The endemic and threatened Ptunarra brown butterfly is another animal that relies on our native grasslands. It drops its eggs amongst the poa grass. When the eggs hatch the larvae feed on the native poa. These butterflies are restricted to areas of native grasslands and grassy woodlands in the Midlands, Central Plateau and Northwest Plains. Native grasslands are the natural diet of grazing species such as wombats , while the preferred habitat of the bettong is open woodland with a grassy understorey.
Bettongs collect and carry grass in their prehensile tails to suitable nesting sites.
Promoting grasslands Grazing and burning are not threats to native grasslands. Grasslands are maintained by infrequent burning and light grazing as these activities reduce competition for grassland species. For example at Campbell Town golfcourse there are several species of orchids that have survived here because management has favoured their existence. Threats include practices such as overgrazing, ploughing, insecticide spraying, adding fertiliser, replacement with cereal crops or introduced grasses, urban development and roadworks. Find out more about native grasslands - there are lots of interesting plants and animals that live in these areas.