The LHIB is planning to band woodhens as part of the 2024 Woodhen Survey project from next week.

In line with the LHIB’s Myrtle Rust Management and Response Plan, routine myrtle rust inspections will be conducted on myrtaceous plant species at the same time as woodhen banding to reduce interruptions to leaseholders. 

Staff will require access to leases in the settlement to conduct this important work between: 

Tuesday 2 April – Thursday 18 April

6:30 – 11:00 and 15:00 – 18:00 

Leaseholders can contact the LHIB (6563 2066 or [email protected]) to make an appointment for a specific time or request written notification.

Contractor EOI - Can you help us efficiently band woodhens?

Suitable residents are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest to [email protected] to assist with the Woodhen Survey project by Friday 29 March at 17:00.

Contractor requirements include:

• Fit and able to assist the LHIB Environment Team with netting woodhens in the field
• Availability during the dates and times of the survey
• Current ABN
• Previous experience with netting woodhens is desirable
• Ability to comply with Board policies

Woodhen Survey timing for 2024 and growth

As resources were prioritised for the ‘catch-up’ helicopter winch programs last November, the 2023 Woodhen Survey was postponed and will now take place in November 2024.

Woodhens have been successful in significant population growth since the 2019 Rodent Eradication Program and there is now a very large number of unbanded woodhens. 

To ensure an efficient survey, we aim to band as many woodhens as possible this month.

The previous Woodhen Survey in December 2022 captured the highest population number since the surveys began in 1985. A total of 1,147 individuals were recorded across the Island- well above the previous carrying capacity of the Island (250 individuals). 

Future evolution in survey methods

Additional time and increasingly large teams are required to band all new individuals as population numbers grow.

As our focus shifts from recording absolute numbers to observing population trends, specialised fauna survey ecologists have provided advice on alternative monitoring techniques. 

These recommended methods will be tested alongside the current hand netting and banding technique to ensure they are fit for purpose. This year will likely be the final time that the original survey techniques from 1985 will be in place.

Update on recent myrtle rust searches

No signs of myrtle rust were found in the searches that took place in November 2023, December 2023, and February 2024, including the incidental searches in remote areas that took place during helicopter weed control operations.

Hygiene protocols remain in place:

• All residents, lodges and visitors should continue to use the boot scrub bays and spray bottles at track heads.
• Ensure hiking gear and clothing is sanitised before setting out on a trail and in between locations, either by laundering or spraying with 70% methylated spirits/bioethanol. A hygiene station is located at the LHIB Administration Office (near the Liquor Store). Spray bottles can be refilled here or at the Airport, where our Biosecurity team will make a refilling station available to the community around the plane schedule.
• Do not touch or disturb plants with any signs of myrtle rust and immediately contact the LHIB.