The Footprint 2011 Summer Edition - Eyre Peninsula Natural ...

Weed could increase fire threat on EP
An invasive weed on Eyre Peninsula
could become a major bushfire threat,
as it could increase the intensity of
fires in some areas of the region if left
unchecked.
That’s the warning from EPNRM which
has begun putting up signs on major
roads around EP this month to alert
people about the weed, buffel grass.
The signs will give basic information about
the weed and ask members of the public
to report infestations to the Board.
Caring for our natural resources
They have already been erected at the
entrances to Wudinna, Kyancutta, Kimba
and Whyalla, with more to be put up at
information bays near these centres and
at Ceduna.
EPNRM acting biosecurity manager Tony
Zwar said buffel grass burnt at very high
temperatures and the plants had a high
fuel load, both of which contributed to the
spread and intensity of bushfires.
Buffel grass also regenerates quickly after
fire, posing a threat to native vegetation
by displacing native shrubs and grasses
and increasing the potential frequency of
fires.
“Buffel grass may have been a contributing
factor in the recent widespread and
prolonged bushfires in Central Australia,
where it was introduced as a pasture
grass for cattle and dust control and has
become very well established across the
landscape in some areas,” Mr Zwar said.
Buffel grass is native to Africa, the Middle
East and Asia and was introduced to
northern and central Australia as early as
the 1870s. It was first detected on EP in
2004, but may have been in the region for
some time before then.
“So far buffel grass has mainly been
found on roadsides and rail lines, which
indicate the weeds are being dispersed
by transport, but can also be spread by
livestock, wind and water,” Mr Zwar said.
“The Board is working with the Department
of Transport, Energy and Infrastructure
EPNRM footprint summer edition 2011
Andrew Buckham of Wudinna District Council with local EPNRM
officer Luke Nettle at one of the signs near the town.
and some local councils on roadside control of the weed
and identifying new infestations.
“Unfortunately, it has already spread into a few adjoining
farming and urban lands. It grows quite well in arid areas,
but is equally at home in the lower reaches of EP.”
Buffel grass grows mainly in summer but survives all year
round and is tolerant of drought and grazing. It grows best in
sandy soils but will establish in other soil types. It has only
moderate grazing value for sheep.
The Board rates buffel grass as a high risk invasive plant
for EP and is aiming for eradication with sustained ongoing
monitoring to detect new infestations.
Mr Zwar said eradication was a realistic aim because of
the current low number and size of the known infestations
across EP. Mature plants are difficult to control because they
have a robust root system and re-grow after cutting, grazing
or burning.
Mr Zwar recommended that established plants be burnt to
prevent them from dispersing seed, then the fresh regrowth
treated with chemicals.
Buffel grass could be difficult to identify because of its close
similarity to other native grasses and grassy weeds.
“If people suspect they have found buffel grass, EPNRM
officers can help to identify it and offer tailored advice on
control methods,” he said.
More information: contact Tony Zwar on 8628 2077 or
go to http://www.epnrm.sa.gov.au/AnimalPlantControl/
DeclaredPestPlants
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