Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 8. The Big Spring (Myross Station)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: M033
PRIORITY SPECIES: Plants:
Peplidium sp. (Edgbaston R.J.Fensham 3341).
Animals:
Edgbaston goby (Chlamydogobius squamigenus), and
Edgbaston hardyhead (Craterocephalus sp).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: BARCALDINE SHIRE
Although Big Spring is situated off stock route (on Myross Station), it has a
considerable overflow into the adjoining Pelican Creek, which is on the stock route
and where the priority species are also present. The spring itself is of exceptional
standards, the dimensions of an Olympic swimming pool dimensions (albeit shallow)
and with an active permanent discharge of potable water (Plate 20).
The stock route is active, but minor, and droving is usually confined to the more
easily traversed road verges, as a large expanse of soft spinifex (Triodia pungens)
surrounds the springs. Cattle show a preference to drink out of Pelican creek rather
than the springs.
One of the biological questions posed by this site is that although the entire area is
periodically inundated when Lake Mueller floods, the aquatic species can still be
found at the springs after the floods (D. Hay, pers. comm.).
The interaction between Big Spring, Pelican Creek, Lake Mueller, and the movement
of the priority fish species through this aquatic system, makes this site a biodiversity
hotspot as it supports priority species and maintains important linkages.
THREATS: The major threats to this site are illegal collection of native fish species,
overgrazing by stock, and habitat degradation from pig rooting and wallowing.
Potential threats include the potential draw-down of the water for stock, accidental
introduction of mosquitofish (Gambusia sp.), the arrival of cane toads, and the spread
of parkinsonia weed.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: The running water from the springs is channelled off for
stock purposes under the station management.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It would be of benefit if this site is included in the Barcaldine
Shire Council pest and weed management programme, with a particular focus on pig
control.
It is also important to keep open dialogue with the management of Myross Station
regarding the management of the spring and stock route.
The site should also be monitored for the potential future arrival of invasive species
such as mosquitofish (Gambusia sp.), cane toads, and parkinsonia weed.
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