Changes to vegetation structure by nativChanges to vegetation structure by native plants

Changes to vegetation structure by native plants

Native plants such as Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Cumbungi (Typha spp.) may increase in cover in shallow wetlands altered by permanent or semi-permanent water regimes. These plants provide cover for secretive waterbirds and are integral habitat to many natural wetlands including many used by Australian Painted Snipe. However, if these tall plants invade and totally transform open wetlands to tall closed cover, they can transform Australian Painted Snipe habitat into areas that are no longer suitable. Hird Swamp in Victoria is an example where sections of the swamp are being actively managed to control the spread of these plants, resulting in the maintenance of suitable habitat for Australian Painted Snipe as well as other bird

species. Fivebough Swamp in NSW is a good example of managed compartmentalisation of a modified natural wetland, to provide areas of habitat suitable for different species –including Australian Painted Snipe and Australasian Bittern which are priorities for conservation.