Erigeron sumatrensis
Tall Fleabane at Watson, ACT
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| Erigeron sumatrensis | abread111 | 10 May 2023 | |
| Erigeron sumatrensis | MPW | 9 May 2023 |
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User's notes
Fleabane plants GRAZED stems, probably by Kangaroos ?
First time I have seen this weed being grazed over a relatively large area (100 sq meters or so). An encouraging sign that may help partiallly control this now very Pervasive weed species.
3 comments
9 May 2023
Max, the grazing probably indicates the presence of rabbits! There are active warrens in this area. Look below at the nearby sightings. When I see fleabane with tops nipped off before the weeders get to them, I look for signs of rabbits and find scratchings, faecal pellets and usually a warren somewhere close by under a log or in the side of a creek.
Why did you include the map as part of the sighting? barb
Why did you include the map as part of the sighting? barb
9 May 2023
Hi Barb, Thanks for your ideas on this Grazing. Appreciated. I did / do consider that Rabbits may also be involved with grazing at this location as there are plenty of Rabbits in the area judging by abundant dropping piles around, + also Warrens here. What made me think that Roos may (also) be involved is the Height of many of the grazed Fleabane stems, up to a metre or so, seems to tall for Rabbits to graze, unless they are bending the stems over ?? Unless we can get expert evidence/ interpretation of the "toothmarks" on the grazed stems, or photographic evidence (eg.from hidden wildlife camera), perhaps we could consider both Grazers as possible ? Re Map, I included this for ready reference to anyone interested, to show the general area of this location, at a quick glance. I'd be interested to hear from any other (area) Canberra Nature Mappers, if they have observed any similar grazing of Fleabane, anywhere else ??
11 May 2023
Kangaroos eat native grass unless drought and severe overgrazing of native grass cover force them to extend their diet which is currently not the case; Fleabane wouldn't grow under drought conditions; rabbits hares and Swamp wallabies are browsers; cuts of around 45 degrees indicate rabbit or hare.
Location information
- Coordinates 149.171944-35.228889
- Places Watson, ACT
Sighting information
- 101 - 1,000 Abundance
- 8 May 2023 10:30 AM Recorded on
- MPW Recorded by
Collections
Species information
- Erigeron sumatrensis Scientific name
- Tall Fleabane Common name
- Not Sensitive
- Exotic
- Medium weed or pest
- Up to 1257.91m Recorded at altitude
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Synonyms
Conyza sumatrensis Conyza albida
Seasonal activity
-
In flower
JFMAMJJASOND
Record quality
Quality score
4 / 7
- Images or audio
- More than one media file
- Verified by an expert moderator
- Description
- Nearby sighting(s) of same species
- GPS evidence of location
- Additional attributes