Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L00219:body:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L00219
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 54324–57319

super-colonies, the Argentine Ant competitively displaces most other ant species which in turn compromises ecosystem processes such as soil aeration, nutrient cycling and seed dispersal. Additionally, ground nesting seabirds and rare species such as the green parrot and Norfolk robin (Petroica multicolour) are
         at risk due to the ants' aggression and need for protein. Other species such as the two indigenous reptiles would be at great risk if the Argentine ant spread to Phillip Island.

         Colonies of European honey bee (Apis mellifera) frequently occupy tree hollows which might otherwise be used by nesting birds.

Pathogens

         In general, pathogens of native plants and animals in the park and botanic garden are poorly known. Two pathogens are known to have had a significant impact on park and botanic garden values—psittacine circovirus disease (PCD), commonly known as 'parrot beak and feather disease', and the root rot fungus Phellinus noxius. These pathogens may occur naturally on Norfolk Island, as they do on mainland Australia, but dispersal of these threats on Norfolk Island is exacerbated by environmental factors.

         PCD was listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act in 2001 and the Threat abatement plan for beak and feather disease affecting endangered psittacine species was released in 2005 (DEH 2005). The threat abatement plan identifies the Norfolk Island green parrot as being adversely affected by PCD. A recent study of 50 green parrots suggests that an estimated 8% of the population are affected by the disease.

         The root rot fungus Phellinus noxius has been identified as being the principal pathogen causing dieback of Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla). The fungus is a natural component of rainforests in many countries, but its impacts are exacerbated by low levels of soil phosphorous, highlighting the link between seabirds and the island's ecosystem.

         A serious fungal disease of plants in the Myrtaceae family, myrtle rust (Puccinia psidii) has recently arrived on Norfolk Island. Whilst there are no Myrtaceae plants indigenous to Norfolk Island, there are potential risks associated with a number of threatened plant species. The critically endangered kurrajong (Wikstroemia australis) is one species which is known to be particularly susceptible to disease and myrtle rust has previously been identified as a risk to this species. It is unclear as to whether the red guava, one of Norfolk Island's principal weed species and a member of the Myrtaceae family, will be negatively affected by myrtle rust.

         Issues
           •      Weeds, introduced predators, competitors and pathogens are major threats to park and botanic garden values.
           •      Management of these threats is resource intensive and costly.
           •      Control of current and emerging threats needs to be managed across all of Norfolk Island to enable success within the park and botanic