BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 71          Total No. of Sites: 66
Survey/Project Name: Venus Bay Conservation Park and Brush-tailed Bettong Release and Monitoring
Abstract: This project aims to conduct Monitoring was conducted each spring from 1992 to 1999 (although not all traplines were opened during the 1997 and 1998 seasons), constituting part of the Ecological Restoration of Eyre Peninsula (South Australia) program, and Ark on Eyre. METHODOLOGY: Pest foxes, cats and rabbits were eradicated by traps, baits and shooting ready for reintroduction of Brush-tailed Bettong. The response of integrated vermin control of rabbits, foxes and cats was monitored. The first trial reintroduction of six male bettong into Venus Bay Conservation Park (VBCP) was conducted in April 1994. The bettong were radio-collared and tracked over several months to monitor their behaviour and survival. Following the success of the release, four subsequent releases occurred between September 1994 and January 1995. A total of 61 animals (22 males and 39 females) were released during this time, taking the total number of released individuals to 67. From December 2004 to October 2005 spotlight surveys along transects were conducted every 2-3 months to monitor the bettong population. Vegetation photopoints were also set-up and monitored from 1992 to 1995 in the VBCP.
 
Start Date: 10/09/1992      End Date: 21/03/2008
Survey Type: Vegetation and Fauna
   
Study Area Description: The Venus Bay Conservation Park is dominated by Mallee/Melaleuca shrubland and woodland on sand on coastal peninsula. Annual rainfall is 375mm (15"). Conservation park in the lower half of the Eyre Peninsula, bounded by the coast.
Objectives
         Vegetation: 8 vegetation photopoints were set up in 1992. The plant community was mapped in 1994 and 1995 as a baseline for long-term management. Visit period 1/12/2004-31/10/2005: Visit period 10/3/2008-21/3/2008: Photopoint monitoring only.
         Fauna: ECOLOGICAL MONITORING NPWSA traplines, pitfalls, Elliots and cage traps were set up at 9 sites in 5 x 2 m quadrats each spring. Pest foxes, cats and rabbits were removed for the re-introduction of Bettongs. Spotlight transects 2 x 12 km were done every 2 months. Foxes and cats were shot, trapped and baited and rabbits controlled. The response of integrated vermin control of rabbits foxes and cats was monitored. BETTONG RELEASE The first trial re-introduction of six male Brush-tailed Bettongs into Venus Bay Conservation Park (VBCP) was conducted in April 1994. The bettongs were radio-collared and tracked over several months to monitor their behaviour and survival. Following the success of the release, four subsequent releases occurred between September 1994 and January 1995. A total of 61 animals (22 males and 39 females) were released during this time, taking the total number of released individuals to 67. All individuals were sourced from Dryandra Reserve in western Australia. Visit period 2004-2005: Spotlight surveys along oat trail transects (12km) are conducted every two-three months to monitor the bettong population. Numbers recorded vary according to food availability (e.g. less numbers recorded when natural food resources are high) and visibility (e.g. grasses at maximum growth height). Recent results to date: December 2004: 185 April 2005: 482 July 2005: 387 October 2005:161 Additional monitoring to collect data on reproductive and general body condition is due to begin in late 2005. This will involve trapping at four sites over four nights twice a year.
Methodology
         Vegetation: Complete list of plant species per 100 x 100m quadrat using Braun/Blanquet cover. ie Standard Biological Survey method.
         Fauna: One standard DENR trapline/site is 15 Elliot traps, 2 cage traps and 6 pitfalls. 1.5 hour bird observations and physical search for reptiles and mammals.

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Biological Survey of South Australia - Standard Survey methodology used.
Vegetation : Monitoring - Vegetation/Ecosystem (ie species records - usually re-visited for ongoing monitoring) NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Vegetation : Rare and Threatened Species Protection Strategies. - Standard Survey methodology used.
Fauna : Rare and Threatened Species Protection Strategies. - Standard Survey methodology used.
Fauna : Fauna reintroduction or plant translocation/revegetation program.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:S&C Div) - BCP Threat species
Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:West)