An important aspect of his work has been to analyse water deprivation, electrolyte loading, heat stress and the hormonal mechanisms mediating the animals’ responses in the field. The novelty of his approach lies in combining natural history, population ecology and measurements of the circulating levels of hormones mediating responses to environmental challenges. His work on the many endangered marsupials living on Barrow Island and his long-term study of the tiny nectarivorous Honey possum in the extreme southwest of WA have given new insights into the adaptive physiology of the Australian fauna. Since retirement, his focus has been on conservation of the many rare and endangered species in WA’s threatened biodiversity hotspot and the threats posed by frequent fire.

• Upper of the Margaret River walk: Saturday 14th November with Jane Scott and Jenny Kikeros

A good number of people defied the weather forecast to enjoy a walk led by Kay Lehman and Janean Robinson. Following a talk outlining the importance of the reserve's Threatened Ecological Community status; its on-going maintenance; the dedicated Friends of group; and Janean's decades long observations of the biodiversity of the reserve, we headed south to reach the boundary, then headed back along the powerline.  An abundance of wildflowers was enjoyed and no-one got wet!

Thank you to Kay and Janean for sharing their knowledge, and Janean for her passion and dedication.

Vikki Viela

PRIVATE CONSERVATION BUSHLAND
AT WESTONIA
 opportunity to visit ending soon

Michael and I own a 1410 ha property (Capillosa) just north of Westonia in the eastern wheatbelt. It has a conservation covenant on the title. 1166 ha of the property is original and regenerating bushland. We have recorded 317 flowering plants on the property and over 105 bird species to date.

For the next 2 weeks the flowers at Capillosa will be at their best. Michael and I would like to invite financial members of the Wildflower Society of Western Australia to visit Capillosa during this period.

No noise
No crowds
No water
No fires
No toilets
No fees
But lots of flowers and birds

If any of your members would like to pay a visit to Capillosa could they please visit us in person (at 27 Marion Way, Gooseberry Hill) before venturing eastward so that we can note their details and give them an information sheet (re directions, accommodation, parking, gates, walking tracks, RV camping). Many of the flowers at Capillosa can be viewed in my “Flowers of the Great Eastern Highway between Carrabin to Coolgardie” download at https://lesmikebrooker.com.au/great-eastern-highway.php.

Kind regards,
Lesley and Michael Brooker

HAVE YOUR SAY

• The disease myrtle rust, which is a very serious disease of Myrtaceae plants, including eucalypts, bottlebrushes, paperbarks and peppermint trees. This disease is not present in WA, but poses a high risk of moving from the eastern states into WA via wind-borne spores, and the movement of spores/contaminated material on equipment, vehicles, clothing, camping gear, bicycles etc that have been in contact with infected plants in the eastern states. While this risk is currently low with the border being closed, there will be a high risk of incursion once we start to see cross-border movement again. Find out more here.
• Other biosecurity threat priorities for WA in 2020 that are known ‘hitchhikers’. These pests pose a high risk as they can be easily spread throughout the state on and in vehicles, clothing, pet dog fur, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

For both issues, the message is the same. When entering and leaving vegetated areas, and when travelling from one spot to the next, follow these biosecurity tips:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables can harbour pests such as Mediterranean and Queensland fruit fly. Play it safe by buying as you go, or dispose of produce in amnesty bins that are available throughout the State.
• Dispose of food waste securely in plastic bags before placing in rubbish bins. This will prevent spread of pests if food is infested.
• Brush down luggage and contents, shoes, clothing, tents, sleeping bags and other items to remove all soil/plant matter before moving to your next location.
• Check your socks, shoes and clothing for burrs and seeds.
• Clean and dry all boating and fishing gear before fishing another waterway.
• Shake out car mats before moving on.
• Regularly remove bugs in car grills and check for seeds trapped in the tire grooves.
• Do not dispose of food waste in waterways – particularly crustacean heads and shells.
• Place dry food in airtight containers (including cereal, packaged grains, beans, lentils and seeds).
• Always check your pet’s fur and paws for bugs, seeds and burrs before entering your vehicle.
• Keep your dogs on a leash at all times as poison 1080 baits are used throughout the state for the control of feral pests such as foxes, pigs and wild dogs.
• Respect farm biosecurity. Call owners before entering a property.

Early detection of these pests is key to eradication. To make reports and send photos of any suspect pests, weeds, birds or plant damage, download the MyPestGuide^TM app onto a mobile device, or go online to make a report at: mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au.
You can also send a report to our Pest and Disease Information Service via padis@dpird.wa.gov.au or call 9368 3080.