Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

(Gambusia sp.) that can be transported under the feathers of waterfowl; and
overgrazing if stock break through into the fenced area.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: The fencing installed by DERM has partially limited
overgrazing and trampling by cattle. However, pigs still frequent the area and impacts
from their rooting and wallowing continue to occur.
RECOMMENDATIONS: To improve the mitigation of pest and weed threats to this
site, combined management by the Diamantina Shire Council, DERM and DCQ is
recommended.
The exclusion of cattle from Elizabeth Springs does seem to be beneficial. A similar
experiment is strongly recommended with pig-proof fencing around some of the
mounds within the enclosed area. Exclusion of feral pigs, followed by careful
monitoring, would help identify, quantify and isolate pig damage as well as verifying
the benefits of fencing.
Other experiences such as the successful fencing of Tego Springs on the stock route
through Culgoa Floodplain National Park resulted in the regrowth of 37 plant species
that were not there prior to fencing, including the rare Sporobolus partimpatens
(Craig Eddy, pers. comm.)
A recovery plan is being jointly developed by the Commonwealth and Queensland
Government Agencies. However, inadequate information on individual spring
management has meant that an effective management programme for Elizabeth
Springs has not yet been developed. Gathering adequate information to inform
management should be a high priority for the conservation of this Endangered
regional ecosystem.
As the mound springs are so unique with so many endemic species, consideration
should be given to the establishment of a monitoring programme to determine if new
weed or invasive species such as mosquitofish (Gambusia sp.) are introduced,
especially in the Desert Channels Queensland NRM region where so many of these
springs are located.
36