Abstract: |
This project aims to conduct a biological survey of the fauna and flora of the Hopkins Creek area, north of Adelaide, South Australia, in November to December 2003.
BACKGROUND:
The area had been recently purchased by the Department for Environment and Heritage and had not been surveyed before, even though it supports a large area of native habitat that requires documenting.
Surrounding land parcels are heavily impacted by grazing and tourism respectively.
By identifying the most suitable/sustainable location for a walking trail, sensitive breeding, foraging and plant recruitment habitat may be left undisturbed, and the area may be enjoyed by the public without adverse effect.
Significant expertise from specialist groups was used to lead the bird, fish, mammal, herpetology and plant components of the field survey at seven different sites with different habitats.
REFERENCE:
Rouse, K. J. (2004) Biodiversity of Hopkins Creek, South Australia: A biological survey of flora and fauna. Nature Conservation Society of SA Inc.
NOTE:
Hopkins Creek Conservation Park was proclaimed in 2010.
Hopkins Creek traverses through the centre of the park, and Reed Creek lies on the eastern boundary of the park.
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Study Area Description: |
Average rainfall: 500 - 600 mm/year (Bureau of Meteorology) based on 30 year period)
Location: Rocky Gorge following Hopkins Creek, a smaller secondry river branching off the Burra Creek (20 km SE of Burra, South Australia).
Area bounded on northern, western and southern sides by agricultural properties which are grazed by sheep and cattle. Eastern boundary abuts Burra Creek Gorge council camping area, beyond which is again another agricultural property.
Landform: Calcrete/samdstpme/quartzite soils envompassing coarse sand to boulders (various types wased down creek beds and on hillsides associated with small rocky outcrops).
Vegetation description: Canopy cover at each site rranged from 45 - 55%. Vegetation along creek beds usually calssed as open redgum forest with sedge and Typha present at onse site with permanent pool of water.
Vegetation away from creek line ranged from low woodlands (dominated by Callitris or Mallee) to open shrublands dominated by Acaci), with an array of herbs and grasses at gound level. |