FAUNA SURVEY OF BALNARRING PRIMARY

SCHOOL

Balbirooroo Wetlands

BALNARRING

APRIL 2009 TO MAY 2010.

Field work and report writing Malcolm Legg

Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services

ABN 70 165 787 370

PO Box 247 Shoreham 3916

Ph 03 59 863 448 M 0438 898 325

EMAIL [email protected]

Fauna Survey of Balnarring Primary School, ‘Balbirooroo Wetlands’ Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010.

Report and fields work by Malcolm Legg (Mal’s Environmental and Ecological Services)

Balbirooroo Wetlands

Acknowledgements Special thanks to Heather Goddard and the Balbirooroo Community Wetlands/Woodlands Committee for organizing this survey.

Also thanks to Matt Stahmer from Mornington Peninsula Shire for supplying the aerials of the property.

Profiles Front Page Black Swan with cygnets, pair of Black shouldered Kites, wetlands, Lowland Copperhead and Korra Bun-yun Wetland.

All other profiles through-out this report were photographed at the study site. And is Copy- write M. Legg 2010.

Executive Summary

Mal‟s Environmental & Ecological Services were commissioned by Balbirooroo Community Wetlands/Woodlands Committee to conduct a fauna survey within Balnarring Primary School and adjacent lake. The study site is approximately 12 hectares in size and habitat includes Grassy Woodlands, Swamp Scrub, wetlands, lake, drainage line and school buildings. The property is also a part of the foothill to coast bio-link including Merricks Creek.

Aims and Objectives

The main purpose of this study was to identify and map all vertebrate fauna with emphasis on threatened species. The outcomes of this assessment are to guide the managers into sustaining the significant and common fauna and their habitat that have been detected and to identify possible impacts or risks associated with feral animals and other threats.

The brief for this project was to establish the fauna values that occur or could occur within the study site. Fauna values considered in this report include all significant vertebrate fauna and native vegetation types. Also included were the role of native vegetation in a landscape context to provide habitat and corridors for native fauna.

Methods and Results

Fauna Fauna surveys and mapping were undertaken from April, 2009 to May, 2010. Methods, undertaken in accordance with permit conditions included identifying appropriate habitat and mapping all fauna species, active searching, scat analysis, digging analysis, Elliot traps, colour-bond tiles, hair tubing, infra red cameras, spotlighting, Anabat 2 Bat Detector and vocalization identification. A total of 109 species of native fauna and 10 species of introduced fauna were recorded within the study site. This includes species of Decapod Crustaceans, freshwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

No National significant species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 were detected, however 5 species are listed as internationally migratory under the EPBC Act. Nine state significant species were recorded during this study and 5 of those species are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as threatened. In addition, 22 species are considered to be of regional significance and 7 species are considered to be of high local significance.

Vegetation Some parts of the study site have been modified in the past due mostly to clearing for live- stock use. However the clearing of vegetation phases has stopped for many decades and the indigenous vegetation has returned. Approximately 70% of the site is considered to be covered in native vegetation, both remnant and re-growth from past disturbances. Several Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC‟s) were identified within the study site. Some of these

3 Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. are: Grassy Woodland, Swamp Scrub, Wetland Formation, Aquatic Herbland, Swampy Riparian Woodland and drainage-lines.

The quality of vegetation within these EVC‟s is very high, with some areas supporting grassy understorey while others are sedgy. Most areas are almost exclusively indigenous. Majority of the study site is of very high conservation significance including state significant species.

Conclusion and Recommendations The study site constitutes an important contribution and is part of an important foothill to coast bio-link. The significance of the area has been increasing over the last two decades as due to habitat restoration projects and an increase in species diversity.

Feral animals such as foxes, cats, introduced birds, introduced rodents and mosquitofish are impacting on fauna heavily including threatened species. An integrated on-going feral control program for the greater area is urgently required.

Other management guidelines that need to be adopted include:

-Establish bio-links between the property and the coast including Merricks Creek.

-Look into placing a covenant on the land through „Trust for Nature‟.

-Continue to manage weeds and follow these simple rules:

-Leave if Eastern Yellow Robins or other birds are nesting.

-Continue to remove weeds by carrying out the same methods already implemented.

-Only remove woody weeds or conduct control burns during the non-bird breeding season.

-Allow natural regeneration to occur.

=If ringtail possum dreys occur in weeds then ring-bark with-out poisoning and follow-up after a year.

_Continue with nesting box program and monitor. Place dense sedges and prickly wattles around water bird nesting boxes.

-Retain and place out ground logs with hollows through-out different habitats.

-Look into ways to prevent catastrophic disasters.

-Continue to conduct fauna surveys every 5 years to monitor fauna populations and diversity. Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 4

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION 6 1.1 Project Background 6 1.2 Aims 6 1.3 Study Site 6-7

2. METHODS 13 2.1 Fauna 13 2.2 Data Handling and Storage 15 2.3 Mapping 16

3. RESULTS 17

4. SIGNIFICANT FAUNA 18

5. DISCUSSION 57

6. RECOMMENDATIONS 64

7. REFERENCES 65

APPENDIX 1. METHODS FOR DEFINING BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE 66 APPENDIX 2. FAUNA SPECIES DETECTED DURING THIS SURVEY 68 APPENDIX 3. FAUNA TRAPPING, SPOTLIGHTING AND OBSERVED RESULTS 72 APPENDIX 4. FAUNA SPECIES IN VFD AND EPBC DATABASES 77

TABLES Table 1. Significant species detected from VFA & EPBC database search 19 Table 2. Significant species recorded during this survey 20 Table 3: Current status of Grassy Woodland ecosystems within the property 56 Table 4. Decopod Crustaceans 68 Table 5. Fish 68 Table 6. Amphibians 68 Table 7. Reptiles 69 Table 8. Coastal and Wetland birds 69 Table 9. Woodland Birds 70-71 Table 10. Mammals 71 Tables 11-18. Fauna sampling results from the survey period 72-76

MAPS Map 1. Locations of Fauna Sampling Sites 80

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 5

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Malcolm Legg from Mal‟s Environmental and Ecological Services was commissioned by Balbirooroo Community Wetlands/Woodlands Committee to conduct a fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School and adjacent lake. The study was conducted from April, 2009, to May, 2010.

This report provides information on the significant fauna and habitat quality through:

-reviewing existing information -documenting new information -providing recommendations to ensure the site‟s biodiversity values are maintained.

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The scope of works proposed by Balbirooroo Community Wetlands/Woodlands Committee and Mal‟s Environmental & Ecological Services included the following:

-a review of fauna databases -a review of existing environmental documentation -targeted fauna surveys and mapping species -documentation of fauna values -an evaluation of ecological significance -discussions on the impacts feral animals might be having on fauna species -discussions on fauna management and monitoring.

1.2 AIMS

This report aims to:

-establish the study site‟s known significant fauna values -document significant habitats and species -assess all fieldwork data and information from relevant literature and databases -provide recommendations to ensure the site‟s significant values are maintained well into the future.

1.2 STUDY SITE

The study site is located in the township of Balnarring in the Westernport Bay catchment of the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. The township of Hastings is situated to the north, and the coastal village of Flinders to the south. The study site falls within the Gippsland Plains Bioregion (DNRE 1997). Prior to European settlement the study site fell within the Aboriginal territory of the Boonwurrong people. The property is approximately 12 hectares in size and retains Indigenous vegetation and wetlands. Prior to the early 1990‟s the property was

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 6 cleared grazing paddocks and post 1993 replanting programs and wetland construction have been achieved through-out including the schools environs. Small infestations of weeds, mainly exotic grasses appear through-out which are being controlled. The soils drain towards the drainage lines, wetlands, lake and down to Merricks Creek into Westernport Bay. The study site comprises woodlands, wetlands, drainage lines and a lake. The area has a maritime climate with wet moist winters and dry warm summers.

1.3.1 Ecological Vegetation Classes

Pre European Settlement 2 EVC‟s are recognizes on maps (DSE) would have been apparent within the property which included Grassy Woodland and Swamp Scrub. Wetlands have been created forming new EVC‟s including Wetland Formation and others have been planted back. Other EVC‟s are probably apparent but have not been mapped at present. Majority of these EVC‟s are of high quality but are immature in formation (such-as the woodlands are too young to have formed hollows). EVC‟s that are apparent on the property include: Swampy Riparian Woodland, Grassy Woodland, Swamp Scrub, Wetland Formation and Aquatic Herbland. These EVC‟s and different habitats are displayed below.

Nesting boxes have been made and deployed for wetland birds to nest in.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 7

053 Swamp Scrub 083 Swampy Riparian Woodland

175 Grassy Woodland

Wetland Formation Lake with 653 Aquatic herbland

Drainage lines

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 8

1.3.2 Geology

Geologically the property comprises 2 soil types. The highest areas of the property consist of Baxter Sandstones with sand and sandy clay with occasional gravels. They are also ligneous in part. Grassy woodlands cover this soil type and the soils were formed in the Pliocene period of the Quaternary era. Soils through-out the lower areas of the property consist of fluviatile clay, silt, sand and gravels, which were formed in the Pleistocene period of the Quaternary era. On these soils swamp scrub and wetland species grow on the property.

1.3.3 History

Prior to European settlement the study area fell within the Aboriginal territory of the Boonwurrong people. At times they probably would have travelled through-out the area, hunting and gathering. Nearby midden sites are found along the Westernport Bay coastline.

In the late 1700‟s and early 1800‟s Westernport Bay was discovered by Europeans and the area was settled soon after.

The Mornington Peninsula including Balnarring and surrounding land was cleared of its indigenous vegetation right down to the coast and pastures were created through-out.

About 1980 the Department of Education and the then Shire of Hastings purchased the property and a school was established in 1990. In 1993 a Committee of interested staff, parents and community members began planning for a wetland on the part of the site not occupied by the school and at the end of 1993 the first woodland revegetation was undertaken. The Balbirooroo Wetlands was constructed in 1994, with boardwalks, walking tracks, bird hide and observation platforms being constructed by the school community over 1994/5. Woodland and wetland revegetation continued from this time and is still ongoing.

The names of the wetlands on the site are of Koorie origin. Balbirooroo means „Ibis‟ and is of unknown origins and Pun Pun is a Kulin nation word meaning „seasonal‟. The Committee then began to work with Bea Edwards (Nambooka), now a Boonerwrung elder, who gave them the name Korra Bun-yun, a Boonerwrung word for „Frog‟.

It seems that the Growling Grass Frog has become extinct within the property which occurred through-out much of its range in the 90‟s and populations have never recovered.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 9

Sign erected near the entrance explaining the history.

The following are extracts from historical records of the fauna that used to occur in the area (between Moorooduc Quarry and Arthurs Seat) during the 1800‟s and early to mid 1900‟s:

Cavill (1986, p. 39) recounts the wildlife around her property (immediately to the east of Moorooduc Quarry) in the 1930‟s:

“Koalas grunted all night, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, bush and water rats, flying foxes and bandicoots were abundant and tame.”

The numbers of kangaroos must have been enormous.

“Kangaroos were formerly so plentiful that they resembled flocks of sheep. At Sandy Point they erected yards for a big kangaroo drive. Messrs. Clark, White, Benton and others got 1500 in the first drive. Stakes seven foot high were driven into the ground and interwoven with ti-tree. In the last drive they got 800 kangaroos. On the plain they were in thousands, as also were possums. Bandicoots and goannas were also very numerous.” (Tuck, 1971, p. 10).

Also, “The place was full of wild animals – wild cats, kangaroos, possums, snakes, emus and everything…” (Tuck, 1971, p.10)

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 10

Cavill (pers. comm.) has noted the decline in occurrence of vertebrates living around the Moorooduc Quarry. Of the mammals, Quolls, Southern Brown Bandicoots and Eastern Grey Kangaroos lasted until around the 1940‟s while the Common Wombat remained until twenty years later. As recently as twenty years ago, Mrs Cavill recalls Koalas, Sugar Gliders and Agile Antechinus as abundant, although their numbers have since declined dramatically. She believes the Black Wallaby was still present until 1984. Two species of pygmy possum (Feathertail Glider and possibly the Eastern Pygmy Possum) were also thought to have lived in the vicinity.

Wheelwright (1979) whose „wanderings‟ all occurred within sixty-five kilometres of Melbourne was one of the first naturalists to write about (and shoot so many of) the region‟s fauna. He records Dingos “lying up generally in thick patches of tea-tree…” (p. 35) and being common in thick forests, deeply scrubbed gullies, in belts of timber bordering the large plains and in patches of tea-tree on the plains themselves.” (p35). Wheelwright also described many of the species noted by Cavill – Common Wombats, Koalas, the two possums, Sugar Gliders, Feathertail Glider, Bandicoots (two species), Short-beaked Echidnas, Eastern Water Rat and various smaller bush animals, such as field-mice and rats.

In the 1850‟s Wheelwright also observed a “Kangaroo Rat” which was “common throughout the bush” and which was “excellent eating”. This species described by Wheelwright is almost certainly the Long-nosed Potoroo.

Interestingly Wheelwright never observed Platypus in the “Westernport district”, although he found it common in the “Yarra, the Exe and many of the streams to the north and east of Melbourne” (p.52).

Wheelwright also shot both species of quolls. He found the Spotted-tail Quolls rare, but the Eastern Quolls to be “one of the commonest of all bush animals” (p.48). He found Eastern Quolls especially common in the belts of timber around swamps.

Kenyon (1930) reporting on the work and travels of Dr Edmond Charles Hobson, an early Victorian naturalist, quotes from Hobson‟s 1837 notes:

“The forests between Melbourne and Arthurs Seat teem with life. The large Kangaroos may be seen in flocks of three hundred or four hundred, and some measure nearly eight feet in height.”

He goes on and describes that the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Common Wombat, Eastern Quoll, Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum were very numerous.

Hobson‟s 1837 records, comments on a number of birds including the Brolga and the Australian Bustard which were common but have now disappeared from the Greater Melbourne region. They are now listed as vulnerable and endangered in Victoria.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 11

Historical records indicate that by the 1860‟s Ducks were almost shot out on the Port Phillip Bay side of the Peninsula, and that excessive hunting and drainage of their habitat had reduced numbers dramatically.

Species such as the Eastern Quoll, Tiger Quoll, Agile Antechinus, White-footed Dunnart, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Eastern Pygmy Possum, Feathertail Glider, Long-nosed Potaroo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and the Eastern Water Rat would have occurred within the Balnarring and greater areas but appear to no longer.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 12

2.0 METHODS

2.1 FAUNA TAXONOMY

Animal taxonomy is consistent with the Victorian Wildlife Atlas Database (also called Victorian Fauna Database DSE (2005b) and the DEH‟s EPBC Act Protected Matters Search Tool.

2.1.1 Existing information

Existing information on the DSE‟s Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (accessed via Victorian Fauna Database (VFD) July 2007 edition) for a five kilometre radius around the study site was sought.

No previous surveys have been conducted within the property in the past but the report below well documents what the Mornington Peninsula fauna was 160 years ago:

-Sites of Zoological Significance in the Westernport Region, D. L. Andrew, L. F. Lumsden, & J. M. Dixon. 1984.

2.1.2 New Information

Fauna surveys were deployed using the following methods.

-Decapod Crustaceans were identified by sight. -Fresh water fish were sampled in bait traps. -Amphibians were sampled by listening to vocal calls and identifying each species -Reptiles were sampled by sight, hand capture, sampling in Elliott traps and were detected under colour-bond tiles and logs. -Birds were identified by sight, their calls and during spotlight walks. -Mammals were sampled and identified by sampling hairs from hair tubes, sampling in Elliot traps, analysing scats and diggings, and by sight during spotlight walks. -Micro bats were identified using the Anabat 2 Bat Detector. -Scout-guard cameras were deployed to record fauna, especially threatened species.

Taxa were identified using reference literature including Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H. & Allen, M. (2002), Cogger (2000), Menkhorst (1996), Simpson and Day (1999) and Strahan (1998).

2.1.2.1 Further detail of some of the fauna survey techniques listed above includes:

BAIT TRAPS

Fish were sampled in bait traps deployed in the wetlands, lake and along the drainage line at Frankston-Flinders Road. Bait traps were deployed for 3 nights at each location.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 13

AMPHIBIAN CALL IDENTIFICATING

Through-out the wetlands, creek and drainage lines amphibians were identified whilst listening to male vocal calls during breeding seasons and identifying each call. Species were identified and mapped.

VISUAL BIRD DETECTING

Birds were identified on the property by walking through-out the various habitats while listening to calls or looking through binoculars and identifying individuals. Nocturnal birds were identified by calls and sight during spotlight walks. All species were mapped at sites they were identified at.

HAIR TUBES

Two transects were deployed along the banks of the wetlands to sample for common and habitat specific fauna, Ten hair tubes were deployed along each transect, at 10m intervals and left out for seven days during the full and the new moon cycles. Refer to maps for locations of hair tube transects. A total of 140 sampling nights were conducted throughout this hair tube sampling survey (each trap deployed is counted as one sampling night).

Hairs from five species of mammals were sampled, these included the Common Brushtail Possum, Black Wallaby, Swamp Rat *Black Rat, *House Mouse and *Red Fox. Bait used was peanut butter, rolled oats and honey.

ELLIOT TRAPS

Before and after the full and new moons 10 Elliot traps were deployed along the same two transects as the previous method. They were deployed through-out appropriate habitat and were chosen as they offered the best habitat for the small mammal species. A total of 90 sampling nights were conducted throughout this Elliot trap sampling survey (each trap deployed is counted as one sampling night).

Fauna sampled in Elliot traps included, Swamp Rat and the introduced*Black Rat and *House Mouse. Bait used was peanut butter, rolled oats and honey.

COLOUR-BOND TILES

Small sheets of Colour-bond measuring 300mm by 300mm were deployed along the same transects as above. Reptiles move under the tiles on sunny mornings to absorb the heat being radiated from the sun. This warms their blood which allows them to hunt and consume food. Reptiles were sampled underneath the tiles by lifting them in the morning, hand capturing and identifying each species.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 14

INFRA RED CAMERAS

Three Scout Guard infra-red cameras were deployed through-out the property in appropriate habitats to obtain live footage of terrestrial and arboreal fauna with emphasis on threatened species. Cameras were deployed in trees to film arboreal species and 200mm off the ground for terrestrial species. Bait used included peanut butter, oats and honey for terrestrial species and honey and water sprayed on tree trunks and branches for arboreal species.

SCAT ANALYSIS

Red Fox scats were common through-out the property. Feral predator scats that were found were collected and hairs within were analysed. Hairs belonging to Short-beaked Echidna, Koala, Common Brushtail Possum, Common Ringtail Possum, Swamp Rat, *introduced rodents and a host of bird species.

SPOTLIGHTING

Spotlighting was conducted over three nights during mild weather conditions leading up to the full moon and new moon cycles. Species were identified and mapped.

ANABAT 2 BAT DETECTOR

Micro bats omit echo-location while flying around at night. Each species has a different call frequency and thus their calls are detected and recorded on the Anabat 2 Bat Detector. Those calls are download on to computer and analysed using specialized software.

2.1.3 Limitations

No real limitations were experienced.

2.1.4 Research Permit

All fauna sampling within the study site was carried out legally under Wildlife Act 1975/FFG Act 1988 Research Permit Number 10004056.

2.2 DATA HANDLING AND STORAGE

Listings of all fauna detected throughout the survey within the study site have been submitted to the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg (Nicholson Street) and recorded on the Atlas of Victoria Wildlife and on the new Mornington Peninsula Wildlife Atlas for future reference.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 15

2.2.1 Database Entry, Validation and Submission

Listings of all fauna detected throughout the survey within the study site are submitted to DSE as a contribution to the Atlas of Victoria Wildlife for future reference.

2.3 MAPPING

Geographical positioning data collection in the field for the purposes of map display was carried out with an iPAQ Navigation System programmed into HP iPAQ pocket PC using Arcpad 7 software for locating sampling sites and significant species.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 16

3.0 RESULTS

A total of 119 species of fauna were recorded within the study site during this survey. Of these 109 species are native and 10 species are introduced.

3.1 DATABASE RECORDS AND PREVIOUS SURVEYS

In determining this „likelihood of occurrence‟ and utilization of the study site by national or state significant fauna, the following factors were considered:

-the conservation status of the species and its distribution -previous recordings of species in the local area -the habitat requirements of individual species -the physical attributes of the site, such as trees with hollows, the presence of rocks or boulders, logs on the ground -the fragmented and highly modified environment surrounding the site

Several species of high local to regional significance, some species of State significance and National significant were thought to have a high likelihood of occurrence on the site as they have been recorded previously within the study site or surrounding area.

3 .2 NEW IMFORMATION

3.2.1 Decapod Crustaceans and fish

Two species of Decapod Crustaceans and 3 species of fish (Appendix 2) were recorded within the drainage line, lake and wetlands. One species the Mosquitofish is introduced.

3.2.2 Amphibians and Reptiles

During this survey 7 species of amphibians were recorded (Appendix 2), mainly within and along the banks of the wetland and drainage lines.

During this survey 9 species of reptiles were recorded of which 1 species is a tortoise, 6 species are lizards and 2 species are snakes (Appendix 2). There appears to be a reasonable diversity of frogs and reptiles within different habitats of the property.

3.2.3 Birds

84 species of birds were recorded during this survey within the property (Appendix 2). 79 of these are native species and 5 species are introduced.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 17

3.2.4 Mammals

14 species of mammals were recorded during this survey (Appendix 2) of which 4 species are introduced. There appears to be a good diversity of terrestrial mammals and a low diversity of arboreal mammals still inhabiting the property.

4.0 SIGNIFICANT FAUNA SPECIES

No Nationally significant species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 where detected during this survey. Five species are listed as internationally migratory under the EPBC Act. Nine State significant species were recorded during this study of which 5 species are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as threatened. In addition, a further 22 species recorded are considered to be of regional significance and 7 species recorded are considered to be of high local significance. Due to large population and habitat losses within the local area (Mornington Peninsula) the remaining native fauna can be considered to be at local significance levels. High local to state significant species identified during this survey are listed in table 2 below.

4.1 FAUNAL SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN THE STUDY SITE.

On the basis of significant flora and fauna species occurring within the study site, the property can be considered to be of State Significance. However, the small to high incidence of introduced weed and animal species threatens to reduce this significance if control measures aren‟t continued.

4.2 HABITAT SIGNIFICANCE

The vegetation communities within the property contain important habitat for fauna species. The indigenous treed communities support a small diversity of arboreal mammals and large diversity of avifauna, whereas the ground vegetation supports a large diversity of terrestrial fauna and scrub-dwelling avifauna. Some feral species are threatening the fauna diversity within the study site and need to be dealt with.

4.3 DEFINING SIGNIFICANT SPECIES

Fauna in the study site were classed according to their high local, regional, State and National significant levels. As lists of regionally and locally significant fauna aren‟t available from relevant government authorities, those significant taxa were assessed by the author from his previous records within the bioregion.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 18

TABLE 1: Significant Fauna Species in VFD and EPBC Databases Significant Fauna species detected within a one kilometre radius from centre of study site on DSE’s Victorian Fauna Database (VFD). Relevant species listed on EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool also included. Habitat/Comments column also gives indication of location and year of records lodged with VFD. Likelihood of Occurrence: Low: Few aspects of habitat requirements are met on site.  Status derived from DSE (2007) Moderate: Some aspects of habitat requirements are met on site. VFD: Victorian Fauna Database High: Optimal habitat present. EPBC: EPBC Protected Matters Search Tool

Conservation Status Codes (EPBC and FFG Acts): Victorian Conservation Status Codes (DES) : EN – Endangered under the National EPBC Act (very high risk of extinction in the wild) e – Endangered (at risk of becoming extinct); VU – Vulnerable under the National EPBC Act (high risk of extinction in the wild) v – Vulnerable (at risk of becoming endangered); L-Listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act r –Rare (rare but not considered otherwise threatened); f-FFG listed. nt – Near Threatened dd – Data Deficient

FFG EPBC VROTS Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Freq NumSite Likelihood of occurrence v Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Anatidae 22.72% 5 This survey n Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae Anatidae 22.72% 5 High f v Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Ardeidae 4.54% 1 This survey f e Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Anatidae 4.54% 1 This survey f e Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Pomatostomidae 18.18% 4 Low v Hardhead Aythya australis Anatidae 13.63% 3 High f v Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis Rallidae 4.54% 1 High f n Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Anseranatidae 4.54% 1 Medium v Musk Duck Biziura lobata Anatidae 9.09% 2 High n Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Phalacrocoracidae 4.54% 1 This survey v Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Threskiornithidae 9.09% 2 This survey v Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Scolopacidae 4.54% 1 High

19 Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010.

Significant fauna detected throughout the study site during this survey.

KEY TO DEFINING SIGNIFICANT SPECIES

Signif Significant/status of species is designated by: N National S State R Regional HL High Local NRE Threatened Vertebrate in Victoria-2000 (NRE 2000) FFG Flora and Fauna Guaranteed Act 1988 ActPl Action Plan approved by Environmental Australia EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 TR International Treaties, C=China (CAMBA) and J=Japan (JAMBA). Cen critically endangered End endangered Vul vulnerable LR lower risk-near threatened NT Near Threatened DD data deficient Ls Listed M Migratory under the EPBC Act Un Uncommon MC Moderately Common LC Locally Common C Common Lim Limited

TABLE 2: Significant fauna detected throughout the study site during this survey.

Common Name Scientific Name Sig NRE. FFG. ActPl EPBC TR Amphibians Southern Toadlet Pseudophryne S Vul semimarmorata Haswells Froglet Paracrinia haswelli R Un Reptiles Southern Water Skink Eulamprus typanum R Un Delicate Skink Lamprophalis delicata R MC Southern Grass Skink Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii R MC Blotched Blue-tongue Tiliqua nigrolutea R MC Lowland Copperhead Australeps superbus HL C White-lipped Snake Drysdalia coronoides R Un Birds Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius S LR Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides R Com M CJ Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis S Vul Freckled Duck Stichonetta naevosa S En Ls Lewins Rail Rallus pectoralis S Vul Ls Great Egret Ardea alba S Vul Ls M CJ Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia S Vul Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes R Un Lathams Snipe Gallinago hardwickii S LR M CJ Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus R Un Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops R Un Caspian Tern Sterna caspia S LR Ls M CJ Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax HL MC Swamp Harrier Circus approximans HL MC Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera HL C

20 Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. Common Name Scientific Name Sig NRE. FFG. ActPl EPBC TR Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus R MC

Musk Lorikeet Glossopitta concinna HL C Southern Boobook Ninox novaehollandiae R MC White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus HL C M CJ Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris R MC White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons HL C Flame Robin Pectroica phoenicea R Un Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis R MC Grey Currawong Sterpera versicolour R Un Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus R Un Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum R Un Mammals Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus R C Koala Phascolarctos cinereus R MC Ls Black Wallaby Wallabia bicolor R C Micro bats occurring Vespadelus sps. R C through-out. Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus R C

4.4 DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT SPECIES

Below are descriptions of the state, regional and high local significant species detected during this survey.

HASWELLS FROGLET Paracrinia haswelli

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Uncommon.

Habitat- MPS- Drainage lines, Emipheral wetlands. BPS- Drainage lines and wet grassy areas that dry out.

General Biology- Haswell‟s Froglet Is confined to the inundated grasslands and drainage lines that become flooded after heavy rains. This small froglet lays its eggs within the flooded habitat and develop into froglets before the site dries out.

Breeding Season- Spring to autumn.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 21

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-dependency within fallen timber to hibernate and retreat in.

Migration- Nil.

Special Comments During this survey Haswells Froglet was identified in the same habitat as the Southern Toadlet.

SOUTHERN TOADLET Pseudophryne semimarmorata

Status- VIC- Vul. MPS- Vul. BPS- Rare to Uncommon.

Habitat- MPS- Drainage lines and Emipheral Wetlands BPS- Drainage lines and inundated grassy areas that dry out in summer.

General Biology- The Southern Toadlet Is a small Toadlet, confined to inundated grasslands and drainage lines. During autumn they lay their eggs in small burrows at the base of tussocks before rain inundates the area. When rain floods the grasslands the eggs hatch out and develop into toadlets before the area dries out.

Breeding Season- Autumn.

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-dependency occasionally within fallen timber to hibernate and retreat in.

Migration- Nil.

Special Comments During this survey the Southern Toadlet was identified through-out grassy inundated areas. Their biggest dangers are altered drainage patterns.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 22

SOUTHERN WATER SKINK Eulamprus typanum

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Woodlands and forests within coastal foreshore reserves and along the banks of some creeks. Occasionally in inland woodlands. BPS- Banks of wetlands and creek.

General Biology- The Southern Water Skink is confined to the understorey (including exotic grasses) along the banks of the wetlands and creek. Here it was sampled under colour-bond tiles and visually detected while sunning themselves on fallen logs or at the base of grass tussocks. During the breeding season the male portrays a yellow throat and the female gives birth up to five live-young during late summer (Jenkins and Bartell 1980).

Breeding Season- Spring.

Tree hollow requirement- Full-dependency within fallen timber to hibernate and retreat in.

Migration- Nil.

Special Comments Mornington Peninsula is one of the last strongholds for this species within the region. This species appears to be rare within the property.

Southern Water Skink.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 23

DELICATE SKINK Lampropholis delicata

Status- Vic- Widespread, common and considered secure. Possibly threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Common to rare in remaining habitat depending on location. BPS- Through-out and uncommon in suitable habitat.

Habitat- MPS- Occurring in intact woodlands and forests that still retain a heathy, grassy or sedgy understorey. BPS- Through-out woodlands and higher elevations around the wetlands that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey.

General Biology- The Delicate Skinks is a small skink that occupies the understoreys of various EVC‟s. Females lay two to five soft-shelled eggs, under logs or thick humus in early summer, which hatch approximately two months later (Jenkins and Bartell 1980).

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-for resting or hibernating in and laying eggs under.

Migration- Sedentary.

Comments- The occasional specimen was sampled under colour-bond tiles. Other specimens were observed on warm days along tracks and on the edges of tussocks. They appear to be relatively uncommon throughout the property.

SOUTHERN GRASS SKINK Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii

Status- Vic- Widespread, common and considered secure. Possibly threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Common to rare in remaining habitat depending on location. BPS- Through-out and uncommon in suitable habitat.

Habitat- MPS- Occurring in intact woodlands and grasslands that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey. BPS- Through-out woodlands and higher elevations around the wetlands that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 24

General Biology- The Southern Grass Skink is a small skink that occupies the understoreys of various EVC‟s that retain a grassy and sedgy understorey. Females retain their eggs within and give birth to live young the following year. They disguard their tail when harassed by predators. eggs, under logs or thick humus in early summer, which hatch approximately two months later (Jenkins and Bartell 1980).

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-for resting or hibernating in and laying eggs under.

Migration- Sedentary.

Comments- The occasional specimen was sampled under colour-bond tiles. Other specimens were observed on warm days along tracks and on the edges of tussocks. They appear to be relatively uncommon throughout the property.

BLOTCHED BLUE-TONGUE Tiliqua nigrolutea

Status- Vic- Widespread, common and considered secure. Possibly threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Uncommon to rare with high season road fatalities. BPS- Through-out and uncommon to rare in suitable habitat.

Habitat- MPS- Woodlands and forests that retain a grassy or sedgy understorey including some coastal areas. Logs and even old building materials scattered on the ground are utilized to hide, breed and feed. BPS- Through-out woodlands and high elevations around the wetlands that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey.

General Biology- The Blotched Blue-tongue is a large Skink that inhabits most bushland sites within the region that don‟t contain yellow sands such as those found along the coastal areas of the Mornington Peninsula. Here its cousin the Common Blue-tongue dominates. Females of both species gives birth up to twenty live-young which are independent from birth. Blue- tongues eat a variety of food including carrion, flowers, fruit, insects, snails and some small animals.

The Blotched Blue-tongue is highly susceptible to road deaths in spring and is heavily preyed upon by dogs, foxes and cats. Large areas of its habitat have been cleared within the

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 25

Gippsland Plain Bioregion resulting in mass population losses and fragmentation. This has resulted in it now become significant within the region.

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-for resting or hibernating in.

Migration- Sedentary. Although during spring males migrate over large distances to mate with female.

Comments- The occasional specimen was sampled in Eliot traps and other specimens were observed on warm days along tracks. They appear to be relatively rare throughout the property.

Blotched Blue-tongue.

LOWLAND COPPERHEAD Australeps superbus

Status- Vic- Widespread, common and considered secure. Possibly threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Common to rare in remaining habitat depending on location. BPS- Through-out and rare in suitable habitat.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 26

Habitat- MPS- Occurring the edges of wetlands, swamps, creeks and intact woodlands and forests that still retain a heathy, grassy or sedgy understorey. BPS- Through-out woodlands and higher elevations around the wetlands that still retain an understorey.

General Biology- The Lowland Copperhead‟s preferred habitat includes riparian zones, swamps and higher rainfall areas of the region where they predominately hunt for rodents, frogs and smaller skinks. It is terrestrial and diurnal and is often encountered sunning itself on the edges of vegetation or large tussocks. Females give birth to up to 20 live young which are independent of their mother at birth.

Tree hollow requirement- Partial-for resting or hibernating in and laying eggs under.

Migration- Sedentary.

Comments- Due to mass habitat and population losses within the region this species has become significant within the local area (Mornington Peninsula and surrounding shires) and can be considered of high local significance.

During autumn 2010 the author identified the occasional copperhead sunning themselves at the base of tussocks or other low vegetation along the main track in the vicinity of the wetlands.

Lowland Copperhead

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 27

WHITE-LIPED SNAKE Drysdalia coronoides

Status- Vic- Widespread, uncommon but considered secure. Threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Uncommon in remaining grassy habitats. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Across most understorey habitats remaining on the peninsula that still retain a heathy, grassy or sedgy understorey. BPS- Higher elevations around the wetlands that still retain a grassy or understorey.

General Biology- The White-lipped Snake tends to live in drier areas, in cracks in the ground, or under grass tussocks, fallen timber and tin, and venture out on warm days to feed on small lizards (usually skinks).

This snake is NOT DANGEROUS TO HUMANS. The young are retained within the female until fully developed, eventually being dropped in mid-summer, the brood numbering three to four (Jenkins and Bartell 1980).

Tree hollow requirement- Partial, to hide or hibernate in and lay eggs under.

Migration- Sedentary.

Comments- Specimens of the White-lipped Snake were caught under colour-bond tiles or seen sunning themselves on the edges of grasslands in the morning. This snake appears to be coming quite rare on the Mornington Peninsula, with population numbers being excellent environmental indicators.

PIED CORMORANT Phalacrocorax varius race hypoleucos

Status- VIC- DSE-Near Threatened. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Bays, estuaries lakes and large dams. BPS- Wetlands.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 28

General Biology- The Pied Cormorant is an excellent diver where it captures fish, crustaceans and other marine fauna underwater. After eating they roost on poles pylons, jetties and dead trees to dry their feathers. They nest in trees, mangroves, bushes or man-made platforms at sea and occasionally on the ground.

Breeding Season- All year round depending on available food supply. Nest constructed of sticks or debry.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil dependency.

Migration- Nomadic moving around to find available food source.

Special Comments Larger than Little Pied Cormorant and can be distinguished from other similar cormorants by yellow face patch in front of eye. They appear to be rare on the property.

AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK Tadorna tadornoides

Status- VIC- Common MPS- Uncommon BPS- Common at times

Habitat- MPS-Edges of swamps, wetlands and large lakes which are fairly well vegetated. BPS- Adults and sub-adults utilize the large wetland and surrounding pasture adjacent to the property.

General Biology- The Australian Shelduck is a large grazing duck which pair up and mate for life and return back to the same old-growth tree hollow each year to breed. It has been reduced over much of its southern range due to shooting in the past and extensive loss of hollow bearing trees. During breeding the female incubate the eggs while the male establishes a territory up to 2km away where the young will be reared. After hatching the female guides the hatchlings to the established territory and reunites with the male.

Breeding Season- June to October- nests in hollow limb of tall tree. They breed on the Southern Peninsula and Westernport Catchment, in woodlands, forests and along creek gullies which retain old growth trees with suitable nesting hollows.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 29

Tree hollow requirement- Partial dependency, old growth tree hollow for breeding.

Migration- Concentrate on large lakes or estuaries in the summer and disperse to wide spread breeding areas in autumn and winter. Can migrate nomadically over large distances.

Special Comments- Breeding tree hollows have been largely reduced since european settlement and young are high preyed upon by introduced predators. The lake appears to be a feeding and resting site for the areas fledging.

During this survey several adult and fledging were noted feeding around the edges of the large wetland or floating on the water. When disturbed they would take off and fly in large circles, calling out until danger had past. They would then fly back to their feeding or roosting sites. Populations of Australian Shelduck appear to be low within the area.

AUSTRALIAN SHOVELLER Anas rhynchotis

Status- VIC- DSE Vulnerable MPS-Uncommon to rare and vulnerable BPS-Rare.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 30

Habitat- MPS-Some large wetlands and lakes BPS-Large lake

General Biology- The Australasian Shoveler prefers heavily vegetated swamps and flood waters where it hides on the water amongst the vegetation during the day. It feeds on the water surface by using its broad bill which is fringed with fine, hair-like structures, through which it strains water or mud. The lamellae retain small food items and seeds are also consumed.

Breeding Season- August to December- nests on ground or on top of or in low stump above water.

Tree hollow requirement- Occasional breeds on stumps above waterline.

Migration- Migrates nomadically locally and interstate to flood waters.

Special Comments Only duck that has a noisy ersicol flight. During this survey Australian Shoveller was observed on the lake and appears to be rare within the area.

FRECKLED DUCK Stictonetta naevosa

Status- VIC- DSE-Endangered and FFG listed. MPS- Endangered BPS- Large lake.

Habitat- MPS- Large open lakes. BPS- Large lake.

General Biology- The Freckled Duck breeds in heavily vegetated, permanent fresh swamps and moves to fresh or salty lakes during drought conditions. They loaf by day in groups on fallen trees and sand spits. They feed by filtering food just above the surface of the mud or by running their bills along submerged logs coated in algae. Fish and molluscs are occasionally taken.

Breeding Season- Dependant on rainfall- nest a bowl shape of well woven fine sticks and lignum and built in lignum or bushes at water-level.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 31

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Nomadic moving around when habitat dries up.

Special Comments One of the rarest water fowl in the world and is more closely related to swans than other ducks. During this survey they were observed on the lake. They are rare within the greater area.

LEWINS RAIL Rallus pectoralis

Status- VIC- DSE-Vulnerable and FFG listed. MPS- Rare. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Coastal areas and along creeks with grassy, reedy and thickly vegetated areas near water. BPS- Along drainage line.

General Biology- Lewins Rail weaves grass and rushes into a nest, sometimes pulling the surrounding plants down to form a roof. It is shy and lives in dense vegetation of swamps, lagoons and creeks and is seldom seen. They create runways through the vegetation and can swim on or under water. It feeds on insects and crustaceans by using its long thin beak to probe in all sorts of cracks and holes.

Breeding Season- August to December.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments Lewin‟s Rail is listed as Vulnerable in Victoria by DSE (2007) and is listed on the Flora and Fauna Guaranteed Act and has been largely reduced in population numbers due to extensive habitat loss, stock damage to remaining habitat and high feral predation. During this survey a pair was observed along the drainage line.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 32

GREAT EGRET Ardea alba race modesta

Status- VIC- DSE-Vulnerable and FFG listed. MPS- Uncommon to Rare BPS- Uncommon.

Habitat- MPS- Wetlands, estuaries on the peninsula and mudflats of Westernport Bay. BPS- Shallow waters around the wetlands and lake.

General Biology- The Great Egret is listed as Vulnerable in Victoria by DSE (2007), is listed on the Flora and Fauna Guaranteed Act and is listed on the EPBC Act as migratory. It has suffered a high decline due to loss of habitat and shooting in the past to obtain feathers for ladies hats.

Through-out Westernport Bay and the Mornington Peninsula the Great Egret spreads out solitary, across the peninsula‟s water-bodies during winter to feed. It is a tall wading bird found in wetlands, on the edges of estuaries and on the mudflats where it prefers to feed on fish, frogs, crustaceans and aquatic insects.

Breeding Season- Through-out the year depending on availability of food. Nest a platform of sticks in a tree or sometimes in a reed bed at ground level.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Nomadic moving around to find available food source.

Special Comments During this survey the Great Egret was observed feeding on the edges of the lake and in the wetlands The Great Egret population within the area appears to be low.

ROYAL SPOONBILL Platalea regia

Status- VIC- DSE-Vulnerable. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Uncommon.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 33

Habitat- MPS- Wetlands, estuaries, tidal creeks and occasional rural dam. BPS- Shallow waters around the wetlands and lake.

General Biology- The Royal Spoonbill prefers shallows of fresh and saltwater wetlands including intertidal flats. It feeds by sweeping its submerged bill from side to side capturing aquatic invertebrates. Nests are located in bushes, trees, over water and amongst other nesting birds such-as ibis, darters and small cormorants.

Breeding Season- October to May, nest a shallow nest of sticks.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary to Nomadic moving around after breeding when habitat dries up.

Special Comments- The Royal Spoonbill has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula since european settlement due to large-scale loss of habitat, stock damage to habitat, feral predation and shooting for plumage. The Royal Spoonbill is listed as Vulnerable in Victoria by DSE (2007).

During this survey it was observed feeding on the edges of the lake and wetlands The population of Royal Spoonbill within the area appears to be low.

Royal Spoonbill

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 34

YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL Platalea flavipes

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Edges of wetlands, swamps or lake, mangroves and intertidal zones. BPS-Edges of the lake.

General Biology- The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is smaller than the Royal Spoonbill and they return to the same breeding site year after year. They feed in shallow waters during both day and night by moving their partly opened bill through the water from side to side. They grasp anything that touches the inside of the bill which are then filtered through the bill tip and swallowed.

Breeding Season- September to April, a large nest of sturdy sticks placed on rushes, bushes and trees.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil dependency.

Migration- Sedentary but will move nomadically at times of drought.

Special Comments The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is rare within the property and greater area. Numbers were greatly reduced 100 to 150 years ago due to shooting and wetland destruction.

LATHAMS SNIPE Gallinago hardwickii

Status- VIC- DSE-Near Threatened. MPS- Uncommon summer migrant. BPS-Rare.

Distribution- MPS- Wetlands and wet grasslands. BPS-. Grasslands above wetlands

General Biology- After breeding Latham Snipe gathers in large numbers on the shores of lakes in Japan and set out for their southern migratory root to Australia. When they arrive their preferred habitat includes thick growth near the edges of freshwater swamps, wet meadows and on

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 35 the edges of streams. They are also occasionally observed in estuaries and mudflats. Diet consists of a variety of invertebrates.

Breeding Season- Not in Australia

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- After breeding from the Northern Hemisphere to Australia in spring and leaves to return during autumn.

Special Comments- Latham‟s Snipe is listed as Near Threatened in Victoria by DSE (2007) and is listed on the EPBC Act as migratory. It migrates from Northern Asia for the peninsula summers. Habitat on the peninsula has been greatly reduced since european settlement due to drainage of swamps and flood mitigation programs. Small numbers were observed in grasslands around the wetlands during this survey.

RED-KNEED DOTTEREL Erythrogonys cinctus

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Rare visitor. BPS- Rare visitor.

Habitat- MPS- Edges of wetlands, swamps or lakes. BPS-Edges of the wetlands with bare banks.

General Biology- Red-kneed Dotterel are usually associated with the muddy edges of well-watered swamps and lakes, where they feed around fallen trees, dead trees, and scattered branches around the edges of the water body. They bob their heads and are very active and alert while searching for insects and aquatic animal food.

Breeding Season- September to December, nest a small depression in the ground and usually in soft edges of the water body they are at.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil dependency.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 36

Migration- Sedentary but will move nomadically at times of drought.

Special Comments The Red-kneed Dotterel occasionally visits the Mornington Peninsula when inland habitat becomes dry due to drought. This event occurred in March 2009 when small numbers where observed at Balnarring wetlands and some wetlands within the City of Casey.

BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL Elseyornis melanops

Status- VIC- Common MPS- Uncommon BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Through-out on bare edges of wetlands, lakes and farm dams. BPS- edges of wetlands and lake.

General Biology- The Black-fronted Dotterel is small and at home on the bare edges of fresh water swamplands and farm dams where it hunts for insects and small aquatic animals. It is sedentary but will move nomadically in search of suitable habitat when their haunts dry out. They nest on the ground and nest is placed amidst flood-line debris.

Breeding Season- August to January- nest depression in the ground and lined with small mud-pellets and slender broken twigs. Eggs, chicks and adults are highly susceptible to predation from cats and foxes. Nests can be trampled by stock and large areas of wetlands have been drained in the past.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil

Migration- Nomadic moving in search of suitable habitat.

Special Comments During this survey the occasional pair was observed on exposed banks of the lake and wetlands.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 37

CASPIAN TERN Sterna caspia

Status- VIC- DSE Near Threatened, FFG listed. MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Both bays and estuaries and occasionally on edges of lakes. BPS- Hunting over wetland.

General Biology- The Caspian Tern is at home along the coast and over inland lakes and water courses diving for fish. It also takes the eggs and young of shore and land birds. Eggs are laid on the ground, sand, pebble banks or on small sand islands in inlets and estuaries. They are known to nest in small colonies off French Island on Rams Island in Westernport Bay. Easily identified by its blood-red beak. Has become rare within the region.

Breeding Season- September to December

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Can migrate north and can be nomadic in search of food.

Special Comments During this survey a pair were observed hunting over the lake and wetlands, No nesting was observed.

WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE Aquila audax

Status- VIC- Common MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Remaining bushland sites and rural land. BPS- Hunting over wetlands.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 38

General Biology- The Wedge-tailed Eagle is the largest of the flight birds within the Australian Mainland. It is a large carrion eater that is occasionally observed flying overhead on high thermals. Within the greater area breeding is confined to the foothills of the Southern Peninsula and French Island. However they spread out to greater rural areas to hunt. During this survey up to two individuals were observed flying over the property possible belonging to the French Island breeding pairs.

Breeding Season- June to August- large nest of sticks constructed in large tree.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments During this survey the occasional specimen was hunting over the lake and wetlands, No nesting was observed. Due to loss of habitat and a large reduction in population numbers this species is now considered significant to the local areas. Within the region populations of Wedge-tail Eagles are rare to uncommon.

SWAMP HARRIER Circus approximans

Status- VIC- Common MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Remaining bushland site, wetlands, coastal swamps and rural land. BPS- Hunting over wetlands.

General Biology- The Swamp Harrier is a large flight birds within the Australian Mainland. It is a large hunting and carrion eater that is occasionally observed flying overhead on high thermals or hunting over appropriate habitat. They feed upon small to medium mammals, wetland fowl and some insects. Within the greater area breeding is confined in wetlands and swamps that retain tall dense reeds.

Breeding Season- September to January- Nest of reed storks and sticks lined on the inside with grasses and constructed on the ground amongst swamp vegetation.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 39

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- After breeding, during autumn they migrate to Northern Queensland and return to Victoria to breed in September.

Special Comments During this survey the occasional Swamp Harrier was observed flying overhead hunting for prey and they are known to nest at nearby Coolart Wetlands.

COMMON BRONZEWING Phaps chalcoptera

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Relatively common. BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Most woodlands and some forests across the peninsula. BPS- Woodlands and scrub.

General Biology- The Common Bronzewing is mainly a terrestrial feeder feeding on a variety of seed on the ground and retreating up into trees when disturbed. It builds a flimsy nest of small sticks usually on a small tree fork within a eucalypt. It is highly susceptible to habitat loss, predation by dogs, foxes and cats and possibly Black Rats preying upon eggs and chicks. It is now rated at high local significance due to large-scale population and habitat losses within the local areas.

Breeding Season- Late spring to late summer.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary

Special Comments The Common Bronzewing is now rated at high local significance due to mass population and habitat losses within the Mornington Peninsula. Within the woodlands and swamp scrub of the property during this survey they were occasionally observed feeding on the ground and would quickly fly up into the trees when disturbed.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 40

YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO Calyptorhynchus funereus

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Relatively common. BPS- Uncommon

Habitat- MPS- Most woodlands and forests across the peninsula including coastal bushland. Feeds in the tops of pine rows. BPS- Flying over property.

General Biology- The Common Bronzewing is mainly a terrestrial feeder feeding on a variety of seed on the ground and retreating up into trees when disturbed. It builds a flimsy nest of small sticks usually on a small tree fork within a eucalypt. It is highly susceptible to habitat loss, predation by dogs, foxes and cats and possibly Black Rats preying upon eggs and chicks. It is now rated at high local significance due to large-scale population and habitat losses within the local areas.

Breeding Season- July to January- nests in a hollow in a tree usually very high up.

Tree hollow requirement- Partial dependency- for nesting only.

Migration- Partially migratory- moving around to find new food sources.

Special Comments Large flocks of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos use to dominate the regions skies but due to mass habitat and large hollow bearing old-growth eucalypt losses of the past, this species has severely declined. However they are now slowly increasing to a couple of 50 to 100 sized flocks. They are known to nest on nearby French island.

Within the property a largish flock of up to 20 individuals was occasionally observed flying overhead and were sometimes observed foraging in Eucalypt canopies. Within the area populations of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos appear to be uncommon, however new flocks have arrived since the 2009 summer bush fires north of Melbourne.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 41

MUSK LORIKEET Glossopsitta concinna race concinna

Status- Vic- Common. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Remaining woodlands and urban areas. BPS- Woodlands.

General Biology- The Musk Lorikeet is readily seen in the summer and autumn months feeding on pollen and nectar of flowering eucalypts. Their green plumage blends in well with the vegetation but their constant chattering gives them away. They can occur in mixed flocks with other species of lorikeet.

Breeding Season August to January and nest in a hollow limb of a tree.

Tree hollow requirement- For breeding only.

Migration- Nomadic moving around to follow eucalypt flowering periods. Musk Lorikeets are usually summer and autumn migrants to the Mornington Peninsula where they feed upon a variety of flowering eucalypt blossoms. Some have been over wintering in the last five years and migration numbers have declined in numbers across the region.

Special Comments During this survey feeding in eucalypts and flying overhead in small flocks.

SOUTHERN BOOBOOK Ninox novaeseelandiae

Status- VIC- Usually common- Threatened in the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Uncommon to rare and possibly threatened. BPS- Rare and threatened.

Habitat- MPS- Remaining woodlands and forests that still retain old-growth breeding hollows. BPS- Woodlands.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 42

General Biology- The Southern Boobook is much smaller than the Powerful Owl and thus hunts smaller prey which include small birds, small mammals and insects such-as moth and flying beetles. They live in pairs but usually roost singly in dense canopy trees.

Breeding Season- September to November in a hollow limb or trunk of tree.

Tree hollow requirement- Partial for nesting only.

Migration- Sedentary but some Tasmanian specimens migrate to the mainland during winter including the Mornington Peninsula.

Special Comments- During this survey specimens were identified through-out remaining habitat after dusk by their distinctive call. Others were observed roosting in trees.

The Southern Boobook has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula (Malcolm Legg) and within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion (Radford & Bennett 2005). This is due to mass habitat and population losses and clearing of essential old-growth hollow bearing eucalypts which this species utilises to breed, or roost within and to feed on some of the animals that also live within.

WHITE-THROATED NEEDLETAIL Hirundapus caudaculus

Status- VIC- Common at times. MPS- Common at times. BPS- Common at times.

Habitat- MPS- Thermals over the Mornington Peninsula. BPS- Flying over property.

General Biology- The White-throated Needletail are the fastest flying birds in the world and feed and drink while flying. They feed on insects high on thermals to just above ground level. At night they roost in trees in forested hill country.

Breeding Season- Not in Australia

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 43

Tree hollow requirement- Nil dependency.

Migration- Migrate from northern Asia in October and work their way down the Great Dividing Range to Victoria by mid to late summer. Migration back to the Northern Hemisphere occurs in mid March.

Special Comments- During this survey specimens were observed soaring over the property feeding on insects.

WHITE-EARED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus leucotis

Status- VIC- Usually common. MPS- Common to rare and possibly threatened in some areas. BPS- Rare and threatened.

Habitat- MPS- Remaining woodlands and forests through-out. BPS- Woodlands.

General Biology- The White-eared Honeyeater is a bold an inquisitive honeyeater that loves nectar. They pollinate many indigenous flowering trees and shrubs and also feed on insects.

Breeding Season- August to April- nest a cup of bark strips and grasses bound with spider webs and usually placed 1 to 2 m above the ground.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil dependency.

Migration- Sedentary to nomadic moving around locally following sought after flowering.

Special Comments- Within the property the White-eared Honeyeater was observed feeding or foraging in eucalypt canopies through-out the woodlands. Within the property the population appears to be rare through-out the woodlands.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 44

BROWN-HEADED HONEYEATER Melithreptus brevirostris race brevirostris

Status- VIC- Common but has become threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Woodlands and forests through-out remaining native vegetation. BPS- Woodlands.

General Biology- The Brown-headed Honeyeater is a small flock bird which is usually confined to the upper canopies of eucalypts in the higher rainfall areas on the Mornington Peninsula. Here it forages for small insects amongst the leaf canopy. And builds a nest in the outer foliage of a tree.

Breeding Season- August to December- nest a small cup of bark, grass and spider webs.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Nomadic moving around as food desires.

Special Comments It has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula (Malcolm Legg) and within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion (Radford & Bennett 2005). This is due to mass populations and habitat losses within the region resulting from clearing of habitat and loss of essential feeding and breeding trees. This has also been accelerated by weed invasion and die-back resulting in the species slipping into a regional significance rating. Can be confused with juvenile White-napped Honeyeaters.

Within the property the occasional smallish flock of Brown Headed Honeyeaters was observed feeding in eucalypt canopies. Through-out the property the population appears to be rare.

WHITE-FRONTED CHAT Epthianura albifrons

Status- Vic- Moderately Common. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 45

Habitat- MPS- Exposed edges of swamps including coastal, wetlands lakes and dams. BPS- Exposed edges of lake and wetlands

General Biology- The White-fronted Chat gathers in small flocks after breeding and can be seen feeding on the edges of wetlands, swamps, and lakes. Its diet includes ants, caterpillars, beetles and grass-hoppers.

Breeding Season- July to January- nest a cup of fine twigs, rootlets and plant stalks, lined on the inside with fine grass and hair.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments Within the region the White-fronted Chat is found on the exposed edges of salt marshes, swamps, lakes and dams where it forages for insects. It is becoming increasing rare within the local areas due to habitat loss and feral predation.

Through-out the property small flocks of White-fronted Chat were occasionally observed on the exposed muddy edges of the lake and wetlands.

FLAME ROBIN Pectroica phoenicea

Status- VIC- Common to Uncommon. Now threatened in the Gippsland Plain Bioregion. MPS- Uncommon winter migrant. BPS-Uncommon.

Distribution- MPS- Woodlands and farms across rural areas. BPS- Fringes of open grazing areas.

General Biology- The Flame Robin is a small attractive bird whom feeds on worms and grubs on the ground. They migrate from the Great Dividing Range to lower elevations during autumn and winter returning to breed in early spring.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 46

Breeding Season- August to January- nest cup-shaped made from fine strips of bark, grass and fibre and coated with spider webs or dry moss.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Small flocks in autumn-winter dispersal

Special Comments- During this survey Flame Robins were observed sitting on paddock fences during colder months especially the males with their florescent orange chests.

EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN Eopsaltria australis race australis

Status- Vic- Moderately Common. Become threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Forests, woodlands and coastal scrubs through-out remaining native bushland. BPS- Woodlands and Swamp Scrub.

General Biology- The Eastern Yellow Robin is a small foraging bird confined to low dense vegetation, tree trunks and riparian and coastal zones that still retain dense stands of thickets. Food consists of spiders, moths, grasshoppers, wasps and flies and nests are built in a slender folk in a tree or sapling. Regularly perches sideways on tree trunks.

Breeding Season- June to February- nest a cup of bark strips, fine twigs and grass bound with spider webs and lined with fibres or grass. The outside is lightly decorated with lichens.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments It has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula (Malcolm Legg) and within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion (Radford & Bennett 2005). This is due to mass populations and habitat

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 47 losses within the region resulting from clearing of habitat and loss of essential feeding and breeding thickets. This has also been accelerated by weed invasion and die-back resulting in the species slipping into a regional significance rating. Over clearing of weed species to sudden can cause local extinctions.

Within the property the occasional pair or small family flock of Eastern Yellow Robins were observed feeding on the ground, perched sideways on trunks, or heard calling from dense thickets and scrub through-out. Population numbers appear to be low on the property and have only moved in recently.

GREY CURRAWONG Strepera ersicolour race ersicolour

Status- VIC- Common to Uncommon. Now threatened in the Gippsland Plain Bioregion. MPS- Uncommon to rare. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Forests and woodlands in remaining bushland and some agricultural land near remnant bush. BPS- Woodlands and scrub.

General Biology- The Grey Currawong is a large foraging bird of tree trunks and on the ground. Prey consists largely of insects but small animals are also taken. They keep their territory all year round and fledglings will move out to claim new territory.

Breeding Season- July to November- nest a shallow cup-shaped bulky nest, larger than a magpie but of looser construction and lined with coarse rootlets and grass.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary to nomadic.

Special Comments The Grey Currawong has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula (Malcolm Legg) and within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion (Radford & Bennett 2005). This is due to large losses of woodland and forest associated gums and vegetation within the region which are essential for foraging, feeding and breeding.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 48

The Grey Currawong was occasionally observed foraging on trunks and branches through- out the woodlands but no breeding was observed.

CLAMOROUS REED WARBLER Acrocephalus stentoreus

Status- VIC- Common. MPS- Uncommon to locally common. BPS- Rare.

Habitat- MPS- Mainly found in reed beds across wetlands. Such-as Tootgarook Swamp, Coolart Chinamans Creek etc. BPS- Common Reed thickets along the drainage line.

General Biology- The Clamorous Reed Warbler is at home amongst reed beds and other dense vegetation near water where it builds a nest amongst the reeds. Diet consists of insects and their bright song can b e heard in well watered areas.

Breeding Season- October to February- nest a deep cup of interwoven strips of reeds and rushes and lined with fine grass.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Returns to Mornington Peninsula in early October to reed and rush beds to breed and migrates north after breeding to Northern Australia.

Special Comments- The Clamorous Reed-Warbler has been reduced over much of its range due to habitat clearing and drainage, agricultural practices, and high predation by feral species during nesting. During this survey pairs bred along the Common Reed thickets.

MISTLETOEBIRD Dicaeum hirundinaceum race hirundinaceum

Status- Vic- Moderately Common and has become threatened in the Gippsland Plain Bioregion. MPS- Uncommon. BPS- Rare.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 49

Habitat- MPS- Woodland and forests in remaining native bushland. BPS- Woodlands.

General Biology- The Mistletoebird is a small foraging bird of canopies within its habitat feeding on berries and insects. It mainly feeds on mistletoe fruit and spreads the parasite through-out.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Nomadic, following fruiting mistletoe periods.

Special Comments The Mistletoebird has become rare on the Mornington Peninsula (Malcolm Legg) and within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion (Radford & Bennett 2005). This is due to large losses of woodland and forest associated gums and mistletoe within the region which are essential for foraging, feeding and breeding.

They appear to be rare through-out the property.

SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNA Tachyglossus aculeatus

Status- Vic- Widespread and secure. Has become threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion. MPS- Common to uncommon BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Through-out remaining native bushland and some rural areas. BPS- Through-out.

General Biology- During winter the Short-beaked Echidna rises from its den on warm winter afternoons to hunt for ant larvae. Diggings are common through-out its habitat especially within ant colonies. It is an ancient monotreme laying eggs into its pouch and suckling its young. During the breeding season males follow the female in a manner called an echidna train.

Breeding Season- June and September

Tree hollow requirement- For nesting and breeding.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 50

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments- Short-beaked Echidnas are prone to road deaths and attacks by dogs and foxes when harassed on hard surfaces. These factors along with loss of large scale habitat and population numbers within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion has led to this species to now become a regionally threatened species.

Within the property occasional diggings were encountered through-out most EVC‟s. And the population appears to be low.

KOALA Phascolarctos cinereus

Status- Vic- Regional MPS-Uncommon to rare BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Spread throughout the rural areas of the peninsula, coastal villages of Westernport and bushland areas containing sought after gum species. BPS- Through-out woodlands.

General Biology- The Koalas is a large arboreal mammal that spends most of its life asleep in a tree folk only to wake up to browse on eucalyptus leaves. Mothers care for their young solitary and joeys are raised in their pouches until they are too large and are then moved around on mothers back.

Breeding Season- October to November.

Tree hollow requirement- Nil

Migration- Nomadic, moving around scented trails to obtain palatable leaves. Young males are pushed out to find new territory.

Special Comments- Loss of large areas of habitat from clearing and large population declines due to over shooting for furs, road deaths, isolation and disease has led this species into a regionally threatened status. Disease free populations within the region are only known to occur on

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 51

French Island. And it was from here that majority of Victoria was repopulated with. On the property koalas are rare but increased numbers are seen during the breeding season. .

Male Koala browsing in an old Manna Gum within the woodlands.

BLACK WALLABY Wallabia bicolor

Status- Victoria- Threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Common to uncommon BPS- Rare

Habitat- MPS- Westernport Bay and some of Port Phillip Bay Foreshores, Devilbend Reservoir and surrounding bushland, Southern Mornington Peninsula Foothills, Nepean Peninsula etc. In areas that still contain dense thickets and browsing sites. BPS- Through-out woodlands, scrub and dense reeds.

General Biology- The Black Wallaby is a terrestrial marsupial and is essentially solitary in nature, although individuals occasionally feed together at prime feeding sites. Males and females only come together to mate. A single young is carried in the pouch until about 256 days old. They are a browsing macropod eating a wide range of plant species after dusk and sheltering in dense thickets during the day.

Breeding Period- April to September.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 52

Tree hollow requirement- Nil. Although they could shelter in large fallen hollow trunks, during harsh conditions.

Migration- Nil

Special Comments During this survey Black Wallabies scats were found in the swamp scrub, dense reeds and occasionally in the woodlands.

Within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion the Black Wallabies habitat has been drastically reduced along with large scale population loses, feral predation, road deaths and illegal shooting etc. resulting in this species dropping into a threatened status within the region.

MICROBATS

Species of micro-bat occurs through-out but are low in numbers due to the immature nature of the woodlands. Nesting boxes will attract roost sites and can be a replacements for tree hollows until the trees have matured.

Micro-bats are excellent environmental indicators of old-growth forests or woodlands and prey heavily on insects each night, including mosquitoes.

SWAMP RAT Rattus lutreolus

Status- Vic- Widespread, common and considered secure. Threatened within the Gippsland Plain Bio-region. MPS- Common to Uncommon in remaining habitats. BPS- Common in suitable habitat.

Habitat- MPS- Across most habitats remaining on the peninsula that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey. BPS- Through-our tin areas that still retain a grassy or sedgy understorey.

General Biology- Swamp Rats are small rodents that occupy the dense understoreys of various EVC‟s across the Mornington Peninsula. Here they excavate runways underneath such vegetation and burrows with nesting chambers at the end of the runways. They feed on a variety of rhizomes and seed produced by the understorey.

Breeding Season- September to October and January to February.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 53

Tree hollow requirement- Nil.

Migration- Sedentary.

Special Comments- Within the Gippsland Plain Bioregion the Swamp Rat‟s habitat has been drastically reduced along with large scale population loses, feral predation and displacement etc. resulting in this species dropping into a threatened status within the region.

During this survey Swamp Rat diggings, mounds and runways were found in most areas of the property that retain a dense sedgy or grassy understorey. Some were sampled in Elliot traps, hair tubes and filmed on cameras. Through-out the property populations appear to be stable where appropriate sought after habitat occurs.

Swamp Rat

4.4 HABITAT CORRIDORS

The property is part of an important bio-link that extends from the foothills to Westernport Bay. It is also an important bio-link in the Merricks Creek catchment connecting to the creek further south of the property.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 54

4.5 FIVE PHASES OF EXTINCTION SINCE EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT.

First phase The land is cleared and only a few large and several small areas of indigenous bush remain. These areas are now national parks and large foreshore reserves (Westernport side) which retain most species (especially if feral works and weeding have been conducted) apart from larger carnivores (which have been replaced by foxes and cats) and a few habitat specific species which are now extinct: Tree Goanna, Emu, Spot-tailed Quoll, Eastern Quoll, Common Wombat, etc. Several threatened species in phase two are still reasonably common in this phase and all environmental indicator species are present in reasonable numbers. Such examples include Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Nepean National Park, Devilbend Reservoir, Westernport coastal bio-link from Tooradin to Flinders.

Second phase These include bushland areas set aside for state parks, regional reserves and remaining large bush patches on private land. Some species have become extinct and several species are either endangered or threatened at various levels. Most environmental indicator species are present and in reasonable numbers eg Arthur‟s Seat State Park, Peninsula Gardens Bushland Reserve, Mt Eliza Regional Park, Mt Martha Regional Park, Warringine Park, Tootgarook Swamp etc.

Third phase Small to medium-sized Parks Victoria reserves and some foreshore reserves (Port Phillip Bay side) and council reserves that retain good habitat, foreshore reserves, and smaller patches on private land. Most of these sites have weed infestations and feral fauna rules. Several species are threatened at a regional and local level. Some state significant species still remain and if you‟re lucky one or two nationally threatened species. Several environmental indicator species have disappeared and the health of the ecosystem is poor and failing. Some examples include rural roadsides, large urban bushland reserves, smallish rural reserves and on private property which are less than 10-20 acres in size and still retain some remnant bushland.

Fourth phase Urbanisation has crept in and the only indigenous habitat that remains is a few isolated pockets along creeks, drainage lines and small shire reserves. All of these reserves are usually highly degraded and the ecosystems are facing extinction in the final stages. Some common fauna remains but several are quickly depleted and displaced by domestic cats, dogs and vermin. Most significant species and environmental indicator species have become extinct; However a couple could still remain. Noisy Miners dominate on the fringes and chase smaller insect gleaming birds away.

Fifth phase Suburbanizations, where all faunal species are lost apart from a few common species and introduced species thrive. New vegetation planted within urban areas are usually exotic or

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 55 non-indigenous natives and attracts exotic species and out of balanced native bird species. All significant and faunal environmental indicator species are pretty much extinct.

4.6 FAUNA ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

Fauna environmental indicators measure the health of a particular ecosystem. This is achieved by measuring abundance and diversity of fauna environmental indicator species within a broad vegetation type and includes the size and health of remaining habitat, the abundance of feral species and the presence of old-growth trees and terrestrial logs with hollows.

TABLE 3: Current status of the Grassy Woodland ecosystems within the property. Environmental indicators of Grassy Woodlands

Reptiles Birds Mammals Tree Dragon Painted Button Quail Short-beaked Echidna Whites Skink Buff-banded Rail Agile Antechinus Southern Water Skink Southern Boobook White-footed Dunnart Eastern three-lined Skink Powerful Owl Southern Brown Bandicoot Delicate Skink Sacred Kingfisher Long-nosed Bandicoot Metallic Skink Varied Sitella Sugar Glider Southern Grass Skink White-eared Honeyeater Feathertail Glider Blotched Blue-tongue Brown-headed Honeyeater Black Wallaby Common Blue-tongue Crescent Honeyeater Sothern Forest Bat White-lipped Snake New Holland Honeyeater Large Forest Bat Pink Robin Eastern Yellow Robin 20 of 39 environmental indicators have Crested Shrike-tit become extinct within the Balnarring Grey Shrike Thrush Primary School property since European settlement. Golden Whistler Rufous Whistler The property can be considered to be in Rufous Fantail phase 3 of the 5 phase extinction rate. Grey Currawong Mistletoebird

Balnarring Primary School‟s natural ecosystems are in recovery from an initial phase 5 extinction rate of 20 years ago (when the property was cleared grazing paddocks) to a current phase 3 of the 5 phase extinction rate. This ecosystem recovery over the last 20 years is the results of extensive re-vegetation and wetland works conducted by the Balnarring Primary School community friends. Such works has seen several fauna environmental indicator species return to the property.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 56

5.0 DISCUSSION

5.1 DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS & FISH

Freshwater Shrimp were found along the main drainage line especially at Frankston-Flinders Road and also occur in the lake around the edges in the sedges and reeds. They probably occur in the wetlands at times but are quickly consumed by Mosquitofish,

Burrowing Crayfish were found to occur along the drainage lines and within the wetlands and Swamp Scrub. Mud chimneys at the entrance to their burrows are easily recognized within these habitat zones.

Short-finned Eels were found to occur within the lake and during wet times in the wetlands. This ancient fish can also become trapped in the wetlands and lake during dry periods and also migrate up and down the drainage line during wet periods.

Short-finned Eel in Merricks Creek.

Common Galaxias were found to occur along the drainage line at Frankston-Flinders Road and probably occur within the lake and during wet periods within the wetlands.

Both fish migrate up and down the drainage line and Merricks Creek and both have unusual spawning sites. The Short-finned Eel when mature migrates to the Coral Sea to spawn and when they hatch the juvenile glass eels swims back to the same creeks as the adults. The Common Galaxias spawns on the edges of the Merricks Creek estuary and the newly hatched juveniles are washed out to sea. They return to the creek at about 6 months of age.

*Mosquitofish are introduced predatory fish which eat juvenile fish, their eggs and attack the fins of adult fish. They probably also prey heavily upon the macro-invertebrates within the waters along with their eggs. Eradication methods are discussed further in this report. Other fish species that would utilize the water ways include: Spotted Galaxias and Tupong.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 57

5.2 AMPHIBIANS

Due to the wet nature of so many habitats within the property amphibian species are common and diverse. Species of froglets occur around the edges of the wetlands and drainage line especially where grassed areas become inundated. Southern Bullfrogs are spread out in the woodlands and dryer soils where they bury themselves during dry conditions only to resurface during wet conditions to breed within the wetlands. Spotted marsh frogs live within the wetlands and bury themselves when they dry out. Two species of tree frogs inhabit the reeds and sedges around the edges of the lake, wetlands and inundated areas.

All species are common species and are well represented within the study site. Habitat specific and environmental indicator species were also sampled and appear to be relatively common. These include: Haswell‟s Froglet and Southern Toadlet. Indicator species that were absent include the Victorian Smooth Froglet and Growling Grass Frog. The Growling Grass Frog was known to occur at the site in the early 90‟s but since has appeared to have disappeared. Further survey effort is required to obtain their status within the property.

Female and male Southern Bull Frogs. 5.3 REPTILES

Within the property reptile species appear to be reasonably diverse within different habitats. Habitat and environmental indicator species that were present include: Common Long- necked Tortoise, Southern Water Skink, Delicate Skink, Southern Grass Skink, Blotched Blue- tongue and White-lipped Snake. The indicator species that appear to be absent but are represented at some sites within the region include: Swamp Skink, Metallic Skink, Glossy Grass Skink and Eastern Small-eyed Snake. These species should be sampled during appropriate times to determine their presence within the property.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 58

Garden Skink

5.4 BIRDS

Several common birds were observed while conducting this survey and are included in the over-all list in Appendix 2. Habitat and environmental indicator species were found to be present in reasonable numbers across the property considering that it was cleared grazing land 20 years prior. Habitat and environmental indicator species are those species which are part of a healthy natural ecosystem but are rapidly declining or becoming extinct where there habitat has been cleared, reduced or altered. Species which were present during this survey include: raptors, Common Bronze-wing, Cuckoos, Cockatoos, Rosellas, Lorikeets, Superb Fairy-wren, White Browed Scrub-wren, Thornbills, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow- faced Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, Golden Whistler, Rufus Whistler, Grey-shrike Thrush, Grey Fantail and Mistletoebird. Wattlebirds, mudlarks, butcherbirds, magpies, ravens and swallows etc make up the common species and several wetland species were present during different seasons. Spring and autumn migratory birds from other parts of Australia and the Northern Hemisphere were also present at their appropriate times of arrival.

Black Swan with cygnets.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 59

Pair of Australasian Grebes Purple Swamphen

Pair of Black Swans with cygnets.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 60

5.5 MAMMALS

The Short-beaked Echidna and Black Wallaby appear to be rare within the property and diggings and scats were noted seldomly. Both species move in and out of the site according to available food and conditions. Common Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum have become rare since the 2008-2009 summer where several days over 40*C occurred and greatly reduced the populations. Pre natural disaster, both species were considered common and have not recovered since. Koalas appear to be rare and utilize the various planted eucalypts through-out. The breeding season is the best time to see them. The Swamp Rat appears to be common in appropriate habitats and runways and mounds can be found under dense understoreys. Species of micro-bat are uncommon as appropriate roosting sites aren‟t apparent due to the immature nature of the woodlands.

Other species that were absent and have probably become extinct within the area include: Eastern Quoll, Spot-tailed, Quoll, Agile Antechinus, Dusky Antechinus, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Feather-tail Glider, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Sugar Glider, Long-nosed Potaroo, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Water Rat, New Holland Mouse and Dingo. Several of these species are extinct within the region and state but some species will move onto the property over time if feral species are controlled.

5.6 FUTURE SURVEY WORK

Future surveys need to be deployed to determine if some threatened species still occur within the property. The property should have a complete fauna survey conducted every 5 years to determine whether fauna populations have increased or declined and whether new species have moved into the site.

5.7 POTENTIAL NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON FAUNA SPECIES

5.7.1 Feral Animals

Mosquitofish Mosquitofish are an introduced predator fish that feed upon juvenile native fish and their eggs, tadpoles and their eggs, fresh-water macro-invertebrates, and nibble on the fins and faces of adult native fish. They are probably the reason why the Growling Grass Frog has disappeared from the site. Eradication measures are essential for this species and should be discussed with the author.

Introduced Rodents *House Mice were sampled in Elliot traps and filmed on infra-red cameras and appear to be reasonably common through-out.

*Black Rats appear to be common and specimens were filmed on infra-red camera and sampled in Elliot traps. The high food source associated with schools and wetlands makes

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 61 an ideal situation for these two species to thrive. *Black Rats eat bird eggs and young, small lizards, chew on the limbs and tails of hibernating adults and probably eat large proportion of available insect and fungi food source, essential for fauna diets.

European Rabbit No evidence of *European Rabbit or Hare were detected during this survey.

Feral Cat *Feral Cat foot-prints and scats were occasional found along tracks. No cats were sampled or filmed through-out the survey period. During the survey period numbers appeared to be low as very few scats and footprints were sighted. Due to low population numbers at present „now‟ is the time to eradicate this feral species from the area.

Red Fox *Red Fox numbers appear to be high within the property. Fox foot prints were observed and scats were found along tracks. Majority of the scats were fresh and several were collected around the outer permitter of the wetlands and lake. Several mammal hairs, bones and feathers were analysis within the scats. The occasional fox was filmed on infra-red camera.

No fox or feral animal control programs are currently being conducted within the site or greater area. However Balnarring Foreshore Reserve is currently running an on-going feral control program in conjunction with adjacent foreshore reserves. Further management actions are discussed in section 6 of this report.

Introduced Birds The *Spotted Turtle-Dove competes for essential seed with native birds such as bronzewings, rosellas and finches. * Common Blackbirds appear to be replacing the native Bassian Thrush and now spread introduced berry weed-seed through-out. The *Common Myna and *Common Starling are aggressive towards other birds and arboreal fauna and out-compete them for essential tree hollows. They also spread lice and possible diseases. Further management is discussed in section 6 of this report.

5.7.2 Weeds

Through-out the property small infestations of weeds were observed during field-work and most appear to be currently eradicated or controlled. Habitat changing weeds such-as Sweet Pittosporum, pine trees, English Ivy, Bridal Creeper, Three-cormed garlic, blackberries etc change habitats and destroy the essential grassy, sedgy and heathy understories, consequently killing the overstorey and destroying all available fauna habitat that they invade. Quick eradication is necessary if infestations occur.

Weedy grasses are persistent through-out the woodlands and some inundated areas including the banks of the wetlands. Over time such weeds can be controlled and replaced with indigenous grasses.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 62

Weeding works have been conducted in the past and are continuing and further management is discussed in section 6 of this report.

5.7.3 Nesting boxes and terrestrial logs

Due to the lack of old-growth tree hollows and terrestrial logs with hollows through-out the property a nest box construction and installation program has commenced. Nesting boxes for arboreal mammals have been installed in the woodlands and boxes for water birds have been constructed around the wetlands. Dense plantings of sedges such-as Red-fruit Saw- sedge or Lepidosperma sps to hide the nesting boxes from predators and allowing privacy for the occupants. As more nesting boxes are installed a greater number of fauna will be attracted to the area.

Nesting boxes need to be monitored to discover which species are utilizing them and to eradicate any feral species that might be attempting to take over them.

5.7.4 Global Warming

Future rising sea levels brought about by global warming could see coastal areas become inundated destroying many fauna communities. Higher temperatures will also see large- scale fires and some species will disappear from adverse weather conditions like what happened to the possums in the 08/09 summer. Wetlands and creeks will stay dry for longer periods and high predation and displacement by feral species will add to a high scale extinction rate of fauna within the region and state.

5.7.5 Lack of Bio-links within the Region

As already discussed within this report the property is part of the all important coastal to foothill bio-link including Merricks Creek, with several breaks in vegetation along its journey. Bio-links have only recently been accepted as essential dispersal routes between large treks of bushland which allows species to move to and fro. Without such links several species of fauna can become extinct in a short period of time and catastrophic events can completely wipe out ecosystems without recruitment of species.

Planned bio-links need to be adopted through-out the local areas and region in order to ensure our faunal species existence into the future.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 63

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following management recommendations are set out to help the property managers to manage the fauna and habitat more appropriately in accordance with flora and fauna requirements.

-Establish bio-links between the property and the coast including Merricks Creek.

-Look into placing a covenant on the land through „Trust for Nature‟.

-Continue to manage weeds and follow these simple rules:

-Leave if Eastern Yellow Robins or other birds are nesting. -Continue to remove weeds by carrying out the same methods already implemented. -Only remove woody weeds or conduct control burns during the non-bird breeding season. -Allow natural regeneration to occur. =If ringtail possum dreys occur in weeds then ring-bark with-out poisoning and follow-up after a year.

-Immediately implement an integrated ongoing fox and feral animal control program within the property, surrounding property owners, Balnarring Foreshore and MPS. Consult the author regarding this issue.

_Continue with nesting box program and monitor. Place dense sedges and prickly wattles around water bird nesting boxes.

-Retain and place out ground logs with hollows through-out different habitats.

-Look into ways to prevent catastrophic disasters.

-Continue to conduct fauna surveys every 5 years to monitor fauna populations and diversity.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 64

7.0 REFERENCES Legg, M. (2002). Fauna Survey and Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H. & Allen, M. Management Prescriptions for Chinaman‟s (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Creek and Drum Drum Alloc Creek. Fishes of Australia. Published by the Western Australian Museum, Francis Street Menkhorst, W. (1996). Mammals of Perth, 6000. Victoria. Oxford University Press. Victoria, 1996. Cogger, H.G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Sixth Edition). NRE 2000a. Threatened Vertebrate Fauna New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd, Sydney, in Victoria-2007. Department of Natural N.S.W. Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Hawkins, H. J., & Smith, F. J. (1997). Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Identification Guide No. 8 Colour guide to and Land Protection Board. Draft Port Invertebrates of Australian Inland waters. Phillip and Westernport Native vegetation Co-operative Research Centre for Plan. August, 2000. Freshwater Ecology, Albury New South Wales. Simpson, K. And Day, N. (1999). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia… (Sixth Hero. J., Littlejohn, M., & Marantelli, M. Edition). Penguin Books Australia. (1991). Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs. Dept. Of Conservation and Strahan, R. (1998). The Mammals of Environment, Melbourne. Australia (Revised Edition). New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd, Sydney. Jenkins, R. And Bartell, R. (1980). A Field Guide to Reptiles of the Australian High Yugovic, J. Oct. 2002. Mornington Country. Inkata Press Pty Ltd, Melbourne. Peninsula Ecological Vegetation Class Profiles. Biosis Research.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 65

APPENDIX 1: Methods for Defining Biological Significance

This section outlines the assessment methods or criteria used to determine the significance of fauna species, fauna habitats and sites. Criteria are consistent with government policies, legislation and publications.

Fauna The level of significance of fauna species are determined according to the definitions below: International Migratory species protected under international treaties (JAMBA, CAMBA and Significance Bonn) or listed on the IUCN Red Data List 2006 as threatened

National Significance Species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. State Significance Species listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Species listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable in Victoria Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2007 (DSE 2007) Regional Significance Species not listed in the above categories that have a limited range in a bioregion (Gippsland Plain Bioregion)

Local Significance Species considered rare, threatened or uncommon within the local area (5km radius from the study area) by the authors with consideration given to previous studies. Many native species are considered to be locally significant within urban areas due to typically high levels of habitat alteration.

Plant Communities The level of significance of Ecological Vegetation Classes are determined according to the definitions below: National Significance Communities listed as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Communities listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 that are endemic to Victoria. State Significance Communities listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 that are found in other states. Communities or Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC’s) listed as endangered, vulnerable or rare throughout all Victorian Bioregions according to DSE 2003a. EVC’s with a conservation significance of Very High or High. This must be consistent with the methodology in Appendix 3 of Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework DNRE (2002) to defining conservation significance. Regional Significance EVC’s with a conservation significance of Medium. This must be consistent with the methodology in Appendix 3 of Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework (DNRE 2002) to defining conservation significance. Communities considered depleted, naturally restricted across Victoria and within the subject bioregion. Local Significance EVC’s with a conservation significance of Low. This must be consistent with the methodology in Appendix 3 of Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management Framework DNRE (2002) to defining conservation significance. EVC’s or communities considered rare, threatened or uncommon within the local area (5km radius from the study area) by the authors with consideration given to previous studies. Most native vegetation is considered to be locally significant within urban areas due to typically high levels of clearance and modification.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 66

Fauna Habitats The level of significance of fauna habitats and/or zoological significance are determined according to the definitions below: National Significance Regularly supports a population of a fauna species listed as endangered in DSE 2003b. Regularly supports a population of a fauna species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable. This also includes species listed as migratory under the EPBC Act. ≥1% of national breeding or national population of species State Significance Regularly supports a population of taxon listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Regularly supports a population of taxon listed as extinct, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable in Victoria Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria – 2003 (DSE 2003b). ≥1% of state breeding or state population of species Represents an intact primary habitat link to two connecting sites of State or higher zoological significance Regional Significance Regularly supports a population of taxon classified as significant within a bioregion ≥5% of bioregional breeding or bioregional population of species Regularly supports a disjunct, unusual or declining population within a bioregion. Represents an intact habitat link to two connecting sites of regional or higher zoological significance or partial link two connecting sites of state or higher zoological significance Local Significance Regularly supports a population of taxon declining locally, though apparently still secure elsewhere ≥25% of local breeding or local population of species (within 5km radius) Represents an partial habitat link to two connecting sites of regional or higher zoological significance

These criteria are a detailed, standardised method for determining sites of biological significance. For further detail on the criteria used, refer to the document DSE (2004b) – http://www.dse.vic.gov.au follow links to DSE Home>Conservation and Environment>Standard Criteria for Sites of Biological Significance in Victoria.

The above criteria is not necessary to apply in all cases as there are a number of comprehensive reports undertaken in Victoria which have studied the sites of biological significance of a given area, including DSE’s register of Biosite database. The standard criteria will be applied to a site at the discretion of the author where there have been no extensive studies carried out or where a site’s significance is thought to be under or overstated.

The geographical scale to determine sites of significance are as follows:

Local within 5km of the chosen study area Regional bioregion (for example, Gippsland Plains Bioregion) State Victoria National Australia

High local significance can also be used to describe those sites which have intermediate values between local and regional significance.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 67

APPENDIX 2: Fauna Species Detected During This Survey

Fauna taxa detected throughout study site during the survey by Malcolm Legg of Mal’s Environmental and Ecological Services.

Codes for status within Balnarring Primary School and Victoria: * introduced species VU Vulnerable in Victoria (DSE 2007) EN Endangered in Victoria (DSE 2007) or Australia (EPBC Act) NT Near threatened in Victoria (DSE 2007) L listed as threatened under FFG Act 1988 I Invalid or ineligible under FFG Act 1988

KEY-Significance/status of species:

N National S State R Regional HL High Local L Local * Introduced Type of record: h Heard s Seen I Incidental (scats, feathers etc.) t Trapped/handheld B Breeding residential bird r recorded on Anabat 2 Bat Detector

TABLE 4: DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS RECORDED THROUGH OUT THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation status Type of within the property. record Paratya australiensis Freshwater Shrimp Common at times in wetlands Lt and drainage line. Engaeus sps Burrowing Crayfish Common Ls

TABLE 5: FISH RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation status Type off within the property. record Aquila australis Short-finned Eel Uncommon to rare Lts Galaxias maculatus Common Galaxias Uncommon to rare Lts *Gambusia affinis *Mosquitofish Common Ls

TABLE 6: AMPHIBIANS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation status Type of within the property. record Crinia signifera Common Froglet Common Lhs Geocrinia haswelli Haswells Froglet Uncommon to rare Rh Limnodynastes dumerilli Southern Bullfrog Uncommon Lhs Liknodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog Common Lhs Pseudophryne semimarmorata Southern Toadlet Uncommon Sh Litoria ewingii Southern Brown Tree Frog Common Lhs Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s Tree Frog Common Lhs

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 68

TABLE 7: REPTILES RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Type of status within record the property. TORTOISES Chelenodia longicollis Common Long-necked Tortoise Uncommon Ls LIZARDS Eulamprus typanum Southern Water Skink Rare Rts Lampropholis delicata Delicate Skink Uncommon Rts Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink Common Lst Pseudemoia entracasteaux Southern Grass Skink Uncommon Rts Saproscincus mustelinus Weasel Skink Uncommon Lts Tiliqua nigrolutea Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard Common Rst SNAKES Australeps superbus Lowland Copperhead Rare HLs Drysdalia coronoides White-lipped Snake Rare Rts

TABLE 8: WETLAND BIRDS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Type of status within the record property. Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe Uncommon Lsh Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant Rare Ssh Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Rare Lsh Cygnus atratus Black Swan Uncommon Lsh Tadorna tadornoides Australasian Shelduck Common at times Rsh Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck Common Lsh Anas castanea Chestnut Teal Uncommon Lsh Anas rhynchotis Australasian Shoveller Rare Ssh Chenonetta jubatat Australian Wood Duck Common Lsh Stictonetta naevosa Freckled Duck Rare Ssh Allus pectoralis Lewins Rail Rare Ssh Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen Uncommon Lsh Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen Uncommon Lsh Fulica atra Eurasian Coot Common Lsh Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron Uncommon Lsh Ardea alba Great Egret Rare Ssh Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Common Lsh Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis Common Lsh Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill Uncommon Ssh Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill Uncommon Lsh Gallinago hardwickii Lathams Snipe Rare Ssh Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing Uncommon Lsh Erythrogonys cinctus Red-kneed Dotterel Rare Rsh Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel Rare Rsh Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Uncommon Lsh Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Rare Ssh

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 69

TABLE 9: WOODLAND BIRDS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Type status within of the property. record Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite Rare Lhs Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Rare Lhs Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle Rare HLhs Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk Rare Lhs Circus approximans Swamp Harrier Uncommon HLs Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Rare Lhs *Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-dove Common hs Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing Uncommon HLhs Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Uncommon Rhs Eolophus roseicapillus Galah Uncommon Lhs Cacatua tenuirostris Long-billed Corella Rare Lhs Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Common Lhs Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Uncommon Lhs Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet Common at times HLhs Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella Common Lhs Cacomantis flabelliformis flabelliformis Fantail Cuckoo Rare Lhs Chalcites basalis Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo Uncommon Lhs Ninox novaehollandiae Southern Boobook Rare Rh Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth Uncommon Lhs Hirundapus caudactus race caudactus White-throated Needletail Common at times HLs Dacelo novaehollandiae Laughing Kookaburra Rare Lhs Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Common Lhs Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Common Lhs Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote Uncommon Lhs Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Common Lhs Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Common Lhs Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Common Lhs Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird Rare Lhs Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner Common Lhs Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Uncommon Lhs Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater Rare HLhs Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater Uncommon Lhs Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater Rare Rhs Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater Uncommon Lhs Epthianura albifrons White-fronted Chat Uncommon HLhs Petroica phoenica Flame Robin Uncommon Rhs Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Rare Rhs Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike Thrush Uncommon Lhs Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler Uncommon Lhs Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler Rare Lhs Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Common at times Lhs Rhipidura leucophrys Willy Wagtail Uncommon Lhs Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Uncommon Lhs Grallina cyanoleura Magpie-lark Uncommon Lhs Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Uncommon Lhs Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Uncommon Lhs Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Rare Lhs Corvus mellori Little Raven Common Lhs Strenua versicolor Grey Currawong Rare Rhs Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Common Lhs Hirundo ariel Fairy Martin Uncommon Lhs Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler Rare Rhs *Carduelis carduelis European Goldfinch Uncommon hs Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 70

Scientific Name Common Name Conservation Type status within of the property. record Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird Uncommon Rhs Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Common Lhs *Turdus merula Common Blackbird *Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Uncommon hs *Acridotheres tristis Common Myna

*Denotes introduced species

TABLE 10: MAMMALS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, MAY, 2010. Scientific Name Common Name Conservation status Type of within the property. record MONOTREMES Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Rare RsI MARSUPIALS Phascolarctos cinereus Koala Uncommon to rare Rhs Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum Uncommon to rare Lhs Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum Was common now rare. Wallabia bicolor Black Wallaby Rare Rhs PLACENTAL MAMMALS MICROBATS Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail Bat Uncommon Rr Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat Common Rr Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat Uncommon Rr Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat Common Rr RODENTS Rattus lutreolus ssp. Lutreolus Swamp Rat Common to Uncommon RtI INTRODUCED MAMMALS *Mus musculus House Mouse Common s *Rattus rattus Black Rat Common t *Vulpes vulpes Red Fox Common sI *Felis catus Feral Cat Uncommon t

*Denotes introduced species

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 71

APPENDIX 3: Fauna Sampling Results (including scat analysis, Elliot traps, hair tubing, scout-guard cameras, spotlighting, bat detection and observations.

TABLE 11: Bird species and population numbers detected for each month at Balnarring Primary School. ‘B’ demotes when species bred. SPECIES Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 09 10 Pied Cormorant 1 1 1 Little-pied Cormorant 1 1 1 1 1 Australasian Grebe 2 2 2 Black Swan 6 3 4 4 4B 2B 2B 2a4c 2a3c 2a2c Australasian Shelduck 24 16 10 12 2 2 2 2 3 Pacific Black Duck 8 24 15 7 2 5 8 10 14 6 8 Chestnut Teal 22 26 12 7 5 5 4 2 3 4 Australasian Shoveller 2 Australian Wood Duck 15 20 61 65 45 Freckled Duck 1 Lewins Rail 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B Dusky Moorhen 2 2 2 3 4 Purple Swamphen 8 6 6 6 4 5 7B 9B 11B 12B 8 8 Eurasian Coot 10+ 66 60+ 100+ 80+ 70+ 50+ 46 30+ 25+ 30+ 40+ White-faced Heron 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Great Egret 1 Australian White Ibis 32 4 5 6 8 2 Straw-necked Ibis 34 40+ 40+ 40+ 20+ 20+ 20+ 20+ Royal Spoonbill 2 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 2 Lathams Snipe 2 3 3 Masked Lapwing 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 6 4 4 Red-kneed Dotterel 2 Black-fronted Dotterel 3 3 Silver Gull 6 2 4 10 11 6 8 4 4 2 5 7 Caspian Tern 2 Black-shouldered Kite 2 2 2 Whistling Kite 2 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 1 Swamp Harrier 2 1 1 2 2 Brown Goshawk 1 1 2 1 Nankeen Kestrel 1 1 1 *Spotted Turtle-Dove 2 2 2 2 2 4B 7B 12B 12B 10 11 13 Common Bronzewing 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2B 2B 2B Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo 20+ 20+ 20+ 20+ Galah 3 6 8 6 10 Long-billed Corella 5 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 5 6 8 8 8 7 8 9 7 6 4 Rainbow Lorikeet 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 2 4 8 Musk Lorikeet 4 8 10+ Eastern Rosella 2 2 Fantail Cukoo 2 2 2 1 Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo 4 4 2 Southern Boobook 1 1 Tawny Frogmouth 2 2 2 White-throated Needletail 20+ 20+ Laughing Kookaburra 3 4 Superb Fairy-wren 20+ 40 45 50 55B 60B 70B 75B 75B 75B 75 70 Spotted Pardalote 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ 10+ Striated Pardalote 4 6 4 2 White-browed Scrub-wren 10+ 15 45 50 50B 50B 55B 55B 60B 60B 60+ 60+ Brown Thornbill 20+ 35 35 35 35B 50B 50B 5B 55B 60B 60+ 60+ Red Wattlebird 10+ 5 8 10 10B 10B 12B 12B 10B 8 8 6

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 72

SPECIES Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 09 10 Little Wattlebird 2 4 6 8B 7B 7B 8B 12B 15 12 4 Noisy Miner 12 15 12 10B 10B 10B 10B 10B 13B 15B 12 10+ Yellow-faced Honeyeater 10+ 5+ 10+ 10+ White-eared Honeyeater 2 2 2 2 White-plumed Honeyeater 6B 6B 6B 4 Brown-headed Honeyeater 8 New Holland Honeyeater 8 4 4 4 6 8B 8B 10B 10B 10B 10+ 10+ White-fronted Chat 4 4 Flame Robin 4 6 3 2 Eastern Yellow Robin 2 2 2 2 2B 2B 2B 4B 4B 4B 4 4 Grey Shrike-thrush 2 4 4 4 4 4B 4B 6B 4B 4B 4 4 Golden Whistler 2 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 4 4 Rufous Whistler 2B 4B 4B 2B 2B Grey Fantail 10 6 4 4 4 6B 8B 8B 6B 4B 4 4 Willy Wagtail 2 2 2 2 2 2B 4B 4B 4B 4B 4 4 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 2 4 4 4 Mudlark 6 8 6 6 6 6B 6B 8B 8B 6B 6 6 Grey Butcherbird 2 2 2 2 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2B 2 3 Australian Magpie 4 10 6 6 4B 4B 4B 4B 4B 4B 4 4 Grey Currawong 2 Australian Raven 3 Little Raven 2 2 4 4 2 4 6 5 10 14 12 10 Welcome Swallow 5 5 5 6 12 13 10 14 16 12 14 Fairy Martin 8 5 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 4B 4B 6B 8B 2 *European Goldfinch 8 6 4 Mistletoebird 2 2 2 2 2 Silvereye 20 30 40+ 20+ 20+ *Common Blackbird 2 2 2 2 2B 4B 4B 6B 6B 6B 6 6 *Common Myna 6 5 7 3 10+ 20+ 20+ 20+ *Common Starling 10 12 8 4 30+ 60+ 40+ 40+

TABLE 12: Fish sampled in bait traps throughout the study site, May, 2010.

Species Date Number Area sampled sampled Short-finned Eel 12-10-09 1 Lake. 15-10-09 2 Wetlands. Common Galaxias 15-10-09 5 Frankston-Flinders Road. *Mosquitofish 13-10-09 20+ Wetlands 14-10-09 30+ Lake.

TABLE 13: Fauna sampled in Elliot traps throughout the study site, May, 2010. Species Date Number Area sampled sampled Reptiles Blotched Blue-tongue 20-09-09 1 Transect 2, trap 9. Mammals Swamp Rat 19-09-09 2 Transect 1, traps 6 & 10. 20-09-09 1 Transect 1, traps 6 & 10. 21-09-09 3 Transect 2, traps 4, 6 & 8. *Black Rat 19-09-09 1 Transect 1, trap 2. 20-09-09 2 Transect 2, traps 2 & 7. 21-09-09 1 Transect 1, trap 9. *House Mouse 19-09-09 3 Transect 1, traps 1, 3 & 4. 20-09-09 4 Transect 2, traps 1, 3, 5 & 10. 21-09-09 2 Transect 2, traps 1 & 7. Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 73

TABLE 14: Fauna hairs sampled in hair tubes through-out the property, May, 2010.

Species Date Number of samples Area sampled per transect Common Brushtail Possum 10/10/09 1 Transect 1, hair tube 4. Black Wallaby 10/10/09 1 Transect 2, hair tube 5. Swamp Rat 10/10/09 2 Transect 1, hair tube 2 & 7. 10/10/09 2 Transect 2, hair tubes 3 & 6. *Black Rat 10/10/09 3 Transect 1, hair tubes 3, 5 & 8. 10/10/09 1 Transect 2, hair tube 10. *House Mouse 10/10/09 3 Transect 1, hair tubes 1, 6 & 9. 10/10/09 1 Transect 2, hair tube 4. *Red Fox 10/10/09 2 Transect 1, hair tube 9 & 10. 10/10/09 1 Transect 2, hair tube 7.

TABLE 15: Mammal hairs identified in fox and cat scats collected through-out the study site, July, 2009.

Predator Date Non mammal remains Mammal hairs analysed within Species scat collected scat *Fox 1 17/10/09 Feathers & Insect Swamp Rat. *Fox 2 17/10/09 Nil *Black Rat. *Fox 3 17/10/09 Insects *House Mouse. *Fox 4 17/10/09 Feathers Nil. *Fox 5 17/10/09 Feathers Nil. *Fox 6 17/10/09 Insects Common Brushtail Possum. *Fox 7 17/10/09 Insects Common Ringtail Possum. *Fox 8 17/10/09 Nil Koala. *Fox 9 17/10/09 Feathers Short-beaked Echidna. *Fox 10 17/10/09 Feathers *Black Rat. *Fox 11 17/10/09 Insects *House Mouse. *Fox 12 17/10/09 Insects Common Ringtail Possum. *Fox 13 17/10/09 Insects *House Mouse. *Fox 14 17/10/09 Nil Common Ringtail Possum. *Fox 15 17/10/09 Feathers Nil. *Cat 1 17/10/09 Feathers Common Ringtail Possum. *Cat 2 17/10/09 Feathers Nil. *Cat 3 17/10/09 Feathers Nil.

TABLE 16: Fauna recorded on infra scout-guard cameras through-out the property, May, 2010.

Species Feb 2010 Mar Apr Totals Camera 1 Superb Fairy-wren 2 3 6 11 White-browed Scrub-wren 1 2 3 Grey Shrike Thrush 3 2 1 6 *Fox 2 5 3 10 Swamp Rat 4 1 3 8 *House Mouse 13 21 23 57 *Black Rat 36 22 31 89 Nothing 45 51 6 102 Camera 2 Common Brushtail Possum 4 4 Black Wallaby 2 2 4

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 74

Species Feb 2010 Mar Apr Total Swamp Rat 4 4 *Black Rat 11 6 21 38 *House Mouse 25 33 11 69 Nothing 11 15 7 33 Camera 3 Common Brushtail Possum 3 5 1 9 Common Ringtail Possum 4 1 2 7 Nothing 45 31 47 123 Total 215 196 166 577

TABLE 17: Fauna observed during spotlighting throughout the property May, 2010.

Species Date Number Area Observed observed Amphibians Common Froglet 28/10/09 50+ Wetlands. 14/02/10 50+ As above. 06/05/10 200+ As above. Haswells Froglet 06/05/10 10+ Inundated grasslands. Southern Bullfrog 28/10/09 10+ Wetlands. 06/05/10 5+ As above. Spotted Marsh Frog 28/10/09 30+ As above. 14/02/10 20+ As above. 06/05/10 50+ As above. Southern Toadlet 06/05/10 20+ Inundated grasslands. Southern Brown Tree Frog 28/10/09 50+ As above. 14/02/10 20+ As above. 06/05/10 50+ As above. Verreaux’s Tree Frog 28/10/09 20+ As above. 14/02/10 20+ As above. 06/05/10 30+ As above. Birds Masked Lapwing 28/10/09 6 Flying over property. 14/02/10 4 As above. 06/05/10 4 As above. Southern Boobook 28/10/09 2 Woodlands 14/02/10 2 As above. Tawny Frogmouth 14/02/10 2 Woodlands. Mammals Common Brushtail Possum 2 As above. 14/02/10 2 As above. Common Ringtail Possum 28/10/09 4 As above. 14/02/10 3 As above. Koala 14/02/10 1 Woodlands near entrance. Bat sps 28/10/09 3 Woodlands. 14/02/10 4 As above. 06/05/10 4 As above. *Fox 28/10/09 2 Through-out. 14/02/10 2 As above. 06/05/10 3 As above. *Feral Cat 14/02/10 1 Back of wetland.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 75

TABLE 18: Micro bats recorded on the Anabat II Bat Detector through-out the study site, July, 2009.

Species Date Number of calls Area Observed recorded White-striped Freetail Bat 14/02/10 11 Above wetlands and woodlands. 06/05/10 16 As above. Gould’s Wattled Bat 28/10/09 4 As above. 14/02/10 12 As above. 06/05/10 15 As above. Large Forest Bat 28/10/09 4 As above. 14/02/10 5 As above. Little Forest Bat 28/10/09 21 As above. 14/02/10 17 As above. 06/05/10 23 As above.

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 76

Appendix 4: Fauna species on the Victorian Fauna Database found within a 1 Km radius of Balnarring Primary School.

FFG EPBC VROTS Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Freq NumSite Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Podicipedidae 27.27% 6 v Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Anatidae 22.72% 5 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Artamidae 9.09% 2 Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Anatidae 27.27% 6 Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Threskiornithidae 13.63% 3 Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Anatidae 22.72% 5 Black Swan Cygnus atratus Anatidae 27.27% 6 Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Charadriidae 18.18% 4 Broad-finned Galaxias Galaxias brevipinnis Galaxiidae 4.54% 1 n Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae Anatidae 22.72% 5 Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Anatidae 31.81% 7 * Common Blackbird Turdus merula Muscicapidae 4.54% 1 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Columbidae 4.54% 1 Common Galaxias Galaxias maculatus Galaxiidae 18.18% 4 * Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Sturnidae 22.72% 5 * Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Sturnidae 13.63% 3 Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Rallidae 27.27% 6 * Eastern Gambusia Gambusia holbrooki Poecilidae 18.18% 4 f v Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta Ardeidae 4.54% 1 Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Psittacidae 4.54% 1 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Rallidae 22.72% 5 * European Skylark Alauda arvensis Alaudidae 4.54% 1 f e Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa Anatidae 4.54% 1 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Phalacrocoracidae 9.09% 2 Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscarpa Dicruridae 4.54% 1 Grey Teal Anas gracilis Anatidae 13.63% 3 f e Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Pomatostomidae 18.18% 4

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 77

FFG EPBC VROTS Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Freq NumSite v Hardhead Aythya australis Anatidae 13.63% 3 Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Podicipedidae 13.63% 3 * House Sparrow Passer domesticus Passeridae 4.54% 1 f v Lewin's Rail Lewinia pectoralis Rallidae 4.54% 1 Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos Phalacrocoracidae 9.09% 2 Little Raven Corvus mellori Corvidae 4.54% 1 Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera Meliphagidae 9.09% 2 f n Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Anseranatidae 4.54% 1 Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Dicruridae 9.09% 2 Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Charadriidae 22.72% 5 v Musk Duck Biziura lobata Anatidae 9.09% 2 New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Meliphagidae 4.54% 1 Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Anatidae 31.81% 7 n Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Phalacrocoracidae 4.54% 1 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Rallidae 27.27% 6 Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Meliphagidae 4.54% 1 Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Charadriidae 4.54% 1 v Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Threskiornithidae 9.09% 2 Short-finned Eel Anguilla australis Anguillidae 22.72% 5 Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Laridae 22.72% 5 Spotted Galaxias Galaxias truttaceus Galaxiidae 31.81% 7 Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Pardalotidae 4.54% 1 * Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis Columbidae 9.09% 2 Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Threskiornithidae 13.63% 3 Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Pardalotidae 4.54% 1 Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Pardalotidae 4.54% 1 Sugar Glider Petaurus breviceps Petauridae 4.54% 1 Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Maluridae 9.09% 2 Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Accipitridae 4.54% 1

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 78

FFG EPBC VROTS Origin Common Name Scientific Name Family Name Freq NumSite Tupong Pseudaphritis urvillii Bovichthyidae 9.09% 2 Unidentified small grebe Unidentified small grebe Podicipedidae 4.54% 1 Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Hirundinidae 13.63% 3 White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis Meliphagidae 4.54% 1 White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Ardeidae 13.63% 3 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Meliphagidae 4.54% 1 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Dicruridae 4.54% 1 v Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Scolopacidae 4.54% 1 Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Threskiornithidae 9.09% 2

Fauna survey of Balnarring Primary School, Balnarring, April, 2009 to May, 2010. 79

MAP 1

LOCATIONS OF FAUNA SAMPLING SITES

Fish trap 1

Cam. 1

Transect 2

Cam. 2

KEY

Elliot trap, colour-bond tiles and hair tube transects

Fish trap sampling sites

Scout guard camera sites

Fish trap 2 Cam. 3

Fish trap 3

Transect 1

80 Threatened Fauna survey of Mornington Peninsula National Park, June to August 2008

81