BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 69          Total No. of Sites: 1281
Survey/Project Name: Stony Deserts
Abstract: This project aims to conduct a biological survey to provide an overview of the patterns of variation in distribution and abundance of the natural resources of the Stony Deserts, north-east South Australia, to identify crucial habitats and recommend conservation management. Survey was conducted in 1993. This project is part of the Biological Survey of SA programme run by the Biological Survey and Monitoring group in Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH). Survey areas defined in a DEH spatial layer are managed by DEH Environmental Information Group. The main survey period is 3 MAY 1994 to 16 MARCH 2005. (Lambina Pastoral Lease). REFERENCE: Brandle R. (1998) (Ed.) A Biological Survey of the Stony Deserts South Australia 1994-1997. Heritage and Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. NOTE: Site coordinates were reviewed in 2017. 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: 14/05/1993      End Date: 30/09/2011
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Stony (Gibber) Desert Regions of North East and North Central South Australia including stony tablelands, floodplains, hills, drainage lines and Gibber Plain associated dunefield. Average annual rainfall over most of the area 150mm. Vegetation ranges from chenopod sub-shrublands and Mitchell grasslands to lignum swamps and fringing Coolabah woodland. Dunes are mostly Zygochloa or Spinifex hummock grasslands. Study area covers Lauts et al (1982) environmental regions 8.3.2-.5, 8.3.7-.11, 8.3.13, 8.3.15-.17, 8.3.19-.21, 8.3.23, 8.3.25, 8.4.5, 8.4.6, 7.3.20, 7.3.21. 1:250,000 mapsheets - Innamincka, Cordillo, Pandie Pandie, Gason, Kopperamanna, Marree, Callabonna, Curdimurka, Billa Kalina, Coober Pedy, Warrina, Lake Eyre, Murloocoppie, Noolyeana, Oodnadatta, Wintinna, Dalhousie, Abminga, Torrens, Andamooka. The 2 sites surveyed on 14 May 1993 were described as being on Lambina Pastoral Lease but the actual location is 6km west of that property in the APY lands.
Objectives
         Vegetation: This study aims to provide an overview of the patterns of variation in distribution and abundance of the natural resources of the Stony Deserts, identify crucial habitats and recommend conservation management.
         Fauna: This study aims to provide an overview of the patterns of variation in distribution and abundance of the natural resources of the Stony Deserts, identify crucial habitats and recommend conservation management.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Complete list of plant species per 100 x 100m quadrat using Braun / Blanquet cover abundance scores.
         Fauna: Pitfall trapping using two lines of 6 pits over 50m of drift fence per quadrat to sample for mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Elliott trapping using two lines of 15 traps. Bird transects in quadrats morning and evening with a minimum of two hours per quadrat. Ground vertebrate searching for minimum of one hour per quadrat. Bat trapping and mist netting on and off quadrats. Spotlighting on and off quadrats. One team samples 8 sights per week. Three groups are involved with each survey which varies from two to three weeks.

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