BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 10          Total No. of Sites: 57
Survey/Project Name: Breakaway Reserve (Lands Department)
Abstract: This project aims to study vegetation and fauna within the boundaries of the Breakaway Reserve (now known as Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park), in the arid/semi-arid region, north of Coober Pedy, South Australia. OBJECTIVES: 1. Systematically sample the vegetation of all vegetation associations within the area by using a series of grids; 2. Map the major vegetation associations using aerial photography; 3. Survey vertebrate fauna at a series of sites within each major vegetation association, in areas showing homogeneous vegetation and minimal disturbance. REFERENCE: Hobbs, T.J., 1988, The Breakaways Reserve. A resource inventory, Department of Lands. Adelaide.
 
Start Date: 23/10/1986      End Date: 27/10/1990
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: The Breakaway Reserve is an area of about 4,000ha containing spectacular features of the dissected edge of the Stuart Tableland. It is located 25km NNW of Coober Pedy. The area is currently a Crown Land Reserve. It is a region of hot summers and brief cool winters with low erratic rainfall mainly associated with tropical summer low pressure systems. Area contained within the boundaries of the Breakaway Reserve (see attached map) in the arid/semi arid region. There are 5 sites located outside of existing study boundary. Patch Id 5929, 5930, 5931, 5937 and 5940.
Objectives
         Vegetation: To sample the vegetation of the range of vegetation associations systematically using a series of grids and to map using aerial photography the major vegetation associations.
         Fauna: To sample vertebrate fauna at a series of sites within each vegetation association in a systematic and repeatable way.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Plants sampled in approximately 1 x 1km quadrat. Within these quadrats habitat patches were recognised and sampled separately. All plants counted within each "patch" and relative frequency for each species calculated.
         Fauna: Traplines of 5-10 pitfall traps (depending on local conditions), variable numbers of Elliott traps and cage traps were set for a maximum of four days and nights. Bird observations, one hour in vicinity of each trapline. Some spotlighting and opportune searching elsewhere in Park.

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