BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 193          Total No. of Sites: 529
Survey/Project Name: Bimbowrie Conservation Reserve Biological Survey
Abstract: This project aims to conduct a biological survey of Bimbowrie Conservation Park, near Olary, in north-east South Australia. METHODOLOGY: The survey was conducted in three parts: 1. Flora and fauna survey sites were established in 2005; 2. Flora survey had the principal aim of describing and mapping floristic communities on the reserve. Fauna surveys, also conducted initially in 2005, are intended to be repeated regularly; 3. Monitoring for landscape recovery, expected as result of stock removal and ongoing herbivore control. An established photopoint site network on the reserve assists evaluating expected landscape recovery. These monitoring sites are included in the survey to improve data quality of species identification. Being a monitoring exercise, these sites will be regularly visited. NOTE: Survey site coordinates were reviewed in 2018. Site was projected against Google Earth imagery and compared with physical and vegetation site data. Original site survey sheets including mud maps were consulted where available. In 2019 locations were either verified or moved the minimum distance required to improve data consistency. All changes were documented within the site audit data.
 
Start Date: 26/11/2004      End Date: 08/09/2007
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: The study area encompasses the extent of the Bimbowrie Station, to be declared a park in the near future. The area has been extensively grazed in the past, by sheep, goats and roos. The eastern area of the station is characterised by granitic hills with Acacia anuera var. as the dominant overstorey species, although in poor health. The western area contains alluvial plains and watercourses, with Maireana shrublands and Dodonaea, Eremophila, Acacia and Olearia shrublands. The study area encompasses the extent of Bimbowrie Station, approximately 10 km north of Olary township.
Objectives
         Vegetation: The main aim of this survey in 2005 was to collect data on the vegetation communities within the Bimbowrie Station Reserve to enable the classification and mapping of the floristic composition and structure of the vegetation groups within the park. Vegetation Survey phase was principally undertaken in April 2005. From 2006 onwards, survey has two main aims. Including the older monitoring sites adds to number of sites to improve floristic classification and mapping of vegetation groups. Over time trends in composition and structure will likely become apparent. Second aim is to establish the baseline lists for site plant identification to be used in subsequent monitoring visits. Visit period 4 Sep - 8 Sept 2007: Mainly photopoint survey plus Additional sites OLA 03101 & OLA 03201 which cover vegetation types not previously covered within existing monitoring photopoints.
         Fauna: The main aim of the fauna survey in 2005 was a baseline survey. Visit periods 17 May 2005 - 18 May 2005 and 13 Nov 2005 - 25 Nov 2005: Biological Survey Methodology Physical data for OLA sites was copied over from SU74.Therefore AGD66 had to be added to the datum options.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Vegetation was documented with a complete list of plant species within a 100 x 100 quadrat using Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scores. Lifeform and reproductive stage was also recorded. Each site was assigned a structural formation description. All species were vouchered for the first time they were encountered and lodged with the Plant Biodiversity Centre. Physical data such as slope, aspect, landform, surface soil texture and outcrop were collected. An aerial survey was also undertaken, with photos and notes taken to assist in the mapping process. Vegetation monitoring methodology is based on quantitative procedures of rangeland assessment. The principal means involves Jessup Transect 100 m long, and compiling plant species lists scoring cover abundance using Crown-Separation-Ratio classes. Such arrangements, means vegetation survey procedures outlined above are also conveniently applied to the monitoring sites. Pastoral monitoring methodologies involve locating sites within 1.5 to 2 km from a permanent waterpoint, which is where most sites of the plains and valleys established in 1996 were located.
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

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