BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 151          Total No. of Sites: 28
Survey/Project Name: Eastern Mt Lofty Ranges (Nature Conservation Society)
Abstract: This project aims to conduct a biological survey to gain data on the presence and abundance of the flora and fauna of the grasslands and grassy woodlands of the Eastern Hills area, near Adelaide, South Australia. Grazed sites were also included in the survey. The survey aimed to find what biota persists under this dominant land use. METHODOLOGY: Sites with both sheep grazing and cattle grazing were included. The information collected will be used to work with landholders and agencies to manage the significant biodiversity associated with survey sites and the Eastern Hills area in general.
 
Start Date: 27/08/2002      End Date: 31/10/2002
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Topography of the survey area ranges from 503m above sea level at Mt Beevor in the NW to 150m at the eastern boundary of the survey area. Annual average rainfall follows topography, ranging from ~500mm at Mt Beevor to ~300mm at the eastern boundary of the survey area. The majority of sites are associated with the low hills of the Eastern Mount Lofty Block, 150m - 300m above sea level; Mt Beevor being the exception at 503m. Rocks outcrop frequently and consist predominantly of Kanmantoo Group Metamorphics. Vegetation predominantly consists of open woodlands and grasslands, with Allocasuarina verticillata, Eucalyptus porosa and Eucalyptus odorata forming the dominant overstorey at most sites. Lomandra effusa, Vittadinia cuneata, Acacia argyrophylla and Bursaria spinosa ssp. lasiophylla are characteristic understorey species of the survey area. Areas of Acacia/Senna shrubland may also be found in the survey area and at a number of locations Callitris preissii may be found in both pure stands or with a mixture of woodland Eucalypt species. Native grasslands dominated by Lomandra effusa are also common in the survey area, however it is likely that the majority of these are modified plant communities resulting from past land use. A number of sandy sites in the NW of the survey area support Eucalyptus fasciculosa open woodland, however this community has been extensively cleared within the survey area. Eucalyptus leucoxylon open woodland may also be found in the survey area; again few examples remain intact (with the exception of some roadside areas). To the north of the survey area there is also an extension of the upland Eucalyptus camaldulensis open woodlands characteristic of the Nairne area. Sheep grazing is the dominant land use with some minor cropping in suitable areas Survey area is bound in the north by 'Heathmore' (321050E; 6137910N); in the east by the intersection between Reedy Creek and the Palmer Road (332170E; 6137750N); in the west by 'Millbrae' (317000E; 6121000N) and the south by 'Frahn's Farm' (325950E; 6116000N). More broadly the survey area is bound by Tungkillo in the NW, Palmer in the NE, Monarto South in the SE and Dawesly in the SW.
Objectives
         Vegetation: To gain data on the presence and abundance of the flora and fauna of the grasslands and grassy woodlands of the Eastern Hills. The main funding group, the Eastern Hills and Murray Plains Catchment Group, also specified that grazed sites were to be included in the survey. The NCS was also interested to see what biota persists under this dominant land use and sites with both sheep grazing and cattle grazing were included. The information collected during the survey will be used to work with landholders and agencies to manage the significant biodiversity associated with survey sites and the Eastern Hills area in general.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: Vegetation Survey Methodology Follows Heard & Channon 1997. All but one site was sampled using the standard 30X30m quadrat using Braun/Blanquet cover abundance scores. A linear sample was used in this case in order to represent a mixed woodland community (Site TEP01001.
         Fauna: METHODOLOGY: 1. 1 X 50m drift fence with 6 pits at 8m intervals 2. 15 X Elliot/Shermann Traps placed in a line around the site. These were placed surrounding the site rather than in a 100m line. This method was chosen due to the lack of cover available at most sites and consistency with Mammal Club formalities. 3. 2 cage traps, one placed at each end of the trapline. 4. 2 hours bird observation at each site, with at least one of these conducted prior to 9.00 am. 5. Minimum [?] hour active searching at each site for reptiles. Selected sites were visited twice for this purpose 6. All survey work was carried out in the habitats sampled in site vegetation and physical descriptions. 7. Spotlighting conducted at sites where large hollow-bearing trees and possum traces were located (2 sites).

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