability of the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis (Petauridae: Marsupialia). Journal of Zoology, London 253, Jackson, S.M., Morgan, G., Kemp, J.E., Maughan, M., Stafford, C.M. (2011) An accurate assessment of habitat loss and current threats to the mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis). Australian Mammalogy 33, Kanowski, J., Winter, J.W., Catterall, C.P. (2008) Impacts of cyclone Larry on arboreal folivorous marsupials endemic to upland rainforests of the Atherton Tableland, Australia. Austral Ecology 33, Laurance, W.F., Curran, T.J. (2008) Impacts of wind disturbance on fragmented tropical forests: A review and synthesis. Austral Ecology 33, Lindenmayer, D.B., Welsh, A., Donnelly, C., Crane, M., Michael, D., Macgregor, C., McBurney, L., Montague-Drakea, R., Gibbons, P. ( ) Are nest boxes a viable alternative source of cavities for hollow-dependent animals? Long-term monitoring of nest box occupancy, pest use and attrition. Biological Conservation 1 4 2, LUGO, A.E. (2008) Visible and invisible effects of hurricanes on forest ecosystems: an international review. Austral Ecology 33, Menkhorst, P.W. (1984) Use of Nest Boxes by Forest Vertebrates in Gippsland: Acceptance, Preference and Demand. Wildlife Research 11, Murphy, S.A., Legge, S.M. (2007) The gradual loss and episodic creation of Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus) nest-trees in a fire- and cyclone-prone habitat. Emu 107, 1-6. Parsons, M., Latch, P. (2007) Recovery plan for the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. In. (Ed. B Environmental Protection Agency Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

51 Staben, G.W., Evans, K.G. (2008) Estimates of tree canopy loss as a result of Cyclone Monica, in the Magela Creek catchment northern Australia. Austral Ecology 33, Tenter, A.M., Heckeroth, A.R., Weiss, L.M. (2000) Toxoplasma gondii: from animals to humans. International Journal for Parasitology 30, Thompson, R.C.A., Kutz, S., Smith, A. (2009) Parasite Zoonoses and Wildlife: Emerging Issues. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 6, Traill, B.J., Lill, A. (1997) Use of tree hollows by two sympatric gliding possums, the squirrel glider, Petaurus norfolcensis and the sugar glider, P. breviceps. australian Mammalogy 20, Transport and Main Roads (2011) 'Corduroy Creek to Tully Bruce Highway Upgrade 30-10N-81. EPBC Report 2. Second Year Fauna Monitoring. EPBC Reference 2006/2967v.' Townsville. Trope, L. (2011) Assessing the persistence of the Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis) at Corduroy Creek. SIT Study Abroad. Turton, S. (2008) Cyclones Larry and Monica: ecological effects of two major disturbance events. Austral Ecology 33, Turton, S.M. (2008) Landscape-scale impacts of Cyclone Larry on the forests of northeast Australia, including comparisons with previous cyclones impacting the region between 1858 and Austral Ecology 33, Van der Ree, R., Bennett, A.F., Gilmour, D.C. (2003) Gap-crossing by gliding marsupials: thresholds for use of isolated woodland patches in an agricultural landscape. Biological Conservation 115, Van Dyck, S. (1993) The taxonomy and distribution of Petaurus gracilis (Marsupialia: Petauridae), with notes on its ecology and conservation status. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 33, Webb, L.J. (1958) Cyclones as an ecological factor in tropical lowland rainforest, North Queensland. Australian Journal of Botany 6, Weston, N., Goosem, M., Marsh, H., Cohen, M., Wilson, R. (2011) Using canopy bridges to link habitat for arboreal mammals: successful trials in the Wet Tropics of Queensland. Australian Mammalogy 33, Weston, N.G. (2003) The provision of canopy bridges to reduce the effects of linear barriers on arboreal mammals in the Wet Tropics of northeastern Queensland. James Cook University. Wilson, R.F., Goosem, M.W., Wilson, G.W. (2008) Resilience of arboreal folivores to habitat damage by a severe tropical cyclone. Austral Ecology 33, Winter, J., Freeman, A.B., Flett, D. (2011) 'Pilot Project to Assesses the use of Camera-traps as a Mahogany Glider (Petaurus gracilis) Monitoring Technique.' Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

52 Unpublished internal report: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Environmental Resource Management, Atherton. Zelenka, C. (2011) Nest boxes as supplementary dens for the endangered mahogany glider (Petaurus gracilis) as a post-cyclone recovery effort. James Cook University. 12. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The development of this strategy would not have been possible without the willing help of many people, either sharing their knowledge of the mahogany glider, helping in the field, undertaking assessment projects, organising task force meetings or contributing to the manuscript. Thanks to all those people. I specially wish to thank Margaret Thorsborne, Daryl Dickson, Mark Parsons, Geoff Moffatt, Alastair Freeman, Keith Smith, Andrew Millerd, Sue Smith, Anne Wilkinson, Ewa Meyer, Alex Tessieri, Mike Joyce, Dave Flett, Russell Best, Lisa Trope, Kaity Conroy, Christine Zelenka, Matt Gillis, WPSQ volunteers, Girringun Rangers, Rowena Grace, Debbie Popple, Tina Ball, Emma Schmidt, Phil Bowie, Anne Mealing, Bob Doran, Lyn Jensen and Paula Ingerson. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

53 13. APPENDICES Maintenance of Reliable Databases The maintenance of current and reliable databases is essential for good management practices and for determining active adaptive management priorities Glider records database Mahogany glider records are stored in two databases maintained by DERM. One is Wildnet, DERM,s main database for both animal and plant records and maintained in Brisbane. The other is a QPWS database maintained by the Geographical Information System unit in Townsville. Care needs to be taken when two databases are used for the same data set that discrepancies do not arise between them, usually as the result of updating a record in one but not the other. Two examples of obvious discrepancies appear in Table 2. There are also several glider records in the QPWS database that are not, at the time of writing, in the Wildnet database even though the field in the former database indicates that they have been entered into Wildnet (Figure 14). Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

54 Figure 14. Mahogany glider records downloaded from Wildnet, on 7 July 2011 and from the QPWS database (O:data/nr_data/DERM/mg_sightings_to_17oct2010.shp) updated on 17 October Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

55 Examples of discrepancies are given in Table 2 and Figure 15. Table 2. Two examples of obvious discrepancies between mahogany glider locality records from the Wildnet and QPWS databases. In both the QPWS coordinates are correct. Example 1 Example 2 Field Wildnet QPWS data set Wildnet QPWS data set Record No Date 3/4/2006 3/4/ /07/2000 9/7/20000 Locality Appleyard Bilyana Meunga Creek Meunga Collector/Observer Rd; Bilyana Mark Parsons campground Daryl Dickson Helen Wood Arthur Sellers, Helen Wood Latidude Longitude Easting Northing Remarks Distance between given localities (km) Caught on Barbed Wire Barbed Wire Mother found dead. 2 offspring. 1 passed away in care, 2nd alive as at 2/10/ On ground below trees. Only 1 pouch young survived. Into permanent care Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

56 Figure 15. Examples of discrepancies in record locations between the QPWS and Wildnet databases. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September

57 Site databases Other sets of data may not meet the criteria for inclusion in either Wildnet or the QPWS database, but need to be maintained as essential basic information. They include those for feeding stations, den boxes and monitoring sites. The need for a reliable and complete data set was most apparent for den boxes which may have a useful life of many years. Den boxes had been erected prior to Cyclone Yasi for a range of projects, a high proportion at Murrigal/Corduroy Creek. Most of the boxes at Corduroy Creek belong to the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), were erected in 2008 and inspected in December 2010 (Transport and Main Roads 2011) (Figure 16). The exact coordinates of these boxes was provided courtesy of TMR which enabled DERM obtain an estimate of the number damaged between December 2010 and May 2011, presumably by Cyclone Yasi (see Section ). Figure 16. Den boxes installed at Murrigal/Corduroy Creek by Department Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in 2008 with the boxes checked in May 2011 by DERM. Box positions courtesy of Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. Mahogany glider post-cyclonic recovery strategy September