RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 81 SUPPLEMENT

Biodiversity values on selected Kimberley islands, Australia

edited by L.A. Gibson, S. Yates and P. Doughty RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 81 001–014 (2012) SUPPLEMENT

Identifi cation of biodiversity assets on selected Kimberley islands: background and implementation

L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie

Department of Environment and Conservation, Science Division, PO Box 51, Wanneroo, Western Australia 6946, Australia. Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT – The Northern Kimberley biogeographic region has been identifi ed as one of Australia’s biodiversity hotspots. Although susceptible to many processes threatening biodiversity in adjacent regions, the Northern Kimberley has experienced no known plant or animal extinctions to date. Of particular conservation value are the extensive archipelagos and island groups along its drowned coastline. Collectively, these islands form a microcosm of substrates and vegetation communities widespread on the adjacent mainland, so they are likely to be important refuges for fauna, particularly as they have been largely sheltered from mainland disturbances. In December 2006, a 3-year biodiversity survey of 24 of the islands commenced. The survey was designed to provide the knowledge base to underpin future management actions to protect the biodiversity values of the islands. This survey focused on the species groups believed to be most at risk from threatening processes affecting biodiversity on the mainland. It included mammals, reptiles, frogs, land snails, plants and birds. Here, we describe the background, rationale, objectives and implementation of this survey, including general descriptions of the islands sampled.

KEYWORDS: biological survey, conservation status, island conservation, survey logistics

BACKGROUND responsible for the most overt changes in Kimberley landscapes (McKenzie et al. 1991; DEC 2009). Exotic The vast and remote wilderness of the Kimberley weeds, feral cats, donkeys, horses, cattle and pigs region of northern Western Australia supports a have also contributed to loss of biodiversity in the rich diversity of plant and animal species, many Kimberley (May and McKenzie 2002; Carwardine et of which are endemic to the region, justifying its al. 2011). The most recent threat is the arrival of the status as a National Biodiversity Hotspot (http:// Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) into the region, which is www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/hotspots/ likely to add further pressure to already modifi ed national-hotspots.htm). In general, the tropical and vulnerable ecosystems (How et al. 2009). north of Australia has been viewed as a biological stronghold, resilient to many human-associated The impacts of these threatening processes disturbances (Fitzsimmons et al. 2010; Woinarski have not been uniform across the Kimberley. The et al. 2010). However, there is growing evidence high rainfall, near-coastal region of the northwest to suggest otherwise, particularly with regard to Kimberley has experienced no known extinctions the mammal species, with numerous contractions to date (McKenzie et al. 2007). Several mammal in distribution observed (Fitzsimmons et al. species with formerly wider distributions have 2010; Woinarski et al. 2010, 2011). The Kimberley now contracted to this area including three of the region is no exception; changes in land use and Kimberley’s four endemic species (Burbidge et al. practices over the last century have coincided 2008). Limited access to this extremely rugged and with a wave of local extirpations among medium- remote area has largely restricted comprehensive sized mammals, and reductions in the abundance assessments of its biodiversity, and it is only in of some small mammal and bird species (Start recent years that the compositional complexity et al. 2007; Burbidge et al. 2008; Legge et al. 2011). of its fl ora and vertebrate fauna has been fully The expanding pastoral industry and changed appreciated (DEC 2009). The low-nutrient soils of fi re regimes, until recently characterised by late the northwest have largely discouraged pastoral dry season extensive and intense fi res, have been activity in this area, but there is now clear evidence 2 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie of localised habitats such as rainforest and riverine vulnerable to unmitigated exploitation. Offshore vegetation being degraded, along with a landscape- islands have been identifi ed as one of 10 Australian scale simplification of the savanna ecosystems ecosystems most vulnerable to tipping points, in that dominate the region (DEC 2009). Damage to which modest environmental changes can lead rainforest patches by fi re and cattle, in combination, to disproportionately large changes in ecosystem was noted as early as 1976 (McKenzie et al. 1991). properties (Laurance et al. 2011). Islands are As a high proportion of the region’s terrestrial particularly vulnerable to environmental changes biodiversity occurs within these patches, any due to their restricted size, physical isolation, detrimental processes effecting the rainforests has narrow environmental envelope, reduced species dire consequences for maintaining the region’s compositional complexity and susceptibility biodiversity (McKenzie et al. 1991; Russell-Smith to species invasions (Burbidge and Manly 2002; et al. 1992). Rainforests (sometimes referred to as Laurance et al. 2011). vine thickets) are particularly signifi cant for the The islands are not only important for their many endemic invertebrate species they harbour biodiversity values, but also for their cultural such as the strongly localised camaenid land snails and traditional values. A number of islands and earthworms (e.g. Solem 1991). Other introduced are reserves for ‘Use and Benefi t of Aborigines’ species have also been progressively infi ltrating the which are vested in the Aboriginal Lands Trust. northern Kimberley, for example wild passionfruit Aboriginal people maintain strong connection (Passifl ora foetida) (CCWA 2010; Carwardine et al. to the region and the islands have been the 2011). subject of native title determinations or are under Given the escalating threatening processes on native title claim. Therefore, the survey of the the Kimberley mainland, the extensive coastal islands involved close liaison with the appropriate archipelagos and island groups located along Traditional Owners. The survey provided both the northern Kimberley coast potentially offer an opportunity to build on the knowledge of important conservation security for Kimberley plants and animals held by Traditional Owners biodiversity. Formed by rising sea levels, the as well as training opportunities for Traditional more than 2,500 islands are thought to have last Owners who are interested in complementing their been part of the mainland as recently as 8,000 to knowledge base for future management. Such a 10,000 years ago, although a few islands may have partnership is timely as Aboriginal people also had a more recent separation (Nix and Kalma have management responsibilities for the islands 1972; Burbidge and McKenzie 1978). Because the through native title, Aboriginal reserve tenure, islands have been naturally sheltered from many proposed Commonwealth Indigenous Protected mainland disturbances, they collectively support Areas and are developing ranger programs. near pristine representative examples of much of There is an urgent need to formulate policy and the adjacent mainland’s geological surfaces and management strategies that address conservation, vegetation communities (May and McKenzie 2002). recreation and sustainable development of the As such, they are likely to be important refuges for islands to ensure that their biodiversity and cultural fauna, including species that have restricted and/or values are protected (CCWA 2010). The general lack contracting mainland distributions. Many islands of knowledge of the terrestrial biodiversity on a are also important breeding sites for seabirds and large majority of Kimberley islands highlighted the turtles (CCWA 2010). need to conduct a systematic biological survey of the In the last decade or so, the coastal region of islands off the Northern Kimberley coast to inform the Kimberley has increasingly been exposed to management planning. disturbances associated with the infl ux of casual visitors, tourism, fi shing, aquaculture, mining, and RATIONALE oil and gas exploration (Carwardine et al. 2011). It was noted in the Biodiversity Audit of Western While these industries offer potential economic Australia (May and McKenzie 2002) that the benefi ts, they also can place increasing pressure extensive Kimberley coastal archipelagos present on the health of the islands’ biodiversity if not an opportunity to protect intact ecosystems that properly regulated and managed to mitigate or have not been affected by various threatening minimise impacts. Of particular concern is the processes on the mainland, and that these increased risk of exotic species being introduced islands support populations of many endemic to the islands by visitors (Nias et al. 2010). A and/or threatened species requiring special further potential concern is the growing interest attention on the mainland. Two high priorities in the islands for natural resource extraction. for biodiversity conservation research include the Currently, many of the islands have been effectively need to (1) identify, characterise and record the unmanaged for conservation, making them distribution and habitat of native species that may INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 3

FIGURE 1 Location of Kimberley islands selected for a survey of their biodiversity assets along the north-west coast of Australia. be threatened, and (2) determine the conservation started preparations for a biological survey of the status of native species (ANZECC 2001). A Northern Kimberley islands. The project was jointly biodiversity survey of the Kimberley islands would funded by the Western Australian and Australian provide data to address these priorities. governments, with three dry season (winter) and In response to the likely arrival of the Cane Toad wet season (summer) surveys planned over three into Western Australia, the State launched a Cane years. Toad Initiative in December 2004. A strategy in Specifi c objectives were to: that initiative involved identifying key assets at • Build on existing knowledge of targeted risk from Cane Toads in Western Australia and components of biodiversity and determine the protecting these ahead of any Cane Toad invasion. conservation status of islands off the Northern A Kimberley island survey would contribute to the Kimberley coast. initiative by increasing our knowledge of relevant biodiversity assets occurring on the islands that • Identify locations of species susceptible to are in the immediate path of Cane Toads on the mainland threats, including Cane Toads, and mainland, and suggesting options for protecting identify the potential of islands as natural and managing many of these assets into the future. refuges. • Provide baseline information for future OBJECTIVES ecological survey and monitoring. In December 2006, the Western Australian • Provide the knowledge base to underpin Department of Environment and Conservation decisions involving conservation and (DEC), in collaboration with the Kimberley development, including nature-based tourism, Land Council (KLC), Western Australian non-renewable resource extraction and Museum (WAM) and Australian Museum, infrastructure development. 4 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie

, over , over along along Terminalia, and and ) and scattered spp., spp., Pandanus a Distichostemon Eucalyptus and and Triodia spp. and species spp. such ) in long-unburnt areas.) in long-unburnt Acacia, Ficus Callitris spinifex ( tussock grasses. Cypress pine ( Rainforest patches under some scarps and on some scree slopes. Melaleuca creeklines. Corymbia as Owenia, Brachychiton, Grevillea, boab and Vegetation Vegetation Dissected sandstone with scattered nd Londonderry (SD/52-5) 1:250,000 gical Survey of Western Australia. Australia. Western gical Survey of . Geological codes and descriptions were sourced . Geological codes and descriptions were ned to joints and to crevices between ned to joints and crevices between rocks. ned to crevices between rocks. Shallow Rugged hillsRugged and ranges dissected deeply by andfault joint valleys and Dominated gorges. by massive blocky scree cliffs slopes, and undulating countryrock-pile an that incomplete have mantle skeletal sandy soils shallow, of and leaf litter confi controlledJoint drainage. Shallow sand-sheets sometimes mantle broad un-dissected uplands. cliffs by bordered and deeply plateaux Abrupt drainage joint-controlled and fault- dissected scarpvalleys. Rugged and dip-slope topography with blocky massive scree Skeletal slopes. sands confi usually broad mantle sand-sheets shallow although rocks, uplands. un-dissected Strike ridges cuestas and low with = ridge (cuesta andgentle cliff on one side slope on the other). skeletalSoils and are usually sparse, shallow, confi sand-sheets usually mantle terraces and un- broad uplands. dissected scarp-forming or capping above plateaux Broad strata. Cuestas with and plateaux structural benches due strata. eroded and soft to Prominent cuestas and structural benches. Rocky steep-sided or rounded hills plateaux and gently dipping cuestas. Resistant strike ridges cuestas. and low ne aggywhite fi aggy medium to Blocky quartz to massive sandstone and feldspathic sandstone, minor andpebble conglomerate. cobble sandstone; quartz Hematitic arkose and feldspathic sandstone. Resistant. fl to blocky Medium quartz sandstone interbedded with ferruginous sandstone and siltstone. coarse quartz sandstone and and sandstone quartz coarse feldspathic sandstone. Blocky to fl quartz sandstone. sandstone Upper Member Upper (Pkpu) Member Middle (Pkpm) Member Lower (Pkpl) Member Yampi (Plpy) Buckland Point Member (Pkb) undifferentiated geological series map sheets published by the Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics in conjunction with the Geolo Geology and Geophysics the Bureau of Mineral Resources, geological series map sheets published by Landform and typical vegetation of the geological strata known on the Kimberley islands along the north-west coast of Australia coast of and typicalislands along the north-west Landform vegetation of the geological strataon Kimberley known from the Yampi (SE/51-3), Montague Sound (SD/51-12), Cambridge Gulf (SD/52-14), Prince Regent and Camden Sound (SD/51-15,16), a and Camden Sound (SD/51-15,16), Regent Prince Cambridge Gulf (SD/52-14), Montague Sound (SD/51-12), (SE/51-3), Yampi from the Geological codePkl Strataname Description King Leopold Landform Pkw sandstone Warton Pkp Blocky to massive medium to Pentecost sandstone, TABLE 1 TABLE INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 5

)

) ) and Triodia Triodia Banksia elds on elds ats; vine ats; Eucalyptus thickets in in thickets or Triodia elds on elds Pandanus shrublands over shrubland over low open woodland low in swamps. in tussock grassland on plateaux. on some elds Acacia Acacia over ephemeral herb sedgelands.over spp. over tussock over spp. and cane grass Rainforeston slopes. patches on scree, in and hollows along slope Herbfi lines. drainage tussock grasses. Rainforest on surrounding scree slopes. Herbfi Eucalypt dominated woodland mixedover hummock ( and tussock grasses. Rainforest patches on surrounding slopes. Tall hummock grasses on sand. Terminalia patches. clay on sedges over scattered with Sedgelands Pandanus couch grass,Salt water samphire mangroves. and Spinifex fore dunes. Hummock ( grassland on sandy fl or thickets hollows. Pandanus Melaleuca, Tall hummock grass. Vine thickets lines. drainage along Mixed woodland of shallow soils. Eucalypt dominated woodland cane grassover and scattered tussock grasses. Vine thicket patches on scree slopes. LophostemonMelaleuca, Pandanus, and rainforest species along Herbfi creeklines. shallow soils. Eucalypt woodland over mixed hummock ( ood terraces. ood andats fl ats. Weakly resistant,Weakly headlands low scarp and low slopes. valleys and dendritic drainage. Areas scree of occur on steep hill slopes. Usually expressed as and bouldery outcrops areas heavyof well-structured soil in Pkl valleys or as underslopes Tertiary plateaux. Mesas and dissected tablelands capping Precambrian strata. Mesas and dissected tablelands capping Precambrian strata. sand sheetUndulating as plains capping Precambrian strata. Alluvial fl river generally Pentecost below sandstone. dolerite. Poorly-resistant. softer cream to buff pallid-zone. a softer cream over pisolitic, to buff pallid-zone. include areas cracking of – clay Czb. Saline alluvial silt and mud. Coastal fl present-day to related gravel systems. drainage colluvium Pke Elgee siltstone Massive silty shale and siltstone PkcPdh Carson volcanics Basalt and Easily spilite. weathered. rounded Gentle, soil-covered hills with broad Hart doleriteTb green-black dark Massive and grey Tp bauxite Tertiary Czb)Czs (& over laterite bauxitic blocky Hard, Tertiary pisolite Cenozoic sand sheet Residual Cenozoic sand. May to soft and Massive friable, Laterite. QcQs Quaternary Qa Quaternary sand Beach sand. Alluvium sand silt, Unconsolidated and Coastal deposits and small dunes. Burbidge and McKenzie (1978); Burbidge et Burbidge al. (1991) andBurbidge McKenzie (1978); a 6 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie

STUDY AREA the frequency, intensity and scale of fi res that have occurred on the mainland in more recent times. The islands off the Northern Kimberley coast Fire tends to occur sporadically on the islands extend from King Sound, near Derby, in the largely as a result of lightning strikes, although fi re southwest to Cambridge Gulf in the northeast was employed by Aboriginal people on some of the (approximately 800 km, Figure 1). They are grouped islands in the past. A paucity of fi re on the islands into a number of loose associations, including the potentially provides refuge for species vulnerable large Buccaneer and Bonaparte Archipelagos. to fire, including the landscape consequences The Kimberley experiences a tropical monsoon of frequent hot fi res late in the dry season. In a climate with two distinct seasons. A dry season remote area such as the Kimberley, compiling a extending from around April to October, and a wet history of fi re occurrence is not straight forward. season from November to March when almost all Since 1993, fi re scars have been routinely identifi ed rainfall occurs. Average yearly rainfall ranges from and recorded from satellite imagery. However, >1,500 mm in the sub-humid north-west to <800 technological limitations, such as identifying small mm in the south (http://www.bom.gov.au). Tropical or low intensity fi res and masking by cloud and cyclones and monsoonal cells produce much of other atmospheric conditions, has resulted in an the coastal rainfall, with heavy falls occurring incomplete record. We do know that extensive fi res over short periods. Temperatures are mild to hot have occurred on the two largest islands in the last throughout the year, averaging between 25ºC and fi ve years (Augustus and Bigge Islands; DEC 2009). 35ºC, with a high relative humidity peaking during the wet season. ISLAND SELECTION As a fl ooded coastline, the geomorphology of the Of the approximately 2,633 islands, 145 are at islands resembles that of the adjacent mainland, least 100 ha in size, and only 20 exceed 1,000 ha although even the largest islands generally (CCWA 2010). While even tiny islands can support include only two or three of the Precambrian a diversity of fl ora and fauna, logistically it was rock types present on the mainland (see Burbidge only possible to sample a small subset. Islands were and McKenzie 1978; Burbidge et al. 1991). The selected to meet two primary criteria: geomorphology of the islands is determined by these sandstone or volcanic strata (Table 1). 1. High biodiversity and threatened species. The array Briefl y, the three main sandstone strata (Warton, of fauna and flora species and community King Leopold and the less rugged Pentecost) diversity is likely to be greatest on larger are expressed as resistant, cliff-forming quartz islands (Losos and Ricklefs 2010) with a variety sandstones, resulting in a rugged, dissected terrain. of geological and topographical surfaces. The Carson volcanics are expressed as rounded, Moreover, such islands will have a greater usually soil covered, undulating country with capacity to absorb disturbances such as fi re. gentle gradients and dendritic drainage. Hart These islands are therefore likely to be the focus dolerite occurs as dark grey to black bouldery for conservation, and were specifi cally targeted outcrops in King Leopold sandstone valleys, or as for survey. slopes under Tertiary laterite mesas and dissected 2. Environmental diversity. It is also important that tablelands capping the Precambrian strata on some conservation strategies address bio-regional of the more northerly islands. Cenozoic deposits variation, the diversity in factors such as of sandy-textured soils mantle sandstone and climate, geology, distance from mainland or volcanic surfaces on some islands. The shorelines other islands as well as risks from the various of the islands are predominantly rocky, although threatening processes (e.g. proximity to larger Quaternary soils often occur as extensive littoral river mouths; Cane Toads are known to have fl ats with grey saline mud in sheltered bays and crossed several kilometres of sea in flood in narrow stretches along shorelines, while sandy waters to invade islands [Woinarski et al. 2011]). beaches are present in embayments between rocky Additional islands were chosen to address headlands on some islands. bioregional variation. Broad vegetation communities on the islands Based on these criteria, 24 islands were selected, include tropical savanna, hummock grassland, between Sunday Island in the south and Sir rainforest, coastal tussock grassland, riparian Graham Moore Island in the north. Additionally, paperbark and Pandanus woodlands, and Adolphus Island in Cambridge Gulf to the east mangroves (Table 1). More detailed vegetation was included (Figure 1). Islands belonging to each descriptions for some islands are given in Burbidge group found along the Northern Kimberley coast and McKenzie (1978) and Burbidge et al. (1991). are represented, including several in the Bonaparte The islands have been afforded some protection and Buccaneer Archipelagos. Although many from an altered fi re regime, owing to an increase in islands along this coast are only separated from the INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 7 mainland by a narrow channel, we avoided those the Kimberley, with remaining populations connected to the mainland by mangroves, littoral concentrated in the north-west of the region mudfl ats or reef exposed at low tide as this could (Burbidge et al. 2008). Two mammal species lead to immigration from the mainland. Latitude, endemic to the Kimberley—the tiny monjon longitude, area, tenure, geological units and rock-wallaby (Petrogale burbidgei) and scaly-tailed summary descriptions of each island selected for possum (Wyulda squamicaudata)—are restricted survey are given in Tables 1 and 2. to the north-west, as is the golden-backed tree Although presently uninhabited, signs of rat (Mesembriomys macrurus) which was once Aboriginal visitation are evident on the majority more widely distributed in northern Australia of the islands. A non-denominational Protestant (Burbidge et al. 2008). Cane Toads pose an mission was established on Sunday Island in 1899 additional threat to some of these mammals, and was occupied until 1957. There are also remains as evidenced by the decline in northern of an abandoned outstation on Sunday Island. In quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) populations in the recent years there has been a dramatic increase Northern Territory (Shine 2010). in visitation to some of the islands as a result of • Frogs, varanids, snakes, large skinks and ship based tourism, other recreational visitors and dragons are likely to be particularly vulnerable mining exploration. to toads (Shine 2010). Monitoring in the Northern Territory has shown that populations SURVEY HISTORY of the yellow-spotted monitor (Varanus panoptes) Knowledge of the non-marine biodiversity of the have collapsed following the arrival of Cane Kimberley islands as a whole is limited although Toads (Shine 2010). Competition for resources some survey work has been undertaken on several and predation between native frog species and of the larger islands. However, there is no biological Cane Toads has also been documented (Shine information on the majority of islands. Earliest 2010). published records are from dry season surveys • Camaenid land snails have a high degree of conducted by the Department of Fisheries and local endemism on the Kimberley mainland Wildlife between 1971 and 1973 (Burbidge and (Solem and McKenzie 1991) and they were McKenzie 1978). There have been a small number expected to show similar levels of endemism of surveys since then, but only a few have resulted on the islands. Due to their limited mobility, in published accounts (e.g. McKenzie et al. 1991, populations of land snails are particularly 1995; Keighery et al. 1995; How et al. 2006; Start et susceptible to the impacts of fire and other al. 2007). More recently, there have been a number of surveys conducted by environmental consultants factors that affect their habitat (e.g. Lydeard et for the resource sector, with information only al. 2004). Information about the distribution of available via specimens lodged with the WAM animals with limited mobility and restricted or Western Australian Herbarium. The biological distributions, such as the land snails, is crucial survey history for the islands we chose to sample to gauge the possible impacts of proposed is shown in Table 2, but a variety of other more mining or other industrial developments. specifi c collections or observations are available, Additionally, a laboratory trial has shown that including land snail specimens collected in 1984 Cane Toads readily eat camaenid snails (Pearson by Vince Kessner, and fl ora and bird data collected et al. 2009). since the 1980s during ecotour and Western • Some carnivorous and omnivorous birds such Australian Naturalist Club visits led by Kevin as raptors are potentially threatened by Cane Kenneally and Kevin Coate (pers. comm.). Toads (Shine 2010). Additionally, a number of granivorous birds are declining across northern TARGET GROUPS Australia in part at least due to a change in fi re Our survey focused on the groups of species most regimes (Carwardine et al. 2011). Records of at risk from the threatening processes affecting bird species on the islands will improve overall biodiversity on the Kimberley mainland, including knowledge of their distributions. the invasion of the Cane Toad, changed fi re regimes • Frequent burning, erosion and weeds threaten and grazing, and therefore most likely to require many plant species and communities in conservation action. These include mammals, the Kimberley (McKenzie et al. 1991; DEC reptiles, frogs, land snails, birds and plants. 2009; Carwardine et al. 2011). Site-based • Mammals such as possums, bandicoots, quolls, vegetation descriptions also form benchmarks small wallabies and rodents have suffered for monitoring island environments and significant contractions in distribution in understanding future change. 8 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie f f e , 2005 e , 2004 e , 2003 d , 2003 f , 2003 d d , 1987/88 ,1987 , 2005 c c c c , 1987/88 c c c c g g g (Long E), area, tenure, geology and (Long Biological survey history (year/s) b Area (ha) Geology a Date sampled (m-y) Lat S Long E Tenure Details of the Kimberley islands selected for a survey of their biodiversity assets including their latitude (Lat S), longitude a survey of their biodiversity assets including latitude Details islands selected for of the Kimberley biological survey history. sher Feb-10 May/June-09, 16.1073 124.0752 UCL 300 Qc Pkpy, 1973 AdolphusAugustus Jan-09 Aug-08, Feb-09 May/June-08, 15.1120 15.3614 128.1483 124.5516 UCL AR 4134 18929 Qc Pkpl, Pkpm, Pkpu, Pkc, Czs, Qc, Pkw, Qa un-surveyed 1971/72 Island BiggeBoongaree Feb-08 Jul/Aug-07, MartinByam Feb-09 Jul/Aug-07, Feb-09 May/June-08, Coronation 14.5553 15.0776 125.1560 15.3792Hidden 125.1871 May/June-08, UCL Feb-09 124.3577 UCLJungulu UCL 17108 14.9927 Feb-10 May/June-09, 4164Katers 124.9221 816 Feb-09 May/June-08, 16.2431 UCL Pkl, Czs, Qc, Qs Pdh, Kingfi 123.4824 15.2959 Pkl, Pdh, Qc, Qs Feb-08 1971/72 Jul/Aug-07, Pkb Pkw, 3791 UCLLachlan 124.4068 AR 1973 Long 1871 14.4637 Pkc, 125.5336 Pkl, Feb-10 May/June-09, Czb, Qc, Qs 4803 1973 UCL 1971/72 Pkl, Qc, Qs 16.6247 May/June-09, Feb-10 123.4984 1713 Qa Qs, Pkw, UCL 16.5697 123.3690 1982 1150 Pkl, Pdh, Qs UCL 1971/72 1125 Pkl, Pdh 1972 Pkl, Qc 1982 1982 TABLE 2 TABLE INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 9 f , 2002 d f e d , 1987/88 , 2002 c c c , 1987 , 2003 c c g d tiary – Tertiary pisolite, bauxite, Tp Member Lower Member (Pkpm), (Pkpl), t of Aborigines; Department of Fisheries and – unpublished). Wildlife (1982 g How et al. (2006); et al. How (2006); f Start et al. (2007); e McKenzie et al. (1991); McKenzie et al. (1991); d Jul/Aug-07, Feb-08Jul/Aug-07, Feb-08Jul/Aug-07, 13.8896 126.5494 14.3582 UCL 125.9508 2812 UCL 1340 Qc Pkl, Qa, Qs, Tp, Pkc, Qs Pkw, 1971/73 1972/73 MaryMiddle Osborn Feb-08 Jul/Aug-07, Jun-10NW Molema 14.3182 Feb-10 AndrewSt May/June-09, 126.0131Sir Graham 16.2488 UCLMoore Feb-09 May/June-08, 123.8208 13.9923 South West 126.3831Osborn UCL 2378 15.3522 125.0139 UCLStorr 592 AR Qs Pkc, Tp, 847Sunday 1465 Feb-10 Qc Qa, May/June-09, Pkw, Pkp, Un-named Pke, Qc Feb-10 Qa, Pkl, Qs, Czs, un-surveyed May/June-09, 1971/72 15.9413Uwins Pkc Pkw, Feb-10 May/June-09, 124.5659 un-surveyed 16.4059 WargulWargul AR 123.1869 15.9367 Jun-10 Feb-09 May/June-08, AR 124.4590Wulalam 1883 1973 AR 15.2662 1186 124.8202 Feb-10 May/June-09, 897 AR Qc Pkl, Qa, 16.3711 13.9442 Qs Pkl, Qc, 126.1758 124.2290 3219 UCL UCL Qc, Qs Pkb, Pkp, 1987 626 415 1982 Qs Pkw, un-surveyed Qs Pkc, Tb, Pkpy 1973 un-surveyed un-surveyed Geological codes: Pkl – King Leopold sandstone, Pkw – Warton sandstone, Pkp – Pentecost sandstone [Upper Middle Member (Pkpu), UCL – UnallocatedUCL Crown Land, AR – Crown Reserve vested in the Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority for the Use and Benefi Burbidge and McKenzie (1978); Burbidge and McKenzie (1978); Yampi Member (Pkpy), Buckland Pke Member - Elgee siltstone,Yampi (Pkpy), Pkc – Carson Member Point (Pkb)], volcanics, – Hart Pdh Tb dolerite, – Ter – Cenozoic sand Czb) sheet, Qc – QuaternaryCzs (& colluviums, Qs – Quaternary sand, Qa – Alluvium; a b c 10 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie

IMPLEMENTATION cage traps (51 x 18 x 18 cm) approximately 10 m apart. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut Survey team base camps were placed within butter and rolled oats, and set for either four or walking distance of as many habitat types as five consecutive nights. These transects were possible. Information on geology and vegetation searched during the day and at night (by spotlight), from maps, satellite imagery and previous and sightings or signs of presence (i.e. scats and experience was used to select a number of potential tracks) were also recorded. In addition, hair found campsites on each island. To avoid culturally in predator scats was identifi ed. On at least two sensitive areas, the sites were presented to the nights at each site, ultrasonic equipment was used Traditional Owners for their consideration and to record the echolocation calls of bats for later approval. A reconnaissance fl ight was then used identifi cation. to confi rm the fi nal site(s) on each island. Two sites were needed to encompass the environmental Funnel traps were used to sample reptiles; the variation of the seven largest islands in our survey: fi rst time funnel traps have been used on islands. Adolphus, Augustus, Bigge, Coronation, Jungulu, Two lines of eight funnel traps were established in Middle Osborn and Sir Graham Moore. the vicinity of each mammal trap line. These traps were positioned along low aluminium fly-wire The islands were sampled over four dry seasons fences (30 m in length, 0.2 m high) to direct animals and three wet seasons, from July 2007 to June into the funnels. Opportunistic searching (foraging) 2010 (Table 2). Although three dry seasons were for reptiles along trap lines, and in other areas on originally planned, suffi cient funds permitted a the island, supplemented the systematic sampling. further two islands to be sampled during a fourth Spotlighting at night was used to detect nocturnal dry season. To avoid introducing exotic species reptiles such as geckos. to the islands, we adhered to a strict biosecurity protocol (Nias et al. 2010). Isolation, rugged At least one plant quadrat of 50 x 50 m was topography and limited access in the northern established and sampled in each habitat type, Kimberley make planning fi eld work logistically usually on the vertebrate trap line. Dimensions demanding. Wet and dry season surveys required of ‘quadrats’ in linear habitats such as creek lines different strategies due to the prevailing weather were modifi ed to best encompass the habitat. Site conditions. descriptors (e.g. landform setting and substrate attributes) were recorded for each quadrat. Soil DRY SEASON (WINTER) SURVEYS samples from the top few centimetres of the profi le were collected at 10 points across the quadrat and The dry season surveys each involved three bulked for later chemical analyses. teams; each team comprised two vertebrate Land snail species, which aestivate during the zoologists, a land snail specialist, a botanist and dry season, were sampled by raking, digging, usually two Traditional Owners (see Appendix 1). lifting rocks and examining tree crevices, mainly in Teams and equipment were transported to, and densely vegetated areas such as rainforest patches. between, islands in a helicopter (AS350SD Squirrel, Litter samples were also collected and later sorted Bell B206 Jet Ranger or Bell B407 Long Ranger, for snails in the laboratory. depending on availability). Teams were moved to a new campsite every six days, so that each team Bird species were recorded opportunistically sampled three sites in one dry season fi eld trip (i.e. from sightings and calls. nine sites in total over 18 days). Initial placement of teams on the islands was staggered, with the three WET SEASON (SUMMER) SURVEYS teams placed at their sites over three consecutive All sites were re-sampled in the wet season days. Food and water were resupplied by helicopter with the exception of Mary and Wargul Wargul every three days. islands (due to time restrictions), with a focus on The helicopter schedule was coordinated from frogs, land snails and plants. As the activity of a base camp on the mainland (Mitchell Plateau frogs and land snails increases in the wet season, for the first two surveys and Derby for the additional species to those recorded in the dry third survey; see Figure 1). The base camp team season were likely to be discovered. Extra plant also managed communications, food and water species were also likely to be found due to the supplies, Traditional Owner transfers and any wet season emergence of annuals. Additionally, emergencies. flowers or fruit of sterile flora collected in the Mammal trap lines were set in the habitats dry season might be present in the wet season surrounding each campsite. Usually there were enabling better identification of species. Each four lines per campsite, each comprising alternating site was visited for a single day and a night and medium Elliott traps (33 x 10 x 10 cm), large Elliott sampled opportunistically. During the fi rst wet traps (50 x 17 x 17 cm) and collapsible Tomahawk season trip, a team of two botanists, a land snail INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 11 specialist, a herpetologist and four Traditional support during the project. DEC staff based at the Owners was based on the mainland (Mungalalu Mitchell River National Park provided valuable Truscott Airbase) and sites were accessed using two logistical support. The project was possible Bell B206 Jet Ranger helicopters. Flora sampling, through a research agreement with the KLC for where each quadrat was revisited, was conducted the Balanggarra, Bardi-Jawi, Wanjina-Wunggurr during the day and the sampling of land snails Dambimangari, Mayala and Wanjina-Wunggurr and frogs during the late afternoon and evening. Uunguu native title groups. Keith Claymore, Tricia For the remaining two wet season surveys, the Handasyde, Greg Keighery, David Pearson and two team was based on a charter vessel (MV Kimberley anonymous reviewers provided valuable comments Escape in 2009 and MV Odyssey in 2010). Sites close on the manuscript. Funding was provided by the to the coast were accessed via a tender from the Natural Heritage Trust and DEC. larger vessel, while inland sites were accessed by helicopter (which teamed up with the vessel). REFERENCES Most personnel returned to the vessel following sampling each day/evening, although some camped ANZECC (2001). Biodiversity conservation research: Australia’s priorities. Australian and New overnight on the island and returned to the vessel Zealand Environment and Conservation Council the following morning. The duration of these trips and Biological Diversity Advisory Committee, was around 18 days. Environment Australia: Canberra. http://www. environment.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/ TRADITIONAL OWNER PARTICIPATION research-priorities/index.html Burbidge, A.A. and Manley, B.F.J. (2002). Mammal Wanjina-Wunggurr Uunguu, Wanjina-Wunggurr extinctions on Australian islands: causes and Dambimangari and Bardi-Jawi native title conservation implications. 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Australian Journal of Zoology 56: to each fi eld trip, information about the survey, 411–422. such as employment opportunities, benefi ts of the Burbidge, A.A, McKenzie, N.L. and Kenneally, K. (1991). project to the community and where and what will Nature conservation reserves in the Kimberley, Western be sampled, was presented at community meetings. Australia. Department of Conservation and Land Once approval for the survey was obtained and the Management: Perth. survey sites agreed on, willing participants (as paid Carwardine, J., O’Connor, T., Legge, S., Mackey, B., consultants) from the relevant community were Possingham, H. and Martin, T. (2011). Priority threat identifi ed and allocated to survey teams (Appendix management to protect Kimberley wildlife. CSIRO 1). The participants assisted in all aspects of the Ecosystem Sciences: Brisbane. http://www.csiro.au/ fi eld work, and provided important guidance about fi les/fi les/pzk8.pdf culturally appropriate locations for camp sites and CCWA (2010). Status performance assessment: biodiversity sampling activities. conservation on Western Australian islands. Phase II – Kimberley islands. Unpublished report to the Conservation Commission of Western Australia. The ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Government of Western Australia: Perth. We thank the participating Traditional Owners, DEC (2009). A synthesis of scientifi c knowledge to support Aboriginal rangers and base camp volunteers who conservation management in the Kimberley region of contributed to the successful implementation of Western Australia. Department of Environment and Conservation: Perth. http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/ the fi eld work. 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Island arks: the need for an Australian national island biosecurity initiative. Ecological Management and MANUSCRIPT RECEIVED AUGUST 2011; ACCEPTED OCTOBER 2011. INTRODUCTION TO THE KIMBERLEY ISLAND BIODIVERSITY SURVEY 13

APPENDIX 1 Personnel involved in the fi eld sampling for each survey.

Survey date Personnel

Vertebrates: Andrew Burbidge, Mark Cowan, Lesley Gibson, Russell Palmer, David Pearson and Tony Start Flora: Tricia Handasyde, Greg Keighery and Mike Lyons Land snails: Vince Kessner, Roy Teale and Michael Shea July–August 2007 Traditional Owners (TOs): Charlie Bundamurra, Derek Charles, Dorothy Djanghara, Sylvia Djanghara, Warren Djanghara, Jeremy Kowan, Damien Lawford and Neil Waina Base camp: Jim Rolfe, Phil Fuller and T. Limantachai

Vertebrates: Paul Doughty Flora: Greg Keighery and Mike Lyons February 2008 Land snails: Vince Kessner TOs: Jason Adams, Alphonse Fredericks, Jeremy Kowan and Shane Undalgamen

Vertebrates: Mark Cowan, Lesley Gibson, Peter Kendrick, Norm McKenzie, Russell Palmer and David Pearson Flora: Tricia Handasyde, Mike Lyons and Tony Start Land snails: Vince Kessner, Roy Teale and Michael Shea May–June 2008 TOs: Victor Barunga, John Jangoot, Jacqueline Mungulu, Deidre Mungulu, Maitland Ngerdu, Duane Ngerdu, Edmund Lee Ngerdu Jnr, Janine Numendumah, Elvina Oobagooma, Brett Oobagooma, Wayne Oobagooma, Sonnette Ozies, Thorvald Ozies, Pedro Palacios, Craig Rastus, Alfred Umbagai, Anita Umbagai and Kirk Woolagoodja Base camp: Wes Caton, T. Limantachai, Bill Muir and Jim Rolfe

Vertebrates: Wes Caton, Lesley Gibson and Russell Palmer August 2009 Flora: Tricia Handasyde (Adolphus Island) Land snails: Vince Kessner TOs: Lionel Mitchell and Kevin Morgan

Vertebrates: Paul Doughty January 2009 Flora: Tricia Handasyde (Adolphus Island) Land snails: Vince Kessner TOs: Lionel Mitchell and Kevin Morgan

Vertebrates: Paul Doughty, Lesley Gibson and Russell Palmer Flora: Tricia Handasyde and Greg Keighery February 2009 Land snails: Vince Kessner TOs: Tristan Burgu and Alfred Umbagai 14 L.A. Gibson and N.L. McKenzie

Vertebrates: Mark Cowan, Lesley Gibson, Norm McKenzie, Russell Palmer, David Pearson and Duncan Sutherland Flora: Tricia Handasyde, Greg Keighery and Mike Lyons Land snails: Vince Kessner, Frank Kohler and Sean Stankowski May–June 2009 TOs: Jordan Barunga, Kalvin Hudson, Jahni Issac, Sandy Isaac, Herman Ishmail, John Jangoot, Terry McCarthy, Aaron Mungulu, Edmund Lee Ngerdu Jnr, Wayne Oobagooma, Sonnette Ozies, Thorvald Ozies, Pedro Palacios, Craig Rastus, Nathan Sampi, Aubrey Tigan, Mitchell Tigan, Alfred Umbagai and Anita Umbagai Base camp: Wes Caton and Jim Rolfe

Vertebrates: Lesley Gibson, Russell Palmer and David Pearson Flora: Tricia Handasyde and Mike Lyons February 2010 Land snails: Vince Kessner and Roy Teale TOs: Lionel Cox, Ian Heally, Craig Isaac, Herman Ishmail, Terry McCarthy, Craig Rastus and Trevor Sampi

Vertebrates: Wes Caton, Lesley Gibson and Russell Palmer June 2010 Flora: Greg Keighery (Wargul Wargul and Land snails: Vince Kessner Mary Islands) TOs: Sylvester Mangolamara, Bruce Oxtoby and Desmond Williams