Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 13. Dillalah Waterhole (Warrego River)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: P052
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: MURWEH SHIRE
The bridge at Dillalah crossing traverses another well known waterhole on the
Warrego River for Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). This waterhole averages
approximately five metres deep and has plenty of fallen trees and overhangs of tree
roots that create good cod habitat. An active stock route runs down either side of the
river, but the majority of stock traditionally travels down the eastern side. The riparian
vegetation is in very good condition and is known to be a habitat for koala
(Phascolarctos cinereus) (Plate 45).
Plate 45. Koala at Boatman Station (Photo: N. Davies).
THREATS: The major threats to this site are overgrazing by cattle that can affect the
water quality, habitat degradation from pig rooting and wallowing, siltation from
erosion, overfishing, and introduced carp (Cyprinus carpio) that can compete with
and displace Murray cod. Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) (Plate 46) is an emerging
threat that exists downstream at Cunnamulla, which has the potential to be
transported upstream by wildlife.
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