BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 20          Total No. of Sites: 2184
Survey/Project Name: Offshore Islands
Abstract: This project aims to sample, describe and map vegetation, and record associated fauna, from as many as possible of South Australia's offshore islands. All offshore islands from Nuyts Reef in the west to Penguin Island in the South East of South Australia were visited between 1971 and 1982. This project is part of the Biological Survey of SA programme run by the Biological Survey and Monitoring group in Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). Survey areas defined in a DEH spatial layer are managed by DEH Environmental Information Group. EXCLUSIONS: Several groups of islands are not covered, including the islands in Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island itself, and the islands in the Coorong Lagoon. Torrens and Garden Islands, the mangrove and saltmarsh-covered islands north of Port Adelaide, and Entrance Island in Franklin Harbour are excluded, as they are better treated as part of the mangrove complex along the St Vincent Gulf and Spencer Gulf coasts. REFERENCE: Robinson, A. C., Canty, P. D, Mooney, T. and Rudduck, P. (1996) South Australia's Offshore Islands. Australian Heritage Commission. Visit period: 1966 to 2000; Visit period: FEB 2002.
 
Start Date: 01/01/1966      End Date: 01/01/2007
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Islands offshore of South Australia visited between 1971 and 1982, 150-odd offshore islands in total. Several groups of islands are not covered including the islands in Pelican Lagoon on Kangaroo Island, Kangaroo Island itself and the islands in the Coorong Lagoon. Torrens and Garden Islands, the mangroves and saltmarsh covered islands north of Port Adelaide and Entrance Island in Franklin Harbour are excluded, as they are better treated as part of the mangrove complex along the St Vincent Gulf and Spencer Gulf coasts. All offshore islands from Nuyts Reef in the west to Penguin Island in the South East.
Objectives
         Vegetation: To sample, describe and map the vegetation and record the associated fauna from as many as possible of South Australia's offshore islands. FEB 2002 visit period: Rephotograph permanent photopoints and do vegetation quadrats at each photopoint on the Isles of St Francis CP.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: A complete floristic list and cover abundance value for each species at each site.
         Fauna: On approaching an island either by boat or helicopter, it was circled and the location and number of any seals was recorded on the island map. On landing, at least one member of the party was detailed to conduct general observations, paying particular attention to the edge of the island. This person recorded all bird species seen, and if the island was small, made an attempt to roughly estimate the number of each species. In addition, a search was carried out for reptiles and specimens of each species were collected. Other evidence of vertebrates' presence on the island such as burrows, tracks, bones and dead bodies were noted, and where appropriate, collected. On the islands where the expeditions stayed overnight, traps were set for mammals. Fifty Elliot traps were set in two lines of 25 with 10-15m trap spacing, and baited with a mixture of peanut paste and rolled oats. A description of the habitat along the traplines was prepared. Spotlight observations were carried out in an effort to observe some of the nocturnal fauna. A description was written of each island covering aspects of topography, possible boat landing sites and evidence of past visits to, or occupation of the islands.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Vegetation : Photopoint - General Purpose PP's not directed at resolving specific issues. NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Fauna : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:S&C Div) - Biological Survey and Monitoring