The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Conservation Programs and Planning Branch, Metropolitan Department of Environmental Protection and Regulation Division Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Environment and August 2004 Conservation (NSW) THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF KANANGRA-BOYD NATIONAL PARK
A project funded under the Central Directorate Parks and Wildlife Division Biodiversity Survey Priorities Program
Conservation Assessment and Data Unit Conservation Programs and Planning Branch, Metropolitan Environment Protection and Regulation Division Department of Environment and Conservation ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
CADU (Central) Manager Logistics and Survey Planning Julie Ravallion Kylie Madden Elizabeth Magarey CADU (Central) Bioregional Data Group Helen Achurch Coordinator Michaela Jones Daniel Connolly Data Entry CADU (Central) Fauna Surveys Coordinator Suzette Rodoreda Helen Achurch Kylie Madden Elizabeth Magarey Rebecca Allport CADU (Central) GIS, Data Management and Database Coordinator Hair and Scat Analysis Peter Ewin Barbara Triggs Report Writing and Map Production Bat Call Analysis Elizabeth Magarey Narawan Williams Michael Pennay Field Surveyors Biodiversity Survey Priorities Team Special thanks to: Elizabeth Magarey Staff of the Oberon Area Office for assistance in Peter Ekert planning and support during the surveys. David O’Connor Arthur White This report should be referenced as follows: Michaela Jones DEC (2004) “The Vertebrate Fauna of SCA Team Kanangra-Boyd National Park.” Unpublished Helen Achurch report funded by the Central Directorate Parks Nick Corkish and Wildlife Division Biodiversity Survey Alex Dudley Priorities Program by NSW Department of Peter Ekert Environment and Conservation, Conservation Peter Ewin Assessment and Data Unit, Metropolitan Michael Todd Branch, Environment Protection and Regulation Narawan Williams Division. Amy Williams Suzette Rodoreda All photographs are held by DEC. To obtain a Jules Bros copy please contact the Bioregional Data Group Coordinator, DEC Hurstville CRA Team Debbie Andrew Rebecca Drury Cover Photos Dick Turner Feature Photo (David O’Connor) Arthur White White-striped Freetail-bat (Michael Todd) Rock Plate-Heath Mallee (DEC) Field Volunteers Black Crevice-skink (D. O’Connor) Rebecca Allport Tall Moist Blue Gum Forest (DEC) Jenny Lewis Rainforest (DEC) Josh Madden Short-beaked Echidna (D. O’Connor) Katie Oxenham Grey Gum (Daniel Connolly) Scott Peel Red-crowned Toadlet (Dave Hunter)
ISBN 1 74122 114 5
2 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park OVERVIEW
Kanangra-Boyd National Park, located approximately twenty kilometres south east of Oberon, comprises 68000 hectares of land encompassing the Boyd Plateau and the surrounding deeply incised valley system. Elevation ranges from just over 150 metres above sea level in the Coxs River Valley to 1334 metres at Mount Emperor. The dramatic range in elevation contributes to a diverse mix of vegetation structural forms, including closed forests (rainforests), swamps, heaths and mallees, and extensive areas of Eucalypt dominated forests and woodlands. A number of landscape features characterise the park, including the system of limestone karsts (Colong, Billys Creek, Church Creek and Tuglow Caves) and the Kanangra Walls that form the dramatic boundary between the Boyd Plateau and the Kanangra gorges below. The diverse range of habitats in the park support a rich assemblage of vertebrate fauna. This report describes the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park, derived from fauna surveys that have been undertaken by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC, formerly NPWS). It documents for the first time the species and habitats present in the reserve and combines survey results derived from systematic surveys undertaken between 1997 and 2004. It concludes that: • There are 235 native vertebrate fauna species known to occur within the reserve. This includes 124 diurnal birds, eight nocturnal birds, sixteen bats, eight arboreal mammals, fifteen ground mammals, 34 reptiles, eighteen frogs and twelve introduced species. • Kanangra-Boyd National Park supports habitat for at least eighteen fauna species that are listed as threatened on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). Seven of these species have been recorded in high numbers, indicating that healthy populations are present within the park. This includes the Glossy Black-cockatoo, Powerful Owl, Yellow-bellied Glider, Large-eared Pied Bat, Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Eastern False Pipistrelle and Eastern Bent-wing Bat. Additional threatened fauna species include Barking Owl, Sooty Owl, Spotted-tailed Quoll and Squirrel Glider. • Four threatened species have been recently observed within two kilometres of the park and given the presence of suitable habitat, are considered highly likely to occur within its boundaries. These are the Koala, Masked Owl, Eastern Freetail-bat and Rosenberg’s Goanna. • Habitats for the threatened Booroolong Frog and Littlejohn’s Tree Frog are protected within the park, however neither species have been recorded in recent times. • It is considered likely that Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies persist within the park, though recent surveys have failed to conclusively confirm their presence. • The limestone caves at Colong were found to contain significant roosting populations of the Eastern Bent-wing Bat (>1000 individuals estimated) and the Eastern Horseshoe-bat. No evidence was found to suggest that this cave system is being used as a maternity site. • Feral animals including Rabbits, Foxes and Pigs are present in the reserve. Pigs and evidence of their activity are particularly dense on the Boyd Plateau and the Jenolan and Kowmung River valleys. • The composition and distribution of fauna species within the park strongly reflects landscape patterns in elevation, geology and topography, and the location of the park at the junction of the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregions. There are clearly distinctive assemblages of fauna that correspond to the montane and sub-alpine environments, and to the lower altitude valley systems. The recent fauna surveys in Kanangra-Boyd National Park have contributed important information to our understanding of the distribution, range, habitat preference and conservation status of many animals, including threatened and newly described species. One such example is the threatened Greater Broad-nosed Bat, which has been recorded at higher altitudes than previously reported, and at the western extent of its distribution. Such information will improve our understanding of species conservation status across the region and assist in the updating of effective management strategies.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 3 CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...... 2 OVERVIEW ...... 3 CONTENTS ...... 4 1 INTRODUCTION...... 6
1.1 PROJECT AIMS ...... 6 1.2 BACKGROUND ...... 6 1.3 HISTORY OF LAND USE ...... 8 1.4 ENVIRONMENT...... 8 1.5 VEGETATION ...... 10 1.6 FIRE ...... 12 2 METHODS...... 13
2.1 EXISTING FAUNA DATA ...... 13 2.2 SURVEY STRATIFICATION AND SITE SELECTION ...... 13 2.3 SURVEY METHODS...... 14 2.4 SURVEY TIMING ...... 21 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ...... 22
3.1 OVERVIEW ...... 22 3.2 TAXONOMIC ISSUES ...... 23 3.3 DIURNAL BIRDS...... 24 3.4 NOCTURNAL BIRDS ...... 25 3.5 ARBOREAL MAMMALS...... 26 3.6 BATS ...... 26 3.7 NATIVE GROUND MAMMALS ...... 28 3.8 REPTILES ...... 29 3.9 FROGS...... 30 3.10 INTRODUCED SPECIES...... 32 3.11 PREDATOR SCAT AND PELLET ANALYSIS...... 35 3.12 LANDSCAPE SCALE PATTERNS IN FAUNA DISTRIBUTION ...... 36 3.13 THE LIMESTONE KARST SYSTEM...... 37 4 FUTURE WORK...... 38 5 THREATENED SPECIES PROFILES ...... 39
BOOROOLONG FROG ...... 41 ROSENBERG’S GOANNA...... 43 GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO ...... 45 BARKING OWL ...... 46 POWERFUL OWL...... 47 MASKED OWL...... 48 SOOTY OWL...... 49 SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL...... 51 KOALA ...... 52 BRUSH-TAILED ROCK-WALLABY...... 53 YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER...... 55 SQUIRREL GLIDER ...... 56 EASTERN FREETAIL-BAT ...... 58
4 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park LARGE-EARED PIED BAT...... 59 EASTERN FALSE PIPISTRELLE...... 60 EASTERN BENT-WING BAT...... 61 GREATER BROAD-NOSED BAT...... 63 6 REFERENCES...... 65 APPENDIX A: SURVEY SITES...... 70 APPENDIX B: FAUNA SPECIES LIST ...... 77
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 5 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT AIMS
The Central Directorate Parks and Wildlife Division (PWD) of the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC, formerly NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)) has for the first time established a biodiversity survey priorities program for all DEC managed estate within the Directorate. This program recognised that Kanangra-Boyd National Park (NP) was characterised by low levels of information on both its flora and fauna values (NPWS 2003a). The decision to sample this area was enhanced by the opportunity to integrate new survey work into a broader study examining the biodiversity values of the Warragamba and Metropolitan Special Areas (DEC in prep.). The fauna survey program seeks to address the shortfall in information on vertebrate fauna within Kanangra Boyd NP. Improved information will enable park managers to better integrate local information into planning decisions and to become more active in promoting the values of the reserve. It will provide the opportunity to develop more focused strategies on threatened species management, monitoring programs and community education. Importantly it will expand the ability of park managers to understand the role the reserve plays in conserving fauna within the greater Sydney region. Specific objectives of this report are to: 1. Document, review and collate existing fauna data 2. Identify and profile threatened fauna species and other regionally significant fauna that are known or likely to occur 3. Identify broad-scale patterns in fauna occurrence and habitat use across the reserves and identify habitats of particular conservation significance.
1.2 BACKGROUND
Kanangra-Boyd NP is located approximately 130 kilometres west of the outskirts of the Sydney metropolitan area and approximately twenty kilometres south east of Oberon. The park is bordered to the east, south and south west by Blue Mountains National Park, by Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve to the north west, and by cleared land, native State Forest and pine plantations to the mid west. The northern boundary of the park is formed by Black Range, which runs east-west from the Coxs to the Jenolan River (Map 1). Kanangra-Boyd NP was gazetted in 1969. The park currently comprises over 68000 hectares of land, encompassing an extensive plateau and a dramatic deeply incised valley system. It includes the catchments of the Kanangra, Jenolan and Kowmung Rivers that together form part of the catchment area of Lake Burragorang, Sydney’s primary water storage area. Consequently, approximately 27000 hectares of the park is co-operatively managed by DEC and the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA). Kanangra-Boyd NP forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains Area, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in November 2000. The park encompasses part of the Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness, the second largest wilderness area in NSW identified under the NSW Wilderness Act 1987. Park management is committed to restore and protect the unmodified state of the area and its plant and animal communities (NPWS 2001a). Part of this commitment is to close and rehabilitate vehicular tracks in or through the wilderness, except where required for essential management purposes (NPWS 2001a). Consequently, large tracts of the park, particularly in the north east and south west, remain inaccessible by vehicle and difficult to access on foot.
6 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Map 1: Location of Kanangra-Boyd National Park and surrounding conservation areas Blue Mountains NP Copyright NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service June 2004 This map is not guaranteed to be free from error or omission The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and its employees disclaim liability for any act done on the information in the map and any consequences of such acts or omissions OBERON # # KATOOMBA
Kanangra-Boyd NP
Other Reserve JENOLAN CAVES # Blue Mountains NP SYDNEY State Forest
SCA Special Area Boundary
Waterbody
Main River
Coast
Major Road/Highway
# Town # Blue Mountains YERRANDERIE # 5 0 5 10 Kilometers NP PICTON
Nattai NP N
W E
HILLTOP S #
# WOLLONGONG
Compiled by Central CADU June 2004
South Eastern Highlands Bioregion Sydney Basin Bioregion
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 7 1.3 HISTORY OF LAND USE
Evidence suggests that Aboriginal occupation of the Kanangra-Boyd area dates back to approximately 20000 years ago (NPWS 2001a). There are approximately forty recorded sites and places of pre- European cultural significance within the park, primarily in the form of art and grinding groove sites, and there are likely to be hundreds of places as yet unrecorded (NPWS 2001a). European explorers first reached the Kanangra area in the first half of the nineteenth century, during attempts to cross and settle the mountain ranges (NPWS 2001a). In the mid nineteenth century the area began to be used as a resting place for the movement of cattle between the pastures of the Burragorang Valley and the Tablelands (National Trust of Australia 1974). The early and mid twentieth century saw extensive harvesting of native hardwood timbers, particularly of the Northern Plateau Moist Forest on the Boyd Plateau (National Trust of Australia 1974). Shale oil and coal mining sites were exploited, and phosphates from the bat droppings at Colong Caves were mined in the 1930s (NPWS 2001a). Despite forestry and mining activities within the area, many of the park’s scenic and recreational opportunities gained widespread recognition in the mid 1800s and early 1900s. In 1891 a reserve for public recreation was created at Kanangra Walls, soon followed by the reservation of Colong Caves, Tuglow Caves, Box Creek and Canyon Falls, Tuglow Falls and Morong Falls (National Trust of Australia 1974). In 1920 Myles Dunphy conceived a proposal to include the area as part of the Greater Blue Mountains National Park; then in 1937 large parts of the Boyd Plateau and surrounding lands were gazetted as a reserve for the preservation of flora and fauna. Kanangra-Boyd NP was gazetted in 1969, encompassing an area of 40000 hectares that excluded the northern section of the plateau and the area around Mount Armour. Debate regarding alternative proposals for use of the land for forestry (including pine plantations) and for limestone mining continued through the 1970s, until finally both the entire Boyd Plateau and the Church Creek area were added to the park.
1.4 ENVIRONMENT
Biogeography Kanangra-Boyd NP lies within the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion (Thackway and Creswell 1995). This Bioregion covers an extensive area of the Central Tablelands and slopes of New South Wales and Victoria. The Bioregion is dominated by a temperate climate characterised by mild to warm summers and no dry season (NPWS 2003c). Approximately fifteen percent of the Bioregion is reserved for conservation (in National Parks, Nature Reserves, karst conservation reserves and State Conservation Areas) (NPWS 2003c). The Sydney Basin Bioregion lies immediately to the east of the park. The incised valley system in the eastern section of the park shares many climate, geology and landscape features with the western extremity of this Bioregion. Kanangra-Boyd NP plays a significant role in conserving the integration zone between these two Bioregions, which leads to a high diversity of flora and fauna species.
Geomorphology Kanangra-Boyd NP encompasses two major landscape systems: the Boyd Plateau in the north of the park; surrounded by the deeply incised valley systems of the Hollanders, Jenolan, Kowmung and Coxs Rivers. The Boyd Plateau covers over 10000 hectares of the reserve and encompasses a complex geology. In the north of the plateau, soils are more fertile (National Trust of Australia 1974) being derived from rhyolite and gabbro. The southern portion of the plateau is underlain by a weathered knoll of Carboniferous granite (King 1994). The plateau forms a complex of low rising hills and crests, with swamp depressions along drainage lines and soaks. The deeply incised east-flowing valley systems expose the older rocks from the Devonian period. These rocks are primarily quartzite, sandstone, siltstone and claystone. Some of the deeper gullies probably expose older rocks again, those from the Ordovician period (King 1994). These weather to produce infertile, well-drained soils. West-flowing valleys include rocks such as tuff, slate, and phyllite laid down during the Silurian period. Residual peaks and tops of sandstone and quartzite remain on the plateau at Ti Willa, at Mt. Cloudmaker, and at the knolls, peaks and crests of Black Range. These peaks are aligned with the lithic sandstones that are associated with the Shoalhaven Group from the Permian period. The most
8 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park dramatic example of these residual landscapes is displayed at Kanangra Tops with the impressive sandstone Kanangra Walls exposed below. Plate 1 shows the landscapes along the Gangerang Range. These landscapes are characterised by infertile sandy soils.
Plate 1: Looking towards Mt. Cloudmaker from Kanangra Walls David O’Connor
On the northern fall of the Boyd Plateau, a knoll of intruded granite covers a substantial area. This area forms Moorara Boss and overlooks the precipitous Hellgate Gorge. Amongst the oldest and most impressive landforms in the reserve are the limestone outcrops that are exposed in the Kowmung and Jenolan River Valleys. These outcrops are disjunct, but form part of a belt that includes Billys Creek, Colong and Tuglow Caves.
Elevation The characteristic landforms of Kanangra-Boyd NP are the spectacular gorges that plummet from narrow peaks and ridges. Large ranges in elevation emerge from these landforms: elevation falls from highpoints such as Mt. Emperor at 1334 metres above sea level to the Coxs River at just over 150 metres above sea level. The Boyd Plateau lies above 1000 metres in elevation and makes up about one third of the park.
Climate Climate data indicates that the north western half of Kanangra-Boyd NP, primarily the Boyd Plateau, has relatively high average rainfall of 1000 to 1150 millimetres per year, with the central ridge of Kanangra Range having between 1151 and 3000 millimetres per year. The south and eastern sections of the park have considerably lower rainfall, ranging between 631 and 875 millimetres per year depending on topography, with the lowest occurring in a rain shadow immediately south of the plateau. The mean annual temperature across the park follows a similar pattern. The Boyd Plateau maintains an annual average temperature of between eight and twelve degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 23 degrees in summer and minimum of minus two degrees in winter. The escarpment slopes have an average annual temperature of between twelve and fourteen degrees Celsius. The valleys of the Kowmung and Coxs Rivers maintain a higher average temperature of between fourteen and sixteen degrees Celsius, with a maximum of 29 degrees in summer and a minimum of one degree in winter.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 9 1.5 VEGETATION
Vegetation across Kanangra-Boyd NP was mapped on a broad scale in 2000 as part of the CRA program (NPWS 2000a). In 2001 DEC was commissioned by the SCA to undertake a comprehensive flora survey of the entire Warragamba Special Area. Fine scale vegetation mapping was undertaken in the eastern section of the park as part of this program (NPWS 2003a). The following description of vegetation is based on information contained in NPWS (2000a) and NPWS (2003a). The vegetation of Kanangra-Boyd NP is strongly influenced by its montane and sub-alpine environments and by its proximity to the drier cool climates of the central tablelands. There are a wide variety of structural forms of vegetation including closed forests (rainforests), swamps, heaths and mallees, and extensive areas of Eucalypt dominated forests and woodlands. The Eucalypt communities are extremely varied, responding to the dramatic variations in elevation, soils, shelter and rainfall that span the reserve. Above 800 metres, forests and woodlands within the park are typical of those found at higher elevations of southern NSW. On exposed residual sediments and slopes that remain as peaks and ridges in the western portions, sclerophyllous shrubby woodlands occur, with an often crowded canopy of Silvertop Ash Plate 2: Tall gully forest on the Boyd Plateau (Kanangra (Eucalyptus sieberi), Narrow-leaved Peppermint Creek.) DEC (E. radiata subsp. radiata) and Blaxland’s Stringybark (E. blaxlandii). Near the western boundary Brittle Gum (Eucalyptus mannifera subsp. mannifera) and stunted Red Stringybark (E. macrorhyncha) may co-dominate. Gullies support taller forests that are generally dominated by Brown Barrel (Eucalyptus fastigata) and Narrow-leaved Peppermint, and at sites above 1000 metres by Mountain Gum (E. dalrympleana subsp dalrympleana) (Plate 2). The understorey in these high elevation gullies tends to be ferny and open; only in the deepest gullies and very protected slopes does a strong mesic shrub layer develop. On the richer soils of the Boyd Plateau a tall to very tall open grassy forest occurs across the gentle gradients. Brown Barrel and Mountain Gum are abundant here, above a very open understorey with a lush cover of tussock grasses. Snow Gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora), with a similarly profuse grass cover, dominate sites that are of slightly less fertility or in frost hollows. These forests share much with higher elevation basalt caps of the Liverpool Range and Barrington Tops. The lower elevations of the park support a completely different assemblage of plants. The metasediments of the Kanangra Gorges are clad in woodlands and forests that align them to the grassy woodlands of the Central Tablelands. Exposed slopes are often very open characterised by a canopy of Narrow-leaved Ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra), Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) and Grey Gum (E. punctata) over a very dry understorey with scattered shrubs and grasses (Plate 3). Vegetation in sheltered aspects is taller and includes some depauperate dry rainforest species on the forest floor, although due to the rain shadow of the Kowmung and Kanangra Gorges only the hardiest rainforest species survive. Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) will sometimes form dense thickets in the understorey of these tall forests. In the northern slopes Grey Gum assumes greater prominence on sheltered slopes, and with sufficient soil depth can grow into a tall forest featuring a carpet of grasses and herbs. Rainforests are particularly interesting in Kanangra-Boyd NP. Due to the high elevation, they exhibit clear cool temperate influences with species such as Rough Possumwood (Quintinia sieberi) and Austral Mulberry (Hedycarya angustifolia) joining Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras) as the most prominent plants. As elevation falls and the environment becomes drier, particularly along the
10 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Kowmung River, dry rainforests grow in the most protected gullies and on limestone outcrops. These rainforests feature Giant Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide excelsa), Red Cedar (Toona australis) and Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) as prominent trees. On less protected sites dense thickets of Grey Myrtle develop.
Plate 3: Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland on Gingra Range DEC
Heaths, mallees and scrubs occur on highly exposed and wind buffeted sites on impoverished sandy soils. Vegetation at Ti Willa and Kanangra Tops comprise typical examples of such communities, featuring Blue Mountains Mallee Ash (Eucalyptus stricta) and Heath Banksia (Banksia ericifolia subsp. ericifolia) (Plate 4). An interesting heath-mallee community also features on the Loombah Plateau, featuring Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata) and Mountain Gum.
Plate 4: Mallee Heath at Kanangra Tops DEC
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 11 Montane swamps and bogs are a feature of the Boyd Plateau and surrounds. These occur at sites with impeded drainage that are periodically water logged. Tea Trees (Leptospermum obovatum) and sedges (Carex appressa) mark drainage lines and soaks on gentle gradients.
1.6 FIRE
There is little information about fires in Kanangra-Boyd prior to 1957. In that year most of the park, except the south eastern escarpments of the Boyd Plateau, burnt in a single wildfire (NPWS 2001a). Four substantial fires occurred between 1957 and 2001, including two in the Morong Swamps area of the plateau and two on the drier slopes of the lower Kowmung Valley and Tonalli River catchment. The two lower Kowmung fires burnt relatively large areas in the east of the park, and extensively in the neighbouring Blue Mountains National Park. The most recent wildfire within the park was a small fire at Cam’s Creek in February 2004 (M. Jones pers. comm.).
12 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 2 METHODS
2.1 EXISTING FAUNA DATA
Prior to 2003-04, knowledge of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna in Kanangra-Boyd NP was limited, particularly in more remote sections of the park. Kanangra-Boyd NP was subject to limited investigation during the NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessment (CRA) program, which sought to provide a broad regional overview of biodiversity patterns. Limited systematic fauna surveys were undertaken on the Boyd Plateau in 1997 as part of this program. In 2001 DEC was commissioned by the SCA to undertake a comprehensive fauna survey of the entire Warragamba Special Area. Systematic flora and fauna surveys were undertaken within the park between 2002 and 2004 as part of this program (NPWS 2003a, DEC in prep.). The Atlas of NSW Wildlife (DEC 2004a) was the primary resource used to access existing data on the fauna of the park. The majority of records within the Atlas prior to the summer of 2003-04 derive from the DEC systematic surveys described above. The bulk of the remaining records derive from the licensed data sets of Birds Australia (Blakers et al. 1984 and Barrett et al. 2003) and the specimen register of the Australian Museum. Blakers et al. (1984) sightings involved designating a ten-minute spatial grid, based on easting and northing lines. All birds recorded from within this grid are then assigned to AMG co-ordinates at the centre of the grid, such that the data is not spatially accurate on a fine scale. This process was also used by some observers included in Barrett et al. (2003) though others provided information at a finer scale. The Australian Museum data derives from specimens submitted to the museum by members of the public, as well as from field trips undertaken by Museum staff specifically to collect fauna specimens. Early specimens in the register often have a low level of spatial and temporal reliability. For this reason, records from the Australian Museum prior to 1950 have been excluded from discussion in this report. Remaining records within the Atlas of NSW Wildlife derive from observations made by: park rangers and field officers; catchment officers; bushwalkers and naturalists; scientific researchers working in the area; and other visitors to the park. These records have various levels of reliability depending on the type of observation, as well as the certainty and identification experience of the observer.
2.2 SURVEY STRATIFICATION AND SITE SELECTION
Between 1997 and 1999 CRA fauna surveys were undertaken within the park, primarily along roads on the Boyd Plateau and Black Range. Twenty-nine sites were established, at which a variety of systematic survey techniques were undertaken. In 2002 an extensive program was commenced to comprehensively and systematically survey fauna within the Warragamba Special Area. Thirty-three sites were established within Kanangra-Boyd NP over the summer of 2002-2003 as part of this program. Gap analyses undertaken as part of the survey stratification and site selection for the 2003-04 survey season incorporated the above systematic surveys, to ensure that the data collected during 2003-04 would complement, rather than replicate, work that has previously been undertaken within the park. A total of four weeks of field survey was undertaken within Kanangra-Boyd NP over the summer of 2003- 04. The primary stratum used for site selection was vegetation type. Kanangra-Boyd NP is covered by a number of vegetation maps, of which two were used in the selection of fauna survey sites. For the area of park within the SCA Special Area boundary (eastern side of the park) the vegetation map and descriptions produced by the Central Conservation Assessment and Data Unit (NPWS 2003a) was used; for the remainder of the park, the vegetation map and descriptions produced by Southern Directorate CRA (NPWS 2000a). Each specific vegetation community within the park was placed into a broader flora group; vegetation communities that shared significant similarities in floristic composition, structure, topographic position and substrata were grouped together. Fauna survey site stratification was based on these broad flora groups, while aiming to sample the full variation of vegetation communities within each group as much as possible. The preferable sampling strategy would have aimed to sample the mapped vegetation communities proportionately according to the mapped area of each community within the reserve and have included enough repeat sampling within each vegetation community to provide reasonable reliability
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 13 that potential variations within widespread stratum were captured. Such replication of sites serves to strengthen the reliability of patterns derived from collected data. The pre-trip site selection process aimed to fulfil this goal as much as possible. An analysis identified the previous systematic fauna survey effort undertaken within each vegetation community and broad flora group within the park. Vegetation communities that had not previously been sampled or had been under-sampled (where the amount of previous survey effort was less than that predicted by the proportional size of the community) were prioritised for sampling. Sites were initially selected using ArcView, with information gained from topographic maps, vegetation maps, access trails, and location of previous survey effort. Sites were positioned primarily on or close to access trails to facilitate conduct of spotlighting and harp trapping surveys and to maximise the number of sites that could be accessed during the limited survey period. Due to time and budgetary constraints, broad flora groups that occupied less than 300 hectares of land within the park were not targeted for systematic replicated sampling (though some sites were established in some of these communities where possible). In the field, the proposed site locations were ground-truthed to ensure that they were representative of the mapped vegetation community, had not been significantly affected by recent burning or other habitat modification, and comprised a single vegetation community. If these criteria were not met, an alternative location was selected for the site. Systematic survey sites were 100 metres by 200 metres in area, and spaced a minimum of one kilometre from each other (two kilometres apart for nocturnal call playback surveys). Selection of survey sites was extremely limited, at both stages of the process, by the steep and dramatic terrain of the park, the location of access trails, and the large amount of travelling time between areas. Consequently, considerable difficulties were met in locating survey sites that sampled the range of vegetation communities, maintained sufficient distance between sites to ensure they were independent from one another and could be accessed with a reasonable degree of efficiency. For these reasons, and because fauna survey is very labour intensive, not all communities within the park could be sampled to the desired extent. Vegetation communities that were restricted in extent and/or extremely difficult to access received comparatively fewer sites in proportion to their area. In particular, problems were encountered in surveying Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands, Montane Slopes Dry Forests and Dry Gorge Slopes Forest. Table 1 presents the area of each broad flora group (greater than 100 hectares in area) within the park and the corresponding survey effort for each fauna survey technique. Maps 2a and 2b show the location of fauna survey sites and the pattern of broad flora groups within the park. Appendix A provides the specific AMG, vegetation type and survey techniques of each survey site. The tables and figures include all systematic surveys undertaken within the park by DEC between 1997 and 2004.
2.3 SURVEY METHODS
The systematic fauna survey methods used were based on those developed by the NPWS Biodiversity Survey Coordination Unit (NPWS 1997). The systematic techniques described below were used to sample the following vertebrate fauna groups: diurnal and nocturnal birds, reptiles, bats, arboreal mammals, amphibians, and terrestrial mammals. Consistency in the use of these techniques allows comparison between fauna species detected across different vegetation types and environments within the park. Furthermore, it will allow future comparisons with consistent surveys of environments elsewhere. Field survey teams were supplied with field proformas to facilitate comprehensive, consistent recording of field data and to increase accuracy and efficiency of data entry into the DEC Biodiversity Sub-system (BSS) of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife computer database. The names of observers and recorders were noted on every data sheet to aid data verification and entry.
2.3.1 Systematic site-based methods Diurnal bird survey Diurnal bird censuses comprised a twenty minute observation and listening search within a two hectare (100 by 200 metre) area, conducted by an experienced bird surveyor. Censuses were conducted only during periods of relatively high bird activity (in the early morning) and reasonable detectability (eg. low wind and cicada activity). All bird species and abundance of individuals seen or heard were recorded. Individuals were scored as on-site if they were detected within the two hectare plot. Individuals recorded outside the plot, in adjacent vegetation types or flying overhead were recorded as off-site.
14 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Table 1: Area of each broad flora group within Kanangra-Boyd National Park and corresponding allocation of systematic survey methods (includes systematic survey sites from CRA, SCA and Biodiversity Survey Priorities projects).
Broad Flora Group 1 No. of Elliott trap sites No. of hairtube transects Mapped area of vegetation community in park Proportion of park occupied by group (%) No. of diurnal bird surveys No. of diurnal reptile surveys No. of site spotlight surveys* No. of harp trappingsites bat No. of ultrasonic bat detector sites nocturnal of No. streamside frogssearches for No. of owl call broadcast sites
Montane Sheltered Forest 23391 35.7 30 27 21 24 12 5 11 4 1 Grassy Red Gum - Box - Ironbark Woodlands on Devonian Soils 8263 12.6 442100000 Montane Slopes Dry Forests 7628 11.7 612010100 Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 7296 11.1 13 15 10 4 1 0 1 0 0 Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 5509 8.4 654020000 Dry Gorge Slopes Forests 4300 6.6 201000000 Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 2553 3.9 6 5 2 11 4 1 4 0 2 Dry Rainforest 2335 3.6 341121000 Mallee Heath 1655 2.6 543021210 River Oak Forest 6851.1221010000 North East Tablelands Dry Gully Forest 262 0.4 000000000 Kowmung Acacia Scrub 254 0.4 000000000 High Elevation Swamp 2150.3010010000 Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite 189 0.3 210000000 Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 185 0.3 000000000 Bindook Highlands Tall Forests 182 0.3 000000000 Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest 1130.2430000000 Vegetation Communities <100 hectares 478 0.7 000000000 Total 65496 100 83 72 47 41 26 8 19 5 3 1 area based on GIS data layers, does not equal gazetted area of reserve * Transect-based surveys are not included in table as these transverse a variety of vegetation communities. Seven spotlighting transects (range from 300 metres to eight kilometres) and four cage trapping transects have been undertaken within the park.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 15 16 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
220 225 230 235 240
s-f-syd-53-013 JNL47O # # JNL48O Map 2a: Distribution of # LJMP98032407 # LJMP98032400## JNL10O JNL45O s-f-syd-53-011# # # vegetation communites and location JNL42O #JNL38O # #JNL12O JNL39W #JNL49O of systematic fauna survey sites # #JNL36W #JNL40O JNL09O #JNL34O #JNL11O in Kanangra-Boyd National Park #JNL41O JNL37O Copyright NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service June 2004 s-f-syd-53-009 #JNL43R This map is not guaranteed to be free from error or omission # #JNL33O # 6255 The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and its employees # disclaim liability for any act done on the information in the #JNL51O JNL44O map and any consequences of such acts or omissions #JNL22R #JNL35O #s-f-syd-53-014 #s-f-syd-53-017
6255 #s-f-syd-53-010 #JNL20W Alluvial Forests and Woodlands
Bindook Highlands Tall Forests #JNL54O Cleared-Modified Land #JNL16O Cool - Warm Temperate Rainforest Dry Gorge Slopes Forests #JNL52W Dry Permian Ironbark Woodland Dry Rainforest #JNL18O #JNL15O
6250 E. viminalis Shrub/Fern Herb/Grass Forest JNL17O #JNL53W # #JNL32O #JNL14O Exposed Rock #JNL31O #JNL19O Exposed Sandstone Woodlands 6250 Grassy Red Gum - Box - Ironbark Woodlands on Devonian Soils #JNL13O Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite High Elevation Swamp #JNL30O Highlands Gorge River Peppermint Forest #KNN24W Kowmung Acacia Scrub KNN21O #KNN32S # Mallee Heath KNN58O # # KNN26O# KNN49W Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests #KNN17O #KNN48O Montane Sheltered Forest
#KNN46W 6245 Montane Slopes Dry Forests s-f-syd-43-012-g# #KNN61W North East Tablelands Dry Gully Forest KNN57W s-f-syd-43-011-m# # Regenerating Vegetation 6245 s-f-syd-43-010-r KNN67O## #KNN66O River Oak Forest KNN39O #KNN18O Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests #KNN41W #KNN19O Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests KNN65O Shoalhaven Dry Shrub Forest #KNN47W #KNN45W Southern Escarpment Edge Moist Heath Forest #KNN20O KNN44W##KNN59W Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland Warm Temperate Rainforest #KNN15W KNN60O Wombeyan Limestone Scrub #KNN43W # 6240 #KNN52W t-f-syd-43-120# KNN12O #KNN14O KNN30S# KNN23W ##KNN13W # # Systematic Survey Site s-f-syd-43-008-g ## #s-f-syd-43-006-r KNN01W #KNN56S Drainage s-f-syd-43-007-m #KNN11O
6240 SHT05W SHT04W # Other Reserve # # #KNN38O SHT01W # #SHT03W KNN10W SHT02W ##KNN09O N #s-f-syd-43-002-r #KNN08O 1012Kilometers KNN50W# #KNN42W W E #s-f-syd-43-003-m #KNN07W #KNN29S KNN63O#KNN36O s-f-syd-43-004-g #KNN54W KNN62O# #KNN06W S # #KNN22O #F-Mix-049 KNN40S #KNN28W KNN27H #KNN16H #KNN55O # #KNN34O #KNN35W KNN31O # 6235 #t-f-syd-60-043 KNN64W# # ##KNN37H Compiled by # KNN51W Central CADU
6235 June 2004 #YRR31O #YRR16O 220 225 230 235 240 220 225 230 235 240 #KNN20O KNN44W##KNN59W Map 2b: Distribution of
#KNN15W 6240 vegetation communites and location #KNN43W KNN60O# of systematic fauna survey sites #KNN52W t-f-syd-43-120# KNN12O #KNN14O KNN30S# KNN23W ##KNN13W s-f-syd-43-008-g #s-f-syd-43-006-r #K in Kanangra-Boyd National Park 6240 ## #KNN56S s-f-syd-43-007-m #KNN11O SHT05W Copyright NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service June 2004 SHT04W This map is not guaranteed to be free from error or omission # # # The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and its employees SHT01W #KNN38O disclaim liability for any act done on the information in the # #SHT03W #KNN10W map and any consequences of such acts or omissions SHT02W #KNN09O # Alluvial Forests and Woodlands s-f-syd-43-002-r # KNN50W# #KNN42W KNN08O Bindook Highlands Tall Forests #s-f-syd-43-003-m #KNN07W #KNN29S KNN63O#KNN36O Cleared-Modified Land s-f-syd-43-004-g #KNN54W KNN62O# #KNN06W # #KNN22O Cool - Warm Temperate Rainforest
F-Mix-049 6235 # Dry Gorge Slopes Forests KNN40S #KNN28W KNN27H #KNN16H #KNN55O # #KNN34O #KNN35W KNN31O # Dry Permian Ironbark Woodland #t-f-syd-60-043 KNN64W# #KNN37H Dry Rainforest 6235 # KNN51W # E. viminalis Shrub/Fern Herb/Grass Forest #YRR31O #YRR16O Exposed Rock Exposed Sandstone Woodlands #t-f-syd-60-039 #YRR32W Grassy Red Gum - Box - Ironbark Woodlands on Devonian Soils
#YRR20O Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite #YRR41O High Elevation Swamp Highlands Gorge River Peppermint Forest 6230 Kowmung Acacia Scrub #YRR42O # # Mallee Heath Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 6230 #GUR24O #YRR43W Montane Sheltered Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests #YRR09W North East Tablelands Dry Gully Forest
Regenerating Vegetation
River Oak Forest
#YRR08R Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests
Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 6225 Shoalhaven Dry Shrub Forest Southern Escarpment Edge Moist Heath Forest
GUR08O Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 6225 # #YRR38M #YRR14M YRR36O# Warm Temperate Rainforest Wombeyan Limestone Scrub YRR27H #YRR39W # #YRR23O # Systematic Survey Site #YRR22R Drainage #YRR21R #YRR35W #YRR25O Other Reserve YRR37O #YRR34R # #YRR26O N
# 6220 YRR33O #YRR24R YRR40W# 1012Kilometers #YRR28O W E BND55O BND54R BND22R# BND38O # S #BND30O # # 6220 t-f-syd-43-139 #BND47O
#BND46O Compiled by Central CADU June 2004 220 225 230 235 240
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 17 Diurnal herpetofauna search A standard half-hectare area subplot (50 by 100 metres) within a two hectare standard site was searched for one person-hour (standardised regardless of the number of persons searching). Censuses were restricted to the period between mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperature and insolation are sufficient to ensure maximum reptile activity. Surveying was not conducted on overcast or rainy days. This census technique entailed active searching of potential reptile and frog microhabitats within the half-hectare area. Active or basking reptiles were identified by sight or captured and identified by the use of keys. Sheltering or cryptic species were detected by searching around, under and within fallen logs, litter, decorticating and fallen bark, rock outcrops and other likely shelter sites. Incidental observations of other fauna were also recorded. Nocturnal site spotlighting survey This census comprised searching for arboreal mammals along a 200 metre transect within a site for half a person hour. Fifty-watt spotlights were used to scan the vegetation for animals and enable detection of reflected eye shine. Surveyors also listen intently for fauna calls during the survey period. All fauna observed within the census period were recorded, noting whether they were on or off site. Harp trapping While ultrasonic recorders were used principally to detect high flying bat species, collapsible bat traps, known as harp traps (Tidemann and Woodside 1978), captured low flying species. Two nights of trapping were conducted at each bat trap site. Sites were selected for their perceived potential to interrupt bats along their flight paths, and were usually along tracks or in gaps between trees where adjacent vegetation might force bats to fly. Traps were checked each morning. Captured bats were identified by external morphology, forearm measurement and body weight, and keyed out where necessary using Parnaby (1992a) and Churchill (1998). Animals were released on the following night at the point of capture. Bat ultrasonic (‘Anabat’) call recording Ultrasonic recorders (Corben 1989) are particularly useful for detection of high-flying species, which often comprise more than one third of an area’s bat species (Parnaby 1992b), yet are under sampled by harp trapping (Richards 1992). The method requires the recording and identification of high frequency, echolocation “calls” made by bats, which, except for one or two species, are ultrasonic, that is, inaudible to humans. 1997-2002 surveys The recording equipment for the surveys consisted of an Anabat II® detector and a tape recorder. Census duration was 30 minutes. Censuses began at or soon after dusk, and were conducted between then and up to two hours after dusk, a peak activity period for microchiropteran bats. A 40- kilohertz calibration tone was recorded for a few seconds at the start and end of each recording session and sometimes at intervals during the recording period. Current surveys The recording equipment for the surveys consisted of an Anabat II® detector and digital flash card recorder, housed within a tupperware box for weather protection. The box was set up in locations where bats were expected to fly, such as over water bodies, at cave entrances and along tracks. The Anabat was set to commence detection at dusk and turn off at dawn. During the night, a delay switch operated to turn on the recording device when bat activity was detected and then de-activate the device while no bat activity was occurring. The equipment was left in each location for one night only, then moved elsewhere. Anabat recordings were transferred onto computer and analysed by Narawan Williams, a recognised expert in this field. Identification was designated as either definite, probable or possible, following the methodology of Parnaby (1992b). Calls that proved difficult to identify were also assessed by Michael Pennay (DEC Western Regional Assessments Unit) using the techniques described in Pennay et al. (2004).
18 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Nocturnal streamside search Streamside searches for frogs were undertaken for half a person hour in one of two ways: in stream or gully habitats a 200 metre stretch was searched; at standing water bodies a half-hectare (50 by 100 metre) area was surveyed. The searches were only conducted on warm, dark, humid and wet nights within two days of rain. All frogs, and other animals, identified visually or by call within the time period were recorded, together with the weather conditions at the time of the survey. Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal birds and mammals are often detected only when they vocalise for territory or social contact, behaviour which can be elicited by broadcasting specific calls. A standard survey census involved broadcasting the calls of each of the four large forest owls - Powerful (Ninox strenua), Masked (Tyto novaehollandiae), Sooty (T. tenebricosa) and Barking (N. connivens) - from the centre of a site. Prior to call broadcasts, on arrival at the site, the surrounding area was searched by spotlight for five minutes to detect any fauna in the immediate vicinity and then a ten-minute period of listening was undertaken. A pre-recorded compact disc of each species’ call series was played, amplified through a megaphone. Calls of each species were played for five minutes, followed by a five minute listening period. The surrounding area was again searched by spotlight after a final ten minute listening period. After the census, the response or presence of any fauna, date and time that response occurred, and weather details such as amount of cloud cover was recorded. Very windy and rainy periods were avoided where possible. Censuses conducted in poor weather were noted. Elliott trapping This technique involved setting Elliott B traps at twenty metre intervals along a 200 metre transect through a site. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, oats and honey. Traps were left in place for four nights, checked and emptied every morning soon after dawn. Any animals captured within the traps were identified, sexed if possible, and released. Hair-sampling tubes Ten large hair-sampling tubes (nine centimetre diameter, after Scotts and Craig 1988) were placed in transects at approximately twenty metre intervals along a 200 metre transect. Alternative tubes were baited with meat or a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats. Each tube was fitted with adhesive paper to collect hairs of small and medium sized mammals that were attracted to the bait. Tubes were left on site for ten nights. Hair samples were identified by specialists using the techniques described by Brunner and Coman (1974) by an expert in the field, Barbara Triggs. Identifications were classified into three levels of reliability: definite, probable and possible.
2.3.2 Transect-based methods Transect spotlighting survey The method employed varied on a site by site basis, and was only undertaken during the CRA surveys. A team of two surveyors walked or drove along a transect, varying between 300 metres and eight kilometres in length, searching for arboreal mammals with 50 watt spotlights. An AMG was calculated for each sighting along the transect and entered into the data sheet. Cage trapping This technique involved setting large cage traps at 200 metre intervals along a two kilometre transect. The technique is designed to target medium-sized ground mammals, particularly Spotted-tailed Quolls (Dasyurus maculatus). Locations were selected to maximise the number of habitat types sampled and increase the chance of intersecting a Spotted-tailed Quoll home ranges. Traps were alternately baited with chicken and fish. Traps were left in place for four nights, checked and emptied every morning soon after dawn. Any animals captured within the traps were identified, sexed if possible, and released. This technique was only undertaken in June 2004 on the Boyd Plateau.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 19 2.3.3 Targeted survey for Eastern Bent-wing Bat at Colong Caves In January 2004 a targeted survey was undertaken at Colong Caves in order to: determine whether the system contains a maternity roost for the Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis); locate important roost areas within the cave; and identify important sites within the system in order to guide future management decisions. The survey was undertaken using four different methods: harp trapping; searching each accessible cave for roosting bats or evidence of bat activity; fly-out counts; and bat ultrasonic (‘Anabat’) call recording. Harp traps were erected in the Grand Arch and in the first chamber of C3 (the upper passageway) on the 12th January 2004 and left in place overnight. An Anabat detector was set at the entrance of C2 overnight on the 12th January, in order to confirm the identification of bat species using that section of the cave system. On the 13th January the cave system was investigated by walking through and recording every location where bats were observed or where guano was present. Most of the chambers that bats were likely to use or be able to fly through were examined, including High Cave, Lizard Cave, King Solomon’s Temple, Dripping Cave, Landslide Cave, Amber Cave, Crystal Pool, C1 and C2. The limit of this investigation was Pulsating River, which is approximately 320 metres from C3 cave entrance. Finally, on the evening of the 13th January the entrances of C1 and C2 were watched, and a visual fly-out count of Eastern Bent-wing Bats and Eastern Horseshoe-bats (Rhinolophus megaphyllus) was undertaken.
2.3.4 Targeted surveys for Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Staff from DEC Oberon Office are currently undertaking a program of targeted Brush-tailed Rock- wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) surveys. The surveys involve visiting potential Brush-tailed Rock- wallaby habitat on foot and by helicopter, searching for individuals, scats or other traces of the animals. The first survey was conducted in autumn 2000, at Ironmonger Spur, Scrubbers Hump, lower Jenolan Gorge and Gubba Gully. This was followed by a survey in mid 2002 in the areas of Grand Bluffs, Goolara Peak, and Quartpot Gully (M. Jones pers. comm.). The latest survey was undertaken in December 2003, within the area roughly bounded by Goolara Peak, Black Creek, Scrubbers Hump and Ironmonger Gully (M. Jones pers. comm.).
2.3.5 Opportunistic methods Predator and herbivore scat collection The large numbers of hairs, and occasionally skeletal remains, in predator scats and pellets results in a high level of confidence in identifications of prey species and is hence an efficient sampling technique for prey animals. In addition, the recording of predator or non-predator scats constitutes records for the species that deposits the scat, providing locality records for species such as the Spotted-tailed Quoll, Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Dingo (Canis lupus dingo), Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and Pig (Sus scrofa). Due to the unmeasurable time delay between prey ingestion and defecation, the location in which the prey animals lived cannot be accurately known, so this technique is useful only for detecting the species presence within a general area. Lunney et al. (2002) showed that on average Dogs and Foxes defecate within a two kilometre radius of the site of prey ingestion. Predator scats were collected, placed in paper envelopes, labelled and sent to specialist Barbara Triggs for analysis, using the methods described previously for hair tube samples. The location of herbivore scats was also noted on an opportunistic basis to indicate the presence of an animal. If there was any doubt in herbivore scat identification in the field, samples were brought back for identification by an expert. Incidental records Surveyors driving or walking through the park recorded the location of interesting fauna when it was seen or heard. Particular animals targeted by this technique were those undersampled by systematic surveys, including large ground mammals, non-vocalising birds, and secretive, shy and/or rare animals. The date, time, map grid location (usually obtained from a GPS) and microhabitat of the animal were recorded on a data sheet.
20 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 2.4 SURVEY TIMING
As indicated above, systematic field surveys have been undertaken within Kanangra-Boyd NP over a number of years. Table 2 summarises the timing of these surveys and the techniques that were undertaken in each season. Table 2: Timing of DEC systematic fauna surveys within Kanangra-Boyd National Park.
Survey program Timing Techniques employed
Comprehensive Regional February – March 1997 and Bird census, reptile search, transect Assessment (CRA) February 1998 spotlighting, harp trapping, 30 minute bat call detection, streamside search, hair tubes, nocturnal call playback, opportunistic methods September 1998 Nocturnal call playback Warragamba Special Area December 2002 – March Bird census, reptile search, site spotlighting, Surveys – Year 1 2003 opportunistic methods April – June 2003 Nocturnal call playback Biodiversity Survey Priorities December 2003 – January Bird census, reptile search, site spotlighting, Fauna Surveys 2004 harp trapping, overnight bat call detection, streamside search, Elliott trapping, targeted survey for Quoll, targeted survey for bats at Colong Caves, opportunistic methods June 2004 Cage trapping, Elliott trapping, nocturnal call playback Warragamba Special Area January 2004 Bird census, reptile search, site spotlighting, Surveys – Year 2 harp trapping, overnight bat call detection, streamside search, Elliott trapping, opportunistic methods
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 21 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 OVERVIEW
DEC has established and surveyed over 140 systematic fauna survey sites within Kanangra-Boyd NP between 1997 and 2004. These sites cover the range of dominant habitats and landscapes present within the park, and have been surveyed during both summer and winter months. In addition to these surveys, Birds Australia and the Australian Museum have contributed significantly to the number of fauna records for the park, as have numerous DEC staff, scientific researchers, and dedicated members of the public. Two hundred and thirty-five terrestrial vertebrate fauna species have been recorded within Kanangra- Boyd NP. This result makes Kanangra-Boyd NP the sixth richest reserve for vertebrate fauna within the Central Directorate (NPWS 2003b). Seventeen species that are listed as threatened on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995) (TSC Act) have been recorded within the boundaries of park, however there is uncertainty surrounding some of these records, as discussed below. Twelve introduced fauna species have been recorded within the park to date, including eleven ground mammals and one bird. Forty-one additional species have been recorded within a five-kilometre radius of the park boundary (Appendix B), some of which have the potential to also occur within the park. This includes four additional threatened species, which will be discussed further below. A complete species list for all fauna groups is provided in Appendix B. The richness of vertebrate fauna within the park can be attributed to the high diversity of habitats, including heathlands, karst systems, rock outcrops and walls, swamps, river flats, rainforests, wet and dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands, together with the influence of both montane sub-alpine and low altitude coastal environments. The value of systematic fauna survey is apparent in the contribution it has made to the knowledge of fauna within the reserve and the building of a species inventory. The CRA surveys, undertaken between 1997 and 1998, added 48 species to the list of known fauna within the park. The SCA Special Area and Biodiversity Survey Priorities (BSP) fauna surveys, undertaken between 2002 and 2004, have added a further 39 species to the park database. Figure 1 graphs the increase in the known number of fauna species within the reserve over time, as a result of dedicated systematic fauna survey. Figure 1: Number of terrestrial vertebrate fauna species recorded within Kanangra-Boyd National Park following systematic fauna survey.
250
200
Recorded 150 number of fauna species 100
50
0 Pre systematic Pre 2002 Current (includes survey (includes CRA) BSP and SCA)
22 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 3.2 TAXONOMIC ISSUES
There are several taxonomic issues surrounding some of the species that inhabit Kanangra-Boyd NP. This section aims to identify these issues and discuss how they may effect our knowledge and the identification of species that are recorded to inhabit the park.
3.2.1 Green Stream Frog The Green Stream Frogs, previously all known as Litoria phyllochroa, are small, light green tree frogs common in flowing creeks of the NSW coast and ranges. A recent taxonomic revision of the Green Stream Frog group led to the definition of a ‘new’ species, Litoria nudidigita (Donnellan et al. 1999), previously known in the literature as the southern call-race of L. phyllochroa (Anstis 2002). Litoria nudidigita can be distinguished from L. phyllochroa by the distinctive mating call as well as small physical differences. Litoria nudidigita was described from southern Gippsland in Victoria and is known to occur from Stanwell Park south to Victoria (Anstis 2002). The known range of L. phyllochroa (previously known as the northern call-race) extends from Wollongong to northern NSW. The distribution of L. nudidigita and L. phyllochroa is known to overlap in the Illawarra (NPWS 2002a). This overlap and uncertainty about the distribution boundaries of the two species calls into question the reliability of identification of pre-2003 records of this species complex within Kanangra-Boyd NP. Two of the Kanangra-Boyd NP records of Green Stream Frog from 1999 were recorded at Kanangra Brook Falls as the southern call race, and therefore would currently be classified as Litoria nudidigita (A. White pers. comm.). In December 2003, L. nudidigita was heard calling at two locations on the Boyd Plateau, while in January 2004 Litoria phyllochroa was identified calling at Colong Caves. This result indicates that the species distribution overlaps within the park, which is an important zoogeographic finding. The distribution of current records suggests that L. nudidigita occurs on the plateau, and L. phyllochroa in the deeply incised gully systems, however more work is required to confirm this pattern.
3.2.2 Warm- and Cool-temperate Water-skinks The Warm-temperate Water-skink (Eulamprus heatwolei) and Cool-temperate Water-skink (E. tympanum) both occur within Kanangra-Boyd NP. Genetic studies have confirmed the presence of both species, which live in sympatry at some sites (D. O’Connor pers. comm.). These species are usually distinguished by the following characteristics: E. heatwolei has a white throat and a yellow belly, while E. tympanum has a cream-white belly; E. tympanum has a series of broad black longitudinal lines on the throat, extending onto the belly while E. heatwolei has a clean throat, often also with dark flecks on the belly; E. tympanum generally has fewer dark flecks on the head, and a generally darker body. In January 2004, some Eulamprus were captured on the Uni Rover trail that exhibited characteristics of both species, having strong dark flecking on the throat and belly and yellow bellies. One of these individuals was taken to the Australian Museum for identification, where it was labelled as E. heatwolei. This specimen has been lodged with the museum and may be accessed in the future should further question about the lizards identification arise or a taxonomic review of the species occur.
3.2.3 Mountain Brushtail Possum Recent work on the Mountain Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus caninus) has identified it to be two species (Lindenmayer et al. 2002). The species revision paper proposes the southern of the two species, from Victoria to southern NSW, be given the scientific name Trichosurus cunninghami, while the northern of the two species, ranging from central New South Wales north, retain the name T. caninus. The paper does not, however, clearly define a boundary between the two species. Since its publication, trapping has identified animals in the Kangaroo Valley as T. cunninghami (D. Lindenmayer pers. comm.). Differentiation of the species in the field is difficult without capturing the animal or having experience in identifying both species. Uncertainty currently surrounds the identity of the Mountain Brushtail Possums within Kanangra-Boyd NP. However, the animals encountered during the 2003-2004 surveys have been classified and lodged in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife as T. caninus, pending further distribution information and creation of a Wildlife Atlas code for the new species.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 23 3.3 DIURNAL BIRDS
A total of 124 diurnal bird species have been recorded within Kanangra-Boyd NP. This includes the Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), which is listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act, and will be discussed further in Section 5 below. The Brown Treecreeper (south eastern subspecies) (Climacteris picumnus victoriae), also listed as vulnerable, has been recorded once within the park, at the junction of Wheengee Whungee Creek and Christys Creek in 1993. However, this single record is not supported by the extensive DEC fauna survey effort within the park. The nearest definite record occurs three kilometres to the east of the park on Scotts Main Range. Of conservation significance is the presence of a number of bird species that are thought to be in decline in NSW, though they are not yet listed under the TSC Act or the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act). The Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera, recorded at six locations in the park), Eastern Shrike-tit (Falcunculus frontatus, five locations), Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris, 24 locations) and Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis, 41 locations) are part of a group of birds that have been identified as declining in the NSW Wheat- Sheep Belt (Reid 1999). Of the group identified by Reid (1999) these species are the least restricted to woodland habitats, and Plate 5: Scarlet Robin Peter Ekert have each been recorded both on and off the Boyd Plateau. A recent review of bird records across the nation identified numerous species that appear to have declined in numbers in recent years (Barrett et al. 2003). Of the species identified, the following occur within Kanangra-Boyd (followed by the number of locations at which they have been observed): Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea, 17); Spotted Quail-thrush (Cinclosoma punctatum, 22); Red-browed Treecreeper (Climacteris erythrops, 15); Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum, 33); White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos, 11); and Rockwarbler (Origma solitaria, 6). It is thought that the Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang, 14) (Plate 5) has declined in the east of its range, including within the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregions (Barrett et al. 2003). Kanangra-Boyd NP, together with the neighbouring Blue Mountains NP and Warragamba Special Area, play an important role in the conservation of these species and their habitats. The composition and richness of bird species within Kanangra-Boyd is a reflection of the diversity of habitat types present within the park. Species that are characteristic of sub-alpine montane environments (such as the Flame Robin), of moist sclerophyll forest (such as Red-browed Treecreeper), of lowland woodlands (such as Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)), of lowland rainforest (such as Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki)) and of heath (such as Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus)) are all accommodated within the park. The location of the park at the boundary of two Bioregions allows species that are typical of the Sydney Basin, as well as some species typical of the South Eastern Highlands to occur, further increasing the richness of birds. Ninety-five of the diurnal bird species were recorded during systematic twenty-minute diurnal bird surveys, including seven species that have only been recorded using this technique. The most widespread diurnal bird species in the park is the White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaeus), which was recorded at 81 out of 83 systematic bird survey sites. The next most widespread species were the Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops), Striated Thornbill (Acanthiza lineata) and White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis). Honeyeaters are also indicative of the diversity of bird species within the park, with sixteen species recorded. These include (in descending order of the number of times they have been recorded) Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus), Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris), Bell Miner (Manorina melanophrys), Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata), White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus leucotis), New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii), Brown-headed Honeyeater
24 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park (Melithreptus brevirostris), Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala), Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera), Fuscous Honeyeater (L. fuscus), White-cheeked Honeyeater (P. nigra) and Crescent Honeyeater (P. pyrrhoptera). The latter two species have only been recorded once within the park. Cockatoos (family Cacatuidae) and parrots (family Psittacidae) are both represented in the reserve, with four and five species respectively. This includes the widespread and abundant Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), and the charismatic Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) and Gang-gang Cockatoo. As mentioned above, of specific conservation importance is the number of Glossy Black-cockatoos located within the park. These birds have been seen or heard fifteen times within the park, while evidence of their presence in the form of chewed Allocasuarina cones, has been recorded a further ten times. Birds of prey are a diverse group within the park, with nine species recorded to date, though abundance is generally low. The most commonly recorded is the Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), which has been seen soaring over the landscape surrounding the Kowmung and Jenolan Rivers and on the Boyd Plateau. Nankeen Kestrel (Falco cenchroides) has been observed at three locations on the Boyd Plateau, near Whalania Heights. Brown Falcons (Falco berigora) and Peregrine Falcons (F. peregrinus) have each been observed at two locations in the south western section of the park. Three Peregrine Falcons (a pair and a single) were observed from the Gangerang Range, when the systematic survey team undertook the walk to Mt. Cloudmaker in December 2003. The Brown Falcons were observed from Gingra Range and Scotts Main Range in 2002. The remaining five birds of prey, Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus), Collared Sparrowhawk (A. cirrocephalus), Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides), Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus axillaris) and Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis), have each been recorded once on the Boyd Plateau. The Collared Sparrowhawk was observed during a systematic bird survey in December 2003 in the steep Brown Barrel gully between Echo Head and Seymour Top. A number of these birds of prey, including Brown and Peregrine Falcon are thought to be in decline in various parts of the nation (Barrett et al. 2003), thus protection of their habitat within Kanangra-Boyd and the surrounding region is important.
3.4 NOCTURNAL BIRDS
Eight species of nocturnal bird have been recorded within the park to date. This includes five owls, the Southern Boobook (Ninox boobook), and Barn (Tyto alba), Sooty, Powerful and Barking Owls, the latter three of which are listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. The single Barking Owl recorded from the park was heard in October 1998 on Kanangra Road, west of Mt. Whitely. A Sooty Owl roosting site exists at Colong Caves, and the species has also been observed on the Kowmung River south of Roots Ridge. The analysis of a Sooty Owl pellet collected at this site in 1997 revealed the presence of Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus), Greater Glider (Petauroides volans), Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps), Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) and Black Rat (R. rattus) in the owls diet (DEC 2004a). Powerful Owls are more widespread within the park, being observed at nine separate locations. A ninth species of nocturnal bird, the Masked Owl (listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act) has been observed 800 metres to the south of the park, on Back Swamps Creek, south of Mount Moogan. This individual was heard calling in January 2004. As this species have a large home range, it is likely that the owl uses Kanangra-Boyd NP as part of its foraging habitat, and that other individuals also occur within the park, at least on an occasional basis. The threatened owls will be discussed further in Section 5 of this report. Though not known to occur within the park before systematic surveys were undertaken, Australian Owlet-nightjars (Aegotheles cristatus) are relatively common, having been Plate 6: Tawny Frogmouth David O’Connor recorded 30 times during systematic surveys and fourteen times opportunistically. By
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 25 contrast, the White-throated Nightjar (Eurostopodus mystacalis) is relatively uncommon, having been recorded at only four systematic survey sites and twice opportunistically. Both the Southern Boobook and Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) (Plate 6) are widespread and abundant within the park, each having been observed within a variety of vegetation types. Barn Owl has only been recorded in two locations within the park, once on Black Range and once where the Uni Rover Trail crosses the Kowmung River. The nine species of nocturnal bird listed here includes every species likely to be recorded in the greater Sydney Basin.
3.5 ARBOREAL MAMMALS
Seven species of arboreal mammal have been recorded within the park during systematic surveys. Of particular conservation importance is the occurrence of Squirrel (Petaurus norfolcensis) and Yellow- bellied (P. australis) Gliders within the park, which are both listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. The Yellow-bellied Glider has been recorded on seven occasions in the park, while the Squirrel Glider has been observed once and recorded from hair in predator scats on two occasions. Two records exist within the park boundary for an eighth species of arboreal mammal: the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). The first record consists of remains identified from within a Dingo/Dog scat collected at Moorara Boss in 1988 (M. Jones pers. comm.). The second record is of scratchings on a Eucalypt tree (at the junction of Gingra Range and Roots Ridge track) which “may be that of a Koala”, observed in April 2002. Koalas have not been seen or heard on any other occasion within the park. However, in May 2004 two individuals were observed approximately 700 metres north of the park boundary, at the gauging station north of the junction of Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River. This sighting suggests that Koalas almost certainly occur within the park, probably in relatively low numbers. These threatened species will be discussed further in Section 5 below. The most abundant and frequently encountered species of arboreal mammal in the park is the Greater Glider. This large glider was observed during 27 of the 44 systematic site spotlight surveys, as well as during nocturnal call playback surveys, transect spotlighting, in predator scats and numerous times opportunistically. These gliders have been recorded within all of the vegetation types where systematic spotlighting was undertaken, with the exception of Mallee Heath and River Oak Forest. The gliders are most frequently recorded, however, in the taller Montane Sheltered Forests, such as those that occur on the Boyd Plateau, where tree hollows are in good supply. The Sugar Glider is also abundant in the park, frequently detected by its distinctive yapping call. These gliders are more often encountered in the gully systems in the north and south east of the park and only rarely on the plateau. The Common Ringtail Possum is widespread throughout the park, though generally less abundant, having been observed on 27 occasions. This small possum has most often been recorded in tall Montane Sheltered Forests, but is also present within woodland, dry rainforest and heath-mallee. Both Common (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Mountain Brushtail Possums are also present within the park. Common Brushtail Possums are relatively widespread in the ridge and gully systems in the north and south east of the park (22 recorded), but have not been recorded on the Boyd Plateau. In contrast, Mountain Brushtail Possums are less frequently encountered (six recorded), but have been observed on both the plateau as well as on ridgetops in the north and south east of the park.
3.6 BATS
The immense importance of comprehensive, systematic survey for little-studied groups such as the microbats is clearly indicated by the fact that only two species of microbat were known to occur within the park prior to the DEC systematic fauna surveys. Fourteen species of insectivorous microbat are now known to occur within the park (Appendix B). This includes four species that are listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act: the Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri, also listed as vulnerable on the EPBC Act); Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii); Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) and Eastern Bent-wing Bat, which will each be discussed further in Section 5. A fifteenth species of microbat possibly occurs within the park; the Yellow-bellied Sheath- tailed Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) also listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. Like the White-striped Freetail-bat (Nyctinomus australis), the echolocation call of this high-flying species can be detected by the human ear. One individual was possibly heard flying over a site on the Mumbedah Fire Road during a spotlighting survey in January 2004, however a definite identification could not be obtained. The species has not been recorded elsewhere within a five kilometre radius of the park boundary. The species is migratory, only occurring in southern Australia between January and June (Churchill 1998). This migratory habit, in combination with its high-flying foraging technique, makes the species more
26 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park difficult to detect than smaller, more sedentary bat species. It is likely that parts of Kanangra-Boyd form habitat for this species during the late summer and autumn. The Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), listed as vulnerable on both the TSC Act and EPBC Act, has not been seen or heard within the park, either opportunistically or during systematic surveys. However, in 1986 the species was identified from hair within a Dog/Dingo scat found on Kanangra Road. It is not known whether the Dingo/Dog consumed the Flying-fox from within the park or not. The closest spatially accurate record for the species is sixteen kilometres to the east of the park, in the Kedumba River Valley in Blue Mountains NP. The Grey-headed Flying-fox is a highly visible and well-known species, suggesting that they are unlikely to avoid detection if they regularly occurred within the park in significant numbers. The Grey-headed Flying-fox does, however, move opportunistically over large distances across the landscape, taking advantage of large-scale flowering events. It is therefore possible that Kanangra-Boyd NP is occasionally used by the species, and provides an important contribution to the diversity of habitats on which this species depends. The Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis), listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act has been recorded by its ultrasonic call one and a half kilometres to the east of the park on Scotts Main Range. Relatively little is known about this species, but the fact that they are rarely captured in harp traps suggests that they are high-flying individuals, likely to cover a large area when foraging. It is highly likely, therefore, that the species also occurs within Kanangra-Boyd NP. The species will therefore be discussed further in Section 5. Generally, the smaller microbats are the most frequently encountered within the park, including members of the Vespadelus genus, the Nyctophilus genus (Plate 7), and the Chocolate Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus morio). This observation may be an artefact of the sampling technique, however, as these bats tend to fly below the tree canopy and are therefore more readily captured in harp traps. These species primarily roost in trees, in hollows and under bark, meaning that they have less restricted habitat than cave-dwelling species. Bats of the Vespadelus genus are very abundant in the park, and can often be Plate 7: Gould’s Long-eared Bat David O’Connor/DEC seen at dusk flying rapidly along roads or coming in to drink from creeks and other water bodies. The most frequently encountered species during the surveys was the Southern Forest Bat (V. regulus; captured 164 times and in 50 per cent of harps traps) while the most widespread was the Large Forest Bat (V. darlingtoni; captured 146 times and in 100 per cent of harp traps). The Little Forest Bat (V. vulturnus) is also abundant, captured 57 times in harp traps during the surveys. These bats have primarily been located along ridge-lines in the northern half of the park, however, this result may be a reflection of the positioning of harp traps (traps are difficult to place in steep gullies or at any significant distance from the road due to their size and weight, as well as their reliance on visible bat fly-ways). A review of the distribution of microbat records across the Blue Mountains and Kanangra region revealed that both the Southern Forest Bat, Large Forest Bat and Chocolate Wattled Bat have been captured most frequently above 600 metres in altitude, while the Little Forest Bat has been captured most frequently below 600 metres (DEC 2004a). The presence of larger members of the tree-roosting microchiropteran bat group is indicated by a smaller number of captures in harp traps, as well as by ultrasonic call detection. Species that fly below the canopy, including Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii) and the Eastern Broad-nosed Bat (Scotorepens orion) are often captured in traps, while species that usually fly above the canopy, including Greater Broad-nosed Bat, Eastern False Pipistrelle and particularly the White-striped Free- tail Bat are infrequently captured. This indicates the importance of using a variety of techniques to effectively sample bats within an area. The karst systems within Kanangra-Boyd NP and neighbouring areas support a relatively high abundance and diversity of cave-dwelling bat species. The most frequently observed of these is the Eastern Bent-wing Bat. This species has been recorded at eight locations in the park, and a roost site exists at Colong Caves. The roost is thought to house over 1000 bats of this species, and is thus highly significant to the continued survival of the species in the region. The Eastern Horseshoe-bat is
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 27 also known to roost at Colong Caves, while the Large-eared Pied Bat has been identified from echolocation calls at the cave entrances (Hoye 2001).
3.7 NATIVE GROUND MAMMALS
Ground mammals are difficult to sample adequately, as they either require a large, labour intensive trapping effort (eg. Dasyurid and Rattus species), are large bodied, wide-ranging habitat-generalists (eg. Wombats, wallabies, kangaroos), or they prefer inaccessible and precarious habitats (eg. Brush- tailed Rock-wallabies). Hence, due to time constraints, fewer sites were able to be sampled for ground mammals than the other fauna groups. The majority of records for large ground mammals, such as Wombats and macropods, have come from opportunistic sightings, while the majority of small ground mammal records have come from predator scat analyses. A small amount of hair tube transects and Elliott trapping has been undertaken, revealing the presence of Bush and Swamp (Rattus lutreolus) Rats and Brown (Antechinus stuartii) and Dusky (A. swainsonii) Antechinus in the park. Five species of macropod are known to occur within the park. Of particular significance is the occurrence of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, which is listed as endangered on the TSC Act. The first record of this animal within the park in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife specimen collected west of Kowmung Gap in 1987. An individual was then observed at Cathedral Rocks, near Church Creek Caves, in 1989. This species will be discussed further in Section 5 below. The most frequently encountered macropod within the park is the Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), which has commonly been recorded along roads in the central and northern sections of the park and on Dennis Ridge, north of Scotts Main Range. The Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) is also widespread and abundant in the park, with the majority of records coming from opportunistic sightings along roads in the north of the park and on Scotts Main Range. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is less common in the park, with records concentrated on the Boyd Plateau, in cleared land near Whalania Heights and along the Boyd River Fire Trail. The Common Wallaroo (Macropus robustus) has been recorded at two locations, each on steep gully slopes in the north of the park. The Spotted-tailed Quoll, listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act, has been observed recently at several locations within the park. Cage trapping failed to detect the species on the Boyd Plateau, yet individuals have been seen within the last year at Sally Camp Creek, on the Kowmung River Fire Trail and at Mount Krungle Bungle (M. Jones pers. comm.). Potential habitat for the species is widespread within the park, and prey species, such as Greater Glider, are abundant. This elusive species is likely to be widespread within the park, though at low density, as will be discussed further in section 5. Common Wombats (Vombatus ursinus) have been recorded over fifty times within the park, evidenced by direct observation, burrow entrances, or their characteristic prominently placed scats. These large marsupials have been observed in all areas where systematic surveys have been undertaken, and in all vegetation types where surveys have been undertaken with the exception of Dry Gorge Slopes Forest, River Oak Forest, and Jenolan River Heath Forest. Two species of monotreme occur within the park, the Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) (Plate 8) and the Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). These animals were observed opportunistically during the systematic fauna survey field trips, as they were not directly targeted by any of the systematic survey techniques. Platypus were observed at two locations on the Kowmung River, on the eastern boundary of the park, in February 2003. It is likely that the animals occur elsewhere along the river, as well as in the Coxs River. Echidnas are relatively widespread within the park, and likely to be quite common. Eight individuals have been recorded within the park, on the Boyd Plateau as well as in the gully and Plate 8: Short-beaked Echidna at Rocky Tops David O’Connor ridge systems in the east, south and west of the park.
28 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Knowledge of the distribution and abundance of small terrestrial mammal species within the park is limited. In addition to the species recorded by systematic techniques (Bush and Swamp Rats, Brown and Dusky Antechinus), the Common Dunnart (Sminthopsis murina), was observed opportunistically on Cronje Mountain during CRA fauna surveys in 1998. This is an important record, as only ten records of this species occur within the boundaries of the Katoomba and Burragorang 1:100000 map sheets and this species is rarely captured in Elliott traps. Small mammals are likely to be abundant throughout the park, with the pattern of density and species assemblage dependent on vegetation structure and landscape features. In 2003, Dingoes (Canis lupus dingo) were recorded at the eastern extremity of park on Scotts Main Range. The animals observed appeared morphologically to be Dingo, however the degree of the animals’ purity would only be confirmed by genetic testing. High numbers of Dingoes have also recently been recorded along the lower Kowmung River by a field officer (M. Jones pers. comm.). A research project on Dingoes across the Warragamba Special Area will commence shortly, which aims to tease out the distribution of Dingoes in comparison to Dogs across the region (B. Purcell pers. comm.). Currently, most records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife are entered as Dingo/Dog, and the distribution of these records is presented in Map 4.
3.8 REPTILES
The diversity of landscapes within the park provides a variety of habitats for reptiles that facilitates the occurrence of a diverse mix of species, including low altitude species, high altitude specialists, litter dwelling species and water-loving species. A total of 35 species of reptile have been recorded within the park to date, including two species of gecko, two dragons, one monitor, twenty-two skinks and seven snakes. None of these reptiles are listed as threatened under state or federal legislation, however some of the records provide important new information on species ranges and habitats. All of the gecko records are located towards the edge of the park, in the incised valley system that occurs in the east and south of the park. Neither of the geckos inhabit montane or sub-alpine environments, and hence do not occur above 800 metres in altitude within the park. Lesueur’s Velvet Gecko (Oedura lesueurii) has been recorded on Scotts Main Range and by the banks of the Coxs River. The Broad-tailed Gecko (Phyllurus platurus) has been recorded on the escarpment edge west of Kooragang Mountain and twice in the vicinity of Colong Caves, where cracks and crevices in bedrock provide appropriate shelter sites for the species. The Mountain Heath Dragon (Tympanocryptis diemensis) is relatively common within the park, occurring both on and off the plateau. The majority of records for this species have come from opportunistic sightings made during systematic survey field trips, as well as records made during diurnal herpetofauna searches. Numerous individuals were observed by the field surveyors who undertook the Gangerang Trail walk to Mt. Cloudmaker in December 2003. The species has also been observed in the areas of Whalania, Tuglow Caves, Rocky Top, Boyd Crossing, Black Range and the northern Uni Rover trail. This small dragon has most commonly been recorded in Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests, followed by Montane Sheltered Forest, and once each in Mallee Heath and Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite. Lace Monitors (Varanus varius) have not been recorded on the Boyd Plateau, but are relatively widespread in the north and east of the park, with eleven location records on the Atlas. This large goanna is a habitat generalist with a large home range, and has hence been recorded in a wide variety of habitat types, including Dry Rainforest, Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forest and Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodland and Cleared Land. Kanangra-Boyd NP accommodates a suite of skinks typical of the south eastern NSW coastal high country. Above 800 metres in altitude, the reptile fauna is dominated by skinks that prefer the grassy open forests and woodlands of montane sub-alpine environments. This includes the species (in order of abundance) Tussock Cool-skink (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii), Trunk-climbing Cool-skink (Pseudemoia spenceri), Southern Forest Cool-skink (Niveoscincus coventryi) and Bold-striped Cool- skink (Bassiana duperreyi). This species assemblage is concentrated on the Boyd Plateau, with additional records just south of Black Range and along the Murruin Range, along the southern boundary of the park. Lizards of the Egernia genus (E. saxatilis intermedia, E. cunninghamii and E. whitii), primarily occur in the centre of the park, where they prefer high rocky habitats, such as that which occurs at Rocky Tops on the Boyd Plateau. The Blotched Bluetongue (Tiliqua nigrolutea) also has a preference for high altitude habitats, occurring above 800 metres on the Boyd Plateau.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 29 The diversity of topography and vegetation types within the park supports a diversity of water skinks, including Warm-temperate Water-skink, Cool-temperate Water-skink, Eastern Water-skink (Eulamprus quoyii) and Bar-sided Forest-skink (E. tenuis) (listed in order of recorded abundance). The first two of these species are generally high altitude species. Within Kanangra-Boyd the Cool-temperate Water- skink has only been recorded above 800 metres in elevation on the Boyd Plateau, within the Moist Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint and Brown Barrel Forests. Warm-temperate Water-skinks have been recorded once below 600 metres and 96 times above 600 metres in elevation. The remaining two Water-skink species prefer low altitude habitats, occurring within the gully systems at the northern, eastern and southern extremities of the park. Also occurring within this dramatic landscape are Red- throated Skinks (Bassiana platynota), which particularly inhabit the ridge-tops and steep slopes, Copper-tailed Ctenotus (Ctenotus taeniolatus), Sunskinks (Lampropholis delicata and L. guichenoti), and Weasel Shadeskinks (Saproscincus mustelinus). Seven species of snake have been recorded within the park, of which the Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus) is the most common. This snake occurs in a diverse range of environments, from River Oak Forest along the Kowmung River to Box-Ironbark Woodland on Sassafras Creek to the Montane Sheltered Forests on the Boyd Plateau. The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) has been recorded at five locations within the park, also in a diverse range of vegetation types both on and off the plateau. The Highlands Copperhead (Austrelaps ramsayi) prefers montane environments; within Kanangra-Boyd it has only been recorded above 800 metres in altitude, on the Boyd Plateau within Montane Sheltered Forests and Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland. The Mainland Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) (Plate 9) also occupies the Boyd Plateau, as well as ridgetops and plateaux in the southern half of the park (all five records of this species occur above 600 metres). The occurrence of these latter two species within the park has conservation significance, as they are thought to be in decline in NSW (R. Wellington pers. comm.). The White- lipped Snake (Drysdalia coronoides) has been recorded three times in Mallee Heath at Kanangra Tops. The remaining snake species, Golden Crowned Snake (Cacophis squamulosus) and Mustard- bellied Snake (Drysdalia rhodogaster), have each been recorded only once within the park.
Plate 9: Mainland Tiger Snake on the Boyd Plateau DEC
There is potential for additional reptile species to occur within the park, particularly animals with a cryptic habit that are difficult to detect, such as Blind Snakes (Ramphotyphlops spp.) and nocturnal snakes. There is also the potential for Rosenberg’s Goanna to inhabit the park, which is listed as vulnerable on the TSC Act. One individual of this species has been observed within a five-kilometre radius of the park, between Scotts Main Range and Tonalli Range in December 2002. This species will be discussed further in Section 5 below.
3.9 FROGS
The success of frog surveys is largely dependent on the immediate weather, season and recent climatic conditions. Unfortunately, in the lead up to and during the 2002-2004 systematic survey period, survey conditions were unusually dry, providing poor conditions for conducting frog surveys. Hence minimal systematic frog surveys were able to be carried out, and frogs were primarily recorded opportunistically and during other systematic survey techniques such as site spotlighting, diurnal herpetofauna searches and nocturnal call playback. Conditions were wetter during the CRA, allowing limited systematic frog survey to be undertaken.
30 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park A total of eighteen frog species have been recorded within Kanangra-Boyd NP. This includes three species listed on the TSC Act: Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis); Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus) and Littlejohn’s Tree Frog (L. littlejohni), the latter two of which are also listed as vulnerable on the EPBC Act. The Booroolong Frog will be discussed further in section 5 of this report. The latter two frog species have not been recorded in the park since at least the 1950s and the records have a very low degree of spatial accuracy. It is considered unlikely that the Giant Burrowing Frog exists within the park, as suitable habitat is very limited. The closest recent record of the frog is almost twenty kilometres north east at Wentworth Creek (DEC 2004a). It is possible that the Littlejohn’s Tree Frog once occurred within the park. Across it’s range, the frog appears to be restricted to moist forest, sandstone woodland and heath communities at mid to high altitude (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a), which do occur within the park. The neighbouring Blue Mountains National Park contains one of only thirteen known extant locations of the species in NSW (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a). In recent years, however, the species' prevalence and abundance within its range have declined significantly (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a), bringing into severe doubt whether the species persists in the park. In the summer of 1999-2000, DEC commissioned targeted surveys for frogs of the Mixophyes genus across the Blue Mountains region. The surveys failed to confirm the persistence of any of the Mixophyes species within the park. The Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes balbus), which is listed as endangered on the TSC Act, is known to occur within a five kilometre radius of the park, however, from a specimen collected in 1974 at Jenolan Caves, and a recently discovered population near Mt. Werong in Blue Mountains NP. There is a chance that this species persists within the park, within the inaccessible gullies in the south and north east of the park. A key threatening process affecting all four of these threatened frogs is chytrid fungus (chytridiomycosis, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), listed as a key threatening process on the TSC Act. This fatal disease particularly affects high altitude frog populations (greater than 400 metres) and stream-breeding frog species such as Booroolong Frog, Giant Burrowing Frog and Stuttering Frog (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a). Chytrid fungus has recently been detected in the Stuttering Frog population at Mt. Werong (DEC 2004b), suggesting that the disease is likely to also occur within Kanangra-Boyd. Chytrid fungus spreads rapidly and can cause drastic declines on reaching an amphibian population. Further survey of frogs and the threatening processes acting upon them within Kanangra-Boyd NP should be a high priority. As the majority of potential habitat for a number of the threatened frog species is extremely difficulty to access by car or on foot, the conservation status of frogs in the park could only be comprehensively assessed by extensive and intensive targeted survey effort. The most commonly recorded frog in the park is the Common Eastern Froglet (Crinia signifera), which has been observed at forty locations in a variety of water bodies, from swamps to creeks, and within a range of vegetation types, from Dry Rainforest and Montane Sheltered Forest to Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forest and Mallee Heath. The second most frequently recorded frog within the park is Bibron’s Toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii), which has been seen or heard calling at over twenty locations, most commonly within Montane Sheltered Forests and Mallee Heath. Within the park, Bibron’s Toadlet has only once been recorded below 800 metres in altitude. It is widely hypothesised that the Bibron’s Toadlet that occurs in highland areas, including Kanangra-Boyd NP, is a different form to the frog that occurs at lowlands in the Sydney Basin. The highland form of Bibron’s Toadlet has yellow on the urostyle, red fringes around the dorsum papillae and a distinct call (A. White pers. comm.). There is widespread concern that the lowland form of Bibron’s Toadlet is in decline, particularly within the Sydney Basin (R. Wellington pers. comm.), possibly due to loss of breeding habitat (A. White pers. comm.). The highland form of the species appears to be stable, however, with large numbers occuring in the Kanangra region (DEC 2004a). Verreaux's Tree Frog (Litoria verreauxii), has also only been recorded above 800 metres in altitude within the park, most frequently on the Boyd Plateau. In contrast, Lesueur's Frog (Litoria lesueuri) is widespread, occurring on the Boyd Plateau and in the Kowmung and Coxs River Valleys. Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) has been recorded at five locations, four along permanent creek lines on the Boyd Plateau and one on the Coxs River. The Spotted Grass Frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) prefers open grassy habitats, and has been recorded at four locations on the edge of cleared land at Whalania Heights. The identification of Litoria nudidigita in Kanangra-Boyd NP in December 2003 is an exciting find, as it constitutes a range extension for the species and contributes important information to the known distribution of the frog. An examination of old records indicated that at least some of the frogs identified as the southern call race of Litoria phyllochroa prior to 2003 were also L. nudidigita (A. White
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 31 pers. comm. for frogs at Kanangra Brook Falls). Litoria phyllochroa also occurs within the park, however, having been heard calling at Colong Caves in 2004. It would be valuable to undertake further frog surveys in appropriate weather conditions to ascertain the distribution of these two species within the park, as well as the distribution and abundance of other frog species that have only been recorded on a small number of occasions.
3.10 INTRODUCED SPECIES
Eleven species of introduced ground mammals have been recorded within the park. This includes species that are well established and widespread (such as Fox and Pig) and species that have only been recorded in a few locations (such as Brown Hare (Lepus capensis) and House Mouse (Mus musculus)) and probably inhabit the park in low densities. The distribution of introduced mammal records within the park is presented in Map 3 and Map 4. As noted above, Dingo and Dog have been presented together in the distribution map, as until recently they could not be entered separately into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife, and it is difficult to ascertain the level of Dingo purity in the field. The most commonly recorded introduced species within the park is the Rabbit, closely followed by the Fox. Both of these pest species have been regularly recorded on the Boyd Plateau, as well as along the southern and eastern boundaries of the park. The third most frequently recorded introduced species is the Pig, the occurrence of which is often evidenced by their characteristic tracks, scats and diggings. Pigs primarily occur in moist environments or along drainage lines, particularly in Montane Sheltered Forest, Dry Rainforest and River Oak Forest. On the Boyd Plateau, evidence of Pig activity is extremely dense and widespread. Cats (Felis catus) and Goats (Capra hircus) have also been observed within the park, though in relatively low numbers. Goats have most frequently been recorded in the north of the park, on the steep slopes between Black Range and the Jenolan River, but have also been seen in the west, near the junction of Box Creek and the Kowmung River (M. Jones pers. comm.). Cats have been recorded at seven locations, including on the Boyd Plateau, Murruin Range, Scotts Main Range and the Kowmung River valley. Deer have recently been observed at increasing frequency within the park. Fallow Deer (Dama dama) have been observed in the north western corner of the park, and north of Batsh Camp off the Oberon-Colong Stock Route (M. Jones pers. comm.). Deer have been also been observed by bushwalkers on the Black Range, though the species identity in this area is uncertain (M. Jones pers. comm.). These introduced species are likely to be having a significant negative impact on the native terrestrial flora and fauna of the park. Six of the species are listed, or are pending finalisation, as a Key Threatening Process on the TSC Act, as they are known to adversely affect threatened species and have the potential to cause other species to become threatened. The first five of the species below are also listed as a Key Threatening Process on the EPBC Act. The threats posed to native fauna by each animal are summarised as follows: • Feral Rabbits impact negatively on native species via competition for resources, alteration of the structure and composition of vegetation, and land degradation (NSW Scientific Committee 2002). • Predation by Foxes is a major threat to the survival of native Australian fauna, with non-flying mammals weighing between 35 and 5500 grams and ground-nesting birds at greatest risk. Fox predation has been implicated in limiting habitat choice and population size of a number of medium-sized marsupials (NSW Scientific Committee 1998c). The fact that Foxes prey upon native animals within the park is evident from scat analysis, as summarised in section 3.11 below. • Feral Pigs compete for food resources with native fauna, actively predate upon native birds, reptiles, bird and reptile eggs, and frogs, spread disease and are capable of significant habitat degradation as a result of their behaviour and feeding habits (NSW Scientific Committee 2004a). • Feral Goats were given a preliminary determination as a Key Threatening Process in June 2004. They cause habitat degradation and have the ability to significantly alter the habitat of native fauna. Goats may compete with native fauna for food, water and shelter (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). • Feral Cats threaten native fauna by direct predation. Cats are carnivorous and capable of killing vertebrates up to three kilograms. Preference is shown for mammals weighing less than 220 grams and birds less than 200 grams, but herpetofauna are also eaten (NSW Scientific Committee 2000b).
32 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park #Y $T
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34 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park • Deer cause environmental degradation through overgrazing, browsing, trampling, ring-barking, antler rubbing, dispersal of weeds, creation of trails, concentration of nutrients, exposing soils to and accelerating erosion (NSW Scientific Committee 2003c). Clearly the potential for introduced predators and herbivores to significantly impact on native fauna in Kanangra-Boyd is of high conservation concern. Comprehensive targeted survey of the species, assessment of their impacts, followed by appropriate management actions, should remain a high priority for park management. The introduced Black Rat has only been detected within Kanangra-Boyd NP by the identification of remains (hair and/or skeletal parts) in predator scats and cough pellets; once in a Sooty Owl cough pellet and once in a Fox scat, each in the south west of the park. The House Mouse has been directly observed at a single location within the park, on Warlock Ridge. These results indicate that introduced rodents occur deep within the park, even in areas with low disturbance, yet probably only at low densities. This is typical of moist undisturbed environments of the east coast. Research has suggested that introduced rodents rarely out-compete native mammals in a natural undisturbed environment (Fox et al. 2003). The only introduced bird to have been recorded within the park is the Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula), which has been observed once on Roar Knoll, west of Mt. Cloudmaker in December 2003. Since this species is present in such low numbers, it is unlikely to be having a significant impact on native fauna at this stage.
3.11 PREDATOR SCAT AND PELLET ANALYSIS
Analysis of prey remains in predator scats and owl pellets is a valuable method of collecting information about animal species that are cryptic, and therefore difficult to observe without an intensive trapping program. The analysis of a Sooty Owl pellet collected at Colong Caves during the CRA fauna surveys revealed the presence of Bush and Black Rats, Common Ringtail Possum, Greater and Sugar Gliders and Rabbit remains. This contributes important information to the study of diet and feeding biology of these large threatened owls. The analysis of Fox and Dingo/Dog scats yields interesting information about the vertebrate prey composition of the predator’s diet (Figure 2). Interestingly, Rabbit remains were only identified from one of the Fox scats analysed, while possums and gliders made up the largest component of the Foxes’ diet (Figure 2). Dogs/Dingoes tended to consume larger prey, with Swamp Wallabies making up the biggest component of their diet. Only limited conclusions can be drawn from these analyses due to the relatively low number of scats analysed. An analysis of predator scats across the region is being undertaken as part of the SCA fauna survey program, with the aim of yielding more comprehensive information about prey composition (DEC in prep.). Figure 2: Vertebrate prey items (hair and skeletal remains) identified from Fox and Dingo/Dog scats.
Fox prey composition (n=14) Dog prey composition (n=6)
Greater Glider Common Ringtail Bush Rat Rat Rabbit Rabbit Sugar Glider Echidna Sw amp Wallaby Unid. Glider
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 35 3.12 LANDSCAPE SCALE PATTERNS IN FAUNA DISTRIBUTION
The vegetation of Kanangra-Boyd NP is broadly effected by two parameters – elevation and geology. The stark differences in altitude and geological history between the Boyd Plateau and the surrounding valley system has resulted in the park having two broad structural types of vegetation (see Section 1). The deeply incised landscape in the eastern and south eastern parts of the park is more reflective of the adjoining Sydney Basin Bioregion having lower altitude (below 800 metres above sea level) and sandstone influenced geologies. The vegetation in these areas comprises various Eucalypt woodlands and forests with a sclerophyllous shrubby understorey. In contrast, the Boyd Plateau in the north western half of the park is at higher elevations (800 metres above sea level) with more volcanic geologies (particularly granites). The vegetation on the Plateau is more typical of the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion with tussock grasses dominating under a woodland canopy or ferns dominating under a tall forest. The distribution of fauna species across the park reflects this differentiation in habitat types, with a suite of species dramatically responding, either directly or indirectly, to altitudinal changes. The reptiles found at higher altitudes within the park, including Cool-temperate Water-skink, Black Crevice- skink (Egernia saxatilis intermedia), Blotched Bluetongue and Highlands Copperhead have been discussed in Section 3.8. These species are likely to be responding variously to habitat changes (such as the occurrence of tussock grasses (for Pseudemoia spp.) and the presence of exfoliating granite (Black Crevice-skink) on the plateau) and temperature differences (for example, Highlands Copperhead is one of the few snakes in Australia that can survive above the snowline). A complimentary suite of reptiles prefers the lower altitude habitats (see Section 3.8). Similarly, some mammals respond to altitude differences. For example, the Yellow-bellied Glider has a distinct association with Grey Gum and is abundant in the various Grey Gum woodlands and forests that occur along Scotts Main Range and in the north east of the park. The upper limit of Grey Gum appears to be 600 metres above sea level (D. Connolly pers. comm.), and hence neither the tree nor the Yellow-bellied Glider occur on the Boyd Plateau. Some bird species appear to effectively replace each other in the two broad habitat areas. For example, the Satin Flycatcher (Myiagra cyanoleuca) appears to replace the more widespread Leaden Flycatcher (M. rubecula) on the Boyd Plateau. This reflects the situation in the ACT where the former species replaces the latter in closed habitats and is rare below 800 metres, while the Leaden is uncommon above 900 metres (Taylor and COG 1992). Similarly, the Glossy Black-cockatoo is only recorded in the eastern parts of the reserve, reflecting the higher abundance of Allocasuarina food species in these areas, whereas Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoos are more likely to be recorded in the cooler climes at higher altitudes. Other birds that seem to be more prevalent at higher altitudes are Flame Robin, Red-browed Treecreeper, Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor), Little Raven (Corvus mellori) and Red Wattlebird. Some species that appear to be recorded more regularly at lower altitudes include Brown Gerygone, Lewin's Honeyeater, Bell Miner and to a lesser extent Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) and Wonga Pigeon (Leucosarcia melanoleuca). It must be remembered, however, that because most of records were collected during systematic surveys undertaken in spring, these patterns reflect habitat preferences only at this time of year. Some species, such as the Flame Robin, may move off the plateau in winter, or visa versa. Many species do not appear to respond to changes in altitude. These include, for example, Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla), White-browed Scrubwren and Eastern Spinebill that utilise the sparser shrubs in the understorey, Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae), Striated Thornbill and Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus) that inhabit most types of moist forest and habitat generalists such as Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina) and Southern Boobook. Some mammals and reptiles, such as the Common Wombat, Common Ringtail Possum and Red-necked Wallaby and Eastern Brown Snake also fall into this last Plate 10: Roosting Eastern Bent-wing Bats Narawan Williams category. Within the park, the distribution of
36 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park these species would reflect habitat characteristics that are independent of the sub-alpine plateau/lower altitude incised gully gradient.
3.13 THE LIMESTONE KARST SYSTEM
The karst system within Kanangra-Boyd has high conservation value and contributes significantly to the fauna species richness of the reserve. Four sets of limestone caves are known to exist: Colong, Church Creek, Billys Creek and Tuglow. The caves sustain populations of obligate cave-roosting bats, including Eastern Bent-wing Bat (Plate 10), Eastern Horseshoe-bat, and Large-eared Pied Bat and are likely to also provide roost sites for bat species that can roost in either caves or tree hollows, such as Eastern False Pipistrelle and Chocolate Wattled Bat. None of the caves have yet been identified as maternity roosting sites. The caves also provide roost sites for bird species such as the Sooty Owl (see Section 5) and crevice shelter sites for reptiles such as the Broad-tailed Gecko.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 37 4 FUTURE WORK
Every effort was made during the recent systematic fauna surveys to sample the full variety of habitat types and fauna groups within Kanangra-Boyd NP, and hence obtain a comprehensive picture of terrestrial vertebrate fauna within the park. The surveys were, however, subject to a number of constraints, leading to limitations and a recommendation that further work by undertaken within the area in coming years. Areas of endeavour that should be targeted in the future include: • Systematic frog surveys using the nocturnal streamside search method described above. The surveys should be undertaken under appropriate weather conditions, that is on warm, humid nights in spring or early summer after an extended period of rain. This program should specifically endeavour to ascertain whether Booroolong Frogs, Giant Burrowing Frogs, Littlejohn’s Tree Frogs and/or Stuttering Frogs persist within the park, and if so to assess their conservation status and threats to their continued survival. Gathering information on the relative distribution of the two species of Green Stream Frogs (Litoria phyllochroa and L. nudidigita) would also be valuable. • Further systematic owl surveys using the nocturnal call playback method described above. The surveys should be undertaken between April and August, when owls are most likely to respond to the playback (DEC unpublished data). The Boyd Plateau should be targeted first. • Continuation of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby surveys by the DEC Oberon office. • Targeted surveys for Koalas in the east and south east sections of the park where Grey Gum and Forest Red Gum occur. These should be undertaken to confirm whether the species occurs within the park, and if so to estimate the species abundance and distribution. • Further systematic surveys for small and medium sized ground mammals, including Spotted-tailed Quolls. • Targeted surveys to ascertain the abundance and distribution of introduced fauna species in the park that are listed as being a Key Threatening Process. This should be accompanied by research into impacts that the species are having on native fauna, which should in turn guide management actions. • Undertake all systematic survey techniques within vegetation types that remain undersampled. These vegetation types are Montane Slopes Dry Forests, Dry Gorge Slopes Forests and Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands. These habitats are very difficult to access and may require the use of a helicopter. • Any systematic work undertaken in the future should be undertaken utilising the methods described in Section 2.3 and in NPWS (1997). Data entry into the BSS is the responsibility of the survey coordinator and time and resources for data entry should be included within the original survey proposal. This will ensure that the data is available to all staff and clients of DEC with accurate details and also the data to be included in any analysis of systematic data undertaken.
38 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 5 THREATENED SPECIES PROFILES
This section provides a profile of each of the threatened fauna species that are known to occur within Kanangra-Boyd NP, together with a few additional threatened species that are considered highly likely to occur. The aim of these profiles is to provide: a background on the species biology; a summary of threats to the species; an assessment of how well the species is protected in the region; a map of known records of the species in the park and the surrounding five kilometres; and an appraisal of the distribution and status of the species in Kanangra-Boyd and the surrounding area. The list of threatened vertebrate fauna for Kanangra-Boyd NP contains records of various levels of reliability. For this reason, a species profile has not been generated for all of the threatened species listed on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife as occurring within the park. Only species that have been directly and reliably observed within the park since 1950, or have been observed within two kilometres of the park and considered highly likely to occur within the park, have had a species profile created. Table 3 presents all of the threatened species recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife within five kilometres of Kanangra-Boyd NP, together with annotation for each species regarding the latest record, reliability of identification and a rationale for the generation of a species profile.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 39 40 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Table 3: Threatened fauna species within and around Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Scientific name Common name Status in Status in No. of No. of Notes on reliability and date of last record Species NSW Australia locations locations profile (TSC Act) (EPBC within KBNP1 within a generated? Act) five DEC2 Other3 kilometre radius of KBNP1 Australian Museum specimen from 1976 within park; observed one kilometre north of Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog E - 0 1 2 Y park in 1998 Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn’s Tree Frog V V 0 2 0 Australian Museum specimen collected in park, date unknown, but not recent N Australian Museum specimen collected in park in 1959. Nearest record twenty kilometre Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog V V 0 1 0 N north-east Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog E V 0 0 2 Not recorded in park. Observed in February 2004 at Mt. Werong N Varanus rosenbergi Rosenberg’s Goanna V - 0 0 1 Not recorded in park. Observed two kilometre east of park in December 2002 Y Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-cockatoo V - 22 3 24 Regularly observed within park Y Ninox connivens Barking Owl V - 1 0 1 Observed once within park by DEC Staff in 1998 Y Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V - 8 2 10 Regularly observed within park Y Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V - 0 0 1 Heard by DEC Surveyor 800 metres south of park in Jan 2004 Y Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V - 2 3 3 Regularly observed within park Y Climacteris picumnus Brown Treecreeper (eastern Observed once by member of public. Not observed during DEC systematic surveys or N V-011 victoriae subspecies) elsewhere within two kilometres of park. Nearest record three kilometres east Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V E 0 2 3 Seen in park in 1999 Y Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V - 0 1 2 Possible scratchings recorded in park in 2002. Seen 700 metres north of park in 2004 Y Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider V - 7 0 30 Regularly observed within park Y Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V - 1 2 1 Seen in park by DEC Surveyor in 2002 Y Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby E V 0 2 6 Seen in park in 1984 and scats collected in 2002 Y Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox V V 0 2 0 Hair identified in Dog scat in 1986. Nearest record sixteen kilometres east N Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V - 1 0 0 Possibly heard once by DEC in 2004. Nearest record six kilometres east N Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V - 0 0 3 Ultrasonic call recorded 1.5 kilometres east of park by DEC in 1997 Y Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V 5 0 7 Regularly recorded within park Y Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V - 7 0 1 Captured in harp trap in 2004 Y Miniopterus schreibersii Eastern Bent-wing Bat V - 10 1 12 Regularly recorded within park Y oceanensis Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V - 6 0 3 Regularly recorded within park Y 1 Numbers indicate the number of records for the species, rather than the number of individuals. Only includes records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. 2 Includes all records collected during CRA, SCA and Biodiversity Survey Priorities fauna surveys 3 Includes records on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife obtained from sources other than DEC systematic survey BOOROOLONG FROG
Species Profile The Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis) is a medium-sized frog that is morphologically very similar to Lesueur's Frog (L. lesueuri). The Booroolong Frog may be reliably distinguished by the extension of the webbing to the base of the first inner toe pad on the hind foot, a mottled dorsum with a scattering of salmon-coloured flecks, and an indistinct black stripe passing through the eye and over the tympanum to the shoulder (Gillespie 1999) and by its call. The species is known from the tablelands and slopes of New South Wales, from catchments draining the Northern Tablelands to the Tumut River in the Southern Highlands and other tributaries of the Murrumbidgee River, and has recently been Dave Hunter/DEC discovered in Victoria (Gillespie 1999). The frog typically inhabits rocky western-flowing creeks and their headwaters, although a small number of animals have also been recorded in eastern-flowing streams (NSW Scientific Committee 1998a). Adults are typically found sheltering under boulders or cobbles near riffles along the stream bank, in both forested areas and open pasture (Gillespie 1999). In spring, eggs are deposited in rock crevices in the stream or in isolated streamside pools and tadpoles metamorphose in January and February (Gillespie 1999).
Threats In the south of its range, it is suspected that tadpoles of the Booroolong Frog are vulnerable to predation by both the Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) and the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (NSW Scientific Committee 1998a). Trout are thought to be more abundant in the eastern watershed than the western watershed, and thus the frogs may be more secure west of the Divide (A. White pers. comm.) Flow modification, willow invasion of riparian areas and land clearing each pose a threat to the species across its range. A potentially significant threat to the species within Kanangra-Boyd National Park is infection by chytrid fungus. This fatal disease, listed as a Key Threatening Process on the NSW TSC Act (1995) and the federal EPBC Act (1999), is known to have infected frogs in the neighbouring Blue Mountains National Park (DEC 2004b), and has had a particularly dramatic impact on stream-dwelling species at high altitudes in recent years (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Booroolong Frog is classified as endangered on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Three main concentrations of the species appear to exist in NSW: the New England; the Central Tablelands; and the western side of Kosciuszko National Park (DEC 2004a). Booroolong Frog has not been found in the entire northern part of its range since 1994 (Anstis 2002) and it is suspected that the species is regionally extinct in the north of its range (NSW Scientific Committee 1998a). The species is reserved within Abercrombie River and Blue Mountains National Park (Anstis et al. 1998, DEC 2004aa). However, many previously known populations within the Blue Mountains are no longer able to be located (NSW Scientific Committee 1998a). Numerous records of the species occur within the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, generally to the west and north of Kanangra-Boyd (DEC 2004a), including within northern Kosciuszko, Turon and Woomargama National Parks, but again the current status of these populations is uncertain. Two records of Booroolong Frog occur within Kanangra-Boyd National Park. One of these, however, is an old Australian Museum record, for which there is no accurate date or location information. The second record, also a specimen at the Australian Museum, is from 1976 at Morong Falls just east of the junction of the Kowmung River and Morong Creek. Museum specimens of the species have also been collected north of the park, on the Katoomba and the Hampton 1:25000 mapsheets. As these records are old, it cannot be assumed that the frogs still persist in these areas. The most recent sighting of the species in the region was made in February 1998, when two frogs were heard calling on Beefsteak Creek and one was heard on Little River, each approximately one
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 41 kilometre north of Black Range and the Kanangra-Boyd boundary (Map 5). This finding suggests that there is potential for the frog to still persist within the park. Broad-scale habitat modelling for the species identified high quality habitat for the species along the south western boundary of Kanangra- Boyd National Park (NPWS 2000b), though this model was based on limited records and species information. Trout are known to occur in the park, for example in the Coxs River. These introduced fish are thought to be a major factor causing Booroolong Frog declines in eastern flowing drainage systems (A. White pers. comm) and thus markedly decrease the probability of the frogs survival in the park. Further targeted surveys under appropriate weather conditions are required to ascertain whether the frog persists within the park. This is a high conservation priority, as any frogs extant in the park will require immediate conservation management to ensure their survival, with activities such as the eradication of Trout from the area. Only after ascertation of the species occurrence, distribution and abundance in the region can park management activities be targeted at conservation of this endangered species.
42 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park ROSENBERG’S GOANNA
Species Profile Rosenberg’s Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi) (also known as Heath Monitor) is a large, powerful lizard with an unusual distribution. It is superficially similar to the commonly encountered Lace Monitor (V. varius) though morphologically and taxonomically it is closer to the Sand Monitor (V. gouldii). It can be distinguished from the Lace Monitor by the fine barring on its lips and the spots on its legs. Within NSW it occurs in the Greater Sydney Basin and in the Southern Highlands, but then occurs discontiguously through Victoria, South Australia and south western Western Australia. The population on the Sydney Sandstone may or may not be genetically distinct. The lizard is well known to associate with sandstone environments, and is usually found in heath and woodlands where it shelters in burrows, hollow logs and rock crevices (Cogger 1996).
Threats Rosenberg’s Goanna is particularly threatened in urban fringes, where the species is subject to pressure from development of the flat sandstone ridgetops that are its preferred habitat. Road mortality is also of concern (NPWS 2002a). The primary threat to the species within Kanangra-Boyd and surrounding national parks is likely to be predation by feral and domestic Dogs (Canis lupus). Nick Corkish/DEC Goannas have been identified as taking baits placed for Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (Thomson and Kok 2002) and this species may consume baits placed during Fox and Dog eradication programs.
Local and Regional Conservation Status Rosenberg’s Goanna is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). It is a poorly understood species and researchers are still learning about its distribution. Recent DEC survey work has found this species to be more widespread through the Greater Sydney Basin than previously thought (DEC 2004a, DEC in prep.). Most records from NSW occur within the Sydney Basin Bioregion, with records in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion distributed in western Kosciuszko National Park, around Queanbeyan, and scattered locations in the north east of the Bioregion (DEC 2004a). Much of the predicted habitat for the species within the Greater Sydney basin is included within DEC managed lands (NPWS 2000b), while records exist within numerous reserves including Morton, Heathcote, Wollemi, Abercrombie River and Kosciuszko National Parks and Cuumbeun Nature Reserve. Recently, the species has been recorded by DEC within the Warragamba Special Area and in Blue Mountains and Nattai National Parks (DEC 2004b, DEC 2004c). Though Rosenberg’s Goanna has not been recorded within Kanangra-Boyd National Park to date, the fact that it has been located just two kilometres to the east of the park (Map 5) suggests that the species may occur within it. The individual was observed in Exposed Blue Mountains Sandstone Woodland, which also occurs within the eastern boundary of the park. The Goanna could also utilise the Exposed Sandstone Woodlands, Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests and Heath Mallee communities that occur extensively on the inaccessible ridgetops and slopes in the south and east of the park. With increased awareness of this species and its identification, it is probably only a matter of time before the species is located within the park boundary.
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44 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO
Species Profile The Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is a medium-sized black cockatoo, which has a diagnostic black-brown head, with yellow patches in the female, and red tail panels. It is usually seen in pairs or trios (with dependant young) in Eucalypt woodland or forest, where it nests in hollows. This species feeds almost exclusively on She-oak (Allocasuarina species including A. verticillata, A. torulosa and A. littoralis) (Higgins 1999). Two subspecies are restricted to eastern Australia between Queensland (Eungella) and eastern Victoria, with the nominate lathami found in NSW, and a third, isolated, endangered subspecies on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) (Higgins 1999). Peter Ekert Threats Habitat destruction for agriculture or residential development appears to be one of the main threats to Glossy Black-cockatoos, due to both removal of nesting and feeding sites, and also from competition from more open habitat species such as the Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus). Many Allocasuarina species are fire sensitive, hence inappropriate burning regimes may affect food supplies. Illegal trapping for aviculture may be a localised, minor threat (Garnett and Crowley 2000).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Glossy Black-cockatoo is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Relatively large areas of the Sydney Basin provide suitable habitat for Glossy Black-cockatoos and there are a large number of records for this species throughout the Bioregion (DEC 2004a). The species has been frequently and widely recorded to the east of Kanangra-Boyd. Records of the species are much more sparse and scattered over the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. A significant amount of the birds habitat is well protected, occurring in numerous DEC reserves including Morton, Blue Mountains, Nattai, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Wollemi National Parks, Wollondilly River Nature Reserve, as well as within the Warragamba Special Area. A number of locations within Kanangra-Boyd National Park provide high quality habitat for the Glossy Black-cockatoo. All three of the She-oak species mentioned above are found in the park, primarily on sandstone-influenced slopes. The bird has been observed in good numbers in the Mallee Heath on the exposed ridge above Kanangra Walls, at Brennan Top, and along the western section of the Gangerang Range, where Allocasuarina littoralis is present in dense thickets. The birds, as well as the characteristic remnants of chewed Allocasuarina cones that are left behind after feeding, have also been observed extensively in the north east of the park (Map 6). The steep slopes in this section of the park support large areas of Kanangra-Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland, Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest and Devonian Red Gum-Yellow Box Woodland, all of which characteristically contain Allocasuarina species in the understorey, therefore providing quality Glossy Black-cockatoo habitat. Similarly, evidence of the birds has been recorded on steep upper slopes and crests just inside the southern boundary of the park and at Scotts Main Range. It is likely that the birds occur elsewhere in the park where these habitat types dominate, yet have not been recorded simply because many such areas are inaccessible.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 45 BARKING OWL
Species Profile The Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) is an owl of intermediate size between the larger Powerful Owl (N. strenua) and the Southern Boobook (N. boobook). It has dark brown upper-parts and a white underbody with coarse brown streaking (Higgins 1999). It is often identified by its call, which is a distinctive, dog- like barking that can be confused with Fox (Vulpes vulpes) or Dog (Canis lupus) barks. It usually inhabits dry open Eucalypt forests and woodlands, where it is associated with hydrological features such as rivers and swamps (Taylor et al. 2002a). It nests in hollows, usually of large eucalypts, where it lays one to three eggs. It is an opportunistic feeder, eating more insects than other large forest owls, but consumes small terrestrial and arboreal mammals and birds during the breeding season. The race connivens occurs east of a line connecting Cooktown (Queensland) and the Flinders Ranges (South Australia) with an isolated population in the south west of Western Australia. Other races occur across northern Australia, in New Guinea and the Moluccas (Indonesia) (Higgins 1999).
Threats
The main identified threat to the species is habitat destruction, S. Cottrell/DEC particularly the removal of woodlands and forests from more low- lying fertile areas for agriculture (Taylor et al. 2002b). Remaining habitat is also subject to further degradation through forestry and collection of firewood, which often involves the removal of large hollows. The owl is often located, however, at the edge of forest blocks adjacent to cleared land, possibly due to increased prey availability at such locations (Taylor et al 2002b). The owl may also suffer some competition from feral honeybees (Apis mellifora) (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The long generation time (ten years) means that the species may take a long time to recover after suffering a decline (NSW Scientific Committee 1998b).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Barking Owl is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Recent work by DEC across the SCA Special Areas (Warragamba and Woronora) has confirmed the belief commonly held by bird observers that this is the rarest owl species known to occur in the Sydney Basin (DEC in prep.). Even fewer records of the species exist for the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion and only sparsely scattered records of the species occur throughout the state (DEC 2004a). Within the region the owl has been identified within Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks and was recorded during the 1997 CRA surveys in Yerranderie State Conservation Area (DEC 2004a). The species has only been recorded once within Kanangra-Boyd National Park, heard calling on Kanangra Road between Mounts Whitely and Bailey in August 1998. The owl has also been recorded on Scotts Main Range, south of Bran Jan Hill, two and a half kilometres east of the park (Map 6). Potential habitat for the species does occur elsewhere within the park, and it is possible that the Barking Owl is more widespread than records indicate. Within Kanangra-Boyd, the species is most likely to occur at lower elevations in open woodland habitats in the south and east of the park. The park is unlikely to be a stronghold for the species, however, as habitat is limited and the owls only have the potential to occur in low numbers.
46 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park POWERFUL OWL
Species Profile The Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) is the largest owl in Australia and is distinguished by its relatively small, round head and long tail. It is dark brown above with prominent off-white barring, and paler underneath with diagnostic dark chevrons. It inhabits various forest habitats, though it usually breeds and roosts in closed forest, including rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. It hunts in more open forests, where it feeds mainly on arboreal mammals, particularly Common Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and Greater Glider (Petauroides volans). This owl usually nests in a hollow in a Eucalypt within or below the canopy, and normally lays two eggs. They usually maintain a territory of between 300 and 1500 hectares, with size dependent on habitat quality and prey density. The species is endemic to eastern Australia, being recorded between Eungella (Queensland) to near the South Australia-Victoria border (Higgins 1999). Narawan Williams Threats Past land clearance for agriculture has reduced the area of habitat available for the Powerful Owl (Garnett and Crowley 2000), particularly the availability of roost sites. The owl can, however, survive in areas with some levels of disturbance, such as in selectively logged forests (Kavanagh 1997) and suburban areas of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne (Garnett and Crowley 2000, DEC 2004d). Two of the determining factors for the species persistence in disturbed areas is the presence and suitable abundance of prey species (Chafer 1992) and nesting/roosting sites (Debus and Chafer 1994).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Powerful Owl is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Broad-scale modelling has predicted that a relatively large area of suitable habitat for this species occurs within the Sydney Basin Bioregion (NPWS 2000b), within which a high number of records occur (DEC 2004a). The species is less widespread in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, with concentrations of records in the Central Tablelands, around Tallaganda and in western Kosciuszko National Park. A large amount of modelled habitat is in reserves such as Blue Mountains, Royal and Brisbane Waters National Parks, as well as in the Sydney Catchment Authority Special Areas (Woronora and Warragamba). Recent DEC surveys within the Warragamba Special Area, and the neighbouring Blue Mountains and Nattai National Parks have found Powerful Owls to be relatively abundant and widespread in the region (DEC in prep.). The majority of Powerful Owl records within Kanangra-Boyd National Park are in the south western corner, between Morong Creek and the Kowmung River (Map 6). The individuals that have been directly observed were located in Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest and Highlands Slopes Grey Gum-Stringybark Forest. In June 2004 a pair of owls was heard calling at Boyd River camping area during DEC surveys, and an individual was seen by a park ranger near the junction of Kowmung River Firetrail and Kanangra Walls Road (M. Jones pers. comm.). The birds of this species are likely to inhabit a home range that includes areas of tall forests with some mesic influence for roosting, and areas with a high density of prey items, particularly the Greater Glider, for foraging. Suitable habitat for this species is widespread on the Boyd Plateau and prey density is high. It is likely that further systematic survey work undertaken in autumn and winter, when owls are most territorial and responsive to call playback (DEC unpublished data), will reveal the presence of more Powerful Owls in the park, particularly on the Boyd Plateau. As few threats impose on the species within the park, the owl is likely to be as widespread in this area as it has recently been found to be in the region.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 47 MASKED OWL
Species Profile The Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) is a large ‘barn’ owl, which has three colour morphs (with intermediates), but is distinguished from the similar Barn Owl (T. alba) by its larger size, more thickset and hunchbacked appearance, fully feathered legs and larger feet (Higgins 1999). It inhabits a wide range of woodland habitats with large hollows for roosting and open areas for hunting. It feeds mostly on ground-dwelling mammals, such as rats (Rattus) and Antechinus (Antechinus), and occasionally on diurnal birds, Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and insects. The owl has a home range of 800 to 1200 hectares (Kavanagh 2002). It nests in hollow trees, usually eucalypts, where two to three eggs are the normal clutch. The nominate subspecies novaehollandiae was formerly found around the southern coast of Australia between Fraser Island (Queensland) and Carnarvon (Western Australia), though its range has contracted, particularly in Western Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Other subspecies occur in Tasmania, northern Australia and in New Guinea and adjoining islands, some of which are sometimes considered separate species (Higgins 1999).
Threats Clearance of native forest for agriculture and urban development, and the resulting fragmentation of habitat, has negatively affected the abundance of Masked Owls (Kavanagh 2002, Garnett and Crowley 2000). The species does not persist within fragments of forest less than 200 hectares (Kavanagh 2002). The species may be affected by logging, through removal of hollows or reduction in foraging habitat due to vigorous regrowth (Garnett and Crowley 2000), though it has been suggested that modern mosaic logging operations do not cause major changes to the abundance of the species (Kavanagh 2002).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Masked Owl is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Most records for the species in NSW are located in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions, with a few scattered records west of the Divide (DEC 2004a). Records of the species in South Eastern Highlands are restricted to the eastern extremity of the Bioregion. The species has been recorded in a number of conservation reserves including Brisbane Waters and Conjola National Parks, and Berowra Valley Regional Park. Significant numbers of the species have recently been recorded by DEC within the Warragamba Special Area and Greater Blue Mountains Area, including within Blue Mountains and Nattai National Parks (DEC in prep.). Observations have been made in areas not previously considered to contain substantial amounts of high quality habitat. Records of Masked Owl in the western sections of the Kanangra Area (including Kanangra-Boyd) have high conservation significance, as they near the western extremity of the species known distribution. Masked Owls have not been recorded within the park boundary, however an individual was heard calling 800 metres south of the park, at Back Swamps Creek, during DEC fauna surveys in January 2004 (Map 6). It is highly likely that Kanangra-Boyd National Park forms part of the home range of this individual. Masked Owl has also been recorded on Scotts Main Range, just over five kilometres to the east of the park. It is considered likely that the species does also occur within Kanangra-Boyd. Potential habitat for the species is extensive, particularly within the more open vegetation types such as those that occur in the south and east of the park. Due to the large home range of this species it is hard to predict specifically where individuals would occur, however their home ranges are likely to incorporate areas of forest or woodland near minor drainage lines for roosting, and areas of woodland with a more open understorey and sparse ground cover for foraging. The owl is unlikely to occur on the Boyd Plateau. Further nocturnal call playback survey undertaken between April and August within potential habitat would probably confirm the presence of the species in the park.
48 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park SOOTY OWL
Species Profile The Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) is a medium to large ‘barn’ owl, with sooty grey plumage that is finely spotted and flecked with white. It is found in tall wet forests, including wet sclerophyll and rainforest, where it is often first detected by its distinctive ‘falling bomb’ call. It roosts and breeds in hollows, often located in emergent trees, which may be greater than 100 years of age. Pairs probably maintain permanent territories that are between 200 and 800 hectares in area (Higgins 1999). It feeds on a wide range of arboreal and terrestrial mammals (Kavanagh 2002). In Australia the subspecies tenebricosa is distributed along the east coast between the Conondale Ranges (Queensland) to north east of Melbourne (Victoria). A smaller subspecies (arfaki) occurs in New Guinea (Higgins 1999).
Threats Garnett & Crowley (2000) list the main threat as habitat clearance for agriculture, with additional fragmentation or degradation caused by logging, burning, dieback and urbanisation. The effects of logging have been particularly well studied, though the overall effect is not entirely clear (Higgins 1999). Due to its nocturnal habits, the Sooty Owl is not often recorded using established bird detection methods. Recent improvements in survey technique have greatly improved the detectability of this and other owl species (Kavanagh 1997).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Sooty Owl is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Records of Sooty Owl in NSW are virtually restricted to the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (DEC 2004a). In the Sydney Basin Bioregion, high quality habitat for the species is protected within Blue Mountains, Nattai and Royal National Parks, as well as within the SCA Special Areas (Warragamba and Woronora) (NPWS 2000b, DEC in prep.). The high number of records for the species recently collected within the Warragamba Special Area will be used to model habitat preferences for the birds across the region, and obtain a better understanding of the species distribution (DEC in prep.). Records at Jenolan Caves and Kanangra-Boyd currently represent the western-most limit of the known distribution of the species, and therefore have very high conservation value. Protection of habitat for the species within Kanangra-Boyd and the Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve is vital to the preservation of the full range of habitats within the species distribution. Sooty Owls are currently only known from two locations within Kanangra-Boyd National Park, on the Kowmung River at Roots Ridge Track and in Colong Caves (Map 6). A Sooty Owl was first observed roosting within the Grand Arch at Colong Caves in June 1992 and again in December 2003. Owl pellets have been collected and analysed since. On a visit to the caves in January 2004 the roost site did not appear active, however it is likely that the owl(s) will return to the location again. A roost site is also known to occur at Jenolan Caves (DEC 2004a). The Sooty Owl is likely to occur at further locations within Kanangra-Boyd, such as in sheltered gullies with tall forest, particularly those with a mesic influence and some rainforest species. Patches of such potential habitat occur in the south, south west and east of the park.
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50 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL
Species Profile The Spotted-tailed or Tiger Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is a medium-sized marsupial carnivore that is identifiable by its rufous to dark brown fur and white spots which are present on the body and tail. It is essentially terrestrial, but is also an agile climber. It feeds on a wide variety of birds, reptiles, mammals and invertebrates and it uses several ‘latrines’ within its territory for defecation (NPWS 1999a). There are three populations of this species. The first is in far north Queensland, the second extends from Southern Queensland to Victoria, and a final genetically distinct population occurs in Tasmania (Firestone et al. 1999).
Threats N. Fenton/DEC The main problems confronting the Spotted-tailed Quoll are believed to be habitat loss, habitat degradation, predation and competition by the introduced Cat (Felis catus) and Fox (Vulpes vulpes), and direct mortality at the hands of humans (Mansergh 1984). Quolls were heavily persecuted as killers of domestic fowl, and have been hunted and trapped to extinction in many parts of the country. In more recent years, baiting for foxes, dogs and dingoes may have taken a toll on this species (D. Andrew pers. comm.).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995) and as Endangered on the Commonwealth EPBC Act (1999). The southern populations are believed to have declined in range by up to 50 percent in recent years (Maxwell et al. 1996). Within NSW the species has been recorded most in the North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (DEC 2004a). Within the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion the species is most common in the south eastern corner. A reasonable percentage of predicted habitat for the species in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is protected in reserves (NPWS 2000b), though most of the recent records have only been from Blue Mountains and Brisbane Waters National Parks, and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve. The species is occasionally observed around the townships of the central Blue Mountains and Picton (DEC in prep.). The low abundance of the species across the region is evidenced, however, by the fact that not a single Quoll has been observed within the Warragamba Special Area during two years of DEC surveys, despite a huge number of hours being spent in the field during both the day and night (DEC in prep.). Two recent records for the species exist on the DEC Atlas of NSW Wildlife: one individual was seen in 1988 at Oaky Camp and one individual was seen eating a decomposed kangaroo carcass on the side of Kanangra Road in 1999 (Map 7). In addition, a number of Quolls have been seen by DEC staff in recent times, including: one on the Kowmung River Fire Trail in May 2003; one in the Sally Camp Creek area in April 2004; one at Mount Krungle Bungle in July 2004; and tracks just north of Oaky Camp in May 2004 (M. Jones pers. comm.). Three additional sightings of the species have been made within a five kilometres radius of the park, including two at Mt. Dingo, one on the Coxs River south of Breakfast Creek and one at Jenolan Caves. Targeted surveys for the species on the Boyd Plateau in June 2004, however, failed to locate any Quolls. Forty cage traps were set along four separate two-kilometre transects, and left in place for four nights. The species is notorious, however, for being difficult to trap and requiring immense effort to detect in the wild using standard survey techniques (Lunney and Matthews 2001). Nevertheless, it is considered that if the species were common on the Boyd Plateau it would be more regularly observed by park rangers and visitors. Suitable habitat for the species is widespread within the park and prey items are dense. Further work is required to understand why the species has declined in recent years, and why it is now uncommon to rare in Kanangra-Boyd. Quolls may be effected by competition from introduced species, such as Feral Pigs (Sus scrofa), which are abundant on the Boyd Plateau (D. Andrew pers. comm.). Quolls may persist in higher numbers in the gorge country, however this will only be ascertained by intensive targeted survey. High priority should be given to increasing public awareness of this species and its identification, and to encouraging all sightings made by park visitors to be reported, together with accurate location information.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 51 KOALA
Species Profile The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a distinctive, iconic arboreal mammal of Eucalypt forest and woodland. It feeds on a wide range of Eucalypt and other tree species, though in a local area a few species will be preferred almost exclusively. Individuals spend most of the day resting in the forks of trees, and are most active following sunset (NPWS 1999b). They generally move about a home range, the size of which varies on the density of food trees and population size, though individuals, particularly dispersing juveniles, are known to travel up to 50 kilometres (Martin and Handasyde 1995; NPWS 1999b). Three subspecies occur between north Queensland and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. However, the distribution is now fragmented and introductions, such as to Phillip Island, have possibly altered the genetic diversity of many of the populations (Martin and Handasyde 1995).
Threats NPWS (1999b) summarises the threats to the Koala as follows: destruction of habitat by clearing for urban development, agriculture and mining; degradation of habitat through fragmentation and disturbance such as fire Cameron Smith/DEC or weed invasion; direct mortality from dogs and motor vehicles; and infection by Chlamydia which causes keratoconjunctivitis (an infection of the eyes) and infertility. The latter appears to occur naturally in Koalas in NSW, and symptoms are displayed when animals are stressed (NPWS 2003d). In Victoria, populations that have been transferred from Phillip Island appear to have lost their immunity and rates can be high, but it does not appear to be a major threat (Menkhorst 1995). Throughout its entire range, loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat is its greatest threat (NPWS 2003d). Reed et al. (1990) reported on a survey in 1986-87 that found that the Koala had disappearance from 50 to 75 percent of its known range in NSW and populations had been lost from many localities, particularly on the southern and western edges of their distribution.
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Koala is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). The species is widespread across the eastern third of the state, with records scattered throughout the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion (DEC 2004a). Most of the high quality habitat modelled in the Sydney Basin Bioregion lies around the Hawkesbury River mouth, the Central Coastal and the Port Stephens area north east of Newcastle (NPWS 2000b). The sandstone habitats are well protected (such as Blue Mountains, Brisbane Water and Yengo National Parks), but some coastal habitats are poorly conserved in DEC reserves. Within the region, Koalas have recently been discovered in Nattai National Park and Wollondilly River Nature Reserve (DEC 2004c, DEC 2004e.) Four Koalas have been observed in close vicinity of Kanangra-Boyd National Park: two individuals were observed at Jenolan caves in the early 1970s; and two individuals were observed near the junction of Gingra Creek and the Kowmung River in May 2004. There is also a record of scratchings possibly attributed to this species on the Gingra Range Walking Trail, and Koala fur was identified from a Dog/Dingo scat collected on Moorara Boss in 1988. Though Koalas have not been directly observed within the park boundary, it is highly likely that they do occur, probably in relatively low numbers. Potential habitat for the species is extensive within the park, particularly in the east and south east, in areas where Grey Gum (Eucalyptus punctata) and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis) make up a significant component of the canopy species. Vegetation types potentially used by Koalas within the park include the Grassy Red Gum Box Ironbark Woodlands, Highlands Slopes Grey Gum Stringybark Forests and Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forests. Much of this habitat occurs within the largely inaccessible regions of the park, which is perhaps the reason Koalas have not been observed. Additional targeted surveys will need to be undertaken on foot, perhaps with helicopter drop offs, to determine the occurrence, abundance and distribution of the species.
52 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park BRUSH-TAILED ROCK-WALLABY
Species Profile The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is a medium sized macropod, characterised by its distinctive facial markings, black paws and high levels of agility (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b). The tail is often used to aid identification, being long and thickly furred with a distinctive brush-like appearance near its tip (NPWS 2002b). Habitats occupied by this species tend to take one of three forms: loose piles of large boulders containing a maze of subterranean holes and passageways; cliffs (usually over fifteen metres high with many mid level ledges covered by overhangs; or isolated rock stacks, usually sheer sided and often girdled with fallen boulders (NPWS 2002b). Vegetation forms a vital component of the habitat, especially as refugia near major rock outcrops. The species typically exhibits low migration rates between colonies, impeding persistence and recovery of populations affected by threatening processes. Its range formerly extended between south east Queensland to the Victoria, but is was thought to be extinct in the latter state until small populations were rediscovered in the Grampians and near the Snowy River (Eldridge and Close 1995).
Threats Historical decline of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is attributed to E. Holland/DEC three factors: hunting for bounty and fur; predation by introduced predators; and competition with introduced herbivores (feral Goat (Capra hircus), Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and stock) (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b). The major threats continuing to impact on the species include ongoing predation and competition with feral species such as Foxes (Vulpes vulpes), Wild Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus), habitat modification by fire, vegetation clearing, disease transmission (toxoplasmosis and hydatosis) by feral carnivores (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b) and inbreeding (Environment ACT 1999).
Local and Regional Conservation Status Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are listed as Endangered on the NSW TSC Act (1995) and as Vulnerable on the Commonwealth EPBC Act (1999). The Rock-wallabies were probably once widespread in the South Eastern Highlands, but are now restricted to the north eastern boundary. Known locations within the South Eastern Highlands and Sydney Basin Bioregions include Kangaroo Valley, Broke in the Hunter Valley and Morton National Park with an introduced population at Jenolan Caves (DEC 2004a). Recently, during DEC fauna surveys, a colony of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies was discovered within Nattai National Park, contributing significantly to the conservation and management of the species (DEC 2004c). These locations fall within the most fragile metapopulation of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies in NSW, and consequently are all of very high conservation significance (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b). Broad-scale modelling has indicated that high quality habitat for Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies is contained within Kanangra-Boyd National Park, in the escarpments and steep slopes of Kanangra Gorge and the Coxs River valley (NPWS 2000b). Sites with a northerly aspect would be preferred (Environment ACT 1999), where habitat features provide opportunities for the wallabies to sun themselves during the morning and evening periods. However, there is uncertainty as to whether Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies are extant within Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Two suspected sightings have been made in the vicinity of the lower Jenolan River valley in the last five years, including one individual on the cliffs above Lower Jenolan Gorge, and one on the Coxs River north of Breakfast Creek (M. Jones pers. comm.). Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby remains were identified within a Dog/Dingo scat collected on the Boyd River Firetrail in 1994 (M. Jones pers. comm.). In addition, scats thought to be from a Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby were collected on Goolara Peak/Tinpot Mountain in mid 2002 (M. Jones pers. comm.). Historical records within the Atlas of NSW Wildlife consist of a specimen on the CSIRO Australian National Wildlife Collection, collected west of Kowmung Gap in 1987 and an individual seen at Cathedral Rocks, near Church Creek Caves, in 1989 (Map 7). Scats of Brush-tailed
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 53 Rock-wallabies have not been observed at Church Creek Caves recently, however, despite regular searches undertaken by rangers (M. Jones pers. comm.). Three targeted surveys for Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies, undertaken by DEC Oberon office since 2000, have failed to confirm the presence of the animal within the park. However, results have indicated that the species is likely to persist in the areas mentioned above, though in very low numbers. The extent of Foxes and Dogs within the park imposes a threat to the long-term survival of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies within the park.
54 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER
Species Profile The Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) is a nocturnal mammal found in tall open sclerophyll forests of eastern Australia. As an arboreal species, it requires mature hollow bearing trees within which to den during the day, and at night from which to leap and glide using a membrane that extends from the wrists to the ankles (NPWS 1999c). It is characterised by grey fur above and a whitish to orange fur underneath with large bare ears. The species is more often heard than seen, as it frequently emits a distinctive throaty shriek, which can be heard from some distance. It feeds on Eucalypt nectar, sap, manna and invertebrates found under shedding bark. Its feeding habits to extract sap can leave deep V-notched incisions in the bark of eucalypts, with individuals and families demonstrating preference for repeated use of Joel Winter/DEC individual trees for many seasons (Mackowski 1988). Yellow-bellied Gliders are known to utilise a home range of between 30 and 65 hectares (Goldingay and Kavanagh 1991). The southern, nominate subspecies ranges between Portland (Victoria) and central coastal Queensland with a separate subspecies isolated in north Queensland in the vicinity of the Herbert River (Russell 1995).
Threats Yellow bellied Gliders are known to be greatly affected by the reduction of nesting resources when the availability of hollow bearing trees are lost through clearing, fragmentation or timber extraction (NPWS 1999c). Predation by Cats (Felis catus) and Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are also thought to contribute to the species vulnerability. Impacts of fire regimes are poorly understood, although some suggest that availability of food is lost after fire (NPWS 1999c).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Yellow-bellied Glider is listed as Vulnerable species on the NSW TSC Act (1995). The species appears to have a patchy distribution within the Sydney Basin Bioregion (DEC 2004a), with most localities restricted to taller moist forests associated with incised sandstone gullies. Typical examples of population strongholds include the tall moist forests of the Central Coast and Watagan Ranges. Additionally, recent DEC surveys have discovered the species to be more abundant than previously thought in the escarpments and gullies in the Blue Mountains and Nattai National Parks. During the recent DEC fauna surveys the species have been found to be abundant and widespread in the Warragamba Special Area, particularly where Grey Gum (Eucalyptus punctata) makes up a component of the canopy. The species habitat preferences will be modelled in order to obtain better understanding of the species occurrence and status across this region (DEC in prep.). In the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, records are mainly located at the eastern extremity of the region, with isolated populations to the north and west of Kosciuszko National Park (DEC 2004a). Yellow-bellied Glider has been recorded nine times within the park to date, however seven of these records are concentrated along Denis Ridge on the eastern boundary of the park, where the species was seen and heard calling (Map 7). The remaining records were collected on the Moorara Boss Firetrail and consist of an observation of Yellow-bellied Glider feed mark incisions on a Grey Gum, and identification of glider remains in a Fox scat (M. Jones pers. comm.). Yellow-bellied Gliders have a distinct preference for Grey Gum as a feed tree (Mackowski 1988). All of the sightings of the animals within Kanangra-Boyd have been in habitats where Grey Gum is a dominant or co-dominant canopy species, including Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest and Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland. It is likely that the gliders occur elsewhere within the park where these vegetation types prevail, particularly on steep sheltered slopes in the north and east and to a lesser extent the south of the park. As much of the potential habitat for the species within the park is difficult for humans to access and survey, it is possible that the species occurs in good numbers, with numerous locations having gone undetected.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 55 SQUIRREL GLIDER
Species Profile The Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a nocturnal mammal that inhabits dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands and builds leaf-lined nests in tree hollows. It is very similar in appearance to the smaller and more common Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps). However, the Squirrel Glider has a longer more pointed face, longer and narrower ears and a bushier tail and also lacks the persistent yapping call of the smaller species. It has a varied diet, including insects, nectar, pollen, seeds, Acacia gum and sap from Eucalypts (Suckling 1995). Usually occurs in family groups of up to ten, consisting of one male, one or more females and their dependant young. Home ranges are thought to vary between 0.65 and 8.55 hectares, depending on habitat quality, and individuals have been known to move up to 500 metres in one night. It is sparsely distributed along the east coast and inland slopes of between north Queensland and Victoria (NPWS 1999d) in habitats that comprise sufficient numbers of hollow-bearing trees for shelter and winter flowering plant species for food (Quinn 1995).
Threats NPWS (1999d) lists the following threats to the Squirrel Glider. They are known to be greatly affected by the loss of nesting DEC resources when the availability of hollow bearing trees are lost through clearing, fragmentation or timber extraction. Predation by Cats (Felis catus) and Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are also thought to contribute to the species vulnerability and individuals have been rescued by the Wildlife Information and Rescue Emergency Service (WIRES) after getting caught on barbed-wire fences. Impacts of fire regimes are poorly understood although the availability of food resources may be reduced or lost after fire.
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Squirrel Glider is listed as Vulnerable species on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Scattered records of the species occur both east and west of the Divide, with most records for the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion restricted to its north eastern corner. Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion the dry woodlands of the Central Coast provide very high quality habitat and this area has been well documented as a stronghold for the species (Smith and Murray 2002). The species has been recorded at very low abundance across the sandstone reserve system of the Blue Mountains (DEC 2004a) and recently within the SCA Warragamba Special Area (DEC in prep.). A single Squirrel Glider has been observed right on the western boundary of Kanangra-Boyd National Park, at Mt. Feld (Map 7). The individual was seen during a systematic spotlighting survey, on the trunk of a tree in Highlands Slopes Grey Gum-Stringybark Forest. The species was also identified within a predator scat on the Boyd Range Track south of Rocky Top Swamp. There is the potential for the species to occur elsewhere within the park, probably at low densities, in areas that contain sufficient hollows and winter-flowering trees or shrubs to enable the species survival.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 57 EASTERN FREETAIL-BAT
Species Profile The Eastern Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) is a member of a complex group of bats that retain considerable taxonomic uncertainty. Within this group the species is readily distinguished by its long forearm, upright ears and robust build (Allison and Hoye 1995, Parnaby 1992a). Reinhold et al. (2001) describes the ultrasonic call as “a pattern of alternating pulses”, making it unique among Mormopterus, though it can also call without this pattern. There are very few specimens of this species on record, but it seems to be restricted to east of the Great Dividing Range between approximately Brisbane (Queensland) and Picton (New Narawan Williams South Wales) (Duncan et al. 1999; Parnaby 1992a). It appears to favour dry Eucalypt forest and woodland, though it has also been captured in rainforest (Churchill 1998). It usually roosts in tree hollows (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994), though it has been recorded in the roof of a hut and under the metal caps of telegraph poles (Churchill 1998).
Threats The threats to this species are poorly known, though it is suspected that clearing for agriculture, development, and logging, may pose serious threats. Threats may be heightened because the species’ entire known distribution lies within an area of concentrated population density. More research in such areas as taxonomy, field identification and habitat requirements would allow better understanding of the species’ conservation status (Duncan et al. 1999).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Eastern Freetail-bat is listed as vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Most records for the species in NSW are contained within the NSW North Coast, South East Corner and Sydney Basin Bioregions (DEC 2004a). The species is virtually restricted to the north eastern extremity of the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion (DEC 2004a). Broad-scale habitat models predicted dry inland valleys and hinterlands to be the highest quality habitat for the species, such as occur within Goulburn River, Wollemi and Yengo National Parks (NPWS 2000b). These models were based on very limited information about the species, however, and most records for the species come from the Cumberland Plain and Central Coast areas. This disparity probably reflects the low levels of knowledge about this species. Recent DEC surveys across the Warragamba Special Area have collected vital information on the distribution and habitat of the Eastern Free-tail Bat, which will be modelled and the results presented in the final report for the project (DEC in prep.). Continued survey and modelling of little- known species such as this is crucial to the conservation management of threatened bat species. Eastern Freetail-bats have not been recorded within the boundaries of Kanangra-Boyd National Park, but are known to occur one and a half kilometres to the east of the park, between the Kowmung River and Bran Jan Hill. Being a relatively large and high-flying species, it is highly probable that the bat does occur within Kanangra-Boyd, or that individuals at least utilise the park occasionally. The species is likely to utilise the drier forests and woodlands at lower elevations in the eastern sections of the park, such as the Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands and the Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests. They are unlikely to occur on the Boyd Plateau. As with all bats, further survey and a better understanding of habitat requirements is required to make an accurate assessment of the species distribution and abundance within the region.
58 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park LARGE-EARED PIED BAT
Species Profile The Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) is readily recognisable from other members of its genus by the combination of large ears and overall black colour, with bands of white fur along the sides of the body, that join to form a V-shape (Parnaby 1992a; Churchill 1998). The call (undetectable by the human ear) is an alternate pattern made at a low frequency, which is readily distinguishable from all other species (Reinhold et al. 2001). Originally described from Copeton in 1966, it has been recorded from a number of scattered locations on either side of the Great Dividing Range between Rockhampton (Queensland) and Bungonia (New South Wales) (Hoye and Dwyer 1995). It has been found in a wide Narawan Williams range of habitats, including wet and dry Eucalypt forest, Cypress (Callitris) forest and sub-alpine woodland (Duncan et al. 1999). It is a cave- roosting species, though it has also been detected roosting in disused mine shafts, overhangs and once in an abandoned Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel) nest (Churchill 1998). It seems to prefer the ‘twilight’ areas of caves, and may be dependent on sandstone outcrops (Duncan et al. 1999, Hoye and Dwyer 1995).
Threats The only confirmed threat to this species is the destruction or interference of roost sites. Other potential threats include mining induced subsidence (particularly coal-mining in sandstone areas) which may destroy roost sites, habitat destruction for agriculture and urban development, and predation by feral animals (Duncan et al. 1999).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Large-eared Pied Bat is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995) and also as Vulnerable on the Commonwealth EPBC Act (1999). The Sydney Basin appears to support a significant proportion of the Large-eared Pied Bat population, with scattered records occurring to the north and west of the Bioregion (DEC 2004a). Recent survey conducted by DEC across the Greater Blue Mountains has found the species to be more widespread in the region than previously thought, yielding important information on the species habitat preferences and conservation status (DEC in prep.). Within the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, the species is restricted to the north and east, with Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve and Kanangra-Boyd National Park forming the western boundary of the species known distribution (DEC 2004a). The species is protected within Blue Mountains and Wollemi National Parks, and to a lesser extent Royal, Gardens of Stone and Morton National Parks. Records of the species in Kanangra-Boyd National Park have high conservation value as they are at the western extent of the species known distribution. The Large-eared Pied Bat has been recorded at three locations within Kanangra-Boyd, with four individuals captured in harp traps (on the Boyd Plateau and on Denis Ridge) and one (or more) individual recorded by the Anabat (on Denis Ridge) (Map 8). In a five kilometre radius of the park, the species has been recorded at Jenolan Caves as well as between the gauging station on the Kowmung River and Scotts Main Range (DEC 2004a). The species has been recorded in three different vegetation types in Kanangra-Boyd, including Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest, Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland and Kanangra-Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland. It is not known where the roosting site for these bats is located, or whether it occurs within or outside of Kanangra-Boyd National Park. Potential roost sites occur at Tuglow Caves, Church Creek Caves and Colong Caves, and the species has been detected by Anabat recorders placed in the vicinity of the entrance to the latter cave system (Hoye 2001). The species may also roost in sandstone overhangs, which occur, for example, around the edge of the Boyd Plateau.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 59 EASTERN FALSE PIPISTRELLE
Species Profile The Eastern False Pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) is a relatively large (up to 70 millimetres) bat that is similar to the Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii), though it has two pairs of upper incisors, a gap between the incisors and the canines, and larger ears (Parnaby 1992a; Churchill 1998). Its calls can be confused with various species of Scotorepens and the Greater Broad-nosed Bat, though good quality calls can be separated using ultrasound analysis (Reinhold et al. 2001). It is found in small numbers throughout its range in south eastern Australia, between south east Queensland and western Victoria, and Tasmania. It seems to prefer wet habitats, particularly riparian or high rainfall areas, with large trees (greater than 20 metres) (Menkhorst and Lumsden 1995). It may be more common at high elevations (Phillips 1995), though it has been recorded between sea level and 1500 metres in Victoria (Menkhorst and Lumsden 1995). It usually roosts in hollows in Eucalyptus, though it has been recorded in caves (Churchill 1998). It may hibernate over winter and has been known to travel at least twelve kilometres from its roost site Linda Broome/DEC (Churchill 1998).
Threats Threats to the species are poorly known, but the main threat would appear to be destruction of roosting sites, through land clearance and logging (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Eastern False Pipistrelle is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). Records for the species are scattered across both the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. Broad- scale modelling has predicted areas of high quality habitat in the Blue Mountains National Park, the Woronora Plateau, and the Watagan Ranges, as well as on the Boyd Plateau of Kanangra-Boyd (NPWS 2000b). A large number of sightings have been made in Wollemi National Park and the species has also been recorded in Gardens of Stone, Blue Mountains, Abercrombie River, Wadbilliga, Tallaganda and Woomargama National Parks. Recent DEC surveys have recorded the species to be widespread at low density in Blue Mountains National Park and to a lesser extent Nattai National Park (DEC in prep.).
This bat was recorded for the first time within the park in December 2003 when it was detected by Anabat at three locations on the Boyd Plateau. In January 2004 the species was detected by Anabat at two further locations on the Plateau, and an individual captured in a harp trap and recorded by Anabat at two locations in the north of the park on Warlock Ridge (Map 8). It appears from these results that the species is widespread at high elevations within the park, having not been recorded below 1000 metres in altitude. As with all bats, however, a better understanding of habitat requirements and further survey is needed to establish its conservation status in Kanangra-Boyd National Park and the surrounding region. It is expected, however, that the species occurs, perhaps in low numbers, at high elevation locations within the park, particularly in taller forests such as the Montane Sheltered Forests on the Boyd Plateau.
60 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park EASTERN BENT-WING BAT
Species Profile The Common Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) is the most widely distributed bat in the world, occurring through Europe, Africa and Australasia (Churchill 1998), though recent research suggests that there may be three taxa in Australia (Duncan et al. 1999). The subspecies oceanensis (often referred to as the Eastern Bent-wing Bat) is the relevant taxa for New South Wales and extends at least between central Victoria and Cape York Peninsula, Queensland (Duncan et al. 1999). This species is distinguished from most others by the long last bone in the third wing digit and from the Little Bent-wing Bat (M. australis) by the longer forearm (greater than 44 millimetres) (Parnaby 1992a). The call can be distinctive, however it is often inseparable from Vespadelus darlingtoni and V. regulus (Reinhold et al. 2001). It utilises a wide variety of habitats where it usually roosts in caves, though it has been known to use mines and road culverts (Churchill 1998). It is a fast flying species that usually feeds above the canopy (Churchill 1998) and has been known to travel up to 65 kilometres in a night (Dwyer 1966 in Ayers et al. 1996). Though individuals often use numerous roosts, they congregate en masse at a small number of caves to breed and hibernate (Churchill 1998).
Threats Stefan Eberhard/DEC Damage and disturbance to roosting sites are the greatest threats to this species. Because only relatively few nursery caves are used, significant population changes can occur if these sites are damaged (Dwyer 1995). Disturbance of hibernating colonies can lead to starvation due to loss of energy reserves (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994). Disturbance of smaller roosts by recreational caving and tourism may also be significant, as may modification to feeding habitat by agriculture and urban development (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994). Some individuals are preyed upon by feral Cats (Felis catus) and, less often, foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (Dwyer 1995).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Eastern Bent-wing Bat is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). The species is widely recorded in the eastern third of NSW, with the number of records decreasing with distance from the coast (DEC 2004a). Sightings for the species are scattered throughout the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, and good numbers have been recorded in the Sydney Basin Bioregion in recent years (DEC 2004a). Broad-scale habitat modelling for the species has identified a very large area of suitable habitat (NPWS 2000b), reflecting the large distances that this species travels whilst foraging. Individuals have been recorded in a diverse range of National Parks. Within the region the species has recently been recorded during recent DEC fauna surveys in Nattai, Blue Mountains, and Abercrombie River National Parks and Bargo and Nattai State Conservation Areas. Eastern Bent-wing Bats have been recorded at several locations within Kanangra-Boyd National Park, with the highest recorded density at Colong Caves (DEC 2004a). During a targeted survey for the species in January 2004, 228 adult male and 6 adult non-breeding females were captured in a harp trap at the entrance of chamber C3 on one night. Based on the harp trap capture rate, it was estimated that approximately 1000 bats would have used this exit during the night. A daytime exploration of the cave system indicated that Dripping Cave contained the largest number of roosting bats within the system (approximately 100), and therefore would be one of the more important chambers to protect throughout the whole year. Though Colong Caves is an important roost site for the species, it is not thought to be a maternity roost, as no juveniles or lactating females were captured during the surveys. There is a possibility that Colong Caves contained a maternity roost in the past, but that disturbance by cave visitors has forced the bats to change locations (Jules Bros, pers. comm.). With fewer disturbances, there is a chance that Colong Caves could become suitable as a maternity site in the future (N. Williams pers. comm).
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 61 Four Eastern Bent-wing Bats have also been captured on the Boyd Plateau, where the majority of harp trapping has been undertaken. It is possible that these bats also roost at Colong Caves, as they are well within the possible foraging distance for the species. Alternatively, other roost sites for the bat may exist within the park, in caves that are less accessible to humans. Due to the high mobility of the species, it is difficult to predict which habitats and areas of the park the species would use preferentially, however the bats are expected to be widespread. Due to the presence of the karst system, that provides a roost site for thousands of individuals of this species, it is likely that Kanangra- Boyd National Park, and Colong Caves in particular, are very important in the conservation of the Eastern Bent-wing Bat in the region.
62 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park GREATER BROAD-NOSED BAT
Species Profile The Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii) is a large microchiropteran bat that can only be confused with the Eastern False Pipistrelle but can be separated by having only one pair of upper incisors and smaller ears (Parnaby 1992a). Its ultrasonic calls can also be confused with this species, and with species of the genus Scotorepens (Reinhold et al. 2001). It is usually found in gullies draining east from the Great Dividing Range between south east New South Wales and north Queensland (Atherton Tablelands), where it utilises creeks and clearings for hunting (Churchill 1998; Hoye and Richards 1995). It is often said to be a lowland species, though Michael Murphy Ayers et al. (1996) mention several examples of this species being recorded at higher altitudes. It usually roosts in tree hollows, though it may also utilise old buildings (Churchill 1998).
Threats The threats to this species are poorly known, though they probably include habitat clearance for agriculture and urban development, and logging, which may removal suitable hollows (Duncan et al. 1999).
Local and Regional Conservation Status The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is listed as Vulnerable on the NSW TSC Act (1995). The majority of records for the species in NSW occur in the NSW North Coast, South East Corner and Sydney Basin, with some records in the New England Tableland Bioregion (DEC 2004a). Within the South Eastern Highlands the species is mainly restricted to the eastern extremities of the Bioregion. The species is reasonably well reported from DEC reserves, including Wollemi, Wyrrabalong, Abercrombie River and Wadbilliga National Parks (DEC 2004a). Recent DEC surveys in Blue Mountains and Nattai National Parks has found the species to be widespread across the southern Blue Mountains (DEC in prep.). The species has been trapped at four locations on the Boyd Plateau, including five individuals trapped within Montane Sheltered Forest and two in Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland. The species has been detected by ultrasonic call recording at two further locations, one on the plateau and one on the Kowmung River (Map 8). This species is highly likely to occur at further locations within the park, within the moist forests in the plateau and the moist gullies in the south of the park. The Kanangra Area (including Kanangra-Boyd and the western section of Blue Mountains National Park) is near the western limit of the known distribution of the species. Furthermore, the captures made on the Boyd Plateau are at an altitude previously not considered typical for the species. The literature states that the species is only found at low altitudes, up to 780 metres above sea level (Churchill 1998), however the captures made in Kanangra-Boyd occur at up to 1250 metres above sea level. The records collected within Kanangra-Boyd therefore contribute important information to our knowledge of the species, its distribution and its habitat. The occurrence of the species within the Kanangra Area has high conservation significance as it may be at the extreme of the species ecological tolerance. Any declines in Kanangra-Boyd National Park could potentially be an early warning sign for persistence of the species elsewhere.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 63 Ñ
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64 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 6 REFERENCES
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66 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Menkhorst, P.W. (1995) Koala Phascolarctos cinereus. Pp 85-8 in: Mammals of Victoria. Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. (Ed.) P.W Menkhorst. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Menkhorst, P.W. and Lumsden, L.F. (1995) Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis. Pp 178-9 in: Mammals of Victoria. Distribution, Ecology and Conservation. (Ed.) P.W Menkhorst. Oxford University Press, Melbourne National Trust of Australia (New South Wales) (1974) Boyd Plateau. A submission by the National Trust of Australia to the State Pollution Control Commission. NPWS (1997) NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments: Vertebrate fauna surveys, 1997-1998 summer survey season: Field survey methods. Unpublished report. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. NPWS (1999a) Threatened Species Information – Spotted-tailed Quoll. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_spottedtailed_quoll.pdf Accessed 15/6/04 NPWS (1999b) Threatened Species Information – Koala. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_koala.pdf Accessed 15/6/04 NPWS (1999c) Threatened Species Information – Yellow-bellied Glider. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_yellowbellied_glider.pdf Accessed 15/6/04 NPWS (1999d) Threatened Species Information – Squirrel Glider. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_squirrel_glider.pdf Accessed 15/6/04 NPWS (2000a) Forest Ecosystem Classification and Mapping for the Southern CRA Region. Volume II: Appendices. A report undertaken for the NSW CRA/RFA Steering Committee. NPWS (2000b) Fauna Species-Habitat Models for the CRA Sydney Zone. Unpublished data generated by NPWS Sydney Zone Hurstville NPWS (2001a) Kanangra-Boyd National Park Plan of Management. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. NPWS (2002a) Wollongong LGA Bioregional Assessment (Part II): Fauna of the Illawarra Escarpment, Coastal Plain and Plateau. Unpublished report for the commission of inquiry into planning and development on the Illawarra Escarpment. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Central Conservation Assessment and Data Unit. NPWS (2002b). Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) Recovery Plan. Draft for public comment. Hurstville. NPWS (2003a) The Native Vegetation of the Warragamba Special Area. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Central Conservation Assessment and Data Unit. NPWS (2003b) Priorities for the Collection of Flora and Fauna Data in the Central Directorate. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. NPWS (2003c) The Bioregions of New South Wales: their biodiversity, conservation and history. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. NPWS (2003d) Draft Recovery Plan for the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Hurstville. NSW Scientific Committee (1998a). Final Determination to list Booroolong Frog (Litoria booroolongensis) as an endangered species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Booroolong+Frog+- +endangered+species+listing. Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (1998b). Final Determination to list Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) as a vulnerable species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Barking+Owl+- +vulnerable+species+listing. Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (1998c) Final Determination to list predation by European Red Fox as a key threatening process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Predation+by+the+European+red+fox+key+thr eatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 67 NSW Scientific Committee (2000a) Final Determination to list Littlejohn’s Tree Frog (Litoria littlejohni) as a vulnerable species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Littlejohns+tree+frog+- +vulnerable+species+listing Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2000b) Final Determination to list predation by Feral Cats as a key threatening process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Predation+by+feral+cats+- +key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Final determination to list competition and grazing by the feral European Rabbit as a key threatening process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Competition+and+grazing+by+the+feral+Euro pean+rabbit+key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2003a) Final determination to list Infection of frogs by amphibian chytrid causing the disease chytridiomycosis as a key threatening process http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Infection+of+frogs+by+amphibian+chytrid+cau sing+the+disease+chytridiomycosis+key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2003b). Final Determination to list Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) as an endangered species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Brush- tailed+rock+wallaby+-+endangered+species+listing. Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2003c). Herbivory and environmental degradation caused by Feral Deer - proposed key threatening process declaration pending finalisation. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/feral_deer_ktp_preliminary Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2004a). Feral Pigs - proposed key threatening process declaration pending finalisation http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/feral_pigs_ktp_preliminary Accessed 15/6/04 NSW Scientific Committee (2004b). Competition and habitat degradation by Feral Goats – proposed key threatening process declaration on public exhibition. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/feralgoats_ktp_preliminary Accessed 15/6/04 Parnaby, H. (1992a) An interim guide to identification of insectivorous bats of south-eastern Australia. Technical Reports of the Australian Museum Number 8. Australian Museum, Sydney. Parnaby, H. (1992b) An ultrasonic survey of microchiropteran bats of north-east NSW forests. North East Forests Biodiversity Study Report No. 3b. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. Pennay, M., Law, B. and Reinhold, L. (2004) Bat calls of New South Wales: region based guide to the echolocation of microchiropteran bats. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville. Phillips, W. (1995) Eastern False Pipistrelle Falsistrellus tasmaniensis. Pp 520-1 in The Mammals of Australia. (Ed.) R. Strahan. Reed Books Australia, Chatswood. Quinn D.G. (1995) Population Ecology of the Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and the Sugar Glider (P.breviceps) at Limeburners Creek on the Central North Coast of NSW. Wildlife Research 22: 471-505. Reed, P.C., Lunney, D. and Walker, P. (1990). A 1986-1987 survey of the koala Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss) in New South Wales and an ecological interpretation of its distribution. In Biology of the Koala. Lee, A.K., Handasyde, K.A. and Sanson, G.D. (eds). Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney. Reid, J. (1999). Threatened and Declining Birds in the New South Wales Sheep-wheatbelt: Diagnosis, Characteristics and Management. Report to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. Reinhold, L., Law, B., Ford, G. and Pennay, M. (2001) Key to the Bat Calls of South east Queensland and North east New South Wales. Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Brisbane. Richards, G.C. (1992). Fauna Survey: Wingham Management Area, Port Macquarie Region. Part 4: Bats. Forestry Commission of New South Wales, Forest Resources Services Report No. 22. Russell, R. (1995) Yellow-bellied Glider Petaurus australis. Pp 226-8 in: The Mammals of Australia. (Ed.) R. Strahan. Reed Books Australia, Chatswood.
68 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Scotts, D.J. and Craig, S.A. (1988) An improved hair-sampling tube for the detection of rare mammals. Australian Wildlife Research 15: 469-72. Smith, A.P and Murray. M (2002) Habitat requirements of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) and associated possums and gliders on the New South Wales central coast. Wildlife Research 30(3): 291 - 301. Suckling, G.C. (1995) Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis. Pp 234-5 in The Mammals of Australia. Strahan, R. (Editor) (1995) Reed Books Australia, Chatswood. Taylor, I.R., Kirsten, I. and Peake, P. (2002a). Distribution and habitat of Barking Owls (Ninox connivens) in Central Victoria. In Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olsen, J. and Taylor, I. (Ed.) Ecology and Conservation of Owls CSIRO, Victoria. Taylor, I.R., Kirsten, I. and Peake, P. (2002b). Habitat, Breeding and Conservation of the Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) in Northeastern Victoria, Australia. In Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olsen, J. and Taylor, I. (Ed.) Ecology and Conservation of Owls CSIRO, Victoria. Taylor, M. and Canberra Ornithologists Group (1992) Birds of the Australian Capital Territory: An Atlas. Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc. and the National Capital Planning Authority; Canberra Tidemann, C.R. and Woodside, D.P. (1978) A collapsible bat trap compared with mist-nets. Australian Wildlife Research 5: 363-384. Thackway, R. and Cresswell, I.D. (eds). (1995). An interim biogeographic regionalisation for Australia: a framework for establishing the national system of reserves, version 4.0. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra. Thomson, P.C. and Kok, N.E. (2002) The fate of dried meat baits laid for fox control: the effects of bait presentation on take by foxes and non-target species, and on caching by foxes. Wildlife Research 29: 371-377.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 69 70 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
APPENDIX A: SURVEY SITES
Location of, vegetation type and techniques undertaken at systematic fauna survey sites in Kanangra-Boyd National Park Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection
BND22R 228644 6219845 Montane Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest 1 1 BND30O 229740 6219570 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 BND38O 233075 6219700 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 BND46O 232779 6218807 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 BND47O 233998 6219532 Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 1 on Devonian Soils BND54R 233759 6219702 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 1 BND55O 233438 6219738 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 F-Mix-049 232900 6235600 Montane Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 GUR24O 775491 6229431 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 JNL09O 224455 6257770 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 JNL10O 230170 6258698 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 JNL11O 231528 6257385 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 1 JNL12O 234195 6258449 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 JNL13O 228185 6249048 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 JNL14O 229500 6250265 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 JNL15O 230890 6251227 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 JNL16O 231549 6252996 Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite FE184: Jenolan Forest/Heath on Granite 1 E.punctata/E.ralla JNL17O 227269 6250620 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 JNL18O 224727 6251356 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube
JNL19O 225602 6249820 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL20W 231950 6254850 Jenolan River Heath Forest on Granite FE184: Jenolan Forest/Heath on Granite 11 E.punctata/E.ralla JNL22R 230550 6255830 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 JNL30O 227980 6247896 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL31O 229062 6250041 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL32O 227300 6250370 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL33O 231698 6256325 Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 111 on Devonian Soils JNL34O 228274 6257290 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 JNL35O 229108 6255462 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 1 1 1 JNL36W 225691 6257833 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 JNL37O 234260 6256366 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 1 1 1 JNL38O 231265 6258519 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 1 JNL39W 233341 6258536 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 JNL40O 234870 6257754 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 JNL41O 225054 6257014 Highlands Slopes Grey Gum – Stringybark Forest Dry Gorge Slopes Forests 1 1 JNL42O 224703 6258806 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 JNL43R 235800 6256450 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 1 JNL44O 235120 6256245 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 JNL45O 233747 6258617 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 JNL47O 226849 6259310 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL48O 227216 6259180 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL49O 228287 6258107 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 JNL51O 228218 6256084 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 71 72 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube
JNL52W 231496 6252246 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 JNL53W 223908 6250610 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 JNL54O 231532 6253804 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 1 KNN06W 235842 6236327 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 KNN07W 236522 6236756 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 1 KNN08O 236700 6237108 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 KNN09O 237025 6237980 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 1 on Devonian Soils KNN10W 237145 6238123 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 11 on Devonian Soils KNN11O 237489 6239163 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 1 KNN12O 238345 6239913 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 KNN13W 238554 6239925 Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 KNN14O 239559 6240154 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN15W 240144 6240862 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 KNN16H 234166 6235514 Loombah Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 KNN17O 226968 6246034 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN18O 229393 6243633 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN19O 229452 6243117 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN20O 229502 6241578 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN21O 225808 6247132 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN22O 231010 6236170 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN23W 229518 6239526 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN24W 227003 6247721 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN26O 226525 6246259 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube
KNN27H 232136 6235121 Montane Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 KNN28W 228411 6235484 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN29S 227857 6236615 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN30S 228876 6239730 Montane Sedgeland Heath High elevation Swamp 1 KNN31O 230772 6234748 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN32S 226707 6247188 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN34O 233161 6235214 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN35W 228696 6235109 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 KNN36O 231148 6236535 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN37H 232023 6234620 Loombah Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 1 1 KNN38O 228090 6238499 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 KNN39O 228426 6243730 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN40S 226607 6235223 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN41W 226120 6243324 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN42W 228125 6236976 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN43W 224696 6240421 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN44W 223705 6241453 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN45W 225698 6242141 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN46W 228202 6245702 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN47W 222823 6242310 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 KNN48O 230626 6246001 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN49W 228001 6246590 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN50W 223758 6236872 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN51W 227338 6234476 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 73 74 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube
KNN52W 224668 6240138 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN53O 227301 6234443 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 KNN54W 225734 6236307 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 1 1 KNN55O 223568 6235252 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 1 KNN56S 225045 6239335 Montane Sedgeland Heath High Elevation Swamp 1 KNN57W 228739 6244561 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 2 1 1 KNN58O 225342 6246460 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 KNN59W 224066 6241495 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN60O 227663 6240286 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN61W 232114 6245204 Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 1 on Devonian Soils KNN62O 231104 6236283 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN63O 231149 6236476 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 KNN64W 231794 6234480 Loombah Heath-Mallee Heath Mallee 1 Sc3/4 240225 6230450 Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 1 on Devonian Soils s-f-syd-43-002-r 225225 6237400 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 1 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-003-m 224725 6236725 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 1 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-004-g 224100 6236075 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-006-r 230710 6239575 Montane Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-007-m 229750 6239475 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-008-g 228930 6239740 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland 1 1 2 1 1 s-f-syd-43-010-r 226625 6243950 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-011-m 225730 6244450 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 2 1 1 1 s-f-syd-43-012-g 225710 6245175 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube s-f-syd-53-009 228200 6256300 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 s-f-syd-53-010 228100 6255000 Kanangra Gorge Sheltered Grey Gum Forest Sheltered Permian Escarpment Forests 1 1 s-f-syd-53-011 228300 6258800 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 s-f-syd-53-013 225550 6259350 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 1 s-f-syd-53-014 232350 6255450 Devonian Red Gum – Yellow Box Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 11 on Devonian Soils s-f-syd-53-017 234800 6255300 Montane Sandstone Silvertop Ash Shrub Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 SHT01W 775477 6238712 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 SHT02W 776627 6238273 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 SHT03W 777091 6238300 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 SHT04W 776195 6238651 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 SHT05W 774330 6238900 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 t-f-syd-43-075 224725 6236725 Tableland Tussock Grass/Herb Forest Tablelands Snow Gum Woodland t-f-syd-43-076 229750 6239475 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest t-f-syd-43-120 227300 6240125 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 t-f-syd-43-139 233750 6219650 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 t-f-syd-60-039 775789 6232822 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 1 t-f-syd-60-043 774950 6234904 Northern Plateau Moist Fern/Herb/Grass Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 YRR08R 238553 6226730 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 1 YRR16O 241100 6233620 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 YRR21R 227050 6222200 Montane Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest 1 1 YRR22R 228135 6222417 Montane Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest 1 YRR23O 226250 6223000 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 YRR24R 227834 6220636 Montane Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest Cool-Warm Temperate Rainforest 1 1
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 75 76 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Site number Easting Northing Vegetation community Broad flora group Diurnal bird census Diurnal reptile census Sitespotlight census Harp trap Bat ultrasound detection Nocturnal call playback Nocturnal streamside search Elliott trap Hair tube
YRR25O 224406 6221914 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 YRR26O 226000 6221000 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 YRR27H 223472 6223127 Montane Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 1 1 1 1 YRR28O 227390 6220305 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 1 YRR31O 226935 6233502 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 1 YRR32W 227440 6232818 Montane Sheltered Narrow-leaved Peppermint Forest Dry Rainforest 1 1 YRR33O 225325 6220878 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 YRR34R 232626 6221327 Highlands Slopes Grey Gum-Stringybark Forest Dry Gorge Slopes Forests 1 YRR35W 233213 6222106 Kanangra Gorge Narrow-leaved Ironbark Woodland Grassy Red Gum-Box-Ironbark Woodlands 11 on Devonian Soils YRR36O 232929 6223901 Tablelands River Oak Forest River Oak Forest 1 1 1 1 YRR37O 224958 6221128 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 1 YRR38M 223514 6224321 Montane Heath-Mallee Mallee Heath 1 1 1 YRR39W 233395 6223192 Tablelands River Oak Forest River Oak Forest 1 1 YRR40W 233055 6220468 Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest Dry Rainforest 1 1 1 1 YRR41O 226907 6231572 Montane Gully Brown Barrel Forest Montane Sheltered Forest 1 1 YRR42O 227861 6230265 Montane Exposed Silvertop Ash Forest Montane Sandstone Dry Shrub Forests 1 1 YRR43W 228240 6229141 Montane Slopes Stringybark Forest Montane Slopes Dry Forests 1 Total 81 72 46 41 26 18 8 2 3 APPENDIX B: FAUNA SPECIES LIST
Below is a list of fauna species within Kanangra-Boyd National Park from the DEC Atlas of NSW Wildlife. The final column shows fauna species that have not been recorded within the park, but have been observed within a five kilometre radius of the park. Records have been included from NPWS systematic surveys, licensed data sets (Birds Australia and the Australian Museum) and incidental observations submitted by individuals. The list contains records of various levels of reliability. Species where there is doubt about the reliability of identification have been marked with an asterisk *. Introduced species are indicated with the addition of an I. Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Frogs Myobatrachidae Crinia parinsignifera Eastern Sign-bearing Frog* P x Myobatrachidae Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet P x x Myobatrachidae Heleioporus australiacus Giant Burrowing Frog V x Myobatrachidae Lechriodus fletcheri Fletcher’s Frog P x Myobatrachidae Limnodynastes dumerilii Banjo Frog P x x Myobatrachidae Limnodynastes peronii Striped Marsh Frog P x Myobatrachidae Limnodynastes tasmaniensis Spotted Marsh Frog P x x Myobatrachidae Mixophyes balbus Stuttering Frog E x Myobatrachidae Pseudophryne bibronii Bibron’s Toadlet P x x Myobatrachidae Uperoleia laevigata Smooth Toadlet P x Myobatrachidae Uperoleia rugosa Wrinkled Toadlet P x Hylidae Litoria booroolongensis Booroolong Frog E x Hylidae Litoria chloris Red-eyed Tree Frog* P x Hylidae Litoria citropa Blue Mountains Tree Frog P x Hylidae Litoria dentata Keferstein’s Tree Frog P x Hylidae Litoria ewingii Southern Brown Tree Frog P x Hylidae Litoria lesueurii Leseur’s Tree Frog P x x Hylidae Litoria littlejohni Littlejohn’s Tree Frog V x Hylidae Litoria nudidigita Px Hylidae Litoria peronii Peron’s Tree Frog P x x Hylidae Litoria phyllochroa Green Stream Frog P x x Hylidae Litoria tyleri Tyler’s Tree Frog P x Hylidae Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s Tree Frog P x x x
Reptiles Gekkonidae Oedura lesueurii Lesueur’s Velvet Gecko P x x Gekkonidae Phyllurus platurus Broad-tailed Gecko P x x Agamidae Amphibolurus muricatus Jacky Lashtail P x
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 77 Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Agamidae Physignathus lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon P x x Agamidae Tympanocryptis diemensis Mountain Heath Dragon P x x x Varanidae Varanus rosenbergi Rosenberg’s Goanna V x Varanidae Varanus varius Lace Monitor P x x Scincidae Bassiana duperreyi Bold-striped Cool-skink P x x Scincidae Bassiana platynota Red-throated Cool-skink P x x Scincidae Carlia tetradactyla Southern Rainbow-skink* P x Scincidae Cryptoblepharus plagiocephalus Callose-palmed Shining Skink* P x Scincidae Cryptoblepharus virgatus Cream-striped Shining Skink P x Scincidae Ctenotus robustus Robust Ctenotus P x Scincidae Ctenotus taeniolatus Copper-tailed Ctenotus P x x Scincidae Cyclodomorphus michaeli She-oak Skink P x Scincidae Egernia cunninghami Cunningham’s Spiny-tailed Skink P x x x Scincidae Egernia saxatilis intermedia Black Crevice-skink P x x x Scincidae Egernia whitii White’s Rock-skink P x x x Scincidae Eulamprus heatwolei Warm-temperate Water-skink P x x x Scincidae Eulamprus quoyii Eastern Water-skink P x x x Scincidae Eulamprus tenuis Bar-sided Forest-skink P x Scincidae Eulamprus tympanum Cool-temperate Water-skink P x x Scincidae Hemiergis decresiensis Three-toed Earless Skink P x x Scincidae Lampropholis delicata Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink P x x Scincidae Lampropholis guichenoti Pale-flecked Sun Skink P x x Scincidae Lygisaurus foliorum Tree-base Litter-skink P x Scincidae Niveoscincus coventryi Southern Forest Cool-skink P x x Scincidae Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii Tussock Cool-skink P x x x Scincidae Pseudemoia pagenstecheri Px Scincidae Pseudemoia spenceri Trunk-climbing Cool-skink P x x x Scincidae Saproscincus mustelinus Weasel Shadeskink P x x Scincidae Tiliqua nigrolutea Blotched Bluetongue P x x Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops nigrescens Blackish Blind Snake P x Boidae Morelia spilota spilota Diamond Python P x Elapidae Austrelaps ramsayi Highlands Copperhead P x x x Elapidae Cacophis squamulosus Golden Crowned Snake P x Elapidae Demansia psammophis Yellow-faced Whipsnake P x Elapidae Drysdalia coronoides White-lipped Snake P x x Elapidae Drysdalia rhodogaster Mustard-bellied Snake P x Elapidae Notechis scutatus Mainland Tiger Snake P x
78 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Elapidae Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake P x x Elapidae Pseudonaja textilis Eastern Brown Snake P x x Elapidae Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens Small-eyed Snake P x
Birds Phasianidae Coturnix pectoralis Stubble Quail* P x Phasianidae Coturnix ypsilophora Brown Quail P x Anatidae Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck P x x x Anatidae Aythya australis Hardhead P x Anatidae Chenonetta jubata Australian Wood Duck P x Podicipedidae Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Australasian Grebe P x Anhingidae Anhinga melanogaster Darter P x Pelecanidae Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican P x Ardeidae Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron P x Ardeidae Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron P x x Accipitridae Accipiter cirrocephalus Collared Sparrowhawk P x Accipitridae Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk P x Accipitridae Aquila audax Wedge-tailed Eagle P x x x Accipitridae Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite P x Accipitridae Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-eagle P x Accipitridae Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle P x Falconidae Falco berigora Brown Falcon P x x Falconidae Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel P x x x Falconidae Falco longipennis Australian Hobby P x Falconidae Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon P x Rallidae Fulica atra Eurasian Coot P x Turnicidae Turnix pyrrhothorax Red-chested Button-quail P x Turnicidae Turnix varia Painted Button-quail P x Charadriidae Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing P x x x Columbidae Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove P x Columbidae Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon P x x x Columbidae Phaps chalcoptera Common Bronzewing P x x Columbidae Phaps elegans Brush Bronzewing P x Cacatuidae Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo P x x x Cacatuidae Callocephalon fimbriatum Gang-gang Cockatoo P x x x Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo P x x x Cacatuidae Calyptorhynchus lathami Glossy Black-Cockatoo V x x x
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 79 Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Cacatuidae Eolophus roseicapillus Galah P x Psittacidae Alisterus scapularis Australian King-Parrot P x x x Psittacidae Glossopsitta pusilla Little Lorikeet P x Psittacidae Platycercus adscitus eximius Eastern Rosella P x x Psittacidae Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella P x x x Psittacidae Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet* P x Cuculidae Cacomantis flabelliformis Fan-tailed Cuckoo P x x x Cuculidae Cacomantis variolosus Brush Cuckoo P x Cuculidae Chalcites lucidus Shining Bronze-Cuckoo P x x Cuculidae Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo* P x Cuculidae Eudynamys orientalis Pacific Koel P x Cuculidae Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo P x Strigidae Ninox boobook Southern Boobook P x x x Strigidae Ninox connivens Barking Owl V x Strigidae Ninox strenua Powerful Owl V x x x Tytonidae Tyto alba Barn Owl P x Tytonidae Tyto novaehollandiae Masked Owl V x Tytonidae Tyto tenebricosa Sooty Owl V x x x Podargidae Podargus strigoides Tawny Frogmouth P x x Caprimulgidae Eurostopodus mystacalis White-throated Nightjar P x x Aegothelidae Aegotheles cristatus Australian Owlet-nightjar P x Apodidae Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift P x Apodidae Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail P x x Alcedinidae Alcedo azurea Azure Kingfisher P x x x Halcyonidae Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra P x x x Halcyonidae Todiramphus sanctus Sacred Kingfisher P x x Menuridae Menura novaehollandiae Superb Lyrebird P x x x Climacteridae Climacteris erythrops Red-browed Treecreeper P x x Climacteridae Climacteris picumnus victoriae Brown Treecreeper (eastern subsp.)* V x Climacteridae Cormobates leucophaeus White-throated Treecreeper P x x x Maluridae Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren P x x x Maluridae Malurus lamberti Variegated Fairy-wren P x x Maluridae Stipiturus malachurus Southern Emu-wren P x x Pardalotidae Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote P x x x Pardalotidae Pardalotus striatus Striated Pardalote P x x x Acanthizidae Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Yellow-rumped Thornbill P x Acanthizidae Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill P x x x
80 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Acanthizidae Acanthiza nana Yellow Thornbill P x Acanthizidae Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill P x x x Acanthizidae Acanthiza reguloides Buff-rumped Thornbill P x x x Acanthizidae Calamanthus pyrrhopygius Chestnut-rumped Heathwren P x Acanthizidae Gerygone mouki Brown Gerygone P x Acanthizidae Gerygone olivacea White-throated Gerygone P x x Acanthizidae Origma solitaria Rockwarbler P x x x Acanthizidae Pycnoptilus floccosus Pilotbird P x x Acanthizidae Sericornis citreogularis Yellow-throated Scrubwren P x Acanthizidae Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren P x x x Acanthizidae Sericornis magnirostris Large-billed Scrubwren P x Acanthizidae Smicrornis brevirostris Weebill P x Meliphagidae Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill P x x x Meliphagidae Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird P x x x Meliphagidae Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird P x Meliphagidae Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater P x x x Meliphagidae Lichenostomus fuscus Fuscous Honeyeater* P x x Meliphagidae Lichenostomus leucotis White-eared Honeyeater P x x x Meliphagidae Manorina melanocephala Noisy Miner P x x x Meliphagidae Manorina melanophrys Bell Miner P x x x Meliphagidae Meliphaga lewinii Lewin’s Honeyeater P x x x Meliphagidae Melithreptus brevirostris Brown-headed Honeyeater P x x Meliphagidae Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater P x x Meliphagidae Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird P x x x Meliphagidae Philemon citreogularis Little Friarbird P x Meliphagidae Phylidonyris nigra White-cheeked Honeyeater* P x Meliphagidae Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater P x x x Meliphagidae Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Crescent Honeyeater P x Petroicidae Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin P x x x Petroicidae Microeca fascinans Jacky Winter* P x Petroicidae Petroica boodang Scarlet Robin P x x Petroicidae Petroica phoenicea Flame Robin P x x x Petroicidae Petroica rosea Rose Robin P x x x Eupetidae Cinclosoma punctatum Spotted Quail-thrush P x x Eupetidae Psophodes olivaceus Eastern Whipbird P x x x Neosittidae Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella P x x Pachycephalidae Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush P x x x
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 81 Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Pachycephalidae Falcunculus frontatus Eastern Shrike-tit P x Pachycephalidae Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler P x x x Pachycephalidae Pachycephala rufiventris Rufous Whistler P x x x Dicruridae Grallina cyanoleuca Magpie-lark P x Dicruridae Monarcha melanopsis Black-faced Monarch P x x Dicruridae Myiagra cyanoleuca Satin Flycatcher P x x x Dicruridae Myiagra inquieta Restless Flycatcher* P x Dicruridae Myiagra rubecula Leaden Flycatcher P x x Dicruridae Rhipidura albiscapa Grey Fantail P x x x Dicruridae Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail P x x Dicruridae Rhipidura rufifrons Rufous Fantail P x x x Campephagidae Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike P x x x Campephagidae Coracina papuensis White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike P x Campephagidae Coracina tenuirostris Cicadabird P x Campephagidae Lalage tricolor White-winged Triller P x Oriolidae Oriolus sagittatus Olive-backed Oriole P x x Artamidae Artamus cyanopterus Dusky Woodswallow P x Artamidae Artamus personatus Masked Woodswallow P x Artamidae Artamus superciliosus White-browed Woodswallow P x Artamidae Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird P x x Artamidae Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie P x x x Artamidae Strepera graculina Pied Currawong P x x x Artamidae Strepera versicolor Grey Currawong P x x x Corvidae Corvus coronoides Australian Raven P x x Corvidae Corvus mellori Little Raven P x Corcoracidae Corcorax melanorhamphos White-winged Chough P x x x Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird P x x x Ptilonorhynchidae Ailuroedus crassirostris Green Catbird* P x Motacillidae Anthus australis Australian Pipit P x x Fringillidae Carduelis carduelis European GoldfinchI Ux Estrildidae Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch P x x x Dicaeidae Dicaeum hirundinaceum Mistletoebird P x x Hirundinidae Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow P x x x Hirundinidae Petrochelidon ariel Fairy Martin P x Hirundinidae Petrochelidon nigricans Tree Martin P x x Zosteropidae Zosterops lateralis Silvereye P x x x Muscicapidae Turdus merula Eurasian BlackbirdI Ux
82 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Muscicapidae Zoothera lunulata Bassian Thrush P x Sturnidae Sturnus vulgaris Common StarlingI Ux
Mammals Ornithorhynchidae Ornithorhynchus anatinus Platypus P x Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna P x x Dasyuridae Antechinus stuartii Brown Antechinus P x x Dasyuridae Antechinus swainsonii Dusky Antechinus P x x Dasyuridae Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll V x Dasyuridae Sminthopsis murina Common Dunnart P x x Peramelidae Perameles nasuta Long-nosed Bandicoot P x Phascolarctidae Phascolarctos cinereus Koala V x x Vombatidae Vombatus ursinus Common Wombat P x x Petauridae Petaurus australis Yellow-bellied Glider V x Petauridae Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider P x x Petauridae Petaurus norfolcensis Squirrel Glider V x x Pseudocheiridae Petauroides volans Greater Glider P x x Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum P x x Acrobatidae Acrobates pygmaeus Feathertail Glider P x Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum P x x Phalangeridae Trichosurus caninus Mountain Brushtail Possum P x x Macropodidae Macropus giganteus Eastern Grey Kangaroo P x x Macropodidae Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo P x x Macropodidae Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby P x x Macropodidae Petrogale penicillata Brush-tailed rock Wallaby V x Macropodidae Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby P x x Pteropodidae Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-fox* V x Rhinolophidae Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe-bat P x x Emballonuridae Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed Bat* V x Molossidae Mormopterus norfolkensis Eastern Freetail-bat V x Molossidae Mormopterus sp. 1 Undescribed Freetail-bat P x Molossidae Nyctinomus australis White-striped Freetail-bat P x Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V x Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat P x Vespertilionidae Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat P x Vespertilionidae Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V x Vespertilionidae Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis Eastern Bent-wing Bat V x x
The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park 83 Family Scientific Name Common Name Species occurring within Kanangra-Boyd National Park Conservation Status DEC Survey Licensed Datasets Other Sources recordedSpecies not within the park but recorded within a 5km radius of the park
Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat P x Vespertilionidae Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat P x Vespertilionidae Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V x Vespertilionidae Scotorepens orion Eastern Broad-nosed Bat P x Vespertilionidae Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat P x Vespertilionidae Vespadelus regulus Southern Forest Bat P x Vespertilionidae Vespadelus vulturnus Little Forest Bat P x Muridae Hydromys chrysogaster Water-rat P x Muridae Mus musculus House MouseI Ux Muridae Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat P x Muridae Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat P x Muridae Rattus rattus Black RatI Ux Leporidae Oryctolagus cuniculus RabbitI Ux x Leporidae Lepus capensis Brown HareI Ux Canidae Canis lupus Dingo, domestic dogI Ux x Canidae Canis lupus dingo Dingo U x Canidae Vulpes vulpes FoxI Ux x Felidae Felis catus CatI Ux x Suidae Sus scrofa PigI Ux x Bovidae Bos taurus European CattleI Ux Bovidae Capra hircus GoatI Ux x Cervidae Dama dama Fallow DeerI Ux
84 The Vertebrate Fauna of Kanangra-Boyd National Park
Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
43 Bridge Street Hurstville 2220 (02) 9585 6444 www.npws.nsw.gov.au