BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1149          Total No. of Sites: 211
Survey/Project Name: Survey of nesting Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo & hollows, Cleland CP - 2016-2017
Abstract: Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos (YtBC) Calyptorhynchus funereus are listed as vulnerable in South Australia (schedules of National Parks & Wildlife Act 1972) with one recent survey estimating 2000 birds within the Mount Lofty Ranges region during the non-breeding season (Carpenter 2011). However, there are no estimates of the number of pairs nesting in the region. YtBC have traditional nesting sites and three colonies are known in the region; Cleland Conservation Park, Springmount near Inman Valley and Boat Harbour Creek in Deep Creek CP (e.g. Ragless in Lendon 1973, Paton and Reid 1977). Elsewhere single pairs have been reported breeding in widespread localities. A nesting colony with was reported at Cleland CP in a gully between the Fauna Park and Waterfall Gully in January 1983 (Whatmough 1984). Whatmough located about 50 trees with wood torn away from around large hollows in an area extending from Waterfall Gully to Mount Bonython and Mount Lofty, suggesting that many pairs were nesting. This area was burnt out during the extensive fires of February 1984, after which concern was expressed over the future of the colony. Concern has been expressed that the breeding population in Cleland CP may be under further stress due to increased use of the park by visitors and associated track proliferation, by increased control burns and through interaction with Sulphur-crested Cockatoos Cacatua galerita. The survey aimed to: 1. determine which trees were being used by nesting YtBC within Cleland (and Eurilla) Conservation Parks, and measure attributes of the trees and hollows used; 2. determine which trees were being used by other diurnal birds that use large hollows; and 3. map and measure attributes of all other trees with large hollows that might be suitable as a nest site for cockatoos within Cleland (and Eurilla) Conservation Parks. In addition the historical status of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo in the region was reviewed.
 
Start Date: 01/01/2016      End Date: 31/12/2017
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Cleland Conservation Park and Eurilla Conservation Park
Objectives
         Vegetation: Refer to Abstract.
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: PENDING
         Fauna: Cleland CP was subdivided and three observers searched for YtBC and associated hollowbearing trees on a total of 27 days between 13 October 2016 and 27 February 2017. Each area was further subdivided into discreet blocks bounded by tracks or roads, and assessed on foot. Surveys usually commenced soon after daylight in order to observe any YtBC that were flying to or from potential nest trees. Other potential nesting activity was determined by hearing birds as each surveyor walked along paths. Once a bird was located, the tree was observed from 50 m or so for several minutes in order to determine any nesting activity. Local DEWNR staff were asked to note any potential YtBC nesting activity. Birds SA members were also asked at general meetings to take note of and report potential YtBC nests in the Adelaide hills. Soon after field work commenced it became apparent that the original third aim (above) was beyond the scope of this study due to the large numbers of trees bearing large hollows within the park. Instead it was resolved to concentrate on locating nesting YtBC (or at least inspecting nest hollows). These trees and a sample of adjoining trees were then assessed. Similarly, limited repeat visits to potential nest sites were possible so the outcome of YtBC nests was unknown.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : EPBC/NPWSA Threatened species targeted survey. Flora or fauna species.
Information Authority: Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management (NRM) Region