APPENDIX D THREATENED SPECIES PROFILES The following profiles are sourced from the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain Scientific name: Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion Conservation status in NSW: Endangered Ecological Community Description Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain is a rainforest community which now occurs only as small remnants in scattered localities on the NSW north coast, with less than 1000ha in total thought to remain. Larger stands of the community typically have a dense canopy, which blocks most light from reaching the ground, creating cool, moist conditions within. Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain supports a rich diversity of plants and animals. Typical tree species in the community include figs Ficus macrophylla, F. obliqua and F. watkinsiana, palms Archontophoenix cunninghamiana and Livistona australis, Silky Oak Grevillea robusta, Black Bean Castanospermum australe and Brush Cherry Syzygium australe. Animals present include fruit eating rainforest pigeons, Noisy Pitta, Brush turkey, pademelons, flying foxes, the Land Mullet skink and rainforest snails. Distribution The NSW north coast. Habitat and ecology This community occurs on fertile soils in lowland river valleys. Threats Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for development and agriculture. Image: Michael Murphy © Invasion of community by introduced weeds, Michael Murphy particularly exotic vines and lantana. Degradation of habitat by fire. Degradation of habitat by grazing stock. Dumping of rubbish within rainforest remnants. References NSW NPWS (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour, NSW. NSW Scientific Committee (1999) Lowland rainforest on floodplain in the NSW North Coast Bioregion Endangered ecological community determination final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 53 Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains Scientific name: Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions. Conservation status in NSW: Endangered Ecological Community Description This swamp community has an open to dense tree layer of eucalypts and paperbarks although some remnants now only have scattered trees as a result of partial clearing. The trees may exceed 25 m in height, but can be considerably shorter in regrowth stands or under conditions of lower site quality where the tree stratum is low and dense. For example, stands dominated by Melaleuca ericifolia typically do not exceed 8 m in height. The community also includes some areas of fernland and tall reedland or sedgeland, where trees are very sparse or absent. Melaleuca shrubland, Swamp The most widespread and abundant dominant trees include Sclerophyll Forest. Image: R. Eucalyptus robusta (swamp mahogany), Melaleuca quinquenervia Payne © DEC. (paperbark) and, south from Sydney, Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay) and Eucalyptus longifolia (woollybut). Other trees may be scattered throughout at low abundance or may be locally common at few sites, including Callistemon salignus (sweet willow bottlebrush), Casuarina glauca (swamp oak) and Eucalyptus resinifera subsp. hemilampra (red mahogany), Livistona australis (cabbage palm) and Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp turpentine). A layer of small trees may be present, including Acacia irrorata (green wattle), Acmena smithii (lilly pilly), Elaeocarpus reticulatus (blueberry ash), Glochidion ferdinandi (cheese tree), Melaleuca linariifolia and M. styphelioides (paperbarks). Shrubs include Acacia longifolia, Dodonaea triquetra, Ficus coronata, Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium and Melaleuca spp.. Occasional vines include Parsonsia straminea, Morinda jasminoides and Stephania japonica var. discolor. The groundcover is composed of abundant sedges, ferns, forbs, and grasses including Gahnia clarkei, Pteridium esculentum, Hypolepis muelleri, Calochlaena dubia, Dianella caerulea, Viola hederacea, Lomandra longifolia, Entolasia marginata and Imperata cylindrica. On sites downslope of lithic substrates or with soils of clay loam texture, species such as Allocasuarina littoralis, Reedland, Swamp Sclerophyll Forest. Banksia oblongifolia, B. spinulosa, Ptilothrix deusta and Image: Chris Pennay © ChrisPennay. Themeda australis, may also be present in the understorey. Characteristic species are listed in the final determination for this complex.
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Distribution This community is known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Hastings, Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Hornsby, Pittwater, Warringah, Manly, Liverpool, Rockdale, Botany Bay, Randwick, Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions. Major examples once occurred on the floodplains of the Tweed, Richmond, Clarence, Macleay, Hastings and Manning Rivers, although smaller floodplains would have also supported considerable areas of this community. The exact amount of its original extent is unknown but it is much less than 30%. There are less than 350 ha of native vegetation attributable to this community on the Tweed lowlands, less than 2,500 ha on the Clarence floodplain, less than 700 ha on the Macleay floodplain, up to 7,000 ha in the lower Hunter – central coast district, and less than 1,000 ha in the Sydney – South Coast region. Small areas of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains are contained within existing conservation reserves, including Bungawalbin, Tuckean and Moonee Beach Nature Reserves, and Hat Head, Crowdy Bay, Wallingat, Myall Lakes and Garigal National Parks. These occurrences are unevenly distributed throughout the range and unlikely to represent the full diversity of the community. In addition, wetlands within protected areas are exposed to hydrological changes that were, and continue to be initiated outside their boundaries. Some areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest are protected by State Environmental Planning Policy 14, although this has not always precluded impacts on wetlands from the development of major infrastructure. Habitat and ecology Associated with humic clay loams and sandy loams, on waterlogged or periodically inundated alluvial flats and drainage lines associated with coastal floodplains. Generally occurs below 20 m (though sometimes up to 50 m) elevation. The composition of the community is primarily determined by the frequency and duration of Forest Red Gum, Swamp waterlogging and the texture, salinity nutrient and Sclerophyll Forest. Image: R. Payne © DEC. moisture content of the soil, and latitude. The composition and structure of the understorey is influenced by grazing and fire history, changes to hydrology and soil salinity and other disturbance, and may have a substantial component of exotic grasses, vines and forbs. Threats Further clearing for urban and rural development, and the subsequent impacts from fragmentation Flood mitigation and drainage works
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Management of water and tidal flows Landfilling and earthworks associated with urban and industrial development Grazing and trampling by stock and feral animals (particularly pigs) Changes in water quality, particularly increased nutrients and sedimentation Weed invasion Climate change Activation of acid sulfate soils Removal of dead wood Rubbish dumping Frequent burning which reduces the diversity of woody plant species References Benson, D. & Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679 789. NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions Endangered ecological community determination final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 56 Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest
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Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 64 Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains
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Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 69 Green leaved Rose Walnut Endiandra muelleri subsp. Bracteata Conservation status in NSW: Endangered Description A tree up to 30 m tall with brown bark, often with loose round plates. Twigs and branchlets are covered in hairs. The moderately glossy leaves are oval or drawn out towards the tips, and measure 6 – 12 cm long and 3 – 5 cm wide, with three to five pairs of side veins. Flushes of new growth are pinkish green. Flowers are small, yellowish and hairless, and are held in small clusters. The fleshy fruits are egg shaped, 2.5 – 3 cm long and black when ripe. Image: Hugh Nicholson, Terania Rainforest Publishing © Hugh Distribution Nicholson Occurs in Queensland and in north east NSW south to Maclean. It is sparsely distributed within this range. Habitat and ecology Subtropical rainforest or wet eucalypt forest, chiefly at lower altitudes. Threats Clearing and fragmentation of habitat for coastal development, agriculture and road works. Infestation of habitat by weeds. Distribution in NSW Frequent fire. © NSW Government 2004 Trampling by visitors. . What needs to be done to recover this species? Keep to established tracks in areas of habitat to avoid trampling small plants. Support local Landcare groups and bush regeneration teams. Protect rainforest and wet eucalypt forest from fire. Identify populations along roadsides and protect them during road works. Remove weeds where they threaten adult plants or regeneration. Protect areas of suitable habitat from clearing or development. Expand and connect remaining habitat remnants. References NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2004) Draft Recovery Plan for Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata (Green leaved Rose Walnut) and Endiandra hayesii (Rusty Rose Walnut). NSW NPWS, Sydney. NSW NPWS (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour, NSW.
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 70 Slaty Red Gum Eucalyptus glaucina Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable National conservation status: Vulnerable Description A medium sized tree to 30 m tall. The bark is smooth and mottled white to slaty grey. The juvenile leaves are oval in shape and blue green with a whitish bloom, and the buds and fruit are similarly coloured. The flowers are white, or occasionally pink, and are produced between August and December. The fruits are oval shaped and 7– 10 mm long. The three to five raised valves are surrounded by a domed disk raised above the fruit. Images: Euclid © CSIRO Publishing Distribution Found only on the north coast of NSW and in separate districts: near Casino where it can be locally common, and farther south, from Taree to Broke, west of Maitland. Habitat and ecology Grows in grassy woodland and dry eucalypt forest. Grows on deep, moderately fertile and well watered soils.
Image: Peter Richards © Peter Threats Richards Clearing for agriculture and development. Timber harvesting activities. Lack of regeneration through grazing pressure. What needs to be done to recover this species? Fence areas of known habitat to protect from grazing stock and to promote regeneration. Protect areas of habitat from timber harvesting activities.
Protect known populations and areas of potential Distribution in NSW (© NSW habitat from clearing and development. Government 2004) References Barker, R.M., Haegi, L. and Barker, W.R. (1999) 42. Hakea. Flora of Australia 17B: 44. NSW NPWS (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 71 Glossy Black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable National conservation status: Endangered (only the South Australian sub species) Description The Glossy Black cockatoo is a dusky brown to black cockatoo with a massive, bulbous bill and a broad, red band through the tail. The red in the tail is barred black and edged with yellow. The female usually has irregular pale yellow markings on the head and neck and yellow flecks on the underparts and underwing. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups feeding quietly in she oaks. They are smaller than other black cockatoos (about 50 cm in length), with a smaller crest. Distribution The species is uncommon although widespread throughout suitable forest and woodland habitats, from the central Queensland coast to East Gippsland in Victoria, and inland to the southern tablelands and central western plains of NSW, with a small population in the Riverina. An isolated population exists on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Image: Doug Mills © Doug Mills Habitat and ecology Inhabits open forest and woodlands of the coast and the Great Dividing Range up to 1000 m in which stands of she oak species, particularly Black She oak (Allocasuarina littoralis), Forest She oak (A. torulosa) or Drooping She oak (A. verticillata) occur. In the Riverina area, inhabits open woodlands dominated by Belah (Casuarina cristata). Image: Shane Rurning ©
Feeds almost exclusively on the seeds of several species of Shane Rurning she oak (Casuarina and Allocasuarina species), shredding the cones with the massive bill. Dependent on large hollow bearing eucalypts for nest sites. One or two eggs are laid between March and August. Threats Reduction of suitable habitat through clearing for development. Loss of tree hollows. Excessively frequent fire which reduces the abundance and recovery of she oaks. Illegal bird smuggling and egg collecting. Distribution in NSW (© NSW Government 2004) References Foreshaw, J. M. (2003). Australian Parrots. CSIRO Publishing.
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Higgins, P.J. (ed), 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4. Oxford University Press. Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2003). The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 7th Edition. Menkhorst, P. (ed). HarperCollins. Robinson, D. and Traill, B. J. (1996). Conserving woodland birds in the wheat and sheep belts of southern Australia. RAOU Conservation Statement No. 10. Birds Australia, Melbourne. Walpole, S.C. and Oliver, D. L. (2000). Observations of Glossy Black Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami feeding on the seeds of Bulloke Allocasuarina luehmannii. Australian Bird Watcher 18, 284 285.
Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable Description The Powerful Owl is the largest owl in Australasia. It is a typical hawk owl, with staring yellow eyes and no facial disc. Adults reach 60 cm in length, have a wingspan of up to 140 cm and weigh up to 1.45 kilograms. Males are larger than females. The upper parts of the Powerful Owl are dark, greyish brown with indistinct off white bars. The underparts are whitish with dark greyish brown V shaped markings. Juvenile Powerful Owls have a white crown and underparts that contrasts with its small, dark streaks and dark eye patches. The call of this species may be heard at any time of the year, but it is more vocal during the winter breeding season. It has a slow, deep and resonant double hoot, with the female s being higher pitched and expressing an upward inflection on the second note. Image: Barry Brown © Australian Botanical Gardens Distribution The Powerful Owl is endemic to eastern and south eastern Australia, mainly on the coastal side of the Great Dividing Range from Mackay to south western Victoria. In NSW, it is widely distributed throughout the eastern forests from the coast inland to tablelands, with scattered, mostly historical records on the western slopes and plains. Now uncommon throughout its range where it occurs at low densities. Habitat and ecology The Powerful Owl inhabits a range of vegetation types, from woodland and open sclerophyll forest to tall open wet forest and rainforest. The Powerful Owl requires large tracts of forest or woodland habitat but can occur in fragmented landscapes as well. The species breeds and hunts in open or closed sclerophyll forest or woodlands and occasionally hunts in open habitats. It roosts Distribution in NSW (© NSW Gov by day in dense vegetation comprising species such 2004)
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as Turpentine Syncarpia glomulifera, Black She oak Allocasuarina littoralis, Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon, Rough barked Apple Angorphora floribunda, Cherry Ballart Exocarpus cupressiformis and a number of eucalypt species. The main prey items are medium sized arboreal marsupials, particularly the Greater Glider, Common Ringtail Possum and Sugar Glider. There may be marked regional differences in the prey taken by Powerful Owls. For example in southern NSW, Ringtail Possum make up the bulk of prey in the lowland or coastal habitat. At higher elevations, such as the tableland forests, the Greater Glider may constitute almost all of the prey for a pair of Powerful Owls. Birds comprise about 10% of the diet, with flying foxes important in some areas. As most prey species require hollows and a shrub layer, these are important habitat components for the owl. Pairs of Powerful Owls are believed to have high fidelity to a small number of hollow bearing nest trees and will defend a large home range of 400 1450 ha. Powerful Owls nest in large tree hollows (at least 0.5 m deep), in large eucalypts (diameter at breast height of 80 240 cm) that are at least 150 years old. During the breeding season, the male Powerful Owl roosts in a grove of up to 20 30 trees, situated within 100 200 metres of the nest tree where the female shelters. Powerful Owls are monogamous and mate for life. Nesting occurs from late autumn to mid winter, but is slightly earlier in north eastern NSW (late summer mid autumn). Clutches consist of two dull white eggs and incubation lasts approximately 38 days. Threats Historical loss and fragmentation of suitable forest and woodland habitat from land clearing for residential and agricultural development. This loss also affects the populations of arboreal prey species, particularly the Greater Glider which reduces food availability for the Powerful Owl. Inappropriate forest harvesting practices that have changed forest structure and removed old growth hollow bearing trees. Loss of hollow bearing trees reduces the availability of suitable nest sites and prey habitat. Can be extremely sensitive to disturbance around the nest site, particularly during pre laying, laying and downy chick stages. Disturbance during the breeding period may affect breeding success. High frequency hazard reduction burning may also reduce the longevity of individuals by affecting prey availability. Road kills. Secondary poisoning. Predation of fledglings by foxes, dogs and cats. What needs to be done to recover this species? Apply low intensity, mosaic pattern fuel reduction regimes. Searches for the species should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas and proposed forest harvesting compartments. Retain at least a 200 metre buffer of native vegetation around known nesting sites. Retain large stands of native vegetation, especially those containing hollow bearing trees. Protect riparian vegetation to preserve roosting areas.
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Protect hollow bearing trees for nest sites. Younger recruitment trees should also be retained to replace older trees in the long term. Minimise visits to nests and other disturbances, including surveys using call playback, when owls are breeding. Assess the importance of the site to the species survival. Include the linkages the site provides for the species between ecological resources across the broader landscape. References Debus, S.J.S. and Chafer, C.J. (1994). The Powerful Owl Ninox strenua in New South Wales. Australian Birds 28 supplement: S21 S38. Higgins, P.J. (ed), 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4. Oxford University Press. Kavanagh, R.P. (1988). The impact of predation by the Powerful Owl, Ninox strenua, on a population of the Greater Glider, Petauroides volans. Australian Journal of Ecology 13: 445 450. Kavanagh, R.P. (1992). Reply. The impact of predation by the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua on a population of the Greater Glider Petauroides volans. Australian Journal of Ecology 17: 469 472. Kavanagh, R.P. (2002). Comparative diets of the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) and Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) in southeastern Australia. In Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olsen, J. and Taylor, I. (eds.). Ecology and Conservation of Owls. CSIRO Publishing. Collingwood Victoria. Kavanagh, R.P. and Stanton, M.A. (2002c). Response to habitat fragmentation by the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) and Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) and other nocturnal fauna in southeastern Australia. In Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olsen, J. and Taylor, I. (eds.). Ecology and Conservation of Owls. CSIRO Publishing. Collingwood Victoria. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (2005) Draft Recovery Plan for the Large Forest Owls: Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa, Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae. NSW DEC, Sydney. Pavey, C.R. (1995). Food of the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua in suburban Brisbane, Queensland. Emu 95: 231 232. Pavey, C.R., Smyth, A.K. and Mathieson, M.T. (1994). The breeding season diet of the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua at Brisbane, Queensland. Emu 94: 278 284. Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2003). The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 7th Edition. Menkhorst, P. (ed). HarperCollins. Robinson, D. and Traill, B. J. (1996). Conserving woodland birds in the wheat and sheep belts of southern Australia. RAOU Conservation Statement No. 10. Birds Australia, Melbourne. Soderquist, T.R., Lowe, K.W., Loyn, R.H., and Price, R. (2002). Habitat quality in Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) territories in the Box Ironbark forest of Victoria, Australia. In Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olsen, J. and Taylor, I. (eds.). Ecology and Conservation of Owls. CSIRO Publishing. Collingwood Victoria.
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 75 Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable Description A medium sized owl to 40 50 cm long, with dark eyes set in a prominent flat, heart shaped facial disc that is encircled by a dark border. The feet are large and powerful, with fully feathered legs down to the toes. The owl exists in several colour forms, with wide variation in plumage. The upperparts are grey to dark brown with buff to rufous mottling and fine, pale spots. The wings and tail are well barred. The underparts are white to rufous brown with variable dark spotting. The palest birds have a white face with a brown patch around each eye; the darkest birds have a chestnut face. The dark form of the Masked Owl is much browner than the Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa. Image: Dave Watts © Dave Distribution Watts Extends from the coast where it is most abundant to the western plains. Overall records for this species fall within approximately 90% of NSW, excluding the most arid north western corner. There is no seasonal variation in its distribution. Habitat and ecology Lives in dry eucalypt forests and woodlands from sea level to 1100 m. A forest owl, but often hunts along the edges of forests, including roadsides. The typical diet consists of tree dwelling and ground mammals, especially rats. Pairs have a large home range of 500 to 1000 hectares. Roosts and breeds in moist eucalypt forested gullies, using large tree hollows or sometimes caves for nesting. Distribution in NSW (© NSW Government 2004) Threats Loss of mature hollow bearing trees and changes to forest and woodland structure, which leads to fewer such trees in the future. Clearing of habitat for grazing, agriculture, forestry or other development. A combination of grazing and regular burning is a threat, through the effects on the quality of ground cover for mammal prey, particularly in open, grassy forests. Secondary poisoning from rodenticides. Being hit by vehicles. What needs to be done to recover this species? Drive carefully at night through forest areas. Retain and protect stands of native vegetation, especially those with hollow bearing trees.
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Retain hollow bearing trees as well as large, mature trees that will provide hollows in the future. Limit the use of pesticides used in suitable native habitat. References Garnett, S. and Crowley, G. M. (2000). The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Published by Environment Australia. Canberra, ACT. Kavanagh, R. P. and Murray, M. (1996). Home range, habitat and behaviour of the Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae near Newcastle, New South Wales. Emu 96: 250 257. Newton, I., Kavanagh, R., Olson, J. and Taylor, I. (eds) (2002). Ecology and Conservation of Owls. CSIRO Publishing. Collingwood Victoria. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (2005) Draft Recovery Plan for the Large Forest Owls: Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa, Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae. NSW DEC, Sydney.
Wompoo Fruit dove Ptilinopus magnificus Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable Description A large and dramatically beautiful rainforest pigeon, almost twice the size of other coloured fruit doves. It is up to 56 cm long, with a pale grey head shading into rich green back and wings. There is a broken yellow band across each wing. The breast and belly are plum purple and the underparts are yellow. Distribution Occurs along the coast and coastal ranges from the Hunter River in NSW to Cape York Peninsula. It is rare south of Coffs Harbour. Three subspecies are recognised, with the most southerly in NSW and south eastern Queensland. It used to occur in the Illawarra, though there are no recent records. Image: David Cowen © David Cowen Habitat and ecology Occurs in, or near rainforest, low elevation moist eucalypt forest and brush box forests. Feeds on a diverse range of tree and vine fruits and is locally nomadic following ripening fruit; some of its feed trees rely on species such as this to distribute their seeds. Feeds alone, or in loose flocks at any height in the canopy. Despite its plumage, can be remarkably cryptic as it feeds, with the call and falling fruit being an indication of its presence. The nest is a typical pigeon nest a flimsy platform of sticks on a thin branch or a palm frond, often over water, usually 3 10 m above the ground. Breeds in spring and early summer; a single white egg is laid. Most often seen in mature forests, but also found in remnant and regenera Distribution in NSW © NSW Gov2004
Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 77 ting rainforest. Aspects of its behaviour such as social behaviour and structure, movements and breeding biology have not been well studied. Threats Clearing, fragmentation and weed invasion of low to mid elevation rainforest due to coastal development and grazing. Logging and roading in moist eucalypt forest with well developed rainforest understorey. Burning, which reduces remnant rainforest habitat patches. References Higgins, P. and Davies, S. (eds.) (1996). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. NPWS (2000). Threatened Species of the Lower North Coast of New South Wales. NPWS, Sydney. NPWS (2002). Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. NPWS, Coffs Harbour. Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (2003). The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia 7th Edition. Menkhorst, P. (ed). HarperCollins. Red backed Button quail Turnix maculosa Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable Description The Red backed Button quail is a small, ground dwelling bird of length 12 16 cm and weight 35 45 g. Individuals have a pattern of bold black spots and bars over pale or deep buff on the sides of the breast, flanks and wing coverts; birds also have a rufous brown or chestnut hindneck collar and shoulder patch. Red back Button quail may be distinguished from other quail by their fine yellow bill. Distribution The Red backed Button quail is distributed from the Philippines and eastern Indonesia, through Papua New Guinea, Australia and east to the Solomon Islands. In Australia, the species has a largely coastal and sub coastal range from the Kimberley region, Western Australia, through the Northern Territory, Queensland and NSW. In NSW, the majority of Red backed Button quail records are from the North Coast Bioregion with a small number of records south as far as Sydney. Three outlying records are known from western NSW. Between 1977 and 1994, there were 17 records of Red backed Button quail from four NSW north coast reserves (Bundjalung, Crowdy Bay, Nymboida and Yuraygir National Parks) but since August 1994, there have been no further records of Red backed Button quail within reserves in NSW. Habitat and ecology Red backed Button quail inhabit grasslands, woodlands and cropped lands of warm temperate areas that annually receive 400 mm or more of summer rain. Observations of populations in other parts of its range suggest the species prefers sites near water, including
Distribution in NSW(© NSW Kewilpa Plan of Management 7 September 2009 Page 78 Gov 2004)
grasslands and sedgelands near creeks, swamps and springs, and wetlands. Red backed Button quail usually breed in dense grass near water, and nests are made in a shallow depression sparsely lined with grass and ground litter. Threats Red backed Button quail may be threatened by inappropriate burning and grazing regimes that destroy extensive areas of ground layer vegetation or enable occlusion of grasslands and grassy woodlands by woody weeds. Although the species can apparently utilise cropped or irrigated lands, the drainage of coastal wetlands for agriculture, particularly sugar cane farming, and urban development reduces the availability of breeding habitat. Trampling and disturbance by livestock and feral pigs may alter the quality of remaining habitat and could directly affect nesting birds. The ground dwelling nature of the Red backed Button quail and its defensive habit of freezing when disturbed render the species susceptible to predation by introduced predators. Further, clearing and alteration of habitat increases the number of feral and domestic predators such as the feral pig, red fox and cat. References Barrett G., Silcocks A., Barry S., Cunningham R. and Poulter R. (2003) The new atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union: Hawthorn East, Vic. Blakers M., Davies S.J.J.F. and Reilly P.N. (1984) The atlas of Australian Birds. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1993). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. NSW Scientific Committee (2005) Red backed button quail vulnerable species determination final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Giant Barred Frog Mixophyes iteratus Conservation status in NSW: Endangered National conservation status: Endangered Description Giant Barred Frogs are large frogs, up to 115 mm in length. They are olive to dark brown above with paler or darker blotches, and cream to pale yellow below. The skin is finely granular. The pupil of the eye is vertical and the iris is pale golden in the upper half and brown in the lower half. The call is a deep ‘ork’ breaking into a series of ‘orks’ and grunts. The Giant Barred Frog can be most easily distinguished from other barred frog species by the black thighs with smaller yellow spots, distinct barring on the limbs, dark blotches on the sides, absence of a creamy stripe on the upper lip and the distinctive eye colour. Image: Michael Murphy © Michael Murphy Distribution Coast and ranges from south eastern Queensland to the Hawkesbury River in NSW. North eastern NSW, particularly the Coffs Harbour Dorrigo area, is now a stronghold.
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Habitat and ecology Giant Barred Frogs forage and live amongst deep, damp leaf litter in rainforests, moist eucalypt forest and nearby dry eucalypt forest, at elevations below 1000 m. They breed around shallow, flowing rocky streams from late spring to summer. Females lay