No 170, December 2020
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Reptiles and Amphibians of Otago
Society for Research on Amphibians and Reptiles in New Zealand (SRARNZ) presents Reptiles and Amphibians of Otago Otago is a large (31,251 km2) and lightly populated region of the southern South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, stretching from the eastern coastline west to the Southern Alps. The earliest humans, of East Polynesian origin, arrived about 700 years ago. The largest settlement today is the coastal city of Dunedin (pop. >127,000), which grew from a Scottish influx in the 1800s. The Otago Regional Council administers the region, and tribal authority (mana whenua) rests with the iwi of Ngāi Tahu. Climates in the Otago region (roughly 45°– leiopelmatid frogs survive elsewhere in 47°S) range from changeable, cool- New Zealand. Two species of introduced temperate conditions near the coast to frogs are present, but there are no the near-continental climates (baking hot crocodilians, salamanders, terrestrial summers, freezing winters) of the interior. snakes or turtles. Marine turtles (mainly The region provides varied habitats for leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea) herp species, including sand-dunes, visit the coastal waters of Otago but do grasslands, shrublands, wetlands, forests, not nest here. rock structures and scree slopes, some occupied to at least 1900 m above sea level. Today’s herpetofauna is dominated by lizards (solely geckos and skinks), including about 10 described species. A further 12 or more undescribed taxa are recognised Otago by tag names for conservation purposes, and we follow that approach here. All lizards in Otago are viviparous and long- lived, and remain vulnerable to ongoing habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals. -
Gibraltar Range Parks and Reserves
GIBRALTAR RANGE GROUP OF PARKS (Incorporating Barool, Capoompeta, Gibraltar Range, Nymboida and Washpool National Parks and Nymboida and Washpool State Conservation Areas) PLAN OF MANAGEMENT NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Part of the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) February 2005 This plan of management was adopted by the Minister for the Environment on 8 February 2005. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This draft plan of management was prepared by the Northern Directorate Planning Group with assistance from staff of the Glen Innes East and Clarence South Areas of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The contributions of the Northern Tablelands and North Coast Regional Advisory Committees are greatly appreciated. Cover photograph: Coombadjha Creek, Washpool National Park. © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2005: Use permitted with appropriate acknowledgment. ISBN 0 7313 6861 4 i FOREWORD The Gibraltar Range Group of Parks includes Barool, Capoompeta, Gibraltar Range, Nymboida and Washpool National Parks and Nymboida and Washpool State Conservation Areas. These five national parks and two state conservation areas are located on the Gibraltar Range half way between Glen Innes and Grafton, and are transected by the Gwydir Highway. They are considered together in this plan because they are largely contiguous and have similar management issues. The Gibraltar Range Group of Parks encompasses some of the most diverse and least disturbed forested country in New South Wales. The Parks contain a stunning landscape of granite boulders, expansive rainforests, tall trees, steep gorges, clear waters and magnificent scenery over wilderness forests. Approximately one third of the area is included on the World Heritage list as part of the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia (CERRA). -
Post-Fire Impact Assessment for Priority Frogs: Northern Philoria
Post-fire impact assessment for priority frogs: northern Philoria Geoffrey Heard, Liam Bolitho, David Newell, Harry Hines, Hunter McCall, Jill Smith and Ben Scheele July 2021 Cite this publication as: Heard, G., Bolitho, L., Newell, D., Hines, H., McCall, H., Smith, J., and Scheele, B., 2021. Post-fire impact assessment for priority frogs: northern Philoria. NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Project 8.1.3 report, Brisbane. Main cover image: Philoria habitat. Image: Liam Bolitho. Insert images (from top to bottom): Philoria kundagungan. Image: Harry Hines; Philoria richmondensis. Image: David Newell; Philoria loveridgei. Image: Harry Hines. 2 Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Background .................................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Study species ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. -
Special Issue3.7 MB
Volume Eleven Conservation Science 2016 Western Australia Review and synthesis of knowledge of insular ecology, with emphasis on the islands of Western Australia IAN ABBOTT and ALLAN WILLS i TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT 1 INTRODUCTION 2 METHODS 17 Data sources 17 Personal knowledge 17 Assumptions 17 Nomenclatural conventions 17 PRELIMINARY 18 Concepts and definitions 18 Island nomenclature 18 Scope 20 INSULAR FEATURES AND THE ISLAND SYNDROME 20 Physical description 20 Biological description 23 Reduced species richness 23 Occurrence of endemic species or subspecies 23 Occurrence of unique ecosystems 27 Species characteristic of WA islands 27 Hyperabundance 30 Habitat changes 31 Behavioural changes 32 Morphological changes 33 Changes in niches 35 Genetic changes 35 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK 36 Degree of exposure to wave action and salt spray 36 Normal exposure 36 Extreme exposure and tidal surge 40 Substrate 41 Topographic variation 42 Maximum elevation 43 Climate 44 Number and extent of vegetation and other types of habitat present 45 Degree of isolation from the nearest source area 49 History: Time since separation (or formation) 52 Planar area 54 Presence of breeding seals, seabirds, and turtles 59 Presence of Indigenous people 60 Activities of Europeans 63 Sampling completeness and comparability 81 Ecological interactions 83 Coups de foudres 94 LINKAGES BETWEEN THE 15 FACTORS 94 ii THE TRANSITION FROM MAINLAND TO ISLAND: KNOWNS; KNOWN UNKNOWNS; AND UNKNOWN UNKNOWNS 96 SPECIES TURNOVER 99 Landbird species 100 Seabird species 108 Waterbird -
Water Balance of Field-Excavated Aestivating Australian Desert Frogs
3309 The Journal of Experimental Biology 209, 3309-3321 Published by The Company of Biologists 2006 doi:10.1242/jeb.02393 Water balance of field-excavated aestivating Australian desert frogs, the cocoon- forming Neobatrachus aquilonius and the non-cocooning Notaden nichollsi (Amphibia: Myobatrachidae) Victoria A. Cartledge1,*, Philip C. Withers1, Kellie A. McMaster1, Graham G. Thompson2 and S. Don Bradshaw1 1Zoology, School of Animal Biology, MO92, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia and 2Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia *Author for correspondence (e-mail: [email protected]) Accepted 19 June 2006 Summary Burrowed aestivating frogs of the cocoon-forming approaching that of the plasma. By contrast, non-cocooned species Neobatrachus aquilonius and the non-cocooning N. aquilonius from the dune swale were fully hydrated, species Notaden nichollsi were excavated in the Gibson although soil moisture levels were not as high as calculated Desert of central Australia. Their hydration state (osmotic to be necessary to maintain water balance. Both pressure of the plasma and urine) was compared to the species had similar plasma arginine vasotocin (AVT) moisture content and water potential of the surrounding concentrations ranging from 9.4 to 164·pg·ml–1, except for soil. The non-cocooning N. nichollsi was consistently found one cocooned N. aquilonius with a higher concentration of in sand dunes. While this sand had favourable water 394·pg·ml–1. For both species, AVT showed no relationship potential properties for buried frogs, the considerable with plasma osmolality over the lower range of plasma spatial and temporal variation in sand moisture meant osmolalities but was appreciably increased at the highest that frogs were not always in positive water balance with osmolality recorded. -
ASH Newsletter 45.Pub
THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF HERPETOLOGISTS INCORPORATED NEWSLETTER 45 2 3 History of Office Bearers Formation Committee (April 1964):- MJ Littlejohn (Convenor); State Reps IR Straughan (Qld), FJ Mitchell (SA), HG Cogger (NSW), G Storr (WA), RE Barwick (ACT), JW Warren (Vic), AK Lee (Editor). First AGM (23 August 1965):- President MJ Littlejohn, Vice-President NG Stephenson, Secretary-Treasurer AA Martin, Asst Secretary-Treasurer KJ Wilson, Ordinary Members FJ Mitchell and IR Straughan, Editor AK Lee. PRESIDENT:- MJ Littlejohn (1965-69); AK Lee (1969-70); HG Cogger (1971-73); J de Bavay (1974); H Heat- wole (1975-76); GC Grigg (1976-77); MJ Tyler (1978-79); GF Watson (1979-81); AA Martin (1981-82); RS Seymour (1982-83); R Shine (1983-84); GC Grigg (1984-86); J Coventry (1986-87); RE Barwick (1987-88); J Covacevich (1988-91); M Davies (1991-92); R Shine (1992-94); A Georges (1994-6); D Roberts (1996-98); M Bull (1998-9); R Swain (1999-2001); S Downes (2001-03); J Melville (2004-2005); J-M Hero (2005-2007); P Doherty (2007-2008); M Thompson (2008-2009); M Hutchinson (2009-) VICE-PRESIDENT:- NG Stephenson (1965-67); RE Barwick (1967-69); HG Cogger (1969-70); MJ Littlejohn (1971-72); MJ Tyler (1973); HG Cogger (1974); J de Bavay (1975-76); H Heatwole (1976-77); GC Grigg (1977 -79); MJ Tyler (1979-80); GF Watson (1981-82); AA Martin (1982-83); RS Seymour (1983-84); R Shine (1984- 86); GC Grigg (1986-87); J Coventry (1987-88); RE Barwick (1988-91); J Covacevich (1991-92); M Davies (1992-94); R Shine (1994-6); A Georges (1996-98); D Roberts (1998-99); M Bull(1999-2001); R Swain (2001- 2003); S Downes (2004-5); J Melville (2005-2007); J-M Hero (2007-2008); P Doherty (2008-2009); M Thomp- son (2009-) SECRETARY/TREASURER:- AA Martin (1965-67); GF Watson (1967-72); LA Moffatt (1973-75); J Caughley (1975-76); RWG Jenkins (1976-77); M Davies (1978-83); G Courtice (1983-87); J Wombey (1987-99); S Ke- ogh (1999-2003); N Mitchell (2004-5). -
BESS) Detailed Ecology Assessment Tilt Renewables Reference: 509891 Revision: 2 2021-02-22
Latrobe Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Detailed Ecology assessment Tilt Renewables Reference: 509891 Revision: 2 2021-02-22 Document control record Document prepared by: Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd ABN 54 005 139 873 Aurecon Centre Level 8, 850 Collins Street Docklands, Melbourne VIC 3008 PO Box 23061 Docklands VIC 8012 Australia T +61 3 9975 3000 F +61 3 9975 3444 E [email protected] W aurecongroup.com A person using Aurecon documents or data accepts the risk of: a) Using the documents or data in electronic form without requesting and checking them for accuracy against the original hard copy version. b) Using the documents or data for any purpose not agreed to in writing by Aurecon. Document control Report title Detailed Ecology assessment Document code Project number 509891 File path Client Tilt Renewables Client contact Client reference Rev Date Revision Author Reviewer Verifier Approver details/status (if required) 0 2021-01-14 First Draft Justin Sullivan Brett Taylor Brett Taylor Greta Thraves 1 2021-02-04 Revised report to Justin Sullivan Greta Thraves respond to client comments 2 2021-02-22 Revised report to Justin Sullivan Greta Thraves respond to client comments Current revision 2 Approval Author signature Approver signature Name Justin Sullivan Name Greta Thraves Title Senior Consultant Title Manager, Planning and (Ecologist) Environment Project number 509891 File Latrobe Valley BESS – Detailed Ecology Assessment, 2021-02-22 Revision 2 ii Executive summary Aurecon was commissioned by Tilt Renewables (the Proponent) to undertake an ecological assessment to inform the design and planning approvals for a proposed Latrobe Valley Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Morwell in eastern Victoria (the Project). -
Northern Tablelands Region Achievement Report 2015-2016 M Price
Northern Tablelands Region Achievement Report 2015-2016 M Price WHO WE ARE KEY PARTNERSHIPS Reserves in the east protect mountain and ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ gorge country landscapes which include The Northern Tablelands Region manages We work with and for our communities in rainforests of the Gondwana Rainforests of over 592,000 hectares, in 93 reserves spread conserving, protecting and managing the Australia World Heritage site, high altitude over the escarpments, tablelands and very significant values of our parks, and granite peaks and the wild rivers of the western slopes of northern NSW. in providing opportunities for engaging Macleay River catchment. experiences. The Strategic Programs Team and Regional Across the region’s rural tablelands Administrative Support Team work from We foster important partnerships with and slopes, significant areas have been our Armidale office, and there are three Aboriginal groups, reserve neighbours, protected, such as Torrington State management areas: Walcha, Glen Innes and communities in adjoining towns and villages, Conservation Area, Warrabah National Park Tenterfield. We also have depots in Armidale, local government, the Rural Fire Service, and Kwiambal National Park, where unique Yetman and Bingara. Local Land Services, Forestry Corporation, landscapes and remnants of the original local members of NSW Parliament and New England -
Fossickers Way
Fossickers Way Fossickers Way OPEN IN MOBILE Jacaranda trees line a street in the country town of Tamworth Details Open leg route 559.4KM / 347.6MI (Est. travel time 7 hours) Brush up on gold rush history in the rolling green hills of NSW's gorgeous gemstone country. Wind along sun-dappled country roads from Barraba to Tamworth, fossick for hidden gems, and explore historic colonial towns and spectacular national parks. What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 1 of 29 Fossickers Way What is a QR code? To learn how to use QR codes refer to the last page 2 of 29 Fossickers Way 1 Day 1: Barraba OPEN IN MOBILE The trail kicks o in the character-Êlled New England town of Barraba, hugging a picturesque bend of the Manilla River between the Horton Valley and the beautiful Nandewar Ranges. With its tree-lined streets, heritage buildings and old fashioned shop fronts, Barraba is a delightful gold rush town dating back to the mid 1800s. The area is a haven for birdwatchers and rare 40m mural artwork on Barraba Silos by artist Fintan Magee birds alike, including the endangered Regent Honeyeater and 190 other bird species. Part of the Silo Art Trail, keep an eye out for the amazing 40m high Barraba Silo mural, The Water Diviner, on your way into town. You can while away a pleasant afternoon at the Split Rock Dam, a popular spot for local Êshing and water sports. Don’t miss the dramatic rock formations of Mount Kaputar National Park, an extinct volcano surrounded by remnant rainforest with bushwalking trails, abundant wildËowers and towering snow gums. -
Shifting Currents: a History of Rivers, Control and Change
Shifting Currents: A history of rivers, control and change Damian Lucas A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Technology, Sydney 2004 Certificate of Authorship / Originality I certify that the work in this thesis has not previously been submitted for a degree nor has it been submitted as part of requirements for a degree except as fully acknowledged within the text. I also certify that the thesis has been written by me. Any help that I have received in my research work and the preparation of the thesis itself has been acknowledged. In addition, I certify that all information sources and literature used are indicated in the thesis. ________________________________________ Damian Lucas Table of contents List of illustrations ii Abbreviations iii Abstract iv Acknowledgements vi Introduction Rivers, meanings and modification 1 I: Controlling Floods – Clarence River 1950s and 1960s 1. Transforming the floodplain 26 2. Drained too deep: Recognising damage from drainage 55 II. Capturing water – Balonne River 1950s and 1960s 3. Improving country, developing water resources 86 4. Steadying the flows: Noticing decline from modification 110 III. Reassessing modification – Clarence River 1980s and 1990s 5. A mysterious fish disease: Recognising damage from development 131 6. Pressing for a healthy river on the ‘lifestyle’ coast 167 IV. Continuing support for modification – Balonne River 1990s 7. A new wave of development: Revitalising the region 197 8. Water for the rivers: New support for river health 222 Conclusion The politics of water: Recognising the benefits and costs of modifying 247 rivers Bibliography 259 Appendix Five Feet High and Rising, Radio Feature [CD] i List of illustrations Introduction 1. -
ARAZPA Amphibian Action Plan
Appendix 1 to Murray, K., Skerratt, L., Marantelli, G., Berger, L., Hunter, D., Mahony, M. and Hines, H. 2011. Guidelines for minimising disease risks associated with captive breeding, raising and restocking programs for Australian frogs. A report for the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. ARAZPA Amphibian Action Plan Compiled by: Graeme Gillespie, Director Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria; Russel Traher, Amphibian TAG Convenor, Curator Healesville Sanctuary Chris Banks, Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria. February 2007 1 1. Background Amphibian species across the world have declined at an alarming rate in recent decades. According to the IUCN at least 122 species have gone extinct since 1980 and nearly one third of the world’s near 6,000 amphibian species are classified as threatened with extinction, placing the entire class at the core of the current biodiversity crisis (IUCN, 2006). Australasia too has experienced significant declines; several Australian species are considered extinct and nearly 25% of the remainder are threatened with extinction, while all four species native to New Zealand are threatened. Conventional causes of biodiversity loss, habitat destruction and invasive species, are playing a major role in these declines. However, emergent disease and climate change are strongly implicated in many declines and extinctions. These factors are now acting globally, rapidly and, most disturbingly, in protected and near pristine areas. Whilst habitat conservation and mitigation of threats in situ are essential, for many taxa the requirement for some sort of ex situ intervention is mounting. In response to this crisis there have been a series of meetings organised by the IUCN (World Conservation Union), WAZA (World Association of Zoos & Aquariums) and CBSG (Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, of the IUCN Species Survival Commission) around the world to discuss how the zoo community can and should respond. -
Planning & Environment Planning & Environment
Planning & Environment 2036 New England North West Regional Plan 2036 A NEW ENGLAND NORTH WEST REGIONAL PLAN 2036 August 2017 © Crown Copyright 2017 NSW Government ISBN 978-0-6481534-0-5 DISCLAIMER While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of NSW, its agents and employees, disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of anything or the consequences of anything done or omitted to be done in reliance or upon the whole or any part of this document. Copyright Notice In keeping with the NSW Government’s commitment to encourage the availability of information, you are welcome to reproduce the material that appears in the New England North West Regional Plan 2036 for personal in-house or non-commercial use without formal permission or charge. All other rights are reserved. If you wish to reproduce, alter, store or transmit material appearing in the New England North West Regional Plan 2036 for any other purpose, request for formal permission should be directed to: New England North West Regional Plan 2036, PO Box 949, Tamworth, NSW 2340 Cover image: Tenterfield Post Office Foreword Ranging from World Heritage listed rainforests The regional cities of Tamworth and Armidale will along the Great Dividing Range to the accommodate much of the projected population agriculturally productive plains around Narrabri growth over the next 20 years, supporting critical and Moree, the New England North West is one jobs growth and providing the region with key of the most dynamic, productive and liveable health and education services.