The Sustainable Farms initiative

June 20, 2022

In 2018, the Sustainable Farms project was created. While it draws upon the 20 years of ecological research undertaken on farms by the Long Term Ecology research team led by Professor David Lindenmayer, Sustainable Farms is also an outreach and extension initiative, with a strong cross-disciplinary research element.

Sustainable Farms is an Australian National University initiative supported by funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, as well as by philanthropic organisations and industry groups. The project works closely with Landcare groups and NRM agencies in NSW and Victoria. It is led by Ms Michelle Young, and in addition to the expert team of ecologists, also comprises researchers in mental health and economics, and communications and engagement staff.

The Sustainable Farms team, pictured at a farm dam near Canberra in February 2021.

The Sustainable Farms project is locally embedded, working in the NSW South West Slopes, Central West, Murray-Riverina and North East Victoria. A key driver of the project is enabling farmers and NRM practitioners to access the ecological science gathered by the Long Term Ecology group over many years, as well as to expand the research to help understand the drivers and constraints for farmers interested in investing in landscape restoration

In 2019, the project received $5.93 million in Australian Government funding to measure the benefits of farm dams. This is the first research project of its kind in Australia, enabling researchers to quantify the gains made in biodiversity, water quality and productivity when farmers improve their dams.

A new website has been created for Sustainable Farms, and as a result this Long Term Ecology website will no longer be updated. To find out about our research, events and news, please visit SustainableFarms.org.au. We distribute an enewsletter approximately once a month, and you can sign up to receive the newsletter here.

Visit the Sustainable Farms website

New Book Release! Rocky Outcrops in Australia: Ecology, Conservation and Management.

March 1, 2018

Damian Michael

Growing up in Victoria, I spent many weekends camping, hiking and rock-climbing in spectacular places like the Arapiles, Cathedral Ranges, Mount Buffalo and the You Yangs. However, some of my earliest memories stem from England (where I was born) and involve catching newts in our pond, and chasing common lizards into their burrows. On moving to Australia, my childhood memories were similarly filled with images of inquisitive creatures peering out from dark rock crevices, or catching fleeting glimpses of small lizards nervously scuttling across exposed rock faces, all while I fumbled about looking for a trustworthy crag to anchor my climbing gear.

View across Mount Buffalo from the Cathedral - Hump summit. The large granite tors are popular with bushwalkers and rock climbers.

Little did I know these early experiences with nature would trigger a life-long passion for exploring rocky wonderlands and studying the creatures that call them home. Reptiles are truly fascinating animals, as many of you will attest, so I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to study them for the past 20 years (and many more to come).

One of the Conservation and Landscape Ecology Group’s key research interests is to understand reptile habitat-relationships and to quantify the ecological roles of small island-like rocky outcrops in human-modified landscapes. In many agricultural regions, historical land clearing has left rocky outcrops exposed, isolated, surrounded by secondary grasslands and cereal crops, infested with weeds and feral animals, and generally in extremely poor and degraded conditions.

Ø Many insular granite outcrops in agricultural landscapes are cleared of native vegetation and harbor invasive weeds and feral animals.

Invasive woody weeds, soil erosion and nitrification, introduced rabbits and goats, inappropriate fire regimes, logging, quarrying and illegal bushrock removal have dramatically altered these systems to such a degree that it will take a huge amount of time and resources to restore these fragile environments back to a functional and healthy state. But, it can be done, and in some regions, it is being done by groups of dedicated landholders and Landcare groups.

A good example of a rocky outcrop that has been excluded from land clearing and heavy grazing which has allowed native trees and shrubs to regenerate.

Part of the reason why we decided to write a book on rocky outcrops was because there are significant biodiversity and productivity benefits to be gained from protecting and restoring these environments. By fencing them out, excluding or managing livestock and feral herbivore grazing pressure, native vegetation has the potential to regenerate; soil erosion can be mitigated, and biodiversity has the opportunity to return back to the hills.

Increased biodiversity is definitely one positive outcome, but there are economic benefits to landholders and the wider community as well. For example, reducing soil erosion and increasing grass cover around rocky outcrops has direct farm productivity benefits. Large rocky outcrops often support rock holes (gnammas), moss beds and natural springs, areas which retain moisture and slowly release it back into the surrounding environment long after a rain event. Hard-hooved animals such as sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, deer and horses can severely damage and pollute these sensitive areas. The increase in native birds and insects that return to a regenerating outcrop also contribute to controlling agricultural pests and pollinating crops. Rare and allusive pythons also occupy large rocky outcrops. These top predators venture into farmland during the warm months of the year to prey on introduced mice, rats and rabbits. Clearly there is much to be gained by restoring rocky outcrops and linking them back up with other landscape features.

Our latest book aims to introduce the many benefits of preserving and restoring natural geological formations in Australia. It includes chapters on why rocky outcrops are important from an ecological and cultural perspective, what types of animals are dependent on rocky outcrops for their survival, what are the main threats to rocky areas in different parts of Australia, and how they can be better managed to improve biodiversity and productivity outcomes. The book also highlights recent studies on rock-dependent reptiles by some of Australia’s leading researchers.

Rocky Outcrops in Australia is beautifully illustrated and features outstanding images by some of Australia’s most talented nature photographers. The book should appeal to a broad range of audiences from naturalists, natural resource management agencies, Landcare groups and private landholders. Copies of the book can be ordered through the CSIRO Publishing website, or by clicking on this link.

References:

Michael, D.R., Cunningham, R.B. and Lindenmayer, D.B. (2008) A forgotten habitat? Granite inselbergs conserve reptile diversity in fragmented agricultural landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology 45, 1742-1752.

Michael, D.R., Lindenmayer, D.B. and Cunningham, R.B. (2010) Managing rock outcrops to improve biodiversity conservation in Australian agricultural landscapes. Ecological Management and Restoration 11(1), 43-50.

Restoration, revegetation and reptiles in rural landscapes: insights from long-term monitoring.

January 29, 2018

Damian Michael

Conducting research on reptile communities in rural landscapes is a challenge. This is because many species are rare, occur patchily in the landscape and are active at different times of the day. The ability to detect different species is also influenced by temperature and humidity. Livestock can also restrict the use of traditional survey methods such as pitfall traps, funnels and fences. Instead, we rely on using artificial substrates and actively searching for reptiles in leaf litter, grass tussocks or beneath bark, logs and rocks – a difficult task as most species don’t want to be found! However, after nearly two decades of recording and observing lizards on farms, we have a few important insights to share.

#1. In any given region, two or three species account for almost 80% of all reptile observations. Is this a reflection of historical widespread declines in reptile populations we wonder? The most common lizard species we encounter are Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri and the Ragged Snake-eyed Skink Cryptoblepharus pannosus. Both species being more abundant in areas with lots of fallen timber and dead standing trees. Some species are naturally rare across their geographical range, but locally common where suitable habitat exists. We often discover small aggregations of geckos or legless lizards occupying rocky knolls no larger than 1 ha. Common species play important ecological roles and are prey for other reptiles, carnivorous marsupials and a host of bird species. The lesson here is to keep common lizards common by protecting their habitats, no matter how small the area is.

Boulenger’s Skink Morethia boulengeri — Boulenger’s Skink *Morethia boulengeri*

“If a management objective is to maintain maximum reptile diversity, rocky outcrops, paddocks of bushrock and old growth remnants need more formal protection.”

#2. Reptile diversity is highest in areas that support rocky outcrops, old growth vegetation and intact ground cover. Places that have never been cleared, cropped or fertilised often support more rare and threatened species, particularly reptiles that use surface rocks, soil cracks and invertebrate tunnels such as the Nationally Vulnerable Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella. Large rocky outcrops can support three times more reptile species than a patch of remnant vegetation of similar size, and old vegetation often supports more species than regrowth or revegetated areas. That’s not to say that natural regrowth or revegetation projects aren’t important, but if a management objective is to maintain maximum reptile diversity, rocky outcrops, paddocks of bushrock and old growth remnants need more formal protection.

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard_Damian Michael_Albury NSW.JPG

#3. Revegetation projects support many different reptile species. However, most reptiles we found using 10 – 30 year old tree plantings tend to be widespread generalists, species that live in open grasslands, or wide ranging species capable of moving through farming landscapes (e.g. blue-tongue lizards and brown snakes). We have found more reptile species using revegetated areas if they are excluded from livestock grazing, support native grasses, provide both sunny and shady areas, and include dead trees, fallen timber and bushrock. Designing an ecological tree planting for reptiles may look very different to a planting designed to encourage small woodland birds back into the landscape.

#4. Grazing landscapes can support a wide variety of reptile species. Several studies have found that the number and composition of reptile species in grazing landscapes compared to ungrazed areas is comparatively similar. Although grazing management is important for rehabilitating native vegetation, in grassy woodland ecosystems some livestock grazing pressure has little influence on reptile communities. Instead, the presence of micro-habitats such as native grasslands, fallen timber and bushrock can override effects of grazing pressure. Sadly, new technology is now being used to pulverise and crush bushrocks in the paddock. This activity is extremely concerning as it may cause a new wave of localised lizard extinctions on farms. We should be actively seeking new ways to maintain and protect small rocky outcrops on farms, not developing technologies to turn them into rubble.

Rocky outcrops like this provide critical habitat for reptiles.

Article based on publication:

Revegetation, restoration and reptiles in rural landscapes: Insights from long-term monitoring programmes in the temperate eucalypt woodlands of south-eastern Australia

Reptile Surveys in the Cowra Region

December 14, 2017

Dave Smith

Recently we received funding to conduct targeted surveys for reptiles, including the threatened Pink-tailed Worm-lizard Aprasia parapulchella, in the NSW Central Tablelands (Cowra, Canowindra, Woodstock and Darby’s Falls areas). Pink-tailed Worm-lizards are listed as vulnerable in Australia and are found in grasslands and woodlands of SE Australia. This legless lizard can grow to approximately 14cm in length and is often found living in ant or termite nests where it feeds on their larvae and eggs. Pink-tailed Worm-lizards are generally found in rocky outcrops or areas with scattered surface rocks and can be very difficult to detect. Even in areas of suitable habitat, there are only a few known records for this poorly understood species; with many records coming from our group’s own research on privately owned farmland. The same is true for many species of reptile found in the woodlands.

The project is funded by Central Tablelands Local Land Services NSW. The primary aim is to obtain new location records for some of the reptile species in the study area, including Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, and gain a better understanding of their habitat requirements and local distribution.

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard habitat. Photo: Dave Smith

Due to a hot, dry spring, which seemed to be affecting survey success, we’ve now completed these surveys for 2017 and are pleased to report that they were a great success. Over the course of 5 weeks in spring, we intensively surveyed around 40 sites, mostly on private farmland, finding over 350 individual reptiles and many frogs as well. In all we found 22 species of herpetofauna (reptiles and frogs) including our species of special interest—the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard. We found 33 Pink-tailed Worm-lizards during our surveys and uncovered three previously unknown populations. Of particular interest are sites where we detected Pink-tailed Worm-lizards on a hill range where they have not previously been recorded. Other interesting species that we found in good numbers were the Thick-tailed Gecko Underwoodisaurus milii and Dwyer’s Snake Parasuta dwyeri.

Little is known about reptile distribution patterns and habitat use on private farmland in the region and the data we have collected will be important in filling in some of the gaps in that knowledge. Looking forward, we plan to install stock exclusion fencing in areas with key populations to assess the reptiles’ sensitivity to grazing. If we can secure more funding we aim to continue the surveys and visit more of the many keen landholders who expressed an interest in these reptile surveys. We also plan to expand these surveys beyond the Cowra region in the coming years and experiment with the use of artificial substrates as a habitat restoration technique. Our hope is that this project will complement our existing work and allow us to further inform management strategies for the conservation of reptiles in agricultural landscapes.

Many thanks to all the interested and engaged landholders who are involved in this study.

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard: Dave Smith

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in ant burrow: Dave Smith

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard in the hand

Pink-tailed Worm-lizard with ruler for scale

Thick-tailed Gecko: Dave Smith

**Higher lamb survival rates, increased crop yields, better carrying capacity and biodiversity increases are some of the benefits both landholders and researchers are finding in a long term study.**

Grassroots approach puts more in farmer's pockets

January 12, 2017

Kincora is a productive mixed grazing/cropping property south of Gundagai. Like many in the south west slopes twenty years ago, owner Sam Archer was facing issues with salinity and erosion. Farmers at the time took a chance and worked closely with Landcare and Greening Australia to preserve remnants, fence off drainage lines, and plant new seedlings across their paddocks. Two decades later, research by ANU which has closely monitored these areas since the beginning is showing clear improvements in both biodiversity, and the farm’s bottom line.

One of Australia's most distinctive reptiles, the Thick-tailed Gecko is a social species with several usually found together. Photo: Mason Crane. — **One of Australia's most distinctive reptiles, the Thick-tailed Gecko is a social species with several usually found together. Photo: Mason Crane.**

GALLERY: Spring brings out reptiles and researchers

October 7, 2016

Once the warmth of Spring hits eastern Australia, our research team races out to survey our long term monitoring sites for birds and reptiles. Spring is one of the best times to detect many species as they respond to warmer weather conditions. This September included surveys of the Murray Study sites as far west as Moulamein in New South Wales, sites in the heart of the South West Slopes in NSW, and sites as far north as Texas in Queensland for the Stewardship Study.

**Despite dry conditions in some areas, the surveys yielded a bumper year of Common Dunnarts. Photo: Thea O'Loughlin.**

Long term surveys yield new surprises

September 12, 2016

Six years into monitoring of the Environmental Stewardship Study and the research team is turning up a number of species outside their ranges, and new species to the study. Doing the rounds of the Stewardship Study sites isn’t easy. Over 300 monitoring sites across 153 properties require regular bird, reptile, and vegetation surveys. Furthermore, the sites are located from Narranderra in southern NSW, through to Warwick in Queensland. Despite running for 16 years, the research team is still recording new species.

The method of stagwatch surveys hasn’t changed since the study began. At dusk, researchers sit at the base of a stag tree and watch for emerging possums, gliders and owls. Here, I'm surveying a recently burnt patch of forest.

First after the fire: Leadbeater’s Possum sighted at historical location

August 11, 2016

Researchers knew from areas burnt by the 1939 and 1983 fires that Leadbeater’s Possum eventually returns after fire, provided large old trees are present within that regrowth. However, one of the key unknown questions relating to Leadbeater’s Possum was how long after the fires would it be until the possum began returning to burnt areas? In January 2016, after seven years of surveying for Leadbeater’s Possum in burnt forests around the Central Highlands without success, that question was finally answered.

**Better for farmers, better for wildlife: the bearded dragon is one of hundreds of species found in box gum grassy woodlands befitting from the Environmental Stewardship Study. Photo: Chris MacGregor.**

A conservation program that works? Now that's good news!

August 4, 2016

The Australian National University has been monitoring the Environmental Stewardship Programme for six years. Now, we have some good news to share. Our researchers outline the benefits of conservation investment on private land in an article in The Conversation.

**Curl Snake’s are active both during the day and night. During this study they were commonly found under logs and were classified as a habitat specialist. Photo: Damian Michael.**

Crops and cows, rocks and logs – what habitat do reptiles need in the farming landscape?

June 24, 2016

It might seem common knowledge on where to find reptiles but ecological research is just catching up in defining the habitat requirements for many species. Our team recently classified the niche requirements for nearly forty species of reptiles in the temperate Box Gum Grassy Woodlands of south eastern Australia.

Researchers have provided a scientific response to a recent Leadbeater’s Possum fact sheet (Photo: Flickr) — **Researchers have provided a scientific response to a recent Leadbeater’s Possum fact sheet** (Photo: Flickr)

Fact checking a fact sheet

May 28, 2016

Researchers at The Australian National University, led by Professor David Lindenmayer, have published more than 200 peer reviewed scientific articles and 8 books on the Victorian Central Highlands and Leadbeater’s Possum since 1983. As such, we have provided a scientific response to an Institute of Foresters Australia pamphlet on Leadbeater's Possum and the proposed Great Forest National Park.

**The critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, Victoria’s faunal emblem, which is extremly dependent on large old trees for their survival.**

Are nest boxes an effective management tool for Leadbeater’s Possum?

May 9, 2016

The large old trees that Leadbeater’s Possum use to den in are critically important for their survival, but are being lost to fire and forestry. Investing time, money, resources and energy into installing nest boxes to secure the possum’s survival is a theory that has already been tried, tested and disproved as a management tool. Ultimately, it is a distraction from the main game of habitat identification and protection.

Southern Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus, Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus and Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus intermedius. These three geckos have very different habitat relationships. The Marbled Gecko is found in areas with … — Southern Marbled Gecko *Christinus marmoratus*, Tessellated Gecko *Diplodactylus tessellatus* and Southern Spiny-tailed Gecko *Strophurus intermedius.* These three geckos have very different habitat relationships. The Marbled Gecko is found in areas with large eucalypt trees, the Tessellated Gecko prefers open areas with very few trees and the Spiny-tailed Gecko prefers areas with lots of Cypress Pine.

Weighing in on woodland management: What scale is important for conserving reptiles on farms?

April 27, 2016

Increasing native vegetation cover in the landscape and improving the condition of small fragments of native vegetation are two strategies often used to improve wildlife on farms. For less mobile species, such as small lizards and snakes, we don’t yet have a clear understanding of how effective these two strategies are for improving their numbers. We decided to address this knowledge gap by studying reptiles over a 12 year period across a range of modified environments.

The search for the Brush-tailed Phascogale

February 26, 2016

Can you find a species which hasn’t been locally seen for over a hundred years? Five years, thousands of nestbox checks and many camera trap nights later, the hunt for a Brush-tail Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) in the South West Slopes of NSW continues!

Peanut butter, potoroos, and possums: the twelfth year of trapping at Booderee National Park

December 17, 2015

Thousands of peanut butter laiden bait balls are placed into nearly 600 traps - set each night with anticipation of captures when checked in the early morning.

David Lindenmayer and his team have been researching the endangered Leadbeater's Possum for over 30 years.

32 years in the making: A brief history of long-term ecology

December 8, 2015

"Getting the science out" is a driving aim of our team. We work in complex systems and often the outcomes of our studies are only relayed through academic journals, and presented to funding partners, natural resource management bodies, government agencies and participating landowners.

Now, we want to share our research with the wider community.