BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 50          Total No. of Sites: 788
Survey/Project Name: Kowari Project
Abstract: This project aims to conduct a biological survey to determine the distribution and status of Kowari (Dasyuroides byrnei), an endangered species, in relation to historical records by determining: 1. Habitat preferences; 2. Causes of decline. The study area, in north-east South Australia (SA), expanded around Lake Eyre and the Simpson-Tirari Deserts, extending south from Boulia to Marree, then north to Witjira-Charlotte Waters on the SA/Northern Territory border. Survey extends into Northern Territory and Queensland.
 
Start Date: 30/07/1982      End Date: 01/01/2020
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Undulating gibber pavement with occasional dunes and small isolated silcrete - capped mesas. Proximity to floodout country associated with river systems or localised catchments seems important. Cover of low shrublands with a grass understorey or low open woodland. Rainfall 125-150mm pa. OUTBACK: NT: QLD: A 'J' shaped arc around Lake Eyre and the Simpson-Tirari Deserts extending south from Boulia to Marree then north to Witjira - Charlotte Waters on SA/NT border. Survey extends into Northern Territory and Queensland. Bopeechee 1:100 000 mapsheet was added to the existing boundary to include sites which fell outside of defined spatial boundary.
Objectives
         Vegetation: To determine current distribution and status of Kowaris (an endangered species) in relation to historical records: determine habitat preferences and causes of decline.
         Fauna: To determine current distribution and status of Kowaris (an endangered species) in relation to historical records: determine habitat preferences and causes of decline.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Complete list of plant species per patch within a 100 x 100m quadrat using Braun/Blanquet cover abundance scores (standard survey techniques used).
         Fauna: Trapping consisted of paired Elliott traps placed perpendicular to the direction of travel (usually a little - used track) 20m apart every 100m to a distance of around 5km (depending on habitat extent). Traps baited with fish oil-impregnated dog biscuits. Sites selected and sampled whilst travelling through survey region based on visual assessment of potential habitat. Sampling intensity low due to large survey area.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Vegetation : Monitoring - Vegetation/Ecosystem (ie species records - usually re-visited for ongoing monitoring) NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Vegetation : Rare and Threatened Species Protection Strategies. - Standard Survey methodology used.
Fauna : EPBC/NPWSA Threatened species targeted survey. Flora or fauna species.
Fauna : Rare and Threatened Species Protection Strategies. - Standard Survey methodology used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:S&C Div) - Biological Survey and Monitoring
Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Outback) - Regional Ecologist - Deserts