Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00858:body:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00858
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 45555–48558

scrofa) and overabundant macropods also threaten the species (Smith et al. 1997; Lees & Smith 2000; Webster et al. 2021). Black-breasted Button-quails appear vulnerable to ground predators, particularly nocturnal predators which might prey on sleeping or nesting birds. Predation by cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) may reduce populations.

Black-breasted Button-quail are known to be preyed upon by cats, and button-quail in general are preferred prey items for cats (Woinarski et al. 2017), but the impacts of cats on Black-breasted Button-quail populations are unknown (Webster et al. 2021). The impacts of habitat clearing and predation are likely to interact. Removal of button-quail habitat is likely to favour cats and foxes by creating more open conditions, and cats and foxes are likely to amplify the impacts on the species of habitat clearing and associated fragmentation by increasing mortality of birds attempting to move between isolated habitat patches.

Weeds altering habitat

Invasive weeds typically change the floristic and structural characteristics of habitat, thereby changing resource availability (French & Zubovic 1997). Some weeds may also increase the flammability of habitat, amplifying bushfire risk (Salvo Aires 2014).

Cat's Claw Creeper was recently identified as a priority threat to Black-breasted Button-quail in the Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020 (Webster et al. 2021). Cat's Claw Creeper is a major weed of native forests and riparian areas in eastern Australia. Its climbing woody stems (lianas) cling to tree trunks, enabling it to grow into the forest canopy. In rainforests it can overtop and kill mature trees, removing the canopy under which Black-breasted Button-quail feed and opening up the canopy for light-loving weeds. Cat's Claw Creeper competes with native plants by forming a dense above-ground mat and numerous underground reproductive tubers, impeding Black-breasted Button-quail's ability to forage and rendering habitat unsuitable.

Dense infestations of Cat's Claw Creeper are very difficult to control due to the numerous lianas, abundant seed and ability to resprout from tubers, sometimes for years. In selecting the most suitable control techniques it is essential to minimise adverse impacts on native vegetation and to encourage its subsequent recovery (Weeds Australia 2011). The methods chosen should be adapted to the type of native vegetation invaded, stage in the restoration program, size and growth stage of the weeds and level of infestation. Weeding should proceed gradually as creation of large gaps can lead to further weed invasion. Follow up is essential. Regrowth should be treated before it reaches the foliage of the host tree, or the hanging ends of previously cut stems of Cat's Claw Creeper. Regrowth may require treatment for five or more years and ongoing monitoring is needed (Webster et al. 2021).

Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia), Green Panic Grass (Megathyrsus maximus), Climbing Asparagus