The larvae are subterranean and probably feed on the roots and bases of grasses in native and sown pastures.
They emerge at night to feed on the leaves ofgrasses in native and sown pastures.
In areas of dense infestation it carries a significantly higher fire load than native pastures.
The native pasture is no longer grazed.
His research has concentrated on two major areas: forage production and conservation and ecology of native pastures.
The efficiency of systems aimed at production and storage of hay from native pastures has been significantly improved by his research results.
In the Top End, sub-tropical areas and in arid inland regions cattle are bred on native pastures on expansive cattle stations.
If animals are grazed on pastures native to the locality, there is less likely to be problems with exotic species.
There are also considerable carbon credit potentials in soil and vegetation as a result of managing the landscape for native wildlife (e.g. conversion to permanent native pastures).
The Ruminant Nutritionist will join a team of scientists conducting research on feed and pasture legumes, native pastures and livestock systems.