Abstract: |
The aim of this project is to conduct a trial trapping event at a small number of biological survey sites in the first year to investigate the resources required, and the ability to relocate sites, in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, north-west South Australia.
Pitfall trapping has been conducted on a wide-scale previously on the APY Lands during the Biological Surveys undertaken between 1991 and 2001 by the former Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. However, surveys at these particular sites have not been repeated since.
The long-term objective of this project is to establish a biannual monitoring program of mammal and reptile fauna across Indigenous Protected Areas.
METHODOLOGY:
Trapping will be conducted across the APY Lands at six locations (Mimili, Amuroona, Walalkara, Kalka Pipalyatjara, Makiri, Amata), however only one location will be surveyed at a given time.
Survey methods will try to replicate those of the Biological Surveys mentioned above, unless a more modern method since this time is now used across similar arid areas in Australia.
At each location two surveys will be conducted per year; one in the winter and one in the summer (but not in the middle of summer where temperatures can be extreme) to account for natural activity cycles in local native fauna.
Where possible, existing site markers will be re-located and survey sites will be established around these points.
If site markers cannot be found, mud maps and habitat descriptions will be used from the previous biological surveys to place sites roughly in the same area, and new markers will be installed. Additional survey sites may also be established if necessary.
Opportunistic sightings may also recorded. Results will be compared to those found during the Biological Surveys from 1991 to 2001.
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