16:6 Upcoming projects for 2025
This next post is an overview of the projects and activities planned for 2025.
As these projects progress or are completed, with support from the people involved, we shall upload a full update, images, and outcomes. This post should provide sufficient information to allow you to see what is on the table… and join in if you wish.
Image of the ongoing projects – fox bait
Other than the ongoing site visits, the continuation of the Grant (fencing, planting, etc,) the Fox and Cat control and the cameras monitoring remote wildlife, we have six areas of activity in 2025, these are:
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Hannah and Grant will transect areas across 215, 226, and 227 to identify Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and hopefully find interesting critters.
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Andrew and Janet (Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services) continue weed management, mapping and species ID.
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Spider survey with Malcolm Worthing.
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Josh and Bec – Bioshots and opportunistic observations.
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Eye-Spy - Cameras on a neighbour’s rubbish dump.
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Increasing knowledge and skills around Microbats and Monitoring.
Exclusion zone - This structure could almost be seen as attractive at sunrise.
Hannah and Grant are walking areas 215, 226 and 227 to identify Weeds of National Significance (WoNS)
Grant and I plan to take the opportunity to gridwalk some areas that we have not yet explored this year. We shall be away from the end of June to the end of September so that it may be a little limited. However, in April, May, and later in the year, we shall gridwalk the areas of 16:6 that we have not yet walked.
The purpose of this is three-fold:
- We hope to find additional mallee Fowl nests and mounds, both inactive and active
- We shall use GPS and note taking of Weeds of national significance and declared species for follow-up and for Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services.
- As pals or walking transects and undertaking routine maintenance, we will note all new species unknown to us from the area through opportunistic observations.
A lined worm lizard, Aprasia striolata, was discovered through an opportunistic encounter. It is a new species for our district.
Opportunistic wildlife observations are what our level of citizen science is about.
The more we are involved with individuals reporting their chance encounters with flora and fauna, sharing with others (amateurs and professionals), and contributing to shared sites such as iNaturalist, the more we value community data for understanding species distribution, abundance, and behaviour.
These planned outcomes captured here for 2025 include recording opportunistic observations, so here is a better explanation of Opportunistic wildlife observations. These are sightings made incidentally while going about our daily activities, rather than being part of a planned survey.
Data Collection - These observations can include sightings of animals and invertebrates, their tracks, homes, droppings, or other signs of their presence. Plant observations may include the plant, flowers, fruits, seeds or related identifiers.
Image of tracks of an emu - Section 215
Value - This type of data can be beneficial for:
- Tracking species distribution and abundance: By compiling observations from a wide area, researchers can get a broader picture of where species are found and how their populations change.
Map of distribution – Ctenophorus species - Mallee Millitary Dragon C spinodomus
Identifying emerging threats: Citizen science data can help detect unusual patterns or behaviours that might indicate problems like disease outbreaks, weed incursion, feral competitors and habitat loss.
Weed incursion image
Monitoring biodiversity: The data can help us understand the overall health of ecosystems and the status of different species.
A real issue for people like Grant and I, is our unconscious bias (everything is about reptiles or ……work!!!) and yes accuracy can be an issue as we are amateurs. However, this is the case for most of us delusional naturalists… as the accuracy of observations does vary across the board, depending on our experience, knowledge of the area/region and the clarity of the sightings. To mitigate this, it is essential to keep learning and refer to others in the field who are far more experienced.
The following three projects involve people with more understanding than we have, so their opportunistic observations will positively add to the species records that 16:6 has to date. - Involving people with experience, expertise, or different skill sets. Currently, we use built-in data validation ( AI tools) and reviews undertaken by experienced people and researchers who use their skills and other data sources to cross-validate opportunistic observations.
In addition, we refer our images and observations of what we find to either:
David Armstrong is a friend, an ex-DEW Biological Survey coordinator, an experienced field naturalist, a herpetologist, and a current professionally contracted biologist. David is invaluable in identification.
David Armstrong is setting a cat trap using his skills and showing his generosity of time and advice.
Ellura Sanctuary (Brett and Marie, our neighbouring property), who have jointly over 30 years of experience in field identification in this region. They manage a fantastic data set of identification tools they have developed throughout this period, and generously share with us newbies.
In time, I would like to see if Brett and Marie would be comfortable talking with us so that we can develop an ELLURA post - their land, how they have achieved what they have done, and how they believe that private land conservation plays an essential part in conservation across Australia.
For now, their website is found at Ellura Sanctuary
Image of the Ellura ID website
Now to other projects that will be delivered with the help of environmentally aware individuals/teams
Andrew and Janet (Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services) continue their weed management, mapping and species Identification.
Andrew and Janet (Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services) continue their weed management, mapping and species Identification.
The grant-funded work by Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services targeted a proliferation of Onion weed and Horehound on sections 13. Other weeds that were also controlled include wild sage (Salvia), Ward’s weed, Thread Iris, and Guildford (although somewhat opportunistically adjacent native species).
Across Sections 215, 226, and 227, they targeted the more significant (WoNS) Weeds of national significance: The State declared species, Wheel Cactus and Boxthorn.
Image using the Nature Maps - Irongrass Environmental capturing weed control tracking on Section 13
They shared that whilst it is okay to target specific weeds, it is essential to ensure that this is done to benefit native species. Several parts of the block have severe infestations of Ward’s weed, which would be almost impossible to eradicate in the short term. Nevertheless, Ward’s weed was also targeted if it surrounded individuals of native grass, patches of native grass or other native herbaceous species. This was done (opportunistically) in the hope that any native plants would become healthier and set more seed.
They adopted the strategy of working on less infested areas first. This entailed working from areas of higher value, such as the areas adjacent to tree-covered vegetation and individual species of trees and shrubs. They would sometimes locate valuable herbaceous species such as Goodenia pinnatifid and Maireana rohrlachii, which they would work around to increase the likelihood of such species gaining health, thereby setting more seed.
Now located on Sections 13, 215, 226 and 227, this rare species - Maireana rohrlachii,
In their first year, they were able to cover a larger area of the allocated land, which hopefully improved in condition over time. In section 13, they effectively established “weed fronts,” which provide the basis for future weed control work, mapping and making positive headway into the issue in the primary 16:6 sections of Boxthorn.
With the smaller and woody weeds, they expect massive germination of all the weed species that we targeted soon. A reasonably large rainfall event would provide the conditions for this. It would be wise to undertake follow-up weed control work 2 – 3 weeks following such events.
We met on site on March 18th with Andrew and Janet to review the results of their control work to date and other areas for weed control. Overall, as we inspected the sites, it was positive to see the value of the work they had already delivered. Their knowledge of chemicals, species management, native species, using climatic(weather) opportunities, and active engagement-control methodologies has shown positive results. Their program is funded to continue throughout 2025.
Boxthorn control on sections 226 and 227
Boxthorn control on 16:6 - Irongrass Environmental rehabilitation Services
A real advantage of working with professionals like Andrew and Janet is their impressive botanical and species knowledge of the region's vegetation. While walking property lines and reviewing the weed issue, Andrew quickly points out something unique we have missed while walking and explains the species and its relevance to the landscape and the environment's health. Janet has an eagle eye for weeds we have stepped over and not noticed, so she quickly noted a GPS for future follow-up. Any truly discerning landholders with a conservation focus would adopt this team and keep them securely around.
Andrew and Janet were featured in an earlier post on weeds—Link. 16-6.org/blog/geiytc1qun2q7ba
They will remain our expert go-to for broader land management and planning.
Woolly Matt Rush - Lomandra species on Sections 215, 226 and 227 in sand areas
Spider survey with Malcolm Worthing.
16:6 Heritage Trust approached Malcolm Worthing in late 2024 after hearing of his species identification experience and his interest in undertaking private invertebrate survey work. 16:6 was seeking a smaller private survey across the Heritage Trust lands. We wanted to find an emerging field naturalist to capture something unique to this land, a species or topic that had not been done before, and one that we could use as a distinctive focus in the future for additional funding.
16:6 was aware of several competent, accredited consultancies that deliver biological surveys; however, they were too costly for this smaller project, as they generally aimed their contracts at more extensive reports for the Government, multinationals or environmental impact statements such as development applications. We were after a smaller, specific, targeted survey. Once we became aware of Malcolm’s innate ability to engage across various native species, birds, plants and invertebrates, we considered him a viable option.
We obtained a copy of his book, Birds of the Hindmarsh River Trail. Where Malcolm had captured information that he had gained from personal observation and time in the field growing up within the Hindmarsh River Estuary basin/Fleurieu region, his ability to present the information with photographs, illustrations and maps made this topic readily accessible for people interested in becoming familiar with their environment, but who spoke in layman’s terms.
Link to Malcolm's website book page: https://mworthing-environmental.squarespace.com/store/books
In our communications, Malcolm proposed basing his survey around the Peacock Spiders (Maratus spp.) as a potential flagship species group and one that interested him. From my initial web search on "Peacock spiders," I see why—they are simply stunning. Some are brightly coloured and striking, performing like court jesters and even the vanilla versions, in my view, are the cutest of all in the class Arachnida.
Image of a Peacock spider - stolen as a screenshot from a Google Image search
From Malcolm’s proposal. “ Jumping spiders are restricted to Australia but found across the continent in various colours and patterns unique to each species. Due to their distinctive colours, diurnal behaviour and abundance across the continent, including urban areas, it is possible that this group may eventually (especially since macro lenses have become cheaper) fill a similar popularity niche to birds, which are the most well-known animal group per capita in Australia.
Of Australia’s reported sightings, “South Australia contains under 10% of these records and several undescribed species are known to exist within the state. Furthermore, it is possible that some regions, such as the Murraylands (57 records as of 14/12/2024), still hold species unknown to science.”
Malcolm cites that this survey and report will provide a base knowledge for landholders and citizen science of the species richness, population sizes, and habitat composition (in the report only available for landholders) of Peacock Spiders inhabiting the 16:6 Heritage Trust site.
He states this will likely be the first survey contracted by local landholders and conducted within the Murraylands region (and possibly South Australia).
As an example of what we can expect from Malcolm's full survey, when on site in Mid-March 2025 to ground truth, his plotted September transects, Malcolm located a range of juvenile Peacock Spiders on his proposed sites. In an opportunistic sighting on one of the 16:6 bush tracks between sites, he recorded this.
Species ID: Variable Peacock Spider (Maratus chrysomelas) Image credit Malcolm Worthing
"A single mature male Variable Peacock Spider (Maratus chrysomelas) was identified and photographed by Malcolm Worthing in Section 227 within the 16:6 Heritage Trust project site on the 22nd of March 2025. While this species is not commonly recorded within South Australia (29 iNaturalist records), it is widespread and one of the few species found in all mainland Australian states and territories. This discovery was relatively unexpected since peacock spiders generally live for one year, and most individuals in March are usually in their juvenile moults. It should be noted that two juvenile individuals were sighted alongside this mature individual.
As of the 24th of March, this is the southernmost record for the species within the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board region"
Malcolm has a good eye for photographs and sound equipment. While evaluating his proposed sites, he took this image of one of the residents.
To learn more about Malcolm Worthing Environmental, visit these links.
Link to his Website: https://mworthing-environmental.squarespace.com
Link to his website book page: https://mworthing-environmental.squarespace.com/store/books
Link to his iNat profile m_worthing: https://inaturalist.ala.org.au/people/5300271
Josh and Bec – ‘Bioshots’ and opportunistic observations.
Meet Josh and Bec – opportunistic observations.
Two images taken by Josh Martin and loaded onto iNaturalist - A Mantis and a Brush-footed trapdoor spider 16:6
Fortunately, we have been linked to Josh through our connection with Ellura Sanctuary Ellura Sanctuary
Josh is an avid amateur naturalist and aspiring ecological researcher who visited 16:6 with his partner Bec in mid-March. Josh and Bec are interested in the outdoors, animals, and the environment. As they are based not too far away in the Barossa Valley, they are familiar with the broader region’s species and can camp at the property often.
Josh is interested in using technology, photography, and citizen science to enhance our understanding of the natural world. He also has a research focus on invertebrate systematics and improving the taxonomic and ecological knowledge of underrepresented groups. He is experienced in identifying a wide range of SA species and has some focused experience identifying some invertebrates (a current work in progress).
He is currently studying a Bachelor of Science but is due to finish this year. In his spare time, he aims to photograph as many species as possible while focusing on documenting species that may be more easily missed. He is also becoming increasingly involved in ecological research, but the university remains his current focus.
“Bec acts as a bit of a lightning rod for Josh. I asked Josh how she fits in; his humorous and loving comments were perfect. He says she grounds him when he is far too idealistic and wants to do too much at once. (That sounds familiar.) Often, this is to his detriment. Despite not being interested in the academic side of ecology, Bec has an immense appreciation for all animals, even the annoying ones with opposable thumbs who often drag her out with the unfulfilled promise of incredible new rare species. (That's Josh.)
Bec is the sort of partner we all need, as she has the common sense that too often escapes the “absent-minded professor types.” She is there to remind Josh of the things he has forgotten (and laugh at and with me for it). Josh says that without her support, he “couldn’t do half the stuff I’d like to do “ – I am undoubtedly the luckiest man on the planet for being able to do what I love and for having someone I love to enjoy it with.
Josh and Bec came for a recent site visit, and Josh was very helpful in identifying species seen on the property that day.
In his iNaturalist bio, he says, “I am happy to aid in your identification, and if you want an explanation of my reasons for an identification, feel free to tag or message me! Additionally, if there is an organism you wish to identified that you believe I can help with, feel free to mention me in the observation! “I am always up for a chat, so feel free to contact me.
Josh takes very well-considered photographs for species ID, likely due to his knowledge of fauna and photography. He uploads these shots to the Naturalist, building upon citizen science. ( Darkling or Pie dish beetle 16:6)
link his I Naturalist site address bioshots_jm
For images, see Link Bioshots -Wildlife Photography by JM 🇦🇺 (@bioshots_jm) • Instagram photos and videos.
He can be contacted through iNaturalist at …………... directly or via email, which I can provide if you message me through iNaturalist or comment on an observation.
Josh says, “Please also feel free to use any of my photos for non-commercial uses with credit”.
Josh and Bec have indicated an ongoing interest in recording all life on the property, focusing on fauna. Like his work in the Barossa, Josh wants to focus on identifying more cryptic and harder-to-detect species and species that may hide in plain sight. Josh notes that while photographing rare species is often the ‘hook’ that gets people involved in hobbyist naturalism and citizen science, rare species can frequently go overlooked due to their resemblance to more common species.
For example, this grasshopper that the two photographed on the property during a recent visit has been identified by specialists Matthew Connor and Rod Lowther as Eucemistes gracious—a species never recorded on iNaturalist or recorded in any form in South Australia!
That’s special.
Image of the grasshopper Eumecistes gratiosus - Spur Throated Grasshopper
Cameras on a neighbour’s rubbish dump.
A 180-acre neighbouring property along Sleeper Track has a long-term resident living on site on a Heritage Agreement offset. During their thirty-plus years of residency, they have stored building materials, old vehicles, furniture, etc. (AKA Rubbish) in a low-lying area called the ‘Dump’.
Sightings of fauna must be undertaken in a nonintrusive, opportunistic way wherever possible. Disturbing rocks and fallen timber negatively impact biodiversity and should be avoided wherever possible. However, some of our most unique finds have been when lifting fallen trees on fence lines and cleaning up scrap metal from the roadsides.
While they can provide surprising findings, planned biological surveys using pit traps, hair tubes, and Elliot traps require approval from the Department of Environment (DEW) and animal ethics. An earlier 2024 exploration of the Section 17 Sleeper Track dump site found burrows, tracks, and a few notable local residences.
Image of Sand Goanna at Allan's Transfer Station (dump)
Grant and I walked this area late in 2024, and from scats, tracks, and turning over a few sheets of iron, there is ample evidence of many local fauna living in this human refuse area. Interesting were nests made from old sofa material and thread iris, possibly by rodents.
With the assistance of other experienced folk, David Armstrong, maybe Josh …… we plan to do some reconnaissance of this site and establish some remote cameras to see what species actively choose to live in a habitat created by humans.
This project is more about exploration than managing the 16:6 landscape, however, it is interesting to see how human interactions, our debris, our introduced flora species and our land clearance has manoeuvred our endemic species to use these changes to their advantage.
Images from neighbouring property dumps AKA - Building and resource holding facilities
Increasing knowledge and skills around Microbats
In late 2024, we were fortunate to participate in a Murraylands microbat survey. Three separate detectors detected six known microbat species on Sections 13, 249, and 227. I shall upload a specific post on this topic in a few weeks, as we have received a report on the property.
There are over seventy species of microbats in Australia, all native to Australia. This is a Gould's Chocolate Wattle Bat found in his opportunistic observations and licked clean by Yousuke's cat. 2024. Bald Hills Road
Microbats are very diverse and abundant, but most people don’t notice them because they are small, nocturnal, and use ultrasonic calls that are mostly inaudible to humans. Microbats are great bioindicator species that help us understand more about the health of an ecosystem.
Image of microbat detector
We have been fortunate to be invited to undergo training in using the Microbat analytical tool (Annabat insight ®) in April 2025. If we become competent in using the Annabat® program, we plan to use bat detectors across 16:6 and undertake an ongoing annual survey of microbat species in other areas of 16:6.
We shall publish and share the information from the Murraylands Regional Bat survey shortly. However, below is the table of what bat species may be found and what we recorded in our little window in December 2024. We are delighted with this result—six species.
These projects or planned outcomes are just a part of the activities we hope to engage in this year.
Watch this space for updates on these projects.
Art in nature, these two Bull Ants found locked together after fighting to the death?