BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 29          Total No. of Sites: 1086
Survey/Project Name: South East
Abstract: This project aims to conduct a biological survey of native-forest areas in the South East of South Australia between 1991 and 1999, collecting data appropriate for calculating crown separation ratios and projective foliage cover. The selection of sites was broadened out to cover all native vegetation communities that occurred in areas that could be surveyed, given accessible/appropriate climatic (not too wet) and terrain conditions.
 
Start Date: 02/09/1991      End Date: 25/02/1999
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: The South East Region is characterised by a series of consolidated dunes running parallel to the coast and inland as far as Naracoorte Range. Between these dunes are intervening low lying flats. These characteristics reflect the past geological history of the area. The patterns of distribution of the native vegetation communities reflect the landforms with sedgelands / grasslands in the swales and mallee / woodland / heath formations on the dunes. In the south the vegetation on the consolidated dunes and in the volcanic areas near Mt Gambier become open forests while peat / densely vegetated freshwater swamps occur in the southern most areas. The climate is mediterranean, generally with cold wet winters and warm dry summers. The area south of 36 degrees Latitude, from just north of Keith in the east and Salt Creek in the west extending to the South Australian / Victorian border and the coastline.
Objectives
         Vegetation: 1. To survey native forest areas in the South East, collecting data appropriate for calculating crown separation ratios and projective foliage cover. 2. Selection of sites was broadened out to cover all native vegetation communities that occurred in area that could be surveyed given accessible/appropriate climatic (not too wet) and terrain conditions.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: A complete floristic list was gained at each site, using a 30 x 30m quadrat. Cover / abundance scores (R,T,1,2,3,4,5) adapted from the Braun/Blanquet system were used. Data was also collected in each quadrat on landform elements, surface strew, surface soil texture, vertebrate presence (then vertebrate impact) and disturbance. Overstorey measurements were estimated for 5 individuals, representative of the community sampled.
         Fauna: Standard fauna survey layout used in agricultural regions. Survey also included hair tubes (4 at each site) and bat detectors at selected sites.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Native Vegetation Assessment Program. - NON Standard BDBSA methodology used.
Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:S&C Div) - Biological Survey and Monitoring