BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 472          Total No. of Sites: 33
Survey/Project Name: Rawnsley Bluff Biological Survey
Abstract: An assessment of the biological assets of the Rawnsley Bluff section of Rawnsley Park station was required as part of a feasibility study for a project funded by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources to enhance the tourism enterprise operating there. The survey format that was used for this assessment is that developed and adopted by the Biological Survey and Monitoring (BSM) group within South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) in an ongoing series of systematic surveys conducted across South Australia to provide a broad baseline inventory of the state?s flora and fauna. These site-based biological surveys are conducted to collect information on the presence of fauna and flora species, the relative abundance of species present, the structural composition of the vegetation, the physical environment and the presence or absence of disturbances (Owens 2000). Use of the BSM methodology also means that the information collected during the survey can be added to the Environmental Data Base of South Australia. The Rawnsley Bluff biological survey consisted of an on-site field survey supported by a desktop review of the findings of previous biological surveys conducted in the region. Previous survey work has been summarised in Brandle (2001) and Neagle (2003). While the focus of the Rawnsley Bluff biological survey is a single property compared with the regional focus of DEH biological surveys, the primary aim of both scales of survey is to systematically and consistently sample a representative range of the ecological habitats found on site or in the district. The field survey was carried out during early to mid November 2005 following an above average spring rainfall. This followed on from a series of several drier than average rainfall years. This report describes the methodologies used and the results obtained from the field survey and the desktop review as well as discussion of the significance of these findings. Site species lists are included at the end of the report.
 
Start Date: 01/11/2005      End Date: 30/11/2005
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: Rawnsley Bluff section of Rawnsley Park station, Flinders Ranges, SA
Objectives
         Vegetation: Refer to Abstract.
         Fauna: Refer to Abstract.
Methodology
         Vegetation: The Rawnsley Bluff site was initially assessed by DEH staff for suitability as a proposed Heritage Agreement area whereby the area would be managed for conservation purposes. Combining the information from this brief assessment and following two reconnaissance trips to the Rawnsley Bluff area, six field survey sites were selected where all fauna and flora species were recorded. An additional four opportune sites were also selected where only flora species were recorded. All field survey sites were located in what were considered to be the major vegetation communities located on the block given the logistical limitations imposed by the rugged terrain and rocky substrate. Further details available in report, contact DEWBioDataSupport@sa.gov.au
         Fauna: see Flora methodology.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Vegetation : Unclassified - pending reassessment.
Fauna : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Outback)