Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006:reg:3:p28
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 28/58)
Character Range: 80200–83439

and habitat protection) to be effective. Genetic samples of wild Eastern Bristlebirds across their entire range have been collected to inform selective breeding.

           Additional genetic sampling and analysis will help inform future recovery management actions. Genetic methods using higher resolution across the genome to understand population differentiation are needed. These require blood spot samples to be collected from birds and implementation of a broad gene pool mixing strategy (with appropriate consideration of where mixing populations should be avoided) (Cesar 2020). Overall, informed genetic management actions are necessary for the species' survival."

                 3.2.6            Dieback and invasive weeds

           Dieback, caused by pathogens e.g., Phytophthora cinnamomi and invasive weeds may modify Eastern Bristlebird habitat, reduce habitat quality, and limit the availability of suitable habitat (DES 2018; DPIE 2018). Therefore, hygiene measures and control of dieback and invasive weeds are important to maintain Eastern Bristlebird habitat availability and suitability. Hygiene measures will also help prevent the spread of other plant diseases such as Myrtle Rust (Austropuccinia psidii). In addition, Bell Miner associated dieback (BMAD) is present within northern Eastern Bristlebird habitat (DES 2018).

           The current threat of dieback and invasive weeds was assessed as higher for
           the northern Eastern Bristlebird population, compared to central and southern populations (Appendix 2). However, the potential threat of dieback in the central and southern populations is very high because the majority of plant diversity and structure where these populations occur is in the Proteaceae family which is especially susceptible to P. cinnamomi (M Antos pers. comm. 2021).

           Invasive weeds that negatively impact northern population habitat include Lantana (Lantana camara), Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora), Mist Flower (A. riparia), Christmas Wattle (Acacia sp.), and Foxtail (Cenchrus purpurascens) (OEH 2012;
           DES 2018). For southern populations, most habitat is relatively weed free with the

 exception of occasional blackberry infestations at Howe Flat (M Antos pers. comm. 2021). Some invasive native plants such as Coast Wattle (Acacia longifolia var. sophorae) and Coast Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) have been shown to invade and degrade coastal heathland habitats and although it is unknown whether this is likely to be a threat to Eastern Bristlebird populations, monitoring is warranted (M Antos pers. comm. 2021).

 Even though Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata) can negatively impact habitat, it has the low, dense vegetation structure required by the Eastern Bristlebird and could be used by the species where suitable native habitat does not exist (OEH 2012). Similarly, northern Eastern Bristlebirds have been noted foraging in Crofton Weed (D Charley pers. comm. cited in Stone et al. 2018). Although Lindenmayer et al. (2017) found a negative relationship between Eastern Bristlebird occurrence and the number of Bitou Bush plants in the Bherwerre Peninsula within Booderee National Park, the species was