The rural community has a big part to play in managing natural resources both for economic production and for conservation for later generations.
The traditional view of nature conservation and forest conservation is to set aside large areas which are controlled by Government departments.
However, rural landholders and hobby farmers can also play a large part in conserving wildlife and natural timber areas, while still developing most of their property for agriculture or livestock.
National parks, nature reserves, State forests and vacant Crown lands are scattered throughout New South Wales and Victoria and probably only total about a quarter of the area.
This leaves about three-quarters of the area managed by rural landholders. However, not all rural landholders own large properties. There is an increasing trend in the settlement of small properties suitable for retirement purposes or rural retreats.
Many of these people are keen to encourage wildlife and maintain a natural balance with their livestock and cropping. There are many simple and economic ways to encourage wildlife to your property. All you need is an attitude, not a bank account.
Attracting wildlife to your property:
The three necessities for attracting wildlife permanently to your property are the provision of food, water and shelter. These conditions can be met by retaining some natural areas, regenerating others and by planting out areas with native plant species. As a result wildlife living in the general area may become more attracted to your property.
Retaining natural areas. Existing wildlife on your property will live and breed if their natural homes (habitats) are not cleared or developed. Fencing these from stock will prevent degradation.
Regeneration areas. Timbered areas that were logged or ringbarked are also important to a number of wildlife species. Fencing some of these areas from stock will help them regenerate to a near natural condition. Old trees with hollows are important to many birds, bats and possums. Retain as many as possible.
Planting new areas. As a last resort and to attract native birds back to your property and homestead gardens you should select a wide range of native trees and shrubs and plant them throughout your garden area.
Windbreaks and woodlots perform better if they are composed of several rows of trees and shrubs. Native tree to find shelter from the weather and provide food and protection from predators.
To successfully attract wildlife it is better to have a number of small blocks of timber and regenerating areas, interspersed with crops and pastures, than a few large timber blocks on one half of the property and crops/pastures on the other half. Access to water through dam construction or provision of troughs is also essential.
The aim is to provide a balance of many species of birds and small animals and if managed correctly wildlife will not become a threat to crops or young stock.
Dams:
Dams can be constructed or modified very economically and easily to cater for wildlife as well as for livestock. In small dams, floating islands can be built (made out of drums, tyres and old fence posts) to provide resting spots for waterfowl. Permanent islands can be built into larger dams, during their construction, out of left-over soil or rocks. Islands allow birds to shelter and breed without fear of predators.
Although an island reduces the overall capacity of the dam, it creates more shallow edges for plant growth which provides food and can be used for nesting materials for many waterbirds.
Dams with very irregular shorelines and varying depths will also attract a great variety of waterbirds. To get the most for wildlife out of your dam, some areas may have to be fenced from stock to stop the complete grazing of the reeds and edge vegetation, so necessary for shelter from predators.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales has a booklet titled Farm Dams for Wildlife and Stock. In Victoria enquiries should be made to the Wildlife Division of the Ministry for Conservation.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE:
Domestic animals are often treated as part of the family. On a rural property they can be both helpful and a hindrance. Dogs often are very excited when given the opportunity to run at will in the open. However, they bark so noisily that some native animals become frightened and move away from the property.
If your dog is found on a neighbour’s property he has every right to have it impounded for not being properly supervised by its owner.
Cats:
Almost every rural property has its domestic cat which eats rats and mice around sheds and the homestead. What many people do not realise is that these cats can also prey upon birds and other small native animals. Because it is an instinctive hunter, a cat will often go out roaming after its nightly meal. During these jaunts many different types of animal may be caught and eaten.
One study of a domestic cat in a bushy suburb revealed that over twenty different animal species were brought back to the owner’s house after these nightly escapades. The animals included frogs, skinks, blue tongue lizards, honeyeaters, pee-wees, magpies, rats and a bat. This just shows that even a well-fed cat still likes to hunt at night.
Two ways to stop cats preying on small animals around your homestead are attaching a bell to its collar (this warns the animals of the cat’s presence) and keeping it inside the laundry or kitchen all night.
A common misconception is that keeping a cat on a rural property can help control mice and rats especially when they are in plague proportions. However, it has been found that they have no effect on mice or rat plagues.
Wild Cats:
Another problem that can develop is that some domestic cats may go bush and become wild. When this happens, and they live and breed in the wild without human help, they are called feral cats.
The most devastating effect of feral cats is upon native wildlife populations, but they may also come into your homestead garden to prey or to raid garbage tins.
Feral cats can also cause sickness in domestic stock, wildlife populations and humans by transmitting toxoplasmosis and sarcoptic mange. The toxoplasmosis parasite can cause ulcerations, blindness and spontaneous abortions, while sarcoptic mange affects many animals such as wombats and kangaroos.
The responsible action that all rural property owners can take is to shoot or live trap any feral cats on their property. One note of caution is not to remove the feral cat from the trap.
It may cause a serious injury by slashing with its claws or by biting. Dispose of it humanely or take it to the local veterinarian or RSPCA office.
Releasing of cats or kittens into the wild can incur a fine of up to $1000. Unwanted cats or kittens should be taken to the local RSPCA office or veterinarian to be killed humanely.
Because of their disastrous effects on wildlife populations and the potential health dangers to stock, wildlife and humans it may be better to find your cat a new home before living permanently on your property.
BEES:
Beekeeping is a popular and fascinating sideline of hobby farming which provides constant wonder for children, as well as your own honey and a side income.
The best way to start is with two or three hives. Unfortunately urban foliage provides only limited forage for bees and yields are not very high.
Not all flowers provide a palatable honey. In fact, tree blossom provides the best nectar. The hardest trick is trying to provide a year-round supply, otherwise the hive population will drop, especially over winter.
Beekeeping Regulations:
All beehives must be registered with the Department of Agriculture. At least one hive must be branded with the owner’s name, address and registration number. One of the main reasons for these registration requirements is disease control. An outbreak of a disease can quickly spread throughout the district.
Neighbours:
Due to a general lack of knowledge many neighbours are fearful of stings from backyard hives. Beehives positioned near cool swampy areas may be prone to dysentery. This shows up first on your neighbour’s washing. Fear of attack is another complaint made by neighbours.
A high wall, hedge or lattice will force the bees to fly higher, thereby avoiding most neighbours or passers-by. The proliferation of swimming pools has provided an ideal source of water for bees, especially during dry periods.
A nearby area of damp sand usually takes the pressure off your bees using the neighbour’s pool. A small jar of honey can also soften the argument.
It’s important to stress to neighbours that the indiscriminate use of pesticides is fatal to bees. Unfortunately many people spray at blossom time — a crucial time for bees.
YABBIES:
Farming yabbies may be a profitable business in the future. Now the main problems are a lack of public awareness of yabbies as a food and the best methods of mass production. Researchers at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College have been studying the breeding and production of yabbies for several years.
FISH:
If you wish to stock your farm dam you should obtain a permit from the New South Wales State Fisheries. Trout and warm-water fish (Murray cod, silver and golden perch) are suitable for stocking farm dams.
Fingerlings that are deposited in dams must face the normal predators such as cormorants and shags. Kookaburras will also take fish from small ponds.
The State Fisheries Department has a free booklet concerning fish in farm dams. When contemplating fishing along the inland rivers of New South Wales a licence is required from the Fisheries Department.
Information Sourced From:
Hobby Farming: The First Steps
