Wild Neighbours: The humane approach to living with wildlife by Ian Temby, reviewed by Anne Morton

CSIRO list of Australian vertebrates: a reference with conservation status. 2nd edition. by Mark Clayton, John C Wombey, Ian J Mason, R Terry Chesser and Alice Wells, reviewed by Gary Presland

Contributions

Of weeds and other introduced species: Ferdinand Mueller and plant and
animal acclimatisation in colonial Victoria

Linden Gillbank

Abstract
Prompted by nostalgia and economic hopes, but without an ecological understanding of the world, Ferdinand Mueller and other Europeans sought to ‘improve' the Colony of Victoria by introducing useful and attractive species. As Government Botanist (1853-96), Mueller introduced an enormous diversity of foreign plants for cultivation and naturalization, and, while Director of Melbourne's Botanic Garden (1857-73), tested their colonial viability. From 1858 to 1861 Mueller was the honorary secretary of a management committee for a collection of birds and animals resident in the Botanic Garden; and, for the following twelve years, vice-president of a society which grew out of that committee – the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, which was devoted to the introduction of species with economic and aesthetic appeal. Even after losing the Botanic Garden, Mueller continued to publicise and popularise the introduction of desirable plants, meanwhile providing weed information and advice. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (2), 2007, 69-78).
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Invasive plant pathogenic fungi in native Victorian ecosystems

James H Cunnington

Abstract
Despite the introduction of hundreds of species of plant pathogenic fungi into Victoria over the last 200 years, Phytophthora cinnamomi is the only introduced fungus to have caused significant disease in native ecosystems. Of native plant pathogenic fungi, Chalara australis affecting Myrtle Beech is probably causing the most disease. Of fungi not yet present in Australia , Guava Rust Puccinia psidii and Sudden Oak Death Phytophthora ramorum are seen as the most significant potential diseases of native plants, while the Australian daisy rust Puccinia lagenophorae is a surprising invasive pathogen in Europe and North America . ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 79-83).
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Contingency planning and prioritising pest plants

John Weiss

Abstract
Weed control is an emotive issue and all land managers have to deal with it, often with limited funds. Land managers, however, are usually motivated to prioritise control of weeds having an obvious impact on their use of the land, for example those that are already well established and abundant. Recently, an increasing focus has been given to preventing weed spread early in the invasion process, that is, by attempting to eradicate particular species long before they expand and become widespread. Land managers need to identify the present and future priority weeds so that resources can be focused on them. This paper describes a generic process or contingency plan to assist in developing either local, regional or state plans to identify and act upon new and emerging pest plants. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (2), 2007, 83-86)
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Invasive terrestrial invertebrates in Victoria

Nick Collett, Greg Lefoe and Alan L Yen

Abstract
A high number of exotic invertebrate species has been accidentally or deliberately introduced into Victoria since European settlement. The effects of these introductions on native flora and fauna have ranged from benign through to devastating, depending upon the species in question and on the context of their introduction. Exotic species are generally easier to identify, and in the case of potential future invasive species identified through such processes as pest risk analysis combined with vigilant quarantine inspection processes, it is possible to anticipate and identify potential paths of entry to prevent incursions in the first instance. However, subsequently dealing with exotic pests that have successfully established and native invertebrate species that have become pests is a more complex scenario. This paper discusses some of the significant exotic invertebrates to have established in Victoria and their impacts on the environment, either beneficial, benign or adverse. Impacts of exotic invertebrates on amenity plantings and forests are examined, as well as issues covering invasive native invertebrates establishing outside of either their normal host or geographic range. Broad actions to prevent or limit the spread of exotic and native invasive invertebrates are also discussed. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (2), 2007, 87-102)
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Challenges in managing miners

Michael F Clarke, Richard Taylor, Joanne Oldland, Merilyn J Grey and Amanda Dare

Abstract
Three of the four members of the genus Manorina have been linked to declines in bird diversity and abundance; they are the Noisy Miner M. melanocephala , the Bell Miner M. melanophrys , and the Yellow-throated Miner M. flavigula . The negative influence of these species in remnant vegetation appears to be spreading in eastern Australia . Some habitat restoration and revegetation programs have the potential to exacerbate the problems associated with these species by inadvertently creating additional habitat for them to dominate. Better understanding of the habitat preferences of miners can guide restoration efforts so that they decrease the likelihood of undesirable outcomes. This contribution is based upon an article that appeared in the State of Australian Birds Report 2006, as a supplement to Wingspan vol. 16, no. 4, 2006. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (2), 2007, 102-105)
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Battling Bridal Creeper in coastal dunes – a community approach

Greg Lefoe and Sue Longmore

Abstract
This paper examines whether a community-based approach to the biological control (biocontrol) of Bridal Creeper Asparagus asparagoides L. Druce can be effective in reducing the impact of the weed. Bridal Creeper is a serious threat to native vegetation on Victoria 's Bellarine Peninsula . In many situations, such as occurs at Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve, Bridal Creeper can be difficult to control without serious off-target damage. Implementing the biocontrol of Bridal Creeper is therefore seen as a priority. A model for a community-based biocontrol program was adopted on the Peninsula to facilitate the spread and impact of biocontrol agents. The program has required a close collaboration between researchers, land managers, and community groups, including local schools. As a result of the program biocontrol agents have been released at 46 sites on the Bellarine peninsula. Two agents in particular are now spreading and causing visible damage to bridal creeper infestations. The program has demonstrated the important role biocontrol can play in the integrated management of a widespread environmental weed, and provides a strong basis for future collaboration at a local level in weed management issues. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (2), 2007, 106-109)
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The potential impact of the Large Earth Bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Apidae)
on the Australian mainland: Lessons from Tasmania

Andrew B Hingston

Abstract
The Large Earth Bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) is an invasive species that has not yet established on the Australian mainland. However, a feral population was discovered in Tasmania in 1992 and applications have been made to import the species to the Australian mainland for pollination of crops inside greenhouses. The introduction of B. terrestris to the Australian mainland for pollination of greenhouse crops poses a potential threat to Australia's biodiversity because: (1) B. terrestris is likely to escape from captivity and form feral populations in the wild across a large area; (2) B. terrestris forages on many species of native and introduced plants and has spread rapidly throughout all major native vegetation types in Tasmania; (3) B. terrestris is able to reduce the amounts of nectar available to other animals by foraging at lower temperatures than other bees; and (4) the effectiveness of B. terrestris as a pollinator sometimes differs from that of other animals. Recent research suggests that B. terrestris is reducing reproductive success in an endangered species of bird in Tasmania by reducing nectar availability, and several species of introduced plants have become more invasive in Tasmania since B. terrestris arrived there. ( The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1) 2007, 110-117)
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