Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Plate 10. Bilby diggings (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threat to this bilby population are food competition from
rabbits, and artificial watering points that could be points of predation. There is also
the threat of predation from feral cats, foxes and dogs, which are present but not in
high numbers. It is unlikely that the current light stocking rates could be increased at
this site and be a threat to the bilbies, as the type of country could not support a high
density of cattle. The stock route is currently unused and unfenced, resulting in minor
grazing in the area where the bilby burrows were found.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: None. Although: positive discussions have taken place
between Desert Channels Queensland Inc. (DCQ) and the adjoining landholder, as
connectivity of this site to adjoining habitat is of paramount importance for the
protection of the population; and, DCQ have also installed road signage in the area to
encourage motorists to reduce their speed in order to avoid bilby road fatalities.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Further surveys are needed to determine the extent and
distribution of the bilby population at this site, and to more accurately prioritise the
threats to the population. Staff from DCQ will undertake a survey of the site, and the
results will be used by DCQ, the landholder, DERM and Diamantina Shire Council to
determine the recommended management.
It is strongly recommended that a cooperative effort is made by DERM and DCQ to
further survey and attempt to locate other bilby populations on stock routes, as they
are believed to still exist at other sites on stock routes SRN U465, U501, U461, and
P001 (Peter McCrae, pers. comm.).
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