Erigeron sumatrensis

Tall Fleabane at Watson, ACT

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Identification history

	Erigeron sumatrensis	10 May 2023	abread111
	Erigeron sumatrensis	9 May 2023	MAX

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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

abread111 wrote:

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

MAX wrote:

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 ??

waltraud wrote:

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.

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