Uncovering natives at risk from bitou bush invasion
Media release: 4 November 2008
A new resource has been added to the tool-kits of people looking to get the most out of their efforts to control bitou bush, one of Australia's worst weeds.
Announcing the Native Plant Species at Risk from Bitou Bush Invasion: a field guide for NSW, Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) Director General Lisa Corbyn said the field guide will help bush regenerators identify those plants they should be especially careful to protect while removing bitou bush.
"There's no point stepping on a critically endangered seedling while you are pulling out the bitou bush, and the new field guide will help people identify those plants most at risk," Ms Corbyn said.
"Bitou bush has invaded over 80% of the New South Wales coastline, placing many plant species and ecological communities unique to the coast at risk. "
"The guide, developed by the DECC in collaboration with the coastal Catchment Management Authorities, is a companion document to the NSW Bitou Bush Threat Abatement Plan which names the species at risk."
"However information on how to identify them in the field was not readily available to volunteers and other land managers until now."
"The pocket-sized field guide for the first time describes the 157 native plant species, three plant populations and 24 ecological communities most at risk in one user-friendly book," she said."
"Importantly the new guide will help bush regenerators to identify the most at-risk biodiversity, thus avoiding their damage during weed control efforts."
"Species and ecological community profiles are presented with multiple clear, full colour photographs, botanical drawings and essential identification information about flowering, fruiting and leaf characteristics, as well as locations and habitats where they occur."
"The guide is available free to anyone interested and working in bitou bush management, including community volunteers, agency staff, and weed control contractors," Ms Corbyn said."
Copies of the field guide are available from the Department of Environment and Climate Change by contacting the Environment Line. Telephone 1300 555. Copies of the book will be distributed on request to any area in New South Wales. For further information on saving native species by managing bitou bush see www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bitouTAP
Contact: Lawrence Orel