7. Threats Identifying actual and likely threats to ecological character serves an important function in framing future management planning and action. They may also provide initial guidance in assessing likely impacts of potential development proposals under the EPBC Act (DEWHA 2008a). This chapter is not a comprehensive threat assessment. Rather, only those factors that pose a significant threat to the critical components, processes, benefits, and services, are discussed. Table 7.1 Summary of key threats to the ecological character of LLNR Ramsar site Threat Potential impacts Likelihood of occurrence Timing Weeds Introduced pasture grasses out-compete: Themeda grassland reducing habitat quality for nationally threatened Austral toadflax. Components of the nationally endangered peppermint grassy woodland community Other weeds displace native terrestrial and wetland flora Medium – High* Medium – High* Medium – High* Short term Short term Short term Feral animals European red fox and feral cat predate fauna including waterbirds, frogs, reptiles, and invertebrates, possibly reducing populations of these species. Grazing and soil disturbance by rabbits can displace the sensitive herb Austral toadflax which is nationally endangered. Gambusia holbrookii can displace native fish and frog species through aggression and predation. Medium – High* Medium – High* High* Short term Short term Short term Soil disturbance and erosion Disturbance by vehicles can: Damage individuals of the sensitive herb Austral toadflax which is nationally endangered. Reduce water quality and disturb vegetation in watercourses and wetlands. Medium Medium – High Short term Immediate Hydrological interference Groundwater change as a result of groundwater extraction or exploration or extraction of minerals and other resources. Disturbance of outflow level of both lakes Modification to surface flows Ongoing catchment erosion and lake bed sedimentation above background levels is likely to accelerate the reduction in water depth that would occur naturally. Low Low Medium High Medium to long term Medium to long term Medium to long term Long term Climate change Average temperature will rise Rainfall will increase in all seasons except winter Structure, composition, and function of ecosystems will change Drier soil conditions will occur in spring and winter High (virtually certain) Medium (likely) Medium (likely) Medium (likely) Medium term Medium term Medium term Medium term *depending on success of management programs Note: immediate = occurring now, short term = 0-25 years, medium term = 25-50 years, long term = >50 years.
Wetland (non-TEC) vegetation The occurrence of freshwater spring wetlands Occurrence, species assemblages including non-vascular plants), area, and variation in non-forested peatlands (fens) and other Ramsar wetland types. Identify, map and undertake flora surveys of freshwater spring wetlands at the site Identify, map and undertake flora surveys of any non-forested peatlands and other wetland types at the site High High Fauna Waterbirds Threatened species Other fauna Comprehensive studies of waterbird species and numbers have not been undertaken since the 1980s, before the natural water level was restored in Little Llangothlin Lagoon. Long-term waterbird breeding data. Significance of LLNR for the bue-billed duck Ongoing seasonal (at least biannual) waterbird surveys within the site to establish and monitor current waterbird numbers and species present, and assessment of the results to determine any changes in adverse times (e.g. droughts). Ongoing seasonal surveys to document waterbird breeding within the site. Ongoing targeted surveys of duck numbers and breeding at the site and analysis in a regional context. High Medium Low The population dynamics and breeding behaviour of the Australasian bittern at the site are unknown Potential for natural reoccurrance of the nationally endangered yellow-spotted bell frog, while low, is still uncertain. Seasonal targeted surveys (including bird call surveys) to determine the population size and behaviour of this species at the site. Periodic targeted surveys to identify any presence of this species High Low Significance as a refuge from adverse conditions for non-waterbird fauna Comprehensive fauna data Complete desktop assessment, and targeted surveys if required. Targeted fauna surveys to identify water-dependent vertebrates, invertebrates and microbes. Low Low 10. Key monitoring needs As a signatory to the Ramsar Convention, has made a commitment to maintain the ecological character of its Ramsar sites. Whilst there is no explicit requirement for monitoring the site, a monitoring program would provide data to assist in assessing changes to the site, and thereby to determine if the site’s ecological character is being maintained. The ECD identifies the monitoring needs for critical components and processes and for assessing against the LACs. The purpose of the monitoring recommended in this ECD is to: Identify objectives for monitoring critical components, processes, services or threats; Recommend indicators or measures to be used and the frequency of monitoring; Provide priorities for monitoring; and Address key knowledge gaps identified for the site. Table 10.1 Monitoring recommendations for LLNR Ramsar site
Persicaria orientalis Princes feathers Phalaris aquatica Phalaris Phleum pratense Timothy Plantago lanceolata Lamb’s tongues Poa pratensis bluegrass Prunella vulgaris Self-heal Ranunculus sceleratus Celery buttercup Rorippa nasturtium-aquaticum Watercress Rorippa palustris Yellow cress Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry Rumex crispus Curled dock Senecio madagascariensis Fireweed Setaria sp. Pigeon grass Solanum nigrum Black-berry nightshade Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens Prickly sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus Common sowthistle Taraxacum officionale Dandelion Tragopogon dubius Goatsbeard Trifolium campestre Hop clover Trifolium dubium Yellow suckling clover Trifolium pratense Red clover Trifolium repens White clover Trifolium striatum Knotted clover Verbascum virgatum Green mullein Verbena bonariensis Purpletop Veronica anagallis-aquatica Blue water speedwell Vulpia bromoides Squirrel tail fescue