Threatened Species - KI Narrow-leaf Mallee
Do you have Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee on your property?Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee is endemic to South Australia. It occurs mostly as small isolated patches, along shelter belts and roadsides. The trees have a dense crown of narrow, glossy, dark green leaves that are held erect on the branches. The bark is rough and hard. The buds are small and without their own stalk. Why manage Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee?Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee has been extensively cleared. On Kangaroo Island only 11% of the original cover remains. Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee trees are often the only trees remaining on properties in eastern Kangaroo Island. Senescence - Natural aging & deathIn some areas where Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee occurs the trees are old and regeneration does not occur. This process is known as senescence. The understorey in these areas is very sparse and the understorey plants that once occurred are no longer seen. EconomicsWhere Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee occurs it is often the only tree species remaining in the habitat. This makes the trees very important in providing shelter for stock and windbreaks for crops. They also help to alleviate salinity through water uptake, and they provide habitat for birds and other beneficial predators. Endangered speciesSome of the most endangered plants found on Kangaroo Island grow under Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee, including the Small-flower Daisy-bush Olearia microdisca and Tar bush Eremophila glabra ssp. glabra. To ensure long-term survival, some stands of Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee need to be managed. Pollarding may be a solutionKangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee trees have a 'lignotuber' from which the tree will re-shoot when cut. The lignotuber is a woody underground swelling at the base of the trunk that contains a food reserve. This lignotuber enables the tree to re-shoot. Pollarding involves cutting mallee trunks to ground level to encourage the tree to regrow. Do not pollard any other species of Eucalypt - they may not survive. RememberOldies are valuableOld Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee trees can contain hollows - valuable habitat for birds, animals and reptiles. For this reason, do not pollard trees that have hollows and seek advice if old single stem trees are present. Spread the agesEnsure a range of tree ages exist. If pollarding a large area do it in sections over 5-10 years to ensure a range of habitat ages occur in the area. A small number of trees should remain standing to contribute to habitat diversity. This will ensure that the area is of higher value to wildlife. Permission from the Native Vegetation Council is required before undertaking pollarding, clearing and fire management activities. Seek advice before proceeding.
What to doSeek adviceDepartment for Environment and Heritage (DEH) staff can inform you about what is best for your Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee. Get permissionPermission from the Native Vegetation Council is required before any pollarding can occur (some exemptions apply). Forms are available from the DEH office. Cut between May & AugustAvoid pollarding during seasons of low rainfall or extended drought, as stressed trees may not recover. Where to cutCut trunks as close to the ground as possible to ensure that trees have maximum chance of regrowing. If multiple stems are present ensure all stems are cut. Fence the areaIt is essential to prevent stock from feeding on the new growth for at least 16 weeks post pollarding. Fencing will provide the best result. Alternatively, a light covering of mallee tops over the stumps may be sufficient to inhibit some browsing. Where possible place the fence up to 10m from the canopy drip-line to allow for natural spread of regrowth and germination of new plants. Avoid saline areasSaline areas should not be pollarded or burnt, as the stressed trees will not recover. Threatened plantsBe aware that rare plants may be present in the area to be pollarded. Seek advice to prevent damaging these plants. Do not re-pollard for at least 40 years. Getting the best resultsRegeneration of the understorey
To encourage seed regeneration in the understorey, place the pollarded treetops in heaps over the pollarded area and burn. It is best to burn the site within three weeks of cutting to prevent regrowth from being damaged. Disturbing the soil may also assist regeneration. MonitorAfter pollarding, monitor the area to determine if regeneration of understorey plants is occurring. After 3 months small plants should be obvious. Take a walk through the area - for every pace you take you should be able to count 2-3 understorey plants. If you have less than this, revegetation by planting or direct seeding may be required. Plant in the following autumn and seek advice if needed. Weed controlComplementary weed control will be required to prevent species such as Bridal Creeper Myrsiphyllum asparagoides infecting the area. Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee in Heritage Agreements
The principal management technique for Kangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee in Heritage Agreement areas is through the planned use of fire. A Fire Management Plan approved by the Department for Environment and Heritage and the Native Vegetation Council is required before works can be undertaken. Post-fire work may involve additional revegetation by planting or direct seeding as required. Further information Bush Management Adviser, Kingscote phone: (61 8) 8553 2381 Supported byKangaroo Island Narrow-leaf Mallee Committee |
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| This page was last modified 2006-04-03 | ||
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