BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 997          Total No. of Sites: 53
Survey/Project Name: Mokota CP - D. procumbens monitoring
Abstract: This project aims to investigate whether grazing/browsing is having a significant impact on the Dodonaea procumbens population in the Mokota Conservation Park (CP), north of Adelaide, South Australia. The CP conserves endemic Lomandra multiflora ssp. dura tusscock grasslands and plant species of Australian, state and regional conservation significance (DEH 2003, Hyde 2000). This includes the population of the nationally-vulnerable D. procumbens which is mainly confined to the southern-most third of the park. Hyde (2000) estimated that there are in excess of 500 individuals of this species and that at the time of destocking the CP in 1999 they showed signs of heavy browsing by stock. Since 1999 the NY region park-staff working in Mokota CP have observed heavy browsing/grazing impact from kangaroos on individual D. procumbens in the south-east corner of the CP, near where kangaroos congregate in the vicinity of East Dam. A large exclosure has been erected to prevent kangaroo, sheep and rabbits grazing/browsing on a subset of D procumbens and Cryptandra campanulata (previously Cryptandra amara var. longifolia [Long-flower Cryptandra]). Monitoring measurements for D. procumbens and C. campanulata will follow that developed and used by the Threatened Plant Action Group (Hyde 2000).
 
Start Date: 01/09/2013      End Date: 01/01/2025
Survey Type: Vegetation Only
   
Study Area Description: Mokota Conservation Park, north of Burra, NY Region.
Objectives
         Vegetation: The 2 main questions that this investigation is focussed around are: 1. Is grazing having an impact on Dodonaea procumbens in the SE corner of Mokota CP? 2. Is the main grazing impact from kangaroos or sheep or both?
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: The monitoring method follows the method used by the Threatened Plant Action Group (TPAG) in October 1999 when they undertook monitoring of a population of D. procumbens in amongst rocky outcrops near the southern boundary of the park (SE corner). Details of the method are in Hyde 2000 and an internal method document (Heard 2015). The 2 main questions that this investigation is focussed around are: 1. Is grazing having an impact on Dodonaea procumbens in the SE corner of Mokota CP? 2. Is the main grazing impact from kangaroos or sheep or both? The monitoring is required on; - 6 x D. procumbens and C. campanulata individuals within the exclosure (no grazing or browsing) - 6 x D. procumbens and C. campanulata individuals outside the exclosure (subject to grazing and browsing) within the South East (SE) paddock.
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : EPBC/NPWSA Threatened species targeted survey. Flora or fauna species.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Northern & Yorke) - Clare Office - Regional Ecologist