7191

BIOLOGICAL SURVEYSOF FOUR GOLDFIELDS RESERVES

KURRAWANGNATURE RESER\,1E BURRAROCK NATURE RESERVE CAVEHILL NATURE RESERVE DORDIEROCKS NATURE RESERVE

BY ANDREW CHAPMAN, IAN KEALLEY, DAVID McMILLAN, PETERMcMILLAN ANDGEOFFROLLAND

INTRODUCTION

Therequirement to conductthese surveys is part of an on-goingcon"tmitment to undertakebiological surveys of reservesin CALM,s GoldfieldsRegion. These particular reserveswere selectedbecause they are all relatively small, closeto Kalgoorlieand two in particularare subject to high levelsof recreationaluse. The objectives,wereto survey vertebratespecies present (and invertebratesin the caseof Kurrawang), to map the vegetationand searchfor endangeredand poorly known species,particularly eucalypts.

METHODS

Methodsof survey were identicalfor eachreserve. Four lines of pit traps were set for mammals,reptiles and insects(Kurrawang only). Eachtrap line conr- prised six pit traps,250mm and 140mm externaldiameter alternated at a 10m spacing,joinedby a200 mm high fly-wire driftfence.Thedisposition of traplines is indicatedon figs.1,2,3 and4. As far aspossible, pit trap lineswere established to sampleprincipal vegetationtypes as determinedfrom aerial photography and ground inspection. Elliot traps were setto supplementpit trapping effort or whereit wasimpossible to setpits. A1l traps were set for five consecutivedays and all work donebetween October and December1988. All fauna,except for a few voucherspecimens, were identified and released.Mammals were addition- ally weighed measuredand temporarilymarked to identify recaphres. Headtorch- ing and spotlighting were undertakenfor nocturnalfauna. Other fauna data, particularly for birds, were recordedopportunistically. At eachtrapping site vegetation was describedby the Muir (1977)structural classification.Soil classificationwas by the Northcote (1971)method.

Vegetationwas mapped by aerial photo interpretationand ground truthing. Collectionsof principally from trapping siteswere made and sentto the Herbarium for identification.

KURRAWANG NATURE RESERVE

Kurrawang Nature Reserve(No 35453)of 621 ha is located between Great EasternHighway and the Goldfields Water Supply pipeline between 13 and 'conservation 17km south west of Kalgoorlie.Its purposeis of flora and fauna' and it is vestedin the National Parksand Nature ConservationAuthority. Kur- rawang takes its name from Kurrawang townsite which was partly on the reserveand operatedas a centrefor woodlineoperations between 1915 and 193g. As a result of this the reserveconsists entirely of re-growth woodland.

Vegetation Types Seefigure 1 for a map of vegetationrypes.

Area A

This areais Ezcalyptusgrift'ithsii open woodland, situated in the middle slopeof the areawith undulating topography.The soils are red gravelly loam with areas of quartzlironstone alluvium.

The dominant speoesare E. griffithsii andE. transcontinmtaliswith areascontaining E. lesouet'iiand E.loxophleba.

Theshrub stratumspecies incl udeAucia hemiteles,A.tetragonophylla, Eranophila speciesindudin g E. alternifolia,E. serruIataand E. scopaia,Dodonea lobulata and Alyrta burifolia.Other speciesin this stratum that are less common include Santalumspicatum, S. acuminatum, Greaillea nematophylla, quadimarginea, Atiplex nummulaia and Cassinnemophila.

The understoreyis dominatedby Atiplex ztesicara,Olearia sp., Daaiesia sp (ere- maea),and Cassia artemisioides. Other species which areless conspicuous include Triodiascariosa, Ptilotus oboaatus,Enchyluna tornentosaand many herbs and grasses.

Area B

This areais classedas the Jam' areasituated in a water gaining site with a deep red sandyloam. The dominant speciesare , A. hemitelesand A. linophytla.

The understoreyis made up prirnarily of Wandarrie grass and herbs with occasionalPtilotus obooatus, EnclryIeana tomentosa and Scaeaola spinescens.

Area C

This areais dominated as Eucalyptuslesouefii open woodland. It takes up the upper slopesand ridgeswithin the reserve.The soil is a red clay loam covered in quartz alluvium and very dark ironstonepebbles.

The dominantspecies are E. lesouefiiandE. transcontinentah s with lesscomrnon E. griffithsii and E. gracilismaking up the upper stratum.

The shrub stratum is basically a broombushscrub dominated by Eranophila scopaia,E. altemifolia,E. glabraand E. serrulata.Other speciespresent in this shatum indude A caciatetragonophylla, A. hemitelzs, spicatum, S. acuminatum, Atiplex nummulaia and Casuarinacistata.

The understorey is rnade up of herbs and grasseswilh Scaeaolaspinescms, Atiplex ztesicanand Ptilotusexaltatus.

Area D

This areais classifiedas the Eucalyptussalubris open woodland. It is situatedin the lower areasof the reservein water gaining siteswith heavy red clay.

Thedominant speciesisE, salubls with occasionalE.Ioxophlebn, E. transcontinen- talis and E. salmonophloianoted.

Theshrubshatumissparse andis dominatedbyEremophila scoparia,E. altemifolia and Aucia linophylla.Scattered A. tetragonophyllaand Scaeoolaspinescens were seen.

Area E

This areais classedas the spinifex arealocated on a rise coveredwith red clay loam with an underlying ironstone.

Theupper stratumis madeup m ainlyof Eucalyptustranscontine talis, E. lesouefti and E.Ioxophleba.

Melaleucauncinata and Allocasuarina campestris dominate the shrubstratum with five speciesof Eremophiln, ie., Eremophila alternifolia, E.scopaia, E. gtabra, E. spat'f- gilesiiand, E. oldfieldii.Other lesscommon species noted were Dodonaea lobulata, Acaciahemiteles, Cassia artemisioid.es, Scaeaola spinescens and Sqntalumacumi- nntum.

The understoreyis made up primarily of Triodiascariosa with the occasional Oleariasp. and herbs and grasses.

Area F

This areais classifiedas salmonophloia open woodland.

The upper stratum is taken up purely by Eucalyptussalmonophloia.

'broombush' The shrub stratum is a typical Goldfields scrub dominated by Eremophilascoparia witl. E. altemit'olia,E. glabra and E. sp aff. gilesiialso very common.Acncriz linophylla, A.tetragonophylla, Casuarina cistata, Melaleuu uncinata, Cassiaartemisioides, C.nemophilla and sueoola spinescens werenoted as abundant. Other lesscommonly seenshrub specieswere Acacin hemiteles, Santalum spicntum, S.acuminatum and Atiplex nummulaia.

The lower stratum is made up mainly of saltbush,/fri plexztaicaia and greybush, Cratystylisconocephala withherbs and grasses.

Area G

"regeneration This areais known as gravel pif,. It is situated on an iroru;tone gravel hill; all vegetationwas at somestage removed; the specieson the site are thicketsol Melaleucauncinata and Allocasuarina.

Area H

"Casuarina This areais classed as tistata,' flat, andis situatedin a water gaining site on a red clay loam.

The dominant speciesare Casua rina cistata, uncinata, Acacia linophylla andA.tetragonopltylla.Other less commonspecies noted wereSantalum spicatum, Scaeaolnspinescms, Acacia hemiteles, Olmria sp. and many annual herbs and grasses.

Description of Trapping Sites

KNR #1Salmon Gum Woodlandon sandyclay loam at 121"20,00.8,30"49,45,5.

Muir Classification:Mi/SAi,/SCi Stratum 1: Eucalyptusmlmonophloia, occasional E. lisouefii,. Stratum2: Acaciahemiteles, radiata, M. georgei,M. pentatropis, M. sedit'olia,Eremophila scoparia, E. weldii,E. ionantha,Cassia nemophila,Atiplex aesicaria,Scaeooln spinescens, Exocarpus aphyllus.

Stratum3: Maireanaradiata, M. pmtatropis.

KNR #2 Mixed Eucalyptwoodland on clayeysand at 121"20'20E,30"49,45,S.

Muir Classification:LAi/Sr.SBr/Hi Stratum l: Eucalyptusgrit'fithsii, E. transcontinentalis,E. Iesouefii.

Stratum2: Eranophilasp.

Stratum3: Halganiaandromedifolia, Olearia muelleri, Eremophila wetdii, Westringia dampei, Scan ola spin es c ens.

Stratum4: Triodiasp.

KNR #3Redwood/Gimlet woodland on clayey sand at 121"21,15'E,30.49,30.S.

Muir Classification:LAi/SAr/SCr/SDi Stratum 7: Eucalyptussalubris, E. transcontinentalis,E. oleosa.

Stratum2: Eremophilascoparia, Acacia tetragonopltylla, Alyxia buxifolia,Acacin hemitelu.

Stratum3: Cratystylissubspinescens, Enchyleana tonrcntosa, Cassia nenophila, Atri plexauicaia, Oleariamuellei, Eremophila oldt'ieldii spp angustit'olia, E. weldii,Zy goplryllum fruticulosum.

Stratum4: Maireanageorgei, M. tommtosa,Sclerolnma drummondii, Ptilotus ucaltatus.

KNR #4 Griffiths Grey Gum tree malleeon dayey s and at121"21'75"8,30.49,30'5.

Muir Classification:KTi/SrlSBr/Hi Stratum 1,:Eucalyptus griffithsii, E.oleosa.

Stratum2: Santalumacuminatum, Dodonaea stenozVga.

Stratum3: Greailleasarissa, Westringia cephnlantha, Acacia igulata, Scaeoola spinescens,Olearia mu ell eri.

Stratum4: Triodiasp. KNR#5 Griffiths GreyGum woodlandon sandylo am at1,27"22'00,8,30.49,00"5.

Muir Classification:LAi,/Sr,/SBi,zHr Stratum l: Euulyptusgrffithsii, E.Iesouefii.

Stratum2: Santalumspicatum, S. acuminatum, Acacia tetragonophylla.

Stratum 3: Aucia hemitelu,Dodonnea stmozyga, Olenria muelleri, Scanola spinescens, Cassianemophila, Acacia erinacea, Enchylaeana tomentosa, Zygophyllumglaucum, Halgania andromedifolia.

KNR #6 Mixed Eucalyptwoodland on sandy loam at 12t"21,45"8,90"49'20"5.

Muir Classification:LAilSi/SBi/SDr Stratum 1: Eucalyptustranscontinentalis, E. Iesouefii, E. oleosa.

Stratum2: Eremophilascopaia.

Stratum3: Maireanasedifolia, Acacin hemiteles , Cassia nemophila , Olearia nuelleri , Atiplex oesicaria,Sunola spinescens.

Stratum4: Maireanaspp, Ptilotus obouatus.

TABLE1: VERTEBRATEFAUNA OF KURRAWANG NATURE FESERVE

BfROS Site No. #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 X Square-tailedKite Kestrel CrestedPigeon x PortLincoln Parrot X MulgaParrot X Galah Owl€tNighljar FlainbowBee-eater TawnyFrogmouth Richard'sPipit GroundCuckoo Shrike BlackjacedCuckoo Shrike BrownFlycatcher x Red-cappsdRobin GreyShriks Thrush x CrestedBellbird X X ChestnutQuail Thrush xx Weebill xxxx X Broad-tailedThornbill x Chsstnu!rumpedThornbill X x Yellow-rumpedThornbill x x SplendidWren BIRDS SiteNo. *1 #2 v3 #4 #5 #6 *7 StriatedPardalole x X x BrownHoneyealer Yellow-plumsdHoneyeater x White-earedHoneyeater X Yellow-lhroaledMin€r Spiny-cheekedHoneyeater Redwal ebhd MagpioLark X BlackjacedWoodswallow GreyBulcherbird x PiedButcherbird X AustrallianMagpie x GreyCurawong x LittleCrow X MAMMALS WesternGrey Kangaroo (Macropusfuliginosus) Euro (Macropusrobustus) Echidna (Tachyglossu s acu leatus) Fat-tailedDunnart (Sminthops is ctass icaud at4 GoldlieldsNingaui (Ningauiyvonnae) SandyInland Mouse ( Pseudomys h er m an nsbu rg e nsis) Mitchell'sHopping Mouse (Notomysnitche ii) HouseMouse (Mus musculus) PygmyPossum (Ce rcafte tus conci n nus)

REPTILES Diplodactylusmaini x Di plod actyl us granarien si s X Diplodactyluspulcher Diplodactylus assimil is X Gehyravariegata x Heteronotiabinoei Omolepidabtanchialis Ctenotusschomburgkii x Ctanotusatlas X Ctenophorusfordi x Menetiagreyii Ctenophoruscristatus Phyllurusmilii Moloch horidus Tiliquaoccipitalis Tiliquarugosa

#7 Recordedelsewhere on reserye

+ Signsonly observed

Numbersin thetable reler to numbersof animalstrapped.

7 TABLE2: SCORPIONS,SPIDERS AND |NSECTS oF KURRAWANGNATURE RESERVE

Group Famlly Specles scoRPtoNs Buthidae Lychas mamoreus (2 species) Lychasalexandrinus

SPIDERS Nemesiidae 1 unidenlifiedsp. (20species) Dipluridae Cethegussp. Dictynidae Badumacandida Pholcidae 1 unidentitiedsp Gnaphosidae Lamponasp. '1 unidontifiedsp. Clubionidae Chirocanthiumsp. Miturgidae 1 unidentitiedsp. Satticidae Simaethulasp. Ospisthoncupsp . 1 unidentlfiedsp. Ctenidae '1unidentified sp. Zotidae 1 unidentiliedsp. Heteroodidae 3 unidentiliedspp. Agelenida€ Oxyopidae 1 unidentifiedsp. Zodariidae Storenaformosa Sforenasp.

WASPS Bembecidae Bembexsp. ( 13speciss) Proctotrypidae Acanthoserphussp. Sphecidae Podaloniasp. Sphexsp. Pteromalidae 2 unidenlifiedspp. Encyrtidae 1 unidentifiedsp. '1 Thynninae unidentiliedsp. Brachonidae 1 unidentitiedsp. Pompilidae 3 unidentiliedspp. 'l Tiphiidae unidentiliedsp.

BEES Anthophoridae Exoneuratridentata (4 species) Exoneurasp. Colletidae Xenohesmasp. Leioproctussp.

ANTS SubFamily: (16Species) Myrmeciinae Myrmecia( Prcmytmecia) picla Ponerinae Bhytidopone ra violacea R. metallica Myrmicidae Anisopheidolesp. Dolichoderinae lridomyrmexputpureus 3 lridomyrmexspp. Formicinae Paratrechinasp. Calomyrmexsp. 2 Melophon"sspp. Camponotusspp. BURRA ROCK NATURE RESERVE

Burra RockNature Reserve(No 7038)of 809ha is locatedapproximately 60 km 'water south of Coolgardie.Its purposeis and coruervationof flora and fauna, and it is vestedin the Minister for Water Resources.Burra Rock is a prominent granite tor which was usedas a catchmentand dam water supply for woodline locomotivesbetween\92} and1927.The rock is surrounded by mallee,shrubland, thicket and re-growth woodland.The reserveis usedextensively for recreation including picnicking,yabbying and rock exploring.

Vegetation Types Seefigure 2 for a vegetationmap of the reserve.

The woodland areasare not virgin, they were clearfelledfor mining timber and firewoodin 7927-28resulting in a 60y.o. regrowth woodland.

Area A

This type surroundsthe granite outcropsand at times extendsonto the rock in placesof deepsoil.

The vegetationis dorninatedby densethickets of Acacialasiocaly.x and other less densethickets oI Allocnsuarinahuegeliana. Adjoining thesethickets are areasof Leptospermumerubescens and Acacia acuminata.

Furtherfrom th e rockEucalyptusloxophleba and E.occidentalis aar stenantha occur with other malleespecies.

In creviceson the rock Boryanitida and Kunzu pulchellnoccur. Other species noted around the edgeof the rock included rhryptomeneaustralis and Dotlonnea attenuata,

Area B

This type is situatedadjacent to type A alongsidethe granite. It is bestdescribed as open malleewoodland.

The upper stratum is dominatedby Eucalyptuseranophila and severaluniden- tified species.The next stratum is a mixture of relatively openAcacia, Melaleuca and Allousuarina sgub coruisting of Acacialinopylla, A. acwninata,Melaleuca uncinata,Allocasuarina campestris and A. acutiaalais.

Other more common speciesin this vegetationtype include Alyia buxit'olia, Santalumspicatum, Scaeaola spinescens, Eremophila scopariarE. gilesii, A. tetragono- phylla,Exocarpus aphyllus, A. hemiteles,Solanum lasiophyllum, scariosn, Persoonia coriacu, Melaleuulanceolatum.

Area C

Further from the granite the vegetationchanged again to the next vegetation type which is open Salmongum woodland.

Theupper stratumis dominatedby Eucalyptussalmonophloia and a f ew E.salubris and a number of unidentified mallees.

The shrub layer includesEremophila scoparia, E. gilesii,Allocasuaina huegeliana, Alyxia buxifolia,, S. acuminatum,Acacia tetrcgonophytk, A. hemiteles,A. linoptrylk,Melaleuu lnncmlatum,Dodonaea lobulata, Olearia sp., Daoiuia sp.,and somevery sparseoccurrences of Eremophilaglabra and E. serulata.

AreaD

This areais sandplainshrubland with at ieastfive unidentified mallees. The shrublandspecies are dominatedby Allocasuarinacanrpestris and Melaleuca sp.Other common shrubs inclu de Allocasuarina acutioalais, Acaciq acuninata, CaI- Iitis collumelais,Thryptomene australis, Melaleuca acuminatum and, Triodia scari- osa.

Description of Trapping Sites

BRNR # 1 Mixed shrublandon claysand at 121.11,45"E,3123,20"5.

Muir classification:SrlSBc '1,: Stratum Acaciaacuminata, Allocasuarinn canrpestis, Eucalyptus sp.

Stratum2: Allocasuarinacampestris, Thryptomene australis, Verticord.ia helmsii, Leptospermumsp. Wehliathryptomenoides.

BRNR#2 Salmongurn woodlandonsandy clayloarn at 121"12,15"8,AI"23,30"8.

Muir classification:LAilSrSBi/SDi Stratum 7: Euulyptussalmonophloia.

Stratum2: Eremophilaoppositit'olia, Alyxia buit'olia,Acacia tetragonophylla, Exocar pusaphyllus.

Stratum3: Sunola spinescens,Acacia heniteles, Olearia muelleri, Erentophila sco parifl.

10 Stratum4: Acaciaerinacea.

BRNR #3 Mallee on sandy loam at 121"1y30'E,31,"23'45"5.

Muir classification:KSi,/SBi Stratum 1: Eucalyptuseremophila, Acacia acuminata, A. hemiteles, A. camptoclada,A. tetragonophylla,A. prainii, Westringia cephalantha,Er anophila ionatha, Thry pt omen e australis.

BRNR#4 Mixed malleeand shrublandon sandyloam at 121"11,00',E,31"24,00,'3.

Muir dassification:KSi & SclSBi. Stratum L: Eucalyptusoccidentalis aar. stenantha, E. sheathiana,Acacia acunti nata,Allocasuarina acutiaahis.

Stratum2: Dodonaumicrozyga, Spartochloa scirpoidea, Dianella reooluta, Phebaliumfiftt'olium, Prostanthua grylloana.

TABLE3: VERTEBRATEFAUNA OF BURRAROCK NATUBE RESERVE

BIRDS SiteNo. #t #2 y3 #4 #5 LinlePied Cormorant Emu x CollaredSparrowhawk x LittleEagle x Wedgs-tailedEagle x BrownFalcon BandedPlover x BronzewingPigeon x x x Purple-crownedLorikeet x X X SmokerPanot x x x PortLincoln Parrot X X x RainbowBee-eater X x TawnyFrogmouth x Trse/FairyMartin x Richard'sPipit Black-lacedCuckoo Shrike Red-cappedRobin WesternShrike Thrush x x Bellbird X WesternYellow Robin X WillieWagtail SouthernScrub Robin x Whits-browedBabbler X Weebill x x X Broad{ailedThornbill x Yellow-rumpedThornbill X R€dthroat x VariegatedWren x SlriatsdPardalote /X X BrownHonoyoater X

11 BIRDS Site No. #1 #2 #3 #5 *b Yellow-plumedHoneyeater X Purple€apedHoneyeater x White-earedHoneyealer x Brown-headedHoneyeater Spiny-cheskedHo n€yeater x Redwatflobird x MaskedWoodswallow DuskyWoodswallow x GreyButch€rbird x GreyCunawong x LittlsCrow x REPTILES Diplodactylu s assimi I is Diplodactylusmaini Geyhra vadegata Phyllurusmilii Ctenophorusctistatus X Ctenophorusonatus Ctenophoru s scutu latu s Pogonaminor x Ctyptoblepharus plagi ocep h alus x Tiliquaoccipitalis x Vermicellabeftholdii

FROGS Pseudoph ryne occidental is MAMMALS Sminthopsisdolichura Notomysmitchellii (Milchell'sHopping Mouse)

#5 Recordedon "Farm"site

#6 Elsewhereon reserv€

Numbersin tabler€fer to numbersof animalslrapped.

t2 CAVE HILL NATURE RESERVE

Cave Hill Nature Reserve(No 1780a)of 202ha is located50 km west of Hig- 'water ginsville. Its purpose is and corservationof flora and fauna' and it is vested in the Minister for Water Resources.Like Burra Rock, the reserveis dorninatedby the granite tor called Cave Hill and this reservehas a similar history of catchmentdam and woodline locomotiveuse. This reserveis more remote,less disturbed and not asintersively used asBurra Rock.

Vegetation Types Seefigure 3 for a vegetationmap of the reserve.

Area A - Fringing Vegetation

Occurson shallow granite soils fringing the rock and adjacentrock outcrops. Consistsofdense thickets of Allocasuarinahuegeliana and Acacia species including Acaciaacuminata in washesfrom the rock.Occasional Eucatyptus loxophleba and Eucalyptusoccidmtalis oar stenantha occur. On shallowsoils vegetation is sparse including open grassy areas.In all casesthis type has a transition into the surrounding woodland and mallee.

Area B - Gullies

Similarincompositionto Type l withAllocasuarinaandAcacia,however includes moreEucalyptusloxophleba andsomeEremophila sp. Very dense,is restrictedto the gullieswith a transitioninto surroundingwoodland.

AreaC-SalmonGum

Eucalyptussalmonophloia regrowth open woodland on sandysoils over heavy clay. An understoreyof Eremophilasp., Exocarpus sp., Acncia sp. and Mairenna sedifoliawith scattercdEucalyptus concinna. Again a transitioninto surrounding types.

Area D - Wandoo

Occurson weatheredgranite soils with numeroussmall "breakaway" outcrops. RegrowthEaca lyptus wandoo mallee form with o ccasionalEucalyptussalubris and. Acaciaacuminata. A transitiontowards the rock into Type 1 and away from the rock into Type 3,5 and 7. The understoreyis dominatedby Eremophilasp., Santalumacuminntum and Acacla sp. as dense scrub.

IJ Area E - Gimlet

Regrowth Eucalyptussalubris ar.d Eucalyptussalubris aar glaucawoodland on "crabhole" heavy clayloam soils.The understoreyis dominatedby broombush Ermrophilascoparra. Soil type determinesthe transitioninto surrounding wood- land, malleeand rock fringing vegetation.

Area F - Mallee

On deepersandy soils malleesdominate with Eucalyptus eremophila, Eucalyptus gracilis,Eucalyptus loxophleba and occasional Eu calyptus concinna and Eucalyptus celastroides.The understorey corsists of Acacingraffiana, Melaleuca uncinata, Melaleucapauperdfora with scatteredExocarpus and Santalum spicatunr. A transi- tion into surrounding typesis determinedby changeto heaviersoiis.

Area G - Rock

Granite outcrops contain pockets of soil. Deeper pockets support Type 1 vegetationwith shallowerpockets supporting lessvegetation including snrall herbsBorya nitida and,mosses with occasional Kunzeasp . and,Calothanmus sp .

Description of Trapping Sites

CHNR #1Eucalyptus woodland on loamat 121"13,30,'E,31.39,10"S.

Muir classification:LAclSrlSCr Stratum 1-:Eucalyptus flocktoniae, E. concinna.

Stratum 2: Alyxia buxifolia,Eremophila scoparia, Melaleuca sp, Erentophila oppositifolia.

Stratum3: Aucia msrallii, Maireanageorgei, Eremophila caerulea.

CHNR #2 Salmongum woodland on sandy loam at L21"13,30"E,31.39,40.5.

Muir classification:LAilSrlSBi Stratum l: Eucalyptussalmonophloia, occasional Pittosporutn phylliraeoides.

Stratum 2: Santalumacuminatum, Acacia acuminata, A. jmnerae.

Stratum3: Scanolaspinescms, Exocarpus aphyllus, Cassia netnophiln, Olearia axilais.

1.4 "121o"13'20"E, CHNR #3 Jam shrubland on fine sandy loam at 31'40'05"5.

Muir classification: Sc Strahrm 7: Acaciaacuminala and occasionalEucalyptus loxophleba subsp.lisso phloia, occ:sional understorey plants were Solanum lasiophyllum, and Ptilotusoboaatus.

CHNR #4 Mallee on sandy clay loam at 121'14'00"E,31'40'05"5.

Muir classification: KTVSA/SBr Stratum1: Eucalypnsloxophleba subsp lissophloia, E. concinna,E. eremophila.

Stratum2: Acacidacuminata, Melaleuca acuminata, Eremophila oppositfolia, Santalumacuminatum.

Stratum3: Oleariaaxillaris, Acacia camptoclada, Melaleuca sp,Westringia cephalantha.

TABLE4: VERTEBRATEFAUNAOF CAVE HILL NATURERESERVE

BIRDS SiteNo #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 Emu x LittlePied Cormorant x Square-tailedKits x CollaredSparrowhawk BrownGoshawk BrownFalcon Wedge-tailedEagle LittleEagle CommonBronzewing PurplerrownsdLorikeet SmoksrPanot WesternFlosella PortLincoln Parrot MulgaParrot Boobookol,vl X Spott€dNightjar x SacredKingfisher x RainbowBee-eater OwletNightiar x Richard'sPipit x Black{acedCuckoo Shriko X BrownFlycatcher x WestemShriks Thrush X Red-cappedRobin Bellbird x WillieWagtail x RestlsssFlycatcher x ChostnutQuailThrush x SouthernScrub Bobin X White-brow€dBabblor x W€ebill lx Broad-tailedThornbill

15 BIRDS SiteNo. #1 #2 y3 #4 #5 #6 #7 VariegatedWren x Yellow-rumpedThornbill Striat€dPardalots BrownHoneyeater x SingingHoneyeater x White-earedHoneyeater x Yellow-plumedHoneysater PurplegapedHonsyeater Spiny€heekedHoneyeater White-frontedHoneyeater RedWattlebird White-fronted Chat Black{ac6dWood Swallow Currawong LittleCrow AustralianRaven

REPTILES Crc n ad acty Iu s oceII at u s Di plod acUl us granarie nsis Diplodactylusmaini Gehyravaiegata Heteronotiabinoei Ctenophoruscristatus Ctenophorusscutulatus Moloch ho idus Varanustistis Leristamuelleri Menetiagreyii Morelia spilota Pseudechisaustralis

MAMMALS Tachyg Io ss u s acu I e at u s Echidna Macropusfuliginosus Grsy Kangaroo Macropusrobustus Euro Cercartetusconcinuus PygmyPossum Sminthopsisdolichuta Mus musculus HouseMouse

#5 lnvegetation fringing Cave Hill

#6 Elsewhereon rsssrve

*7 OnCavs Hill

Numbersin the lable reterlo numbersof animalstrapped.

16 DORDIE ROCK NATURE RESERVE

Dordie Rock Nature Reserve(No 3211)of 121 ha is located 10 km south of 'water Widgiemooltha.Its purposeis and conservationof flora and fauna,,and itis vestedin theMinisterforWater Resources. The reserve is narnedafter Dordie Rocl a sheetgraniteexposure surrounded byA caciaacuminata'Jam, thicket and re-growth woodland.

VegetationTypes Seefigure 4 for a map of vegetationsites.

Area A - Low Eucalypt Woodland

This site consistsof a mixed canopy of Eucalyptustranscontinentatis, E.ftocktonine and E. mlmonophloiawith occasional E. celestroiduand E. esouet'ii.

A secondclassification of open woodland describesthe pocketsof Melaleuca pauperiflorathat occursthroughout this area.

An openshrub layer dassified as low shrubindudes Aucia hentif)les,A. tetragono- phylh, Eranophilascoparia and Cratystylisconcephala. Within this layer another classof low shrub describesthe lower plants of Sunola spinescots,Erenrophila ionantha,Cratystylis conocephala, Cassia nemophila and Olearia axillais.

Area B

This area containsthe granite outcrops and surrounding vegetation.It was broken into two classes- B(i) which describesthe vegetationsurrounding the outcrops;B(ii) describesthe vegetationchange further out from the rock.

Area B(i)

The upper stratumconsists of Eucalyptus grit'fithsil in small fruited form and was classedas very open tree mallee.

The first shrublayer, classified as scrub, contains Acacia acuminata, Alyxiabuxifo- lia, Melaleucauncinata, Acacia prainii aar lineariswith the occasionalSantalunr spicatum.

A low scrubB stratum containsBeyein leschenaultii, Leptosperma roei , Cryptanclra nutans,Prostnnthera grylloana and Melaleuca sp. A very opentall sedgeconsisted of a Lepidospermasp.

17 Area B(ii)

TllneEucalyptus griffithsii of B(i) is replacedby E. Ioxophlebasubsp. lissopltloin further out from the outcropsforming an opentree mallee.

Acaciaacuminata, Santalum spicatum and S, acuminatummake a class of low forest.

An open scrub layer describesthe Aucia acuminataregeneration, A' prainii aar linea s and Dodonaeamicrozyga present here.

AreaC-LowWoodlandA

The canopy consistsprimarily of Eucalyptustranscontinmtalls with E' lesouefii andE. flocktoniae. There is the occasionalE. salmonophloia andl}:re very occasional E. celastroidesand Melnleucapauperiflora.

An openscrub I ayerof Exocarpusaphylla, Santalum acuminatum, Eremophila sp ', E. caeruleaand a Melaleucasp. precedesthe low scrub B consistingof Scaeaola spinescms,Cratystylis conocephaln, Eranophiln scopaia, Acacia hemiteles, A. tetragono' phyllnand E. ionatha.

Sclerolaenadrummondii and Acacia erinacea fotm an oPendwarf scrubC level.

Description of Trapping Sites

DRNR #1 Mixed eucalypt woodland on sandy clay loam at 12'l'"35'45"8, 31"35',30',S.

Muir classificationLAilSrlSAi/SBi Stratum l: Eucalyptussalmonophloia, E. transcontinentalis,E.flocktoniae, E. celastroides,occasional Meld leuca pauperiflora.

Stratum2: Santalumacuminfltum, Erocalpus aphyllus, Acacin hemiteles.

Stratum3: Eremophilascoparia, Acacia tetragonophylla.

Stratum4: Oluia axillaris,Cassia nemophila, Scaeaola spinescens.

DRNR #2 Malleeand shrublandon sandyclay loam surrounding Dordie Rock at 121"35'50"8,3135'40'S.

Muir classification:KTr/Si/SBi/VTr Stratum 1.:Euulyptus grffithsii (smallfruited form) |

18 Stratum2: Acaciaacuminata, Melaleuca uncinatfl, Cassia Nemophila, Alyia buxifo lia.

Stratum3: Beyerialeschmaultii, Lepil.osperma rcei, Cryptandra nutnns , Melaleuca sp.,Pr ostanthera grylloana.

Stratum4: Lepidospermasp.

Further out from the rock Eucalyptusloxophleba subsp' lissophloia replaces E. griffithsii and Acaciaprainii and Dodonaeamiuozyga form an Sr shrub layer.

DRNR #3 Redwoodwoodland on sandy loam at 121"35'00'E.31"35'45"5.

Muir classification:LAilSrlSBi/SDr '1.: Stratum Eucalyptustranscontinentalis,E.salmonophloia,E.lesouet'ii,E. flocktoniae very occasionalE. celasfioidesa d' Melaleucdpaupuiflora.

Stratum2: Exocarpusaphyllus, Santalum acuminatum, Melaleuca sp, Erentophila caerulea,Er emophila sp.

Stratum3: CratystylisconocEhila, Scaeaola spinescens, Eremophila scoparia, E. ionantha,Acacia hemiteles, A.tetragonophylla.

Stratum4: Sclerolaenad.rummondii, Acacia erinacea.

t9 TABLE4: VERTEBRATEFAUNA OF DORDIEROCK NATURE RESERVE

BIRDS Siie No. #1 #2 13 #4 #5 Emu x MalleeFowl X PortLincoln Parrot x PurpleorownedLorikset x OwletNightiar x RainbowBee-eater Black-facadCuckoo Shrike BrownFlycatchsr Red-cappsdRobln Grsy ShriksThrush X x CrestodBellblrd x x ChestnutQuailThrush x WillleWagtail x Wesbill x Broad-tailedThornbill Chestnut-rumpedThornbill Bsdthroat x Rufoustree-creeper StriatedPardalote x Yellow-plumedHon€yeater x White-earodHonsyeater x Brown-hsadedHoneyeater X White-lrontsdHoneyealer x SpinyaheekedHonsyeater X RedWattlebird X DuskyWoodswallow x Currawong X GreyButcherbird x PiodButchsrbird AustralianRaven x LittleCrow x

REPTILES Diplodactylusmaini Diplodactyluspulcher Gehyravaiegata Phyllurusmilil Varanusgouldii x Ctenophoruscrlstatus x Egerniainomata x Morethiaobscura x

MAMMALS Macropus sp. Tachyg I o s su s acuI e atu I Echidna Sminthopsissp. NotomysMitche ii Mitchell'sHopping Mouse Mus musculus HouseMousg

#4 On DordieRock #5 Elsswher€on roserve + Signsonly recordsd Numbersin lhe tablersler lo numbersof animalslraooed.

20 DISCIJSSIONSAND CONCLUSIONS

1, Kurrawang Nature Reserve

Thesesurveys indicate that Kurrawang Nature Reservewith eight mammal specieshas a rich mammal fauna for a relatively small area of re-growth woodland.The avifauna here is ofparticular interestbecause it canbecompared to a list of forty-sevenspecies recorded in 1904byG.C.Shortridge (Ogilvie-Grant 1909).The presenceof someten woodland speciesin Shortridge,slist suggests the areahad not beenclear-felled at this date.

Two predominantlysouth west species, Purple.gaped Honeyealer and Hylacola do not on presentknowledge occur at Kurrawang. In view of the scarcityof historical data on fauna in WA, Shortridge'slist is of $eat interest.Further researchon both birds currently presentat Kurrawang, and the date of clear- felling this woodland would be well worthwhile.

The collectionof invertebratefauna was confinedto Kurrawang Reserveand there are no data on similar collectionsfor comparison.Other studies have, however,established thepresenceof a rich invertebratefauna in flora-richsem! arid habitats(McMillan & Foulds,1980; Lonerag an etaI,7984;Foulds & McMil- lan" 1988).The collectionof fifty-five speciesin a very limited period at Kurra- wang suggestsa relatively rich invertebratefauna and in turn, infers a healthy diversity in other sectorsof the biota.

KurrawangNature Reserveis freeof all pastmining activity,and feral stock.As the dosest nature reserveto Kalgoorlie, its managementis not hindered by distance,and it alsohas considerable potential for environmentaleducation and interpretation.Management requirements include controlling trail bike use, illegal wood cutting and liaisonwith the KurrawangAboriginal ChristianCom- munity. Somegravel pit rehabilitationworks are required.

2. Burra Rock Nature Reserve

With the exceptionof a small populationof Eucalyptus occidmtalis aar. stenantha, a rare and poorly known eucalyptwhich must be protected,Burra RockNature Reserveonly appearsto have moderateconservation value. However, it is an extremelypopular recreationdestination for residentsand tourists due to the rock itsef thebarbecues and picnic tables and thepresenceof thedam. Camping is a popular activity here.Management requirements include rehabilitatingthe old paddocksite, provision of a display panel,provision of firewood, mainte" nance of barbecuesand tables,rubbish removal and weekend patrolling to reducedriving on the rock and in the rehabilitationarearDue to high levelsof use it wil be very difficult to manageBurra Rock as a nature reserve.

2"1 3. Cave Hill Nature Reserve

This reservehas high conservationvalues, including the presenceof Eucalyptus occidentalisoar. stenantha, Grnillea petrophiloidagrowing as an outlier population, Moreliaspilotes apython gazettedrare and endangered, andVaranus tristis at tine southernedge of its range.Cave Hill Nature Reserveoffers identical recreation opportunitiesto BurraRock Nature Reserve. Howeverthe level of usageismuch less due to its remotenessand poor access.This sifuation could changeif a roading proposaljoining BurraRock Nature Reserve,Cave Hill Nature Reserve and Higginsville comesabout.

4. Dordie Rock Nature Reserve

On presentknowledge Dordie RockNature Reservehas moderate conservation value basedon the presenceof the small fruited form of Eucalyptusgriffithsii which is not known to grow on any other reserve.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Rob Kelly, Geoff Leake,Peter Hutchison, CAlM-Kalgoorlie assistedin setting pit haps for these suryeys. Staff of the W.A Herbarium identified plant specimens.Lee-Anne Martin and June 3"9"ITl,tt9q*e manuscript and Perseveredwith the difficulties of scientificspelling. Dr B. York-Main and Juliannewaldocl western Australian Museum identified the spiders collected.

REFERENCES

Foulds W, and McMillan R.P. (1988)An EcologicalStudy of Burma Road Reserve,Creenough Shire,WesternAushalia. Australian Heritage Commission.The Tree Society & DepartmJnt of CALM. WACE.

l,oneraganW. & McMillanP. Townley L.Rand WatsonL.E(1984) Starswamp BushlandReservc. Proposalsfor its developmentand management.Australian Heritage Commission Report. Dept. of Botany, University of WesternAustralia.

McMillan R.P and Foulds W (1980)An investigation of the proposed landscapeprotection area of Greenougl; Western . Australian Heritage Commission Repori, Canberra.

Muir.BG (1924. Biological Survey of the WesternAuskalian Wheatbelt,part 2: vegetationand habitat of Bendering Res€rve.Rec.West. Aust. Mus. Supp No 3 1-142.

NorthcoteK.H (1971)A factual key for the recognitionofAustualiansoils. clenside, S.A,CSIRO/ Pelcan.

ogilvie crant, (1909)on a collectionof birds from with field notesby Mr G.c. Shortridge. Ibis (9)3:65049 and 191,Qlhis (9)4:IS6-19't.

22 a) O

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Q FIGURE2: Vegetation - Burra Rock Nature Reserve

Sandpl ain shrubIand. "D"

Eucalyptus sa lmonophloia woodland,t'C"

Eucalyptus eremoph i 1a and associated Acaci a

.Cleared paddock,

Acacia lasiocalyx and assoc i ated spec i es. "A"

- To Coolea r di e Trapl ine site

,l

Il* 1:25,OOO

one Kilometre FIC. 3 VEGETATION CAVE HILL NATURE RESERVE

N

Flf.*) \*. +I .r,7 l'+"/ l+++( l'f + +\--:-... l+L'J**fi) )*rJ.r-l + + i+j+l+n+ a + + ii+'+r+,+ r+ ---\r+\.+ +'+t ++ +t ' t,'I

one Kilometre

f+ ,f + AREA A FRINGIN6 VECETA'I'ION

AREA B GULLTH ICKET

AREA C SALMONGUM I'OODLAND

AREA D WANDOOLOW I,/OODLANI)

AREA E GIMLET LOLI I^JOODLAND

AREA F MALI,EEM]XED SPEC1ES - AREA C GMNITE ROCK

1 TRAPI-]NENO. N I I I I t

I x GAIE/GRID I //t/11 FENCE ++++{- RAILI4AYLINE I 2 LOI,II,IOOILAND A Area 'Cl LO|,/|^/OODLAND Area 'Al I FIGURE4: Vegetat i on - Dordie Rock Nat ure U I Reserve t F= OPENTREE MLTEE Area rB I t E VERYOPTl\l TREE I4ALLEE I I ROCK t, 1 Trap Line Si te t I K^.r . 0864.0291-5oO I