Impacts of fire on the distribution of a predatory stonefly (: alpina) in the Bogong alpine region

S. McKay, C. Bryce and P. Papas

2005

Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research

Technical Report Series No. 155 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 155

Impacts of fire on the distribution of a predatory stonefly (Eustheniidae: ) in the Bogong alpine region

Shanaugh McKay, Cassandra Bryce and Phil Papas

June 2005 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Published by: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Sustainability and Environment PO Box 137 Heidelberg, 3094 Telephone: (03) 9450 8600 www.dse.vic.gov.au/ari

This publication may be cited as:

McKay, S., Bryce, C. and Papas, P. (2005) Impacts of fire on the distribution of a predatory stonefly (Eustheniidae: Thaumatoperla alpina) in the Bogong alpine region. Freshwater Ecology, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series No.155, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne; La Trobe University, Wodonga, Victoria.

© The State of Victoria

Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for private study, research, criticism or review allowed under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means, electronic, photocopying or other, without the prior permission of the copyright holder.

ISBN 1 74152 158 0

ISSN 1326 6446

Disclaimer

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Front cover photos (left to right): Thaumatoperla alpina. Photo: C. Bryce; McKay Creek. Photo: S. McKay.

Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Contents

Contents ...... I

Figures , Tables and Plates...... II

Executive Summary...... III

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background...... 1 1.2 Project rationale and objectives...... 1 1.3 Biology and ecology of Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa .... 2 1.4 Conservation status of Thaumatoperla ...... 3 1.5 Threats to Eustheniidae in the alpine region ...... 4

2 Methods...... 5 2.1 Sample sites ...... 5 2.2 Sampling procedure ...... 7 2.3 Habitat Parameters ...... 7

3 Results...... 8 3.1 findings...... 8 3.2 Thaumatoperla alpina records...... 8 3.3 Survey site descriptions ...... 15 3.3.1 Thaumatoperla alpina sites ...... 15 3.3.2 Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa sites ...... 16 3.3.3 Eusthenia venosa sites ...... 17 3.4 Water properties and stream habitat...... 20

4 Discussion...... 21

5 Conclusions and Recommendations...... 22

6 Acknowledgments ...... 24

7 References...... 25

Appendix A...... 28

I Figures , Tables and Plates

Figures

Figure 1. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the boundary shown.

Figure 2. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.

Figure 3. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with Alpine National Park boundary shown.

Figure 4. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.

Tables

Table 1. Location of sites sampled for stonefly species in December 2004 and February 2005.

Table 2. Sites where stonefly species were recorded during December 2004 and February 2005.

Table 3. Geographic information for sites with current (including this study) T. alpina records.

Table 4. Water property measures at sites with records of T. alpina during February 2005.

Plates

Plate 1. T. alpina sites sampled in February 2005

Plate 2. T. alpina and E. venosa sites sampled in February 2005.

II Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Executive Summary

A survey of high altitude streams in the Bogong Alpine area was conducted during February 2005 to investigate the status of predatory stonefly (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae) populations in the alpine region of north-east Victoria following the bushfires of 2003. A total of 17 sites were sampled with altitudes ranging from 760-1720m. Of particular interest was Thaumatoperla alpina, a species of Eustheniidae is classified as ‘vulnerable’ and is listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

T. alpina is known to occur at eight sites throughout the ; two of these sites are situated within the Alpine National Park. Another species in the stonefly family Eustheniidae, Eusthenia venosa, which is similar in its ecology and habit to T. alpina, was also investigated to ascertain any effects that the 2003 bushfires may have had on that species.

T. alpina was found in two new locations - a tributary of McKay Creek and an unnamed creek, which flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. E. venosa was found at five locations, including three new locations – two streams on the Bogong High Plains (Clearwater Creek and a tributary of Bundara River) and a tributary of Big River near Glen Valley.

Previous studies of T. alpina and E. venosa have found that the main threats to these species were those associated with an increase in water temperature arising from activities such as the removal of vegetation (ski resort development, forestry and grazing) (Brittain 1997; Doeg 1999). Climate change also poses a potential threat to the distribution of Eustheniidae in the alpine region (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). It is likely that there were impacts on water temperature as a result of the 2003 bushfires through removal of vegetation. Additionally, the risk of predation may have increased due to decreased plant cover. While in this study, T. alpina was found to occur at sites affected by the bushfires, the longer term impacts on the species’distribution, in the fire-affected area are unknown and there remains the possibility that numbers may decline. Annual T. alpina surveys should therefore be undertaken to assess future population and distribution trends.

III

Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

1Introduction 1.1 Background

The alpine fires of early 2003 burnt over 1.12 million hectares of land in the State of Victoria alone (Wareing and Flinn 2003). The fires were started by lightning strikes on the 7th of January, and continued for 59 days to become the largest fires that have occurred in Victoria since the devastating fires of 1939. The area burnt equated to 5% of Victoria, and 15% of the State’s total area of public land (Wareing and Flinn 2003). The fires affected six major catchments in Victoria, namely the Upper Murray, Kiewa, Ovens, Snowy, Tambo and Mitchell River catchments (DSE unpublished a).

There have been limited studies globally on the impact of fire on aquatic macroinvertebrates. Most studies involving fire effects have concentrated on water quality impacts (e.g. Chessman 1986; Condina 1984; Leitch and Flinn 1984; Sheridan et al. unpublished). Common post-fire effects on lotic systems are increases in turbidity, suspended solids and nutrients (Chessman 1986; Leitch and Flinn 1984; Minshall et al. 1997; Benda et al. 2003; Meyer and Pierce 2003; Beschta 1990) and increases in water temperature (Hitt 2003; Minshall and Brock 1991).

Increases in suspended sediment loads in streams have been shown to result in significant macroinvertebrate drift (e.g. Doeg and Milledge 1991). It is likely that high suspended sediment loads in streams will influence the macroinvertebrate fauna, resulting in the loss or reduction in abundance of those taxa sensitive to high suspended sediment levels and sediment deposition. Such declines, described by Wood and Armitage (1997), can be through mechanisms such as:

ƒ Decreased suitability of habitat by alteration through sediment deposition

ƒ Macroinvertebrate drift due to suspended sediment or substrate instability

ƒ Inhibition of respiration due to sediment deposition on respiratory structures

ƒ Inhibition of filter-feeding through sediment deposition.

There may be a shift toward taxa more tolerant to high levels of sediment deposition and consequently a change in the macroinvertebrate composition.

1.2 Project rationale and objectives

There are aquatic invertebrate species of conservation significance that may have been affected by the bushfires of 2003. These species include two stoneflies, Thaumatoperla alpina and Riekoperla intermedia that are classified as ‘vulnerable’

1 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region and ‘near threatened’ respectively (DSE unpublished b). T. alpina and R. intermedia are also listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The freshwater flatworm Spathula has six species occurring in high altitude areas of Victoria, with a number of species having conservation significance (St. Clair et al. 1999).

A more common stonefly species present in the area, Eusthenia venosa, is similar in ecology and habit to T. alpina and hence was also investigated to ascertain any effects that the 2003 bushfires may have had on this species.

Existing information on the systematics, distribution, ecology and conservation of the predatory stonefly T. alpina has come largely from Honours and PhD research undertaken by Cassandra Bryce at the Albury-Wodonga Campus of La Trobe University. Information from Cassandra’s research was invaluable in ascertaining sampling sites and for distribution information of two Eustheniidae species (T. alpina and E. venosa) prior to the fires.

As there was extensive data available on the distribution of T. alpina prior to the fires and little known information of the ecology and distribution of R. intermedia, a decision was made to focus on the distribution of T. alpina.

The principal objectives of the study were to:

• Investigate the status of T. alpina and E. venosa populations in the alpine region of north-east Victoria following the 2003 fires

• Update the Wildlife Atlas and Aquatic Fauna Information System with new records of T. alpina in the Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley catchments

• Provide an assessment of the impacts of the 2003 fires on the distribution of populations of T. alpina and make recommendations for future management of the species.

1.3 Biology and ecology of Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa

Thaumatoperla alpina and E. venosa are commonly found in the same streams, occupying similar habitats. T. alpina, however, is restricted to high altitude areas (>760m) in the Mt. McKay and Mt. Fainter areas, whilst E. venosa are more widely distributed across the Bogong High Plains and in the alpine regions of Victoria (Bryce 2001).

Thaumatoperla alpina, a Gondwanan relic, is endemic to the Bogong High Plains, occurring in high altitude, first order streams. They are the largest of the Australian

2 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region stoneflies, with nymphs recorded up to 52 mm long (excluding antennae and cerci). They spend approximately three years in the nymphal stage with 14 instars, and are considered the top-level instream predators in the absence of introduced trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Bryce 2001).

Their flight capabilities are highly restricted, therefore dispersal is limited to the riparian vegetation immediately beside the stream from which they have emerged. The adult stage of development is primarily consumed with reproduction efforts. Following fertilisation, the female deposits her egg masses into the water where they slowly break apart (Hynes 1976). The development of these eggs can take at least four months under laboratory conditions, the timing of which was found to be highly temperature dependant with successful development occurring in the 5 to 15ºC range (Brittain 1997).

Eusthenia species are very similar in their ecology and life history to that recorded for Thaumatoperla. Their range, however, extends from the Otway Ranges, along the Great Divide to Mount Kosciusko National Park (Hynes 1978). There are two species endemic to Australia, the widely distributed E. venosa (Tillyard 1921) and the highly restricted E. nothofagi Zwick (Zwick 1979), which is found only in the Otway Ranges (Doeg 1995). E. venosa are considered to be a complex of species (Bryce 2001) which is currently under investigation.

Eusthenia nymphs have a final instar between 24-40mm in length, and are also considered to have a long nymphal development (Sephton and Hynes 1982). Egg masses are spread in a tough layer of jelly on the underside of rocks within the stream. Flight capabilities of the adults is unknown, but is also considered to be highly restricted (Zwick 1979).

1.4 Conservation status of Thaumatoperla

There are four species of Thaumatoperla that occur in isolated populations endemic to the Victorian High Country. Two of these species, T. alpina and T. flaveola (endemic to Mts. Buller and Stirling in Victoria) are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ and ‘endangered’ respectively (DSE unpublished b). T. alpina and T. flaveola are also listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. T. robusta ( to ) and T. timmsi (at one location in a creek on Mount Wellington near Lake Tali Karng [Zwick 1979]) are listed as ‘data deficient’ (DSE unpublished b).

In addition to the stonefly species mentioned, the following fauna species found in the Bogong Alpine area are listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna

3 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Guarantee Act 1988: Alpine Bog Skink (Pseudemoia cryodroma), Alpine Egernia (Egernia guthega), Alpine She-oak Skink (Cyclodomorphus praealtus), Alpine Water Skink (Sphenomorphus eulamprus), Mountain Skink (Egernia montana), Alpine Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii alpina) and the Mountain Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus).

1.5 Threats to Eustheniidae in the alpine region

The are subjected to numerous human activities, which may impact the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Plecoptera and other species mentioned above.

These activities include: forestry, cattle and sheep grazing, apiary, recreational skiing, fishing, bushwalking and sightseeing (Brittain 1997; Doeg 1999). These activities can affect a species directly or indirectly through disturbing essential components of an organism's habitat. Threatening processes include: increased sediment loads, temperatures, light intensity, humidity, wind and soil erosion. Threatening processes can also decrease the energy flow within stream systems and the availability of suitable refuge sites (i.e. vegetation and snags) (Campbell and Doeg 1989; Irons et al. 1994; Pettigrove 1991; Petersen et al. 1999; Agriculture, Fisheries Forestry Australia 1999).

Climate change poses a potential threat to the distribution of T. alpina in the alpine region, due to its highly restricted habitat range. Aquatic organisms in these areas may not be able to withstand an increase in water temperature or a decrease in stream flow associated with reduced snow fall. A warming of 0.3°C with no change in precipitation (a low change scenario for 2030 in the alpine region) will result in a contraction of the area covered with snow by 18%. A 1.8°C warming accompanied by 8% less precipitation (a high change scenario for 2030) will result in a contraction of the snow area by 66% (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). This rise in temperature may lead to a reduction of alpine habitats for many species. An increase in water temperature and decreased flows associated with predicted climate change may also impact on the growth rates of the nymph and egg stages of the Eustheniidae.

Results from this and previous studies suggest that T. alpina are more common outside the Alpine National Park and are found within the Alpine Ski Resort areas. Ski resort expansion has been identified as a major threat to the survival of T. alpina and T. flaveola (Brittain 1997). Although cattle grazing within the Alpine National Park has recently been discontinued, impacts outside the Park are likely as cattle grazing can continue in these areas. Cattle grazing may pose a threat to T. alpina as cattle can erode stream banks and increase sedimentation (Brittain 1997; Doeg 1999; DSE 2005).

4 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

2Methods

The alpine flatworm Spathula spp. are a cryptic group of species found in small rivulets rising from springs (St. Clair et al. 1999). The genus Spathula (Tricladida:Dugesiidae) consists of nine species restricted to high altitude areas of Australia with six species occurring in Victoria, including a number of species recognised as threatened (St. Clair et al. 1999).

A meeting was held with EPA Victoria and a literature review undertaken to determine the viability of sampling Spathula spp. in conjunction with the stonefly species. This meeting concluded that it was not viable to collect alpine flatworm species as identification would require sectioning specimens, which is costly and impractical (pers. comm. R. St. Clair, EPA Victoria).

2.1 Sample sites

Seventeen sites were sampled with altitudes ranging from 760–1720m in the Bogong High Plains area (Table 1). Sites sampled previously by C. Bryce were considered and two criteria were used to pinpoint sampling sites – sites greater than 700m and sites with a stream width of less than 1m.

5 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Table 1. Location of sites sampled for stonefly species in December 2004 and February 2005. Site Code Creek/Location Name Zone Easting Northing Altitude (AGD66) (AGD66) (m)

ALP UNK Tributary of McKay Creek @ Road 24 55 522017 5919995 1500

ALP ARTH Unnamed creek -Little Arthur Track 55 521874 5927966 1040 (flows into Lake Guy)

ALP MCK2 McKay Creek @ Mt McKay Road 55 522767 5919229 1720

ALP MCKAY McKay Creek @ Road 24 55 522254 5919740 1480

ALP RDS # Tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on 55 519873 5925861 760 Bogong High Plains Road

ALP CLEAR Clearwater Creek @ Bogong High 55 531525 5910328 1410 Plains Road

ALP Tributary of Bundara River (near 55 529693 5909752 1440 MCNAMA McNamara Hut)

ALP WILTR2 Tributary of Big River @ Kangaroo 55 539849 5921880 815 Creek Track

ALP WILTR1 Tributary of Big River @ Kangaroo 55 538795 5923316 880 Creek Track

CPE 01 Cope Creek East (upstream of 55 524926 5912322 1670 aqueduct)

ALP Rivulet @Roadside above Falls Creek 55 525268 5919084 1680 ABVFCK Village

ALP Tributary of Cope Creek West 55 520382 5913079 1670 COPEWT Aqueduct

HGP01 High Plains Creek 55 520204 5913031 1690

MCT02 Middle Creek Tributary 2 (near Cope 55 526557 5915370 1620 Hut) ALP PVT Pretty Valley tributary 55 520046 5925948 760

ALP SPK Spion Kopje Creek 55 523116 5925853 1100

ALP SPKTRB Tributary of Spion Kopje Creek 55 523116 5925853 900

# = sampled during December 2004

6 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

2.2 Sampling procedure

Sampling for T. alpina and E. venosa was performed in February 2005. At each site, rocks and boulders were overturned and examined for nymphs. A kick net was placed downstream to catch any dislodged fauna and later placed in a sorting tray with water to search for other individuals. The average time spent searching each site was approximately one-person hour. Individuals of E. venosa and T. alpina were identified in the field and confirmed by C. Bryce. Other aquatic invertebrates of interest were recorded on field sheets, collected and preserved in 70% ethanol for identification in the laboratory.

2.3 Habitat Parameters

Temperature, dissolved oxygen (percent saturated and mg/L), pH and electrical conductivity were measured in the field using a TPS meter (90-FL). Turbidity was measured using a HACH 2100P Turbidimeter. Stream alkalinity was measured using a HACH AL-AP test kit. These water quality measurements were only made at sites where T. alpina were found.

Average stream width and depth was recorded, as was the substrate size and the type of vegetation present. Observations of the health of the vegetation, its burnt or unburnt status, and evidence of regeneration were recorded. A photo was taken at each site where T. alpina or E. venosa were collected except for site ‘ALP_MCNAM’ due to a camera malfunction.

7 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

3Results

3.1 Plecoptera findings

Thaumatoperla alpina was present at five of the 17 sites sampled and at two of these sites E. venosa was also present. E. venosa was present at three additional sites. An individual Cosmioperla spp. (from the same stonefly family as T. alpina) was recorded at one site and there were no stoneflies recorded at eight sites (Table 2) (Figures 1 and 2).

Data from extensive surveys of sites in the Bogong Alpine area and surrounding areas conducted by C. Bryce up to 2001 are provided in Appendix A and shown in Figures 3 and 4.

3.2 Thaumatoperla alpina records

Including the new records from this study, T. alpina has now been recorded at eight sites in the Bogong alpine area (Table 3).

Three sites sampled during February 2005 have been sampled previously by C. Bryce with records of T. alpina documented (these include sites ALP_MCKAY, ALP_MCK2 and ALP_RDS) (Table 2). Sites ALP_MCK3, 79 and AEC6 were not sampled during February 2005, but T. alpina have been recorded here in surveys conducted by C. Bryce (Table 3). A tributary of McKay Creek (ALP_UNK) and an unnamed creek on Little Arthur Fire Track (ALP_ARTH) are new records of T. alpina.

All of the sites with records of T. alpina are within areas burnt in the bushfires of 2003. Only two of the sites are within the Alpine National Park including site AEC6 and ALP_ARTH (Table 3). Descriptions of the study sites where either T. alpina and/or E. venosa were recorded during February 2005 are provided in Section 3.3. Photos of each site except (ALP_MCNAM) are shown in Plate 1 and 2.

All data was entered into the Wildlife Atlas and Aquatic Fauna Information System, databases curated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

8 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Table 2. Sites where stonefly species were recorded during December 2004 and February 2005. Site Creek/Location Name Altitude Species of Count Previous (m) Eustheniidae T. alpina records ALP UNK Tributary of McKay Creek @ 1500 T. alpina 1No Road 24

ALP ARTH Unnamed creek -Little Arthur 1040 T. alpina 2No Track (flows into Lake Guy)

ALP MCK2 McKay Creek @ Mt McKay Road 1720 T. alpina 1Yes

ALP MCKAY McKay Creek @ Road 24 1480 T. alpina + 1 T. alpina, Yes E. venosa 5+ E. venosa

ALP RDS # Tributary of Pretty Valley 760 T. alpina + 1 T. alpina, Yes Creek on Bogong High Plains E. venosa 1. E. venosa Rd

ALP CLEAR Clearwater Creek @ Bogong 1410 E. venosa 6No High Plains Road

ALP Tributary of Bundara River 1440 E. venosa 1No MCNAMA (near McNamara Hut)

ALP WILTR2 Tributary of Big River @ 815 E. venosa 3No Kangaroo Creek Track

ALP WILTR1 Tributary of Big River @ 880 Cosmioperla 1No Kangaroo Creek Track spp.

# = sampled during December 2004

9 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Table 3. Geographic information for sites with current (including this study) T. alpina records. Alpine Burnt in National Altitude Slope Catchment Distance from Site Code Creek Name Location bushfires(2003) Park (m) (m/km) area (km2) source (km)

ALP UNK Tributary of McKay Creek Road 24 Yes No 1500 100 1.3 1.7

ALP ARTH Unnamed creek Little Arthur Fire Track Yes Yes 1040 400 0.3 0.5

ALP MCK2 McKay Creek Mt McKay Road Yes No 1720 200 0.3 0.1

ALP MCKAY McKay Creek Road 24 Yes No 1480 80 1.7 1.9 Tributary of Pretty Valley ALP RDS Creek Bogong High Plains Road Yes No 760 400 0.1 0.4

ALP MCK3* McKay Creek Road 24 Yes No 1700 60 0.6 0.4

79* Turnback Creek Bogong High Plains Road Yes No 1140 200 0.7 0.8 Tributary of Rocky Valley AEC6* Storage Off Bogong High Plains Road Yes Yes 1680 50 0.1 0.6 * = Not sampled for T. alpina during February 2005.

10 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

#Y Town

Streams

#Y Mount Beauty Alpine National Park

Bogong ALP$ ARTH ALP#Y PVT ALP SPK ALP RDS $$ ALP$ SPKTRB Species present ALP$ WILTR1 ALP$ WILTR2 Thaumatoperla alpina ALP MCKAY $ ALP UNK Falls Creek Glen Valley $$ #YALP ABVFCK #Y ALP MCK2 $ $ Thaumatoperla alpina/ $ Eusthenia venosa MCT02$ ALP COPEWT #Y Shannonvale $ Eusthenia venosa HGP01 $$ CPE$ 01 ALP CLEAR Cosmioperla spp. ALP MCNAMA $ $ $ Eustheniidae absent $ #Y Hotham Heights Anglers Rest#Y

N

$Bog$onALPg PVT 10 0 10 20 Kilometers Y#$$Y#$Shannonvale W E

S

Figure 1. Distribution of Eusthniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the Alpine National Park boundary shown.

13 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

#Y Town

Streams

#Y Mount Beauty 2003 bushfire extent

Bogong ALP$ ARTH ALP#Y PVT ALP SPK ALP RDS $$ ALP$ SPKTRB Species present ALP$ WILTR1 ALP$ WILTR2 Thaumatoperla alpina ALP MCKAY $ ALP UNK Falls Creek Glen Valley $$ #YALP ABVFCK #Y ALP MCK2 $ $ Thaumatoperla alpina/ $ Eusthenia venosa MCT02$ ALP COPEWT #Y Shannonvale $ Eusthenia venosa HGP 01 $$ CPE$ 01 ALP CLEAR Cosmioperla spp. ALP MCNAMA $ $ $ Eustheniidae absent $ #Y Hotham Heights Anglers Rest#Y

N

$Bog$ongALPPVT 10 0 10 20 Kilometers Y#$$Y#$Shannonvale W E

S

Figure 2. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown. Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

#Y Town # # # 5 7 Streams 6 DUN3# ##DUN134 ## 3536 #Y Mount Beauty DUN5DUN4# ## 3837 Alpine National Park # #41 3942 ##63 40 # ##57 61 #45# DUN6 #28 ##64 #65 27 32 3366 ##48 # 67 68 DUN7 # # #Bogong70 DUN8# HOPE1 # ##Y69 24 #20 ## 26 # 25 71 # 74 73 Species present #19 EAS1 # AIAS7 17# # #181516 #76# 56 AIAS6 # #14 #10 # AIAS2 Thaumatoperla alpina # 1178 Falls CreekAIAS3 #12 9 79 #Y62 # # 13 ### ## 4 #Y AIAS459 # Glen Valley Thaumatoperla alpina/ 1 3 # 302931 # 2 # # Eusthenia venosa ### #49 AEC5AEC6 #50 55 54 53 # 51 #Y Shannonvale Eusthenia venosa 52 # Cosmioperla spp. # Eustheniidae absent #Y #Y # Hotham Heights Anglers Rest

N

$Bog$ongALPPVT 10 0 10 20 Kilometers Y#$$Y#$Shannonvale W E

S

Figure 3. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with Alpine National Park boundary shown. (Source: C. Bryce).

15 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

#Y Town # # # 5 7 Streams 6 DUN3# #DUN1# 34 ## 3536 #Y Mount Beauty DUN5DUN4# ## 3837 2003 bushfire extent # #41 3942 ##63 40 # ##57 61 #45# DUN6 #28 ##64 #65 27 32 3366 ##48 # 67 68 DUN7 # # #Bogong70 DUN8# HOP E1 # ##Y69 24 #20 ## 26 # 25 71 # 74 73 Species present #19 EAS1 # # AIAS7 #15 17# 18 16 # 56 AIAS6 # #14 #76# Thaumatoperla alpina 10 78# AIAS2 # 11 Falls CreekAIAS3 # #12 9 79 #Y62 # 13 ### ## 4 #Y AIAS459 # Glen Valley Thaumatoperla alpina/ 3 ## 31 # 1 2 # 3029 # Eusthenia venosa ### #49 AEC5AEC6 #50 55 54 53 # 51 #Y Eusthenia venosa Shannonvale 52 # Cosmioperla spp. # Eustheniidae absent #Y #Y # Hotham Heights Anglers Rest

N

$Bog$onALPg PVT 1001020Kilometers Y#$$Y#$Shannonvale W E

S

Figure 4. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown. (Source: C. Bryce). Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

3.3 Survey site descriptions

3.3.1 Thaumatoperla alpina sites

ALP_ARTH – Unnamed creek on Little Arthur Fire Track

This site is in a south-facing gully located on Little Arthur Fire Track south west of Mount Arthur in the Alpine National Park. The stream is a tributary of an unnamed creek that flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. The small creek has a width of about 40cm and a depth of about 8cm. During February 2005, two T. alpina individuals were found below a cascade flowing over a moss covered cobble and pebble substrate. The creek flows underneath the road down a steep embankment. The riparian vegetation is wet sclerophyll with tree ferns. The survey of February 2005 was the first time that this site had been sampled for T. alpina.

ALP_UNK – Tributary of McKay Creek at Road 24

Located in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort this site is on a tributary of McKay Creek about 200m from ALP_MCKAY site on Road 24. During February 2005, one T. alpina individual was found below a large cascade amongst a cobble and pebble substrate 10m from where the creek flows underneath Road 24. The surrounding vegetation consists mainly of burnt and regenerating snow gums and an unburnt riparian heath. Previous to this survey, only E. venosa had been found at this site.

ALP_MCK2 – Tributary of McKay Creek at Mount McKay Road

This site on McKay Creek is on Mt McKay Road immediately north of Ruined Castle in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort. The small tributary forms part of the headwaters of McKay Creek from snow melt and is a small, permanent tributary that flows down a steep hill and underneath Mt McKay Road and Road 24 before joining the main channel. During February 2005, a single T. alpina was collected in a pool below a cascade formed by boulders underneath a cobble-sized stone. The substrate is predominantly cobble with some pebble and gravel. The surrounding vegetation is alpine heath that has regenerated well after the bushfires of 2003.

ALP_MCK3 - McKay Creek at Road 24

This site within the Falls Creek Alpine Resort was not sampled during February 2005 but T. alpina has been collected here previously by C. Bryce. The stream is the uppermost site on McKay Creek. The stream substrate consists mainly of cobble with some large boulders and has a stream depth ranging from 15-40cm. The surrounding vegetation is alpine heath.

15 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

3.3.2 Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa sites

ALP_RDS – Tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on Bogong High Plains Road

Located just outside of the Alpine National Park this site is a small tributary that flows underneath the Bogong High Plains Road into Pretty Valley Creek. The creek flows down a steep embankment to form a cascade/waterfall over bedrock with a maximum width of about 15cm. During December 2004, one T. alpina individual was collected under a loose piece of bedrock along with an E. venosa individual where the waterfall creates a splash zone. The survey of December 2004 was the second time that T. alpina has been collected from this site, which is the lowest recorded altitude for this species (760m).

Another species of interest that was collected during February 2005 at this site is another Gondwanan relic, a dragonfly species from the family Austropetaliidae (Austropetalia tonyana). This primitive species is semi-aquatic in its habit and is able to survive in moist leaf litter close to streams (Hawking and Theischinger 1999). Classified as ‘near threatened’ by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE unpublished b), A. tonyana has limited distributions in montane, moist environments in southern New South Wales and Victoria, which include alpine areas. Continued pressure from human disturbance may serve to limit the distribution of this species. Hawking (1997) suggests the conservation status of the species be recognised as ‘rare’; larval and adult habitats are susceptible to destruction by urban and rural development and require protection.

ALP_MCKAY – McKay Creek at Road 24

Located in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort this site on McKay Creek is located downstream of a concrete tunnel. During February 2005 one T. alpina individual was collected below one of two small cascades that form below the tunnel along with numerous E. venosa. The stream has a depth and width of about 20cm and 2m respectively, with the substrate consisting mainly of sand and some scattered cobble and pebble. The vegetation is mainly burnt snowgum and thick grasses and small native shrubs.

16 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

3.3.3 Eusthenia venosa sites

ALP_CLEAR – Clearwater Creek at Bogong High Plains Road

This site on Clearwater Creek is on the Bogong High Plains Road west of Trapyard Gap in the Alpine National Park. This small highly shaded stream with numerous cascades has a mossy covered cobble and pebble substrate with some gravel. The vegetation consists mainly of unburnt eucalypts and tall native shrubs. Six individuals of E. venosa were found during the February 2005 survey.

WIL_TR2 – Tributary of Big River at Kangaroo Creek Track

This site is on a tributary of Big River on Kangaroo Creek Track. It is about 3.5km north west of the township of Glen Valley off the Omeo Highway within the Alpine National Park. The stream has an average width of about 2.5m and a depth of about 15cm. The substrate consists mainly of gravel and sand with sparse boulders. During February 2005, three E. venosa individuals were found underneath boulders. The surrounding vegetation consists of burnt eucalypts with a weedy understorey of blackberry and other exotic vegetation. The survey of February 2005 was the first attempt at finding E. venosa and T. alpina in this creek.

ALP_MCNAM – Tributary of Bundara River (near McNamara Hut)

This site, located on a small tributary of the Bundara River, is found at the first creek crossing along the track to McNamara Hut off the Bogong High Plains Road. The creek flows through a cobble and gravel substrate with no cascades present. The surrounding snow gums have not recovered from the bushfires of 2003 and the creek is overgrown with exotic grasses. During February 2005 one E. venosa individual was collected.

17 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

A B

C D

Plate 1. T. alpina sites sampled in February 2005. A: site ALP_MCKAY – McKay Creek at Road 24; B: site ALP_MCK2 – McKay Creek at Mt McKay Road; C: site ALP_MCK3 – McKay Creek at Road 24; D: site ALP_UNK – Unnamed tributary of McKay Creek at Road 24. [photographs by S. McKay]

18 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

A B

C D

Plate 2. T. alpina and E. venosa sites sampled in February 2005. A: site ALP_ARTH – Unnamed creek at Little Arthur fire track; B: site ALP_RDS – tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on Bogong High Plains Road; C: site ALP_CLEAR – Clearwater Creek at Bogong High Plains Road; D: site ALP_WILTR2 - tributary of Big River at Kangaroo Creek track. [photographs by S. McKay]

19 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

3.4 Water properties and stream habitat

Water property measures were recorded at all sites where T. alpina were found during February 2005 excepting site ALP_RDS due to low water levels (Table 4). For purposes of comparison to other T. alpina sites, water quality was measured at site ALP_MCK3 even though this site was not sampled for invertebrates during February 2005. Water quality readings were typical of those found in alpine streams, i.e. electrical conductivity was low, dissolved oxygen levels were high and alkalinity low.

Streams were typically 15-40cm in width with a depth of about 15cm. The substrate consisted mainly of cobble and pebble with some streams having small amounts of gravel and/or boulders present.

Table 4. Water property measures at sites with records of T. alpina during February 2005. Note, pH was not measured, as the meter was unable to measure pH in low ionic strength water.

Site Code Stream Water Electrical Dissolved Turbidity Alkalinity Temperature Conductivity Oxygen (ºC) (µs/cm) (% saturation) (NTU) (mg/L) ALP UNK Tributary of McKay 10.6 7.2 90.6 3.1 10 Creek ALP ARTH Unnamed creek 9.7 33.5 85.9 1.9 25 (flows into Lake Guy) ALP MCK2 McKay Creek 8.1 6.3 79.4 0.8 10

ALP MCKAY McKay Creek 9.9 8.4 72.1 2 10

ALP MCK3* McKay Creek 7.2 5 86.1 0.6 10

* = Not sampled for invertebrates during February 2005.

20 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

4 Discussion

Thaumatoperla alpina is known to occur at only eight sites throughout the Bogong High Plains at altitudes ranging from 760-1720 m. Only two of these sites are located within the Alpine National Park including: a tributary of Rocky Valley Storage and an unnamed creek, which flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. A tributary of McKay Creek and the unnamed creek, which flows into Lake Guy are new records of T. alpina. Bryce (2001) found a number of habitat parameters to be important in the distribution of both T. alpina and E. venosa including: stream flow (0.13 ± 3.13 E-02m/s), pH (7.5 ± 7.5 E-02), oxygen content (12.15 ± 0.177mg/L), width of stream (126 ± 12.72cm), vegetation structure (above the treeline and not in alpine grassland), altitude (1185 ± 45.7m) and the presence of a mayflies (Mirawara spp. and Archeophylax spp.). During this study, E. venosa was present at five sites and occurred with T. alpina at two of these sites.

Bryce (2001) highlighted that anthropogenic activities, including the removal of vegetation through ski resort development, forestry and grazing and the effects of climate change, were major conservation issues. The major threats to the two genera being those which cause increases in stream temperature. Biological factors were also found to affect the distribution of the genera including predation threats and the availability of dietary requirements (Bryce 2001).

T. alpina has a lifecycle of approximately three years and as adults live for approximately two months, from April through until the first snow falls. Dispersal is very limited in Thaumatoperla spp. as they have lost all flight capabilities (Brittain 1990). Their lack of dispersal capability may limit their capacity to tolerate habitat disturbance and change due to developments in Australian alpine areas that have increased steadily since the 1950s (Land Conservation Council 1977).

Observations made during this study of the three-year nymphal stage, suggest they have not been significantly affected by increased sediment loads as a result of the 2003 bushfires. High sediment levels were observed in some pools, however, T. alpina nymphs have been found in these areas two years after the fires. As abundance estimates have not been determined, no conclusive statements can be made about potential impacts of silt on T. alpina nymphs.

Fire may have a greater effect on the adult stage of T. alpina. Following the fires, T. alpina adults have been found on burnt vegetation that is void of any leaf material. This species is highly cryptic, even though they are found on the outer margins of vegetation and not ‘hidden’ within the vegetation. Adults blend into their preferred vegetation but become highly exposed on burnt vegetation that is void of leaves (Bryce 2001). During autumn 2003,

21 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region any newly emerged T. alpina would have been highly vulnerable to both aerial and terrestrial predation. The impact of the fires may not be evident until 2006 due to the nymphs three- year life cycle. If adult T. alpina were predated on in higher numbers during Autumn 2003 before having a chance to lay eggs in a stream, then the population could potentially experience a decrease in number of emerging adults in the third year (2006).

Temperature fluctuations endured by the adults may be dramatically increased due to the lack of vegetation. Adult T. alpina move down the branches towards the base of the plant after dark, only returning as the first rays of sun hit the plant in the morning. This is presumably to insulate against low nightly temperatures (Bryce 2001). It is likely that the future threat of aerial predation will decrease as vegetation continues to regenerate.

The long-term effect of the 2003 bushfires on T. alpina is unknown. Annual monitoring of T. alpina should be undertaken to determine if impacts from predation and temperature extremes have impacted on their population. Climate change also poses a potential threat to the distribution of T. alpina in the alpine region, due to its highly restricted habitat range and needs to be studied further.

5 Conclusions and Recommendations

Thaumatoperla alpina is restricted to high altitude areas (>760m) in the Mt. McKay and Mt. Fainter areas. T. alpina is known to occur at eight sites within the Bogong Alpine area. Two of these sites are within the Alpine National Park and four sites are within the Alpine Ski Resort Area (McKay Creek sites). Their flight capabilities are highly restricted, therefore dispersal is limited to the riparian vegetation immediately beside the stream from which they have emerged. T. alpina are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ (DSE unpublished b) and are listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Threats to Thaumatoperla alpina include: Ski resort development, grazing (cattle and sheep), forestry, recreational skiing, bushwalking, fishing, sightseeing and apiary. These activities can affect a species directly or indirectly through disturbing essential components of an organism's habitat. Climate change also poses a potential threat to the distribution of Eustheniidae in the alpine region.

22 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Recommendation 1: Protecting T. alpina from threats

1.1 Ensure vegetation within 10 m of streams and the distribution area of T. alpina is protected. Ensure skiing and other ski resort activities don’t encroach on the streams identified as T. alpina habitat (ie. McKay Creek sites).

1.2 Maintain water quality in streams within the distribution area of T. alpina (ie. high dissolved oxygen levels close to 100% saturation, pH close to 7 and water temperatures close to average for time of year).

1.3 Ensure trout are free from streams identified as having T. alpina populations (ie. remove trout from Rocky Valley and cease re-stocking of trout).

Recommendation 2: The conservation status of T. alpina

Nominate T. alpina for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Assess T. alpina against the criteria for the appropriate category (eg. ‘Vulnerable’) outlined in the guidelines for threatened species nominations for listing under the EPBC Act (see EPBC Act website: http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/index.html). Note that although there is a range of criteria for each category, meeting any ONE of the criteria qualifies a species for listing at that level.

Recommendation 3: Improving knowledge on the distribution of T. alpina and other stonefly species of conservation significance

3.1 Further surveys of streams outside of the Bogong Alpine area may be needed to confidently map the distribution of T. alpina.

3.2 Annual assessments of currently known T. alpina populations should be undertaken to determine distribution changes.

3.3 Riekoperla intermedia another stonefly species of conservation significance that occurs in the Bogong Alpine area is classified as ‘near threatened’ (DSE unpublished b) and listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Current knowledge on its distribution is limited and should be assessed in conjunction with any future stonefly assessments.

23 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Recommendation 4: Research to gain a better understanding of the biology and threats to T. alpina

Further research on the biology of T. alpina and the threats associated with the species will assist in applying the best possible management technique for specific issues in alpine regions that may affect the survival of T. alpina.

4.1 Undertake research to assess sediment loads in streams identified as T. alpina habitat

4.2 Undertake research on the impacts of increased nutrient loads in streams where grey water has been used for snow making within the Falls Creek ski resort and the affect on T. alpina populations.

4.3 Undertake research into the adaptive significance of adult colouration (warning or camouflage?).

4.4 Undertake laboratory diet studies of adult T. alpina to determine if and what they eat in the wild.

4.5 Undertake dietary studies of Mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus). Do B. parvus eat Thaumatoperla alpina?

4.6 Identify threats of predation on adult T. alpina (ie. studies involving lizards and birds).

6 Acknowledgments

Di Crowther, Freshwater Ecology, DSE and Prue McGuffie, Latrobe University, Albury- Wodonga Campus are thanked for their assistance in the field and to Di Crowther for identifying invertebrates in the laboratory and editing the report. Pam Clunie is thanked for comments on the draft report.

24 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

7 References

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Campbell, I.C., and Doeg, T.J. (1989) Impact of timber harvesting and production on streams: a review. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 40: 519-539.

Chessman, B.C (1986) Impact of the 1983 wildfires on river water quality in East Gippsland, Victoria. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 37: 399-420.

Commonwealth of Australia (2002) Australia’s third national communication on climate change. A report under the United Nations framework convention on climate change, 2002. Australian Greenhouse Office, 147p.

Condina, P. (1984) The effects of the Ash Wednesday bushfires on the water quality of Stoney Creek, upper Beaconsfield, Victoria. Dandenong Valley Authority Report No. 29. Dandenong Valley Authority, Victoria.

Doeg, T.J. and Milledge, G.A. (1991) Effect of experimentally increasing concentrations of suspended sediment on macroinvertebrate drift. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 42: 519-526.

Doeg, T.J. (1995) Distribution of the endangered Otway stonefly Eusthenia nothofagi Zwick (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae) in the Otway Ranges. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 107, 45-50.

25 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Doeg, T.J. (1999) Distribution and conservation status of the stonefly Thaumatoperla flaveola Burns and Neboiss in the Mt. Buller-Stirling area. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 111: 87-92.

DSE (2005) Report of the investigation into the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park. Alpine Grazing Taskforce. 142p.

DSE (unpublished a) Fire recovery progress report. Freshwater Ecology, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment.

DSE (unpublished b) Threatened invertebrate fauna in Victoria – 2000 Draft (April 2005 update). Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.

Hawking, J.H, (1997) The conservation status of dragonflies (Odonata) from south-eastern Australia. Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria. 56(2): 537-542. Hawking, J. H. and G. Theischinger (1999) Dragonfly larvae (Odonata). A guide to the identification of larvae of Australian families and identification and ecology of larvae from New South Wales. CRCFE Identification Guide No.24. and AWT Identification Guide No.3. Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology. Albury. Hitt, N.P. (2003) Immediate effects of wildfire on stream temperature. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 18(1): 171-173. Hynes, H.B.N. (1978). Annotated key to the stonefly nymphs (Plecoptera) of Victoria. Australian Society for Limnology, Special Publication 2. Australian Society for Limnology, Hobart.

Hynes, H.B.N. (1976) Biology of Plecoptera. Annual Review of Entomology 21: 135-153.

Irons III, J.G., Oswood, M.W., Stout, R.J. and Pringle, C.M. (1994) Latitudinal patterns in leaf litter breakdown: is temperature really important? Freshwater Biology 32: 401-411.

Land Conservation Council (1977) Report on the Alpine Study Area. Land Conservation Council, Melbourne.

Leitch, C. and Flinn, D. (1984) Erosion and nutrient loss resulting from the Ash Wednesday fire (February 1983): A case study. Forest Commission Report No. 251. Forests Commission, Victoria.

Minshall, G.W. and Brock, J.T. (1991) Observed and anticipated effects of forest fire on Yellowstone stream ecosystems. In ‘The greater yellowstone ecosystem: redefining America's wilderness heritage’. (Eds. R.B. Keiter and M.S. Boyce). Yale University Press, New Haven, C.T.

Minshall, G.W., Robinson, C.T. and Lawrence, D.E. (1997) Postfire responses of lotic ecosystems in Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A. Canadian Journal of Aquatic Science 54: 2509-2525.

26 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Meyer, G.A. and Pierce, J.L. (2003) Climatic controls on fire-induced sediment pulses in Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho: a long-term perspective. Forest Ecology and Management 178: 89-104.

Petersen, I., Winterbottom, J.H., Orton, S., Friberg, N., Hildrew, A.G., Spiers, D.C. and Gurney, W.S.C. (1999) Emergence and lateral dispersal of adult Plecoptera and Trichoptera from Broadstone Stream, U.K. Freshwater Biology 42: 401-416.

Pettigrove. V. (1991) An investigation of the distribution and ecological requirements of the stonefly Thaumatoperla flaveola. Report No. 104. Water Materials and Environmental Science Branch, Rural Water Commission, Melbourne.

Sephton, D.H. and Hynes, H.B.N. (1982) The numbers of nymphal instars of several Australian Plecoptera. Aquatic . International Journal of Freshwater Entomology 4: 153-166.

Sheridan, G., Lane, P., Grayson, R., Noske, P. and Feikema, P. (unpublished) Preliminary analysis of pre- and post- bushfire water quality data from hydrologic stations in Eastern Victoria (INTERIM REPORT). Department of Sustainability and Environment, Co-operative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology and University of Melbourne.

St. Clair, R., Doeg, T. and Winsor, L. (1999) A survey for Spathula tryssa Ball and other freshwater flatworms in the with an evaluation of the conservation status of each species. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 111 (1): 43-49.

Tillyard, R.J. (1921) Revision o the family Eustheniidae (Order Perlaria) with descriptions of new genera and species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 46, 221-226.

Wareing, K. and Flinn, D. (2003) The Victorian Alpine Fires, January –March 2003. Prepared for Fire Management, Department of Sustainability and Environment.

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27 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Appendix A Sites sampled for Plecoptera of the family Eustheniidae in the Bogong Alpine Area, Victoria (up to 2001). Source: Cassandra L. Bryce, La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga Campus.

Site Creek/Location Name Zone Easting Northing Altitude Species (AGD66) (AGD66) (m) 79 Turnback Creek - Bogong High Plains 55 521500 5921700 1140 T.alpina Rd, Site 16 AEC6 Trib of Rocky Valley Storage - Rocky 55 525700 5916900 - T. alpina Valley Plots 1 Mt McKay Site 1 (ALP MCK2) 55 522700 5919300 1720 T. alpina + E. venosa 2 Mt McKay Site 2 (ALP MCK3) - McKay 55 523286 5919241 1680 T. alpina + Ck @ Road 24 E. venosa

59 Road 24, Mt. McKay, Site 2 (ALP 55 522200 5919800 1700 T. alpina + MCKAY) E. venosa 4 Watchbed Creek Site 4 55 529000 5919800 1660 E. venosa 9 Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(1st 55 520900 5920600 1130 E. venosa pool) 10 Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(2nd 55 520900 5920600 1130 E. venosa pool) 11 Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(up the 55 520900 5920600 1130 E. venosa ck.) 12 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 2 55 520100 5920000 1120 E. venosa 13 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 2 55 520100 5920000 1120 E. venosa 14 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 3 55 519000 5921900 1260 E. venosa 15 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4 55 518400 5923200 1280 E. venosa 16 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4 55 518400 5923200 1280 E. venosa 17 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4 55 518400 5923200 1320 E. venosa 19 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 5 55 517200 5924300 1380 E. venosa (below rd) 20 0.8km below The Springs Saddle, Site 55 517800 5926400 1160 E. venosa 6 25 Dungey Tk., Pyramid Hill Site 2 55 512900 5925600 1020 E. venosa 30 Marum Point Tk, Site 2 55 531200 5918100 1600 E. venosa 31 Marum Point Tk, Aqueduct, Site 3 55 530900 5918000 1610 E. venosa 33 Big Hill Fire Tk, down turn off, Site 2 55 516800 5929800 1125 E. venosa 36 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 3 55 537400 5934700 840 E. venosa 41 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 8 55 536800 5932600 1030 E. venosa 42 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 8 55 536800 5932600 1030 E. venosa 45 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 11 55 537300 5931200 1140 E. venosa 48 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 14 55 538200 5929400 960 E. venosa 56 Bogong High Plains Rd, trib abv 55 523100 5922000 1300 E. venosa Howmans Gap 61 Bogong High Plains Rd, 7.8km from 55 518550 5930990 ? E. venosa Resort (Site 5)

28 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Appendix A (continued) Site Creek/Location Name Zone Easting Northing Altitude Species (AGD66) (AGD66) (m) 70 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 8 55 521900 5927700 600 E. venosa 74 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 11a 55 521990 5925800 740 E. venosa DUN3 Dunstans Fire Track 55 537520 5934925 869 E. venosa DUN5 Dunstans Fire Track 55 536710 5933358 1039 E. venosa DUN6 Dunstans Fire Track 55 537953 5930560 1229 E. venosa DUN7 Dunstans Fire Track 55 538485 5929293 1227 E. venosa AIAS3 Watchbed Ck 55 529239 5920109 E. venosa AIAS4 Mt. McKay (below Rd) 55 522185 5919350 E. venosa HOPE1 ? 55 542050 5928100 1386 E. venosa AEC5 ? 55 525600 5916700 - E. venosa AIAS7 Mt. Nelse 3rd stream 55 529623 5924480 E. venosa 5 Mountain Ck. Rd. Site 1 55 520600 5937900 510 E. venosa AIAS2 Mt. Nelse 55 530652 5922483 Cosmioperla spp. AIAS6 Mt. Nelse above falls 55 527495 5924000 Cosmioperla spp. EAS1 ? 55 520320 5926100 - Cosmioperla spp. DUN4 ? 55 537285 5934572 1028 Absent DUN8 ? 55 539477 5929323 - Absent 3 Watchbed Ck @ Rocky Valley 55 528300 5919200 1620 Absent Storage Site 3 6 Mountain Ck. Rd. Site 2 55 522300 5938200 620 Absent 7 Trappers Gap Tk. Site 3 55 527600 5938900 1100 Absent 18 Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 5 55 517200 5924300 1380 Absent (abv rd) 24 Dungey Tk., Pyramid Hill Site 1 55 512400 5927600 980 Absent 26 Dungey Tk., Snowy Ck. Site 3 55 509000 5927200 620 Absent 27 Big Flat Tk., Big Flat Ck. Site 4 55 508600 5930500 890 Absent 28 Big Flat Tk., Big Flat Ck. Site 5 55 507600 5930700 820 Absent 29 Marum Point Tk, Site 1 55 531100 5918500 1670 Absent 32 Big Hill Lookout, RHT, Site 1. 55 516400 5929900 1020 Absent 34 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 1 55 538500 5936000 700 Absent 35 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 2 55 538300 5935700 720 Absent 37 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 4 55 537400 5934500 860 Absent 38 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 5 55 537200 5934400 930 Absent 39 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 6 55 537000 5934000 980 Absent 40 Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 7 55 536900 5933400 1000 Absent 49 Rd. to Pretty Valley, past the hut, 55 521900 5916500 1670 Absent Site 1 50 Cope Aqueduct (Saddle) Tk., Site 2 55 522200 5916100 1675 Absent 51 Cope Aqueduct (Saddle) Tk., Site 3 55 522700 5915400 1650 Absent

29 Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region

Appendix A (continued)

Site Creek/Location Name Zone Easting Northing Altitude Species (AGD66) (AGD66) (m) 52 Cope Saddle Hut (SEC Hut), Site 4 55 523100 5913500 1660 Absent 53 Fainter Fire Tk. (Niggerhead Aq.), 55 520600 5916000 1670 Absent Site 5 54 Fainter Fire Tk., Site 6 55 519500 5915700 1780 Absent 55 Fainter Fire Tk., Site 7 55 518200 5915700 1710 Absent 57 Bogong High Plains Rd, Blanket Leaf 55 518000 5931800 580 Absent Gully 62 Bogong High Plains Rd, Ti Tree Ck, 55 524000 5921400 1420 Absent (Site 6) 63 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 1 55 517100 5932800 540 Absent 64 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 2 55 517500 5932200 570 Absent 65 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 3 55 518000 5931800 580 Absent 'Blanket Leaf Gully'

66 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 4 55 518400 5931100 540 Absent 67 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 5 55 518500 5930900 560 Absent 'Lyrebird Ck' 68 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 6 55 518800 5930300 590 Absent 69 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 7 55 518900 5928000 590 Absent 71 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 9 55 519200 5927000 670 Absent 'Slippery Rock Ck.'

73 Bogong HP Rd, Site 11- above 55 519700 5926600 610 Absent Bogong Village

76 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 13 55 520800 5923600 980 Absent 78 Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 15 55 521600 5922500 1090 Absent DUN1 Dunstans Fire Track 55 538571 5936197 723 Absent

30