2. WATTLE TOP PROJECT
Because of its undisturbed history, very few weeds are present, one small invasion of “Tree of heaven” and a few patches of Coolatai grass and blackberries which will be easy to remove.
The 2018 – 2019 drought severely affected the area, which killed many trees, especially the Stringy Barks, which grow in the higher regions.
Most of the area is shrubby woodland, the tree species are Yellow Box, Rough Barked Apple (Angophora sp.), Stringy Bark, Long Leaved Peppermint in wetter areas and on the rocky tops Tumble-Down Gum tenaciously survives.
Wattle flowers photo credit Maggie King
Bulagarunda from Wattle Top, to the right kurrajong and to the left native pine.
Bulagarunda from the south photo credit Maggie King.
The middle storey consists of several species of wattle, tea tree, wild olive, Cassinia sp., blackthorn and kurrajong. The tea tree on the southern slopes is covered with lichen giving it a fairy-like appearance.
Lichen on tea tree.
Tumbledown gum on rocky hillside.
The understory has a huge variety of grasses, herbs and forbs including fringe lily, chocolate lily, rice flowers which flower all winter, flax lily which come in early spring and creepers such as Hardenberger and native clematis which flower in spring and summer.
Fringe Lily credit DMV Photography.
Native Clematis.
WOODLAND FAUNA
Four large macropods are inhabiting this woodland area: Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Wallaroo (Euro), Red Shouldered Wallaby and Swamp Wallaby.
The Eastern grey is the largest and the most common, Wallaroos are not as tall or heavy as the Eastern Greys.
The male Wallaroo is black while the females are blue/grey in colour but this is an adaption for eastern (wetter) areas, wallaroos are grey or reddish in other areas.
When dingos are hunting Wallaroos they will jump out onto a high rock or cliff and wait for the dog to approach. They grab the dog and throw it away over the cliff or down the rock, hopefully, the dingo will be discouraged and look for other prey.
This protective behaviour means that wallaroos tend to live in rocky or mountainous areas rather than on the plains.
Wallaroo | Euro.
Other animals to inhabit this woodland are ring-tailed possums, brush tailed possums, Echidnas, pigmy possums and gliders [The Greater Glider] [Squirrel Glider].
BIRD LIFE
We especially love visiting during the early summer when many birds are fledgling.
Among our favourites, crimson rosellas and yellow-tailed black cockatoos, with a wingspan of 65 cm or over 2 feet metres will have one noisy baby, not as noisy as the galahs but still a continuous racket.
Pink Galahs at a watering hole.
Crimson Rosella feeding young.
The number of birds in NSW has declined by 50% since the 1950s, which is a tragic reflection of society’s lack of care for the environment.
Yellow tailed black cockatoo photo Ken Griffiths.
Save Our Woodlands is dedicated to ensuring all these species and more have suitable habitats for their continued survival.
Please donate – every donation – no matter what size helps!
People tend to think that woodlands are “just bush,” consequently, over 85% of the native woodlands in New South Wales, Australia have been replaced by agriculture.
Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate of any country in the world.
Any & all sized donations are appreciated & immediately put to use including donations from our $10 per month program.
Please help us continue to protect critical habitats. By doing so YOU will prevent further species from extinction.
We are entirely volunteer-driven.
Our work is only possible with your support.
