Maintaining Biodiversity – top 10 tips
• position in landscape - e . g . waterholes and creek lines are usually rich in important plant and animal species , contain species that are not found elsewhere in the region or are locally important breeding areas ;
• history of undisturbed / unstocked land – e . g . areas unsuitable for grazing because they are remote , steep , rocky , have low phosphorus , lack water or have poor quality forage may be very significant habitat for wildlife ;
• identify and recognise special areas on your property ;
• actively manage special areas for biodiversity purposes ;
• avoid disturbance with heavy machinery ( e . g . riverbanks , springs ); and
• plan use of infrastructure to protect and manage special areas ( e . g . fences , off river watering points ).
3 . Use fire carefully as a management tool in uncleared woodlands
• Although fires seem destructive , many native plants and animals have evolved with fire and need occasional burns or smoke to promote breeding or seeding .
• Remember that some species of plants and animals are only found in unburnt country .
• Light fires early in the year or after first storms when there is good soil moisture .
• Control fires to burn small areas . A patchy pattern of burning is ideal for biodiversity , with some areas that are not burnt for long periods of time .
• Burn infrequently rather than regularly .
• Use a variety of burning practices . Different plant and animal species require different fire regimes .
• Spell country after fire to avoid woody thickening and loss of native , perennial grasses .
• Do not burn actively growing grasses as fire can reduce their vigour as well as advantage woody plants .
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4 . Maintain structural and micro-habitat diversity
• Structural diversity refers to the vegetation layers within woodlands .
• Tall trees are the canopy trees and shrubs are the mid-story and small shrubs and grasses are the under-story and ground storey respectively .
• Structural diversity provides food , shelter and breeding opportunities for a wide range of animals .
• Maintain a mid-storey with trees and shrubs of a variety of species , ages and sizes , particularly for bird diversity .
• Maintain leaf litter , fallen logs , standing dead trees , large trees with hollows and termite mounds as they are important micro-habitats for animals .
• Maintain windrows around cleared paddocks .
• Leave wide , undisturbed tree lines in riparian areas .
• Remember that any management that reduces structural and micro-habitat diversity also reduces biodiversity :