NOTES Phragmities Australis Triglochin Striatum

Transcription

1

2 Phragmities Phragmities Australis is a native plant that grows along the banks of wetlands and rivers. Phragmities is a giant grass that provides a great habitat for macroinvertebrates, fish and birds. Water Ribbons Triglochin Striatum is a deep green water plant that birds and insects love to eat. Triglochin is also a great plant for taking up nutrients. They also provide a great habitat area for those animals that inhabit the wetlands and river ecosystems.

3 The Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus live in the smaller streams and waterways. TheGalaxias migrate down stream in autumn to spawn during the new or full moons. TheCommon Galaxias are very tolerated and live in a range of habitats. The Common Galaxias feeds on macro-invertebrates mainly insects living in the aquatic environment. Removal ofstreamside vegetation reduces the availability of insects to the fish. The Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa is local to this area and feeds on both the water plants and animals. The animals that the Black Duck feed upon are called macro-invertebrates that live in aquatic environments. The main types of macroinvertebratesthat are consumed by the Black Duck are water beetles, water boatmen, yabbies, mussels and water fleas. The plants that are eaten by the black duck are mainly made up of sedges and grasses.

4 The Swamp Wallaby Walabia bicolour is common in and around the Gong Gong Park. The Swamp Wallaby is the largest Kangaroo in Southern Australia that utilises dense vegetation in wet habitats. It commonly shelters in thick undergrowthwithin the wet gullies. The swamp Wallaby feedsmainly by browsing on shrubs, but will also graze on grasses. Organic matter is situated at the bottom of the wetlands and is rich in nutrients which are produced by the breakdown of materials such as dead and decaying plants, leaves, animals and animal faeces. This process is called decomposition and is a very important part in recycling animals and plants back into the ecosystem.

5 Fresh Water Snails Gastropoda spp live around submerged vegetation. Algae grows on the stems and leaves of these plants which fresh water snail feed upon. The fresh water snail is an important part of the ecosystem as larger animals consume them. The Common Copperhead Snake Austrelaps superbus is usually found in swampy wet areas and is active during the day and night and also in very cold weather. The main diet of the copperhead is frogs.

6 The rehabilitation and development of wetlands within the Ballarat region has been taking place for several years and the environmental benfits of such wetland initiatives are presented here. This Wetland rehabilitation and development has been created through revegetation programs supported by Central highlands Water, Corangamite Catchment Mangement Authority and Waterwatch. The greater biodiversity is evident from the return of native bird and animal life to the area. The wetlands are not only an important link to enhancing water quality within our waterways but are also vital ecosystems for our local wildlife. The ongoing maintenance and awareness of our wetlands will help with the quality of water within our rivers, streams and the biodiversity of the local environment. Wetlands are vital to the health of the environment and have a high conservation value. The benefits from having wetlands are; Habitat for Flora and Fauna. Water supply and hydrological stability. Nutrient recycling. Landscape value and recreation. Wetlands act as a natural filter within our waterways and reduce unwanted and harmful contaminants such as fertilisers, pesticides and industrial chemicals which enter our rivers and streams.