BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 587          Total No. of Sites: 63
Survey/Project Name: Gawler Ranges NP - 2007/8 (Scientific Expedition Group)
Abstract: The aim of this survey was to increase current knowledge of the flora and fauna species that occur in the North western portion of Gawler Ranges National Park (Scrubby Peak section) with particular emphasis on the Pine Lodge Environmental Association. Laut et al (1977) have described the Pine Lodge Environmental Association as follows: A sandy plain with low hills and numerous irregular dunes. The vegetation cover is of low, open woodland and open mallee scrub with an understorey of mixed chenopod shrubs and grasses." This association covers most of the Scrubby Peak area of the park to the northwest of the Yardea Road. The park conserves more than 55% of this association, which was not previously included in any reserve. The park has some key fauna habitat areas, including semi-permanent soaks and granite waterholes. The park has rocky gullies and outcrops with local entrapments of water. Low woodland, or mallee vegetation, with a complex understorey of hummock grass (Triodia sp) or chenopod and/or Cratystylis, provides the vegetation complexity necessary for the survival of a rich and diverse fauna assemblage. The survey was conducted 2007-2008 by the Scientific Expedition Group in collaboration with Dept Environment and Heritage.
 
Start Date: 05/08/2007      End Date: 01/02/2008
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: North western portion of the Gawler Ranges NP (Scrubby Peak section). Laut et al (1977) have described the Pine Lodge Environmental Association as follows: A sandy plain with low hills and numerous irregular dunes. The vegetation cover is of low, open woodland and open mallee scrub with an understorey of mixed chenopod shrubs and grasses." This association covers most of the Scrubby Peak area of the park to the northwest of the Yardea Road. The park conserves more than 55% of this association, which was not previously included in any reserve. The park has some key fauna habitat areas, including semi-permanent soaks and granite waterholes. The park has rocky gullies and outcrops with local entrapments of water. Low woodland, or mallee vegetation, with a complex understorey of hummock grass (Triodia sp) or chenopod and/or Cratystylis, provides the vegetation complexity necessary for the survival of a rich and diverse fauna assemblage. Area starts approximately 33km north of Minnipa. Boundary begins just north of Mt Centre in the NW and ends about 12km west of Paney Bluff in the SE.
Objectives
         Vegetation: To increase current knowledge of the flora and fauna species that occur in this section of the reserve with particular emphasis on the Pine Lodge Environmental Association. The park conserves more than 55% of this association that was not previously included in any reserve prior to the establishment of the Gawler Ranges NP.
         Fauna: To increase current knowledge of the fauna species that occur in this section of the reserve with particular emphasis on the Pine Lodge Environmental Association. Conduct ground searches for malleefowl mounds and other signs of activity. Monitor and mark mounds found using standard methodology. Conduct ground searches for Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies and other signs of activity in the Pine Lodge area and other suitable sites based on current knowledge of distribution and habitat use. Identify potential Sandhill Dunnart habitat based on aerial photography followed by ground-based assessment to further investigate habitat quality. Hair tubes will be used to survey areas considered suitable based on knowledge of habitat use elsewhere on the Eyre Peninsula. There was also some ad-hoc placement of Anabat recording devices and harp traps.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Standard biological survey method.
         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
Scientific Expedition Group