sign in sign up
<<
Home , Acacia helmsiana, Amphibolurus centralis, Anystidae, Carenum (beetle), Centralian blind snake, Chiming wedgebill

VEGETATION MAPPING

By S. J. Pillman1, P. D. Canty1, A. C. Robinson1, and P. J. Lang1

INTRODUCTION plains, Eucalyptus microtheca [= coolabah] Low Only very generalised vegetation mapping was Woodland on floodplains, +/ available for the Lands (AP E. oxymitra Open Scrub on and Atriplex Lands) prior to this survey. rhagodioides [= nummularia] Low Shrubland on plains. Specht (1972) mapped four general communities: EPHEMERAL COMMUNITIES, Far North-west In his update of the work of Davies, Neagle (1995) Ranges, TALL SHRUBLAND, aneura- A. added data on additions to the National Parks and brachystachya, HUMMOCK to LOW Wildlife Conservation Reserves system and on the OPEN WOODLAND basedowii (+/ many Heritage Agreement Areas proclaimed since Casuarina [= Allocasuarina] decaisneana in north, Davies’ work, but this had no effect in the AP Lands in LOW SHRUBLAND, Atriplex rhagodioides [= terms of re-defining the threatened vegetation nummularia] and LOW SHRUBLAND Atriplex communities. vesicaria- Bassia [Sclerolaena] sp. Broad-scale vegetation mapping has also been A map produced by the Pastoral Board (1973) showed completed in those areas of Western and the four general communities: MALLEE - NATIVE PINE Northern , which adjoin the AP Lands. - NATIVE FIG – CORKWOOD – BLOODWOOD SPINIFEX ASSOCIATION on the ranges, In , Beard and Webb (1974) OAK - DESERT KURRAJONG – MULGA described the techniques used in the 1:250 000 SPINIFEX ASSOCIATION and a MULGA – vegetation mapping to develop the 1:1 000 000 CORKWOOD - BLOODWOOD- IRONWOOD vegetation map series for Western Australia. The ASSOCIATION on the surrounding plains. second of these published maps covered the Great Desert (Beard 1974) and included the area The map by Boomsma and Lewis (1980) incorporating adjacent to the AP Lands in Western Australia. He the work of Specht and the Pastoral Board showed the recognised the following vegetation associations: AP Lands vegetation of the Mann and Tomkinson STEPPE WITH SPARSE TREES ON ROCKY Ranges as 75% GRASSLAND and 25% TALL HILLS, Eucalyptus dichromophloia [=? Corymbia SHRUBLAND. The remaining ranges and their eremaea] and Triodia basedowii surrounds as: 60% TALL SHRUBLAND and 40% MULGA LOW WOODLAND, OPEN SCRUB, while to the south a 35% MALLEE AND MULGA ON SAND PLAIN, Acacia GRASSLAND with 25% TALL SHRUBLAND and aneura, E. gamophylla and T. basedowii 20% WOODLAND and OPEN SCRUB graded into an area of 40% GRASSLAND with 20% WOODLAND In the , Wilson et al. (1990) have OPEN SCRUB and TALL SHRUBLAND. produced a 1:1 000 000 scale map covering the whole of the NT. In the area adjacent to the AP Lands they Davies (1982) mapped the ‘Inadequately Conserved recognised the following vegetation associations: Vegetation Associations’ across and his MIXED LOW OPEN WOODLAND, Acacia Map 2 repeats the Erodium spp. - Helichrysum spp. - aneura (Mulga) Brachyscome spp. - Calocephalus spp. - Calotis spp. LOW OPEN WOODLAND, A. estrophiolata Ephemeral Community of Specht (1972) on the ranges. (Ironwood), Atalaya hemiglauca (Whitewood) He then uses the Environmental Association boundaries LOW OPEN WOODLAND with herbland/grassland of Laut et al. (1977) and their comments on the understorey, A. aneura (Mulga), Hakea (Needlewood) vegetation communities to identify the following TALL OPEN SHRUBLAND A. aneura (Mulga) with elsewhere across the AP Lands: Casuarina OPEN GRASSLAND understorey Eragrostis setifolia [Allocasuarina] decaisneana Low Open Woodland on (Woolybutt).

1 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, , SA 5001

193 TALL OPEN SHRUBLAND A. aneura (Mulga) with Mixed Acacia spp. Tall Shrubland to Low Open OPEN SHRUBLAND understorey Cassia [=Senna] Woodland over chenopod (Atriplex/Maireana/ /Eremophila (Emubush) Sclerolaena spp.) shrubs and grasses. SPARSE SHRUBLAND A. tetragonophylla (Dead Lining the smaller drainage lines on the plains, it is a Finish), A. kempeana (Witchetty Bush) part of the large Mulga Floristic Group 29. HUMMOCK GRASSLAND, Triodia basedowii with TALL SPARSE SHRUBLAND, Acacia overstorey Melaleuca glomerata Inland Paper-bark/Eucalyptus HUMMOCK GRASSLAND, Triodia basedowii (Hard camaldulensis River Red Gum/ Spinifex) with TALL SPARSE SHRUBLAND, A. Elegant Wattle Low Open Woodland. aneura (Mulga) overstorey between dunes. Lining smaller creeks and floodouts from the ranges it HUMMOCK GRASSLAND, Triodia basedowii (Hard equates to Floristic Groups 3, 5 and 6. Spinifex) with TALL SPARSE SHRUBLAND, Eucalyptus gamophylla (Blue Mallee) overstorey. SAND PLAINS AND DUNES HUMMOCK GRASSLAND, Triodia basedowii (Hard Spinifex) with LOW OPEN WOODLAND, Allocasuarina decaisneana Desert Oak Low Open Allocasuarina decaisneana (Desert Oak) overstorey Woodland. between dunes. Structurally a very distinctive group dominated by the LOW SPARSE SHRUBLAND, Atriplex vesicaria large Desert Oak trees, this was not floristically distinct (Bladder Saltbush) with ephemeral open- and is a part of Group 27. herb/grassland. Acacia ramulosa Horse Mulga and A. ligulata The present vegetation mapping project took account of Umbrella Wattle, Grevillea stenobotrya Rattle-pod previous mapping and vegetation association Grevillea and G. juncifolia Honeysuckle Grevillea classification, but as it was based on classification of Shrubland over Aluta maisonneuvei Desert Landsat TM imagery. The mapping was to be Thryptomene Shrubland and Triodia basedowii Hard produced at a scale of 1:250 000, and was therefore Spinifex. carried out in considerably more detail than any Confined to the extensive parallel systems it previous vegetation mapping attempts in and around equates to Floristic Group 25. the AP Lands. Triodia basedowii Hard Spinifex Hummock Grassland Three maps are included in the back pocket of this +/- Eucalyptus spp. (mainly E. gamophylla Twin- report. They include the following: Mallee and E. oxymitra Sharp-cap Mallee). • Enhanced Satellite Image Found scattered on the sand plains it is part of Floristic • Classified Satellite Image - Vegetation Group 27. • Generalised Vegetation Communities Plains Although the Classified Satellite Image Vegetation map Acacia aneura Mulga, A. minyura Desert Mulga Open provides the most detailed picture of the spatial Woodland with understorey of tussock grasses. distribution of the communities across the AP Lands. Widespread across the sandy loam plains it is part of The Generalised Vegetation Communities map includes Floristic Group 30. a small number of additional communities interpreted subsequent to the classification of the satellite image by Acacia aneura Mulga Tall open shrubland with reference to existing vegetation mapping to the east and Maireana villosa Silky Bluebush. south and the further interpretation of drainage related Found on harder soils it is part of Floristic Group 29. vegetation. Aristida spp., Enneapogon spp. and Eragrostis spp. The 19 vegetation communities and the single non- Tussock Grassland +/- Very Open Woodland (eg vegetation mapping group are listed below. A brief Acacia aneura Mulga, A. estrophiolata Ironwood, explanation of the characteristics of each community, Hakea lorea Corkwood) or Very Open shrubland (eg A. together with the floristic groups they represent is also kempeana Witchetty Bush). Includes outwash areas provided. adjacent to ranges. Found on disturbed areas with shallower soils, it is part of Floristic Groups 15 and 18. KEY TO THE VEGETATION MAPPING Aristida spp., Enneapogon spp. and Eragrostis spp. Drainage lines Very Open Tussock Grassland +/- emergent trees (eg Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum Woodland. Acacia aneura Mulga, A. estrophiolata Ironwood, Confined to the larger drainage lines flowing from the Hakea lorea Long-leaf Corkwood) or shrubs (eg A. ranges. It is equivalent to Floristic Group 2. kempeana Witchetty Bush). May also include fire scars.

194 Covering the plains away from the hill footslopes it is Chenopod Dissocarpus/Atriplex/Sclerolaena/Maireana part of Floristic Group 13. spp. Sub-shrubland with herbs and grasses on cracking clays. Atriplex vesicaria Bladder Saltbush +/- Maireana spp. A group more common in the Stony Desert areas to the and samphire species Low Open Shrubland. east. Found only in areas of loam over shallow limestone it is not common on the AP Lands and did not classify as Mountain ranges and dissected tablelands a separate floristic Group from the few quadrats Triodia scariosa Spinifex Hummock Grassland. sampled. On steep rocky slopes of the ranges, equivalent to Floristic Group 23. Chenopod Atriplex/Sclerolaena/Maireana ssp. Low Open Shrubland over sub-shrubs and grasses. Triodia irritans Spinifex, T. scariosa Spinifex Another group restricted to the eastern extreme of the Hummock Grassland. AP Lands and not classified as a separate Floristic More confined to the lower slopes of rocky ranges, Group. equivalent to Floristic Group 21

Mixed Acacia kempeana Witchetty Bush, A. victoriae Enneapogon spp., Themeda triandra, Digitaria brownii Elegant Wattle, A. tetragonophylla Dead Finish (and A. Cotton Panic-grass Tussock Grassland +/- sparse prainii Prain's Wattle in the west) with Eremophila spp. emergent trees (e.g. Callitris glaucophylla White (especially E. longifolia Weeping Emubush) Cypress-pine, Acacia aneura Mulga, A. olgana Mount Shrublands. Olga Wattle, Ficus brachypoda Native Fig) Often found in a band near the base of hills it is part of Widespread on the ranges but significantly affected by Floristic Group 14. fire with extensive loss of trees and shrubs. Equivalent to Floristic Group 18. nothosp. sturtii Desert Senna, Dodonaea microzyga var. microzyga Brilliant Hopbush Acacia aneura Mulga, A. tetragonophylla Dead Finish Low Open Shrubland. Open Woodland over sub-shrubs and grasses Confined to the south east of the study area and only On lower rocky hills in the eastern part of the AP sampled on the Tallaringa survey. Lands. More common in the adjacent Stony Desert area.

195 196 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey

MAMMALS

by P. B. Copley1, L. M. Baker2, B. J. Nesbitt2 and J. N. Foulkes1

INTRODUCTION Pitj j at j ara with some names used by both language This section summarises the knowledge of the speakers. Language specific names and terms were, fauna of the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara Lands (AP Lands) where specified by the informant, recorded and noted prior to the biological survey beginning in 1991. It as such. All informants however were multi-lingual then discusses the results of this survey and integrates with Pitj ant j at j ara and Yankunytj at j ara and so the much of the Anangu traditional ecological knowledge distinction was not always made and some of the provided during the survey. information provided is therefore a combination of both language knowledge bases. Only ‘public’ information was recorded from Anangu. Prior to any survey information being collected, APPRAISAL OF SPECIES' RECORDS PRIOR TO discussions were held with the Anangu survey THE SURVEY participants, to clarify what type of information was Museum and published records being sought and how it would be made available to the Gara (1996) has reviewed the earliest non-Aboriginal general public. Anangu then determined what type of observations of in the AP Lands, and in the information it would be appropriate for them to to the south and west. From this provide. This was critical as the information collected review, the first European records of mammals in the was intended for presentation in reports, papers, and area appear to have been made by the explorers other print media. Collection of non-public, culturally William Gosse (1873), (1874) and John select information would expose readers to knowledge Forrest (1874). (Also see Appendix I.) that would contravene traditional Law. Significant early observations were also recorded in the The information collected was compiled as an ACCESS journals of surveyor J. Carruthers during his database with scientific names linked to the SA trigonometric surveys in the Musgrave, Mann and VERTEBRATE system. This database is held by Tomkinson Ranges between 1888 and 1890. Perhaps Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara. Information provided on species unexpectedly, the most noteworthy observation that he by different Anangu informants is cross-referenced made was that feral cats were widespread across the which enables different language names for species to area at that time, and occurred at least as far west as Mt be retrieved and validated. The ACCESS database Aloysius in the western Tomkinson Ranges (WA) in and all information recorded from Anangu is the 1889 (Carruthers 1892). Two years later, this property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. observation was supported by members of the Elder Expedition who believed that cats were spreading The presentation of information in this report north-eastwards from the settled areas of Western summarises the Anangu contribution to the Australia into the central (Lindsay 1893; Helms knowledge of the flora and fauna of the AP Lands 1896). for the survey. It is not provided for others to use for profit by exploitation of Anangu traditional The earliest museum specimen from the region knowledge with regard their use of or preserved at the South Australian Museum came from as food or for medicinal purposes. This the Elder Expedition of 1891, lead by David Lindsay. data is the property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara and This specimen, of a Crescent Nail-tail Wallaby, cannot be used for any purpose without the written Onychogalea lunata, was collected from the Everard permission of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. Ranges under Helms’ name during that expedition.

All mammals are discussed using their Anangu, The next oldest specimen purported to be from the area European common and scientific names for clarity. It is of a Pig-footed , ecaudatus, should be noted, however, that some mammal names and is registered as having been collected in the provided are specific to Yankunytj at j ara and others to by R. T. Maurice in 1901 (but see

1 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 2 Wallambia Consultants. 1070 South Arm Rd. URUNGA, NSW 2455

197 later discussion). Richard Maurice was a pastoralist Museum, as are the mammal voucher specimens he who, between 1897 and 1903, funded and led at least collected with the assistance of companions C. Hackett nine expeditions into the eastern portion of the Great and J. B. Cleland and local dogger Alan Brumby (see Victoria Desert (Gara 1996). He is a little-known Tindale 1933, 1941; Cleland 1934, 1935 a/b, 1936; explorer who recorded much of significance about local Cleland and Johnston 1937, 1943). Aboriginal groups and natural history (see Gara 1994), plus the chapter on previous biological surveys and Then, following Finlayson’s and Tindale’s early work, records of his observations in the species treatments to the noted scientist Professor J. B. Cleland, (who had follow). accompanied Tindale and Hackett on their 1933 expedition), re-visited the region in 1945 and again in Unfortunately, most natural history information for the 1960 and made further natural history observations region prior to the early 1930s has to be gleaned from (Cleland 1946; see Jessop 1981). the few published scientific papers and many unpublished journals and manuscripts of early Peter Aitken, Curator of Mammals at the South explorers, scientists and doggers (see chapter on Australian Museum, accompanied Norman Tindale on European History). Few scientific specimens of two of his later trips to north-western South Australia; mammals from the area exist from that period, and most one in February 1966, the other in December 1968. of these reside in museums overseas. During these times he collected and mammals, and recorded local Aboriginal names and hunting From the early 1900s to the early 1930s, the main techniques for the mammals in his unpublished journal sources of information (and the few museum specimens (kept at the SA Museum). that do exist, in Australia at least) came from the work of: In 1967, Philpott and Smyth (1967 a, b) undertook a • Richard Maurice in 1901 and 1902 (see Gara 1994, mammal-collecting trip through the north-west of South 1996) Australia and into nearby areas of Western Australia. • Herbert Basedow in 1903 (see Basedow 1904, They made many observations of native and introduced 1905, 1915) mammals and collected several voucher specimens for • Captain S. A. White in 1914 (see White 1915) and the SA Museum. • R. M. Williams in 1926-28 (see Williams and Ruhen 1984). Then, following the record-breaking rains through central Australia in 1973-75 Steve Morton of the Then between 1931 and 1935, Hedley Finlayson began CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology in Alice his mammal survey and research work in central Springs made a brief trip into the AP Lands. This trip Australia. This thorough work included the collection was notable for his collection of Long-haired or Plague of museum voucher specimens and the systematic Rats (Rattus villosissimus) that were present during this documentation of ecological and natural history time. information obtained from his Aboriginal ‘hosts’ and ‘teachers’ and through personal observation (see In September 1985, Cath Kemper (Curator of Mammals Finlayson 1935, 1961). He also made a systematic at the SA Museum), Peter Copley, Jill Tideman and collection of well-documented black and white Kevin Jordan undertook a 3-week mammal survey trip, photographs throughout his travels (e.g. see his classic in the eastern and central portions of the region, book The Red Centre – Man and Beast in the Heart of primarily searching for stick-nest rats and (see Australia (Finlayson 1946)). Much of his work was Copley et al. 1989). This work eventually lead to the conducted in the AP Lands and many important biological survey of the AP Lands described in this mammal specimens were collected during this time. As report. Several mammal species were recorded for the indicated in Table 23 below, some of Finlayson’s region for the ‘first time’ (at least in scientific recording collection resides at the SA Museum, while the terms) during this trip, through both trapping and the majority is now housed with the Parks and Wildlife collection of old and recent owl pellets. Commission of the Northern Territory in . There have been two recent surveys of comparable Also during this time, the noted anthropologist and areas in the Northern Territory at National Park naturalist Norman Tindale began his studies of the (Reid et al. 1991) and the West MacDonnell Ranges Aboriginal groups in the Central Ranges and northern (Gibson and Cole 1993). Great Victoria Desert of South Australia and adjoining areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Prior to the biological survey program beginning in His observations of the local flora and fauna, especially earnest in 1992, the South Australian Museum had 307 as they related to the daily activities of the Aboriginal native mammal specimens from the region. A summary groups he lived with (hunting, cooking, eating), are of the numbers of species and specimens collected for documented in his many published papers, books, rolls the SA Museum by major collectors is provided in of black and white film (see – 1933) and Table 23 below. large collection of journals. Most are housed at the SA 198 Table 23. Major collections of mammal specimens from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands from 1891 until 1991 housed at the SA Museum.

Collector No. of Species No. of Specimens % of Total Specimens S. A. White 3 21 7 (1914) Finlayson 10 74 24 (1931-35) (24)* (257)* Tindale (1933) 12 24 8 Aitken 8 57 19 (1963 & 1968) Philpott & Smyth 4 10 3 (1967) Morton (1975) 6 10 3 Kemper (1985) 15 74 24 (* Specimens collected from the AP Lands and housed in the Finlayson Collection in Alice Springs)

TOTAL MAMMAL FAUNA: CURRENT AND • the - mole EXTINCT • three species of macropod Since 1991, the biological survey of the AP Lands has • four species of native rodent added significantly to scientific understanding of the • 10 species of insectivorous , and ecological requirements of the region’s mammals and • the (see Table 24). of their current distributions. All mammal records from the South Australian Museum, from the Biological Extinct species Survey and Opportune databases, and from published Unfortunately, the information above suggests that, of records with reliable species identifications have now the 44 native species listed for the AP Lands (Appendix been collated for the study area (Appendix IV). IV), at least 18 must now be presumed extinct. Species Previously documented Anangu records of mammals included in this category have not been recorded in the for the area were also checked and added to, through region for at least 50 years despite systematic and the recording of traditional ecological knowledge. relatively intensive searches. These include: • three species of carnivorous marsupial This compilation of records indicates that up to 44 • four species of macropod native and 9 introduced mammal species have existed • all four bandicoot and bilby species, within the AP Lands within the past few hundred years. • the • the Common Extant species • The fauna-survey activity in the region since 1991 has four species of native rodent and • recorded 25 extant native species. Two of these, one species of insectivorous bat (see Table 24). Sminthopsis crassicaudata and tenuirostris, represent additions to the list of 43 native species RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF MAMMAL collated for the region by Copley et al. (1989). SPECIES Taphozous hilli (or Hill’s Sheathtail-bat), that was The relative abundance of mammals observed during recorded at two locations during 1985 by Copley et al. the survey of the AP Lands is shown in Table 25. (1989) was not subsequently recorded during the regional biological survey. However, neither of the two locations known for this species has been re-surveyed and, as Copley et al. (1989) observe, the species is ‘probably locally common’. A specific survey method to search crevices in large caves is required to locate this species. In addition the White-striped Mastiff Bat, Nyctonomus australis, was only recorded at opportunistic sampling locations away from standard sample quadrats.

There are therefore at least 27 extant native mammal species currently occurring on the AP Lands including.

• one monotreme • seven species of carnivorous marsupial 199 Table 24. Comparison of Extant and Extinct Native Mammal Species recorded from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands up to 2000 (By Family and )

Genus No. Species Extant No. Species Extinct Proportion Extinct (%) Sub-class: Prototheria; : Monotremata; Family: Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus 1 0 0 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: ; Family: Myrmecobiidae Myrmecobius 0 1 100 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: Dasyuromorphia; Family: Dasycercus 0 1 100 Dasyurus 0 1 100 Pseudantechinus 1 0 0 1 0 0 Planigale 1 0 0 Antechinomys 0 (?) 1 (?) 100 (?) Sminthopsis 4 0 0 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: ; Family: Chaeropus 0 1 100 Isoodon 0 1 100 0 1 100 Macrotis 0 1 100 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: Notoryctemorphia; Family: Notoryctes 1 0 0 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: Diprotodontia; Family: Phalangeridae Trichosurus 0 1 100 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: Diprotodontia; Family: Potoroidae Bettongia 0 2 100 Sub-class: Marsupialia; Order: Diprotodontia; Family: Macropodidae Lagorchestes 0 1 100 Macropus 2 0 0 Onychogalea 0 1 100 Petrogale 1 0 0 Sub-class: Eutheria; Order: Chiroptera; Family: Emballonuridae Taphozous 1 0 0 Sub-class: Eutheria; Order: Chiroptera; Family: Megadermatidae Macroderma 0 1 100 Sub-class: Eutheria; Order: Chiroptera; Family: Molossidae Mormopterus 1 0 0 Tadarida (Nyctonomus ) 1 0 0 Nyctophilus 1 0 0 Chalinolobus 2 0 0 Scotorepens 2 0 0 Vespadelus 2 0 0 Sub-class: Eutheria; Order: Rodentia; Family: Muridae Leggadina 1 0 0 Leporillus 0 1 100 Notomys 1 1 50 Pseudomys 2 1 33 Rattus 1 (?) 0 (?) 0 (?)

Totals 27 18 40%

200 Table 25. Relative abundance of the mammal species across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Introduced species are marked with an *.

Species Common Name No No % of total No observed Frequency quadrats observed quadrats (opportune ) (opportune ) (quadrats ) *Oryctolagus cuniculus 87 151 53 165 61 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Sandy Inland Mouse 84 327 51 1 1 Canis lupus dingo Dingo 79 103 48 55 51 *Mus musculus 73 337 44 1 1 Sminthopsis ooldea Ooldea 46 81 28 *Camelus dromedarius 44 67 27 246 65 Macropus robustus Euro 43 85 26 20 16 Notomys alexis Spinifex Hopping-mouse 36 151 22 Ningaui ridei Wongai Ningaui 34 59 21 Macropus rufus Red Kangaroo 31 40 19 38 29 *Vulpes vulpes 29 38 18 *Felis catus Cat 26 30 16 13 13 Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked 22 34 13 *Bos taurus Cattle 19 21 12 Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus 18 39 11 1 1 *Equus caballus Horse 16 26 10 15 9 *Equus asinus Donkey 13 17 8 34 8 Pseudomys desertor Desert Mouse 11 23 7 Sminthopsis hirtipes Hairy-footed Dunnart 9 16 5 Petrogale lateralis Black-footed Rock-wallaby 9 15 5 1 1 Macropus sp. Kangaroo 8 8 3 Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat 5 11 2 69 19 Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart 5 7 2 Leggadina forresti Forrest’s Mouse 4 9 2 Notoryctes typhlops 4 5 2 3 3 *Equus sp. Horse/Donkey 4 4 2 Notomys sp. Hopping-mouse 4 4 2 Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum 4 4 2 Sminthopsis crassicaudata Fat-tailed Dunnart 3 3 2 Leporillus sp. Stick-nest Rat 2 6 1 1 1 Mormopterus spp. Southern Freetail-bats 2 2 1 7 7 Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat 1 20 0.6 10 10 Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat 1 10 0.6 7 7 Vespadelus finlaysoni Finlayson’s Cave Bat 1 4 0.6 1 1 Planigale tenuirostris Narrow-nosed Planigale 1 3 0.6 * Capra hircus Goat 1 3 0.6 Scotorepens balstoni Inland Broad-nosed Bat 1 1 0.6 Scotorepens greyii Little Broad-nosed Bat 1 1 0.6 Vespadelus baverstocki Inland Forest Bat 1 1 0.6 Tadarida australis White-striped Freetail-bat 0 0 0 3 3 Grand Total 141 1765 691 307

201 Table 25 (above) indicates the frequency of recording Rare species of mammal species on sample quadrats across the AP Six of the seven native mammal species recorded at Lands. Eighteen (50%) of the 36 species recorded only a single survey site were insectivorous bats. during the site surveys were detected at more than 10% Though several of these were recorded more frequently of the 144 mammal survey sites sampled in the region. at opportunistic sampling sites, the apparent rarity owes These 18 species included 9 native species and 9 more to an overall lower sampling effort and the introduced species. difficulties involved in catching some species of bats.

The most frequently recorded species, using all The three dasyurids recorded least frequently – methods such as observation, tracks, scats, and Planigale tenuirostris, Sminthopsis crassicaudata and skeletal material was the introduced Rabbit S. macroura – all owe their apparent rarity to the (Oryctolagus cuniculus) constituting 8.5% of records relative paucity of suitable within the survey on survey sites but recorded for 60% of these sites. area. All three species are much more common in the Stony Deserts IBRA region immediately to the west The two most frequently trapped species however, were (see Brandle 2000) and the records here represent the the two small rodents, the Sandy Inland Mouse, western margins of those land systems rather than those Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, and the introduced of the Great Victoria Desert and Central Ranges IBRA House Mouse (Mus musculus). Interestingly, these two regions (Thackway and Cresswell 1995) species are both small murid rodents of similar body size with considerable overlap in dietary and other While Forrest’s Mouse Leggadina forresti, the Desert requirements. Mouse Pseudomys desertor and the Hairy-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis hirtipes were also recorded The two most abundant (and frequently recorded) small relatively infrequently, this appears to reflect a native mammal species were the rodents, the Sandy narrower range of habitats that they occupy and a Inland Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) and the proportionately lower frequency of sampling intensity Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis). These for such habitats. This certainly seems to be the case species have well documented boom and bust life for the Hairy-footed Dunnart, which occurs only in cycles (e.g. Masters 1998; Dickman et al. 1999), dune habitats with Triodia hummock grassland present similar to the House Mouse, and would have been and has a more ‘restricted’ westerly distribution – the recorded with much higher frequencies had all survey records from near Makiri Homeland representing the periods followed good seasonal conditions. eastern-most records for this species, in SA at least. Unfortunately, over a six-year survey period this did not occur and, consequently, frequency records need to The other rarely recorded native species were the be interpreted with care. Despite their boom and bust Black-flanked Rock-wallaby or Waru Petrogale life-cycles, it is interesting to note that Pseudomys lateralis and the Southern Marsupial-mole or Itjari hermannsburgensis was recorded at more than twice as itjari Notoryctes typhlops. The rock-wallaby has many survey sites as Notomys alexis, indicating that become truly rare in the AP Lands over the past 70 this Pseudomys is more of a generalist than the years or so and most records during the survey were hopping-mouse. This may simply relate to the more from old faecal pellets still present in caves and rock particular soil requirements for the deep shelters (see later). By comparison, records of the systems that this hopping-mouse species excavates marsupial-mole are probably so rare because the compared to the simple and relatively shallow burrows is so difficult to encounter above ground (and next to of the Pseudomys. impossible to encounter underground). Reports of this species appear to have become less frequent in the past Other common and widespread native species include few decades despite an increased presence of people the Dingo or Papa Inura (Canis lupus dingo), the traversing the lands in 4 wheel-drive and other vehicles (Sminthopsis ooldea) and Wongai (also see later). Ningaui (Ningaui ridei) - both referred to as Mingkiri the Euro or Kanyala (Macropus robustus) and Red ABORIGINAL NOMENCLATURE AND Kangaroo or Malu (M. rufus), the Echidna or TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Tjilkamata (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the Fat-tailed This section summarises much of the Anangu Pseudantechinus or Anula (Pseudantechinus information recorded for mammals on and around the macdonnellensis). AP Lands. The Anangu traditional ecological knowledge is presented mainly in point and tabular Other common and widespread introduced species form, and to a lesser extent as quotes. The information include the Arabian Camel (Camelus dromedarius), the presented is derived from interviews and discussions (Vulpes vulpes), the (Felis catus), with over 120 Anangu informants collected during the Domestic Cattle (Bos taurus), Feral Horses (Equus 8 year survey. Other than where noted, this knowledge caballus), Feral Donkeys (Equus asinus) and Mules is shared and corroborated by many Anangu. Some which are hybrids between these two species. detail has been omitted where it related to the spiritual significance of a species and assessed as information 202 that should not be reproduced in a widely distributed Anangu publication. Some mammal names documented below are specific to Yankunytjatjara, and others to Pitjantjatjara, with some Published accounts names used by both language speakers. Language- Several studies of arid mammal faunas, focussing on specific names and terms were, where specified by the the decline of species have been undertaken in and informant, recorded and noted as such. All informants, around the AP Lands, and several have interviewed however, were multi-lingual with Pitjantjatjara and Aboriginal people, usually with the aid of museum Yankunytjatjara and so the distinction was not always skins, to obtain information. For example, Finlayson made. Consequently, some of the information provided (1935, 1961) provided the first comprehensive record reflects a combination of both language knowledge of Anangu names and distribution information on many bases. of the species now rare or extinct. Burbidge and Fuller (1979) and Burbidge, et al. (1988) undertook surveys Species identified by Anangu may have either: of Aboriginal knowledge of rare and extinct mammal 1 species-specific name(s) species across the arid zone. Copley, et al. (1989) 2 a generic name - which applies to a variety of surveyed areas within the AP Lands, and Baker, et al. species, or (1993) undertook similar work to the current survey at 3 a combination of both species-specific and generic Uluru - National Park (UKTNP). names.

A total of 70 different Anangu names were recorded One reason for multiple species-specific names is that from 709 records for 43 different mammal species Anangu are multi-lingual and species names vary during the biological survey field work (Table 26). between languages and dialects. Another reason relates Appendix XI presents a compilation of the Tables in to the custom of changing names and the old name not this chapter sorted by the Anangu names, together with being used for a period of time due to the death of an relevant names from the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara Anangu person whose name was the same or similar. to English Dictionary (Goddard 1992).

Table 26. Anangu Names for Mammal Species in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands of South Australia. The number at the end of each name is the total number of times that name was recorded.

Species Anangu Common Name Common Name Echidna Family: Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Tjilkamata (5/12) Short-beaked Echidna Tjirilya (7/12 ) Numbat Family: Myrmecobiidae Myrmecobius fasciatus Walputi (11/11) Numbat Dasyurids Family: Dasyuridae Murtja (4/5) Dasycercus cristicauda Arutju (1/5) Dasyurus geoffroii Partjata (5/5) Western Mingkiri (6/7) Wongai Ningaui Ningaui ridei Mingkiri purunypa* (1/6) Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis Anula(6/ 19 ) Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus Arutj u (2/19) Artika (1/19) Ilpalya (1/19) Ilykiri (1/19) Murtja (1/19) Sminthopsis hirtipes Mingkiri (2/2) Hairy-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura Anula (1/2) Stripe-faced Dunnart Arutju (1/2) Sminthopsis ooldea Mingkiri(8/ 14 ) Ooldea Dunnart Anula(1/ 14 ) Murtj a purunypa* (2/14) Mingkiri purunypa* (1/14) Murtja (1/14) Pitji-pitji (1/14)

203 and Bilbies Family: Peramelidae Chaeropus ecaudatus Kanytjilpa (2/2) Pig-footed Bandicoot Isoodon auratus Makura (4/8) Nyulu (2/8) Wintaru (1/8) Murtja purunypa* (1/8) Macrotis lagotis Ninu (P) (6/13) Greater Bilby Tjalku ( 5/13) Marura (2/13) Macrotis leucura Ilpalya (1/1) Lesser Bilby Perameles bougainville Makura (1/2) Walilya (1/2) Marsupial Mole Family: Notoryctidae Notoryctes typhlops Itjari-itjari (Itjaritjari) (18/ 18 ) Marsupial Mole Possums Family: Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Wayuta (19/19) Common Brushtail Possum Bettongs Family: Potoroidae Bettongia lesueur Mitika (7/7) Burrowing Bettong Bettongia penicillata Karpitji (6/6) Brush-tailed Bettong Kangaroos and Wallabies Family: Macropodidae Lagorchestes hirsutus Mala (11/11) Rufous -wallaby Macropus robustus Kanyala (21/22), Euro Kiti-kiti (1/22) Macropus rufus Malu (32/32) Red Kangaroo Onychogalea lunata Tawalpa (4/4) Crescent Nailtail Wallaby Petrogale lateralis Waru (43/43) Black-footed Rock-wallaby False Vampires Family: Megadermatidae Macroderma gigas Ulpurupuru (3/4) Kulpitjaturu (1/4) Freetail Bats Family: Molossidae Mormopterus sp. Pinytjantjara (1/1) Southern Freetail bats Tadarida australis Pinytjantjara (1/1) White-striped Freetail-bat Ordinary Bats Family: Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus morio Pinytjantjara (3/3) Chocolate Wattled Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi Pinytjantjara (1/1) Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus gouldi Pinytjantjara (1/1) Gould’s Long-eared Bat Dogs Family: Canidae Canis lupus dingo Papa Inura (57/57) Dingo Vulpes vulpes Tuuka ( 35 / 36 ) Fox Pakutja (1/ 36 ) Cat Family: Felidae Felis catus Ngaya (30/32) Cat Mulku (1/ 32 ) Tjarnga (1/ 32 ) Horses and Donkeys Family: Equidae Equus caballus Nyantj u (15/15) Horse Family: Camelidae Camelus dromedarius Kamula (33/33) One-humped Camel Murid Rodents Family: Muridae Leggadina forresti Mingkiri (2/3), Forrest’s Mouse Ulyulyu (1/3) Leporillus apicalis Tjuwalpi (14/14) Lesser Stick-nest Rat Mus musculus Mingkiri ((4/4) House Mouse

204 Notomys alexis Tarkawara (29/30) Spinifex Hopping-mouse Wiltjinypa (1/30) Pseudomys desertor Mingkiri (4/7) Desert Mouse Kangu (2/7) Anula (1/7) Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Mingkiri( 21 / 21 ) Sandy Inland Mouse Rabbit Family: Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculus Rapita (58/58) Rabbit purunypa* means similar to the animal name preceding it but it is not the same animal.

Generic names used for the other Sminthopsis species and for As is clearly demonstrated by Table 26, Anangu use Pseudomys desertor, although it was less consistently generic names for a wide range of small mammal applied. When viewing animals held in the hand, species. Mostly these fall into two broad groups that Anangu recognised that there were differences in teeth are described below. types and teats and pouches between rodents and . Generally this did not affect the use of the Mingkiri() Table 27 is consistently used in reference to name Mingkiri. At times, particularly when a larger Mus musculus, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, female marsupial was being considered, Anangu would Ningaui ridei, and although few were captured, also for move to names such as Murjta purunypa (similar to, but Leggadina forresti, and Sminthopsis hirtipes and refers not the same as, Mulgara) , Mingkiri purunypa (similar to small mammals up to 20 grams. It was also at times to, but not the same as, Mingkiri).

Table 27. Anangu names for the Mingkiri Group in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands, South Australia

Species Anangu Name *Weight Range (g) Ningaui ridei Mingkiri (6/7), 6.5 - 13 Mingkiri purunypa (1/7) Sminthopsis hirtipes Mingkiri (2/2) 14 - 19 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis Mingkiri( 17 / 17 ) 9 - 14 Mus musculus Mingkiri (4/4) 10 - 25 Sminthopsis ooldea Mingkiri(8/ 14 ), 8 - 15 Anula(1/14), Murj ta purunypa (2/ 14 ) , Mingkiri purunypa (1/14), Murtj a (1/14), Pitji-pitji (1/14) Pseudomys desertor Mingkiri (4/7), 19 - 28 Kangu (2/7), Anula (1/7) Leggadina forresti Mingkiri (2/3) 15 - 25 Ulyulyu (1/3) * After Strahan R. (1983). Complete Book of Australian Mammals. ** The first number at the end of each name is the total times that name was recorded; second number is total of names recorded for that particular species.

The obvious presence of a and a larger size and grouping it was not possible however to determine body weight above approximately 20 grams appears to when this species first appeared on the AP Lands. place the animal out of the Mingkiri group. It is possible that most of the smaller mammals were not Pinytjantjara is used for all microbat species. A total of classified separately due to their small size and lack of 6 bat species captured on survey were named as utility for Anangu (i.e. they were not, or only rarely, Pinytjantjara, they included: Chalinolobus gouldii, C. eaten). In addition, their tracks are very small and morio, Mormopterus spp, Nyctophilus geoffroyi, difficult to distinguish and there appear to be no clearly Nyctophilus gouldi and Tadarida australis. identifiable Sminthopsisor Ningaui burrow systems. This is in contrast to larger animals such as Spinifex Species-specific names Hopping-mice and that have clearly Many of the species in the 20 - 170 grams weight range recognisable tracks and burrow systems. have individual Anangu names; for example, the Mulgara (Murtja), the Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus Anangu recognised that Mus musculus was a species (Anula) and Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Tarkawara). introduced by Europeans. Because of the generic The (Antechinomys laniger) was not captured 205 during the survey and so we were not able to compare with a brush on the end. It had a striking appearance its identification with the Spinifex Hopping-mouse with a black head and nose and black fur. It was (Notomys alexis) which it closely resembles. reported to be larger than a Tarkawara (Spinifex Hopping-mouse) and similar in size to Anula (possibly Many of the species in the 20 - 170 grams weight range Antechinomys laniger or Pseudantechinus have individual Anangu names; for example, the macdonnellensis?). Mulgara. The original mammal fauna of Uluru-Kata Tj uta Unidentified species National Park was investigated through the The use of names recorded appears to vary at times identification of bone material deposited in caves on between the AP Lands and Uluru – Kata Tj uta National Uluru and Kata Tj uta (Baynes and Baird 1992). Within Park (UKTNP). For example, at UKTNP, the list of mammal species recorded from the caves, Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis was routinely there are a number of small mammals (now locally or identified as Arutj u and only occasionally as Murtja. entirely extinct) for which we do not have Anangu Anangu identified the name Arutj u as applying to the names. It is possible that a number of the names that rock-dwelling animal (Pseudantechinus Anangu provided on the AP Lands survey originally macdonnellensis) as opposed to the sand-dwelling belonged to one or other of these species. For example, animal (Dasycercus cristicauda) which was routinely names such as Anula, Ilpalya, Ninyama, Punyu, identified as Murtja. Both of these species are still Wiltinypa, Artika and Ilykiri may represent names for residing and seen by Anangu at UKTNP. This strong these extinct taxa. The species of note include: distinction was not made on the AP Lands. This may calura (Red-tailed Phascogale), be due to the fact that while Fat-tailed were Sminthopsis psammophila (), captured and seen by Anangu during the AP Lands Sminthopsis longicaudata (Long-tailed Dunnart), surveys, Mulgaras were not captured or seen during the Notomys amplus (Short-tailed Hopping- mouse), entire biological survey and have not been seen by Notomys longicaudatus (Long-tailed Hopping-mouse), Anangu on the lands for many years. Rattus villosissimus (Long-haired Rat) and Zyzomys pedunculatus (Central Rock-rat). No definite identification was made for Anula. The relationship between the smaller mammals was It is almost certain that much of the confusion with explained by Anangu at UKTNP as: regard to Anangu names and species equivalents will ‘Anula is the same as Mingkiri. There are lots of never be resolved, as good museum specimens do not animals that are Mingkiri but have different names, exist for several of the species. Detailed memory of just as there are lots of Liru (venomous ) that species that are locally extinct is fading from Anangu have different names. They live in different places memory (particularly as there are now few Anangu in different countries, not j ust at Uluru and Kata alive who would have seen them, and those that did are Tjuta. If it has a big tail it is Murtja; that is, a fat now very elderly and frail). Despite this Mary Pa, tail, not long; if it has long legs it is a Tarkawara; if whilst hunting at Wartaru, was able to accurately it has lots of fur it is Anula’ (Baker, et al.1993). identify and capture a live Takura, (Egernia kintorei), Anula was also described as having red/ dark coloured the Giant Desert . This rare species, which Mary fur, similar to rabbit fur. It has a long nose, long ears, had never before encountered, was accurately identified long tail with a tassel or at least a frizzy end and two by her from traditional ecological knowledge imparted long teeth (like Mingkiri). The female has long nipples to her from senior Anangu regarding the ’s (Baker, et al. 1993). (Editor’s note: Norman Tindale’s physical characteristics, habitat, and burrow 1933 unpublished journals include an account (pp. 365; construction. 367-369) of an Antechinomys being flushed from spinifex by his camels and being killed by the CURRENT MAMMAL FAUNA Aboriginals’ dogs. The two Anangu names recorded The species summaries below have information for this animal were Pitji-pitji and Anula. The journal provided by Anangu as dot points first, followed by includes a sketch of the animal.) additional comments arising from survey findings and a literature review, in paragraph form. Anangu Anangu also referred to two species, Ninyama and observations at variance with current natural history Punyu, which we were unable to associate with any understanding or not previously recorded are given as species in the mammal records, due to limited italicised dot points. descriptive information being available. Tachyglossus aculeatus (Tjilkamata, Tjirilya, Short- Ninyama was stated to now be extinct. It was described beaked Echidna) as a white-coloured animal, which dug a shelter or • Found throughout the AP Lands; burrow and lived in limestone country. • Most common among the rocks. Dig small scrapes under the rocks then sit inside (Minmitjunanyi); Punyu lived in a burrow in the spinifex, and made a tracks occasionally seen in sand plain country. nest in the burrow. It had a large head and long tail 206 • Diet consists of and . Termites are Sminthopsis hirtipes (Mingkiri, Hairy-footed often dug up by Tjilkamata after rain. Dunnart) • A favoured food of Anangu; excellent meat with Recorded from sand dune habitats with Triodia plenty of fat. hummocks and Desert Thryptomene present. Appears to be a species of the Great Victoria Desert bio-region. Echidna signs were recorded from 22 of the 144 mammal survey quadrats during the survey period. A Regional status: Uncommon; probably widespread but range of habitats were represented. in a narrow range of habitat types and may require carefully targeted surveys; apparently secure. The Regional status: Widespread; occurs in most habitats species is listed as Rare in SA and this appears at low densities; apparently secure but little information warranted given the low encounter rate for the large on threats; some evidence for by and survey effort to date. However, the Great Victoria dingoes. Desert biological survey planned for the area south of the AP Lands, can be expected to encounter this species Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis (Arutju or Anula, more frequently. Fat tailed Pseudantechinus) (Fig. 119) • They live only in rocks outcrops and rocky hills, Sminthopsis macroura (Mingkiri, Stripe-faced making a small burrow under the rocks. Dunnart) • Two names were being use: Anula used in the west The seven specimens captured at five sites during the and Arutju in the east of the AP Lands. survey were all recorded along the eastern margins of the AP Lands, primarily in very open Stony Desert / Thirty-nine individuals were recorded from 18 sites chenopod shrubland sites on Downs pastoral during the survey, all of them on rocky hills. Some of lease. These localities represent the western limits of the hills where this species was recorded are relatively this species’ distribution in SA. small , isolated from other hills by long distances of intervening sand dune and sand plain Regional status: Locally common and widespread habitats. from the eastern AP Lands, eastwards; secure.

Regional status: Widespread on rocky hills including Sminthopsis ooldea (Mingkiri, Ooldea Dunnart) many of the isolated inselbergs remote from the main (Fig. 118) ranges; apparently secure. This is a very widespread and common species that occurs in a wide variety of habitats across the AP Ningaui ridei (Mingkiri, Wongai Ningaui) (Fig. 117) Lands. Eighty-one individuals were captured at 46 of All records were from pitfall traps associated with the 144 mammal survey quadrats. spinifex Hummock Grassland. Fifty-nine captures were recorded at a total of 34 sites. Regional status: Widespread, apparently at a low population density; secure. Regional status: Widespread and common; secure. Notoryctes typhlops (Itjari-itjari, Itjaritjari, Planigale tenuirostris (Mingkiri, Narrow-nosed Southern Marsupial Mole) (Figs 121, 122) Planigale) The SA Museum has 7 specimens: The one site where the three were caught 1 x labelled ‘Musgrave Ranges’; Nov. 1921 during the survey was a samphire shrubland along a 1 x ‘5 miles NW of Mt Caroline’, 28/06/1933; Tindale lake margin. This habitat type is uncommon in the AP & Hackett Lands. This site belongs with others from the Stony 1 x Poka (True Gap), Mann Ranges 06/1933; ditto Deserts IBRA region. 1 x Koonapandi, Musgrave Ranges, 22/06/1933; ditto 1 x Granite Downs, 27/05/1963 Regional status: Localised, but probably occurs in 1 x 25 Mile Bore, Musgrave Park 20/02/1966; P. F. suitable cracking clay habitats on the eastern margins of Aitken the AP Lands; secure. 1 x Mintabie township, 17/04/1986 • Only found in soft sandy soil like sand plains and Sminthopsis crassicaudata (Mingkiri, Fat-tailed sand dunes. Dunnart) • They are ‘common’ in some areas but sparse in Single individuals were captured from each of three others. chenopod shrubland sites on the eastern margins of the • Known to occur at Umpukulu, Mulga Park, AP Lands. These sites belong with others from the Wamikata, Victory Downs, Uluru, Witapula (west Stony Deserts IBRA region. of Mt Connor) and to the south-west of Walatina. • They are blind and dig quickly, travelling up and Regional status: Localised, but common in suitable down through the sand. habitats along the eastern portions of the AP Lands; • They are a clean white colour. secure. • They are known to eat honey ants and termites. 207 • Come above ground after rain to eat termites and powerful front legs. We placed it in a large drink water. pannikin of sand and it seemed fairly quiet.’ • Few Anangu have seen Itjari-itjari; though many (Tindale 1933 ms; see Gara 1996). have seen its tracks and can describe the animal The South Australian Museum has two other specimens and some of its habits. of this species collected by Tindale in 1933. • Detailed knowledge of Itjari-itjari behaviour is rare. Thirty years later, and within a few kilometres of where • An informant at Ngarutjara however stated that the he encountered the first animal, another marsupial-mole male and female meet on top of the ground then go was encountered. Peter Aitken, who was travelling underneath together. with Tindale: • A good time to catch them is when they are mating ‘… followed a lead from one of the on the surface in spring. Aborigines and went to a sandhill south of • One observation reported to us was of an Itjari here and found a single marsupial mole which itjari being found sleeping above ground, in the strangely had crawled to the surface, left a spinifex, during the day. track and died, as if old age or sickness. It • The female makes a nest in spinifex like a to was still fresh and could have been dead only mate and have young, then they separate and go an hour or two.’ (Tindale 1966 ms; see Gara back underground. 1996).

The explorer Maurice obtained a specimen of the Aitken’s (unpublished) journal account of this incident marsupial mole on one of his early trips, with the help notes that of his Aboriginal guide, Mungena (probably in the ‘… Andrew had no difficulty in finding it [the 1890s). Gara (1996) found an undated note among his animal], the tracks continued from above the manuscripts that read: position he had seen them the previous day, ‘ On our way to Youldeh [Ooldea] we saw and continued down the slope of the sand for many of the pretty little Notoryctes typhlops, about 10 ft (3 m). On digging in the sand at called by the natives ‘arritarita’. It is a kind the end of the track the dead animal was of marsupial mole and is very difficult to produced about 4 inches (10 cm) below the catch. … They can be traced by a line of rising surface.’ in the soil which occurs every foot or so. They breed about July or August and it is During the recent biological survey, evidence of supposed by the natives that when the young marsupial moles was found at only four of the 144 get big the mother them and returns mammal survey sites and on each occasion this was only to give them milk. The young have been from tracks and pop-holes only. Most records on the seen in the pouch.’ AP Lands have come from opportunistic sightings or reports of tracks / pop-holes away from standard survey However, on his subsequent trip across the Great quadrats. All records have been from either sand dune Victoria Desert and on to the Cambridge Gulf in 1902, or sand plain habitats. Over the entire survey period, Maurice failed in his attempts to obtain specimens of no survey team member saw a live marsupial-mole and the marsupial mole for Professor Stirling at the SA only three sightings of live animals were reported to us. Museum. In an interview with the Register Two of these animals died and their corpses were (21/11/1902) he stated that ‘we were unable to get a subsequently obtained for the SA Museum. marsupial mole, although we saw tracks of the animal, and Mr Murray had the pleasure of seeing for the first Dr Joe Benshemesh, through some seed-funding from time the natives tracking marsupial moles under the National Parks and Wildlife SA, has commenced ground.’ investigating methods for studying and monitoring marsupial-mole individuals and populations on the AP Tindale recorded observations of two marsupial moles Lands, in association with AP Land Management and that he encountered in the AP Lands. In 1933 when he traditional owners. was travelling through sand dune country between the Regional status: Possibly still widespread, but rarely Mann and Musgrave Ranges with a group of seen, even by Anangu; incidence of reporting has Pitjantjatjara people he recorded: decreased in the past two or three decades; despite ‘… at 11:20 the native boy ahead spotted an many more people travelling through the sandy desert obscure mark on the surface and dived down regions now; one of our least-studied mammals; hair and with a few scratchings brought to light a and bone remains found in fox and dingo scats marsupial mole which he placed in our hands. collected from suitable habitats; listed nationally and Its position was about 9 inches [22cm] below a within SA as Endangered; current research aims to spinifex tuft and no visible hole remained for develop techniques for determining status more us to examine; we were all very interested in accurately and objectively. the remarkable animal; … It made incessant efforts to escape by burrowing with its 208 Macropus robustus (Kanyala, Euro) By comparison, Murray (1904) reported seeing several • Come down from the rocks at night onto the flat kangaroos at Ooldea when setting out on an exploration ground to feed. trip in 1901 but did not see any others until he reached • They are easier to spear or shoot, or for dingoes to the mountain ranges on the desert’s northern edge. He catch, when they are on the flats. recorded about 10 sightings of kangaroos while • An old name for Kanyala is Kiti-kiti. exploring the Rawlinson (WA), Tomkinson, Mann and Musgrave Ranges. On his return trip to Fowlers Bay he A widespread species associated with all ranges and did not record any kangaroos in the sand dune desert most outlying rocky hills. Euros were recorded at 43 country (see Gara 1996). survey sites, but mostly from the presence of their characteristic faecal pellets. They were seen Finlayson (1961) observed that: infrequently during survey trips. See below for early ‘normally it is absent from the major sand explorers’ accounts. ridge areas and from the larger expanses of spinifex flats, but its phenomenal mobility Regional status: Widespread and locally common; enables it to exploit all types of country when secure. At two sites where predator controls have been favourable changes in the vegetation occur’. in place since 1997 to protect very small and highly He also noted that endangered rock-wallaby colonies, Euros are now ‘the big ‘ mobs’ which are familiar sights in particularly abundant. many parts of the pastoral country farther south are not ordinarily seen, and constant Macropus rufus (Malu, Red Kangaroo) hunting by the blacks keeps them wary and • Live in the karu-karu (creeklines and floodout suspicious’ (Finlayson 1935). areas). • Younger animals are normally hunted in preference This is still a widespread species that was recorded at to the older males. 31 survey quadrats and many more opportunistic • Used to be common on the AP Lands but are now locations. Most observations were from Mulga sand uncommon. plain habitats. • Throughout the survey, Anangu raised concerns about Red Kangaroo numbers being in decline. Regional status: Widespread, but mostly at very low • One male will go searching for a new place to feed densities, especially where Anangu hunt them regularly; and then returns, lets the mob smell its breath continued existence in the AP Lands is probably secure, (with the scent of fresh feed), dances and calls to but very patchy potentially due to hunting pressures, the mob to follow. altered fire management regimes and competition from introduced . • After rain they may go to rocky country with the euro whilst they wait for the mud around the Petrogale lateralis (Waru, Black-footed Rock- creeks to dry out. wallaby) • Early European records of Red Kangaroos suggest that They used to occur on nearly all the rocky outcrops they have always been scarce in the Great Victoria living in narrow cracks and crevices. They also Desert and occur mostly around the ranges to the north used thickets of spinifex for cover, these temporary (usually at low densities). hideouts were called Ngurunguru. • They would come down to the flats at night to feed Giles (1889) reported that kangaroos and ‘wallabies’ and of a day would hide in narrow cracks and were numerous in the Musgrave Ranges in 1873 and crevices. • Gosse (1874) noted that they were common in the Were still very common on the AP Lands in the Tomkinson Ranges at the same time. early 1940s. • During droughts their numbers would be low and While prospecting in the Musgrave Ranges in they were hard to find. September 1889, Brown (1890) reported that: • Were hunted using several techniques. One way ‘Kangaroos of the red variety are tolerably was by throwing sticks at them, then climbing plentiful on the plains near the ranges, and the down to quickly finish them off. Another method euros are plentiful in the hills. Large numbers was to build a ‘yard’ with one side open and the of these are destroyed annually by the blacks Waru were chased into the yard and the gate was for food.’ closed. A third method involved digging a hole (pitfall) on the Waru track and covering it, then Lindsay, the leader of the 1891 Elder Expedition, using a barrier to guide the Waru into the hole. reported sightings of kangaroos near the Cavenagh • Diet includes Tjirin-tjirinpa (Abutilon sp.) on tops (NT) and Barrow (WA) Ranges, but did not see any of hills and Kulypurpa (Solanum during the long desert crossing from there to Queen quadriloculatum?) and Ili (Ficus brachypoda) on Victoria Springs (see Gara 1996). the foothills. Also includes Alura (not sighted), Ilintji (Themeda spp. and Cympopogon spp.) and 209 Purar-purarpa (Ptilotus obovatus), Wakati [1961], although it still persists at scattered points (Portulaca oleracea), Kulpu ukiri ( not sighted ) and there, it is a comparatively rare form.’ Awalyuru (Canthium latifolium). • Live in family groups. Peter Aitken (unpublishedj ournal and museum • They do not eat spinifex or drink water. collections) did not record the species during either of • Not many around now because the ceremonies his collecting trips to the region in December 1966 and have not been done. February 1968. And, in 1967, Philpott and Smythe (1967) recorded rock-wallabies at only one location – Rock-wallabies were reported by early explorers as Alkara, 145km SW of Mt Woodroffe. widespread through the ranges in the north of the AP Lands. The Musgrave, Mann and Tomkinson Ranges In September 1985, Copley et al. (1989) observed rock- ‘swarmed’ with rock-wallabies according to Giles wallabies at only one site – a large cave with boulders (1889), and Carruthers (1892) observed that this all around it, near Wamikata, j ust north of Ernabella. species was common throughout the ranges in the They also recorded five locations where they found old region. Helms (1896) similarly noted that rock- faecal pellets and five other locations where Anangu wallabies inhabited all the ranges and granite hills stated that rock-wallabies still occurred. along the northern margin of the Great Victoria Desert (see Gara 1996). During the biological survey of the AP Lands (1991 98), rock-wallabies were only located at two sites In 1904, Murray reported that rock-wallabies were despite considerable search effort. Because no rock- present in the Cavanagh (just into the NT), Mann and wallabies were being located at standard survey sites, a Musgrave Ranges, but considered them to be scarce in more targeted survey for the species was undertaken by the Everard Ranges. However, in contradiction of this Brad Nesbitt and (Nesbitt and view, Captain S. A. White stated that rock-wallabies Wikilyiri 1994). Many sites where Anangu thought were common in the granite rock-piles of the Everard that rock-wallabies, Waru, might still occur were Ranges in 1914, and particularly at Moorilyanna Well searched. This resulted in wallabies being found at the where he collected five specimens that are now in the two sites referred to above – near New Well and at SA Museum (White 1915). Sentinel Hill (Wamitjara), north and north-east of Ernabella. Old faecal pellets were found in caves at Helms (1896) recorded observations of hunting many of the sites examined, supporting the earlier techniques used by Aborigines in obtaining this species. accounts of the species’ former widespread distribution Among other things, he noted that the Aborigines and also supporting the claims of their more recent stalked the rock-wallabies when they left their rock serious decline. Exemplifying this, was the lack of any outcrops at dusk to feed. He also observed that the recent sign of wallabies at the Wamikata site where Aborigines constructed brushwood traps near these wallabies were seen in 1985. Genetic examination of outcrops, but that these were different from the kind of some ear tissue taken from a rock-wallaby trapped at traps used to catch bettongs and hare-wallabies. The Sentinel Hill in 1997 indicated that these animals trap he described, near the Everard Ranges, consisted belong to Petrogale lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race of two brushwood fences about 10m long that met at a (Eldridge, pers. comm., in litt.). right-angle. At the point where they met there was an opening, outside of which there was a deep pit covered After discussions with traditional owners for the over with branches. Just inside the opening a large homelands in the vicinity of the two known rock- rock was placed on the ground, and a thick branch wallaby colonies, a predator baiting program using placed across the opening. The latter seemed to dried 1080 meat baits was approved for implementation function as an obstacle to make the rock-wallaby jump at New Well and at Sentinel Hill. In each case, over the rock and land in the pit on the other side, from traditional owners defined the limits for the baiting which the animal could not escape. (See Gara 1996). areas by placing baits along the boundaries they were prepared to accept. AP Land Management has Captain S. A. White encountered ‘a great many rock- undertaken the baiting since on a 3-4 monthly basis. wallabies [that] came out at sundown on the western Baiting began in late 1997 and involves the placement side to bask on the rocks heated by the afternoon sun’, of baits about 2-400m apart along walked transects while camped amongst ‘huge granite outcrops’ east of mostly around the bases of the hills and along and over the Everard Ranges (White 1915). He also noted that the hills. Each baiting usually involves the placement ‘a few wallaby skins were added to the collection’ of baits at New Well and at Sentinel Hill. Baits are while he was camped at Moorilyanna Native Well known to have killed foxes, dingoes and some cats at during the same expedition. each site.

In 1961, Finlayson (1961) stated that ‘in 1932-35 it In 1999, Luke Geelen undertook an Adelaide [Petrogale lateralis] was one of the commonest University Honours Science project that established the mammals of the [region] with swarming populations in range/distribution of rock-wallaby faecal pellets on and many of the rocky outliers of the main ranges. Today around the hills at both known sites and also recorded 210 relative abundance and accumulation rates for faecal • They all live in burrows in a variety of habitats pellets on marked quadrats along marked transects at including woodland, sand plain, sand dune. both sites (Geelen 1999). • A variety of plants are important as food for some species in the Mingkiri group; these plants include: This work has since been followed up by John Read Brachiaria spp., Eragrostis spp., Panicum (2001) who found that the wallabies at New Well decompositum and Portulaca oleracea. appear to have responded favourably to the predator control program, but do not appear to have responded Pseudomys hermannsburgensis (Sandy Inland as noticeably at Sentinel Hill. However, Euro numbers Mouse) appear to have increased dramatically at both sites, The most commonly recorded small native mammal almost certainly because of the local reductions in during the surveys. Widespread and secure. Dingo numbers. Pseudomys desertor (Desert Mouse) (Fig. 127) In June 2001, John Read also undertook some further An infrequently recorded species, found in a range of rock-wallaby survey work and located a third colony on habitats including Triodia Hummock on the range between Kalka and Pipalyatjara communities. sand plains and hill slopes and Old Man Saltbush This colony appears to contain few animals. (Atriplex nummularia) shrublands on clayey floodout areas. A widespread arid zone species that is Regional status: Critically Endangered regionally and apparently secure but only rarely caught, although its in SA. The only other known colony in SA, in numbers increase significantly following good seasons relatively recent years was located north-east of (Read, Copley and Bird 1999). William Creek, and became extinct in 1998. Leggadina forresti (Forrest’s Mouse) Notomys alexis (Tarkawara, Spinifex Hopping- A rarely recorded species during this survey; found in mouse) (Fig. 126) Mitchell Grass cracking clay habitats and in very large • Found in the sand plain and sand dune country, or Triodia Hummock Grasslands on sandy flats between in soft soil areas of run-on areas around rocks. low hills. Much more commonly recorded in the stony • Related to Anula. desert plains further to the east. • Live in a burrow in family groups with many young. Pinytjantjara (microbat species) • The burrow has many chambers and pop-holes (Katata), as well as long escape tunnels blocked off • They are important animals and have Inma just under the surface and easily broken through if associated with them; required. • Sleep during day. Some live in trees, others in • Nest in one chamber on a bed of chewed spinifex. caves - all have the same name; • Create a highway where they travel through the • At night find them near water. spinifex. • Remain in an area after fire (Nyaru country). Bats were surveyed opportunistically during most field • They eat seeds and roots (including tubers) of trips. Most of the survey ‘effort’ was in the form of many plants including: Brachiaria spp., Cyperus Anabat recordings that are still to be analysed. Data bulbosus, quandong seed (Santalum acuminatum), summarised in Appendix IV comes from captures of Panicum decompositum and Portulaca oleracea. bats in mist-nets, harp-traps and, by hand, beneath bark, • Seeds are stored, then dug up and eaten during in hollows and in caves. hard times. • Occasionally used as meat source by Anangu. Regional status: Apart from the Ghost Bat, all species • Old name is Wiltjinypa. of micro-chiropteran bat appear to be secure in the AP Lands. Species include: Nyctophilus geoffroyi, Regional status: Widespread and irruptive. This was Mormopterus planiceps, Chalinolobus morio, the second-most commonly recorded native mammal Chalinolobus gouldii, Vespadelus finlaysoni, species during the years of the survey. Secure. Scotorepens balstoni, Scotorepens greyii and Vespadelus baverstocki. Mingkiri, Various small mouse-sized species Canis lupus dingo (Papa Inura, Dingo)  Papa Inura eat various foods, which include rabbit, • The name Mingkiri is applied all small mouse- , and . During dry periods when sized species, however each species is recognised local water holes have dried up Papa Inura are as being different to others either is physical likely to rest of a day and hunt at night, relying on characteristics or habitat use. moisture coming from their prey meat. • During droughts Mingkiri species die off then  Females are known to bury their kill and return breed up again after the rains. later to feed.

211  Male, female and pregnant females could all be far north as Oolarinna, just south of the Everard separately identified by their tracks. Ranges.  Dens are often constructed in rabbit warrens. The around the warren are often left alone by The spread of rabbits seems to have had a major the adult until the pups are old enough to learn to positive effect on the desert populations of the Dingo. hunt. Parents are known to carry water to their With the passing of the Vermin Act of 1889 that pups in their mouth. provided for the destruction of the dingo and the fox,  Anangu identified Dingo sign at 57 locations government bounties were soon offered as incentives during the survey, ‘Dingo camps’ ie. a shallow for the killing of these two species. As discussed by scrape or depression found behind fallen logs, Gee in the earlier chapter on the history of land-use in under saltbush, Mulga shrubs are used by Papa the AP Lands, the first apparent record of dogging Inura to rest of day during hot weather. activity in the area can be traced to a bushman named  When meat food sources were scarce Anangu Thomas Stuart. Stuart worked in the vicinity of the would hunt and eat Dingoes and Dingo pups. Ewintinna Soakage or Spring as early as 1899 (Basedow 1915). But he was ahead of the rush. According to Basedow (1904), Dingoes were ‘keenly hunted and eaten’ by Anangu; they were usually With the advent of sheep pastoralism and particularly speared at a waterhole. However, they were (and are) with the arrival of the European Rabbit, the Dingo also tamed and ‘domesticated’ when taken young. population entered into a rapid growth phase that severely compromised the sheep pastoralists, primarily In the Everard Ranges, White (1915) reported that ‘the due to a general interference on the flocks rather than wild dog, or dingo, is much relished by the natives as direct predatory activity (Gee 1998). A dogging an article of diet, and rarely an old camping ground industry quickly established and eventually peaked came under our notice without there being many dingo during the mid-1930s with as many as fifteen to twenty skulls and bones scattered around’. He pointed out doggers actively combing the AP Lands for scalps (Hill however, that the Aborigines treated their pet Dingoes 1935; Duguid 1963a). The dogging industry was a well. In some parts of Australia, Aboriginal people seasonal one, peaking during September ‘pupping time’ employed Dingoes as an aid in hunting, but the (Hill 1935) and dropping off significantly otherwise. evidence examined by Gara (1996) indicates that in While the doggers profiteered from a government central Australia, in pre-contact times, they were rarely policy designed to rid the pastoral region of wild dogs used in this way. Their presence was usually and foxes, their activities had in fact a very marginal considered by the hunters to be more of a hindrance effect (Finlayson 1961). This was partly because they than an aid. In the deserts, dingoes served mainly as purposefully ‘farmed’ the populations and refrained camp scavengers, and also performed the vital function from taking female scalps in order to guarantee a of providing warmth at night as ‘living blankets’ for supply in the following year (Hill 1935). people sleeping beside the fires (Gara 1996). Tindale (1974) has also suggested that the ability of the Dingo However, with the establishment of the Ernabella to smell out and dig for water in creekbeds and other mission in 1936, the Dingo-scalp traders (doggers) spots was vital to the survival of the Aborigines (as well were rapidly forced out of business when the mission as many bird species). offered Anangu men seven shillings for each Dingo scalp, as against the ‘few pannikins of flour’ offered by Interestingly, early explorers’ accounts of dingoes in the doggers. (See European History chapter of this the Great Victoria Desert and, what are now, the AP report). Lands, were relatively rare. For example, Giles (1889) commented only on seeing tracks of Dingoes at To this day, Dingoes are still very widespread across Boundary Dam, north of the Nullarbor Plain. And on the AP Lands and can be relatively common following the Maurice – Murray expedition of 1901, there were good seasons. During the biological survey, Dingoes only two dingo sightings recorded. At Sladen Waters, were recorded across virtually all of the AP Lands. in the Rawlinson Ranges, Murray (1904) commented Evidence for their presence was most commonly noted that they ‘saw tracks of a dingo, which have been through tracks and droppings, though sightings were markedly scarce all through the trip; and certainly this also regular and they were often heard at night and back country is not such a prolific breeding ground for occasionally during the day, especially in winter. them as many imagine.’ However, during their expedition in the following year, Murray reported Regional status: Dingoes are widespread and appear to dingoes in ‘great numbers’ in the Ooldea area and at be secure on the AP Lands. Camp dog x Dingo hybrids Tallaringa (just south of the south-eastern corner of the are plentiful on the lands, but are mostly confined to the AP Lands), noting also, that ‘for many years I have not vicinities of the main communities. known them so plentiful anywhere’. But, by this time, rabbits had reached as far north as Tallaringa and beyond, with Maurice and Murray recording them as

212 INTRODUCED MAMMALS 1956, stated that in the area immediately south Vulpes vulpes (Tuuka, Red Fox) of the Musgrave, Mann and Tomkinson • Found most commonly living amongst the rocks in Ranges (which yields most of their dog scalps) range country; the den would normally be in a cave the fox now outnumbers the dingo’. with the pups born in the springtime. • They were very common in the Iltur area until they Finlayson (1961) also commented that: died out with rabbits and Dingoes during a severe ‘ in the last 25 years, the region comprised of drought. After the drought rabbits and Dingoes the Everard, Musgrave, Mann and Tomkinson came back but nothing else. Ranges – one of the most beautiful hill tracts • Foxes typically eat rabbits by turning the carcass in arid Australia, largely unoccupied by white inside out and leaving only the skin. man and with many of the attributes of a • Fox sign was commonly identified by Anangu natural sanctuary – has been stripped of most whilst recording tracks of animals present in the of its smaller species by the increase of the fox survey quadrats, however discussion regarding fox there. The work of the fox is often done with behaviour, diet, etc. was rarely offered. remarkable speed and it seems probable that • During the early surveys the scientific members of the colonial type of distribution of so many the team had discussions with Anangu focused on marsupials, is particularly vulnerable to its the scientists belief that foxes are a major predator attack – small groups being systematically of Waru (Black-flanked Rock-wallaby). Towards hunted out of existence …’ the later years of the survey and after numerous discussions and targeted surveys to locate Waru, During the biological survey, foxes were found to be many Anangu came to accept that among other very widespread, as evidenced mostly by tracks and factors foxes were a serious threat to the survival scats. of Waru on the AP Lands. Regional status: Widespread and appears to be locally Foxes were first reported in the Eucla area around the common; abundance seems to relate inversely to Dingo SA-WA border in 1911-12 (Long 1988) and occurred abundance. throughout WA, except for the Kimberley region, by 1940. Daisy Bates recorded the presence of the fox in Felis catus (Ngaya, Mulku, Tjarnga, Feral Cat) the Eucla area in 1913 (see Gara 1996), but noted in the • Cats were in the AP Lands a very long time before following year that: ‘this pest has not yet become rabbits, foxes or Europeans arrived. numerous’ in the Fowlers Bay area’. • Cats have been present on the AP Lands for such a Only a few years later, however, Brown (1919) noted long period that Anangu to the west of AP Lands that the fox was already numerous ‘all along the west are thought to have had Ngaya Tjukurpa (Law coast’ (of SA), and was being accused, even then, for story). causing the decline of bush turkeys (bustards) and • On AP Lands, Ngaya were once perceived as Malleefowl. mamu, a harmful spirit. If you were bitten or scratched by a wild cat, you could become sick. By the early 1920s, foxes had become common in the Many years ago some people died from cat bite. Ooldea area, and Bolam, who lived there at the time, • Ngaya were a source of meat for some people. noted that the fox was: • Ngaya may be found resting in the fork of a tree or ‘multiplying at an alarming rate, and the just inside the entrance to a rabbit burrow during sandhills are covered with their tracks. No the day. less than seven were trapped here in a week • Today Anangu recognise the cat as a European recently, and it is evident that the time is introduced animal. coming when this pest from England, like the Sparrow, will overrun the continent.’ (Bolam The first records of Feral Cats in central Australia were 1923) made by surveyor J. Carruthers during his trigonometric surveys in the Musgrave, Mann and Finlayson (1961) observed that: Tomkinson Ranges between 1888 and 1890. ‘in the field work of 1932 [foxes] were found Carruthers (1892) noted that feral cats were widespread to be well known to natives and doggers in the across the area at that time, and occurred at least as far Everard and Musgrave Ranges, though still in west as Mt Aloysius in the western Tomkinson Ranges small numbers.’ (WA) in 1889. Two years later, this observation was He also noted that foxes reached the Basedow Range supported by members of the Elder Expedition who (just north of Mt Conner, into the NT) in only 1933. believed that cats were spreading north-eastwards from the settled areas of Western Australia into the central Finlayson (1961) also reported that: deserts (Lindsay 1893; Helms 1896). Helms, the ‘at Ernabella in the Musgrave Ranges, where expedition’s anthropologist, noted the presence of Feral large numbers of dingo scalps are traded in Cats in the Tomkinson Range and, in the Blyth Range, every year, native hunters interrogated in further south against the Western Australian border, 213 recorded that he saw an Aboriginal man with a cat’s tail other introduced animals because a unique Aboriginal ornament in his hair (Helms 1896). (Pitjantjatjara) name Mulcoo was applied to it, whereas all other feral animals were known by corruptions of Perhaps significantly, the explorers Gosse, Giles and English / European terms such as Rapita, Kamula, Forrest had not recorded feral cats during their Tuuka, etc. Burbidge et al. (1988) supported this expeditions 15 -17 years earlier. notion and suggested that cats may have entered the central deserts from the west, perhaps as survivors of Mason (1897), who was sent to investigate the spread 17th century shipwrecks on the western coast of of rabbits into Western Australia in 1896, reported Australia. Whether apocryphal (as considered by ‘innumerable tracks of wild cats’ in the coastal many) or not, it is worth repeating a quote from Arthur sandhills at Eucla and noted that the cats helped to keep Groome’s (1959) classic book I saw a strange land: rabbit numbers down. Two years later, another official, journeys in central Australia. In this, Groome reports Page, sent to investigate the spread of rabbits, also that in 1947 a Pitjantjatjara man had spoken to him at noted that: Ayers Rock (Uluru) and told him that cats had been ‘cat tracks may be seen everywhere. They are present in the area for a long time: numerous in the coast sandhills especially so near Point Culver. For 50 miles west of Point ‘Rabbita – he only come to this country little Culver they have almost exterminated the while. Pappy-dawg – wild dawg – been here rabbits; further east and inland cat tracks can alla time. Horse and cattle come before always be found, but there the cats are not in rabbita. Pussy-cat he come long, long time sufficient numbers to seriously affect the pest.’ ago – before sheepee an’ bullocky an’ camella. (Page 1898). My people tell me – pussy-cat he come that way,’ he nodded to the west. ‘Long time ago – Rabbits had only arrived at Eucla in 1894, but from the before white people come, big boat come that early records, it appears that Feral Cats were already way and pussy-cat jump off, run about, find present, rather than following behind the dispersing ‘nother pussy-cat, and now big mob pussy-cat ‘front’ of the invading rabbits. But what was there everywhere, run about desert country alla range at this time and where had they come from? time; eat little – – eat close up everything.’ Richard Maurice’s early journals include no references to encounters with cats. However, Murray recorded For the most recent detailed discussion of the earliest several sightings during his 1901 and 1902 expeditions records of the cat in Australia see Abbott (2002). with Maurice. The first, was of two ‘domestic cats’ brought in by their Aboriginal guides as food, when It is worth noting that, whereas Bolam commented on they were between Ooldea and Tallaringa (south of the the impacts of foxes on some of the native fauna in the AP Lands). A few days later another cat was killed Ooldea area in the early 1920s, Richard Maurice was between Tallaringa and Oolarinna. Then, in the expressing concern about the impacts of feral cats as Everard Ranges, Murray (1904) noted that the early as 1901-02. In an address to the Royal ‘Blacks brought in a large black cat, and as Geographical Society of Australasia after his Rawlinson they got another one yesterday they appear to Ranges expedition of 1901, Maurice observed that in catch nearly as many cats as rabbits.’ the Ooldea area (south of the AP Lands). On the following day, Murray recorded that the: ‘The , Myrmicobius [sic], perameles ‘Blacks killed two more cats, and the Everard or rabbit bandicoot, large- nesting rats and black carried half of one of them along with kangaroos and used to be got here but him to regale one of his brethren.’ now it is mostly rabbits and cats gone wild’ (quoted in Gara 1996). One explanation for the presence of cats in the central deserts so soon after European settlement has been However, 40 years later, Finlayson (1961), observed made by Tom Brown who established Nullarbor Station that: in the 1880s. He observed that: ‘the feral domestic cat which is widely spread in Central Australia is also no doubt a ‘The domestic cat, run wild, has spread all destructive force of some magnitude here as over the West Coast (of South Australia), from elsewhere; but as it preceded the white man in Port Lincoln to Eucla and beyond, and has the Centre by several decades at least, and the been seen as far north as the Musgrave rabbit and the fox by a still greater interval, Ranges. It is conjectured that they are the without producing comparable effect to the descendants of cats brought ashore on the latter, it is presumably of less virulence.’ West Coast by whalers.’ (Brown 1919). Regional status: Widespread and secure; has However, Finlayson (1935) believed that the cat had flourished because of prevalence of rabbits, especially been present in central Australia for much longer than 214 on the outwash areas around the ranges and outlying Donkeys (and Mules) appear to have a similar hills. distribution to that of the Brumby. This appears to be related to the limitations imposed on them by their need Equus caballus (Nyantju, Feral Horse, Brumby) for water in dry times. They were recorded at 13 of the The name Nyantju appears to have arisen from the 144 survey sites, predominantly in the east. people of the Adelaide area at the time of first European settlement. The term Nanto is a Kaurna Their origin in the region was as pack animals for name for the Western Gray Kangaroo (Macropus explorers, settlers and pastoralists. fuliginosus). The Kaurna called the first white settlers Pindi Meyu meaning literally ‘men from the grave’ Regional status: Localised around the main ranges, because they believed that the pale-skinned newcomers large hills and current pastoral runs in the east, were their own dead, returned from the grave. And especially where water can be obtained in dry times. they called their horses Pindi Nanto, which translates basically as ‘white man’s kangaroo’ (Teichelmann and Camelus dromedarius (Kamula, Feral Camel, Schurmann 1840, quoted in Gara 1996). The name Dromedary) Nyantju (or variations on this), seems to have caught on • Kamula are very numerous across the AP Lands. quickly, and spread northwards - with the horse -into • Anangu identified the presence of Kamula at central Australia (Gara 1996). survey sites from tracks, scats and sightings. • Kamula were an important form of transport used Today, feral groups of Brumbies occur around all of the by Anangu before the advent of motor vehicles. main ranges and larger hills in the AP Lands where they • Kamula are mustered on the AP Lands by some can access larger, at least semi-permanent, rock-holes. Anangu and are seen by many Anangu as a More and larger groups of Brumbies occur in the north valuable resource that should be utilised. and east, in the vicinity of the larger ranges and the • However, Anangu also consider Kamula a problem previously (and a few currently) occupied pastoral runs. as they destroy rockholes and drink the available Most groups appear to have survived even the worst surface water. They also destroy homelands droughts by being highly mobile and by being able to outstations and other buildings looking for water. access water supplied for domestic stock. Brumbies were recorded at 16 of the 144 survey sites. In places, Ernest Giles was the first explorer to use camels in the their well-worn paths leading to water have become far-west of South Australia in 1875, and to demonstrate quite deep and prone to erosion. their considerable advantage over horses and donkeys. Subsequent explorers relied almost exclusively on They are hardy animals and may have occurred as feral camels and they were used extensively as pack-animals herds since the very early days of European exploration for the construction of both the Overland Telegraph and settlement. The explorer Stuart, for example, saw Line and the Trans-Australian Railway, and for carting some old horse tracks about 50 km south of Mt Finke in heavy loads on the pastoral properties well the Yellabinna area in August 1858 (Stuart 1865). No into the 1930s and 1940s. For example, when other white man is known to have preceded Stuart into Ernabella pastoral station was established in 1933, it this desert and it is thought that this horse may have was commenced with ‘about 900 sheep, 30-40 camels, wandered off from the early settlements around Streaky several score of goats and a few horses’ (Lamshed Bay 150 km to the south (Gara 1996). In 1903, 1933). This was a typical mix of stock on pastoral runs Maurice also saw the tracks on several occasions, of of the time. Eventually, some of these work camels two horses that were apparently roaming back and forth escaped from one or more of the leases, or were across the Yellabinna sand dune area east of Ooldea deliberately abandoned, and gave rise to today’s feral (see Gara 1996). populations. During the surveys on the AP Lands in the 1990s, Regional status: Widespread, but localised around the camels were recorded at about a third of all sites main ranges, large hills and current pastoral runs where (44/144). However, this is a misleading under-estimate water can be obtained. of their distribution as many of the survey sites were on rocky hill slopes. Camels may not have gone onto Equus asinus (Feral Donkey, (Mule)) these hills, but virtually all flat areas around the hills • Many Anangu associate donkeys with Christian and ranges, and all sand dune and sand plain areas, now biblical stories in particular as the animal which show signs (especially tracks) of the recent presence of bore the infant Jesus and his mother, Mary. This this large and highly mobile species. association is reinforced by the prominent black dorsal and shoulder stripe, which creates the shape When Anangu saw camels for the first time they were of a crucifix. Many Anangu are opposed to the extremely frightened by them. According to Daisy control of donkeys because of this religious Bates, who described this alarm among Anangu at association. Ooldea, this fear was eventually dispelled by figuring out that the camel’s ‘mother was most certainly the

215 Kalaya () and its father the Nyantju (horse)’ (see maintenance of a limited number of dams, bores and Gara 1996). troughs that also support domestic and feral herds of horses, and feral groups of Donkeys and camels. These Feral Camels are now a serious nuisance across the AP watering points concentrate the impacts of introduced Lands. They drink accessible rock-holes dry, leaving domestic (and feral) livestock and have had some nothing for native wildlife (or as emergency supplies significant local impacts on the flora and fauna. for Anangu). Frequently, camels fall into rock-holes, cannot get out, and die, spoiling any water supplies for Regional status: Localised, where stock water supplies many months. This process contributes to the increased are provided. Occasionally roam away from waters infill (or siltation) rate of many important rock-holes. where fence maintenance has been poor, but droughts usually limit where herds can occur. Camels also disturb or damage important Tj ukurpa sites and cause damage to tanks and taps and water supplies Capra hircus (Feral Goat) at homelands during very dry periods, when people are Goats accompanied the early European settlers into the not present. region from the 1930s onwards (see earlier land-use history chapter) and were used for supplying both milk Their grazing/ browsing impacts are relatively diffuse and meat. However, feral herds do not appear to have because they are such mobile animals. However, where established in the region due to the predation pressures they can access them, camels can kill quandong trees by from Dingoes. breaking all branches to access the highly favoured foliage. During the survey, evidence of goats was found near Anmurinya, north-east of , where a small herd Regional status: Widespread and increasing in had apparently been released several months before. abundance; has flourished because of lack of disease These goats were not confined within a fenced paddock and predators and because of relative drought and were known to water at nearby bores and rock- resistance due to high mobility and arid-adapted holes. Anangu thought that Dingoes would eventually physiology. take any that they did not hunt themselves.

Bos taurus (Puluka, European Cattle) Regional status: Recently introduced and released; The first cattle to be depastured on the AP Lands localised and in low numbers. Dingoes may keep under arrived at Ernabella in 1889 with the government control or remove entirely. surveyor, John Carruthers (Carruthers 1892) but pastoralism proper did not begin for another two Ovis aries (Tjipi, Sheep) decades and cattle did not feature for some Sheep were the original pastoral livestock of the region considerable time after that. (see above). Their survival relied heavily on a relatively few main water supplies adjacent to suitable Pastoralism in the area of the AP Lands appears to have pastures to see them through droughts, and on begun in approximately 1908 (see earlier chapter on shepherding to protect them from predation by land-use history). At that time the Lennon Brothers’ Dingoes. However, the sheep soon removed much of had established Indulkana Station situated beside their preferred pastures within reach of most water Wantapella Swamp and Soakage, 16 km east-south-east supplies and the toll of Dingo predation was often too of the modern Indulkana complex and 15 km east of high for the pastoralists to manage effectively, Ininti. And certainly by 1914, Granite Downs Station especially when cattle arrived in the area and became near the Ewintinna Spring/ Soakage/Well and the an easier management option. Today, there are no Indulkana Station were operating (Jack 1915) pastoral sheep pastoral enterprises in the area. leases. However, at that time they were run as sheep stations. Regional status: No longer present, (except for the occasional handful of animals brought in to be As the effects of droughts and dingoes took their toll on butchered locally) the sheep, the pastoral ventures in the region eventually changed to more resilient cattle grazing enterprises. Mus musculus (Mingkiri, House Mouse) Many Anangu were employed on these pastoral leases • The House Mouse is grouped by Anangu with prior to the lands being ‘handed back’ and have other various sized native mouse species up to continued their involvement with cattle pastoralism to around 20 grams under the generic term Mingkiri the present day. As a result, cattle are still grazed on (see Mingkiri earlier). parts of the former Indulkana and Granite Downs • During droughts Mingkiri species die off then leases, and on a few other holdings across the northern breed up again after the rains. and eastern AP Lands, including parts of the former • They all live in burrows in a variety of habitats Musgrave Park (Amata), Kenmore Park (), including woodland, sand plain, sand dune. Moorilyanna, Everard Park (Mimili) and Wallatinna • A variety of plants are important as food for some leases. These ‘runs’ are dependent upon the species in the Mingkiri group; these plants include: 216 Brachiaria spp., Eragrostis spp., Panicum at about the same time. Gara (1996) suggests that decompositum and Portulaca oleracea. rabbits were plentiful in the Streaky Bay district in 1887, but were not reported at Nullarbor Station until Finlayson (1961) observed that in 1932-35, house mice August 1893 when they had also reached the northern were in considerable numbers in parts of central edge of the Nullarbor Plain. By 1894 they had reached Australia and noted that it is a species that is ‘subject to Eucla and (therefore) Western Australia. periodic increases to plague proportions’. He also commented that it was very likely that the species While the rabbit’s progress westwards is well would ultimately be universally distributed. documented, it is not so widely known how quickly this species penetrated the inland. Gara (1996) notes that House mice were the second most widely captured and Hubbe (1897) saw rabbit tracks near Mt Alberga, 150 the most abundant small mammal species recorded km east of the Everard Ranges in 1895 and that in during the survey program. They were captured at 51% 1897, Maurice noted rabbit tracks at Boundary Dam of survey sites. 250 km north of Eucla (where Mason had seen none the previous year). Then, by May 1901, Murray’s (1904) Regional status: A ubiquitous species; found in all journal of his expedition to the Rawlinson Ranges with habitat types; rare during dry conditions, but irruptive Maurice, noted that rabbits were numerous in the following good rainfalls. Ooldea area and common as far north as Punthanna (half-way between Ooldea and the southern AP Lands). Oryctolagus cuniculus (Rapita, Rabbit) However, beyond Punthanna, no more signs were • Rapita are very numerous across the AP lands. observed until the Petermann Ranges were reached. • Rapita dig up and eat roots and many ground cover Thereafter, rabbits were seen relatively frequently in plants. the Mann and Musgrave Ranges. In fact, Murray • Rapita were at Makiri, south of Fregon, when Mr observed that in the Musgrave Ranges: Brown arrived in the 1930s. Mr Brown wrote his ‘country very dry, and to make matters worse name in the rock at Makiri at the time, and the rabbits are barking many of the edible Connelly was living at Officer Creek. Anangu shrubs and trees’. were eating Rapita at this time. He also noted that • Now there are Rapita and there never used to be ‘rabbits are very numerous here and [the Rapita, one women first saw Rapita on a sand dune Aborigines] have no difficulty in getting as and did not know what they were, she thought they much meat as they require’ were evil spirits. On their return journey to Fowlers Bay via Ooldea, • After the two really big droughts in the 1930’s all Maurice and Murray observed that rabbits were present the native kuka (meat animals) died but Rapita and in the sandhill country south of the Musgrave Ranges cats survived. and at Oolarinna, but less abundant. South of • Wintaru (Golden Bandicoot) disappeared after the Oolarinna (on current-day Wallatinna), they rabbits came in from the east. The rabbits took encountered only a few rabbits until they reached over the same country the Wintaru were living in. Paraminna and Paling Rock-holes, where they became • Mitika (Burrowing Bettong) used to live in family plentiful again. And at Ooldea, rabbits were causing burrows and were common in the country where considerable damage to the vegetation: Rapita are now found, they co-existed with the ‘the country here is much more poorer than Rapita in the same warren for some time but now when I have previously visited it; the rabbits they are all gone. are numerous and are barking, and • When senior Anangu were young they ate Mitika, consequently killing many of the bushes and Malu, Ngaya, Nyulu, Mala, Wintaru and others shrubs, whilst any young ones springing up to along with lots of different sorts of Mai, after these take their place are nipped off directly they animals disappeared Anangu survived mainly on appear above ground’ (Murray 1904, quoted Rapita. in Gara 1996). Rabbit warrens are a feature of the landscape across the • Rapita are an important food source for Anangu AP Lands, especially on the outwash areas around the today. ranges and outlying hills, and are particularly obvious from the air. During the recent biological survey, The arrival and spread of the rabbit in central Australia rabbits were still very widespread and, at times, locally has been fairly well documented by a range of authors. abundant. They were the most widely recorded Strong (1983) noted that rabbits first appeared in the mammal species from the sites surveyed, being Lake Eyre area in 1886 and then moved via the Finke recorded at 87 (60%) of the 144 sites. and other river catchments into the Musgrave and adjacent desert mountain ranges. From there they Some areas of the AP Lands have become severely spread quickly throughout the centre. degraded by rabbits and are now made evident after rainfall by the prevalence of introduced Rosy Dock, However, rabbits also appear to have spread Acetosa vesicaria, plants that the rabbits do not appear northwards from the far-west coast of South Australia 217 to eat. Such areas include out-wash zones around the It is not clear from Anangu recollections when exactly bases of ranges and hills, and some of the central and rabbits arrived on the AP Lands. Eileen Stevens eastern portions of the AP Lands, especially on remembers when she first saw a rabbit and being calcareous areas. Interestingly, where rabbit exclosures frightened by it. Ginger Wikilyiri remembers as a boy have been erected at two sites near Umuwa, native eating rabbit when Mr Brown came and wrote his name species quickly displace the Rosy Dock again. in the rock at Makiri. It is possible from statements made by Anangu that rabbits were common by about Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) escaped from 1900. Wardang Island in October 1995 and appears to have spread northwards into and through the AP Lands’ Museum specimens rabbit population in late autumn to spring of 1996. A Although the following species were not recorded on shot sample of 41 rabbits was obtained in June 1997 the survey, museum specimens were shown widely and from five locations across the AP Lands to determine the following information was provided based on these the status of RCD in the region. Some rabbits from specimens and some Tjukurpa (Law) stories that related each location tested positive for RCD antibodies, to these species. Many of the museum skins were not ranging from 33% of rabbits sampled at Wartaru to easy for Anangu to recognise as they had been 100% at Kunytjanu. In all, 28 of the 41 animals tested preserved in odd positions and some had unusual marks (68%) had such antibodies. from traps on their pelage. Mounted specimens such as the Numbat specimen were readily identifiable by all EXTINCT MAMMAL FAUNA elder Anangu. Despite a large number of small to medium-sized mammals being extinct on the AP Lands, Anangu Myrmecobius fasciatus (Walputi, Numbat) maintain detailed knowledge of many of these species’ SA Museum Collection: reproductive behaviours, diets, habitat preferences, and 1 specimen: no data (Everard Ranges) historical distributions. Although knowledge varies, Finlayson Collection: Anangu confidently identified a wide variety of now Four specimens: Officer Creek, west of extinct mammal species from museum specimens. A Everard Ranges, Aug./Sept. 1933. number of informants when discussing their totemic or Law animal would state that they did not kill and eat • Now extinct on the AP Lands, they had this species. disappeared after the big drought(s). • They were known to occur near Pocket Well, east A number of explanations exist for the loss of many of of Fregon; west of Mimili homestead around the medium-sized mammals from the AP Lands. Many Pantaran and Tjuntjun; east of Yalata; near senior men and women spoke of a large drought when Amaroona (approx. 60 years ago); south of they were young (adolescent age) possibly about 60 Kenmore; Fregon/Makiri; Makura piti; Puntitjata years ago (i.e. 1930s). Some refer to it as two really area; and Pipalyatjara. big droughts that went on for years and years. During • They were not known to have occurred around the this time many water holes dried up and there was no Blackstone area (across the border in WA). bush food. Even the cats, fig trees and quandongs were • They lived in hollow logs (like old Mulga or dying. Many Anangu died during the drought and it mallee trees) or burrows under bushes on sand was at this time that many of the medium-sized animals plains and / or in woodlands. Burrows had several disappeared. This drought occurred before Indulkana entrances and a large chamber. They would community was established and was around the time construct a grass/ leaf- litter nest in it for their when many Anangu met white men for the first time. young. At this time many people moved off the AP Lands. For • Had a long tail and females had nipples close example, one senior woman talked about travelling with together. her family to a doggers’ camp west of Indulkana and • They had young all year round like rabbits and ‘sitting down’ there for a while until the drought ended. lived in a family unit. The range of explanations offered by Anangu for the • They were active at night and early morning. They of the medium-sized mammals from the AP would put their head down and run flat out then lift Lands included: up their head and look around. • The extreme drought in the 1930s. • Had a diet of termites, Maku (edible caterpillars), • Predation from the combined effects of dingoes, Watanuma ( larvae), mistletoe, various cats and foxes wiped them out. blossoms including annual flowers and Hakea • Rabbits took over the country where the native flowers. After rain, when the termites come to the animals were living;. surface of the mounds, the Walputi would break in • Large exploration surveys travelled across the AP and eat the Watanuma (termite larvae). Lands collecting large numbers of these species • The most recent sighting recorded from Anangu and ‘white fellas then took them back to Adelaide’. was approximately 50 years ago (ca early 1950s). • in some areas were the result of nuclear Regional status: Extinct. Finlayson (1961) testing at in the 1950s. commented that the Numbat appeared to have suffered 218 from the arrival of the fox. The last confirmed record 1 specimen: in SA appears to have been from the Everard Ranges - Chundrinna, N of Everard Ranges, Feb. 1933 area in the mid-1930s (Copley et al. 1989). The last reported sighting of the species in central Australia • Small animals, a bit like a cat with spots on its appears to have been from the Clutterbuck Hills area back. (Patjarr), NW of Warburton, WA in the late 1960s • They were a source of meat for Anangu. (Friend et al. 1982). • Used to occur right across the AP lands on sand plains, in woodlands, rocky areas and foot-slopes Dasycercus cristicauda (Murtja, Mulgara) (Fig. 116) of hills and ranges. Commonly found in hollow SA Museum Collection: logs. 2 specimens: • They were known from north of Ngarutjara around - Mount Harriet, July 1933; Tindale and Mulga Park; on the southern side of Tipil; and Hackett; around Yalata. - Pital (between Musgrave & Mann Ranges), July 1933; Tindale and Hackett Regional status: Extinct. The last record from the area was in 1933. Johnson and Roff (1982) have Finlayson Collection: discussed this species demise from central Australia. 8 specimens: - 5 from Maala Camp, S of Koonapandi, Antechinomys laniger (Pitji-pitji or Anula, (Ilpalya) S Musgrave Ranges, Jan. 1933; (2 trapped - unknown ?, Kultarr) with witchetty bait; skulls broken, 3 others SA Museum Collection: trapped) 1 specimen: - 2 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Ra.; Feb. - Walthayalkanna, N of Everard Ranges; 1933 (both ‘dug by gins’) Feb. 1933; H. H. Finlayson & A. Brumby -1 from Shirley Well, Officer Creek (Everard Finlayson Collection: Ra.) 1933 1 specimen: - Ironwood Camp, Erliwunyawunya; Jan. 1933 • May also have been called Arutju at times because of its nose and black tail. • Small animal, like a mouse with two long sharp • Used to live in the spinifex on the sand plain, front teeth and a long tail with a bristle. Long thin making trails through the spinifex. feet (a bit like a bird or kangaroo); it looks like a • Was quite a mobile animal. big Tarkawara (Spinifex Hopping-mouse). • Known to previously exist around Mintabie • Dug a large burrow and had many young. and Iltur. • Lives in Iriya (open stony country, but not rocky) • Has not been seen by Anangu on the AP lands and stacks small stones on top of its burrow. for many years. • Previously known around Mt Davies and Pipalyatjara airstrip. Regional status: Presumed extinct from the AP Lands; despite extensive and relatively intensive search efforts Regional status: Presumed extinct since the last the last confirmed specimen was collected from here in confirmed record for the AP Lands was in 1933. 1933. However, this species is still relatively common Finlayson (1961) observed that they were ‘fairly in Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and in the plentiful … in the Everard and Musgrave Ranges … Warburton area across the border in Western Australia. from 1932-35.’ However, have proved to be There is therefore a possibility that the species may still relatively elusive in trapping projects elsewhere and, be located in the AP Lands in appropriate areas of given that there have been recent records of this species spinifex – sand plain habitats. This appears to be a in adjoining areas, it is still possible that it is extant species that is favoured by ongoing mosaic or patch- within the region. burning practices that were lost (in the most part) from the AP Lands in about the 1930s. Fox predation may Chaeropus ecaudatus (Kanytjilpa, Pig-footed also be implicated in their demise from the southern Bandicoot) parts of their former range. SA Museum Collection: 1 specimen: Dasyurus geoffroii (Partjata, ) - Musgrave Ranges; RT Maurice; SA Museum Collection: (1901?) Nil specimens: Finlayson Collection: Finlayson Collection: Nil specimens:

• Used to hide under Spinifex. • Now extinct.

219 • Were still in the Iltur area around 70 -75 years ago Regional status: Extinct. Last museum records are (c. 1925-30). from near Mt Crombie, registered in 1931, though Finlayson (1961) commented that it was still ‘a well Regional status: Extinct. Last specimen-based record known and fairly plentiful species’ in the region in on the AP Lands was from 1901 and credited to 1932-35. He attributed the species’ demise to foxes. Maurice. However, Gara (1996) has questioned the origin of this specimen. Isoodon auratus (Nyulu, Wintaru, Makura Golden Bandicoot) Maurice was certainly familiar with the species, noting SA Museum Collection: in one of his manuscripts, sighted by Gara, that it 1 specimen: occurred in the sandhill country north of Ooldea. He - Mt Crombie (6 miles west); observed that ‘ … we are now in the country of the 18/7/1933; Tindale & Hackett notoryctes and castanotis … the latter is a peculiar little animal called the pig-footed bandicoot, possessing front Finlayson Collection: feet like the common pig. These animals use little 2 specimens: water.’ Maurice obtained the first of his specimens of - 1 from Maala Camp, S of Koonapandi, S the Pig-footed Bandicoot at Ooldea during an early Musgrave Ra. (trapped with witchetty bait); visit there, and obtained several more on a trip along Jan. 1933 the northern edge of the Nullarbor Plain, westwards - 1 from Pundi, S of Musgrave Ra.; Jan. 1934 from Ooldea in 1897. He also noted in various manuscripts that they were common around Ooldea, • Disappeared at the same time as the rabbits came Waldana and Punthana (Gara 1996). in from the east. The rabbits took over the same country the Wintaru were living in. Perhaps consistent with the SA Museum specimen • Many were collected and taken to Adelaide by referred to above, Maurice apparently obtained another exploration survey teams. specimen during his 1902 expedition further to the • Known to have occurred near Wingelina and north: ‘I obtained many valuable ethnological Ngarutjara areas. specimens, which I have already handed to the • Lived in the spinifex where it made a small shelter Museum. Among the specimens is one of a pig-footed in the hummocks. This shelter was formed from a bandicoot, which is very rare, and much prized by scape in the ground that was filled with spinifex scientists.’ (Register 21/11/1902). The identification of then covered over with more spinifex to leave a the specimen as C. ecaudatus, was confirmed by Zeitz small narrow doorway that could be ‘closed’. at the SA Museum, but the specimen in the museum • The Wintaru would watch Anangu from inside labelled as having been collected by Maurice, is their nests that were really well hidden. labelled as collected in the Musgrave Ranges in 1901, • Also known to have lived in thickets of Acacia not 1902. Unfortunately, Maurice did not record in his murrayana. journals taking a Pig-footed Bandicoot on either his • They often lived in pairs, having 3-4 young in 1901 or 1902 expedition, or even seeing one (Gara spring. 1996). • Their diet consisted of mulakiri (species not identified on survey), maku (edible caterpillars) A jaw of this species was recorded in old owl pellet and termites. material from a cave just north of the Everard Ranges • They were easily hunted by cats, Dingoes and (Copley et al. 1989). foxes, as they were slow movers. Anangu used to catch them by following the pathway through the Perameles eremiana [P. bougainville] (Walilya, spinifex to the shelter; Anangu would then jump on Makura, Desert Bandicoot) the shelter and pin the Makura to the ground under SA Museum Collection: their feet. Nil specimens: - • They were an important source of meat for Finlayson Collection: Anangu. Nil specimens:

• Regional status: Extinct. Last SA Museum record Now extinct, they ‘finished up’ in the big drought; from the area was collected in 1934. Finlayson (1961) • Have a sharp nose. noted that it was more numerous than P. eremiana in • They liked soil mid-range between hard and soft. the period 1932-35. He suggested that it was still • They lived in a small short burrow close to the present in the vicinity of the AP Lands in the early surface with a straight tunnel. 1960s, although it was rare or extinct from most other • They made a pathway to the burrow, which was parts of its former range. Anangu suggest that it followed by hunters. ‘finished up’ in about the 1940s or 1950s (see also • Diet included Maku (edible caterpillars). Burbidge et al. 1988).

220 Macrotis lagotis (Ninu, Marura, Tjalku (Y), • Known to have shared burrows with Mala (Rufous Greater Bilby) (Fig. 120) Hare-wallaby). SA Museum Collection: • Female has a pouch. 19 specimens: - 2 Opparinna, Musgrave Ra.; R Williams; Regional status: Extinct. Last specimen record from 09/1928 the area, 1933. See comments above about more recent - 6 from country between Mt Caroline and sightings by Anangu and comments below, relating to Paroora Hill; Finlayson & Brumby; 01/1933 possums and food supplies. Finlayson wrote in 1961 - 1 from Wardulka, N of Musgrave Ra.; that bilbies were ‘formerly one of the most plentiful and Finlayson & Brumby; 01/1933 universally distributed of central Australian mammals’. - 5 from Erliwunyawunya Soak, S of However, by 1961 they were ‘rapidly being reduced to Musgrave Ra.; the status of a rare form and [have] been completely Finlayson & Brumby; 01/1933 eliminated from much of the [southern part of their arid - 3 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Ra.; range] in the last 25 years, by the fox’ (Finlayson Finlayson & Brumby; 02/1933 1961). - 1 from Musgrave Ranges; Finlayson & Brumby; 01/1933 In his book, The Red Centre, Finlayson (1946) noted - 1 from Kunamata, W of Mt Kintore; Tindale that: & Hackett; 07/1933 ‘the ‘talgoo’ is largely insectivorous; in parts of the country thousands of acres of loamy Finlayson Collection: Mulga flats have been closely harrowed by its 30 specimens: scratchings in search of larvae, which - 1 from W of Wardulka, NW Musgraves; occur there.’ mummified pick up, trapped in fork in stick; Daisy Bates who lived at Ooldea, noted in 1929 that: 12/1932 ‘there is only one object that can be called - 2 from Erliwunywunya, S of Musgrave Ra.; money – the soft white tail-tip of the rabbit 01/1933; (1 ‘dug by gins’) bandicoot. Several of these attached to a - 7 from Ironwood Camp, E of man’s beard make him a rich man for the time Erliwunyawunya; Musgrave Ra.; 01/1933; being. Milbu is the central Australian term for - 3 from near Choorlatinna Soak, NW this money, and every milbu has big Musgraves; female (caught by gins) and 2 purchasing power. Evidently the rabbit embryos; 01/1933 bandicoot has never been numerous in central - 5 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Ra.; areas, and so its tail-tip becomes the only 02/1933 (2 ‘dug by gins’) money of the interior. The milbu will buy - 2 from Shirley Well, Officer Creek; 1933 many spears, a big bundle of hair or fur string; - 8 from Allarinna, Musgrave Ra.; 02/1934 or even a wife.’ (Gara 1996). - 2 from Pundi, S of Musgrave Ranges; 01/1934 Bettongia lesueur (Mitika, Burrowing Bettong) SA Museum Collection: • Now extinct from AP Lands, they were known to no specimen: - occur at Iltur (in c.1945), Ernabella, Itjiinpin and Finlayson Collection: Wamikata (also in c. 1945), Waltjitjata homeland 4 specimens: near Kalka (c. 1965-70), Wartarrur and - 2 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Pipalyatjara. Some Anangu feel they may still be Ra.; 2/1933 (dug by Flash George) present in the Pipilyatjara area. In the east they - 1 from Allarinna, Musgrave ‘finished up’ around the same time as Walputi and Ranges; 2/1934; (dug by gins) Mitika during the big drought(s) (i.e. c. 1930s to 1940s). • Used to be widespread but died out during the big • Favoured a diet of Maku (edible caterpillars and drought (see above and climate section). beetle larvae), also termites and honey ants. • Lived as a family group in large burrows and were • Often lived in close proximity to Acacia kempeana common in the same country where rabbits are now (Maku habitat); however known to have lived in found (i.e. Mulga plains and woodland areas). various habitats including foothills, Mulga run-on • Co-existed with rabbits in the same warren for areas, dune swales with Mulga shrublands, and some time, but Mitika are now extinct. spinifex sand plains; • Distinguished by their long fluffy tail; Anangu men Regional status: Extinct. Old Burrowing Bettong would attach the tail to their hair-belts or spin them warrens may still be seen in some areas where they into their beards as decoration. remain as large, flattened, circular mounds 15-20 m • Dug deep spiraled-burrows with a single entrance, across. These they appear to have shared with rabbits often with 2 or 3 young in the burrow at a time; for a few years after their arrival. Finlayson (1961) noted that this species was ‘formerly exceedingly 221 plentiful, and … almost universally distributed in Finlayson Collection: [north-western South Australia], where it was one of the 24 specimens: most important of aboriginal accessory food sources’. - 1 from near Weeloo Soak; 12/1932 By 1961, he wrote that it had ‘now been almost (12 of above ‘caught by blacks’; 1 in eliminated from the [area]’. Burbidge et al. (1988) moonlight) suggest that the species became extinct from central - 5 from Erliwunyawunya, S of Musgraves; Australian deserts in about the 1960s. 1/1933-1 from Ironwood Camp, E of Erliwunyawunya; 1/1933 Bettongia penicillata (Karpitji, Brush-tailed -2 from Maala Camp, S of Coonapandi; Bettong) (Fig. 123) 1/1933 SA Museum Collection: - 5 from near Choorlatinna Soak, NW no specimen: Musgraves; 1/1933 -6 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Ra.; 2/1933 Finlayson Collection: -1 from near Chundrina, N of Everard Ra.; no specimen: 2/1933 - 3 from Allarinna, Musgrave Ra., 2/1934 • Now extinct on the AP Lands. • Used to have a black tail. • No longer found on the AP Lands. • Used to live in woodland and on sand plain and • Were once very common in Mulgas, Ironwoods sand dune areas. and River Red Gums. • Females would move to a new area after having • Also common in creek-lines, in caves, limestone young. sink holes, in hollow logs, in Mitika burrows and, • Often lived in a shelter at the base of trees. later, in rabbit burrows. • Had a preference for Nyaru (burnt) country • Diet included Mulga leaves, bloodwood blossoms, favouring the green feed that grew after fires. figs, Acacia seed pods, Canthium latifolium, • They were hunted for food and were easy to spear Hakea flowers, eucalypt flowers and buds, during the day; ‘weren’t scared of anything so got quandong, native plums (Santalum spp.), flowers easily killed’. of the Mulga and mallee trees. • Mothers carried their young on their backs. Regional status: Extinct. Finlayson (1961) noted that • This species was often identified by Anangu as he had recorded this species: at Pundi (= Punti) c. 80 being the main priority for any future re km south of the Musgrave Ranges; near Mt Harriet, introductions, followed by the bilby, then the about half way between Pundi and the ranges; at numbat. Waldana Spring, about 160 km south of Pundi; at Unyaba Hill, between the Everard and Musgrave Regional status: Extinct. Predation by foxes seems to Ranges; and near Mt Conner (just across the border in have been the major factor influencing this species’ the Northern Territory). By 1961, he reported that he demise, although several other influences, including thought it was still extant in very small numbers in most extended droughts and altered food productivity due to of these areas. Burbidge et al. (1988) concluded from changed fire frequencies and the impact of rabbits have Aboriginal accounts that the species became extinct in been implicated (Finlayson 1961; Kerle et al. 1992). the central deserts in about the 1950s to 1960s. There have been unconfirmed sightings of the Common Trichosurus vulpecula (Wayuta Common Brushtail) Brushtail Possum in Mulga lands between Mintabie and SA Museum Collection: Marla during 2002 (J. Bice pers. comm.) 13 specimens: - 4 from Choorlabinna, NW of Musgraves; Several early explorers made reference to possums in Finlayson & Brumby, 1/1933 the Great Victoria Desert and the ranges of north - 1 from 10 miles S of Coonaparentie, S of western South Australia, and from these observations Musgraves; Finlayson & Brumby, 1/1933 some things can be pieced together about their local - 3 from Erlywunyawunya, 5 km SW of Mt behaviours. Woodroffe; Finlayson & Brumby, 1/1933 - 1 from E of Eewellina, S of Musgraves; Giles (1889) reported that possums had damaged the Finlayson & Brumby, 1/1933 garden he had planted at Fort Mueller in the Cavanagh - 2 from Chundrinna, N of Everard Ra.; Range (on what is now the SA – NT border) in 1873. Finlayson & Brumby, 2/1933 During the Elder expedition, Helms (1896) noted their - 1 from Musgrave Ranges; Tindale & presence in stunted mallee trees in the vicinity of the Hackett, 6/1933 Everard Ranges where he also obtained a skin of this - 1 from Kataditja Cave, S of Mann Ranges; species (Stirling 1893). Lewis, another member of the (skeleton); P. F. Aitken, 2/1966 Elder expedition, surprised an old Aboriginal woman cooking a possum in a fire while he was exploring what is now the north-west corner of the Unnamed 222 Conservation Park (Lindsay 1893). During their in the immediate vicinity. After little more expeditions to the central ranges in 1901 and 1902 than a week it had become necessary for the Maurice and Murray also recorded several sightings of womenfolk to travel distances of up to five possums. Near the Cavenagh Range in July 1901, miles (8 km), in order to obtain sufficient Murray noted some possums inhabiting the bloodwood supplies of vegetable foods and small trees near their camp; noting also that they were mammals, such as [Mala] (Lagorchestes), ‘somewhat rare in this country’. He also reported rabbit bandicoots [bilbies, Macrotis], sighting more possums near the Mann Ranges in marsupial moles (Notoryctes typhlops), and August and two other sightings between Oolarinna and rabbits, to sustain all the members of the Koonunda, during their return journey to Fowlers Bay. camp. Their bitter complaints at this laborious During the 1902 expedition Maurice noted seeing a necessity soon spurred the men into possum about 130km north of Tallaringa (Gara 1996). completing the round of initiation Basedow (1904) reported that possums were common ceremonies’. in the Musgrave, Mann and Tomkinson Ranges, where Tindale (op. cit.) then emphasised how, they inhabited large eucalypts along the watercourses. ‘at initiation time it is the women’s task to find He also observed, while camped in Glen Ferdinand food for their menfolk; not merely the usual (just south of current-day Ernabella), that: quantities of vegetable foods, but also a ‘ (Trichosurus vulpecula) have been greater share than usual of animal food. Many keenly hunted by the natives in [the red gum of them therefore spent the day digging out trees lining the creeks]. It is wonderful how opossums from their burrows. On one fire the hunters can climb the tall smooth trunks to alone no fewer than thirty of these animals get to the little nocturnal marsupials, which were cooked.’ camp during the day in the hollows above. Some shallow gashes are cut in the bark in Possums appear to have become extinct in the AP succession from the ground upwards to the Lands in about the 1950s or early 1960s (Burbidge et first offshoot to serve as a ladder by which to al. 1988). ascend. At times the gash seems a mere scratch, barely deep enough to receive the very Several Common Brushtails were released near tips of their toes and fingers. It appears as Ernabella in the early 1970s from animals caught near though the climber had clung like a cat to the Adelaide. Unfortunately, nothing is known of their fate bark with his toe and fingernails.’ (Basedow and there has been no subsequent record of the species 1914). in the area (Copley et al. 1989). It is widely thought Sometimes the Aborigines felled a tree to get possums that predation by foxes has been the primary cause of in upper branches by piling firewood around the base of their demise over most of their former arid distribution the tree, setting fire to it, then waiting until it burned (e.g. Finlayson 1961). through at the base (Basedow 1914). Basedow also noted that possums were plentiful near Mt Cockburn in Lagorchestes hirsutus (Mala, Rufous Hair Wallaby) the Mann Ranges. SA Museum Collection: 6 specimens: Finlayson (1961) noted that the brushtail possum was - all from 10 miles S of Coonaparenti; formerly: Finlayson & Brumby; 1/1933 ‘an extremely abundant animal over wide areas, and as late as [the 1930s], one of the Finlayson Collection: chief food species of the natives, … but now 16 specimens: suffering a decline. In the fieldwork of 1932 - 5 from Pundi; 1/1933 35 it was found to be plentiful and easily -10 from Maala Camp, S of Koonapandi, obtained in [the central ranges], where a S Musgraves; 1/1933 portion of its population was living a semi - 1 from Officer Creek, W of Everard Ra.; terrestrial life and sheltering in tchungoo [= 8-9/1933 Tjungku or Mitika/Burrowing Bettong] and rabbit warrens.’ • Used to be very common on the AP Lands, but are now gone. This observation is supported by Tindale (1935) in his • They were known to occur near Muta Ilpin, Ulpar, account of time spent with a group of 270 Pitjantjatjara Pipalyatjara, Mt Davies, west of Mimili at camped near Konapandi, on the south side of the Kalpinya, Watarrur, Fregon, Everard Ranges, Musgrave Ranges, during a period of initiation Alkara, Urunga, Wintarulku and Tjala near Fregon. ceremonies in June and July 1933. He observed that • Were present on the AP Lands up until the ‘at first food was abundant, but the low establishment of Ernabella (c. 1936). carrying capacity of the spinifex grass plains, • Lived in spinifex country, sand plains and dunes. Mulga flats and granite ranges, and the • Lived and sheltered in the spinifex hummocks and presence of so many people, caused a shortage made an obvious road through the hummocks. 223 Sometimes it would make a large burrow on the ‘the ‘spinifex wallaby’ (Lagorchestes hirsutus) sand plain. are very plentiful in the sandhills. We have • Made a noise like ‘tjit tjit’. twice today seen an eagle hawk swoop down • Were hunted with spears and clubs. Anangu used upon one of them and carry it off to be to burn the spinifex, the Mala would sit still in the devoured’. smoke and the men would creep up and spear or Burbidge, et al. (1988) cite two other explorers’ club them. The range country was not burnt. accounts of this form of predation by eagles; one by • Anangu also hunted Mala by digging a hole on Giles (1889), the other by Lipfert (quoted in McKenzie their runway path and then driving the Mala along and Youngson 1983). until they fell in; a rail would sometimes be placed over the hole and the Mala would hit the bar and Near Chasm Hill in the western Musgrave Ranges, fall back into the hole. Tindale (1933) recorded that ‘during the morning we • Mala were also herded into yards. saw numerous tracks of the hare wallaby • They were good eating and tasted similar to (Lagorchestes) and the dogs chased one but the animal kangaroo. moved so fast that the dogs were completely outpaced; • Diet was varied and included spinifex, annual we saw nothing more than a streak of fur’. Later, near plants, green plants, and mistletoe. Kanypi in the eastern Mann Ranges, Tindale observed • They had one young at a time. two Aborigines tracking game. ‘They tracked mala, or • Mala’s big brother is Tawal. These two and spinifex wallaby, but it leapt over the ground so rapidly Karpitji are related in Tjukurpa. that it was gone before they could attempt to spear it’ (Tindale 1933). Regional status: Extinct. In 1932-35, Finlayson (1961) recorded their presence south of the Cavanagh In the early 1930s Finlayson witnessed Pitjantjatjara Range, at Koonapandi and Pundi south of the Musgrave hunters using fire to catch Mala in spinifex country Ranges, and in localities between the Everard and south of the Musgrave Ranges. He gives a graphic Musgrave Ranges. However, he then noted that: account of this incident in his book The Red Centre ‘in 1956, testimony of natives who still hunt (Finlayson 1935). yearly in the sand tracts south of the Musgrave, Mann and Tomkinson Ranges ‘… we learned from the blacks that there was (where it was once their chief food supplies in a small colony of maalas in a spinifex patch 1932-35), was that it was finished’ about ten miles [16km] south of Koonapandi. This is supported by Tindale’s following observation in … The patch of spinifex was about 10 square his journal of fieldwork undertaken with miles [16 square kilometres] and surrounded people in the Rawlinson Ranges (north-west of the by dense Mulga. … A preliminary survey of Mann Ranges and in WA) in 1963. the ground before the light went showed the ‘From [an old Ngaanyatjarra man] received a presence of maala tracks in plenty. The club, tjura, of the kind made and used by his maala lives almost exclusively in these pure people for throwing at and mala spinifex communities, feeding upon the spines, wallabies. Since the disappearance of the upon which it thrives exceedingly and grows mala very few have been made’ (Tindale fat, and finding shelter in small, perfectly journal 1963, quoted in Gara 1996). protected squats under the arching pincushions or in small burrows leading down for a foot or Helms, the anthropologist on the Elder expedition in two from the same. The blacks’ favourite 1891-2, recorded that ‘spinifex wallabies’ or ‘mala’ (L. method of taking the animal is to fire the hirsutus), were the main animal food of the desert country, but if the wind is unsuitable, he does Aborigines. The Aborigines flushed them from their the second best thing, which is to follow the hiding places by setting fire to the spinifex and then freshest tracks to a squat and then, while two knocked down the fleeing animals with throwing sticks. or three stand ready with throwing sticks, They were also caught by driving them into ‘wallaby another jumps upon the tussock and breaking traps’ (Helms 1896). Streich, another member of the down the shelter, sometimes exposes the Elder expedition, noted that Mala were common maala, which has no time to use the burrow. throughout the northern Great Victoria Desert (Stirling 1893, quoted in Gara 1996). The first two days were calm, and the second method having yielded no results, hope began In 1903, Basedow (1914) noted that Mala were to dwindle almost as fast as the water [supply]. plentiful in saltbush country on the northern side of the But the third day was ideal, a scorcher with a Musgrave Ranges and on spinifex-covered sandhills hot north-west wind. near Mt Gosse, north of the Tomkinson Range, and present near Mt Kintore, south-west of the Musgrave The whole procedure adopted appears to have Ranges. Near Mt Crombie, (east of Mt Kintore), become standardized and perfected by age- Basedow (1914) also noted that long repetitions. Firstly, runners are sent into 224 the wind with fire-sticks. They diverge from away, the sites of the burrows are exposed and the starting-point along two lines, and, the subsequent digging operations much thrusting the torch into spinifex clumps at facilitated. The maala, which makes only a intervals of about fifty yards, they soon have shallow pop hole now falls an easy victim.’ an open horseshoe of flame eating into the resinous and almost explosively inflammable Burbidge et al. (1988) note that Pintupi and Warlpri vegetation. The extent of country fired people hunted Mala ‘by making brush fences and depends, of course, on the size of the party driving the animals with much shouting, sometimes operating, but in the present case when the with the aid of dogs, through gaps where hunters lay in runners were recalled, the arms of the wait to hit the fleeing animals with clubs’. Some horseshoe were nearly two miles [3.2km] long people also reported using a small leafy branch and the extremities at the open end which attached to a spear or long stick which was swished faces the wind, were nearly a mile [1.6km] around to imitate the flapping wings of a Wedge-tailed apart. The country outside the horseshoe is Eagle. This made the wallaby crouch in its shelter, left to its fate, but matters are so arranged that making close approach and capture easier (Burbidge et the areas where maala tracks are thickest are al. 1988). within the lines of flame, and upon this space attention is focused. Onychogalea lunata (Tawalpa, Crescent Nailtail Wallaby) The subsequent events form three distinct SA Museum Collection: phases, during each of which some kills are 1 specimen: made. The fire, of course, makes rather slow - from Everard Ra.; R. Helms; 6/1891 headway against the wind, but as it creeps on, all life forsakes the tussocks well in advance Finlayson Collection: of the flame and a steady concentration of all 1 specimen: living things is effected. As the flames - from W of Everard Ra.; A Brumby; 1932 advance into the wind, the party recedes from them slowly, keenly watching for a breakaway • Used to sleep under bushes and made large from every likely looking tussock, and should pathways like sheep. a maala break cover within range, his chance • Similar to Mala in size and appearance. of dodging the throwing-sticks is slender. • Lived on the sand plain in the spinifex. This is the first phase, and it occupied most of • Ate bush bean and termites. the morning. But while this has been going on • They were a source of meat for Anangu; but now the extremities of the wings of flame have are extinct. been closing in and when at last they meet, the action suddenly quickens and the second phase Regional status: Extinct. Appears to have become is ushered in. extinct by the 1940s or 1950s. Finlayson (1961) had relatively little first-hand experience of this animal. With the wind full behind it, the closed line of flame now rushes back towards the starting- Burbidge et al. (1988) indicate that Crescent Nailtail point, and to the steady roar of the leeward fire Wallabies inhabited a wide range of habitats in the is added the sudden menacing boom of the central deserts. They sheltered beneath a low shady windward one. … The party now gathers up tree or shrub, or sometimes beneath a spinifex the spoils already taken and dashes through hummock, and early accounts record that they often the leeward fire to the safety of the burnt sought refuge in a hollow log or tree, or in a burrow, ground beyond, and there, in line, await the when pursued. meeting of the double wall of flame, when every living thing which has remained above In 1875, John Forrest recorded shooting two of them; ground must come within range of their throw. one in the Warburton Ranges (WA), the other near Elder Springs in the Tomkinson Ranges. Helms (1896) … It is soon over, and we go back to the recorded the name ‘daualpa’ (= Tawalpa) in the Blyth ironwood camp in mid-afternoon to wait for Range. Daisy Bates recorded the name also for the ground to cool before beginning on the vocabularies in the Ooldea area. But few first-hand third and final phase. It might be thought that accounts seem to exist. Finlayson (1961) noted that ‘in such a fire would wipe out every living thing 1932-35 it was still being reported and occasionally in its path, but that is by no means so…At obtained by natives, … but I have personal knowledge such times the burrowing habit is the salvation of only two specimens taken in that period’. of both mammals and ; and … it is only a matter of a few hours before most forms are Burbidge et al. (1988) note that they were ‘hunted by on the move again, looking for pastures new. building brush fences and enclosures and driving the But the prickly vegetation having been swept 225 animals into them or through a gap behind which Macroderma gigas (Ulpurulpuru, Kulpitjaturu, people waited with clubs to make killing easier’. Ghost Bat) SA Museum Collection: Several early explorers who traversed the Great no specimen: Victoria Desert reported finding these brushwood ‘wallaby fences’ or ‘traps’. While exploring just to the Finlayson Collection: north of the boundary of the current-day Unnamed no specimen: Conservation Park, Wells reported finding ‘brush traps, erected for trapping wallabies or rats’ (Lindsay 1893). • Now likely extinct; previously known from a large Murray also reported finding ‘brush fences for wallaby cave at Ulkirara and one near Ulkiya (Mt and rat hunting’ near Parraminna Dam and others near Caroline), a large overhang on Iltja Iltja creekline. Ooldabinna, Waldana and in the sandhill country south • The sighting at Ulkiya was before rabbits entered of the Cavanagh Range. the AP Lands. • An unconfirmed sighting in more recent times was Helms (1896) provided further detail about these made in a cave north of Wingelina. structures he encountered around the northern parts of the Great Victoria Desert in SA. Regional status: Extinct. Finlayson (1961) ‘These fences are about two feet [50 cm] high, commented that ‘old men of the Pitjantjatjara knew it and simply made of broken-down shrubs and 40 years ago (ca 1920) in the Musgrave, Mann and branches of trees, mainly Mulga, and converge Tomkinson Ranges, whence it has now long gone’. to an angle after extending a long distance over the ground. Sometimes they are over half Leporillus apicalis (Tjuwalpi, Lesser Stick nest Rat) a mile [ca 800 m] long and no doubt have SA Museum Collection: been erected for the purpose of having the 2 specimens: animals driven into for a final battue at the - both W of Mt Crombie; Tindale & Hackett; angular portion.’ 18/07/1933

Basedow (1904), described two different forms of these Finlayson Collection: traps. ‘At Ulurinna, a native water in the Ayers Range, no specimen: which is situated in a gorge and only accessible from one direction, a fence of brushwood had been built • Disappeared around 50 years ago (ca 1950?). round the waterhole at the further side from the • Lived in the rocks. entrance to the gorge, behind which the native, lying in • Made a nest in caves or just on the outside. Nest ambush, awaits the arrival of game, driven thither by constructed of sticks and rocks glued together by thirst, and spears it there without difficulty’. He also excrement. The Tjuwalpi would toilet on the commented that ‘long fences are also constructed in the outside of the nest to make it stronger. Mulga scrub by merely piling together branches of this • The nest was one room, which was constantly and other bush one over the other. These zigzag brush added to. fences, which may be at times almost a mile [1.6 km] in • One family would live inside the nest. length, assume various shapes in plan, but usually • Anangu would open the nest and remove the rats, converge to one or more points like the arms of the or set the nests alight and then capture the rats as letter V. The idea is to drive the game into the they ran out. enclosure, when the arms of the converging fences • The rats did not bite. ultimately lead it to the angle point. A small opening is left at this spot, and a man, hiding close by, spears the Regional status: Extinct. The last records of this game as it emerges.’ species (anywhere) were made by Tindale in 1933, near Mt Crombie, south of the Musgrave Ranges. Tindale Finlayson (1935) also saw some of these structures, but (1933) recorded the burning of the stick-nest rat’s nest noted: ‘in some parts of the country are the remnants of and the capture of the fleeing inhabitants on his black game traps or corrals in the form of brush fences, in and white movie reel entitled Mann Ranges – 1933. He which drives on a very large scale were evidently also retained two specimens for the SA Museum. conducted in the open country. But the practice seems to have fallen into disuse and I can hear of no recent The former range and demise of this species has been example of such corral having been used’. described by Copley (1999). During the biological survey we were told that the remnants of such a brush-trap fence still occurred near Lake Wilson, against the southern side of the Mann Ranges, but we never got to see it.

226 DISCUSSION Traditional ecological knowledge and its future application There has been a major change in the fauna in Anangu living memory. Many senior Anangu have commented that when they were young children and adolescents they used to travel the country eating Malu, Mitika, Mala, Nyulu, Wintaru and other animals with lots of different sorts of mai (non-meat food), but now ‘all’ they see are rabbits, cats and foxes!

Senior Anangu who worked on the survey grew up when many of the animals that are now extinct were still present. They are the last holders of first-hand knowledge of these animals on the AP lands. This is a very important and unique knowledge. They were very concerned about the decline of rock-wallaby populations and would like to see a management plan for the rock-wallabies. They agreed with scientists that feral animal control programs would be important in protecting the remnant colonies. This program has now been implemented by AP Land Management over a number of years.

There is concern amongst older Anangu in particular, about the lack of traditional ecological knowledge held, and being learnt, by younger Anangu. They feel that new ways need to be found to address this problem with middle aged and younger people.

Anangu feel there is a need to address the decline in Red Kangaroo numbers on the lands. Ideas such as sanctuaries, which would incorporate the provision of water points and control of hunting and dingoes were discussed. Aerial surveys have been done by DEH to estimate numbers and identify the main areas where they still occur.

The loss of patch-burning skills and the effects of ‘not burning’ on animals like kangaroos were discussed. A need for work and training programs to encourage patch-burning practices was identified.

Discussion about the potential impact of reductions in rabbit numbers through the spread of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD) on other mammals, such as rock- wallabies, was discussed. As with many issues concerning wildlife on the AP Lands, Anangu expressed concern about how much they have become focussed on communities and infrastructure and, as a result had not been turning around and looking after the country. They further expressed their belief that it was critical to work with young children and teach them at school about the importance of this kind of work and knowledge system.

227 SPECIES PATTERNS and most distinctive group contains species such as the The presence/absence data for 15 mammal species Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus and is confined to the rocky including the three large macropod species, the native hill systems where crevices and caves provide shelter. small mammals and the introduced House Mouse was Groups 2 to 5 are less well defined but represent a analysed using PATN (see Methods) from 133 quadrats gradient from the grass-covered sand plains through sampled over the duration of the AP Lands Biological chenopod shrublands and into the dune systems. Group Survey. The dendrogram (Figure 115) was cut to 6, characterised by the Euro, represents the more open produce 6 groups. The habitat variables associated spinifex-covered hill systems without the extensive with each assemblage are shown in Table 28. The first shrub-filled valleys and broken topography of Group 1 .

Group # # Sites in group Group 1 (26)______|______Group 2 (21)_ | |______| Group 3 (5) ______| | ______|______|______| Group 4 (44)_ | | ______| | Group 5 (28)___ | | | ___|______| | | Group 6 (9)____ | | | | ____|______|______|__|______| | | | | | | 0.0000 0.4640 0.9280 1.3920 1.8560 2.3200 Dissimilarity------>>>

Figure 115. A dendrogram showing the relationship between the groups in the AP Lands Biological Survey mammal PATN analysis.

228 Table 28. Proportion (expressed as a percentage) of sites within each mammal assemblage presented as percentages against habitat variables. Where the assemblage contained more than 30% of site records in a habitat type, the values are highlighted in bold.

Habitat Variable Assemblage Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 No sites in group 26 21 5 44 28 9 Landform drainage depression 7 4 drainage line 2 13 dry lake 20 2 dune 5 9 29 flood out 20 16 gorge 4 hill crest 4 13 hill footslope 4 2 38 hill slope 77 5 40 7 13 plain 48 27 32 25 ridge 4 rock outcrop 8 2 sandy plain 33 20 29 stony plain 5 20 5 swale 5 7 Land Unit dunes 10 5 25 floodplain 20 14 22 hills 50% 5 7 33 low hills 35 5 40 2 22 mountains 15 5 11 plains 38 40 50 21 11 sand plains 43 18 54 Surface soil clay 20 2 clay/loam 4 5 5 clay/loam/sand 4 5 20 14 11 33 clay/sand 18 4 sand 14 16 43% sand/loam 73 76 60 45 43 67 skel 19 Strew Cover <10% 4 14 20 23 4 22 10-30% 15 5 20 9 30-70% 46 5 40 5 22 gt 70% 35 5 22 nil 76 20 59 96 33 Strew Size pebble (5-50mm) 24 80 27 4 22 cobble (51-250mm) 12 7 22 boulder (gt 250mm) 85 7 22 Sheet 4 none apparent 76 20 59 96 33

229 Group 1. BROKEN HILL AND RANGE SYSTEMS WITH SHRUB-FILLED VALLEYS (26 quadrats).

Characterised by the Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus, Euro and Black-flanked Rock-wallaby this group is found in rocky hills with sandy loam soils and various forms of woodland and hummock grass vegetation either on the main ranges or isolated inselbergs on the sand plains.

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Euro Macropus robustus 24 40.56 0.69 4 Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus Pseudantechinus 16 48.94 1.00 1 macdonnellensis House Mouse Mus musculus 10 0.99 0.15 4 Black-flanked Rock- wallaby Petrogale lateralis 9 25.82 1.00 1 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 2 3.07 0.07 5 Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor 2 0.20 0.18 4

Vegetation Structure No % Low open shrubland 1 4 Low open woodland 1 4 Low woodland 1 4 Open (tussock) grassland 1 4 Open hummock grassland 4 14 Tall open shrubland 1 4 Tall very open shrubland 2 7 Very low open woodland 11 44 Very low woodland 2 7 Very open (tussock) grassland 1 4 Very open shrubland 1 4

230 GROUP 2. GRASS-COVERED SAND PLAINS (21 quadrats).

Characterised by the Ooldea Dunnart this group occurs on sand plains supporting hummock grasslands and Mulga woodlands

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis 20 3.73 0.25 5 Ooldea Dunnart Sminthopsis ooldea 19 17.38 0.41 4 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 10 5.29 0.34 5 Spinifex Hopping Mouse Notomys alexis 4 0.74 0.11 3

Vegetation Structure No % Low open woodland 1 5 Low woodland 4 20 Open (tussock) grassland 1 5 Open low mallee 1 5 Open mallee 1 5 Tall open shrubland 1 5 Very low open woodland 6 28 Very low woodland 5 22 Very open mallee 1 5

231 GROUP 3. CHENOPOD SHRUBLANDS ON CLAY LOAM SOIL (5 quadrats).

Characterised by the Fat-tailed and Stripe-faced , this group occurs on the stony plains and low hills supporting a low open shrubland. It is confined to the far east of the AP Lands and is more widespread and characteristic of the extensive adjoining areas of the stony plains of the Lake Eyre Basin.

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis 5 0.74 0.06 5 Stripe-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura 4 74.61 1.00 1 Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 3 50.53 1.00 1 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 2 0.15 0.07 5 Forrest's Mouse Leggadina forresti 1 1.33 0.33 3 Euro Macropus robustus 1 0.51 0.03 4 Ooldea Dunnart Sminthopsis ooldea 1 0.87 0.02 4

Vegetation Structure No % Low open shrubland 4 80 Very low open woodland 1 20

232 GROUP 4. SAND PLAINS WITH MULGA WOODLAND AT VARIOUS DENSITIES (44 quadrats).

Not a particularly well-defined group found in the extensive Mulga Woodlands that occur widely across the AP Lands.

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. House Mouse Mus musculus 43 18.65 0.64 4 Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis 26 0.04 0.33 5 Ooldea Dunnart Sminthopsis ooldea 19 0.71 0.41 4 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 11 0.09 0.38 5 Spinifex Hopping Mouse Notomys alexis 11 0.10 0.31 3 Wongai Ningaui Ningaui ridei 3 6.80 0.09 3 Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor 2 1.26 0.18 4 Forrest’s Mouse Leggadina forresti 1 0.24 0.33 3 Euro Macropus robustus 1 10.60 0.03 4

Vegetation Structure No % ()Tussock grassland 3 7 Low open shrubland 4 10 Low open woodland 2 4.5 Low shrubland 2 4.5 Low woodland 3 7 Open (tussock) grassland 2 4.5 Open hummock grassland 2 4.5 Open mallee 3 7 Open shrubland 3 7 Open woodland 3 7 Shrubland 1 2 Tall open shrubland 5 10 Tall very open shrubland 1 2 Very low open woodland 3 7 Very low woodland 4 10 Very open (tussock) grassland 1 2 Very open low mallee 1 2 Very open mallee 1 2

233 GROUP 5. DUNE SYSTEMS AND SAND PLAINS WITH EXTENSIVE SPINIFEX DOMINATED SHRUBLAND (23 quadrats).

Characterised by the Wongai Ningaui, Hairy-footed Dunnart and Spinifex Hopping-mouse, this group favours dune systems and sand plains with a variety of Shrubland and Hummock Grassland vegetation communities on sandy soils.

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Wongai Ningaui Ningaui ridei 24 37.31 0.71 3 Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis 21 0.79 0.26 5 Spinifex Hopping Mouse Notomys alexis 20 19.97 0.57 3 House Mouse Mus musculus 10 1.50 0.15 4 Hairy-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis hirtipes 8 20.08 1.00 1 Ooldea Dunnart Sminthopsis ooldea 7 1.05 0.15 4 Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor 6 4.38 0.55 4 Marsupial Mole Notoryctes typhlops 5 11.29 1.00 5 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 4 1.11 0.14 5

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 1 3.5 Low open woodland 1 3.5 Low woodland 2 8 Open (tussock) grassland 2 8 Open hummock grassland 5 18 Open low mallee 1 3.5 Open mallee 1 3.5 Tall open shrubland 7 24 Tall very open shrubland 3 10 Very open low mallee 1 3.5 Very open mallee 3 10 Very open shrubland 1 3.5

234 GROUP 6. ROUNDED HILLS WITH SPINIFEX HUMMOCK GRASSLAND (9 quadrats).

Characterised only by the Euro, this group is found on hillslopes dominated by Hummock Grasslands on sandy loams and extensive areas of bare rock.

Common Name Species Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Euro Macropus robustus 9 15.87 0.26 4 Sandy Inland Mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis 8 0.80 0.10 5 Wongai Ningaui Ningaui ridei 7 7.66 0.21 3 House Mouse Mus musculus 4 0.24 0.06 4 Forrest’s Mouse Leggadina forresti 1 0.43 0.33 3 Desert Mouse Pseudomys desertor 1 0.08 0.09 4

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 3 33 Low woodland 1 11 Open (tussock) grassland 1 11 Open hummock grassland 2 23 Tall very open shrubland 1 11 Very low woodland 1 11 The Black-flanked Rock-wallaby or Waru, Petrogale SPECIES OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE lateralis MacDonnell Ranges race, is listed as Threatened species Vulnerable nationally and Endangered at the State ratings for each species, as listed in level. This is almost certainly the State’s most Appendix IV, follow those applied nationally, as endangered mammal. Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Both Sminthopsis hirtipes and Taphozous hilli have Biodiversity Conservation Act 2000 and the State State ‘Rare’ ratings. See species summaries above for listings of Endangered, Vulnerable or Rare, as per more details. Schedules 7, 8 and 9 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (most recently revised in 2000). Both Regional conservation status for each mammal species systems of ratings conform to those indicated in on the AP Lands has been assessed from the results of Robinson et al. (2000). the survey and the relative numbers of records made over the past 110 years. See Appendix IV and the The Southern Marsupial-mole or Itjari-itjari, Notoryctes species summaries above. typhlops, is the only extant mammal in the region listed nationally as Endangered. It is also listed as Future research and management recommendations for Endangered at the State level. selected mammal species on the AP Lands are made in the Conclusions and Recommendations chapter.

235 Figure 116. Murtja, the Mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda), not captured on this survey and possibly extinct in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands although populations still occur in adjacent areas of WA and the NT. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 117. Mingkiri, the Wongai Ningaui (Ningaui ridei), an animal confined to Triodia hummocks Photo: P. D. Canty.

236 Figure 118. Mingkiri, the Ooldea Dunnart (Sminthopsis ooldea), found throughout the extensive sand plain habitats across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 119. Anula, the Fat-tailed Pseudantechinus (Pseudantechinus macdonnellensis), is still a relatively widespread animal across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands where it is found in rocky outcrop areas. Photo: A. Robinson.

237 Figure 120. Ninu, Marura, Tjalku, the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), a very important animal for Anangu now possibly extinct across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands in SA but still found in adjacent areas of WA Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 121. Itjari-itjari, the Southern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) leaves very characteristic tracks on the relatively rare occasions when it comes to the surface of its sand dune habitat. Photo: P. D. Canty.

238 Figure 122. A rare glimpse of the living Itjari-itjari or Southern Marsupial Mole (Notoryctes typhlops) caught by Anangu during the ongoing ecological study of this poorly understood species. Photo: J. Benshemesh.

Figure 123. Karpitji, the Brush-tailed Bettong (Bettongia penicillata), an animal well known to older Anangu but now extinct across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: P. D. Canty.

239 Figure 124. Pinytjantjara, the White-striped Freetail-bat (Tadarida australis) a spectacular bat captured once during the survey. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 125. Pinytjantjara, Hill’s Sheathtail Bat (Taphozous hillii) has its stronghold in South Australia in caves in the range country of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: S. Churchill.

240 Figure 126. Tarkawara, the Spinifex Hopping Mouse (Notomys alexis), still common and widespread in Mulga country. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 127. Mingkiri, the Desert Mouse (Pseudomys desertor), an adaptable species still found in a range of habitats. Photo: A. Robinson. 241 242 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey

BIRDS

by P. B. Copley1, L. M. Baker3, B. J. Nesbitt3, L. P. Pedler2, D. Hopton1 and J. N. Foulkes1

INTRODUCTION knowledge of the flora and fauna of the AP Lands This chapter includes a summary of the knowledge of for the survey. It is not provided for others to use the bird fauna of the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara Lands (AP for profit by exploitation of Anangu traditional Lands) prior to the biological survey beginning in 1991. knowledge with regard their use of plants or Early knowledge of birds relies significantly on the animals as food or for medicinal purposes. This records of early explorers and naturalists, especially data is the property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara and White (1915a, b) and McGilp (1935). These cannot be used for any purpose without the written observations formed the basis for comparison with later permission of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. observations from the 1970s and during 1980 summarised by David Close and Roger Jaensch (Close All birds are discussed using their Anangu, European and Jaensch 1984). It also includes data collected as common and scientific names for clarity. It should be part of The Atlas of Australian Birds (Blakers et noted however that some bird names provided are al.1984). The chapter then discusses the results of the specific to Yankunytj at j ara, and others to Pitj ant j at j ara, survey (1991-1998) and integrates much of the Anangu with some names used by both language speakers. traditional ecological knowledge provided during that Language-specific names and terms were, where period. specified by the informant, recorded and noted as such. All informants however were multi-lingual with Only ‘public’ information was recorded from Anangu. Pitj ant j at j ara and Yankunytj at j ara and so the distinction Prior to any survey information being collected, was not always made. Therefore some of the discussions were held with the Anangu survey information provided is a combination of both language participants, to clarify what type of information was knowledge bases. being sought and how it would be made available to the general public. Anangu then determined what type of APPRAISAL OF SPECIES' RECORDS PRIOR TO information it would be appropriate for them to THE SURVEY provide. This was critical as the information collected Museum and published records was intended for presentation in reports, papers, and Gee (this publication) has reviewed European activity other print media. Collection of non-public, culturally in the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara Lands (also see Appendix select information would expose readers to knowledge I), and from this it may be assumed that the first that would contravene traditional Law. European records of birds in the area were made by the explorers William Gosse (1873), Ernest Giles (1874) The information collected was compiled as an ACCESS and John Forrest (1874). However, Giles’ visit to the database with scientific names linked to the SA Musgrave Ranges in September 1873 is the only VERTEBRATE system. This database is held by expedition of these cited in reviews of early bird Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara. Information provided on species records for the area (e.g. for records of Malleefowl; see by different Anangu informants is cross-referenced Cleland 1946; Close and Jaensch 1984). Later, the which enables different language names for species to expeditions of R. T. Maurice, to and through the area in be retrieved and validated. The ACCESS database 1901-02, and of Basedow, in 1903 (Basedow 1915), and all information recorded from Anangu is the provided a few further early European observations and property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. comments on birds (also see Cleland 1946b; Close and Jaensch 1984), but such records were scant. The presentation of information in this report The earliest museum bird specimen from the region summarises the Anangu contribution to the preserved at the South Australian Museum came from

1 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 2 PO Box 58. KOOLUNGA, SA 5564 3Wallambia Consultants. 1070 South Arm Rd. URUNGA, NSW 2455

243 the Elder Expedition of 1891, led by David Lindsay. collected from the Everard Ranges area. The main This specimen, of a Striated , Amytornis collectors at that time were: striatus rufus, was collected from near ‘Hill/Larrie’ • R. M. Williams in 1928 (see Williams and Ruhen Rockholes, near Mingeemealinna Hill’ in June 1891. 1984). The specimen in the SA Museum is registered under • J. N. McGilp in 1931 and 1934 (see McGilp 1935). Helms’ name as collector during that expedition. • J. B. Cleland in 1932. • N. B. Tindale and C. Hackett in 1933. The next oldest specimens from the area (in the SA Museum) are those collected by naturalist Captain S. A. Between them, these early naturalists and collectors White during his expedition of 1914. The scientific (including Captain White) collected two-thirds of all notes on this expedition into the north-western regions bird specimens from the region housed in the SA of South Australia are published in the Transactions of Museum. By comparison, more recent specimens have the Royal Society of South Australia (vol. 39, pp.707- been few (Table 29). The observations of these early 842). They include the first annotated checklist of naturalists and collectors provide an important baseline birds for the region and also have a section detailing the against which more recent observations can be stomach contents of birds taken as museum specimens. compared. In particular, several species appear to have Specimens include the Banded and Chestnut-breasted had major changes in status within the region during the Whiteface, the Spinifex Pigeon, the Slaty-backed 20th century (see later discussion). Some species seem Thornbill and the Dusky Grasswren (White 1915). to have declined in both range and abundance due to the impacts of competition from introduced herbivores Most bird specimens from the area in the SA Museum (rabbits and domestic stock) or predation by introduced were collected by naturalists during the period 1928 – (foxes and feral cats). Conversely, other 1934. Most were collected from the eastern portions of species appear to have increased in both range and the region, especially around Ernabella and the abundance, due to the prevalence of rabbits (as food for southern Musgrave Ranges, although many were also larger raptors) or to the provision of artificial water supplies for human settlement or for stock.

Table 29. Major collections of bird specimens from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands from 1891 until 1991, housed at the SA Museum1 .

Collector No. of Species No. of Specimens % of Total Specimens Early 1900s S. A. White (1914) 5 13 11 R. M. Williams (1928) 12 14 12 A. F. Brumby (1929-32) 2 (?) 3 (?) 2.5 S. A. Ferguson (1930,34) 4 7 6 J. N. McGilp (1931,43) 12 (?) 16 (?) 13 J. B. Cleland (1932) 7 7 6 Tindale & Hackett (1933) 13 17 (?) 14 Late 1900s J. B. Paton (1973) 4 5 4 L. P. Pedler (1980) 9 13 11 J. R. W. Reid (1984) 5 5 4 Sub-total of species / specimens 73 90 Total Species / Specimens 119 75 1 Other collections by S. A. White and some other early collectors are in collections in other museums both in Australia and overseas. These were not examined for this report. This table however is indicative of general collecting effort prior to the present survey.

244 The bird records of the early explorers, naturalists, discussed later in the context of the PATN analyses collectors and other scientists or naturalists visiting the undertaken for the broader biological survey data. region have been reviewed by Close and Jaensch (1984). This review divided the records into ‘historical TOTAL BIRD FAUNA: CURRENT AND records’, being those observations recorded up to the EXTINCT end of 1972, and ‘recent records’ made between 1975 Since 1991, the biological survey of the AP Lands has (Shurcliff 1977, 1980) and late 1980. The 1980 field added significantly to scientific understanding of the observations were made during special trips by the current distributions and ecological requirements of the authors (and others) to record bird species distributions region’s birds. All bird records from the South for The Atlas of Australian Birds (Blakers, Davies and Australian Museum (Table 29), from the Biological Reilly 1984). A follow-up paper by Jaensch and Survey and Opportune databases, from the Birds Jaensch (1987) added further observations, and species, Australia Atlas of Australian Birds (using both first and to the earlier annotated checklist (Close and Jaensch second Atlas databases) and from published records 1984). with reliable species identifications, have now been collated for the study area (Appendix V). Anangu Since that time, apart from the biological survey records of birds for the area have also been added to the records reported here, additional bird records have been survey data-list and included in Appendix V. obtained during field trips by Mark Shephard (August 1993; unpublished data), by the SA Museum’s The bird survey data in Table 30 shows: Waterhouse Club (October 2001; G. Carpenter • The number of quadrats each species was recorded unpublished data) and by various observers for the in (No. quadrats). second Atlas of Australian Birds. These observations • The number of records for each species within are all summarised in Appendix V. sample quadrats (No observed). • The number of individuals of each species In addition to these numerous bird records, there has recorded within sample quadrats (Frequency been only one long-term localised study of bird (quadrats)). distribution patterns in relation to vegetation • The number of opportune records made for each communities on the AP Lands. It was a project species outside of quadrats (Opportune undertaken by Kath Shurcliff in the Everard Ranges in Frequency). April, May, September and December 1975; • The number of individuals of each species April, May, September and December 1976; and recorded outside of quadrats (Opportune No. October 1981. The work was conducted in the Victory Observed). Well – Mt Illbillee area, just west of Mimili and was published as Shurcliff (1978, 1980). This work is

245 Table 30. Abundance of bird species across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands during the survey period.

Species Common Name No No observed % of total No observed Frequency quadrats (quadrats ) quadrats (opportune ) (opportune ) Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater 136 529 71 52 45 Manorina flavigula Yellow-throated Miner 116 863 61 80 45 Oreoica gutturalis Crested Bellbird 106 232 55 52 40 Rhipidura leucophrys 104 222 54 39 30 Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 99 400 52 91 70 Artamus cinereus Black-faced Woodswallow 85 495 45 42 34 Psephotus varius Mulga Parrot 83 394 43 67 32 Cacatua roseicapilla Galah 78 883 41 565 22 Aphelocephala leucopsis Southern Whiteface 78 473 41 37 20 Ocyphaps lophotes Crested Pigeon 66 497 36 1023 15 Pomatostomus superciliosus White-browed Babbler 73 414 38 44 26 Cracticus nigrogularis Pied Butcherbird 73 169 38 37 26 Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie 72 151 38 33 25 Barnardius zonarius Australian Ringneck, 68 244 36 48 23 Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finch 65 881 34 1111 19 Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird 61 100 32 32 17 Melopsittacus undulatus Budgerigar 59 1441 31 525 23 Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler 58 105 30 46 27 Acanthiza uropygialis Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 53 527 28 41 25 Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush 53 95 28 14 12 Falco berigora Brown Falcon 53 81 28 21 20 Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel 52 103 27 21 20 Corvus orru Torresian Crow 46 108 24 36 20 Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard's Pipit 44 151 23 28 24 occidentalis Chiming Wedgebill 42 109 22 6 6 Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle 42 68 22 66 31 Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 42 92 22 6 5 Petroica goodenovii Red-capped Robin 41 101 21 40 26 Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird 41 82 21 24 13 lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren 40 225 21 4 3 Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill 35 179 18 19 6 Epthianura tricolor Crimson Chat 32 269 17 36 24 Corvus bennetti Little Crow 32 105 17 114 14 Lichenostomus plumulus Grey-fronted Honeyeater 28 166 15 53 21 Melanodryas cucullata Hooded Robin 28 50 15 23 15 Malurus leucopterus White-winged Fairy-wren 25 235 13 23 4 246 Species Common Name No No observed % of total No observed Frequency quadrats (quadrats ) quadrats (opportune ) (opportune ) Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill 25 162 13 12 9 Malurus splendens Splendid Fairy-wren 25 196 13 14 7 Acanthiza apicalis Inland Thornbill 25 75 13 8 6 Chlamydera guttata Western Bowerbird 24 48 13 13 11 Phylidonyris albifrons White-fronted Honeyeater 24 99 13 34 28 Neopsephotus bourkii Bourke's Parrot 24 175 13 40 16 Lichenostomus penicillatus White-plumed Honeyeater 23 132 13 24 11 Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow 23 257 13 63 7 Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller 23 68 13 8 6 Turnix velox Little Button-quail 22 38 13 5 2 Cincloramphus mathewsi Rufous Songlark 22 58 13 6 4 Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Red-backed Kingfisher 21 25 11 6 6 Amytornis purnelli Dusky Grasswren 21 90 11 3 3 Merops ornatus Rainbow Bee-eater 21 50 11 18 10 Chrysococcyx basalis Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo 19 26 10 20 19 Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo 18 29 9 332 3 Cincloramphus cruralis Brown Songlark 18 58 9 151 4 Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing 16 110 8 4 4 Nymphicus hollandicus Cockatiel 16 98 8 511 2 Cheramoeca leucosternus White-backed Swallow 14 27 7 35 8 Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeater 13 43 7 363 2 Cinclosoma castanotus Chestnut Quail-thrush 12 33 6 7 6 Pardalotus rubricatus Red-browed Pardalote 12 16 6 13 9 Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite 11 16 6 191 4 Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar 11 13 6 9 7 Dromaius novaehollandiae Emu 11 15 6 7 5 Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchell's Cockatoo 10 91 5 981 0 Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin 10 90 5 13 4 Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin 10 90 5 4 3 Accipiter cirrhocephalus 9 10 5 2 2 Lichmera indistincta Brown Honeyeater 9 29 5 6 3 Artamus minor Little Woodswallow 9 30 5 5 5 Amytornis striatus 9 38 5 1 1 Acanthiza robustirostris Slaty-backed Thornbill 8 35 4 5 2 Hamirostra melanosternon Black-breasted Buzzard 8 11 4 2 2 Coracina maxima Ground Cuckoo-shrike 8 18 4 19 9 247 Species Common Name No No observed % of total No observed Frequency quadrats (quadrats ) quadrats (opportune ) (opportune ) Cacatua sanguinea Little Corella 7 24 4 169 9 Lichenostomus keartlandi Grey-headed Honeyeater 7 34 4 1 1 Epthianura aurifrons Orange Chat 6 22 3 17 6 Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth 6 9 3 7 6 Aphelocephala nigricincta Banded Whiteface 6 18 3 0 0 Pyrrholaemus brunneus Redthroat 6 10 3 0 0 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon 6 7 3 4 3 Tyto alba Barn Owl 5 11 3 10 6 Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing 5 8 3 8 5 Ardeotis australis Australian Bustard 5 6 3 15 10 Gerygone fusca Western Gerygone 4 9 2 2 2 Eurostopodus argus Spotted Nightjar 4 7 2 15 11 Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark 4 7 2 14 8 Hieraaetus morphnoides 4 5 2 3 3 Geopelia cuneata Diamond Dove 3 14 2 8 5 Chrysococcyx osculans Black-eared Cuckoo 3 4 2 1 1 Climacteris affinis White-browed Treecreeper 3 5 2 6 4 Milvus migrans Black Kite 3 5 2 14 8 Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter 3 3 2 2 2 Leipoa ocellata Malleefowl 3 4 3 1 1 Ninox novaeseelandiae Southern Boobook 3 3 3 4 4 Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove 2 5 1 0 0 Geophaps plumifera Spinifex Pigeon 2 9 1 9 4 Circus assimilis Spotted Harrier 2 3 1 1 1 Corvus coronoides Australian Raven 2 6 1 1 1 Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella 2 6 1 10 2 Emblema pictum Painted Finch 2 8 1 18 3 Falco longipennis Australian Hobby 2 3 1 8 6 Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow 2 2 1 2 2 Aphelocephala pectoralis Chestnut-breasted Whiteface 1 13 0.5 2 1 Accipiter fasciatus 1 1 0.5 4 3 Anas gracilis Grey Teal 1 2 0.5 3 3 Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow 1 1 0.5 1 1 Charadrius australis Inland Dotterel 1 1 0.5 2 1 Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck 1 1 0.5 52 3 Elseyornis melanops Black-fronted Dotterel 1 1 0.5 4 4 Falco hypoleucos Grey Falcon 1 1 0.5 1 1 Falco subniger Black Falcon 1 1 0.5 1 1 Neophema splendida Scarlet-chested Parrot 1 1 0.5 2 1 248 Species Common Name No No observed % of total No observed Frequency quadrats (quadrats ) quadrats (opportune ) (opportune ) Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote 1 1 0.5 4 4 Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing 1 2 0.5 2 1 Eremiornis carteri Spinifexbird 1 3 0.5 Calamanthus campestris Rufous Fieldwren 1 1 0.5 1 1 Circus approximans Swamp Harrier 0 0 0 1 1 Ardea pacifica White-necked Heron 0 0 0 8 3 Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 0 0 0 2 1 Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail 0 0 0 4 1 Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron 0 0 0 2 2 Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite 0 0 0 4 2 Gallinula ventralis Black-tailed Native-hen 0 0 0 51 2 Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt 0 0 0 6 1 Malacorhynchus membranaceus Pink-eared Duck 0 0 0 5 3 Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican 0 0 0 1 1 Phaps histrionica Flock Bronzewing 0 0 0 1 1 Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe 0 0 0 1 1 Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Red-necked Avocet 0 0 0 1 1 Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe 0 0 0 4 1 Todiramphus sancta Sacred Kingfisher 0 0 0 1 1 Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail 0 0 0 1 1 *Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling 0 0 0 1 1 Grand Total 13988 4547 5663 1313

249 Common species Wagtail (30) and White-fronted Honeyeater (28). By During the systematic site-based surveys 115 bird comparison the 10 most abundant species recorded at species were identified. Thirty-one (27%) of these opportune sites were: Zebra Finch (1111), Crested species were recorded at more than 35 of the 355 bird Pigeon (1023), Galah (565), Budgerigar (525), Little survey quadrats (i.e. > 10% of quadrats surveyed) and Corella (169), Little Crow (169), Pink Cockatoo (98), forty-eight (42%) were detected at more than 20 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (91), Yellow-throated quadrats sampled in the region (i.e. at > 6% of sample Miner (80) and Mulga Parrot (67). Many in this latter quadrats). Interestingly, all of these species are native group reflect the frequency of opportune records made (which is in rather stark contrast to the mammals at, or near, water. recorded for the region). A further 17 species were recorded at ‘opportunistic’ sites only. The species recorded only at ‘opportune’ sites (i.e. not detected on quadrats) also reflect ‘opportunistic’ The most widespread species (i.e. recorded at most sampling at water sources. These included: survey quadrats - see Table 30), was the Singing  Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora) Honeyeater, Lichenostomus virescens, that was  Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) recorded on 136 quadrat surveys (or at 38% of  Stubble Quail (Coturnix pectoralis) quadrats). The nine next most commonly recorded  White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) species were the Yellow-throated Miner (116), Crested  White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica) Bellbird (106), Willie Wagtail (104), Spiny-cheeked  Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) Honeyeater (99), Black-faced Woodswallow (85),  Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) Mulga Parrot (83), Southern Whiteface (78), Galah  Black-tailed Native-hen (Gallinula ventralis) (78) and equally the Pied Butcherbird and White-  Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) browed Babbler (both at 73 quadrats).  Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) The 10 most frequently recorded species on the survey  Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) quadrats (i.e. based on multiple records over more than  Flock Bronzewing (Phaps histrionica) one sampling per quadrat) were Singing Honeyeaters,  Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus Yellow-throated Miners, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, poliocephalus) Bellbirds, Galahs, Willie Wagtails, Black-faced  Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra Woodswallows, Mulga Parrots and Crested Pigeons. novaehollandiae) By comparison the 10 most abundant species on survey  Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus quadrats (the main species occurring in flocks or social novaehollandiae) groups) were: Budgerigars (1441), Galahs (883), Zebra  Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sancta) Finches (881), Yellow-throated Miners (853), Singing  Common Starling (*Sturnus vulgaris) Honeyeaters (529), Chestnut-rumped Thornbills (527), Crested Pigeons (497), Black-faced Woodswallows Seventeen of the total species recorded (quadrats and (495), Southern Whitefaces (473) and White-browed ‘opportune’), represent additions to the list of 136 Babblers (414) (Table 30). native species collated for the region by Close and Jaensch (1984) and Jaensch and Jaensch (1987). These Opportune records, made outside of survey quadrats, were (from most frequently to least frequently could have been (a) biased in favour of records of rarer recorded): species that observers went searching for or (b) biased  Australian Wood Duck (Chenonetta jubata) against the very common species. However, they were  Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida) also used intentionally as a means of quickly sampling  Flock Bronzewing (Phaps histrionica) birds in habitats that were either poorly or not  Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) represented in the quadrat sampling. Nevertheless, the  Inland Dotterel (Charadrius australis) most common and the most abundant species on  Oriental Dotterel (Charadrius veredus) SAM quadrats were also (generally) the most common and/or record only abundant species across ‘opportune’ sites. Opportune  Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) sites usually included lists made at each campsite  Brown Quail (Coturnix ypsilophora) during the survey program and frequently included sites  Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) with water (bores and tanks, dams, claypans, etc.) so  Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus that bats and waterbirds could be recorded more poliocephalus) readily.  Black-winged Stilt (Haematopus himantopus)  Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra The 10 most commonly recorded species at opportune novaehollandiae) survey sites were: Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (70  Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sancta) times), Yellow-throated Miner (45), Singing  Chestnut-breasted Whiteface (Aphelocephala Honeyeater (45), Crested Bellbird (40), Black-faced pectoralis) Woodswallow (34), Mulga Parrot (32), Pied  Spinifexbird (Eremiornis carteri) Honeyeater (32), Wedge-tailed Eagle (31), Willie  Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides) 250  Common Starling(*Sturnus vulgaris) traditional names for particular species, through ‘Tjukurpa’ stories about particular species, and through There are therefore at least 153 native bird species knowledge about the habits of particular species that recorded for the AP Lands. are, or were, used for food. Further information was also available from Anangu who reported locations of Included in this list of 153 species are 18 that Close and ‘opportunistic’ sightings of particular species during the Jaensch (1984) and Jaensch and Jaensch (1987) survey, just as our team biologists did. The following reported on, but that were not recorded during the sections therefore summarise much of the Anangu biological survey. Most are nomadic or migratory information recorded for birds on and around the AP waders or waterfowl (marked with a superscript ‘w’) Lands. that were probably responding to recent rainfall events. Two are migratory species (marked with a superscript Published accounts of Aboriginal nomenclature and ‘m’) that may occur on the AP Lands only occasionally. ecological knowledge The others may be either occasional nomadic visitors A limited number of studies of arid bird faunas (marked with a superscript ‘n’) or species that may now undertaken in and around the AP Lands have be extinct from the region (marked with a superscript interviewed Aboriginal people, usually with the aid of ‘x’). This list includes: museum skins, to obtain information. For example,  Cormorant w (Phalacrocorax sp.) Goddard (1992) has provided a list of Anangu names of  Straw-necked Ibis w (Threskiornis spinicollis) common bird species, and these now appear in  Freckled Duck w (Stictonetta naevosa) Pitjantjatjara – English dictionaries. Baker et al. (1993)  Black Duck w (Anas superciliosa) also undertook similar work to the current survey at  Hardhead w (Aythya australis) Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park.  Southern Bush Stone-curlew n x (Burhinus grallarius) Anangu bird classification  Red-kneed Plover w (Erythrogonys cinctus) Some bird names documented below are specific to  Common Sandpiper w (Arctitis hypoleucos) Yankunytjatjara, and others to Pitjantjatjara, with some  Wood Sandpiper w (Tringa glareola) names used by both language speakers. Pitjantjatjara  Greenshank w (Tringa nebularia) names often end in ‘pa’. Language-specific names and  Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo n (Calyptorhynchus terms were, where specified by the informant, recorded banksii samueli) and noted as such. All informants, however, were  Princess (Alexandra) Parrot n (Polytelis multi-lingual with Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara alexandrae) and so the distinction was not always made.  Blue Bonnet n (Northiella haematogaster) Consequently, some of the information provided  White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike n (Coracina reflects a combination of both language knowledge papuensis) bases.  Satin Flycatcher m (Myiagra cyanoleuca)  Grey Honeyeater n?? (Conopophila whitei) Species identified by Anangu may have either:  White-breasted Woodswallow m (Artamus 1. species-specific name(s) leucorhynchus) 2. a generic name - which applies to a range of  Grey Currawong x (Strepera versicolor) species, or 3. a combination of both species-specific and Species that are rarely recorded, or that may be generic names. presumed extinct, in the AP Lands are discussed later, after Aboriginal knowledge of birds has been discussed. One reason for multiple species-specific names is that Anangu are multi-lingual and species names vary Introduced species between languages and dialects. Close and Jaensch (1984) and Jaensch and Jaensch (1987) did not note any records of introduced species In Anangu bird classification, birds can be related for the region. However, during the biological survey based on function (e.g. raptors), habitats frequented program, one Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was (e.g. cliff-dwelling raptors as distinct from others), song observed in Fregon community in March 1995. This or call, size or Tjukurpa story relationships. As with species was not recorded on the AP Lands on mammals, many birds have strong cultural significance subsequent survey trips. and are widely known through particular Tjukurpa stories. These and others are also well known for their ABORIGINAL NOMENCLATURE AND particular songs or distinctive calls; most Anangu TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE names for birds being onomatopoeic for their calls or OF BIRDS the sounds that their wings make in flight. A significant source of both historical and current information on birds of the AP Lands is held by Anangu who live, or have lived, on ‘the lands’. This information is held by Anangu, through the existence of 251 Survey results A total of 140 different Anangu names were recorded from 518 records for 107 different bird species during the biological survey field-work (Table 31). Appendix XI presents a compilation of the Tables in this chapter sorted by the Anangu names, together with relevant names from the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara to English Dictionary (Goddard 1992). Birds were often difficult to get Anangu identifications of, because they were nearly always only sighted or heard, rather than captured, and it was difficult for Anangu and the recorder and/or ornithologist to ensure that each was identifying the same bird. A number of records were ‘confirmed’ from reference to illustrations in bird books or, with select Anangu, from reference to a CD ROM (with taped calls) at one of the community schools. Access to a skilled ornithologist was essential for matching of the names recorded. Additional names and information were also obtained from mostly older Anangu who were shown prepared museum skins of bird species that we thought may either be extinct (but which Anangu might still remember something about), rare and difficult to find, or present but not previously recorded.

252 Table 31. Pitjantjatjara / Yankunytjatjara names for bird species in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands of South Australia. The number following each Anangu name is the number of times that name was recorded and the total number of names.

Species Anangu Common Name Common Name Ardeotis australis Kipara (4/4) Australian Bustard Gymnorhina tibicen Kurparu (3/3) Australian Magpie Aegotheles cristatus Tjurki (2/2) Australian Owlet-nightj ar Acrocephalus australis Pinpara-pinparalpa (1/1) Australian Reed Warbler Vanellus tricolor Kirkatjarutjaru (1/1) Banded Lapwing Tyto alba Wiratju (7/8) Barn Owl Parkapungku (1/8) Falco subniger Narawara (1/1) Black Falcon Milvus migrans Itatura (7/8) Black Kite Winwinpa (1/8) Hamirostra melanosternon Kalayakatapungkupayi (3/3) Black-breasted Buzzard Daphoenositta chrysoptera Kalingkaapunapunpa (1/1) Black-capped Sittella Coracina novaehollandiae Kuwilkura (1/5) Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Nyanyitjira (3/5) Pilalpa (1/5) Artamus cinereus Tjalpu-t j alpu (15/15) Black-faced Woodswallow Elseyornis melanops Pitungkura (1/1) Black-fronted Dotterel Gallinula ventralis Tjunat j alili (1/1) Black-tailed Native-hen Ninox novaeseelandiae Wiratju (3/19) Boobook Owl Kuukuku (8/ 19 ) Kuur-kuurpa(8/ 19 ) Neophema bourkii Wilyurukuruku (1/1) Bourke's Parrot Falco berigora Kirkinpa (19/19) Brown Falcon Accipiter fasciatus Waratjulyalpa (1/1) Brown Goshawk Cincloramphus cruralis Kantulirpa (2/2) Brown Songlark Melopsittacus undulatus Kiilykiilykari (2/3) Budgerigar Tjiiltjii (1/3 ) Burhinus grallarius Wiilu (6/6) Bush Stone-curlew Cinclosoma castanotus Miilka (4/4) Chestnut Quail-thrush Acanthiza uropygialis Mininy-mininypa (1/2) Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Tiya-tiya (1/2) Psophodes occidentalis Tjin-t j in (1/5 ) Chiming Wedgebill Tjintjintata (1/5) Tjitutinpa (2/5 ) Tjitjitula (1/5 ) Nymphicus hollandicus Kuwilkura (1/2) Cockatiel Wilyurukuruku (1/2) Accipiter cirrhocephalus Waratjulyalpa (1/1) Collared Sparrowhawk Phaps chalcoptera Manpi (2/3) Common Bronzewing Ngatapuka (1/3) Oreoica gutturalis Panpanpalala (20/20) Crested Bellbird Ocyphaps lophotes Aralapalpalpa (15/15) Crested Pigeon Epthianura tricolor Miititi (1/1) Crimson Chat Corvus sp. Kaanka (13/13) Crow Geopelia cuneata Kuukuku (2/2) Diamond Dove Geopelia placida Kuukuku (1/1) Peaceful Dove Amytornis purnelli Mirilyirilyi (1/7) Dusky Grasswren Warukultulinkulturinpa (1/7) Warukultrikultrinypa (1/7) Warukulturinpa (4/7)

253 Species Anangu Common Name Common Name Dromaius novaehollandiae Kalaya (14/15) Emu Tjakipiri (Y) (1/15) Petrochelidon ariel Kunkilka (1/5) Fairy Martin Patupiri (2/5) Tiru-tiru (1/5) Ulpurupuru (1/5) Cacatua roseicapilla Kakalyalya (1/9) Galah Kiyakiyarpa (6/9) Pir-piranpa (1/9) Piyar-piyarpa (1/9) Cracticus torquatus Pititjaku-pititjaku (1/1) Grey Butcherbird Strepera versicolor Pilalpa (28/28) Grey Currawong Falco hypoleucos Kirkinpa (1/1) Grey Falcon Rhipidura albiscapa Tjintir-t j intirpa (2/2 ) Grey Fantail Colluricincla harmonica Tjitu-t j itu (1/1 ) Grey Shrike-thrush Lichenostomus plumulus Patan-patanpa (1/2) Grey-fronted Honeyeater Titu-titu (1/2) Lichenostomus keartlandi Titu-titu (1/1) Grey-headed Honeyeater Coracina maxima Kamitj alururu (2 /3) Ground Cuckoo-shrike Pinpal-pinpalpa (1/3) Melanodryas cucullata Pititjaku-pititjaku (1/1) Hooded Robin Chrysococcyx basalis Nyiru (2/2) Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo Charadrius australis Pitinkura (1/1) Inland( Australian) Dotterel Acanthiza apicalis Mininy-mininypa (2/2) Inland Thornbill Turnix velox Puntaru (1/2) Little Button-quail Mutina (1/2) Hieraaetus morphnoides Itatura (1/1) Little Eagle Artamus minor Tjalpu-t j alpu (1/1) Little Woodswallow Grallina cyanoleuca Tiil-tiilpa (1/2) Magpie-lark Pitinkura (1/2) Cacatua leadbeateri Kakalyalya (2/2) Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Leipoa ocellata Nganamara (20/21) Malleefowl Katatjuka (1/21) Dicaeum hirundinaceum Miilka (1/7) Mistletoebird Miititi (4/7) Parkapungku (1/7) Ilitja (1/7) Psephotus varius Tjulily-t j ulilypa (5/5 ) Mulga Parrot Falco cenchroides Ikalatiltil (1/11) Nankeen Kestrel Kirkinpa (1/11) Wararitja (9/11) Epthianura aurifrons Miititi (1/1) Orange Chat Emblema pictum Iltitja (1/1) Painted Firetail Cuculus pallidus Nyanytj ira (1/5) Pallid Cuckoo Wititata (3/5) Titirara (1/5) Geopelia placida Kuukuku (1/1) Peaceful Dove Falco peregrinus Kirkinpa (2/5) Peregrine Falcon Wara-wara (3/5) Cracticus nigrogularis Putintula (1/2) Pied Butcherbird Tjalpapilkukura (1/2) Certhionyx variegatus Miititi (1/3) Pied Honeyeater Nyiru (1/3) Wirtj ulkut j ulku (1 /3) Barnardius zonarius Patilpa (57/ 57 ) Port Lincoln Parrot

254 Species Anangu Common Name Common Name Polytelis alexandrae Kuran-kuranpa (1/4) Princess Parrot Tjulily-t j ulilypa (1/4 ) Wilyurukuruku (1/4) Kalu-ukalpa (1/4) Merops ornatus Tiru-tiru (1/1) Rainbow Bee-eater Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Luunpa (5/6) Red-backed Kingfisher Ruulpa (1/6) Pardalotus rubricatus Tiru-tiru (1/2) Red-browed Pardalote Tirtu-tirtu (1/2) Petroica goodenovii Miititi (4/5) Red-capped Robin Taparatiritiri (1/5) Calyptorhynchus banksii Iranti (8/8) Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Anthus novaeseelandiae Mininy-mininypa (1/2) Richard's Pipit Tjalpapilkura(1/1) Wilpuru (1/2) Cincloramphus mathewsi Mirunkapanapan (1/1) Rufous Songlark Pachycephala rufiventris Nyirinitja (1/3) Rufous Whistler Pititjaku-pititjaku (1/3) Mintj inkitja (1/3 ) Neophema splendida Kiilykiilykari (1/1) Scarlet-breasted Parrot Lichenostomus virescens Itar-itara (1/4) Singing Honeyeater Patan-patanpa (1/4) Pilpira (1/4) Titirara (1/4) Aphelocephala leucopsis Mininy-mininypa (1/1) Southern Whiteface Geophaps plumifera Maripunpa (Y) (5/13) Spinifex Pigeon Ipuru (8/ 13 ) Acanthagenys rufogularis Itar-itara (3/4) Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Titirara (1/4) Malurus splendens Mirilyirilyi (2/2) Splendid Blue Wren Eurostopodus argus Kurnkutakuta (3/5) Spotted Nightj ar Kurnkara (1/5) Tjurki (1/5) Amytornis striatus Warukultulinkulturinpa (1/1) Striated Grasswren Pardalotus striatus Tirtu-tirtu (1/1) Striated Pardalote Podargus strigoides Piiwi (9/9) Tawny Frogmouth Corvus orru Kaanka (3/3) Torresian Crow, (Australian Crow) Petrochelidon nigricans Patupiri (1/1) Tree Martin Daphoenositta chrysoptera Kalingkaapunapunpa (1/1) Varied Sittella Malurus lamberti Mirilyirilyi (4/4) Variegated Wren Aquila audax Walawuru (15/15) Wedge-tailed Eagle Hirundo neoxena Kunkilyka (1/1) Welcome Swallow Chlamydera guttata Ikarka (8/8) Western Bowerbird Colluricincla harmonica Tjitu-t j itu (1/1 ) Grey Shrikethrush Haliastur sphenurus Itatura (1/3) Whistling Eagle (Whistling Kite) Kirkinpa (1/3) Wiiny-wiinypa (1/3) Cheramoeca leucosternus Kunkilka (2/2) White-backed Swallow Pomatostomus superciliosus Tjuuny-t j uunypa ( 23 / 23 ) White-browed Babbler Climacteris affinis Apan-apan (2/8) White-browed Treecreeper Kalingka (2/8) Kalingkaapunapunpa (2/8) Punungkaapanapan (1/8) Tiru-tiru (1/8) Phylidonyris albifrons Pinpal-pinpalpa (1/2) White-fronted Honeyeater Titirara (1/2) 255 Species Anangu Common Name Common Name Lichenostomus penicillatus Pinpal-pinpalpa (2/3) White-plumed Honeyeater Tjiintjiir (1/3 ) Malurus leucopterus Mirilyirilyi (3/3) White-winged Wren Rhipidura leucophrys Tjintir-t j intirpa (9/9 ) Willie Wagtail Smicrornis brevirostris Nyiru (4/5) Yellow Weebill Tjitutinpa (1/5 ) Manorina flavigula Piil-piilpa (14/ 14 ) Yellow-throated Miner

Taeniopygia guttata Nyii-nyii (27/27) Zebra Finch

Clearly, considerable information and knowledge can reports of recent sightings of birds were also provided be obtained through careful recording of Anangu bird and this lead to later surveys in those areas and names and of the observations and stories that go with eventually to a specific project to focus on determining many of them. For example, the following accounts the distribution and status of Malleefowl in the AP were summarised from several informants who were Lands. Some detailed information on their natural shown a range of prepared museum skins of birds we history was provided by Anangu. See later accounts. thought some Anangu might know something about. Burhinus grallarius (Wiilu, Bush Stone-curlew) Museum specimens examined by Anangu • Several informants stated that Bush Stone-curlews might still be around on the eastern side of the AP Hamirostra melanosternon (Kalayakatapungkupayi, Lands around Mintabie and on Wallatinna Station. Black-breasted Buzzard) • They live near claypans, moving from one to The specimen we showed of this species elicited a another, following the rain. ‘Tjukurpa’ story that records a fascinating aspect of this • They call at night and make shelters in open spaces species’ natural history. in woodland. • They make lots of tracks scratching litter into a  ‘In winter, the Black-breasted Buzzard flies shelter. around and finds a male Emu sitting on . It • They eat grasshoppers, beetles and herbs. goes to a burnt spinifex area and rolls in the ashes • They are difficult to locate; if they hear you to make itself black. It then frightens the male coming they lie down quiet or stand still and look Emu off the eggs by walking towards him flapping like a piece of bark. his wings. The buzzard then picks up a stick that is light enough to fly with and then drops it onto the Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli (Iranti, Red-tailed eggs to break them open. It only breaks one at a Black Cockatoo) time. A week or so after eating the eggs, the bird’s • According to Anangu, this species has never feathers fall out and it goes into a rabbit warren occurred on the AP Lands. However, many until the feathers regrow. If Anangu find the bird pointed out that it still occurs around the Finke when featherless, they grab the bird and eat it. It River and north around Alice Springs. tastes like Malleefowl and can be really fat.’ Cinclosoma castanotus (Miilka, Chestnut Quail- This -breaking skill of the Black-breasted Buzzard thrush) has only relatively recently been ‘confirmed’ in the • In 1993 and 1994, Anangu stated that this bird was scientific literature (Debus 1991; Aumann 1990), even still around the Ngarutj ara area and that birds have though it has been recorded in Anangu Tj ukurpa for also been seen south of Wintaruku and habitats many hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Now, even were described at Walarantj a. tourists can observe this behaviour on an almost daily • Informants stated that they used to be around basis at Desert Wildlife Park in Alice Springs, where a Pipalyatjara and east of Fregon. Birds were captive bird performs this skill for all to see. sighted by Anangu in 1996 at Wartaru at two sites (but see survey results for more records) Clearly, Anangu Tj ukurpa stories have much to offer • Miilka live on sand plains and dunes in small through their ‘recording’ of the natural histories of groups and eat the nectar from Grevillea and many desert species. Thryptomene. • It is distinguished by its red colouration, which Leipoa ocellata (Nganamara, Malleefowl) (Fig. 129) blends with its red sand habitat. Several Anangu recognised the specimen of the • Birds were sighted at Wartaru on the roadside; a Malleefowl we showed them and provided us with the mother with two chicks. She was teaching them to name Nganamara as recorded in earlier published eat seeds. accounts of Aboriginal names for this species. Some

256 • They make a big nest hole on the ground and sit in confirmed the continued presence of the birds with the it. discovery of tracks at two sites and additional recently used nest mounds. The survey then moved to a site Strepera versicolor plumbea (Pilalpa, Grey near Kunytjanu in September 1995 (based on Anangu Currawong) information) and fresh tracks and nests were again • Museum skins were shown to a number of located. informants during surveys. Senior Anangu remembered the bird and stated that it used to be Further survey work to assess distribution, population around Ernabella and Officer Creek about 30-40 size and habitat use was undertaken under a separate years ago (1950s, maybe early 1960s) but was now project by Joe Benshemesh and Anangu and this gone. One informant stated that they used to come located seven discrete sites in the region (Benshemesh up to Officer Creek in the winter and then leave 1997). Richard Hill working with AP Land during the hot weather. Management has since continued Joe Benshemesh’s • One informant from Wartaru (western AP lands) work. has heard them recently at Yalata, Maralinga and Eucla where they live all the time. She states that Throughout the biological survey program, Anangu she has heard them in relatively recent times at provided detailed information on the biology of Wartaru. They fly up from the south after good Malleefowl, particularly nest preparation, diet and rainfall and return south when it dries up. habitat preferences. The following descriptions • Anangu state that when they were around they summarise the information provided from a range of were found in limestone mallee country, sand plain informants and demonstrate – as with ‘European’ and woodland habitats. knowledge of bird biology – a range of observational • See comments below on the likely sub-species skills mixed with assumptions based around knowledge represented by these observations of ‘similar’ species.

Pezoporus occidentalis (ini wiya (no name), Night • Malleefowl live in the sand plain – dune country Parrot) with Mulga and mallee scrub and woodland. • Anangu did not provide a name for this museum Anangu describe the habitat as mallee and specimen. Minyura-Mulga karu-karu (run-on) country (with a • One informant remembered seeing a green parrot type of finely graduated sandy Mulga soil that that lived on the ground in spinifex country. He promotes ‘groving-Mulga’ and mallee in the swales was able to repeat its call, which was a distinctive of sand dunes with old spinifex under the mallee. call at night, similar to the Mulga Parrot. It used to • In the spinifex habitat the birds use spinifex litter dig a burrow for nesting and ate on the ground. in the nests and in Mulga habitat they use the fallen During the winter they were found around claypans Mulga leaves. They rake the litter together then where the soil was soft. pile it onto the nest in layers. They can also make their nests in limestone areas as long as there is Observational accounts – some examples plenty of soft soil. • Malleefowl build a nest on the ground, one level Leipoa ocellata (Nganamara / Katatjuka, on top of another made from dirt and leaf litter. Malleefowl) (Fig. 129) Then they dig a hole in the nest to lay the eggs. The ‘Field Guide to the Birds of Australia’ (Pizzey and The eggs are laid in layers in a ring, around 10-20 Knight 1997) states that the Malleefowl is ‘recently eggs around the edge. The female starts laying a extinct in NT and n. SA’. Discussions with Anangu few at a time in the base, then covers them, leaves while showing them a range of museum skins during to eat lots of food and to drink and then returns to surveys in 1992, 1993 and 1994 revealed a number of lay more eggs. The female makes a special noise anecdotal records of sightings within recent years. when she comes back and wants to lay an egg. The These sightings focused around the Mt Davies eggs are like chicken eggs but longer. The birds (Pipalyatjara) to Mt Lindsay (Wartaru) road. One area are always working on their nest mounds. The identified was between Pipalyatjara and Kunytjanu chicks hatch when the Acacia seeds fall and the (~30-40 km south of Pipalyatjara). Another sighting daisies go to seed during hot weather. The eggs was in the vicinity of Ulkiya. A number of sightings are really tight and solid just before they hatch. were reported in the Kintore/Pilgna area, near Iltur, The female bird opens the hole to let them out and around the Kunatjara homeland, and west of Kunytjanu. feeds them. The chicks stay around until their One woman took eggs from a nest south of Kanypi in feathers grow and then they move away. 1993 and saw a bird fly away. • A pair of birds will continue to use the nest year after year unless disturbed. The couple would dig This lead to ongoing questioning about Nganamara and, out all of the old nest material and eggshells and eventually, a report was provided of a site where a nest start again. When Anangu take all the eggs from had been used recently, right alongside a road. A the nest, the birds move away. Anangu used to put subsequent survey visited this location in 1995 and the eggs on the fire to cook and eat them with 257 Nyuma (a type of damper). Historically the nests • Kipara were only recorded on 15 occasions; 5 were a long way apart and Anangu used to harvest times on survey quadrats and 10 times continually from nests in certain areas. They opportunistically. would return each year at the right season and • Bustards are highly valued as a food resource and harvest all the eggs that were in the nest at that many Anangu hunt them when they are around. time, then they would wait and return later and take When bustards arrive in an area word soon the next lot. If Anangu didn’t get there in time spreads. For example, a radio message was there would be chicks there or empty shells. broadcast from Mimili in March 1996 stating that • The birds eat seeds, galls, nuts and flowers from many bustards had arrived in the vicinity of Mimili Acacia ligulata, A. aneura, A. minyura, A. and Kanypi. murrayana, galls, nuts, Eremophila spp. and green herbaceous plants. The chicks mainly eat flowers Dromaius novaehollandiae (Kalaya, Emu) and soft berries such as from Ruby Saltbush. Emu sign was recorded on 16 occasions over the survey • The birds feed in the densely treed areas not in (11 times on survey quadrats). They were recorded in a recently burnt areas. When their areas get burnt range of habitats including sand dune, spinifex sand they leave, flying away. plain, woodland, tussock grassland and the foothills of • They travel to water in rockholes and then move the ranges. away again. • Malleefowl and Dingoes breed at the same time. • Kalaya are also a favoured source of kuka (meat), The birds like to dust bath like chickens and and are hunted at every opportunity. sometimes they hide in the dirt half covered while • Anangu expressed concern on a number of a fox or cat may walk past and not see them. They occasions that Emu numbers seemed to be in can fly at times. decline. • The birds make a ‘Hmm Hmm’ sound when digging in the nest removing sand and a ‘Ahr Ahr’ Taeniopygia guttata (Nyii-nyii, Zebra Finch) sound when dragging the litter into the nest to Zebra Finches nest in Grevilleas, saltbush, mistletoe cover the eggs. all types of vegetation - and use a broad range of habitats. On the Makiri site Malleefowl had been actively working 4 mounds. Their nest (including droppings) are used by Anangu for medicinal purposes. The nest and droppings are • In September 1995, one nest was ready for eggs ground up in water and used as a poultice for a (i.e. full of litter but no dirt pulled over (Puru)). headache. The inside of the nest is also used for • Another had litter added to it and fresh tracks placing over burns. around it, while no work had been done on the third. Epthianura tricolor (Miititi, Crimson Chat) • Two eggs were found in the fourth mound and • Chats are resident on the AP Lands, but the orange Anangu believed they would hatch around chats only come in good seasons after lots of rain. Christmas time. • One nest had the remains of 5 hatched eggs in the Amytornis purnelli and Amytornis striatus nest pit wall. (Warukultulinkulturinpa, ) • There were signs of two male birds fighting in the Dusky Grasswrens were regularly seen on the ranges same general area. and rocky outcrops, while Striated Grasswrens were • There were fox and Dingo tracks and scats on the only seen once during the survey by Anangu, in un-worked mound. There were also signs of a fox spinifex grassland. chasing a Malleefowl. • • At this time the country was dry, and Anangu Anangu separate the two species by habitat, suggested that the birds were waiting for green although the same name is used for both species. • feed before laying eggs. A Striated Grasswren fledgling was pulled out of a • A male bird was heard calling and there were signs shallow burrow underneath a Hakea bush. An of a pair of birds walking together, testing old adult had been seen flying into the burrow and later mounds and new sites to locate a nest. heard calling while running between spinifex hummocks. The fledgling was located in the Ardeotis australis (Kipara, Bustard) (Fig. 130) burrow by Anangu through tracking where the Bustards have declined on the AP Lands over the last birds had been ‘running’. 40 – 50 years. • The perception amongst Anangu is that they are Charadrius australis (Pitinkura, Inland Dotterel) not as common as they used to be. This reduction • in numbers is of concern to Anangu who This bird is named after its camouflaged nest. The commented on this decline on several occasions. species lives on the open stony plain.

258 Pomatostomus superciliosus (Tjuuny-tjuunypa, observations of White (1915), McGilp (1935) and White-browed Babbler) Cleland (1934). These seven apparent increasers are: Babblers are commonly recorded in spinifex / woodland habitats. Milvus migrans (Itatura, Black Kite) • Tracks are particularly identifiable and most • 5 birds recorded at 3 quadrats; 14 birds recorded at records were made through Anangu locating 8 additional sites during the survey tracks. • Close and Jaensch (1984) made note of 17 records of 1-3 birds during their trip of 1980 and of several The information summarised in the above accounts other records prior to that time, especially over and provides an indication of the types of information and around the main communities. knowledge held by many Anangu. For example: • Anangu knowledge revealed presence of These records are all in stark contrast to the lack of any Malleefowl thought to be extinct in the area. records from the first half of the 1900s. • Anangu knowledge of Malleefowl has underpinned the conservation and management project that has Ocyphaps lophotes (Aralapalpalpa, Crested Pigeon) developed as a result of the survey findings. • 497 birds recorded at 66 quadrats (121 records); • Anangu identified the presence of Chestnut Quail- 1023 birds recorded at 15 additional sites (though thrush three years before they were recorded on the on more than one occasion at or near campsites) survey. during the survey. • Anangu were also able to provide information on • Close and Jaensch (1984) made note of 22 records rare and nomadic species, for example, the during their trip of 1980 and of other accounts possible continued presence of the Bush Stone- suggesting that the species was ‘numerous’, ‘in curlew in (the eastern parts of) the AP Lands, and large numbers’, ‘widespread’ and ‘common’ in the the arrival of the Grey Currawongs along the region during the 1970s and 1980s. south-western edge of the ‘lands’ in suitable seasonal conditions. Historically, White (1914) failed to record the species. McGilp (1935, 1944) considered it to be ‘rare’ but Much of the ‘traditional’ Anangu knowledge is also of noted that locals suggested that it was increasing cultural significance. As this chapter is primarily about following the provision of water for stock. Finlayson distribution and status of bird species, such additional (1935) in contrast recorded this species relatively cultural information has not been dealt with here. frequently. Rather, cultural information recorded about these and other species has been submitted separately to AP Land Cacatua roseicapilla (Kakalyalya, Galah) Management for their future reference. One of the most common and abundant birds recorded during the survey CONSERVATION STATUS ASSESSMENTS • 883 birds recorded at 78 quadrats (169 records); The summaries given below attempt to clarify the 565 birds recorded at 22 additional sites, including current status of selected bird species across the AP many in the west, during the survey. Lands. The only species discussed are those: • Close and Jaensch (1984) made note of 21 records • having increased in range and/or abundance in during their field trip, mostly near creeks and water central Australia since European settlement, or and that other observers during the 1970s and early • having decreased in range and/or abundance in 1980s had considered the Galah to be a widespread central Australia since European settlement, or that and common species. have been difficult to locate, and for which Close and Jaensch (1984) could only document a few Historically, White (1914) failed to record the species. historical and/or recent records for the AP Lands McGilp (1935, 1944) considered it to be ‘rare’ but noted that locals suggested that it was increasing following the provision of water for stock in the east of Species with increased range and abundance the region. Finlayson (1935) in contrast recorded this Reid and Fleming (1992) reviewed the conservation species relatively frequently. status of birds in arid Australia. In that review they included an assessment of species that have apparently Grallina cyanoleuca (Tiil-tiilpa, Magpie-lark) declined since European settlement and also of species • 7 birds recorded at 4 quadrats; 14 birds recorded at that have increased over the same period. Their review 8 additional sites during the survey identified 45 land bird species that have been reported • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted that ‘recent’ to increase in range or abundance over at least part of observers had found this species to be widespread the arid zone. Forty-one of those species have been in small numbers, and more around artificial than recorded for the AP Lands. However, Close and natural waters. Jaensch (1984) identified only seven of these 41 as species for which there appeared to have been demonstrable increases in north-western SA since the 259 Historically, White failed to find it and McGilp only This raptor was amongst the most widespread and recorded it at an artificial well about 65 km south of commonly recorded species during the survey Ernabella. • 68 birds recorded at 42 quadrats (54 records); 66 birds recorded at 31 additional sites. Gymnorhina tibicen (Kurparu, Australian Magpie) • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted this species at 29 Now a widespread and relatively common species sites and in all areas and reported that they had • 151 birds recorded at 72 quadrats (93 records); 33 apparently been widespread since about the 1930s. birds recorded at 25 additional sites during the survey. Historically, White (1915) had commented that this • Close and Jaensch (1984) recorded it from 38 species was ‘seldom seen’ in 1914. The arrival and locations across the ‘lands’, mostly on plains proliferation of rabbits in the region in the early part of adjacent to the ranges, but including seven the 1900s almost certainly benefited the Wedge-tailed sightings in sand dune country. Other ‘recent’ Eagle from that time onwards. observers had also found the species to be moderately common and widespread. Cracticus nigrogularis (Putintula / Tjalpapilkukura, Pied Butcherbird) Historically, White did not report the species. McGilp • 169 birds recorded at 73 quadrats (88 records); 37 was told that magpies had only arrived in the region birds recorded at 26 additional sites during the after white settlement and observed that they were still survey. ‘very rare’ at the time of his visit. When Cleland • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted this species at 35 visited the area in 1945 he found them only at Mimili in sites and in all areas with about half of the sites the Everard Ranges. among or near the ranges and the rest in plains with Mulga and Desert Oak. Phaps chalcoptera (Manpi, Common Bronzewing) • 110 birds recorded at 16 quadrats (28 records); 4 Historically, White and McGilp noted only a few birds. birds recorded at 4 additional sites during the Clearly this species has increased its range and survey. abundance significantly within the region. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted that most ‘recent’ observers had found this species in the Everard Other birds in the Reid and Fleming (1992) list of Ranges and that their distinctive wing-clap flight species that appear to have increased in the arid zone was heard in mallee and Mulga at two other sites. and that may also have undergone local increases, at least in eastern parts of the AP Lands include: Historically, White (1915) had observed this species at • Peaceful Dove, Little Corella, Bourke Parrot, only one or two rock-holes and also recorded its Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Southern Whiteface, presence a few times through ‘the sharp clapping noise Banded Whiteface, Willie Wagtail, Australian made by the wings’. Raven, Richards Pipit, Rufous Songlark and Brown Songlark. McGilp (1935) saw a few bronzewings in the area, drinking from sheep troughs, but did not consider them Most of these species are likely to have been widespread or common. advantaged by the creation of more open habitats through grazing by introduced stock and over-grazing Cracticus torquatus (Pititjaku-pititjaku, Grey by rabbits. Some are also likely to have benefited from Butcherbird) the provision of artificial water points for stock and at • 100 birds recorded at 61 quadrats (88 records); 32 human settlements. Overgrazing by rabbits around all birds recorded at 17 additional sites during the ranges and hills across the AP Lands – where the survey. effects are very noticeable from the air – is also likely • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted this species at 22 to have been to the advantage of whitefaces and pipits sites and in all areas. They also reported that most throughout the region. ‘recent’ observers had found this to be widespread and ‘common in the plains’. The survey quadrat data certainly demonstrate that Willie Wagtails, Southern Whitefaces, Richard’s Pipits, Historically, White considered it to be ‘very rare’ and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Bourke Parrots and Brown McGilp reported only one pair. and Rufous Songlarks are widespread and common species. However, there is no firm evidence to suggest In addition to the above-named increaser species, Close any change in status since White’s expedition of 1914. and Jaensch (1984) also suggested that the Wedge- tailed Eagle and Pied Butcherbird had increased in the Peaceful Doves, Banded Whitefaces and Australian region during the past 50-100 years. Ravens were recorded rarely, both before and during the survey and this will be discussed later. However, Aquila audax (Walawuru, Wedge-tailed Eagle) Little Corellas were recorded more frequently during

260 the survey and do appear to be increasing in both range • 4 records at 3 quadrats; 1 record at 1 additional site and abundance in the region. during the survey (though other sites have since been recorded by Joe Benshemesh and Richard Cacatua sanguinea (Little Corella) Hill). • 24 birds recorded at 7 quadrats; 169 birds recorded • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted no ‘recent’ records at 9 additional sites during the survey. of this species. • Close and Jaensch (1984) did not record this species during 1980 and noted only one ‘recent’ Historically, Giles recorded finding four nest mounds record of two birds by Julian Reid near Mt with eggs near the Mann Ranges in October 1873. Woodroffe in 1976. White found old mounds but saw no birds and McGilp reported only a recently used mound. Historically, White apparently did not record this species and McGilp only saw a few near Echo Hill (just As noted above, Malleefowl had been considered to the west of the present-day Stuart Highway). Close extinct from central Australia before this biological and Jaensch (1984) also add that a report of a flock of survey began (e.g. Marchant and Higgins 1993). For 39 birds at Pundi Soak by Finlayson was considered by example, Kimber (1985), documented their former the then Curator of Birds at the SA Museum (Shane central Australian range and showed that the species Parker) to be a likely mis-identification. used to occur as far north as the southern Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory well into the 1900s This species therefore appears to have increased in (also see Marchant and Higgins 1993). abundance in the east and is possibly increasing its range westwards, although some movements are The ‘discovery’ of active nests in several areas of the undoubtedly seasonal. Finlayson was a very thorough AP Lands, thanks to information provided by several recorder of natural history observations and was Anangu, has therefore been a significant outcome of the someone who spent considerable time travelling this biological survey program. As a result, additional desert region, frequently where few other white specific survey work has been undertaken to document travellers had been. Given the information available the species’ current range within the AP Lands and to now, it seems quite plausible that Finlayson’s record identify the species’ major conservation requirements should stand. (see Benshemesh 1997). Wildfire and predation of eggs and chicks, especially by foxes, appear to be the Species with a decreased range and abundance, or main threats. rarely recorded The following annotated summaries are intended to Regional status: Malleefowl are so sparsely distributed highlight those species that have a national in their highly fragmented preferred habitats that each (Environment Protection and Biodiversity ‘population’ appears to be at considerable risk of local Conservation Act) or State (National Parks and extinction due to wildfire and/or predation. The Wildlife Act) conservation status rating, and/or those species therefore warrants a regional conservation that are naturally rare or difficult to locate. They do not rating of at least ‘endangered’. Targeted surveys are include occasionally recorded migratory species or continuing. waterfowl that may come and go irregularly with seasonal conditions. Polytelis alexandrae (Wilyurukuruku, Princess Parrot) State conservation ratings (as also provided in A list of National rating: Vulnerable the Vertebrates of South Australia (Robinson et al. State rating: Rare 2000)) are currently being reviewed and, as a One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the consequence, many of the listings for species arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). ‘Near threatened’ mentioned below may well alter in the near future. nationally (recommended), because of an apparent decline in range over the past 50-70 years away from 1. Species with a national conservation status rating southern and eastern parts of the arid zone. However, there is no evidence of a decline in abundance (Garnett Leipoa ocellata (Nganamara, Malleefowl) (Fig. 129) and Crowley 2000). National rating: Vulnerable State rating: Vulnerable • No records during the survey period. However, One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the Jake Gillen (pers. comm., in litt. 8 September arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). ‘Vulnerable’ 1999) and Patrick Hookey (both rangers at Uluru nationally, because of the extent of decline over the Kata Tjuta National Park and who were travelling past three generations in both extent of occurrence and with some senior Anangu men at the time) area of occupancy, and likely continued decline due to encountered a flock of at least 20 birds in the predation and wildfire (and other effects of habitat and vicinity of Surveyors-General Corner (the corner population fragmentation) (Garnett and Crowley 2000). formed by the SA-WA-NT borders) on 20 August 1999. The location was approximately 15 km E of 261 the corner of the SA/NT border, on the south side 2. Species with a State conservation status rating of the Claude Hills. • The only published record of this species for the Strepera versicolor plumbea (Pilal(pa), Grey region, reported by Close and Jaensch (1984) was Currawong) that made by McGilp who reported this parrot as National rating: n/a ‘fairly numerous’ and breeding in the Musgrave State rating: Sub-species not listed, but should be Ranges area in (apparently) 1933. recognised and listed as Endangered (presumed extinct) • However, Baxter and Henderson (2002) point out that Mr L. A. Wells had observed the species in the • Last recorded in the Musgrave Ranges area in the Musgrave Ranges in 1904 or 1905. early 1930s by Cleland (1933) and McGilp (1935) and considered extinct by Parker and Horton Mark Shephard (unpublished report, August 1993) (1990). interviewed several Anangu about this species. One Tjilpi (‘old man’) informed him that he had seen two Regional status: Presumed extinct. Princess Parrots in 1969 or 1970 between Mulga Park and Araluen (north of the Musgrave Ranges) where he One Anangu informant from Wartaru (western AP had been living and building fences at the time. The Lands) stated that she had heard them recently at birds were seen during spring when the country was Yalata, Maralinga and Eucla where they are still very green. Two other Tjilpis remembered the parrots resident. She states that she has heard them in well from around the Wartaru (Mt Lindsay) area when relatively recent times at Wartaru. they were both young men. Birds were seen for many years, often in large numbers. They drank at rock-holes Coturnix ypsilophora (Brown Quail) on Wartaru and nested in hollows of large trees. These National rating: n/a parrots had not been seen in the Wartaru area for many State rating: Vulnerable years until Frank Young (pers. comm.) saw them again following the very wet years of 2000 and 2001. The • Only recorded once in the AP Lands, during the Pitjantjatjara name for them is Kalu-ukalpa. SA Museum’s Waterhouse Club expedition to the Wartaru (Mt Lindsay) area in 2001 (Graham Blyth and Burbidge (1997) suggest that these parrots Carpenter pers. comm.). may be resident breeders of the Great Sandy Desert • Primarily not a species of arid areas. region of Western Australia where they have a specialist diet of spinifex (Triodia spp.) seeds. These Regional status: an occasional, rare visitor to central authors suggest that the species occasional occurrence Australia (Marchant and Higgins 1993). The record for outside of that region may be irruptive rather than the region is of considerable interest, but the lack of nomadic in nature, and occur only when spinifex seed is records is not of conservation concern. in very poor supply locally. However, spinifex is a dominant feature across the Gibson and Great Victoria Ardeotis australis (Kipara, Australian Bustard) Deserts as well, and there seems little reason for (Fig. 130) Princess Parrots not to be recorded there more National rating: n/a regularly, unless there is considerably less frequent and State rating: Vulnerable less abundant seed set. One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). In the absence of any better suggestions, one highly speculative explanation worth considering for the ‘Near threatened’ nationally, because of the extent of Princess Parrot’s apparent decline from southern and decline in abundance and area occupied in southern eastern parts of central Australia could be the loss (in a Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). relative sense) of previously available water supplies, at soaks and rock-holes. This may have arisen through • 6 records at 5 quadrats; 15 records at 10 additional siltation (due to lack of maintenance by Anangu) and sites during the survey through competition with feral camels. Otherwise there • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted bustards at only should be ample food resources and nesting sites across three locations despite there being numerous virtually all of the species documented previous range. grasshoppers across the region at the time. Other (This may also apply to Scarlet-chested Parrots – see ‘recent’ observers had failed to record this species. later.) Historically, White and McGilp recorded substantial Regional status: Occasional, rare, nomadic visitor in numbers 70-90 years ago. suitable seasonal conditions. Bustards have suffered a major decline in southern and central Australia, a decline that is well recognised by Anangu across the AP Lands. Kipara are a favoured source of ‘kuka’ (meat) and are hunted by Anangu. 262 However, bustard tracks are encountered much more 1990 by Pedler (unpublished) suggested that a mosaic commonly than the birds, which often seem to be very of burnt and unburnt country may be suitable for this secretive – possibly in response to hunting pressures. species rather than long unburnt spinifex habit only. While the species has been recorded breeding throughout much of its range, such records are now • 38 observations recorded from nine quadrats; 1 seldom made south of the tropics. The major area of bird recorded at one additional site during the decline appears to coincide with the known range of the survey introduced Red Fox and it is inferred by some • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 ‘recent’ and authorities that fox predation of chicks has had a major 1 historical record of this species for the AP Lands. part to play in that decline (Marchant and Higgins, This can be a difficult bird to find, and its preferred 1993; Garnett and Crowley 2000). mixed hummock grassland/shrubland habitats are very widespread and possibly even increasing in area due to Regional status: Endangered. the increased extent and frequency of wildfires favouring these plant communities. Burhinus grallarius (Wiilu, Southern Bush Stone- curlew) Regional status: a difficult species to locate, but there National rating: n/a are vast areas of potential habitat in the AP Lands. State rating: Vulnerable There is no apparent need for conservation concern, One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the although fire management may assist existing arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). populations to increase and be sustained over greater areas and at greater abundance. Targeted surveys are ‘Near threatened’ nationally, because of the extent of recommended. decline in abundance and in area occupied in southern Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Phaps histrionica (Flock Bronzewing) National rating: n/a • Not recorded during survey State rating: Vulnerable • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted no ‘recent’ records One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the of stone-curlews in the region arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992).

Historically, White (1915), Simpson in August 1932 ‘Near threatened’ nationally because of substantial (Simpson 1933), McGilp (1935) and Cleland (in his decline in abundance and a partial contraction in range 1946 visit) all recorded them. McGilp had also (Garnett and Crowley 2000). commented that this species seemed to be declining rapidly in northern South Australia. • Only one record during the survey, east of the Stuart Highway Close and Jaensch (1984) did not Stone-curlews may still occur on the AP Lands, and are record this species because their focus was west of still reported occasionally from other parts of central the Stuart Highway. There were no historical Australia (Marchant and Higgins 1993). Their call is records from their study area. well known to many Anangu. Regional status: Expected to be an occasional nomadic A major cause of this ground-nesting species’ decline visitor to the eastern parts of the AP Lands only. Need appears to be predation of eggs and chicks (in to know more about occurrence and if any action can be particular) by introduced foxes. The species used to be targeted to aid this species conservation. much more abundant across southern and central Australia in the presence of Dingoes but before foxes Cacatua leadbeateri (Kakalalya, Pink Cockatoo) arrived. Interestingly, it appears to have a relatively National rating: n/a stable population on Kangaroo Island (SA) where there State rating: Vulnerable are no foxes but feral cats are numerous. One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). Regional status: Critically endangered, if still present. ‘Least concern’ nationally (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Amytornis striatus (Warukultrikultriny(pa), Striated Grasswren) • 91 birds recorded at 10 quadrats (16 records); 98 National rating: n/a birds observed at 10 additional sites during the State rating: Vulnerable survey period. One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the • Close and Jaensch (1984) recorded only two arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). historic observations of this species (in the Everards and at Krewinkel Hill, south of ‘Near threatened’ nationally, (Garnett and Crowley Pipalyatjara) and two ‘recent’ records (at Mt 2000); extensive wildfires are considered the major Whinam in the Musgrave Ranges and at Turner threat to the species. Work at Uluru Kata Tjuta NP in Hill WSW of Fregon). 263 Regional status: This is a widespread but sparsely ‘Near threatened’ nationally, through a range scattered species in the region. No apparent reason for contraction in the south and decreased densities concern. (Garnett and Crowley 2000), mostly smaller flocks / groups recorded in the south now. Hamirostra melanosternon (Kalayakatapungkulpai, Black-breasted Buzzard) • 9 birds recorded at 2 quadrats (6 records); 9 birds National rating: n/a recorded at 4 additional sites during the survey State rating: Rare period. ‘Least concern’ nationally (Garnett and Crowley 2000). • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 4 records of small numbers of birds in ‘recent’ years in the • 11 birds recorded at 8 quadrats; 2 birds recorded at Everard and Musgrave Ranges, on slopes amongst 2 additional sites during the survey period. Triodia hummocks. • Two previous records noted by Close and Jaensch (1984). This compares historically with the large numbers recorded by Maurice in 1901-02 and White in 1914. Regional status: A widespread species in low numbers, However, McGilp considered the species to be scarce. principally across the eastern and northern AP Lands. No evidence of decline. No reason for concern. Regional status: ‘Data deficient’ but appears to warrant vulnerable status. More research is needed on this Falco hypoleucos (Kirkin(pa), Grey Falcon) species’ ecology. Targeted surveys recommended. National rating: n/a State rating: Rare Neophema splendida (Iilykiilykari? Scarlet-chested One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the Parrot) arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). National rating: n/a State rating: Rare ‘Near threatened’ nationally, though no evidence of a One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the decline (Garnett and Crowley 2000). arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). ‘Least concern’ nationally, with no evidence of a • 2 records of single birds during the survey period, significant decline in either area of occupancy or one on a quadrat, the other not. abundance (Garnett and Crowley 2000). • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 4 previous records for the AP Lands. • Only 2 records during the survey period, one on a quadrat, the other not. Regional status: A nomadic species most likely to be • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 recent encountered on or around the ranges in the eastern and record by Smith and Ford (1972) of a single bird northern AP Lands. Not of conservation concern south of Pipalyatjara. within the region. Historically, McGilp (1935) had noted that these Falco peregrinus (Kirkin(pa), Peregrine Falcon) parrots were reasonably common between the Everard National rating: n/a and Musgrave Ranges and reported a pair nesting near State rating: Rare Echo Hill. He also noted that most of the captive birds ‘Least concern’ nationally (Garnett and Crowley 2000). then in SA had originated from this area. However, the suggestion by Close and Jaensch (1984) that this might • 6 records of 7 individuals on quadrats and 3 explain the species apparent rarity seems unlikely for records of 4 birds sighted opportunistically during such a nomadic bird that can be irruptive in some areas the survey period. during exceptional seasonal conditions. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 4 previous records for the AP Lands. No historical records Regional status: A nomadic species that may be irruptive during exceptional seasonal conditions, and Regional status: A species most likely to be probably more likely to be encountered more often in encountered on or around the cliffs and domes of the the south-western part of the AP Lands where Marble ranges and outlying hills across the AP Lands. Not of Gums occur. No particular conservation concern, conservation concern within the region. except perhaps reliability of water supplies in their preferred arid habitats. Geophaps plumifera (Ipuru, Plumed (Spinifex) Pigeon) Calamanthus campestris (Rufous (or Western) National rating: n/a Calamanthus) State rating: Rare National rating: n/a One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the State rating: Rare arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). 264 ‘Least concern’ nationally (Garnett and Crowley Eremophila gilesii ssp. gilesii and various grass 2000). species.

• Only two records during the survey period, one on Regional status: A sparsely but widely distributed a quadrat the other opportune. species. No reason for conservation concern. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 ‘recent’ record near Moolalpinna Hill (WSW of Fregon in Aphelocephala pectoralis (Chestnut-breasted 1980) Whiteface) National rating: n/a Historically, McGilp saw a few in saltbush habitat (in State rating: Rare the eastern AP Lands). One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). Regional status: As Close and Jaensch (1984) note, ‘Near threatened’ nationally - no evidence of a decline this is clearly an uncommon species in the region and in range though there appears to have been a decline in has possibly always been so. However, there is no abundance across the range (Garnett and Crowley reason for concern at the regional level unless cattle 2000). grazing expands and increases in intensity. Targeted surveys recommended. • 13 birds observed at 1 quadrat; 2 birds recorded at 1 additional site during the survey period. The Climacteris affinis (Kalingka-apanapan(pa), White- records during the biological survey program were browed Treecreeper) encountered only on the former Granite Downs National rating: n/a pastoral lease and mostly east of the Stuart State rating: Rare Highway. ‘Least concern’ nationally – Climacteris affinis affinis • Close and Jaensch (1984) did not record this (Garnett and Crowley 2000). species. It is not known to occur within the AP Lands as they were recognised at the time of their • 5 birds observed at 3 quadrats (4 records); 6 birds work. recorded at 4 additional sites during the survey. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted several records Regional status: This is a widespread and sparsely across the AP Lands, primarily in Mulga areas. scattered species of stony desert areas. No reason for concern locally) unless cattle grazing expands and Historically, both White and McGilp had found this to increases in intensity (also see Pedler 1991, 1992, be quite a common species, the latter mainly in Mulga, 2000). and occasionally in the ranges. Gerygone fusca (Western Gerygone) Regional status: This appears to be a widespread, but National rating: n/a sparsely scattered species of open woodland and tall State rating: Rare open shrublands. No apparent reason for concern. Targeted surveys recommended establishing a better • 9 records at quadrats and 2 at other sites during the baseline for future monitoring. survey period. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted 7 separate records Acanthiza robustirostris (Tia-tia, Mininminin(pa), during their 1980 trip. Slaty-backed Thornbill) National rating: n/a Regional status: This is another widespread but State rating: Rare sparsely scattered species in the region. No reason for concern. • 35 birds observed at 8 quadrats (11 records); 5 birds recorded at 2 additional sites during the Pyrrholaemus brunneus (Redthroat) survey period. National rating: n/a • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted several records for State rating: Rare the AP Lands, almost all of them in Mulga One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the habitats. arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992).

There are similar numbers of historical records, White ‘Least concern’ nationally – ‘Redthroats remain having first collected the species in the northern AP widespread in the large part of their range that is Lands in 1914. Matthew and Kernot (1992) described essentially ungrazed’ (Garnett and Crowley 2000). the species distribution pattern within SA as it was known at the time and concluded that they occur where • 10 birds observed at 6 quadrats (8 records) only there is open Mulga woodland over an open during the survey period. understorey of Eremophila latrobei var. glabra and • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 3 ‘recent’ records for this species. 265 Historically, White and McGilp suggested that Redthroats had been a common species in the ranges • 33 observations at 12 quadrats (18 records); 7 and along watercourses up to at least the 1930s. This additional sightings, 6 ‘opportune sites’ during the species may have been affected by the impacts of survey period. rabbits within its preferred habitats and by stock • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted no recent records grazing in the eastern areas of the AP Lands. though a significant search effort had been made in what seemed like suitable habitat. Regional status: Rare and possibly at risk. Research is needed to understand this species’ ecological Close and Jaensch (1984) contrasted their lack of requirements. Targeted surveys recommended. success with the fact that White and Williams had collected specimens and White had collected eggs in Lichenostomus keartlandi (Titu-titu, Grey-headed the early 1900s. Honeyeater) National rating: n/a Regional status: Despite the concerns expressed by State rating: Rare Reid and Fleming (1992) and Close and Jaensch (1984), the more recent survey results do not suggest • 34 birds observed at 7 quadrats (15 records); 1 that there is likely to have been any contraction in range additional record during the survey period. or abundance of this species within this region. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted that all ‘recent’ Nevertheless, this species does nest on the ground and observers had found this species to be common may be vulnerable to predation of at least its eggs and among or near the ranges or hills. chicks. Further research to determine this species’ ecological requirements would help to clarify if there Regional status: No reason for concern. Locally needs to be action for its conservation. Targeted common. surveys recommended.

Lichmera indistincta (Brown Honeyeater) Eremiornis carteri (Spinifexbird) (Fig. 136) National rating: n/a National rating: n/a State rating: Rare State rating: Rare

• 29 birds were noted at 9 quadrats (16 records); 6 • Only one record during the survey period (on the birds were also recorded at 3 ‘opportune sites’ last day of the last survey trip!). during the survey period. • No previous records for the AP Lands or for South • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 4 ‘recent’ Australia. records of this species – all associated with the ranges in the Everards, in the Musgraves at Regional status: Data deficient. Apparently suitable Ernabella and at Wartaru (Mt Lindsay). habitat occurs across much of the AP Lands (see Hopton and Copley 1999), so there is little reason for Regional status: No evidence of a decline. No cause concern, other than the fact that the only known for concern. location in the State (on the Indulkana Range) is highly susceptible to wildfire. Targeted searching in similar Conopophila whitei (Grey Honeyeater) habitats, especially at suitable sites on the main ranges National rating: n/a would be expected to locate additional populations of State rating: Rare this species. In support of this suggestion, a second population has recently been located in a similar habitat • No records during the survey of dense long unburnt spinifex in the Claude Hills, 20 • The only records are from the margins of this km E of Surveyor Generals Corner (Gole 2002). Also, region (see Paton 1981). Lynn Pedler reported a possible sighting on Sentinel Hill (Wamitjara) in the northern AP Lands in 1998. Regional status: Data deficient. This is a very cryptic and seldom seen bird over much of its ‘suspected’ Emblema pictum (Iltitja, Painted Firetail) range. As it is a bird of Mulga habitats, there are vast National rating: n/a areas where this species may occur in the AP Lands. State rating: Rare Targeted surveys recommended. • 8 birds observed at 2 quadrats; 18 birds observed Cinclosoma castanotus (Miilka, Chestnut Quail- at 3 additional sites, during the survey period. thrush) • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted this species only National rating: n/a near Mt Woodroffe and that there are few other State rating: Rare records, only from the Musgrave and Everard One of 29 species of major conservation concern in the Ranges. arid zone (Reid and Fleming 1992). ‘Least concern’ nationally (Garnett and Crowley 2000). 266 Regional status: No evidence of a decline and no Geopelia placida (Kukuku, Peaceful Dove) apparent cause for concern in the region. National rating: n/a State rating: n/a

OTHER RARELY RECORDED SPECIES • 5 birds were recorded at 2 quadrats only during the Dromaius novaehollandiae (Kalaya, Emu) survey period, both east of the Stuart Highway.] National rating: n/a • Close and Jaensch (1984) did not record this State rating: n/a species for the region.

• 15 records at 11 quadrats; 7 records at 5 additional Regional status: No reason for concern. sites, during the survey period. • Close and Jaensch (1984) observed this species Calyptorhynchus banksii (Iranti, Red-tailed Black and/or its tracks and distinctive droppings at a few Cockatoo) scattered locations and noted that, historically, National rating: n/a White, Simpson and McGilp had, like them, noted State rating: n/a Emus as uncommon. • last (and only record) in the AP Lands on 6-7 As mentioned above, Emus are a relatively rare sight in August 1933 when Cleland (1933) saw four the AP Lands. Despite this, they are hunted for ‘kuka’ between Ernabella and Moorilyanna. McGilp’s by Anangu at almost every opportunity. Hunting will observation that the species was probably just a certainly contribute to the relative rarity of this species very occasional straggler to the area, based on the across the ‘lands’, but there are two major limiting fact that local residents of the region claimed that factors on Emu distribution and abundance in the this species was only seen sometimes, seems to be region that are far more pervasive than hunting a reasonable assumption. pressure. These factors are (1) a lack of water, especially during dry periods and (2) predation of Regional status: No reason for concern as the 4 birds chicks by Dingoes and foxes. reported may just have been vagrants out of their usual country a little further north. Anangu on the AP Lands Regional status: Uncommon, but widely and sparsely know this species (Iranti) well, because they see it on distributed. roadsides during trips to and from Alice Springs. However, none claimed to have seen it on the AP Falco subniger (Kirrkin(pa), Black Falcon) Lands. National rating: n/a State rating: Vulnerable Tyto alba (Wiratju, Parkapungku, Barn Owl) National rating: n/a • 1 bird observed on a quadrat; 1 additional record at State rating: n/a an ‘opportune site’ during the survey period. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted several • 11 observations were made at 5 quadrats (6 observations since the 1970s records); 10 additional records were made at 6 ‘opportune sites’ during the survey period. No historical records. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 2 previous records; one near Pipalyatjara in the far north-west, Regional status: A nomadic visitor. Not of the other at Moolalpinna Hill in the east, both in conservation concern within the region. 1980. The species’ nomadic and nocturnal habits can make it difficult to locate. However, its Geopelia cuneata (Kukuku, Diamond Dove) regurgitated pellets of fur, feather, bones and National rating: n/a chitinous can be a useful State rating: n/a indicator that the species is, or has been, present in an area. For example, Copley et al. (1989) • 14 birds observed at 3 quadrats (5 records): 8 documented small mammal remains collected from additional records at 5 ‘opportune sites’ during the intact or fragmentary Barn Owl pellets at four survey period. further locations across the AP Lands in 1985. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 5 previous Graham Medlin (unpublished data) has since also records in the Everard and Musgrave Ranges. identified: • 391 Mus, 15 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, Historically, McGilp observed this species in gum-lined 1 P. desertor, 3 Sminthopsis ooldea and 2 creeks but thought it ‘not at all common’. Finlayson from 93 ‘recent’ pellets collected (1935), by comparison thought it common. beneath River Red Gums in Ernabella Creek near Umuwa in May 1991. Regional status: No reason for concern. • 20 Mus, 9 Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, 1 Notomys alexis and 1 skink from 6 pellets 267 from a cave on a hill ca 5.5 km NW of Mt 1 at Krewinkel Hill in the far-west) and one Kintore in May 1994. historic (in the Everards). • 2 Mus, 5 Pseudomys hermannsbergensis, 1 Planigale tenuirostris, 1 Sminthopsis ooldea, Regional status: Reid and Fleming note that this 1 bird, 7 geckoes and 3 skinks from 20 intact species has resident breeders and winter non-breeding pellets collected from a cave at Moolalpinna visitors in the central Australian population. There is Hill in March 1995. no evidence for decline in the AP Lands and there is no apparent cause for concern. Eurostopodus argus (Kurnkutakuta, Kurnkara, Spotted Nightjar) Artamus leucorhynchus (Tjalpu-tjalpu, White- National rating: n/a breasted Woodswallow) State rating: n/a National rating: n/a State rating: n/a • 7 records at 4 quadrats; 15 additional records at 11 ‘opportune sites’ during the survey period. • No records during the survey period. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 historical • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 ‘recent’ record by McGilp in the 1930s and two more record and no historic records. ‘recent’ records in 1980. Regional status: This is a migratory and nomadic Regional status: This nocturnal and cryptic species can species that might only be expected to be encountered be difficult to locate during the day, but is easily in the region occasionally. No reason for concern. identified at night by its distinctive calls and when seen in vehicle headlight beams. Although this species nests Artamus minor (Tjalpu-tjalpu, Little Woodswallow) on the ground, it seems to be maintaining its range National rating: n/a across the arid zone. No apparent reason for State rating: n/a conservation concerns at this stage. • 30 observations at 9 quadrats (14 records); 5 Aphelocephala nigricincta (Mininminin(pa), Banded additional records at 5 ‘opportune sites’ during the Whiteface) survey period. National rating: n/a • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted that despite there State rating: n/a being no historic records of this species in the region, there have been numerous ‘recent’ records. • 18 birds were sighted at 6 quadrats only during the survey period. Regional status: No reason for concern. • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted only 1 ‘recent’ record and 4 historic records of this species. Coracina maxima (Kamitjalururu, Ground Cuckoo- shrike) Regional status: This appears to be a widespread but National rating: n/a sparsely scattered species. No evidence of any decline State rating: n/a and no apparent reason for concern. • 18 birds observed at 8 quadrats; 19 additional birds Microeca leucophaea (Jacky Winter) seen at 9 ‘opportune sites’ during the survey National rating: n/a period. State rating: n/a • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted no historical records for the region and only 6 ‘recent’ records. • 3 birds observed at 3 quadrats; 2 additional records at ‘opportune sites’ during the survey period. Regional status: This is a widespread and sparsely • Close and Jaensch (1984) record only 4 ‘recent’ scattered species in the AP Lands. No reason for observations of this species in the AP Lands. concern.

There are no historic records. Corvus coronoides (Kaanka, Australian Raven) National rating: n/a Regional status: There is no evidence of a decline State rating: n/a within the region. No apparent cause for concern. • 6 observed at 2 quadrats (3 records); 1 additional Rhipidura albiscapa (Tjintir-tjintirpa, Grey Fantail) ‘opportune record’ during the survey – all in the far National rating: n/a State rating: n/a eastern AP Lands. • No records were made during the survey period. • Australian Ravens were not recorded in the review • Close and Jaensch (1984) record only 3 ‘recent’ by Close and Jaensch (1984), and are relatively observations of this species (2 in the Everards and new records for the eastern extremities of the AP Lands. While they have probably been advantaged 268 by pastoral activities, there is no definite evidence No evidence of occurrence in AP Lands of a recent range expansion. Cinclosoma castaneothorax marginatum (? Miilka, Regional status: No reason for concern. Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush) • Close and Jaensch (1984) note that this species is SPECIES NOT LOCATED recorded in the extreme south-western NT and During the survey, several species were searched for, adjoining parts of WA. They also refer to and asked about on a regular basis, either: McGilp’s observation of a quail-thrush that may • because there were historical records for the have been this species at a location in or near the region, but no recent records or Everard Ranges (McGilp 1944). • because Close and Jaensch (1984) had indicated that the species was likely to occur there on the This species was searched for whenever in apparently basis of known distribution in adjacent areas and suitable habitats but no sign was found. However, this the presence of apparently suitable habitats. absence of records is rather unconvincing given the documented occurrences in adjacent areas and this Presumed Extinct species cryptic behaviour. Targeted surveys Species for which there have been no confirmed recommended. records for at least 50 years. Stipiturus ruficeps (Rufous-crowned Emu-wren) Strepera versicolor plumbea (Pilal(pa), Grey National rating: n/a State rating: Rare Currawong) National rating: n/a • Close and Jaensch (1984) noted that this species State rating: Not listed but should be recognised and was suggested to be in the far NW of the State by classified as Endangered (Presumed extinct) Condon (1969), based erroneously on a distribution map produced by Keast (1957). • last recorded in the Musgrave Ranges area in the However, there are no confirmed records from NW early 1930s by Cleland (1933) and McGilp (1935) SA, all records coming from the Simpson Desert. and considered extinct by Parker and Horton (1990). Despite the lack of records, the species is known from • Possible record of call by one Anangu at Wartaru adjacent areas of WA and similar habitats occur over who stated that she had heard one some time in substantial areas of the western part of the AP Lands. recent past and also seen them at Yalata, Maralinga Targeted surveys recommended. and Eucla where she stated they are still resident. • The distribution map in Schodde and Mason Pezoporus occidentalis (Night Parrot) (1999) shows uncertain limits between the abutting National rating: Endangered State rating: ultrataxon S. v. plumbea in the NW of SA and the Endangered ultrataxon S .v. intermedia to the south east. It may be that the observations at Wartaru represent • Close and Jaensch (1984) did not refer to this the movements NW into the AP Lands of the more species. common ultrataxon S. v. intermedia. • We showed a prepared museum skin (actually of a Ground Parrot) to several groups of Anangu, but See discussion about this species above. elicited only one response that suggests that people may have seen, or heard about, this bird before. Burhinus grallarius (Wiilu, Bush Stone-curlew) National rating: n/a State rating: Vulnerable Northiella haematogaster (Blue Bonnet) National rating: n/a State rating: n/a • last recorded by Cleland (1946b) in his 1946 visit to Ernabella and the Musgrave Ranges. • Close and Jaensch (1984) reported that as part of an Atlas of Australian Birds field trip in May – No confirmed records in recent decades. None heard June 1980, J. and E. Bransbury and P. Taylor or seen during the biological survey trips. However, observed two Blue Bonnets at Cave Hill. many Anangu recognised the museum specimen of this • McGilp (1935) had also reported ‘odd pairs seen in species that we showed them, gave its Pitjantjatjara Mulga country’. name – Wiilu – and said that it was still around on the AP Lands, mainly along creek-lines. This species is We failed to note this species during the survey period. still known from the MacDonnell Ranges and other It would, however, be a difficult species to miss if parts of the southern Northern Territory (e.g. see resident. Blue Bonnets are not a recognised species for Blakers et al. 1984). the central desert regions. They may, move along ‘river’ systems from the Lake Eyre Basin into the Targeted surveys recommended. eastern AP Lands and on into the Everard or Musgrave Ranges from time to time. 269 SPECIES PATTERNS AP Lands Biological Survey. The dendrogram (Fig. The presence/absence data for 68 bird species, which 128) was cut to produce 8 groups (or bird assemblages) excluded those which are very mobile, waterbirds and with group 1 split into two sub-groups. Habitat night birds was analysed using PATN (see Methods) variables associated with each assemblage are shown in from the 169 quadrats sampled over the duration of the Table 32.

Group # # Sites in group 1a (41)______|______1b (34)____ | ____|______|______2 (9) ______| ______|______| 3 (10) ______| | ______|______|______| 4 (17) ______| | ______|______|___|______5 (18) ______| ______|______| 6 (9) ______|______|______| | 7 (6) ______| ______|______| 8 (16) ___ | ___|______| | | | | | | 0.1670 0.3536 0.5402 0.7268 0.9134 1.1000 Dissimilarity------>>>

Figure 128. A dendrogram showing the relationship between the groups in the AP lands Biological Survey bird PATN analysis.

270 Table 32. Proportion (expressed as a percentage) of sites within each bird assemblage presented as percentages against habitat variables. Where the assemblage contained more than 30% of site records in a habitat type, the values are highlighted in bold.

Habitat Variable Group Number 1 1.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 No sites in group 41 34 9 10 17 18 19 7 16 Landform Alluvial plain 2 6 30 14 6 Consolidated dunefield 11 Drainage line 5 Dunefield 2 6 Flood plain 2 9 6 29 6 Hills 15 22 10 6 58 14 25 Longitudinal dunefield 10 3 6 22 Low hills 20 11 20 21 Mountains 7 9 16 13 Parabolic dunefield 2 11 Pediplain 2 11 Plain 32 38 44 30 12 17 14 31 Playa plain 14 Sand plain 20 21 10 71 44 14 19 Land Unit plain (incl. undulating plain) 17 26 22 30 53 6 4319 sandy plain 22 21 22 10 12 39 14 6 stony plain 2 6 14 limestone plain 6 channel 10 playa/pan 14 lunette 2 rock outcrop (on plain) 3 /tor 5 drainage depression 2 19 footslope 10 dune/consolidated dune 2 3 12 17 dune crest 10 11 6 6 dune slope 6 dune footslope 6 swale 3 6 interdune corridor 11 hill/mountain 3 hill crest 11 hill slope 12 3 11 10 6 63 38 hill footslope 2 11 20 6 ridge 5 gully 2 gorge 10 5 pediment 5 9 11 5 rock outcrop (on hill) 2 stream channel 5 6 6 flood out 7 12 11 6 5 6 saltlake 14 closed depression 2 3 6 flat 2 other 3

271 GROUP 1A. OPEN AREAS (41 quadrats).

Characterised by birds that are widespread and mostly very common this Group is a mix of species that are typical of either open areas – Crested Pigeon, Richard’s Pipit, Brown Songlark, Crimson Chat, Budgerigar - or patchy shrubland and woodland habitats (or both) – Little Crow, Pied Butcherbird, Masked Woodswallow, Grey Shrike-thrush, Rufous Whistler, White-browed Babbler and Chiming Wedgebill.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 34 0.3 0.26 9 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 33 24.9 0.43 6 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 30 0.7 0.26 9 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 29 25.8 0.46 8 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 28 7.6 0.33 9 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 28 17.9 0.41 9 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 28 0.8 0.27 8 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 28 8.6 0.34 9 White-browed Babbler Psephotus varius 28 8.6 0.34 9 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 28 1.0 0.27 8 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 27 12.5 0.37 7 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 25 9.9 0.36 8 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 24 0.1 0.25 9 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 24 4.4 0.31 8 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 24 15.2 0.41 8 Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 21 21.6 0.50 7 Chiming Wedgebill Psophodes occidentalis 21 23.6 0.53 4 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 20 29.2 0.63 6 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 18 1.1 0.28 8 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 17 0.1 0.26 8 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 16 16.0 0.50 6 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 15 1.1 0.29 6 Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 12 17.9 0.67 4 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 12 2.9 0.20 8 Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 12 1.3 0.30 6 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 11 10.4 0.50 6 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 11 0.0 0.25 9 White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 11 8.5 0.46 6 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 10 0.5 0.29 4 Black Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus 10 17.0 0.77 3 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 9 3.5 0.38 8 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 8 4.5 0.42 6 272 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 8 2.3 0.20 7 Bourke’s Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 8 1.6 0.33 6 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 8 5.3 0.44 8 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 7 21.2 0.13 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 7 7.6 0.17 8 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 7 3.5 0.41 4 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 7 1.3 0.33 6 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 6 7.8 0.67 4 Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens 6 0.2 0.24 3 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 6 1.0 0.21 8 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 6 41.1 0.11 7 Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 5 6.6 0.71 2 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 5 1.1 0.36 6 Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons 4 4.4 0.67 2 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 4 2.5 0.19 5 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 4 0.0 0.27 5 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 3 2.5 0.19 4 Banded Whiteface Aphelocephala nigricincta 3 1.6 0.50 3 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 3 12.6 0.13 7 Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima 3 0.5 0.38 3 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 3 74.7 0.07 7 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 3 0.0 0.27 5 Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus 3 0.2 0.25 5 Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 3 2.4 0.60 3 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2 0.9 0.22 3 Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2 2.2 1.00 1 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 2 26.1 0.10 5 Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza robustirostris 1 8.4 0.13 4 Dusky Grasswren Amytornis purnelli 1 46.4 0.06 5 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 1 115.1 0.04 6 Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans 1 0.2 0.33 2 Chestnut Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castanotus 1 23.6 0.08 2 Cinnamon Quail-thrush Cinclosoma cinnamomeum 1 0.2 0.33 3 Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 1 8.4 0.13 4 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 1 161.0 0.04 7 Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus 1 3.7 0.17 3

Vegetation Structure No % ()Tussock grassland 3 7 Low open shrubland 8 20 Low open woodland 1 2 Low shrubland 1 2 Low woodland 2 5 Open (tussock) grassland 4 10 Open hummock grassland 1 2 Open shrubland 1 2 Open woodland 1 2 Shrubland 1 2 Tall open shrubland 5 12 Very low open woodland 11 27 Very low woodland 1 2 Very open shrubland 1 2

273 GROUP 1B. SAND PLAIN AND RANGE OUTWASH AREAS (34 quadrats).

Characterised by Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Tree Martin, Mistletoebird, Rufous Whistler and Rainbowbird this Group is found predominantly on sand plains and outwash areas near ranges and hills, mostly in open woodland and shrubland habitats.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 30 0.35 0.23 9 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 28 9.71 0.36 6 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 28 2.10 0.27 8 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 28 2.25 0.27 8 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 26 19.40 0.47 7 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 26 8.31 0.36 7 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 24 1.13 0.25 9 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 22 30.38 0.63 4 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 22 2.50 0.29 8 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 22 21.86 0.54 7 Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 22 23.07 0.55 6 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 21 4.15 0.32 8 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 21 0.97 0.25 9 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 19 0.15 0.22 9 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 19 0.77 0.17 9 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 17 3.67 0.33 6 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 16 0.61 0.25 8 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 15 1.67 0.29 8 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 15 0.02 0.21 8 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 15 0.65 0.25 8 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 13 2.60 0.33 7 Rainbowbird Merops ornatus 13 16.60 0.62 5 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 12 0.36 0.17 9 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 12 0.02 0.20 8 Bourke’s Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 12 9.49 0.50 6 Chiming Wedgebill Psophodes occidentalis 12 1.58 0.30 4 Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens 10 4.13 0.40 3 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 10 0.73 0.16 8 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 9 1.54 0.32 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 8 0.09 0.19 8 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 8 0.18 0.18 9 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 8 1.56 0.33 8 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 8 2.65 0.38 6 274 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 7 2.88 0.41 4 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 6 0.42 0.29 5 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 5 0.55 0.31 4 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 5 0.00 0.22 7 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 5 0.02 0.21 6 Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza robustirostris 4 2.29 0.50 4 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 4 0.18 0.29 6 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 4 0.02 0.21 6 Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima 4 2.29 0.50 3 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 4 1.29 0.13 6 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 4 0.79 0.36 5 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 4 1.29 0.13 6 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 4 0.77 0.14 7 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 3 4.10 0.07 7 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 3 1.08 0.13 6 Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 3 0.52 0.38 4 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 3 0.08 0.20 5 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 3 0.94 0.13 5 Banded Whiteface Aphelocephala nigricincta 2 0.08 0.33 3 Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans 2 1.37 0.67 2 Grey-headed Honeyeater Lichenostomus keartlandi 2 0.26 0.40 2 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 2 1.21 0.11 8 Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus 1 0.93 0.11 4 Cinnamon Quail-thrush Cinclosoma cinnamomeum 1 0.02 0.33 3 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 1 3.43 0.05 6 Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus 1 1.49 0.08 5 Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus 1 0.40 0.17 3 Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 1 0.25 0.20 3

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 1 3 Low open woodland 3 9 Low woodland 4 12 Open hummock grassland 2 6 Open mallee 2 6 Open shrubland 2 6 Open woodland 3 9 Tall open shrubland 4 12 Tall very open shrubland 1 3 Very low open woodland 4 12 Very low woodland 7 21 Very open shrubland 1 3

275 GROUP 2. PLAINS WITH OPEN EUCALYPT HABITATS (9 quadrats).

Characterised by the Red-browed Pardalote this assemblage of widely spaced sites occurs on plains supporting open habitats mostly with eucalypts present.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 9 0.32 0.07 6 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 7 0.45 0.07 8 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 7 0.92 0.08 4 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 7 0.04 0.06 2 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 6 1.44 0.10 5 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 5 2.37 0.12 7 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 5 0.19 0.05 9 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 4 0.00 0.06 7 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 4 1.96 0.13 6 Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus 4 13.03 0.33 3 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 4 0.17 0.05 9 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 4 0.01 0.06 8 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 3 1.37 0.13 8 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 3 0.35 0.04 5 Dusky Grasswren Amytornis purnelli 2 0.51 0.13 6 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 2 1.61 0.03 4 Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus 2 0.97 0.15 8 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 2 0.79 0.14 8 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 2 0.10 0.09 7 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2 0.56 0.04 5 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 1 0.46 0.04 6 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 1 0.25 0.05 5 Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 1 0.21 0.06 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 1 1.32 0.02 7 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 1 1.42 0.02 9 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 1 0.46 0.04 4 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1 0.64 0.04 3 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 1 2.19 0.02 8 Bourke’s Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 1 0.46 0.04 5 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 1 0.46 0.04 8 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 1 0.33 0.05 6 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 0.21 0.06 8

276 Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 1 11 Open hummock grassland 1 11 Open shrubland 1 11 Tall open shrubland 1 11 Tall very open shrubland 2 22 Very low open woodland 1 11 Very low woodland 1 11 Very open (tussock) grassland 1 11

277 GROUP 3. PLAINS WITH OPEN HABITATS (10 quadrats).

Characterised by the Masked Woodswallow this assemblage of widely spaced sites occurs on plains supporting open habitats mostly with scattered shrubs and trees present.

Common Name Scientific name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 10 0.38 0.08 9 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 9 1.56 0.09 9 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 9 0.50 0.08 9 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 7 19.76 0.30 7 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 7 2.55 0.12 8 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 7 7.02 0.17 7 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 7 2.70 0.12 8 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 6 0.06 0.06 8 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 6 0.83 0.09 8 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 5 0.00 0.06 6 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 5 0.70 0.10 8 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 5 1.44 0.11 9 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 5 0.18 0.08 8 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 5 0.44 0.05 8 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 4 0.22 0.05 8 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 4 2.12 0.14 8 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 4 0.38 0.05 9 Chiming Wedgebill Psophodes occidentalis 4 0.58 0.10 4 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 3 1.74 0.16 6 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 3 1.14 0.14 6 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 3 0.01 0.08 7 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 3 1.32 0.14 6 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 2 2.42 0.02 9 Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 2 2.91 0.29 2 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 2 0.07 0.06 6 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2 1.64 0.03 8 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2 0.06 0.10 5 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 2 0.01 0.08 8 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 2 1.80 0.03 7 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 1 2.12 0.02 6 Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus 1 0.00 0.11 4 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 1 1.56 0.02 7 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 1 2.92 0.02 8 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 1 0.58 0.04 6 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 1 1.56 0.02 8 278 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 1 3.10 0.01 9 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 1 0.79 0.04 7 White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 1 0.58 0.04 6 Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 1 0.58 0.04 6 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 1 2.29 0.02 7 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 1 0.53 0.04 5 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 0.29 0.06 8

Vegetation Structure # % sites sites Hummock grassland 1 10 Low shrubland 1 10 Open hummock grassland 1 10 Tall open shrubland 2 20 Tall very open shrubland 1 10 Very low open woodland 2 20 Very low woodland 1 10 Very open mallee 1 10

279 GROUP 4. MALLEE HABITATS (17 quadrats).

Characterised by the Weebill this assemblage of widely spaced sites occurs on plains supporting habitats with mallee eucalypts present.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 17 2.36 0.15 9 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 13 0.99 0.14 9 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 13 0.41 0.12 8 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 12 5.14 0.20 8 Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 11 0.56 0.08 9 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 11 29.50 0.48 5 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 10 0.93 0.14 8 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 10 0.07 0.10 8 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 9 11.74 0.32 7 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 8 0.13 0.12 8 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 7 0.45 0.08 9 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 6 0.02 0.12 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 6 0.42 0.14 8 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 6 0.27 0.09 9 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 6 0.00 0.11 7 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 6 0.92 0.07 9 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 5 5.32 0.31 4 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 4 2.26 0.05 8 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 4 0.17 0.09 9 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 3 1.38 0.06 6 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 3 0.55 0.08 7 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 3 1.93 0.05 8 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 3 2.26 0.05 8 Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus 3 1.43 0.25 5 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 3 3.12 0.04 7 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 2 1.13 0.06 4 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 2 0.41 0.22 3 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 2 0.27 0.09 7 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 2 0.59 0.07 8 Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza robustirostris 1 0.11 0.13 4 Dusky Grasswren Amytornis purnelli 1 0.75 0.06 5 Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus 1 0.17 0.11 4 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 1 0.17 0.11 4 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 1 2.26 0.03 6 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 1 3.14 0.02 7 280 Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 1 3.04 0.03 6 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 1 0.66 0.07 5 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 1 5.40 0.02 8 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 0.93 0.06 8

Vegetation Structure No % Low open woodland 1 6 Low woodland 2 12 Open low mallee 2 12 Open mallee 5 29 Tall open shrubland 1 6 Very low woodland 3 18 Very open low mallee 2 12 Very open mallee 1 6

281 GROUP 5. OPEN SHRUBLAND ON SAND PLAINS AND DUNES (18 quadrats).

Characterised by the Chestnut Quail-thrush, Striated Grasswren, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Splendid Fairy-wren and Redthroat, this assemblage of widely spaced southern sites occurs on plains supporting open shrubland habitats mostly on sand plains and sand dunes.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 16 1.79 0.15 8 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 15 14.88 0.29 6 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 12 0.02 0.11 9 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 12 0.03 0.12 8 Chestnut Quailthrush Cinclosoma castanotus 11 67.54 0.92 2 Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 11 0.88 0.08 9 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 11 1.03 0.15 7 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 10 0.03 0.12 9 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 10 1.61 0.17 8 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 10 2.38 0.18 7 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 10 0.07 0.12 9 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 9 10.46 0.32 7 Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens 9 13.09 0.36 3 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 8 0.05 0.10 6 Striated Grasswren Amytornis striatus 6 21.88 0.67 4 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 6 0.39 0.15 7 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 6 3.92 0.26 5 Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 5 13.32 0.56 3 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 4 4.23 0.04 9 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 4 0.01 0.13 6 Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus 4 13.03 0.67 3 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 3 0.40 0.19 4 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 3 1.62 0.06 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 3 0.83 0.07 8 Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 3 0.69 0.08 6 Chiming Wedgebill Psophodes occidentalis 3 0.69 0.08 4 Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza robustirostris 2 0.51 0.25 4 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 2 0.35 0.09 7 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 2 2.12 0.05 9 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 2 0.10 0.18 5 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 2 0.71 0.07 8 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 2 3.57 0.03 8 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 2 0.23 0.10 5 282 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 1 5.98 0.02 8 Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 1 1.13 0.05 6 Cinnamon Quail-thrush Cinclosoma cinnamomeum 1 0.11 0.33 3 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 1 6.30 0.01 9 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 1 3.37 0.02 7 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 1 2.44 0.03 6 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 1 6.40 0.01 8 White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 1 1.63 0.04 6 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 1 0.93 0.06 4 Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus 1 0.46 0.08 5 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 1 1.63 0.04 8 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 1.03 0.06 8

Vegetation Structure No %s Low open woodland 1 6 Low woodland 1 6 Open hummock grassland 1 6 Open mallee 1 6 Tall open shrubland 5 28 Tall very open shrubland 3 17 Very low open woodland 1 6 Very low woodland 1 6 Very open mallee 3 17 Very open shrubland 1 6

283 GROUP 6. ROCKY HILLS WITH NATIVE FIGS (19 quadrats).

Characterised by the Western Bowerbird, Little Woodswallow and Dusky Grasswren this Group of widely spaced sites occurs on and around rocky hills, mostly with Native Figs present.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 16 0.04 0.12 9 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 15 0.75 0.14 8 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 14 44.01 0.58 6 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 12 5.67 0.23 8 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 12 2.71 0.19 8 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 11 0.00 0.12 9 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 11 7.29 0.26 8 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 9 0.00 0.12 8 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 9 0.09 0.13 9 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 9 0.07 0.13 8 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 9 1.37 0.08 9 Dusky Grasswren Amytornis purnelli 8 18.42 0.50 5 Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 8 42.25 0.89 2 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 7 7.44 0.33 5 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 6 0.46 0.09 8 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 6 3.26 0.06 8 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 6 8.82 0.40 5 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 5 0.25 0.16 6 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 5 0.70 0.08 8 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 5 0.00 0.13 7 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 5 0.64 0.08 8 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 5 0.89 0.08 8 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 5 2.42 0.06 9 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 4 0.29 0.10 7 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 4 3.74 0.05 9 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 4 0.39 0.09 9 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 4 0.24 0.10 7 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 3 0.00 0.14 6 Grey-headed Honeyeater Lichenostomus keartlandi 3 6.81 0.60 2 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 3 2.13 0.05 7 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 2 0.18 0.11 6 Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 2 0.42 0.25 4 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 1 1.65 0.04 7 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 1 0.25 0.11 4 284 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 1 0.72 0.07 6 Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 1 1.13 0.06 4 Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 1 2.63 0.03 6 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 1 2.19 0.04 7 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1 2.19 0.04 8 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 1 1.44 0.05 5 Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 1 1.76 0.04 6 Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 1 3.50 0.03 6 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 1 1.76 0.04 8 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 1 7.14 0.01 7 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 1 1.44 0.05 6 Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 1 0.01 0.20 3

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 1 5 Low woodland 1 5 Open (tussock) grassland 1 5 Open hummock grassland 3 16 Tall open shrubland 3 16 Tall very open shrubland 2 11 Very low open woodland 6 32 Very low woodland 1 5 Very open shrubland 1 5

285 GROUP 7. PLAINS WITH OPEN GRASSLANDS AND SPARSE SHRUBS (7 quadrats).

Characterised by the White-winged Fairy-wren this Group of widely spaced sites occurs on open plains supporting open grasslands with sparse shrubs.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur Groups Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 6 6.36 0.14 7 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 6 0.58 0.07 9 White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 5 10.16 0.21 6 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 5 0.76 0.08 8 Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 4 8.39 0.22 4 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 3 0.09 0.07 9 Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 3 2.23 0.02 9 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 3 3.26 0.17 8 Little Crow Corvus bennetti 2 0.00 0.06 6 Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons 2 5.30 0.33 2 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2 0.96 0.03 8 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 2 2.76 0.02 9 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 2 1.46 0.02 9 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2 2.33 0.02 8 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 1 3.50 0.01 9 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 1 2.67 0.01 6 Banded Whiteface Aphelocephala nigricincta 1 0.17 0.17 3 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 1 2.67 0.01 8 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 1 0.04 0.07 6 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 1 2.31 0.01 9 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 1 1.90 0.02 8 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 1 0.00 0.09 5 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 1 2.03 0.02 8 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 1 0.35 0.04 8

Vegetation Structure No % ()Tussock grassland 2 29 Low open shrubland 2 29 Open (tussock) grassland 2 29 Open hummock grassland 1 14

286 GROUP 8. A POORLY DEFINED GROUP (16 quadrats).

This Group has no characteristic bird species and appears to consist of sites that did not fit within the previous Groups. Many of the species listed are widespread and common and occur across several of the former Groups.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Value Prop. Occur No. Groups Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 11 1.51 0.14 8 Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 9 1.25 0.07 9 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 9 0.44 0.08 9 Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius 8 0.28 0.12 8 Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 8 0.17 0.12 9 Torresian Crow Corvus orru 6 0.46 0.14 9 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 6 0.17 0.09 8 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 5 0.08 0.12 8 Dusky Grasswren Amytornis purnelli 4 2.68 0.25 5 Western Bowerbird Chlamydera guttata 4 0.70 0.17 6 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 4 0.97 0.06 8 Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 4 4.07 0.04 8 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 3 0.47 0.07 7 Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 3 0.01 0.11 7 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 3 0.01 0.11 8 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 3 0.15 0.14 5 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 3 1.36 0.05 7 White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 3 2.75 0.04 7 Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 3 3.57 0.04 9 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 3 5.37 0.03 8 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 2 6.14 0.02 9 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 2 1.50 0.05 7 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 2 4.52 0.03 6 Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 2 5.24 0.02 9 Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi 2 0.15 0.09 6 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 2 2.33 0.04 8 Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 2 0.75 0.25 4 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2 0.11 0.10 5 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 2 1.34 0.05 7 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 2 2.93 0.03 8 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 2 0.01 0.12 4 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 2 0.20 0.09 5 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 2 3.36 0.03 8 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 1 2.35 0.03 4 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 1 3.92 0.02 6 287 Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 1 0.14 0.11 2 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri 1 0.14 0.11 4 Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus 1 0.42 0.08 3 White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 1 0.50 0.07 6 Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima 1 0.08 0.13 3 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 1 4.66 0.02 8 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 1 0.27 0.09 5 Bourke's Parrot Neopsephotus bourkii 1 1.36 0.04 6 Fairy Martin Petrochelidon nigricans 1 2.81 0.03 6 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 1 0.58 0.07 5 White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 1 1.36 0.04 8 Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 1 1.09 0.05 6 Little Button-quail Turnix velox 1 0.83 0.06 8

Vegetation Structure Nos % ()Tussock grassland 1 6 Hummock grassland 1 6 Low open woodland 1 6 Low woodland 4 25 Open hummock grassland 5 31 Tall open shrubland 1 6 Tall very open shrubland 1 6 Very low open woodland 1 6 Very open mallee 1 6

Finer scale analysis of some local bird communities • That the most abundant birds in the Everard Between 1975 and 1981, Kath Shurcliff undertook a Ranges during the study were honeyeaters, with study of bird communities in the Victory Well – Mt over 60% of all individuals counted on regular Illbillee area, just west of Mimili in the Everard transects being honeyeaters of the following Ranges. This research, published as Shurcliff (1978, species: Lichenostomus penicillatus (White 1980), measured floristic and physiognomic vegetation plumed), L. keartlandi (Grey-headed), L. virescens characteristics and four bird community characteristics (Singing), Acanthagenys rufogularis (Spiny in each of eight habitat types. Each of the eight cheeked), Manorina flavigula (Yellow-throated vegetation associations was found to support a bird Miner) and Phylidonyris albifrons (White-fronted). community with distinctive composition and community characteristics. A ‘vegetation Shurcliff (1980) found this high proportion of physiognomic index’ - a life form diversity index honeyeaters to be in marked contrast with the successfully predicted species number, bird species proportions recorded for arid zone sites outside the diversity and the dominance value; whereas, the ranges, which they claimed varies between 7% and number of individuals was predicted by total foliage 20%. However, while this may well be true on average, cover. Thus Shurcliff (1980) found that the number of and certainly for resident species, areas outside the species using a habitat increases with additional foliage ranges can also have influxes of migratory and nomadic cover only if this addition also represents an increase in honeyeaters (e.g. Pied Honeyeaters), when nectar-rich life form diversity. plant species are flowering.

Shurcliff’s work has provided some useful baseline data Shurcliff (1980) suggest that this high proportion of on bird species transect abundance values per 10 resident birds, and of honeyeaters, in the Everard transect stops (Shurcliff 1980). She also undertook Ranges is probably due to the year round food supplies bird studies based on banded individuals – the only of fruit (from Ficus brachypoda), lerp insects and ants. such study in the region. This work found: These food supplies are regularly augmented in spring • That over 60% of the bird species recorded for the and autumn by nectar from mistletoes and Hakea lorea Everard Ranges are resident. ssp. lorea, and by seed arils and funicles from Acacia • That some individual birds were resident over a species (especially A. tetragonophylla). Shurcliff five-year period (1976-81). found these foods to be a substantial part of the • That these individuals were ‘very site-attached’. honeyeaters’ diets (Shurcliff 1980). Similar patterns would be expected for bird The work also demonstrated: communities in and around the other range complexes in the AP Lands. This is evident in the occurrence of eight species of honeyeater in Group 6 from the PATN 288 analysis (including the six dominant species identified a) Species for which management action is by Shurcliff (1980)). However, while these eight recommended species contribute significantly to the ranges and hills bird community, none of them is significantly unique to Malleefowl, Bustards, Bush Stone-curlews, Striated this group to contribute a high indicator value (see table Grasswrens, Emus, Princess Parrots and Scarlet-chested above for Group 6). In fact, to the contrary, it is Parrots may all benefit from a reduction in the scale and interesting to note that three of the five most frequency of wildfires at the broad landscape-scale. widespread and commonly recorded bird species across Management would need to focus on protection of the AP Lands (and not just on and around the ranges) habitats known to be occupied and/or used by these are honeyeaters (that is, Singing, Yellow-throated species and, in the longer term, to encourage an Miner and Spiny-cheeked). Furthermore, these three increase in the total area of such habitats of an species occur in all nine Groups recognised through the appropriate age (since last fire). PATN analysis, while the White-fronted Honeyeater occurs in eight and the Grey-fronted Honeyeater in Malleefowl, Bustards, Bush-Stone-curlews, Striated seven. Grasswrens and Emus would also be likely to benefit from a sustained reduction in levels of predation on Grey-headed, Brown and White-plumed Honeyeaters eggs and nestlings (and also adults) by foxes and appear to be the honeyeaters most tightly associated Dingoes and some hunting by Anangu. There are with hill-slopes, creek-lines and out-wash areas around however additional problems with increases in rabbit the ranges. and cat populations where fox/dingo control is carried out. It is of interest that Shurcliff (1980) did not record Brown Honeyeaters. They were however recorded at Emus, Princess Parrots and Scarlet-chested Parrots her study site in 1980 (Close and Jaensch 1984) and would benefit from the provision of secure water there was another record from Wantapela Swamp in supplies either where currently there is none, or where 1990 (Pedler pers. comm.). Perhaps this species is a feral camels are causing a much-diminished supply. recent increaser across the AP Lands or is simply Pink Cockatoos may also benefit from this action. irruptive with long periods of absence. Malleefowl, Bustards and Emus are recognised as SPECIES OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ‘kuka’ by Anangu and management strategies are Threatened species needed to ensure an increase in productivity of each of As indicated in the summaries above, many bird species these species for their future survival on the AP Lands. on the AP Lands have conservation ratings as applied nationally under: These management issues, and more, are discussed in • The Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and greater detail in the ‘conclusions and recommendations’ Biodiversity Conservation Act 2000 (critically chapter of this report. endangered, endangered or vulnerable). • The State’s National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 b) Species for which targeted surveys are recommended (endangered, vulnerable or rare, as per schedules 7, 8 and 9 that were most recently revised in 2000). As discussed in the annotated summaries above, These ratings are also noted in Robinson et al. (2000). targeted surveys are recommended for the following bird species on the AP Lands: Six species with Commonwealth or State conservation • Wiilu or Bush Stone-curlew ratings require, or could benefit from, particular • Warukultulinkultulinpa or Striated Grasswren management actions on the AP Lands. Other species • Flock Bronzewing with current conservation ratings do not appear to • Ipuru or Plumed (or Spinifex) Pigeon warrant any conservation action within the AP Lands, • Western Fieldwren or (Western Calamanthus) at least at the present time. Others need further targeted • Apan-apan Kalingka or White-browed Treecreeper survey work to determine whether any management • Redthroat actions are required and, if so, where such actions may • Grey Honeyeater be needed. And a small number of species require • Miilka or Chestnut Quailthrush some basic ecological / population biology research to • Spinifexbird gain a better understanding of their environmental • Rufous-crowned Emu-wren requirements and to determine whether there are particular threats to their conservation that may need c) Species for which ecological / population biology additional management action. There is also one research is recommended species without a national or State conservation status As mentioned also in the annotated summaries above, rating – the Emu – that should receive particular some basic ecological or population biology research management focus on the AP Lands, primarily for would help to identify threats and management cultural reasons. requirements (if any) for the following species:

289 • Warukultulinkultulinpa or Striated Grasswren (see • Kalayakatapungkupayi or Black-breasted Buzzard unpublished work by Pedler at Uluru - Kata Tj uta • Grey Falcon NP in 1990 for background) • Peregrine Falcon • Ipuru or Plumed (or Spinifex) Pigeon • Slaty-backed Thornbill • Western Fieldwren or (Western Calamanthus) • Chestnut-breasted Whiteface • Redthroat • Western Gerygone • Miilka or Chestnut Quailthrush • Grey-headed Honeyeater • Brown Honeyeater d) Species with current conservation ratings for which • Iltitja or Painted Firetail no action is recommended at this time. However the habitats of Slaty-backed Thornbills and Several species with conservation ratings do not appear Chestnut-breasted Whitefaces may however be affected to need any particular management action for the by any increase in cattle grazing above the present low conservation of populations on the AP Lands. These level across the AP Lands. include: • Brown Quail • Kakalyalya or Pink Cockatoo

290 Figure 129. Nganamara, the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), makes its distinctive nesting mounds in long unburnt Mulga areas. Photo: P.J. Lang

Figure 130. Kipara, the Bustard (Ardeotis australis). Photo: D. Hopton. 291 Figure 131. Figure 132. Piiwi, the Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides), a nocturnal bird that Piil-piilpa, the Yellow-throated Miner (Manorina flavigula), a common is beautifully camouflaged during the day. bird of the eucalypt canopies. Photo: P. D. Canty. Photo: A. Robinson.

292 Figure 133. Old bower remains of Ikarka, the Western Bowerbird (Chlamydera guttata), with bleached snail shells under canopy of Native Rock Fig (Ficus brachypoda). Photo: P. J. Lang

Figure 134. Active bower of Ikarka, the Western Bowerbird (Chlamydera guttata), with green Solanum fruits and blue marbles. Photo: P.J. Lang

293 Figure 135. Wiratju, Kuukuku or Kuur-kuurpa, the Boobook Owl (Ninox novaeseelandiae) Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 136. The Spinifexbird (Eremiornis carteri), the first record for South Australia from near Indulkana. Photo: D. Hopton.

294 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

by A. C. Robinson2, M. N. Hutchinson1, B. J. Nesbitt3, L. M. Baker3, H. M. Owens2, D. M. Armstrong2 and J. N. Foulkes2 .

INTRODUCTION data is the property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara and This section summarises the knowledge of the reptile cannot be used for any purpose without the written and fauna of the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara Lands (AP permission of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. Lands) prior to the biological survey beginning in 1991. It then discusses the results of this survey and Where possible, reptiles and are discussed using integrates much of the Anangu traditional ecological their Anangu, European common and scientific names knowledge provided during the survey. for clarity.

Only ‘public’ information was recorded from Anangu. The reptile and amphibian fauna of the Anangu Prior to any survey information being collected, Pitjantjatjara Lands combines elements of two major discussions were held with the Anangu survey habitat regions, the rocky ranges of central Australia participants, to clarify what type of information was and the sand plains and dune systems of the Great being sought and how it would be made available to the Victoria Desert. In addition, elements of the fauna of general public. Anangu then determined what type of the stony plains of the Lake Eyre Basin can be found in information it would be appropriate for them to the south-eastern parts of the Lands. provide. This was critical as the information collected was intended for presentation in reports, papers, and APPRAISAL OF SPECIES RECORDS PRIOR TO other print media. Collection of non-public, culturally THE SURVEY select information would expose readers to knowledge Prior to this survey the collections of the South that would contravene traditional Law. Australian Museum contained 800 specimen records of 63 species of reptiles (Appendix VI). There were also The information collected was compiled as an 117 records of 5 species of frogs (Appendix VI). ACCESS database with scientific names linked to the SA VERTEBRATE system. This database is held by An Australian Museum trip by Dr Harold Cogger to the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara. Information provided on species Mann, Musgrave and Tomkinson Ranges in 1961 by different Anangu informants is cross-referenced collected 259 specimens representing 29 species which enables different language names for species to (Appendix VI). be retrieved and validated. The ACCESS database and all information recorded from Anangu is the There are no previously published accounts of the property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara.. reptile and amphibian fauna of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. The presentation of information in this report summarises the Anangu contribution to the The earliest museum specimens from the region knowledge of the flora and fauna of the AP Lands preserved at the South Australian Museum came from for the survey. It is not provided for others to use the Elder Expedition of 1891, lead by David Lindsay. for profit by exploitation of Anangu traditional These specimens, of a Rusty Dragon, Ctenophorus knowledge with regard their use of plants or rufescens and a Spinifex Slender Bluetongue animals as food or for medicinal purposes. This Cyclodomorphus melanops, were collected from the

1 South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000 2 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 3 Wallambia Consultants. 1070 South Arm Rd. URUNGA, NSW 2455

- 295 ­ Birksgate and Everard Ranges respectively under Australia; one in February 1966, the other in December Helms’ name during that expedition. 1968. On the 1966 trip he collected a very extensive series of reptiles from around the Musgrave Ranges. Unfortunately, most natural history information for the During these times he also recorded local Aboriginal region prior to the early 1930s has to be gleaned from names and hunting techniques in his unpublished the few published scientific papers and unpublished journal. journals and manuscripts of early explorers, scientists and doggers (see chapter on European History). Few The South Australian Museum organised two trips to scientific specimens of reptiles and frogs from the area the area specifically to collect reptiles. In 1972 Terry exist from that period, and most of these reside in Houston and Alex Kowanko collected in the museums overseas. Tomkinson and Musgrave Ranges while in 1985 Terry Schwaner, Brian Miller and Steve Sarre collected in the From the early 1900s to the early 1930s, the main Everard Ranges. sources of information (and the few museum specimens that do exist, in Australia at least) came from the work Greg Johnston and S. J. Richards made a further of: significant reptile collection in the Everard Ranges in • Herbert Basedow in 1903 (see Basedow 1904, 1988. 1905, 1915) • Captain S. A. White in 1914 (see White 1915) and TOTAL REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN FAUNA • R. M. Williams in 1926-28 (see Williams and The present biological survey has added considerably Ruhen 1984). to our understanding of the herpetology of the region through the recording of 33 additional species and a Then between 1931 and 1935 Hedley Finlayson began considerable expansion in our knowledge of the status, his mammal survey and research work in central range and habitat preferences of a number of species Australia. This thorough work included the collection previously known from very few specimens. All reptile of museum voucher specimens and the systematic records from the South Australian Museum, from the documentation of ecological and natural history Opportune and Biological Survey databases, and from information obtained from his Aboriginal ‘hosts’ and published records with reliable species identifications ‘teachers’ and through personal observation (see have now been collated for the study area (Appendix Finlayson 1935, 1961). He also made a systematic VI). Previously documented Anangu records of collection of well-documented black and white reptiles for the area were also checked and added to, photographs throughout his travels (e.g. see his classic through the recording of traditional ecological book The Red Centre – Man and Beast in the Heart of knowledge. Australia (Finlayson 1935)). Much of his work was conducted in the AP Lands. Although working This compilation of records indicates that ninety-seven primarily on mammals he also made observations on reptile and five species of frogs are now known from reptiles, most notably, recording being offered a the AP Lands (Appendix VI). Tjakura by a man at Punti Soak. This represented the only record of this species in South Australia until the With 355 standard quadrats sampled over the seven present survey. years of the survey, only three species were recorded opportunistically and not at a quadrat (Table 33). An A significant collection of reptiles was made in 1950 indication of the relative frequency of capture at around Ernabella and was donated to the SA Museum quadrats is provided by Table 33 which shows that 46 by R. M. Trudinger. species or 10% of all quadrat records were sampled less than 10 times across the whole survey. The three most In the 1960s the noted anthropologist and naturalist commonly sampled species are all widespread across Norman Tindale began his studies of the Aboriginal sand plain and dune system environments in South groups in the Central Ranges and northern Great Australia, emphasising the widespread nature of these Victoria Desert of South Australia and adjoining areas habitats across the AP Lands (Table 33) of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. His observations of the local flora and fauna, especially as they related to the daily activities (hunting, cooking, eating) of the Aboriginal groups he lived with, are documented in his many published papers, books, rolls of black and white film and large collection of journals. Most are housed at the SA Museum. An extensive series of reptiles were collected on an expedition in 1964 with Peter Aitken to Mt Davies in the Tomkinson Ranges.

Peter Aitken, by then Curator of Mammals at the South Australian Museum, again accompanied Norman Tindale on two of his later trips to north-western South 296 Table 33. Relative abundance of reptile and amphibian species at survey quadrats and opportune localities across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands.

Species Common Name No No. % of total No. observed Frequency quadrats Observed quadrats (Opportune ) (opportune ) (Quadrats ) leonhardii Common Desert Ctenotus 52 154 31 14 14 labialis Eastern Two-toed Slider 41 134 25 4 4 Nephrurus levis Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko 40 79 24 28 28 Rhynchoedura ornata Beaked Gecko 39 134 23 18 18 Gehyra purpurascens Purple Dtella 37 60 22 21 21 Heteronotia binoei Bynoe's Gecko 37 62 22 21 21 Ctenotus schomburgkii Sandplain Ctenotus 32 68 19 6 6 Ctenophorus isolepis Military Dragon 31 86 19 6 6 Lerista desertorum Great Desert Slider 30 76 18 1 1 Ctenophorus nuchalis Central Netted Dragon 29 58 17 25 25 Diplodactylus stenodactylus Sandplain Gecko 29 88 17 9 9 Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus Many-lined Ctenotus 28 64 17 0 0 Ctenotus saxatilis Centralian Striped Skink 25 51 15 4 4 Gehyra variegata Tree Dtella 24 56 14 4 4 gouldii 24 27 14 14 14 Diplodactylus conspicillatus Fat-tailed Gecko 20 40 12 10 10 Egernia inornata Desert Skink 20 26 12 2 2 Moloch horridus Thorny Devil 19 37 11 9 9 Ctenotus calurus Blue-tailed Skink 18 41 11 0 0 boulengeri Common -eye 17 22 10 5 5 Strophurus ciliaris Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko 16 24 10 5 5 Ctenotus pantherinus Leopard Skink 15 29 9 2 2 Lerista bipes Western Two-toed Slider 15 37 9 0 0 Lialis burtonis Burton's Legless Lizard 15 17 9 2 2 Menetia greyii Dwarf Skink 15 13 9 2 2 Cyclodomorphus melanops Spinifex Slender Bluetongue 14 23 8 3 3 Ramphotyphlops endoterus Centralian Blind Snake 14 15 8 0 0 Varanus giganteus 14 15 8 7 7 Ctenophorus rufescens Rusty Dragon 12 24 7 17 17 longirostris Long-nosed Dragon 11 14 7 2 2 Tympanocryptis centralis Five-lined Earless Dragon 10 27 6 4 4 Eremiascincus fasciolatus Narrow-banded Sandswimmer 10 13 6 1 1 Ctenotus brooksi Sandhill Ctenotus 9 30 5 4 4 Ctenotus dux Narrow-lined Ctenotus 9 13 5 0 0 Gehyra montium Central Rock Dtella 9 20 5 6 6 Limnodynastes spenceri Spencer's Burrowing Frog 9 25 5 13 13 Neobatrachus centralis Trilling Frog 9 18 5 4 4 Nephrurus laevissimus Pale Knob-tailed Gecko 9 18 5 5 5 Strophurus elderi Jewelled Gecko 9 15 5 0 0 Varanus eremius Desert Pygmy Goanna 9 10 5 0 0 Cryptoblepharus cf. Desert Wall Skink 8 11 5 1 1 plagiocephalus Pogona minor Dwarf Bearded Dragon 8 16 5 8 8 Pseudechis australis Mulga Snake 8 8 5 6 6 Egernia striata Night Skink 7 11 4 2 2 Eremiascincus richardsonii Broad-banded Sandswimmer 7 10 4 2 2 Lerista muelleri Dwarf Three-toed Slider 7 10 4 1 1 Morethia ruficauda Fire-tailed Skink 7 9 4 2 2 297 Species Common Name No No. % of total No. observed Frequency quadrats Observed quadrats (Opportune ) (opportune ) (Quadrats ) Ctenotus regius Eastern Desert Ctenotus 6 18 4 1 1 Delma australis Barred Snake-lizard 6 13 4 0 0 Delma butleri Spinifex Snake-lizard 6 9 4 1 1 Delma nasuta Centralian Snake-lizard 6 8 4 1 1 bertholdi Desert Banded Snake 6 7 4 4 4 Tiliqua occipitalis Western Bluetongue 6 7 4 5 5 Varanus tristis Black-headed Goanna 6 10 4 5 5 Antaresia stimsoni Stimson's Python 5 6 3 1 1 Crenadactylus ocellatus Clawless Gecko 5 7 3 2 2 Delma borea Northern Snake-lizard 3 7 3 0 0 Diplodactylus damaeus Beaded Gecko 5 7 3 2 2 Pseudonaja modesta Five-ringed Snake 5 5 3 5 5 Pygopus nigriceps Black-headed Scaly-foot 5 5 3 2 2 Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Bluetongue 5 6 3 0 0 Varanus gilleni Pygmy Mulga Goanna 5 6 3 5 5 Ctenophorus clayi Black-collared Dragon 4 4 2 2 2 Simoselaps semifasciatus Half-girdled Snake 4 4 2 2 2 Tiliqua multifasciata Centralian Bluetongue 4 5 2 3 3 Cyclorana maini Main's Frog 3 21 2 1 1 Ctenotus leae Centralian Coppertail 3 6 2 0 0 Carlia triacantha Desert Rainbow Skink 3 5 2 1 1 Ctenotus piankai Paleface Ctenotus 3 3 2 0 0 Ctenotus septenarius Gibber Ctenotus 3 3 2 1 1 Ramphotyphlops cf. waitii Rough-nosed Blind Snake 3 4 2 0 0 Simoselaps anomalus Centralian Banded Snake 3 5 2 0 0 Ctenophorus cristatus Crested Dragon 2 2 1 4 4 Ctenotus grandis Giant Desert Ctenotus 2 3 1 0 0 winneckei Canegrass Dragon 2 2 1 0 0 Morethia butleri Butler's Snake-eye 2 2 1 0 0 Varanus brevicauda Short-tailed Pygmy Goanna 2 2 1 0 0 Ctenophorus reticulatus Western Netted Dragon 1 2 0.6 0 0 Ctenophorus tjantjalka Ochre Dragon 1 1 0.6 0 0 Ctenotus ariadnae Pin-striped Ctenotus 1 2 0.6 0 0 Ctenotus greeri Greer's Ctenotus 1 1 0.6 0 0 Delma tincta Black-necked Snake-lizard 1 1 0.6 0 0 Demansia reticulata Desert Whipsnake 1 2 0.6 1 1 Lerista elongata Woomera Slider 1 1 0.6 0 0 Lerista taeniata Ribbon Slider 1 1 0.6 0 0 Neobatrachus sutor Shoemaker Frog 1 1 0.6 0 0 Nephrurus milii Barking Gecko 1 1 0.6 4 4 Pogona vitticeps Central Bearded Dragon 1 2 0.6 3 3 Ramphotyphlops centralis Rock Blind Snake 1 1 0.6 1 1 Suta monachus Hooded Snake 1 1 0.6 0 0 Tympanocryptis tetraporophora Eyrean Earless Dragon 1 1 0.6 1 1 Diplodactylus tessellatus Tessellated Gecko 0 0 0 1 1 Egernia kintorei Tjakura 0 0 0 2 4 Egernia margaretae Masked Rock Skink 0 0 0 2 2 Pseudonaja nuchalis Western Brown Snake 0 0 0 4 4 TOTAL 1944 366

298 Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara to English Dictionary ABORIGINAL NOMENCLATURE AND (Goddard 1992). TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Anangu traditional ecological knowledge is presented It should be noted that some reptile names provided are mainly in point and tabular form, and to a lesser extent specific to Yankunytjatjara, and others to Pitjantjatjara as quotes. The information presented is derived from with some names used by both language speakers. interviews and discussions with over 120 Anangu Language specific names and terms were, where informants collected during the eight-year survey. specified by the informant, recorded and noted as such. Other than where noted, this knowledge is shared and All informants however were multi lingual with corroborated by many Anangu. Some detail has been Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara and the distinction omitted where it related to the spiritual significance of a was not always made so that some of the information species and assessed as information that should not be provided is a combination of both language knowledge reproduced in a widely distributed publication. bases.

Published accounts Species identified by Anangu may have either: Only two studies have documented Anangu names for 1. species-specific name(s) reptiles, Goddard (1992) and Baker et al. (1993) who 2. a generic name - which applies to a range of undertook similar work to the current survey at Uluru ­ species, or Kata Tjuta National Park. 3. a combination of both species-specific and generic names. A total of 23 Anangu names were recorded from 634 records for 24 different reptile species during the One reason for multiple species-specific names is that biological survey field work (Table 34). A single frog Anangu are multi lingual and species names vary name was also recorded. Appendix XI presents a between languages and dialects. Another reason relates compilation of the Table 34 sorted by the Anangu to the custom of changing names and the old name not names, together with relevant names from the being used for a period of time due to the death of an Anangu person whose name was the same or similar. Table 34. Anangu names for reptile species in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands of South Australia. The number at the end of each name is the number of times the name was recorded against the total number of names for that species.

Scientific Name Anangu Common Name ** Common name Dragons Family: Ctenophorus cristatus Kulal-kulalpa 2/3 Tj akalpa Crested Dragon 1/3 Ctenophorus isolepis Tjinpi 5/18 Military Dragon Tjantjalka 6/18 Tjimpilka 2/18 * Tjimpi 5/18 Ctenophorus nuchalis Tjati (Y ) 15/22 Central Netted Dragon Linga 7/22 Ctenophorus rufescens Tjantjalka (7/8) Putukalya Rusty Dragon (1/8) Amphibolurus longirostris Tjuntalpi Long-nosed Dragon Ngiyari Moloch horridus Minyiri (western name?) Thorny Devil Pogona minor Ngapala 7/9 Dwarf Bearded Dragon Wirunpa 1/9 Wirulpa (old name) 1/9 Pogona vitticeps Angata 1/1 Central Bearded Dragon Ngapala 1/1 Tympanocryptis sp. Putukalya 2/2 Tympanocryptis centralis Putukalya 1/1 Centralian Earless Dragon Skinks Family: Scincidae Small to Medium Skinks Mutinka 2/3 Ctenotus brooksi Muliny-mulinypa 1/3 Sandhill Ctenotus Mulingka (Y) 3/6 Ctenotus calurus Mutinka 3/6 Blue-tailed Skink

299 Scientific Name Anangu Common Name ** Common name Ctenotus dux Mutinka 3/3 Narrow-lined Ctenotus Ctenotus grandis Mulingka (Y) 1/1 Giant Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii Mutinka 4/5 Common Desert Ctenotus Mulingka (Y) 1/5 Ctenotus pantherinus Mutinka 1/6 Leopard Skink Mulingka 2/6 Muliny-mulinypa 2/6 (Y) Yulalyka 1/6

Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus Mutinka 2/2 Many-lined Ctenotus Ctenotus regius Mulingka (Y) 1/1 Eastern Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus saxatilis Mutinka 1/1 Centralian Striped Skink Ctenotus schomburgkii Mutinka 2/2 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus sp. Mutinka (P) 9/18 Skinks Mulingka (Y) 8/18 Muliny-mulinypa 1/18 Menetia greyii Tjamu-tjamunpa Dwarf Skink Mutinka Large Skinks Egernia inornata Tjaliri 10/12 Desert Skink Nyawungka 2/12 Egernia kintorei Tjakura 4 /4 Giant Desert Skink Egernia sp. Tjaliri 4/4 Egernia striata Tjaliri 3/6 Night Skink Nyawungka 1/6 Eremiascincus richardsonii Tjaliri 2/2 Broad-banded Sandswimmer Sliders Lerista bipes Kuyi 2/2 Western Two-toed Slider Lerista desertorum Kuyi 5/6 Great Desert Slider Malatinypa 1/6 Lerista labialis Kuyi 1/1 Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista muelleri Muliny-mulinypa 1/1 Dwarf Three-toed Slider Lerista sp. Kuyi (31) Bluetongues Cyclodomorphus melanops Mulingka (Y) 1/2 Spinifex Slender Bluetongue Mutinka 1/2 Tiliqua multifasciata Nyuntu 2/6 Centralian Bluetongue Lizard Langka 3/6 Lungkata 1/6 Tiliqua occipitalis Kalamira (Ngalamira) 3/8 Western Bluetongue Langka 5/8 Tiliqua scincoides Ilingkarara 8/8 Eastern Bluetongue Tiliqua sp. Langka 6/8 Lungkata 2/8 Geckos Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily Diplodactylinae Diplodactylus conspicillatus Pirurpa 3/8 Fat-tailed Gecko Kalanyaku (Y) 2/8 Waura 3/8 Diplodactylus damaeus Pirurpa 1/1 Beaded Gecko Kalanyaku 1/1 Diplodactylus sp. Pirurpa 2/2 Diplodactylus stenodactylus Pirurpa 2/4 Sandplain Gecko Kalanyaku 1/4 Waura 1/4 Nephrurus laevissimus Waura 4/4 Pale Knob-tailed Gecko

300 Scientific Name Anangu Common Name ** Common name Waura 5/6 Papangawurpa Nephrurus levis 1/6 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus milii Waura 1/1 Barking Gecko Nephrurus sp. Waura 5/5 Rhynchoedura ornata Kalanyaku (Y) 4/7 Beaked Gecko Papangawurpa 1/7 Pirurpa 2/7 Strophurus ciliaris Pirurpa 1/1 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus elderi Waura 1/1 Jewelled Gecko Geckos Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily Gekkoninae Gehyra montium Pirurpa Central Rock Dtella Gehyra purpurascens Pirurpa 4/5 Purple Dtella Gehyra sp. Pirurpa 3/3 Gehyra variegata Pirurpa 3/3 Tree Dtella Heteronotia binoei Papangawurpa Bynoe's Gecko Kalanyaku Snake Lizards Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily Pygopodinae Delma butleri Tin-tinpa 1/1 Spinifex Snake-lizard Delma nasuta Mulutinypa 1/1 Centralian Snake-lizard Delma sp. Mulyapurkutitja 1/1 Lialis burtonis Patiny-patinypa 7/8 Burton's Legless Lizard Mulutinypa 1/8 Family: Varanus eremius Mutjuranpa 2/4 Desert Pygmy Goanna Tjalkalpa 1/4 Pinakunytjinytji 1/4 Varanus giganteus Ngintaka 31/31 Perentie Varanus gilleni Pinakunytjinytji 5/5 Pygmy Mulga Goanna Tinka 22/51 Milpali 27/51 Kurkati 1/51 Varanus gouldii Ngiki (j uvenile ) Sand Goanna Nyintjiri 8/10 Mulyamaru Varanus tristis 1/10 Black-headed Goanna Elapid Snakes Family: Acanthophis pyrrhus Panakura 2/2 Desert Death Adder Demansia reticulata Liru 1/1 Yellow-faced Whipsnake Pseudechis australis Liru 3/6 Mulga Snake Kanpa 2/6 Lartja 1/6 Pseudonaja modesta Mulyapurkutitja 6/6 Five-ringed Snake Pseudonaja nuchalis Walalara 2/2 Western Brown Snake Simoselaps anomalus Mulyapurkutitja 2/2 Centralian Banded Snake Simoselaps bertholdi Mulyapurkutitja 2/2 Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps semifasciatus Mulyapurkutitja 1/1 Half-girdled Snake Simoselaps sp. Mulyapurkutitja 1/1 Pythons Family: Boidae Antaresia stimsoni Nantalpa 2/2 Stimson's Python Aspidites ramsayi Kuniya 4/6 Woma Muruntu 2/6 Blind Snakes Family: Ramphotyphlops endoterus Kuyi 2/2 Centralian Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops sp. Kuyi 2/2 * This name was recorded on only one survey (Makiri) and may actually be Tjinpi ** Refers to total times that name was recorded for the species;

301 large skinks in the Egernia genus (a more detailed Generic names discussion of Tjakura can be found below). As is clearly demonstrated by the table above, Anangu use generic names for a wide range of reptile species. All slider skinks (Lerista spp.) which lack or have very Mostly these fall into five broad groups that are reduced front legs are referred to under the generic described below. term Kuyi. Lerista muelleri, which has distinct front and rear legs, was captured only once on survey and 1. Dragon group (Family: Agamidae) was identified as Muliny-mulinypa. The Centralian There is some overlap in Anangu names provided for Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops endoterus) is also called dragons however the following distinctions can be Kuyi. made. Both the Military and Rusty Dragons are commonly called Tjantjalka. The Dwarf and Central The Centralian Bluetongue is known as Nyuntu and Bearded Dragons are called Ngapala. Almost all Lungkata, the Western Bluetongue as Kalamira. dragon species have names unique to the species, for Langka is used interchangeably for both the Central and example Tjinpi – Military Dragon, Tjati – Central Western Bluetongue lizards. The Eastern Bluetongue Netted Dragon, Kulal-kulalpa – Crested Dragon. is known specifically as Ilingkarara and is found only in Earless dragons (Tympanocryptis spp.) are all called hill and range country. Putukalya (Appendix VIII). 4. Goanna group (Family: Varanidae) 2. Gecko group (Family: Gekkonidae) All the varanids have unique names, some with multiple Anangu recognised 15 different species of geckos. The unique names (Appendix VIII). For example the names used for these species were Pirurpa, Kalanyaku, Pygmy Mulga Goanna is consistently called Papangawurpa, Waura (Appendix VIII). Generally the Pinakunytjinytji. This goanna is not eaten by Anangu; term Waura is used for ground dwelling species which ‘the poor things are deaf’. Parents tell children if they have a large head and tail (tail often thick as head, kill them their ears will close up and make them deaf. ‘sometimes it looks like they have 2 heads’)) in (there is further discussion on members of the varanid comparison to Pirurpa which is characterised by thin group below) long tail and may occur both on the ground or in trees and rocks. Waura and Pirurpa are occasionally used by 5. Snake group (Families: Elapidae, Boidae, some Anangu interchangeably for various species of Typhlopidae) and Snake Lizard Group (Family: gecko. The term Papangawurpa is used for Gecko’s Pygopodidae) that can vocalise, one informant referred to it as ‘growl Liru is used as general term for poisonous snakes of the like a dog’; the term literally means papa ‘dog’ family Elapidae. Some elapids have species specific ngaur(pa) ‘growl’ (Goddard 1992). names such as Panakura - Desert Death Adder, Walalara – Western Brown Snake, Kanpa – Mulga 3. Skink group (Family: Scincidae) Snake. Kanpa is poisonous even when dead and is not Small to medium sized skinks are referred to generally, edible at any stage. Another Liru snake is Kalikaltjiri although not exclusively, as either Mulingka or (not identified on survey; the Mutinka. They have lots of different markings but the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara to English Dictionary same name. Mulingka was referred to as (Goddard 1992) is also not clear but suggests the name Yankunytjatjara name for this group. Other names could refer to the Western Brown, Pseudonaja recorded for species in this group were Muliny­ nuchalis). All burrowing snakes, Simoselaps spp. are mulinypa, Yulalyka and for Menetia greyii Tjamu­ called Mulyapurkutitja. Anangu informants tjamunpa. A total of 12 different species of Ctenotus consistently pronounced the Desert Death Adder name and Menetia greyii were identified in this group. They as ‘Panarkura’ however the are found in all sorts of habitat, some are generalists Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara to English Dictionary and others are only found in specific habitats. For (Goddard 1996) has the spelling as ‘Panakura’, the example, Mulingka Ctenotus regius is located in Iriya appropriate spelling of this name warrants further (saltbush) habitat. investigation by qualified linguists.

With the exception of Egernia kintorei all the large The blind snakes, Ramphotyphlops spp. are called skinks (i.e. Egernia spp. and Eremiascincus Kuyi. This is the same name as used for the Slider richardsonii) are grouped together under the generic lizard group (Lerista spp.). Anangu however recognise term Tjaliri. The name Nyawungka was also used for that it is different to the other types of Kuyi (i.e. Lerista E. striata and E. inornata and it is possible this may spp.). The blind snakes are called Kuyi because like also be a generic term for the group, but has fallen out the Lerista spp. they live under the sand and litter, of common use. Egernia kintorei is known specifically leave similar tracks, are not aggressive, and move as Tjakura. It is possible that as Tjakura continues to through sand in the same way. Kuyi, Mulutinypa and shrink in distribution across the AP Lands, knowledge Ulangka (not identified during the survey, it is long and of this species may also decline and this species black and lives in rocks amongst the spinifex) are all specific term could fall out of use or be applied to other related, they are all found in spinifex, and forage under litter at night. 302 Patiny-patinypa, the Burton’s Legless Lizard (Lialis Thirty-seven records from 19 quadrats and nine burtonis) is so named because of its habit of climbing opportune records, it occurs in most habitats across the to the top of spinifex at night and calling ‘patin patin’. AP Lands and appears to be secure. They are related to Kuyi and are a cousin to Liru (see below for a more detailed discussion of this species). Regional status: Distributed from northern Eyre Peninsula through the western half of the State where it The Snake lizards (Delma spp.) are occasionally can be common in sandy and sandy loam habitats identified as young Liru (poisonous snake) because of although sometimes difficult to find. their behaviour in which they rear and strike like a snake. Three different names were provided for two Tympanocryptis centralis (Putukalya, Centralian species of Delma captured on survey: Tin-tinpa, Earless Dragon) Mulutinypa, and Mulyapurkutitja. Twenty records from seven quadrats and two opportune records it is confined to the eastern edge of the AP SIGNIFICANT SPECIES Lands on the gibber plain and breakaway country. The selected species summaries below have information provided by Anangu as dot points first, Regional status: Distributed from the southern mallee followed by additional comments arising from survey throughout the eastern half of South Australia, it is findings and a literature review, in paragraph form. abundant, particularly on stony plain habitats. The Anangu observations at variance with current natural records from the AP Lands are close to its western history understanding or not previously recorded are limits in this State. given as italicised dot points. Tympanocryptis tetraporophora (Putukalya, Eyrean Amphibolurus longirostris (Tjuntalpi, Long-nosed Earless Dragon) Dragon) A single quadrat GRD00401 (9.0 km ESE of Granite Fifteen records from ten quadrats. It is found in Downs, see Fig 3) and opportune record from the same association with tree-lined creeks. area, it is confined to the stony country in the far east of the AP Lands. Regional status: Widespread across northern South Australia in association with drainage lines; apparently Regional status: Distributed throughout the stony secure. country of the Lake Eyre Basin it is abundant in suitable habitat. Ctenophorus tjantjalka (Tjantjalka, Ochre Dragon) Only a single individual was collected on the survey Crenodactylus ocellatus (Pirurpa, Clawless Gecko) from quadrat ANM00802 (3.1 km WSW of Inyinyintan (Fig. 109) Homeland, see Fig. 3). It is the only record for the AP Seven records from 5 quadrats and two opportune Lands and represents the NW limit for this endemic collections. It is confined, in South Australia, to large South Australian species. Through most of the AP clumps of Triodia at the base of the Musgrave Ranges. Lands the common rock dragon is the Rusty Dragon (C. It may be more common than these records suggest as it rufescens). is only found by pulling Spinifex hummocks apart.

Regional status: Now known from a number of Regional status: Although widespread in desert areas breakaway and associated gibber plain areas throughout of WA and the NT, in SA it is only known from a the Stony Deserts of SA. restricted habitat around the Musgrave Ranges.

Moloch horridus (Ngiyari, Thorny Devil) (Fig. 108) Delma borea (Northern Snake-lizard) • Live in a wide variety of habitats can live together The 7 records from three localities are the first records in pairs. for South Australia and represent the current southerly • The female goes away to dig a burrow for her eggs. limit of their range. She makes special tracks when preparing to dig her burrow, often 10-12 eggs are laid Regional status: Probably restricted to rocky Spinifex- approximately ½ meter down the straight burrow. covered hills in the ?Musgrave and Mann Ranges and • She then returns to her partner. They change represent a significant species for the AP Lands. colour and dance an inma on the sand just as they did in the Tjukurpa. Delma tincta (Mulyapurkutitja, Black-necked • They eat minga (small black ants); they stand on an Snake-lizard) ant trail and lick up ants with their tongue. The single record from quadrat YUR00501 (8.7 km • They also eat termites. NNE of Yurangka, see Fig. 3) is the only record from • Foxes, cats and Dingoes eat them. the AP lands and represents the western limit of its • Anangu used to eat the larger ones. range in SA. Regional status: Although found across the whole northern half of Australia, in SA it is known from

303 relatively few localities from the Flinders Ranges and Ctenotus dux (Mutinka, Narrow-lined Ctenotus) far northern SA. Thirteen records from nine quadrats it is an animal of the soft sand of dune slopes and crests, being confined Lialis burtonis (Patiny-patinypa, Burton’s Legless in SA to the AP Lands. lizard) (Fig. 142) • Found in spinifex areas this lizard climbs at night Regional status: It is also found in adjacent areas of the to the top of the spinifex and calls its name ‘patin NT and WA. patin’ then climbs down again. • Also known to occur in rocks, sand plain and Ctenotus grandis (Mulingka, Giant Desert Ctenotus) woodland. Three records from two quadrats (WAT00401, 2.0 km • They sleep on top of the ground in the spinifex. NNW of Mount Lindsay and PIL00201, 10.3 km ENE • They do not regrow their tail and the females are of Belundinna Hill (Piluntina), see Fig. 3) representing darker than the males. the first records of this large skink for SA. • They are cousins to the Liru but do not bite. • They lay their eggs either in the spinifex or in an Regional status: Found more widely in adjacent desert other animal’s burrow. areas of WA and the NT it is confined to the AP Lands • The males and females guard the eggs and when in SA. the eggs are nearly ready it returns and picks the eggs to help them hatch. Ctenotus greeri (Greer’s Ctenotus) • They also use other animal’s burrows to hide in. The single record of this species from quadrat WAT00501 (6.0 km WNW of Wartaru, see Fig. 3) was • There is a related lizard called Ulangka (not only the second record for SA for this poorly known identified on survey), which is long and black and species confined to the AP Lands. lives in rocks among the spinifex. Regional status: Only found in adjacent areas of the Seventeen records from fifteen quadrats and two Great Victoria Desert in WA. Throughout its range opportune records, always from the vicinity of Triodia records of the species are few and far between. Our hummocks either on rocky hills or on sand plain and record is from a Mulga site and this is consistent with dune country. where it has been found in WA. Regional status: Distributed throughout SA from the Ctenotus piankai (Paleface Ctenotus) mallee northwards. Appears common in suitable Single records from three quadrats (MK00401, 11.4 km habitat across the AP Lands. ENE of Oompeinna Hill, PIL00301, 9.3 km NNW of Cheesman Peak (Pingegurrinna) and ML00301, 7.5 km Carlia triacantha (Desert Rainbow Skink) (Fig. 112) SSE of Makiri, see Fig. 3) it was recorded for the first Five records from three quadrats and one opportune time in SA on this survey. collection, the survey has extended the known distribution into SA by approximately 150 km. The Regional status: Widespread across the deserts of WA species is known only from these survey records and it and the NT it is confined to the AP Lands in SA. is therefore confined to the AP lands. Egernia kintorei (Tjakura, Tjakura) (Fig. 114) Regional status: Distributed across the NW deserts of • They used to be everywhere in the sand dune WA and into western NT it penetrates SA only in the country in 1940s, 1950s and perhaps as late as the AP Lands. 1960s. Generally people felt that they might still be around but that no one had seen one for a long Ctenotus ariadnae (Pin-striped Ctenotus) Two records from quadrat KUN00101 (2.1 km SSE of time. They used to be common around Iltur Krewinkel Hill, see Fig. 3). There are only two other (Coffin Hill), and also seen at Yalukunyu, localities known in the far N of SA for this species. southwest of Fregon and Iliya, south of Fregon. Have been seen between New Well and the Mulga Park Road. Regional status: the distribution and status of this • species is poorly understood, in addition to the few SA They make a large burrow with multiple entrances records it is also known from the central eastern interior with a dirt fan (Tjuulpa). They use a latrine of WA. There are also records from the southern NT outside the burrow near one of the entrances for and south-west Qld. their dung. They share their burrow system as a family. • Ctenotus calurus (Mulingka, Mutinka, Blue-tailed They are found in the same places as Woma Skink) (Fig. 113) Pythons and marsupial moles, mainly on the sand Recorded from SA for the first time during the survey plains. They eat skinks, grasshoppers, centipedes with 41 records from 18 quadrats. Its preferred habitat and beetles. They are active in the late afternoon appears to be leaf litter associated with creek lines. and evenings. They also eat Maku (edible Regional status: It is confined in SA to the AP Lands underground grubs/larvae) and Makura (Maku with but occurs more widely in adjacent areas of WA. wings). After rain, the Maku become Makura, they

304 land on the ground in large numbers and the the Central Ranges in the NT and WA it is more Alkarka (large meat eating ants) collect them in common. their nest. The wings are left outside. • The Tjakura dig up the ants’ nest and eat the Egernia striata (Tjaliri, Night Skink) (Fig. 115) Maku. It is possible that these are termites and A very large series of specimens were collected in 1966 their larvae. Anangu also used to collect the Maku by Peter Aitken north of Mt Caroline and at Mt Davies from the ants by jumping on the nest till their feet in the Tomkinson Ranges and there are no further were covered in ants, moving away to shake them records until the present survey. Eleven specimens off, then returning until all the ants were gone. were collected from 5 quadrats with two opportune Then they’d open the nest and collect the Maku. records. • Tjakura were an important food item for Anangu. Their tails fall off when attacked. Regional status: Probably patchy but can be locally • Sometimes they were harder to find as burrows common in suitable sand plain habitat in the western were empty and sometimes you needed to walk a part of the AP Lands it also occurs in adjacent desert long way. areas of the NT and WA. In SA it is confined to the • They are good meat and taste a bit like fish. AP Lands.

Prior to the survey this spectacular species was only Lerista bipes (Kuyi, Western Two-toed Slider) known to inhabit SA from an animal (a female that Previously only known from the AP Lands from three subsequently gave birth to four young) brought to H. H. specimens collected in 1985 at Mt Crombie, the present Finlayson by an Anangu man at Punti Soak survey collected 37 specimens from fifteen quadrats. (approximately 120 km E of Wartaru) in the 1920s (Finlayson 1946). These five specimens are now in the Regional status: This species appears to be widespread Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard. In late and common in sandy areas across the AP Lands. 1997 two sisters from Wartaru (Mary Pan and Illawanti Elsewhere in SA it appears confined to sandy substrates Ken) discovered a Tjakura while hunting for Sand in the western part of the State also occurring widely Goannas. They reported their find to AP Land across the deserts of the NT and WA. Management who were able to visit the site in May 1998. Burrow systems but no animals were found. In Lerista speciosa (Musgrave Slider) October 1998 together with one of us (MH) Mary Pan Not collected on the survey and only known from the again went to the site and this time was able to dig up holotype collected under a rock at the foot of Mt and catch a single animal confirming that she had Morris just W of Amata, and extensive searches have indeed found a population of Tjakura. This individual still to be made in this area. was measured, scale-clipped and released. AP Land Management (Daniel 1999) returned to the site in Regional status: Insufficiently known. Specifically November 1998 and trapped, marked and released a targeted searches for the species should be conducted in further three animals from the only occupied burrow and around the type locality. system. Four days of searching the area discovered eight unoccupied burrows in the vicinity of the Lerista taeniata (Kuyi, Ribbon Slider) occupied one but failed to locate any additional A single record from quadrat ULU00201 (1.1 km SSW populations. Over the last two years two more warren of Cartu Hill, see Fig. 3) this lizard is only known from systems have been discovered nearby. a scattering of records in sandy areas south to Eyre Peninsula in SA. Regional status: Restricted to sandy and gravelly habitats in the western deserts of Central Australia it Regional status: Unknown has a scattered distribution across its range. All populations currently known are on Aboriginal lands Morethia ruficauda (Fire-tailed Skink) (Fig. 116) and the species is listed nationally as vulnerable. A Previously known from a single specimen collected in Recovery Plan for the species has been prepared 1972 from the Tomkinson Ranges this species appears (McAlpin 2001). to be confined to the AP Lands in SA, with the exception of a single record from the Finke floodout. Egernia margaretae (Masked Rock Skink) The present survey recorded 9 specimens from seven Two opportune records recorded from a rock outcrop quadrats with two opportune records. NE of Yurangka. They represent a northwestern isolate of the Flinders Ranges form E. m. personata. Two Regional status: The AP Lands seem to be the specimens were collected from the Mann and Musgrave stronghold of this species in SA, which also occurs in Ranges by H. G. Cogger of the Australian Museum. adjacent areas of the NT and WA.

Regional status: Appears to be quite rare and restricted Proablepharus reginae (Silvereye Skink) in the AP Lands, but more targeted searching is Not collected on the survey and known from in the AP required in suitable range country habitat. Elsewhere in Lands from a single specimen collected from Mt Davies in the Tomkinson Ranges in 1961. There are

305 two other records for SA from Serpentine Lakes and • The Ngarutjara area in the shadow of Mt Oak Valley in the . Woodroffe is a very significant area for associated with this species. Regional Status: An animal of the Great Victoria Desert, which only just extends its range into SA. It is The survey recorded 15 records from fourteen quadrats small and inconspicuous and more searching is required and seven opportune records spread across the rocky to understand its distribution and status in SA where it range country of the AP Lands. is currently classified as Rare. Regional status: Eagerly sought by Anangu for food, Tiliqua scincoides (Ilingkarara, Eastern Bluetongue) occur at low densities across the rocky (Fig. 117) habitats of the AP Lands. • This species is well known to Anangu and is always found in range country in close Varanus gouldii (Tinka, Milpali, Sand Goanna) association with Ili the Native Fig (Ficus • Dig a shelter/burrow, sometimes under Mulga and brachypoda) trees. will hibernate and not emerge until spring. ‘When Previously known from a single specimen collected they hear the first thunder in spring the Tinka from Mimili in 1989. The survey recorded an come out’. additional six specimens from five quadrats all in this • Lay eggs in spring but may also lay in late summer. habitat. Lay 5 – 12 eggs; young females lay fewer eggs than older females. Regional status: The AP Lands population is at • The burrow is deep (approximately 1 metre) and present, only known from the SA part of the Central spiralled. A number of fake burrows will be dug Ranges and not from adjacent areas of WA and the NT. before the proper one for laying eggs. The burrow It is isolated from nearest part of the main SA may be dug in a variety of habitats most commonly populations of the species in the Flinders Ranges by sand plains. over 400 km. It is therefore of special conservation • The mother does not help the eggs hatch but will significance in this area. guard the burrow from being dug up by other goannas. Varanus brevicauda (Short-tailed Pygmy Goanna) • The young are called Niki and emerge at dawn. Two specimens recorded at quadrats PIL00201, 10.3 • Milpali diet consists of Maku (edible caterpillars), km ENE of Belundinna Hill (Piluntina) and PIL00301, insects, , dead meat, and non-honey making 9.3 km NNW of Cheesman Peak (Pingegurrinna), ( see bees. In autumn they feed up on spiders before Fig. 3) represent the first SA records for this species. going into hibernation.

Regional status: It is found across the sandy deserts of Twenty-seven records from 24 quadrats and 14 the NT and WA. The AP Lands therefore encompass opportune records, the Sand Goanna is found across all the SE limits of its distribution. the habitats in the AP Lands

Varanus giganteus (Ngintaka, Perentie) Regional status: Widespread and abundant across the (Frontispiece) AP Lands and by far the most common and widespread • Ngintaka walk from one hill or breakaway to goanna across most of Australia. another looking for food or a partner. • The male has a larger track than the female and Varanus tristis (Nyintjiri, Black-headed Goanna) carries his tail up high compared with the female (Fig. 150) who drags it more. Populations of this species sampled fell into two • When they are well fed they tend to drag their distinct colour groups. Those from the granitic hills of stomachs more, they are then called the Everard and Birksgate Ranges were typical of Tjawpunganyi. specimens found throughout the Great Victoria Desert. • They hibernate in pairs usually in a cave or They had intense black colouring over the head, legs burrow under rocks. They also live in rabbit and tail and only the body showed the species burrows near the rocks. characteristic pattern of small reddish dots. Animals • Usually travel from the rocks to the sand dunes to from the Mann and Musgrave Ranges were much paler lay eggs. They only lay in sand dunes. They dig with no black markings and the spotted pattern evident on the top of the dune; the burrow is straight with over the body, tail and legs. offset chamber at the end. The eggs are laid in this chamber. Regional status: Moderately common in suitable rocky • The female is known to come back and check on habitats. the eggs, if a male finds them he will try to eat them and the female will protect them from the male.

306 Antaresia stimsoni (Nantalpa, Stimson’s Python) • No one has seen them recently; they have (Fig. 121) previously been seen near Wartaru. Six records from six quadrats and two opportune observations, this species is probably widespread This species was not seen during the survey. There is a across the range country where suitable caves and single SA Museum specimen collected in 1914 from broken rock outcrops are found. Survey for this species the Everard Ranges by S. A. White. was difficult due to its preference for ranges and nocturnal behaviour. Regional status: Unknown

Regional status: The AP Lands are a significant part of Simoselaps anomalus (Mulyapurkutitja, Centralian the species widespread but patchy distribution across Banded Snake) the northern arid and semi-arid parts of SA. Five records from quadrats WAT00601, 5.2 km WSW of Wartaru, MK00501, 16.2 km NNW of Wintiginna Aspidites ramsayi (Kuniya, Muruntu, Woma) (Fig. Hill and PIL00501, 4.6 km NNE of Cheesman Peak 120) (Pingegurrinna), (see Fig. 3). Capture of this species • There used to be lots of them around Amata and was very dependent on suitable weather which allows Ernabella, but they now appear very uncommon. them to move about on the surface. • The female lays around 20 eggs in a burrow, then puts them in a ring and spews white sticky stuff to Regional status: Confined to the AP Lands in SA but make them into a ring. When she travels she puts also found in adjacent sandy desert areas of the NT and her head through the ring and head high carries WA. the eggs away moving on her belly. The female Cyclorana maini (Nganngi, Main’s Frog) does this to move the eggs to safety. If confronted • During dry times the frogs bury themselves in the while travelling, the female puts down her eggs ground and wait for rain. and rears up threateningly, then picks up the eggs • There is a species that is specific to sand dune and moves on. Three women have seen them do areas which also burrows. this. • Frogs come out after rain from the creekbeds and • They are found on sand plains and dunes, sand dunes. hibernates in a burrow. • When the rain stops they move into the spinifex • Often found in rabbit warrens and other animals where the soil stays moist. Wait there a long time burrows. like snails till the rain starts. When the rain falls • Kuniya are very placid and are good eating. The onto the spinifex they dig their way out from deep eggs are laid around Christmas time and are soft burrows. and taste like chicken eggs. • When there is open water the frogs come and breed on the edge of the water, the young are A number of Anangu thought that they might have called Kurtji-kurtji, once the tadpoles grow legs become extinct on the lands. However, one snake was they are called Upupilypa. brought in and given to one of the Anangu liaison • Their diet consists of mosquitoes, small midges officer in the mid 1990s. This animal had been found and insects. near Fregon and was photographed and released Appear to be rare, no animal or tracks seen during the Prior to the survey there was a single SA Museum survey. Two animals were reported to be held as pets record from Indulkana Creek in 1989. We added by white fellas at Ernabella and Amata. Tracks around twenty-one records from quadrats (MK00601, 19.3 km rabbit warrens were also reported from Lake Wilson, NNE of Wintiginna Hill, WM00601, 9.6 km ENE of but none were found when survey team members went Ngarutjara and NG00401, 5.8 km SSE of Ngarutjara, there in June 2000. see Fig. 3).

Regional status: Probably uncommon across the AP Regional status: Probably common across the AP Lands as it is across the rest of its range in northern SA. Lands following suitable rain. With the exception of a Although they are primarily goanna and snake-eaters, single record from the NE, the AP Lands represent the the decline in rabbit populations since the advent of stronghold of this species in SA. Rabbit Calicivirus may also have significantly reduced cover and food available for these animals. Limnodynastes spenceri (Spencer’s Burrowing Frog) (Fig. 123) Acanthophis pyrrhus (Panakura, Desert Death A large series was collected from Granite Downs in Adder) 1984 with additional records in 1989 from around • Anangu stated that they only live on really big Marla. The survey recorded 25 specimens from five sand dunes in the southern parts of the AP Lands. quadrats (SEN00601, 2.3 km NNW of Sentinel Hill, • They move in a rolling sort of movement into the NG00401, 5.8 km SSE of Ngarutjara, GRD00101, 4.8 sand and out again. km ESE of Allucartininna Hill, GRD00501, 6.6 km • They can be very aggressive and throw themselves ESE of Granite Downs and ANM00301, 4.9 km SSW at you.

307 of Anmuryinna Homeland, see Fig. 3) with an survey found it to be still common in the rock holes in additional 13 opportune records. this area.

Regional status: Probably common across the AP Regional status: Confined to the AP Lands in SA Lands following suitable rain. It also occurs across the where it is only known from a restricted area of the far N of SA and adjacent areas of the NT and WA. Everard Ranges. Other suitable rock hole habitats across the area should be searched to determine the Neobatrachus sutor (Shoemaker Frog) extent of this species distribution. The only previous record of this species for SA was a large series collected in 1966 by Peter Aitken at Mt SPECIES PATTERNS Lindsay. The survey had a single record from quadrat The presence/absence data for 50 reptile species was (PU00201, 9.0 km SSW of Outstation) over analysed using PATN (see Methods) from the 133 50km NE of the original records. quadrats sampled over the duration of the AP Lands Biological Survey. The dendrogram (Fig. 137) was cut Regional status: The AP Lands represent the NE limit to produce 4 groups. Group 3 was further sub-divided of the range of this predominantly WA species. It into three. The first group represents the widespread should be specifically searched for across the area and common sand plain habitat supporting various during suitable rainfall conditions to determine how forms of grassland and open woodlands found right widespread the populations are. Its distinctive call will across the AP Lands. The subsequent groups move also help such searches. through habitats such as drainage lines and mallee woodlands and then into a specialised group of the Pseudophryne occidentalis (Orange-crowned rocky hills and gorges. The final groups are associated Toadlet) (Fig. 124) with hummock grasslands and there is a split between An outlying and possibly isolated population from its these habitats on rocky slopes and on sand dunes. The main distribution in the SW of WA it was first collected habitat relationships of the groups are shown in Table at Victory Well in the Everard Ranges in 1970. The 137.

Group # # Sites in group 1 (36)______|______2 (25)______| ______|______|____ 3a(13)_____ | _____|______|______3b(18)______| ______|______| 3c(17)____ | | ____|______|______|____ 4 (4) ______| ______|______| | | | | | | 0.1670 0.4456 0.7242 1.0028 1.2814 1.5600 Dissimilarity------>>>

Figure 137. A dendrogram showing the relationship between the groups in the AP Lands Biological Survey reptile PATN analysis.

308 Table 35. Proportion (expressed as a percentage) of quadrats within each reptile group presented as percentages against habitat variables. Where the assemblage contained more than 30% of site records in a habitat type, the values are highlighted in bold.

Habitat variable Number of sites in group 36 25 13 18 17 37 Assemblage Number 1 2 3.1 3.2 3.3 4 Landform drainage line 6 dunes 3 12 12 19 floodplain 14 20 hills 3 8 15 39 35 5 low hills 11 15 17 12 mountains 12 23 33 6 plain 47 32 31 6 2424 sand plain 22 16 15 6 6 51 land unit drainage depression 3 8 5 drainage line 6 12 dry lake 3 4 dune 3 12 12 24 flood out 11 16 6 gorge 22 hill crest 6 6 3 hill footslope 3 4 8 18 hill slope 8 4 31 61 24 3 plain 31 32 46 29 30 rock outcrop 11 sand plain 28 12 8 30 stony plain 3 4 6 swale 3 5 surface soil clay 6 clay/loam 3 8 6 clay/loam/sand 8 12 24 11 clay/sand 14 20 6 5 loam/sand 64 40 75 69 53 49% sand 6 20 25 13 12 35 skeletal 13 6 strew cover <10% 5 10-30% 3 4 8 12 6 5 30-70% 8 4 33 41 12 8 gt 70% 4 8 41 29 nil 69 68 33 35 81 strew size pebble (5-50mm) 28 20 25 24 14 cobble (51-250mm) 3 8 17 6 18 boulder (gt 250mm) 4 25 88 24 5 Sheet 6 none apparent 69 68 33 35 81

309 GROUP 1. SAND PLAINS WITH SANDY LOAM (35 quadrats).

Characteristic species of this habitat include the Common Desert Ctenotus, Sandplain Ctenotus and the Fat-tailed Gecko. This group is found on sand plains with sandy loam soils and various forms of woodland and shrubland vegetation.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 29 19.81 0.57 6 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii 18 11.49 0.56 5 Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 15 7.40 0.52 5 Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus 14 14.67 0.70 4 Sandplain Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus 14 5.51 0.48 5 Purple Dtella Gehyra purpurascens 14 3.03 0.41 5 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 14 1.28 0.35 5 Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 12 6.67 0.55 4 Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista labialis 7 1.19 0.18 5 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 6 0.40 0.21 6 Desert Skink Egernia inornata 5 0.04 0.25 4 Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii 5 0.50 0.38 4 Common Snake-eye Morethia boulengeri 5 0.02 0.29 5 Five-lined Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis lineata 5 4.39 0.71 2 Broad-banded Sandswimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii 4 1.79 0.57 3 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 4 0.56 0.19 6 Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 4 3.52 0.11 6 Thorny Devil Moloch horridus 4 0.31 0.21 5 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus ciliaris 4 0.06 0.25 5 Pygmy Mulga Goanna Varanus gilleni 4 4.11 0.80 2 Eastern Desert Skink Ctenotus regius 3 0.69 0.50 3 Dwarf Bearded Dragon Pogona minor 3 0.13 0.38 3 Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps bertholdi 3 0.69 0.50 4 Half-girdled Snake Simoselaps semifasciatus 3 2.29 0.75 2 Beaded Gecko Diplodactylus damaeus 2 0.05 0.40 3 Perentie Varanus giganteus 2 0.92 0.15 4 Long-nosed Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris 1 1.58 0.10 5 Desert Wall Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 1.11 0.13 4 Many-lined Skink Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 1 5.99 0.04 5 Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis 1 6.73 0.03 4 Night Skink Egernia striata 1 0.88 0.14 3 Narrow-banded Sandswimmer Eremiascincus fasciolatus 1 1.58 0.10 2 Western Two-toed Slider Lerista bipes 1 2.79 0.07 4 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 1 0.88 0.14 6 Pale Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus laevissimus 1 1.35 0.11 3 Eastern Bluetongue Tiliqua scincoides 1 0.44 0.20 3 Desert Pygmy Goanna Varanus eremius 1 1.35 0.11 3

310 Vegetation Structure No % ()Tussock grassland 2 6 Low open shrubland 6 16 Low open woodland 1 3 Low shrubland 2 6 Low woodland 4 11 Open (tussock) grassland 1 3 Open woodland 2 6 Tall open shrubland 4 11 Tall very open shrubland 1 3 Very low open woodland 8 24 Very low woodland 5 15

311 GROUP 2. DUNE SYSTEMS (25 quadrats).

Characteristic species of this habitat include the Eastern Two-toed Slider and the Great Desert Slider. This group is associated with the dune systems of the sand plains with sandy and tall open shrubland.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. Occur. No. Groups Value Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista labialis 25 44.93 0.63 5 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 12 8.45 0.41 6 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 12 3.07 0.30 5 Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 10 0.06 0.20 6 Sandplain Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus 10 4.05 0.34 5 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii 9 1.61 0.28 5 Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 7 0.00 0.19 6 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 6 0.98 0.29 6 Dwarf Three-toed Slider Lerista muelleri 5 8.99 0.71 3 Centralian Striped Skink Ctenotus saxatilis 4 0.15 0.16 4 Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 4 0.45 0.14 5 Common Snake-eye Morethia boulengeri 4 0.11 0.24 5 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus ciliaris 4 0.20 0.25 5 Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 4 0.02 0.18 4 Purple Dtella Gehyra purpurascens 3 1.93 0.09 5 Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 3 0.00 0.20 5 Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii 3 0.03 0.23 4 Pale Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus laevissimus 3 0.58 0.33 3 Long-nosed Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris 2 0.03 0.20 5 Crested Dragon Ctenophorus cristatus 2 3.87 1.00 1 Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus 2 1.10 0.10 4 Beaded Gecko Diplodactylus damaeus 2 0.47 0.40 3 Desert Skink Egernia inornata 2 1.10 0.10 4 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 2 0.07 0.29 6 Desert Rainbow Skink Carlia triacantha 1 0.00 0.33 3 Many-lined Skink Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 1 3.88 0.04 5 Rusty Dragon Ctenophorus rufescens 1 1.03 0.09 2 Northern Snake-lizard Delma borea 1 0.00 0.33 2 Broad-banded Sandswimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii 1 0.41 0.14 3 Western Two-toed Slider Lerista bipes 1 1.68 0.07 4 Thorny Devil Moloch horridus 1 2.35 0.05 5 Half-girdled Snake Simoselaps semifasciatus 1 0.05 0.25 2 Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi 1 0.71 0.11 2 Centralian Bluetongue Tiliqua multifasciata 1 0.05 0.25 2 Pygmy Mulga Goanna Varanus gilleni 1 0.15 0.20 2

312 Vegetation Structure No % ()Tussock grassland 1 4 Low open shrubland 1 4 Low open woodland 2 8 Low woodland 2 8 Open (tussock) grassland 1 4 Open mallee 1 4 Open shrubland 2 8 Open woodland 2 8 Shrubland 1 2 Tall open shrubland 5 22 Very low open woodland 2 8 Very low woodland 4 18 Very open (tussock) grassland 1 2

313 GROUP 3A. DRAINAGE LINES AND HILL SLOPES (13 quadrats).

This group is associated with drainage lines and hill slopes with sand or loam soils supporting low woodlands and open mallee.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Purple Dtella Gehyra purpurascens 8 6.50 0.24 5 Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 6 1.44 0.16 6 Desert Wall Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 5 19.95 0.63 4 Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 4 0.25 0.08 6 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 4 0.31 0.14 6 Desert Skink Egernia inornata 3 0.28 0.15 4 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus ciliaris 3 0.79 0.19 5 Eastern Bluetongue Tiliqua scincoides 3 9.39 0.60 3 Long-nosed Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris 2 0.41 0.20 5 Eastern Desert Skink Ctenotus regius 2 1.72 0.33 3 Spinifex Slender Bluetongue Cyclodomorphus melanops 2 0.05 0.14 4 Sandplain Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus 2 0.47 0.07 5 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 2 0.08 0.10 6 Western Two-toed Slider Lerista bipes 2 0.02 0.13 4 Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista labialis 2 1.21 0.05 5 Common Snake-eye Morethia boulengeri 2 0.00 0.12 5 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 2 1.21 0.05 5 Blue-tailed Skink Ctenotus calurus 1 0.77 0.06 2 Many-lined Skink Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 1 1.61 0.04 5 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii 1 1.96 0.03 5 Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 1 1.70 0.03 5 Spinifex Snake-lizard Delma butleri 1 0.00 0.17 2 Centralian Snake-lizard Delma nasuta 1 0.00 0.17 3 Central Rock Dtella Gehyra montium 1 0.12 0.11 3 Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 1 0.53 0.07 5 Thorny Devil Moloch horridus 1 0.85 0.05 5 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 1 0.03 0.14 6 Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps bertholdi 1 0.00 0.17 4 Centralian Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis centralis 1 0.20 0.33 2

Vegetation Structure No % Low open woodland 2 17 Low woodland 1 8 Open mallee 3 25 Open shrubland 1 8 Very low open woodland 5 42

314 GROUP 3B. ROCKY HILLS AND GORGES (18 quadrats).

Characteristic species of this habitat include Bynoe’s Gecko, the Rusty Dragon, the Central Rock Dtella, the Perentie and the Black-headed Goanna. This group is found in rocky hills and gorges with sandy loam soils and various forms of woodland and shrubland.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 12 11.82 0.32 6 Rusty Dragon Ctenophorus rufescens 10 52.27 0.91 2 Central Rock Dtella Gehyra montium 6 18.72 0.67 3 Perentie Varanus giganteus 6 10.37 0.46 4 Black-headed Goanna Varanus tristis 6 32.71 1.00 1 Centralian Striped Skink Ctenotus saxatilis 5 0.84 0.20 4 Common Snake-eye Morethia boulengeri 5 3.15 0.29 5 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 3 0.00 0.14 6 Clawless Gecko Crenadactylus ocellatus 2 1.42 0.40 2 Long-nosed Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris 1 0.39 0.10 5 Desert Rainbow Skink Carlia triacantha 1 0.06 0.33 3 Desert Wall Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 0.20 0.13 4 Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 1 5.02 0.02 6 Gibber Ctenotus Ctenotus septenarius 1 0.06 0.33 2 Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis 1 2.70 0.03 4 Spinifex Slender Bluetongue Cyclodomorphus melanops 1 0.79 0.07 4 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 1 2.47 0.03 6 Dwarf Three-toed Slider Lerista muelleri 1 0.13 0.14 3 Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 1 0.90 0.07 5 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 1 0.13 0.14 6 Dwarf Bearded Dragon Pogona minor 1 0.20 0.13 3 Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps bertholdi 1 0.06 0.17 4 Eastern Bluetongue Tiliqua scincoides 1 0.01 0.20 3

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 1 6 Low woodland 1 6 Mallee 1 6 Tall open shrubland 3 19 Tall very open shrubland 2 13 Very low open woodland 5 31 Very low woodland 2 13 Very open shrubland 1 6

315 GROUP 3C. HUMMOCK GRASSLANDS (17 quadrats).

Characteristic species of this habitat include species with an intimate association with hummock grass clumps such as the Centralian Striped Skink, Spinifex Slender Bluetongue, Jewelled Gecko, Leopard Skink, Barred Snake-lizard, Burton's Legless Lizard and the Spinifex Snake-lizard. This group is found on the heavier soils of rocky hill slopes and adjacent plains dominated by hummock grassland vegetation.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Groups Value Occur. Centralian Striped Skink Ctenotus saxatilis 9 17.48 0.36 4 Spinifex Slender Bluetongue Cyclodomorphus melanops 8 31.07 0.57 4 Jewelled Gecko Strophurus elderi 8 55.52 0.89 2 Leopard Skink Ctenotus pantherinus 6 12.84 0.40 2 Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 6 3.23 0.21 5 Barred Snake-lizard Delma australis 6 45.77 1.00 1 Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 6 1.44 0.16 6 Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 6 12.84 0.40 5 Spinifex Snake-lizard Delma butleri 5 29.18 0.83 2 Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii 4 4.68 0.31 4 Perentie Varanus giganteus 4 4.68 0.31 4 Clawless Gecko Crenadactylus ocellatus 3 9.39 0.60 2 Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 3 0.94 0.06 6 Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus 3 0.28 0.15 4 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 3 0.33 0.08 5 Gibber Ctenotus Ctenotus septenarius 2 5.63 0.67 2 Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis 2 0.59 0.06 4 Centralian Snake-lizard Delma nasuta 2 1.72 0.33 3 Broad-banded Sandswimmer Eremiascincus richardsonii 2 1.21 0.29 3 Central Rock Dtella Gehyra montium 2 0.60 0.22 3 Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista labialis 2 1.21 0.05 5 Thorny Devil Moloch horridus 2 0.02 0.11 5 Centralian Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis centralis 2 5.63 0.67 2 Five-lined Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis lineata 2 1.21 0.29 2 Sandhill Ctenotus Ctenotus brooksi 1 0.12 0.11 2 Centralian Coppertail Ctenotus leae 1 0.20 0.33 2 Many-lined Skink Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 1 1.61 0.04 5 Eastern Desert Skink Ctenotus regius 1 0.00 0.17 3 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii 1 1.96 0.03 5 Beaded Gecko Diplodactylus damaeus 1 0.01 0.20 3 Sandplain Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus 1 1.70 0.03 5 Night Skink Egernia striata 1 0.03 0.14 3 Purple Dtella Gehyra purpurascens 1 2.13 0.03 5 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 1 1.02 0.05 6 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 1 1.70 0.03 6 316 Common Snake-eye Morethia boulengeri 1 0.69 0.06 5 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 1 0.03 0.14 6 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus ciliaris 1 0.61 0.06 5 Desert Pygmy Goanna Varanus eremius 1 0.12 0.11 3 Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 1 1.10 0.05 4

Vegetation Structure No % Hummock grassland 3 16 Low very open shrubland 1 6 Low woodland 2 12 Open (tussock) grassland 1 6 Open hummock grassland 5 31 Very low open woodland 2 13 Very low woodland 3 16

317 GROUP 4. DUNES WITH SHRUBLAND OR HUMMOCK GRASSLAND (37 quadrats).

Characteristic species of this habitat include the Military Dragon, Many-lined Skink, Blue-tailed Skink, Western Two- toed Slider Narrow-lined Ctenotus, Narrow-banded Sandswimmer and the Sandhill Ctenotus. This group is found on dunes dominated by either hummock grassland or shrubland vegetation.

Common Name Scientific Name Frequency Indicator Prop. No. Value Occur. Groups Military Dragon Ctenophorus isolepis 27 43.69 0.87 4 Many-lined Skink Ctenotus quattuordecimlineatus 24 37.44 0.86 5 Blue-tailed Skink Ctenotus calurus 17 30.87 0.94 2 Western Two-toed Slider Lerista bipes 11 11.63 0.73 4 Thorny Devil Moloch horridus 11 6.59 0.58 5 Desert Skink Egernia inornata 10 3.79 0.50 4 Narrow-lined Ctenotus Ctenotus dux 9 16.76 1.00 1 leopard Skink Ctenotus pantherinus 9 5.70 0.60 2 Narrow-banded Sandswimmer Eremiascincus fasciolatus 9 13.87 0.90 2 Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 9 0.29 0.23 5 Sandhill Ctenotus Ctenotus brooksi 8 11.79 0.89 2 Purple Dtella Gehyra purpurascens 8 0.16 0.24 5 Centralian Striped Skink Ctenotus saxatilis 7 0.00 0.28 4 Desert Pygmy Goanna Varanus eremius 7 7.69 0.78 3 Western Bluetongue Tiliqua occipitalis 6 10.29 1.00 1 Night Skink Egernia striata 5 4.12 0.71 3 Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 5 0.14 0.24 6 Great Desert Slider Lerista desertorum 5 1.14 0.17 6 Pale Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus laevissimus 5 2.11 0.56 3 Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 5 0.22 0.23 4 Long-nosed Dragon Amphibolurus longirostris 4 0.35 0.40 5 Common Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus leonhardii 4 6.96 0.08 6 Eastern Two-toed Slider Lerista labialis 4 4.41 0.10 5 Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 4 0.03 0.27 5 Dwarf Bearded Dragon Pogona minor 4 1.04 0.50 3 Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko Strophurus ciliaris 4 0.08 0.25 5 Paleface Ctenotus Ctenotus piankai 3 3.93 1.00 1 Sandplain Ctenotus Ctenotus schomburgkii 3 3.93 0.09 5 Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 3 3.24 0.10 5 Spinifex Slender Bluetongue Cyclodomorphus melanops 3 0.32 0.21 4 Centralian Snake-lizard Delma nasuta 3 0.61 0.50 3 Centralian Banded Snake Simoselaps anomalus 3 3.93 1.00 1 Centralian Bluetongue Tiliqua multifasciata 3 2.14 0.75 2 Giant Desert Ctenotus Ctenotus grandis 2 1.92 1.00 1 Centralian Coppertail Ctenotus leae 2 0.70 0.67 2 Northern Snake-lizard Delma borea 2 0.70 0.67 2 Sandplain Gecko Diplodactylus stenodactylus 2 4.70 0.07 5 318 Canegrass Dragon Diporiphora winneckei 2 1.92 1.00 1 Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 2 6.68 0.05 6 Butler's Snake-eye Morethia butleri 2 1.92 1.00 1 Short-tailed Pygmy Goanna Varanus brevicauda 2 1.92 1.00 1 Desert Rainbow Skink Carlia triacantha 1 0.09 0.33 3 Desert Wall Skink Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus 1 1.16 0.13 4 Black Collared Dragon Ctenophorus clayi 1 0.23 1.00 1 Fat-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus conspicillatus 1 4.15 0.05 4 Dwarf Three-toed Slider Lerista muelleri 1 0.93 0.14 3 Dwarf Skink Menetia greyii 1 2.39 0.08 4 Fire-tailed Skink Morethia ruficauda 1 0.93 0.14 6 Desert Banded Snake Simoselaps bertholdi 1 0.69 0.17 4 Perentie Varanus giganteus 1 2.39 0.08 4

Vegetation Structure # % sites sites Hummock grassland 2 6 Low open woodland 1 2 Low woodland 3 7 Open (tussock) grassland 2 6 Open hummock grassland 5 14 Open low mallee 2 6 Open mallee 3 7 Tall open shrubland 6 16 Tall very open shrubland 4 10 Very open low mallee 2 6 Very open mallee 6 17 Very open shrubland 1 3

319 Figure 138. Tjati the Central Netted Dragon (Ctenophorus nuchalis), is one of the most abundant and obvious of the many reptile species of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: A. Robinson

Figure 139. Ngiyari the Thorny Devil (Moloch horridus) a charming ant-eating dragon common across the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: A. Robinson.

320 Figure 140. The Clawless Gecko (Crenodactylus ocellatus) is confined to the north-west ranges in South Australia. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 141. Waura the Jewelled Gecko (Strophurus elderi) spends its whole life in and around spinifex hummocks. Photo: A. Robinson.

321 Figure 142. A lizard hunter Patiny-patinypa or Burton’s Legless Lizard (Lialis burtonis) is closely associated with spinifex clumps. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 143. The Desert Rainbow Skink (Carlia triacantha) was first collected in South Australia during this survey. Photo: P. D. Canty.

322 Figure 144. The Blue-tailed Skink (Ctenotus calurus) is one of a number of reptiles confined in South Australia to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 145. Several populations of Tjakura (Egernia kintorei) shown to survey biologists by Anangu were of great interest showing that this significant species is still surviving in this State. Photo: A. Brook.

323 Figure 146. The nocturnal Tjaliri or Night Skink (Egernia striata) lives in communal burrows and, unlike other Egernia spp. it has vertical pupils like a cat. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 147. The brilliant orange tail of the Fire-tailed Skink (Morethia ruficauda) often betrays its presence in litter of River Red Gum lined creeks. Photo: P. D. Canty.

324 Figure 148. The range country of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands supports an isolated population of Ilingkarara the Eastern Bluetongue (Tiliqua scincoides). It is often associates with Ili the Native Fig. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 149. Mutjuranpa, the Desert Pygmy Goanna (Varanus eremius) inhabits the extensive sand plains of the Great Victoria Desert in the western Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: A. Robinson.

325 Figure 150. Nyintjiri the Black-headed Goanna (Varanus tristis) occurs in rocky range country. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 151. Although well known to older Anangu, Kuniya the Woma (Aspidites ramsayi) is now very rarely encountered on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Photo: M. Hutchinson.

326 Figure 152. Nantalpa or Stimson’s Python (Antaresia stimsoni) found in rocky range country where its nocturnal habits make it difficult to observe. Photo: P. D. Canty.

Figure 153. Mulyapurkutitja the Five-ringed Snake (Pseudonaja modesta), is a small attractive snake widespread across the drier areas of the State. Photo: A. Robinson.

327 Figure 154. Spencer’s Burrowing Frog (Limnodynastes spenceri) was captured following rain at several sites. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure 155. The Orange-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne occidentalis), is known only from the Everard Ranges and the south-west of Western Australia. Photo: A. Robinson.

328 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey

INSECTS AND

L. F. Queale1, D. B. Hirst2, B. J. Nesbitt 3, L. M. Baker3 and R. Grund4

INTRODUCTION cannot be used for any purpose without the written This section summarises the knowledge of the insects permission of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. and arachnids of the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara Lands (AP Lands) The survey results are discussed and, wherever The insects and arachnids of the Anangu Pitj ant j at j ara possible it integrates much of the Anangu traditional Lands (AP Lands) occur in a range of habitats from ecological knowledge provided during the survey. plains to raised ridges as high as Mt Woodroffe (1435m). Many species are adapted to an arid zone Only ‘public’ information was recorded from Anangu. existence, while those less adapted find refuge in deep Prior to any survey information being collected, rock crevices or sheltered gorges where waterholes also discussions were held with the Anangu survey provide places for water beetles and dragonflies. participants, to clarify what type of information was Discussion of invertebrates of the AP Lands has been being sought and how it would be made available to the included in general surveys of similar adjacent regions general public. Anangu then determined what type of in the Northern Territory by Yen (1996, 1997). The information it would be appropriate for them to discussion in this chapter reports on the results of the provide. This was critical as the information collected systematic survey of invertebrates and integrates much was intended for presentation in reports, papers, and of the Anangu traditional ecological knowledge other print media. Collection of non-public, culturally provided during the survey. select information would expose readers to knowledge that would contravene traditional Law. At most vertebrate sites, micropitfalls (wet) were installed and invertebrates were collected from these as The information collected was compiled as an well as from the larger vertebrate pitfall (dry) lines. ACCESS database. This database is held by Anangu This report is limited to the larger insects that have Pitjantjatjara. Information provided on species by been pinned, and the ants and arachnids preserved in different Anangu informants is cross-referenced which alcohol that have been incorporated into the Terrestrial enables different language names for species to be Invertebrate collections at the SA Museum. The tiny retrieved and validated. The ACCESS database and specimens (< 6mm) remain in alcohol and are not all information recorded from Anangu is the sorted to genus as the is often not clear. property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara. Spiderlings that could not be determined below family level were discarded and are not included in the listing. The presentation of information in this report Some specimens sent off for research in early summarises the Anangu contribution to the years of the survey are not included. The taxonomy of knowledge of the flora and fauna of the AP Lands arachnids is at present very fluid, with many for the survey. It is not provided for others to use nomenclatural changes in progress. for profit by exploitation of Anangu traditional knowledge with regard their use of plants or At many sites, few insect species were collected (1-3). animals as food or for medicinal purposes. This The most diverse sites yielded up to a maximum of 33 data is the property of Anangu Pitjantjatjara and species. A number of species were collected from only one site or area but this does not indicate that they are

1 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 2 South Australian Museum, North Terrace, ADELAIDE, SA 5000 3 Wallambia Consultants. 1070 South Arm Rd. URUNGA, NSW 2455 4 [email protected]

329 unique to that site. This may simply reflect seasonal • 29 Bostrychopsis jesuita beetles. abundance or collecting methods employed at that site • At least 8 species of Carenum beetles (Fig. 156), 2 (e.g. beating bushes). Pitfall trapping of arachnids Conopterum, and 1 Epilectus (Carabidae); most of collects predominantly male and juvenile spiders. In which are undescribed. discontinuous habitats these spiders which are usually • Ten ant lions (Myrmeleontidae) taxa (Fig. 158) associated with habitats such as spinifex may be were collected at ULU camp and 5 at 23NG00101, collected in pitfalls in adjacent habitats, the spiders suggesting sandy conditions.). having wandered in search of a mate or for a suitable • From the total collection, some genera were found site for a retreat. Females tend to remain near a nest or to predominate, e.g. Netelia (Ichneumonidae, permanent retreat and are therefore more reliable Hymenoptera), Lepidogryllus (Gryllidae, indicators of habitat preference. Orthoptera), Goniaea (Acrididae, Orthoptera) and The wide variation in numbers and diversity across the Poecilometis (Pentatomidae, Hemiptera). survey is due to a variety of factors including: • phases of the moon; Butterflies • weather (e.g. when conditions are cool or windy, The butterfly fauna of the AP Lands comprises both invertebrates are usually inactive); endemic inland forms, and a transient (migratory) • the absence of invertebrate specialists (yields tropical fauna, dependent on the seasonal climatic collections of a much smaller variety of conditions (primarily as to when and how much rain the specimens); area receives). The area has never been systematically • vertebrates in the dry pits may eat the invertebrates surveyed for butterflies, and the following is based on captured. the records documented by travellers prior to the formation of the Aboriginal lands. It also includes recent observations along the Stuart Highway in the RESULTS eastern AP Lands and along the Mulga Park Road northeast of the area. None of the butterfly fauna is Insects (excluding butterflies) believed to be threatened based on present day More than 280 species of insects from 9 orders and 65 knowledge of the distribution data, and whatever families were collected during the survey. Orders species are present now are likely to be still present in yielding more than 100 specimens were the near future. (Blattodea); crickets and grasshoppers (Orthoptera); beetles (Coleoptera) and sucking bugs (Hemiptera). There are likely to be three distinct faunal , Species of the first three of these orders spend much of comprising the rocky elevated areas, the plain areas, their time on the ground and are easily caught in pit and the ephemeral creek and floodplain areas. Only traps (beetles and cockroaches) or by hand (eg twenty species of butterflies have actually been grasshoppers). recorded from the AP Lands, but a further eighteen species are likely to occur based on butterfly Many invertebrate orders do not yield high numbers distributions in nearby areas, and on the presence of because they contain few species, are usually very certain butterfly larvae foodplants within the area. small species or spend more time off the ground (are good fliers) e.g. Diptera (flies), (butterflies Thirteen species of butterflies are known to occur in the and moths) and some Hymenoptera (wasps and bees). AP Lands area as endemic inland fauna, and these comprise: The families (by Order) yielding high numbers of • Hesperiidae – skippers; Croitana arenaria, specimens were: Taractrocera anisomorpha • Collembola: springtails were collected in large • Pieridae - whites and yellows; Eurema smilax numbers at most sites as they abound in leaf litter; • - blues and coppers; Candalides • Blattodea: 155 Blattidae (cockroaches); heathi, Famegana alsulus, icilius, • Orthoptera: 184 Gryllidae (crickets), 171 Lampides boeticus, Nacaduba biocellata, Ogyris Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers); amaryllis, Theclinesthes albocincta, Theclinesthes • Hemiptera: 133 Cicadellidae, 204 Lygaeidae, 174 miskini, Theclinesthes serpentata, Zizina labradus Pentatomidae (shield bugs). • Coleoptera: 365 Carabidae (ground beetles). Based on butterfly larvae foodplant presence within the • > Hymenoptera: 1000 Formicidae (data is only area, and on the butterfly fauna known to occur in available for the first two years of the survey nearby areas, the following butterflies may eventually be found to occur as endemic fauna: The number of fly (Diptera) species is unlikely to • Proeidosa polysema, Taractrocera ina represent what might be found in the area. These are (Hesperiidae); Ogyris oroetes, Ogyris zosine, merely a few of the larger specimens that were Zizeeria karsandra, Zizula hylax (Lycaenidae). collected. Transient butterfly fauna that has been seen in the area Noteworthy collections included: comprises:

330 • Papilionidae - swallowtails Papilio demoleus Museum collection and some may prove to be unique (Fig.160) to the AP lands. • Pieridae Catopsilia pyranthe, Pieris rapae • Nymphalidae - brushfoot butterflies Danaus Noteworthy collections included: chrysippus, Danaus plexippus, Junonia villida, • Eight new species of Lamponidae (white-tailed Vanessa kershawi spiders) [Lampona ampeinna, named after the type locality, Ampeinna Hills, Lamponina elongata, Additional transient fauna that are likely to be Asadipus auld, A. kunderang, Bigenditia zuytdorp, documented include: B. millewa, Notsodipus muckera and • Papilio aegeus, Papilio anactus (Papilionidae); Pseudolampona boree] Belenois java, Catopsilia pomona, Catopsilia • three new species of (daddy-long-legs), scylla, Delias aganippe, Elodina padusa, Eurema [Trichocyclus arabana, T. hirsti and T. kokata] hecabe (Pieridae); Acraea andromacha, Euploea • two new Sparassidae (huntsman spiders), [Pediana core, Hypolimnas bolina, Vanessa itea paradoxa and Pediana temmei] have been (Nymphalidae). described from the survey material. Type specimens have been lodged in the SA Museum. The most notable butterflies known to occur in the area Both huntsmen are known only from or near the are Candalides heathi, Croitana arenaria, Famegana type localities. alsulus, Jalmenus icilius, Taractrocera anisomorpha • Hundreds more spiders soon to be named are in the and Theclinesthes albocincta. Candalides heathi is hands of experts and include representatives of uncommon but widespread in distribution. Its larvae Oonopidae (minute six-eyed spiders), have a preference for Stemodia florulenta (Bluerod) in Hadrotarsinae, Miturgidae (lined spiders), this area, but they also sometimes utilise certain Salticidae (jumping spiders), Corinnidae, Eremophila spp. Croitana arenaria and Taractrocera Trochanteriidae and Gnaphosidae (ground anisomorpha are rare fauna of the ephemeral creeks, spiders). with their larvae utilising Enteropogon acicularis (Branching Umbrella or Curly Windmill Grass), Scorpions Enteropogon ramosus (Tussock Umbrella Grass or Scorpions were represented by 2 families, 3 genera and Windmill Grass) and Eulalia aurea (Sugar-grass or 6 species. Most specimens of Lychas have been sent Silky Browntop), that grow along the creek beds. off for taxonomic research and indications are that they These grasses do not appear to be unduly affected by contain some undescribed species. grazing cattle. Famegana alsulus is also rare, and is normally seen near the ephemeral creeklines where its Pseudoscorpions larvae utilise the flowers of Indigofera spp. (Indigo). Pseudoscorpions comprised 4 families, but due to the Jalmenus icilius is widespread in distribution. It is rare lack of expertise in this area could not be identified in the south of the State, but can be locally common in further. It is surprising so many were collected as their this northern area and sometimes forms large breeding small size and cryptic habits render them a very colonies. Its larvae have a preference for certain forms inconspicuous part of our fauna. of Senna artemisioides in this area. The rare Theclinesthes albocincta (inland form) occurs in the sand dune areas where its larval foodplant Adriana Similarly, with the Acarina (mites), lack of expertise tomentosa var. hookeri grows. The latter plant appears has excluded identifications of this large diverse group to be very localised in the area and it is not known how of animals. However, most could be placed tentatively many stands of it remain. The butterfly is totally in just 5 families, the Erythraeidae (many of which are dependant on this plant. parasitic in their nymphal stages on invertebrates), Trombiculidae, Anystidae, Curculidae and the Spiders Oribatidae. In excess of 2 500 spiders, 135 Scorpions, 40 Pseudoscorpions and 300 mites were collected. Spiders were represented by 32 families, 110 or more ABORIGINAL NOMENCLATURE AND genera and over 300 species. Only 40 could be TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE identified to species level based on the present level of This section summarises much of the Anangu taxonomy. information recorded for invertebrates on and around the AP Lands. Anangu traditional ecological The collection of three specimens of Runcinia knowledge is presented mainly in tabular form. The elongata, a crab spider, is the first record of this genus information presented is derived from interviews and from South Australia. A number of collections discussions with over 120 Anangu informants collected represent new locality records or extensions to the during the eight-year survey. Other than where noted, known distribution of those species. Others were this knowledge is shared and corroborated by many recognised as being previously unrepresented in the Anangu. Some detail has been omitted where it related to the spiritual significance of a species and assessed as

331 information that should not be reproduced in a widely distributed publication.

Species identified by Anangu may have either: 1. species-specific name(s)- particularly those that are used by Anangu for example Tjala, Camponotus sp. 2. a generic name - which applies to a variety of species, or 3. a combination of both species-specific and generic names.

One reason for multiple species-specific names is that Anangu are multi-lingual and species names vary between languages and dialects. At times the differences between dialects is reflected in the suffix attached to the name. Pitjantjatjara speakers commonly place ‘pa’ at the end of names.

Anangu recognise invertebrates as a very important component of the AP Lands biodiversity. During the surveys Anangu provided 379 invertebrate records. Anangu identified and named 68 different invertebrates or invertebrate life stages, of these 19 related specifically to ants (see Tables 36 and 37). Appendix XI presents a compilation of the Tables in this chapter sorted by the Anangu names, together with relevant names from the Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara to English Dictionary (Goddard 1992). Due to logistical constraints scientific identifications could only be determined for approximately a third of the identifications provided by Anangu. Some invertebrates have strong cultural significance these include Ngapari (edible lerp), Tjala (Honey Ant), and Anumara (edible caterpillar).

332 Table 36. Anangu ant names recorded on the AP Lands Biological Survey.

Anangu name Common name Scientific name* Alkarka Large biting Mulga ant Odontomachus spp. purpureus Camponotus denticulatus Kaltuka Inch ants, orange bites. Myrmecia sp. Kunkunpa Very small, pale coloured ants Meranoplus spp. Large black ant that bites the ears Malu pina patjilpai of kangaroos Minga Medium sized ants with big head Formicidae Minga Iriodomyrmex spp. Small formic acid ants Monmorium spp. Minga nyalpitj ara Flying ants Mitunyararpa Type of honey ant - inedible Mulyatikil(pa) Tiny black ant bites Ngarutj arra Ant Myrmecia spp. Papa-papa Odontomachus spp. Large black non-aggressive ants Polyrachis spp. Papa-papa Non-aggressive red Mulga ants Camponotus sp. Piran-piranpa Red and black aggressive ant Piran-piranpa Pale non-aggressive ants Melophorus spp. Pitjiti Large biting ant Tjala purunypa Type of honey ant found amongst the rocks. Not eaten by Anangu.

Tjutingana Medium-sized ants, walk with raised abdomen. Related to Honey Ants in the Tj ukurpa. Watara-watara Biting ant with big pincers Polyrachis spp. Akulyu Termites Watunuma Termite larvae Purara Honey Ant worker (Tj ala form ) Camponotus sp. Tjala Honey Ant (edible form) Camponotus sp. Ipilyka-ipilyka Honey Ant eggs (Tj ala form ) Camponotus sp.

Many ants are distinguished by the type of nests they the ring. The guard ants have a stinger on their build. Alkarka builds a large volcano shaped nest with abdomen. soil, but does not decorate the mound with litter. Alkarka eat green plant material, flowers and seeds, they also feed on meat carcasses. Kaltuka build their nest at the base of bloodwood, paperbark and Mulga trees they are very aggressive ants. Kaltuka produce a large number of eggs in burrow chambers, they eat yellow flowers during spring.

Kunkunpa ants collect bluebush flowers to cover their nest for shade and to camouflage the entrance. They make a tiny mound and disappear when you move the mound, there is nothing underneath it, i.e. no holes or tunnels. Piran-piranpa is a red and black ant that makes a circular ring around the entrance to the nest. Each ant moves balls of sand from the burrow and places it on

333 Table 37. Other Anangu invertebrate names recorded on the AP Lands Biological Survey.

Anangu name Common name Scientific name* Anumara Caterpillar (edible) Anumara purunypa Caterpillar, similar to an edible caterpillar called Anumara

Arkulukulu Black weevil Molochtus Artjirikitikiti Insect gall Ililpa Wasp Hymenoptera Ilpili Yellow-striped wasp Iltalpi Cricket Gryllidae Kaluraluri Desert , Tiger Beetle that eats caterpillars and Honey Ants Kaluwatara Lacewing Katulapulpul Myrmeleontidae Lukupupu Kinara Snail Gastropoda Kiritjiti Lerp Psyllidae Kiwinyi Mosquito Culicidae Kuwalpa Praying mantis, stick insect Mantodea, Phasmatidae Kuwalpa apu mantakati Rock grasshopper Pyrgomorphidae Kumpurantja Unknown (track only) Kumpurumpuri Bush cockroach Blattidae Kurku Lerp on Mulga Psyllidae Maku Edible caterpillar (witchetty grub) Cossidae or Cerambycidae Mirinpa Black flat-dish beetle Helea sp. Mirinpa Cave cricket Mutu-mutu Beetles: dish beetles, click beetles, Tenebrionidae, Elateridae, scarab beetles Carabidae sp. Mutu-mutu wanka Beetle larvae Coleoptera Muya-muya Caterpillar Geometrid looper caterpillar Ngalakunti Caterpillar Palkapiti Ngapari Lerp on Eucalypts Psyllidae Ngurtu-ngurtu Yellow butterfly Eurema smilax Niri-niri Black weevil, beetle, lady beetle, cicada Pinpinpa Small white moth Pinta pinta Butterflies and moths Nymphalidae Pira Dead white snail shell Pirinpa Stink beetle Pitikatali Scorpion Scorpionidae Pititjalili Pultanpa King (Mole) Cricket Gryllacrididae Punpunpa Flies Pupuliri Blowfly Calliphoridae Riti-riti Large dish backed beetle Helea sp? Tjintilyka Grasshopper Acrididae 334 Tjin-tjinti Large cricket Gryllacrididae Tjirin-t j irinpa Beetle Coleoptera Ultanpa Cricket Gryllidae Unganangu Edible larvae (grub) Ungkupita Edible white larvae (grub) Upipily Freshwater mussels Unionidae Upupilypa Freshwater shield-shrimp Triops sp. Wanatjiti Centipede Chilopoda Wankungura Processionary Caterpillar Thaumatopoeidae Wanka Wanka Spider, Brush-footed Spider, Pediana tanui, Theraphosidae, Golden-orb Spider, Huntsman Lycosa bicolor Spider, Red-backed Spider, Trapdoor Spider, Whistling Spider, Wolf Spider

Wipu watawara Dragonfly Odonata

SELECTED SPECIES OF SIGNIFICANCE TO Mulga nectar makes them a dark colour. In some areas ANANGU they taste more buttery than sweet. The larvae are called Ipilka and are always kept close to the surface of Maku, Witchetty Grub the nest. After rain the repletes are also moved close to Maku is the name for edible grubs or caterpillars. One the surface, but in dry times they are moved deeper of the most favoured is the grub associated with below ground. Good Honey Ant habitat is tall old Witchetty Bush (Acacia kempeana). The roots of the Mulga that grows closely together with ephemeral shrub are dug up and broken open to remove the grub, grasses interspersed with depressions or drainage lines which is eaten raw or cooked in ashes. There are (groving Mulga). The soil is soft and clayey. If the preferred maku gathering areas, as some Acacia area is burnt then the ants move away. kempeana communities produce larger numbers of the edible sized maku. Maku availability is seasonal and There are two other types ants similar to Tj ala but are Anangu are able to determine the presence of maku not edible. Mitunyararpa, which has a similar burrow within a shrubs root system and then within a specific structure to Tj ala but are not edible and are smelly. section of the root using visual cues and by tapping the Tjala purara (not collected during survey) are located in ground. the ranges and rocky outcrops but Anangu do not dig for these. Tj utingana (not collected during survey) are Tjala, Honey Ants Camponotus sp. related to Honey Ants in the Tj ukurpa. To locate Honey Ants Anangu look for a trail of fine dirt which indicates active digging by the ants, usually Other edible invertebrates hidden by leaf litter under mature Mulga trees. After Edible invertebrates include kurku a lerp exudate, scraping away the litter, Anangu follow the trail of dirt edible caterpillars and larvae such as Anumara, Maku, and ants to the outside tunnels. The tunnel leading to Unganangu, and Ungkupita. Seeds are also collected the chamber is called nyinantu. They dig sideways into from Minga ant nests when Eragrostis seeds are left the chambers so that they don’t collapse the roof and outside on the top of the nest. Flat pan termitaria were break the Honey Ants which are attached to it. The traditionally used as a seed grinding surfaces by chamber is called ngari. Special protocols apply to the Anangu. collection of Honey Ants. For example, the queen, eggs and larvae must never be removed or harmed. Medicinal uses for invertebrates The Honey Ant community comprises: Tjala – replete, There are a range of medicinal uses of ants and Purara – workers, Larpa – small Tj ala starting to fill caterpillars. For example, Wanka (Processionary with nectar (they are not sweet), Ilpilka – larvae. Caterpillar) nest can be soaked and used as a bandage for burns. The Tj ala (Honey Ants) and Larpa are tended by workers, Purara, who stay in the chamber. Other Poisonous insects and spiders workers collect nectar from flowers, especially Mulga • Kuwalpa, stick insects, - can bite and poison flowers, exudate from lerps and tree gums to feed the children. Honey Ants. The colour of the Honey Ants depends on • Kumpurumpuri, cockroach - contact with mouth the nectar they are fed by the workers. For example, via hands makes stomach sick.

335 • Wanka, Processionary Caterpillars - cause a Camp sites (e.g. ANM00101) (WAT, PIL, NG) were sickness in the throat if they get into food or tea. more intensively surveyed than other sites by biologists • Wanatjiti, centipedes - are poisonous who collected at these sites for several days and nights. • Wanka, Brush-footed Spider - has trapdoor on its Other sites with diverse insect fauna include: burrow. Makes people sick if bitten. 23NG00401 (a Triodia spinifex hummock grassland) • Wanka - Spider which lives in webbing in Mulga and 23NG00301 (a Melaleuca / Eucalyptus floodout). tree branches causes swelling if it bites you. Sites with the highest numbers of orthopterans were: • Wanka, Red-tailed Spider - that constructs cone- 23WAT00201, 23WM00601, 23ANM00101 and shaped burrow with soil and pebbles – bites. 23ANM00601. Sites with the highest numbers of • Wanka, Whistling Spider - builds a raised mound predatory beetles were: 23WM00401, 23NG00301, with webbing around the mound. It bites. 23SEN01001 and 23GRD00801. Cockroaches were • Wanka, Wolf Spider - has a burrow with web over present in abundance at many sites, especially at the top and the spider pushes the dirt from the hole 23YUR00601 and 23YUR00401. Apterogryllus, the away from the entrance ‘wingless burrowing cricket’, appeared in sandy sites, often on dune crests. Not all Wanka (spiders) bite. PATN analysis was performed on sites with more than 3 specimens collected. This method revealed 7 groups SPECIES ASSEMBLAGE PATTERNS of sites. It was found that the groups showed little Analysis results concurrence with plant assemblage. Site species presence/absence data for sites with more than five species was analysed using PATN and groups The cockroach genus Platyzosteria appeared in high were examined for possible links with substrate type. numbers through groups 3-7. Crickets were collected Tables of species presented against the various habitat more often in groups 6 and 7. Cicadellids parameters that were recorded are presented in (hemipterans) were found in high numbers in groups Appendix IX. 2,3 and 7.

The results were difficult to interpret, as for most Group 1 yielded more carabids and Calolampra species site data was insufficient to enable clear (Blattellidae) than other taxa while this group had a conclusions to be drawn. In general the short-horned higher proportion of grasses than other groups, as well grasshoppers, cockroaches and carabids showed no as trees. This plant assemblage represented however specific association with soil type. The genera, does not show a high proportion of this type of plant. Chortoicetes (Plague Locust), Calolampra (Common Wingless Cockroach), Kapunda (small ‘stink bug’) and Group 2 associates a preference for some hemipterans the family Gryllacrididae (raspy crickets) were and a cricket (Endacusta) with some grasses and similarly non-specific. There appeared to be some . association between sandy substrates and the acridids: Urnisa and Buforania, and the Bostrychidae: Group 3 is a mixed bag of plant assemblages and Bostrychopsis jesuita. Endacusta appeared to occur reveals a preference for , grasshoppers and mostly on clay-loam substrates and the acridid hemipterans that eat seeds and roots. Also, the beetle Goniaea, the cricket Lepidogryllus, and the cockroach: Bostrychopsis (which eats dead native trees) is Platyzosteria on clay soils. Another cockroach represented here in high numbers. Four of the five Zonioploca and the blow fly Calliphora dubia were landforms in this group are drainage floodouts and found at loamy soil sites. The scarab Heteronyx was slopes but one is a plain system. commonly found in a mixture of clay, loam and sand substrates. Group 4 has similar landforms and a higher proportion of Pentatomids (hemipterans) which suggests that Yen (1996) and Yen et al. (1997) suggests that soil herbaceous plants are common. Mantispids and the factors exert the most influence on insect diversity. carabid Calosoma schayeri appear here in higher Soil types give rise to the plant assemblages that may numbers than in other groups. influence insect diversity. This may be particularly relevant, as we are dealing with largely ground fauna Group 5, here Acacias and grasses appear and are (pitfall trapping). Therefore the quality of leaf litter associated with a higher proportion of the acridid may also be important as a source of food and shelter. Buforania, Buprestid beetles and amorphoscellid As carabids, the predominant beetle family, are mantids. predators, plant availability may not be so important for them as is the abundance of their prey. Group 6 shows more concurrence of sites. It includes sandy sites of woodland and grasses and shows a higher Comments on site variation proportion of crickets (especially Apterogryllus sp.) The site showing the greatest diversity was cockroaches, the hemipteran family Dictyophoridae and 23WM00401 Aristida-Enneapogon with 33 species.

336 carabids. This group attracted the highest number of COMPARISON WITH OTHER BIOLOGICAL sites and taxa. SURVEYS When comparisons are made with the insect fauna Group 7 contains a wide variety of insects, showing an recorded from the Flinders Ranges Survey (Brandle emphasis on grasshopper and carabid taxa and a broad 2001), quite a large difference in taxa is noted (Table diversity of plant species. 38). Although both these survey areas contain extensive arid ranges, this observation suggests that The PATN analysis does not therefore reveal much differences in climate and soil type seem very consistent information that can help us to predict which influential in determining insect assemblages. plant assemblages occur with particular insect assemblages.

Table 38. A comparison of the representation of genera of insects collected during the Flinders Ranges and Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Surveys.

ORDER Family Genera Genera Genera only in only in AP common to Flinders Lands both Ranges BLATTODEA Blaberidae 1 2 3 Blattidae 4 2 6 Blattellidae 1 2 1

COLEOPTERA Bostrichidae 0 1 1 Buprestidae 1 4 0 Carabidae 7 15 12 Cerambycidae0 110 Curculionidae 3 7 2 Dytiscidae 3 0 0 Elateridae 0 4 2 6 3 1 Tenebrionidae 6 3 1 Trogidae 0 1 0

HEMIPTERA Alydidae 0 1 0 Lygaeidae 1 11 3 Notonectidae 0 0 1 Pentatomidae 4 25 3 Reduviidae 3 10 3 Rhopalidae 0 1 1 Scutelleridae 1 1 1

NEUROPTERA Chrysopidae 0 0 1 Ithonidae 1 0 0 Mantispidae 0 3 0 Myrmeleontidae 0 10 1

ORTHOPTERA Acrididae 7 10 12 Eumastacidae 0 0 1 Gryllacrididae 1 3 2 Gryllidae 4 6 3 Pyrgomorphidae 0 1 1 Tettigoniidae 1 6 3

MANTODEA Mantidae 1 2 2

337 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey

Families such as Carabidae, Blattidae, Acrididae and Pentatomidae show great variation in genera and Tenebrionids, known as piedish beetles, were not found species occurring in the 2 regions. Tenebrionidae and in abundance. They prefer sandy soils where they hide hemipteran families showed almost no similarity. during the day and forage on plant material at night. Mantodea showed considerable concurrence compared While tenebrionids would be expected to be common in with Myrmeleontidae which showed almost none. Of this area there are significant differences in the wingless crickets, there were no Apterogryllus recorded distribution of grasses, which may reflect differences in from the Flinders Ranges but Endacusta were found in the abundance of this group. It was observed that the about the same frequency. dominant grass here is Triodia while in the east of the State canegrass is abundant (with less Triodia). This Acrididae and Tettigoniidae (short and long – horned suggests that there are major differences in ecology grasshoppers, respectively) showed little similarity. between the east and the west of the State.

Coleoptera Orthoptera The most common beetle family recorded was Twelve taxa were collected in the AP Lands and on the Carabidae, followed by Cerambycidae and Flinders Ranges survey in the family Acrididae (short- Curculionidae. Carabids from the AP lands are horned grasshoppers). A similar number of taxa were represented by at least 8 Carenum species whereas found to not overlap between the regions. This there are only 2 species recorded from the Flinders observation is a reflection of the habitat similarity and Ranges survey. Carabids (ground beetles) are difference of the regions. This is a big family with predatory and nocturnal. Other genera are either not some members that are very mobile and others that are represented or represented by different species. more sedentary spending a lot of time in leaf litter. The Cerambycidae are represented by eight genera in the litter dwellers tend to be grey and depend more on AP Lands specimens and two of the eight were jumping and camouflage than flying, for escaping recorded from the Flinders Ranges survey. Members of predators. Goniaea, Coryphistes and Apotropis are this family usually prefer habitats with trees, which examples of grey litter dwellers, Austracris and Acrida provide shelter and food opportunities for them and can fly long distances in open areas, and Sphingonotus their larvae. Phoracantha sp. are known to inhabit and Peakesia prefer more pebbly ground, in keeping Eucalyptus trees. Most were collected here on alluvial with their mottled coloration. Sandy landforms provide plain sites, dominated by Eucalyptus. Representatives good camouflage for Urnisa and Qualleta, while of the subfamily Laminae and the genus Piesarthrius Oedalus and Oxyinae are well adapted for leaping into were most common on sites with Acacia. grasses (especially Triodia) and climbing down to hide in the grass spikes for protection. Bostrichidae are also woodborers and were collected from a wide variety of habitats though more commonly The long-horned grasshoppers or katydids on sites with Acacia. (Tettigoniidae) are generally elegant greenish individuals. Elephantodeta and Taenomina are the The weevils (Curculionidae) form the biggest beetle most common taxa, here – and belong to the subfamily family and were found in significant numbers and Phaneropterinae (bush katydids). variety in the AP Lands. They are phytophagous in a broad spectrum of lifestyle niches. Eumastacidae is a family of grasshoppers that are matchstick-like in shape, wingless and well Scarabs were collected in low numbers. The larvae camouflaged when at rest when they cling to plant have a characteristic shape and hide underground where stems. they feed on roots and decaying vegetable matter. ‘Dung beetles’ (Geotrupinae) may be rare in this The crickets (Gryllidae) here show a variety of taxa that collection, as there is little commercial grazing in this occupy arid niches in open and closed woodlands. area. Colpochila is a large and widespread genus. Apterogryllus is a wingless genus that burrows in deep Heteronyx is another large genus referred to as sandy areas. Teleogryllus commodus (the Black Field , which can appear in large numbers. There Cricket – common in wetter climes) was not recorded were no Anoplognathus sp. (Christmas Beetles) found from the AP Lands. here either. These genera feed on Eucalyptus and belong to the subfamily Melolonthinae. Gryllacridids are spectacular predatory ‘raspy crickets’, which can defend themselves with a strong bite. Of Click beetles (Elateridae) were represented by six taxa; those found on this survey, the wingless ones (included Conoderus being found in the highest numbers here. in ‘Gn. sp.’) burrow and the winged taxa (named) live While most are phytophagous, Lanelater larvae are in trees. thought to be predatory on wood boring beetle larvae. Paracalais is a very large spotted taxon, also with predatory larvae. 1 338 Neuroptera taxa here. It is a large family and interestingly many Otherwise known as ‘lacewings’ the adults and larvae genera were found to show a different suite of species are predacious, though sometimes the adults feed on when compared to those found on the Flinders Ranges honeydew. survey.

The antlion taxa (Myrmeleontidae) were collected in Reduviidae small numbers here, although more than in the Flinders These bugs are also called ‘assassin bugs’ as they have Ranges survey. This reflects the widespread sandy a strong predatory proboscis that can also be used for nature of the AP Lands. The mantispids are predatory defence. They grab prey with their front legs and lacewings with raptorial forelegs and a physical extract tissue from within through their proboscis. similarity to true mantids. The larvae feed on spider Thirteen taxa were identified from this survey. eggs. The are small brown lacewings and Chrysopidae are larger, green taxa. These three Blattodea families are represented by their most common genera. Blaberidae The common genus of this family, Calolampra was Mantodea found widely in this region. Individuals are flattened Quite a range of taxa were collected in this group. The and live under bark. The males are usually winged and two families are Amorphoscelidae, whose females females wingless. resemble ants in appearance and scurrying behaviour and Mantidae, including large and small genera. Blattidae Members of the genus Platyzosteria were collected. Hemiptera Here these are black species, wingless and hide in the Cydnidae leaf litter. They are widespread and belong to one of The Cydnidae (burrowing bugs) are usually found in the largest cockroach genera. Many species are sandy soils and feed mainly on roots. Adrisa is the undescribed. most abundant genus in Australia and those collected here probably belong to it. Blattellidae Three taxa were isolated with Ellipsidion being the Lygaeidae only identified native genus. The are nocturnal and can Some lygaeids were collected in this area, in leaf litter. be attracted to light. Often attractively marked species, Most feed on seeds. Nysius vinitor (the Rutherglen the adults exhibit sexual dimorphism. Blatella Bug) was collected in the highest numbers. It is germanica is an introduced, sometimes pest species. widespread throughout Australia and can be a plant pest. Hymenoptera Netelia is a widespread genus of Ichneumonidae. They Notonectidae are ectoparasites of large moth and wasp larvae. These bugs are known as ‘backswimmers’ and occur in Formicidae - ants - are covered earlier in this section. large numbers in bodies of water. Anisops is found throughout the State. The invertebrate collections from the eight years of AP Lands surveys represent a significant addition to the Pentatomoidea collections of the South Australian Museum from a The families Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae (e.g. relatively poorly collected part of the State. The broad- Choerocoris paganus, which feeds on Dodonea) are scale and low intensity of the collection however when well known as ‘stink bugs’. They all use their probosci set against the scale that invertebrates perceive their to extract nutrients from plant tissues, (probably from habitat makes anything other than very broad the phloem). Pentatomids are represented by a diverse ecological interpretation impossible.

339 Figure. 156. Carabidae: Carenum elegans, a predatory commonly found in South Australia. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure. 157. Tenebrionidae: Helea sp., a large herbivorous piedish beetle, found in sandy areas. Photo: A. Robinson.

340 Figure. 158. Myrmeleontidae: Glenoleon sp. The adult form of one of the common predatory antlions found in the northern region of the State. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure. 159. Tettigoniidae: Elephantodeta sp. a long-horned grasshopper or katydid found throughout South Australia. Photo: A. Robinson.

341 Figure 160 The Chequered Swallowtail (Papilio demoleus) is a transient species in the AP Lands in good seasons. Photo: A. Robinson.

Figure. 161. The Wolf Spider (Lycosa bicolor) is widespread in arid areas but uncommon. Found on open plains it conceals its burrow entrance during the day with silk and soil. It feeds on insects. Photo: D. Hirst.

342 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

P. B. Copley1 and A. C. Robinson1

INTRODUCTION SUMMARY OF RESULTS The Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands (AP Lands) cover all Vascular plants of the Central Ranges and a significant proportion of Overall the survey produced 14 132 plant records and the Great Victoria Desert Bioregions in South 5 339 herbarium voucher specimens. A total of 719 Australia. Consequently they support vegetation species (or taxa of lower rank) were communities and a suite of plant and animal species recorded within the AP Lands. Of these, 16 were that are only found in SA from the AP Lands, but which species not previously recorded in South Australia, and also occur in adjacent areas of the NT and WA. several appear to represent the discovery of new Conservation management should therefore, where undescribed taxa. Another 44 represent new plant possible, be carried out in cooperation with the records for the North-western region of SA. adjoining State and Territory. This is facilitated by the extensive movement of Anangu throughout the area as The survey documented 85 taxa collected on the AP traditionally the State and Territory borders had no Land biological surveys that are considered to be relevance for them. Clearly there are now significant significant in the context of the North-western administrative differences across the area and these Herbarium Region (NW) of South Australia, because of must be taken into account when developing their apparent rarity, or the lack of collections, or as conservation management across the region. examples of regional endemism.

The AP Lands in South Australia represent the southern The most frequently recorded perennial species in AP and south-eastern limits for many species such as the Lands quadrats was Rhagodia eremaea (Desert Tjakura, Brown Honeyeater and Spinifexbird and such Saltbush) being present at 156 (62%) of the 253 populations require specific conservation efforts. quadrats sampled, while Enchylaena tomentosa (Ruby Saltbush) was the next most common. Tussock grasses In common with the rest of arid Australia, the flora and are well represented among the most common species fauna have undergone a significant decline since from with Aristida contorta (Curly Wire-grass) and the 1940s onwards with the arrival of fox and rabbit Enneapogon polyphyllus (Leafy Bottle-washers) with populations coupled with extended drought periods. 138 quadrats each, Digitaria brownii (Cotton Panic- The mammal fauna has been hardest hit with at least 18 grass) with 115 quadrats, and Eragrostis species becoming extinct. Other species such as the eriopoda/laniflora (Woollybutt) with 105 quadrats Black-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis being in the top 15 species. Hummock grasses occur MacDonnell Ranges race) continue to decline. A much less widely, with the most common species being variety of birds also appear to have been lost from the Triodia basedowii (Hard Spinifex) with 62 quadrats AP Lands over the last 50 years including the Bush and T. irritans (Grey Spinifex) with 44 quadrats. Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) and the Grey However, where they do occur, hummock grasses Currawong (Strepera versicolor), while the Malleefowl usually dominate. (Leipoa ocellata) is still declining and, like the rock- wallaby, will require active management to ensure its The AP Lands are remarkable for the low incidence of continues survival on the AP Lands. Even the reptile alien plants, with only 25 introduced species recorded fauna, which is normally more resilient to decline on survey quadrats or as opportunistic sightings. This elsewhere in arid Australia has been affected with number is only 3.5 % of the total flora, and reflects the declines in Woma Pythons (Aspidites ramsayi) and the relatively intact vegetation in the AP Lands compared Tjakura (Egernia kintorei). to most other regions of the State. Nevertheless, a few of the alien species found in the AP Lands are of concern and Buffel Grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) in particular is considered to be a serious management issue.

1 SA Department for Environment and Heritage, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA 5001

343 Mammals (Psephotus varius), Southern Whiteface In common with the rest of the Australian arid zone, a (Aphelocephala leucopsis), Galah (Cacatua significant proportion of the mammal fauna has become roseicapilla), Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes) Pied extinct since European settlement. This wave of Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis) and White- extinctions occurred relatively late in the AP Lands browed Babbler (Pomatostomus superciliosus). compared with areas further south, and many species did not become extinct till the 1960s. Approximately Reptiles and frogs to 44 native and 9 introduced mammal species were There are now 97 species of reptiles and 5 species of known to inhabit the region. This survey, and other frogs known for the AP Lands. The survey added 33 recent observations, has recorded 27 native mammal new reptile species but no new frogs to the previous species still remaining across the AP Lands. At least known fauna. New reptile records included eight new 18 species must now be presumed extinct. Two species records for South Australia, and the re-discovery by collected on this survey, the Fat-tailed Dunnart Anangu of several populations of the Tjakura (Egernia (Sminthopsis crassicaudata) and the Narrow-nosed kintorei) previously thought to be extinct in this State. Planigale (Planigale tenuirostris), represent additions to the previously known mammal fauna. SPECIES COMMUNITIES The most frequently recorded species, using all Plants methods such as observation, tracks, scats, burrows and Pattern analysis of 447 plant species across the 253 skeletal material was the introduced Rabbit sample sites generated 30 groups based on the (Oryctolagus cuniculus), constituting 8.5% of records similarity of their floristic composition. These were on survey quadrats but recorded for 60% of these grouped into 11 separate clusters as detailed below: quadrats. The two most frequently trapped species Cluster 1: 6 groups, 21 quadrats however, were the two small rodents, the Sandy Inland Paperbark Tea-tree, River Red Gum and Elegant Mouse (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis) and the Wattle communities on well-drained alluvial and introduced House Mouse (Mus musculus) with the watercourse systems. Spinifex Hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) also Cluster 2: 2 groups, 5 quadrats encountered frequently. Other common and Red Mallee – Bindyi communities of calcareous widespread native species include the Dingo or Papa footslopes and palaeodrainage lines and depressions. Inura (Canis lupus dingo), the Ooldea Dunnart Cluster 3: 2 group, 5 quadrats (Sminthopsis ooldea) and Wongai Ningaui (Ningaui Chenopod communities of drainage areas. ridei) – the latter two both referred to as Mingkiri - the Cluster 4: 5 groups, 31 quadrats. Euro or Kanyala (Macropus robustus) and Red Tussock Grassland and Open Shrubland communities Kangaroo or Malu (M. rufus), the Echidna or of loamy plains. Tjilkamata (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the Fat-tailed Cluster 5: 2 groups, 14 quadrats. Pseudantechinus or Anula (Pseudantechinus Saltbush and Bluebush communities of stony country. macdonnellensis). Other common and widespread Cluster 6: 3 groups, 50 quadrats introduced species include the Arabian Camel Tussock grass hill and granitic hill communities. (Camelus dromedarius), the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Cluster 7: 1 group, 10 quadrats the Feral Cat (Felis catus), Domestic Cattle (Bos Grey Spinifex (Triodia irritans) Hummock Grassland taurus), Feral Horses (Equus caballus), Feral Donkeys on hill footslopes. (Equus asinus). Cluster 8: 3 groups, 17 quadrats Spinifex (Triodia scariosa) communities. Birds Cluster 9: 2 groups, 19 quadrats The survey and previous observations have recorded Dune shrubland communities. 154 species of birds across the AP Lands. Two Cluster 10: 2 groups, 35 quadrats species, the northern form of the Grey Currawong Hard Spinifex (Triodia basedowii) communities. (Strepera versicolor plumbea) and the Bush Stone- Cluster 11: 2 groups, 38 quadrats curlew (Burhinus grallarius) appear to have become Mulga communities. extinct since European settlement. The survey added eight species to the known bird fauna with the most Mammals notable species being a first record for South Australia Pattern analysis of 15 mammal species from 133 for the Spinifexbird (Eremiornis carteri). quadrats generated 6 groups.

The most frequently recorded birds across the AP The first and most distinctive group is a mammal Lands were the Singing Honeyeater, (Lichenostomus assemblage confined to rocky hill systems. Groups 2 to virescens), Yellow-throated Miner (Manorina 5 are less well defined but represent a gradient from the flavigula), Crested Bellbird (Oreoica gutturalis), Willie grass-covered sand plains through chenopod shrublands Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Spiny-cheeked and into the dune systems. Group 6, represents the Honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis), Black-faced more open spinifex-covered hill systems without the Woodswallow (Artamus cinereus), Mulga Parrot extensive shrub-filled valleys and broken topography of Group 1. 344 Birds ecological information has been reported in the Pattern analysis of 68 bird species across 169 quadrats chapters of this report. generated 8 groups and Group 1 could be split into two sub-groups. CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE / SPECIES Groups 1 and 2 represent treed sites ranging from open WITH CONSERVATION RATINGS to very open woodland, Groups 3 and 4 are grassland Many of the plant and animal species now known from on plains with some trees. Group 5 is found on sand the AP Lands are at their southern or south eastern plains and dunes. Group 6 consists of birds of the limits in South Australia and have a much more rocky hills while group 7 is found in grasslands and low extensive distribution in adjacent areas of Western open shrubland areas. Group 8 has a group of birds Australia and the Northern Territory. As such it is still that do not appear to favour any particular habitat type. very important to manage the South Australian populations of these species at the limits of their natural Reptiles distribution. Many of the species with a State Pattern analysis of 50 reptile species from 133 quadrats conservation rating below fall into this category. There generated 4 groups with group 3 being split into three is however another suite of species still found on the sub-groups. AP Lands, which have been recognised as being threatened across their whole range in Australia. These Group 1 is found on the sandy loams of the plains while species are listed below with a National conservation group 2 is more characteristic of the sand plains and rating. For mammals, only species that still have dunes. Group 3a is associated with drainage lines, current populations somewhere in Australia are listed. Group 3b with rocky hills and gorges and group 3c with Species presumed to be extinct from the AP Lands are hummock grasslands on hills. Group 4 is the hummock discussed in the mammal and bird chapters of this grassland specialists of the sand plains and dunes. report.

Plants TRADITIONAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE National conservation rating A very important part of the work with Anangu on their Prostanthera nudula Traditional Ecological Knowledge involved Lechenaultia aphylla determining the names used for the various species of Basedowia tenerrima plants ands animals encountered during the biological survey work or discussed using museum specimens for State conservation rating rare or extinct species. The following summarises the Acacia ammobia extent of the names recorded in this part of the project: Acacia helmsiana Acacia symonii Plants Acacia tenuior 373 separate Anangu names for 2122 plants examined. Austrostipa plumigera Some species had multiple Anangu names. Basedowia tenerrima Dampiera roycei Mammals Eragrostis lacunaria 70 separate Anangu names for 709 mammals examined. Eucalyptus gillenii Some species had multiple Anangu names. Eucalyptus incurva Goodenia brunnea Birds Goodenia glandulosa 140 separate Anangu names for 518 birds examined. Goodenia heterochila Some species had multiple Anangu names. Hibbertia glaberrima Lepidosperma avium Reptiles and frogs Lobelia heterophylla 23 separate Anangu names for 634 reptiles and frogs Melaleuca fulgens ssp. corrugata examined. Some species had multiple Anangu names. Menkea lutea Microcorys macrediana Insects and spiders Ophioglossum polyphyllum 68 separate Anangu names for 379 insects and spiders Ptilotus schwartzii var. schwartzii forma schwartzii examined. Some species had multiple Anangu names Samolus eremaeus Sida ‘pindan’ In addition to establishing the names that these plants Sida sp. N and animals have on the AP Lands, Anangu provided Stipa plumigera the survey biologists with a wealth of natural history var. pungens information from their encyclopaedic knowledge of the Xanthorrhoea thorntonii ecology of the area. Where this information is public Lechenaultia aphylla information available to non-Anangu this wealth of Olearia arida Prostanthera nudula 345 Sauropus ramosissimus great biogeographic significance. It provides a series Stylidium inaequipetalum of less extreme refuges in the sheltered gorges and on the high peaks to support species, which could not Mammals survive on the surrounding arid plains. The sand plains National conservation rating and sand dunes in the southern part of the AP Lands are Myrmecobius fasciatus a part of the Great Victoria Desert Bioregion, which Dasycercus cristicauda again has a significant area in WA. The flora and fauna Dasyurus geoffroii associated with these two major bioregions are Isoodon auratus therefore almost restricted to the Aboriginal lands of Macrotis lagotis the Maralinga Tjarutja and in the AP Lands. A Perameles bougainville proportion of these species that are habitat generalists Notoryctes typhlops are however distributed more widely across the Trichosurus vulpecula Australian arid zone. Bettongia lesueur Bettongia penicillata Lagorchestes hirsutus THREATENING PROCESSES Petrogale lateralis The life cycles of all plants and animals resident on the AP Lands: State conservation rating  are driven first and foremost by rainfall and the Myrmecobius fasciatus availability of water for sustenance of their life Dasycercus cristicauda processes, and Macrotis lagotis  are limited, at various times and for varying Perameles bougainville periods, by a relative lack of water (e.g. during Notoryctes typhlops extended droughts). Bettongia lesueur Bettongia penicillata Unfortunately, the life cycles of many plants have Petrogale lateralis become limited even further in recent decades through: Saccolaimus flaviventris  the grazing and browsing effects of introduced Taphozous hilli herbivores – in particular, by the almost-ubiquitous European Rabbit, but also to lesser, and more Birds localised, degrees by feral camels, horses, donkeys National conservation rating and cattle; and Leipoa ocellata  the less selective, and often very extensive, impacts of larger and more frequent wildfires than used to State conservation rating be the pattern prior to the 1930s-1940s. Leipoa ocellata Hamirostra melanosternon These impacts on the vegetation remove vast quantities Falco hypoleucos of potential food sources for many animals, as well as Ardeotis australis severely limiting available shelter and breeding Geophaps plumifera (nesting) sites. They therefore also significantly reduce Cacatua leadbeateri the relative carrying capacities of the land for a very Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli wide range of native species. In addition, wildfires Climacteris affinis severely fragment plant and animal populations and Amytornis striatus lead to local, at least temporary, population extinctions. Aphelocephala pectoralis Gerygone fusca Soil disturbance and removal of native vegetation cover Lichenostomus keartlandii by fire and/or by large numbers of introduced Eremiornis carteri herbivores can lead to displacement of native plant species by introduced weed species. In the AP Lands Reptiles the range of such weedy species is still relatively small, National conservation rating although several of these are spreading rapidly. Buffel Egernia kintorei Grass is probably the most insidious of these invaders as it will carry wildfires well and will re-sprout again State conservation rating afterwards from a perennial rootstock before many of Egernia kintorei the native species get a chance to recover. It is Lerista speciosa spreading rapidly across the AP Lands, principally Lerista taeniata along main roads and flood-out areas. Rosy Dock is also a significant weed, primarily of rabbit-impacted areas. However, if rabbit abundance can be decreased BIOGEOGRAPHIC SIGNIFICANCE during good seasons for plant growth (e.g. Rabbit The Central Ranges Bioregion of which the AP Lands Calicivirus disease) or excluded (e.g. by rabbit-proof is a part but which extends into WA and the NT is of 346 fencing) the native plant species can recover if there is time, their traditional ‘patch-burning’ practices became sufficient seed present. less frequent and less widespread. As a consequence, the average age of the vegetation since last fires Anangu traditional management practices included gradually increased until there were relatively few, regular cleaning and maintenance of all rockholes recent fire scars left. The patchy mosaic pattern within respective individuals’ lands of responsibility. disappeared and was replaced, on average, with a more This was to ensure water was available for both Anangu even-aged and older range of plant communities that on return visits and for native wildlife. Programs to were able to carry wildfires over increasingly large reinstate this regular maintenance have been running, areas. Anangu don’t deliberately burn the ranges, through AP Land Management, for a number of years though large wildfires sometimes burn them. Fires in but efforts are continually undermined by the impacts the ranges are bad for the animals, particularly animals of introduced species. like the Black-footed Rock-wallabies. The Spinifex grasslands are very important food source Some bird and mammal populations that are dependant areas for Anangu. However mature spinifex grasslands upon, and therefore limited by, the availability of have few bush-foods. Fire increases herbaceous surface water supplies (e.g. kangaroos and emus; species diversity, and more importantly increases parrots and pigeons) may become even more limited in populations of edible plants e.g. Solanum spp., their abundance and distribution, due to an increasing Eragrostis spp., Panicum decompositum var diminution in water available in rockholes. This may decompositum, Calandrinia spp. (combined with be because of either increasing rates of silt rainfall events). Many fauna species also respond to accumulation due to lack of Anangu maintenance, these changes. fouling of the water and ‘over-use’ by introduced species and/or because of increasing water consumption Mulga woodlands in particular, are also an important rates by these species – and especially by feral camels. resource for Anangu. The woodlands provide various For some species, the negative effects of some or all of food resources including honey ants, edible lerp, the above threats to their rates of survivorship are mistletoe fruit, edible seeds, Mulga Apples, and edible compounded even further by the, often selective, grubs. They provide timber for traditional tool and pressures of predation by introduced mammals and in craft manufacture including spear components, spear particular by the Red Fox. Native predators can have thrower, digging stick, clubs and timber sculptures. an increased impact also, if there is little shelter in They provide medicinal resources and also fuel for which prospective prey can find refuge. heating and cooking. Consequently Mulga is an essential plant in Anangu everyday life and it is Examples of these threats and threatening processes are therefore important for this resource to be maintained highlighted in previous chapters. Particular and managed sustainably. Mulga is however highly management and research needs are discussed below. sensitive to fire. Mulga communities that have an annual grass understorey tend not to get burnt in fires because the grass usually dies off first and won’t carry fire. This changes after very good rain seasons. Mulga CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT that has spinifex underneath is much more fire-prone. Fire When Mulga is burnt in a hot fire it dies, trees burnt in Wildfires are non-selective in the areas that they affect more moderate fires can recover following significant and can have devastating consequences for populations rain. If this resprouting is burnt again too soon of a wide range of species. Many species, and however the trees will die. especially those that occur in Triodia hummock grasslands, are well-adapted to recover following a fire. Some of the wildfires in recent years have been in the However, even these can be limited in their recovery order of hundreds of thousands of hectares or, in some ‘powers’ when the fires cover very large areas and/or cases, thousands of square kilometres. A potentially when fire frequencies over given areas are too frequent serious consequence of such large fires is that they and/or when insufficient rain falls after the fires to severely diminish the total area of relatively dense enable satisfactory recruitment rates of seedlings or Mulga shrubland and woodland habitats that are critical young animals to occur. Poor recovery and recruitment to the survival of the locally endangered Nganamara of seedlings can also be attributed to grazing of (Malleefowl) and compound the problems further by seedlings by rabbits. fragmenting the remnant populations within the region. Other species populations are likely to suffer in similar There is reasonable evidence to support the suggestion ways. that for thousands of years Anangu maintained relatively tight mosaics of vegetation of different age- Recommended Actions: since-fire over much of the AP Lands up until about the • Prepare an environmental fire management 1930s - 1940s. The mosaic patches were apparently strategy for the AP Lands with the main objectives typically of the order of a few tens of hectares to maybe of: a few thousand hectares. However, when Anangu moved into more sedentary life-styles at about this 347 • Identifying areas of cultural significance requiring wallabies and 1080 baiting is being undertaken at all fire protection measures. three sites in an attempt to limit predation. However, • Identifying fire-breaks and fire control with local control of predators, the local rabbit advantages – roads, trails, water sources, salt populations also have a relaxation in predation levels lakes, recent burns. and can increase in abundance much quicker than the • Protecting known populations of significant wallabies. Local competition for food can then become plant and animal species and significant plant an additional strain on the wallaby populations. communities/habitats. Fumigation and ripping of warrens around the base of • Improving habitat quality and age since fire the main rock-wallaby colony sites could potentially for threatened species populations e.g: benefit the rock-wallabies to a significant degree. A Tjakura; and successful long term rabbit control program is in place • Limiting the extent of future wildfires. at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which focuses on • Prepare fire management plans for significant fumigation and ripping of warrens in calcrete run-on species populations/habitats based areas around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (Low et al. 2000). around: • Identifying the significant species. Recommended Actions: • • Identifying and mapping known and suspected Contact should be made with Uluru-Kata Tjuta occupied habitats of these species. National Park and the contractor Low Ecological • Prioritising protection works on the basis of Consultants, Alice Springs to assist in designing an relative risk and relative importance. effective rabbit control program in identified • Map and determine age of existing fire scars priority areas. (where possible) across the AP Lands using • Fumigate rabbit warrens within 400 m of the base appropriate satellite imagery. This will provide a of hills with known rock-wallaby colonies. Where useful framework for: equipment and expertise is available warren • Determining where ‘additional’ burnt fire ripping should also be implemented. breaks might be put in place along existing • Map (or flag) all treated warrens and re-visit 1-2 roads and tracks (eg along suitable sections of months later to determine efficacy of fumigation. ‘Kintore Avenue’; the Pipalyatjara – Coffin Re-treat as necessary. Hill/Iltur road; the Fregon – Coffin Hill/Iltur • Erect rabbit-proof fencing around any threatened road; along the south side of the Indulkana plant populations at risk from rabbit grazing. Range; etc.) to limit the extent of future • Prepare an appropriate education and training extensive wildfires., and program for implementation of rabbit management • (should the need arise) planning how and by Anangu. where to try to stop large wildfires in the future. Feral horses and donkeys are locally common across • Prepare a staged, 5(-10)-year patch-burning and the eastern and northern parts of the AP Lands. They fire-break installation plan. are largely dependent upon stock watering points and a • Prepare an appropriate education and training few major rock-holes or waterholes and, consequently, program for implementation of fire management by could be mustered relatively easily. The main problem Anangu. identified during the surveys with these animals was soil erosion and vegetation trampling along their well- Introduced herbivores worn pads leading to and from water. Where these Rabbits occur across the whole AP Lands, but are most pads are on soft soils on sloping ground some gully prevalent in the run-off-on areas around the main erosion is occurring. Feral horses also assist the spread ranges and larger hills (see also discussion in mammal of weeds through ingestion and excretion of seeds of chapter of this report). There is little that can be done weed species in their faeces. The locally high numbers to control them, except at a local-scale through the of horses and donkeys also consume considerable erection of rabbit-exclusion fencing or site-specific quantities of native vegetation in the vicinity of their warren fumigation and ripping (or blasting). This watering points thus reducing vegetation cover and would only be justified if a particularly threatened plant competing with native herbivores for limited feed population was known to be at risk through rabbit resources. There is also evidence of recovery of rock- grazing and an associated lack of recruitment, or if wallaby populations in the western MacDonnell Ranges rabbit grazing was considered to be causing potentially following horse control. Horse population numbers can serious competition for a threatened native . be expected to be limited by water availability and access to suitable feed, however in good years numbers The Black-flanked Rock-wallaby (or Waru) is South can increase by up to 20% per annum. Australia’s and the AP Lands’ most endangered mammal. It is currently only known from three small Recommended Actions: colonies where numbers are so low that extinction is • Establish and maintain a database about water considered imminent. Predation by foxes (and dingoes) points (domestic, stock, soakage, rockhole, water- is considered the greatest immediate threat to these hole), presence of preferred feed and horse and 348 donkey distribution patterns to determine the Recommended Actions: relative impacts of horses and donkeys within their • Establish and maintain a database concerning vicinity. water points (domestic, stock, soakage, rock-hole • Prioritise water points requiring protection works and water hole) across the AP Lands and the and horse/donkey management practices. relative impacts of camels at each. • Undertake surveys of horse and donkey • Prioritise water sources requiring protection works populations (as opportunities arise) to determine and particular camel management practices. population numbers and trends. Exclusion fencing around rockholes is an option • Regular mustering or trapping of horses and/or needing further assessment. The design, location donkeys at problem sites is essential to keep and construction of this fencing must take into numbers low and minimise impacts. account the cultural significance of these rockholes • Prepare an appropriate education and training and the need for Anangu access for a variety of program for implementation of horse and donkey purposes. It is recommended that fenced management by Anangu. exclosures be large and erected some distance from the rockholes to minimise negative visual impact Feral camels occur across the entire AP Lands (see also of these structures. discussion in mammal chapter of this report). They are • Undertake aerial surveys of the camel population well-adapted to life in the desert and can move long (as opportunities arise, eg: linking with Parks and distances in a relatively short time. Camels are most Wildlife Commission NT and the Central evident in the western and central sand plain and sand Australian Camel Industry Association) to dune desert areas, though they will move into the determine population numbers and trends. eastern and northern pastoral areas in larger numbers • Muster, trap or shoot camels at problem sites on a during droughts, in search of water. Impacts of camels needs basis. Camel control strategies could on native vegetation are usually less noticeable than incorporate capture and removal for profit and from other introduced herbivores because camels are so targeted on-site control such as ground shooting. mobile and are less dependant upon particular water • Map and monitor plant health/camel impacts at supplies. Consequently, their grazing/browsing affects selected Quandong populations and protect where are more diffuse. However, some plant species appear possible. to be singled out by camels as dietary favourites. Most • Prepare an appropriate education and training seriously affected among these are the Quandong program for implementation of camel management (Mangata), Plumbush (Arnguli) and Desert Kurrajong by Anangu. (Ngalta), which the camels break branches from to access even the highest leaves, often leading to tree Domestic stock has been grazed on the eastern and death. Mangata is of significant cultural importance to north-central AP Lands since the 1930s. Although Anangu and its protection from inappropriate browsing sheep were grazed initially, dingoes proved too much by camels warrants a high priority. of a problem and cattle have been the mainstay. From a biodiversity perspective, the greatest impacts are in the As very large and highly mobile mammals with a vicinity of water points and occur mostly out to a radius rapidly increasing population (based on long-term data of about 8 km. However, on the plus side for from the southern NT), camels are also having an biodiversity, several former cattle properties now have increasing impact on desert water supplies. Not only fewer head of cattle run on them and some areas are no do they drink large volumes of this valuable resource, longer grazed by stock. they also foul rockholes and waterholes when they get stuck and die. They also contribute to increased rates Anangu on the survey noted that cattle promote prickly of siltation in these catchments. Desert water supplies inedible plants by eating the soft palatable plants and are therefore becoming a diminishing resource because resting in shady areas, trampling soft plants. For of the increasing camel population. example at Pantaltjaranya, Anangu noted that certain plant species such as Codonocarpus cotinifolius, ‘Farming’ of camels through the mustering of wild Acacia aneura, A. murrayana, A. tetragonophylla, and herds and holding in fenced paddocks until a suitable Ptilotus obovatus var. should have been present but buyer can be found, is discussed regularly as an were missing due to the impacts of cattle and rabbits. Anangu enterprise opportunity. However, this will always be limited to the eastern and northern perimeter An issue of some concern though, is the recent practice of the lands due to issues associated with access for of releasing goats into areas where they are not road trains and other overhead costs. Without careful confined by fences and can run wild. The goat is a management, such farming could also lead to proclaimed animal Statewide under the Animal and potentially serious vegetation degradation problems Plant Control Act 1986. Under this legislation, goats associated with concentrated browsing and grazing must be kept in securely fenced areas. While dingoes impacts from camels confined within a paddock. Such are likely to keep goat numbers under control in most degradation may be in contravention of the Native circumstances on the AP Lands, feral goat populations Vegetation Act 1991. have managed to establish outside of the Dog Fence in

349 a few areas. If a feral goat population were to establish spreading inland in some areas aided by vehicle traffic. in the AP Lands, these animals could seriously Its spread, if unchecked, could extend to all roads and compromise attempts to recover rock-wallaby tracks from which it may spread and threaten inland populations and would foul any rock-holes that the areas. goats come to rely on for their survival (as happens, for example, in the Flinders Ranges). Goats need to be Other weeds, such as Rosy Dock, are only really controlled in areas where predator control programs to ‘treatable’ if grazing pressures from rabbits can be assist are to occur. Failure to effectively controlled to allow native plant species to control goats in these areas poses the risk of goat re-invade such areas. numbers increasing dramatically in a predator-free environment. Recommended Actions: • Establish a weeds distribution database to: Recommended Actions: • Identify weed species known on the AP Lands • Because of the potential for released goats to (so that new species occurrences can be establish feral populations, goats should not be readily recognised as such – as an early permitted onto the AP Lands unless they are warning flag, to ensure that something is released within appropriately fenced done). paddocks. • Identify where significant weed species are • If goats are to be farmed on the AP Lands as a known to occur (and, therefore, also where ready source of meat, then a carefully they are known or suspected to not occur). prepared and implemented management plan • Undertake community awareness program to raise should be put in place. Appropriate fencing awareness about inappropriate species and possible must be erected and maintained in accordance native alternatives – this could include poster with Animal and Plant Control Act 1986 display, information package for new community requirements. residents, reporting procedure for new weed • Checks for signs of goats in areas where they species occurrences. have already been released should be • Establish a list of significant weeds of central conducted and any survivors / escapees either Australia and undertake a risk assessment process rounded up or shot. to develop a response plan for particular species • Surveys for goat populations in proposed should they be located on the AP Lands. predator control areas to be carried out to • Examine options for managing Buffel Grass at key ensure that they are goat-free. biodiversity sites, to reduce fire hazard and improve habitat quality: Buffel control along Weeds arterial roads where appropriate to minimise There are few serious weed problems on the AP Lands spread into key biodiversity areas. – at present – and most are symptomatic of heavy • Prepare an appropriate education and training grazing pressures from rabbits and domestic stock program for implementation of weed management (especially near water points). An issue with most by Anangu. weed problems is that they are not addressed soon enough after their arrival in an area. When the first Water sightings of a new weed species are made they are not Rockholes are both culturally and biologically very usually perceived as a problem, and the risk of spread significant features of the AP Lands landscape. and potential for later problems are not assessed. It is usually only when the weed has spread out of reach of Culturally, they are the focal points of many important easy control that the problem is acknowledged. Tjukurpa (creation stories) that ‘map’ the landscape for all Anangu. Without an intimate knowledge of the Buffel Grass is a weed that is spreading rapidly in the locations of the water sources in this desert AP Lands (see also vegetation chapter of this report). environment Anangu would have perished. Thus the There is little that can be done to control it in areas Tjukurpa story-lines pass through these sites and people where it has already taken hold (e.g. the main creek- can locate water sources through reference to the lines and flood-outs of the main ranges). However, sequences of story-lines for any area they find trials on possible control measures have been started themselves in on the AP Lands and its surrounds. Care around Alice Springs by Dave Albrecht. Where small for rockholes is therefore very significant work in a populations are found well away from these areas, they cultural context. should be treated as soon as possible (preferably with an appropriate herbicide) to remove the species from Biologically, rockholes and other water sources allow a the area. It may also be possible to institute some wide range of species to survive in the desert control around communities and make some environment. Species such as Red Kangaroo (Malu), modifications to road grading practices to minimise the Emu (Kalaya), Plumed Pigeon (Ipuru), Pink Cockatoo spread along roadsides. Buffel Grass is already spread (Kakalalya), Zebra Finch (Nyii-nyii) etc. all need water along the roadside verges of many arterial roads and is to survive.

350 However, as discussed above, many water supplies at (Waru), Malleefowl (Nganamara), rockholes and waterholes are now severely (Tjakura) and Southern Marsupial Mole (Itjari-itjari). compromised by the large volumes of water being consumed by an increasing feral camel population and Targeted predator baiting using dried meat baits by a decreasing capacity of many rock-holes to hold injected with compound-1080 is already occurring water due to ongoing siltation (frequently accelerated around the three known Waru colonies, the three small by camel activity). Tjakura colonies and some of the known Nganamara nesting areas. Recommended Actions: • APY Land Management has been assisting Anangu Predator-baiting around one of the three known rock- to re-visit and map culturally significant rockholes wallaby colonies (at New Well) appears to be having a and to clean them by removing accumulated silt significant positive affect and, recently, more animals and dead animal carcases (often camels). This have been seen over a wider area than previously work is important and should continue. recorded (unpublished report, Read 2002). The other • Significant rockholes, waterholes and soakages two very small colonies have shown no positive also need to be protected from camels, feral horses response to date and it may be necessary to bait more and donkeys. This may require either selective frequently if a response is to occur. Baiting around fencing to exclude the feral animals, but allow each colony is confined to a relatively small area that access for Anangu, kangaroos and Emus, etc. The produces virtually no buffered protection zone around design, location and construction of this fencing them. Consequently, predators from territories must take into account the cultural significance of adjoining these baited sites can easily move in and these rock-holes and the need for Anangu to access replace any poisoned animals. It is therefore not for a variety of purposes. Consideration should be surprising that the most effective baited area is the given to making exclosures as large as possible to largest with the best buffer area (at New Well). minimise negative visual impact of these structures. Selective fencing and the piping of Anangu have noted that foxes have been digging into water away from the site of concern into troughs or some Malleefowl nests and taking eggs. This is a other suitable receptacles for access by animals learned behaviour that is not used by all foxes. It has may also be an option in some cases. therefore been suggested that 1080 meat baits be buried • Artificial soaks or shallow ponds could also be in these nests or immediately adjacent to them to provided at appropriate locations (adjacent to remove the egg-taking individuals. functioning bores) in situations that camels cannot access, to enable birds and kangaroos free access Anangu have also been baiting in areas surrounding the to ongoing water supplies. This may also benefit three known small Tjakura colonies, although the some of the rarer birds of the region, such as evidence that predators have been the cause of this Plumed Pigeons and Scarlet-chested and Princess species apparent decline are only circumstantial. Parrots. (This option may be appropriate if sanctuary areas are developed as discussed later.). Two issues associated with predator baiting as • Prepare an appropriate education and training conducted at present need further consideration and program for implementation of rock hole and water probable action. Firstly, local reductions in predator supply management by Anangu. numbers have lead to local increases in rabbit and Euro (Kanyala) numbers. Both of these species can compete Introduced predators with rock-wallabies for food resources, especially in The greatest loss of species across the AP Lands has dry periods. Local control of rabbit and Euro numbers been amongst the medium-sized mammals (ca 200 – should therefore be considered. Secondly, feral cats do 6000 g body weight) and appears to have been caused not take dried meat baits as readily as foxes and primarily through ‘over-predation’ by the Red Fox (see Dingoes and their populations may be favoured rather discussions in the Mammals chapter). Some local bird than controlled by baiting programs. This may not be a extinctions and serious declines (e.g. Southern Bush major concern in areas where baiting is being Stone-curlew; Australian Bustard) appear to follow the undertaken to protect rock-wallabies that are probably same pattern. Feral cats have been present in the region not a major prey item of the cat. However, baiting in for longer than foxes, and have undoubtedly areas where Tjakura occur may prove counter contributed to the demise of some of these species. productive if feral cats, that are renowned reptile eaters, However, the evidence is less compelling that predation are favoured by the activity. It is of concern that by cats has been as significant. tracking by Anangu in Tjakura habitat post-baiting has suggested an increase in cat numbers with the control of Predation by introduced predators, and in particular the foxes and Dingoes. Red Fox, is a recognised key threat to four nationally listed threatened species that still occur on the AP A further consideration that needs to be addressed Lands. These are the Black-flanked Rock-wallaby before commencing any predator-baiting program is that Dingoes will also be killed. Dingoes have

351 probably been in the AP Lands for thousands of years and Kipara. This is likely to be due to several factors and the fauna has adapted to a level of Dingo predation. (see above), and hunting pressures, at least around They are therefore not perceived as the villains in some communities and homelands, is one of them. species extinctions and declines and they are of considerable cultural significance to many Anangu. Anangu have frequently stated that they would like to That said, however, Dingoes are a predator that can and have more Malu, Kalaya and Kipara to hunt. This may will kill rock-wallabies. With perilously small rock- be possible for at least Malu and Kalaya if predation wallaby colonies remaining, any predation of rock- levels by Dingoes and foxes are reduced through wallabies is another step closer to extinction. Anangu baiting, and additional and reliable water supplies are have therefore accepted that localised control of provided within the baited zones. However, some Dingoes is necessary for threatened species recovery controls over hunting pressures within these areas will purposes, provided Anangu are given the opportunity to also be necessary. define the limits for any baiting zone. Recommended Actions: Recommended Actions: • Establish large sanctuaries within which predators • Maintain current levels of predator baiting around are controlled, water is supplied, hunting is each of the known rock-wallaby colonies. Where excluded, and populations of Red Kangaroos possible, the buffer areas baited should be (Malu), Emu (Kalaya), Bustard (Kipara) and expanded and the frequency of baiting increased, at Perentie (Ngintaka) can increase. These species least until satisfactory levels of recovery have been could then disperse into surrounding areas where demonstrated and sustained. Where sufficient hunting could be less restricted. Areas within the buffer areas can not be established, baiting should existing Indigenous Protected Areas would be an be concentrated on the hills to minimise the risk of ideal starting point for this concept. killing Dingoes which appear to frequent the hills • Population and range estimates for each of these less than foxes (J. Read pers. comm. observations ‘target’ species should be determined at the while spotlighting at rock-wallaby colonies). beginning of the process as a baseline for • Rabbit and Euro population densities within measuring the effectiveness of the sanctuary predator control zones need to be monitored and concept in the longer term. managed as appropriate, to limit levels of • Numbers of chicks produced by Kalaya and young- competition with rock-wallabies. at-foot produced by Malu inside and outside of the • Predator meat baits should be buried in the sanctuaries should also be recorded as a separate immediate vicinity of, all known active Malleefowl indicator. (Nganamara) nest mounds during the nesting • Perenties (Ngintaka) are slow moving, resident, season. top-order predators. Consequently, their numbers • Baiting in Malleefowl habitats should not be could be affected significantly by high rates of take undertaken, as there appears to be too great a risk through hunting. Implementation of the sanctuary of increases in Feral Cat activities in these areas if concept would provide an ideal opportunity to foxes and dingoes are removed. establish a research project on the population • Baiting around Tjakura colonies should not be biology and ecology of this culturally and undertaken unless Feral Cat numbers can also be biologically very significant species. controlled adequately. • Predator activity should be monitored in all baiting Threatened species recovery zones, through tracking and data-logging by Threatened species are distributed across many parts of Anangu using the ‘Cybertracker’ facility on a the AP Lands and most of them require very large areas hand-held GPS unit, and appropriate action taken of habitat to support viable populations. Their according to activity patterns observed. management cannot therefore just occur in one or two • Prepare an appropriate education and training small and relatively confined areas. However, some program for implementation of predator significant areas of overlap in distributions of some management by Anangu. species offer significant opportunities for recognition of economies of scale in implementing management Hunting pressures activities – especially within the Indigenous Protected Anangu regularly hunt Red Kangaroo (Malu), Euro Areas. (Kanyala), Emu (Kalaya), Bustard (Kipara), Perentie (Ngintaka) and Sand Goanna (Milpali) and will often Black-flanked Rock-wallabies (Waru) are known to drive reasonably long distances to do so. Because occur at three widely separated sites (one of these sites Anangu are able to continue to hunt and obtain these is inside a proposed Indigenous Protected Areas). This species there is no ‘hard’ evidence that they are doing species, above all others, needs to be the focus of this in an unsustainable way. However, there is ongoing predator control work, which, in other parts of circumstantial evidence from Anangu observations that Australia, has lead to significant population recoveries ‘return for effort’ has gradually been decreasing over of rock-wallabies (see Kinnear, Sumner and Onus. the past two or three decades for at least Malu, Kalaya 2002). The three known colonies are in less than ideal

352 situations for such ongoing management, either because • Identify best location options for re-introduction there are constraints on how large an area can be baited and long-term management of rock-wallabies or because of distances needed to be traveled to within the Indigenous Protected Areas on the AP undertake baiting as frequently as is needed. Baiting Lands. over a sufficient area and as frequently as is required • Explore options for using captive husbandry – (every two months at least) must continue until each surrogate mother techniques to colony has an obvious high abundance of rock- support a re-introduction program. wallabies present. (This may take 5 to 10 years.) • Prepare an appropriate education and training However, as soon as this has been achieved, some program for implementation of rock-wallaby individuals should be trapped and used as founders for management by Anangu. re-establishment of the species at carefully selected, previously occupied sites that are going to be easier to Malleefowl (Nganamara) occur in a wide range of areas bait over much larger areas, easier to access and across the AP Lands at very low population densities. simpler to monitor. Such sites should be identified Their habitat is highly susceptible to wildfire and has (preferably) within the Indigenous Protected Areas been substantially fragmented over the past few (IPAs) as a matter of priority and should be selected decades. Their eggs are preyed upon by foxes, and where populations (consisting of several separate chicks and adults may be taken by foxes, cats, Dingoes colonies) of at least 300 individuals (and preferably and some native predators. While the frequency of many more) can be supported. such predation may be relatively low (compared, say, with the take of rabbits) it is a significant concern given Consideration also needs to be given to how best to the low numbers and densities of Malleefowl present access sufficient numbers of rock-wallabies to release and the high degree of habitat fragmentation. as founders into the new population(s). One method Malleefowl occur on both the Walalkara and Wartaru could involve ongoing captures of 4 or 5 animals each IPAs. year (from one or more of the known colonies) for several years, for direct transfer and release (wild-to- Recommended Actions: wild). Another method recently developed for Brush- • All habitats known to be occupied by Malleefowl tailed and Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies involves should be protected with external burnt firebreaks capture of female rock-wallabies with pouch young and as a matter of urgency. the transfer of such pouch young into the vacated pouch • All adjoining areas of potentially suitable habitat of a surrogate mother (e.g. a Yellow-footed Rock- that are recovering from fire should also be wallaby) in captivity. The wild female can then be protected with burnt firebreaks as a matter of released back into the wild and the dormant blastocyst priority. she is carrying can soon lead to a replacement young in • Active Malleefowl nests should be protected from her pouch. In this way, the target species can (in a egg predation by foxes, through placement of 1080 relative sense) be mass-produced in captivity with meat baits within close proximity to the nests. limited affects on the wild population and its • Further survey work should be undertaken to reproductive outputs. This method has clear benefits continue to document the distribution of for the wild population and for the amount of time it Malleefowl across the AP Lands and to monitor would take to obtain sufficient ‘stock’ to release. Trials the nesting activity and success at a selected range of this technique at Adelaide Zoo have shown that, of known nest sites. under optimum conditions, up to six pouch-young can • Prepare an appropriate education and training be raised from a single female rock-wallaby per annum. program for implementation of Malleefowl However, this technique has significant additional management by Anangu. costs. Great Desert Skink (Tjakura) was first recorded in SA Many potentially suitable areas for rock-wallabies on by H. H. Finlayson in the 1920s near Punti Rock-hole the AP Lands have not yet been searched. Further (south of Mt Kintore). This site has not been visited survey work is needed as a matter of high priority. since. However, Mary Pan found the species at a second site within SA in 1998 and two more separate Recommended Actions: small warrens have been located within 10 km since • Wherever possible, increase the area of predator then. All three sites are within the Wartaru IPA. baiting around known rock-wallaby colonies. • Wherever possible, undertake predator baiting The national recovery plan for this Vulnerable species around known rock-wallaby colonies every two identifies predation by foxes and unsuitable fire months and evaluate rock-wallaby recovery. frequencies and scales as significant threats. However, • Conduct further surveys to try to locate additional with only three small warrens known for the whole of remnant colonies. This could be done most SA, the risks that these threats pose appear all the more effectively through aerial survey from a helicopter significant. as an initial step followed up by ground-based surveys of likely areas.

353 Recommended Actions: ‘measured’ and reported on, preferably annually. This • Further ongoing surveys for this species are will require some secure base funding and an required as a matter of urgency (especially in the investment in basic training to ensure that it occurs. vicinity of Punti Rockhole near Mt Kintore). However, the results would provide essential • Small patch-burns should be established in a information around which planning and investment can staged fashion within the vicinity of each known be based on a more logical footing than is possible at warren: present. • to protect the species habitat(s) from wildfire The actions suggested below are indicative of the types effects and of monitoring that could be undertaken. • to provide a local mosaic of habitats of different ages since last fire. Fire • Predator baiting should not be conducted around • Access to appropriate satellite imagery and Tjakura colonies until satisfactory methods are collated data on patch-burning and firebreak found for controlling feral cats. Anangu should installation work would enable annual maps and monitor predator tracks around each known total areas of wildfires and management fires to be Tjakura colony on a regular basis to determine produced. Incorporation of the AP Lands into the when baiting or other control is required. regularly updated satellite image set prepared for the Bushfires Council of the NT may be possible. Southern Marsupial-mole (Itjari-itjari) occurs across This information could then form the basis for the AP Lands in sand plain and sand dune habitats, but determining the following 1-3 year planned patch- little is known about its population ecology, its relative burning targets (i.e. both geographical locations abundance or the threats to its survival. Joe and approximate lengths/areas to be burnt). Benshemesh and Anangu are currently attempting to • The area of Malleefowl habitat protected and the research each of these issues on both the Walalkara and area of such habitat lost to wildfire should be Wartaru IPAs. This is very difficult research because reported each year. the animals appear to spend virtually all of their time underground. Introduced Herbivores • Major water sources being impacted by horses, Recommended Actions: donkeys and camels need to be identified (GPS • Research on the distribution patterns, subterranean location and name recorded on a database) and behaviour and population ecology of marsupial- relative affects measured, then monitored over time moles must continue as a matter of priority. and significant issues identified and reported on • An assessment of threats to marsupial-moles annually. should also be made to determine whether predator • Numbers of horses and donkeys observed using the baiting is necessary and/or effective. particular water sources should also be recorded and reported on. (Any off-take through Australian Bustard (Kipara) has had a significant mustering/shooting should also be recorded.) population decline across the southern half of its known • Camel, horse and donkey population estimates former range that coincides with the documented range should be obtained through aerial surveys every 5 of the Red Fox. Hunting pressures by Anangu may also years or so (in association with surrounding lands) contribute to decreased recruitment rates of chicks to monitor and report on population trends. hatched within the region. • Camel off-take through mustering/shooting should also be recorded and reported on (by location) Recommended Actions: annually. • If large sanctuaries are established over parts of the • Observations of RCD outbreaks in the local rabbit IPAs on the AP Lands, large-scale predator baiting population should be recorded and reported on may benefit local breeding success of bustards. If annually. hunting exclusion is also applied in these areas,  The distribution and number of goats (if any) bustards may benefit even further. However, the present on the AP Lands should be monitored and sanctuary/baited areas would need to be very large reported on annually. and to function over many years to have a significant affect on this species conservation Weeds status. • Record, map and report on localised occurrences • Records (location and date) should be kept of all of significant environmental weeds and the bustard sightings on the AP Lands and of all nests efficacy of any control actions taken. found and chicks/juvenile birds seen. • Map (at least the current limits of distribution of) major occurrences of environmental weeds (e.g. Monitoring and reporting Buffel Grass) to enable spread to be documented To ensure that land management and biodiversity and action taken, as appropriate. conservation outcomes are achieved in the most effective way, some important indicators should be

354 Water resourcing are woefully inadequate for such a large and • Record and map all rockholes, waterholes and important area. However, the training and employment other water sources identified by Anangu and opportunities that could come from such investment are document cleaning and protection measures (e.g. significant. fencing) taken each year. • Note and report on water sources where camels are Training and education causing problems. Significant training opportunities would present • Record drying frequency or longevity or reliability themselves through development of a range of the of each water source. management actions recommended above. These could include: Introduced Predators • Patch-burning and burnt fire-break installation to • Establish and maintain a simple database record of protect critical habitats of threatened species. all predator baiting undertaken (date, location, • Mustering feral horses, donkeys, camels. area, no. of baits) so that this can be reported on • Fumigating rabbit warrens around rock-wallaby annually. This can help determine if, and where, colonies. baiting regimes may need to be altered. • Weed control. • Monitoring of predator activities within baited • Rock-hole restoration and protection works, areas should be undertaken by Anangu using hand including construction of selective fences (to held Cyber-tracker units. Priority should be given exclude camels, etc.). to areas around Tjakura warrens, Malleefowl nests • Predator baiting and predator monitoring using and rock-wallaby colonies. tracking (with recording on a palm-top using Cyber-tracker). Threatened Species • Survey and monitoring for rock-wallabies, • Distribution and relative abundance of rock- Malleefowl, Tjakura, Marsupial Mole and wallabies within each of the three known colonies Australian Bustard. should be monitored and reported on at least • Information from the Biological Survey should, annually. where appropriate, be incorporated into education • Distribution of known active Malleefowl nests programmes on the AP Lands to allow students to should be mapped and reported on annually (with relate to and value both the traditional ecological some annual measure of search effort included). knowledge and basic survey results from the area. • Egg hatching success rates should be reported on for a sample of active Malleefowl nests each year (if possible). INDIGENOUS PROTECTED AREAS • Numbers of active burrows/Tjakura warren should The two, large Indigenous Protected Areas recently be reported annually (with some annual measure of agreed to on the AP Lands (Fig. 3) have presented search effort included). significant opportunities for focussed land management • Numbers of marsupial-moles ‘recorded/search work to protect habitats and populations of some effort’ should be reported annually. threatened species. Because several of the threatened species have over-lapping distributions on these IPAs, Planning and resourcing it is possible to implement management activities AP Land Management has responsibility for (patch-burning; predator baiting) in such a way that biodiversity and cultural land management across multiple benefits can be achieved over reasonably large almost 10% of the land area of SA. This is a vast area areas. that has a wide range of issues that need addressing but few paid staff and few suitable vehicles to enable much Further outcomes might be achieved if some or all of of it to happen. It is therefore critical that priority these ‘managed zones’ were adopted as sanctuaries (as projects and actions are identified and implemented in a described above) where: systematic way that is based around a series of long • Fire and predators are managed throughout. term, step-wise objectives and milestones. Most • Feral horses, donkeys and camels are managed (at outcomes will be unachievable within only one or two least through exclusion from significant waters). years, so realistic targets will need to be set so that • Additional (artificial) water sources are provided major outcomes can be reached in an incremental for kangaroos, emus, and other water-dependant (cumulative) way over 5 – 10 (- 20) year programs. species. This applies to fire planning and to species recovery in • Hunting is restricted or excluded (at least during particular. spring and early summer). • Species such as rock-wallabies may be re If the planning and priority-setting is undertaken with introduced because of the ongoing commitment to appropriate time-lines identified for project pest animal control and fire management. management, including monitoring and reporting, then the need for appropriate levels of resourcing can be more readily demonstrated. Current levels of 355 The benefits to a wide range of plant and animal wallabies), Nganamara (Malleefowl), Tjakura (Great species (not just those that are threatened) would be Desert Skink) and Itjari-itjari (Southern Marsupial significant. Mole). Research projects to clarify distribution anomalies or information gaps (highlighted in earlier chapters) should also be considered as opportunities FURTHER SURVEY AND RESEARCH arise. The Biological Survey of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands was far from comprehensive. Ideally, a comprehensive survey would provide a more proportional representation of habitats across their distributional range, particularly in the ranges, and with better sampling in good seasons. Given the remoteness of many areas, the cultural sensitivity of others and the fact that the AP Lands cover nearly 10% of South Australia, such an ideal sampling regime was not achieved.

Several parts of the study area were poorly sampled and a few were not sampled at all. In particular, the diversity of habitats within the many hill and range environments were considerably under-sampled, especially in the far north-western corner of the State, the Tomkinson, Mann Ranges, Indulkana Range, and many outlying hills. Many potentially interesting drought- and fire- ‘refuge’ areas amongst large boulder fields or in sheltered gorges and creeks, especially on south-facing slopes, were not visited due to time and access constraints. Those that could be visited provided many interesting plant species records in particular. Mammal and reptile sampling on the rocky ridges was often limited by the difficulty in using pitfall traps effectively in such substrates. Access was also limited to many interesting sand plain, sand dune, limestone plain and outcropping hill areas towards and along the Western Australian border and in the central and southern AP Lands. These should be sampled in a systematic way whenever the opportunities arise.

To gain an even better understanding of the plants and animals that contribute to the biological diversity of the AP Lands, more intensive or longer term, repeat sampling is required at selected sites. These sites should preferably be easy to access and should include some ‘semi-permanent’ pitfall lines drilled into a range of rocky hill sites. This should provide a better understanding of the relative population dynamics of many of the smaller mammal and reptile species and may help to detect, in the longer term, some of the rarer species that proved difficult to trap during the survey. The location of some of these ‘monitoring’ sites within recently burnt wildfire scars, and others within predator baiting areas, may help in gaining an understanding of the impacts of fire and of introduced predators.

Specific projects should be conducted on the various species highlighted as being of regional conservation significance, and especially those that are considered endangered or vulnerable on the AP Lands (see comments and recommendations in the earlier chapters). Priority for research and management effort needs to focus on Waru (Black-flanked Rock-

356 Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands Biological Survey RESOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY

MAPS

1:250 000 Topographic

Map sheet Name Sheet Code Date MANN SG52-11 1985 WOODROFFE SG52-12 1989 ALBERGA SG53-09 1989 BIRKSGATE SG52-15 1985 LINDSAY SG52-16 1985 EVERARD SG53-13 1989 ABMINGA (pt) SG53-10 1989 WINTINNA (pt) SG53-4 1989

1:250 000 Geological

Map sheet Name Sheet Code Date MANN SG52-11 1962 WOODROFFE SG52-12 1973 ALBERGA SG53-09 1989 BIRKSGATE SG52-15 1976 LINDSAY SG52-16 1973 EVERARD SG53-13 1989 ABMINGA (pt) SG53-10 1986 WINTINNA (pt) SG53-4 1986

SATELLITE IMAGERY

The imagery was sourced from Landsat 7 ETM+. Details of the coverage are given in the table below:

Path and Date Centre Coordinates Geo-Rectification Row (Latitude) Accuracy (m) 105 78 28-Feb-00 S 26o 00' 28.8 105 79 28-Feb-00 S 27o 26' 28.8 104 78 03-Dec-99 S 26o 0' 16.25 104 79 20-Jan-00 S 27o 26' 19.4 103 78 29-Jan-00 S 26o 0' 16.2 103 79 29-Jan-00 S 27o 26' 15 102 78 14-Jul-99 S 26o 00' 15 102 79 14-Jul-99 S 27o 26' 18.8

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS

The most recent complete coverage of the AP Lands is given. Only a selected subset of the whole coverage was examined. The photograph scale, survey number, photo numbers and date of photography are provided. All photo coverages examined are on the Everard 1:250 000 map sheets.

Scale Survey Number Photo Numbers Photography Date 1:80 000 3301 26-100 19 July 1985 1:80 000 3301 48-96 19 July 1985 1:80 000 3302 2-42 19-20 July 1985 1:80 000 3302 10-62 19-20 July 1985

357 BIBLIOGRAPHY Baker, L. M. and Snowdon, G. (1995). Walytjitjata and Abbott, I. (2002). Origin and spread of the cat, Felis Kuntjanu Biological Survey, September 1995. catus, on with a discussion Anangu Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara of its early impact on native fauna. Wildlife Council and South Australian Department of Research 29: 51-74. Environment and Natural Resources Aitken P. F. (1966). Personal journal of a field trip Biological Survey of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara made to the Mann and Musgrave Ranges, Lands. Unpublished report. February 1966. Unpublished journal held by the Baker, L. M., Woenne-Green, S. and South Australian Museum, Adelaide. Community (1992). The role of Aboriginal Armstrong, D. M., Croft, S. J. and Foulkes, J. N. (eds) ecological knowledge in (2003, in prep.). A Biological Survey of the management. Pp. 65-67. In: Birkhead, J., Southern Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, deLacy, T. and Smith, L. (eds). Aboriginal 2000-2001. Department for Environment and involvement in parks and protected areas. Heritage, South Australia. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Aumann, T. (1990). Use of stones by the Black- Strait Islander Studies, Canberra. breasted Buzzard, Hamirostra melanosternon, Barker, R. M. (1998). Notes on Zygophyllum to gain access to egg contents for food. Emu (Zygophyllaceae) in Australia including the 90: 141-144. descriptions of five new species and one new Baker L. M. (1991). Biological Survey 1991. , revised keys and typifications. J. Anangu Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Adelaide Bot. Gard. 18(1): 43-74. Council and South Australian National Parks Barker, W. R. (s. dat.). Botanical collecting for the and Wildlife Service Joint Biological Survey of State Herbarium of South Australia, 1980s. the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Unpublished Barnes, L. C. and Pitt, G. M. (1976). The Tallaringa report. Palaeodrainage System. South Australia. Baker L. M. (1994). Mimili/Nyapari/Kanpi Biological Geological Survey. Quarterly Geological Survey 1992. Anangu Information. Anangu Notes, 59:7-10. Pitjantjatjara Council and South Australian Barr, A., Chapman, J., Smith, N. and Beveridge, M. National Parks and Wildlife Service Joint (1988). Traditional Medicine – an Aboriginal Biological Survey of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Pharmocopoiea. Greenhouse Publication, Lands. Unpublished report. Melbourne. Baker, L. M. (1996). The Distribution, Habitat Basedow, H. (1904). Anthropological notes made on Requirements and Status of the Mulgara the South Australian Government North-West (Dasycercus cristicauda) Krefft. Thesis for Prospecting Expedition, 1903). Transactions of Master of Resource Science University of New the Royal Society of South Australia. 28: 12-51. England Basedow, H. (1905). Geological Report on the Country Baker, L. M. and. Nesbitt, B. J. (1994). Nyarpari/Kanpi Traversed by the South Australian Government Biological Survey May 1994: Anangu North-West Prospecting Expedition, 1903. Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Council and Transactions of the Royal Society of South South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Australia. 29: 57-102. Service Joint Biological Survey of the Anangu Basedow, H. (1929). Notes to Accompany the “Map of Pitjantjatjara Land Report. the Mackay Exploring Expedition in Central Baker, L. M. and Nesbitt, B. J. (1996). Australia, 1926.” (Attached to Vol. 29.). Proc. Biological Survey October 1996. Anangu Royal Geographical Society of Australasia, SA Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Council and Branch. 29: 171-176 South Australian Department of Environment Baynes, A. and Baird, R. F. (1992). The original and Natural Resources Joint Biological Survey mammal fauna and some information on the of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. original bird fauna of the Uluru National Park, Unpublished report. Northern Territory. Rangeland Journal 14: 92­ Baker L. M. and Nesbitt, B. J. (1998). Yurangka and 106. Indulkana Biological Survey. October 1998. Baxter, C. and Henderson, R. (2000). A literature Anangu Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara summary of the Princess Parrot Polytelis Council and South Australian Department of alexandrae and a suspected recent breeding Environment and Natural Resources Joint event in South Australia. South Australian Biological Survey of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Ornithologist 33: 93-108. Lands. Unpublished report. Beard, J. S. (1974). Vegetation Survey of Western Australia: Great Victoria Desert. 1:1 000 000 Vegetation Series, Explanatory Notes to Sheet 3. The Vegetation of the Great Victoria Desert Area. University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands, Western Australia.

358 Beard, J. S. and Webb, M. J. (1974). The vegetation Blyth, J. and Burbidge, A. (1997). What do we know survey of Western Australia: its aims objects about the Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae. and methods. Great Sandy Desert Part 1 of Eclectus 3: 26-29. explanatory notes to sheet 2. Vegetation survey Bolam, A. G. (1923). The Trans-Australian of Western Australia, 1:1 000 000 Vegetation Wonderland. Modern Printing Co. Melbourne. Series. University of Western Australia Press, Boomsma, C. D. (1981). Native Trees of South Nedlands, Western Australia. Australia. Bulletin. 19. Woods and Forests Belbin, L. (1994a). PATN, Pattern Analysis Package, Department, South Australia. Reference Manual. CSIRO Division of Wildlife Boomsma, C. D. and Lewis, N. B. (1980). The Native and Rangelands Research, Canberra. Forest and Woodland Vegetation of South Belbin, L. (1994b). PATN, Pattern Analysis Package, Australia. Bulletin. 25. Woods and Forests Command Manual. CSIRO Division of Department, South Australia. Wildlife and Rangelands Research, Canberra. Bowler, J. M. (1976). Recent developments in Belbin, L. (1994c). PATN, Pattern Analysis Package, reconstructing late Quaternary environments in Users Manual. CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Australia. In: R. L. Kirk and A. G. Thorne Rangelands Research, Canberra. (eds). The origin of the Australians. Australian Benbow, M. C. (1982). Stratigraphy of the - Institute for Aboriginal Studies, ?Early Mount Johns Range, NE Canberra/Humanities Press, New Jersey, pp 55­ Officer Basin, South Australia. Royal Society of 77. South Australia. Transactions, 106:191-211. Bowman, D. M. J. S. and Latz, P. K. (1993). The Benbow, M. C. (1992). Geomorphology and Geology. ecology of Callitris glaucophylla In: P. B Copley and C. M. Kemper (eds). A (Cupressaceae) on the MacDonnell Ranges, biological survey of the Yellabinna region of central Australia. Australian Journal of Botany South Australia. South Australia. Department 41: 217-225 of Environment and Land management, Brandle, R. (1998). A Biological Survey of the Stony National Parks and Wildlife Service. Deserts, South Australia, 1994-1997. Heritage Benbow, M. C. (1993). TALLARINGA, South and Biodiversity Section, Department for Australia. Sheet SH53-5. South Australia. Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, Geological Survey. 1: 250 000 Series- South Australia. Explanatory Notes. Brandle, R (ed.) (2001). A Biological Survey of the Benbow, M. C. (1995). Near-surface Geological Flinders Ranges, South Australia 1997-1999. Cross-sections (1: 200 000). In: Lindsay, J. F. National Parks and Wildlife SA, Department for (ed.). Geological Atlas of the Officer Basin, Environment and Heritage, South Australia. Australia. Australian Geological Survey Briggs, J. D. and Leigh, J. H. (1988). Rare or Organisation, Canberra and Department of Threatened Australian Plants. (revised edition). Mines and Energy, Adelaide. Special Publication 14, Australian National Benbow, M. C. Lindsay, J. M. and Alley, N. F. Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra. (1995a). Eucla Basin and palaeodrainage. In: Brittan, N. H. (1987). Arthropodium, Flora of Drexel, J. F. and Preiss, W. V. (eds), 1995. The Australia. 45: 340-344. geology of South Australia. Vol. 2, The Brown H. Y. L. (1890). Report on Journey from Phanerozoic. South Australia. Geological Warrina to Musgrave Ranges. South Australian Survey. Bulletin, 54. Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 45. Benbow, M. C., Callen R. A., Bourman, R. P. and Brown H. Y. L. (1905). Report on Geological Alley, N. F. (1995b). Deep weathering, Explorations in the West and North-West of ferricrete and silcrete. In: Drexel J. F. and South Australia. South Australian Preiss, W. V. (eds). The geology of South Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 71. Australia. Vol 2, The Phanerozoic. South Brown R. and Studdy-Clift, P. (1990). Bush Justice. Australia. Geological Survey. Bulletin,54 Hesperian Press Pub. Benshemesh, J. (1997). Caring for Nganamara. Brown, T. (1919). Nullarbor Plain. Proceedings of the Wingspan 7: 16-21. Royal Geographical Society of Australasia (SA Benshemesh, J. (2000). National Recovery Plan for Branch) 19: 141-153. Malleefowl. Department for Environment and Burbidge, A. A. and Fuller, P. J. (1979). Mammals of Heritage, South Australia. 95 pp. the Warburton region, Western Australia. Black, J. M. (1915). Botany. In: Scientific notes on an Records of the Western Australian Museum 8: expedition into the north-western regions of SA. 57-73. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Burbidge, A. A., Johnson K., Fuller P. J. and Southgate Australia. 39: 823-842. R. I. (1988). Aboriginal knowledge of the Blakers, M., Davies, S. J. J. F. and Reilly, P. N. (1984). mammals of the central deserts of Australia. The atlas of Australian birds. Royal Australian Wildlife Research. 15: 9-39. Australasian Ornithological Union. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. 359 Burbidge, A. A. and McKenzie, N. L. (1989). Patterns Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E., Sadlier, R. A. and in the modern decline of West Australia’s Eggler, P. (1993). The Action Plan for vertebrate fauna: causes and conservation Australian Reptiles. Australian Nature implications. Biological Conservation 50: 143­ Conservation Agency, Canberra. 198. Condon, H. T. (1969). A handlist of Birds of S.A. 3rd Carr-Boyd, W. (1897). Journey from Western Australia edition; South Australian Ornithologists to Warrina, in South Australia. Geographical Association: Adelaide. Journal. 9: 61-62. Conor, C. H. H. (1987). The geology of the Carolin, R. C, (1992). Goodenia, Eateringinna 1:100 000 sheet area, eastern 35: 147-281. , South Australia. University of Carruthers, J. (1892). Triangulation of NW Portion of Adelaide. M. Sc. thesis (unpublished). South Australia. South Australian Conor, C. H. H. and Young, D. A. (1973). Ferricretes: Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 179. their occurrence, formation and use in Chambers, C. J. (1884). Exploration from Arlcoodaby geological interpretation on Eateringinna. South to Warburton Ranges. The Adelaide Observer, Australia. Geological Survey. Quarterly Saturday, December 27. p.30. Geological Notes, 47:1-5 Christidis, L. and Boles, W. E. (1994). The taxonomy Conn, B. J. (1988). A Taxonomic Revision of and species of birds of Australia and it’s Prostanthera Labill. Section Prostanthera territories. Royal Australian Ornithological (Labiatae). 1. The Species of Northern union Monograph 2, Melbourne Territory, South Australia and Western Clark, M. (1936). The bird trapper. Walkabout. 1 June Australia. Nuytsia 6(3): 351-411. 1936. pp. 20-21. (Australia). Conn, B. J. and Brown, E. A. (1996). Logania, Flora Cleland, J. B. (1934). Birds seen between Oodnadatta of Australia. 28: 3-28 and 284-87. and the Musgrave Ranges. South Australian Cooke, D. A. (1985). Studies in the tribes Asterae and Ornithologist. 12: 149-153. Inulae (Compositae). Journal of the Adelaide Cleland, J. B. (1935a). The Natives of the north-west of Botanic Gardens 7(3): 273-287. South Australia. Medical Journal of Australia. Copley, P. B. (1988). The Stick-nest Rats of Australia. 21: 848-853. (A final report to World Wildlife Fund Cleland, J. B. (1935b). The Native of Central Australia Australia). (Government Printer: Adelaide); and his Surroundings. Proceedings of the Royal 277 pp. Geographical Society of Australasia, SA Copley, P. (1999). Natural histories of Australia’s Branch. 35: 66-81. stick-nest rats, genus Leporillus (Rodentia: Cleland, J. B. (1936). The botanical features between Muridae). Wildlife Research 26: 513-540. Oodnadatta and Ernabella in the Musgrave Copley, P. B., Kemper, C. M. and Medlin G. C. (1989). Ranges with a locality list of plants from the The mammals of north-western South Australia. north-west of South Australia identified by Mr J. Records of the South Australian Museum. 23: M. Black A.L.S. Transactions of the Royal 75-88. Society of South Australia. 60: 114-126. Copley, P. B. and Kemper, C. M. (eds) (1992). A Cleland, J. B. (1946a). References to geographic travel Biological Survey of the Yellabinna Dunefield, in central Australia 1872-4 by Ernest Giles. South Australia in October 1987. South South Australian Ornithologist. 18: 6. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Cleland, J. B. (1946b). Birds noted between Finke and South Australian Museum, Adelaide. railway station, Ernabella and the Musgrave Cunningham, G. C., Mulham, W. E., Milthorpe, P. L., Ranges. South Australian Ornithologist. 29: 81­ and Leigh, J. H. (1992). Plants of Western New 99. South Wales. Inkata Press: Sydney. Cleland, J. B. and Johnston, T. H. (1937a). Notes on Daniel, M. (1999). Pilot study to confirm the alledged native names and uses of plants in the Musgrave persistence of Egernia kintorei on the Anangu Ranges Region. . 8(2): 208-215 Pitjantjatjara Lands, South Australia. Anangu Cleland, J. B. and Johnston, T. H. (1937b). Notes on Pitjantjatjara Land Management Unpublished native names and uses of plants in the Musgrave Report to the Wildlife Conservation Fund. Ranges Region. Oceania 8(3): 328-342. Davies, R. J. P. (1982). The Conservation of major Close, D. H. and Jaensch, R. P. (1984). Birds of the plant associations in South Australia. Adelaide north-west of South Australia. South Australian : Conservation Council of South Australia Inc. Ornithologist. 29: 81-99. Davies, R. J. P. (1983). Surviving populations of South Clyne, R. (1987). Colonial Blue – A history of the Australia's most threatened plant associations. South Australian police force, 1836-1916. Conservation Council of South Australia. Wakefield Press. Adelaide. Cogger, H. G. (1986). Reptiles and Amphibians of Debus, S. J. S. (1991). Further observations of the Australia. A. H and A. W. Reed, Sydney. Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon using stones to break eggs. Australian Bird Watcher 14: 138-143. 360 Dickman, C. R., Mahon, P. S., Masters, P. and Gibson, Foulkes, J, N. (2001) The Ecology and Management of D. (1999) Long-term dynamics of rodent the Common Brushtail Possum Trichosurus populations in arid Australia: the influence of vulpecula in Central Australia. PhD thesis, rainfall. Wildlife Research 26: 389-403. Applied Ecology Research Group, University of Dixon, D. J. (2001). A Chequered History: the Canberra. Taxonomy of Ficus platypoda and F. Foulkes, J. N. and Gillen, J. S. (2000). A Biological leucotricha (Moraceae: Urostigma sect. Survey of the Murray Mallee, South Australia. Malvanthera) Unravelled. Australian Biological Survey and Research Section, Systematic Botany 14: 535-563. Heritage and Biodiversity Division, Department Donaldson, M. and Elliot, I. (eds) (1995). Do Not Yield for Environment and Heritage, South Australia. to Despair: the 1895-1908 exploration diaries Friend, J. A., Fuller, P. J. and Davis J. A. (1982). The of Frank Hugh Hann. Facsimile Edn. Hesperian numbat in central Australia. SWANS 12 (3): 21­ Press. 26. Drexel, J. F., Preiss, W. V. and Parker, A. J. (eds). Fry, H. K. (1935). Native Life in Central Australia. (1993). The geology of South Australia Volume Man. 35 No. 114. 1 The . South Australia. Geological Gara, T. (1994). “Tackling the Back Country”: Richard Survey. Bulletin 54: 1-242 Maurice’s expeditions in the Great Victoria Drexel, J. F. (ed.) (1995) The geology of South Desert, 1897-1903. South Australian Australia Vol 2: The Phanerozoic South Geographical Journal. 93: 42-60. Australia. Geological Survey. Bulletin 54: 1­ Gara, T. (1996). Early observations of the mammals of 347. the Nullarbor Plain and Great Victoria Desert in Duguid, C. (1936a). Whites and Aborigines - Life in South Australia. Unpublished manuscript; the Musgraves. Letter to the Editor in The Native Title Unit, Aboriginal Legal Rights Advertiser 28 July 1936. p. 20. Movement. Duguid, C. (1936b). Report to the General Assembly of Garnett, S. (1992). The Action Plan for Australian the Presbyterian Church of Australia. Cited in Birds. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Hilliard (1976), p. 215. Service, Canberra. Duguid, C. (1963). No dying race. Rigby Ltd, James Garnett, S. T. and Crowley, G. M. (2000). The Action Place, Adelaide. Plan for Australian Birds – 2000. Environment Edwards, W. H. (1992). Patterns of Aboriginal Australia; Canberra. 673 pp. Residence in the North-West of South Australia. Gee P. (1998). A history of pastoralism in the Lake Journal of the Anthropological Society of South Eyre South Drainage Basin. RGS of SA and Australia. 30: 2-32. WMC Pub. in prep. Faithfull, E. (1987). Rangeland Assessment Report: Geelen, L. J. (1999). A preliminary study of the black- Granite Downs Station. Land Assessment footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis Branch, Department of Lands, Adelaide. MacDonnell Ranges race) in the Anangu Feeken, E. H. J., Feeken, G. E. E. and Spate, O. H. K. Pitjantjatjara lands, South Australia. (1970). The Discovery and Exploration of Unpublished Honours thesis, Department of Australia. Nelson Publ. Applied and Molecular Ecology, University of Finlayson, H. H. (1935). Miscellaneous notes on some Adelaide. species of birds in central Australia. South Gibson, D. F. and Cole, J. R. (1993). Vertebrate Fauna Australian Ornithologist. 13: 18-19. of the West Macdonnell Ranges, Northern Finlayson, H. H. (1946). The Red Centre. Man and Territory. Conservation Commission of the Beast in Central Australia Angus and Northern Territory, Alice Springs, Northern Robertson, Sydney. Territory. Finlayson, H. H. (1961). On Central Australian Giles E. (1889). Australia Twice Traversed: the Mammals. Part IV – The distribution and Status Romance of Exploration, being a narrative of Central Australian Species. Records of the compiled from the journals of five exploring South Australian Museum. 14: 141-191. expeditions into and through central South Forrest, J. F. (1875). Journal of the Western Australian Australia and Western Australia from 1872 to Exploring Expedition through the Centre of 1876. Simpson, Low, Marston, Searle and Australia, from Champion Bay to the Overland Rivington: London. Telegraph Line between Adelaide and Port Glaessner, M. F. and Parkin, L. W. (1958). The Darwin. Journal of the Royal Geographical geology of South Australia. Geological Society Society 45: 249-299. of Australia Journal, 5(2) Forward, L and Robinson, A. C. (1996). A Biological Goddard, C. (1992) Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjajjara to Survey of the South Olary Plains, South English Dictionary. Second Edition. Institute for Australia 1991-1992. Natural Resources Group, Aboriginal Development, Alice Springs Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

361 Goddard, C. and Kalotas, A. (eds) (1985) Punu, Hill, K. D. and Johnson L. A. S (1991). Systematic Yankunytjatjara Plant Use. Institute for studies in the eucalypts – 4. New taxa in Aboriginal Development, Angus and Robertson, Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). Telopea 4(2): 321-349. Sydney Hilliard, W. (1976). The People in Between – the Gole, M. (2002). Spinifexbird at Claude Hills: a second Pitjantjatjara People of Ernabella. Seal Books. sighting for South Australia. South Australian Hopton, D. and Copley, P. (1999). First sight and Ornithologist 34: 26-27. breeding record of the Spinifexbird, Eremiornis Gosse W. C. (1874) Reports and diary of Mr W. C. carteri in South Australia. South Australian Gosse’s expedition in 1873. South Australian Ornithologist, 33: 47-50. Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 48. Horton, P. (2000). Birds. In: Robinson, A. C., Grant A. (1981). Camel, train and aeroplane. Rigby Casperson, K. D. and Hutchinson, M. N. (eds) A Publishing, Adelaide. List of the Vertebrates of South Australia. Gravestock, D. I., Benbow, M. C., Gravestock, C. G. Department for Environment and Heritage, and Krieg, G. W. (1995). Early Palaeozoic of South Australia. the western region-Eastern Officer Basin. In: Houston, T. F. (1978). Dragon lizards and goannas of Drexel, J. F. and Preiss, W. V. (eds). The South Australia. Special Education Series of geology of South Australia. Vol 2. The the South Australian Museum, Adelaide. Phanerozoic. South Australia. Geological Hübbe S. G. (1897). Stock route expedition from South Survey. Bulletin, 54. to Western Australia. South Australian Grieve, B. J. (1998). How to Know Western Australian Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 51. Wildflower: a key to the flora of extratropical Hunter, J. T. and Bruhl, J. J. (1996). Three new regions of Western Australia. Part II. 2nd ed. species of Phyllanthus (Euphorbiaceae: University of Western Australia Press. Phyllantheae) in South Australia J. Adelaide Griffin, G. F. (1993). CSIRO / CCNT Bushfires Bot. Gard. 17: 127-136. Research Project. Vol 12. Characteristics of Hutchinson, M. and Edwards, A. (2000). Reptiles and three spinifex alliances in Central Australia. Amphibians. In: Robinson, A. C., Casperson, K. C.S.I.R.O., Division of Wildlife and Ecology, D. and Hutchinson, M. N. (eds). A List of the Alice Springs NT, January 1993.. Vertebrates of South Australia. Department for Groom, A. (1959). I saw a strange land: journeys in Environment and Heritage, South Australia. central Australia. Angus and Robertson; Jacobs, S. W. L (2001). The genus Lachnagrostis Sydney. (Gramineae) in Australia. Telopea 9(3): 439­ Hann, F. H. (1903-07). Unpublished manuscripts and 448. diaries of Frank Hann. Held by the Battye Jacobs, S. W. L and Hastings, S. M. (1993a). Aristida. Library. , Western Australia. In: Harden (ed.) Flora of . Vol Hart, D. and Gibson, D. (2000). Vegetation on 1:50000 4. New South Wales University Press. topographic maps: Simulating a Jacobs, S. W. L and Hastings, S. M. (1993b). Photogrammetrist using Remote Sensing and Cenchrus. In: Harden (ed.) Flora of New South GIS. Unpublished Report, Image Data Services, Wales. Vol 4. New South Wales University Resource Information Group, Department for Press. Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, Jaensch, R. P. and Jaensch, L. A. (1987). Further South Australia. observations in the north-west of South Heard, L. and Channon, B. Eds. 1997. Guide to a Australia. South Australian Ornithologist 30: Native Vegetation Survey Using The Biological 60-61. Survey of South Australia Methodology. First Jessop J. P. (ed.) (1981). Flora of Central Australia. Edition. Geographic Analysis and Research Reed Books Pty Ltd. Unit, Information and Data Analysis Branch, Jessop, J. P. (ed.) (1989). A list of the vascular plants Department of Housing and Urban of South Australia (Edition III). Journal of the Development. Adelaide Botanic Garden. 12: 1-163. Helms, R. (1896). Anthropology. Report of Elder Jessop, J. P. (ed.) (1993). A list of the vascular plants Scientific Expedition of 1891. Transactions of of South Australia (Edition IV). Botanic the Royal Society of South Australia. 16: 237­ Gardens, State Herbarium of South Australia. 332. Jessop, J. P. and Toelken, H. R. (eds) (1986). Flora of Hewson, H. J., (1982) Brassicaceae (Cruciferae), Flora South Australia. Government Printer, South of Australia 8: 231-357. Australia. Hill, E. (1935). Dingo farming in the desert - New Johnson, K. A. and Roff, A. D. (1982). The western Australian industry - Breeding wild dog for his quoll, Dasyurus geoffroii (Dasyuridae, scalp. The Advertiser 28 March 1935. p. 10. Marsupialia) in the Northern Territory: historical Hill, E. (1968 reprint). The great Australian loneliness. records from venerable sources. Pp. 221- 226 In: (1940). Angus and Robertson, Australia. M. Archer (ed.) Carnivorous Marsupials. Royal Hill, K. D. (1998). Cupressaceae, Flora of Australia 48 569-87. Zoological Society of New South Wales; Sydney. 362 Johnson L. A. S. and Hill, K. D. (1999). Systematic Krieg, G. W. (1973). EVERARD. South Australia. studies in the eucalypts – 9. A review of series Sheet SG53-13. South Australia. Geological Sociales (Eucalyptus subgenus Symphomyrtus, Survey. 1: 250 000 Series-Explanatory Notes. Section Bisectaria, Myrtaceae). Telopea 8(2): Lamshed M. (1933). Scientists’ camp in mountain glen. 165-218. The Advertiser 3 September 1933. Johnson R. W. (2001). A taxonomic revision of Lange R. T. (1966). Vegetation in the Musgrave Convolvulus L. (Convolvulaceae) in Australia. Ranges, South Australia. Transactions of the Austrobaileya 6(1): 1-39. Royal Society of South Australia. 90: 57-66. Johnston, T. H. (1936) A hundred years of zoology in Latz, P. K. (1995) Bushfires and Bushtucker. IAD South Australia. Transactions of the Royal Press: Alice Springs. Society of South Australia. 60: 41-55. Laut P, Keig G, Lazarides M, Loffler E, Murgules C, Jones, P. G. (1987). South Australian Anthropological Scott RM, and Sullivan ME. 1977. History: The Board for Anthropological Environments of South Australia, Province 8, Research and its Early Expeditions. Records of Northern Arid. CSIRO Division of Land Use the South Australian Museum. 20: 71-92. Research, Canberra. Jones, P. G. (1995). Obituary, Norman B. Tindale, 12 Lazarides, M. (1995). A Revision of Triodia including October 1900 – 19 November 1993. Records of Plectrachne (, Eragrostidae, the South Australian Museum. 28:159-176. Triodiinae). Aust. Systematic Botany 10: 381­ King, D. (1960). The sand ridge deserts of South 489. Australia and related aeolian landforms of the Lazarides, M. (1997). A Revision of Eragrostis Quaternary arid cycles. Transactions of the (Eragrostidae, Eleusininae, Poaceae) in Royal Society of South Australia 83: 99-109. Australia. Aust. Systematic Botany 10: 77-187. Keast, A. (1959). Australian birds: Their Lindsay, D. (1893). Journal of the Elder Scientific zoogeography and adaptations to an arid Expedition, 1891. South Australian continent. In: Keast, A., Crocker, R. L., Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 45. Christian, C. S. (eds). Biogeography and Lindsay, J. F. (1995). Geological Atlas of the Officer Ecology in Australia pp. 89-114. Basin, Australia. Australian Geological Survey Monographiae Biologicae Vol 8. The Hague: Organisation, Canberra and Department of Junk. Mines, Adelaide. Kemp, E. M. (1978). Tertiary climatic evolution and Lockhart, J. R and Jack, R. L. (1915). Geological vegetation history in the Southeast Indian Survey of South Australia: The Geology and Ocean region. Palaeogeography, prospects of the region to the south of the Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 24: 169­ Musgrave Ranges, and the geology of the 208. western portion of the Great Australian Artesian Kemper, C, Reardon, T. and Queale, L. (2000). Basin. South Australian Department of Mines. Mammals. In: Robinson, A. C., Casperson, K. Bulletin No. 5. D. and Hutchinson, M. N. (eds) A List of the Love, D. (1999). Recent earthquakes in South Vertebrates of South Australia. Department for Australia. South Australia. MESA Journal, Environment and Heritage, South Australia. 13:22-24. Kerle, J. A, Foulkes, J. N., Kimber, R. G. and Low, W. A., Miller, C, Baker, L., Dobbie, W., Ryan, Papenfus, D. (1992). The decline of the W., Grattidge, A. and Gillen, J. (2000). Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr Competitors and Extinct Native Fauna at Uluru 1798), in arid Australia. Rangeland Journal 14: Kata Tjuta National Park: Rabbit control- 107-127. summary of results of a review of warren Kimber, R. G. (1983). Black lightning: Aborigines and ripping, monitoring and fumigation since 1989. fire in central Australia and the Western Desert. In: Gillen, J. S., Hamilton, R. Low, W. A. and Archaeology in Oceania 18: 38-45. Creagh, C. (eds). Biodiversity and the re­ Kimber, R. G. (1985). The history of the Malleefowl in introduction of native fauna at Uluru Kata Tjuta central Australia. RAOU Newsletter 64: 6-8. National Park. Pp. 43-49. Proceedings of the Kinnear, J. E., Sumner, N. R. and Onus, M. L. (2002). Cross-cultural Workshop on Fauna re- The red fox in Australia – an exotic predator Introduction, Yulara NT, C. Bureau of Rural turned biocontrol agent. Biological Resources, Kingston, ACT. Conservation. 108: 335-360. Major, R. B. (1971). BIRKSGATE map sheet. South Krieg, G. W. (1971). Relict drainage in the Serpentine Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Lakes area. South Australia. Geological Atlas 1:250 000 Series, sheet SG52-15 Survey. Quarterly Geological Notes, 37:1-2. Major, R. B. (1973a). WOODROFFE. South Krieg, G. W. (1972). EVERARD map sheet. South Australia. Sheet SG52-12. South Australia. Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Atlas Geological Survey. 1: 250 000 Series- 1: 250 000 Series, sheet SG53-13 Explanatory Notes

363 Major, R. B. (1973b). Red sandy soils, Northwest National Park, N.T. Final Report, Australian province. South Australia. Geological Survey. Nature Conservation Agency Quarterly Geological Notes. 48: 4-7. McAlpin, S. (1998). Establishing a Surveillance and Major, R. B. (1973c). The Pindyin Beds. South Monitoring Program for Tjakura Egernia Australia. Geological Survey. Quarterly kintorei, at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Geological Notes, 46: 1-5. Unpublished Consultancy Report (98-1) to Major, R. B. (1973d). The Wright Hill Beds. South Environment Australia, Canberra. Australia. Geological Survey. Quarterly McAlpin, S. (1999). Monitoring Tjakura at Uluru-Kata Geological Notes, 46: 6-10. Tjuta National Park. Unpublished Consultancy Major, R. B. (1973e). The Mangatitja Limestone. Report to Parks Australia. South Australia. Geological Survey. Quarterly McAlpin, S. (2000). Monitoring Tjakura at Uluru-Kata Geological Notes, 47: 5-9. Tjuta National Park. Unpublished Consultancy Major, R. B. (1976). LINDSAY map sheet. South Report to Parks Australia. Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Atlas McAlpin, S. (2001). A Recovery Plan for the Great 1: 250 000 Series, sheet SG52-16. Desert Skink (Egernia kintorei) 2001-2011. Major, R. B. and Conor, C. H. H. (1993). Musgrave Arid Lands Environment Centre. Block. In: Drexel, J. F., Preiss, W. V, and McDougall, W. B. (1956). Cited in Morton (1989) p. Parker, A. J. (eds). The geology of South 93. Australia. Vol. 1, The Precambrian. South McGilp, J. N. (1935). Birds of the Musgrave Ranges. Australia. Geological Survey. Bulletin, 54. Emu. 34: 163-176. Major, R. B., Johnson, J. E., Leeson, B. and Mirams, R. McGilp, J. N. (1944). Bird life west of Oodnadatta. C. (1967). WOODROFFE map sheet. South South Australian Ornithologist 17: 2-8. Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Atlas McKenzie, N. L. and Robinson, A. C. (eds). (1987). A 1: 250 000 Series, sheet SG52-12. Biological Survey of the Nullarbor Region, Mallett, K. and Orchard, A. E. (2002). Flora of South and Western Australia in 1984. S.A. Australia Volume 43, Poaceae 1: Introduction Department of Environment and Planning, W.A. and Atlas. ABRS/CSIRO. Department of Conservation and Land Marchant, S. and Higgins, P. J. (1993). Handbook of Management, Australian National Parks and Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Wildlife Service. Vol. 2. Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford Meikle, R. D., and Hewson, H. J. (1984). University Press, Melbourne. 984 pp. Nyctaginaceae, Flora of Australia 4: 5-18. Mason, A. (1897). Report of an expedition in the south Mills, W. W. (1883). The Advertiser. November 29. eastern portion of Western Australia to inquire (Cited in W. Hilliard, 1976. p.55) into a reported incursion of rabbits. Milton, B. E. and Parker, A. J. (1973). An Government Printer, Perth. interpretation of geophysical observations on the Masters, P. (1996). The effects of Fire-driven northern margin of the eastern Officer Basin. Succession on Reptiles in Spinifex Grasslands at South Australia. Geological Survey. Quarterly Uluru National Park, Northern Territory. Geological Notes, 46: 10-14. Wildlife Research 23: 39-48. Mitchell, A. S. and Norris, E. H. (1990) Malvaceae. In: Matthew, J. and Kernot, R. (1992). Records of the Harden (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Vol 1. Slate-backed Thornbill from the Great Victoria New South Wales University Press. Desert. South Australian Ornithologist 31 (5): Morelli, J. (1992). Fire Management in the Great 123. Victoria Desert. Report on a State Cooperative Mattingley, C. and Hampton, K. (eds) (1988). Survival Project, Australian National Parks and Wildlife in our own land. Wakefield Press, Adelaide, Service, South Australian National Parks and SA. Wildlife Service. Maurice, R. T. (1904). Extracts from Journals. South Morton, J. G. G. and Drexel, J. F. (1997). The Australian Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. petroleum geology of South Australia, Volume 43. 3: Officer Basin. South Australia. Department Maxwell, S., Burbidge, A. A. and Morris, K. (eds). of Mines and Energy Resources. (1996). The 1996 Action Plan for Australian Morton, P. (1989). Fire across the desert: Woomera Marsupials and Monotremes. Wildlife and the Anglo-Australian Joint Project 1946 Australia, Canberra. 1980. Commonwealth Government Printer, Mazzer, T. M. (1988). Relationships between soils and Australia. hummock grassland communities in the Tanami Mountford, C. P. (1976). Nomads of the Australian Desert. Thesis for a Batchelor of Natural Desert. Rigby Pub., Adelaide. Resources , University of New England.

Mueller, F., and Tate, R. (1896). Botany. Report of McAlpin, S. (1997). Conservation of the Great Desert Elder Scientific Expedition of 1891. Skink Egernia kintorei at Uluru-Kata Tjuta 364 Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Australia. 16: 333-382. Joint Biological Survey of the Anangu Muir, B. G. (1977). Biological Survey of the Western Pitjantjatjara Land Report. Australian Wheatbelt. Pt 2:Vegetation and Nesbitt, B. J. and Wikilyiri, G. (1994). Waru (Black­ Habitat Bendering Reserve. Records of the footed Rock-wallaby) Survey of the Anangu Western Australian Museum, Supplement No: 3, Pitjantjatjara Lands. Report to the Anangu WA Museum, Perth . Pitjantjatjara Council and South Australian Munir, A. A. (1978). Taxonomic Revision of National Parks and Wildlife Service on the Chloanthaceae trib. Physopidae. Brunonia 1: status of Petrogale lateralis in the A.P. Lands 407-692. SA. Munir, A. A. (2002). A Taxonomic revision of the Newton, A. W. (1996). Mineral exploration and genus Verbena L. (Verbenaceae) in Australia J. development in South Australia. South Adelaide Bot. Gard. 18(1): 21-103. Australia. Department of Mines and Energy, Murray, W. H. (1901). Report and Map. South Report Book, 96/1. Australian Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. Nicolle, D. (1997). Eucalypts of South Australia. Dean 148. Nicolle, South Australia. Mutitjulu Community and Baker, L. (1996). Mingkiri, a Nicolle, D. (2001). Notes on Eucalyptus series natural history of Uluru by the Mutitjulu Orbifoliae (Myrtaceae) including a new species Community. IAD Press, Alice Springs, NT from central Australia. Nuytsia 13(3): 487-493. Neagle, N. (1995). An update of the Conservation Owens, H. M. (2000) (ed.). Guidelines for Vertebrate Status of the Major Plant Associations of South Surveys in South Australia using the Biological Australia. Department of Environment and Survey of South Australia. National Parks and Natural Resources, South Australia. Wildlife SA, Government of South Australia. Nesbitt, B. J. and Baker, L. M. (1994). Ngarutjara Parker, S. A. and Horton, P. (1990). Birds In: Watts, C. Biological Survey November 1994: Anangu H. S. (ed.) A List of the Vertebrates of South Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Council and Australia. Department of Environment and South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Planning, South Australia. Service Joint Biological Survey of the Anangu Parkin, L. W. (ed.), (1969). Handbook of South Pitjantjatjara Land Report. Australian Geology. Geological Survey of Nesbitt, B. J. and Baker, L. M. (1994). Makari South Australia. Biological Survey November 1994: Anangu Parr-Smith, G. A. (1984). Appendix: Chenopodiaceae. Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Council and pp.320-21 In: A. S. George et al (eds). Flora of South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Australia. Volume 4. Phytolaccaceae to Service Joint Biological Survey of the Anangu Chenopodiaceae. Australian Government Pitjantjatjara Land Report. Publishing Service, Canberra. Nesbitt, B., and Baker, L. (1996) Walatina Biological Paton, J. B. (1981). The Grey Honeyeater: a review of Survey 1996. Anangu Information. Anangu distribution and variation. South Australian Pitjantjatjara Council and South Australian Ornithologist 28: 185-190. Department of Environment and Natural Pedler L. P. (1991). The status and ecology of the Resources Joint Biological Survey of the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface (Aphelocephala Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Unpublished pectoralis). Unpublished report to Endangered report. Species Unit ANPWS, Canberra. Nesbitt, B., and Baker, L. (1998). Itya (Echo Hill) and Pedler, L. P. (1992). Review of the status and Granite Downs Biological Survey distribution of the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface August 1998. Anangu Information. Anangu (Aphelocephala pectoralis). South Australian Pitjantjatjara Council and South Australian Ornithologist 29: 79-93. Department of Environment and Natural Pedler, L. P. (2000). Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Resources Joint Biological Survey of the Survey July to August 1999. Unpublished report Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands. Unpublished for Wildlife Conservation Fund, NPWSA. report. Pedley, L. (1992). A Further Note on Acacia aneura Nesbitt, B. J., Baker, L. M and. Lester, Y (1994). (Mimosoidea : Leguminosae). Aust. Syst. Bot. Nyarpari/Kanpi Biological Survey May 1993: 5: 767-69. Anangu Information. Anangu Pitjantjatjara Pedley, L. (2001). Acacia aneura [and related Council and South Australian National Parks species], Flora of Australia 11B: 309-328. and Wildlife Service Joint Biological Survey of Pfeil, B. E., Tindale, M. D. and Craven, L. A. (2001). the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Land Report. A Review of the Glycine clandestina Species Complex (: Phaseolae) reveals Two New Species. Aust. Syst. Bot. 14: 891-900. Nesbitt, B. J. and Lester, Y. (1994). Mimili Biological Philpott, C. M. and Smyth, D. R. (1967). A Survey March 1993: Anangu Information. contribution to our knowledge of some Anangu Pitjantjatjara Council and South mammals from inland Australia. Transactions of 365 the Royal Society of South Australia. 9: 115­ Reid, J. and Fleming, M. (1992). The conservation 134. status of birds in arid Australia. Rangeland Pitt, G. M. (1980). Palaeodrainage systems in western Journal 14: 65-91. South Australia: Their detection by LANDSAT Reid, J. R., W., Kerle, J. A. and Morton, S. R. (1991). imagery, stratigraphic significance and Uluru Fauna Survey Final Report. Division of economic potential. South Australia. Wildlife and Ecology, CSIRO, Australia Department of Mines and Energy. Report Ride, W. D. L. (1970). A Guide to the Native Book, 79/114. . Oxford University Pitt, G. M., Benbow, M. C. and Youngs, B. C. (1980). Press, Melbourne. A review of the recent geological work in the Rogers, P. A. (1984). ABMINGA map sheet. South Officer Basin, South Australia. Journal Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Atlas Australian Petroleum Exploration Association, 1: 250 000 Series, sheet SG 53-10. 20: 209-220. Robinson, A. C. and Armstrong, D. M. (1999). A Pitts, B. (1994). West Macdonnell Ranges, Vegetation Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South and Soil Survey. Wildlife Division, Flora Australia, 1989 and 1990. Heritage and Ecology Unit, Conservation Commission of the Biodiversity Section, Department for Northern Territory, Alice Springs. Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, Playfair, R. M. and Robinson, A. C. (1997). A South Australia. Biological Survey of the North Olary Plains, Robinson, A. C., Casperson, K. D., Canty, P. D. and South Australia 1995-1997. Biological Survey Macdonald, C. A. (1988). A biological survey and Research, Natural Resources Group, of the Gawler Ranges, South Australia in Department of Environment and Natural October 1985. South Australian National Parks Resources, South Australia. and Wildlife Service and South Australian Preiss, W. V. (1987). The Adelaide Geosyncline-Late Museum, Adelaide. Proterozoic stratigraphy, sedimentation, Robinson, A. C., Casperson, K. D. and Hutchinson, M. palaeontology and tectonics. South Australia. N. (2000). A list of the vertebrates of South Geological Survey. Bulletin, 53. Australia. Department for Environment and Randell, B. R. (1992). Mulga. A revision of the major Heritage; Adelaide. 146 pp. species. J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 14: 105-32. Robinson, A. C., Copley, P. B. and Drewien, G. N. Rankin, L. R. (1993). Archaean to Early Palaeozoic (1988). A Floristic Vegetation map of the tectonic provinces South Australia. Geological Tallaringa area. Unpublished report. National map sheet. In: Drexel, J. F. and Preiss, W. V. Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of and Parker, A. J. (eds). The geology of South Environment and Planning, South Australia Australia. Vol 1, The Precambrian. South Rogers, P. A. (1984). ABMINGA map sheet. South Australia. Geological Survey. Bulletin 54 Australia. Geological Survey. Geological Atlas Rankin, L. R. and Benbow, M. C. (1993). Middle 1: 250 000 Series, sheet SG 53-10. Palaeozoic to Cainozoic Basins of South Rogers, P. A. (1986). ABMINGA, South Australia, Australia. Geological map sheet. In: Drexel, J. sheet SG 53-10. South Australia. Geological F. and Preiss, W. V. and Parker, A. J. (eds). Survey. 1:250 000 Series-Explanatory Notes. The geology of South Australia. Vol 1, The Ross, J. (1875). Journal and Plan of Explorations by Mr Precambrian. South Australia. Geological J. Ross in ’74. South Australian Parliamentary Survey. Bulletin,54 Papers (SAPP) No. 67. Read, J. L. (2001). Status of the known Waru (Black­ Rye, B. L. (1995). New and priority taxa in the genera footed Rock-wallaby) populations in the Cryptandra and Stenanthemum (Rhamnaceae) Anangu-Pitjantjatjara lands of South Australia. of Western Australia. Nuytsia 10(2): 255-305. Unpublished report on a grant from the Wildlife SAMLISA Steering Committee (2000). Sustainable Conservation Fund. Ecological Horizons Pty resource management: Strategy for Aboriginal Ltd. managed lands in South Australia. Aboriginal Read, J. L., Copley, P. B. and Bird, P. (1999). The lands Trust, Adelaide. distribution, ecology and status of Pseudomys S. E. A. (1987). Assessment of the environmental desertor in South Australia. Wildlife Research. effects of seismic exploration in PEL 29. Social 26: 453-462. and Ecological Assessment Pty Ltd for: Amoco Readers Digest. (1986). Complete book of Australian Petroleum Company and Pitjantjatjara Council. birds. 2nd Edition. Readers Digest Services, New South Wales.

Schodde, R. and Mason, I. J. (1999). The Directory of Reardon, T. B. and Flavel, S. C. (1987). A Guide to Australian Birds. A Taxonomic and the Bats of South Australia. South Australian Zoogeographic Atlas of the Biodiversity of Museum and Field Naturalists Society of South Birds in Australia and its Territories: Australia. Adelaide. . CSIRO Publishing. 366 Shephard, M. (1993). A Bird Survey of the Sprigg, R. C. (1979). Stranded and submerged sea- Pitjantjatjara Lands – Project Report. Prepared beach systems of southeast South Australia and for the Pitjantjatjara Council. the aeolian desert cycle. Sedimentary Geology Shephard, M. (1995). The Great Victoria Desert. Reed 22: 53-96. Books Pub. Sprigg, R. C., Wilson, B. and Coats, R. P. (1959). Shephard, M. (1998). A lifetime in the bush: The ALBERGA map sheet. South Australia. biography of Len Beadell. Corkwood Press, Geological Survey. Geological Atlas 1: 250 North Adelaide, South Australia. 000 Series, sheet SG53-9. Short, P. S. (1983). A revision of Angianthus Wendl., Stainton, P. W., Wests, G. and Cucuzza, G. (1988). sensu lato (Compositae: Inulae: Gnaphaliinae), Exploration of PEL 23 and PEL 30, eastern 1. Muelleria 5(2): 143-183. Officer Basin, SA, 1983-1988. South Australia. Short, P. S. (1990). New taxa and new combinations in Department of Mines and Energy. Open File Australian Gnaphaliinae (Inulae:Asteraceae). Envelope,5073. Muelleria 7(2): 239-252. Statham-Lee, L. (1994). Palaeodrainage and its Shurcliff, K. S. (1977). Myiagra flycatcher in the economic potential in the Officer Basin and Everard Ranges. South Australian Ornithologist Musgrave Block. South Australia. Department 27: 224. of Mines and Energy. Report Book, 94/30. Shurcliff, K. S. (1978). A biogeographical analysis of Statham-Lee, L. (1995). Palaeodrainage (1:1 000 000 bird communities in the Everard Ranges, South map). In: Lindsay, J. F. (ed.). Geological Atlas Australia. Unpublished M. A. Thesis, University of the Officer Basin, South Australia. of Adelaide. Australian Geological Survey Organisation, Shurcliff, K. S. (1980). Vegetation and bird community Canberra and South Australian Department of characteristics in an Australian arid mountain Mines and Energy. range. Journal of Arid Environments 3: 331­ Strahan, R. (ed.). (1995). . 348. Australian Museum, Reed Books. Simon, B. K. (1993). A key to Australian grasses. Stirling, E. C. (1893). Vertebrata. Transactions of the Department of Primary Industries, Royal Society of South Australia. 16: 154-176. Brisbane. Strong, B. W. (1983). The invasion of the Northern Simpson H. (Dallwitz J. ed) (1990). Horrie Simpson’s Territory by the wild European rabbit Oodnadatta. Oodnadatta Progress Association. Oryctolagus cuniculus. Conservation Simpson, H. (1933). Untitled notes. South Australian Commission of the Northern Territory Technical Ornithologist 28: 185-190. Report No. 3. Smith, P. J. (1992). A revision of the genus Stuart, J. M. (1865). The journals of John MacDouall Wahlenbergia (Campanulaceae) in Australia. Stuart during the years 1858, 1859, 1860, 1861 Telopea 5(1): 91-175. and 1862. Saunders, Otley and Co.; London. Smyth, D. R. and Philpott, C. M. (1968). Field notes on Symon, D. E. (1981). A revision of the genus Solanum Rabbit Bandicoots, Macrotis lagotis, Reid in Australia. J. Adelaide Bot. Gard. 4: 1-367. (Marsupialia), from central Western Australia. Tapley, I. J. (1988). The reconstruction of Transactions of the Royal Society of South palaeodrainage and regional geological Australia 92: 3-14. structures in Australia's Canning and Officer Specht, R. L. (1972). The vegetation of South Basins using NOAA-AVHRR satellite imagery. Australia. (2nd, ed.). Government Printer, Earth Science Reviews, 25: 409-425. Adelaide. Teichelmann, C. G. and Schurmann, C. W. (1840). Specht, R. L. and Cleland, J. B. (1961). Flora Outlines of a grammar, vocabulary and conservation in South Australia. Part I. The phraseology of the Aboriginal language of preservation of plant formations and South Australia spoken by the natives in, and associations recorded in South Australia. for some distance around Adelaide. Robert Transactions of the Royal Society of South Thomas and Co.; Adelaide. Australia. 85: 177-196. Telford, I. R. H., (1987) Calostemma, Flora of Specht, R. L. and Cleland, J. B. (1963). Flora Australia 45: 382-83. conservation in South Australia. Part II. The Terry, M. (1931). Two Journeys Westwards from preservation of species recorded in South Horseshoe Bend and Oodnadatta. Proceedings Australia. Transactions of the Royal Society of of the. Royal Geographical Society of South Australia. 87: 63-92. Australasia, SA Branch. 31: 34-37. Terry, M. (1932). Untold Miles. Selwyn and Blount Ltd. Specht, R. L., Roe, E. M. and Boughton, V. H. (eds). Thackway, R. and Cresswell ID, eds. (1995}. An (1974). Conservation of major plant interim biogeographic regionalisation for communities in Australia and Papua New Australia: a framework for setting priorities in Guinea. Australian Journal of Botany the National Reserves System Cooperative Supplementary Series. No. 7.

367 Program. Australian Nature Conservation Cainozoic drainages in arid Western Australia. Agency, Canberra. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphology NF, 21(4): 379­ Thomson, B. G. (1992). Three new species of 400. Euphorbia L. subgenus Chamaesyce Rafinesque Walsh, N. G. (1994). Poaceae. In: Walsh, N. G. and (Euphorbiaceae) from central and northern Entwistle, T. J. (eds) Flora of Victoria. Vol 2. Australia. Nuytsia 8(3): 351-360. Inkata Press, Melbourne. Thomson B. P., Mirams, R. C. and Johnson, J. (1962). Walsh, N. G. (1999). Gentianaceae. In: Walsh, N. G. MANN map sheet. South Australia. and Entwistle, T. J. (eds) Flora of Victoria. Vol Geological Survey. Geological Atlas 1: 250 4. Inkata Press, Melbourne. 000 Series, sheet SG52-11. Walsh, N. G. (2001). A Revision of Centipeda Tindale, N. B. (1933). Original Journal. (Asteraceae). Muelleria 15: 33-64. Anthropological Expedition to Mann Range – Wasson, R. J., Fitchett, K., Mackey, B. and Hyde, R. 1933. Anthropology Archives, South Australian (1988). Large scale pattern of dune type, Museum. Tindale Journal Index No. AA spacing and orientation in the Australian 338/1/9. (Includes x4 reels film titled: “A day in continental dunefield. Australian Geographer the life of the Pitjantjatjara”, and sound 19: 89-104. recordings.) Watts, C. H. S. and Aslin, H. J. (1981). The Rodents of Tindale, N. B. (1935). Initiation among the Pitjandjara Australia. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. natives of the Mann and Tomkinson Ranges in Wells L. A. and George F. R. (1904). Reports on South Australia. Oceania. 6: 199-224. Prospecting Operations in the Musgrave, Mann, Tindale, N. B. (1937). Natives of the Western Desert of and Tomkinson Ranges. South Australian Australia. Mankind 37: No. 34. Parliamentary Papers (SAPP) No. 54. Tindale, N. B. (1941). A list of plants collected in the Whibley, D. J. E and Symon, D. E. (1992). Acacias of Musgrave and Mann Ranges, South Australia, South Australia. Revised second edition. Govt 1933. The South Australian Naturalist. 21: 8­ Printer, Adelaide 12. White, S. A. (1915a). Scientific notes on an expedition Tindale, N. B. (1957). Original Journal. Journal of into the north-western regions of SA. visit to North-West of South Australia - 1957. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Anthropology Archives, South Australian Australia. 39: 707-738. Museum. Tindale Journal Index No. AA White, S. A. (1915b). The flora of the Country between 338/21/1. Oodnadatta and the Musgrave and Everard Tindale, N. B. (1963). Original Journal. Journal of Ranges. Appendix (1) attachment to Jack visit to North-West of South Australia - 1963. (1915). pp. 55-57. Anthropology Archives, South Australian Williams, R. M. and Ruhen O. (1984). Beneath Whose Museum. Tindale Journal Index No. AA Hand: the autobiography of R.M. Williams with 338/21/2. Olaf Ruhen. The Macmillan Company of Tindale, N. B. (1966). Original Journal. Journal of Australia. visit to Rawlinson Range WA - 1963 (via north­ Willis, J. H. (1981). The history of botanical west of South Australia). Anthropology investigation in Central Australia. In: Jessop J. Archives, South Australian Museum. Tindale P. (ed.) Flora of Central Australia. Reed Books Journal Index No. AA 338/1/25. Pty Ltd. Tindale, N. B. and Hackett, C. J. (1933). Preliminary Wilson, A. F. (1947). The Charnockitic and associated report on field work among the Aborigines of rocks of north-western South Australia. Part 1. the north-west of South Australia. Oceania. 4: The Musgrave Ranges – an introductory 101-105. account. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tonkin, D. G. (1991). The geology and mineral South Australia. 71: 195-211. potential of the Pitjantjatjara Lands, South Wilson, B. A., Brocklehurst, P. S., Clark, M. J and Australia. South Australia. Department of Dickinson, K. J. M. (1990). Vegetation Survey Mines and Energy. Report Book, 91/103. of the Northern Territory, Australia. Trudgen, M. E. (1986). Baeckea tuberculata Trudgen, Explanatory Notes to Accompany 1:1 000 000 a new species of Myrtaceae (Leptospermeae, Map Sheets. Technical Report No 49. Baeckeinae) from South Australia. Nuytsia Conservation Commission of the Northern 5(3): 441-44. Territory, Australia Tyler, M. J. (1971). Discovery in the Everard Ranges Wilson, P. G. (1984). Chenopodiaceae, Flora of of a species of Leptodactylid frog new to the Australia. 4: 81-317. fauna of South Australia. Transactions of the Wilson, P. G. (2001). Leiocarpa, a new Australian Royal Society of South Australia 95: 215-217. genus of the Asteraceae tribe Gnaphaliae. Tyler, M. J. (1978). Amphibians of South Australia. Nuytsia 13(3): 595-605. Government Printer, Adelaide. Wilson, K. L. (1994). New taxa and combinations in Van de Graaff, W. J. E., Jackson, M. J., Crowe, R. W. the family Cyperaceae in eastern Australia. A. and Bunting, J. A. (1977). Relict Early Telopea. 5(4): 589-625. 368 Wood, J. G. (1937). The Vegetation of South Australia. Government Printer, Adelaide. Wood Jones, F. (1925). The Mammals of South Australia. Government Printer, Adelaide. Wopfner, H. (1974). Post- history and stratigraphy of northeastern South Australia. Royal Society of South Australia. Transactions, 98: 1-12 Yen, A. L (1996). The contribution of the Horn Expedition to our knowledge of terrestrial invertebrates in central Australia, pp 230-244 In: Morton, S. R. and Mulvaney, D. J. (eds). Exploring central Australia: society, the environment and the 1894 Horn Expedition. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton. Yen, A. L., Reid, J. R. W. and Wainer, J. (1997). A Pitfall Trap Survey of Ground Dwelling Invertebrates, pp139-159 In: Reid, J. R. W and Hobbs, T. J. (eds) Monitoring the Vertebrate Fauna of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra.

369 370