Buffel
Many groups in Central Australia are working out ways to stop buffel grass from spreading to sandier soils, which are an ideal habitat for buffel grass. One of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to control the weed is to get in and dig it out, a method that allows many of the native plants that used to grow there to come back. It is hoped that in time, as more areas around Alice Springs are cleared of buffel, native grasses will again cover the area. While this may work on a local level, the rapid spread and establishment of buffel grass makes broader control nearly impossible, according to Peter Latz, Central Australia’s most eminent botanist. Latz believes that some sort of biological control, such as a fungus or caterpillar, may be the only way to exert long-term control over the invasive grass.

Kikuyu
Over the past decade, Charles Stuart University researchers have been investigating kikuyu management on Montague Island. The research has included: 1) mapping the changes in distribution of kikuyu grass, and investigating subsequent changes in little penguin distribution; 2) monitoring breeding success of little penguins within various habitats; and 3) monitoring the response of both the vegetation (particularly kikuyu grass) and little penguins to various kikuyu treatment methods being trialed. Less than one month ago, at the end of June 2004, the parks and wildlife department, in conjunction with Charles Sturt University researchers, undertook the biggest penguin rescue project. Collecting all the penguins and seabirds over a X-hectare area, the research crew burned one of seven zones in an attempt to remove the invasive kikuyu and replace it with native vegetation. Over the next six years, researchers plan to burn the whole island and spray with native vegetation seedlings.