Research Reports

Long Distance Transport of Arsenic by Migrating Bogong Moths from Agricultural Lowlands to Mountain Ecosystems

Ken Green, Linda Broome, Dean Heinze and Stuart Johnston

Abstract
Bogong Moths Agrotis infusa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) migrate in spring from the inland plains of eastern Australia to aestivate up to 1000 km away in rock crevices in tors and periglacial blockstreams in the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps. In spring/summer 2000/01, heavy rains washed debris from caves in the Snowy Mountains, killing adjoining grass. Arsenic was detected in soils from the caves and soil and grass from outwash areas, but not in soils and grass from adjacent unaffected areas. Faeces from mammalian predators of moths contained more arsenic than faeces from a herbivore from the same region. Arsenic levels were higher in moths from caves in the Snowy Mountains where vegetation was killed than in moths from the ACT or Victoria. The results indicate long distance transport of sublethal quantities of arsenic which are then concentrated to damaging levels by the millions of moths at aestivation sites.
(The Victorian Naturalist, 118 (4), 2001, 112-116.)
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Contributions

A Review of Insect-induced Galls and Mistletoes on Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii
in the Victorian Wimmera

Matthew F. Wright and Diana R. Burgess

Abstract
Remnants of Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii on the Wimmera plains of Victoria are host to gall-inducing insects and mistletoes. The taxonomy, life cycle and morphological variability of the Cylindrococcus gall-formers are reviewed, together with their potential for damage and methods of control. The host range and population status of two buloke-associated mistletoe species, Amyema linophyllum and Lysiana exocarpi, are described and their effects on the buloke host are considered. The review revealed a lack of information about environmental factors that may cause gall and mistletoe populations to increase at the expense of their buloke hosts.
(The Victorian Naturalist, 118 (4), 2001, 117-122.)
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Opportunistic Vertebrate Predation by the Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis

Greg J. Holland

Abstract
The Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis is classified as an exudivore/insectivore feeder, with staple dietary items including insects, insect exudates and plant exudates. During a study of the foraging ecology of the species in northern Victoria, an adult female glider was observed to harass a nesting Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera, ultimately removing the bird before consuming eggs within the nest. A description of this observation is provided and vertebrate predation by the Squirrel Glider is discussed in relation to other published accounts. Vertebrate predation by the Squirrel Glider is considered infrequent and opportunistic, but may provide an additional protein and energy source for lactating females.
(The Victorian Naturalist, 118 (4), 2001, 123-126.)
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Human and Natural Impacts on the Upper Yarra Region with Reference
to the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve: a Review

Sabine Kasel

Abstract
The Upper Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region has a rich and diverse social history. Past and current land management activities, including gold mining, timber harvesting, agriculture, and urban development, have fragmented and degraded the landscape. Currently, there is a wide range of agricultural and horticultural activities within the region, some of which are in decline (e.g. dairy farming) whilst others are expanding rapidly (e.g. grape production). The Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve is situated within the Shire of Yarra Ranges and is best known as the last remaining habitat of the Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops subsp. cassidix, Victoria’s official State bird emblem. The general land use activities within the Shire of Yarra Ranges are reflected in changes in land use in areas bordering the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve. Over the past fifty years there has been a marked reduction in the area of native forest (from 47 to 13%) and a corresponding increase in pasture based activities (from 53 to 83%) and some intensive horticulture (0 to 4%). With current revegetation strategies and ongoing land purchases, there will be a gradual increase in forested areas bordering the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve.
(The Victorian Naturalist, 118 (4), 2001, 127-139.)
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