https://doi.org/10.24199/j.mmv.1978.39.12 7 July 1978

SURVEY OF THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA IN THE GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE AREA OF SOUTHWESTERN VICTORIA

W. B. Emison, J. W. Porter, K. C. Norris and G. J. Apps

Fisheries and Wildlife Division, Ministry for Conservation, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research

123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084

Abstract

The Grampians-Edenhope Area of southwestern Victoria, Australia, contains four major land forms: woodland on sedimentary plains and sand dunes; heath, woodland and forest on sandstone ranges; woodland on plains and low hills of gravel and metamorphic rock; and woodland and forest, on basaltic plains. On the plains much of the land has been cleared for crops and pasture but the remnants of native vegetation support valuable wildlife communities and are especially important for nomadic birds. The Grampians ranges were least afTected by settlement and are the most important areas for wildlife in western Victoria. More than 50 plant communities and aquatic habitats are described and are used to discuss the distribution of 233 bird species, 54 mammal species, 40 reptile species, 14 amphibian species and 26 fish species. Most of these species are discussed individually: the birds in terms of abundance, distribution, habitat preference, breeding, feeding and conservation aspects; and the mammals and reptiles in terms of abundance, distribution, habitat preference, breeding and morphology.

Introduction Survey Area The Fisheries and Wildlife Division, Vic- Landform. The surveys were conducted over 2 toria, conducted wildlife surveys in the Gram- an area of approximately 16,000 km (Fig. 1), pians-Edenhope Area of southwestern Victoria of which about 20 per cent is still in public (Fig. 1) between August 1974 and April ownership. The survey area has been divided 1975. Data collected during these surveys into four main regions based on Sibley's (1967) formed the basis of the fauna chapter in the geomorphological descriptions: (1) the Eden- Land Conservation Council's (LCC) report hope Region where plains of iluviatile and es- on their Southwest 2 Study Area (in prep.)- tuarine sediments are covered in many places Because the report by the LCC simply docu- by aeolian dunes and sheets of siliceous sands; ments the existing fauna and is necessarily (2) the Grampians Region (including the Black general, we publish this paper to provide a per- Range and Dundas Range) which consists of manent record of: (1) our assessments of sandstone ranges uplifted into a cuesta forma- areas important for fauna conservation; (2) tion and rising to 800 m; (3) the Ararat Re- data collected during the surveys on animal gion consisting mainly of undulating plains and habitats and on individual vertebrate species; low hills of slates and sandstones; and (4) the and (3) detailed faunal information generously Hamilton Region where the plains and stony contributed by naturalists residing in the survey rises at Mt. Eccles and Mt. Napier have been area (see Acknowledgements). formed by basalt lavas. The following two sections of this paper Climate. The climate of the Grampians- describe the survey area, methods used and Edenhope Region is characterized by warm results obtained during the survey. Our assess- temperatures, winter rains, summer droughts ments of areas important for fauna conserva- and prevailing northwesterly summer winds tion (by region) appear in the main text and (Walter 1971). are followed by appendices which contain the The average annual rainfall over the plains detailed information on flora and fauna. (i.e. Edenhope, Ararat and Hamilton Regions)

281 282 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Figure 1—Place names and major blocks of Crown Land in the Grampians-Edenhope Area The survey area is divided into four regions: 1 = Edenhope Region; 2 = Grampians Region; 3 = Ararat Region; and 4 = Hamilton Region. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 283 ranges between 450 and 700 mm, whereas that lationships between each pair of Eucalyptus at Halls Gap in the mountains of the Grampi- species (whether in association or not in asso- ans Region is more than 900 mm. The wettest ciation but in contact or not in contact) and months (June, July and August) have a monthly also the relationship of each species or asso- average rainfall of 50-80 mm on the plains and ciation to each of the major regions of the sur- more than 100 mm in the mountains. In sum- vey area are shown in Appendix 4. mer monthly averages are 20-30 mm on the The survey of the aquatic habitats was more plains and 35 mm in the mountains. Large, opportunistic than that of the terrestrial habi- irregular fluctuations in annual rainfall oc- tats and was mainly concerned with recording curred between 1940 and 1965 (Gibbs and the flow, seasonality, depth and occurrence of Maher 1967). During this period droughts oc- wetland types in each survey region (Table 2) curred over much of the survey area in 10 of at the same time as surveying the vertebrate the 25 years, with one drought lasting for animals (usually birds) utilizing them. The three years (1943-1945). At the other extreme, land in the Grampians-Edenhope Area has wet years occurred during 8 of the 25 years. been described by Blackburn and Gibbons The winter during which our fauna surveys (1956), Gibbons and Downes (1964) and Sib- were conducted (1974) was relatively wet. ley (1967), in terms of land systems and land Temperatures in towns on the plains aver- units. Salinities of some of the lakes in the sur- age 25-30°C (maxima) to 11-13°C (minima) vey area are given in Williams (1967) and in during January and 11-13°C (maxima) to Chessman and Williams (1974). By combining 3-5 °C (minima) during July. The mountainous these data and our survey data a simplified area of the Grampians Region has lower wetlands distribution map has been drawn up average temperatures than those of the plains. for the survey area (Fig. 3). The following brief discussion of wildlife Methods and Results habitats in the Grampians-Edenhope Area is Wildlife Habitats. The survey of the terres- mainly based on the detailed survey informa- trial wildlife habitats in the Grampians-Eden- tion presented in the various figures, tables and hope Area consisted of one or more visits to appendices referred to above. 180 different sites to gather information on The most prevalent plant formations in the physical habitat, structure of the vegetation, Edenhope Region are shrublands and wood- relative numbers of each tree species, cover lands. The shrublands are dominated by Brown abundance and growth-form of most shrub Stringybark, heaths, (e.g. Leptospermum, species, and listing of common herbaceous Banksia) and sedges. These shrublands occur plants. Data collected at each site are pre- on the sandsheets and many hectares remain on sented as an annotated list (Appendix 1) and Crown Land. Woodlands of Yellow Gum and a table showing structure (Appendix 2) of 50 River Red Gum once occurred continuously plant communities. A classification of terres- across the plains, and surrounded the patches trial habitats (Table 1) was based on plant of shrubland. Today most of these woodlands formations defined by Specht et al. (1974), and have been cleared for pasture and only scat- a simplified distribution of the major plant for- tered trees remain. Intrusions of mallee, typical mations in the survey area is shown in Fig. 2. of northwestern Victoria, occur near Mt. Ara- Nomenclature of plant species follows that of piles and east of Noradjuha but are small in Willis (1962, 1972) and Appendix 3 lists scien- area and do not constitute a major habitat in tific and common names of most plants col- the Edenhope Region. Wetlands occur through- lected during the survey and now held by the out the plains in the Edenhope Region except Fisheries and Wildlife Division, Victoria. in those areas covered by sandsheets. These Twenty-two species of Eucalyptus occur in wetlands range from temporarily inundated, large numbers in the survey area, and are the shallow depressions, such as occur on the gil- main plant species used in defining the plant gaied soils north of Apsley, though country communities in Table 1 and Appendix 1. Re- containing shallow swamps with sedge, reed 284 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Figure 2—Major vegetation formations in the Grampians-Edenhope Area. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 285

TABLE 1

Vegetation formations in the Grampians-Edenhope Area

Formation/ Community numbers in Appendix 1 Structurally dominant species Edenhope Grampians Ararat Hamilton

Tall open forest Messmate 7,11 Mountain Grey Gum 11, 12

Open forest

Messmate 5, 8, 10 28

Mountain Grey Gum 8, 9, 10

Brown Stringybark 6, 8, 9, 10, 13 Manna Gum 23 22 Swamp Gum 30,31 30, 31 Candlebark 39 Red Stringybark 40

Low open forest Messmate 14

Brown Stringybark 15, 16 Long-leaf Box 15,21 21

Woodland River Red Gum 33, 34, 36, 37 33, 34, 36, 37 37 37 Yellow Box 42 42 41 Yellow Gum 42, 43, 44, 45 42,43 Grey Box 46 Black Box 47 Manna Gum 25 24 24 Slender Cypress Pine 49

Shrubland Brown Stringybark 17, 18, 19, 20 Mallee eucalypts 48 Salt Paper-bark 50

Heath White Sallee 1 Grampians Gum 2,3,4 Scent-bark 26 Shining Peppermint 29 Scented Paper-bark 32 Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle 35 Common Heath 27

Grassland Native Grasses 37,38 Pastures, Crops Present Present Present Present 286 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

TABLE 2

Occurrence of wetlands in the Grampians-Edenhope Area

Flow/Salinity Seasonality / Depth Edenhope Grampians Ararat Hamilton

Temporarily Inundated Depressions X

Standing Seasonal Swamps X Fresh Water Permanent Swamps and Shallow (<2 m) Lakes X

Permanent Deep (>2 m) Lakes

Temporarily Inundated River Plains Flowing Fresh Permanent Slow-Flowing Rivers X Water Permanent Fast-Flowing Streams X

Temporarily Inundated Depressions X Standing Saline Seasonal Swamps and Saltpans Water Permanent Deep (>2 m) Lakes X X

X = Present in substantial numbers or area or both.

and River Red Gum margins, into country and fern layers occur only along wet gullies. containing deep lakes, mostly of a lunette for- Heath communities are found on shallow in- mation. A chain of large saline lakes extends fertile soils in both sub-alpine situations and north from White Lake past Mt. Arapiles. Fig. valleys. In the valleys, heaths merge into Scent- 4 shows the important wetlands in the Eden- bark forests on dry margins and into Swamp hope Region and Table 3 lists some of the Gum forests on wet margins. Woodland com- more notable wildlife inhabitants and uses de- munities composed of Yellow Gum, Yellow pendent on the wildlife resources. Box, and River Red Gum are extensive in the The major plant formations in the Gram- Black Range and intrude along valleys into the pians Region are open forest, low open forest, Grampian Ranges. Another common forma- heath and woodland. The open forests occur tion in the Black Range is low open forest primarily on the ranges and surrounding slopes dominated by Brown Stringybark, Messmate, and are dominated by trees of Brown Stringy- Long-leaf Box and a tall, mid-dense growth bark, Messmate and Mountain Grey Gum. Be- of heaths (e.g. Oyster Bay Pine, Dwarf She- neath the trees in these forests heaths may oak and Silver Banksia). The major wetlands cover large areas. Other shrubs in the open of the Grampians Region are permanent fast- forests include small communities of meso- flowing streams and canals and four deep morphic shrubs along watercourses which are freshwater reservoirs (viz. Rocklands, War- often fringed by dry sclerophyll shrubs. The took, Moora Moora and Bellfield). Seasonally most common herbs throughout the open flooded deposition plains occur along the Glen- forests are mid-height sedges which form a elg River and Tea-tree, Dwyer, Fyans and Mt. sparse to mid-dense layer. Tall dense sedges William Creeks, the banks of which are usu- CRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 287

TABLE 3

Important uses or inhabitants of some wetlands Toolondo Reservoir Redfin and trout fishing in the Edenhope Region (see Fig. 4). Wallace (Lake) Important for waterfowl; Wetland Use or inhabitant Redfin and trout fishing White Lake Wading birds Boikerbert Swamp Hunting Booroopki Swamp Potential Murray Cod holding site ally covered by dense communities of tea-tree Boundary Swamp Hunting and River Red Gum. Bringalbert (Lake) Limited hunting; Redfin fish- The Ararat Region contains two floristic in- ing trusions which do not occur elsewhere in the Carchap (Lake) Waterfowl sanctuary survey area. One intrusion consists of species Carpolac (Lake) Redfin fishing belonging to the Long-leaf Box and Red Centre Lake Wading birds Stringybark open forests occurring mainly near Charlegrark (Lake) Murray Cod hatchery Ararat; the other, which occurs near Horsham, Clarke (Lake) Hunting is woodland of Grey Box from the Northern Clear Lake Limited hunting; Redfin and Plains. The Ararat Region contains relatively Yabbie fishing few wetlands, although there are a few im- Collins Lake Redfin fishing poundments (e.g. Lakes Fyans, Lonsdale, Tay- Connagorach Swamp Limited hunting; Yabbie fish- ing lor and Pine) and slow-flowing rivers. A few Black Darragan Swamp Limited hunting Box and lignum swamps and gilgaied de- pressions occur east of Horsham but most are Dollanoke (Lake) Hunting; Redfin fishing; few Brolgas now under cultivation. Donald Swamp Limited hunting The Hamilton Region contains mainly agri-

Dumbopperty Swamp Limited hunting; Redfin fish- cultural land and remnants of the original ing vegetation of the volcanic plains. Our survey Gymbowen Lake Yabbie fishing in this region was concentrated on the Stones Jaka Lake Important for waterfowl; State Faunal Reserve near Mt. Eccles. The limited hunting reserve is covered by Manna Gum open forest Jarracteer (Lake) Hunting; Redfin fishing; few and is atypical in relation to the rest of the vol- Brolgas canic plains which were once covered by Kanagulk (Lake) Important for waterfowl; River Red Gum grassy open woodlands and hunting grasslands. This region contains a few large sa- Karnak (Lake) Hunting; Yabbie fishing line lakes (e.g. Lake Condah) which are now Koynock (Lake) Hunting; Yabbie fishing mostly drained and some areas of slightly sa- Kingcourt Swamp Limited hunting line depressions occurring on the basalt plains. Leak Swamp Redfin fishing Birds. Terrestrial field work consisted pri- MIga Lake Limited hunting; Redfin fish- marily of surveying birds in as many of the 180 ing vegetation survey sites (Appendix 1) as pos- Mill Swamp Yabbie fishing sible. Some surveys were not standardized be- Mockinya Swamp Limited hunting cause the time, duration and effort of observa- Mullancoree (Lake) Hunting; Redfin fishing; few tions varied between different Brolgas sites and be- tween visits to the same sites. However, dur- Murranbool Swamp Yabbie fishing ing all surveys we recorded actual or relative North Lake Wading birds numbers of all avian species present and their No-where-else Swamp Potential Murray Cod hold- utilization ing site of particular structures within the Ratzcastle (Lake) Redfin fishing habitat. Other surveys consisted of recording St. Marys Lake Limited hunting; Redfin fish- birds along lines (transects) 0-5 km long ing established in a number of vegetation survey 288 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

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Figure 3 —Distribution of wetlands in the Grampians-Edenhope Area. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 289

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Figure 4 Major lakes, — swamps and reservoirs in mations (Table 4); 52 avian species are in- the Edenhope Region. habitants of the semi-cleared pasture, grassland and suburban areas (Table 5); and 69 species sites. Birds were recorded along most of these occur in aquatic habitats (Table 6). Detailed transects during spring, summer and autumn. information, including distribution, abundance, Spotlighting from vehicles (usually in conjunc- habitat preference, feeding and breeding, for tion with the mammal survey) was used for each species appears in an annotated list (Ap- surveying nocturnal species such as owls and pendix 5). Nomenclature follows Condon frogmouths. The wetland birds were recorded (1975) for the non-passerines and Schodde whenever they were encountered during field (1975) for the passerines. activities. However, in the Edenhope, Grampi- ans and Ararat Regions we conducted periodic Mammals. The published information avail- censuses (spring and autumn, occasionally also able on the mammal fauna of the Grampians- summer) of waterbirds on selected swamps, Edenhope Area is meagre and consists mainly lakes and rivers. Another large portion of our of old imprecise popular accounts and a more information came from the literature and pre- recent general discussion by Wakefield (1974). vious work done by staff of the Fisheries and Some specific and up-to-date information has Wildlife Division, Victoria, and other interested been derived from specimens in the collections individuals (see Acknowledgements). Records of both the National Museum of Victoria, and held by the National Museum of Victoria, and the Fisheries and Wildlife Division, Victoria, by the Royal Australasian Ornithological and field data have recently been available Union were also important sources of informa- from two mammal survey groups operating in tion., the State. However, most of the information From the above sources we have docu- presented here is derived from the field work mented the occurrence of 233 avian species in (about 140 man-days) of two members of the the Grampians-Edenhope Area. This number survey team. Mammal trapping was conducted excludes seabirds that occur along the in 31 of the 180 vegetation survey sites (Ap- southern boundary of the survey area. One pendix 1), usually when the vegetation was hundred and twelve species of birds occur in being analysed. One hundred wire mesh cage the forest, woodland, shrubland and heath for- traps (360 x 200 x 165 mm), baited with a 290 W, B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRTS and G. J. APPS mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled Spotted Nightjar Brown-headed Honeyeater oats, were set at each locality for two nights Sacred Kingfisher White-naped Honeyeater and the intervening day. Traps were checked Rainbow Bee-eater Painted Honeyeater on the first morning and captured animals were White-bellied Cuckoo- Crescent Honeyeater either retained or marked and released. All shrike New Holland Honeyeater traps were reset and checked again on the sec- White-winged Triller White-fronted Honeyeater ond morning, after which they were removed Scaly Thrush Tawny-crowned Honey- Southern Scrub-robin eater TABLE 4 Rose Robin Eastern Spinebill Pink Robin Mistletoebird Checklist of avian species occurring in forest, Flame Robin Spotted Pardalote woodland, shrubland and heath areas in the Scarlet Robin Striated Pardalote Grampians-Edenhope Area. See Appendix 5 Red-capped Robin Silvereye for scientific names Hooded Robin Red -browed Firetail

Brown Goshawk Willie Wastail Eastern Yellow Robin Diamond Firetail Collared Sparrowhawk Spotted Quail-thrush Crested Shrike-tit Olive-backed Oriole Painted Button-quail Grey-crowned Babbler Gilbert's Whistler White-winged Chough Bush Stone-curlew White-browed Babbler Golden Whistler Masked Woodswallow Japanese Snipe Rufous Songlark Rufous Whistler White-browed Wood- Peaceful Dove Superb Blue Wren Grey Shrike-thrush swallow Diamond Dove Variegated Wren Satin Flycatcher Dusky Woodswallow Common Bronzewing Southern Emu-wren Restless Flycatcher Grey Butcherbird Brush Bronzewing White-browed Scrubwren Rufous Fantail Pied Currawong Red-tailed Black Chestnut-rumped Hylacola Grey Fantail Grey Currawong Cockatoo Fieldwren Yellow-tailed Black Speckled Warbler TABLE 5 Cockatoo Weebill Gang-gang Cockatoo Checklist of avian species occurring in White-throated Warbler Rainbow Lorikeet grasslands, semi-cleared pastures and Brown Thornbill Musk Lorikeet suburban areas in the Grampians-Edenhope Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Area. See Purple-crowned Lorikeet Appendix 5 for scientific names BufT-rumped Thornbill Little Lorikeet Emu Yellow Thornbill Fork-tailed Swiftt Cockatiel Black-shouldered Kite Striated Thornbill Kookaburra Budgerigah Black Kite Singing Varied Sittella Bushlark* Swift Whistling Kite Parrot White-throated Common Skylark* Crimson Rosella Treecreeper Wedge-tailed Eagle Welcome Swallow Blue-winged Parrot Brown Treecreeper Little Eagle Tree Martin Elegant Parrot Red Wattlebird Spotted Harrier Fairy Martin Pallid Cuckoo Little Wattlebird Swamp Harrier Richard's Pipit Fan-tailed Cuckoo Spiny-cheeked Honey- Black Falcon Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Black-eared Ouckoo eater Peregrine Falcon Common Blackbird* Rufous-tailed Bronze- Regent Honeyeater Little Falcon Jacky Winter cuckoo Blue-faced Honeyeater Brown Falcon Brown Songlark Shining Bronze-cuckoo Yellow-faced Honeyeater Nankeen Kestrel Yellow-rumped Thornbill Powerful Owl Singing Honeyeater Stubble Quail Southern Whiteface Spotted Owl White-eared Honeyeater Brown Quail Noisy Miner Barking Owl Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Little Button-quail White-fronted Chat Masked Owl Fuscous Honeyeater Plains-wanderer European Goldfinch* Tawny Frogmouth White-plumed Honeyeater Domestic Pigeon* European Greenfinch* Owlet-nightjar Black-chinned Honeyeater Crested Pigeon House Sparrow* GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 291

Galah Eurasian Tree Sparrow* Musk Duck Golden-headed Cisticola Long-billed Corella Common Starling* White-breasted Sea-eagle Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Australian Magpie Lark * Recorded breeding in the Edenhope Region during Eastern Rosella Little Woodswallow 1974. Red-rumped Parrot Australian Magpie Barn Owl Australian Raven Spine-tailed Swiftt Little Raven from the site and set in another locality later in the day. In Appendix 6, reference is made to * Introduced a trapping rate which is a measure of trapping t Aerial susceptibility rather than abundance; neverthe- less it gives some indication of relative num- bers of small ground-dwelling mammals. The TABLE 6 rate is simply the percentage of traps occupied Checklist of avian species occurring in by individuals of a particular species where the aquatic habitats in the Grampians-Edenhope unit duration of a trapping period is one night. Area. See Appendix 5 for scientific names Spotlighting from vehicles at night allowed long distances to be covered and was particu- Great Crested Grebe Land Rail larly useful for recording large macropod spe- Hoary-headed Grebe* Water Rail cies and many of the possums. Hand-held spot- Little Grebe* Marsh Crake lights were used while walking through small Australian Pelican Spotted Crake areas of bush and allowed quiet observations to Darter Spotless Crake be made on the relatively small arboreal mam- Pied Cormorant Black-tailed Native-hen* mals which can be overlooked while spotlight- Little Pied Cormorant* Dusky Moorhen* ing from vehicles. Daylight observations were Black Cormorant Swamphen restricted mainly to large species such as Little Black Cormorant Coot kangaroos and deer. Other information came White-necked Heron* Brolga from finding dead animals, skeletal remains, White-faced Heron Painted Snipe tracks and identifiable faecal deposits. Anecdo- Cattle Egret Pied Oystercatcher tal and often valuable information was supplied Large Egret Masked Plover* by interested local naturalists and farmers. Nankeen Night-heron Banded Plover During the survey we documented the oc- Brown Bittern Red-kneed Dotterel currence of 54 mammal species in the Gram- Glossy Ibis Hooded Dotterel pians-Edenhope Area (Table 7); about 20% White Ibis Double-banded Dotterel were introduced species. It appears that the Straw-necked Ibis Red-capped Dotterel* mammal fauna of the plains in western Vic- Royal Spoonbill Black-fronted Dotterel* toria has been altered by some species of

Yellow-billed Spoonbill Pied Stilt rodents, dasyurids, bandicoots and macropods

Plumed Tree-duck Banded Stilt disappearing either directly or indirectly as a Black Swan* Red-necked Avocet result of European settlement (Wakefield 1974). Freckled Duck Greenshank Some species still extant in western Victoria Cape Barren Goose Sharp-tailed Sandpiper are presently in danger of extinction; these will Mountain Duck* Red-necked Stint be considered in more detail later in the dis- Black Duck* Curlew Sandpiper cussion. Detailed information on abundance, Grey Teal* Sanded in g distribution, habitat preference, breeding and Chestnut Teal Silver Gull recent records for each mammal species in the Shoveller Whiskered Tern survey area appears in an annotated list (Ap- Pink-eared Duck* Gull-billed Tern pendix 6). Scientific nomenclature for the na- White-eyed Duck Azure Kingfisher tive mammals follows Ride (1970) except for Wood Duck* Clamorous Reed-warbler Potorous apicalis which is replaced here by Blue-billed Duck Little Grassbird P. tridactylus following Johnston (1973). 292 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

TABLE 7 cies of reptiles occurring in the survey area are consistent with the assessment Checklist of mammals in the by Rawlin- son (1971) that the reptile Grampians-Edenhope Area. fauna is composed of three groups which correspond to the three See Appendix 6 for scientific names major zoogeographic zones (Eyrean, Warm Echidna Bush Rat Temperate Bassian and Cool Temperate Bas- Platypus Black Rat* sian) in the survey area. Nomenclature for the Tiger Cat Swamp Rat reptiles follows Cogger (1975) except for Ano- Tuan Sewer Rat* tis maccoyi, Lampropholis delicata and L. Yellow-footed Antechinus Silky Desert Mouse guichenoti which follow Greer (1974) and the Brown Antechinus Smokey Mouse addition of Leiolopisma coventryi following Swainson's Antechinus Heath Rat Rawlinson(1975). Mouse Dunnart House Mouse* The distributions in the survey area of the Fat-tailed Dunnart Eastern Water Rat 14 species of amphibians known to occur there Short-nosed Bandicoot Fox* (Table 9) are based on recently published data Gunn's Bandicoot Cat (feral)* (Brook 1975) and are shown in Appendix 8. Koala Pig (feral)* Nomenclature for the amphibians follows Brush-tailed Possum Red Deer* Cogger (1975) except for the genus Crinia Ring-tailed Possum Goat (feral)* which is replaced here by Ranidella following Sugar Glider Sheep (feral)* Blake (1973). Squirrel Glider Greater Long-eared Bat Fishes. During the present survey our in- Yellow-bellied Glider Lesser Long-eared Bat volvement with terrestrial vertebrates precluded Feather-tailed Glider Bent-winged Bat the gathering of much information on fishes. Eastern Pigmy Possum Gould's Wattled Bat However, detailed studies and surveys are Western Pigmy Possum Chocolate Bat presently being conducted on selected lakes and Potoroo Little Bat streams in the Grampians-Edenhope Area by

Eastern Grey Kangaroo Tasmaman Pipistrelle the Freshwater Fisheries Section of the Fisher- Western Grey Kangaroo Large-footed Bat ies and Wildlife Division, Victoria, and their Red-necked Wallaby Little Broad-nosed Bat results will be presented elsewhere. A list of Brush-tailed Rock White-striped Bat fishes occurring in the survey area appears in Wallaby Table 10. The list does not include all estuarine Hare* Little Flat Bat and marine fishes which may occur along the Rabbit* Yellow-bellied Bat southern boundary of the study area. Nomen- clature * Introduced follows Barnham (in prep.).

TABLE 8 Reptiles and amphibians. Field work on Checklist of reptiles in the these groups was usually confined to oppor- Grampians-Edenhope Area tunistic collecting while we were surveying either birds Chelidae (Side-necked Tortoise) or mammals. The annotated list of Chelodina longicollis (Long-necked reptiles (Appendix 7) and the checklist (Table Tortoise) Agamidae (Dragon Lizards) 8) are based primarily on specimens in the Amphibolous barbatus (Bearded Dragon) National Museum of Victoria. However, a few Amphibolous diemensis (Mountain Dragon) days during the survey period were devoted to Amphibolous muricatus (Jacky Lizard) searching for reptiles in suitable habitats and Amphibolous pictus (Painted Dragon) a representative collection of species was Gekkonidae (Geckos) Diplodactylus lodged with the National Museum of Victoria. tessellatus (Tessellated Gecko) Phyllodactylus marmoratus (Marbled Gecko) Specimens were collected by searching in hol- Pygopodidae (Snake-lizards) low logs, around rocky out-crops, under logs Delma inornata and in litter. The distributions of the 40 spe- Delma impar )

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 293

Scincidae (Skinks) Pseudophryne semimarmorata (Southern Toad- Anotis maccayi let) Cryptoblcpharus boutonii Ranidella parinsignifera Ctenotus robustus Ranidclla signifcra (Common Eastern Froglet) Egernia luctuosa (Mourning Skink) Egernia saxatilis (Black Rock Skink) Egernia whitii (White's Skink) TABLE 10 Hem iergis dtcresiensis Hetniergis peronii Checklist (incomplete) of fishes in the Lampropholis delicata Area Lampropholis guichenott Grampians-Edenhope Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Mordaciidae Leiolopisma trilineata Geotria australis (Pouched Lamprey) Leiolopisma coventryi (Coventry's Skink) Lerista bougainvillii Relropimiidae Smell) Morcihia adelaidens'ts Retropinna semoni (Australian Morethia boulengeri Anguillidae Morethia obscura (Ocellated Skink) Anguilla australis (Short-finned Eel) Sphenomorphus tympanum Mugilidae Sphenomorplius sp. Aldrivhctta forsteri (Yellow-eyed Mullet) TUiqua nigrolutea (Blotched Hlue-tongued Elcotridae lizard) grandtcepS (Hiy-IiL*;idcd Gudgeon) TUiqua scincoides (Eastern Blue-tongued Philypnodon flypscleotris eonipressus Gudgeon) Lizard (Carp Ilypscleotris (Western Carp Gud- Traehydosaurus rugosus (Shingle-back) klunz'mgeri geon) Varanidae (Monitor Lizards) Gadopsidac Varanus gouldii (Sand Monitor) Gadopsis marmoratus ( Blac k fish Varanus varius (Lace Monitor) ) Plotosidac Elapidae (Elapid Snakes) Tandanus tandanus (Caifish) Austrelaps superba (Lowlands Copperhead) Drysdalia coronoides (White-lipped Snake) Bovichthyidao Notechis scutatus (Eastern Tiger Snake) Pseudaphritis urviili (Tupong) Pseudechis porphyriacus (Red-bellied Black Nannopercidae Snake) Nannoperca australis (Pigmy Perch) Pseudonaja textilis (Eastern Brown Snake) Plcclroplitidac Unechis flagellum (Little Whip Snake) Plectroplitss ambiguus (Golden Perch) Typhlopidae (Blind Snakes) Maccullochcllidae Typhlina proxima Maccullochella pccli (Murray Cod) Macquariidae TABLE 9 Percolates colonorum (Estuary Perch) Macquaria australasica (Macquarie Perch) amphibians in the Checklist of Sparidao Grampians-Edenhope Area Acanthopagrus butcheri (Black Bream)

Hylidae (Tree Frogs) Galaxiidae maculatUS (Common Galaxiid) Litoria ewingii (Brown Tree Frog) Galaxias olidus (Ornate Mountain Galaxiid) Litoria lesueurii (Lesucur's Frog) GalaxiaS Galaxiella pusillus (Dwarf Galaxiid) Litoria raniformis Leptodactylidae (Southern Frogs) Percidae Perca jluviatilis (English Perch or Rcdfin)* Geocrinia laevis Geocrinia victoriana Pocciliidae Limnodynastes dumerilii (Eastern Banjo Frog) Gambusia afjinis (Mosquito Pish)* Frog) Limnodynastes peronii (Brown-striped Salmonidao Grass Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (Spotted Salmo gairdneri (Rainbow Trout)* Frog) Salmo trutta (Brown Trout)* Neobatrachus centralis (Trilling Frog) Cyprinidac Neobatrachus pictus (Meeowing Frog) Carassius auratus (Goldfish)* Pseudophryne bibronii (Brown Toadlet) 294 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Carassius carassius (Crucian Carp)* slow-flowing rivers occurring in the other re- Tinea tinea (Tench)* gions. Many of these bodies of water have been * Introduced modified by draining, clearing of native vege- tation from the catchments, stream or lake modifications, diversions, building of dams, ir- Discussion rigation and dumping of waste. However, many The first European to explore the Gram- of the wetlands still support large assemblages pians-Edenhope Area was Major Thomas Mit- of vertebrates but the continued modification chell, who climbed Mt. William in the Gram- of such waters will probably result in a de- plans in July 1836 (Mitchell 1839). His party crease in the diversity of species inhabiting then traversed the northern portions of the them. Ararat and Edenhope Regions before striking Despite extensive habitat modification southwest past White Lake to the Glenelg throughout the survey area the terrestrial and River and down the river to the ocean, which aquatic areas of Crown Land support valuable they reached on 20 August 1836. Later that vertebrate communities. The wildlife values of year they passed through the Hamilton Region, the four survey regions (Fig. 1) of the Gram- climbing both Mt. Napier and Mt. Abrupt pians-Edenhope Area are discussed below. (Grampians Region) before striking northeast Wildlife values of the Edenhope Region. towards Sydney. Mitchell extolled the beauty Remnants of the original vegetation indicate and the richness of the soil of the plains coun- that most of the alienated land in the Edenhope try, and his descriptions of the physical sur- Region (unshaded in Fig. 1) originally sup- roundings suggest that much of the plains was ported woodlands of River Red Gum, Yellow covered by relatively open, grassy woodlands. Gum, Yellow Box and, possibly, Grey Box. Today most of the areas through which Mit- Because these woodlands occurred on the chell travelled are crop or pasture lands with deeper more fertile soils, they were cleared for few of the woodland trees and native grasses pasture and crops. Consequently, most of these remaining. The mountainous areas of the woodlands have now gone, and only roadside Grampians Region have been less affected by remnants and a few plantations of small River European settlement, and the species of birds Red Gums (along the margins of some blocks inhabiting the Grampians Region in 1891 of Crown Land) remain of what was once the

(Anon. 1892) were essentially the same as major terrestrial habitat in the region. It is those recorded there during the present survey. impossible to determine the number of animal Modification of wildlife habitats on the species which were common in these wood- plains has undoubtedly benefited some ani- lands before European settlement, but there mals, particularly domestic mammals (cattle, are indications that, at least, some mammal sheep, horses) some introduced bird species species have recently disappeared (Wake- (starling, pigeon, sparrow, goldfinch) and field 1974). The results of our survey indi- some native bird species (quail, some cocka- cate that at present about 100 terrestrial verte- toos, pipit, magpie). However, the loss of such brate species occur in the woodland rem- habitat is also detrimental to many species of nants of the Edenhope Region. These species native wildlife, and should most of the remain- include only those which are either common ing native trees, shrubs and grasses be cleared, throughout the year or rely on the woodlands a large portion of the original complement of during some periods of the year (e.g. for feed- wildlife species would disappear. ing or nesting). Bird species make up about Most standing surface water in the survey 60 per cent of the total number of common area is in the Edenhope Region, although a species in the woodlands, mammals about 25 few large freshwater and saline lakes and im- per cent and reptiles and amphibians the re- poundments occur in the other regions. The maining 15 per cent. Approximately 5 per cent Grampians Region supports most of the fast- are species alien to Australia which, in gene- flowing streams in the survey area with a few ral, exert a disproportionate influence on the GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 295 vegetation and on the well-being of many of animals, that enough over-mature trees remain the native animal species. The populations of to provide holes for nests and shelter and, if many of the native animals will decrease and possible, that the understoreys of some wood- some will disappear if the woodland remnants lands be restored to their original composition. continue to be modified or destroyed. We sug- Ways of encouraging private landholders to gest that at least 15 per cent of the total num- plant appropriate woodland species when land- ber of species are either already, or will soon scaping, creating shelter belts or even speci- be, experiencing difficulties in maintaining their fically planting areas for native wildlife should population numbers in the Edenhope Region also be explored. (see annotated lists for details). These include The vegetation on most of the large Crown 13 species of birds (Bush Stone-curlew, Rain- Land blocks (shaded in Fig. 1) in the Eden- bow Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Little Lorikeet, hope Region is mainly Brown Stringybark Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Swift Parrot, Long- shrubland. These shrublands were not alien- billed Corella, Barking Owl, Grey-crowned ated during early settlement because the soils Babbler, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Painted were too poor to support crops or pasture. Honeyeater, Regent Honeyeater and Grey Consequently, these Crown Land blocks now Butcherbird), one mammal species (Tuan) and support a relatively unmodified habitat, al- one reptile species (Lace Monitor). though grazing and fires have probably some- Most species whose populations may be in what altered the ground-cover. The species difficulties, as well as many of the other native composition of the vertebrate wildlife is dif- woodland animals, fall into one or more of ferent from that occurring in the adjacent pas- the following categories: (1) birds such as ture/woodland areas and consists of about 65 lorikeets and honeyeaters which move to the commonly occurring species (50 per cent birds, woodlands seasonally to feed on pollen, nectar 30 per cent mammals and 20 per cent reptiles/ and insects when the River Red Gums, Yellow amphibians). The relatively dense undergrowth Gums and Grey Box are flowering; (2) animals on some of the blocks appears to be an import- such as corella, cockatoos, owls, possums, ant structural feature influencing the distribu- tuans and Lace Monitor which require hollows tion of some of the wildlife species, particu- in the trunks or limbs of large trees for breed- larly some thornbills, honeyeaters and the ing or sheltering; and (3) birds such as curlews Western Pigmy Possum. The Red-tailed Black and babblers which forage on the ground and Cockatoo occurs in these blocks and we saw appear to depend on woodland with relatively large numbers in the Jilpanger Block. The unchanged native undergrowth. range of this cockatoo in Victoria has de- Maintenance of woodland habitats in the creased since European settlement, and the Edenhope Region will require the cooperation large Crown Land blocks in the Edenhope of government agencies and private land Region appear to be one of the last strong- holders. As a first step, a detailed botanical holds of this species in the State. Also the Little study of the woodlands of the entire Gram- Wattlcbird sometimes occurs in large numbers pians-Edenhope Area should be conducted to in dense stands of banksias, which provide an ascertain: (1) where the various woodland com- important food source. munities occurred originally; (2) the species Occurring together within some of the composition in each community at present; and Crown Land blocks in the Edenhope Region (3) the best means of ensuring that adequate are typical inland (Eyrean) species of reptiles mature trees and associated plants are present (Painted Dragon and Ocellated Skink) and and that regeneration is occurring. Those temperate (Bassian) species of reptiles (Black woodland remnants still on Crown Lands (e.g. Rock Skink). The shrublands are generally margins of the larger Crown Land blocks, rich in reptiles which attain maximum diversity roadside reserves, etc.) should be carefully in blocks such as Mt. Arapiles where rocky managed to ensure that enough large trees re- outcrops adjoin woodland, shrubland and low main to support populations of nectar-feeding open forest. The Silky Desert Mouse occurs v 296 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

along the high sand ridges in areas which have Richard's Pipit, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, not suffered heavy grazing or burning. Mouse White-fronted Chat, Jacky Winter, House Dunnarts are probably widespread in the shrub- Sparrow, goldfinch, starling, magpie and ra- lands but their numbers are difficult to assess ven), mammal species (such as Fat-tailed Dun- because they are not usually captured in con- nart, Rabbit, House Mouse, Fox and Cat) and ventional traps. Other native mammals occur- reptile species (such as Eastern Blue-tongued ring in this habitat include the Echidna, Yellow- Lizard, Shingle-back, and Eastern Brown footed Antechinus, Western Grey Kangaroo Snake). and Red-necked Wallaby. During periods of high rainfall many of the To ensure perpetuation of the assemblage of pastures are covered either entirely or partially wildlife species now present in these shrublands by standing water. These temporary wetlands in the Edenhope Region we suggest that as are favoured foraging areas for some of the many as possible of the large Crown Land large waders (e.g. Large Egret, White-necked blocks be retained intact and in public owner- and White-faced Herons), the small grebes and ship. A more detailed study of the fauna of some of the ducks (e.g. Black Duck and Grey these areas is required to ascertain the import- Teal). The Brolga is also a conspicuous spe- ance of each Crown Land block, particularly cies along the margins of the open pasture and in relation to similar vegetation further south. aquatic areas in the Edenhope Region. This Several of the blocks have fringes of woodland species still breeds in the region, but its long- which, if at all possible, should be retained to term survival in the area is not certain. A de- provide wildlife habitat. tailed study of the habitat requirements of the The intrusions of mallee vegetation into the Brolga in western Victoria would be a first Mt. Arapiles, Noradjuha and Wonwondah step towards a management plan needed to North areas are small but constitute some of ensure their survival. the southern-most extensions of this habitat The importance of the Edenhope Region in into western Victoria. Species of birds such providing a large proportion of the aquatic as the Southern Scrub-robin, Variegated Wren, habitat in western Victoria is apparent in Fig. Gilbert's Whistler, White-fronted Honeyeater 2. Although some avian species utilize im- and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater are at the poundments and temporarily flooded agricul- southern limit of their range in western Vic- tural land, their main habitats are the large toria in these small intrusions of mallee. These areas of natural fresh and saline wetlands, most wildlife species are more common further north of which are unprotected and unmanaged in but the Mt. Arapiles block, in particular, con- the Edenhope Region. Our survey only touched tains not only these animals, which have ad- on some of these important wetlands and a apted to a mallee habitat, but also wildlife ad- more detailed study is required to determine apted to living in woodlands, low open forests, priorities for conservation and management. or on exposed rocky outcrops because of the Requirements for breeding, feeding and shelter diversity of habitats in this one block. of a particular avian species may be fulfilled The pastures and croplands in the Eden- only by a wide range of aquatic conditions. hope Region support populations of most of Therefore, a regional management plan must the avian species listed in Table 5. The open aim at preserving maximum diversity of wet- terrain is suitable for hunting over by such land habitats. predatory birds as eagles, kites, harriers and Hundreds of saline and freshwater lakes, falcons. Some members of the parrot and swamps and depressions which hold water tem- cockatoo family (particularly Long-billed porarily occur throughout the western two- Corella, Galah and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) thirds of the Edenhope Region. The spring and forage in the pastures for roots and bulbs. early summer of 1974 were unusually wet, and Other wildlife species particularly well-ad- standing water was widespread throughout the apted to survival in this open habitat include region. Waterbirds took advantage of these con- bird species (such as some quails and larks, ditions and nests and broods of 15 different GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 297 species were documented in the region (Table ies and Wildlife Division, Victoria, has re- 6). However, the area of nesting habitat has cently established a Murray Cod hatchery on been considerably reduced by the clearing of Lake Charlegrark. Two nearby bodies of per- land down to the margins of some lakes and manent water, Booroopki Swamp and No- by the draining of many of the swamps and sea- where-else Swamp (Morea Block), may be sonal depressions. Many of these lakes and important for use as alternate Murray Cod swamps provide public duck hunting areas and holding sites as the project develops. a few of the more important ones are listed in Wildlife values of the Grampians Region. Table 3 and shown in Fig. 4. The area of Crown Land remaining in this The permanent water bodies are probably region exceeds 200,000 ha, most of it being important refuges for waterfowl during periods continuous through the Grampians Ranges of low rainfall and after most temporary bodies (e.g. Victoria, Scrra and Mt. Difficult Ranges) of water have dried up, as occurred in 1972 and the Black Range (Fig. 1). The diverse (Mitchell During 1973). the non-breeding sea- habitats contained within this large Crown son the mud flats of some of these waters also Land area support a correspondingly large and provide foraging areas for six species of inter- diverse assemblage of native vertebrate species. continental migrants, of which two breed in To maintain this diversity it is important that the Arctic (Red-necked Stint and Curlew Sand- the continuous area of public land be managed piper), three breed in Eurasia (Japanese Snipe, as a single functional unit rather than arbit- Greenshank and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper) and rarily dividing it into a series of small discrete one breeds in New Zealand (Double-banded units and managing each as an entity. Manage- Dotterel). The narrow strip of land containing ment of this Crown Land area as a single unit saline lakes and swamps, which extends from will enhance the chances of survival of those Mitre Lake on the northern boundary of the species of wildlife whose life cycles require the Edenhope Region through White Lake near the utilization of two or more distinct habitats as southern boundary (Fig. 2), may be important well as those species which attain their highest to such wader species as Pied and Banded densities in ecotones. Stilts and Red-necked Avocets. Very large The Crown Land west of the Victoria Range flocks of these waders, as well as Black Swans probably contains what is now the largest re- and various species of ducks, have been re- maining area of woodland (River Red Gum, ported from some of these lakes (particularly Yellow Gum and Yellow Box) in southwestern North, Centre and White Lakes near Douglas). Victoria (Plate 19, Fig. 1). Although this plant We suggest that detailed and regular observa- formation was one of the major habitats in the tions be made on the waders especially. The survey area before European settlement, it has wide range of aquatic habitats is, in part, also now nearly gone and the woodland area west of responsible for the widespread occurrence in the Victoria Range covers only slightly more the Edenhope Region of at least five species of than 20,000 ha. These woodlands are the re- amphibians (and four other less widely distribu- mains of a vast area of woodland which ted amphibians) as well as supporting other originally also covered most of the Edenhope vertebrate species such as the Eastern Water Region to the west. Consequently, remarks Rat and the Long-necked Tortoise. made previously on the fauna of the woodlands Some of the permanent lakes in the Eden- in the Edenhope Region apply equally to the hope Region (Table 3 and Fig. 4) support an fauna of woodlands in the Grampians Region. important amateur freshwater fishery based However the woodlands in the Grampians re- mainly on Redfin (a few lakes also support gion represent the most important area of this trout populations). Amateur fishing for yab- habitat remaining in southwestern Victoria and bies is popular, but at present they are not be- one major aim of their management should be ing commercially exploited in the region al- to provide food, breeding sites and shelter for though the potential for such an industry exists. the large assemblage of vertebrate animals The Freshwater Fisheries Section of the Fisher- (some 100 species) which inhabit them. We 298 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

strongly suggest that an assessment of some of the Grampians should be a major aim in the the structural features known to be important management of this region. The management to vertebrate species (e.g. mature trees with of these heaths may require periodic burning large hollows, dense undergrowth, decaying to maintain numbers and diversity of the verte- logs) be made to ascertain how these woodlands brate species inhabiting them (Cockburn 1975). can be managed to provide a more suitable en- However, this should be the subject of careful vironment (i.e. similar to pre-European wood- study and experimentation before wildlife man- lands) for many of the native species of wild- agement based mainly on controlled burning is life. introduced. Heath communities, widespread throughout The number of the Victorian endemic the Crown Lands in the Grampians Region Smokey Mouse recorded during our 1974-75 (Fig. 2), are inhabited by about 80 species of survey of the sub-alpine heaths in the Gram- commonly occurring vertebrate animals (55 pians Region exceeded the total number re- per cent birds, 30 per cent mammals and 15 corded in Victoria prior to that time and illus- per cent reptiles/amphibians). Lowland heaths, trates the likely importance of the Grampians including the ecotone of heath under open area for this species' conservation. Most of the forest, and sub-alpine heaths are the most ex- bird species which occur in the lowland heath tensive heath types occurring in the Gram- and five species of reptiles also inhabit the sub- piaiis. alpine heaths. The heaths are one of the nest- The lowland heaths (particularly those in ing areas of the Flame Robin in western Vic- the Victoria Valley) appear to be the northern toria. Crescent Honeyeaters were common in extremity in Victoria of a predominantly the heaths near the summit of Major Mitchell coastal heath type which extends inland along Plateau in August 1974. the Glenelg River to the Grampians (Plate 19, The open and low open forests, including Fig. 2). In these heaths such species as the the vegetation mapped as scrub by the Forests Southern Emu Wren and the Heath Rat reach Commission of Victoria (undated), form the the northern limits of their distributions in most extensive vegetation formation occurring Victoria. Similarly, the most northerly popula- in the Grampians Region (Fig. 1). At least 100 tions of the Short-nosed Bandicoot and the species of wildlife (55 per cent birds, 25' per Potoroo in Victoria occur in heaths in the cent mammals and 20 per cent reptiles/amphi- Grampians Region, but these heaths are usually bians) commonly occur in these formations. under large trees and generally adjacent to Most of these species occur in other forma- thick gully vegetation. The importance to na- tions in the survey area, but the open forests tive mammals of this ecotonal zone in the are particularly important because of the rela- Grampians has been discussed by Seebeck tively large area they cover. The chances of (1976). single A specimen of the Mourning maintaining viable populations of many of the Skink, a rare species whose centre of dis- vertebrate species now occurring in southwest- tribution appears to be coastal Victoria, has ern Victoria will be enhanced if the areas of been collected from a heathy swamp in the low open and open forest in the Grampians Victoria Range. Large numbers of three spe- remain large. Uncommon species, such as cies of honeyeaters (New Holland, Tawny- Powerful and Barking Owls, have recently crowned and Eastern Spinebill) move into the been recorded in the open forests of the Gram- lowland heaths in the spring to feed on the pians. The forests also support the largest nectar from the flowers of the Common Heath. western Victorian populations of such species The fauna of the heath communities in the Vic- as Gang-gang Cockatoo and Koala and the toria Valley is of special interest to biologists low open forests contain large numbers of because its of similarities to the vertebrate Scaly Thrushes and New Holland Honeyeaters. fauna in the heaths occurring along the coast At present this region is a popular recrea- of Victoria. The perpetuation of these plant tion and tourist area which will probably be- communities (and their associated fauna) in come even more important in the future. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 299

Recreation and tourism presently is com- Flycatcher, Crescent Honeyeater, Smokey patible with flora and fauna conservation. Mouse and Coventry's Skink). However, as the number of people involved in Two pine plantations (east of Wartook Re- such activities increases, conflicts between re- servoir and at Billywing) have been established creation and conservation will appear, par- in the Grampians Region by the Forests Com- ticularly in local areas where concentrations mission of Victoria. Our survey did not include of people occur because of easy access, scenic a census of vertebrate animals in these planta- qualities, picnic facilities and presence of tions, so we cannot compare their density or wildlife. We also suggest that the formulation diversity with those of the adjacent native of wildlife management policies for this Crown forests. However, a recent survey of birds in Land should take into account the importance pine and native forests in New South Wales of mature or overmature trees for those species showed 'that the loss of diversity of species and

requiring nest hollows and dens. Their precise actual numbers of individuals is very great requirements should be the subject of more de- when native forest is removed for pines' (Dis- tailed studies. ney and Stokes 1976). We strongly recom- The Grampians Region contains the most ex- mend that careful consideration be given to tensive and scenic sandstone mountain ranges, the effects on native fauna before further ex- including numerous cliffs and caves, in western pansion of existing pine plantations or estab- Victoria. Thousands of tourists visit the Gram- lishing new plantations in the Grampians Re- pians each year partly because of the spectacu- gion. lar scenery and panoramic views provided by The main aquatic habitats in the Grampians these mountain ranges. However, these ranges Region are man-made reservoirs (e.g. Rock- are also the habitat of the only known Brush- lands Reservoir, Moora Moora Reservoir, War- tailed Rock Wallaby colony remaining in took Reservoir, Lake Bellfield) and permanent western Victoria and they support a large fast-flowing streams and canals. There are also breeding population of Peregrine Falcons. Both a few permanent swamps in the plains adjacent these species have been proposed for proclama- to the Grampians Ranges (e.g. Bryans, Mar-

tion as Notable Species under the Wildlife Act neys, Brady s) as well as some short portions 1976; the wallaby because of its serious de- of slow-flowing creeks and rivers (e.g. Green cline in this State since 1900 and the falcon Creek and the upper reaches of the Wannon because of its decline in the northern hemi- and Glenelg Rivers) (Plate 20, Fig. 3). sphere and fears that the local population may The reservoirs and slow-flowing rivers pro- suffer a similar decline. Management authori- vide a large area of habitat for fishes. During ties should avoid constructing roads, carparks, our recent surveys seven Dwarf Galaxiids were camp sites, picnic areas, nature walks etc. in found in Green Creek, a slow-flowing stream areas which are important to these two species. with a silt or mud bottom at an altitude of Other species which occur in these rock com- about 200 m. The only other records of this munities include Nankeen Kestrel, Welcome species from eastern Australia come from a few Swallow, Eastern Pigmy Possum, some bats, other areas in southwestern Victoria (Franken- Marbled Gecko and Black Rock Skink. berg 1969; Chessman and Williams 1974) and The few small scattered areas of tall open from restricted localities around Western Port. forest in the Grampians Region are important Therefore, Green Creek presents an excellent as the western limit of this habitat type in Vic- opportunity for preservation of a population of toria. The largest area of tall open forest in the this little known species. Also another native Grampians Region occurs along Dairy Creek species, the Pigmy Perch, is common in slow- near Silverband Falls. Although we recorded flowing streams around the Grampians. Other only about 30 species of wildlife occurring in fish species include Redfin, Brown and Rain-

this habitat, it is important in supporting either bow Trout, Tench and Carp. The importance migrants or relatively large populations of at of these reservoirs and slow-flowing streams to least five of these species (Rufous Fantail, Satin the avifauna is not well known, but they prob- 300 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRJS and G. J. APPS ably provide refuge for many waterbirds dur- to a few isolated Crown Land areas. These ing droughts. Aquatic mammals, such as the woodlands contain many of the 100 (approxi- Platypus and Eastern Water Rat, and reptiles, mately) vertebrate species that occur in similar such as the Long-necked Tortoise, also occur woodland remnants in the Edenhope and in some of these waters. Grampians Regions. Additionally, the Moke- The permanent fast-flowing streams and pilly Block contains a mixture of open forest canals in the Grampians Ranges support a fish and woodland vegetation and consequently fauna which is, as yet, relatively undisturbed. has a more diverse fauna than either the wood- At present Blackfish and the Ornate Mountain land areas to the east or the open forest areas Galaxiid inhabit some of these streams, but to the west. The woodlands of Yellow and the effects of habitat alteration or competition Long-leaf Box and Red Stringybark in the with introduced species on populations of these Jallukar Block also contain some avian species two native species should be examined. Many (e.g. Speckled Warbler, Fuscous Honeyeater, species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphi- Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, etc.) which attain bians depend on these permanent streams for their largest Victorian populations in the box- water when other temporary sources have dried ironbark vegetation further east. However, up. Therefore any water management plans for their populations in the Jallukar Block are this part of Victoria should take into account large relative to the other Crown Land blocks the need to maintain adequate stream flows in the Grampians-Edenhope survey area. and standing water suitable for wildlife The woodlands in the Ararat Region orig- throughout the year. inally supported populations of the Squirrel Bryans Swamp, a shallow but relatively per- Glider (Plate 21, Fig. 5), a species uncommon sistent body of water, is a State Faunal Reserve in Victoria. Two records exist for the Ararat in the Grampians Region. It was surveyed on Region: 5 km northwest of Stawell in 1970; three occasions during 1974 and 1975, and and at Dadswell Bridge in 1968. This species 19 species of birds were recorded. Changes in may still be extant in the Ararat Region, but the species composition of the avifauna ap- will require research to determine its status and peared to be related to seasonal variations in to enable recommendations to be made on ap- water level. The avifauna on this swamp also propriate actions needed to maintain popula- appears to be highly variable between years, tions of this species in the survey area. The and as many as 500 White-necked Herons and Lace Monitor has also been recorded from the 1000 White-faced Herons as well as Royal woodlands of the Illawarra Block. Spoonbills, Glossy Ibis, and Whiskered Terns The open forest of Red Stringybark and have been reported (Mitchell 1973). Long-leaf Box which originally extended into Wildlife values of the Ararat Region. Most the eastern portion of the survey area is now of the land in this region has been cleared and mainly confined to One Tree Block near is in private ownership. The few small remain- Ararat. Most wildlife species which commonly ing areas of Crown Land are either woodland occur in this block are found in the open (Plate 20, Fig. 4) or open forest. All these areas forests on other blocks of Crown Land in the are valuable because, as Parsons et al. (1972) survey area. However, the floristics of this area point out, 'very little is known of the ecology differ from those of most other blocks in the of the Grampians Plains and the destruction survey area and a more detailed fauna survey of the last remnants of native vegetation would might reveal subtle differences in species com- make future study impossible'. position of the wildlife. The Crown Land blocks around Lake Lons- We endorse the recommendations implicit in dale (e.g. Illawarra, Mokepilly and Lonsdale the statement by Parsons et ah (1972) that 'it Blocks in Fig. 1) are predominantly woodlands is necessary to reserve as many of the surviving and are inhabited by a vertebrate fauna which remnants of the plains vegetation as possible, once occurred throughout the plains surround- to ensure adequate preservation of the unique ing the Grampians but which is now restricted vegetation of the whole Grampians area'. We GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 301 point out that because the vegetation on these Wildlife values of the Hamilton Region. Be- areas of Crown is Land different from that in cause most of this region is now in private the Grampians Ranges, the vertebrate fauna is ownership, the few remaining areas of Crown also markedly different and further supports Land supporting native vegetation are very the suggestion that these woodland and open important. Before European settlement this forest areas be preserved. region was covered by two main plant forma- Pastures in the Ararat Region support most tions: woodlands of large trees with grassy of the bird species listed in Table 5. Introduced undergrowth; and treeless grasslands of the vertebrate species such as House Sparrow, volcanic plains (Fig. 2). The Stones and Mt. European Goldfinch, Common Starling, Do- Napier Blocks (Fig. 1) were originally rela- mestic Pigeon, Rabbit, House Mouse, Fox and tively small rocky areas of volcanic craters and Cat, compete with or prey upon many of the associated lava flows which supported Manna native vertebrate species and are undoubtedly Gum open forest; these areas were surrounded responsible for reductions of some populations. by deeper soils on which the woodlands grew. The impact that these introduced species have The woodlands were replaced by exotic grasses on native vertebrate populations is little known and other crops soon after settlement, and and a study on the interactions between some the land was alienated, leaving only the rela- of these species is required. tively infertile areas (Stones and Mt Napier) In the Ararat Region, the lakes and reser- in public ownership. Today, although modified voirs containing permanent or relatively per- by fires and grazing, the vegetation on these sistent standing water include Alexandra Lake, two Crown Land areas is still composed of Dock Lake, Lake Fyans, Green Lake, Lake many of the original plant species. Lonsdale, Norval Dam, Pine Lake and Taylor The Stones Block includes both the Stones Lake. These waters support populations of State Faunal Reserve (5241 ha) and Mt. Blackfish, Redfin, Carp, Tench, Brown and Eccles National Park (395 ha). The wildlife Rainbow Trout and, rarely, Murray Cod (Tun- reserve supports a large assemblage of bird bridge and Rogan 1976). Golden Perch have species, most of which occur commonly in recently been introduced into Green Lake other open forest habitats. However, the mam- (Barnham, Fisheries and Wildlife Division, malian fauna is distinctive and few areas, if pers. comm.). The few permanent streams (e.g. any, support a ground fauna composed of the Fyans Creek, MacKenzie River and Mt William Tiger Cat, Brown Antechinus, Swainson's An- Creek) in this region support a similar fish techinus, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, and Bush fauna but probably have few Tench or Murray Rat, and an arboreal fauna which probably Cod. includes the Koala, Yellow-bellied Glider, The permanent waters of the reservoirs, Brush-tailed Possum, Sugar Glider and streams and some swamps (e.g. Mt. William Feather-tailed Glider. The wildlife reserve also Swamp) probably provide refuge for many of supports a large reptile population, and large the species of birds listed in Table 6. Some numbers of Eastern Tiger Snakes have been of the reservoirs still have many dead trees reported by local residents. The Stones State standing around their margins. These trees are Wildlife Reserve provides one of the best op- important roosting and nesting structures for portunities to protect and study species such some parrots and cockatoos (e.g. Musk Lori- as the Tiger Cat, the Yellow-bellied Glider, keet, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Long-billed and the Eastern Tiger Snake within a small Corella, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped well-defined area of Victoria. Lake Surprise, in Parrot) and some birds of prey. However, once the adjacent national park, provides a per- the trees decay and fall they will not be re- manent source of water for the vertebrate ani- placed. Platypus, Eastern Water Rat, Long- mals inhabiting the block, and the cliffs around necked Tortoise and several species of amphi- the lake also provide habitat for some cliff-nest- bians are present in some of the permanent ing birds. The Stones Block is important both waters in the region. for fauna conservation and for public recrea- 302 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS tion. However, the recreation consists primarily Victoria these grasslands represent the plant of sight-seeing and picnicking around Lake formation most drastically reduced as a result Surprise and it is doubtful whether the Manna of European settlement. Gum forests would support intensive recrea- Conservation of the remnants of native tional use without disturbance to some of the woodlands which occur in roadside reserves, more important vertebrate populations. Around on margins of the few larger Crown Land the Stones Block there are a few small isolated blocks and on freehold land should be en- blocks of Crown Land which should be man- couraged. These small areas should be care- aged in conjunction with that block. The small fully managed to ensure that enough large blocks contain habitats (e.g. grasslands, mar- trees remain to support populations of nectar- shes) which are not well represented in the feeding animals, to produce seeds for natural present wildlife reserve/national park complex regeneration and to provide holes for nests and in the Hamilton Region. The vegetation in shelter. the Mt. Napier Block appears to have been The narrow strip of heath along the coast modified to a greater extent than that in the was not the subject of a detailed survey. How- Stones Block and may not support all the ever, the coastal heaths east of the survey area species known from the Stones. support species such as the Rufous Bristle Bird, The woodlands, grasslands and heaths which Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Beautiful Firetail, originally covered most of the Hamilton Re- Swamp Antechinus and several species of gion have been cleared mainly for pasture and skinks (Emison et al. 1975) and some of crops. We are uncertain what the vertebrate these species are probably present along the species compositions of these areas were be- coastline of the Hamilton Region. We suggest fore settlement by Europeans, but a number of that a specific effort be made to document the animal populations have probably declined as vertebrate fauna in this particular habitat. a result of habitat modification. A detailed his- Many swamps and depressions in the Hamil- torical study of the flora and fauna of this re- ton Region have been drained. A few of the gion would be useful in determining future larger water bodies (e.g. Lake Condah, Buck- land-use priorities in relation to wildlife popu- ley Swamp) may occasionally fill to nearly their lations. At least eight species of animals may original capacity, but usually they are either dry be having difficulties in maintaining popula- or a series of drains and channels. Brolgas and tion numbers in the Hamilton Region; these in- waterfowl still nest in the region, but their wet- clude four avian species (Brolga, Plains-wan- land habitat has been reduced to relatively derer (Plate 21, Fig. 6), Long-billed Corella small areas. Any Crown Lands with potential and Grey Butcherbird) and four mammal spe- for supporting wetland habitat in the region cies (Gunn's Bandicoot, Tuan, Eastern Grey should be retained and managed to perpetuate Kangaroo and Red-necked Wallaby). Habitat the presence of surface waters and associated alteration (e.g. clearing of woodland trees or vegetation. undergrowth, draining of swamps, grazing and The Eumeralla River flows through pasture other alterations to the grasslands, clearing of land and has both a mud and a gravel bottom. hcathlands) is probably responsible for the de- Its upper reaches have been modified into a clining populations of most of these species. De- steep-sided, deep channel by river improve- tailed biological and distributional studies, par- ment works. It contains Brown Trout, eels, ticularly on the Brolga, Plains-wanderer, Tench, Crucian Carp, Tupong and Blackfish. Gunn's Bandicoot and Tuan, are required to The Shaw River carries a small population of effectively protect the remaining small popu- Brown Trout. Lake Yambuk, which is formed lations of these species in western Victoria. by the joining of the Eumeralla and Shaw The grasslands along the Wannon River and Rivers, is surrounded by sand dunes and has a northeast of Hamilton (Fig. 2) were the western sand and mud bottom. Species of fish com- limits of an extensive grassland which originally monly caught include bream, mullet, salmon extended eastward almost to Melbourne. In and Estuary Perch. Brown Trout which enter GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 303

the lake from the Eumeralla and Shaw Rivers try (western Grampians) . Victorian Nat. 37: are sometimes taken (Tunbridge and Rogan 59-65. , 1925. One nature's wonderlands. The 1976). of Victorian Grampians, Ramsey, Melbourne. Acknowledgements Austin, C. N., 1951. Birds of the southern end of Victoria-South Australian border. South Aust. We are indebted to the following residents Orn. 20: 14-15. in or near the survey area who generously pro- , 1953a. The Black Falcon and some other vided fauna data which they had collected raptores in south-west Victoria. Emu 53: 77-80.

, 1953b. Swift Parrot in south-west Victoria. over many years of observations: C.N. Austin Emu 53: 260-261. of Coleraine (now residing at New Gisborne); •. 1954. White-throated Warbler in western A. C. Isles of Warrnambool; I. R. McCann of Victoria. Emu 54: 28. Stawell; A. M. McGarvie of Cavendish (now - 1962a. Cattle Egret in south-west Vic- toria. 62: 183. living on King Island, Tasmania); J. McQueen Emu , 1962b. Stilts and Avocets. Bird Obs. of Natimuk; W. G. D. Middleton of Wail; J. H. 372: 3. Morris of Hamilton (Fisheries and Wildlife , 1962c. Powerful Owl in the Grampians. Officer); and O. J. Thomas of Horsham (Fisher- Bird Obs. 367: 3. ies and Wildlife Officer). -, 1963a. Rose Robin at Coleraine, Victoria. Bird Obs. 375: 5. The support of this survey by the following 1963b. In Along the by-ways with the organizations and personnel is gratefully ack- editor. Victorian Nat. 80: 192-193. nowledged. National Museum of Victoria: 1969. Little Wood-swallows in western J. M. Dixon for comments on mammals; A. R. Victoria. Bird Obs. 450: 4. in western Victoria. McEvey for comments on birds; A. J. Coventry -, 1972. Wood-swallows Aust. Bird W. 7: 220-222. for comments on reptiles; and P. W. Menk- Bald, A. M., 1957a. Banded Stilts near Harrow, Vic. the birds. Trobe horst for references on La Bird Obs. 312.

University: P. A. Rawlinson for comments on , 1957b. Southern Scrub-robin and Purple- the reptiles. Monash University: H. Parnaby backed Wren. Extension in range. Emu 51: 68- for comments on the bats. Fisheries and Wild- 69. Barnham, C. A., In preparation. A guide to Fresh- life Division: J. C. F. Wharton (Director), S. J. water Fish of Victoria. Fisheries and Wildlife Cowling (Assistant Director, Wildlife) and J. K. Division, Victoria. Dempster (Officer-in-charge, Wildlife Re- Binns, G., 1957. Emu nest in Grampians foothills. search) for administrative and financial sup- Bird Obs. 310. Blackburn, G. and F. R. Gibbons, 1956. A recon- port; W. M. Bren, D. B. Hespe and J. M. Mar- naissance survey of the soils of the Shire of cius for field and laboratory support; A. Mc- Kowree, Victoria. CSIRO Aust. Div. Soils, Soils Shane for draughting support; and J. B. Cooper and Land-use Series No. 17. for providing the photographs for all plates. Blake, A. J. D., 1973. Taxonomy and relationships of Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union: vari- myobatrachine frogs (Leptodactylidae) : a nu- merical approach. Aust. J. Zool. 21: 119-149. ous individuals who contributed nest record Brook, A. J., 1975. The distribution of anuran am- survey area; and H. B. cards on birds in the phibians in Victoria. Victorian Nat. 92: 104-120. assistance in providing the nest Young for her Campbell, A. G., 1906. Some Victorian winter notes. record cards to us. Emu 6: 60-65.

, 1910a. New egg for Victoria. Emu 9: 164.

. nesting locality for Flame- References , 1910b. New breasted Robin. Emu 9: 249-250. Naturalist Club's excur- Anonymous, 1892. Field Chessman, B. C. and W. D. Williams, 1974. Dis- Grampians, 21st November to 5th sion to the tribution of fish in inland saline waters in Vic- 1891. Victorian Nat. 8: 181-196. December, toria, Australia. Aust, J, Mar, and Freshwat. Res. Grampians Range of Victoria Ashby, E., 1927. The 25: 167-172. and its bird life. Emu 26: 285-292. Chisholm, A. H., 1955. Distribution of inland birds. Attiwill, A. R., 1960. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo in Emu 55: 12-1 A. south-east of South Australia. South Aust. Orn. , 1964. In Along the by-ways with the edi- 23: 37-38. tor. Victorian Nat. 80: 368-369. Audas, J. W., 1920. Through the Murra Murra coun- 304 W. B. FMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORR1S and G. J. APPS

( oi Kiit/kN, a., ]975. J ho ecology of Hie genus Pseu' Hickly, J. J., 1968. Peregrine falcon populations: domys in Victorian heath communities. H.Sc. their biology and decline. University of Wisconsin

J loii. .in-, I he:, is, Monash University. Press, Milwaukee.

< 000ER, II. (i., 1975. Reptiles and Amphibians of HILL, G. FM 1907a. Birds of Ararat District. Part f. Australia. A. II. and A. W. Recti, Sydney. Emu 6: 176-179. M., Cohn, [927. Minis of the Grampian Range, Vic- — , 1907b. Birds of Ararat District. Part II. toiia. Emu 27: 274-277. Emu 7: 18-23. UiNinvoon, K. A., 1935. . a handlist of the birds of South land populations of Potorous tridactylus and Australia. The South Australian Ornithological Macropus rufogriseus (Maisupialia). Ph.D. The- Association! Adelaide. sis, University of New South Wales.

, 1975. Checklist the birds Australia, of Of Kmsui, J. A. W. and W. E. Pom r, 1972. Taxonomy I. Nan passerines, RAOU, Melbourne. and distribution of the grey kangaroos, Macro- Condon, ii. and T. A. R. McGnx, 1974. Field guide pus glganteus Shaw and Macropus fuliginosus to the waders, Bird Observers (tub, Melbourne. (Desniaiesf ), and their subspecies (Maisupialia: CONNOR, D. T, 1966. Vegetation studies in north- Maoropodidae) . Aust. J. Z00L 20: 315-339. west Victoria. II. The Horsham area. Proc* R. Lano, C. L, 1929. The Fuscous Honeyeater. Emu Soc. Vict. 79: 637-653. 28: 315. Cooper, r. p., i960. — The Crcecenl Honeyeater. dust. i 1932. White-browed Babbler. Emu 32: 70. Bird IT. 1; 70-76. Llarmonih, N. F., 1951. A trip to Mt. Fccles (Vic.). DlSNBY, II. J. Di; S. and A. STOKES, 1976. Birds Victorian Nat. 68: 133. in pine and native forests. 76: Emu 133.138, —, 1965. Rufous Fantail in western Victoria. DOmhkmn, E. A., 1903. Nest of the Masked Owl. Bird Obs. 400: 4. Emu 2: 184. — 1966. , Birds of Portland (Victoria) district. notes , 1905a. Field on some birds of the Portland Field Naturalist Club. CaSterton Distiict (Victoria). 4- Part I Emu Maci>onai i), J. D., 1973. Birds of Australia. A. H. 124-129. and A. W. Reed, Sydney. L905b. , Field notes on some birds of the McCANN, I. R. ( 1957. Regent Honeyeaters. Victorian ( asterlon District (Victoria). Part II. Emu 4" Nat. 74: 73. 161-163. — 1961. , Major Mitchell Plateau, in the Vic- — , 1926. The vanishing Plain-wanderer. Emu torian Grampians. Victorian Nut. 78: 4-7. 26: 59 63. 1963. /// — , Along the by-ways with the edi- I.mison, B., VV. J. w. Porter, K. C. Norris and G. J. tor. Victorian Nat. 80: 161. Aits, 1975. EcologtCal distribution of the ver- — 1964. In , Along the by-ways with the edi- tebrate animals of the volcanic plains-Olway tor. Victorian Nat. 80: 369.

Range area of Victoria. Fish, nihil. \ Pap., in. McCui loch, F. M., 1973. Birds breeding at Bal- No. 6. moral, Victoria. Aust. Bird W. 5: 97-99. Forests Commission Victoria, undated. M( I'M v, A Grampians , 1958. Some notes on the Yellow-tufted Slate l-'oiest vegetation types. Colour map. Honeyeater, South Aust. Om. 22: 59. Franki Nimui, R. S., 1969, Studies on the evolution Mucin 11, A., t973. Christmas camp at Balmoral. Of galaxild fishes with particular reference to the Bird Obs. 495. Australian fauna. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Mitchell, t. l., 1839. Three expeditions into the Melbourne. interior of eastern Australia; with descriptions of Frith, ll. J., 1969. Birds in the Australian High the recently explored region of Australia Felix, Country. A. II. and A. VV. Reed, Melbourne. and of the present colony of New South Wales. GrflBS, W I. and J. V. MAHER, 1967. Rainfall deciles Vol. II. 2nd ed. carefully revised. T. and W. as drought indicators. Bulletin 48. oi' Bureau Boone, 1 ondon. Met. Aust. Parsons, R. I .. N. H. Scarlett and N. J. Rosen- (iuntoNs, F. R. and R. Downis, G. 1964, A study of cjrln, 1972. Ecology of some Eucalyptus wood- the land in southwestern Victoria. Soil Conserva- lands near Halls Cap, Victoria. Victorian Nat tion Authority, Victoria. 89: 41-49. GLOVER, B., 1954. Bird observations in the south-cast POOLE, W. EH 1973. A study of breeding in grey and elsewhere. South Aust. Om. 21: 31-32. kangaroos, Macropus gtganteus Shaw and M. GREER, A. I ., I^74. The generic relationships of the fuliginosus (Desmarest), in Central New South scincid lizard genus Leiolopisma and its relatives. Wales, dust. J. Zool. 21: 183-212.

Aust. J. Zool Suppl. Scr. No. : 31 1-67. Rwvlinson, P. A., 1971. Reptiles. Victorian Year Hall, B. and J. McKi an, 1962, Some notes on birds Book 85: 11-36. of the Grampians, Bird Obs. 365: 5-6. , 1975. Two new lizard species from the GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 305

genus Leiolopisma (Scincidae:Lygosominae) in Walter, H., 1971. Ecology of tropical and sub- southeastern Australia and Tasmania. Mem. Nat. tropical vegetation. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh. Mus. Vict. 36: 1-16. Williams, W. D., 1967. The chemical characteristics Ride, W. D. L., 1970. A guide to the native mammals of lentic surface waters in Australia: a review. of Australia. Oxford University Press, Mel- In Australian inland waters and their fauna: bourne. eleven studies. Australian National University Rowley, L, 1970. The genus Corvus (Aves:Corvi- Press, Canberra. dae) in Australia. CSIRO Wildl. Res. 15: 27-71. Willis, J. H., 1962. A handbook to plants in Vic- Schodde, R., 1975. Interim list of Australian song- toria. Volume I. Ferns, conifers and monocotyle- birds. Passerines. RAOU, Melbourne. dons. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. in Victoria. Seebeck, J. H., 1976. Mammals in the Pomonal area, , 1972. A handbook to plants The Grampians. Victorian Nat. 93: 138-147. Volume II. Dicotyledons. Melbourne University Shanks, D., 1953. Random notes from south-eastern Press, Melbourne. Victoria. Emu 53: 276-279. Wheeler, J. and T. Pescott, 1973. Birds of Rock- Sibley, G. T., 1967. A study of the land in the lands. GeelongNat. 9: 93-96. Grampians area. Soil Conservation Authority, Wheeler, W. R., 1964. Easter camp at Edenhope, Vic- Victoria. toria. Bird Obs. 392. 1964-65. Bird Obs. 406: Slater, P., 1970. A field guide to Australian birds: , 1965. Bird notes, non-passerines. Rigby, Adelaide. 2-4- Victoria. , 1974. A field guide to Australian birds; , 1967a. A handlist of the birds of passerines. Rigby, Adelaide. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Smith, M. D., 1962. Long-billed Corella. Aust. Bird 4-6. , 1967b. Easter, 1967. Bird Obs. 427: W. 1: 201. White, C. M., 1968. Is there a genetic continuity Specht, R. L., E. M. Roe and V. H. Boughton, concerned in eyrie maintenance? In Peregrine 1974. Conservation of major plant communities Falcon populations: their biology and decline. in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Aust. J. Bot. University of Wisconsin Press, Milwaukee. Supplement no. 7. Storr, G. M., A. H. Lendon and R. W. McKechnie, 1952. Some observations in south-eastern South Abbreviations used in the following appendices Australia and adjacent parts of Victoria. South Aust. Or n. 20: 70-71. AR Ararat Region Sullivan, C, 1928. Notes from the western district, at breast height Victoria. South Aust. Orn. 9: 241-249. d.b.h. diameter departures of birds , 1929a. Arrivals and E east or eastern in south-western Victoria and other bird notes. ER Edenhope Region Emu 29: 39-44. FWD Fisheries and Wildlife Division, , 1929b. The Whiskered Tern. Emu 29: 77. Victoria. Victoria , 1929c. The corella in southern Emu 29: 75. GR Grampians Region western district, Vic- 1929d. Birds of the Herb herb layer (Appendix 1) toria. South Aust. Orn. 10: 139-141. Hamilton Region Tunbridge, B. R. and P. L. Rogan, 1976. A guide to HR the inland angling waters of Victoria. Fisheries km kilometre and Wildlife Division, Victoria. m metret Mammal remains from Wakefield, N. A., 1963a. mm millimetre the Grampians, Victoria. Victorian Nat. 80: 130- north or northern 133- N pigmy-possums. National Museum of Victoria , 1963b. The Australian NMV Victorian Nat. 80: 99-116. px. plant community Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Pet- -, 1971. The pers. comm. personal communication rogale penicillata) in western Victoria. Victorian Royal Australasian Ornithologists 92-102. RAOU Nat. 88: Union 1974. Mammals of Western Victoria. In south or southern The natural history of western Victoria. Aus- S tralian Institute of Agricultural Science, Hamil- Shrub shrub layer (Appendix 1) ton. Tree tree layer (Appendix 1) and R. M. Warneke, 1967. Some Wakefield, N. A. Unpub. MS unpublished manuscript revision in Antechinus (Marsupialia) —2. Vic- west or western torian Nat. U: 69-99. W 306 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Appendix 1 Veined Beard-heath shrub layer). Occurrence. Uncommon and restricted to high altitudes in Annoted list of plant communities in the the ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 24/4/75: Victoria Grampians-Edcnhope Area of southwestern Range near Mt. Thackeray at 920 m. Floristics. Victoria. See Appendix 3 for scientific names Tree: Messmate and Brown Stringybark. Shrub: Mountain Hickory Wattle, Prickly Tea-tree, 1. Heath (White Sallee on sub-alpine sites). Oc- currence. Major Mitchell Plateau and Mt. William Orange Bell-climber, Common Heath, Pine Heath (rare), GR. Survey Sites. 12/8/74: S side of and Veined Beard-heath. Herb: tall tus- socks of Major Mitchell Plateau at 1050 m. 20/3/75: SE saw-sedge with a lower layer of grass tussocks, ferns forbs. side of Mt. William at 1120 m. Floristics. Tree: and other White Sallee. Shrub: Spike Wattle, Coast Banksia, 6. Open forest (Brown Stringybark, Shining Silver Banksia, Dwarf She-oak, Shiny Tea-tree Peppermint and heaths). Occurrence. High alti- and Prickly Tea-tree (also see McCann 1961). tudes in Victoria, Mt. William and Mt. Difficult Herb: tussocks of sedge and grass (mat-rush, Ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 14/8/74: Mt. William Tasman Flax-lily), several Compositae and other Range above Stockyard Creek at 600-800 m. forbs. Moss mats are present. 7/9/74: near Wallaby Rocks, head of Sheet of 2. Heath (Grampians Gum on moist sub-alpine Water Creek, Mt. Difficult Range at 600 m. sites). Occurrence. Mt. William, GR. Survey Sites. 9/9/74: head of Hut Creek, Victoria Range at 600 Floristics. 5/11/74 and 22/3/75: summit of Mt. William at m. Tree: Brown Stringybark, Shin- 1120 m. Floristics. Tree: Grampians Gum. ing Peppermint and Messmate. Shrub: Myrtle Shrub: Spike Wattle, Silver Banksia, Coast Bank- Wattle, Mitcheirs Wattle, Spike Wattle, Silver sia, Dwarf She-oak, Prickly Tea-tree, Heath Tea- Banksia, Coast Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, Prickly tree and Shiny Tea-tree. Herb: saw-sedges and Tea-tree, Heath Tea-tree, Dwarf Hakea, Bushy Needlcwood, Furze many tussocks of short sedges. Moss is present. Hakea, Grampians Fringe- myrtle, Grampians Thryptomene, Common Heath 3. Heath (Grampians Gum on dry sub-alpine and several other low heath species. Herb: sedge sites). Occurrence. Serra Range, GR. Survey tussocks with an underlayer of moss. Sites. 21/3/75: W facing slope on Mirranatwa Gap at 460 m. 25/3/75: Serra Range E of Serra 7. Tall open forest (Messmate and Narrow-leaf Wattle). Park Homestead. Floristics. Tree: Grampians Occurrence. Uncommon and restricted to sheltered Gum. Shrub: Silver Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, areas at high altitudes in the ranges, Dwarf She-oak, Prickly Tea-tree, Shiny Tea-tree, GR. Survey Sites. 9/9/74: near Hut Creek Junc- Common Correa, Common Heath, Pine Heath, tion. Victoria Range at 600 m. 19/3/75: Long Horny Cone-bush, Variable Prickly Grcvillea, Gully, Mt. Difficult Road at 600 m. Floristics. Tree Messmate. Flame Grevillea, flat-pea and Leafless Currant- : Shrub : Blackwood, Narrow- bush. Herb: mainly sedges. leaf Wattle, Prickly Moses, Prickly Tea-tree, vel- vet-bush, Rough Coprosma and a few low heaths. 4. Heath. Occurrence. Victoria, Mt. Difficult and Herb: tussock and prostrate sedges, Austral Mt. William Ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 12/8/74: Bracken, grass and moss. W slope of Major Mitchell Plateau at 1080 m. 19/3/75: Mt. Difficult Range at 800 m. 20/3/75: 8. Open forest (Brown Stringybark and stunted Carters Track, Mt. Difficult Range at 620 m. Mountain Grey Gum). Occurrence. Sandstone 22/4/75: Mt. Thackeray and near Castle Rock, outcrops at high altitudes on Mt. Difficult and Victoria Victoria Range at 850 m. Floristics. Tree: Gram- Ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 5/9/74: near pians Gum and Brown Stringybark. Shrub: Goat Track, Victoria Range at 640 m. 7/9/74: Mountain Hickory Wattle, Spike Wattle, Silver Wallaby Rocks Track, Mt. Difficult Range. Floris- Banksia, Coast Banksia, Veined Beard-heath, tics. Tree: Brown Stringybark and Mountain Grey Prickly Tea-tree, Grampians Fringe-myrtle, Gum. Shrub: Myrtle Wattle, Spike Wattle, Silver Notched Phebalium, Cross-leaf Honey Myrtle, Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, Prickly Tea-tree, Heath Wedge-leaf Hop-bush, Rough Coprosma and Tea-tree, Grampians Fringe-myrtle, Notched Phe- Hairy Correa. Herb: prostrate sedges, grass tus- balium, Dwarf Hakea, Furze Hakea, Variable Prickly socks and some low ferns. Moss is present. Grevillea, Pine Heath, Common Heath and several other low heaths. Herb: prostrate 5. Open forest (Messmate and Brown Stringy- sedges, grass tussocks, Austral Bracken and bark with a Mountain Hickory Wattle and lichens. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 307

9. Open forest (Brown Stringybark and Moun- bush, Love Creeper, Rough Bush-pea and Slender tain Grey Gum). Occurrence, High Altitudes in Dodder-laurel. Herb: goodenia, flax-lily, tussocks Victoria and Serra Ranges, GR. Survey Sites. of grass and saw-sedge.

3 1 / 1 0/ 74 : Sawmill Track, Victoria Range at 14. Low open forest (Brown Stringybark and 600 m. Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark and Messmate). Occurrence. Common and widespread Mountain Grey Gum. Shrub: Blackwood, Prickly in the ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 3/11/74: near Moses, Hedge Wattle, spyridium, Hairy Correa, Camp of Emus Foot, Victoria Range at 400 m. Orange Bell-climber, Golden-tip, Rough Copros- 29/10/74: Muirfoot Track, Black Range at 400 ma, Rough Bush-pea, and Love Creeper. Herb: m. 19/3/75: 6 km N of Halls Gap on Mt. Zero Forest Wire Grass, Austral Bracken and a few Road at 400 m. 20/3/75: shores of Lake Wartook other ferns. at 400 m. 10/9/74: junction of Wallaby Rocks 10. Open forest (Messmate, Brown Stringybark and Roses Creek Roads at 440 m. Floristics. Tree: and Mountain Grey Gum). Occurrence. Uncom- Brown Stringybark and Messmate. Shrub: Myrtle Wattle, Mitchell's Wattle, Spike mon in the ranges, usually on margins of tall Wattle, Sallow Wattle, Silver Banksia, Oyster Pine, open and open forests, GR. Survey Sites. Bay Dwarf 14/8/74: Stockyard Creek Track, Mt. William She-oak, Winged Spyridium, Prickly Tea-tree, Woolly Tea-tree, Heath Tea-tree, Fringe-myrtle, Range at 480 m. 9/9/74: head of Hut Creek, three species of hakea, Common Heath, Variable Victoria Range at 400 m. Floristics. Tree: Mess- Prickly Grevillea, bitter-pea and Ballart. mate, Brown Stringybark and Mountain Grey Cherry Herb: sedge tussocks, Austral Bracken, prostrate Gum. Shrub: Narrow-leaf Wattle, Prickly Moses, sedges and flax-lily. Hedge Wattle, Myrtle Wattle, Rough Wattle, Silver Banksia, Dwarf She-oak, Prickly Tea-tree, 15. Low open forest (Brown Stringybark and Yeiiow Hakea, Dwarf Hakea, Common Correa, Long-leaf Box). Occurrence. Common around low Common Heath, Austral Grass-tree, spyridium, rock and scree slopes in the Grampians and Hairy Correa, Rough Bush-pea, Rough Coprosma Black Ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 6/9/74: N end and Orange Bell-climber. Herb: tussocks of of Black Range at 300 m. 11/9/74: below Asses sedges, goodenia and lichens. Ears, Mt. Difficult Range at 380 m. Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark and Long-leaf Box. 11. Tall open forest (Messmate and Mountain Shrub: Myrtle Wattle, Spreading Wattle, Var- Grey Gum). Occurrence. Sheltered gullies in the nish Wattle, Juniper Wattle, Silver Banksia, Oy- ranges, GR. Survey Sites. 1/11/74: above Silver- ster Bay Pine, Dwarf She-oak, Winged Spyridium, band Falls, Serra Range at 450 m. Floristics. Heath Tea-tree, grcvilleas. Common Correa, Com- Tree: Messmate and Mountain Grey Gum. Shrub: mon Heath, hakeas, Grampians Thryptomene, Blackwood, Narrow-leaf Wattle, Hazel Poma- Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle and several bush-peas. derris, Hairy Correa, Prickly Currant-bush, Herb: sedge tussocks, mosses and lichens. Rough Coprosma and Victorian Christmas-bush. Herb: saw-sedge tussocks, Austral Bracken, grass, 16. Low open forest (Brown Stringybark). Oc- flax-lily, prostrate sedges, moss and several ground currence. Common on lower slopes of outwash ferns. sand in and around the mountains and ranges, 12. Tall open forest (Mountain Grey Gum). GR and ER. Survey Sites. 10/9/74: Hines Track Occurrence. Uncommon and restricted to gullies, S of Mt. Difficult Range at 240 m. 2/11/74: be- GR. Survey Sites. 9/9/74: Happy Track, Victoria low Asses Ears, Mt. Difficult Range at 300 m. Range at 400 m. Floristics. Tree: Mountain 29/10/74: SW of Mt. Zero at 250 m. 19/3/75: Grey Gum. Shrub: Hazel Pomaderris, Blue Ho- Halls Gap on Mt. Zero Road below Mt. Difficult wittia, Hairy Correa, Cherry Ballart, spyridium Range at 260 m. 24/3/75: Mt. Zero at 250 m. and Rough Coprosma. Herb: saw-sedge tussocks, 26/3/75: below Red Rock, Victoria Range. grass and flax-lily. 17/4/75: Mt. Arapiles at 250 m. Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark. Shrub: 30 species recorded Stringybark). Occur- 13. Open forest (Brown in this association and listed in Appendix 3. Herb: restricted to shel- rence. Uncommon and mainly prostrate sedges and annual grasses. tered scree deposits below Victoria Range, GR. Survey Sites. Happy Track, Victoria Range at 17. Shrubland (Brown Stringybark). Occurrence. 400 m Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark. Uncommon and restricted to ER where it oc- Shrub: Myrtle Wattle, Common Correa, velvet- curs on the crests of a few high sand ridges. Sur- 308 B. W. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRTS and G. J. APPS

vey Sites. 16/4/75 and 19/4/75: Jilpangcr Block. Wattle, Golden Wattle, Silver Banksia, Austral Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark. Shrub: Grass-tree, Grampians Thryptomene, Beaked Desert Banksia, Mitchell's Wattle, Oyster Bay Hakea, Variable-Prickly Grevillea and Cherry Pine, Dwarf She-oak, Heath Tea-tree, Daphne Ballart. Herb: a mixture of sedges, forbs and Heath, Spreading Brachyloma, Rosy Bacckea, grasses. Fringe-myrtle and Beaked Hakca. Herb: mainly 22. Open forest (Manna prostrate sedges. Gum). Occurrence. Re- stricted to stony rises in the Stones and Mt. Na- 18. Shrubland (Brown Stringybark). Occurrence. pier Blocks, HR. Survey Sites. 18/2/75: near the Common on sand sheets, ER. Survey Sites. Natural Bridge, Stones Block at 240 m. 18/2/75: 6/10/74: Yallakar Block at 200 m. 6/12/74: near Vaughan Buffer, Stones Block at 240 m. Kadnook Block. 16/4/75 and 19/4/75: Jilpanger 22/2/75: Millard Track, Stones Block at 240 m. Block. Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringybark. Floristics. Tree: Manna Gum. Shrub: Blackwood, Shrub: Desert Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, Dwarf Black Wattle, Cherry Ballart, Sweet Bursaria, She-oak, Common Heath, bush-pea, Fringe- Tree Lucerne and cassinia. Herb: Austral Bracken, myrtle, Austral Grass-tree and Spike Wattle. grass tussocks, thistles, maiden-hair fern, clover Herb: mainly prostrate sedges. and lichens.

19. Shrubland (Brown Stringybark). Occur- 23. Open forest (Manna Gum). Occurrence. rence. Common and restricted to sand sheets, ER. Mainly on uncleared private lands near Halls Survey Sites. 3/10/74, 4/10/74 and 5/10/74: Gap, GR. Survey Sites. 1/11/74: S of golf course, Tooan Block at 160 m. 4/12/74: Tallageira Block Halls Gap at 260 m. Floristics. Tree: Manna at 160 m 5/12/74: Morca Block at 160 m Gum. Shrub: Blackwood, Black Wattle and 11/12/74: Yallakar Block at 200 m. 19/4/75: Prickly Tea-tree. Herb: Austral Bracken, grass Jilpanger Block. Floristics. Tree: Brown Stringy- tussocks, mosses and orchids. bark. Shrub: same as in 18 (above) plus Myrtle 24. Woodland (Manna Gum). Occurrence. Re- Wattle, Spike Wattle, Silver Banksia and Heath stricted to small areas in GR and AR. Survey Tea-tree. Herb: prostrate sedges, flax-lily, Aus- Sites. 19/3/75: Black Range S of Stawell, tral Bracken, clover and mosses. AR, at 340 m. 21/4/75: Chinamans Track W of Mt. Difficult Range, 20. Shrubland (Brown Stringybark). Occurrence. GR. Floristics. Tree: Manna Gum (may be a hybrid with Common and widespread on sand sheets, ER. Scent-bark). Shrub: Black Wattle, Golden Wattle and Silver Survey Sites. 6/10/74: Yallakar Block at 200 m. Banksia. Herb: a scattered cover of annual 8/12/74: Jilpanger Block. Floristics. Tree: Brown grasses. Stringybark with Yellow and Gum Manna Gum 25. Woodland (Manna Gum). Occurrence. Re- on some margins. Shrub: Black Wattle, Prickly stricted to a narrow zone between Brown Stringy- Tea-tree, Heath Tea-tree, Fringe-myrtle, Silver bark and River Red Gum or Yellow Gum on Banksia, Desert Banksia, beard-heath, bush-pea, sands, ER. Survey Sites. 2/10/74: W of Bartons Dwarf She-oak and Oyster Bay Pine. Herb: pro- Swamp, Toolondo Block at 160 m. 6/10/74: strate sedges, Austral Bracken and flax-lily. Haylocks Road, Yallakar Block at 1 80 m. 4/12/74: Tallageira Block at 180 m. 8/12/74: 21. Low open forest (Long-leaf Box). Occur- Apsley Common. 5/12/74: Dopewora Block. rence. Uncommon, scattered and restricted to Floristics. Tree: Manna Gum (possibly a hybrid AR and E side of GR except for an isolated oc- with Scent-bark). Shrub: Blackwood, Black Wat- currence at Mt. Arapiles, ER. Survey Sites. tle, Silver Banksia, Prickly Tea-tree, Daphne 11/9/74: near Zumsteins below Mt. Difficult Heath and Flame Heath. Herb: scattered annual Range, GR, at 240 m. 17/4/75: near lookout on grasses. Mt. Arapiles, ER, at 300 m. 15/3/75: near Jallu- kar Block, AR, at 240 m. 15/3/75: One Tree 26. Heath (Scent-bark). Occurrence. Extensive Block, AR, at 400 m. 29/3/75: Black Range S on outwash sands in GR, particularly in Victoria Stawell, of AR, at 400 m. 20/3/75: Pohlners Valley and Billywing area. Survey Sites. 19/3/75: Track near Mt. Zero, GR. 21/4/75: Chinamans Mt. Difficult Track at 500 m. 20/3/75: Copper- Track below Mt. Difficult Range, GR, at 300 m. mine Track near Mt. Zero at 300 m. 22/3/75: Floristics. Tree: Long-leaf Box. Shrub: Black Halls Gap rubbish dump near Mokepilly, AR, at Wattle, Hedge Wattle, Wallowa Wattle, Varnish 200 m and Cassidy Gap, Scrra Range at 300 m Wattle, Rough Wattle, Sallow Wattle, Juniper 10/9/74: Lodge and Siphon Roads junction, Vic- GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 309 toria Valley at 220 m. 2/9/74: Lodge Road, Vic- Survey Sites. 20/2/75: SW of Bessiebelle, HR. toria Valley. Floristics. Tree: Scent-bark (possibly 21/3/75: E side of Lake Wartook, GR. 21/3/75: a hybrid with Manna Gum). Shrub: Varnish near Cassidy Gap, Serra Range, GR. Floristics. Wattle, Myrtle Wattle, Wiriida, Hedge Wattle, Tree: Swamp Gum. Shrub: Blackwood, Black Sallow Wattle, Rough Wattle, hakeas, Heath Tea- Wattle, Varnish Wattle, Wiriida, Prickly Moses, tree, Prickly Tea-tree, Silver Banksia, Flame Silver Banksia, Dwarf She-oak, Flame Heath, Heath and Common Heath. Herb: scattered an- Prickly Tea-tree, Woolly Tea-tree, Heath Tea-tree, nual grasses and occasionally sedges. Scented Paper-bark and baucra. Herb: Austral Bracken, saw-sedge, grass, moss, goodenia, lich- 27. Heath (Plate 19, Fig. 2). Occurrence. Com- ens, prostrate sedges and rapier-sedge. mon in Victoria Valley and Billywing area, GR. Survey Sites. 3/9/74: Siphon Road, Victoria Val- 32. Heath (Scented Paper-bark). Occurrence. ley. 4/9/74: Billywing area. Floristics. Tree: Uncommon and restricted to a few gullies in GR, none. Shrub: Silver Banksia, Desert Banksia, becoming common SW of the Stones Block, HR. Dwarf She-oak, Common Heath, beard-heath, Survey Sites. 5/9/74: near Goat Track, Victoria Flame Heath, guinea-flower, Furze Hakea, Com- Range, GR, and E side of Lake Wartook, Mt. mon Correa and Broom Spurge. Herb: saw-sedge Difficult Range, GR. Floristics. Tree: a few Scent- and rapier-sedge. barks or Messmates may be present. Shrub: Scen- ted Paper-bark, Swamp Honey-myrtle, Prickly 28. Open forest (Messmate). Occurrence. SW Moses, Silver Banksia, Dwarf She-oak and of Bessiebelle HR. Survey Sites. 20/2/75: SW Prickly Tea-tree. Herb: saw-sedge, prostrate of Bessiebelle at 100 m. Floristics. Tree: Messmate. sedges, mosses and lichens. Shrub: Blackwood, Black Wattle, Prickly Tea-tree and Sweet Bursaria. Herb: Austral Bracken and 33. Woodland (River Red Gum) (Plate 19, Fig. grass. 1). Occurrence. Widespread in ER, GR and AR. Survey Sites. 9/9/74: Moora Moora Reservoir, 29. Heath (Shining Peppermint). Occurrence. Victoria Valley, GR. 12/9/74: Lodge Road, Vic- Uncommon, mainly in valleys on SE side of GR. toria Valley, GR. 1/11/74: Halls Gap rubbish Survey Sites. 12/3/75: near head of Wannon dump. Floristics. Tree: River Red Gum. Shrub: River, GR, at 300-380 m. 22/3/75: rubbish dump Blackwood, Black Wattle, Prickly Moses, Hedge E of Halls Gap, AR, at 200 m. Floristics. Tree: Wattle, Spike Wattle, Varnish Wattle, Golden Shining Peppermint, Brown Stringybark, Mess- Wattle, Prickly Tea-tree, Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle, mate and Scent-bark. Shrub: Varnish Wattle, Cherry Ballart and Silver Banksia. Herb: short Silver Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, Dwarf She-oak, sedges, broad-leaved forbs, mosses and grasses. Common Heath, Prickly Tea-tree, Heath Tea-tree, Variable-Prickly Grcvillea and Common Correa. 34. Woodland (River Red Gum and myrtles). Herb: mainly sedges (see Parsons et ah 1972). Occurrence. Mainly on swamp margins (usually freehold) in ER. Survey Sites. 3/10/74: Kallun- 30. Open forest (Swamp Gum) . Occurrence. Widely distributed along margins of gullies in the gar Block, ER. 24/3/75: Sheet of Water Creek, River S portions of GR and HR. Survey Sites. 9/9/74: Victoria Valley, GR. Floristics. Tree: Red Hut Gully, Victoria Range, GR. 11/9/74: near Gum. Shrub: Prickly Tea-tree, Cross-leaf Honey- Roses Gap below Mt. Difficult Range, GR. myrtle and Scarlet Bottlcbrush. Herb: tall sedges, 1/11/74: Halls Gap, GR. 20/2/75: S of Bessie- rushes, water milfoil and spike-rush. belle, HR. Floristics. Tree: Swamp Gum; this is 35. Heath (Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle) . Occur- an ecotonal community which merges into nearly rence. Areas of winter inundation, GR. Survey pure Swamp Gum on the wetter margins and into Sites. Sheet of Water Creek, Victoria Valley, GR. Manna Gum, Brown Stringybark, Scent-bark, Floristics. Tree: a few River Red Gum. Shrub: Long-leaf Box, Yellow Box, Messmate, Mountain Silver Banksia, Prickly Tea-tree, Manuka, Cross- Grey Gum and Shining Peppermint on the drier leaf Honey-myrtle, Dwarf Hakea and Yellow margins. Shrub: similar to those listed for com- Hakea. Herb: grasses, mosses and moisture toler- munity 31 (below) with a few additional species ant forbs. from the drier adjacent communities. Herb: Aus- tral Bracken, grass tussocks, mosses and orchids. 36. Woodland (River Red Gum with open grass Fig. Occur- 31. Open forest (Swamp Gum). Occurrence. Re- areas underneath) (Plate 20, 4). covered large areas on the stricted to a few small wet gullies in GR and HR. rence. Originally 310 B. W. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

plains in ER and GR; now mainly cleared. Cranberry Heath, Prickly Tea-tree and Grampians Survey Sites. 2/9/74: near Halls Gap, GR. Thryptomene. Herb: grasses, forbs and mosses. 8/9/74: near Glenisla Crossing, Victoria Valley, GR. 4/12/74: swamp margin N of Apsley, ER. 42. Woodland (Yellow Gum and Yellow Box). Floristics. Tree: River Red Gum. Herb: mainly Occurrence. Widespread in ER, GR and AR grasses, lilies and other forbs. where it fringes Crown Land; much has been cleared. Survey Sites. 6/9/74: 10 km E of Halls 37. Woodland and pasture (River Red Gum and Gap in a Crown Land road reserve, AR, at 200 annual grasses). Occurrence. River Red Gum m; H.G.H. Corner, Black Range, GR, at 240 m; woodlands were once widespread and common, and Roses Gap, GR. 11/9/74: Mt. Victory and now mainly cleared to pastures with scattered Asses Ears Roads junction, GR, at 240 m. trees; common throughout the plains of ER, GR 3/10/73: Toolondo Block, ER, at 200 m. and AR. Survey Sites. 4/9/74: Glcnisla-Billywing 1/12/74: Mokepilly Block, AR. 15/3/75: Jallu- area, GR, and Mokepilly, AR. 6/12/74: Thomp- kar Block, AR. Floristics. Tree: Yellow Gum and son Creek at Benayeo N of Apsley, ER. 5/12/74: Yellow Box. Shrub: wattles and a few heath-like Dopewora Block, ER. Floristics. Tree: River species. Herb: short sedges or annual grasses, de- Red Gum. Shrub: a few Bull-oaks. Herb: mainly pending on soil moisture. annual grasses except on gilgaied soils where 43. Woodland (Yellow and wattles). lilies and sedges predominate. Gum Oc- currence. Outwash sands at Mt. Arapiles, ER, probably also present in GR. Survey Sites. 38. Grassland with River Red Gum fringing the 16/4/75: NW side of Mt. Arapiles, ER, at 240 rivers. Occurrence. Natural grassland was not m. Floristics. Tree: Yellow Gum and Yellow Box. originally extensive in the survey area, occurring Shrub: Golden Wattle, Juniper Wattle, Gold-dust only in HR and AR. Grasslands have increased Wattle, Wallowa, Pine Heath, Cranberry Heath, since European settlement. Survey Sites. 19/2/75: guinea-flower and Heath-myrtle. Herb: annual along Wannon River and in Wannon Valley near grasses, short sedges and other forbs. Coleraine, HR. Floristics. Tree: River Red Gum along the rivers. Herb: mainly annual grasses; 44. Woodland (Yellow Gum and heaths). Occur- along rivers Cane Grass and tall forbs are pre- rence. Widespread in ER, occurring in small sent. stands on winter-wet clay pans in and around sand sheets. Survey Sites. 5/12/74: Morea Block 39. Open forest (Candlebark). Occurrence. at 160 m. 7/12/74: Tallageira Block. 22/3/75: Rare, seen only in GR. Survey Sites. W of Lake Yallakar Block. Floristics. Tree: Yellow Gum and Bellfield at 300 m. Floristics. Tree: Candlebark. Brown Stringybark. Shrub: Silver Banksia, Flame Shrub: similar to the list for community 41 (be- Heath, Cranberry Heath, low). guinea-flower, Prickly Tea-tree, Broom Baeckea, Fringe-myrtle, Mallee Honey-myrtle, 40. Violet Honey-myrtle, Moonah, Open forest (Red Stringybark) . Occurrence. Scarlet Bottlebrush, Desert Hakea, Muntries, Yel- Uncommon in E portion of AR. Survey Sites. low Rice-flower, Cherry Baliart and several spe- 15/3/75: One Tree Hill Block at 420 m. Floris- cies of wattles. Herb: not assessed. tics. Tree: Red Stringybark. Shrub: similar to the list for community 41 (below). Herb: tus- 45. Woodland (Yellow Gum and Bull-oak). socks of grass. Oc- currence. Uncommon in ER and AR, mainly cleared and now only occurring as remnants on 41. Woodland (Yellow Box). Occurrence. Un- freehold land. Survey Sites. 7/12/74: Thompson common and restricted to GR and AR. Survey Creek along Benayeo Road, ER. 22/3/75: near Sites. 9/3/75: SW of Stawell, AR, at 400 m. Mokepilly, AR. Floristics. Tree: Yellow Gum. 21/4/75: Chinamans Track, GR, at 320 m. Shrub: Bull-oak. Herb: annual grasses and a few 15/3/75: Jallukar Block, AR, at 240 m and of W sedges, Ararat, AR, at 400 m. Floristics. Tree: Yellow Box, Long-leaf Box and Red Stringybark. Shrub: 46. Woodland (Grey Box). Occurrence. Orig- Blackwood, Black Wattle, Narrow-leaf Wattle, inally widespread in the plains of ER and AR, Prickly Moses, Hedge Wattle, Sallow Wattle, now mainly cleared; a few small stands still fringe Lightwood, Silver Banksia, Oyster Bay Pine, some Crown Lands. Survey Sites. 30/10/74: road- Drooping She-oak, Common Heath, Flame Heath, side near Lah-arum, AR. 7/12/74: Thompson :

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 311

Creek at Benayeo N of Apsley, ER. 17/4/75: Kamarooka Mallee, Dumosa Mallee, Yellow Mal- golf course at Mt. Arapiles, ER. 18/4/75: 2 km lee and Peppermint Box. Shrub: Golden Wattle, S of Horsham, ER. 15/4/75: near Wimmera Gold-dust Wattle, Spiny Wattle, Juniper Wattle, River E of Horsham, AR. Floristics. Tree: Grey Grey Mulga, Oyster Bay Pine, Flame Heath, Box, Black Box and Bull-oak. Shrub: Bull-oak and Cranberry Heath, hakeas, guinea-flower, Rosy a few species of wattles. Herb: see Connor (1966) Baeckea, Muntries, Fringe-myrtle, Leafless Bitter- for a list of both shrub and herb species. pea, Thorny Bitter-pea, correa, Sweet Bursaria, Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle, Violet Honey-myrtle 47. Woodland (Black Box and Bull-oak). Occur- and Broom Honey-myrtle. Herb: annual grasses, rence, Uncommon and restricted to flood plains mosses and a few sedges. of the Wimmera River, ER and AR. Survey Sites. 8/8/74: NW of Mt. Arapiles, ER. 49. Woodland (Slender Cypress Pine). Occur- 15/4/75: Wimmera River E of Horsham, AR. rence. Mainly restricted to old lunettes in ER. Floristics. Tree: Black Box and Bull-oak. Shrub: Survey Sites. 5/10/74: S edge of Crown Land in Bull-oak. Herb: see Connor (1966) for list. Kallungar Block. 18/4/75: 4 km S of Horsham.

Floristics. Tree : Slender Cypress Pine. Shrub 48. Shrubland (mallee eucalypts). Occurrence. Flame Heath and Daphne Heath. Herb: annual A few small areas of mallee occur between Hor- grasses. sham and the Tooan Block, ER. They are outliers

of mallee from the Little Desert and it is sugges- ted that 2 or 3 tongues of mallee once extended 50. Shrubland (Salt Paper-bark). Occurrence. S across what is now farmland along ironstone Restricted to the shores of a chain of saline ridges into the Natimuk area (Middleton pers. lakes occurring along the E boundaries of the comm.). Survey Sites. 1/10/74: Tooan Block. Tooan, Jilpanger and Toolondo Blocks, ER. 6/10/74: SW of Horsham and E of Noradjuha. Survey Sites. 7/10/74: lakeside N of Douglas in 16/4/75: NW slopes of Mt. Arapiles. 17/4/75: Jilpanger Block. Floristics. Tree: Salt Paper- flora reserve E of Noradjuha. Floristics. Tree: bark. Herb: mainly sedges.

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314 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Appendix 3.—Plant species list

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1

Annual Veldt Grass Ehrharta longiflora Austral Bracken Pteridhim esculentum Austral Grass-tree Xanthorrhoea australis 4, 6,7, 10, 14-19,21,26 Australian Clematis Clematis aristata 1,9, 11, 13 Australian Dusty Miller Spyridium pcirvifolium Australian Indigo Indigofera australis Beaked Hakea Hakea rostrata 14-18, 21 Bitter-pea Davlesia mimosoides Black-anther Flax-lily Dianella revoluta Black Box Eucalyptus largiflorens 47 Black Rapier-sedge Lepidosperma carphoides Black Wattle Acacia mearusii 14, 16, 20-26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 39-41 Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon 7, 9, 11, 22, 23, 25, 28, 30, 33, 39^1 Blue Boronia Boronia caerulescens Blue Howittia Howittia trilocularis 12 Blue Stars Chamaescilla corymbosa Blue Tinsel-lily Calectasia cyanea Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilijera Broom Baeckea Baeckea behrii 21,44,48 Broom Honey-myrtle Melaleuca uncinata 48 Broom Spurge Amperea xiphoclada 1,21, 27, 29 Brown Stringybark Eucalyptus baxteri 4-5,7-10, 13-20 Bull-oak Casuarina luehmannii 16,37,38,42,45,46 Bundled Guinea-flower Hibbertia fasciculata 14-16, 18-20, 25, 26, 27, 29, 33, 43 Bush Heath Brachyloma ericoides 15, 18 Bushy Needlewood Hakea sericea Bush-pea Pultenaea benthamii 3, 11 Bush-pea Pultenaea costata 5 Bush-pea Pultenaea d'altonii 3 Bush-pea Pultenaea hibbertioides 17, 18,26 Bush-pea Pultenaea humilis 16 Bush-pea Pultenaea laxiflora 16,43 Bush-pea Pultenaea prolifera 16, 27 Bush-pea Pultenaea prostrata Button-grass Gymnoschoenus sphaeroce- phalus Candlebark Eucalyptus rubida 39 Cassinia Cassinia sp. 4 Cherry Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformis 12, 14, 16,21,22,26,33,44 Chocolate Lily Dichopogon strictus Cleland's Beard-heath Leucopogon clelandii Clustered Everlasting Helichrysum semipapposum Coarse Dodder-laurel Cassytha melantha Coarse Twine-rush Leptocarpus brownii Coast Banksia Banksia integrifolia 1,2,6

Coast Saw-sedge Gahnia trifida • Coast Swainson-pea Swainsona lessertiifolia Common Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus 15-20,25,27,29 Common Billy-buttons Craspedia glauca Common Correa Correa reflexa 1-3, 6-8, 10, 13-16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 27, 29 )

GRAMPIAN S-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 315

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1

Common Heath Epacris impressa 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13-16, 18-20, 26, 27, 29, 39-41

Common Hovea Hovea heterophylla 8, 11, 12, 14-16,27 Common Rapier-sedge Lepidosperma filiforme Cootamundra Wattle Acacia baileyana 20 Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum 16,20-21,25,26, 33,39-41,43,44,48 Cross-leaf Honey-myrtle Melaleuca decussata 4, 15,33-35,48 Dagger Hakea Hakea teretijolia Daisy-bush Olearia erubescens Daphne Heath Brachyloma daphnoides 14, 16--21, 26 Desert Banksia Banksia ornata 16--20, 27 Downy Dodder-laurel Cassytha pubescens Desert Hakea Hakea muellerana 44 Drooping She-oak Casuarina stricta 21, 39--41 Dumosa Mallee Eucalyptus dumosa 48 Dwarf Geebung Persoonia chamaepeuce

Dwarf Hakea Hakea rugosa 3, 6, 8, 10, 15,20, 35,42 Dwarf She-oak Casuarina pusilla 1-3, 10, 14-20, 26-27, 29, 31, 32 Early Black Wattle Acacia decurrens Erect Guinea-flower Hibbertia stricta Eutaxia Eutaxia microphylla 44 Fairy Wax-flower Eriostemon verrucosus Flame Grevillea Grevillea dimorpha 3 Flame Heath Astroloma conostephioides 6, 14-21,25-27,31,39-41,43,44,48 Flat Cord-rush Restio complanatus Forest Wire Grass Tetrarrhena jtincea 9 Fringed Everlasting Helichrysum baxteri Fringe-myrtle Calytrix tetragona 4, 14, 16-21,44,48 Furze Hakea Hakea ulicina 6, 8, 14, 18, 20, 27 Gold-dust Wattle Acacia acinacca 42, 43, 46, 48 Golden Heath Styphelia adscendens 6,8, 17, 18,25,26,27,31 Golden Pennants Loudonia behrii Golden Spray Viminaria juncea Golden-tip Goodia lotijolia Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha 16,21,33,39-41,44,48 Gorse Bitter-pea Daviesia ulicifolia 13, 14, 16, 17,20 Grampians Fringe-myrtle Calytrix sullivanii 1,4,6 Grampians Grevillea Grevillea confertifolia Grampians Guinea-flower Hibbertia humifusa Grampians Gum Eucalyptus alpina 2-4 Grampians Parrot-pea Diliwynia oreodoxa Grampians Thryptomene Thryptomene calycina 6, 15, 16,21,26, 39-41 Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa 46 Grey Everlasting Helichrysum obcordatum Grey Mulga Acacia brachybotrya 44,48 Guinea-flower Hibbertia cistiflora 17 Guinea-flower Hibbertia obtusifolia 48 Guinea-flower Hibbertia procumbens Guinea-flower Hibbertia virgata 16, 18-20,25-27,44 Hairy Boronia Boronia pilosa Hairy Correa Correa aemula 4,9-12, 14 Hairy Geebung Persoonia rigida 14, 15, 17-20 316 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1)

Hairy Mint-bush Prostanthera hirtula Hare's-tail Lagurus ovatus Harlequin-flower Sparaxis grandiflora Hazel Pomaderris Pomaderris aspera 11, 12 Heath-myrtle Micromyrtus ciliata 16,26,43,48 Heath Spyridium Spyridium eriocephalum 11 Heath Tea-tree Leptospermum myrsinoides 1,2,6, 14-20,26,29, 31, 32 Hedge Wattle Acacia armata 9, 10,21,26,33,39-41,44 Holly Grevillea Greviliea ilicifolia Hooked Needlewood Hakea vittata Hop Bitter-pea Daviesia latijolia Hop Wattle A cacia stricta

Horny Cone-bush Isopogon ceratophyllus 3, 6, 8, 10, 14-20, 26, 27, 29, 31 Ivy Flat-pea Platylobium triangulare 3 Juniper Wattle Acacia ulicifolia 15, 16,21,43,48 Kamarooka Mallee Eucalyptus froggattii 48 Lance Beard-heath Leucopogon lanceolatus Large-leaf Ray-flower Anthocercis frondosa Lavender Grevillea Grevillea lavandulacea 15 Leafless Bitter-pea Daviesia brevijolia 8, 14-18,26,48 Leafless Currant-bush Leptomeria aphylla 3, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18 Lightwood Acacia implexa Long-leaf Box Eucalyptus goniocalyx 15,21 Love Creeper Comesperma volubile 8, 10, 13, 16 Mallee Honey-myrtle Melaleuca neglecta Manna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis 22-26 Manuka Leptospermum scoparium 35 Matted Bush-pea Pultenaea pedunculata 15, 16 Messmate Stringybark Eucalyptus obliqua 5,7, 10,11, 14,28 Mistletoes Amyema sp. Mitchell's Wattle Acacia mitchellii 6, 14, 17, 18 Moonah Melaleuca lanceolata 4,44 Mountain Correa Correa lawrenciana Mountain Grevillea Grevillea alpina Mountain Grey Gum Eucalyptus cypellocarpa 8-12 Mountain Hickory Wattle Acacia obliquinervia 4,5 Mountain Pepper Drimys lanceolata 5,6,8, 10, 13-16, 18-20 Mountain Tea-tree Leptospermum grandifolium Mt. Byron Bush-pea Pultenaea patellifolia 15, 16 Muntries Kunzea pomifera 48 Myrtle Wattle Acacia myrtifolia 6,8, 10, 13-16, 19,28 Narrow-leaf Bitter-pea Daviesia virgata 15,20 Narrow-leaf Trymalium Trymalium d'altonii Narrow-leaf Wattle Acacia mucronata 7, 10,11,39-41 Notched Phebalium Phebalium bilobum 1,4,5 Onion-grass Romulea rosea Orange Bell-climber Marianthus bignoniaceus 5, 9, 10 Oyster Bay Pine CalUtris rhomboidea 2, 4, 6, 8, 14-20, 29, 39-41, 48 Pale-fruit Ballart Exocarpos strictits 44 Pale Turpentine Bush Beyeria leschenaultii 16,21 Pale Rush Juncus pallidus Peach Heath Lissanthe strigosa )

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 317

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1

Peppermint Box Eucalyptus odorata 48 Pine Heath Astroloma pinijolium 1,4,5,7,8, 15, 16, 19,21,26 Pink Beard-heath Leucopogon ericoides 10, 16 Pink-bells Tetratheca ciliata 5,8, 10, 13-15, 18-20,26 Pink Swamp-heath Sprengelia incarnata 1 Ploughshare Wattle Acacia gunnii Prickly Bush-pea Pultenaea juniperina Prickly Cryptandra Cryptandra tomentosa 27 Prickly Currant-bush Coprosma quadrifida 11 Prickly Geebung Persoonia juniperina 8 Prickly Moses Acacia verticillata 7, 9, 10, 14, 26, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 39-41 Prickly Starwort Stellaria pungens Prickly Tea-tree Leptospermum juniperinum 1-8, 10, 14, 16, 20, 23, 25-26, 28-35, 44 Purple Coral-pea Hardenbergia violacea Purple Eyebright Euphrasia collina Red-fruit Saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana Red Parrot-pea Dillwynia hispida Red Stringybark Eucalyptus macrorhyncha 40 River Bottlebrush Callistemon paludosus River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis 33-38 River Tea-tree Leptospermum obovatum 30 Rock Correa Correa glabra 1,2 Rosemary Grevillea Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosy Baeckea Baeckea ramosissima 17, 18,48 Rough Bush-pea Pultenaea scabra 8,9, 10, 13, 14 Rough Coprosma Coprosma hirtella 4, 7, 9-12 Rough Mint-bush Prostanthera denticulata Rough Star-hair Astrotricha asperifolia Rough Wattle Acacia aspera 10, 21, 26 Round-leaf Mint-bush Prostanthera rotundifolia Round Templetonia Templetonia egena 27,32 Ruddy Beard-heath Leucopogon rufus 1, 6, 17, 20 Rust Bush-pea Pultenaea hispidula Rusty-pods Hovea longifolia Sallow Wattle Acacia longifolia 14, 16,21,24,26,49-52 Salt Paper-bark Melaleuca halmaturorum 50 Saw-sedge Gahnia sp. Scarlet Bottlebrush Callistemon macropunctatus 34,44 Scarlet Coral-pea Kennedia prostrata 15, 16, 18-20 Scent-bark Eucalyptus aromaphloia 24-26, 29 Scented Paper-bark Melaleuca squarrosa 31, 32 Scrambling Lily Geitonoplesium cymosum Scrubby Velvet-bush Lasiopetalum dasyphyllum 6,7 Shrub Violet Hybanthus floribundus Shining Peppermint Eucalyptus nitida 3, 6, 14, 29 Shiny Tea-tree Leptospermum nitidum 1-4 Short Purple-flag Patersonia fragilis Showy Bauera Bauera sessiliflora 11, 31 Showy Parrot-pea Dillwynia sericea 14 Silky Guinea-flower Hibbertia sericea 15-21,25,48 318 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1)

Silver Banksia Banksia marginata 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14-16, 18-21, 24-27, 29-33, 35, 39-41,44 Silver Daisy Celmisia asteliifolia 1 Stiver Wattle Acacia dealbata Slender Bog-rush Schoenus tenuissimus Slender Cypress Pine Callitris preissii 49 Slender Dodder-laurel Cassytha glabella 4, 6, 13-20,26 Slender Honey-myrtle Melaleuca gibbosa Slender Hop-bush Dodonaea angustissima 21 Slender Mint-bush Prostanthera saxicola Slender Rice-flower Pimelea I in i folia Slender Saw-sedge Gahnia microstachya Slender Smoke-bush Conospermum patens 14, 16-19, 26 Slender Twine-rush Leptocarpus tenax Slender Velvet-bush Lasiopetalum baueri 6, 10, 13,44,48 Small-flower Grevillea Grevillea parviflora Small-fruit Hakea Hakea rnicrocarpa Small Grass-tree Xanthorrhoea minor 20,25 Small-leaved Clematis Clematis microphylla 16, 19,22 Smooth Tea-tree Leptospermum glabrescens Snow Myrtle Calytrix alpestris Spike Wattle Acacia oxycedrus 1,2,4,6,8, 13, 14, 19,26,31 Spiny Mint-bush Prostanthera spinosa Spiny Wattle Acacia spinescens 14, 48 Spreading Brachyloma Brachyloma depressum 14^21, 33 Spreading Wattle Acacia diffusa 15 Sugar Gum Eucalyptus cladocalyx 37 Swamp Club-moss Selageinella uliginosa Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata 30, 31 Swamp Honey-myrtle Melaleuca squamea 44 Sweet Apple-berry Billardierai cymosa Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa 11, 14, 15,22,28,48 Sweet Quandong Santalum acuminatum Tall Rice-flower Pimelea ligustrina Tall Sword-sedge Lepidosperma elatius Tasman Flax-lily Dianella tasmanica Tassel Cord-rush Restio tetraphyllus Tassel Rope-bush Hypolaena fastigiata Thatch Saw-sedge Gahnia radula Thorny Bitter-pea Daviesia pectinata 48 Thyme Beard-heath Leucopogon thymifolius 2,7,9,14,16 Trailing Ground-berry Acrotiche prostrata Tree Everlasting Helichrysum dendroideum Tree Lucerne Chamaecytisus proliferus 22,25 Variable Daisy Brachycome ciliaris Variable Prickly Grevillea Grevillea aquifolium 1-3,6, 8, 14-16,21,26,29 Variable Sword-sedge Lepidosperma laterale Varnish Wattle Acacia verniciflua 15, 16,21,26,33 Veined Beard-heath Leucopogon neurophyllus 1,2,45 Victorian Christmas-bush Prostanthera lasianthos 11, 31 Victorian Flat-pea Platylobium alternifolium Victorian Smoke-bush Conospermum mitchellii 1,2, 8, 16,27,29 GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 319

Common name Scientific name Plant community numbers (see Appendix 1)

Violet Honey-myrtle Melaleuca wilsonii 44,48 Violet Kunzea Kunzea parvifolia 44 Wallowa Acacia calamifolia 16, 21, 30, 43, 44 Wedge-leaf Hop-bush Dodonaea cuneata 4, 16 Western Golden-tip Goodia medicaginea White Sallee Eucalyptus pauciflora 1,2 Winged Spyridium Spyridium vexilliferum 14, 15 Wirilda Acacia retinodes 14, 16, 26, 31, 33 Wiry Bauera Bauera rubioides 1, 6, 30 Wombat Berry Eustrephus latifolius Woolly-style Heath Epacris lanuginosa Woolly Tea-tree Leptospermum lanigerum 14,31,33, 39--41 Yellow Box Eucalyptus melliodora 41,42 Yellow Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon 42-45 Yellow Hakea Hakea nodosa 10, 35 Yellow Mallee Eucalyptus incrassata 48 Yellow Rice-flower Pimelea flava 44 Zieria Zieria 320 B. W. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Appendix 4.

Relationships between the species of Eucalyptus occurring in the Grampians- Edenhope Area

Hamilton Region

Hamilton Region

Grampians Region

Ararat Region

Edenhope Region

Edenhope Region GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 321

Appendix 5. Kaliungar and Tooan Blocks Annotated in ER. Sedges and list of birds from the River Red Gums were on its margin, but the sur- Grampians-Edenhope Area of southwestern rounding area was mainly pasture. Victoria PELECANIDAE (PELICANS) DROMAIIDAE (EMU) Pelecanus conspicillatus. Australian Pelican. Dromaius novaehollandiae. Emu. Abundance and distribution. Abundance Uncommon. Re- and distribution. Common and re- corded in ER at Toolondo Reservoir; in GR at stricted in ER, GR and AR; not seen in HR. Rocklands Reservoir, Marney Swamp and Moora Flocks containing 50 birds were seen occasionally; Moora Reservoir; and in AR at Lake Lonsdale. However, most sightings were of family groups! Habitat. Large bodies of deep standing fresh Habitat. Mainly pasture lands bordering wood- water. land and open forest, particularly in GR. Occa- sional flocks were also in some Crown Land areas ANHINGIDAE (DARTERS) covered by woodland, shrubland, open forest and Anhinga melanogaster. Darter. heath. It appears that the mosaic pattern of wood- land or open forest surrounded by pasture land Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in which occurs in the N portion of the survey area GR on Rocklands Reservoir and at Cherrypool. is conducive to the continued success of this spe- Habitat. Large freshwater lakes and reservoirs. cies in the area. Breeding. Between October and Breeding. A single nest on a horizontal tree December 1974 the total number of young branch was found near Rocklands Reservoir in counted in six family groups ranged from 3 to 8 December 1974 (Morris pers. comm.). and averaged 4-5 young. On 28 July 1957 a nest PHALACROCORACTIDAE (CORMORANTS) with eight eggs was found near Mt. Zero, GR, in an area of Brown Stringybark with heath under- Phalacrocorax varius. Pied Cormorant. growth (Binns 1957). Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in PODICIPEDIDAE (GREBES) AR at Lake Lonsdale. Habitat. Large permanent freshwater lakes. Breeding. One pair was nesting Podiceps cristatus. Great Crested Grebe. at Lake Lonsdale in December 1964 (Wheeler Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in 1965). ER near the Mt. Arapiles Block, on Jaka Lake Phalacrocorax and on Lake Wallace; in GR near Dunkeld; and melanoleucos. Little Pied Cormorant. in AR at Lake Fyans. Habitat. Permanent fresh- water lakes and reservoirs with areas of open Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- deep water. Breeding. Eggs were found at Lake spread. Habitat. It was present on large per- Wallace, ER, in late December 1972 (Mitchell manent bodies of standing fresh water (e.g. Too- 1973;McCulloch 1973). londo and Rocklands Reservoirs, and Lakes Fy- ans, Lonsdale and Charlegrark), and farm dams Podiceps poliocephalus. Hoary-headed Grebe. in all regions, on temporary freshwater swamps, Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and on flooded pastures and woodlands particularly widespread; usually alone or in small flocks. in ER, on streams and rivers (e.g. Boggy Creek Habitat. Temporary and permanent freshwater in GR and the Glenelg River) and on estuaries lakes, swamps and flooded pastures; open water (Lake Yambuk at the mouth of the Eumeralla areas are favoured. Breeding. A nest containing River). Breeding. On 7 December 1974 a nesting eggs was in a flooded pasture in ER near the colony consisting of at least eight nests was lo- Mt. Arapiles Block in October 1974. cated in the middle of a flooded woodland on the E margin of the Tallageira Block, ER. Tachybaptus novaehollandiae. Little Grebe. The nests were on the branches of River Red Gums Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- and contained well-developed young. Thirty pairs spread in ER and AR; uncommon in GR and nested in AR on Lake Lonsdale between Decem- HR. Habitat. Temporary and permanent fresh- ber 1964 and February 1965 (Wheeler 1965). water swamps and lakes. Breeding. A floating nest containing seven eggs was found (3 October Phalacrocorax carbo. Black Cormorant. 1974) on a pond 7 x 15 m and located between Abundance and distribution. Uncommon. Re- 322 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

corded in GR at Bryan Swamp, Rocklands Reser- survey in ER at Lake Charlegrark and S of Mt. voir and near Balmoral; in AR at Lake Lonsdale Arapilcs Block; and in GR at Bryan Swamp and and near Mokepilly; and in HR at Cavendish. in the Wannon River floodplain at SE end of Habitat. Large deep bodies of permanent fresh Serra Range. Habitat. Shallow margins of fresh- water; occasionally rivers, temporary swamps and water lakes and swamps and pastures (either other shallow bodies of water. Breeding. Twenty flooded or with new plant growth). pairs nested in AR at Lake Lonsdale between December 1964 and February 1965 (Wheeler Nycticorax 1965). caledonicus. Nankeen Night-heron. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; re- Phalacrocorax sulcirostris. Little Black corded in ER at Lake Charlegrark and St. Marys Cormorant. Lake; in GR at Bryan Swamp, Cherrypool and Abundance and distribution. Uncommon. Re- near Balmoral; and in HR near Cavendish. corded in ER at Lake Connangorach, over Habitat. Usually in trees on margins of freshwater flooded woodland near Apsley and at Lake Wal- streams, lakes and swamps. lace; in GR at Rocklands Reservoir and near Bal- Botaurus poiciloptilus. Brown moral; and in AR at Lake Lonsdale. Habitat. Bittern. Permanent bodies of flowing and standing fresh Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen dur- water. Breeding. Sixty pairs nested in AR at Lake ing FWD survey. Recorded N of Mt. Dundas Lonsdale between December 1964 and February Block in GR in 1956-57 (McGarvie pers. comm.); 1965 (Wheeler J965). and in HR at Mt. Eccles in September 1951 (Learmonth 1951). Habitat. Confined ARDEIDAE (HERONS AND BITTERNS) to thick reed-beds in swamps, lakes and streams (Wheeler Ardea pacifica. White-necked Heron. 1967a). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread with local concentrations, particu- PLATALEIDAE (IBISES AND SPOONBILLS) larly in ER and GR. Habitat. Pastures (either Plegadis falcinellus. Glossy Ibis. flooded or with new plant growth) or shallow margins of swamps and lakes. Breeding. Several Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen dur- nests were in River Red Gums around Barton ing FWD survey. Recorded in late December Swamp, ER, in October 1974. Two nests, each 1972, at Lake Natimuk (just N of the ER bound- containing at least two well-developed young, ary) and in GR at Bryan Swamp and near Bal- were in the Tallageira Block, ER, on 7 December moral. Habitat. Margins of rivers and swamps. 1 974. Both were in the lower branches of Breeding. No nesting recorded in the survey area. River Red Gums standing in the middle of However, it breeds at Naracoorte, South Australia flooded woodlands. (Condon 1969), which is about 20 km W of the western boundary of ER. Movements. Condon Ardea novaehollandiae. White-faced Heron. (1969) indicates that its occurrence depends on Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- rainfall. It is interesting to note that 1972 (when spread. Habitat. Margins of temporary and per- flocks were in the survey area) was an unusually manent freshwater swamps and lakes; pastures dry year (McCulloch 1973). (both flooded and those with new plant growth) Threskiornis molucca. are favoured foraging areas. Breeding. Nesting White Ibis. recorded in GR (McGarvie pers. comm.). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Margins of freshwater Ardeola ibis. Cattle Egret. swamps, lakes and rivers (e.g. Bryan Swamp in Abundance and distribution. Rare; recently estab- GR, Lake Lonsdale in AR, the Wannon River in lished in Australia and recorded in GR near GR, etc.). It forages in pastures. Breeding. Nest- Dunkeld in 1962 (Austin 1962a). Recorded in ing occurred in GR at Bryan Swamp in 1960 and HR near Nareen in 1972 and 1973 (Austin pers. along the Wannon River near Bryan Swamp in comm.). Habitat. Swamp margins and pastures. 1968; and in HR at Buckley Swamp in 1968 (Cowling unpub. MS). Conservation aspects. Egretta alba. Large Egret. The conservation of this species should be encouraged Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and because it feeds upon invertebrate pest species in widespread with local concentrations during FWD agricultural areas. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 323 Threskiornis spinicollis. Straw-necked Ibis. smaller than the adults in December. Between Abundance and distribution. 13 August Common and wide- and 4 October the young counted in spread. Flocks in excess of 100 birds were noted 20 broods averaged 4-9 cygnets per brood (range, in ER between the Konnepra 2-8). and Jilpanger During late December of the relatively dry Blocks and SW of the Toolondo year of Block; and^in 1972 young swans were dying of starva- AR near Mt. Dryden. Habitat. tion on Margins of fresh- some of the lakes which were drvina up water swamps, lakes, rivers and farm ponds. It (Mitchell 1973). commonly forages in pastures. Breeding. Nesting occurred Stictonetta naevosa. Freckled in GR on Bryan Swamp in 1960 and Duck. along the Abundance Wannon River near Bryan Swamp in and distribution. Rare; not seen in 1968 (Cowling, survey. unpub. MS). A rookery is also FWD A flock of about 30 was recorded reported in in GR on Shannon Swamp near Glenisla March-April of 1953 near the E boundary of (Middleton pers. comm.). Conservation aspects HR (Shanks 1953). There are few other pub- As for White Ibis lished (above). records of this species in the vicinity of the survey area. Habitat. The flock was on a small Platalea regia. Royal Spoonbill. saline lake of about 16 ha. Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in Cereopsis novaehollandiae. ER near Edenhope; in GR at Bryan Swamp and Cape Barren Goose. near Balmoral; Abundance and in AR at Lake Lonsdale. and distribution. Rare; not seen in Habitat. survey. Margins of swamps, rivers and lakes. FWD General sightings have been re- corded from ER and AR subsequent to 1970 Platalea flavipes. Yellow-billed Spoonbill. (Middleton and Thomas pers. comm.). Specific Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- sightings were recorded (Morris pers. comm.) spread. Habitat. Shallows from of freshwater lakes, Lake Kennedy (E boundary of HR) on 11 rivers, swamps and flooded pastures. Breeding! February 1967 (a flock of 14) and on 3 August Young were present in GR during late December 1967 (a flock of 3). A single bird was seen in 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Between 10 and 20 HR at Nareen in 1970 (Austin pers. comm.) and nests were in ER at Boikerbert Swamp (Apsley) another was at Branxholme (near W boundary of in 1972 (Thomas pers. comm.). HR) in July 1975 (Middleton pers. comm.). Habitat. During February of 1967 Morris ANATIDAE (GEESE, SWANS, (pers. DUCKS) comm.) provided the following comments on Lake Kennedy: open Dendrocygna eytonL Plumed Tree-duck. water which is surrounded by pasture; the geese can be seen regularly in Abundance and distribution. Rare; not observed the NE corner feeding in the vegetation growing in FWD survey. Since 1970 we have reports of over salty ground; the lake will probably dry up it in ER at Clear Lake (Middleton pers. comm.) later in the year. and on Lake Natimuk along the N boundary of the survey area (McQueen pers. comm.). Habitat. Tadorna tadornoides. Mountain Duck. Freshwater lakes and swamps. Breeding. Local Abundance and distribution. Common in ER, AR residents of state ER that it occasionally breeds and HR and uncommon in GR; widespread in the region. However, we were unable to con- throughout. Large mobile flocks are formed after firm this. fledging of young. Habitat. Both open water and margins of fresh to saline lakes and Cygnus atratus. Black Swan. swamps. Pas- tures with new plant growth or those which are Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- flooded are extensively utilized. Breeding. Broods spread. Habitat. A wide range of aquatic habitats were seen September through November. Of 18 including saline lakes (e.g. White Lake, ER), broods counted in ER, the average number of freshwater lakes (e.g. Lake Lonsdale, AR), estu- young in each was 8 9. aries (e.g. Lake Nambuk, HR), flooded moun- tain streams in GR, large swamps with dense Anas superciliosa. Black Duck. emergent vegetation (e.g. NW margin of Morea Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Block in ER) and flooded pastures and wood- spread. Habitat. Bodies of standing and flowing lands throughout the survey area. Breeding. fresh water, particularly temporary sedge swamps Adults with broods were first recorded on 13 and flooded or unflooded pastures with new plant August and some cygnets were still considerably growth. Breeding. A nest with 8 eggs was found 324 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

on September 6 1974 in AR. It was on the ground HR) during late February-early March (Mor- in dense Kangaroo Grass (25 cm tall) in a road- ris pers. comm.) and in ER on Lake Carchap in side reserve of Yellow Gum woodland. Adults late May (Thomas pers. comm.). Habitat. Large with ducklings were also noted in ER in early bodies of standing water. Breeding. A pair of October 1951 (Stow et al 1952). adults with 2 young were seen on a temporary swamp along the Wimmera Anas gibberifrons. Grey Teal. Highway W of the Kallungur Block, ER, on 4 October 1974. Abundance and distribution. The most common duck in the survey area and widespread through- Aythya australis. White-eyed Duck. out. Groups in excess of 500 birds have been re- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in ER cently recorded in ER near Douglas and on Lake with local concentrations near Goroke and Eden- Carchap; and in GR on Rocklands Reservoir. hope in 1974 and near Douglas early in 1975 Habitat. Bodies of water ranging from flooded (Thomas pers. comm.). More than 500 were on woodlands through seasonal swamps to large lakes Lake Mullancoree in December 1972 (Mitchell and reservoirs. Also flowing waters but usually 1 973 ) . Habitat. Temporary and permanent the slower moving, vegetated portions of streams swamps and lakes. or rivers were occupied. Breeding. Many broods were seen in ER between early October and early Chenonetta jubata. Wood Duck. December. Of 11 broods counted, the average Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- number of young in each was 7-2 (range, 6-8). spread. Pairs and small flocks, usually of less than 10 birds, were present August through December. Anas castanea. Chestnut Teal. After December flocks of more than 100 birds Abundance and distribution. Rare; seen singly were on bodies of water such as Clear Lake and or in pairs in during ER FWD survey. Local con- Toolondo Reservoir in ER; Bryan Swamp and centrations are occasionally reported, e.g. Karnak Rocklands Reservoir in GR; Lake Lonsdale, Swamp during early 1974 (Thomas pers. comm.). Pine Lake and Lake Taylor in AR; and the Habitat. Usually on large bodies of standing Wannon River in HR. Habitat. Flooded pastures water. and woodlands, seasonal swamps and on farm ponds as well as foraging in unflooded pastures. Anas rhynchotis. Shoveller. Large bodies of flowing and standing freshwater Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and were occupied subsequent to nesting. Breeding. widespread with local concentrations (e.g. near Four broods, averaging 7-5 young in each, were Goroke, ER, early in 1974) (Thomas pers. seen in ER and AR between October and early comm.) . Recorded in ER on Connangorach December. Swamp, near Goroke, S of Barton Swamp, near the Tooan Block and on Lake Mullancoree; in Oxyura australis. Blue-billed Duck. near Balmoral; GR in AR along the Western Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in ER; Highway (N of Mt. Zero); and on Lake Linlith- not observed elsewhere. Recorded on Jaka Lake gow (near E boundary of HR). Habitat. Usually and Lake Wallace. Habitat. Both lakes have on temporary swamps and flooded pastures in large areas of open deep water. spring and congregating on permanent lakes and swamps in autumn. Breeding. A brood of 14 Biziura lobata. Musk Duck. young was seen in AR on 1 October. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread with local concentrations noted in ER Malacorhynchus membranaceus. Pink-eared Duck. on St. Marys Lake, White Lake and Lake Charle- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in ER grark; and in GR on Bryan Swamp and Moora with local concentrations, such as occurred on Moora Reservoir. Habitat. Large, deep bodies of Karnak Swamp early in 1974 (Thomas pers. standing fresh water; occasionally on rivers and comm.). Mitchell (1973) also recorded 50 on seasonal sedge swamps. Lake Mullancoree during late December 1972. Populations in Victoria fluctuate and largest num- ACCIPITRJDAE (KITES, HAWKS, EAGLES) bers occur apparently after wet years in inland Australia (Wright pers. comm.). This appeared Elanus notatus. Black-shouldered Kite. to be the case in 1965 when large flocks were re- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ported on Lake Linlithgow (near E boundary of widespread over the plains of the survey area. In .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 325

1952, population numbers were larger than nor- of Rocklands Reservoir. Habitat. The bird near mal in the Coleraine area, HR, and Austin Rocklands Reservoir was in a Yellow Gum/Yel- (1953a) indicated that a wide range of habitat low Box woodland. Feeding. The individual in was being utilized. Breeding. Nests in trees in pas- the woodland unsuccessfully chased a New Hol- tures of HR (Austin pers. comm.) land Honeyeater through the tree canopies. Milvus migrans. Black Kite. Haliaeetus leucogaster. White-breasted Sea-eagle. Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in FWD survey. In 1952 a spectacular increase in FWD survey. Recorded in ER at Lake Wallace; numbers occurred in Victoria (Wheeler 1967a). in GR at Rocklands and Moora Moora Reser- Single birds began arriving in HR around Hamil- voirs; and in AR at Lakes Lonsdale and Fyans. ton-Coleraine in February 1952 and by June had Habitat. Large freshwater lakes. joined into flocks of up to 30 birds (Austin 1953a). Two such flocks occurred between Hamil- Aquila audax. Wedge-tailed Eagle. ton and Coleraine where they occupied territory Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- and food with Whistling Kites. Austin (1953a) spread. The literature indicates that the popula- speculated that an outbreak of myxomatosis, and tion of this species in SW Victoria has remained the consequent large numbers of rabbits killed on relatively constant during the past 80 years. How- the roads, may have been responsible for the in- ever, precise information is lacking; this is un- creased population of this species. Habitat. Open fortunate because it would be relatively simple to forest and plains country particularly near habi- locate ail the nests of this species within a de- tation (Wheeler 1967a). Feeding. The birds in fined area and then to follow the breeding popu- HR during 1952 were feeding mainly on rabbits lation fluctuations over a long period of time. killed on roads (Austin 1953a). Habitat. It soars over all habitats, but most com- monly over pastures, woodlands and open rock Haliastur sphenurus. Whistling Kite. formations. Feeding. Reported feeding on dead Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- rabbits on roads in GR (Mitchell 1973). Breed- spread; usually as solitary or paired birds soaring ing. About the turn of this century 10 or 12 overhead. Habitat. Semi-cleared pastures. Feed- pairs were nesting in the Ararat District (just E ing. Rabbits are reportedly taken in, or near, the of AR) (Hill 1907a). Hill indicated that they survey area (Hill 1907; Austin 1953a). Breeding. sometimes nested on dead trees in open, level A common nesting bird in the survey area; some country, but more often in growing timber on breeding details are given by Hill (1907a) for hillsides. the Ararat District (near AR), by D'Ombrain Hieraaetus (1905a) for the Casterton District (near the W morphnoides. Little Eagle. boundary of HR), and by McCulloch (1973) for Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and GR. widespread; most sightings during FWD survey were in ER. Habitat. Our sightings were of birds Accipiter fasciatus. Brown Goshawk. over pastures. However, Austin (1953a) saw five Abundance and distribution. Common in GR, un- over timbered country. Breeding. Young were in common elsewhere; widespread throughout. Habi- nests in GR near Balmoral in late December 1972 tat. Open forests; occasionally woodlands, shrub- (McCulloch 1973). lands and roadside trees in pastures. Feeding. Usually this goshawk catches and kills its own Circus assimilis. Spotted Harrier. food, which consists mainly of vertebrates. How- Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- ever, during an outbreak of myxomatosis in 1952, spread; not seen in FWD survey. Habitat. Grass- the goshawk was seen feeding on rabbit carcasses lands and croplands (Wheeler 1967a). in HR near Coleraine (Austin 1953a). Breeding. Adults with young out of the nest were in GR Circus aeruginosus. Swamp Harrier. near Balmoral during late December 1972 (Mc- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Culloch 1973). widespread. Habitat. Swamps, lake and river mar- gins, pastures, heathy areas and croplands. Breed- Accipiter cirrhocephalus. Collared Sparrowhawk. ing. D'Ombrain (1905a) noted that this species Abundance and distribution. Rare; recorded in often nested in the middle of a crop in the Cas- GR along the Glenelg River at Balmoral and S terton District (W boundary of HR), and that 326 B. J. C. and G. J. APPS W. EMISON f W. PORTER, K. NORRIS breeding commenced in September. Clutches climb up the back of the cliff. On 5 October three generally contained three and occasionally five eggs and an adult were still present, but by 9 eggs. October only two eggs were in the eyrie and on 20 October the nest was empty. The second eyrie, FALCONIDAE (FALCONS) located under an overhanging ledge at the base of a sheer cliff, was found on 12 September; it con- Falco subniger. Black Falcon. tained two eggs and one adult was present. To reach the rock Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in eyrie a large, steep, rounded had FWD survey but population increases occasionally to be climbed; the top of this rock was relatively level extended to the base of the cliff where occur. Between April 1951 and June 1952, at and the eyrie situated. location of the eyrie least 30 sightings of this species were made by was The near in area which, po- Austin (1953a) in SW Victoria. He usually saw was a minor road an tentially, could be important for recreation. For- it singly, but on one occasion he did record a pair. present Occasionally seen in GR near S end of Victoria tunately, it has only light usage at the present Range in 1952-53 (McGarvie pers. comm.). time. On 30 September both eggs were flying over the eyrie. 10 Habitat. Austin (1953a) noted that all birds were and two adults were On October both were fractured and the in areas with little or no timber, and the only eggs young trees used as perches were isolated and dead. The birds inside were vocalising; two adults were observations by McGarvie were also in cleared flying overhead. On 29 October, 2 November and areas. Feeding. An Australian Magpie Lark and 7 November two downy young and one adult a Common Skylark were taken (Austin 1953a). were present; both chicks were banded on the He also describes this falcon as hunting above and last-mentioned visit. Our final inspection of the behind a Swamp Harrier as it flew over long grass. eyrie was made on 11 December when we ob- served one adult and two juveniles flying over- head. Conservation aspects. The abundance of Falco peregrhuts. Peregrine Falcon. this species in the survey area is of particular Abundance and distribution. Common in GR and importance in view of the nearly world-wide uncommon but with local concentrations else- population decline of this species (Hickey 1968). where; widespread throughout. Habitat. Cliff Studies initiated now, while this species is still in faces which provide protection for nest sites and substantial numbers in Victoria, could assist in perching areas. Most cliffs overlooked pastures preventing similar, local population declines. although a few overlooked open forests and Obviously, the data presented on the breeding of woodlands. Feeding. Skeletal material found in this species in the survey area suggest that access- eyries indicates that the introduced Domestic ible eyries are vulnerable to human interference. Pigeon is a major food source, but a wide range Because of the tendency of this falcon to have tra- of other avian species are also taken (e.g. Gang- ditional nesting sites (White 1968) it is essen- gang and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Crimson tial that management authorities in areas which Rosellas, Common Starlings, White-faced Herons, are, or will be, predominantly recreation-oriented cormorants, magpies and Masked Plovers). The be informed as to eyrie locations. Such informa- location of eyries may influence the types of prey tion (which should not be made public) would not taken. For example, eyries above bodies of only allow a discreet surveillance of these sites water contained remains of more aquatic species (to discourage human interference) but, more than did the eyries overlooking either pastures importantly, would prevent the management or open forests. Breeding. Nesting was docu- authority from constructing roads, car parks, mented in ER and GR. Copulation was re- camp sites, picnic areas, nature walks, etc., near corded between 3 September and 4 October 1974. documented eyrie sites. We followed the progress of two active eyries through the 1974 nesting season: one eyrie, lo- Falco longipennis. Little Falcon. cated in a small recess close to the top of a cliff Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- face, was found on 3 October; it contained three spread. Recorded in ER near North Lake; in GR eggs which were being incubated. The nesting near Balmoral; and in HR near Coleraine and platform was level, dirt-covered and about 0-7 x near Wannon. Habitat. The bird near North Lake 0-7 m in size. The cliff was near a major road in was over a pasture adjacent to a large block of an area subjected to fairly intensive recreational Brown Stringybark shrubland. Feeding. We ob- use; the eyrie was easily accessible by a short served it pursuing starlings. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 327

Falco berigora. Brown Falcon. TURN1CIDAE (BUTTON-QUAILS) Abundance and distribution. One of the most Turnix varia. Painted Button-quail. abundant raptors throughout the survey area. Abundance Usually seen singly or in pairs and only occa- and distribution. Uncommon and sionally in threes or fours (family groups?). Habi- widespread. Habitat. Open forests, woodlands and shrublands, particularly there is little tat. Semi-cleared pasture and crop lands and oc- where casionally woodlands, heathy areas, over swamps ground cover. and on margins of open forests. Breeding. D'Ombrain (1905a) gave the following informa- Turnix velox. Little Button-quail. tion on nests in the Casterton District (W bound- Abundance and distribution. Not seen during ary of : five nests HR) were found during Sep- FWD survey. Hill (1907b) recorded it during tember 1903, all in River Red Gums. The clutch some summers before 1907 E of Ararat (near E size was three in every case. boundary of AR) and Austin (1951) recorded it in 1949-50 near Casterton (just W of HR) and Falco cenchroides. Nankeen Kestrel. near Edenhope, ER. Habitat. Austin (1951) saw this quail in light bracken in open country. Breed- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ing. The birds near Casterton were reported nest- widespread. Usually seen singly, as pairs or, ing in 1949-50. rarely, in groups of up to six birds. Habitat. Semi-cleared pasture and crop lands, woodlands, open forests, heathy areas, rock cliffs and rocky PEDIONOMIDAE (PLAINS-WANDERER) offshore pinnacles. Breeding. D'Ombrain Pedionomus torquatm. Plains-wanderer (1905a) noted that this species nested in the Cas- terton District (W boundary of HR) between (Plate 21, Fig. 6). October and November. He stated that the clutch Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in is generally four, but frequently five, and gave FWD survey. A dead bird was found N of specific information on a nest found in a hole Horsham (N boundary of survey area) in May in a River Red Gum on 28 October 1903. 1973, and was sent to NMV where it is lodged as a specimen (W 9092). D'Ombrain (1926) noted it in HR near Hamilton in 1922. Habitat. Flat, PHASIANIDAE (QUAILS) open, grass-covered plains (Frith 1969). Conser- vation aspects. Early during European settlement Coturnix pectoralis. Stubble Quail. it was common on the plains in Victoria (D'Om- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- brain 1926), but a dramatic population decline spread except in timbered and mountainous areas. has occurred throughout its range and today it is During the past 15 years large numbers have seldom seen. Studies to determine its present sometimes been recorded near Lake Linlithgow Victorian status are required. (E boundary of HR), in the S portion of AR and in the Natimuk area of ER by Morris and Thom- RALLIDAE (RAILS, CRAKES, SWAMPHENS) as (pers. comra.), Habitat. Pastures and crop lands, particularly those containing wheat, lin- Rallus philippensis. Land Rail. seed, hog weed or new growths of grass. Breed- Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD ing. Reported from various places in the survey survey; recorded recently in AR at Stawell (Mc- area (Morris, Thomas, Austin and McGarvie Cann pers. comm.) and in HR at Nareen (Aus- pers. comra.). tin pers. comm.) but there are few other recent literature records for the survey area. Some Quail. Coturnix australis. Brown old, general records of it occurring in or near the include: Anon. (1892); Hill (1907b); Abundance and distribution. Not seen during survey area and Sullivan (1929a). Habitat. Swampy con- FWD survey. Recorded in GR at Marney and and cultivation, and, at times, fores- Bryan Swamps and at Rocklands Reservoir dur- ditions, crops ted areas (Wheeler 1967a). Breeding. Five eggs ing late December 1972 (Mitchell 1973). Habit- were found in a nest at Warrnambool (just E at. Margins of freshwater swamps and reser- of HR) during late October 1928 (Sullivan voirs. Breeding. McCulloch (1973) noted young 1929a). in GR during late December 1972. x 328 W. B. KMISON, J. W. POR'IhR, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Rallus pcctoralis. Water Rail. Gallinula tenebrosa. Dusky Moorhen.

Abundance and distribution. One bird was cap- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and tured alive in a mammal trap in GR on the E widespread. Habitat. Large permanent bodies of side of Lake Wartook in FWD survey; it was fresh water; also flooded woodlands and other later released in the same area. Also recently re- temporary bodies of water during spring. Breed- ported in GR at Wannon Bridge (McCann pers. ing. Adults with chicks were seen in a flooded comm.) and in ER at Horsham (Thomas pers. River Red Gum woodland in ER near the Talla- comm.). Habitat. The bird trapped near Lake geira Block on 7 December 1974. Young moor- Wartook was in dense wet sedges under a shrub hens were seen also in GR near Balmoral during layer of Scented Paperbarks. late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973).

Porzana pusilla. Marsh Crake. Porphyrio porphyrio, Swamphen.

Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- survey and there are few literature references spread. Habitat. Margins of seasonal swamps and from the survey area. However, because of the flooded pastures or woodlands; shorelines of dense nature of its habitat, it may be more abund- large permanent bodies of water are important ant than is suggested by the few recorded sight- during late summer and early autumn. Breeding. ings. Recorded in GR near Balmoral (Mitchell Young were on swamps in GR near Balmoral in 1973); and in AR- at Lake Fyans (McCann late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). A regu- pers. comm.). Habitat. Dense vegetation in lar breeder in AR at Lake Fyans (McCann pers. swamps. comm.).

Porzana jiuminca. Spotted Crake. Fuiica atra. Coot.

Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- survey. The general remarks made for the Marsh spread. Habitat. Freshwater and saline lakes, Crake also apply here. Mitchell (1973) reported swamps and flooded pastures; occasionally on it as common in GR near Balmoral in December slow-flowing rivers and streams. Seen both on 1972; and McCann (pers. comm.) has recently open water and on vegetated margins. Breeding.

observed it in AR at Lake Lonsdale and near McCulloch (1973) noted adults with young in Stawell. The NMV has specimens from Eden- GR in late December 1972. hope and Stawell. Habitat. Dense vegetation bor- dering swamps and rivers. GRUIDAE (CRANES)

Grus rubicitnda. Brolga. Porzana tabuensls. Spotless Crake. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD widespread. Habitat. Pastures or swamps on the survey. Recorded in ER along the Glenelg River plains, particularly semi-cleared pastures with near Harrow (Austin pers. comm.); in GR near some low-lying, poorly drained areas. Occasion- Balmoral (Mitchell 1973); and in AR at Lake ally in stubble fields, but usually near swamps. Lonsdale (McCann pers. comm.). Habitat. Dense Breeding. Nesting is reported in all regions of the vegetation in swampy areas. survey area. Conservation aspects. We suggest that a field study to determine the status of this Gallinula ventralis. Black-tailed Native-hen. species in Victoria be conducted. The results of Abundance and distribution, A few solitary and this study might suggest areas which, if set paired birds were in ER (usually along the N aside as reserves, could lead to a permanent nu- boundary) during survey. The numbers of FWD cleus of successful breeding birds being estab- this species had been high for two or three years lished in the State. before our survey (Middleton pers. comm.). Such population fluctuations are normal and Wheeler BURH1NIDAE (STONE-CURLEWS)

(1967a) remarks that it appears in great numbers Burhinus magnirostris. Bush Stone-curlew. during, and immediately after, flood periods. Habitat. Temporary or permanent freshwater Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in swamps, lakes and flooded pastures. Breeding. FWD survey. Hill (1907b) presented the follow- A pair with a brood of chicks was in ER near the ing information on the status of this species in the Mt. Arapiles Block in early October 1974. Ararat District, shortly after the turn of the GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 329 century: 'fairly numerous on the timbered rises, 1974. A nest of four eggs was found in the Vic- but, according to old residents, they are less toria Valley, GR, on 5 September 1974. It was in numerous than formerly, which may be accounted a depression on a slight rise and was lined with for by the increase in the number of foxes'. Other grasses. Another nest with four eggs was on a factors possibly also responsible for their decline mud bank near Hamilton, HR, on 27 August include predation by feral Cats, clearing of the 1971 (RAOU nest card). woodlands and agricultural activities. Between Vanellus tricolor. Banded Plover. 1919 and present other sightings or calls have been reported in ER near Lake Wallace (Wheeler Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD 1964); in GR (Audas 1920) and N of Mt. Dun- survey. Flocks of up to 75 birds were in GR das Block (McGarvie pers. comm.); in AR at near S end of Victoria Range in May 1954 (Mc- Illawarra Block (Middleton pers. comm.) and Garvie pers. comm.). Two were in GR along along the Wimmera River near Horsham Victoria Range Road in December 1972 (Mit- (Thomas pers. comm.); and in HR near Caven- chell 1973). Reported regularly at Concongella dish and Wannon (Wheeler 1967b; Mitchell (just E of AR) near Stawell (McCann pers. 1973). Habitat. Noted in Yellow Gum wood- comm.). Habitat. Swamps, lagoons, and a strong land in the Illawarra Block (Middleton pers. preference for grassy plains often far from water comm.) and in River Red Gum areas N of Mt. (Condon and McGill 1974). The birds seen by Dundas Block (McGarvie pers. comm.). Con- McGarvie were in open country. Breeding. Nests servation aspects. Studies are required to deter- regularly at Concongella (McCann pers. comm.). mine the reasons for the population declines of Nesting recorded in HR near Coleraine (RAOU this species. In particular, the effects of the loss nest cards). A regular nesting bird in GR near S and alteration of its woodland habitat should be end of Victoria Range (McGarvie pers. comm.). examined. Erythrogonys cinctus. Red-kneed Dotterel. ROSTRATULIDAE (PAINTED SNIPE) Abundance and distribution. Rare; only recorded Rostratula benghalensis. Painted Snipe. during FWD survey along the N boundary of ER at Mitre Lake (a flock of 4 in October 1974). Abundance and distribution. Rare. Four in GR McCann (pers. comm.) has seen it in AR at at McGlashan's Swamp (near Balmoral) in late Lake Lonsdale and it has been reported elsewhere December 1972 (Mitchell 1973) and two N of in the survey area by Sullivan (1929a), Wheeler Mt. Dundas Block in October and November (1964) and Mitchell (1973). Habitat. Margins 1957 (McGarvie pers. comm.). Habitat. Swamps. of standing bodies of water. HAEMATOPODIDAE (OYSTERCATCHERS) Charadrius rubricollis. Hooded Dotterel. Haematopus ostralegus. Pied Oystercatcher. Abundance and distribution. Common along the Abundance and distribution. Common along the S boundary of HR (Isles pers. comm.). Habitat. S boundary of HR (Isles pers. comm.). Habitat. Ocean beaches, ocean beaches and tidal flats. Sandy Charadrius bicinctus. Double-banded Dotterel. CHARADRIIDAE (LAPWINGS, PLOVERS Abundance and distribution. Common during win- AND DOTTERELS) ter months along S boundary of HR (Isles pers. comm.). Rare inland; recorded in ER at Lake Vanellus miles. Masked Plover. Wallace (Wheeler 1 964) . Habitat. Ocean Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- beaches and, occasionally, inland swamps and lake spread. Pairs or small flocks were present during margins. Movements. A winter migrant to Vic- spring and early summer; in mid-December a few toria, arriving as early as February and leaving larger flocks were evident and by March-April in August (Wheeler 1967a). Breeds in New Zea- flocks containing 20 to 50 birds were common. land (Frith 1969). Habitat. Margins of permanent and temporary Charadrius ruficapillus. Red-capped Dotterel. lakes, swamps, reservoirs, etc., particularly where receding water has left exposed flats. Also areas Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in ER. of flooded vegetation, pastures with new growth Most sightings were of small flocks, each with but flock of and crops such as lucerne. Breeding. Adults with less than 10 birds, in October 1974, a young were seen during September and October about 80 birds was near Douglas on 15 April 330 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and O. J, APPS

1975. Habitat. Dry margins or beds of freshwater 1957 had full chest bands (Bald 1957a). Con- and, in particular, salt lakes. Breeding. Young servation aspects. The salt lakes in ER near were seen in ER at White Lake on 5 October Douglas appear to be one of the main inland 1957 (Bald 1957a). Also recorded nesting in GR areas for this species in Victoria. (McGarvie pcrs. comm,). Recurvirostra novaehoUandiae. Red-necked Charadrius mclanops. Black-fronted Dotterel. Avocet.

Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Abundance and distribution. Uncommon, only widespread. Habitat. Margins, particularly of seen in ER. Reported on Centre Lake (70 birds) sand or mud, of permanent and temporary bodies in October 1974 and on Mitre Lake and a lake N of water. Sometimes it nests far from water. of Lake Natimuk (N boundary of ER). Austin Breeding. A nest in a depression in the ground (1962b) reported 10,000 on the lakes near Doug- and lined with bark contained two eggs on 3 Oc- las in 1962. They were with about 100 Pied Stilts tober 1974. It was in a Yellow Box/ Yellow Gum and 10,000 Banded Stilts. Habitat. Shallow open woodland about 100 m from a large temporary margins of salt lakes. lake in the Toolondo Block, ER. The undergrowth was sparse and appeared heavily grazed. Also re- SCOLOPAC1DAE (SANDPIPERS, SNIPE) corded nesting in GR (McGarvie pers. comm.); in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.); and Tringa ncbularia. Greenshank. in HR near Coleraine (RAOU nest card). Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in FWD survey. Mitchell (1973) recorded the fol- RECURVIROSTRIDAE (STILTS, AVOCETS) lowing for late December 1972: Two L. Nati- muk; three McGlashan's Swamp; two L. Mulla'. Himantopus himantopus. Pied Stilt. All three localities are either in or near ER. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Habitat. Inland swamps and shallow lakes. Move- widespread; most sightings are from ER. Re- ments. Breeds in N Europe and N Asia and mi- corded in ER at Lake Wallace, lakes near Doug- grates in winter through E Asia to Australia las, Lake Natimuk (N boundary of ER) and 2 (Frith 1969). km SW of Mt. Arapiles Block; in AR at Lake Lonsdale; and in HR near Macarthur. Habitat. Gallinago hardwlcku. Japanese Snipe. Margins of lakes and swamps. Movements. Rela- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and tively large numbers are seen during dry years widespread. Habitat. Dense vegetation in marshes, such as 1972 (Mitchell 1973) and few arc seen swamps and wet heaths. Movements. Breeds in during wet years such as 1974 (FWD survey). Japan and migrates S in winter through New Possibly they move out of the arid interior to the Guinea to Australia (Frith 1969). few permanent lakes and swamps remaining on Calldris acuminata. Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. the periphery of their range during dry periods. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; not seen Cladorhynchus leucocephahis. Banded Stilt. in FWD survey. Flocks of up to 500 birds have Abundance and distribution. Uncommon, only been reported in or near ER at White and Centre seen in ER. Recorded at Centre Lake (9 birds in Lakes, Lake Natimuk and Lake Mullancoree; and October 1974) and White Lake (40 birds in in GR on Bryan and Marney Swamps. Habitat. April 1975). A flock of 800 was on White Lake Margins of saline and freshwater lakes and and another flock of approximately the same size swamps. Movements. Breeds in NE Siberia and was on Centre Lake on 5 October (Bald 1957a). migrates through E Asia to Australia (Frith Austin (1962b) recorded 10,000 birds on the 1969). lakes at Douglas and implied that such numbers Calldris Red-necked Stint. might be smaller than usual. Habitat. Shallow ruficollis. open margins or sandbars of salt lakes. Occasion- Abundance and distribution. Common during ally associated with Pied Stilts, Red-necked Avo- summer months along S boundary of HR (Isles cets and Black Swans. Breeding. Of 9 birds at pers. comm.). Uncommon inland; a flock of about Centre Lake, two had full chest bands and the 70 was in ER on the margin of a lake near the rest were without or had indistinct bands. About Mt. Arapiles Block in October 1974. Also re- one-third of the 40 on White Lake had full chest corded on White and Centre Lakes in October bands. Most of the 800 birds on White Lake in 1957 (Bald 1957a). Habitat. Ocean and estuary . .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 331 beaches, tidal flats, margins of saline and fresh- Habitat. Areas extensively modified by human oc- water lakes and swamps. Movements. Breeds in cupation (e.g. towns, farm buildings, cleared pas- NE Siberia and W Alaska and migrates through tures, bridges, etc.). Asia to Australia (Frith 1969). Geopelia striata. Peaceful Dove. Calidris ferruginea. Curlew Sandpiper. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in ER, Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in GR and AR; not seen in HR. Habitat. In ER at FWD survey. Recorded at Lake Natimuk (N the Mt. Arapiles Block we observed this species boundary of ER) in December 1972 (Mitchell in Grey Box and Yellow Gum woodlands. Breed- 1973). Habitat. Margins of lakes and swamps. ing. Commonly breeds in AR near Stawell; it has Movements. in Breeds E Arctic Asia and mi- colonised this area within the past 25 years grates in winter through E Asia to Australia (McCann pers. comm.). (Frith 1969). Geopelia cuneata. Diamond Dove. Calidris alba. Sanderling. Abundance and distribution. Rare; possibly only distribution. Abundance and Rare; a flock of 80 an accidental visitor to the survey area. Seen in was in near HR Lake Yambuk on 23 July 1976 ER near Lake Wallace in March 1964 (Wheeler (Isles pers. comm.). Habitat. Ocean beaches. 1964). Habitat. No data available for survey area. Movements. Breeds N of the Arctic Circle, some migrate to Australia where they are widespread Phaps chalcoptera. Common Bronzewing. from November to May. Many birds overwinter Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- in Australia (Condon 1969). spread in ER, GR and AR; not seen in HR. layers. Dominant tree spe- LARIDAE (GULLS, TERNS) Habitat. Dense shrub cies are probably less important than the density Larus novaehollandiae. Silver Gull. of the shrub layers. Recorded in such diverse tree associations as Yellow Gum/ Yellow Box, Brown Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Stringybark/ Small Grass Tree, Messmate, and widespread. Usually in flocks of 10-100 individu- Brown Stringybark/ Manna Gum. Breeding. Nests als. Habitat. Saline and freshwater lakes and in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.) swamps; flocks often occur around food sources far from water. Phaps elegans. Brush Bronzewing. Chlidonias hybrida. Whiskered Tern. Abundance and distribution. Rare; recorded in GR at Balmoral, Victoria Valley and along Gram- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and pians Road near Mt. William turn-off; and in HR widespread. Occasionally in flocks of up to 300 near Hamilton. Habitat. In Victoria Valley the birds (Sullivan 1929b) . Habitat. Saline and birds were in heaths under Scent-barks (p.c.-26). freshwater lakes and swamps, flooded pastures feed and freshly ploughed croplands (where they Ocyphaps lophotes. Crested Pigeon. on invertebrates). Breeding. Three nests were Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- found in GR near Dunkeld on 22 December stricted mainly to N portions of ER and AR. Also 1968 (RAOU nest cards). recorded in ER S of Toolondo Block (Mitchell Gelochelidon nilotica. Gull-billed Tern. 1973) and near Stawell along Concongella Creek (just E of AR) (McCann pers. comm.). Habitat. Abundance and distribution. Rare; in 38 years Sightings along the N boundary of the survey area Austin (pers. comm.) recorded three small flocks were usually in pasture lands. Breeding. Nests flying over Nareen in HR. along Concongella Creek, an area it has colonised COLUMBIDAE (PIGEONS AND DOVES) within the past 25 years (McCann pers. comm.)

Colomba livia. Domestic Pigeon. CACATUIDAE (COCKATOOS) Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Calyptorhynchus magnificus. Red-tailed Black widespread. Usually in small flocks, seldom of Cockatoo. more than 20 birds. Analyses of wing bones found in Peregrine Falcon eyries in the survey Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted area indicate that some nesting pairs rely on the to ER. Recorded in the Kadnook, Tallegeira and pigeons as a food source when feeding young. Jilpanger Blocks during FWD survey. Previously 332 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

reported in the Edetthope and Harrow districts limit of its range in W Victoria. Habitat. Mainly (Austin 1951), the Edenhope region (Attiwill open forests, particularly of Brown Stringybark. I960), in the Toolondo Block (Middleton pens. Rare in woodlands (Yellow Gum/Yellow Box). COmm.), on the Moree Bridge Road (Wheeler Feeding. Observed feeding on Messmate and 1^64) and along the Edcnhopc Road (Mitchell Scrub Cypress Pine seeds during FWD survey. 1973). The has NMV three specimens from ER. Breeding. McCulloch (1973) recorded young out Habitat. Brown Stringybark shrubland. Feeding. of the nest in GR during December 1 972. Our observations of this species feeding on un- Caeatua ripened Brown Slringybark seeds confirm similar roseicapilla, Galah. observations made by Austin (1951) and Attiwill Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and (I960). The latter author also states The birds widespread with local concentrations in ER near also feed on the seeds of banksias, hakcas, small the Mt. Arapiles Block. Flocks usually contained casuarinas and other native shrubs, particularly less than 10 birds and occasionally Galahs were after a bushfire has passed over a patch of this with flocks of either Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, type of country. Very rarely, they have been ob- Long-billed Corellas or Red-rumped Parrots. served on the ground feeding on prickly burrs, Comments on the southward range expansion of am! they also bite into dead timber in search of this species in the W portion of the survey area the larva of wood-boring beetles'. Breeding. Atti- are made by Austin (1951). Habitat. Mainly pas- will (I960) gives six recent nesting records for tures; rarely woodland remnants (Grey Box and ER: three during October/November and three Yellow Gum/Grey Box) on pasture land mar- during February/ March. The nests were in large gins. hollows in cuealypts. Conservation aspects. The Caeatua tenuirostris. Long-billed Victorian range of this species has apparently de- Corella. creased since the early days of settlement Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- (Wheeler 1967a) and it is now restricted to the spread; usually in flocks, occasionally of up to SW part of the State with ER being one of its last several hundred birds, with Sulphur-crested strongholds. Conservation of some 6f the larger Cockatoos. On 3 October 1974, we counted a areas of Brown Stringybark in this region is es- total of 182 Long-billed Corellas along a N-S sential to the local survival of this species. drive of 31 km between the Mt, Arapiles Block and the E side of the Toolondo Block (ER). Calyptorkynchus ftmercus. Yellow-tailed Black These birds were in nine separate flocks which Cockatoo. ranged in size from 1 to 60 individuals. Habitat. Pastures. Large woodland trees such as River Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Red Gum and Yellow Gum are selected for roost- widespread. Habitat. Usually seen in flight over ing and nesting. These trees are either isolated in a wide range of habitats. The few sightings of pastures or are parts of extensive woodlands, par- birds not in (light were made in woodlands (Yel- ticularly near areas of open low Gum/ River Red Cium, Yellow Gum/banksia water. Feeding. Oats, wheat and Onion-grass bulbs are taken and River Red Gum/Silver Banksia), Brown (Sullivan 1929c; Smith 1962). Breeding. Adults with Stringybark shrubland and a pine plantation. fledged young were in ER near Noradjuha Feeding. Five were feeding on seeds from Desert in No- vember 1961, and they were also nesting Banksia cones in the Tallageira Block (ER) and in trees in a swamp about 32 km SE of Noradjuha three were carrying pine cones when they flew (Smith 1962). Nesting also occurs in AR in dead from a roadside stand o( introduced pines W of trees in Lake Fyans (Smart pers. comm.). Con- the Jilpanger Block (ER). Breeding. An adult servation aspects. The survey area is one of the was on a nest 5 m up in a burnt Messmate on last strongholds of this species 22 November 1969 (Mt. William, GR) (RAOU in southern Aus- tralia and nest card). a concerted effort to ensure its con- tinued survival in SW Victoria is required. Im- mediate studies should be conducted to elucidate Callocephalon fimbriatunu Gang-gang Cockatoo. its life history as well as its impact on cereal Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and crops grown in the area. It is important that widespread in GR; rare in ER. Seldom seen methods designed to alleviate its impact on cereal further than the W Victoria-South Australia bor- crops arc critically reviewed before implementa- der (Condon 1969); Middleton (pers. eomm.) tion to ensure that no adverse long-term effects on suggests that the N boundary of ER is the N the population will occur. .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 333

Cacatua galerita. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. ER near Edenhope (Wheeler 1964); in GR near Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Balmoral and Rocklands Reservoir (Mitchell spread; usually in flocks of up to several hundred 1973); and in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. birds with Long-billed Corellas. Habitat. Pastures. comm.). Habitat. Woodlands. Conservation as- Large woodland trees such as River Red Gums pects. As for Musk Lorikeet (above). and Yellow Gums are used for nesting and roost- ing. Feeding. Seen feeding in GR on Onion-grass POLYTELITIDAE (LONG-TAILED bulbs and on oats. Breeding. Nesting recorded in PARROTS) GR (McGarvie pers. comm.). Nymphicus hollandicus. Cockatiel.

LORIIDAE (LORIKEETS) Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD survey. Reported in most suitable areas in GR Trichoglossus haematodus. Rainbow Lorikeet. around Balmoral and the Black Range in Decem- Abundance and distribution. Rare and widespread. ber 1972 (Mitchell 1973). Wheeler (1967a) Recorded in ER between Benayeo and the Talla- describes this species as one whose numbers vary geira Block, near Edenhope, S of the Tooan considerably from year to year. Block, W of the Toolondo Block, and Horsham; in GR at S end of Victoria Range, Victoria Val- PLATYCERCIDAE (BROAD-TAILED ley, Balmoral and N of Rocklands Reservoir; and PARROTS) in AR at Dadswell Bridge and Stawell. Habitat. Melopsittacus undulatus, Budgerygah. Woodlands, particularly those containing Yellow Gum, Yellow Box or River Red Gum. Conserva- Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in tion aspects. As for Musk Lorikeet (below) FWD survey. Recorded in GR near Balmoral in December 1972 (Mitchell 1973). Habitat. Mainly Glossopsitta concinna. Musk Lorikeet. open forests in the northern districts (Wheeler Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- 1967a). Movements. Predominantly an inland spe- spread. Habitat. Yellow Gum woodlands, some- cies which experiences occasional northern move- times in association with Yellow Box, River Red ments (Wheeler 1967a; Condon 1969). Gum or both. Feeding. Nectar/pollen from Yel- Lathamus discolor. Swift Parrot. low Gum blossoms is commonly taken; also seen feeding on unopened flowers of River Red Gums. Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- Breeding. Recorded nesting in GR at Cherrypool spread; not seen in FWD survey. Recorded in ER in 1954 (McGarvie pers. comm.). Conservation near Edenhope in March (Wheeler 1964) and aspects. The extensive loss of woodlands in the near Lar-arum in May (Middleton pers. comm.); survey area may ultimately result in population de- in GR N of the Mt. Dundas Block in September clines of this species. The few segments of wood- 1956 (McGarvie pers. comm.); in AR near Sta- land remaining in the survey area should be care- well in October (McCann pers. comm.); and in fully managed to provide a continual nectar source HR at Coleraine in March (Austin 1953b). Habi- for nomadic birds such as the lorikeets. tat. Woodlands. Feeding. A flock of 12 was feed- ing on blossoms of a Red-flowering Gum {Euca- Glossopsitta porphyrocephala. Purple-crowned lyptus ficifolia) at Coleraine (Austin 1953b). Lorikeet. Movements. Breeds in Tasmania (Frith 1969; Sla- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ter 1970) and generally is only present in SE Aus- widespread; locally common in ER at Mt. Ara- tralia between March and September. Conserva- piles Block in April 1975. Habitat. Woodlands; tion aspects. As for Musk Lorikeet (above). our records include River Red Gum and Grey Platycercus elegans. Crimson Rosella. Box woodlands. Feeding. At Mt. Arapiles Grey Box blossoms were being selected. The appear- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- ance of lorikeets in these trees coincided with the spread; particularly abundant in GR. Habitat. appearance of the blossoms. Conservation aspects. Open forests, woodlands, shrublands; occasional As for Musk Lorikeet (above). in heaths and in trees remaining in pastures. Brown Stringybark associations were particularly Glossopsitta pusilla. Little Lorikeet. well populated, but also seen in plant associa- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and tions composed of one or more of the following widespread; not seen in FWD survey. Recorded in trees: River Red Gum, Scent-bark, Manna Gum, 334 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Yellow Gum, Yellow Box, Mountain Grey Gum, (HR) in July 1928 and we saw a flock of imma- Messmate, Grey Box, Shining Peppermint and ture Neophema parrots, which could have either Swamp Gum. Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR been Elegant or Blue-winged Parrots, in the (McGarvie pers. comm.). Stones Block in February 1975. Habitat. The birds near Lake Condah were Platycercus elegans. Crimson Rosella. feeding among heaps of scattered straw and the flock of imma- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- tures was in a Manna Gum open forest. spread, although few birds occur in the mountain ranges of GR. Habitat. Woodlands and semi- CUCULIDAE (CUCKOOS) cleared pastures. Most common in River Red Cuculus pallidus. Gum associations, but also in plant associations Pallid Cuckoo. of Yellow Gum, Yellow Box, Grey Box or Manna Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Gum. Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR (Mc- widespread. This migratory species has been re- Garvie pers. comm.). corded in the survey area as early in the spring

as 9 August (Sullivan 1929a). Interestingly, it Psephotus haematonotus. Red-rumped Parrot. was present in substantial numbers in GR on Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- 18-19 October 1972 (Wheeler and Pescott 1973), spread, although few birds occur in the mountain but only two juveniles were recorded there dur- ranges of GR. Particularly abundant along N and ing late December of the same year (Mitchell W boundaries of ER. Habitat. Semi-cleared pas- 1973). Thus, it may follow a similar pattern to tures where the few remaining trees arc either that in the Canberra area where, after breeding, River Red Gum, Yellow Gum or Grey Box. Un- the adults move away in the early weeks of the like the Eastern Rosella, this parrot seldom occurs New Year but juveniles remain until the end of in woodlands but uses woodland margins that April (Frith 1969). Habitat. Brown Stringybark open onto pasture. Breeding. Adults were feeding shrublands, heaths, open forests and trees in pas- fledged young in ER between Apsley and the tures. Breeding. Juveniles have been seen being Tallagcira Block on 7 December 1974. Adults fed by White-naped, New Holland and Fuscous also noted as feeding young out of the nest in Honeyeaters. Movements. Not well known and GR in late December 1972 (McCulIoch 1973). apparently complex, but it is absent from SE Australia during winter. Neophema chrysostoma. Blue-winged Parrot. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon. One Cuculus pyrrhophanus. Fan-tailed Cuckoo. was in ER in the Kadnook Block in December Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and 1974 (FWD survey) and Wheeler (1964) saw widespread; usually seen from September to one near Wrattonbully, South Australia (about March (inclusive), but one was in HR near Lake 10 km SW of Lankoop in ER) in March 1964. Yambuk on 27 July 1976 (Isles pers. comm.). Storr et al. (1952) recorded it in HR near Hay- Habitat. Brown Stringybark and Manna Gum wood (about 15 km S of the Stones Block) in open forests, Yellow Gum/Yellow Box woodland October 1951 and we saw a flock of about 20 im- and River Red Gum in pastures. Breeding. Nest- mature Neophema parrots, which could have been ing recorded in GR (McGarvie pers. comm.). either Blue-winged or Elegant Parrots, in the Movements. Not well known, apparently there Stones Block in February 1975. Five were near is some migration away from SE Australia during Lake Yambuk (HR) on 27 July 1975 (Isles pers. winter, but it may not involve the entire popula- comm.). Habitat. The bird in the Kadnook Block tion (Slater 1970). Wheeler (1967a) indicates was in Brown Stringybark shrubland, the imma- that many winter in Victoria. ture parrots were in Manna Gum open forest and the birds near Lake Yambuk were on a primary Chrysococcyx osculans. Black-eared Cuckoo. dune. Feeding. The individual in the Kadnook Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in Block was feeding on Leucopogon sp. fruits and FWD survey. Recorded in GR near Balmoral in the five near Lake Yambuk were eating seeds of December 1972 (Mitchell 1973). Also recorded Cakile sp. as rare in the Ararat District (E of AR) by Hill 1 ( 907b) . Habitat. Open forests and plains Neophema elegans. Elegant Parrot. (Wheeler 1967a). Breeding. Hill (1907b) re- Abundance and distribution. Rare. Sullivan corded eggs in nests of Speckled Warblers and (1929a) recorded two flocks near Lake Condah Superb Blue Wrens. Movements. Not well under- GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 335 stood, but most S populations move N during Ninox connivens. Barking Owl. winter (Macdonald 1973). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; not seen in FWD survey. Recorded in GR at Victoria Val- Chrysococcyx basalts. Rufous-tailed Bronze- ley (Braithwaite pers. comm.); in AR near Sta- cuckoo. well (McCann pers. comm.); and in or near HR Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and by D'Ombrain (1905a), Wheeler (1967b) and widespread. More plentiful than the Shining Middleton (pers. comm.). Habitat. Woodlands Bronze-cuckoo in the survey area (Middleton and open forests. Breeding. A pair has nested for pers. comm.). Habitat. Open forests (particularly a number of years in the NW portion of HR of Manna Gum) and woodlands. Breeding. Foster (Austin pers. comm.). parents in the Ararat District (E of AR) include Scarlet Robins, BufT-rumped Thornbills and Su- TYTONIDAE (BARN perb Blue Wrens (Hill 1907b). Movements. OWLS) Largely migratory, especially S breeding popula- Tyto alba. Barn Owl. tions, most of which leave for the North in March and return S in September (Macdonald 1973). Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Many winter in Victoria (Wheeler 1967a). spread except in the mountain ranges of GR. Habitat. Woodlands, semi-cleared pastures and

settled areas and it roosts in tree hollows, old Chrysococcyx lucidus, Shining Bronze-cuckoo. buildings, caves, thick foliage or down wells Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and (Frith 1969). Breeding. D'Ombrain (1905b) widespread; less plentiful than the Rufous-tailed gives details on nesting of this species in the Cas- Bronze-cuckoo in the survey area ( Middleton terton District (near W boundary of HR) pers. comm.). Habitat. Open forests wood- and around the turn of this century. lands. Breeding. Fledglings have been seen in ER in the Mt. Arapiles Block (Middleton pers. Tyto novaehollandiae. Masked Owl. comm.). Movements. A summer migrant to Vic- toria and it winters within the State only on rare Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in occasions (Wheeler 1967a). FWD survey. Recorded in the Casterton District (near W boundary of HR) during the early part of this century (D'Ombrain 1903; 1905a). Wake- STRIGIDAE (OWLS) field (1963) suggests that an accumulation of Ninox strenua. Powerful Owl. bones found in a sandstone recess in GR was from the disgorged pellets of this species. It may be Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- significant that the composition of the mammal stricted to GR; seldom recorded far from the remains indicated that this recess had not been mountain ranges in the survey area. Recorded used for many years. Habitat. Forested areas from Victoria Valley (FWD survey), Pomonal (Wheeler 1967a). Breeding. Details of a nest and Roses Gap (McCann pers. comm.), N of and its contents (one fledgling and a partly intact Yarram Park (Grey pers. comm.) and Billywing egg shell) found in the Casterton District in De- (Austin 1962c; Hall and McKean 1962). Habi- cember 1902 are described by D'Ombrain (1903). tat. Open forest. The bird in Victoria Valley was in an area of Swamp Gum with dense sedge un- dergrowth. PODARGIDAE (FROGMOUTHS)

Podargus strigoides. Tawny Frogmouth. Ninox novaeseelandiae. Spotted Owl. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- spread. Habitat. Most areas which support tree spread. Habitat. Most areas where large trees are growth. Breeding. D'Ombrain (1905a) mentions present. Breeding. A common breeder in the five nests, two of which had clutches of three, in Casterton District (near W boundary of HR) the Casterton District (near the W boundary of where D'Ombrain (1905b) found eight nests be- HR) during October and November. Three young tween August and November 1903. Sullivan birds out of the nest were in GR near Balmoral in (1929d) found three nests in the Western District late December 1972 (Mitchell 1973; McCulloch in 1928. It breeds regularly in AR near Stawell 1973). (McCann pers. comm.). 336 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

AEGOTHELIDAE (OWLET-NIGHTJARS) in GR at Cherrypool in March 1954 (McGarvie pers. comm.). A specimen was taken in either Aegotheles cristatus. Owlet-nightjar. GR or AR in November-December 1891 (Anon. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and 1892). Hill (1907b) recorded this species along widespread. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles the Wimmera River (E of AR) and Sullivan Block (observed on three occasions since 1967); (1929d) remarked that he had seen only one in in GR near Rocklands Reservoir; and in AR the Western District of Victoria. Habitat. Along near Stawell. Habitat. Open forests and settled rivers, streams and lake margins (Wheeler areas (Wheeler 1967a). At Mt. Arapiles sightings 1967a). Breeding. Hill (1907b) reported it nest- have been made in Brown Stringybark shrubland ing along the Wimmera River in December. and in Long-leaf Box low open forest (p.c.-21). Breeding. Recorded nesting near Stawell (Mc- Dacelo novaeguineae. Kookaburra. Cann pers. comm.). Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- spread. Habitat. Most areas containing trees. CAPRIMULGIDAE (NIGHTJARS) Breeding. Adults were feeding young out of the nest in in late December 1972 (McCulloch Caprimulgus gattatus. Spotted Nightjar. GR 1973). Abundance and distribution. Rare; a nightjar was seen in GR near Moora Moora Reservoir on Halcyon sancta. Sacred Kingfisher. 31 October 1974. Our identification was only Abundance and distribution. Uncommon with lo- positive to genus, but previously published ma- cal concentrations; widespread. Recorded in ER terial on the distribution of nightjars suggests that near Apsley and along the Edenhope to Harrow it was a Spotted Nightjar. Also recorded in GR road; in GR near Balmoral and Rocklands Reser- near Billywing (Hall and McKean 1962) and voir; in AR in the Illawarra Block; and in HR Middleton (pers. comm.) reported a road-killed near Wannon. Habitat. Woodlands, particularly specimen near Wail (N of ER). Habitat. The those with River Red Gums, sometimes near bird near Moora Moora Reservoir was in an open bodies of fresh water. Rarely in open forest. forest with a dense understorey. Breeding. Nests with eggs and young, and adults APODIDAE (SWIFTS) feeding young out of nests were in GR in late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Movements. Hirundapus caudacutus. Spine-tailed Swift. A migrant to S Australia and is absent in winter Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and (Frith 1969). widespread. Most sightings of this migratory spe- MEROPIDAE (BEE-EATERS) cies in the survey area have been made between December and March although Frith (1969) Merops ornatus. Rainbow Bee-eater. states that it occurs in Australia between early Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and October and mid-August. Habitat. Most of its widespread. A summer migrant first seen in the time in Australia is spent in the air and it occurs survey area on 2 October 1974 and last seen on over all types of habitats. Movements. It migrates 19 March 1975. Habitat. Open forests and wood- to Japan and Siberia where it breeds between lands; also seen in an olive plantation. Breeding. May and August (Frith 1969). It nests in ER near Harrow and Edenhope (Aus- tin 1951) and at Mt. Arapiles Block (Middleton Apus pacificus. Fork-tailed Swift. pers. comm.); in GR near Balmoral (McCulloch Abundance and distribution. There re- are few 1973); and in AR near Stawell, Lake Fyans and cords the from survey area. Middleton (pers. Lake Lonsdale (McCann pers. comm.). comm.) records it as occasional, but not as regu- lar as the Spine-tailed Swift. Habitat. As for ALAUDIDAE (LARKS) Spine-tailed Swift (above). Movements. It mi- Mirajra ]avanica. Singing Bushlark. grates to E Asia where it breeds between May and August. Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD survey. Recorded in GR just S of the Victoria ALCEDINIDAE (KINGFISHERS) Range (McGarvie pers. comm.); and near HR in the Portland District (Learmonth 1966) and Ceyx azureus. Kingfisher. Azure at Warrnambool (Sullivan 1928). Habitat. Grass- Abundance and distribution. Rare. One recorded lands, crops and marshy areas (Wheeler 1967a). .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 337

Alauda arvensis. Common Skylark. crop lands, rarely on roadsides in heaths of the Abundance and distribution. We did not obtain an Victoria Valley (GR). Breeding. Adults were estimate of the abundance of this introduced spe- feeding young near Balmoral (GR) in late De- cies in relation to that of Richard's Pipit in the cember 1972 (McCulloch 1973). survey area. Recently recorded in or near HR by CAMPEPHAGIDAE (CUCKOO-SHRIKES) Austin (1953a) and Wheeler (1967b) and in GR by Mitchell (1973). Habitat. Grasslands, Coracina novachollandiae. Black-faced Cuckoo- crops and cultivated areas (Wheeler 1967a). shrike.

HIRUNDINIDAE (SWALLOWS AND Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and MARTINS) widespread. Habitat. Woodlands and semi-cleared pastures. Occasionally open forests. Hirundo neoxena. Welcome Swallow. Breeding. Adults were feeding young in GR near Balmoral Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- in late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). spread. Habitat. Abundant where open flying Coracina space is available (e.g. pastures, woodlands and papuensis. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike. clearings in open forests). However, nearly all Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in plant formations, as well as some cliff faces, vari- FWD survey. A number of observers have seen ous other rock formations birds and margins of aquatic in ER, GR and AR (McCann pers. comm.; areas are utilized. Breeding. A common breeding Middleton pers. comm.; Austin 1951; Wheeler species in the survey area. Eggs have been found 1964; Wheeler and Pescott 1973; and Mitchell from August through November and young from 1973). Habitat. Woodlands, semi-cleared pas- September through December (FWD survey; tures and open forests. Breeding. A nest was '40 RAOU nest cards; McCulloch 1973) . Nesting sites feet up' in a eucalypt near Naracoorte, South Aus- include buildings, bridges, porches, hollow trunks tralia (20 km W of ER) between 6 and 12 Oc- of River Red Gums, along cliffs and under rock tober 1951 (Storr et ah 1952). Two pairs were overhangs. nesting in AR near Stawell in November 1975 (McCann pers. comm.). Movements. It Cecropis nigricans. Tree Martin. may move in and out of the survey area in relation Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- to climatic conditions (Austin 1951). spread; usually in large flocks. Habitat. Pastures Lafage with large roadside trees or pastures adjoining sueurii. White-winged Triller. open forests or woodlands. Also River Red Gum Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- woodlands, particularly those on margins of fresh- spread. Recorded in ER in Kadnook and Conne- water lakes. Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR wirrecoo Blocks and at the Horsham Golf (McGarvie pers. comm.) Course; in GR near Balmoral and Rocklands Reservoir; and in AR near Stawell. Habitat. Cecropis arieL Fairy Martin. Woodlands, shrublands and semi-cleared pas- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and tures. Movements. Migratory, arriving in southern widespread. Recorded in ER near Lake Charle- Australia in mid-October and leaving in February grark; in GR at Rocklands Reservoir and near (Frith 1969). Balmoral; and in AR near Stawell. Habitat. Open areas, many times near freshwater lakes or rivers. MUSCICAPIDAE (FLYCATCHERS, Breeding. Nests were on the main wall of Rock- THRUSHES AND WHISTLERS) lands Reservoir (GR) in mid-October 1972 Zoothera dauma. Scaly Thrush. (Wheeler and Pescott 1973). Adults were feed- Abundance and distribution. ing young in nests near Balmoral (GR) in late Uncommon in GR, AR and HR; not seen in ER. Habitat. December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). It commonly Plant asso- ciations with dense shrub layers. Breeding. nests near Stawell (AR) where it uses road cul- Camp- bell (1906) noted verts for supporting nests (McCann pers. comm.). a young bird with weak flight when he disturbed it in GR near Dunkeld. MOTACILLIDAE (PIPITS AND WAGTAILS) Drymodes brunneopygia. Southern Scrub-robin. Anthus novaeseelandiae. Richard's Pipit. Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted Abundance and distribution. Common in HR and to ER. Recorded near Mt. Arapiles Block (Chis- uncommon elsewhere. Habitat. Open pasture and holm 1955) and at Wonwondah North (14-5 km .

338 B. W. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

SW of Horsham 25-8 and km ESE of Mt. Ara- sometime in September and they do not reappear pilcs) (Bald 1957b). Habitat. Shrubland (mallee) until late March. Apparently most move either to p.a-48. Breeding. Nesting occurs at Mt. Arapiles high altitudes (over 1200 m) in the Australian (Chisholm 1955). Five nests were found at Won- Alps or to Tasmania to breed. wondah North in 1955 and all contained a single egg; where mallee trees were growing the nests Petroica multicolor. Scarlet Robin. were in debris in the central clump of trees, but Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and in other areas the nests were in slight hollows in widespread. Usually in pairs or small family the ground and lined with grass (Bald 1957b) groups. Habitat. Generally in areas of substantial tree and/or shrub Tardus merula. Common Blackbird. growth. Recorded most often in Brown Stringybark shrubland in ER, but also Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and occurring in woodlands and open forests of Scent- widespread; an introduced species. Habitat. Sub- bark, Long-leaf Box, Red Stringybark and Yellow urban areas, pasture lands, blackberry thickets Box. Seldom in pastures or other extensive open along watercourses, etc. areas. Breeding. A nest about 3 m up a small Petroica rosea. Rose Robin. Messmate was recorded in GR in September 1927 (Cohn 1927). Adults feeding young were Abundance and distribution. Rare. A male was in GR in late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). banded in HR at Coleraine on 27 September 1962 (Austin 1963a). A male was seen at Wail (N of Petroica goodenovii. Red-capped Robin. ER) on 25 April 1964 (Middleton pers. comm.). Abundance Habitat. The bird at Coleraine was in a suburban and distribution. Rare in ER, AR garden. and HR; not seen in GR. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles and W of Lake Wallace; in HR Petroica rodinogaster. Pink Robin. near Narcen; and in AR near Ararat and near Abundance and distribution. Rare. A single male Stawell. Habitat. Woodlands, open forests and was in GR near the top of Mt. Abrupt near Dun- shrublands. keld in late March 1967 (Wheeler 1967b). Habi- tat. It was in a fern gully. Melanodryas cucullata. Hooded Robin. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Petroica phoenicea. Flame Robin. widespread. Recorded in ER in the Dopewora, Abundance and distribution. A migratory species Connewirrecoo, Jilpanger and Mt. Arapiles which is apparently absent from most of the sur- Blocks, near Edenhope and near Kanagulk; in vey area during summer (November through GR near Balmoral, Rocklands Reservoir, and February). few birds A were seen during August Victoria Range; and in AR. Habitat. Our sight- and early September 1974 and the first sighting ings in ER were in Brown Stringybark shrublands, in 1975 was of five pairs foraging in an open River Red Gum woodland with scattered wattle grassy area along the margin of Wartook Reser- undergrowth and Yellow Gum woodland with an voir (GR) on 20 March (FWD survey). Data open understorey. Breeding. McCulloch (1973) collected by McCann (pers. comm.) in AR near recorded adults feeding young in GR in late De- Stawell indicate that small numbers are present cember 1972. McGarvie (pers. comm.) recorded throughout winter (May through September). nesting on the W slopes of the Victoria Range in Sullivan (1929a) gives dates of first arrivals in 1954. HR near Hamilton as 19 April in 1928 and 14 April in 1929. Habitat. Woodlands, open forests, Eopsaltria australis. Eastern Yellow Robin. pastures and other open grassy areas. Four birds Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- were in White Sallee heath on top of Major Mit- spread. Habitat. Most plant formations contain chell Plateau (GR) in August 1974; this is habi- populations of this species and its presence or tat similar to that in which it nests in the E absence in any particular area depends on the part of the State. Breeding. Nesting in GR in density of the shrub layer rather than on that of October 1909 is described by Campbell (1910b). the tree layer. It is common in dense shrubs, such McCann (pers. comm.) indicates that it regularly as occur along watercourses and in lightly grazed nests in GR on Mt. William, Victoria Range and stands of timber. Breeding. This is a common Mt. Difficult Range. Movements. is There move- nesting bird in the survey area and details are ment out of most of the survey area probably given for GR by Cohn (1927), Wheeler and .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 339

Pescott (1973) and McCulloch (1973); and for Pachycephala rufiventris. Rufous Whistler. HR by RAOU (nest card). Abundance and distribution. Locally common in Microeca leucophaea. Jacky Winter. GR from October through March. We did not record this species away from the ranges and Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ad- jacent Crown Lands, but other workers report that widespread. Usually as individuals or small family it occurs throughout most of the survey area. groups, seldom in flocks. Habitat. Open grassy Habitat. Brown Stringybark open forests and, areas in woodlands composed of large River Red occasionally, Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Yellow Gums, Yellow Gums, Yellow Boxes and Long-leaf Box, Yellow Gum and Scrub Cypress Pine open Boxes. Occasionally under trees remaining in forests and woodlands. Breeding. Wheeler semi-cleared pastures and in open areas in Brown (1967b) noted a pair feeding flying young in GR Stringybark and Manna Gum open forests. in late March 1967. Adults feeding young out of Breeding. Nest building, eggs and young in and the nest were also seen during late December out of nests were in GR near Balmoral (McCul- 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Movements. There are 1 loch 973 ) . D'Ombrain ( 1 905b ) noted two little published data on the winter distribution of eggs in a nest on 27 September 1903 in the Cas- this species in the survey area. However, unpub- terton District (near W boundary of HR) lished data from the Stawell area (McCann pers.

suggest it is Falcunculus frontatus. Crested Shrike-tit. comm.) that absent, possibly migrat- ing north during winter. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Most areas which support Colluricincla harmonica. Grey Shrike-thrush. tree growth. Breeding. Adults were feeding young Abundance and distribution. wide- out of the nest in GR near Balmoral in late De- Common and cember 1972 (McCulloch 1973). spread. Habitat Most areas which support some tree or shrub growth. We recorded it from the Pachycephala inornata, Gilbert's Whistler. moist tall open forests growing along a few of Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted; the streams in GR to pasture lands in areas away not seen in FWD survey. Middleton (pers. from the ranges. Breeding. Two nests were found during survey: comm.) reports that it regularly occurs along the FWD on 3 October 1974 a nest N boundary of ER in the Mt. Arapiles and Tooan containing two eggs was in a Desert Banksia in Blocks. Habitat. Shrublands (mallee) which ex- Brown Stringybark shrubland in the Tooan Block tend into these two blocks from the north. (ER); and on 29 October 1974 another nest with two eggs was located between the bark and Pachycephala pectoralis. Golden Whistler. trunk of a Yellow Box in a Yellow Gum/Yellow Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Box woodland NW of Rocklands Reservoir (GR). widespread. During spring and early summer Adults were feeding young out of the nest in (1974) most sightings were of pairs or individuals GR in late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). (males in full plumage) in GR. In late summer Nesting was also recorded in HR near Coleraine and early autumn sightings were mainly of plain- between 12 September and 15 October (RAOU coloured birds in ER, AR and HR. Habitat. The nest card). spring and early summer sightings in GR were Myiagra cyanoleuca. Satin usually in low open forests (particularly in the Flycatcher.

Black Range) , in mature open forests or along the Abundance and distribution. Rare. One female few moist streamsides which support tall open Myiagra sp. was in GR near Silverband Falls in forests. During late summer and early autumn October 1974 (FWD survey). Middleton (pers. there appears to be a dispersal of birds to the comm.) reports recent sightings of Satin Fly- woodlands, shrublands and pastures of the low catchers in GR in the S end of Victoria Range, areas surrounding the mountains of GR. Move- near Golton Gorge and in the S end of Serra ments. An altitudinal migration within the survey Range. It was a regular visitor to the Victoria area (the ranges in summer and the low surround- Range (GR) between 1951 and 1957 (McGarvie ing areas in winter) is suggested by our data as pers. comm.). One was collected in GR either in well as unpublished data collected near Stawell November or December 1891 (Anon. 1892) and (McCann pers. comm.). Similar migrations occur one was seen between Cavendish (HR) and Bal- in other mainland populations of this whistler moral (GR) in late December 1972 (Mitchell

(Frith 1969). 1 973 ) . Habitat. Tall open and open forests. Breed- 340 W. B. EM1SON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

tog. Austin (1963b) states that it nests regularly 1972 (McCulloch 1973). D'Ombrain (1905b) in GR but gives no details. Movements. A regu- noted nest building on 9 September 1903 in the lar migrant to southern Australia, arriving in Casterton District (near W boundary of HR). September and leaving in March or April (Slater Other nest activities are documented (between 1974). mid-September and late December) in GR near Rocklands Reservoir and Balmoral; in near Myiagra inquieta. Restless Flycatcher. AR Lake Fyans; and in HR 19 3 km NNW of Cole- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and raine (RAOU nest cards). widespread. Habitat. Woodlands and rarely open forests. Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR and ORTHONYCHIDAE (LOG-RUNNERS, HR (Austin pers. comm.; RAOU nest cards) and QUAIL-THRUSHES AND WHIPBIRDS) in AR (McCann pers. comm.). Our limited data Cinclosoma punctatum. Spotted Quail-thrush. indicate that nesting activities occur at least be- tween early September and early January. Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted to GR; not seen in FWD survey. Recorded near Rhipidura rufifrons. Rufous Fantail. Wartook Reservoir and Victoria Range (Mc- Garvie and Middleton pers. comm.). Abundance and distribution. Rare in GR and HR; Habitat. not seen in Confined mainly to ridges and dry gullies in light ER and AR. Recorded in GR at Sil- verband Falls and rain forest areas (Wheeler 1967a). on 1 November 1974 (FWD sur- vey) and on the slope of Mt. William on 1 De- TIMALIIDAE (BABBLERS AND ALLIES) cember 1959 (Austin 1963b); and in HR at the Stones State Faunal Reserve in late February Pomatostomus temporalis. Grey-crowned Babbler. 1975 (FWD survey), at Hamilton on 23 March Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recently re- 1963 (McCann 1963), near edge of Mt. Eccles corded in ER near Edenhope (one bird) (Storr crater on 12 January 1965 (Learmonth 1965) and et al. 1952); in GR in N portion of Victoria Austin (1963b) states that it frequently appears Valley (FWD survey); and in AR at Lake Fyans in the Casterton District in November and March. (McCann pers. comm.). Apparently it was con- Habitat. Tall open forests and open forests with siderably more plentiful in the survey area soon dense undergrowth. Breeding. The Rufous Fan- after the turn of this century (Hill 1907a; Chis- tail seen by Learmonth (1965) on 12 January at holm 1964), and as late as 1927 they were often Mt. Eccles crater flew to a nest 9 m up in an seen in GR (Cohn 1927). Habitat. Dense shrub open eucalypt in a Manna Gum open forest with layers in woodlands, particularly River Red Gums. little undergrowth. Movements. Austin (1963b) Conservation aspects. The decline of this species reports that it remains for short periods and sug- in the survey area appears associated with the re- gests that it may be passing on migration during moval of its primary habitat (i.e. most of the November and March. original woodlands have been cleared for pasture and crop lands). The undergrowth of the few Rhipidura fuliginosa. Grey Fantail. remaining stands of woodlands have been cleared Abundance and distribution. Common, particu- either to facilitate the removal of timber or by larly in GR, and widespread. Habitat. Open extensive grazing of domestic stock. forests, particularly those with dense undergrowth. Pomatostomus super Occasionally on open forest/ woodland margins. ciliosus. White-browed Babbler. Breeding. Adults were feeding young in GR near Balmoral in late December 1972 (McCulloch Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and 1973). Sullivan (1928), in commenting on the widespread in ER, GR and AR; rare in HR where Western District of Victoria in general, indicated we can find one reference to it occurring near that young were present as early as the first of Coleraine (Sullivan 1928). Habitat. Dense shrub June. layers in open forests, woodlands and shrublands. In heavily grazed areas they are usually in Prickly Rhipidura leucophrys. Willie Wagtail. Tea-trees or Hedge Wattles which appear to be Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- relatively unpalatable to domestic livestock. Other spread. Habitat. Woodlands, occasionally open workers have also indicated that wattles are im- forests and pastures where they adjoin woodlands. portant to this species (Hill 1907a; Lang 1932). Breeding. Eggs and young in and out of nests Breeding. Nesting in or near the area has been were in GR near Balmoral in late December reported by Campbell (1906) and Lang (1932) in ;

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 341

AR; by Hill (1907a) in the Ararat District (E of which has been recorded in the survey area AR); and by Wheeler and Pescott (1973) in GR. 1929a). Habitat. Woodlands, particularly those Hill (1907a) indicates that nesting commences in with open grassy areas. Breeding. Eggs were taken July, and Lang (1932) found nests containing in early November of both 1898 and 1899 E of eggs or young from August to December. Ararat, which is slightly out of the survey area. Movements. Summer migrant in fluctuating num- SYLVIIDAE (OLD WORLD WARBLERS) bers (Wheeler 1967a).

Acrocephalus stentoreus. Clamorous Reed- Cinclorhamphus cruralis. Brown Songlark. warbler. Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- Abundance and distribution. Not seen in FWD spread. Recorded in ER near Mt. Arapiles Block survey, probably because of insufficient time spent in October 1974 (FWD survey); in GR in late searching the habitat where it would be expected December 1972 (Mitchell 1973); and in AR near to occur. It is recorded regularly in the survey Willaura on 6 September 1928 (Sullivan 1929a) area and was recorded as early as 1891 either and E of Ararat (slightly out of the survey area) in GR or AR (Anon. 1892). Habitat. Dense reed (Hill 1907a). Habitat. Pasture and crop lands. beds along the margins of freshwater lakes, Movements. Summer migrant, but some winter swamps and rivers. Breeding. Hill (1907a) re- in Victoria (Wheeler 1967a). corded nesting in reeds along the Wimmera River MALURIDAE (AUSTRALO-PAPUAN E of Ararat (slightly out of the survey area) . At WRENS) present it is a common nesting species in AR at Lake Fyans, Lake Lonsdale and near Stawell (Mc- Malurus cyaneus. Superb Blue Wren. Cann pers. comm.). Movements. Summer mig- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- rant, but some winter in Victoria (Wheeler spread. Habitat. Dense shrub layers, particularly 1967a). riparian areas and areas where there is little grazing (e.g. the Stones State Faunal Reserve, Megalurus gramineus. Little Grassbird. HR). Austral Bracken, Hedge Wattle and Woolly distribution. Not seen in Abundance and FWD Tea-tree are commonly inhabited. Breeding. A but it has been recorded regularly survey nest with young in the Morea Block (ER) was throughout the survey area since 1891 (Anon. about 1 -2 m up in a Hedge Wattle on 5 December Sullivan 1929d; Wheeler 1967b; Wheeler 1892; 1974 (FWD survey). Noted as nesting in October Pescott 1973; and Mitchell 1973). Habitat. and 1972 in GR (Wheeler and Pescott 1973) and vegetation growing the margins of Thick on eggs and young were present in late December permanent lakes, swamps and rivers. 1972 in GR near Balmoral (McCulloch 1973; RAOU nest card). It is also the foster parent of Cisticola exilis. Golden-headed Cisticola. the Black-eared Cuckoo and the Rufous-tailed previous Abundance and distribution. As with the Bronze-cuckoo in the Ararat District (Hill two species we spent little time in the habitat of 1907b). this species. However, it has been recorded in either GR or AR as early as 1891 (Anon. 1892) Malurus lambertu Variegated Wren. and noted as present in the Western District of Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted Victoria by Sullivan (1929d). More recently re- in ER to Mt. Arapiles Block (FWD survey) and corded in GR near Balmoral and Marney Swamp Wonwondah North (Bald 1957b). Habitat. In (Mitchell 1973) and in HR near Wannon and Victoria mainly shrubland (mallee) in the N of Coleraine (Wheeler 1967b). Habitat. Wet dense the survey area. Mt. Arapiles Block and Wonwon- grasslands bordering freshwater swamps, lakes dah North contain scattered clumps of mallee and streams. Breeding. Between 2 and 20 January which represent about the S limit of this vegeta- 1966 a nest in a marsh near Dunmore (HR) pro- tion in Victoria (and the S limit of this wren). (Hamilton, HR) as early as 8 October (Sullivan malachurus. Southern Emu-wren. duced four young (RAOU nest card). Stipiturus Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- Cinclorhamphus mathewsL Rufous Songlark. stricted to GR and HR. Recorded in GR in the Abundance and distribution. Uncommon with lo- Victoria Valley, Halls Gap, creek in Mt. William and Victoria Range; cal concentrations in ER and AR (FWD survey) Range, upper Wannon River River and near widespread throughout. It is a summer migrant and in HR along the Glenelg 342 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Bcssicbell. Habitat. Heaths and tussock grass areas Sericornis sagittatus. Speckled Warbler. in swamp basins. Abundance and distribution. Rare in GR and AR; not seen in ER and HR. Possibly the W ACANTHIZIDAE (SCRUBWRENS, boundary of GR is the W limit of the range of THORNBILLS, AUSTRALIAN WARBLERS this species in Victoria. Recorded in GR near AND ALLIES) Rocklands Reservoir, in Mt. Dundas and Moor- alla Blocks and near Balmoral; and in AR in the Sericornis frontalis, White-browed Scrubwrcn. Jallukar Block. Habitat. Woodlands (particularly Abundance and distribution. Common in the Yellow Gum/ Yellow Box) and open forests. mountain ranges of GR and in the Stones State Smicrornis brevirostris. Fauna! Reserve and near Bessiebell in HR; un- Weebill. common in ER and AR. The N boundary of Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ER appears to be the N extent of the range of widespread in ER, GR and AR; not seen in HR. this wren in Western Victoria (Middleton pers. Habitat. Woodlands (particularly Yellow Gum), comm.). Habitat. Dense undergrowth, particu- shrublands (mallee) and open forests. larly along watercourses and in lightly grazed Gerygone olivacea. White-throated Warbler. areas. Dense shrub layers and heaths in GR and thick Austral Bracken in the Stones State Fauna! Abundance and distribution. Rare, not seen dur- Reserve and near Bessiebell are particularly well ing FWD survey. Recorded in GR in November populated. Rarely in Brown Stringybark shrub- 1909 (Campbell 1910a) and near Rocklands lands in ER or in open areas such as those in pas- Reservoir in December 1972 (Mitchell 1973) and tures or some woodlands. Breeding. On 6 Septem- in HR near Colcraine in January 1954 (Austin ber 1959 Cooper (I960) found a nest with two 1954). Habitat. Open forests, mainly E of the eggs in a gully in GR. A nest with four eggs was survey area (Wheeler 1967a). Breeding. It was in trousers hanging in a shed near Macarthur nesting (three eggs) in a box-tree about 3-2 km (HR) in early October 1964 (RAOU nest card). from the foot of the Grampians on 27 November 1909 (Campbell 1910a). Movements. A summer Sericornis pyrrhopygius. Chestnut-rumped Hyla- migrant to Victoria. cola. Acanthiza pusilla. Brown Thornbill. Abundance and distribution. Rare and widespread. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Recorded in ER along the Edenhope to Harrow spread. Particularly abundant in GR near Silver- Road (Wheeler 1964) and in the Mt. Arapilcs band Falls and in HR at the Stones State Faunal Block (FWD survey); and in GR on or near the Reserve. Habitat. Tall open forests, open forests, Victoria Range (Wheeler 1967b; McGarvie pers. woodlands, shrublands and heaths. Its distribu- comm.; Middleton pers. comm.). Regularly tion in the survey area appears linked to the sighted in Red Ironbark open forests near Stawcll presence of thick undergrowth rather than to the just E of AR (McCann pers. comm.). The popu- distribution of dominant tree species. Breeding. lations in the Mt. Arapiles Block and on the N An adult was feeding a fledged young in end of Victoria Range should be examined GR near care- Silverband Falls on 1 November 1975 (FWD sur- fully because it is possible that they are S. cauta vey). Four nests recorded in HR near Dunmore rather than S. pyrrhopygius. Habitat. Heaths and (RAOU nest cards). dense shrub layers in open forests. Breeding. Nest- ing in ironbarks just E of Stawell (AR) in August Acanthiza uropygialis. Chestnut-rumped 1975 (McCann pers. comm.). Nesting near S Thornbill. tip of Victoria Range in 1953 (McGarvie pers. Abundance and distribution. comm.). Rare. The NMV holds a specimen collected in the Grampians in 1961. Habitat. Usually Sericornis fuliginosus. Fieldwren. shrublands (mallee).

Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in Acanthiza reguloides. Buff-rumped Thornbill. GR in the Victoria Valley (FWD survey); and in Abundance and distribution. Common, particu- HR in the Stones Block (Learmonth 1951) and larly in AR, and widespread. Usually in small near Wannon (Wheeler 1967b). Sullivan (1928) flocks of 5-10 birds, rarely of more than 20. states that it was seen occasionally in the Western Habitat. Open forests, particularly those with District of Victoria. Habitat. Heaths and swamps. Long-leaf Box, Red Stringybark and Brown .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 343

Stringybark; woodlands and shrublands. Breed- widespread; usually in small flocks of less than ing. Nesting recorded in GR (McGarvie pers. 10 birds. Habitat. Seen in Long-leaf Box low comm.). open forest and Brown Stringybark open forest during FWD survey. Breeding. Nesting recorded Acanthiza chrysorrhoa, Yellow-rumped Thornbill. in Victoria Range (GR) in 1954 (McGarvie pers. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- comm.). Adults were feeding young in GR near spread, except in the mountain ranges of GR. Balmoral in late December 1972 (McCulloch Usually in flocks of 10-20 birds. Habitat. Usually 1973; RAOU nest card) foraging on in the ground pastures or under scat- CLIMACTERIDAE (AUSTRALIAN TREE- tered trees along roadsides . Rarely in open CREEPERS) forests and woodlands. Breeding. A common nest- ing species in and near the survey area (Camp- Climacteris leucophaea. White-throated Tree- bell 1906; McGarvie pers. comm.; Hill 1907a; creeper. McCann pers. comm.; FWD survey; RAOU nest Abundance and distribution. Common, particu- cards) . Nesting commences in July and con- larly in GR, and widespread. Habitat. Tall open tinues at least into December; clutches are usu- forest, open forest, low open forest, shrubland ally of 3 or 4 eggs. Nesting sites include paper- and rarely, woodland. barks {Melaleuca halmatarorum) , citrus trees, pine trees, cypress trees and lower portions of Climacteris picumnus. Brown Treecreeper. occupied Wedge-tailed Eagle nests. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- where it is Acanthiza nana. Yellow Thornbill. spread except in the mountains of GR rare. Habitat. Woodlands variously composed Abundance and distribution. Uncommon (with of Yellow Gum, Yellow Box, River Red Gum, local concentrations in GR) and widespread. Grey Box, Long-leaf Box and Buloke, occasionally Habitat. Mainly open forests; occasionally wood- in Brown Stringybark shrubland. Breeding. Adults lands, tall open forests and shrublands. Shows pre- were feeding young in GR near Balmoral in late ference for wattles (Wheeler Frith 1967a; 1969). December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Acanthiza lineata. Striated Thornbill. MELTPHAGIDAE (HONEYEATERS) Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and carunculata. Wattlebird. widespread. Habitat. Tree canopies in tall open Anthochaera Red forests, open forests, occasionally woodlands and Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- shrublands. Usually in mobile flocks of up to spread. Habitat. Most areas with large trees. 10 birds in each. Breeding. Regular nesting spe- Feeding. Recorded taking nectar from blossoms of cies in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.). Yellow Gums, Manna Gums and Red-flowering Nesting recorded in GR (McGarvie pers. Yellow Gums (cultivated). Breeding. A common comm.). breeding species with young in nest recorded as early as 5 August (RAOU nest card) and with Aphelocephala leucopsis. Southern Whiteface. fledged young still being fed by adults in late Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and December (McCulloch 1973). widespread. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles Anthochaera chrysoptera. Little Wattlebird. Block, along the Edenhope to Harrow Road and near Lake Kanagulk; in GR near Rocklands Abundance and distribution. Uncommon with Reservoir, near S end of Victoria Range and local concentrations in ER and GR. Habitat. Plant in the Wannon River floodplain on SE side of associations in which members of the genus Bank- Serra Range; in AR near Stawell; and in HR sia are common. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar along the Wannon River and N of Coleraine. from flowers of Desert and Silver Banksias. Also Habitat. Pasture lands and margins of woodlands. seen feeding around the tips of new growth of Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR (McGarvie Silver Banksias. pers. comm.). Anthochaera rufogularis. Spiny-cheeked Honey- NEOSITTIDAE (SITTELLAS) eater. Abundance and distribution. Rare in ER, GR and Neositta chrysoptera. Varied Sittella. AR; not recorded in HR. Most sightings are from Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and the Mt. Arapiles Block in ER. Habitat. Usually .

344 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

shrublands (mallee and occasionally Brown Lichenostomus virescens. Singing Honeyeater. Stringybark), rarely woodlands. Abundance and distribution. Common in parts Xanthotnyza phrygia. Regent Honcyeater. of the narrow coastal strip between Port Fairy and Lake Yambuk (just E of HR) in February Abundance and distribution. Rare, not seen in 1975 (FWD survey). Habitat. In the survey area FWD survey. Recorded in ER along the Glenelg it is usually found only in coastal heaths. River at Harrow (Wheeler 1964) and at Apsley (Austin 1951); in GR in the Black Range Lichenostomus leucotis. White-eared Honeyeater. (Wheeler and Pescott 1973), at Halls Gap (Glo- Abundance and distribution. Common in HR in ver 1954) and at Golton Gorge (Middleton pers. the Stones State Faunal Reserve; uncommon comm.); and in AR near Stawell (McCann and widespread elsewhere. Habitat. Open forests 1957). Habitat. The common eucalypts around (particularly Manna Gum), shrublands (both Stawell are Red Ironbark, Long-leaf Box and mallee and Brown Stringybark), woodlands and Yellow Gum (McCann 1957). Breeding. Re- heaths. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar from corded nesting in a Long-leaf Box near Stawell in Yellow Gum blossoms. Breeding. A recently con- 1975 (McCann pers. comm.). structed nest (no eggs) was found in GR in a Entomyzon cyanotis. Blue-faced Honeyeater. shrub near Mt. Zero on 4 August 1957 (Binns 1957). Recorded nesting in GR (McGarvie pers. Abundance and distribution. Rare. Recorded in comm. ) ER near Edcnhope (Austin 1951) and at Harrow (Wheeler 1964); in GR near Rocklands Reser- Lichenostomus melanops. Yellow-tufted voir (FWD survey); and in AR near Dadswell Honcyeater. Bridge (Middleton pers. comm.) and near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.). Habitat. Woodlands, Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- particularly River Red Gum, Yellow Gum and stricted to a few localities in GR and AR. Locally Yellow Box. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar common near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.). Habitat. from Yellow Gum blossoms. Breeding. Nesting is Woodlands, open forests and low open recorded in ER near Edenhope (Austin 1951) forests. McEvey (1958) indicates that the pre- and in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. comm.). ferred habitat is Red Ironbark/Red Stringybark Conservation aspects. The continued removal of open forest, which becomes extensive just E of large woodland trees such as River Red Gums, AR. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar from Yel- Yellow Gums and Yellow Boxes from the survey low Gum blossoms. Breeding. It nests frequently in grass area may result in the local disappearance of this tussocks and m shrubs less than 0-5 m species. It is currently present in very low num- tall between August and January in AR near bers. Stawell (McCann pers. comm.). A nest with both eggs and young was in GR near Rocklands Re- Manorina melanocephala. Noisy Miner, servoir during late October 1965 (RAOU nest Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and card). widespread. Habitat. Woodlands or roadside trees in semi-cleared pastures. Occasionally on pasture/ Lichenostomus fusca. Fuscous Honeyeater. shrubland margins. Feeding. Recorded taking Abundance and distribution. Common in AR, re- nectar from blossoms of a Red-flowering Yellow ported as the commonest honeyeater at Stawell Gum (cultivated). Breeding. Nesting recorded (Ashby 1927) and near Ararat (Lang 1929); in GR (McGarvie pers. comm.). uncommon in GR; rare in ER and not seen in HR. Habitat. Woodlands and low open forests, Lichenostomus chrysops. Yellow-faced particularly those containing Grey Box, Long- Honeyeater. leaf Box or Yellow Box. Feeding. Nectar was Abundance and distribution. Common in HR in being taken from Manna Gum blossoms in AR the Stones State Faunal Reserve; uncommon and near Stawell during March 1975. Breeding. An widespread elsewhere. Habitat. Dense shrub layers adult was on a nest in the outer canopy leaves in most plant formations, but particularly in of a 9 m tall Long-leaf Box in the Jallukar Manna Gum open forest. Feeding. Recorded Block (AR) on 18 March 1975 (FWD survey). taking nectar from Manna Gum and Yellow Gum McCann (pers. comm.) reports that it nests regu- blossoms. Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR (Mc- larly in AR near Stawell and has seen feathered Garvie pers. comm.). young in a nest during November; flying young .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 345

have been seen in the same area in January recently McCann (pers. comm.) (Glover has recorded it 1954). Two young were in GR near along the E boundary of AR. Habitat. All the Balmoral in late December 1972 (RAOU nest sightings by Hindwood (1935) in card). were one patch of shrubland which contained mainly stringy- barks infested Lichenostomus penicillatus. White-plumed with mistletoe. Feeding. Mistletoe berries Honeyeater. appeared to be the favoured food of this species near Edenhope. Tree branches near nests Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- were covered with mistletoe seeds and the spread in ER, GR and AR; uncommon in HR. ground below was littered with them. Breeding. Habitat. Woodlands (particularly of large River Nests were located near Edenhope in stringybarks Red Gums) or where large woodland trees re- and, on one occasion, in a clump of mistletoe main in semi-cleared pastures. Breeding. Breed- during the month of October. The nests were ing at activities have been recorded between early heights varying from 3 to 1 5 m above the ground September and late December, with adults feed- and were woven amongst flower buds in the outer ing fledged young as late as mid-March (FWD tree branches. The number of eggs in a clutch survey; RAOU nest cards). varied from one to three with the usual number being two (Hindwood 1935). McCann (pers. Melithreptus gularis. Black-chinned Honeyeater. comm.) reports recent nesting near Deep Lead Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and (along E boundary of AR). Movements. A sum- widespread. Habitat. Woodlands (particularly mer visitor to Victoria (Wheeler 1967a) River Red Gum), open forests (particularly Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera. Crescent Honeyeater. Swamp Gum), shrublands (Brown Stringybark) and heaths (Scent-bark). Breeding. Adults were Abundance and distribution. Recorded in the survey area only in feeding fledged young in GR near Balmoral in GR. In August 1974 it was late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). common on Major Mitchell Plateau and in March 1975 it was on the summit of Mt. William. In Melithreptus brevirostris. Brown-headed spring of 1974 it was also common upstream from Honeyeater. Silverband Falls but was absent from this locality Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and in autumn of 1975. Apparently the population in widespread. Habitat. Open forests, shrublands GR has fluctuated during the past 70 years and (both mallee and Brown Stringybark), wood- some of the previous information is summarized lands and heaths (Scent-bark). Feeding. Seen by Cooper (1960). During September 1959 taking nectar from Yellow Gum blossoms. Breed- Cooper considered it common in GR and states that 'there ing. Adults were feeding flying young in GR in appears to be a small movement from late March 1967 (Wheeler 1967b). the Grampians into the surrounding countryside at certain times of the year, but the birds do not Melithreptus lunatus. White-naped Honeyeater. wander far*. A few individuals were also re- Abundance and distribution. Common (particu- corded in GR along the Glenelg River below

larly in GR near Halls Gap and in HR in the Rocklands Reservoir on 18-19 October 1 972 Stones State Faunal Reserve) and widespread. (Wheeler and Pescott 1973). Habitat. Apparently Habitat. Most areas with large trees, but particu- attracted to the heaths on Major Mitchell Plateau larly abundant in Manna Gum open forest. Feed- and to banksias associated with stunted Brown ing. Recorded taking nectar from Yellow Gum Stringybarks on Mt. William. The vegetation blossoms. Breeding. Two nests, each containing along the creek above Silverband Falls is a Mess- three young, were in trees in the Balmoral State mate/Brown Stringybark association which has Forest (GR) between 25 and 30 December 1972 an understorey structurally similar to some wet (RAOU nest cards). sclerophyll areas in the Otway Range and parts of eastern Victoria. The habitat of this honeyeater in Grantiella picta. Painted Honeyeater. GR as described by Cooper (1960) is dense gul- Abundance and distribution. This rare and inter- lies and thick tea-tree scrub growing on the slopes esting species appeared in ER near Edenhope and tops of the ranges. Feeding. Recorded taking every year between 1916 and 1927 (Hindwood nectar from heath (Epacris sp.) flowers. Breed- 1935). During these years it arrived either in ing. Cooper (1960) presents the following infor- September or October and left during February mation: 'On September 6, 1959 in a gully in the and March; it did not appear after 1927. More Grampian Range, I found a nest that was being .

346 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

built in the top of a clump of dead ferns that had local concentrations, and widespread. Occasion- fallen from an overhanging rockface. The nest ally in flocks of up to 30 birds in each. Habitat. was built into a small depression in the top of the Open grassy pastures; occasionally margins of ferns and its edges were unattached'. Five days lakes and swamps. Breeding. A common nesting later the nest contained eggs. bird throughout SW Victoria with specific infor- mation being presented by McCulloch (1973) Phylidonyris novaehollandiae. New Holland Honcycater. for GR; by Hill (1907a) and Cohn (1927) for AR; and by Sullivan (1928) and RAOU (nest Abundance and distribution. Common in ER, GR, card) forHR. AR and uncommon in HR; widespread through- out. Habitat. Plant associations with dense shrub layers. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar from the DICAEIDAE (FLOWERPECKERS AND flowers of Yellow Gums, Crimson Bottlebrushes, ALLIES) Oestrum parqui (cultivated), Silver Banksias and Dicaeum hirundinaceum. Mistletoebird. Desert Banksias. Breeding. A common nesting Abundance and distribution. species in GR (FWD survey; Wheeler and Pes- Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Most tree-covered areas cott 1973; McCulloch 1973; RAOU nest card)

(particularly woodlands) ; it inhabits and in AR (McCann pers. comm.). mistletoe which is parasitic on most eucalypt tree species in Phylidonyris albifrons. White-fronted Honeyeater. the survey area. Breeding. It nests in AR near Stawell (McCann pers. Abundance and distribution. Rare; not seen in comm.). FWD survey. Recorded in GR at Balmoral dur- PARDALOTIDAE ing late December 1972 (Mitchell 1973) and in (PARDALOTES) AR at Stawell and Dadswcll Bridge in 1972 (Mc- Pardalotus punctatus. Spotted Pardalotc. Cann pers. comm.). Habitat. Mainly confined to Abundance and distribution. Common, particu- malice vegetation which occurs N of the survey larly in area. GR, and widespread. Habitat. Open forests, particularly of Brown Stringybark; occa- Cliciphila melanops. Tawny-crowned Honeyeater. sionally tall open forests, low open forests and shrublands. Breeding. In early Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- December 1891, a nest with two young stricted to GR. Recorded along the upper Wannon was in a burrow in the ground in (Anon. River (McCann pers. comm.), in the Victoria GR 1892). Wheeler and Pes- cott (1973) reported breeding in Valley (FWD survey), at the SW end of Victoria GR in October 1972. Range (Middleton pers. comm.) and in the Black Range (Wheeler and Pescott 1973). Habitat. Pardalotus striatus. Striated Pardalote. Heaths, usually in the lowlands. Breeding. Nests regularly along the upper Wannon River (Mc- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Cann pers. comm.). spread. Habitat. Woodlands (particularly of River Red Gum), open forests and shrublands. Charac- Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris. Eastern Spinebill. teristically an inhabitant of tree canopies. Breed- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ing. Nesting recorded in GR (McGarvie pers. widespread; locally common during September in comm. ) GR in Victoria Valley. Habitat. Tall open forests, open forests, low open forests, shrublands (Brown ZOSTEROP1DAE (WHITE-EYES) Stringybark) and heaths (particularly during spring). Rarely woodlands and suburban gardens. Zosterops lateralis. Silvereye. Feeding. Recorded taking nectar from flowers Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and of Manna Gums, banksias and mistletoe. Breed- widespread; usually in small flocks of up to 15 ing. Adults were feeding fledged young in GR birds. Habitat. Most plant associations containing near Balmoral in late December 1972 (Mc- well-developed tree or shrub layers. Breeding. Culloch 1973). Young Silvereyes have been seen in the Western EPHTHIANURIDAE (AUSTRALIAN CHATS) District of Victoria as early as the week ended 2 June (Sullivan 1928). Wheeler and Pescott Ephthianura albifrons. White-fronted Chat. (1973) reported breeding in GR on 18-19 Octo- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon, with ber 1972. GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 347 FRINGILLIDAE (FINCHES, BUNTINGS feeding young AND ALLIES) in GR near Balmoral in late De- cember 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Carduelis carduelis. European Goldfinch. STURNJDAE (STARLINGS, MYNAS AND Abundance and distribution. Common in HR un- ALLIES) common in ER, GR and AR; widespread throughout. Sturnus vulgaris. Common Starling. Introduced. Habitat. Pasture and grasslands. Abundance Breeding. Forty-six nests were ex- and distribution. Common and wide- amined in spread with HR near Dunmore between 1964 and particularly large numbers in HR. As 1966 early as (RAOU nest cards). Eggs and youns; were 1928 this introduced species was 'very 1 present common in between September and February (inclu- the Western District of Victoria (Sul- sive). The clutch livan 1928). Habitat. size was usually five eggs or, Pastures and near human occasionally, habitation. four. Nesting recorded in GR (Mc- Breeding. Nesting recorded in GR Garvie pers. comm.). (McGarvie pers. comm.).

Carduelis chloris. European Greenfinch. ORIOLIDAE (ORIOLES AND F1GBIRDS) Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; an in- Oriolus sagittatus. Olive-backed Oriole. troduced species recorded in small numbers in Abundance and distribution. Rare; at two seen in HR Hamilton and Coleraine (Austin pers. HR near Wannon in late March 1967 (Wheeler comm.). Habitat. Suburban gardens. 1967b). One recorded in GR on W side of Vic- PASSERIDAE (OLD WORLD SPARROWS) toria Range in November 1967 (McGarvie pers. comm.). Habitat. Generally confined to forested Passer domesticus. House Sparrow. areas (Wheeler 1967a). Movements. A summer Abundance and distribution. Common, particu- migrant to Victoria, although some winter here larly in HR, and widespread; introduced. Habitat. (Wheeler 1967a). Pastures, suburban gardens and towns. Breed- CORCORACEDAE ing. Adults (AUSTRALIAN MUD- were feeding young in GR near Bal- NESTERS) moral in late December 1972 (McCulloch 1973). Corcorax melanorhamphos. Passer montanus. Eurasian White-winged Tree Sparrow. Chough. Abundance and distribution. Rare in western Vic- Abundance toria; and distribution. Uncommon and one recorded in HR near Wannon in late widespread; in small flocks of up to 30 birds. March 1967 (Wheeler 1967b). Introduced. Habitat. Woodlands (River Red Gum, Yellow Gum and PLOCEIDAE (WEAVERS, WAXBILLS AND Yellow Box) and open forests (Brown ALLIES) Stringybark, Swamp Gum and Red Stringybark). Breeding. Recorded nesting in GR in the Black Emblema temporalis. Red-browed Firetail. Range in October 1972 (Wheeler and Pescott 1973). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Grassy areas, particularly GRALLINIDAE (MAGPIE those near dense shrub growth such as along LARKS) watercourses or areas which arc not heavily Grallina cyanoleuca, Australian Magpie Lark. grazed. Feeding. Recorded taking grass seeds. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Breeding. Adults were feeding fledged young in spread. Habitat. Pastures, crop lands, woodlands, GR near Balmoral in late December 1972 (Mc- suburban gardens and margins of standing water. Culloch 1973). A nest was in a wattle on SW Breeding. Adults were feeding young in a nest end of Victoria Range in November 1955 (Mid- in GR near Balmoral dletonpers. comm.). in late December 1972 (Mc- Culloch 1973). Emblema guttata. Diamond Firetail. ARTAMIDAE (WOODSWALLOWS) Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Open grassy areas in wood- Artamus personatas. Masked Woodswallow. lands, pastures, open forests and suburban gar- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon, not seen dens. Breeding. Regularly nests in AR near in FWD survey. Recorded in GR along the E Staweli (McCann pers. comm.). Adults were boundary (McCann pers. comm.) and near Rock- 348 W. B. EMISON. J. W. PORTER. K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

lands Reservoir (Wheeler and Pcscott 1973). ing. Adults were feeding young in GR near Bal- Mixed flocks of masked and white-brows are moral in late December 1972 (McCulIoch 1973). regularly sighted in HR over Coleraine on their Artamus minor. Little Woodswallow. N migration and Austin (1972) gives details of such sightings for 3 November 1971. The White- Abundance and distribution. Rare. A single bird browed Woodswallow predominates in the survey with a flock of Tree Martins was in ER near area. Habitat. A highly mobile species which may Edenhope in early September 1941 (Collins be seen in or over most habitats with woodlands 1942), and a flock of 15 was in GR near Dun- being preferred in the survey area. Breeding. Both kcld on 8 March 1969 (Austin 1969; 1972). the Masked and White-browed Woodswallow nested near Portland in December of 1950 and CRACTICIDAE (BUTCHERBIRDS AND 1952 and near Castcrton in December 1962 (both CURRAWONGS) areas are just W of HR). There were hundreds Cracticus torquatus. Butcherbird. of Grey nesting birds in approximately the ratio of ten Abundance and distribution. Rare. Single birds white-browed to one masked. On these occa- have recently been recorded in in the Kallun- sions they used only a small area of bushland, and ER several gur and Dopewora Blocks (FWD survey) and nests were in one tree (Austin 1972). along the road between Edenhope and Harrow Movements. The northward migration over (Wheeler 1964). In one Coleraine usually occurs during October and No- GR was recorded in Vic- toria Valley (McGarvie pers. comm.) and vember (Austin 1972). Both the Masked and two the were seen near Rocklands Reservoir (Mitchell White-browed Woodswallow mingle in mixed- 1 973 ) . Habitat. Woodlands, shrublands and road- species flocks and wander extensively over the continent, side trees in pastures. Conservation aspects. Aus- wintering mainly in the tropics (Frith 1969). tin (1951) comments that this species was once common throughout the whole of the SW dis- Artamtis superciliosus. White-browed trict in Victoria, but it is now seldom seen. We Woodswallow. suggest that more detailed studies on this bird over all of its range in Victoria might be re- Abundance and distribution. Numbers fluctuate, quired to ascertain its present status in relation to occasionally common. Recorded in ER in the previous numbers and distribution. Tooan Block (FWD survey); in GR along the E boundary and near Rocklands Reservoir; and in Gyrnnorhina tibicen. Australian Magpie. HR over Coleraine ( also sec comments for Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Masked Woodswallow above). Habitat. for As spread. Habitat. All habitat types, but particularly Masked Woodswallow. Feeding. McCann (1964) pasture and crop lands. In ER on 3 October 1974 gives a detailed description of this species feed- we counted 138 magpies along a secondary road ing on Sugar Ants {Camponotus sp.) in GR. between the Mt. Arapiles Block and Clear Lake Wheeler and Pescott (1973) describe a large flock (a distance of 24 5 km) or an average of about flopping in amongst Yellow Gum blossoms and 5 6 magpies per km of road. Breeding. Many feeding on insects and possibly nectar in GR near recently fledged young were present in ER during Rocklands Reservoir. Breeding. Nests with eggs early October 1974. A high mortality of these or young were present in GR through the summer young birds occurred along main roads where of 1963, until the middle of January 1964 (Mc- many were struck by vehicles. On 3 October Cann 1964). Nests with eggs and young were in 1974, we travelled 30 km on main roads around GR near Balmoral in late December 1972 (Mc- Horsham and counted 26 recently killed young Culloch 1973). Also see breeding information (nearly one per km). Sullivan (1928), in com- for Masked Woodswallow (above). Movements. menting on the Western District of Victoria in As for Masked Woodswallow (above). general, indicated that young of the species were present Artamus cyanopterus. Dusky Woodswallow. as early as the 1st June. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Strepera xraculina and S. versicolor. Pied and spread. Habitat. Woodlands and semi-cleared pas- Grey Currawongs. tures, particularly those which provide perching Abundance and distribution. Uncommon, with sites as well as adequate open space for soaring occasional local concentrations, and widespread. and insect catching on the wing. Occasional in The forms of this genus are quite confusing in most other habitats where trees are present. Breed- this part of the State and may require detailed GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 349 study to clarify the situation. Habitat. Light to habitat. The Wimmera River (once joined to the moderately dense stands of timber. Breeding. Murray River) has a population of Platypus Adult Pied Currawongs were feeding fledged which, in its present isolated state, may be of young in GR near Balmoral in late December zoogeographic interest. Most recent record. 1970 1972 (McCulloch 1973). (FWD 5269). CORVIDAE (CROWS) DASYURIDAE (MARSUPIAL CARNIVORES) Corvus coronoides and C. mellori. Australian and Little Ravens. Dasyunts maculatus. Tiger Cat.

Abundance and distribution. During this survey, Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ap- parently ravens were identified only to genus, but recent now restricted to the Stones Block, HR. work by Rowley (1970) indicates that both Aus- Two individuals were trapped at one trapping site during tralian and Little Ravens are present. Ravens were the survey. Habitat. Manna Gum open forest common and widespread with a flock containing with a ground layer of grass, Austral Bracken and more than 1000 individuals near the coast be- many volcanic boulders (p.c.-22). The accumulation tween Lake Yambuk and Port Fairy on 21 Feb- of rocks provides many small recesses and caves ruary 1975. Habitat. Pasture and crop lands, but for den sites. During the breed- ing season males occasionally in all types of terrestrial habitats. sometimes occur in adjacent pas- tures but these cleared areas Breeding. On 5 December 1974 we found a nest do not support a permanent population. Breeding. individuals with two well-grown young in ER in the Morea Two trapped in late February Block. It was about 4 m from the top of a Yellow were juvenile males, ap- proximately one-half to two-thirds Gum (15 m tall) standing in the middle of a grown. Adult and sexually flooded depression in a woodland. active males have been recorded during the months of June, July and August. Con- servation aspects. The Stones Block provides the Appendix 6 best opportunity to protect and study the Tiger Annotated list of mammals from the Grampians- Cat in Victoria. Other areas where this species Edenhope Area of southwestern Victoria occurs, such as the Otway Range and East Gipps- TACHYGLOSSIDAE (ECHIDNA) land, are so large and the observations are so scat- tered that no specific area within these can be de- Tachyglossus acitleatus. Echidna. fined with the certainty that a viable Tiger Cat population is included. Most recent record. 1975 Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and (FWD 10020). Observed in 1974-75 FWD sur- widespread. Habitat. Most terrestrial habitats, vey. ranging from wet cool areas in the Victoria and Mt. William Ranges, GR, to dry sandy environ- Phascogale tapoatafa. Tuan. ments with sparse vegetation in ER. Occasionally Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- in pasture land, but usually near native vegetation. spread. Recorded in ER at Apsley and Telanga- Most recent record. 1973 (FWD 9257). Ob- tuk East; and in HR at Brit Brit, Cavendish, Bui- served in 1974-75 FWD survey. art and Coleraine. Habitat. Woodlands (e.g. ORNITHORHYNCHIDAE (PLATYPUS) River Red Gum) and open forests (e.g. box) with grassy or sparse shrub undergrowth. These Ornithorhynchus anatinus. Platypus. were formerly widely distributed on the plains of Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- the survey area but are now restricted to river stricted to major waterways (e.g. Wimmera, reserves and road margins. The extensive series of Wannon and Glenelg River systems). Habitat. swamps and lakes in ER may provide enough The Platypus is an aquatic species which emer- woodland for small populations of Tuans to sur- ges from water only to enter burrows in stream vive. Conservation aspects. Little is known about banks. The burrows are excavated in friable silts the biology of this species, which makes it diffi- along the streams and are vulnerable to stream cult to suggest ways to improve its chances of bank alterations (e.g. stream 'improvements') or survival. If the status quo of pasture to woodland grazing of heavy domestic animals. Conservation ratio is maintained in the western plains the spe- aspects. There are few areas set aside for the con- cies may be adequately catered for. Woodlands, servation of this species in Victoria; GR offers particularly roadside reserves, must be left un- an opportunity to protect a large area of its touched. Most recent record. One road-killed .

350 W. B. EM1SON, I. W. PORTER, K. C NORRIS and G. J. APPS

specimen (NMV CI3J64) found during 1974-75 typical forest form with a we II -developed under- FWD survey. growth of shrubs and dense herbs. However, much of the Grampians vegetation is stunted, particu- Antechinus flavipes. Yellow-footed Antechinus. larly at high altitudes where adverse climatic con- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ditions and rocky substrate have prevented sig- widespread. Recorded from all regions of the nificant growth. Broken rocky substrate and dense survey area but absent S of Hamilton, HR. A heaths on Major Mitchell Plateau supported a total of 35 individuals was trapped at 15 trapping dense population of the Brown Antechinus. The sites and the maximum trapping rate was 4 per habitat of the Stones Block was marginal and cent. Habitat. Woodland, open forest, low open only one individual was recorded. Trapped in forest and shrubland. In particular, Brown p.c.— 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 22, 26, 28, 29, Stringybark low open forest and shrubland with 30, 31 and 32. Breeding. Trapping results sug- tall dense heath underlayers which occur from the gest that male die-off was complete by mid to outwash sands of GR through to high sand dunes late August. Most females captured in early Sep- in IZR. It occasionally occurs in wetter vegetation tember had pouch young; of 22 individuals ex- such as Messmate and Brown Stringybark open amined, 20 had eight young, 1 had seven young forest and is also recorded in swampy areas with and 1 had six young. All females examined had Scent-bark and River Red Gum. Shrubs appear to eight teats. Young examined on 8 September be most important and where they are tall and 1974 had crown-rump lengths of approximately dense, Yellow-footed Antechinus is recorded. The 10 mm. In late October all animals trapped were highest altitude at which it was recorded was 680 adult lactating females without pouch young; m. Trapped in p.c. (plant communities in Ap- juveniles were first recorded in early December. pendix 1)—6, 8, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 26, 31 and Young of the 1974 season reached adult dimen- 33. Breeding. Trapping results indicate that male sions in March 1975. Morphology. The animals die-off was complete by mid-August. Females recorded in the Grampians were similar to those with pouch young were first recorded in early described by Wakefield and Warneke ( 1 967 ) September; each female examined had 10 young. Considerable variability was noted and weights Lactating females without pouch young but each varied in adults from 25 g for a female to a with functioning 10 teats were recorded in early maximum 43 g for a male. Means of plastic October. The first of the year's offspring were characters measured on animals trapped between trapped in early December and by March they March and September are given below. The num- almost attained adult dimensions. had Morpho- ber of animals involved in each mean is given in logy. Individuals examined were of the typical brackets. Antechinus flavipes flavipes form as described by Total Wakefield and Warneke (1967), Mean dimen- Weight Length Tail Pes Ear sions for five adult female specimens are: (g) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) Total Tail Weight Length Length Pes Ear Female 26-4(8) 190(20) 88(20) 18-1(19) 17-4(20) (g) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) Male 35-2(5) 211(5) 94-8(5) 17 6(5) 16-6(5)

32 196 86 19 18 The disparity between the number of animals in the weight sample and those used for linear Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD measurements exists because wet specimens were survey (NMVC14052). measured but not weighed. Most pelage charac- teristics were similar to those in other Victorian Antechinus stuartii. Antechinus. Brown populations. However, in some specimens from Abundance and distribution. Common and re- the survey area the orbital crescent, which is stricted; occurring throughout the ranges in GR usually unnoticeable, was as prominent as that in and in the Stones Block, HR. A total of 89 in- Antechinus flavipes and there was a distinct (also dividuals was recorded at 13 trapping sites with similar to A. flavipes) antero-posterior differen- a maximum trapping rate of 29 per cent on tiation in colour of the dorsal pelage, with the Major Mitchell Plateau, GR. Habitat. Open head and neck region being a steel, almost blue- forest, tall open forest and sub-alpine heath. In grey hue changing abruptly to the 'normal' GR it was usually recorded in the ranges and foot- grizzled grey of the back. These animals were hills where the dominant trees were tall and of also larger than average and were sympatric with .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 351

A. flavipes. Most recent record. Collected in Sminthopsis murina. Mouse Dunnart. 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV C13961). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon. There are two records for the survey area: a specimen Antechinus swainsonii. Swainson's Antechinus. collected 23 km NNW of Coleraine, HR, in 1962; Abundance and distribution. Common and re- and a trapping record in 1976 for the northern stricted to GR and HR. Widespread in the Gram- Victoria Valley, GR (Cockburn pers. comm.). It pians ranges and occurs throughout the Stones and may be widespread in HR and ER. Habitat. Mt. Napier Blocks, HR. Ninety-five animals were Shrubland. In other parts of Victoria the Mouse trapped at 14 trapping localities with a maximum Dunnart is associated with dry sandy environ- trapping rate of 20 per cent. Habitat. Wet, dense ments such as mallee and Brown Stringybark shrub and herb layers which usually occur in shrubland. Large Crown Land blocks in ER (e.g. areas with relatively high rainfall such as the Jilpanger Block) have an environment similar to major Grampians ranges and in dry areas along other parts of its range. Most recent record. streams and around foothills of the major ranges 1962 (NMVC4510). where run-off results in luxuriant sedge and fern Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Fat-tailed Dunnart. growth. In the Stones Block, HR, Austral Bracken rather than shrubs dominates the undergrowth and Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and the aggregations of volcanic boulders provide nu- widespread. Recorded in ER at Goroke and Te- Ararat; and merous small caves and other recesses suitable for langatuk East; in AR at Stawell and in at Coleraine and Hamilton. The small nesting. This is similar to the Lake Corangamite HR number of records is probably not a true 'Stony Rises' which also support large Antechinus (14) indication of abundance because they are often swainsonii populations (Emison et al. 1975). confused with the House Mouse and both species Trapped in p.c— 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 22, are called 'field mice' in country areas. 26, 28, 29, 31 and 32. Breeding. Male die-off had many Habitat. Grassy plains. The Fat-tailed Dunnart been completed before the start of the trapping undoubtedly a resident of the formerly wide- programme on 13 August 1974. Females both was spread woodlands and grassy plains which once with unused pouches and pouch young were re- covered the Basalt Plains and Northern Plains corded in mid-August. The one pouch litter ex- Victoria. These habitats have now been cleared amined possessed eight young on the eight avail- of to pasture land but Fat-tailed Dunnarts are still able teats. At the beginning of September all and appear to survive well in some animals trapped were lactating females without widespread sites are usually located beneath pouch young. The next trapping period was in farm areas. Nest discarded farm implements. Most late October when, of 25 individuals recorded, logs, rocks or record. 1970 C9545). 22 were juveniles and there was a marked dif- recent (NMV ference in juvenile size, suggesting either differing PERAMELIDAE (BANDICOOTS) birth dates or growth rates. No second year fe- males were recorded later than December. Mor- lsoodon obesulus. Short-nosed Bandicoot. phology. Pelage characteristics and size were uni- Abundance and distribution. Common and re- form throughout the survey area. Superficially, stricted to GR and possibly AR. Recorded at Billy- least, the population in the survey area re- at wing, Halls Gap, Pomonal, northern Victoria sembles the lowland populations from elsewhere in Valley, Mt. Rosea and Teddy Bear Gap. Four contrasts markedly with the large the State and animals were trapped at one locality with a maxi- dark animals of the moist highlands. Adult males mum trapping rate of 3 per cent. Habitat. Dense trapped during the survey but means were not herb layers in several different plant communities of the plastic characters for seven adult females (e.g. moist swampy areas of heath usually in or are: near stands of trees, and wet stream side or swamp vegetation of sedges and Austral Bracken) Total Length Roadside reserves of sedges and grasses may (mm) Tail (mm) Pes (mm) Ear (mm) support populations on the plains in AR. Short- nosed Bandicoots forage on lawns in Halls Gap 20-6 17-4 224 99 and seek refuge in thick ground vegetation of Austral Bracken and sedges. Breeding. Three fe- examined on 10 September 1974 exhibited Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD males range of breeding conditions. One was a survey (NMV CI 3960). a wide 352 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS sub-adult although nearly full-grown, the second 1971 (FWD 5444). Observed in 1974-75 FWD had three small unfurred pouch young and the survey. third had four large furred pouch young which were close to leaving the pouch. Most recent re- PHALANGERIDAE (LARGE POSSUMS) cord. Collected in 1974-75 survey (NMV FWD Trichosurus vulpecula. Brush-tailed Possum. C14058). Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Perameles gunnii. Gunn's Bandicoot. spread. Habitat. Most tree-covered areas; in some localities they may take shelter in sheds and Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- the roofs of houses. Brown Stringybark shrubland stricted. The last known population in Victoria which is extensive in ER and some parts of is occurs mainly in the city of Hamilton, HR, al- GR unsuitable, possibly because there are few nest though recent specimen records indicate that the sites. Treeless pastures are not occupied but wood- present range extends NW as far as Coleraine land roadside reserves are densely populated. and S to Port Fairy. Recollections of landholders With these few exceptions, all woodland and open indicate that even within the last 50 years the forest is occupied and in species has been far more widespread and GR droppings and tracks of this possum also occurred throughout the plains and into the occur throughout ex- tensive rocky areas and broken cliffs. southern Victoria Valley of GR. They attribute Most re- cent record. 1972 the decline of the species to the upsurge of the (FWD 8125). Observed in 3974-75 survey. Fox population. Habitat. Grassland and wood- FWD land. It formerly inhabited the grasslands on the volcanic plains but now occurs mainly in sub- PETAURIDAE (GLIDERS AND ALLIES) urban gardens in Hamilton and some lightly Pseudocheirus peregrinus. Ring-tailed Possum. farmed areas such as creekside and road re- serves. Conservation aspects. The survival of this Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and species in Victoria may be dependent upon ade- widespread. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles and quate areas of suburban gardens remaining in Nurrabiel; in GR at Victoria Valley, Mt. Fred- erick, Hamilton. In the long-term, it may be important Pomonal and Rocklands Reservoir; and in to examine the predator-prey relationship be- AR at Ararat. Habitat. River Red Gum, Yel- tween the Fox and this bandicoot before its re- low Box, Yellow Gum, Scent-bark, Brown Stringy-

introduction into areas where it previously oc- bark, Swamp Gum, Manna Gum and Messmate woodlands curred. Most recent record. 1 97 1 (NMV and open forests with dense shrub C10997). layers of banksias, tea-trees and wattles over 3 m tall. In GR such vegetation occurs along creeks PHASCOLARCTIDAE (KOALA) and in some swamps, but not on dry slopes or in heath. This possum has also been reported among Phascolarctos cinereus. Koala. rock screes and on cliffs, although this was not ob- Abundance and distribution. Common and re- served during FWD survey. On the plains, cultiva- stricted. The distribution of Koalas in the survey tion has destroyed most of the original vegetation area is related to the liberation of animals in se- and the remnant Ring-tailed Possum populations

lected areas by FWD. As far as is known, no are restricted to some roadside reserves and other natural populations remained in the survey area reserves such as Mt. Arapiles. Most recent record. after the decimation of Koalas in the late 1800s 1975 (FWD 10113). Observed in 1974-75 FWD and early 1900s. Liberations began in 1947 and survey. 1948 when groups of 12 and 16 animals respec- Petaurus breviceps. Sugar Glider. tively were released at Wartook Reservoir, GR. In 1957, 611 animals were released in the Halls Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Gap, GR, and Ararat, AR, areas. Several animals widespread. Recorded in ER at Horsham; in have recently been released in the Stones Block, GR at Rocklands Reservoir, Victoria Valley, HR. These releases have been successful and vi- Halls Gap, Pomonal and Mirranatwa Gap; in able populations occur at each of these localities. AR at Stawell; and in HR at Coleraine, Hamilton, Habitat. Open forest and woodland where suit- Mt. Eccles and Tarrayoukyan. Habitat. River able food trees are present. They occur in Manna Red Gum, Yellow Gum and Yellow Box wood- Gum forests around Halls Gap, in the Stones land and Scent-bark, Manna Gum and Swamp Block and at Lake Wartook. Most recent record. Gum open forest. In ER the glider is restricted GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 353 to swampy areas of River Red Gum and Yellow Cercartetus nanus. Eastern Pigmy Possum. Gum woodland. The structure of the dominant Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- tree species is important in determining Sugar stricted. There is only one specimen from the Glider distribution and the presence of tall shrubs survey area (Stawell in AR) but observations (e.g. Silver Wattle) may also be important. Most have been made at McKenzie Creek (Wakefield recent record. 1973 (FWD 9112). Observed in 1963b), The Pinnacle and Mirranatwa Gap, all 1974-75 FWD survey. localities in GR. Habitat. Open forest, heath and woodland. The observations at Mirranatwa Petaurus norfolcensis. Squirrel Glider (Plate 21, Gap and The Pinnacle were in heathy areas with Fig. 5). extensive broken rock and cliffs. Most recent Abundance and distribution. Rare and re- record. 1965 (FWD P496). stricted in the survey area. There are only two

records in the survey area (both from AR) : 5 Cercartetus concinnus. Western Pigmy Possum. km NW of Stawell in 1970; and Dadswell Bridge Abundance and distribution. Rare and probably in 1968. The species is rare to uncommon through- restricted to ER. One specimen from Edenhope out all of its Victorian range. Habitat. River Red and an observation at Murrabiel constitute the Gum, Yellow Gum and Yellow Box woodlands only records from the survey area. The centre of on the plains. Most of these woodlands have been the Victorian distribution of this species is in the cleared for agriculture or devastated during the mallee and banksia shrublands of the Little De- gold mining era. The small remaining areas are sert, Big Desert and Sunset Country. Habitat. restricted to swamps and along roadsides and Mallee and Brown Stringybark shrublands, Yel- rivers. Squirrel Gliders have not been recorded low Gum and Black Box woodlands which have in any of the major blocks of Crown Land. Most mid-dense shrub layers of proteaceous shrubs (e.g. recent record. 1970 (NMVC9543). banksias, hakeas, etc.) and some myrtaceous shrubs such as melaleucas. The species may also Petaurus australis. Yellow-bellied Glider. occasionally occur on farmland, usually in farm Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- machinery (Wakefield 1963b) . Most recent stricted. Recorded in the Stones State Faunal record. 1952 (NMV C2471). Observed in 1957 Reserve, the Stones Block, HR. This population (Wakefield 1963b). is isolated from those at Cape Otway and in the Portland district. Habitat. Manna Gum open MACROPODIDAE (KANGAROOS AND forest. Characteristic 'V gougings occur on WALLABIES) many trees indicating that this glider occurs throughout the wildlife reserve. Conservation Potorous tridactylus. Potoroo. aspects. The established wildlife reserve provides Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- an excellent opportunity to protect the species stricted. Recorded from one locality near Po- within a defined area. Most recent record. Ob- monal, GR (Seebeck 1976). This population is served in 1974-75 FWD survey. isolated from others near Portland in the SW and Warrnambool in the SE. Habitat. Tall dense BURRAMYIDAE (PIGMY POSSUMS) heath on wet sites. The optimum habitat is in the moist gullies under Swamp Gum open forest with Acrobates pygmaeus. Feather-tailed Glider. dense layers of myrtles and tall sedges. It is less Shin- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon but abundant on the adjacent drier slopes where herb probably widespread in GR, AR and HR. Re- ing Peppermint is common and the shrub and recent record. 1972 corded in GR at Victoria Valley and in AR at layers are mid-dense. Most Willaura. Habitat. River Red Gum, Yellow (FWD 8380). Gum and Yellow Box woodland and Manna Genus Macropus: Identification. Gum, Scent-bark and Swamp Gum open forest occur in the survey are probably suitable. A well-developed shrub Three species of Macropus Wallaby, smaller than the layer of wattles is probably beneficial. The large area. The Red-necked and is not areas of Brown Stringybark shrubland in ER and two kangaroos, is distinctly marked However, considerable some areas of GR may be unsuitable. Most re- difficult to recognise. in positively identify- cent record. 1971 (NMV C10740). Observed in difficulty was encountered and Eastern Grey 1974-75 FWD survey. ing animals of the Western 354 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Kangaroo species. In the absence of blood pro- sandy sites covered by Brown Stringybark shrub- tein analyses (Kirsch and Poole 1972), ad hoc land with a dry heath layer. Generally not re- identification criteria were devised by discussion corded high in the ranges but occasionally on with persons familiar with both species (e.g. J. K. the foothills. This kangaroo often congregates Dempster) and by morphological and behavioural (in some localities with Eastern Grey Kangaroos) observations and resultant feedback in the field. around clearings or farmlands and emerges from Poole (1973) discusses species determination by cover at dusk to feed. Breeding. Young at foot using coat colour alone and found the grey or and in the pouch were observed throughout the brown colouration of the forehead the only survey period. Most recent record. Observed in consistent distinguishing feature. Clearly, without 1974-75 FWD survey. shooting animals, the identification of forehead colouration would be difficult during the day Macropus rufogriseus. Red-necked Wallaby. and impossible at night. In order to obtain at least Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- some meaningful observations we utilized the spread. Recorded in ER in the Jilpanger, Tooan general colour difference between the two spe- and Mt. Arapiles Blocks; in GR at Victoria Val- cies. Eastern Grey Kangaroos in E Victoria are ley, Billywing, Mirranatwa, Black Range, Zum- light grey and Western Grey Kangaroos in far steins and Halls Gap; and in HR at 5 km W of NW Victoria are a distinct brown. By recording Bessiebclle. It was particularly common in Victoria the occurrence of these extremes and disregarding Valley and at some of the other localities in GR, the questionable intermediate forms (of which but less so in the smaller Crown Land blocks there were many), it was possible to determine where local farmers suggest that '1080' poisoning some differentiation in habitat utilization and has reduced populations. Habitat. Heath, shrub- therefore distribution in the survey area. Previous land, open forest and low open forest. Particu- confusion in the taxonomy of the grey kangaroo larly common in Brown Stringybark low open species precludes the use of specimen data. forest with a heathy shrub layer and interspersed by clearings. This wallaby inhabits most moun- Macropus giganteus. Eastern Grey Kangaroo. tainous areas and other moist shrub vegetation Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- as well as most habitats occupied by the Western spread. Recorded in GR at Pomonal, Victoria Grey Kangaroo. It emerges from cover at dusk Valley, Lake Wartook, Halls Gap, Billywing, to feed on grasses and regenerating shrubs in Zumsteins, Mirranatwa and as far west as Rock- farmland and grassy woodland. Breeding. Young lands Reservoir; and in HR in the Stones Block. at foot and in pouch were observed throughout Habitat. Open forests and woodlands with ground the survey period. Most recent record. Collected in covers of grass and few shrubs. They are com- 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV CI 3926). mon in River Red Gum woodlands in the Vic- toria Valley and in open forest margins around Petrogale penicillata. Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby. Halls Gap where farmland and lawns provide Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted. ideal grazing conditions. The Stones Block con- Once common and widespread throughout rocky tains Manna Gum open forest with a grass and mountainous areas of Victoria but populations Austral Bracken herb layer which adjoins cleared declined early this century. It is now restricted areas of old farmland. Short grasses and herbs for to two areas in the State, one in the Snowy River grazing, rather than shrubs for browsing, are region of eastern Victoria and the other in a prevalent in most Eastern Grey Kangaroo habitat. small area in the Victoria Range, GR. Since at- Breeding. Young at foot and in the pouch were tention was drawn to the present population in present throughout the survey period. Most re- GR (Wakefield 1971) extensive searches of cent record. Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. nearby ranges have failed to uncover any other existing populations although old faecal material Macropus fuliginosus. Western Grey Kangaroo. and caves which may have been used by rock Abundance and distribution. Recorded through- wallabies were found at Mt. Stapylton and in the out major Crown Land blocks in ER and in GR Hut Creek Gorge. Habitat. Rugged rocky areas. as far east as the Serra Range. Western Grey In the Victoria Range sandstone cliffs and stacks Kangaroos are sympatric with Eastern Grey Kan- of broken rock have formed caves and shelter. garoos from Rocklands Reservoir through the The vegetation is sparse Brown Stringybark trees Victoria Valley to the Serra Range. Habitat. Low and a scattered growth of shrubs such as hakeas GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 355 and casuarinas. Conservation aspects. The size sites in GR and ER (Mt. Arapiles Block) with a of the population in GR is unknown and it is maximum trapping rate of 4 per cent. An exotic difficult to know the wisest course to pursue for species which is now established in urban, rural their conservation. One possibility is to ensure and some natural surroundings. Habitat. In GR that they remain undisturbed although a study of and at Mt. Arapiles (ER) the Black Rat occurs them might lead to an understanding of the rea- in rocky areas or near creeks, these being amongst son for their decline. Such knowledge and an the few areas in which it is not closely associated active propagation programme might allow re- with man. In other parts of its Victorian range instatement not only throughout GR but at Mt. this rat inhabits rural areas in and around farm Arapiles and the eastern highlands as well. buildings and thrives in some urban environments, Most recent record. 1971 (Wakefield 1971). particularly rubbish dumps. Trapped in p.c.—6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 31 and LEPORIDAE 21, 26, 29, 30, 43. (HARES AND RABBITS) Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey Lepus europaeus. Hare. (NMV CI 3958). Abundance and distribution. Probably uncommon Rattus lutreolus. and widespread in AR and HR. Introduced into Swamp Rat. Australia last century, the species has spread Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- widely through farming areas and some alpine spread. Recorded in GR at Halls Gap, Victoria areas of eastern Australia. Habitat. Grassy plains. Valley, Mt. William, Lake Wartook, Black Range, It is probably now restricted to farmland on Mirranatwa Gap, Pomonal and Dunkeld; and in plains. Most recent record. None. HR at Byaduk and Mt. Napier; 210 animals were trapped at 14 trap sites with a maximum trapping Oryctolagus cuniculus. Rabbit. rate of 26 per cent. Habitat. A wide range of Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- environments are occupied, from warm lowlands spread. Introduced into Australia last century at Byaduk (HR) to cold sub-alpine conditions and now present throughout the survey area. on 1160 m Mt. William (GR). Mid-dense to Habitat. Most terrestrial environments except ex- dense herb cover of approximately 0-3 m high is tensive rocky areas, dense wet forest and well- essential. Such vegetation most commonly occurs managed farmland. It inhabits virtually all types in tall dense heaths and sedge swamps such as of vegetation. Most recent record. Observed in those in Victoria Valley and in sub-alpine heaths 1974-75 FWD survey. in GR. In drier areas its distribution is restricted to dense vegetation along creeks. It has been re- MURIDAE (RATS AND MICE) ported from farmland margins E and SE of Dun- keld (Munro pers. comm.). It is not known how Rattus fuscipes. Bush Rat. widely it is distributed in the open plains. Trapped Abundance distribution. and Common and re- in p.c—1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 26, stricted. Recorded in HR at the Stones and Mt. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33. Breeding. Males with Napier Blocks; 106 animals were trapped at prominent scrota but undescended testes were re- two trap sites with a maximum trapping rate of corded during September; one scrotal male was 30 per cent. Apparently absent from suitable recorded in March. Juveniles were first recorded habitat in GR although remains are present in in early December and were still present during subfossil deposits (Wakefield 1963a). Animals in March. Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 HR appear to represent the eastern limit of dis- FWD survey (NMV CI 3957). tribution of the subspecies R. f. greyi. Habitat. The vegetation in the Stones Block is mainly Rattus norvegicus. Sewer Rat. Manna Gum open forest with a herb layer of Austral Bracken and grasses over a stony substrate Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- which contains a labyrinth of small holes and stricted. The only record for the survey area is tunnels. Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 a specimen from Hamilton, HR. This species has FWD survey (NMV C13560). spread in association with towns since its intro- duction from Europe. Habitat. Urban environ- Rattus rattus. Black Rat. ments. The specimen was collected in tall grass Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- beside a creek in Hamilton. Most recent record. spread; 34 individuals were trapped at 13 trap Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (FWD 9804). 356 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

Pseudomys alhoeinereus. Silky Desert Mouse. male was trapped in early December 1974. Dur- ing the survey no single period of the year had an Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- influx of juveniles, although sub-adults and ju- stricted. Recorded in ER in Jilpanger, Kallungar veniles were always present. Most recent record. and Yallakar Blocks; 24 animals were trapped Collected in 1 974-75 FWD survey (NMV at four trap sites with a maximum trapping rate C13175). of 13 per cent. Habitat. High sand dunes covered by Brown Stringybark shrubland with a sparse Mus musculus. House Mouse. to mid-dense layer of shrubs such as Silky Tea- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- tree and Desert Banksia (p.c.—-17 and 18). spread. An exotic species recorded throughout Elaborate burrows are dug into the sides of the ER, GR and HR. It probably occurs in AR; 153 sandhills. Breeding. A female trapped on 8 Oc- individuals were trapped at 16 trap sites with a tober 1974 had three large (20 mm) embryos. maximum trapping rate of 18 per cent. Habitat. A female caught on 10 December 1974 was preg- Most plant formations, particularly where herb nant and gave birth to three young in captivity cover is sparse and tall shrub layer (e.g. 2 m) is on 13 December. An adult scrotal male was well developed; exceptions are sub-alpine heath trapped on 13 December. All animals trapped in and tall open forest. Most recent record. Col- mid-April were sub-adult males and females. lected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV CI 3953). Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMVC14054). Hydromys chrysogaster. Eastern Water Rat. Pseudomys fumeus. Smokey Mouse. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- stricted. Recorded in at Horsham and Too- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- ER londo Reservoir; in GR at Fyans Creek, Silver- stricted. Recorded in GR at Mirranatwa Gap, band Falls, Pomonal, Stony Creek, Halls and Major Mitchell Plateau, Mt. William, Silver- Gap Mirranatwa and in at Lonsdale. band Fails and both the northern and southern Gap; AR Lake Habitat. Usually in freshwater lakes portions of Victoria Range; 33 individuals were or near and swamps on the plains; occasionally in both recorded from four trap sites with a maximum upper fast-flowing and lower tepid stream sec- trapping rate of 14 per cent. This is an endemic tions. Most recent record. 1974 (FWD 9541). Victorian species although it may eventually be Observed in 1974-75 survey. recorded in some sub-alpine regions of New South FWD

Wales. Habitat. In GR it is restricted to dense CAN1DAE (DOGS AND FOXES) wet undergrowth in tall open forests and sub-al- pine heaths of the high ranges. Elsewhere in Vic- Vulpes vulpes. Fox.

toria it has been recorded in moist undergrowth Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- of some open forest, fern gullies in tall vegetation spread. An exotic species recorded in ER at Jil- both on broken rocky mountain tops and on panger Block; in GR at Pomonal, Black Range, hillsides. Breeding. Scrotal males were trapped Lake Wartook and Victoria Valley; and in HR in October and November of 1974. A pregnant at the Stones Block. Habitat. Common in pasture early November gave birth to female trapped in lands and present throughout most areas of native early December. Other three young in captivity in vegetation. Most recent record. 1971 (FWD females trapped in early November were not 5664). Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. pregnant. Most recent record. Collected in 1974- 15 FWD survey (FWD 9942). FELIDAE (CATS)

Pseudomys shortridgei. Heath Rat. Fells catus. Cat.

Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and spread throughout GR; 83 animals were trapped widespread throughout the survey area. Habitat. at 10 trapping sites with a maximum trapping rate Most terrestrial environments with the possible

of 1 1 per cent. It occurs only in the SW corner exception of wet and cold areas such as sub-alpine of Victoria. Habitat. Heath and open forest with heath on Mt. William. Conservation aspects. Feral heath undergrowth. The distributions of this populations of this species should be studied to species and of the Smokey Mouse are almost mu- determine the impact of its predation on native tually exclusive. Trapped in p.c.—6, 8, 14, 15, vertebrate populations. Control of some feral 16, 26, 29, 30 and 31. Breeding. A pregnant fe- populations of this species in Victoria is neces- GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 357 sary. Most recent record. Observed in 1974-75 CH1ROPTERA (THE BATS) FWD survey. The species list of bats occurring in the survey

area is incomplete and little is known of the habits SUIDAE (PIGS) of the species recorded. Only small insect-eating bats (microchiropterans) are resident in the area. Sus scrofa. Pig. The following annotated list includes species Abundance and distribution. Rare and restricted likely to occur in the survey area as well as those (if extant). Audas (1925) recorded an earlier known to be present. Their likely abundance and undated occurrence in both the Victoria and War- distribution are listed. took Valleys, GR. They are now absent from these areas. There are some recent unconfirmed VESPERT1LIONIDAE (ORDINARY SMALL reports of wild pigs in the Wannon River area NE BATS) of Dunkeld, GR. Habitat. Areas surrounding Nyctophilia timoriensis. Greater Long-eared Bat. swamps and marshes. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread. Habitat. Woodland and open forest. CERVIDAE (DEER) Most recent record. Recorded by Wakefield Cervus elaphus. Red Deer. f 1963a) in subfossil deposits. Most recent record. 1977 (Parnaby pers. comm.). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- stricted. Recorded in GR at Victoria and Wartook Nyctophilia gcoffroyi. Lesser Long-cared Bat. Valleys, Billywing, Zumsteins and Lake Bellfield. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Habitat. Open forests and woodlands with grass spread. Recorded in GR at Woohlpoocr, in AR layers and tall sparse shrub undergrowth; some at Bellellen and in HR at Hamilton. Habitat. swamps and reservoir margins provide emergent Woodland and open forest. Most recent record. vegetation which is grazed. Shrublands and 1971 (FWD 6832). Individuals captured in 1977 heaths are seldom occupied. Most recent record. (Parnaby pers. comm.). Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. Minioptcris schreihersii. Bent-winged Bat. Abundance and distribution. Probably common BOVIDAE (CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS) and widespread. Habitat. Woodland and open Capra hircus. Goat. forest wherever suitable caves are present.

Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- Chalinolobus gouldii. Gould's Wattled Bat. stricted. Recorded throughout GR and in HR (re- Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- ported by local land holders) in the Stones Block. spread. Habitat. Woodland and open forest. Most Habitat. In GR tracks, droppings and camp recent record. Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. sites were found in rocky localities on all of the Individuals captured in 1977 (Parnaby pers. major ranges; signs were most common in steep comm.). rugged areas. Typical situations included over- hangs and caverns for camp sites and vegetation Chalinolobus morio. Chocolate Bat. between grazing. rocks and on lower slopes for Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Halls Some semi-tame animals were seen near spread. Habitat. Woodland and open forest. Most the large herds occurred in the Victoria Gap but recent record. Individuals captured in 1977 (Par- Range. Stones Block in has a rocky sub- The HR naby pers. comm.). strate with a grass and Austral Bracken layer beneath a Manna Gum open forest. Most recent Eptesicus pumilus. Little Bat. record. Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- spread. Habitat. Woodland and open forest. Most Ovis aries. Sheep. recent record. 1971 (FWD 6807). Individuals Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- captured in 1977 (Parnaby pers. comm.). stricted. A feral population occurs in HR in the Pipistrellus tasmaniensis. Tasmanian Pipistrelle. Stones Block. Habitat. Manna Gum open forest with grass and Austral Bracken beneath. Most re- Abundance and distribution. Only recently re- cent record. Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. corded in Victoria but found to be widespread .

358 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

(Parnaby pers. comm.); recorded in GR. Habitat. AGMIDAE (DRAGON LIZARDS) Woodland and open forest. Most recent record. Amphibolurus barbatus. Bearded Dragon. Individuals captured in 1977 (Parnaby pers. comm.). Abundance and distribution. Common throughout survey area except, apparently, S of Hamilton, Myotis adversus. Large-footed Bat. HR. Recorded in ER at Toolondo Reservoir, Mt. Abundance and distribution. Rare and wide- Arapiles, 10 km N of Apsley, North Lake, and spread. Habitat. Caves in woodland and open Clear Lake Road 5 km NE of Douglas; in GR at forest. Muline Creek and Rocklands Reservoir; and in AR at Horsham, Stawell, Pomonal and 11 km Nycticeius greyi. Little Broad-nosed Bat. NW of Dadswell Bridge. Habitat. Woodlands, Abundance and distribution. Uncommon but pos- particularly of Yellow Gum and River Red Gum; sibly widespread in northern and western por- also pastures if trees (e.g. roadside reserves) or tions of the survey area. Habitat. Hot dry areas. fences are present. Most recent record. 1969 Most recent record. Individuals captured in 1977 (NMV D14085). Observed in 1974-75 FWD (Parnaby pers. comm.). survey.

MOLOSSIDAE (MASTIFF BATS) Amphibolurus diemensis. Mountain Dragon.

distribution. to Tadarida australis. White-striped Bat. Abundance and Rare; restricted the ranges of GR. This is the western extremity Abundance and distribution. Probably common of a patchy distribution which includes the eastern and widespread over most habitats in the survey highlands and Tasmania. Habitat. Tall open area. Most recent record. 1964 at Dadswell forests, wetter forms of open forests and sub- Bridge, AR (McCann pers. comm.). alpine heaths. Most recent record. About 1970 Tadarida planiceps. Little Flat Bat. (specimen in the South Australian Museum)

Abundance and distribution. Possibly common Amphibolurus muricatus. Jacky Lizard. in the warm northern and western portions of the survey area. Most recent record. See Wakefield Abundance and distribution. Common throughout (1974). survey area except, apparently, S of Hamilton, HR. Recently recorded in ER at Jilpanger Block; EMBALLONURIDAE (SHEATH-TAILED in GR at Mt. Cassel; and in AR at Pomonal. Habi- BATS) tat. Open forest, shrubland and woodland, par- ticularly areas of Brown Stringybark with heath Taphozous flaviventris. Yellow-bellied Bat. undergrowth. Most recent record. 1969 (NMV Abundance and distribution. Not recorded from D17574). Observed in 1974-75 FWD survey. survey area but possibly rare and widespread.

Amphibolurus pictus. Painted Dragon. Appendix 7.—Annotated list of reptiles from the Grampians-Edenhope Area of southwestern Abundance and distribution. Only found in the Victoria Jilpanger Block ER, but its distribution probably includes other Crown Land blocks in ER. Habi- CHELIDAE (SIDE-NECKED TORTOISES) tat. Shrublands of Brown Stringybark and Desert Banksia; mainly on sands or, occasionally, on dry Chelodina longicollis. Long-necked Tortoise. claypans. Most recent record. Collected in 1974- Abundance and distribution. Common in the 75 FWD survey (NMV D33445). Glenelg and Wimmera River systems and in lakes in ER, GR and HR. Recorded in ER at Lake Charlegrark, 10 km SSE of Gymbowen, Eden- GEKKONIDAE (GECKOS) hope, 14 km SE of Edenhope, and 5 km E of Diplodactylus tessellatus. Tessellated Gecko. Clear Lake; and in GR at Moora Moora Reser- voir. Habitat. Tepid freshwater streams and lakes Abundance and distribution. Two specimens, in the plains are most suitable; cold fast-flowing dated 1905, exist from Clear Lake, ER. It is an mountain streams are unsuitable. Most recent inland species which may still occur in the record. 1964 (NMV D10898). Observed in survey area. Habitat. Unknown. Most recent 1974-75 FWD survey. record. 1905 (NMVD226). GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 359

Phyllodactylus marmoratus. Marbled Gecko. widespread in survey area. Recorded in ER at Lake Charlegrark, Mt. Arapiles and Meereek Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Block; in at Victoria and Victoria Valley; spread throughout ER, GR and AR but ap- GR Gap and in at Black Range S of Stawell. Habitat. parently absent from HR. Recorded in ER at 17 AR Open warm environments, usually on sandy soils km SW of Edenhope and Mt. Arapiles; in GR and adjacent to rocky outcrops and boulders at 16 km W of Halls Gap, 1 km N of Halls Gap, where they seek shelter. Open forest, woodland Asses Ears and Black Range; and in AR at and shrubland are all utilized. Most recent record. Ararat, Stawell, and Black Range S of Stawell. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV Habitat. Usually rocky outcrops such as occur in D33439). the Grampians or at Mt. Arapiles; occasionally in woodland beneath shedding bark and in or Egernia luctuosa. Mourning Skink. under logs. Most recent record. Collected in 1974- Abundance and distribution. Rare; probably re- 75 FWD survey (NMV D33436). stricted to GR. One specimen collected near the junction of Goat Track and Victoria Range Road PYGOPODIDAE (SNAKE-LIZARDS) in the Victoria Range. Habitat. The specimen was Delma inornata. collected in a heathy swamp at a high altitude. It occurs in swamps elsewhere in Victoria. Most re- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; four cent record. 1971 (NMVD17299). specimens from Stawell, AR. It probably occurs in in other dry warm areas of AR and possibly Egernia saxatilis. Black Rock Skink. dry peripheral areas of GR. Habitat. Usually Abundance and distribution. Common on most dense ground cover of shrubs in dry vegetation. rocky ranges in the survey area. Recorded in ER Most recent record. 1956 (NMV D15463). at Mt. Arapiles; in GR at Hut Creek Gorge, Vic- Delma impar. toria Range and Mt. Rosea Track; and in AR at Stawell. Habitat. Rocky areas. It basks on rock Abundance and distribution. Originally wide- surfaces, forages in adjacent vegetation and shel- spread, but no specimens from the survey area ters beneath exfoliating rocks. Most recent record. since 1904. Recorded in ER at Horsham; and Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV in HR at Hamilton and Byaduk. Habitat. Grass- D33441). lands such as occurred on the basalt plains. Most recent record. 1904 (NMV R10883). Egernia whitii. White's Skink. SCINCIDAE (SKINKS) Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- spread throughout the survey area although its Anotis maccoyL distribution is patchy. Recorded in GR at Mt. at Stawell and Abundance and distribution. Recorded in GR at William and Black Range; in AR at Byaduk, Lake Condah near White Bull Swamp and Major Mitchell Plateau; Ararat; and in HR 10 of Narrawong, and the Stones and in HR at Coleraine. Habitat. Sub-alpine Heywood, km N Reserve. Habitat. Usually rocky heath, wetter forms of open forest and wood- State Faunal However, unlike E. saxatilis, it is not land. Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 substrates. to open rocky expanses, but basks on FWD survey (NMV D33432). confined isolated rocks, forages widely through usually Cryptoblepharus boutonii. sparse low vegetation, and seeks refuge by digging soil beneath Abundance and distribution. Common at Mt. Ara- sometimes elaborate burrows in record. Collected in 1974-75 piles and probably widespread throughout the rest rocks. Most recent D33426). of ER. There is also a doubtful 1887 record from FWD survey (NMV Woodland. It is primarily arboreal GR. Habitat. Hemiergis decresiensis. and is most common in Yellow Gum woodland Abundance and distribution. Common; restricted where shedding bark and splitting logs and to the N portion of the survey area. Recorded trunks provide ideal refuge sites. Most recent from ER at Mt. Arapiles and 8 km SW of Nati- record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (FWD muk. Habitat. Warm environments, usually as- 9956). sociated with rocky substrates. Most recent record. Ctenotus robustus. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and D33434). 360 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRTS and G. J. APPS

Hemiergis peronii. tat. Tall open forest and wetter forms of open forest Abundance and distribution. Not recorded in including sub-alpine heath. Most recent record. 1974-75 FWD survey but recent NMV speci- 1970 (NMVD38185). mens are listed for Stawell, AR. Habitat. The Lerista bougainvilliL NMV specimens were from an old building site in farmland. Most recent record, 1976 (NMV Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and D48291). widespread. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles and 17 km SW of Edenhope; in GR at 1-5 km N of Lampropholis delicata. Halls Gap, Lake Wartook, Victoria Valley, Chim- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; prob- ney Pots, and 3 km ESE of Mt. Victory; and in at ably widespread in ER and it may occur in GR AR Stawell, Black Range S of Stawell, and and AR. Recorded in ER at Jilpanger Block and 13 km S of Stawell. Habitat. Open forest, wood- 10 km SSE of Miga Lake. Habitat. Woodlands land and a small area of mallee at Mt. Arapiles. with much bark and leaf litter; often occurring be- Friable sandy soils, large accumulations of litter neath logs, particularly in Yellow Gum woodland. and a warm climate are other factors important Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD in influencing the distribution of this species. survey (NMVD33446). Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (FWD 9955). Lampropholis guichenoti. Morethia adelaidensis. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- spread. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles; in GR at Abundance and distribution. Rare; distribution Victoria Valley, Woohlpooer, Mt. Zero, and 13 is unknown. Recorded in ER near Lake Charle- km S of Halls Gap; in AR at 13 km S of Stawell; grark; in GR (a general record from 1892); and and in HR at Coleraine and the Stones State in HR at 13 km S of Stawell. Habitat. Possibly Faunal Reserve. Habitat. Most forest and wood- woodland. Most recent record. 1963 (NMV land formations; particularly common in open D15064). areas with exposed rocky surfaces such as in Morethia boulengeri. GR. Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV D33428). Abundance and distribution. Common in ER and GR. Recorded in ER at Mt. Arapiles and 8 km Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii. SW of Natimuk; and in GR at Tower Hill. Habi- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon in GR tat. Woodland and pasture land if objects suit- and HR. Recorded in GR at Mt. Rosea, Mt. Wil- able to shelter under are present. Most recent liam, and Victoria Valley; and in HR at Byaduk record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV and 15 km W of Yambuk. Habitat. Usually D33438). grassy areas in open forest, woodland or pasture

land. At high altitudes (e.g. Mt. William) it often Morethia obscura. Ocellated Skink. basks and seeks shelter among rock screes. Most Abundance and distribution. Common; restricted recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey to major Crown Land blocks in ER. Recorded (FWD 9933). in the Jilpanger Block at several localities and in the Meereek Block. Habitat. Brown Stringybark Leiolopisma trilineata. shrubland with heath underneath on dry sandy Abundance and distribution. Common in GR and soils. Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 HR. Recorded in GR at Lake Wartook, Mt. FWD survey (FWD 9953). Rosea, and 6 km W of Dunkeld; and in HR at Sphenomorphus Byaduk. Habitat. Most forest and woodland tympanum. Cool Temperate formations; usually in clearings often associated Form. with low shrubs or grassland. Most recent record. Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (FWD 9932). spread in ER, GR and HR. Specimens come from throughout the Grampians Ranges and the Stones Leiolopisma Coventry!. Coventry's skink. State Faunal Reserve. Habitat. Moist sites, usually Abundance and distribution. Uncommon; re- near streams. In GR records are usually associated stricted to GR. Recorded at Strahans Camp (Vic- with streams and tall open forest whereas in the toria Valley) and 3 km SE of Mt. Victory. Habi- Stones State Faunal Reserve in HR records are .

GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 361 from rocky areas. Most recent record. Collected land with a grassy or sparse shrub underlayer. in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV D33424). Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey (NMV D33442). Sphenomorphus sp. Warm Temperate Form.

Abundance and distribution. One specimen is ELAPIDAE (ELAPID SNAKES) from Great Western on E edge of AR; the species Austrelaps superba. Lowlands Copperhead. may occur elsewhere on the plains of AR. Habitat. Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- Streams or other moist environments usually in stricted to GR and HR. Recorded in GR at 5 otherwise dry and warm areas. Most recent re- km N of Dunkeld and at Mt. William; and in cord. The Australian Museum in Sydney holds HR at Macarthur, Hamilton, 3 km NE of Hamil- the above-mentioned specimen (Rawlinson pers. ton, Coleraine and 10 of Macarthur. Habi- comm.). km W tat. Lowland swamps, sub-alpine heath and pos- Tiliqua nigrolutea. Blotched Blue-tongued sibly tall open forest. Most recent record. 1964 Lizard. (NMV D40068). Observed in 1974-75.

Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Drysdalia coronoides. White-lipped Snake. widespread in AR and HR. Habitat. Tall open Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- forest, sub-alpine heath and coastal heath. Most stricted to GR and possibly HR. Two specimens recent record. About 1970 (Rawlinson pers. exist, both from GR. Habitat. Grasslands on the comm.). plains and along the coast; clearings in tall open Tiliqua scincoides. Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard. forest and sub-alpine heath. Most recent record. 1970 (NMVD33169). Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and widespread in ER, GR and HR. Habitat. Wood- Notechis scutatus. Eastern Tiger Snake. land and grassland. Most recent record. About Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- 1970 (Rawlinson pers. comm.). spread. Recorded in ER at Douglas; in GR at Trachydosaurus rugosus. Shingle-back. 16 km NE of Dunkeld, 10 km E of Halls Gap, and 8 km NW of Moora Moora Reservoir; and in Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- HR at Cavendish and the Stones State Faunal spread in ER, GR and HR. Recorded in ER at Reserve. Habitat. Usually low-lying swamps and Horsham, Mt. Arapiles, and Jilpanger Block; possibly some wet sites in open forest of GR. in GR at 3 km W of Halls Gap, and Red Rock; Most recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD and in HR at Hamilton and Cavendish. Habitat. survey (NMV D42234). Virtually all environments except high cool shrubland, woodland, ranges of GR. Open forest, Pseudechis porphyriacus. Red-bellied Black inhabited. Most pasture land and heath are all Snake. recent record. 1964 (NMV D40046). Observed Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and ap- in 1974-75 FWD survey. parently restricted to GR and the Wimmera River Recorded in GR at 8 km NW of VARANIDAE (MONITOR LIZARDS) System, ER. Moora Moora Reservoir and 10 km N of Halls Varanus gouldii Sand Monitor. Gap. Habitat. Usually along streams or swamps; rocks and cliffs on hillsides. Most Abundance and distribution. No specimen records rarely among recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD sur- exist, but local farmers describe two species of D33449) goanna in the area and some burrows observed in vey (NMV the Jilpanger Block, ER, suggest that the Sand Pseudonaja textilis. Eastern Brown Snake. Monitor is present. If the species does occur Abundance and distribution. Common and wide- in the survey area it probably is restricted to ER. throughout all except HR. Recorded in Habitat. Shrubland on sandy soil. Most recent spread Edenhope, St. Marys Lake, Tooan Block, record. None. ER at Mt. Arapiles Block, Natimuk, and 5 km N of Varanus varius. Lace Monitor. Douglas; in GR at Flat Rock Crossing, Mt. Wil- Cross- Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and re- liam Road, Victoria Valley, and Glenisla Stawell. Habitat. All plant stricted to ER and AR. Recorded in ER at Mt. ing; and in AR at pasture, wood- Arapiles and in AR at Illawarra. Habitat. Wood- formations at low altitudes (i.e. 362 W. B. EMISON, J. W. PORTER, K. C. NORRIS and G. J. APPS

1/13 ^14 GRAMPIANS-EDENHOPE VERTEBRATE FAUNA SURVEY 363 land, heath, open forest and shrubland). Most 5 — Geocrinia victori- 11 = Pseudophyryne hi- recent record. Collected in 1974-75 FWD survey ana bronii (NMVD33422). 6 = Limnodynastes du- 12 = Pseudophryne merilii semimarmorata Unechis flagellum. Little Whip Snake. 1 — Limnodynastes 13 = Ranidella parin-

Abundance and distribution. Uncommon. Re- p eronii sign ifera corded in GR on Cassidy's Gap road and in 8 = Limnodynastes tas- 14 = Ranidella signijera AR at Stawell, Ararat, 13 km S of Stawell and 6 maniensis km S of Dadswell Bridge. Habitat. Grassland and woodland in dry warm areas. Most recent record. 1976 (NMVD48447). Explanation of Plates PLATE 19 TYPHLOPIDAE (BLIND SNAKES) Figure 1—Woodlands of River Red Gum in Vic- Typhlina proxima. toria Valley, Grampians Region. Grampians Abundance and distribution. Uncommon and Figure 2—Heath in Victoria Valley, Region. widespread in GR and AR. Recorded in GR at Asses Ears and 13 km S of Halls Gap; and in AR PLATE 20 at Lake Lonsdale and Stawell. Habitat. Rocky Figure 3—Upper reaches of a slow-flowing stream areas such as the Grampians and in pastures in the Grampians Region. where logs and stumps are present. Usually found Figure 4 Roadside reserve of River Red Gum in in loose soils under rocks and logs. Most recent — the Ararat Region. record. 1972 (NMV D17505). PLATE 21 Appendix 8 Figure 5—Squirrel Glider, an uncommon mammal records exist from the Distribution maps of the amphibians occurring in in Victoria. Two Ararat Region in the survey area. the Grampians-Edenhope Area (after Brook 1975) — Figure 6—Plains-wanderer, formerly in large num- 1 =: Litoria ewingii 9 Neobatrachus cen- bers in western Victoria, but it is now 2 = Litoria lesueurii tralis very rare. It may still be present in low 3 = Litoria raniformis 10 = Neobatrachus pic- numbers in the Ararat and Hamilton 4 = Geocrinia laevis tus Regions. MEM. NAT. MUS. VICT. 39 PLATE 19 MbM. NAT. MUS. VICT. 39 PLATE 20 MEM. NAT. MUS. VICT 39 PLATE 21

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