Browsing in Victorian native State forests – results of the 1995 statewide survey.  G. D. Wallace and P. C. Fagg.  April 1999.  23pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

In 1995, following persistent reports of regeneration failures due to browsing, a Statewide survey was undertaken to determine the extent of problem browsing of regenerating areas in native State forests in Victoria in the previous three years. The survey confirmed that browsing of eucalypt regeneration is a serious problem in a number of localities, and that current control methods are costly, not necessarily effective, and limited in their applicability.

The main findings were:

• Statewide incidence. Severe browsing affected 5.5% (61/1109) of coupes at the first attempt at regeneration, and 6.3% (70/1109) were moderately browsed. The proportions rose to 11% severe and 18% moderate browsing for second-attempt regeneration and reforestation coupes.
• Forest types affected. High Elevation Mixed Species (HEMS) was found to be the forest type most affected in regeneration at first attempt; 15% (47/307) of coupes were severely affected and 16% (48/307) of coupes were moderately affected. The proportions rose to 19% (19/99) severe and 26% (26/99) moderate in second-attempt regeneration and reforestation coupes. The Low Elevation Mixed Species (LEMS) forest type was less affected at first attempt at regeneration (3% severe, 4% moderate), but the incidence was higher in reforestation and second-attempt regeneration coupes (2% severe and 13% moderate). Browsing was present in alpine ash and mountain ash forest types, but confined to small areas.
• Localities affected. Browsing was a serious and persistent problem at Mt. Cole, Cobaw Ranges, Mt. Disappointment, Bonang, Buldah, north of Bairnsdale, and Mullungdung.
• Browsing species. The native swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) was clearly the major browsing species, being identified in 97% (127/131) of all coupes where moderate or severe browsing was reported at first attempt at regeneration, and in 100% (59/59) at second attempt. Swamp wallaby was reported in all forest types, from box-ironbark to alpine ash. Other browsing species such as rabbit, deer, and red-necked wallaby, were of localised, relatively minor, importance.
• Control methods. Browsing control by electric fencing was generally effective, but very expensive, ranging up to $730/ha over and above routine regeneration costs ($200-300/ha). Some areas have recently tried 'ringlock' style fencing, but this is also expensive. Browsing control by shooting, in and around fenced areas, was successful at Mt. Cole. At Cann River and Bendoc, where no fences were built, shooting was not effective.