BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 645          Total No. of Sites: 9
Survey/Project Name: Permanent Water Sites Survey in the Rangelands of the Murray Darling Basin, SA
Abstract: The waterways or ephemeral systems of the South Australian Murray Darling Basin (SA MDB) rangelands are unique to the area and have not been previously studied to create a comprehensive baseline for flora and fauna. This lack of information greatly increases the risk of poor decision making and limits the decisions regarding management strategies and their impacts within the rangelands. The SA MDB rangelands biological survey has drawn on existing information and newly surveyed information together to provide natural resource managers with a more comprehensive identification of the unique assets of the rangelands. The biological survey focused on collecting baseline biological data including aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna at eight permanent water sites. Eight formal Department for Environment and Heritage Biological Survey sites were established, where data was collected on vegetation, terrestrial mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. All fauna was also opportunistically sampled to distance of 1 km from each survey site. This project aims to undertake a biological survey of eight permanent water sites within the rangelands of the South Australian Murray Darling Basin (SA MDB) region. The project will address knowledge gaps in baseline data particularly affecting the flora and fauna of waterways, wetlands and ephemeral creek lines of the rangeland area. The biological survey will focus on collecting baseline biological data including aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna at eight permanent water sites, from the Tothill Ranges in the South to Caroona Creek Conservation Park in the north. The biological survey is to be undertaken to meet with the biological survey standards of the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH), to enable sharing of information between state agencies and community groups working towards biodiversity conservation in the rangelands area. The survey was conducted in 2009. Reference: Drago Moise and Tim Milne (2010). Biological Survey of permanent water sites within the SA Murray Darling Basin. Nature Conservation Society.
 
Start Date: 01/07/2009      End Date: 30/09/2009
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Permanent water sites within the Rangelands of the SA Murray Darling Basin. The survey sites are within an area which is bounded by Robertstown in the south, Red Bandks Conservation Park to the east, Mount Bryan to the north and the township of Burra to the west.
Objectives
         Vegetation: The aims of this survey were to address knowledge gaps in baseline data for the flora and fauna of waterways, wetlands and ephemeral creek lines of the rangeland area of the SA Murray Darling Basin by: - compiling existing data on the flora and fauna of the focus survey sites and the surrounding landscape; - undertaking a biological survey of eight permanent water sites within the rangelands of the SA MDB region; and - entering survey data onto relevant state government databases.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: The biological survey will focus on collecting baseline biological data including aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna at eight permanent water sites. The biological survey is to be undertaken to meet with the biological survey standards of the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH). Quadrats dimensions varied to fit the linear nature of habitat but were equivalent to 900m2. (20x45m, 10x90m & 30x30m)
         Fauna: See Vegetation Methodology.

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: Nature Conservation Society of SA Inc