BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 723          Total No. of Sites: 152
Survey/Project Name: Date Palm Aerial Survey Witjira NP
Abstract: Complete aerial survey of dalhousie mound springs and surrounds to record full spatial extent and occurance of Date Palms (Phoenix dactylifera) using a Robinson R-22 helicopter. Primary purpose of this exercise is to guide and prioritise on-ground control works. Survey conducted in June 2010, just prior to broad scale palm removal program at Kingfisher and Ruins areas. Survey accuracy is within 10-20m of actual palm occurance. Date Palms removal is ongoing.
 
Start Date: 19/06/2010      End Date: 19/06/2010
Survey Type: Vegetation Only
   
Study Area Description: Dalhousie Mound Springs Complex, Witjira National Park, South Australia. Track log for aerial flight will be submitted (Shapefile).
Objectives
         Vegetation: Mapping exercise to attain first complete map of date palm occurances across the dalhousie complex. Date palm occurances were logged across all known suitable habitat. Survey followed spatial extent of wetland areas - flying up and down spring tails and focusing around spring vents. Palms were catagorised into 4 classes: 1) Single Small Palm 2) Palm with less than 5 major stems 3) Palm with greater than 5 major stems 4) Palm shoot/re-growth following past control (only occurs in areas that have been controled). Survey took 3-4 hours. Standard 5-button GPS datalogger was used, in conjuntion with skid mounted DGPS. 2 observers plus pilot participated. Spatial accuracy is within 10-20m of actual data palm occurance - data to be used as a guide to identify key infestation areas. Palms smaller than 2-3m in height amoungst phragmites could not be confidently observed - i.e. we probably missed juvenile palms in highly vegetated areas - i.e. spring tails and vents.
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: Mapping exercise to attain first complete map of date palm occurances across the dalhousie complex. Date palm occurances were logged across all known suitable habitat. Survey followed spatial extent of wetland areas - flying up and down spring tails and focusing around spring vents. Palms were catagorised into 4 classes: 1) Single Small Palm 2) Palm with less than 5 major stems 3) Palm with greater than 5 major stems 4) Palm shoot/re-growth following past control (only occurs in areas that have been controled). Survey took 3-4 hours. Standard 5-button GPS datalogger was used, in conjuntion with skid mounted DGPS. 2 observers plus pilot participated. Spatial accuracy is within 10-20m of actual data palm occurance - data to be used as a guide to identify key infestation areas. Palms smaller than 2-3m in height amoungst phragmites could not be confidently observed - i.e. we probably missed juvenile palms in highly vegetated areas - i.e. spring tails and vents.
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Pest/Diseases/Threats - control project
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Outback) - Regional Ecologist - Deserts