Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p68
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 195821–198903

in Booderee, a proposal was made to reintroduce these species. Suitable habitat and disease-free populations have been examined and the proposal to reintroduce the species under the prescriptions of the first plan was approved by the Board in 2008.

A large number of species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act have been recorded in the park including the ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus), powerful owl (Ninox strenua), eastern pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) and pied oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) (see Appendix E). Of particular importance are several pairs of hooded plovers (Thinornis rubricollis) which are the northernmost breeding population of this species. Shorebirds and long-nosed bandicoots (Perameles nasuta) are the species monitored most closely to test the effectiveness of the park's fox control program.

A growing seal colony at Steamers Head and a large and very successful breeding colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) on Bowen Island which is regularly monitored are among the most significant marine species in the park. A number of cetacean species are regularly sighted in Jervis Bay including in park waters. The most prominent are a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) while humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) and southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) sometimes enter the bay while on annual migration along Australia's east coast. As marine mammal numbers grow, the possibility of strandings in or near the park may increase.

Research by park staff has indicated that macropods are very abundant in the park following intensive fox control and that macropod browsing is limiting the recovery of a number of native plant species especially following fire. If this trend is maintained, the park's vegetation structure may be fundamentally altered. Grazing and trampling by macropods also poses a significant threat to the living collection of the Botanic Gardens where management has concentrated on preventing grazing through meshing susceptible plantings; in 2009 the Board approved the installation of a macropod-proof fence around the collection.

The management of terrestrial fauna is closely linked to the management of vegetation communities. Ongoing fauna management has involved ecological studies of wildlife and populations; feral animal and weed control programs; fire management; and the adoption of a vegetation management program (see also Section 6.7, Fire). Marine fauna management has focused on patrol and law enforcement. Park staff may also be called upon to deal with injured wildlife.

A number of entrenched visitor activities affecting wildlife are inconsistent with conservation of the park. These include feeding wildlife, collection of bait and shellfish from rock platforms and private specimen collecting. Such activities are currently managed through visitor education and compliance activities.

Issues
    * Invasive and overabundant native species may impact upon biodiversity.

    * There is a need for a better understanding of the taxonomic