BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1106          Total No. of Sites: 88
Survey/Project Name: Improving habitat condition and connectivity in SA's Channel Country
Abstract: This project aims to gain a better understanding of floodplain-channel connectivity to maintain critical habitat condition that supports the biodiversity of the Nationally Significant Diamantina River Wetland and adjacent Coongie Lakes Ramsar Wetland in north-eastern South Australia. Strategic management of pest plants and animals, total grazing pressure and visitor use will be undertaken to reduce impacts on ecosystem function and protect recruitment of the dominant Eucalyptus coolabah. Landholders and Native Title Claimant groups will be integrally involved in planning and delivery that ensures sustainable management and connections with country is prioritised. A key outcome is the protection and appropriate collaborative management of priority wetland and cultural sites. METHODOLOGY: The project aims to identify the biophysical processes (e.g. water quality, flow regimes, riparian vegetation condition, birds, aquatic ecology, fish distribution, soils and geology) that influence ecosystem health, sustain biodiversity and inform environmental water requirements and water affecting activities.
 
Start Date: 01/01/2014      End Date: 30/06/2017
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Georgina-Diamantina catchment (SA) - including Warburton and Kallakoopah Creeks
Objectives
         Vegetation: Refer to Abstract.
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: At each waterhole 3 x 100 metre transects were established approximately 300 metres apart. The location of each transect was determined using GPS, a photo point established and photo compass bearing recorded. Along the central transect vegetation was assessed using both quantitative and semi-quantitative methodologies. Perennial vegetation was assessed quantitatively by recording projected foliage intercepted by the 100 metre line transect for each individual and species encountered. Additionally for Eucalyptus coolabah, when intercepted, measurements of height, width and breadth of canopy were recorded along with the diameter of their trunk(s) at breast height. This was with the intention of using accepted allometrics to estimate the standing carbon content of each individual along each quantitative transect. The 100 metre transect was then converted to a 100 x 4 metre belt transect, the presence of all species, perennial, biennial and ephemeral were recorded along with determinations of their life form, life cycle and relative abundance (using an adapted semi-quantitative Braun-Blanquet scale). The transects 300 metres either side of the central transect were assessed using this semi-quantitative belt transect methodology only. Crown type cover, using the methodology outlined in the Biodiversity Fund - Ecological Monitoring Guide, was estimated along all transects.
         Fauna: Refer to the Cooper Creek project on the SAAL website where methods for vegetation Id; bird surveys; and fish sampling are outlined in the individual reports (in summary: birds were observed along belt transects of 500 m length and 100 m width, over approximately 30 minutes). Refer to Cooper Creek catchment - further information: http://www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands/water/managing-water-resources/surface-water Surface water > Cooper Creek catchment further information: 1. Cooper Creek catchment summary report; 2. Cooper Creek landscape assessment report; 3. Cooper Creek hydrology report; 4. Cooper Creek geomorphology report; 5. Cooper Creek vegetation report; 6. Cooper Creek birds report; 7. Cooper Creek aquatic ecology report; 8. Cooper Creek condition assessment report; 9. Cooper Creek cane toads report; 10. Cane Toad Alert video.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Baseline Survey of flora and/or fauna - Standard Biol Survey of SA survey methodology not used.
Vegetation : Habitat rehabilitation/restoration
Fauna : Baseline Survey of flora and/or fauna - Standard Biol Survey of SA survey methodology not used.
Information Authority: South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management (NRM) Region