Diversity in a Piped System - Project UpdateDiversity in a Piped System project update - June 2005
The Diversity In a Piped System project is progressing well. Thirty six study sites have been selected and the experimental wildlife water troughs are currently being installed. The photos show one of the experimental water troughs situated in a block of mallee scrub north of Birchip. Branches have been placed next to and across the trough to provide perches for birds and cover for frogs and reptiles. The floor of the trough slopes from 1 metre deep to zero so that any animal entering (or falling in) the trough can easily walk out.
Already an amazing change has occurred at the sites where the troughs are operating. Flocks of parrots come down to drink from the troughs, and honeyeaters drink, bathe and catch insects that the water has attracted. Insect larvae are now present in the water, which will further benefit birds and, when the weather warms up in spring, frogs and reptiles. Sampling of birds, mammals and reptiles at the study sites began in early May. Reptile activity is naturally rather quiet in the winter months, but birds and mammals are active, particularly in the mallee scrub sites.
Data from the literature and anecdotal comments from landowners indicate that many species such as parrots, pigeons and kangaroos are little affected by the change from channels and dams to stock troughs, but some smaller species, particularly frogs are more adversely affected. Aquatic invertabrates can also be adversely affected. As the data collection continues it will be really interesting to see what differences in biodiversity emerge between sites in the piped areas and those in the channel/dam areas.
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