Matilda Bay Reserve - Department of Environment and Conservation

The Rainbow Lorikeet appears to be spreading rapidly and increasing in numbers throughout themetropolitan area. Their wide range of habitat and food preferences, and their likely competitionwith other hole nesters are of concern. The founder population is resident in the adjacent Universityof Western Australia grounds (Agriculture Protection Board, pers. comm., 1992).Other pests on the Reserve include cats, foxes, mosquitoes and European bees. The impact of catsand foxes is of great concern in the southern part of the Reserve because of the potential danger tothe flora and fauna of the neighbouring nature reserve.Onehunga weed (Soliva pterosperma) has been recorded in the Reserve. Other weeds of concern onthe Reserve include kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), buffalo grass (Stenotraphurn secundatum),and morning glory (Ipomaea indica). Where possible, spraying will be conducted on intensely usedareas.ACTIONS1. Inform the local community and visitors to the Reserve of the Silver Gull problem through anappropriate education program, emphasising that gulls should not be fed.2. Liaise with the Agriculture Protection Board, leaseholders and local authorities regarding pestand weed control in the Reserve.3. When resources allow, annually spray Onehunga in limited areas.19. FIREThe objective is to protect people, property and the conservation values of Matilda Bay Reserve.No wild fires have been recorded on Matilda Bay Reserve, however, fire could threaten life, anddamage facilities. The major fire risk area is the southern part of the Reserve near the Pelican Pointnature reserve especially during summer when the vegetation is driest. The Western Australian FireBrigade is primarily responsible for fire suppression on the Reserve. CALM will assist the Brigade inthis task.ACTION1. Develop a fire suppression plan with the WA Fire Brigade.41