BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 39          Total No. of Sites: 32
Survey/Project Name: Coongie
Abstract: This one-year project aims to investigate the biota of Coongie Lakes, north-east South Australia, in 1986. AIMS: 1. Identify and document the seasonal changes to the flora and fauna of the Coongie Lakes District; 2. Assess the impacts of human activities and other agencies upon the biota; 3. Make recommendations for effective conservation management. The report by Reid & Gillen 1988 summarises the findings. The biological research of Coongie Lakes continued until 1997 as more funding was received. In 1990 a project to assess the impact of flooding on the districts terrestrial biota was also conducted. Photopoint site sheets and a 3.5 inch floppy disc containing details of photopoint sequences from 1986-88, are filed with the BioDataStore hardcopy files. It is unknown if these photos or information has been captured electronically. REFERENCE: Reid, J., Gillen, J.S., 1988, The Coongie Lakes Study, Department of Environment and Planning. [ The full report has been scanned and is on the DEWNR Enviro Data SA website at: http://data.environment.sa.gov.au/Content/Publications/Coongie-Lakes-Study.pdf ]
 
Start Date: 12/10/1986      End Date: 01/03/1997
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: The Coongie Lakes System comprises a core of 5 lakes linked by channels that fill regularly, fed by the north west branch of the Cooper Creek. The area consists of dunefields and floodplains (and claypans and salt lakes). The district is located in arid/semi-arid area with mean annual rainfall of 100-150mm which is temporally and spatially, very variable. The area is bounded to the north by about 26*40' and to the south by 27*15'. It is a series of lakes connected in a north-south direction by creek channels. There are 3 patches outside of the spatial boundary.(March 2001). They are: Patch Id: 5754 Site Id: COO3101 Patch Id: 5757 Site Id: COO3401 Patch Id: 5758 Site Id: COO3501
Objectives
         Vegetation: To undertake a survey of the natural history of the Coongie Lakes system of SA. It sought to: 1. Identify and document seasonal changes to the flora and fauna. 2. Identify and document the impact on the natural environment of human activities such as mining, tourism, grazing and hunting. 3. Recommend management strategies.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: The structure and floristics of the dominant species of the tallest, mid and lower strata were described. The vegetation association was classified based on dominant stratum (by biomass) and described into structural formation classes. Quantitative information for perennials and density and cover were estimated in quadrats large enough to include sparse perennials. Nested quadrats were sampled to include more frequent perennials. The repeated assessments were performed by a 50m transect with 100 consecutive quadrats (50cm x 50cm) to sample the annual species and their relative abundance. The bare earth, litter and rabbit scats were assessed and the floristic composition.
         Fauna: Two pitfall lines, with 5 pots 10m apart at 28 sites. At one site 3 lines were established with 4, 3 and 3 pots of each site. One vegetation site was never established for fauna due to flooding at time of survey. At each site an equal number of 22cm diameter and 16 cm diameter (45cm depth) pots were used. Sites were trapped 6 times during the year for mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Elliott traps and wire cages were also used, as well as spotlighting, active searching, mist-netting and harp trapping for bats and scat/track observations. Birds were observed as relative abundance based on visual and audial clues.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology 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