The Victorian Naturalist

Home , Acaena echinata, Areyonga (wasp), Arthur Rylah, Egila, Eusthenia, Genoa River

Volume 112(1)1995 February

Conservation of Invertebrates

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria since 1884 Notice of the Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Field Naturalists Club of Victoria will be held at the Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 8 pm, Monday, 10 April 1995. Agenda

1. Confirmation of the minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held 11 April 1994.

2. Receipt and adoption of Annual Report for the year ended 3 1 December 1 994.

Receipt and adoption of Financial Statements and associated reports. Election of Members of Council.

Election of Office Bearers.

Appointment of Auditors (remuneration to be determined by Council).

Any other business of which proper notice has been given in accordance with the Articles of Association.

8. President's Address.

Election of Councillors and Office Bearers

All members of Council and Office Bearers retire annually but arc eligible for re-election. Nominations by two financial members of the Club are required for the following positions:

Council President 2 Vice-Presidents Secretary Treasurer Six other members

Office Bearers Assistant Treasurer Excursion Secretary Editor (The Victorian Naturalist) Sales Officer (Books) Editor (The Newsletter) Sales Officer (The Victorian Naturalist) Librarian Activities Co-ordinator Conservation Coordinator Publicity Officer

membCrS are Ufged t0 ensure its fimn^hP k °W"S viability by 6 P nS Wit h ° Pers ns Wi,lin£ and abIc to contribute to vftie unoSr nT° , g rUl W°rk of lhc Club Arrange a nomination yourself ' for S^^SSor encourage some otherT appropriate member to be nominated Nominations should be in the hands of the Secretary before the Annual General

Nomination Forms are available from the Secretary, Geol, Paterson, 5716436.

Species-scape

Q Whee ' er ^Z^^ ^' W' Annals of the Entomological major that ^^2S3T °/ aniniaI groups are de Picled at "^ eaCh gr°Up The of arthropods and ' *»"'««"* t e ™nde« /^ ? evident. bt vertebrates Many of the °[™?* ™r is clearly KeKmVertebrdtes shou| d T possibly be vertebrates smaller'') larger (or some of the Errata Volume 111 (6) 1994 Kate Weindorfer. The Forgotten Partner of the Cradle Mountain Legend Sally Schnackenberg.

Due to a technical error the numbers referred to in the footnotes were left out of the text. The editors wish to apologise for this mistake and trust this sheet will help.

Footnote Position in text Number Page Column Line Word 1 227 1 9 Park

2 227 1 43 Kate 3 227 1 44 Valley 4 227 2 10 Fingal

5 228 1 1 grant

6 228 1 5 Launceston

7 228 1 7 Launceston

8 228 1 13 1880's

9 228 1 16 Hobart

10 228 1 20 State

11 228 1 22 miner

12 228 1 26 Annie

13 228 1 28 talent

14 228 1 34 coast 15 228 2 2 Victoria 16 228 2 7 1902 17 228 2 10 Club 18 228 2 12 Naturalist 19 228 2 15 members 20 228 2 17 meetings 21 228 2 21 1905 22 228 2 23 Hardy 23 228 2 24 Kershaw 24 228 2 33 marry 25 228 2 47 time 26 228 2 52 married 27 228 2 52 later

28 229 1 5 Weindorfer

29 229 1 22 Lea logging 30 229 1 34 31 229 2 35 gone 32 229 2 46 x-rays 33 229 2 46 inconclusive death 34 231 1 35 death 35 231 1 39 Books Available from FNCV

books on natural history The Club has, over the years, published a number of Sales Officer. It is currently topics which can be purchased from the Book distributing four of these as follows:

'What Fossil Plant is That?' (J.G.Douglas) $12.50 localities and fossil col lection A guide to the ancient flora of Victoria, with notes on

'Wildflowersofthe Stirling Ranges' (Fuhrer and Marchant) $7.95 144 magnificent illustrations of the spectacular flora of this region

'Down Under at the Prom' (M.OToole and M.Turner) $16.95 A guide to the marine sites and dives at Wilson's Promontory with maps and numerous colour illustrations

'AField Companion to Australian Fungi' (B. Fuhrer) $19.95 A reprint of the earlier book with additional photographs and changes of name incorporated.

Alan Parkin Book Sales Officer 850 2617(H) 565 4974(B)

1995 Subscription Rates (Includes The Victorian Naturalist)

Single member $35 Joint members $45 Concessional (student/pensioner/country) $25 Junior (under 18, no Victorian Naturalist) $5 Other FN Clubs $35 Institutional subscription $50 Overseas subscription AUD $60

Receipts will not be issued unless requested. Subscriptions are due on 1 January in each year Those still unfinancial by April will not receive the journal. \ The Victorian Naturalist

Volume 112(1) 1995 February

Editor: Robyn Watson Assistant Editors: Ed and Pat Grey Editorial Why Conserve Invertebrates? by Alan Yen and Tim New 4 Contributions Conservation Status of Terrestrial Invertebrates in Victoria, by R. Coy 6 Conservation of Freshwater Invertebrates, by R. Butcher and TJ. Doeg 15 Conservation Issues for Marine Invertebrates in Victorian Waters, by Mark D. Norman and Glenn J. Sant 20 Focussing on Species for Invertebrate Conservation, by T.R. New 29 Protection of Invertebrates in Victoria: the Flora and Fauna Guarantee 32 Act 1988, byPam Clunie and Julia Reed

Is Invertebrate Collecting a Threatening Process? 36 by Alan L Yen and Timothy R. New 40 The Species: Elements of a Management Plan, by T.R. New 43 Conservation of Victorian Butterflies, by Ross P. Field Conservation Strategy for a Threatened 'Butterfly Community byAnnJelinek O'Hara 50 Marine Invertebrate Conservation at San Remo, by T. Vulnerable Ecosystems: Victoria's Alpine Regions, 54 by T.R. New and A.L. Yen by Paul A. Home.. 56 Threatened Ecosystems: Agricultural Environments, Houses? by Alan L Yen 58 Is There Life Beyond Butterfly

Carolyn Meehan . 60 by . Education: Improving the Image of Invertebrates, can Contribute to Invertebrate How the Community and Naturalists Conservation, by Pat Vaughan Rainforests and their Invertebrate Book Review 'Hidden Rainforests. Subtropical reviewer T.R. New «> Biodiversity' by G. Williams,

How to be a 57 Endersby Field Naturalist Entomology, by Ian

ISSN 0042-5184

of Australian fauna Illustration by Graham Cover: The cover is a 'species-scape' explanat.on). Millar. (Museum of Victoria), (see facing page for Editorial

Editorial: Why Conserve Invertebrates?

Until very recently, much of the world's ity, is an important practical facet of a limited conservation expertise has fo- holistic conservation need, but poses sev- cused largely on the needs of vertebrate eral practical problems. As examples, animals and, to a lesser extent, vascular public images of invertebrates create prej- plants, collectively the most obvious and udice against them; their massive publicly appealing components of biolog- diversity means that enumerating taxa to ical communities even though they are provide inventories for a site or habitat is numerically minor constituents. One extraordinarily difficult; many (most) are practical exception to this has been butter- undescribed and unrecognised, and 'lack flies which, because of their unusually of names' is commonly equated to Mack

high popular appeal amongst inverte- of interest or importance' ; many are short- brates, have been accepted readily as taxa lived, their biology is unknown, and worthy of conservation. Yet the predom- association of immature stages with inant animals by far in all biological adults is difficult; and little is known of communities are other invertebrates, the factors which influence their abun- many of them small, inconspicuous, un- dance and distributions. Another complex described and unnoticed by most people. problem is logistics - the lack of sufficient

Wilson's ( 1 987) categorisation of these as resources, including trained personnel 'the little things that run the world' awak- and adequate finance, to undertake the ened widespread realisation that sustain- work needed to document invertebrate ing Earth's natural ecosystems may de- species and assemblages.

pend not simply on the well being of a few Nevertheless, it is clear that many inver- vertebrate species but, rather, on conserv- tebrates are ecological specialists and are ing those myriad less conspicuous vulnerable to a wide range of threats. organisms whose number, biomass and The most important is habitat (biotope) controlling influences in ecological pro- destruction on all scales - many inverte- cesses are of paramount importance. brates are highly localised, so that the More pragmatically, many invertebrates entire range of some species may be only have massive economic relevance to a few hundred square metres, but others human welfare, be they marine molluscs include influence of exotic species, pollu- or crustaceans used as foods, aquatic tion and over-exploitation. insects providing early warning of envi- Yet, despite the vast importance of in- ronmental degradation, insects used in vertebrates in natural ecosystems, their crop pollination, or nematode worms act- public image, and that of people who ing as natural enemies of forestry pests. study them, has not been good. In the In short, their importance in conserva- Parliamentary debate on the National tion has two major aspects: ( ) as targets, 1 Parks Bill in Victoria in 1956, opposition whereby notable species are the focus of was voiced on the formation of a national major conservation management efforts park on the Bogong High Plains with the of the kind familiar in vertebrate conser- comment '... but where would the State vation, and (2) as tools, whereby change Electricity Commission be if suddenly its in the incidence or diversity of given taxa works were invaded by 'bug-hunters'? may be used to monitor the health of The lerps causing short circuits on the natural communities and indicate the telephone lines would be nothing com- effects of human intrusions. Many inver- pared to the damage that would be caused tebrates are far more sensitive than other to high-tension lines by Crosbie organisms to such changes. Morrison's 'bug-hunters'...' (from Gra- Invertebrate conservation, essentially ham Pizzey, 1992, Crosbie Morrison - the conservation of organismal biodivers- Voice of Nature).

The Victorian Naturalist Editorial

This special issue of The Victorian Nat- represented here by three contrasting uralist summarises some aspects of the cases: alpine zone (New and Yen), San needs and practice of invertebrate conser- Remo (O'Hara), and agricultural systems vation in Victoria. The first three papers (Home). Finally, the importance of effec- are reviews of needs in terrestrial (Coy), tive communication in conservation is freshwater (Butcher and Doeg) and ma- addressed by Vaughan, Meehan and Yen. rine systems (Norman and Sant) to set the We hope that these accounts, necessarily scene for later contributions. Major facets brief, will help to make other naturalists in practise include setting priorities in Victoria and elsewhere more aware of amongst species (New), the establishment invertebrates and help to remove some of and function of the pioneering Flora and the mystique and suspicions of the rele- Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Clunie and vance of invertebrate conservation. Reed) and the emotional topic of collect- We thank our colleagues for their con- ing (Yen and New). The next group of tributions to this issue, Graham Milledge papers indicates the various levels of con- for providing the cover illustration, the Field cern and how these may be translated into Editor and Council of the Victoria for agreeing practice - from individual species (New), Naturalists' Club of proposal, and through taxonomic groups (of which but- so enthusiastically to our of Conservation and Nat- terflies have received considerable the Department their support. attention: Field) to larger units such as ural Resources for and Tim New communities (Jelinek) and ecosystems, Alan Yen

courtesy of the Invertebrates illustrated by John Las Gourgues, and diagrams Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

House. Feeding butterflies in UK Butterfly

Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Conservation Status of Terrestrial Invertebrates in Victoria R. Coy 1

Abstract of the invertebrate fauna has been for- The Victorian terrestrial invertebrate mally named (Vaughan, unpubl. data). By fauna is in most cases poorly known, comparison approximately 5,610 verte- which gives rise to problems associated brate species have been recorded in with its conservation. A brief description Australia, most of which have been for- of the Victorian terrestrial invertebrate mally described, thus as a conservative fauna is provided. Studies of terrestrial estimate about 97 of every 100 animal invertebrates in Victoria have usually species in Australia are invertebrates. been limited to single species and only In addition to the lack of taxonomic recently have been included in faunal sur- descriptions for many of the invertebrate veys. At present 31 species or com- groups, the ecology of less than one per munities are currently regarded as need- cent of Australian insect species has been

1 ing conservation. Possible approaches to studied in detail (CSIRO, 99 1 ), and most the conservation, threatening processes of these are exotic pest species associated and future needs of invertebrate conserva- with agriculture and plantation ecosys- tion are discussed. tems, e.g. Neumann and Morey (1983), Clarke (1947), Farrow (1979, 1982a, b). relative diversity The abundance and Furthermore, much of the available infor- of invertebrates mation is spread throughout a large To effectively conserve the biodiversity number of journals, other publications of invertebrates in Victoria we need to and on specimen labels. The widespread know what fauna is present, what is cur- and often obscure information needs to be rently known of the distribution of species collated before a comprehensive list of and their habitat requirements. Wilkinson Victorian invertebrate species and their (1982) states 'we cannot protect our envi- distributions can be compiled. ronment if we do not its know components Considerable information is available in and how they interact', and New (1984) The Victorian Naturalist and The Victor- emphasises the need for 'frequent and em- ian Naturalist Subject Index 1884-1978' phatic reiteration' of this point. (FNCV 1979) provides a useful reference One theme constantly reiterated in the system for the articles. The Entomologi- discussion of invertebrates is the astound- cal Society of Victoria maintains an ing dearth of information on many aspects ongoing scheme, ENTRECS, for collec- of the Australian fauna (e.g. New 1984). tion and collation of data on Victorian A major factor contributing to our lack of insects. This type of collation is extremely knowledge is the vast abundance and di- time consuming and is generally left to versity of invertebrates. The total number amateur enthusiasts and dedicated natu- of invertebrate species in Australia has ralists. For example, it took many months been conservatively estimated at 2- of dedicated work to collate the dis- 300,000 (Greenslade 1985; Richardson tributional data of one of the 1 1 4 families 1983, 1984). Approximately 65,000 of of beetles held at the of Victoria these Museum species have been described, classi- (Burns and Burns 1992). fied and named (Hill and Michaelis 1988) and Terrestrial invertebrates as a a further 75,000 species have been component of the Victorian fauna collected but as yet remain undescribcd (Coy The majority et ai 1993). In Victoria about 50% of non-marine invertebrates are terrestrial, at least for part of 'Museum of Victoria, 71 Victoria Cres. Abbouforti their life cycle. There are representatives Victoria ;U)67. in all the major invertebrate groups in-

The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

eluding protozoa and other microscopic Economic importance and aesthetic ap- organisms, annelids (worms), molluscs peal have promoted research on some

(snails and slugs), onychophorans (velvet invertebrate taxa. The Insecta is the most worms), myriapods (centipedes, milli- diverse invertebrate class and all Austra- pedes, symphylans and pauropods), lian orders are reviewed by a variety of crustaceans (e.g. slaters, land hoppers, authors in CS1RO (1991), but much of the land yabbies), collembola (springtails), specific information is only available in insects and arachnids (e.g. spiders, scor- specialist publications, for example, pions, pseudoscorpions, harvestmen). Isoptera (Watson and Abbey 1993); Annelids, particularly earthworms, are Blattodca (Mackerras 1965, Or- important to the agricultural industry 1968); (Lee 1983). However, research has primar- thoptera (Marks 1969; Key 1978, 1991; Hemiptera (Moulds ily been restricted to those species Rentz 1985, 1993); occurring in agricultural lands and much 1990); Lepidoptera (Common and Water- of the native fauna is poorly known. Dyne house 1981; Moulds 1977; Common (1984) and Van Praagh (1994) have stud- 1994; D'Abrera 1974); Coleoptera ied the giant earthworms (Megascole- (Zimmerman 1991, 1994); Hymenoptera cidae) and Jamieson (198 1) discusses the (Andersen 1991). The most thoroughly conservation of native earthworm spe- known group in Victoria is the butterflies cies. (e.g. Common and Waterhouse 1981), al- Gastropods (snails and slugs are the though substantial areas of the state have the only terrestrial representatives of not been surveyed (New 1984). Much of importance to the agri- Mollusca) are of the information available on this order has industries (Smith cultural and horticultural been gathered by amateur entomologists. Kershaw 1979). Amateur enthusiasts and The information on other Victorian orders have contributed to our knowledge of and species tends to be reported as part of their diversity, abundance and distribu- an Australian perspective and information tion. An account of the known species and limited specifically to the Victorian in- their distribution is summarised by Smith restricted. and Kershaw (1979). Many native species sects is Victorian terrestrial arachnids include are endemic to Victoria (Smith 1977). mites, scorpions, pseu- Myriapods are abundant in many terres- the spiders, ticks, and harvestmen. Their trial habitats, especially in forest floors. doscorpions has Millipedes are responsible for the physi- diversity, abundance and distribution of authors cal breakdown of much of the litter while been reviewed by a number centipedes and symphyla are predatory. (Main 1976, 1981 a, b; Davis 1986; Koch Some information is available on a lim- 1977, 1981; Harvey 1981,1985). ited number of species (Mesibov 1986) The diversity and abundance of each the but virtually nothing is known of invertebrate group is not reflected by the a smaller symphylans and pauropods. In amount of research afforded to the group, forest litter, the study of Mountain Ash rather economic importance, aesthetic the more common pauropods were among appeal and accessibility have driven re- samples (Coy 1991). taxa in soil core search priorities. For example, a recent an extremely diverse The Crustacea is assessment of the distribution of the relatively little is known of the class but Victorian butterfly species (Entomologi- terrestrial taxonomy and ecology of most that cal Society of Victoria 1986) showed Relatively few have invaded ter- species. distributional data recorded and the pattern of restrial habitats but amphipods followed major access routes and towns common members of the soil isopods are complete or even coverage forests rather than a and leaf litter fauna in Victorian of the State. (Coy 1991).

Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Studies of terrestrial invertebrate of Victoria, unpubi. data), and monitoring fauna in Victoria studies of the Mt Piper butterfly commu- Conservation and Much of the work on terrestrial inverte- nity (Department of stud- brates in Victoria is limited to single Natural Resources). Although these single species they species or a small number of species (e.g. ies are not limited to Home 1992; Edwards 1993; Van Praagh examine only selected groups of the enor- 1994). The butterflies have received par- mous array of terrestrial invertebrates ticular attention (e.g. Vaughan 1988; present. Crosby 1987, 1990; Jelinek 1991) result- A report on the conservation status of ing in a disproportionate representation on non-marine invertebrates in Australia, listings of species requiring conservation which covers many points relevant to the effort. Their conservation is more fully conservation of Victorian terrestrial in- discussed by other authors in this series. vertebrates, is currently being prepared There remains an urgent need for the in- (Yen and Butcher 1994), and inverte- formation on single species to be collated brates are now to be included in the Atlas and presented in an easily accessible form of Victorian Wildlife (Department of such as that prepared by Smith and Conservation and Natural Resources). Kershaw for the non-marine mol- (1979) Conservation listings of terrestrial and by and Waterhouse luscs Common invertebrate species and communities (1981), Dunn and Dunn (1991), New in Victoria

( 1 99 1 ) and Britton and New ( 1 992) for the Ecofund Australia (1986) provides a list butterflies. of Australia's threatened invertebrates In most ecosystems, invertebrates are and the IUCN (1983) lists two Victorian the major faunal component in terms of terrestrial invertebrates. Hill and Michae- biomass, diversity and abundance but lis (1988) lists 260 invertebrate species until recently invertebrates were not in- worthy of investigation, of which 18 are cluded in most faunal surveys (e.g. Norris Victorian terrestrial invertebrates. CNR and Mansergh 1981; Westerway et al. (1993) lists five endangered, nine vulner- 1990). As invertebrates have gained rec- able and one suspected rare, vulnerable or ognition, especially for their importance endangered terrestrial invertebrates in in ecosystem functioning and conserva- Victoria. Eight terrestrial invertebrates or tion, fauna surveys of various ecosystems invertebrate communities in Victoria are have included invertebrates (e.g. Yen et ai listed under the Flora and Fauna Guar- 1989). Some attempts to include inverte- antee Act 1988, and three sites of brates in faunal surveys were limited by significance in Victoria based on terres- sampling design and the taxonomic level trial invertebrates have been proposed to to which specimens were identified (e.g. the National for Loyn etal, 1981). Heritage Commission listing on the National Estaie. Most of Current surveys concerned with terres- these listings involve the same species trial invertebrate communities and their and in total 3 1 species and one community conservation in Victoria include: an as- of terrestrial invertebrates in Victoria are sessment of invertebrates in threatened listed in these documents. habitats - Western Basalt Grasslands (Yen et al. 1994; Australian Heritage Commis- Approaches to the conservation of sion); an assessment of possible in- terrestrial invertebrates in Victoria vertebrate indicators of remnant wood- The conservation of invertebrates has land with varying disturbance levels been regarded as an adjunct to vertebrate (Museum of Victoria, unpubi data)\ a or plant conservation and no reserve in study of the impact of forest management Victoria has been established primarily operations on ground dwelling Coleoptera for the conservation of invertebrates (New in the forests of East Gippsland (Museum 1984). It was considered that if plant and

The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

vertebrate animal species were adequately brate communities in Victoria has exem- reserved and protected, the majority of plified the importance of conserving invertebrate species would also be ade- whole communities. The community ap- quately protected. Wagner and Graetz proach to conservation recognises ( 1 979), disagreed and commented that unusual assemblages of relatively com- generalisations based on the more numer- mon species. Often rare or restricted ous vertebrate studies may not be invertebrates are included in these com- applicable to the great variety of inverte- munities. Furthermore, the reliance of brate forms/ A variety of approaches to some rare species on the presence of more the conservation of invertebrates has common species affects the development are discussed since developed and in New of effective management policies. One Butcher (1984) and Yen and (1994). A terrestrial invertebrate community in Vic- summary of each approach and its appli- toria, the Mt Piper butterfly community, cation to Victorian terrestrial invertebrate has been recognised as requiring conser- fauna is presented here. vation action and management plans are directed toward conserving the entire, L Species approach functioning community. Any inverte- The majority of invertebrate conserva- brates within the community will benefit tion proposals are based on single species, from the community conservation ap- and are strongly biased toward the better proach whether it has been specifically known taxa. There is sufficient informa- identified or not. The major limitation of tion and evidence to suggest that certain the community based approach is that a species in Victoria have declined, either comprehensive list of invertebrate com- in abundance or distribution, and are now munities and their distribution is not potentially under threat, for example the available. Eltham Copper Butterfly. Most single invertebrate species considered as requiring 3. Habitat approach conservation are specialists (New 1984) The most effective approach to terres- with particular or restricted habitat re- trial invertebrate conservation is that quirements. In these circumstances the based on the conservation of habitat (New single species approach to conservation 1984; Hill and Michaelis 1988; Greensl- has provided at least interim protection. ade and New 1991; Watson et al 1991). of inver- Given the enormous diversity Key (1978) points out that even small our lack of tebrates in Victoria and areas of indigenous flora subject to occa- of species, the knowledge of the majority sional disturbance can be a valuable to invertebrate conser- species approach refuge for insects that have been com- vation has serious limitations. Compre- pletely eliminated from the adjacent studies of the terrestrial hensive baseline paddocks. were not carried out before invertebrates The most serious limitation of the habi- large scale clearing operations modified tat approach to the conservation of of the Victorian environment, there- much terrestrial invertebrates is the recognition of species or depletion of fore the loss of discrete or representative habitats. The since the arrival of Europeans abundance vast diversity and abundance of terrestrial assessed. Rarity may also cannot be fully invertebrates, and their individual rela- incomplete distributional be an artefact of tionship with other components within the occur in low numbers data. Species which environment, ensures that any habitat is widespread may erroneously be but are likely to support a unique community with conversely rare species regarded as rare, more localised and rare species than wide- overlooked. may be completely spread and abundant ones (New 1987). Habitat identification based on vegetation 2. Community approach associations implies that invertebrates The study of various terrestrial inverte-

Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

threaten native habitats. In- distinguish suitable habitat on the basis of continues to herbivores have caused severe which plants or plant associations are troduced habitat modification (Ratcliffe 1947; present. Yen et al. ( 1 989), and Friend and Williams (unpubi) found that inverte- Rolls 1984; Williams and Calaby 1985; Greenslade and Crawford brate assemblages did not coincide with Pickard 1994; invertebrate vegetation communities but may be more 1994) and competition with resources. Other intro- reliant on the substrate. Any network of herbivores for the reserves that are selected solely on vege- duced animals cause disruption to tation attributes will be deficient for delicate balance of a functioning ecosys- invertebrates (Greenslade and Crawford tem. The introduced European wasp 1994). Similarly, habitat identification Vespula germanica, is a scavenger and a based on vertebrate communities was predator of other invertebrates and its ef- equally poor in predicting invertebrate fect on native invertebrate survival is communities (Yen 1987). The conserva- unknown. Spradbcry and Maywald tion of invertebrates must be planned (1992) noted several square kilometres in separately to that for plants and verte- Tasmania where many wasp nests were brates and should be based on invertebrate located and no other insects could be habitat requirements (Greenslade and found, implying that V. germanica may be Crawford 1994). seriously reducing native invertebrate distribution. Introduced plant species also 4. Limiting threatening processes modify the habitats they invade and re- Limiting threatening process within all duce suitable habitat for native inver- environments or habitats, although diffi- tebrate species (Greenslade and Crawford cult to implement, is an effective means 1994). ofconserving the diversity and abundance Other threatening process include wide- of terrestrial invertebrates. This approach spread and indiscriminate spraying of would entail a major change in the attitude pesticides, application of fertilisers (King of both the authorities and the public, et al. 1985), accumulation of pollutants particularly in assigning values to terres- in the environment, alterations to fire fre- trial invertebrates. quency, fuel (litter and log) reduction, A number of threatening processes af- alteration to drainage patterns, over col- fecting the survival of terrestrial lecting, soil compaction and possible invertebrates have been identified. The climatic changes (Busby, 1988). These greatest threat to terrestrial invertebrates threatening processes are more fully dis- in Victoria is habitat destruction and alter- cussed in New (1984). ation. The habitat of over 60% of the State has been subject to severe modifica- Future direction for conservation of tion, with 99% of the grasslands (Yen et terrestrial invertebrates in Victoria al. 1994) and over 65% of forests being There remains an urgent need for the eliminated or severely altered (Woodgate collation of existing knowledge and gath- and Black 1988). Agricultural practices, ering of further information on all aspects in particular the pastoral and cropping of the Victorian terrestrial invertebrate industries have been responsible for the fauna. This collated and improved knowl- majority of habitat destruction, modifica- edge is necessary for the identification of tion and fragmentation since the arrival species, communities and habitats which of Europeans (Williams 1979; Muchere/ are currently under threat, those which al 1988; Greenslade 1992). Forestry, will become threatened if current con- urbanisation, industry and mining also ditions or trends continue, and the cause widespread habitat destruction and threatening processes which need to be modification. ameliorated. Appropriate management The ongoing spread of exotic species priorities can only be based on such

10 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions knowledge. understanding An of the rela- illustrated field guides specifically tionship between species and their aimed at amateur identification of in- habitats is necessary for the effective im- vertebrates. plementation of habitat based conser- • the establishment of sorting centres to strategies. vation Information on the rela- coordinate and standardise collection tionship between species within of invertebrates from a wide variety of assemblages is urgently required before habitats and to distribute samples to indicator taxa can be effectively utilised relevant taxonomists for precise identi- in formulating management strategies. fication. The following suggestions for the future • implementation of educational pro- direction of conservation efforts have grams aimed at increasing the public been proposed by a number of authors awareness of the importance of inverte- including New (1984), (1992), Yen DCE brates in the functioning and and Butcher (1994). conservation of ecosystems and as a • development of active conservation future resource (e.g. medical, genetic). strategies based on the habitat approach • appointment of invertebrate specialists of threatening processes and limitation to Government bodies involved in the to prevent further decline of terrestrial planning of conservation strategies for invertebrates. This approach would in- the State. clude strategies directed toward (i) Summary retention of indigenous habitats, (ii) terrestrial invertebrate re-establishment of indigenous com- The Victorian fauna is diverse and abundant but poorly munities, (iii) minimising unnecessary described. In total, 31 species and one alterations to the original landscape, community of terrestrial invertebrates in (iv) minimising the introduction and Victoria have been recognised as requir- spread of non-indigenous species, (v) ing attention. This does not reflect the retention of different components of a number of species or communities need- habitat e.g. logs, litter and stags, rocks, ing monitoring or protection, but rather soil, heterogeneity of microclimate, un- reflects a lack of collated information on dergrowth diversity and density, (vi) the Victorian invertebrates. The increased limit unnecessary changes of regimes awareness of the importance of inverte- e.g. fire and flood, (vii) restrict the in- brates in ecosystem functioning, conser- discriminate use of fertilisers and vation and as a future resource has led to pesticides. their recent inclusion in conservation • collation of existing distributional data studies and faunal surveys. Species, com- into an easily accessible data base, such munity and habitat approaches to as the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife invertebrate conservation all have atten- (CNR). This will involve the com- dant strengths and weaknesses, however, puterisation of data from Museums and the invertebrates of Victoria will increas- other institutions, and the inclusion of ingly require protection as threatening reliable data collected by amateurs. processes continue to operate. The future • provide facilities and incentive for survival of invertebrate communities will training of taxonomists and other spe- depend upon the development of a coor- cialists to continue the collection and dinated habitat retention approach which analysis of invertebrate data. Greens- identifies the needs of, and addresses the lade and Greenslade (1983) noted that threats to, terrestrial invertebrates. Re- a lack of taxonomic work was contrib- search on all aspects of the Victorian uting to the difficulty of identifying invertebrate fauna continues to be of great invertebrates. well importance to conservation efforts. • encourage the production of

11 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

Australian Dunn, K.L. and Dunn, L.E. (1 99 1 ). 'Review of References Melbourne, Australia. Butterflies'. (Dunn and Dunn: ). 'The Ants of Souihern Andersen, A.N. ( 1 99 ) (CSIRO: Australia). A Guide to the Bassian Fauna'. Dyne, G.R. (1984). Systematics and Zoogeography Melbourne), of Australian Megascolccoid Earthworms D.R. and New, T.R. (1992). Ecology of the Britton, Queensland. Piper. Ph.D.Thesis, University of butterfly and anl community at Mount Conser- (unpublished). Victoria. (Unpubl. report). Department of Ecofund Australia ( 1 986). 'A threatened species vation and Natural Resources, Victoria. conservation strategy for Australia - Policies for the Bums, G.G. and Burns, A.J. (1992). The distribution of - Future'. Eds. M. Kennedy and R.Burton. (Ecofund: Victorian jewel beetles (Coleoptera: Buprcstidae) Australia). an ENTRECS project. Occasional Papers from the Edwards, T. (1993). Golden Sun Moth. Australian Museum of Victoria 5, 1-53. Natural History 24, 16-17. Busby, J.R. (1988). Potential impacts of climatic change Entomological Society of Victoria, (1986). 'Preliminary on Australia's flora and fauna. In 'Greenhouse. Distribution Maps of Butterflies of Victoria'. Planning for climate change', Ed G.I. Pearman. (Entomological Society of Victoria: Melbourne). (CSIRO: Australia). Farrow, R.A. (1979). Population dynamics of the Clarke, L.R. (1947). An ecological study of the Austra- Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera lian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera Wald.) (Walder) in central western New South Wales. L in the Bogan-Macquarie outbreak area, NSW. Bul- Reproduction and migration in relation to weather letin of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Australian Journal ofZoology 27, 7 1 7-745. Research. Australia No 226. Farrow, R.A. (1982a). Population dynamics of the CNR (1993). 'Threatened Fauna in Victoria'. Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera (Department of Conservation and Natural (Walder) in central western New South Wales. II. Resources: Victoria, Australia). Factors effecting natality and survival. Australian Common, I.F.B. (1994). 'Monographs of Australian Journal tifZoology 30. 191-222. Lepidoptcra' . Vol 3. Oecophorine Genera of Farrow, R.A (1982b). Population dynamics of the Australia, (CSIRO: Australia). Australian plague locust. Chortoicetes terminifera Common, I.F.B. and Waterhouse, D.F. (1981). 'Butler- (Walder) in central western New South Wales. III. flies of Australia'. (Angus & Robertson: Hong Analysis of population processes. Australian Kong). Journal ofZoology 30. 569-579. Coy, R. ( 1 99 ). The effects of wildfire on arthropod and 1 FNCV. (1979). 'The Victorian Naturalists Subject Index nematode abundance in Eucalyptus regnans forest 1884-1978* (Buscombc: Glen Waverley). at Powelllown, Victoria. Ph.D.Thesis, Monash Uni- Friend, G. and Williams, M. {unpubl.) Impact of fire on versity, Victoria. invertebrate communities in mallee-heath shrub

Coy. R., Greensladc, P. and Rounsevcll, D. (1993). A lands in south-western Australia. Abstract of paper

Survey of Invertebrates in Tasmanian Rainforest. presented al Toward Biodiversity and Conservation

Tasmanian NRCP Technical Report No. 9. (Parks conference, Queensland Museum, 1993,

and Wildlife Service, Tasmania, and Department of Greensladc, P. (1985). Conservation priorities for Arts. Sport, the Environment and Territories, Can- Tasmanian non-marine invertebrates. Unpublished berra). report. Tasmanian Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage. Hobart, Tasmania. Crosby, D.F. (1987). The conservation status of the Greensladc, P. Conserving invertebrate diversity Eltham Copper Butterfly. Paralucia pxrodiscus lw ( 1992). in agricultural, forestry and natural ecosystems in rida Crosby (Lepidoptcra: Lycacnidae). (Depart- Australia. 'Agriculture, F.cosy stems and Environ- ment of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Victoria, ment'. (Elsevier Science Pub. B.V.: Amsterdam). unpubl). Greensladc, P and Crawford. 1. (1994). A review of Crosby, D.F. (1990) 'A management plan for the Altona research on the invertebrates of western New South Skipper Butterfly Hesperilla flavescens Jlo vesceni Wales. In 'Future of the Fauna of Western New South Waterhouse (Lepidoptcra: Hespcriidae)'. Arthur Wales*. Ed. D. Lunney. (Royal Zoological Society of Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Techni- NSW: Australia). cal Report Series No: 98. (Department of Greensladc, P. and New, T. (1991). Australia: conser- Conservation, Forests and Lands: Victoria). vation of a continental insect fauna. In 'Conservation CSIRO. (1991). 'The Insects of Australia'. (Melbourne oflnsects and their Habitats'. Eds. N.M Collins and University Press: Hong Kong). J. A. Thomas. Proceedings of the Royal Entomological D'Abrcra, B. (1974). 'Moths of Australia'. (Lansdowne Society's 15th Symposium Sept 1989. (Academic Press: Hong Kong). Press: London). Davics. Harvey. M.S. (1981). A Checklist of the Australian VX (1986). 'Australian Spiders. Arancae. Col- lection, Pseudoseorpionida. Bulletin of the British preservation and identification'. (Queensland Araehnologieal Society 5, 237-252. Museum booklet No. 14). DCE. Harvey, M.S. (1985). Arachnida: Pseudoseorpionida, (1992). 'Flora and Fauna Guarantee Strategy: Con- Amblypygi. Palpigradi.. of servation In 'Zoological Catalogue of Vretoria's biodiversity". (Department of Australia.' Vol. 3. (Australian Government Printers: Conservation and Environment: V.ctona. Australia) Canberra).

12 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Hill, L. and Michaelis, F.B. (1988). 'Conservation of Main, B.Y. (1981b). Eco-evolulionary radiation of insects and related wildlife* . Report on the Australian Mygalomorph spiders in Australia. In "Ecological National Parks and Wildlife Service survey of insect biogeography of Australia'. Ed. A. Keast. (Junk: conservation needs. Australian National Parks and Hague).

Wildlife Service, Occasional Paper No. 13. Can- Marks. E.N. (1969). The Invertebrates, hi The Last of

berra. Lands*. Eds. L.J. Webb, D. Whitelock. and J. Le Gay Brereton. Home, P. (1992). Comparative life histories of two (Jacaranda Press: Australia. Mesibov, R. species of Notonomus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in (1986). 'A Guide to Tasmunian Centipedes'. Victoria. Australian Journal ofZoology 40, 163-171. (Bob Mesibov: Zcehan. Tasmania). Moulds, IUCN. (1983). 'The IUCN invertebrate Red Data Book'. M.S. (1977). 'Bibliography of the Australian (IUCN: Gland, Switzerland). Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Hesperioidea and

Jamieson, B.G.M. (1981). Historical Biogeography of Papilionoidea) 1773 - 1973'. (Australian Entomo- Australian Oligochaeta. In 'Ecological biogeo- logical Press: Australia). graphy of Australia'. Ed. A. Keast. (Junk: Hague). Moulds, M.S. (1990). 'Australian Cicadas'. (New South Jelinek, A. (1991). 'Butterfly Community No. 1'. (Flora Wales University Press; Hong Kong).

and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement No. 6). Mucher, H.J., Chartres, C.J., Tongway, D.J. and Greens. (Department of Conservation and Environment: R.S.B. (1988). Micromorphology and significance Victoria). of the surface crusts of soils in rangelands near Key, K.H.L. (1978). The conservation status of Cobar. Australia. Geodenna 42, 227-244.

Australia's insect fauna. Occasional Paper No. 1. Neumann, EG. and Morey, J. (1983). The introduced Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Five-spined Bark Beetle. Ips graiulicollis. in Canberra. Victorian Radiata Pine plantations. FCV Research Key, K.H.L. (1985). Monograph of the Monistriini Branch Report No. 235. and Petasidini (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae). New. T.R. (1984). 'Insect conservation - an Australian Australian Journal of Zoology. Supplementary Perspective'. (Junk. Netherlands). Series No. 107. New, T.R. (1987). Insect conservation in Australia: to- Key, K.H.L. (1991) Orthoptera (grasshoppers, locusts, wards rational ecological priorities. In 'The Role of crickets). In 'The Insects of Australia*. CSIRO. Invertebrates in Conservation and Biological (Melbourne University Press: Hong Kong). Survey'. Ed- J.D. Majer. (Department of Conserva- King, K.L., Greenslade, P. and Hutchinson, K.J. (1985) tion and Land Management (CALM); Perth). Collembolan associations in natural versus improved New, T.R (1991). 'Butterfly Conservat.on*. (Oxford pastures of the New England Tableland in New University Press: Melbourne). Sites South Wales : Distribution of native and introduced Norris, K.C. and Mansergh. I.M. (1981). of species. Australian Journal of Ecology 8, 245-255. Zoological Significance in East Gippsland. Ministry Koch, L.E. (1977). The taxonomy, geographic for Conservation, Victoria. discover distribution and evolutionary radiation of Pickard.J. (1994) Do old survey places help us lo Wales when Australo- Papuan scorpions. Records of the West what happened western New South Europeans arrived? In 'Future of the Fauna of Australian Museum 5, 83-367. South Wales*. Ed. D. Lunney (Royal Koch, L.E. (1981). The scorpions of Australia: Aspects western New Zoological Society of N.S.W.; Mosman). of their ecology and zoogeography. In 'Ecological Fox and Drifting Sand*. biogeography of Australia*. Ed. A. Keast. (Junk: Ratcliffe, R.N. (1947). 'Flying Robertson; Sydney). Hague). (Angus & Rent?., D.C.F.( 1985). * A monograph of the Tettigoniidac Lee, K.E. (1983). Soil animals and pedological Vol. I. Tcnigoniinae. (CSIRO: processes. In 'Soils: an Australian viewpoint'. of Australia*. The CSIRO Melbourne. (Academic Press: London). Australia). Australia'. Vol. Loyn, R.H., MacFarlane, M.A., Chesterfield, E.A. and Rentz, D.C.F. (1993). 'Tcttigoniidae of Harris. J.A, (1981). Forest utilisation and the flora 2. The Austrosaginac. Zaprochilinae and and fauna in the Boola Boola Stale Forest in Phasmodinae. (CSIRO: Australia). south-eastern Victoria. Bulletin No 28. Forests Richardson, B.J. (1983). "Survey of the status of Commission of Victoria, Melbourne. taxonomie studies of the Australian fauna'. (Bureau General Mackerras, M.J. (1965). Australian Blattidae. I. of Flora and Fauna: Canberra). Polyzosteria remarks and revision of the Genus Richardson, B.J.( 1984). Identifying the Australian fauna. Zoology 13, Bunmeister. Australian Journal of What remains 10 be done? Search 14, 320-323. 841-882. Rolls, E. (1984). 'They All Ran Wild: the Animals and Australian Blattidae. IX. Mackerras, M.J. (1968). Plants That Plague Australia*. (Angus & Robertson: tribe Methanini, Revision of Polyzostcriinae London). and Blattinae. Australian Journal of Tryonicinae, Smith, B.J. (1977). The non-marine mollusc fauna of the 16. 51J-575. Zoology Otway Region of Victoria Proceedings of the Royal Main, B.Y. (1976). 'Spiders'. (Collins: Sydney). Society of Victoria 88, 1 47- 1 55. Main. B.Y. (1981a). Australian Spiders: Diversity, Smith. B.J. and Kershaw. R.C. (1979). 'Field guide to the distribution and ecology. In 'Ecological non-marine molluscs of south-eastern Australia'. biogeography of Australia'. Ed. A. Keast. (Junk: (ANU Press. Canberra). Hague).

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The Williams, O.B. (1979). Ecosystems in Australia. In Spradbery, J.R and Maywald, G.F. (1992). 'Arid-land Ecosystems: Structure, Functioning and of the European wasp Vespula distribution R.A. in Management*. 2nd Edn. Eds. D.W. Goodall, germanica (F.) (Hymcnoptera:Vespidae) Australian Perry. (CUP: Cambridge). Australia: Past, Present and Future. Williams, O.B. and Calaby, J.H. (1985). The hot deserts Journal of Zoology 40, 495-5 10. conservation of of Australia. In 'Hot Deserts and Arid Shrubiands*. Van Praagh, B. (1994). The biology and Eds. Evcnari and I. Noy-Meir. Ecosystems of trie Megascolides australis (McCoy 1878) Ph. D. M. World, 12A. (Elsevier: Amsterdam). Thesis, La Trobe University, Melbourne. plan for the Ellham Woodgate, P. and Black, P. (1988). 'Forest cover changes Vaughan, P.J. (1988). Management Victoria, 1869-1987'. (Department of Conser- Copper Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida in Forests and Lands: Victoria). Crosby) (Lepidoptera:Lycaenidae). Arthur Rylah vation, preliminary assessment of the Institute for Environmental Research Technical Yen. A.L. (1987). A and Coleoptera Report Series No. 79. Department of Conservation, correlation between plant, vertebrate Forests and Lands, Victoria. communities in the Victorian mallee. In 'The Role of Biological Vaughan, P.J. (unpubl.) A Draft Conservation Strategy Invertebrates in Conservation and for the Non-marine Invertebrates and Non-vascular Survey'. Ed. J.D. Majcr. (Department of Conser- Plants of Victoria. Environmental Records vation and Land Managment (CALM):Penh). Department, Museum of Victoria, Abbotsford, Yen, A.L. and Butcher, R. (1994). An Overview of the Victoria. Conservation Status of Non-marine Invertebrates in - animal Wagner, F.H. and Graetz, R.D. (1979). Animal Australia. Report to the Endangered Species Unil, Ecosystems: Structure, interactions. In 'Arid-land Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Management'. 2nd Edn. Eds. D.W. Functioning and Yen, A.L., Horne.P.A., Kay, R. and Kobelt, A.J. (1994). Goodall, R.A. Perry. (CUP: Cambridge). The useof terrestrial invertebrates to rank sitesof the and Abbey, H.M. (1993). 'Atlas of Watson, J.A.L. remnant western Victorian basalt plains grasslands. Australian Termites'. (CSIRO: Australia). A report to the Endangered Species Unil, Australian Watson, J.A.L., Theischinger, G„ Abbey, H.M. (1991). Nature Conservation Agency. The Australian dragonflies: A Guide to the Yen; A.L., Robertson, P. and Bennett, A.F. (1989). A identification, Distribution and Habitats of preliminary analysis of patterns of distribution of

Australian Odonala' . (CSIRO: Canberra and plant and animal communities in the Victorian Melbourne). mallee. In 'Mediterranean Landscapes in Australia: Westerway, J., Cherry, K.A., Duncan, P.E., Gillespie, Malice Ecosystems and their Management'. Eds. G.R., Henry, S.R. and Mueck, S.G. (1990). Flora Noble and R.A. Bradstock. (CSIRO: East and fauna of the Lower Wilkinson and Fainting J.C. Range forest blocks, Bairnsdale Region, Victoria. Melbourne). Ecological Survey Report No. 27. Department of Zimmerman, E.C. (1991). Australian Weevils'. Vol. V. Conservation and Environment, Victoria. (CSIRO: Australia). Wilkinson, C. (1982). Systematics and conservation. Zimmerman, E.C. (1994). 'Australian Weevils'. Vol. I. Entomologist's Gazette 33, 53-67. (CSIRO: Australia).

The Mt Stirling Stonefly, Thaumatopertaflaveota.

14 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Conservation of Freshwater Invertebrates

1 2 R. Butcher and T.J. Doeg

Introduction tive requirements, including adequate There is a highly diverse aquatic (fresh- taxonomic and distributional data on indi- water) invertebrate fauna in Victoria. This vidual species and communities, criteria reflects the diverse range of aquatic habi- for identifying significant habitats, and a tats available, from fast flowing erosional knowledge of ecosystem processes. upland zones of rivers to slower flowing This paper outlines the current state of depositional zones in lowland rivers, deep knowledge in each of these fields for permanent lakes, shallow swampy coun- aquatic invertebrates and evaluates try and ephemeral waters. Each of these whether sufficient information is avail- different types of aquatic habitats has dif- able to successfully achieve conservation ferent suites of invertebrate species, aims in each of the strategies, adapted to the specific characteristics of State of knowledge the waterbody, in terms of water velocity, depth, physical characteristics such as Taxonomic and Distributional substratum, vegetation or snags, as well as Knowledge water quality factors such as temperature, The exact number of aquatic inverte- dissolved oxygen and turbidity. brate species in Victoria is unknown, but In recent years, recognition of the value is sure to exceed 1000. This uncertainty is of aquatic macroinvertebrates as indica- derived from both a relative lack of survey tors of the 'health' of aquatic ecosystems effort for aquatic invertebrates, and the (Hellawell, 1986) has led to an expansion poor knowledge of the taxonomy of many of aquatic invertebrate research and groups. Much of the invertebrate identi- through the use of invertebrates, numer- fication in Victoria is based on ous Victorian studies have shown the representative collections held by major impact of changes on aquatic ecosystems institutions, where un-named presump- (e.g. Metzeling et al 1993). tive species are designated with numbers However, while this process may iden- or letters. In one of the largest such col- tify predominantly 'natural' sites that lections, there are currently over 600 have no artificial or human-induced dis- recognised 'voucher* taxa in the State turbance or detect sites where ecosystem Water Laboratory's collection. in- health is declining, it does not necessarily Taxonomic knowledge of freshwater follow that the species or communities vertebrates in Victoria is generally poor associated with those sites are themselves compared to that overseas (e.g. Merritt of traditional conservation significance and Cummins 1984), but is relatively is increasing. This (i.e. are rare, restricted or threatened, or good for Australia and representative). The process of identify- is a direct result of the growing use of ing significant aquatic invertebrates is invertebrates in evaluating ecosystem therefore seen as largely different from processes and a developing interest in en- large the identification of ecosystem health. vironmental health. A relatively but There are several levels at which aquatic literature base exists (Hawking 1994) invertebrate conservation strategies can unavailable information is largely patchy be directed including the species, commu- and incomplete. Part of the problem arises of many nity, habitat and threatening process from the particular life cycle two prevention level. Each level has distinc- aquatic invertebrates which involves distinct phases - an aquatic larva and an

1 Ml. Waverlcy. Waier Ecoscicnce, 68 Rickeils Rd., aerial adult. Victoria 3149. For example, some groups are relatively 2 Heidelberg, Flora and Fauna, DCNR. 123 Brown Sired. well known to the species level as adults, Victoria 3084.

15 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

but can only be identified to the genus tebrates have been identified as endan- level as larvae (e.g. Ephemeroptera). In gered, vulnerable or rare (CNR 1993; see other cases, keys to the species level of Table 1). Another source of information juveniles are available (e.g. the pleco- on VROTs (vulnerable, rare or threatened pteran key by Hynes (1978)), but have species) is the Flora and Fauna Guarantee been made largely redundant and inaccu- Act 1988 (see Clunie and Reed, this rate by subsequent taxonomic reviews issue). Only thirteen of the 24 species in

that only include adult material (e.g. The- Table 1 and one further aquatic inverte- ischinger 1984). Concentration on adult brate (Spathula tryssa) are listed under the taxonomy does not substantially add to Act.

the ability to identify the longer-lasting Quite clearly, such lists are incomplete. and more frequently sampled larval It is hard to believe that only 23 of the phases of invertebrate taxa. potentially thousands of species of Given the high number of aquatic (fresh- aquatic macroinvertcbrates are endan- water) invertebrate species and the poor gered, vulnerable or rare and it is difficult taxonomic base, the current knowledge of to accept that only one invertebrate taxon the distribution of species is limited. Only has become extinct in Victoria. In part, in a few limited cases (such as taxonomic such a list of VROT aquatic invertebrates studies noted above) have extensive dis- reflects the intensity of sampling within tributions been established. Until the late only a few groups such as some Crustacea 1980s the available data on invertebrates (e.g. Morgan 1986) and Trichoptera (e.g. were patchy across the State with only one Neboiss 1986). or two invertebrate studies having been Additionally, the inclusion of some spe- carried out in most of the river basins. cies on the list may be an artefact of Data were also highly variable because of limited distribution knowledge. Where the method of collection and level of tax- only one or two sites_are covered in a onomic identification. Of the 28 Victorian particular region during a survey, river species basins only four had significant in- that are common and secure, but restricted vertebrate work done on them by 1987 to a relatively small geographic zone may and basins like the Campaspe had no data only appear to have been located at one or for aquatic invertebrates (DWR 1989). Most two sites, satisfying one of the criteria to available data were published in be listed as a VROT. separate reports and no effort has been All the above problems are perhaps ex- made to consolidate distribution data. Distributional emplified by the Otway Stonefly information, even at the voucher Eusthcnia nothofagi Zwick. The listing of species level, is also hampered by a lack this species under the Flora and Fauna of co-ordination between collections Guarantee Act 1988 was based on one taken by the various groups involved in published record from the type locality aquatic macroinvertebrate work. A (Zwick comparison of 1979). At the time of listing, the voucher species lists from ditferent species had not been recorded from the institutions reveals a variety of different numbering wild for over 50 years, a formal criterion systems, so that a for single 'true' declaring the species as extinct. Since species may be referred to differently listing under the Flora and Fauna Guaran- m different studies, thus ob- tee scuring Act 1 988, another confirmed the real distribution of adult was manvJ species. found and CNR (1993) lists the species as endangered due to an extremely restricted Single Species Conservation distribution (a suitable criterion for list- Due to the above ing). limitations, our ability However, the species could only be to identify individual species of conserva- distinguished from the near relative Eu- tion significance is sthenia severely limited. In venom as adults, while the more Victoria, a total of often 23 extant aquatic inver- collected nymphs of each species

16 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Table 1. Vulnerable, rare or threatened aquatic bly to hundreds of species based on re- invertebrate taxa in Victoria (from CNR 1993). stricted distributions) and the species

Scientific nunc and status Common name Under approach to conservation will become un- FFGAct realistic. The value of single species Extinct conservation for invertebrate conserva- Austrogammarus austraits Amphipod Yes tion, however, should not be dismissed as Endangered there is great potential to utilise selected Eusthenia nothofagi Olway Stonefly Yes or flagship taxa to increase awareness of Hemiphlebia mirabilis Damselfly Yes the issues (Yen and Butcher 1994). Taskiria otwayensis Caddisfly Aquatic Invertebrate Community Vulnerable Conservation Engaeus sternalis Wanagul Burrowing Crayfish Yes Aquatic invertebrate communities have

Euastacus diversus Ocbost Crayfish Yes often been used to evaluate ecosystem

fttekoperla darlingtoni Mt Donna Buang health. While this work produces commu- Stonefly Yes nity lists from a wide range of sites, the R. intermedia Slonefly Yes use of this data in conservation work has R. isosceles Stonefly Yes been limited. There have been no aquatic

Tamasiafurcilla Caddis fly invertebrate communities identified as Tanjiistometla verna Caddisfly having conservation significance in Vic-

ThaumatoperlaJIaveola Stonefly Yes toria, and no criteria for identifying such Rare a community are available as yet. Com-

Archeophyiax carmrus Caddisfly Yes munity level conservation, in theory, is a

Boekella nyoraensis Calanoid Copcpod useful tool as it will conserve representa-

Calomoecia austratica Calanoid Copcpod tives of the more common taxa as well as

Engaeus oust ralis Lilly Pilly rarer or unique taxa. However, consider- Burrowing Crayfish able research is required before this Engaeus maltacoota Mallacoota approach to aquatic invertebrate conser- Burrowing Crayfish Yes vation could be adopted. Engaeus phyltocercus Narracan Burrowing Crayfish Yes Habitat Conservation Engaeus rostrogateatus Slrzelecki Previous and current conservation of Burrowing Crayfish aquatic habitats has been centred almost Euastacus crassus Alpine spiny exclusively on wetlands. The identifica- Crayfish tion of significant wetlands is often based Euastacus neodiversus South Gippsland Spiny Crayfish on non-invertebrate criteria (mainly

Thaumatoperla alpina Stonefly Yes plants and water birds). However, the re- these classifications T robusta Stonclly lationship between non-invertebrate flora and fauna T. timmsi Stonefly based on in wetlands and invertebrate fauna has not has sufficient work were effectively identical. Hence, while been investigated. Nor Eusthenia nymphs had been collected in been conducted to identify significant invertebrate criteria the Otway Ranges, no other confirmed wetlands based on or communities). adults had been found at the time. Recent (either single species Victorian wetland has been work rearing nymphs in the laboratory (J. Only one on the basis of Reed and T. Doeg, Freshwater Ecology identified as significant swamp habitat for Section, unpublished data) suggests that invertebrates. A mirabilis at Tidal River has the species may be widespread through- Hemiphlebia registered as a significant site within out the Otway Ranges in south-west been Estate registered area by the Victoria. a National Australian Heritage Commission (Green- In the longer term, with an increase in 1994; A. Wheeler, Australian our knowledge base, the number of 'true' slade Heritage Commission, pers. comm.). VROTs will increase significantly (possi-

17 Vol. 112(1) 1995 Contributions

In lotic (continuous flow of freshwater) debris from Victorian streams and inputs systems, the Australian Heritage Com- of toxic substances into Victorian rivers mission has determined one significant and streams due to human activities (pre- site within a registered area based on the liminary listing only). presence of aquatic invertebrates (Parker Again, such a list is incomplete, partly River and catchment based on the Otway due to the legal requirements associated Stonefly). Additionally, two sites have with the listing process. Many other activ- been placed on the interim list (based on ities that have a potential impact on Engaeus sternalis and the Mt Stirling aquatic invertebrates can be found, in- Stonefly Thaumatoperla flaveola) and cluding: the effect of introduced inver- one site has been nominated and is under tebrate (e.g. Potomopyrgus) and verte- consideration (based on Riekoperla brate fauna (e.g. Salmo sp), the darlingtoni). While such listings are de- degradation of riparian vegetation, drain- sirable and valuable (although see ing of wetlands, increased stream and discussion above on the Otway Stonefly), wetland salinity, eutrophication, direct the limitations with regard to taxonomic exploitation of invertebrates (e.g. cray- and distributional data noted above sug- fish), habitat destruction and long-term gest that this process based on single environmental changes. species may only identify few of the 'true' Much is known about the impacts of sites of significance. Again, as for wet- these processes and ameliorative mea- lands, conservation values of aquatic sures can be suggested for all of them. habitat have mostly been assessed using a However, hard data on management op- number of criteria, predominantly land tions and their effect is relatively sparse use (agriculture, - mining, forestry etc. and needs to be improved. The successful McMillan 1990; Meredith et al 1989- management of such threatening pro- Mitchell 1990). cesses will largely ensure that further As stated, the identification and conser- degradation of aquatic ecosystems does vation of high value aquatic habitats not occur and, as a by-product of this based on land-use or non-invertebrate management, aquatic invertebrates will criteria, while probably conserving inver- also be conserved. tebrates within the habitat, does not Future necessarily conserve invertebrate com- needs munities or species of conservation • A growth in taxonomic studies and in- significance. tensive regional surveys is required to adequately describe the aquatic inver- Threatening Processes tebrate resources of Victoria, and to Recent aquatic conservation measures identify aquatic invertebrates of con- in Victoria have concentrated on threaten- servation significance; ing processes. Under the Flora and Fauna • A central database on aquatic inverte- Guarantee Act brate information 1988, it is possible to list is required, providing threatening processes that have the poten- access to up-to-date taxonomic and dis- tial to adversely tributional affect the survival or information; evolutionary • Coordination potential of a range of indi- is required between the vidual taxa various bodies or communities. Listed involved in aquatic in- Potentially vertebrate work Threatening Processes (PTPs) to ensure a consistent that have an quality of identification and impact on aquatic inverte- nomencla- brates are: ture; alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers • Research into criteria and methods of and streams; alterations to the natural temperature utilising the community level approach regimes of rivers and streams; to conserving aquatic invertebrates; increases in sediment input into • Research should be initiated into the Victorian rivers and streams due to human impact of potentially threatening pro- activities; removal of wood cesses, and especially into the 18 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

effectiveness of measures proposed to under 'future needs' allows them to be those reduce impacts. For example, identified and targeted with specifically water quality criteria for Victorian en- designed conservation measures. vironments based on aquatic inver- References tebrates should be accurately deter- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources mined, rather than derived from (1993). 'Threatened Fauna in Victoria'. (Department overseas data. This must come from of Conservation and Natural Resources: Melbourne). wide surveys, with distribution data Doeg. T.J. and Milledge, G.A. (1991). The effect of experimentally increasing suspended sediment correlated with environmental parame- concentrations on macroinvcrtcbratc drift. ters or from an experimental approach Australian Journal of Marine ami Freshwater (e.g. see Doeg and Milledge 1991); Research 42, 5 \9-52t>. • Evaluation is needed of levels of iden- Department of Water Resources (1989). 'Water Victoria: An Environmental Handbook". (Department or tification required to monitor conser- Water Resources: Melbourne). vation targets. The current trend to- Grccnsladc. P. (1994). Heritage listing of invertebrate wards identification of samples only to sites in southeastern Australia. Memoirs of the the family level (or higher) needs to be Queensland Museum 36. 67-76. evaluated to ensure that conservation Hellawcll, J.M. (1986) "Biological Indicators of Freshwater Pollution and Environmental information is not lost. The detection of Management'. (Elsevier Applied Science significant invertebrate communities Publishers: London) probably will not be made from family Hawking, J.H.( 1994). 'A Preliminary Guide to Keys and level identifications; Zoological Information to Identify Invertebrates from Australian Freshwatcrs' (Cooperative Research • While considerable resources are ex- Centre for Freshwater Ecology: Albury). pended on studies dealing with Hynes, H B.N. (1978). 'An Annotated Key to the Nymphs invertebrates (and mainly macroinver- of the Stoncflies (Plecoptera) of the Stale of Victoria*. Melbourne). tebrates) from flowing systems, there is (Australian Society for Limnology: McMillan. L. (1990). 'Conservation Value And Status Of a lack of data on invertebrate commu- Victorian Rivers: Part II East Gippsland Rivers'. effectiveness of nities in wetlands. The (Faculty of Environmental Design and Construction, classification systems based on plants RMIT: Melbourne). and waterbirds needs to be evaluated to Meredith, C, Goss, H. and Seymour. S. (1989). Nature Catchments determine whether those classifications Conservation Values of the Rivers and of East Gippsland. Report No. 44. (Department of to systems based on inver- correspond Water Resources: Melbourne). tebrates. Merritt, R.W. and Cummins, K.W (1984). 'An Introduction to the Aquatic Insects of North Conclusions America'. (Kendall/Hunt: Iowa). Current information on aquatic inverte- Metzeling. L.,Bibrowska,H. and Goudey, R. ( 1993). The impact of fish fanning on the Goulbum River. in Victoria is insufficient for most brates SRS91/0II. (Environment Protection Authority: approaches to conservation. While a few Melbourne). species of conservation significance have Mitchell. P.A. (1990). 'The Environmental Condition Victorian Streams'. (Department of Water been identified, concentration on the sin- of Resources: Melbourne). approach will leave many gle species Morgan, G.J. (1986). Freshwater crayfish of the genus others open to further decline. No aquatic Euastacus Clark (Decapoda: Parastacidac) from Museum invertebrate communities of conservation Victoria. Memoirs of the National of Victoria 47. 1 52. significance have been identified as yet so Neboiss. A. (1986). 'Atlas of Trichoptcra of the SW that the most it would therefore appear Pacific - Australian Region'. (Junk: The Hague). genus likely short term conservation measures Theischingcr G. (1984). The species of the or Illicsoperla McLellan (Insocta: Plecoptera: will rely on the identification of sites Gripopterygidae). Australian Jounml of'lvology 32. value (using single spe- habitats of high 573-602. use cies, general invertebrate data or land Yen, A. and Butcher. R. (1994). 'An Overview of the that Status of Non-Marine Invertebrates in criteria), or the control of processes Conservation Australia*. (Endangered Species Unit. Australian threaten to degrade aquatic habitats. With Nature Conservation Agency: Canberra). it can only be hoped stoncfly family this dual approach, Zwick. P. (1979), Revision of the emphasis on the fauna that significant species or communities Eustheniidac (Plecoptera), with 17-50. outlined of me Australian region. Aquatic Insects 1. will be conserved until progress

19 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Conservation Issues for Marine Invertebrates in Victorian Waters

1 Mark D. Norman and Glenn J. Sant Port Abstract and abundant: e.g., 700 species in (Poore et al. 1975); 350 spe- Relatively little is known of the marine Phillip Bay Entrance (Parry et al. invertebrate fauna of Victorian waters. cies off Lakes at San Remo Where surveys have been carried out, 1990); and 600 species these waters have been found to contain a (CTHarathis issue). In provide an overview of rich diversity of marine invertebrates. Several works invertebrates (Bennett Victoria, a number of invertebrate species Victorian marine recre- Phillips et al. 1984; Hand- is targeted in both commercial and and Pope 1953, These works ational harvests, some forming the basis reck and O'Hara 1994). of knowledge of of multi-million dollar industries. In cer- recognise the poor state distributions, biology and tain species, heavy exploitation has led to the taxonomy, for the majority of declines in animal numbers and size. population dynamics waters. Major reviews of management practices marine invertebrates in Victorian examined the impact for many of the commercial species are Few studies have conservation issues for, currently in progress. Other human activ- of humans on, and marine invertebrates. These ities indirectly exert pressures on Vic- Victoria's of the status torian marine invertebrates, including de- studies primarily are reviews species [e.g., structive fishery practices, non-collecting of commercially harvested Kailola et al. 1993; Depart- visitation pressures, marine and coastal LCC 1993; Natural developments, eutrophication from sew- ment of Conservation and and, more re- erage discharge, siltation, chemical poll- Resources (DCNR) 1993a] of the human impact utants and introduced biota. Greater infor- cently, examination and Quinn mation on faunal composition, distri- on intertidal shores (Keough 1991; King butions, ecological relationships and 1991; Povey and Keough et al. 1993; Quinn et human impacts are required before assess- 1992; Keough ment of the conservation status for the a/. 1994). of this paper is to provide majority of Victoria's species is possible, The objective and appropriate protection regulations a brief summary of the conservation is- invertebrates in can be developed. The value of total pro- sues relating to marine waters. nature of these is- tection of defined areas is emphasized as Victorian The the an effective conservation practice. sues are dependent on the species and nature of pressures on these animals or Introduction their habitats. Victoria's marine inverte- Knowledge of the marine invertebrates brates can be categorised into: directly of Victorian waters is patchy in nature. exploited species; taxa indirectly affected Restricted regions, particularly Port Phil- through human activities and localised or lip Bay and Western Port, have received remnant species. considerable attention [see review in Direct human exploitation Land Conservation Council (LCC) Ma- Marine invertebrates directly exploited rine and Coastal Descriptive Report, in Victorian waters can be divided into: i) 1993], while whole sections of the coast- commercial fisheries species; ii) recrea- line are largely unsurveyed. In areas tional harvest species, and iii) species where surveys have been undertaken, the collected for display, educational or re- invertebrate fauna has proven to be rich search purposes. Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkvillc, Victoria 3052. i) Commercial harvests traffic Oceania, P.O. Box R594, Sydney, NSW 2000. Commercial harvest of Victorian ma-

20 The Victorian Naturalist . Contributions

rine invertebrates forms the basis of multi- The perceived status of each marine in- million dollar fisheries, more valuable vertebrate species commercially har- than any Victorian finfish harvest. The vested in Victoria is presented in Table 1 main commercial species are listed in Black-lip abalone, rock lobster and scal- Table 1 and reviewed in LCC (1993) and lops all experience heavy fishing Kailola et ai (1993). Black-lip abalone pressure. In the former two species, con- (Haliotis rubra) is the most valuable fish- cerns over regional depletions, decline in ery, with a landed (first sale) value of catch per unit effort and decreasing ani- around 50 million dollars annually mal size have instigated current major (DCNR 1993b). reviews of these fisheries and manage-

Species of the greatest economic value ment practices (e.g., DCNR, 1 993a,

(i.e., abalone, rock lobster and scallops) 1993b). The scallop industry is under sim- are targeted by specialised industries. ilar review and, after closure in Port Many of the lower profile species are har- Phillip Bay in 1989-1990, there are en- vested as bycatch of fisheries targeting couraging signs of massive recruitment finfish or other invertebrate species. Table and recovery of this boom-bust fishery in

I summarises the fishery type for each this bay (Smith and Bury 1992). commercial species. Indications of overfishing (such as catch As an alternative or addition to wild decline, localized depletions and decreas- harvest, a number of marine invertebrates ing body size) are evident in a number of trends have serious are cultivated by aquaculture in Victoria. species. Such may implications for the recruitment, and Blue mussels form the largest aquaculture hence survival, of these species and their industry in Victoria, with production fisheries. Historically there has been a gradually replacing wild harvest. Mussel perception that commercially exploited in Port Phillip Bay, Western farms exist marine species are protected from biolog- Andersons Inlet and Mallacoota Port, ical extinction through economic factors 000 in with a first sale value around $880 closing a fishery before populations lose 1990-91 (LCC 1993). Small scale exper- viability. With increasing efficiencies in imental cultivation of Pacific oyster and fishing technology, rapidly increasing abalone also occur in Victoria. value of key species (e.g., abalone export per kg, in the For at least abalone and rock lobster, prices rising from $7 to $50 large-scale poaching occurs along the shell, between 1979 and 1993, DCNR data Victorian coastline. This illegal harvest 1993b) and the absence of detailed fecundity, dispersal, recruit- takes three forms: i) licensed operators on longevity, the majority exceeding quotas or collecting undersised ment and mortality rates for exploited species, it is possible that animals; ii) 'shamateur' operators, mas- of levels for many species may be ex- querading as amateurs collecting legal stock ploited to below biologically viable bag limits and regularly returning to shore levels. to unload catches; and iii) large-scale The high scale of illegal harvest, partic- poaching. In at least the abalone fishery, valuable species, is a the illegal ularly for the most it is estimated that the scale of Wales, source of major concern (e.g., DCNR fishery is very large. In New South 1993b). Such harvests undermine effec- the illegal catch of abalone has been esti- management as illegal operators fail be as much as twice the legal tive mated to designed to observe fisheries regulations catch (Kailola et ai 1993). protect stocks, such as quotas, size lim- The major conservation issues for com- to protection of females its, closed seasons, mercially harvested species are: in berry and protected areas. exploitation/overexploitation; i) heavy of molluscs and crustaceans and A number ii) control of illegal activities; not traditionally considered commercial iii) developing fisheries.

21 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Table 1. Marine invertebrate species commercially harvested in Victorian waters. Abbreviations: Fishery type: A = aquaculture. B = bycatch, C = commercial, EA = experimental aquaculture, R = recreational. Management controls: Com = commercial regulations, rec = recreational regulations; B = bag limit (recreational), EP = experimental permit, F = licence (fee), FP = female protection; G = gear restrictions, L = limited entry fishery, M = minimum size limits, P = protected areas, Q = catch quotas, RF = under regional fishery regulations, S = seasonal closures, Sh = Victorian Shellfish Protection regulations, Z = zoning for licenced operators. Status: H = heavy exploitation, L = low exploitation.

Other: # = catch statistics back to 1 984 only for certain species; ## = erratic catches, figure is average of last 25 years (LCC, 1993); * = main distribution outside Victoria; ** = application to commence fishery current; (+) = possible underestimate, frequently treated in unspecified groupings. Sources: Catch and Effort, Victorian Fisheries Research Institute; plus Kailola et at., 1993; LCC 1993; DCNR 1993a, 1993b.

Species Fishery Annual catch IW0-9I landed Management Stilus typ* (max /present) value

Blacklip AbaJorw EA.C.R 1967-68: 3200t, S26million## Com: L.M.Q.Z: H (Halloas rubra) now:1440t Rec: FM.B

Greenip Abalune EA,C,R 1968-69: 180t, -1% of blackltp catch ComL.M.Q.Z. H* (II. laevigata) now:-!5i Rec FM.B

Southem Rock Lobster CR 198081: 737t $7.2 million Com FV.L.G.MZ; H (Jasus edvHirdsii) 1993:4741 RccF.B.G.M

Soudiem Scallop CR 1980-81: -2500c $7 million** Com: L.CSZ H (Pectenjumatos) 1993: 17431 RecB BJuemund AjOR wild<:1500L, 1992-93:1121 $1.65 million Conx F.Q; L (Afytilus edulis pianulatus) aquacukure: 199O91:-^100l Rec:Sh Southern Cabman B,CR 1970:9a; 1993:431 $600000 Com none; L (Sepioteuihts australis) Rec: B.G Arrow Squid B.CR 1993:4151 $400000800000 Com none; L (Notoioaarus goukh) Rcc B.G

Octopuses (0. benvm, BCR 1984:95;; 1993:50: unknown Conx none; L 0. pallidas, 0. maorum) Rec: none Bak (sand) worms (prvmriiy C.R early 1980"s: 30t; $380 000 Com: L.G: unknown Family Nereididae) now -10l Rec: none School Prawn (Metapemeus CR 1984:441; bc4ispp.-$300000 Com US; H* madeayi) 1993: 0.41, OTabc(+) Ree.AFLG Eastern Kkig Prawn CR 1989:811; both spp. -$300 000 Conx UCr, H* (Penaeusplebejus) 1993: OA, erraic(+) RccAFLG Ghost (or Bass) Yabby CR 1990-91: EA unknown Conx L.G, unknown M; {Pseudocardnus gigas) H Rec: none Sand Crab BJ* 1988;70u» unknown Corrt none; unknown {Ovalipes australiensis) Rec: none Purple Sea Urchin CR 1990621; unknown Com FJ\F; L (Heliocidaris eryihmgrmvm) 1991:-18t.errauc Rec; none Hahnam Bug (Ibacusperonii) B.C 1992: 19t 1993:81 $2000 Com: VRUG H* VeKet Crab (NeOocaranus BJ* 1989: 0.07c; 1993: C*(+) general crab: $66 000 mbercuiosus) CamL, L Rec: none

QR jusi started, asmTas(+) gen. (Turbo undukaus) periwinkles: $8 OOC Com: ?; L Rec; Sh O* not commenced not (Stichopus mollis) commenced ComEPi^QZ"; L Rec: none A aquaculture: snaD $22500 (Crassostrea gigas) not applicable nfa

Ptrrwride CR 1992: JSt; 1993: tit (un^ecified gastropods) $8000 Com. none; unknown RecSh B.R 1992- lit; 1993:51 (unspecified crabs) $66000 Com: none; unknown Rec: none

22 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

species are receiving an increasing fisher- Victorian intertidal habitats and adjacent ies profile. These developing fisheries waters, both legally and illegally. Ani- include species such as the Turban Shell mals collected for human consumption (Turbo undulata) and a range of crabs and/or bait include: chitons (such as including the Velvet Crab (Nectocarcinus Ischnochiton elongatus, Plaxiphora al- tuberculosus). For such species, either no bida), limpe ts (primarily Celiana tramoserica), Dog Winkle (Thais orbita). catch and effort returns are submitted or, Elephant Snail (Scutus antipodes). Tur- at best, catches are reported under head- 4 ban Shell (Turbo undulata), abalone ings such as periwinkles, general* or (Haliotis rubra, H.laevigata), mussels 'crabs, general' . Coupled with the paucity (primarily Mytilusedulis), Southern Scal- of data on distributions, life history, fe- lop (Pecten fumatus), cuttlefish (Sepia dispersal and recruitment for cundity, apama), octopuses (primarily O.berrima, most of these species, there is significant O.maorum, 0. pallidas), squid (primarily potential for over-exploitation. In species Sepioteuthis australis). Southern Rock of limited stocks, low fecundity or re- Lobster (Jasus edwardsii), prawns stricted distributions, over-exploitation (Metapenaeus macleayi, Penaeus could occur before appropriate monitor- plebejus). Ghost (or Bass) Yabby ing and management is put in place. (Trypaea australiensis). assorted brachy- Current management practices are listed uran crabs, assorted worms and the sea in Table 1 and include: squirt Cunjevoi (Pyura stolonifera). — Stock assessment, monitoring The little data available on the scale or and collation of catch and effort influence of this recreational harvest indi- statistics. cate that this it is potentially large. — Direct regulation tools: limited Keough ei ai (1993) monitored human entry fisheries, minimum size activity on rocky shores near Melbourne of exploit- limits, closed seasons, gear re- and found high proportions visitors actively strictions, protection of gravid ative activity (25% of females, zoning, catch quotas, re- collecting, despite protection regula- protected areas creational bag limits. tions). Comparison of provide indi- — Industry generated agreements with unprotected areas also on accessible (unlegislated), such as protected cations of the pressures shallow-water habitats. areas and seasonal closures. intertidal and — Government and industry-funded Keough el al. (1993) showed significant abundance of three policing of regulations. reductions in size and gastropods in exploited areas — Protected areas through marine targeted compared with pro- park and reserve systems, and close to Melbourne while non-target species shellfish protection regulations. tected areas, no significant differences. A new Fisheries Act for Victoria is cur- showed major conservation issue for rently being developed (DCNR 1994). The harvested taxa is the heavy Structured within this document are pro- recreational ly Reserves, exploitation of intertidal invertebrates, visions to establish Fisheries pro- on shores close to larger city reserves established specifically to particularly side-effect of the welcome crucial to commercial fisheries centres. As a tect areas Asian juvenile and culinary influences of (including spawning grounds, cultural aquaculture European immigrants to Victoria, nurseries, critical habitats, and research been an increase in recrea- projects and areas set aside for there has harvest of a wide range and monitoring). tional/subsistence crustaceans. of intertidal molluscs and Recreational harvests ii) programs, promotion of species are Interpretation Many marine invertebrate signage have from regulations and appropriate harvested by recreational collectors 23 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

been developed to target and inform key dredging occurs both within Port Phillip groups. Bay and off East Gippsland. This practice Current management practices include has been suggested to cause damage to protection of certain invertebrate species sessile invertebrate communities (McSh- in 'recognized shellfish habitats', primar- ane 1981) and spawning aggregations of ily intertidal areas. In Victoria, the the SpiderCrab (Leptomithrax gaimardii) Shellfish Protection Zone currently ex- in Port Phillip Bay (Parry and Currie tends from Barwon Heads in the west to 1992), as well as potentially releasing Venus Bay in the east, excluding several heavy metals from soft sediments (Fabris sections on the exposed coast and within 1981). Current review of the Victorian Port Phillip Bay. These regulations pro- scallop fishery includes calls for modifi- tect molluscs and crustaceans excluding cations to dredge gear or exclusion of squid, octopus, cuttlefish, abalone, dredging activities from Port Phillip Bay, squirter, pippi, ghost yabby, rock lobster, replacing this technique with diver har- crabs and sand fleas. Gear restrictions vest. Bait pumping in soft sediments can apply for collection of bait species such as cause sediment disruption, trampling ef- sandworms and ghost yabbies from soft- fects and possible heavy metal release sediment substrata. (see discussion in Quinn et al. 1994).

Hi) Collection for display, educational Non-collecting visitor pressures and research purposes A number of non-collecting activities appear to have detrimental Collection of marine invertebrates for effects on Victorian marine display, educational programs (through invertebrates. Keough and Quinn Povey schools, tertiary institutions and marine (1991), and Keough (1991) and King found studies centres) and scientific research (1992) that human trampling on rocky shores also occurs in Victorian waters. People has a significant effect on algal communities undertaking such activities are required and associated invertebrate fauna. Boat by law to possess a DCNR Scientific Col- activity and trampling on soft sediment lecting permit. No data are available on the substrata are likely to have similar effects scale of this collection or its influence, on infauna. Quinn et al (1994) discuss however it is possible that such activities pressures (such as exposure and desicca- may account for the marked reductions in tion) on intertidal biota caused by certain intertidal molluscs, such as those overturning boulders. reported for the cowrie, Notocypraea comptoni and two other gastropod spe- Marine and coastal developments cies, Cabestana spengleri and Pleuro- Coastal development or marine con- ploca australasia, from certain sites along structions such as marinas (see O'Hara, the Victorian coast (Marine Research this issue) can directly affect invertebrate Group (MRG), 1994). fauna through factors such as direct construction Indirect human impact disturbance, dredging, modified or A wide redirected water flow, increased silt- range of human activities appear ation and increases in boating to impact indirectly on traffic. Victorian marine Watson invertebrates (in LCC, 1993, pp 86-98) re- and their habitats. The key ported changes categories include: in invertebrate assemblages in Western Port in relation to Destructivefishery practices heavy boat traffic, through factors such as A wide range of increased siltation levels fishing activities, par- and dislodgment ticularly trawl of sessile and dredge fisheries/can invertebrates from propeller cause significant thrust. alteration or destruction of bcnthic habitats. In Victorian bays and Eutrophication inlets, all trawling is illegal. Scallop Release of treated and untreated sewer- 24 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

age can result in high nutrient concentra- ranging from death to severe behavioural tions or *eutrophication* in marine alterations and gross mutations of somatic systems (Axelrad 1978). Boag's Rocks on and reproductive tissues. Molluscs are the the ocean side of Momington Peninsula, most susceptible group, often developing Werribee Sewerage Treatment farm in male reproductive organs over the open- Port Phillip Bay and Black Rock, near ing of the oviduct, effectively preventing Barwon Heads, are the three largest spawning. Daly (1990) examined levels sources of sewerage release in Victorian of TBT in Victorian waters and found that waters. This high nutrient input can lead in 1988/1989 levels in water, sediment to micro- and macro-algal blooms, drastic and biota significantly exceeded those changes in both algal composition (Man- known to be sublethal to aquatic biota. In ning 1979; Brown et al. 1990) and June 1989, the EPA introduced regula- invertebrate assemblages (Dorsey 1982), tions limiting the sale and use o'i TBT and the predominance of opportunistic based paints in Victoria. A 1990 survey invertebrate species (Dorsey 1982). found no significant change in TBT levels in Port Phillip Bay since EPA regulation Siltation (LCC 1993). Factors such as: i) dredging; ii) heavy shipping traffic; and iii) topsoil runoff Introduced biota from rural areas, tree clearing and urban In recent years, an increasing number of development, all contribute to siltation introduced invertebrate species have be- problems in marine systems (LCC 1993). come established in Australian coastal Heavy silt load is considered detrimental waters. In Victoria, these include crusta- to marine life and has been implicated in ceans (e.g.. Care in us maenas, Cancer the loss of large areas ofseagrass and algal novaezealandiae), molluscs (e.g., Theora cover in Western Port (Shepherd et ai lubrica, Musculisla senhousia) and poly- 1989), reduced light levels having been chaete worms (e.g., Sahella spallanzanii, suggested as the cause of this dieback. Boccardia probosc'tdea, Styola plicata) (LCC 1993). Exotic flora and fauna are Chemical pollutants considered to be carried into Australia in A wide range of pollutants arc released the ballast water of commercial cargo into Victorian waters through industrial shipping. These species may severely af- outfalls and sewerage systems, including fect native invertebrate species through heat, suspended solids, organic wastes, direct predation, competition and/or hab- nutrients, non-persistent (e.g., ammonia, itat alteration. The Northern Pacific Sea chlorine) and persistent toxicants (e.g., Star (Asterias amurensis) has recently heavy metals), and pathogens (see LCC been introduced from Japan to Tasmanian 1993). Such releases are monitored and waters, proliferating in the Derwent regulated through the Environment Pro- River. There are current concerns that this tection Authority (EPA). All categories sea star may be introduced to Victorian are potentially harmful to marine inverte- waters, where there is potential for de- brates, depending on concentrations. structive effects on wild, commercial and Certain persistent toxicants such as heavy aquaculture invertebrate species (O'Hara, metals can cause problems through bio- Marine Research Group, pers. comm.). accumulation, both to invertebrate Toxic and non-toxic dinoilagellates species and their predators. (such as Alexandrium catanella, A. Tributyltin (TBT), an anti-fouling agent tamarense, A. minutum and Gymnodium used primarily on boat hulls, has been catenation) are also thought to have been recognized as the most acutely toxic sub- introduced into Victorian waters via bal- stance deliberately introduced into the discharge (D. Hill, Botany Dept., marine environment (Maguire 1987). last University of Melbourne, pers. comm.). TBT causes effects in marine animals 25 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Blooms of the toxic algae can directly Victoria, pers. comm.). Western Port also affect marine invertebrates through phys- contains the largest known populations of the lamp shell, ical damage to the gills, oxygen depletion Magellania fluvescens% a or direct action of the toxins. Wild harvest primitive brachiopod (J. Richardson, Mu- and aquaculture species can also be af- seum of Victoria, pers. comm.). Both fected causing health problems for these distinctive species are considered taxa seafood consumers (LCC 1993). remnant of once widespread forms. water discharge Recent review of ballast Discussion practices in Victoria (Environment and As stated above, limited distributional Natural Resources Committee, Victorian and ecological information prevents as- State Government 1994) recommend that sessment of the conservation status of the untreated ballast water discharge be pro- majority of marine invertebrates found in hibited in Victorian waters, with all Victorian waters. For many commercial ballast water being treated to eliminate the species, major reviews are currently un- risk of introducing exotic marine organ- derway to assess dala on biology, stock isms. A range of treatment techniques si/.e and catch, and revise management have been investigated, with heat practices. Underwood (1993) proposed sterilisation considered to be the most ef- that practices such as bag limits, size lim- fective and environmentally sound (Bolch its, or protection of individual species are and Hallegreff 1993) not ecologically sound, politically achiev- Combinations of factors such as those able and/or possible to enforce. discussed above appear to have contrib- Underwood (1993) and Quinn et ai uted to the decline of certain habitat types (1994) suggest that the only appropriate in Victorian waters. The most dramatic approach to conservation of marine flora example is that of loss of seagrass beds and fauna and their habitats is total pro- and associated algae (primarily Caulerpa tection of defined areas, excluding all spp.) in Western Port, having declined human exploitative pressures including from approximately 250 sq. km in 1 973 to foraging and angling. 72 sq. km in 1984 (Shepherd et ai 1989). Military installations and other sites of Factors suggested to have led to this complete public exclusion provide clear decline include blocking of sunlight to examples of the value and effect total seagrass leaves by heavy siltation and ex- of protection of defined cessive growth (and swamping) by areas. Keough et al. found that epiphytic algae (as a possible conse- (1993) invertebrates on inter- quence of high nutrient input) (LCC tidal habitats abutting a rifle range in 1991). Williamstown showed significantly greater size and abundance compared Localised or remnant taxa with adjacent sites accessible to the public. The scarcity of comprehensive data on Marine parks and reserves currently the invertebrates of Victorian waters recover a small percentage of Victorian wa- stricts discussion of localised and remnant ters, with some of these parks allowing fauna. In regions where detailed surveys exploitative activities including commer- have been undertaken, such as Western cial and recreational harvests of particular Port, a number of important invertebrate species. The Shellfish Protection Zone species have been recognised (sec covers a large section of the Victorian O'Hara, this issue). coastline, however, signage and policing The largest known populations of the of protection regulations are considered primitive bivalve, Neotrigonia margarit inadequate, enforcement reported as only acea occur in Western Port. This living occurring close to Melbourne and inter- tossil is the only extant representative of mittently during peak summer seasons this ancient genus (S. Boyd, Museum of (Quinn et al 1994). 26 The Victorian Naturalist .

Contributions

The major requirements for assessing (Monash University); S.Campbell (Vic- the conservation status of marine inverte- torian University of Technology); and M. brates in Victoria, and developing Keough, G. Hawkes and R. Treble (Uni- appropriate protection and management versity of Melbourne). Special thanks to are: D. Tippett (Catch and Effort, VFRI) for — Increased support of primary in- compiling catch statistics for Table 1 ventory surveys, ecological studies, monitoring of human ac- References Axelrad. D.M. tivities in marine systems, and (1978). Effect <>r the Wernbee Sewerage Treatment Farm discharge long term monitoring of flora and on phyloplankton productivity, biomass and nutrients in Pirn Phillip Buy fauna in impacted sites versus Environmental Study Series No. 170. protected sites. Bennett, 1, and EC, Pope.(J§53). Intemdal donation of — Direct and effective the exposed communica- rocky shores of Victoria, together with tion between monitoring/research a rearrangement of the biogeographical provinces of bodies and management/planning temperate Australian shores. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research authorities. 4. 105-159, Bolch, and CM. CM. Hallegracff, ( 1993). Chemical and — Adherence to objective and inde- physical treatment options to kill toxic dmoflagcllate pendent environmental impact cysts in ship's ballast water. Journal of Marine En- assessments of coastal and marine vironmental Engineering 1, 23-29. developments, as well as activi- Daly, Hi (1990). An environmental study of tributyltins in Victorian waters. Environment ties such as dredging. Protection Author- ity: Scientific Research Series 90/020. — Expansion of both the areas and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. the nature of protection offered in (1993a). Management of the Victorian Southern marine parks and reserve systems. Rock Lobster Fishery, Discussion paper. DCNR, — Increased signage, interpretation, East Melbourne, Victoria. Department of promotion, justification and po- Conservation and Natural Resources. (1993b). The Victorian Ahalone Fishery: back- licing of protective regulations. ground and issues paper. Discussion paper, DCNR. These goals should be rigorously sought East Melbourne, Victoria. and promoted in public forums. Both Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

1 994). Fisheries for Victoria. State and Commonwealth governments ( A New Act Discussion paper, DCNR, East Melbourne, Victoria. should continually be lobbied for the nec- Dorsey, J.H. (1982). Intcrtidal community offshore from essary commitment and funding to attain the Werribee sewerage-treatment farm; an oppor- these objectives. The authors would also tunistic infaunal assemblage. Australian Journal of like to stress the importance and value of Marine and Freshwater Research 3>$, 45-54.

Natural Resources Committee, 1 the watchdog role of both individuals and Environment and ( 994). 'The environmental impact of commonwealth organisations in moni- non-government activities and places in Victoria'. (Victorian State toring and reporting coastal and marine Government, Melbourne: Victoria). activities, and their potential impacts on Fabris, G. J. (1981). Effect of scallop dredging on mobilisation of heavy metals in Port Phillip Bay. vulnerable biota and habitats. Marine Science laboratories. Technical Report AcknowJedemenLs No. 3. Fairweather, P.O. (1990a). Is predalion capable of inter- the valu- We would like to acknowledge acting with other community processes on rocky able contributions of staff of the Victorian reefs. Australian Journal of Ecology 15. 453-464. to our Fisheries Research Institute (N. Coleman, Fairweather. P.G . ( 1 990b). Ecological changes due research needs versus effort. Pro- G. Parry, P. Coutin, R. Gladwin, H. Gorf- use of the coast: ceedings of the Ecological Society of Australia 16. ine and D. Molloy); S. Boyd and J. 71-77. of Victoria); C. Richardson (Museum Handreck, C.P. and T D. OTIara. (1994). Occurrence of Handreck and T. O'Hara (Marine Re- selected species of intertidal and shallow subtidal search Group); N. Tsernjavski (Victorian invertebralesat Victorian locations. Special report to National Parks Association); T. Allen Land Conservation Council. Marine Research Melbourne. (Marine and Coastal Network); G. Quinn Group,

27 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

I. . (.i). s J Hobday. (1990), .Slrwmi.lT ., KriWirli, K , r.,, y Campbell and D K Killoltt.PJ rWllllMHiM ' , l :.li..i. ofl Beat Gippeland, southeastern MfNt-r, A hiuI linrvr, C (1W3) AuM Marine resources Maniir Scltnct Utborwotiei Technical PliherieiReftourcei' (BtOTeoofRejourceSclencee, Auitrolla and N«. 72. Deportment ol Primary InduitritJ and Energy Report (1992). Interim report on the ii,i- Pltheriea Reiearch and Development Parry, O.D andD.fi Cunie

i iHiiuii.i, Auitrelia) iiic. i oi iceJIop dredging on Port Phillip Bty ( orpcrailon; and "«' No. Keouih, mi and Qulnn, Q.P. (1991). < fcuielity Muniif Stittur LaboNNoriti tutt nutI Rtporl cholcofffrnMAuramantt tor doiaotlng human tmpw u in May, 1992 IwffuA "I AuBtrolton k , in marine environmental Phllllpa, i), Handrock, C , Bock, , P., Burn, Smith, ^ st) fttertnt end Fmhwattt R$newh4&\ 534 it indStaplei, D (1984) 'Coastal Invertebrates ol a Keough, mi Qulnn, G,P and King, (1993) victoria' (Marine Research Oroup and Museum of

h i ollacting end ( orreleiloni between an Victoria Melbourne) ihorea niifiiuiiii melluu population! on rocky i i< Poore, O.C.B., Reiner, S , Spies. H and Ward, E Corutrvation Hlotoiyr, wk 190 hi Phillip 1 1975) The mobcnibos program Port Buy, a activity and 111 effect* on marine King, (1992) Human 1909 1973 Fisheries und Wlttllfffi Papti No. 7. ,i, .hi plain animal populations; monln g and I'ovey.A and Keough, M.J 11991) Effecta of trampling miti managemeni M,Sc, iiirsi*. Unlvanliy m on plan) and animal populutiona on nnky shorn, Mrll.uiillir, Mc-llMHillir 0te6l, iv, 168 ii > Diitrii i i and Conservation Coum ( 1991 'Melbourne 1 1 Quinn.G P .Falrwcather, P.O and Keough, M ' < 1994), Area - Dewriptlvo Report (Land Conaorvn i i in- ciiii ii t«i h ii veiling i'v people on i ouiial tuoiu Council; Melbourne). hi Australia in 'Stela »•! the Marine Environment i and Comorvation Council d'wti 'Marine and Coastal

1 1 Special Investigation Descriptive Report

i MolbourneJ, t i" ionservailon Council, llahei unberra . pr$u)

Mi I' ( i*>ki Tin- ol scellop dredging on ii*- Shane, i, effect Shepherd, S.A., McComh, ai, Bulthuia, da, > environment in Port orobenthoi of muddy Novoreuskus, V., StefTenaen, D.A and Weal R riullip Motint Science Idtborafortis, Technical Bay tiw*) Decline in leograaaei In 'Scagrassesi a Rtport Nh. 4. treatise on tin- biology ol leagraaaei with special Magulre, hi (1987), Mhvinniiiu-iit.il aspects ««i reference i»> the Aumi.iIi.im region' Eda AW,f), Ilil'Ulylliii Al'l'ttfl (hyiith'tiit'tiiKu llttriuMiY I, Lurkum, a J McComb and S.A Shepherd, 473 498 (l laeviei New York i Manning, i'i (1979) loa biological effects «>i the Smith, M < i and Bury, a (1992), Abundance ol scallop! discharge ol leeondary treated aewerega effluent »»i in Pori I'lnlhp Bay and predictions "i yields foi iiic itimuh Rock. Qunnamatia Beach, Victoria M Si i > i i >i aeaion Murine Scte*tee iMborvioty tiuiumni (heals, LaTrobe Unlveralty, Melbourne Report No. hi (Queenicliff, Victoria), Marine Reiearch Group (1994) Victorian coastal Underwood, A i (1993) Exploliai «>i speclesooma marine areas ol biological ilgnlflcanco; The bests »>' rocky coaai ol New South Wuirs (Australia) wkI it minimum system of reiervea. Supplementary opiums foi us management Ocean Consul ntbmlailon to the UCC Marine and Cooital Spa ».ii '>.' Inveitlgfttlon MRO, Melbourne MtHM)trmrttf 20, -II

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28 l In- \ it (.'i 1. in Natumlist Contributions

Focussing on Species for Invertebrate Conservation T.R. New

Introduction tleties of species ecology and conserva- Focussing on 'species' or other taxo- tion requirements. In Victoria, there is no nomic entities as conservation targets is a doubt that taxa such as the Eltham Copper widespread strategy which has proved Butterfly (Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida), enormously useful in practice, especially the Hcmiphlebia Damselfly Hemiphlebfa for rare vertebrates but also for inverte- mirabilis and the Mt Stirling Sloncfly brates such as butterflies, which readily Thaumatoperlufluveola have been instru- elicit public sympathy. Species can be mental as flagships in increasing public important tools, as well as targets, for and political awareness of invertebrates. conservation. Programs designed to con- But the levels of financial support gained to serve species benefit many less purchase habitats of the Eltham Copper conspicuous taxa by assuring them of a are unlikely to be replicated even for the relatively few place to live through habitat protection for taxa already designated for attention under the Flora and the target species. In essence a 'species* Fauna Guar- antee Act I98K. Other than for drawing is a tangible entity to which people can attention to particular taxa and providing relate easily, whereas other levels of appropriate leads for focussing on spe- 'biodiversity* (and biodiversity itself) are cies, the practical ramifications of listing more vague. For many biota, the species numerous invertebrates may be limited approach is entirely satisfactory in pro- simply because of our restricted logistic viding a fine level of appreciation of the capability to deal with them. However, need for autecological study as a prelude the species included on any priority list to management, and for allocating funds (the recent IUCN list of Threatened Ani- and other support precisely. Many local mals, 1994, includes more than 2000 lists and directories, such as 'Red Data invertebrate taxa) vary greatly in their Books*, cite species in need of conserva- needs. Many taxa have been listed in the tion assessment or attention and rank past on a somewhat ad hoc basis, when them in some order of priority by alloca- they have been perceived as threatened in hierarchical categories. Especially tion to some way, or as the result of the zeal of lists can become for invertebrates, such individual proponents of particular taxo- Nevertheless, they tend to very long. nomic groups so that - however deserving to practical imply moral commitment the taxa may be - lists may lack objective conservation action. balance in relation to needs of all invertebrates. Most species have been nominated Problems of focussing on species on the basis of perceived rarity or threat, Concentrating on species in this way as with little precise knowledge of their sta- the major avenue to conservation is ex- tus or their role(s) in their respective pensive. The sheer diversity of inver- communities. In some cases, 'local pride* tebrate taxa in need of conservation or has led to extensive efforts to conserve which could be included validly on lists butterflies threatened in one State or coun- of priority taxa precludes this as the main try, but which remain common and secure approach to practical conservation. How- elsewhere (British butterflies on the edge are ever, such designations are important in of a more extensive European range drawing attention to the needs of inverte- one example) whereas any local or re- brates and expanding awareness of the gional extinction may indeed be scope of organismal diversity and the sub- important, such efforts may divert resources from species which may be at Bundoora, 'SchooJ of Zoology, Lo Trobe University, overall greater risk of loss. Victoria 3083.

29 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

can be recognised. Conversely, a Priority and ecological values they which may be ecologically With only limited resources and support species of 'redundant' (Walker 1992), if such a role for invertebrate conservation, selection and exists, is by definition less important. the optimal use of these is important, Attention has also been paid to two other any guidance for some selection of spe- criteria in selecting priority invertebrate cies (however distasteful this and its species or groups for conservation: (1) consequences may be in ethical terms) their use as indicators or monitors of eco- must be incorporated in helping to help to logical change and (2) their degree of priorities. At the extreme, some work- set taxonomic isolation. The first of these, advocate abandoning such fine-level ers referring either to species or larger taxo- invertebrates and concen- focussing for nomic groups, are those invertebrates and trating entirely on protection whose presence, abundance or distribu- with the assump- reservation of habitats, tion reflect changing conditions in the tion that taxa living there will continue to environment and can sometimes provide thrive. However, experiences in Europe subtle 'early warning systems' of changes and elsewhere have demonstrated that this wrought by human interventions. Knowl- may not be so for ecologically specialised edge of their biology is thus directly invertebrates, for example, butterflies de- relevant to human welfare: a powerful, pendent on early successional vegetation pragmatic argument for their conserva- which may be lost without regular man- tion. Giving priority to taxonomically agement. isolated forms acknowledges the need to Focussing on particular invertebrate conserve the greatest diversity of evolu- species can be a strategy to enhance more tionary lineages, and schemes for such widespread conservation effort through phylogenetic priority have been discussed

1 others. conserving resources needed by other by Williams et at. ( 99 1 ), among species. For example, the world's largest In essence, if a species is the sole repre- butterfly (Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, sentative of its genus, it could be ranked Ornithoptera alexandrae) is listed by the as of more 'value' than a species of a large

IUCN as 'Endangered' and is a valuable genus; likewise for higher taxonomic lev- flagship species because of its public ap- els (see also Xu Zaifu 1987), so that the peal. It is also a potent 'umbrella species' greatest overall representation is con- - by assuring the security of primary forest served. On this basis, many subspecies habitats in Papua New Guinea on which would rank very low; in practice consid- O. alexandrae depends, a multitude of erable attention is paid to conservation of less conspicuous invertebrates also living butterfly subspecies in Australia and in there are likely to have their chances of many other countries. Imposition of sys-

persistence enhanced. The butterfly is tems of 'choice' or priority is indeed thereby a 'tool' used to protect vulnerable fickle, and selection of the 'most habitat on which many other taxa depend. deserving' taxa a topic of continuing de- Such a species may not itself have a crit- bate. ical ecological role, as a 'keystone* or similar taxon, but there is no doubt that Discussion many invertebrates do indeed play key Evaluating the 'status' of an invertebrate roles in many ecological processes and to determine its relative or absolute need conservation of ecological capability is an for conservation incorporates clarifying important facet of invertebrate conserva- (1) its taxonomic status, (2) its 'rarity', in tion. Species which occupy central roles terms of abundance, ecological special- may influence many others in an assem- isations and distribution and (3) its de- blage and such important species thus cline and/or vulnerability to actual and merit strenuous efforts for conservation if perceived threats. 'Rarity* is an emotive

30 ' The Victorian Naturalist Contributions term in conservation and can be defined food plant species, and utilise plants in by many different parameters: it is unproductive habitats (Hodgson 1993). equated popularly with 'value*, and there More generally, extinction-prone species is to some tendency regard individuals of have low vagility, are ecological special- a common species as less valuable than ists, and have a small geographical range those of a rare species, an ethically diffi- (Spitzer and Leps 1992), so that any of cult proposition but one which is often these features may be especially relevant true in commercial terms (New 1991). in helping to quantify rarity, and conser- Nevertheless, objective evaluation of de- vation need. gree of threat to a species, as manifest in In Victoria, invertebrates from several IUCN Red Data Book categories or some phyla are listed for priority assessment parallel hierarchy to these, is a major and conservation under the Flora and guide to conservation need. This selection Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, with the im- is a major guide to allocation of our replication that status assessment and stricted resources. management plans will be forthcoming In the absence of sound quantitative in- (Clunie and Reed, this volume). Those formation on invertebrates there can be nominating additional invertebrates for some tendency to exaggerate the status of listing could well consider their rationale a given species by zealous proponents, for doing so in relation to some of the and this can be extremely difficult to parameters noted in this paper and desig- counter. In Victoria, much of the emotion nation of priorities for use of highly in debate over invertebrate species con- restricted funding for practical conserva- servation results directly from differences tion. in opinion (only) over definition of status and the underlying vulnerability of the References Clunie, P. and Reed, J. (in (his issue. The Victorian species. The current IUCN categories of Naturalist.), review (Mace and Lande threat are under Hodgson, J. G. (1993), Commonness and rarity in British 407-427, 1 99 1 , Mace et al 1 992), and development butterflies Journal ofApplied Ecology 30, of objective viable criteria for application Mace, G.M. and Landc, R. (1991). Assessing extinction toward a re-cvaluation of IUCN threatened to invertebrates is a major practical need. threats: species categories. Conservation Biology 5, 148- It is at present doubtful whether criteria 157. suggested to quantify risk of extinctions Mace, G., Collar, N., Cooke, J., Gaston, K., Ginsberg. J..

for vertebrates can be applied to most Leader Williams, J., Maunder, M. and Milner-Gul- invertebrates, simply because of the diffi- land, E.J. (1992). The Development of new criteria on the IUCN Red List. Species No culties of getting sound information on for listing species 16-22. population structure and quantifying mor- 19, New, TR. (1991). 'Butterfly Conservation*. (Oxford tality factors. University Press: Melbourne). the Even within an invertebrate species, Spitzer, K. and Lcps, J. (1992). Bionomic strategies in narrow and sporadic distribution in iso- Lepidoptera, risk of extinction and nature conserva- projects. Nota Lepidopterologica, Supplement lated populations may necessitate tion 4,81-85. comparative study on different sites, as it Walkcr.B.H. (1992). Biodiversity and ecological redun- unrealistic to extrapolate from one may be dancy. Conservation Biology 6. 1 8-23. site to another because of local differences Williams, P.M.. Humphries, CJ. and Vane-Wright. R.l. laxonomic related- in resources, topography, or climate. It (1991). Measuring biodiversity: Australian System- may, however, become feasible progres- ness for conservation priorities. atic Botany 4, 665-679. sively to designate ecological correlates Xu Zaifu (1987). The work of Xishuangbanna Tropical conservation concern. Thus, for butter- of Botanic Garden in conserving the threatened plants species tend to and the flies in Britain, the rarest of the Yunnan tropics. In 'Botanic Gardens have one generation each year, have world conservation strategy'. Eds D. Bramwcll, O. Heywood and H. Synge. (Academic closed populations, overwinter as eggs or Hamann, V. Press: London). larvae, have long-lived larvae with few

31 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Protection of Invertebrates in Victoria: the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Pam Clunic and Julia Reed 1

In Victoria, invertebrates which arc con- this is of dubious value, as direct taking sidered to be threatened can be listed is rarely a threat to invertebrates, espe- under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act cially when compared to habitat loss 1988. This heralds a major step forward and fragmentation. for invertebrates, because listed items are • Action statements, which are brief legally protected; they become protected management plans, must be prepared. wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975. These show what has been done and Once listed, the animal immediately has what needs to be done to manage the priority for protection and management to item and ensure its long term survival the wild. ensure its long term survival in the wild. in Therefore when nominating invertebrates • Their habitat can be managed, through actions in an action statement, through for listing, it is important to give consid- agreements with public authorities, eration to the broader context of and through determining invertebrate conservation, and protecting the 'critical habitat' of that species. Anyone can nominate an invertebrate • Surveys and research are concentrated for listing. The process of listing is on listed invertebrates. They become a summarised by Butcher et ui (1994). So far, 22 invertebrates, and two communi- Table l ties described on the basis of the Threats u> invertebrates listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. (N=22; invertebrate fauna, have been listed from as at October 1994) ;i range of groups including worms, marine and freshwater flatworms, Crustacea, THREAT % and insects including stoneflies, dnmselfl- Habitat Development (includes recreation, 54 ics, as well as the inevitable butterflies. land clearance, urbanisation, mining) Between 80-907*. of these items have been listed on the basis of future threats and/or Habitat Degradation/Alteration their rarity, while almost a third were eli- - alteration of drainage patterns 42 gible because of evidence of decline. - destruction of Table riparian vegetation 29 1 summarises the range of threats - cattle grazing/trampling identified for listed invertebrates and the 25 frequency with which they were men- - sedimentation 21 tioned. Obviously development and - alteration of tcmperaiurc/flow/lighl/ 17 habitat degradation are considered to be turbidily/nutrienls the most significant. - burning/mowing practices 17 Implications or listing invertebrates - deterioration of water quality 8 When listed, the animals immediately - damage u> associated have a items 8 priority for protective action Some of the - weed invasion 4 benefits of listing are that: • They are immediately protected from - pollutants 4 Wang, which includes collecting - genetic selling, isolation 4 disturbing, and so on, bringing them in - rubbish dumping line with other wildlife under 4 (he Wildlife Act 1975. In most cases. pesticide/herbicide usage 4

Collection 21

Rarity itself 13

32 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

focus for Departmental and Common- elude survey, rearing, research, public ed- wealth funding, as well as often ucation, community involvement, fire attracting interest from conservation management, and protection of habitat volunteer groups. They provide a focus from activities such as forestry, cattle ac- for grants to landholders e.g. Save the cess, or development. Bush. • They gain a higher public profile, A few examples through such avenues as action state- The Otway Stonefly is an insect known ments. The Department of Conser- only from the Otway Range. Prior to list-

vation and Natural Resources (CNR) ing, it was thought extinct, though shortly threatened species brochures, and arti- after listing its existence was confirmed cles in newsletters or publications from two localities. Surveys to determine including Land for Wildlife bulletins distribution were identified as a priority in and Australian Geographic. Action Statement No. 45 (Reed and Smith • They are considered in planning deci- 1993). During 1993/94, with the assis- sions. All sites where listed inver- tance of ANCA funding, the Otway tebrates occur are added to CNRs Range streams were surveyed, and a num- databases, and are therefore available to ber of nymphs were retained and reared staff when making land use planning through to adults, all of which were con- decisions, and when liaising with vari- firmed as Otway Stoncflies. The species ous public authorities. They are also is now known to occur throughout a large considered in documents such as LCC area of the Otway Range, including land reviews and recommendations, and in- which is secured in National or State species cluded in lists of values in areas of Parks. The issue of delisting the the National Estate. may need to be considered. Data on species location will be incorporated on Achievements following listing the Department's databases, where it will planning decisions. Prior to listing, few invertebrates had be available for use in occurs in streams extensive monitoring or survey programs, The Orbost Crayfish currently known exceptions being the Eltham Copper But- in East Gippsland. It is public land where forestry ac- terfly and the Altona Skipper Butterfly, only from primary landuse. When and to a lesser extent the Hemiphlebia tivities are the one population was known, damselfly and Giant Gippsland Earth- listed, only 14 specimens have ever been worm. Since listing, efforts on these and only despite extensive surveys of riv- animals have continued, and the number collected Gippsland. Departmental and range of invertebrates being studied ers through more recently a group of conser- has expanded. staff, and volunteers in close liaison with Action statements have provided an ef- vation past have been searching for the cray- fective mechanism of summarising CNR, least two and it is now known from at actions and focusing future work. So far, fish, sites. action statements have been published for new white the The Alpine Flatworm is a small, 25% of listed invertebrates, including flatworm which lives in springs and bogs Otway Stonefly, Dandenong Amphipod, alpine and sub-alpine areas. damselfly, Eltham Copper in Victoria's Hemiphlebia from At the time of listing, it was known Butterfly and two communities: San two on Mt Buller, and one Marine Community and Mt Piper only three sites; Remo concerns over (both of near Mt Howitt. Owing to Butterfly Community No. 1 developments in the alpine area, which were described primarily on the future funded a survey in 1993 to deter- the invertebrate fauna). In addi- CNR basis of distribution stages of mine whether the animal's tion, five are currently in various restricted. Representa- in- was indeed this preparation. Recommended actions 33 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

modelling to determine sustainable levels tives of all white flatworm populations is currently work- were collected and retained for identifica- of taking, and a group this issue. tion (as the species is too small to be ing on clearly identified in the field). The sur- to use the Flora and Fauna veys found the species to be more How widespread than previously known, Guarantee Act to best protect invertebrates though it is still only found in the Mt Buller-Stirling area and the Mt Howitt Individual nomination and protection of area (Dr. Ros. St. Clair, pers. comm.). threatened invertebrates is hardly feasi- However, another white flatworm was ble, due to their large numbers, found which, despite extensive searching incomplete taxonomic knowledge, and throughout the Alps, appears even more because in general, the fundamental restricted. knowledge on how to manage them is not The Giant Gippsland Earthworm is known (though as Murphy el ai 1990 patchily distributed over a small area in note, information useful for the manage- South Gippsland. The species is now re- ment of some invertebrates, such as stricted to areas not heavily utilised, such butterflies, is available in insect pest man- as stream banks and gullies (Yen and Van agement literature, which also seeks to Praagh 1994). The primary issues regard- identify factors that regulate populations- ing its conservation are protection of its Chough to different ends). remaining habitat from disturbance (such A broader approach to conservation of as ploughing), and determining a sustain- invertebrates is provided by the abiluy to

able level of taking - as animals are list communities and potentially threaten- currently collected from the wild for part ing processes under the Act. Management of an educational display. Since listing, of these is likely to protect a far greater CNR resources have been directed into number of species than the single species community education to promote the approach. Management of communities issue of the worm as a threatened species and threats also provides the ability to in need of protection, and to explain to protect habitat, which is widely accepted landholders how to manage their land to as the most effective method of protecting protect worm habitat. This information is invertebrates (e.g. New 1984 and 1987). largely targeted to landholders through So far, fourteen communities have been the Land for Wildlife program - there is, listed, and these include examples from for example, a Land for Wildlife Note on grassland, marine, alpine and rainforest worms and their protection. At least two habitats. Once a community is listed, all landholders will be helped to protect hab- components of that community are pro- itat through the Save the Bush program. tected - which means that the habitat is Research has provided data for population protected. A community may be described on the basis of the invertebrate fauna, with an example being the Mt Piper

Butterfly Community No. 1 . This community is characterised by an unusually high diversity of butterflies, moths and ants, including several threatened species. However, this is not necessary in order for protection to be conferred on the compo-

nent invertebrates, which is fortunate given that information to identify and de-

scribe invertebrate communities is sparse. The Giant Gippsland Earthworm, Megascolide^ Any invertebrate which forms part of a austratis. community is protected when part of that 34 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

community, even if not threatened in its 1988 provides a number of mechanisms own right. For example, protection of the useful in protection of invertebrates. List- Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland coming of individual species has focusscd munity will protect the invertebrates attention and management action on these which form part of that community. Di- species, but while useful in many cases, rection of effort toward identification and this approach will not be effective for nomination of communities important for invertebrate conservation as a whole. An protection of invertebrate biodiversity increased focus on the identification and would be of great value for invertebrate management of communities and poten- conservation, whether the communities tially threatening processes would be of are described on the basis of the vegeta- great value in protecting invertebrate tion, the invertebrates, or some other biodiversity. descriptor. References Thirteen potentially threatening pro- Butcher, R.J., Clunie, P.E. and Yen, A.L. (1994). The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act; Rag ship cesses have been listed, and as a legislation for invertebrate conservation, Memoirs of that consequence must be managed so the Queensland Museum, 36{1)« 13-19. they cease to pose a threat to flora and Murphy, D.D., Freas, K.E. and Weiss, S.B. (1990), An environment mcta population approach to fauna. The management of many, if not population viability analysis for a threatened the capacity to protect inverte- all, has invertebrate. Conservation Biology. 4 (1), 41-51. brates and their habitat. A number of New, T. (1984). 'Insect Conservation: an Australian potentially threatening processes already Perspective". (Dr. W. Junk: Netherlands). Australia: New, T. (1987). Insect Conservation in listed, including sedimentation, and alter- Towards Rational Ecological Priorities. In The and flow regimes, ation to temperature Role of Invertebrates in Conservation and Ecological have been identified as threats to listed Survey'. Ed. J.D. Major (Western Australian Conservation and Land Management invertebrates (Table 1). There are count- Depart mcnl of which pose threat to Report). less processes Stonefty Eusthenia Reed, J. and Smith, S. (1993). Otway nomination and subse- of invertebrates, and nothofagi. Action Statement No. 45, Department quent management of these would be of Conservation and Natural Resources. B.D. (1994). Studies of the benefit to invertebrate conservation. Yen, A.L. and Van Praagh, great austmlis Giant Gippsland Earthworm Megascolides Conclusion McCoy 1878 (Annelida: Oligochacla: Mcgascolc- Wide Fund for Nature). The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act cidac). (World

The Eltham Copper Butterny, Huntsman Spider, Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida.

35 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Is Invertebrate Collecting a Threatening Process?

1 2 Alan L. Yen and Timothy R. New

Introduction flies, the more colourful beetles, and spec- Among the great diversity of threats des- tacular invertebrates such as stick insects ignated for invertebrates, perhaps none and theraphosid ('bird-eating') spiders. arouses more heated debate than Specimens are often obtained by commer- 'overcollecting'. The regulation of take cial dealers who sell material to scientists, has historically been the basis for much of museums and private collectors (Collins the protective legislation covering inver- and Morris 1985). tebrates, and this has resulted directly The level of commercial trade in native

from the belief that collecting is a major Australian species (predominantly butter- threatening process for invertebrates. This flies or beetles) is small, and most of the assumption is too simplistic, and has re- trade involves imported material. Some sulted in the 'protection' of some species Australian species are advertised for sale overseas, that are not under any threat, and may although it is difficult to determine the have inhibited legitimate and important original source of much of the material (Hawkeswood et ai 1 99 ). gathering of information about inverte- 1 High volume collecting brates. 'Collectable' species tend to be the involves the commodity markets. Large larger and more colourful species such as numbers of more common species are collected to be butterflies and beetles, but there is no incorporated into curios such doubt that rarity can indeed equate with as paper weights, cuff-links, brooches, etc. The value. Until the advent of the Flora and source of this type of curio market Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 which funda- is predominantly Asian. mentally protects habitat, much of the The greatest volume of collected speci- conservation legislation in Australia was mens involves material harvested for aimed at controlling collecting rather than food. In Australia, relatively few terres- habitat destruction, and did not acknowl- trial invertebrates are involved, although edge the several categories of collecting involving witjuti grubs and honey-pot ants are har- different collecting intensities and vested by traditional landowners or for different target groups. Prohibiting collecting tourism. The major food market involves of invertebrate species without protection freshwater crustaceans and marine inver- of their habitat is largely futile, tebrates. and the actual It is important that commercial effects of collecting are questionable collecting of these taxa is founded on a when compared to the effects of scientifically determined ecologically habitat alteration and destruction. sustainable base and the catch needs to be Types of collecting monitored and controlled if necessary. Material sought by collectors generally Mass collecting affects both target and involves collecting at low volume levels non-target species, and commercial cul- It can involve collecting by amateurs or turing of desired species should be professionals for taxonomic, biological encouraged, as is happening with some ecological or conservation research col- species of freshwater crayfish and marine lecting for educational purposes (at all invertebrates. C0 ccting as a hobby "n* taxa !l soughtz^Stwby collectors • are primarily butter- Arguments against collecting Decline in populations target species 71 Vicionafesccnt. of Abboisford. Victoria 3067 Many invertebrate species can with- stand a considerable level of harvesting because of their high reproductive capac- 36 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

ity, although there are exceptions. Over- very few non-target specimens are di- collecting can cause permanent decline to rectly affected, although some may be species ( 1 ) whose populations are already indirectly affected through habitat de- critically depleted by other factors such as struction. More non-target invertebrates habitat destruction, (2) with small popu- are affected in some commercial areas, lations of high commercial value, (3) that especially in marine fisheries, where 'by- have a low reproductive rate and low ju- catch' can be substantial. recruitment (Collins and Morris venile Habitat alteration and destruction or which are limited in their 1985), (4) Removal of specimens may have dele- ranges. terious effects upon the local populations could not list any Australian Key (1978) of some species, but deliberate or acciden- insect species on the Australian mainland tal habitat destruction by collectors may directly threatened by collecting. that was reduce the value of that particular habitat More recently, some examples of inverte- for both the target and non-target species. have been found where collecting brates For example, microhabitats may be de- has been a factor in their decline. For stroyed in searching for butterfly pupae example, due to its limited distribution, its desirable to rear perfect specimens. longevity, its low reproductive rate, and

its fragile body (Van Praagh 1992), local Creating demand populations of the Giant Gippsland Earth- Protective legislation can create illegal worm (Megascolides australis McCoy) trade for collectors, and increase the com- may be threatened with extinction even by mercial value of species. In Queensland, Omithoptera rich- a limited amount of collecting (McCarthy Papilio ulysses and this has et al 1994). There is also evidence of mondia are protected, and overcollecting causing further decline in established a black market for species that gar- the already threatened Bathurst Copper in some areas have become common Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera) (Dexter den butterflies where the food plant is and Kitching 1993). grown as a garden tree. collecting Lack of recognition Arguments for be gathering There is danger that collectors may Information by both amateurs and pro- unable to recognise when they are deplet- Collecting, recovery has built up collections that ing a species below the fessionals, visit information which is essential for threshold, especially when they only provide periods of conservation today. Information the breeding areas for short practical expo- distributions and abundances of time. Many species can reproduce on past vital in determining whether a nentially when conditions are suitable, species is species has declined. Some of but they may also decrease exponentially particular gaps in our knowledge of when conditions are poor. For many the enormous invertebrate fauna will of invertebrates, the large numbers the Australian groups of ama- that be filled with the assistance of species within the group means only confirm collections. Similarly in Australia, often a specialist is required to teur histories of many butterflies and identification, and a less expert the life species attention of the taxa moths has been brought to the collector may not be aware of amateurs (e.g. the public by dedicated collected. Coupar and Coupar 1992). Non-target species Educational benefits indiscriminate trapping Large scale or invertebrates in en- speci- The potential to use rarely used to collect methods are education has not yet been volume collector vironmental mens for the high in- realised. Collecting can be an potential damage to fully market because of educational hobby, and that structive and specimens. Consequently, it is likely 37 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

many people used collecting in their for- the Conservation of British Insects pub- mative years as an important part of their lished a 'Code for Insect Collecting 7 training, in graduating from hobbyist to (Joint Committee for the Conservation of professional biologist. Without collect- British Insects 1971), which urges re- ing, such recruitment may be severely straint in collecting rare species (only a hampered. pair be collected), preferably towards the end of the mating/breeding season. Economic benefits The Entomological Society of Victoria Commercial collecting can be an im- has a short list of species in the 'Limited portant source of income and is not Voluntary Protection' category (Anony- necessarily harmful. Habitat destruction mous 1988). Members of the Society are is still the major problem, and the danger requested that any one collector nets no is thai past sustainable commercial col- more than two specimens within any lecting levels will become unsustainable one season, and that no larvae with decreasing habitat areas and quality. or pupae be collected at any Captive breeding can provide high quality time. specimens to the trade and take pressure Legislation off wild populations, as well as providing Responsible invertebrate collecting employment. There is no better example should not be discouraged. Legislation of this than the butterfly ranching/farming will be required to protect species that are programme in Papua New Guinea where known to be threatened and thus warrant some villagers earn more income by protection, but should not alienate people maintaining their forests for insect breed- who can contribute substantially towards ing than by converting them to coffee understanding the species, and is not plantations (Orsak 1993). an end in itself. Responsible collecting will What is the compromise? result in getting important distributional

Private collecting by amateurs is a very information for conservation manage- important part of science and the inven- ment through the adoption of some kind tory of our natural world. Many biologists of Code of Practice rather than a legisla- began their careers from a background of tive prohibition. Since the passing of the collecting, and private collections and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act in Vic- data associated with them are an import- toria, over 20 species of threatened ant (sometimes the only) source of invertebrates have been listed as protected information on the past occurrences of wildlife (Butcher et ai 1994). Only four many species of invertebrates. A major of these species are butterflies, and most need is for private collectors to be edu- of the listed species are not in the 'desired cated and aided in theirendeavours so that collectable* category. One aspect of the the information they gather is made avail- Victorian experience is that much of the able to appropriate authorities to assist information used by the Scientific Advi- management. This includes, besides re- sory Committee to determine whether a sponsible collecting, gathering a minimal species is actually threatened is based on data set that notes locality, date of collect- information collected by amateurs (e.g. ing and habitat information, and lodge- Crosby 1987. 1990). ment of information or specimens in While protective legislation is necessary recognised public institutions (such as to assist the recovery of threatened inver- Mate museums). tebrate species, there is the danger that blanket Codes ofpractice prohibitive legislation, with its legal and bureaucratic barriers Voluntary 'collecting to pursuing codes' stress the need a hobby, will simply discourage for responsibility and useful avoidance of gathering overcollecting. The of information by non-special- Joint Committee for ists and encourage the hiding of 38 The Victorian Naturalist \

Contributions

information by less scrupulous collectors. Coupar, P. and Coupar. M. (1992). 'Flying Colours' Such (New South blanket legislation usually involves Wales University Press: Kensington) the Crosby, D.F. (1987). The protection of taxa that are known not conservation status of the Eltham Copper to be threatened (Yen Butterfly (Paralucia pvrodiscus and Butcher 1994). lucida Crosby) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Conclusion Technical Report Series 1 - No. 8 1 , ] 9 Collecting Crosby, D.F. has often been cited as a (1990). A management plan for the Altona Skipper Butterfly, threatening process for invertebrates. Hesperilla jlavescens Jlavescens Waterhouse (Lepidoptera: There are Hesperiidae). Arthur some cases where collecti ng has Rylah Institute for Environmental Research caused serious decline in the Technical Report populations Series No. 98, I -65. Dexter, E.M. of some species, but in many cases, those and Kitching, R.L. (1993). The Bathurst Copper, Paralucia spinifera Edwards species were already at risk through hab- and Common. In 'Conservation Biology of Lycaenidae itat alteration. The nature of collecting is (Butterflies)'. Ed. T.R. New. Occasional Paper ofthe complex, and its effects will depend IVCN Species Survival Commission on No. 1 68- 8, 1 70. Hawkeswood, T, Callister, factors that involve the biology of the D.J. and Antram, F. (1991). Collection and export of Australian target species, its abundance, and the tim- insects TRAFFIC Bulletin 12,441-448. ing of collecting. The paucity Joint of Committee for the Conservation of British Insects. information about most of the Australian (1971). Acode for insect collecting. Entomologist invertebrate fauna requires the encour- Monthly Magazine 107, 193-195, Key, K.H.L. (1978). *The Conservation agement of responsible collecting by Status of Australia's Insect Fauna*. Australian National Parks hobbyists, students, naturalists and pro- and Wildlife Service Occasional Paper No. I. fessionals, as long as the information that (Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra). they collect is lodged with the appropriate McCarthy, M.A., Van Praagh. B.D.and Yen, A.L. (1994). institutions and made available for incor- An assessment of Giant Gippsland Earthworm poration into conservation management harvesting. Unpublished report lo the Department of programmes. Conservation and Natural Resources. Orsak, L. (1993). Killing buiierflics to save buiicrflies: a tool for tropical foresl conservation in Papua New References Guinea. News of the Lepidopterists' Society No. 3, Anonymous, (1988). Protected butterflies. Victorian 71-80. Entomologist 102. 18, Van Praagh, B. (1992). The ecology, distribution and Butcher, R.J., Clunie, P.E. and Yen, A.L. (1994). The conservation of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm, Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act: Flagship Megascolides australis McCoy 1878. Soil Biology Legislation for Invertebrate Conservation. Memoirs and Biochemistry 24, 1 363-1 367.

of the Queensland Museum 36, 13-19. Yen, A.L. and Butcher, RJ. ( 1994). An Overview of the

Collins, N.M. and Morris, M.G. (1985). Threatened Conservation Status of Non-Marine Invertebrates in Swallowtail Butterflies of the World'. (International Australia. Unpublished report to the Endangered Union for Conservation and Natural Resources: Species Unit, Australian Nature Conservation Gland/Cambridge). Agency.

The Victorian Naturalist - Subject Index 1884-1978

A handy reference book to have on hand for all members. Price $5.00 pick up at any meeting or $9.60 posted to anywhere in Victoria. Remit lo: FNCV, C/- D.E. Mclnnes, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, Victoria 3145.

Vol. 112(1)1995 39 Contributions

The Species: Elements of a Management Plan

T.R. New

Introduction tative sampling or detailed investigation Conserving species is commonly not involving intrusions to the habitat may be simply a question of reserving habitat for ill-advised. Redressing these im- them, although this may be critical be- pediments is usually impossible in the cause, without a place to live a species short term and, at least, several seasons clearly cannot survive. However, to as- (often, years) of investigation may be sure the sustainability of the species in a needed to furnish even moderately reli- habitat, some form of management may able biological information. Never- be needed, and this must be based on theless, accurate determination of a spe- sound knowledge of the species* require- cies 'status' is the standard against which ments. This knowledge is difficult to the need for complex management or re- obtain for many invertebrates, and this covery plans must be assessed. It is

paper is a brief outline of the components important to ( I ) assemble and incorporate of a management plan for these animals all available information whilst (2) appre- to indicate some of the problems involved ciating that this may be inadequate and in designing and executing practical con- that it may be necessary to provide for servation measures. approximation rather than rely on precise

quantitative data. Thus, it is often im- Problems in determining status possible to obtain sound data on the Species conservation, making a species population dynamics (including major the target for practical conservation activ- factors causing mortality) for rare inver- ity, involves a complex and intricate tebrates, or to infer the precise causes of series of operations which may need to be the (often) several-fold differences in undertaken with very little practical numbers which can occur in successive knowledge of the subject. For many inver- generations. tebrates, even the various components of In short, rare invertebrates are difficult status i.e. basic information on distribu- and expensive to study, and the data re- tion, population dynamics, and popula- sulting from substantial funding may still tion structure, may be fragmentary. Deter- be poor. mining Chance environmental variations decline (decrease in numbers or may have pervasive effects (New 1994). range) and vulnerability (susceptibility of change) For example, a three-year survey for the can also be difficult, because many lycaenid butterfly Acrodipsas myrmeco- invertebrates normally exist in very small phila at Mount Piper, Victoria, yielded populations, may be detectable easily evidence of only for only short periods within each Twc individuals, all seen generation hilltopping. (such as during a butterfly's The sole known ant host of flight the period), undergo intricate and caterpillars of this species was not highly specific interactions with other located during an extensive survey of ants taxa, and may be susceptible to remark- in the area. It was therefore not possible ably subtle anthropogenic to changes to its define the critical habitat for A. environment (such as changes in exposure myrmecophila from that survey, and thus due to clearing of vegetation). In addition any constructive management plan for its most invertebrates targeted for conserva- conservation will lack vital information. tion are rare and highly restricted in However, and more geographical positively, the pres- range; many are known ence of the butterfly was confirmed in trom single sites or colonies, and quanti- three consecutive flight seasons. Even though its existence may be tenuous, it is likely that maintaining the area in its pres- 40 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

state will ent permit its continued sur- sites in a series of rolling colonisation-ex- vival. For rare invertebrates, 'presence/ tinction cycles), the need for management absence* data may have to be used in place to ensure survival at remaining sites may of numerical data in conservation plan- be urgent. Management must then include ning. Even confirming the presence of understanding and controlling threats, such scarce animals (or, conversely, de- protecting the habitat (perhaps involving tecting a decline or local absence) has a expensive land purchase, or legal reserva- strong element of chance observation, es- tion) and restoring critical resources (such pecially for species known from one or as food plants or other specific needs) which are in few sites. Emphasis is thereby shifted short supply. Conserving the species may entail maintaining current from the species to the site(s) where it levels of abundance by arresting a decline occurs so that the vulnerability of the site or more aggressive (and more costly) at- needs careful appraisal. tempts to foster recovery, perhaps Management plans incorporating translocation or other ex The various stages in a species manage- situ measures (New and Yen 1994, Yen

ment plan (Fig. 1) show the general and New 1994). Lastly, it is important, sequence of options usually available even critical, to monitor the effects of which stem from needs demonstrated by management as fully as possible by as- status evaluation. An invertebrate is re- sessing subsequent trends in numbers and garded as threatened or vulnerable if a distribution of the target species, and to decline in its abundance and/or geograph- refine management progressively in re- ical range can be demonstrated. The sponse to increased ecological know- geographical range may cover a large area ledge. or involve disappearances from particular Discussion sites. If local extinctions are not the con- steps outlined here demonstrate sequence of a normal metapopulation The clearly that single species conservation of structure (i.e. whereby a population exists invertebrates is not merely a question of over a greater area but occupies particular 'locking up' a habitat or site, although this may be the only practical interim step to ESTABLISH secure a critical area against conflicting STATUS demands and exploitation by people. In / \ some instances, listing or designation of a SAFE' -VULNERABLE species for conservation priority has led •THREATENED to studies resulting in the knowledge that had / \ the species is far more secure than DECLINE DECLINE NO been supposed. The Damsel fly Hemiphle- [MONITOR] / \ bia mirabilis is an example in Victoria; it RANGE ABUNDANCE is now known from several sites in Victo- \ / ria and Tasmania but at the time of listing CAUSES DEFINE under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act confined to Wilsons 1 it was believed to be DEFINE CONTROL Promontory. Without the impetus pro- /MANAGEMENT vided by its initial listing, the requisite 1 I surveys which clarified its status would IMPLEMENT probably not have been conducted. diversity of in- 1 The massive ecological MONITOR. REFINE vertebrates ensures that extrapolation from knowledge of one species to another plan. may not be realistic, but the above scheme Fig. 1 Elements of a species management

41 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

and the increasing number of relevant specific ants in early successional vegeta- case histories from various parts of the tion. Their localised extinctions may

world suggest that it may be possible to sometimes be entirely natural as grassland derive comparative conservation proto- is replaced naturally by other vegetation cols. At least for butterflies, sufficient and so do not require a rapid 'crisis- cases have been studied to indicate the management' response. If such inverte- generalities of this although, as for most brates continue to be scheduled for con- invertebrate groups, pro- other many servation management it is important that grammes have not progressed satisfac- adequate resources are allocated to ensure torily beyond status evaluation and con- that the programme has at least reasonable sequently management needs remain chance of success. uncertain. Pollard and Yates (1993) summarised Conclusions

standard techniques for assessing butter- The steps noted in Fig. 1 are simplistic,

fly numbers, and Arnold ( 1 983) presented and it may be necessary to review contin- an initial pro-forma management scheme ually the progress of management and to for lycaenid butterflies, for example. Ide- refine the needs and implementation as ally, protocols should (1) be sufficiently more information on the species' biology general for easy replication in space and is obtained. Defining 'status', and review- time and (2) be sufficiently flexible to be ing changes in response to management, applied with little change to different taxa is a central need in any such long-term habitats, and as well as (3) incorporate the programme. It is rarely possible to design need for future comparative use for re- and execute an 'ideal' management plan peated monitoring at the same site(s) or for an invertebrate species, simply be- extrapolation to other localities for the cause of the complexity of invertebrate same or related taxa (New 1994). They assemblages and the diversity of species should also incorporate all possible facets which may be present in any particular of conservation activity, such as promot- habitat. Nevertheless, conservation action ing public awareness, legal protection (if will usually involve the need for manage- needed), habitat protection, threat abatement, and the scheme outlined here ment, consideration ofcaptive breeding or indicates how this may be pursued con- translocation to augment low populations, structively. and autecological studies of the target taxa, together with provision for contin- References Arnold, ued monitoring. A comprehensive R.A (1983). Ecological studies of six endangered butterflies: island biogeography. patch management plan for an invertebrate spe- dynamics and the design of nature reserves. cies cannot be undertaken lightly. It is University of California Publications in Entomotovy likely to be a complex, long-term process 99,1-161. involving New, T.R. (cd.) (1993). original discovery and scien- Conservation Biology of the Lycacnidac' (1UCN; Gland). tific investigation rather than confident New, T.R. ( 1994). Evaluating the status of butterflies for application of established or well-tried conservation, Proceedings of the International recipes. Symposium on Butterfly Conservation, Osaka. Perhaps the most complex management Japan, 1994 {in press). New, T.R. - (this issue, The Victorian is that which involves taxa Naturalist). relying on New, T.R. and Yen. A.L. 1 early 1994), Species management successional or transient and habitats, recovery plans for butterflies (Lepidoptera) in having intricate Australia. associations with specific Australian Zoologist, (in press), Pollard, F.. and plants and other animals, and Yates, T.J. (1993). 'Monitoring Butterflies exhibiting a for Conservation and Ecology'. (Chapman & Hall; metapopulation structure. This is exem- London). plified by many Yen, lycaenid butterflies (New A.L. and New, T.R. (1994). Implementation of 1993) whose recovery programmes for endangered caterpillars associate with Australian invertebrate species. Australian Zoologist {in press). 42 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Conservation of Victorian Butterflies

1 by Ross P. Field

Undoubtedly the invertebrate group that lycaenid species are poorly understood has the widest general public appeal as a because their life histories are closely as- symbol of an unspoilt environment is the sociated with ants. In particular the butterflies. This is largely because of their biology of the probable myrmecophagous size, colour, diurnal appearance and, over species Acrodipsas myrmecophila, A, created brisbanensis and idmo halmaturia the last 1 years, their high profile Ogytis by the worldwide proliferation of butter- are virtually unknown and all arc threat- listed as endangered fly houses. They have become a banner ened species and larvae for urban conservation, thus, it was appro- under the FFGA (CNR 1993). The priate to have the Eltham Copper of these species are thought tb develop in the ant is Butterfly, Paralucia pyrodiscus lucida ant nests. For/\. myrmecophila, group, the spe- Crosby, as a test case for the conservation from the Papyrius nitidus cyrilus is of invertebrates under the Victorian Flora cies associated with A. b. with O. i. and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) (FFGA) unknown and that associated sugar ant, Camponotus (New 1991). Besides being readily iden- halmaturia is a (Field 1992). Each of these tifiable elements of our fauna and thus testiceipes occur in few locations and in suitable banner species for conservation- butterflies indicator the case of O. I halmaturia, no specimens ists, butterflies may be good collected in Victoria since species of the health of the habitat (New have been 1972, and these specimens, from Mildura, 1991). However, in adopting particular species their may belong to an undescribed species it is important to understand from Kalgoorlic in Western Aus- ecology. Naturally rare species will in- known which has also recently been volve different issues from abundant tralia recorded from the Riverland area of South species that are on the decline as will Conservation of this species, migratory species versus more sedentary Australia. and the two Acrodipsas species, is thus ones (Sands 1990). more difficult because it is the pro- many butterflies that are un- made There are and not are tection of specific ant species, common in Victoria because they will govern the distribution unique vegetation that either migratory or their natural the species. However, in the southwards into small pockets of survival of extends they are case of the Acrodipsas species Victoria. These are not consid- far eastern specimens col- of view generally known from ered in this paper from the point on hilltops which focus naturally threatened species as they lected of conserving species rare species for mating. These than likely naturally rare towards are more than realised be- indi- may be more common the extremity of their range. Table 1 are relatively few sites species that were cause there cates the uncommon the species and (conical wooded hills where probably more widely distributed of the trees) where they can today are only fly at the tops abundant 1 00 years ago and observed. The only extant pop- continue to face be easily preserved in reserves or the major A. myrmecophila and destruction. ulation of decline through habitat Piper, near for A. b. cyrilus is Ml of most butterfly species site The biology area was recently listed well doc- Broadford. This occur in Victoria has been that FFGA as a threatened commu- be reasonably under the umented, or at least could Community No. l)and 140 of the same nity (Butterfly presumed from populations and adjoining some ha of the Mt Piper reserve species elsewhere. However, Estate nomi- areas has received National Swanston Street, Melbourne. 'Museum of Victoria, 328 nation. Victoria 3000. 43 Vol. 112(1) 1995 Contributions

The Victorian Naturalist E «

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Conservation and Natural Rcsources(1993). 'Threatened of butterfly populations in the A number fauna in Victoria*. (Department of Conservation and forms south-west of the state, albeit local Natural Resources: Victoria).

particularly Waterhousc, D.F. 1 98 ). or recognised subspecies, Common, I.F.B. and ( 1 of Australia'. Revised edition. (Angus from the families Hesperiidae and 'Butterflies & Robertson: Sydney). Nymphalidae, are threatened where land Crosby, D.F. (1972). Some butterflies of the Victorian Big followed by grazing clearing and draining Desert. Victorian Entomologist 1: 5-7. has reduced suitable habitats. Many of Crosby, D.F. (1989). Notes on the distribution of some Victorian these populations now only have strong- butterflies in south-western Victoria. Entomologist 19,74-78. holds in the National Parks (Table 1) Crosby, D.F. (1990). Management plan for the Altona where bushfires and land degradation skipper butterfly Hesperilla jlavescens flavescens rabbit graz- through weed invasions and Watcrhouse (Lepidoptcra: Hesperiidae). Melbourne, their ing constitute the major threats to Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research. survival. Tech, Rpt. No. 98. Throughout the state, habitat destruction Douglas, F. and Braby, M.F. (1992). Notes on the distri- of some Hesperiidae and has contributed to many butterfly species bution and biology Lycdenidac (I-cpidoptera) in Victoria. Australian being reduced in abundance. It is import- Entomological Magazine 19, 1 17-124. ant that ecological studies are undertaken Dunn, K.L. (1990). Cundalides absimitis (Fcldcr) in of our on remnant populations of many Victoria. Victorian Entomologist 20,49-53. uncommon species and that their habitats Dunn, K.L. and Dunn, L.E. (1991). 'Review of Austra- are conserved so that preservation of ge- lian Butterflies: distribution. life history and netic diversity of the species can occur. taxonomy*. Parts 1-4. (Published by the authors; Melbourne). This will also give local communities Field, R.P. (1992). Research Grant. Report. Life history 'banner species' that provide platforms to studies and species determination of the Ogyris idmo issues. address broader conservation Hewitson (Lepidoptcra: Lycaenidac) complex in 12-17. References Western Australia. Mynnecia. 28(4), Fisher, R.H. (1978). 'Butterflies of South Australia". Atkins, A.F. (1984). A new genus Antifxtdia (Government Printer: South Australia). (Lepidoptcra: Hesperiidae: Trapezilinae) with New, T.R. (1991). 'Butterfly Conservation'. (Oxford comments on its biology and relationships. University Press: Australia). Australian Entomological Magazine 11, 45-58. butterflies arc protected. Braby, M.F., Crosby, D.F. and Vaughan, P.J. (1992). Quick. W.N.B. (1974). These Distribution and range reduction in Victoria of (he Victorian Entomologist 4, 5. Eltham Copper Butterfly Paralucia pyrodiscus Sands, D. (1990). Australia's endangered butterflies. En- lucUUa Crosby. The Victorian Naturalist 109, tomological Society of Queensland News Bulletin 154-161. 18(5), 63-68.

Ml Piper from Jeffreys Lane. The Large Ant-blue Butterfly, Acrodipsas

brisbanensis cyrilus, and its allendanl ant,

Papyrius sp. aff. nil'tdus.

46 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Conservation Strategy for a Threatened 'Butterfly Community'

Ann Jelinek

Introduction Conservation Strategy conservation The strategy for a threat- Key elements of the conservation strat- ened ecological community, listed as egy include an Action Statement and Butterfly Community No. 1 on Schedule Research Plan, surveys and research, hab- 2 of the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guar- itat management, public awareness and antee Act 1988, integrates legislative involvement, and statutory planning. responsibilities with surveys, research, Action Statement and Research Plan management, public awareness and in- An Action Statement and a Research volvement, and local government statu- Plan for Butterfly Community No. 1 tory processes. (Jelinek 1991, 1992) document the distri- Butterfly Community No. 1 is charac- bution and biology of significant species terised by an unusually high diversity of making up the butterfly assemblage and ants and butterflies (at least 40 species), known threats to the community. They including threatened, locally rare and mi- highlight high priority research and man- gratory butterflies. A detailed description agement actions needed to achieve of the butterfly assemblage and associated conservation of the community in accor- flora and fauna, ecology of the Ant-blue dance with the Flora and Fauna Guarantee butterflies, habitat, threats, research and Act 1 988 and Endangered Species Protec- management is provided in Jelinek et al. tion Act 1992 respectively. (1994). Issues raised in these plans have impor- occurrence of this but- The only known tant implications for the long term terfly assemblage is on and surrounding conservation of Butterfly Community No. central Victoria. Mt Piper Mt Piper in I, in particular: use and management of (37°12'S, 145°0*E) is a steep, solitary Mt Piper trigonometric station and com- mountain rising from 230 m to 440 m munication facilities; rehabilitation above an undulating plain between the works; visitor use; public involvement in Tallarook and Mount William ranges near butterfly habitat conservation; vegetation Broadford. Mt Piper is a quartz plug or management and clearing on private land epithermal deposit of quartz and other adjoining Mt Piper; fire wood collection; minerals deposited by hot solutions. fire management; land use zoning and the Major threats to the butterflies include potential environmental impacts of min- removal of trees on Mt Piper summit eral exploration and mining activities. which are used by many moths and but- Surveys and research terflies for 'hilltopping' or mate location; Field work has focused on monitoring changes to vegetation composition and populations of the target butterflies, successional stages, especially acacias Acrodipsas myrmecophila, A. brisbanen- and mistletoes which are important food sis cyrilus and Ogyris genoveva sources for caterpillars; and loss of dead genoveva, at known and potential hill- standing and fallen timber used by the topping sites, intensive ant surveys, Papyrius nitidus which as- Coconut Ant, assessment of historic and currently Ant-blue butterflies, sociates with the known habitats of the Coconut Ant, myrmecophila and possibly Acrodipsas Papyrius nitidus and documentation of brisbanensis. habitat A, flora, fauna and other important characteristics on and around Mt Piper. 1 Conservation Agency, Endangered Australian Nature of the Golden Sun Moth, Syn- 2601. Monitoring Species Unit, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT,

47 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions emon plana, in native grassland at Mt to prevent clearing, fire wood collection Piper has been carried out over the past and unplanned fire. Agreement has also two years since its discovery at Mt Piper been reached to replace traditional line of (Britton and New 1993). site clearing requirements around the trig, During the past three years there has station with satellite survey techniques been recorded at Mt Piper an additional which need minimal site disturbance and 20 butterfly species, the 'endangered' maintenance. Gazettal of regulations Golden Sun Moth and over 130 morpho- under the Conservation, Forests and species of ants. Also, similar butterfly Lands Act 1976 specific to Mt Piper Ed- assemblages have been located elsewhere ucation Reserve ensure that activities reflect in central Victoria. Surveys of other fauna within the Reserve the important and detailed habitat assessment and veg- scientific, cultural and educational values etation mapping has contributed to a of the area. proposed to the better understanding of the ecological The Amendment L8 community, particularly the fluctuations Broadford Shire Planning Scheme will Piper in invertebrate diversity, depending on provide Conservation Zoning of Mt seasonal conditions (Beardsell 1994; and its environs through vegetation clear- Britton and New 1992, 1993; S. Hinkley ance controls over private and public land. pers. comm, 1993; Jelinek 1994; New It is based on guidelines specifically de- etal. 1994; D. Britton pers. comm. 1994). veloped to manage native and semi-native Importantly, the results of the surveys vegetation on and surrounding Mt Piper and research provide a good basis for; for invertebrate conservation. These • developing effective habitat manage- guidelines are actively promoted and are, ment guidelines; wherever possible, complemented by

• determining the critical habitat of But- joint on-site inspections with landholders.

terfly Community No. 1; Public awareness and involvement • identifying opportunities for public in- Increased public awareness of the envi- volvement in butterfly habitat management; ronmental significance of Mt Piper is achieved • preparing a nomination of the core area primarily through improved management, involve- of the critical habitat for listing on the information and Register of the National Estate, and ment. An on-site information display, • preparing and implementing a Recov- brochure and media items help to convey important ery Plan in accordance with the messages about the area's ecol- Commonwealth's Endangered Species ogy. Broadford Secondary College stu- Protection Act 1992. dents use Mt Piper Education Reserve for environmental education; others visit Mt Habitat management Piper to enjoy the superb views from the Habitat management at Mt Piper in- summit and to see the diversity of flora cludes removal of feral goats, hand and fauna, especially butterflies, or to ex- removal of thistles, restriction of vehicle plore the area. Ideas and feedback from access to a formalised parking area, re- visitors are obtained from a Visitor's moval of many disused radio com- Book included with the information dis- munications structures on and around the play. summit, erosion control and rehabilitation The most suitable breeding habitats for of the steep vehicle and walking track many of the butterflies and the Golden leading to the summit, construction of a Sun Moth occur on private land adjoining scenic walking track and fencing of an Mt Piper Education Reserve. Public adjoining grazing property. awareness and involvement are therefore Broadford Shire Council recently an essential part of the conservation strat- signposted roadside vegetation in the area egy. In particular, the long term success 48 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions of the conservation strategy depends on tion. The proposed Amendment L8 to the the cooperation of landholders with habi- Broadford Shire Planning Scheme, Na- tat management activities, most impor- tional Estate interim listing and critical tantly, maintaining vegetation in a range habitat determination each cover the same of successional stages, leaving areas with core area centred on Mt Piper. dead standing and fallen timber and avoiding overgrazing of native grass- Discussion lands. Incentives for landholders to Within three years, high priority re- protect and enhance remnant native veg- search and management activities etation are available through Landcare, identified in the Action Statement and Save the Bush, Botanic Guardians and Research Plan have been completed or arc Land for Wildlife programs which, in in progress. The detailed study of ants and some cases, include financial assistance. habitat characteristics provides a valuable Broadford Shire Council and Broadford basis for defining critical habitat charac- Environmental Action Movement teristics and identifying potential (BEAM) are facilitating the proposed breeding sites of the Ant-blue and amendment to the Local Planning Scheme Genoveva Azure Butterflies. for conservation zoning over all proper- Key environmental features identified ties within the identified critical habitat include naturally vegetated mountain of Butterfly Community No. 1 (Jelinek landscapes, all successional stages of eu- 1994). BEAM and other groups like Proj- calypts and acacias, decaying ground ect Mansfield and Mansfield Secondary timber, stumps and leaf litter, mistletoes College, maintain public awareness about and native grasslands. Comparative sur- the importance of native vegetation and veys at other mountain sites further hilltops for butterfly conservation through highlight the significance of naturally regular publicity and by encouraging in- vegetated, isolated, mountain peaks for volvement of land management and hilltopping butterflies and moths. school groups in conservation activities. Long term protection of the critical hab- Strong community concern has been re- itat of the butterfly assemblage at Mt Piper kindled on several occasions with is provided by statutory planning and leg- applications for mineral exploration in the islative processes. The core area of the Mt Piper area. identified critical habitat, including pub-

lic and private land, is also on the interim Critical Habitat list of the Register of the National Estate In accordance with the FFG Act, 'criti- based on its significance for invertebrates, cal habitat' is defined as the whole or any particularly butterflies. part or parts of the habitat of the commu- Increased public awareness, improved nity that is critical to the survival of that hilltop management, maintenance of veg- community. etation in a range of successional stages Mt Piper forms the core area of the iden- and a study of ant species distributions with the summit tified critical habitat, and ecology within the habitat are pri- species. being important for hill-topping orities for future management and conser- known The critical habitat also includes vation of Butterfly Community No. 1 and and potentially important butterfly Better understanding of the relationships moth breeding sites on the lower slopes of between the Acrodipsas butterflies and Mt Piper, outside Mt Piper Education Re- ants will further assist with identifying threatened serve and in roadside vegetation where habitat requirements of these respective distri- colonies of the attendant ant, Papyrius species throughout their It On-going public involvement nitidus have previously been recorded. butions. management of hilltop, native covers approximately 150 hectares, with with the grassland and successional habitats are approximately 15 km of roadside vegeta- 49 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

also contributing to achieving broader Large Ant-blue butterflies and their attendant ant species. Department of Conservation and Natural conservation goals. Resources (unpublished). Acknowledgments Britton, D.R. and New, T.R (1992). Ecology of the butterfly and ant community at Mt Piper, Victoria. Special thanks to Dr Tim New and Dr Department of Conservation and Environment, (un- to Alan Yen for contributing the develop- published). of the strategy ment and implementation Britton, D.R. and New, T.R. (1993). Communities of and David Britton, Simon Hinkley and diurnal Lepidoptera in central Victoria, with empha- Campbell Beardsell who also carried out sis on the Mt Piper region. Broadford. Department a major part of the field work. D. Crosby of Conservation and Natural Resources (unpub- and W.N.B. Quick provided valuable lished). Conservation and Natural Resources (1993). "Threat- information about the butterflies at Mt ened Fauna in Victoria'. (Department of Conser- Piper and the biology of Acrodipsas vation and Natural Resources: Victoria). myrmecophila. Jelinek, A. (1 992). A Recovery Plan, Research Phase for

Financial assistance for research pro- a threatened butterfly community at Mt Piper in vided by the Australian Nature Conser- central Victoria. Australian National Parks and vation Agency under the Endangered Wildlife Service, Canberra (unpublished). Species Program and the Australian Her- Jelinek. A., Bntton. D.R. and New, T.R. (1994). Conser- vation of a 'Threatened Butterfly Community' itage Commission under the National at Mount Piper, Victoria. Memoirs of the Queensland Estate Grants Program is gratefully ac- Museum. 36(0:115-120. Brisbane. ISSN 0079- knowledged. Appreciation is also ex- 8835. tended to the State Government of Victo- Jelinek, A. (1994). Recovery Plan, Research Phase - ria and the Australian Geographic Society Annual Report 1993/94. Australian Nature Conser- for supporting other important compo- vation Agency, Canberra (unpublished). nents of this project. New, T. R., Britton. D.R. and Hinkley, 5. (1994). Re- covery Plan, Research Phase, for a rare and References threatened butterfly community - report for 1993- Beardsell, C. (1994). Report on field surveys from 22 1994. Department of Conservation and Natural | October 1993 to 23 January 1994 for the Small and Resources (unpublished).

Marine Invertebrate Conservation at San Remo

T. O'Hara Introduction township of San Remo and near to the The extensive reef and seagrass flats off very popular coastal tourist facilities on San Remo support a distinctive assem- Phillip Island, presents a challenging long blage of marine invertebrates. The rarity term conservation objective. and vulnerability of these invertebrates has been recognised by the listing of the Site Description 4 San Remo Marine Community* on The San Remo site is at the south-eastern schedule 2 of Victoria's Flora and Fauna corner of Western Port Bay, north-east of Guarantee Act 1988 (Reed 1992) This the Phillip Island bridge. It extends along listing was initiated in response to a pro- the coast for 1.75 km north-east from the posal to develop a large marina on the site bridge, and seawards 300-500 m, from the Permission to develop the marina was shore to subsequently the deep channel that runs be- refused under the Planning and tween San Remo and Phillip Island (Fig. Environment Act in 1991. However the location of this site, adjacent to the The site has a combination of physical

1 Saint James attributes that have not been found else Avenue, Mont Albert. Victoria 3 127. where in Victoria, and possibly southern! 50 The Victorian Naturalist! Contributions

Australia. The site has a northerly orien- section near the No. 7 beacon. The soft tation. It is generally subject to low wave vesicular basalt provides many micro- energy although occasionally receiving habitats for invertebrates. Species rich storm waves from the north. It is adjacent shingle beds lie parallel to the channel in to a fast flowing channel and has excellent the middle of the site. Mud and seagrass tidal flushing, contributing to the nutrient beds predominate to the east, extending availability. The rock is a weathered ve- around the coast to Reef Island. Near the sicular basalt. It is very unusual to find such Bass River Estuary, they are backed by mangroves. rock in the intertidal zone as it is quickly Examination of recent eroded by wave action. The sedimentation aerial photographs has revealed that these beds are regime is poorly understood, although part of one of the few large expanses of nearby cliffs are actively eroding. seagrass left in Western Port Bay. The two A detailed model of the waves and tides dominant seagrasses are Heterozosiera at San Remo has never been developed. A tasmanica and Zosteramue I leri. Together large scale model of Western Port Bay, they cover over 55 % of the area from the developed by the Victorian Institute of San Remo bridge to the No. 7 beacon. Marine Sciences (VIMS), indicates that This cover increases to over 90 % at the there is a net current inflow through the east of the site (Handreck 1 994). The pres- middle of the channel, that travels north- ence of healthy seagrass is probably due wards, and then circulates eastward and to the lack of sediment pollution in the southward around Reef Island. The area. The inflow to the area is largely from smaller net current outflow is likely to Bass Strait, via the channel, rather than travel along the edges of the channel (Dr from the north of the Bay where the major K. Black, VIMS pers comm). sources of sediment are located (Dr K. The reef flats support a complex mosaic Black, VIMS pers comm). of substrata including: sand, mud, coarse shingle, seagrass, algae and rock. The ex- Marine Invertebrates posed rocky areas are more extensive at The marine invertebrates have been ex- the western end, including an important tensively surveyed by the Marine Research Group of Victoria (MRG) since 1981. One member, David Howlett, has visited San Remo in excess of 170 times (Burn 1990). The MRG has visited the site eleven times. The east of the site was surveyed four times as part of a year long study for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Handreck 1994). The surveys have found that the diversity of substrata at the site supports a correspondingly rich assemblage of marine invertebrates. Over 630 species have been recorded (Handreck 1994). This is almost certainly an underestimate of the of total species present, as several groups animals from San Remo have not been sponges, fully identified. These include area, crustaceans Fig. 1. Aerial photo of the San Remo cnidarians, worms and small and showing the location and extent of the reef (isopods and amphipods). follows: n - seagrass flats. Symbols are as The MRG has recorded the occurrence Island, s - San Remo Newhaven township, Phillip of 282 conspicuous marine invertebrates flats. Crown township, and t - San Remo tidal subtidal locations at intertidal and shallow Copyright Reserved. 51 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions along the Victorian coast (Handreck and inellaeformis; and a sylobrid flatworm. O'Hara 1994). Of the 74 locations sur- Some of these species arc known from veyed, only the basalt rock platforms at only a handful of specimens (Burn 1990; Shoreham and Flinders have a greater re- Handreck 1994). corded percentage of the 282 species than Threats San Remo. The two reasons that the San Remo Ma- the Jhe most distinctive components of rine Community was listed under fauna are the spectacular range of op- Victoria's Fauna and Flora Guarantee and the very rich isthobranch molluscs (FFG) Act are that 1) it is significantly intertidal fauna of crabs and bryozoans. prone to future threats which are likely to by their Opisthobranchs, misrepresented result in its extinction, and 2) it is very rare seaslugs, are actually ex- common name, in terms of total area it covers, has a traordinarily beautiful and graceful restricted distribution, and has been re- animals. One hundred and twenty five corded from a limited number of localities species have been recorded from the site (Reed 1992). The most obvious threat is (Handreck 1994). That is 25% of the from marine and coastal developments, known southern Australian species and such as a marina. These developments over 6% of the world's species. Many are potentially remove suitable habitat, alter undescribed species (Burn 1990). Eleven currents, and change the sedimentation species have only been recorded, or were processes at the site. The San Remo ma- recorded first, from the San Remo local- rina proposals have situated the main ity. Two species, Platydoris galbana and entrance channel through the most spe- Rhodope sp, are listed independently cies-rich section of the reef near the No. 7 under the Fauna and Flora Guarantee beacon. Act. Some opisthobranchs only appear The sedimentation processes at San seasonally. Remo are poorly understood. In similar Sixty-eight species of bryozoans (lace locations, adjacent to a fast flowing chan- corals) and 40 species of crabs have been nel, small alterations in coastal morpho- recorded from the San Remo reef flats and logy have had a large effect on current channel banks. This is many more than is regime (Dr. K. Black, VIMS pers comm). usually presentat shallow water locations. If the net sediment flow is west to east, an Some of the San Remo species are usu- area east of a development could be exposed ally found at deeper subtidal localities. down to bedrock, removing the This includes some of the bryozoans; the seagrass and reducing the diversity of ctenophoran Ctenoplana willeyi; the gas- habitats available to the marine inverte- tropods Muricopsis umbilicatus, and brates. Favartia brazieri; the bivalves Anadara Other threats include: pollution, includ- trapezia, Atrina tasmanica, Myllita ing sediment pollution from terrestrial tasmanica, Timoclea cardioides and development sites, and damage from boat- Venericardia bimaculata; and the crabs ing, dredging and trampling (Reed 1992). Huenia australis, H. halei and Conservation Macropipus corrugatus. The unusual soft The distinctive nature of the location basalt rock is also home to uncommon and the assemblage of marine inverte- boring species. These include the bivalve brates at San Remo, the presence of so Barnea obturamentum and the hermit many new, uncommon and rare species, crab Cancellus typus. Other very rare spe- and their vulnerability from known cies include: the bryozoan Alcyonidium threats, present a compelling case for con- sp; the chiton Acanthochitona wilsoni- servation. Few southern Australian the opisthobranchs 'Retusa' sculpta, Ely- marine sites have such well known con- sia sp. nov. and Diaphorodoris sp. nov ; servation values. the small red gastropod Macrozafra com- The listing of the San Remo marine 52 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

community and the two opisthobranchs have used the listing as a case study of the on the FFG Act is a landmark in the prog- adverse economic implications of the ress of marine invertebrate conservation FFG Act. They imply that the economic in Victoria. The Act FFG was designed to benefits of developments such as a San ensure the long term survival of Victoria's Remo marina outweigh the conservation biodiversity. Action statements prepared importance of a few marine invertebrates, for listed communities or species can and that a cash provision for another specify management restrictions. The Ac- 'higher priority' conservation project tion statement for San Remo requires the would be an adequate compromise. The Victorian Department of Conservation unjustified subjectivity of this argument and Natural Resources to prevent works is lamentable. Moreover, such a narrow or activities that will threaten the destruc- view of biodiversity undervalues the im- tion of this marine community (Reed 1992). portance of sites like San Remo in There have been several scientific criti- supporting ecological processes.

cisms of the listings. The first questions In contrast, the author's view is that the whether the San Remo biota really form a case study indicates the need for state-

'community ' in an ecological sense. Mod- wide coastal planning. The selection of ern marine biologists hesitate to use the San Remo as a site for a new marina has term 'community*, preferring more re- had more to do with local politics and strictive terms such as 'faunal council boundaries than objectively bal- assemblage* until inter-relationships can ancing the competing requirements of be established. Regardless of the termi- development and the environment. however, the underlying conser- nology, Acknowledgments vation objectives are the same. The San The author acknowledges all the Marine Remo site has a unique set of physical Research Group members who have con- characteristics that supports a very distributed over the years to the under- tinctive faunal assemblage, including standing of the San Remo biota, in partic- many rare species. ular Robert Burn, Clarrie Handreck and The second criticism questions whether David Howlett; and Dr Kerry Black of the any marine species can be restricted to one Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences for site, given the continuous nature of the his assistance with current, tidal and sed- marine environment. Indeed, one of the imentation information. listed San Remo opisthobranchs, Platydoris galbana, has been recently re- References corded off the Ninety Mile Beach (R. Burn.R. (1990). An Annotated List of ihe Opisthobranch Molluscs from San Remo. Wesiernport Victoria. Burn pers. comm. ). Nevertheless this pre- Marine News No. 100, Feb 1990. Marine Research sumption does not hold true for all Group of Victoria. species. Current research has revealed Chisholm, A.J., and Moran A.G. (1993). The Price of Austra- that some conspicuous southern Preservation'. (Right Hand Corporate Communi- lian marine invertebrates are restricted to cations and the Tasman Institute: Melbourne). very small sections of the coast (O'Hara Handreck, C. (1994). San Remo Proposed Alternative Survey (1993) of Flora and unpubl). Other species are vulnerable for Marina Site: A Basic Invertebrate Fauna. A report to the Department of different reasons, including their specific Conservation and Natural Resources by the Marine habitat requi rements or their naturally low Research Group of Victoria Inc. and O'Hara 1994). abundance (Handreck Handreck, C.P.. and O'Hara, T.D. (1994). Occurrence of San Remo remains critical habitat for a Selected Species of Intenidal and Shallow Subtidal Locations. A report to the number of species. Invertebrates at Victorian Land Conservation Council by the Marine Research The San Remo FFG listings have not Group Inc. viewed favourably by some sections Community. Floraand been Reed. J. (1992). San Remo Marine of the community. Proponents of the ma- Fauna Guarantee Act Action Statement No. 18. Conservation and Environment: rina have of course voiced their (Department of Victoria). opposition. Chisholm and Moran (1993) 53 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

Vulnerable Ecosystems: Victoria's Alpine Regions

1 2 T.R. New and A.L. Yen

Introduction tional Park areas comprise a high propor- Victoria's alpine regions exemplify the tion of the region, but are subject to problems of conserving invertebrates in grazing leases and extensive invasions by natural ecosystems. They comprise a weeds and other exotic species. As in small but unique region of the Slate which other parts of the world, alpine areas are supports a variety of endemic invertebrate sensitive and vulnerable to human intru- life, together with other biota largely or sions. wholly restricted to the areas above about As well as easily detectable anthropo- 1250m a.8.1., mainly near or above the genic changes, the more widespread treeline. Together with New South Wales threat of global warming during the next and Tasmania, alpine regions comprise an few decades poses the likelihood of sub- easily definable but highly restricted hab- stantial decline in present alpine area with itat and the problems faced its by loss of habitats critical for terrestrial taxa, invertebrates illustrate the difficulties of in particular (Galloway 1988). Practical regional - or habitat-based conservation conservation for invertebrates must there- for an area subjected to a great variety of fore incorporate minimising the effects of human and natural pressures. increased human intrusion and settlement Alpine areas are characterised by ex- (including roadworks, housing develop- treme climates, but only a few hundred 2 ments, aspects of water supply and waste km are covered by snow for more than disposal, increased visitor numbers and three months a year. They encompass a increased intensity of use) and endeavour- variety of freshwater habitats (including ing to safeguard sufficient natural lakes, reservoirs, bogs and streams: habitat to assure the longierm survival Campbell et ai 1986), and terrestrial of repre- grasslands, heathlands, herbficlds and sentative typical biota. Habitat restoration is needed in places, shrublands with numerous plants re- involving control of stricted to the alps. exotic plant weeds (Mallen 1986) which The history of European intrusion into are already affecting the integrity of nat- the region involves traditional use of ural alpine communities. highland pastures for stock grazing in Alpine invertebrates summer and winter sports activities, espe- in Victoria cially in areas most accessible from Many alpine invertebrates are highly population localised, and centres, in winter. Much re- much debate surrounds the cent discussion over alpine conservation status of some of these which appear to be has verged limited on confrontation between con- to particular mountains or sites servationists, and on one hand, and those who are thereby vulnerable, and may be- wish to accelerate development of winter come directly threatened by particular sports facilities on the other, and a number development proposals. A simple strategy of notable alpine of invertebrates listed protecting a particular subregion of the under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act alps (such as designation of 'wilderness have become embroiled in such argu- areas*) is therefore not wholly satisfac- ments in areas controlled by the Alpine tory, and there is need for more Resorts Commission. The Alpine Na- widespread, mosaic, conservation efforts. There are thus two major, complemen- tary, foci for invertebrate conservation in the alps: (1) rare or highly localised taxa ^"^ De 7 P«««. Museum of Victoria under 71iTl^rVictoria Crescem, perceived threat now or in the near Abboisfoid, Victoria 3067. future, and which may need specific mea- 54 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

sures to conserve them and (2) endemic such species in the face of demands for faunas characteristic of, and restricted to, commercial development are difficult to the alpine region which are not currently defuse, and even undertaking objective rare or threatened but which need the cur- surveys is difficult and sometimes eroded rent suite of resources to be maintained if by political innuendo. A common senti- they are to remain sustainable. ment is that, because of the remoteness The former include several freshwater and inaccessibility of much of the alpine taxa, such as stoneflies (Plecoptera) and region, the species involved may well planarian worms; the latter include taxa occur elsewhere, so that assessment of restricted to one alpine area (the satyrine conservation need based solely on current butterfly Oreixenica latialis theddora is knowledge may be exaggerated. How- restricted to the Mt Buffalo plateau, where ever, there is little doubt that some aquatic

it is widespread) and others found more insects and others are genuinely highly extensively over the higher altitudes restricted in distribution, and that more (some geometrid moths: McQuillan comprehensive study of the terrestrial 1986). Indeed, larentiine Geometridae, fauna will reveal similar examples of nar- especially Xanthorhini, are particularly rowly endemic taxa. Baseline data on characteristic of uplands in southern Aus- terrestrial invertebrate assemblages, in tralia and New Zealand, with some particular, is an urgent need for conserva- species more narrowly endemic (Mc- tion assessment in Victoria's alps. Quillan 1986). Whereas the alpine Wise management of the area is likely Lepidoptera have been defined reason- to involve increasing degrees of regula- to control deliberate human intrusion, ably well, this is not the case for some tion to control other terrestrial invertebrate groups, ex- and more active programmes animals and plants. Much of this cept in very general terms. Likewise, exotic directed toward maintaining the alpine elements in some aquatic insect effort is status quo and restoring perceptibly de- (especially Plecoptera and Ephemerop- graded sites. tera) and crustacean orders are well defined (Campbell et al. 1986), but this is References not the case in some others. Campbell, I.C., McKaige, ME. and Lake. PS. (1986). In both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, The fauna of Australian high mountain streams: ecology, zoogeography and evolution. In 'Flora and particular restricted species can be pre- Fauna of Alpine Australia'. Ed. B.A. Barlow. functionally dominant (and, probably, (CSIRO: Melbourne/ R.J. Brill: Leiden). important) components of the fauna: the Galloway. R.W. (1988). The potential impact of climate 'Greenhouse. mayfly Ameletoides lacusalpinae occurs changes on Australian ski fields, In climate change'. Ed. G.l. Pearman. Kosciusko and comprised Planning for only near Mt (CSIRO: Melbourne). from 54% of the animals collected Mallen.J.(1986). Introduced vascular plants in the high with Bogong Creek (Campbell and Graser, in altitude and high latitude areas of Australia, area. particular reference to the Kosciusko alpine Campbell et al, 1986). By contrast, oth- New South Wales. In 'Flora and Fauna of Alpine Extensive searches ers are decidedly rare. Australia'. Ed. B.A. Barlow. (CSIRO: Melbourne/ Stonefly for the Mt Donna Buang EJ. Brill: Leiden). Trans-Tasman relationships in Riekoperla darlingtoni, suggested that it McQuillan, P.B. (1986). hi 'Flora and the highland moth (Lepidoptera) fauna, restricted to a very small area is indeed Fauna of Alpine Australia' Ed. B.A. Barlow. near the top of that mountain (Neumann (CSIRO: Melbourne/ EJ. Bnll: Leiden). A study of the and Morey 1984); the Mt Stirling Stone- Neumann, F.G. and Morey, J.L. (1984). Hiekoperlo darihigtom only rare wingless stonefly, fly, Thaumatoperlaflaveola, occurs near Mt Donna Buang. Victoria. Forests Mt Stirling (lilies), on Mt Buller and nearby Commission Victoria Research Branch Report No (Pettigrove 1991). 253. of the distribution Pettigrove, V. (1991). An investigation stonefly Discussion and ecological requirements of the Rural Water Commission However, the heated conflicts engen- Thaumatoperla Jlaveola. Victoria Report No 104. dered by attempting to secure habitats for of

55 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

Threatened Ecosystems: Agricultural Environments, Paul A. Home

This paper discusses the problems with, able to do this, but the most obvious are and potential for, conservation of native pest species. invertebrates in agricultural ecosystems. Other cultural practices such as irriga- A few examples of how agriculture has tion change the habitat for invertebrates. affected invertebrates, in both positive For example, soil irrigated over summer and negative ways, are given. The large will have a very different moisture gradi- percentage of Victorian land used for dif- ent to that in natural, non-irrigated land. ferent types of agriculture means that This may result in increased survival of effects from agricultural practices are im- some species, or alter the movement of portant to very many invertebrate species species (e.g. larval Tenebrionidae) that in different districts of the State. have a vertical migration in soil based on Compared to most other ecosystems, ag- moisture gradients (Robertson and Simp- ricultural environments are generally less son 1988). diverse in terms of species richness. The Another factor that affects invertebrates

main aim of most agricultural systems is in agricultural ecosystems is that the spe- to produce a single species (the crop or cies of plants being grown may often be grazing animal) and monocultures are varied. This may be as part of a regular standard. For example, a vegetable rotation of crops, or the result of changing grower may aim to produce one species of economic values resulting in new crops plant (the crop) per paddock and actively being planted. For example, the same remove all competitors, both plant and piece of land in Victoria may be succes- animal (pests, diseases, and weeds). De- sively used for pasture, peas, potatoes and spite this, surprisingly large communities cereals or left fallow. Obviously such of insects and other invertebrates do exist changes in the habitat will influence in agricultural ecosystems. For example, which invertebrates inhabit the area. Not all agricultural in Queensland, Cantrell et al. (1983) re- land undergoes such corded over 160 species of beneficial dramatic change. Orchards, vineyards and Diptera and Hymenoptera plus other spe- some pasture may remain intact for very cies of beneficial insects in potato crops. many years, thus providing a long-term Agricultural ecosystems are not gener- habitat. These habitats are still essentially aimed ally constant or stable. Intensive horticul- at producing one species but they have ture or broad-acre cropping often involves a more stable and physically complex removing all living plants from a pad- structure. Apart from dock, either with cultivation or habitat change, the most obvious herbicides, then planting a crop which threat to the maintenance of will be present invertebrate biodiversity in agricultural for some months, and fi- ecosystems nally harvesting the crop and possibly is the use of pesticides, particularly insecticides, destroying crop residues (e.g. by plough- nematicides and ing or miticides. Even herbicides will burning). The habitat available for have an insects effect on invertebrate populations as they to utilise is, therefore, fairly transient. Insects reduce the number of plant species present need to be able to locate the crop and in an area and possibly for more than the complete at least the part of their life-cycle life of the crop on which they were ap- dependent upon the crop before the plants plied. For various reasons, there is a are removed. Many insects are general movement away from total reli- 'institute for Horticultural Development. Department of ance on such pesticides but they still form Apiculture, Privalc Bag , 5 s £ Mai| Ccm^ Vjc(oria a major part of crop protection measures J 1 76. in Victoria and Australia generally.

56 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

crops The and animals produced in one or two insecticide applications the Victorian agriculture are, in the main, in- invertebrates present may be killed, but species. This troduced limits the number not those arriving a few days later. The of native invertebrate species that can uti- effect on non-target species will depend, lise such habitats but generalist feeders amongst other factors, on the timing of may be more successful. There are also pesticide use, its persistence, the move- examples of native species being able to ment of invertebrates and the micro- take advantage of the change in plant spe- environment of the invertebrates. cies composition. The native black- Rotation of crops, different grazing in- headed pasture cockchafer Aphodius tensities, different degrees of clearing and tasmaniae is a beetle that is particularly different farming enterprises within any favoured by the maintenance of clovers given district mean that the agricultural and pasture grasses in grazing land in environment is a mosaic of different hab- southern Victoria and South Australia itats at any particular time. Amongst the (Birks and Allen 1969). Other examples land used for farming are areas of remnant of native invertebrates favoured by pas- vegetation, of varying degrees o( quality. ture production include many caterpillars These may be extensive or only the vege- watercourses such as cutworms (Noctuidae), pasture tation along the margins of along roadsides. Mobile native spe- tunnel moth (Philobota productella: and Oecophoridae), Oxycanus and Oncopera cies (such as the common noctuid pest Helicoverpa (Heliothis) sp.) will perhaps (Hepialidae). be more able to make use of agricultural When insect pests become established in habitats than those with long life-cycles a crop or pasture, there is an almost un- and of limited vagility. We currently have limited supply of food. Insecticides are extremely little information on the re- then often applied and non-target species quirements of most native invertebrates can be affected more than the target pest (Hill and Michaclis 1988) and this limits (Jepson 1989). Little is known of the ef- our ability to effectively manage and con- particular insecticides on native fects of serve native invertebrate populations. invertebrates. Few data are available even for the effects on beneficial species in References:

Allen, P.G. ( 1969). Pasture cockchafer. agriculture. In general, beneficial insects Birks, P.R. and Journal of Agriculture, South Australia 73, 39-43. parasitoid wasps tend to be more such as Cantrell, B.K., Donaldson, J,F„ Galloway. I.D..

susceptible than pest species to insecti- Grimshaw, J.F., ami Houston, K.J. ( 1983). Survey of crops in south-east cides (Jepson 1989). beneficial arthropods in potalo Queensland. Queensland Journal of Agricultural insecticides are still Broad-spectrum and Animal Sciences 40, 109-119. agriculture Conservation of used regularly in Victorian Hill, L. and Michaclis, F.B, (1988). limit- insects and related wildlife. Australian National and it can be assumed that they are Parksand Wildlife Service, Occasional Paper No. 13. ing the number of species able to use Jepson, P.C. (1989). Pesticides and non-target inverte- the insec- agricultural habitats. However, brates'. (Intercept Press). Sampling ticides currently used are not as persistent Robertson, L.N. and Simpson. G.B. (1988). Pascoc and dispersion of Pterohelueus altematus as other chemicals (such as the organo- and Gonocephatutn tnacleayi (Blackburn) longer registered chlorines which are no (Colcoptcra; Tcnebrionidac) larvae in soil and Annual for use) and so their effective (killing) Queensland Journal of Agricultural only Sciences 45, 189-193. time is less. That is, when there are

57 Vol. 112(1) 1995 Contributions

Is There Life Beyond Butterfly Houses?

1 Alan L. Yen

Introduction volved in activities harmful to people is Imagine walking through a humid very small, and the vast majority of spe- rainforest when a brightly coloured but- cies are components of the numerous food terfly gently alights on you. This scene is webs that form the basis of our life support repeated thousands of times a day around systems. the world, commonly in countries with a The conservation value of butterfly temperate climate! You are in one of the houses many butterfly houses now operating In contrast, most people like butterflies: around the world - basically a walk attractive animals that are not dangerous through glasshouse with free-flying trop- to humans. Consequently, butterfly houses ical butterflies, tropical plants and a have been built to initiate the public into suitable climate to maintain them. the world of invertebrates in a gentle man- The number of butterfly houses is sur- ner. The major aim seems to be to create prisingly large, and more are being built an awareness and appreciation of butterflies. every year, a phenomenon described by Most butterfly species displayed in Pyle ( 1 99 1 ) as a housing boom for butter- American and European butterfly houses flies. There are approximately 40 originate in Africa, Asia, butterfly houses in the United Kingdom or South Amer- ica. Often, they are ranched or in (Collins 1987), at least six (and probably farmed the countries of origin exported double or triple that number) in the United and to butterfly houses as pupae, States (Pyle 1991), and over 250 in the hence providing a source of world (Bronaugh 1993). There are several revenue for the economies of these nations. in Australia, the best known being that at Ironically, the Melbourne Zoo (Crosby 1986). the butterfly trade (both in live specimens for butterfly houses and in The yuk factor dead specimens for collectors) may be of Most people can identify with birds, positive benefit in habitat conservation. In mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and butterfly rich regions such as Papua New hence the popularity of zoological parks. Guinea and South America, indigenous There is less popular affinity with fish, peoples derive higher incomes by pre- and even less with invertebrates. Inverte- serving tropical forests for the butterfly brates are often not considered as animals trade rather than clearing them for crops and it is common to see or hear the phrase (Bronaugh I993;0rsak 1993). 'animals and insects'. Ignorance The shortcomings of butterfly houses of animal classification is Undoubtedly the value of butterfly only a minor problem for invertebrates. The houses exceeds their shortcomings, but major problem is the extreme and disproportionate the latter need to be addressed because of level of loathing fear they can ramifications for lesser known inverte- evoke in people - the 'yuk' factor. Some brates. Nearly all butterfly houses display of the yuk factor can be rationally explained: large and colourful tropical species. spread of diseases by invertebrates, While this is aesthetically pleasing and a loss of agricultural production due to pest outbreaks, good messenger for conserving tropical and venomous invertebrates species. habitats, they are not directly relevant to This fear is widespread (Kellert 1993), the habitats where many butterfly houses although the truth is that the number of are located: generally in affluent nations invertebrate species in- with temperate climates. Hence there is Wrtebrate Survey Department. Museum of Victoria little reference / Victoria Crescent, to the conservation of local 1 Abbotsford. Vic. 3067. species in their own environments. 58 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

The emphasis on one group of insects tion has several species of live inverte- that represents only a limited range of brates in addition to butterflies. Local so- trophic roles neglects the vast majority of cial insects are displayed at the Northern species that form the basis of our biolog- Territory Wildlife Park near Darwin, and ical diversity. There is danger that a new Macquarie University recently put up a class of charismatic invertebrates will be display of an ant colony (Anonymous established. Already there is the differen- 1994). tiation between the birds and other There is still no venue in Australia that and it is important that a 'butter- animals, displays a broad range of live inverte- flies and insects* syndrome does not brates in a non butterfly house setting. It develop. It is important that butterfly is important to do so because butterflies emphasise the message that butter- houses are only a small, although obvious, com- are 'flagship* taxa for all the lesser flies ponent of the invertebrate world and are (and less attractive) invertebrate known not representative of many major ecolog- groups. ical roles. Efforts are now required to display broader range of invertebrates, The non-butterfly live invertebrates a capitalising on the good image that butter- display flies already have, as an important avenue Until the recent increase in butterfly in conservation education. houses around the world, there have been The display of invertebrates other than very few attempts to display other live butterflies has a major advantage in that invertebrates (with the exception of ma- they do not require large flight areas. rine invertebrates in aquaria). The longest Small-bodied invertebrates can be dis- continuous such display is the Regents small space, and it Park Zoo Insect House, which was estab- played in a relatively display a broad range of lished over 75 years ago. Today, several is possible to invertebrate biodiversity in insect zoos/invertebrate houses concen- representative trate on invertebrates other than butter- a small space. with live inverte- flies. These include, as examples, the More importantly, exhibit functions: Smithsonian Natural History Insect Zoo, brates, it is possible to the Smithsonian Zoological Park Inverte- displays can be mounted where people brate House, and the Cincinnati Zoo can watch invertebrates go about their Insectarium. However, most displays of normal lives (such as feeding on plants, invertebrates other than butterflies are set predator-prey relationships, decomposi- up merely as a minor addition to a butter- tion, etc.) in more complex systems. fly house. The need for using live invertebrates for In Australia, an attempt was made to set display may be questioned. Dead speci- up a live insect display as early as 1930 at mens, models and photographs are structure the Burnley School of Agriculture (Anon- effective in teaching us about over- ymous 1930). Butterfly houses have been and function, but they do little to decade. pre-conditioned 'yuk' factor in in operation in Australia for over a come the studies have demon- Displays were set up in Queensland (such most people. Several the importance of handling of dead as those at Kuranda and Mount Glorious), strated specimens in assisting learning in but public attention was probably focused or live contact with live an- with the opening of school students, but on the phenomenon and house imals fostered a deeper appreciation the Melbourne Zoo butterfly positive attitude towards them (Sherwood (Crosby 1986). In Victoria, a small sea- Hotchkiss 1991; Chilstrom opened et at. 1989; sonal butterfly house recently butterfly 1993 >- near Castlemaine. Several other u displayA' I Ideally, a live invertebrate found around Australia, and houses are appealing species to attract loca- would use the one at the Brisbane Southbank 59 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

people to the display. The next step is to References Anonymous. (1930). In sedan urn at School of instil into them an awareness and appre- Agriculture. The Victorian Naturalist 46,190. invertebrates as animals in their ciation of Anonymous. (1994). Museum fired up about ants. own right. This is followed by an educa- Australian Geographic No. 35, 10. Bronaugh, W. (1993). Farming the nowers. tional programme that only uses locally nying Wildlife Conservation 96, 54-63. available species (the 'nature in your own Chilstrom, H. (1993). The insect zoo as an educational backyard' approach). This then leads to a focus: programs from Metro's Washington Park In-

greater understanding of local conserva- sect Zoo from 1 980-93. In 'Invertebrates in Captivity.' Proceedings SAS1/ITAG Conference. tion issues, possibly including commu- August 13-15. 1993, Tucson. AZ. (Sonoran Arthro- nity action to conserve a threatened spe- pod Studies Inc; Tucson). cies of invertebrates (Yen 1993). Collins, N.M. (1987). 'Butterfly houses in Britain. The conservation implications'. (IUCN: Gland, Switzer- Conclusion land).

The importance of live invertebrate dis- Crosby, D.F. (1986). New Australian butterfly house. plays is gaining recognition, inverte- Anteima 10, 173-174.

Hotchkiss, N, A. ( 1 99 ). The pros and cons of live animal brates' was the main theme of a recent 1 contact. Journal ofMuseum Education 6, 14-16. volume of the International Zoo Year- Kellert. S.R. (1993). Values and perceptions of (Olney and Ellis is book 1991), and there invertebrates. Conservation Biology 7, 845-855, an annual conference in the United States Olney, PJ.S. and Ellis. P. (cds). (1991). '1990 Interna- on invertebrates in Captivity' (Sonoran tional Zoo Yearbook 30\ (Zoological Society of London: Arthropod Studies 1993). London). Orsak, L. (1993). Killing butterflies to save butterflies: a Invertebrates are defined as animals tool for tropical forest conservation in Papua New without backbones. They could also be Guinea. News of the Lepidopterists' Society No. 3, defined as animals in need of a good pub- 71-80. lic relations company to assure that their Pyle, R.M. (1991). Housing boom for butterflies. Wings 15,3. importance is appreciated widely. The Sherwood, K.P.Jr., Rallis. J.F. and Stone. J. (1989). live invertebrate display, if designed in a F.ffccts of live animals vs. preserved specimens on balanced and unbiased manner, could student learning. Zoo Biology 8, 99-104. well be that public relations company. Sonoran Arthropod Studies, (1993). 'Invertebrates in Captivity'. Conference Proceedings SASI/1TAG Acknowledgements Conference, Tucson, Arizona, August 13-15. 1993. (Sonoran Arthropod The author wishes to acknowledge the Studies, Inc: Tucson). Yen, A.L. (1993). The role of museums and zoos in assistance of an Esso Scholarship to visit influencing public attitudes towards invertebrate various live invertebrate displays during conservation. In "Perspectives on Insect 1990, and Tim New for useful comments Conservation'. Eds. KJ. Gaston, T. New and M. on the manuscript. Samways. (Intercept Ltd: Andover, Hampshire).

Education: Improving the Image of Invertebrates

Carolyn Meehan 1 Effective educational programs are based on the assumption that at some fun- needed if invertebrates, with their ecolog- damental level everything in the universe ically significant roles, are to be is connected to everything else (Clark conserved. Much has been written about why 1990). invertebrates - animals without backbones - must be saved but holistic Invertebrates have a Poor Image education is needed if it is to occur This The conservation of some species takes, type of education teaches that the whole precedence over others in attention, time* is greater than the sum of its parts and is and money, as all species are not consid- 1 Interpretation and Evaluation, Museum of Vic.oria PO ered equal Box (Carson 1962). The conser 666E, Melbourne, Victoria 3001 vation of invertebrates is largely over- 60 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

looked and often neglected (Erzinclioglu world as a series of pans and then study 1990). Two barriers to their conservation these parts in isolation from each other are people's biased perceptions and their have resulted in a negative image of inver- negative experiences with invertebrates. tebrates. In fact, people view inverte- Some people do not value invertebrates, brates with aversion, fear and antipathy believing that they have little worth and (Kellert 1993). Holistic education, on the are not deserving of respect. Perceptions other hand, considers all education to be of invertebrates are biased by: environmental education. • the homocentric nature of humans that Viewed holistically people are one of places undue emphasis on the import- many species and are a part of nature, not

ance of human; apart from it. Increasingly, value is attrib- • the view that nature is hierarchical and uted to non-human organisms on the basis

that humans represent the highest value that their existence is in itself an expres- in the phenomenal world (Nash 1989) sion of a continuing process of immense thereby entitling them to 'manage* na- age and complexity. Such long standing

ture and existence in nature carries with it the un- • the threat that the large number and impeachable right to continued existence small size of invertebrates pose to (Erhlich 1985). An awareness of the intrinsic human notions of individuality and in- worth of other beings is steadily growing. dependence. Invertebrates are essential for the sur- Similarly, people's experiences of, or vival of human beings. If people were to interactions with, invertebrates are often disappear tomorrow the world would go inverte- negative because people relate to on with little change and Gaia, the totality brates in terms of their nuisance of life on earth, would heal itself and behaviour, pest status or threat of danger. return to a rich environmental balance Some insects transmit disease and some (Wilson 1987). But if invertebrates were arachnids have deadly venom, but all in- to disappear, people would not last more vertebrates are often lumped together and than a few months because the nutrient beneficial species are not recognised or cycles, in which invertebrates play vital are simple ignored. Human space and roles, would cease to function (Wilson habitations are often invaded by inverte- 1987). Whilst holistically the objective is brates in unexpected ways that put them to value all species for their own sake, beyond human control. Invertebrates are pragmatically the importance of inverte- viewed as incapable of pain, rational con- brates to people acts as a stronger sciousness or planned action (Kellcrt motivation to protect them! 1993) and people associate more closely Negative experiences and biased per- with large animals, having what Wilson ceptions of invertebrates are due largely 1 (1987) calls a 'search image for them to ignorance about their biology and where people identify more readily with behaviour. This ignorance promotes a larger animals and understand their sense of their strangeness which transmits behaviour more easily. into a fear of all species - harmless, bene- know- Kellert (1993) has shown that higher ficial and beautiful. Increasing invertebrates pro- education is closely associated with in- ledge about diversity of positive creased appreciation, concern and vides opportunities for more of knowledge of biological diversity and interactions and allow an appreciation conservation of invertebrates. Education individual species to be fostered. education increased knowledge, how- is the key but a specific kind of With this perceptions the responsibility to make is needed to change people's ever, comes appropriately (Orr and improve their experiences of inverte- sure that it is applied be considered ) as knowledge cannot brates. 1 99 1 be complete until its effects on all com- Holistic Education to munities, not only human, are known. Educational practices which view the

61 Vol. 112(1)1995 Contributions

Once knowledge of the value and import- our. Everyone is encouraged to ac- ance of invertebrates is known, actions, tively participate and to learn from now and in the future, cannot be taken what is happening and from others. without consideration of the inter- 6. The environment in which the pro- connectedness of all species and the gram takes place is very supportive. effects each will experience. Participants are challenged, not forced. Program are Characteristics of Holistic experiences con- sistently positive and the animals Educational Programs are promoted in the best possible light. If invertebrate conservation is to be 7. Effective programs stress the inter- taken seriously, people need to be con- connectedness of invertebrates, people vinced of its necessity. Educational and other species, and discuss the rela- programs must focus on changing human tionships between them. attitudes and values regarding inverte- 8. The language used is positive, never brates through the acquisition of reactionary. In particular, the uncon- knowledge about them and positive inter- scious and often heard 'ugh' reaction actions with them. is discouraged. Environmental educational programs 9. The results of the programs -information run by schools, local naturalist clubs and gathered, knowledge learned, appreci- other educational institutions should have ation gained - are shared as part of a a number of characteristics that reflect a network that assists scientific inquiry. holistic focus to guarantee their success. 1. Invertebrates themselves are utilised Summary as a tool to increase knowledge of A holistic approach to biological educa- form, function and habitat. tion, emphasising the interconnectedness 2. Participants learn about the beneficial of nature, is essential if the problems of nature of invertebrates to counteract the next century are to be understood and previous 'bad press' and the vital eco- solved (Robinson 1993). Humans need to logical roles and aesthetic qualities of re-evaluate their place in nature and the invertebrates are positively promoted. value they ascribe invertebrates, indeed 3. Opportunities for participants to han- all species. Until people recognise the in- dle the animals in a controlled trinsic worth of invertebrates and value environment are provided. Physical the roles they play in the environment, contact, through handling, has long their conservation, and ultimately our been understood to be a powerful own, is at risk. method of learning: *I hear and I for- References get; I see and I remember; I do and I Carson. R. (1962). 'Silent Spring'. (Penguin Books Lid: understand' (Old Chinese Proverb). England).

The Clark, - keeping of invertebrates as pets is E. T. (1990). Holislic Education A search for Wholeness. Holistic Etiucation Review encouraged to create emotional links Summer, 3-8. with these animals. Erhlich. P. R. (1985). 'Dynamics of Extinction'. (John 4. Information provided in the programs Wiley & Sons: New York). is relevant to the participants. Learning Erzinclioglu, Z. (1990). Spare a thought for the about invertebrates. New Scientist 7 July, 48. the invertebrates from a local creek Kellcrt, S. R. (1993). Values and perceptions of or roadway is more significance invertebrates. Conservation Biology 7(4). 845-55. than learning about exotic species Nash. R. (1989). "The Rights of Nature'. (University of from other lands - although they too Wisconsin Press: U.S.A.). have their attraction and use. Orr, D. (1991). What is education? Resurgence 44, 42-4. Robinson, 5. Successful M. H. ( 1993). Invertebrates: the key to holistic programs teach through ex- bioeducation. In 'Invertebrates in Captivity', ample. Observing someone interact Proceedings SASI/ITAG Conference. August 13-5. positively with an 1 - animal provides 993, Tucson. AZ. I 11 . (Sonoran Arthropod Studies strong inducement to be involved and InccTucson). a subtle Wilson, E. O. (1987). The little things that run the world. model for appropriate behavi- Conservation Biology 1(4), 344-6. 62

The Victorian Naturalist , Contributions

How the Community and Naturalists can Contribute to Invertebrate Conservation

Pat Vaughan 1

Introduction comes critical to the conservation of na- While certain groups of invertebrates tive species. While efforts have been all habitat types are well known (such as the butterflies) made to ensure that and plants and animals are and specific measures can be pursued for their associated this not been their conservation, most species are not represented in reserves, has land is well known and the only effective strat- achieved and protection on private great many egy for their conservation is the essential to the survival of a maintenance of the full range of habitats species. they rely upon. With the limited resources available to agencies, the Different invertebrates utilise different government conservation of community groups (es- components of a natural habitat, so it is voluntary work has become an therefore important to maintain or provide pecially Friends groups) reserve manage- these components, which include indige- integral component of groups working on river nous plants, leaf litter, fallen logs, dead ment. Other habitat remnants on pub- trees, rocks, the soil itself and water bod- banks and other reserves also ies.Various processes can make an area lic land outside the major conser- unsuitable for resident invertebrates in- make a substantial contribution to cluding weed invasion, changes to vation. on their own land, drainage patterns, the use of pesticides, Individuals working co-ordinate their activ- and the presence of introduced animals, particularly if they properties as including introduced invertebrates such ities with neighbouring Landcare groups, are the most as the Honey Bee and European Wasp. occurs with private land con- We must also be conscious of the poten- important ingredient of such efforts. landowners are tial changes to habitat arising from servation Many Covenants on global phenomena as changes to climate now placing Conservation protect existing natu- arising from the Greenhouse Effect and their properties that These covenants the damaging influence of ultraviolet ra- ral habitat in perpetuity. through the Victorian diation arising from Ozone depletion. The which are organised on the title community's action in reducing its pro- Conservation Trust are placed on subsequent duction of carbon dioxide, the other of the land and are binding greenhouse gases, and the ozone deplet- owners. increasing.participation ing substances including chlorofluoro- There is also an ot Department of Con- carbons, will be critical to the survival by landowners in the faunas. Resources Land for plant communities and their resident servation and Natural that re- who manage In general, individual actions Wildlife Program. Those pollution produc- habitat for duce energy utilisation, their land such that it provides or degra- the pro- tion and natural habitat removal native wildlife are accepted into bonus of being they can dation have the added gram, receive a sign which conservation. receive the good for invertebrate display on their property, and wildlife man- most up to date advice on actions General regular newsletter and private agement through a Given that so much land is in manner in notes on special topics. ownership in Australia, the area in which the community manage their land be- The other which landowners in the re- can assist in conservation is NiUumbik, PO Box 2 1, through 'Environmental Officer, Shire of search area. Amateur naturalists, Eltham. Victoria 3095. 63 Vol. 112 (1)1995 Contributions

Similar actions could be pursued by in- recording the occurrence of species and dividuals with any threatened species that noting their behaviour and habitat utilisa- occurs where they live. However a far tion, provide additional useful inform- proportion of the community un- ation to that obtained by the limited num- greater are of benefit to a ber of professional researchers at dertake activities that rather institutions who arc operating on limited wide range of indigenous species resources. As one example, the rediscov- than concentrating on one species. ery and subsequent protection of the Habitat rehabilitation works by Friends Eltham Copper Butterfly, was due in large groups, Landcare groups and individuals part to the efforts of amateur naturalists. are by far the most important in this regard. A steadily increasing proportion of Community actions the community is involved in such activ- Examples of direct actions by the com- ities. In the Shire of Eltham alone, the munity to protect a specific invertebrate number of Landcare groups has risen from arise in the case of the Eltham Copper one to twelve within a three year period, Butterfly. These actions were diverse and and given that rate of growth, every inch involved individuals giving or doing ac- of the Shire should be covered by a cording to their skills, time available or or equivalent group by the turn financial circumstances. Landcare They included: of the century. While much of the above activity is land i the formation of ihc 'Friends of the Eltham Copper Butterfly', who pro- based, a considerable proportion occurs duce a newsletter, run information along waterways and is of benefit to stalls at community markets and festi- aquatic fauna. The Community Stream- vals, and who undertake works such as watch Program initiated recently by weed and erosion control and planting Melbourne Water, supported by many at sites where the butterfly occurs; Councils, and undertaken by schools and ii individuals donating to an appeal the community groups, involves the monitor- proceeds of which went towards ac- ing of water quality in local streams. The quiring a reserve for the butterfly; monitoring involves the testing of physi- iii artists donating works on the theme of turbidity, the butterfly which were sold at a pub- cal characteristics such as lic auction, with proceeds going to the salinity and pH, but also involves sam- above appeal; pling of aquatic macro invertebrates. This iv people (especially those living adja- will enable much more accurate targeting cent to butterfly reserves) planting and effective implementation of conser- indigenous species including Sweet vation works by: providing information Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa), the host on the type and distribution of aquatic plant of the butterfly, and thereby pro- invertebrates; identifying stretches of wa- viding additional potential habitat for terways with pollution or other problems the butterfly; and increasing school and community v individuals with the butterfly on their own land, observing the behaviour and involvement in works through their in- ecology of the species and providing creased familiarity with, and concern for, information useful to its conservation, aquatic invertebrates. and vi individuals being involved in annual Individual actions counts of the butterfly and thus assist- Obviously there is much the community ing with the essential role of moni- can do for the invertebrate conservation. toring the size of populations and pick- A summary of individual actions which ing up early signs of problems at will assist the conservation of native in- particular sites. vertebrates is provided opposite.

64 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Retain existing native vegetation on publications (e.g. McCubbin (1971), your property. Native vegetation is Common & Waterhouse (1981). what native invertebrates * have Join and actively participate in local evolved with and what best provides Landcare and Friends groups or com- them with food, sites for reproduction munity environmental survey and and shelter. Many native invertebrates monitoring programs. are totally dependent on one or a few * Learn more about local invertebrates native plant species; through reading local publications or Retain a reasonable cover of leaf litter, joining The Field Naturalists Club of fallen logs and rocks which provide Victoria, the Entomological Society of habitat for specific invertebrates; Victoria and local amateur naturalists Remove introduced invasive plants, as groups. these displace indigenous plants * Generally be mindful of your lifestyle utilised by native invertebrates, mod- and its impacts in the natural environ- ify the physical structure of the habitat ment and attempt to reduce your and its microclimate and soil chemis- personal use of energy, production of try. pollution and your consumption of Plant local indigenous species on your products that cause loss or modifica- property. A variety of publications are tion of natural habitats. available to assist in the identification, References propagation, germination and planting Common, I.F.B. and D.F.Walcrhousc (1981). 'Butterflies indigenous plants (e.g. of SGAP of Australia'. (Angus & Robertson: Sydney). (1993), Costermans (1994)), and ad- Costermans, L.F. (1994). 'Native Trees and Shrubs of vice can be obtained from the South-eastern Australia'. (Lansdowne Publishing Department of Conservation and Nat- Pty Ltd: Sydney). McCubbin, C. (1971). 'Australian Butterflies*. (Thomas ural Resources and often from local Nelson Australia: Adelaide). Councils on plants appropriate to a SGAP (1993). 'Flora of Melbourne - A guide to the given location. The plants used by host indigenous plants of the Greater Melbourne area'. (Society for Growing Australian Plants Maroondah, specific invertebrates such as butter- Inc. Hyland House Publishing Pty Limited: flies are indicated in many Victoria).

The Dandenong Freshwater Amphipod, Austrogammarus australis.

65 Vol. 112(1)1995 Book Review

Hidden Rainforests. Subtropical Rainforests and their Invertebrate Biodiversity

by G. Williams

Publisher: New South Wales University Press, 1993. ISBN 86840 054 8,

188pp. RRP $79.95.

This splendid book is the result of many of the Manning catchment: littoral years study of a complex Australian envi- rainforest, riverine rainforest (Wingham ronment, the subtropical rainforests of the Brush), additional riverine forests, Manning region of NSW, by Geoff Wil- Lansdowne - Comboyne Escarpment, ad- liams. The text and plates are evocative of ditional rainforests, rainforests of the his enthusiasm for the area and, for the Gloucester Ridges (by Terry Evans), and first time, emphasise the major compo- Woko National Park. Each chapter sum- nents of animal diversity - the invert- marises the peculiarities of the area, and ebrates. As the author points out, these are readers unfamiliar with the region will be generally dismissed in environmental reassured by the series of photographs of planning and assessment programmes, major sites and habitats. A short chapter and one important role of this book is to interspersed in this sequence deals with emphasise their diversity and ecological the complex topics of rainforest regener- roles to conservation managers. ation and rehabilitation, including the

An introduction to rainforests in Aus- needs to control invasive weeds - such as tralia is followed by a short chapter Laniana - in disturbed forests. The book summarising knowledge of the region's concludes with a series of appendices de- vertebrate fauna. The next chapter, tailing plant and animal (mainly 'Rainforest Invertebrates', develops the invertebrate) taxa recorded, and detailed major theme of the book - the vast array captions to the 40 composite colour of 'lower animals' present and the central plates; a bibliography and index (re- roles they play in sustaining ecological printed by the publishers to replace the processes in the forests. The author's original incomplete version) complete the major interest, insects, are given promi- volume. nence and the chapter includes a rounded I found little to counter my initial highly discussion of the ecology of arthropods in favourable impression of this book. It is rainforests, with numerous specific exam- packed with information, but this is pre- ples cited under a series of headings which sented clearly and with adequate range from purely taxonomic (various in- referencing, and is remarkably free of the sect and other groups) to ecological usual scientific jargon which can frustrate ('Feeding strategies and adaptations') and readers. It is a solid introduction to the faunistic ('Bees in rainforests', 'Com- hidden fauna of rainforests, and deserves position of hemipteran - fauna') the to be read widely by conservationists and sequence of topics is sometimes difficult naturalists in Australia and elsewhere to follow and I wondered if one 'hierar- both for itself and as an excellent example chical layer' of headings had been lost in of an authoritative natural history book of production. Briefer treatments of other great relevance in our rapidly changing invertebrate groups follow, and most world. higher taxa are illustrated in the excellent composite colour plates of the book. T.R. New, Building on this general appraisal, ensu- School of Zoology, ing chapters detail the characteristics and La biota of Trobe University, each of the major rainforest areas Bundoora, Victoria 3083

66 The Victorian Naturalist How to be a Field Naturalist

Entomology

Ian Endersby 1

Activities species identification is based. If you do a Field Naturalist As specialising in a lot of specialised identification a stereo Entomology you can look forward to dissecting microscope with at least lOx participating in: and 20x magnification and good lighting Field collecting trips; will make life very much easier. Identification of species; Insect photography requires close-up Making your own insect collection; equipment and macro-zoom lenses are Studies of life history and food plants (in now of high quality. Good, balanced the field or with captive specimens); lighting is essential so you will need flash- Distribution studies; guns in your kit. Insect behaviour and ecology; Clubs and societies Conservation of species and habitats; Entomological Society of Victoria Close-up photography. Australian Entomological Society Field guides/handbooks/ atlases Australasian Arachnology Association Butterflies ofAustralia. I.F.B. Common Journals and D.F. Waterhouse. (Angus & Robert- Victorian Entomologist concentrates son). on reporting field observations of insect Introductory Entomology for Austra- distribution, life histories and food plants. lian Students T.R. New UNSWP, Journal of the Australian Entomologi- Kensington. cal Society contains refereed scientific Handbook Insect Collecting (Collec- of papers on taxonomy, distribution and tion, Preparation, Presentation and behaviour of insects with many of the Storage). Courtenay Smithers (Reed). papers discussing pest management. Insects. John Child (Peri- Australian Australian Entomologist, many papers winkle Press). - out of print but often on insect listings. turns up in secondhand book shops. The Insects of Australia 2nd edition Enquiries Your FNCV Contact for Entomology is Ian (CSIRO). - the professional's bible. Endersby. You can conlact him on (03) 435 4781 Equipment or write to 56 Looker Road, Montmorency, Nets for catching flying insects or for Victoria 3094. He will be able to answer many of dredging in ponds and streams can readily your questions and direct you to others who can be made from scrap materials as can pit- help. fall traps. Portablefluorescent lights with a white backdrop sheet attract many species at night. Chemicals for killing and preserving insects can be obtained from specialist suppliers and so should proper entomological pins for setting insects for display. Setting boards can be made from balsa wood or some types of plastic foam and storage cases can be improvised, or made to a very high standard if woodwork is another of your hobbies. You will soon find that a good hand lens of at least lOx magnification is almost a necessity to check small details on which Nymph of Eusthenia nothofagi, the Otway

1 56 Looker Road. Montmorency, Victoria 3094. Sionefly.

67 Vol. 112(1)1995 1 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

Society of Victoria In which is incorporated the Microscopical Established 1880 Yarra, Registered Office; FNCV, c/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South 3141, 650 8661. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Members include beginners as well as experienced naturalists.

Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria.

Key Office-Bearers February 1995

President: Dr. MALCOLM CALDER, Pinnacle Lane, Steels Creek, 3775 (059) 65 2372). Hon. Treasurer: Mr. NOEL DISKEN, 24 Mayston Street, Hawthorn East, 3123 (882 3471). Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (650 8661). Editor: ROBYN WATSON, C/- FNCV, National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3 14 (650 8661, A.H. 686 6336). Librarian: Mrs. SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (A.H. (054) 28 4097). Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER (435 8408 A.H.)

Sales Officer (Victorian Naturalist only): Mr. D.F. MclNNES, 1 29 Wavcrley Road, East Malvern, 3145(5712427). Publicity Officer: Miss MARGARET POTTER, 1/249 Highfield Road, Burwood, 3125 (889 2779). Book Sales Officer: Dr. ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (850 2617 A.H.).

Programme Secretary: Dr. NOEL SCHLE1GER, I Astley Street., Montmorency, 3094 (435 8408).

Group Secretaries Botany: Mr. JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock. 3143 (598 9492). Botany Research: Mr. JOHN JULIAN, 24 Chatham Road, Canterbury, 3126 (830 4795 A.H.) Geology.Mr. DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127 (8900913). Fauna Survey: Miss FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, 3101 (818 4684).

Microscopical: Mr. RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Mernda, 3754 (717 351 1).

The Victorian Naturalist All material for publication to be sent to FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra 3141. Telephone queries to 650 8661 or A.H. 435 9019. MEMBERSHIP Membership of the F.N.C. V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian Naturalist isdistributed free toall members, the club's reference and lending library isavailable and overactivities are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine.

Membership Rates 1995 Individual (Elected Members) Membership Subscription Single Membership 535 Joint Membership !....!.!.""!!." $45 Concessional rate (Full Time Student/Pensioner/Country Member more i'ha'n5bkrn from' GPO/Unemployed Person) """1*"!^ $25 Junior (under 18, no 'Victorian Naturalist

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V i c t o 'r i Naturalist

Volume 112 (2) 1995 April

27893 by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria sinte 1884 Australian Natural History Series

South Wales Press has been publishing a valuable During the 1 990' s the University of New Australian animals. The series and delightful series, on the natural history of a variety of are beautifully organised for the editor is Professor Terry Dawson and the books themselves supported excellent illustra- reader; written in an easy-to-read style and the text is well by tions, graphs and photographs. Titles published so far are: 'The Platypus' by Tom Grant. Illustrated by Dominic Fanning. RRP 519.95 'Little Penguin' by Colin Stahel and Rosemary Gales, Illustrated by Jane Burrell. RRP $19.95 'The Koala' by Anthony Lee and Roger Martin, Illustrated by Simon Ward. OOP 'The Wombat' by Barbara Triggs. Illustrated by Ross Goldingay. OOP 'The Lyrebird' by Pauline Reilly. Illustrated by Peter Chambers. RRP $19.95 'Goanna' by Dennis King and Brian Green, Illustrated by Frank Knight, Keith Newgrain andJoEberhard. OOP 'The Mountain Pygmy-possum of by Ian Mansergh and Linda Broome, the Australian Alps' Illustrated by Katrina Sandiford. RRP $19.95 'Echidnas of Australia by Mike Augee and Brett Gooden, and New Guinea' Illustrated by Anne Musser. RRP $19.95 'The Dingo in by Laurie Corbett., Australia and Asia' Illustrated by Frank Knight and Laurie Corbett. RRP $24.95

In March 1995, 'Kangaroos' by Terry Dawson will be published, followed by Trying Foxes'. At the time of writing, The Koala', The Wombat' and 'Goanna* were out of print but will be revised and printed again in 1995.

Obviously the series has been very successful and this is undoubtedly due to the choice of subjects, the authors and the fact that the books are suited to general readers, students and wildlife experts. The books may be obtained from the National Herbarium Bookshop, Universities or by order from: New South Wales University Press, Sydney, NSW 2052. This series is highly recommended to all FNCV members. Editors

Low Cost Natural History Reading

Back volumes of The Victorian Naturalist Volumes 76 to 90. They contain 335 to 380 pages in 1 monthly 2 parts. Price $6.00 per volume order and then pick up at any General or Group meeting. Postage in Victoria (if required), One Volume $4.60, Two Voluimes $4.80, Four Vols. $5.00.

Orders to D.E. Mc Innes, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, 3145. Te;l. 571 2427. The Victorian Naturalis

Volume 112 (2) 1995 April

Editor: Robyn Watson Assistant Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Reports Recent Foraminiferal, Ostracodal and Molluscan Faunal Changes - Corner Inlet, Victoria, 72 by K.N. Bell, J.V.Neil and R. Burn Growth and Development of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot in Victoria, by Anthony C. Dufty 79

Activity and Stratification of Microchiropteran 86 Bat Communites, East Gippsland, by AS. Kutt Broken Contributions Factors Contributing to* a Fish Kill in 93 Creek, by Lachlan McKinnon and Nik Shepheard Occupancy of Peregrine Falcon Eyries near 100 Melbourne, by W.B. Emison and VG. Hurley

The Oriental Weather Loach from the River Murray, 101 by Michael MacQueen Fox, by Cecily Naturalist Note The Grey-headed Flying 1U2 FaUdngham, Naturalist in Residence 105 by Noel Schleiger How to be a Field Shell Collecting, Naturalist Senes, Book Reviews Australian Natural History a. EviftM Inside cover reviewers the Editors by Leon Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas, 104 Costermans, reviewer Jane Calder Burns Letter A Tribute to Alex

ISSN 0042-5184 vevenson, chick in Victoria. Photo tylon Cover Photo: Peregrine Falcon article on page 100) Herald Sun, Melbourne. (See Research Reports

Faunal Recent Foraminiferal, Ostracodal and Molluscan Victoria Changes in a Short Core from Corner Inlet,

1 1 R. Burn K.N. Bell , J.V.Neil and

changes faunal Changes had occurred during the short Little is known about the faunal time span represented by the core and what wiili geological time in the Recent Victorian palaeoenvironmental deductions could then marine feunas. Sea-level changes have a be made. No absolute dating has been under- considerable effect both on coastal processes taken on the core but a time span of the order and the living biota, in the geological pasl suggested by com- as Of I -2000 years has been sea level changes have occurred a result parison with other Comer Inlet cores {pets. of eustadc and tectonic changes. In southern Bell from W.-Y. Zhuung, Auslralia sea level reached its peak about comnt, to K.N. little erosion or 2 above present A.N.U.. 1988), assuming 6000 years ago at about I m reworking of the sediments had occurred as levels (Bryant et al 1992; QUI and Lang

1 in such a protected, low 1 then remained at about would be expected i )*. ) and has since environment. present levels. This means that at any given energy Inlet is a large estuarine area on the site on the coastline the water depth, ami the Corner Promontory. It con- assoeiaietl temperature and salinity, may north coast of Wilson's sand and mud Hats either have changed overtime and so has provided sists of extensive covered at low water and a changing environment forthe marine fauna exposed or barely five major tidal channels at that site. A sediment core taken al any site is dissected by (Jenkin ran therefore indicate what changes in the which range to about 20 m deep environment may have occurred and by an 1968), taken about aiysing the fauna present at different depths The core reported on here was

I at an within the core these changes ean be esti *00 m offshore at Poster Beach (Fig, ) mated. extremely low tide (5 March 1987) when the The present study was undertaken on a sandy mud Hals in the area were exposed. short core (350 mm long) from Comer inlei, Methods Victoria (Fig, 1). Three marine invertebrate The core was taken by simply pushing a groups (foraminiferans, ostracodes and mol length of 50 mm PVC pipe into the sediment, luscs) were investigated to see what, if any. wah the upper end plugged with a sliding stopper and then extracting the tube. The t OHl enclosed core was slowly extruded and eut Simpli o D»pt* 7 into 50 mm long sections (samples 1-7; N 6 ys\h big. 1). Bach section (of approximately \ \ \ 100 ml) was boiled in water with a small amount of Calgon and washed over a SBOmn 0.063 mm aperture sieve. ^x between \ The similarity (or dissimilarity) i* r any two samples ean be estimated by using 1 s Sanders method (Sanders I960); for each ' species common to the two samples being x^ compared, the lower of the two percentage occurrences is taken and then the values totalled to give the Sanders' similarity coefficient. Total values greater than 80% are Kin. i. Locality map showing core position and numbering of core samples. usually taken to indicate that the samples are nearly identical; lower values indicate Ilonoiaiv Assivmtcs. Musrmmtl Vuu»iiii,SwitnsU»nSl . Melbourne, Vuloim. 3000 greater dissimilarities.

72 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

faunal diversity, The N95-value, is a meas- fragments of muscovite and rare biotite, ure of the number of species making up 95% with abundant foraminiferans and ostra- of the fauna; these values have the same codes and a sparse bivalve and gastropod environmental significance as the total num- fauna. ber of species but are not affected by those The high proportion of silt/mud in the core occurrences of rare species that constitute samples and the lack of plant detritus would fractional percentages of the total popula- indicate that sedimentation took place near, tions (Walton 1964). A relative change in the but not necessarily on, seagrass flats which, in Corner Inlet, number of species or N95-value has environ- are most efficient traps of mental significance: a decrease in numbers fine-grained sediment compared with the bare sandy of species or N95-value in successive sam- areas (Zhuang and Chappell ples in a core indicates a marine regression, 1991). an increase in values indicates a marine Results transgression (Walton 1964), Foraminifera (author K.N, Bell): Description of the core A total of 3,959 specimens belonging to The total length was 350 mm. The top 69 species of benthic and two species of 3-5 mm consisted of clean sand clearly de- planktic foraminiferans were identified from

marked from the remainder which was a the core (Table 1). Of these, 18 species oc- dark grey to black sandy mud with a small curred in most samples, the remainder only amount of shell debris present. Upon drying in small numbers throughout the middle sec- this colour changed to pale grey. There were tion of the core. Three species {Brizaltna sp., no obvious layers or laminations in the core Cibicides biserialis and Planodiscorbis and no indications of bioturbation. Upon planoconcava) were found only in the top-

washing, all samples readily disaggregated most sample. and, when sieved, left a remainder (varying The fauna was dominated by miliolid (9 forms. Only one from 5 to 20 g) of angular quartz grains, spp.) and elphidiid (8 spp.)

Table 1. List of Foramimferans found in the core FORAMINIFERANS (KNB) Sigmoilina australis Ammobactdites sp. Elphidium limbatum Miliolina labiosa Spirolina inaequatis Ammonia aoteanus E. macellum Nodosaria sp. amis Spiroloculina communis Amphistegina sp. E. macellum aculeatum Nonionella

lucifuga S. aequo Brizaltna spathulata E. simplex Nubecularia gibbosa Textularia sagitiula Cibicides biserialis Glabratella australiensis Oolina T.sp. Cymbaloporetta bradyi Guttulina lactea Planodiscorbis planoconcava

Planorbulina Triloculina oblonga Discorbis sp. G. pacifica mediterraniens'ts

Quinqueloculina T. trigonula Eggerella briulyi G. regina lamarckiana poeyanum Trocluimmina inflata Elphidium advenum G. yabei Q. Vertebralina striata spp. of Q. seminulum E. crispum Z^e/iiWspp.,(21 Lagena, Fissurina, Oolina Dentalina, usually only as single specimens).

E. depressulum Lamellodiscorbis subpolygona dimitiatus Q. Reophax Planktic species: E. granulosum Leptohalysis sp. barwonensis Globigerina spp.

Rosalina austratis E. gunteri corioensis Massilina sp.

73 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

identical; the other samples had values ranging between 54% and 79%. The Fisher a-index (see Murray 1 973), the - value all show number of species and the Ny5 the same variation (Fig. 3) - increasing val- finy «L-V-\ 1 to 4 then a decrease to R ues from sample ' / sample 7. V\ /\ / Of the 69 benthic species recovered only eight were present in numbers greater than 6^\ / \ A / r 4 v v \/ about 3% of the fauna of each sample. Am- 5>\ /\ A X / monia aoteanus remained the dominant species and relatively constant throughout the 7 A \ / \ /\ /\ /\ / core. Quinqueloculina seminulum and Trilo- 50% culina oblonga showed a steady decline up ^§o% the core. The elphidiids showed varying advenum and E. cris- Fig. 2. Miliolid:Rotaliid: Textulariid ternary dia- changes: Elphidium gram, showing the relative percentage composi- pum decreased in relative percentage from

tion of the samples. sample 1 to 4 and then increased again; £. limhatum increased in relative percentage miliolid, Quinqueloculina seminulum, oc- sample 1 to 4 and the decreased whilst curred in the surface sample, whilst four from increased with time. Spirolocu- species of Elphidium {simplex, crispum, E. simplex remained fairly constant from gunteri corioensis and advenum) were pre- lina aequa samples 1 to 6 but then disappeared com- sent in this sample. The other representatives sample. of these genera ranged throughout samples pletely in the topmost

2-6 except Q, lamarckiana (sample 1 only), Ecological inference Q. subpolygona (sample 4) and Sigmoilina These changes can be most easily ex- australis (samples 2 and 3). plained by a simple deepening of the water Agglutinated species were uncommon from samples 1 to 4 and then a consequent (seven species in four genera), none of shallowing to the present day. By compari- which were typical of lacustrine or marginal son with known Victorian faunas, the middle marine conditions but which are found else- core samples (Samples 3-5) at Foster Beach Victoria in protected envi- where in marine are comparable with Collins' Lower Bay ronments. fauna in Port Phillip Bay in depths of 5-25 Planktic specimens were very rare and metres (Collins 1974), and especially with found only in sample 5, one specimen; sam- the semi-marine fauna of the Reeve Channel ples 2 and 7, two each specimens and sample (depths of 10-12 m) connecting the main 4, six specimens. lagenid The fauna comprised 21 species; N ID)1 95 ' they were present usually only as single 10- o 20" -50 species and specimens in the samples, ex- a cept for sample 4 in which 12 — 8 - 16- -40£ species oc- O a curred. Using the relative percentages of the O 6 " 12- k30» 9 * 9 a miliolid, rotaliid and textulariid groups pre- I m 5 u sent, the S 4^ o B- -34 o triangular M:R:T: plot (Fig, 2) w H z shows the samples fall on, or close to, the n 2 - 4- -10 MR side and within the normal marine lagoon zone of Murray (1973). 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The Sanders similarity coefficient between S AMPLE all pairs of samples showed that samples 2

and 6 (82%), 3 and 2 1 (8 %0), 3 and 4 (85%) Fig. 3. Foraminiferal oc-values, N95-values and and 2 and 4 (81%) could be considered number of species found in each sample.

74 The Victorian Naturalist .

Research Reports

Table 2. List of Ostracodes found in the core*

OS 1 RACODA (J VN) 1

Polycope sp.A. C. sp. nov. Doratocythere sp X.estoleberis limbata Psp.B C, sp. Arculacythereis sp. X. onstowensis Cytherella sp.A. Tanella gracilis ?Keijella sp. X. chilensis C. sp.B Paracytheroma sp. Mutilus pumila X.sp.l Neonesidea sp. Eucythere sp. Aurila sp. X. sp.2 Paranesidea sp. Australocytheridea Bradleya sp. Microxestoleberis sp. vandenboldi

?Rhombonesidea sp. Cyprideis australiensis Jugocythereis ?Bythocythere sp. A. henryhowei

Anchistrocheles sp. C. sp. nov. J. sp ?fi. sp. B.

Bythrocypris sp. sp. C Quadracythere ?Retibythere sp. obtusalata

Parkrithella australiensis Loxoconcha australis Dentibythere dentata

Hemicytheridea sp. Copytus sp. A. L. trita Asp.

C sp. B. L. sp.nov. Paradoxostoina sp. A

Microcytherura sp. Cythereis sp. L. abditocostata £ sp. B.

Schizocythere sp. Australimoosella liebaui L. sp. Cytherois sp.

Ponticocythereis sp. Loxoconchella ?Macrocyprina sp. pulchra

Yassinicythere bassiounii Cytherura sp. Propontocypris sp. portjacksonensis

Pectocytherinid tndet. Mackencythere venata Hemicytherura spin ifera Aglaiocypris sp.

Leptocythere hartmanni Pterygocythereis sp. s.l. Semicytherura sp. Phlyctenopora zealandica

Callistocythere purii ?Notocarinovalva sp. Cytheropteron P.sp. sp.cf.C w/i/7ei

C. insolita Echinocythereis Cytheropteron sp. ?Pseudaurila sp. melobesiodes

C sp.cf.C ?Echinocythereis sp. Xestoleberis p/«.v // indeterminate cedanaensis species.

lakes with the sea at Lakes Entrance (Ap- ing totals for each sample from the oldest thorpe 1980). As Corner Inlet has major tidal (bottom of the core, sample 1: 124 speci- sam- channels at present, the depth changes pos- mens) to the youngest (top of the core, tulated above can be explained by the migra- ple 7: 415 specimens). Of these species, 26 whilst tion of a channel into the Foster Beach area occur commonly throughout the core, occur in only one sample each, and then its subsequent movement away. 24 species or specimens. Ostracoda (author J.V. Neil): generally with only one two characterised by the occur- From the seven samples in the core a total The fauna is each of which consti- of 1,802 specimens was picked, repre- rence of six species, more of the total number of senting 93 species from 59 genera (Table 2). tutes 5% or These are: These were distributed in generally increas- specimens.

75 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

7, it is not possible to Mackenzieartia portjacksonensis 1 to 20% on sample nature of the 235 specimens (13%) infer any clear trends in the substrate since the evidence of the other Loxocythere hornibrooki species is equivocal in this regard. Another 159 specimens (8,8%) commonly occurring species, Australocyth- eridea vandenboldi, which Hartmann (1980) Pterygocythereis sp. s.l. also recorded from nearby Port Welshpool, 120 specimens (6.7%) reinforces the inference of a smooth sub- Australocytheridea vandenboldi strate (Hartmann 1980). 110 specimens (6.1%) The presence of several species of Xestole- bcrididae and Loxoconchidae throughout the australis Loxoconcha core indicates a continuing phytal associa- 106 specimens (5.9%) tion in the environment, probably with seagrass. Loxocythere hornibrooki which shows Xestoleberis sp. 1 somewhat similar distribution through the 97 specimens (5.4%) a core as M. Portjacksonensis, has been re- These species constitute 45.9% of the total corded by Hartmann (1980) from Port number of specimens. Of the remaining spe- Welshpool in sand/mud shallows with sea- cies only Aglaiocypris sp., Yassinicytiwn grass, so that the presence of that species bassiounii and Loxoconcha abditocostata strengthens the inferences based on the other are common. If the characteristic genera, commonly occurring species.

rather than the species, are identified using It is not possible to draw any inference of the same criterion (5% or more of the fauna) change through time in the environment in then the same six appear but Xesteroleberis which these ostracode faunas lived. Unlike and Loxoconcha are second and third mos! the evidence from the foraminiferans, which abundant after Mackenzieartia. These six relate quite specifically to depth of habitat, most common genera constitute 56.3% of the the evidence from the ostracodes does not total number of specimens. give any useful information about changes in The diversity of the samples as measured depth. However, some additional informa-

by Fisher's a-index ranges between 13 and tion is provided by the occurrences of some 20, with no clear trend evident. As is usually significant species in small numbers in the the case when using this measure of diversity samples. Osticythere reticulata, which oc-

with ostracode faunas, the figures are consis- curs in all samples except number 4 (though tently higher than for the foraminifera. The in small numbers) is an indicator of marginal similarities between the faunas from each of environments such as estuaries and shoreline

the samples were measured using Sanders' lagoons. Its favoured substrates are shallow

coefficient (Murray 1973). No pair of sam- sands, silts and muds, especially when or- ples could be described as identical (i.e. with ganic detritus is present (McKenzie and a coefficient of 80% or more). The coeffi- Pickett 1 984). The euryhaline Cyprideis aus- cients ranged between 41.5 and 73, so that traliensis, Loxoconcha australis and the group could be described as somewhat Phlyctenopora zealandica all indicate the disparate in terms of faunal similarity. likelihood of salinity fluctuations. Paracythe- Ecological inferences roma sp. cf. Psudaustralis occurs through- The most abundant genera and species sug- out the core and is also indicative of marginal gest a shallow estuarine to marine lagoon environments, possibly with some freshwa- environment over the whole of the period of ter influence. The occurrence of Tanella time represented by the core. The abundance gracilis and Loxoconchella pulchra which of Mackenzieartia portjacksonensis points favour sandy substrates (McKenzie and to a muddy substrate (Yassini and Wright Pickett 1 984) is a slightly anomalous feature. 1988). Whilst there is an increase in the Some difficulty in drawing valid eco- dominance of this species from 7% in sample logical inferences from the occurrence of

76 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

certain ostracode species in the fauna is ex- transgressive phases in the Swan River Es- emplified by Yassinicythere bassiounii. tuary near Perth. In the Initial Phase of trans- Yassini and Kendrick (1988) refer this spe- gressive-lagoonal character, there were low energy levels, bioturbation and fluctuating cies to high energy environments, whereas concentrations of dissolved oxygen and sa- Hartmann (1982) says it prefers warm, calm linity correlated with low densities of ostra- waters. However, in general terms, it can be codes and foraminiferal populations. The suggested that the Corner Inlet environment Second Phase, also transgressive, was has not shown marked changes in substrate, marked by higher energy levels and strong, water temperature and phytal associates over sporadic salinity variation correlated with high density ostracode and foraminiferal the period of time covered by the samples. populations. The increase in density of the Salinity fluctuations have probably oc- ostracode populations from oldest to young- curred, with freshwater influence from the est samples from Corner Inlet may reflect discharge of nearby streams being a major similar influences to those on the Swan Es- factor in this. The depth changes inferred tuary. from the foraminiferal evidence are not sub- Mollusca (author R. Burn): stantiated by the ostracode fauna. The dispa- The molluscan record from the core is rate nature of the ostracodal faunas from the sparse: 324 specimens or fragments repre- samples when compared with each other, is senting 72 species (Table 3). Three bivalves, Electroma georgiana (6.2%), Cavitidens to some extent paralleled by the foraminif- omissa (4.9%) and Cyamiomactra mactro- eral faunas. The variations appear likely to ides (7.4%) are present in all samples, and be due to varying depositional and winnow- seven bivalves and 1 8 gastropods, including which wander ing effects in the channels one live-taken species in the topmost sedi- over this area through time, rather than to any ment, are represented by single specimens substantial changes in the environment it- (7.7%). is a fragile epiphytal self. Electroma georgiana presence in all samples suggests Yassini and Kendrick (1988, p.119) sug- species; its long-term beds of seagrasses and gest some correlations between numbers of nearby (0-5 m) protected waters. ostracodes (and foraminiferans) and two algae in shallow

Table 3. List of Mollusca found in the core* MOLLUSCA Odostomia australis plus 17 indeterminate Gastropoda: bernardi spp. Legrandina

Hivalvia: Cyamiomactra Patelloida profundior Cingulitui spina balustrina calamus Nucula pusilla C. communis Naccula parva Linopyrga brevis Philobrya C. mactroides Lissotesta porcellana Egila mayi (Micromytilus) francisensis Musculus Condylocardia sp. Munditia subquadrata Kohonella minuiissima cumingianus Electroma georgiana Salaputium micrum Diala suturakis K. moniliformis Paphies (Amesodesma) Chemnitw manae Limatula strangei Alaba translucidu angusta

australis Ostrea angasi Hiatella Eatoniella Retusa chrysoma melanochroma Linga (Bellucina) Borneo australasiae Crassitoniella erratica Chlichna thetidis praetermissa Anodontia plus 13 indeterminate Hydrococcus braven Tornatina sp. (Cavitidens) omissa spp. (live taken) campanula Arthritica semen Lironoba australis Cylichnatys maugeansis Mysella donaciformis Leucottna sp. Haminoea

77 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 '

Research Reports

action on to exposed low tidesandflats, australaslae bom Into relatively wind Bartm nearby land into streams ul and below low oi by runoff from hard c i ay like Hedimenta of ' subsequent t\ contain .unl washed out to sea at limes tide level The oldei sample*. 4) specimens suggcsiing exposures oi luitablc rains, *>i and bottom* * ///- tnvtm sed mts along the sides / urthtt tfatoth <>f tks distributions <>i thnu neurby channels hi.itr groups within th* <<»• ma) /" obtainedfrom th$ Paphles angusta (sample 2). Learandma n-\/><; ttveauthon donm Ifoi bniuinli (samples 1.5), Myselte References

I and Haminacu ,ms (samples 5,7) Apihorpe, M (I980) Fommlnlfera] dlxtrlbutton In the (sample M all ocoui "> lowci mQURtiansk i siM.iiitK- Olppil i Lukes system Procetdingi areas, hence Ihc Intcrlidal/uppei subtidal Hoyal Soclityaj WcwWdM, 207 232. ol thai these samples represeni times Price, I'M and Shaft S.A. idea itiyiuii. R.A , Young. R.W., Arthrltlva §hallowoi lowci intertidal waters, (I992) Bvtdence t"i Pleistocene und Holocens brazieh n.s.w semtn (sample 6)and Hydrocaccus rained m it deposits, Stndon Point, Aus (samples I. *> todav both live in marginul rniltan fournal of Earth Sc/«*cm 39,481 493 marine environments, suggesting very shal C AC [974 Port PhUlip Survey I957 63 ex .iiriui.i Victoria, low, perhaps uppci intertTJul conditions I nu NatlanatMuMum qf Mm

[sted noarby Cyllchna thetidls is ;\ deepei (Ht .VS. I 63 ul I9S2 ThopaakoftheFlendrian wutei ( * hi) niiiuiii.il species; its presence GUI, CD and Lang, J,0, <>i transgression In Victoria, S B.Auitralii Faunas and sample I suggests tins was a lime greatci wain depth The absence of the three shal mudevel changes PrvvMitlngs, Royal Sot ietyaj Vfc low water/lowei intertidal invnlvrs Lbti taria 94.23 M Ostracoden dei Ordnung Podo nardt, A/ donaciforml$< and particularly Hartmnnn, G 1980 Die copodn G.W.Mueller, IB94, dei wumteni perierten Rangwsta, from sample i tends t<> confirm Hi lubiroplnch'iroplnchen Kustenabschnltte da the oeenei waiei conditions existing ul thai Sh.i undSudonkuiieAuitrulleni{zwischenCedun8 time The limpets Nacctila parva ami Patel im Weaten und I akes Bntnuice Im Oaten), Mittellun loUta profimaior calamus an* both shallow fen am •/"" Hamburgfxchen Zoologist hen Museum subtidal species, the forma living on sea

, lt >>' ( in ihc* 1 1.,, mi. nm ; 1982 Variation surface ornament [Jvfi and dead slu-iis und rock. Then occui three ostraood ipeotet ftom Australia, fri 'Fossil ami rem e In sample 2 perhaps indicates a Recent Ostracods' I Ms Bate, Robinson "»! Shop slightly deepei watei habitat, possibly not as pard (Bills Hnrwood and The British MicropaUeon deep its sample 4. lologlcal Society: Chicheater),

Ecological Inferences lenkfnj i 1908 rheOeomorph^ogyandUpperCaino /ou Ooology *>t South-eaM Oippilifld, Vlciorie The mOllUSCS in the samples appear U» fogival Sun.s •>! Vhh'im, Memoir 27, 147. represeni the following sequence oi marine McKenale, K.Q and Wckett, J,W 1984 Environmental conditions: InterprwutoM "t I jho Pleistocene Oitracode As sample / shallow, murine sombtuges fnm the Richmond River Vhlley, n.n W, sample 6 shallow, maime Pn* tiding*. Royal Sot tety oj Victoria 96, sample veiy living 5 shallow, maime Murray, J W 197 1 'Distribution and Ecology of

1 sample I .Irepei. peihaps in excess of * m, benfhtc Poniminiferida (Heinemann Edw d

marine Book* t ondon) Ssndofs.H.I Banthit in Buaaards Bay.3. sample \ very shallow, marginal I960 iwdksa nu- smunm- oi tiu- son bottom communllj / imnoh sample 2 s little deeper, more marine .u.r .mi! Octanohgy 5,138 153. sample I very shallow, somewhat marginal. Walton, W.R 1964 Recent rbraminlreral acolog; « Overall, a fairly stable maime envnon 1 naJeoecotog) w 'AfniroacheatoPaJeoooology BdsJ. men! is Suggested lor the lime taken to la\ ImhrttandN, Newell. (J, Wtiej A Sons n v i. down the depth of the core, with minor sea Ynssini, I und Kendrlck, O.W 1988 Middle Holocene tevel fluctuations producing marginal ma Ostracodas, bnunlnifara i"»i Mvhwunantt of bods rtne conditions, perhaps in shifting channels ,ii I'nn Waylen, Swan Rlvei estuary, southweaiem to due increased currents, at times of highei \uslraha Atvhtringa 12,107 121 sea levels. YaasinlJ andWright, AJ 1988 Distribution and ecol- Other Material ogy ol Recent ostfacodes from Pon HncWng»N^ W. Pmctedlnes, Unman Socltty N&W. IM»I59 Spines from the heart mehin EchiflO of 174, cardium are present in large numbers in all Zhunng.W v andChappetlJ 1991. Effects ofwagrtM samples, pointing to the presence of m beds on tidal i1j*i wscUmentaUon, Cornet Intel, south- sou, tme, muddy sui> mial conditions, In 'C'Iumu'Tulal Sf.lniH-ninli'i'.y" Bds Charred wood At Australia fragments are a feature >>i D.Q Smith, iM'Kciummi, it, A- Zaitlin and R.A, samples and 5. These could have entered Rahmant.Canodtai Society •/ Htroufum Oeote- the samples horn local tmshllivs. either h\ list* Matwit 16,291 300,

78 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

The Growth and Development of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Perameles gunnii in Victoria

Anthony C. Dufty 1 Abstract adult (Brown 1989;MintaeYa/. 1990; Dufty growth curve of A head length provided a 1991 a). In Tasmania, Heinsohn (1966) de- means of assessing the of age Perameles fined male and female P. gunnii that were six gunnii from birth to four months. Measure- and four months respectively as adult and ments of body weight were used to detemine based his estimates on a combination of head the age of bandicoots to 10 months. The length and body weight. Despite these defi- development of neonates to emergent pouch nitions, no standard method of ageing young is described. Juvenile P. gunnii may P. gunnii exists. emerge for short periods after 46 days of This paper examines weight and mor- pouch life and re-enter the pouch until day phometric data collected during recent 53. Weaning of offspring occurs when monitoring of a captive breeding colony of young are between 50 and 57 days old. Ju- P. gunnii at Gellibrand Hill Park in order to venile P. gunnii that have emerged from the develop a means of assessing the age of pouch may remain dependent on their P. gunnii. This information was then applied mother for some time. Offspring that were to data from the free-ranging population at aged between 57 and 86 days were observed Hamilton and the captive breeding colony at associating closely with their mother during Gellibrand Hill Park to describe the growth

her nocturnal foraging. Perameles gunnii and development of P. gunnii. aged between three and six months and in- Methods dependent of their mothers were referred to Weekly and bi-weekly monitoring of a as subadult. Hence, three developmental captive breeding colony at Gellibrand Hill stages were recognised for gunnii: juve- R Park between August 1988 and December nile (0-3 months), sub-adult (3 - 6 months), 1989 allowed regular measurements and ob- and adult (greater than six months). servations of pouch young to be made. The Introduction growth and development data for free-rang-

The comprehensive description of a popu- ing P. gunnii was recorded during monthly lation's demography depends largely on the live-trapping at the Hamilton Municipal Tip ability to accurately determine the age of between 1989 and 1990 (Dufty 1994 b). individuals. For endangered species, age de- Measurements of growth (to the nearest termination and subsequent life-table analy- 0. 1 mm using dial calipers) and observations sis can be used to calculate population of development of pouch young were under- reproduc- viability and age-specific rates of taken in situ. No litters that were examined actions that tion and survival and highlight at Hamilton were assumed to include neo- population or will most effectively lead to nates (between 1 - 5 days old). The age of remnant mainland species recovery. The young P. gunnii observed at Hamilton was population of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, estimated from growth curves of head length and Perameles gunnii is highly endangered and body weight that were constructed from Victoria (Brown persists only at Hamilton, data collected at Gellibrand Hill Park. 1989). Avoidance behaviour is commonly ob- studies in Vic- During recent live-trapping served between P. gunnii of different ages population of toria, the age structure of the and sexes (Dufty 1994 a). Hence, adult fe- esti- P, gunnii at Hamilton was arbitrarily males that were observed to be associating individuals that mated using body weight; closely with young (e.g. an adult female and described as weighed more than 500 g were young that were live-trapped together) but 1 Department of Geog- Environmental Management Unit. displayed little or no antagonism toward raphy and Environmental Science. Monash University, them, were assumed to be the mother of the Clayton, Victoria 3 168.

79 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

young. Young that had emerged from the allowed the ugc of a further 145 young in 66 pouch but were associating closely with an litters observed ut Hamilton to be estimated. adult female were referred to as post-emer- Also, ten juveniles (in eight litters) were gent dependent juveniles. Standard meas caught in the same trap as their mothers and urements of head, ear, foot, tail and scrotum their body weight, morphology and behav- (Brown 1989; Dufty 1991 a\ 1991*) were iour were recorded. Hence, the growth of recorded for juvenile, suhadull and adult IKK young in 86 litters from both captive /' gunnli. and free-ranging populations was reported

Results (Table 1 and 2), and of these, the develop- Growth curves for head length and body ment of 27 pouch young in 13 litters was weight were plotted from 58 encounters <>( described (Table 3).

12 litters (totalling 33 individuals) thai were Description of neonate first recorded as neonates at Gcllihrand Hill Two litters of neonates totalling seven /* Park (F*ig. I and 2). These growth curves, and gunnli were known to be born within 24 the morphometric data collected in the field. h of examination and were described in situ. IOU The mean head length was 5.75 mm (n=7) and mean crown-rump length was 13.6 mm uo- (n=7). Neonates were reddish-pink in colour with hairless, glossy skin that was slightly !- so - */ moist lo touch. The mouth comprised a circular opening firmly enclosed upon a teat I by lit 40- an enlarged tongue that slightly protruded i from the mouth. The nostrils were tubular :<) and prominent on an abruptly ending snout. The eyes were represented by dark grey - c 100 ZOO pigmentation that formed a ring under a ACE IN DAYS translucent membrane. Neither ears nor sex Kir. 1. The growth in head length of 33 Perameles was distinguishable. The forelimbs were thai grnmU were first encountered as neonates in well developed, with three toes on each the captive breeding colony ai Qcllibrand Mill Park, limb, compared to the hind limbs that resem- Victoria. Values an- means + Standard etTOl ami bled nippers with line of best fit was plotted from a polynomial two rudimentary digits on equation to the each. order of ?> (y = 4.84 +l Q6a The tail was well developed and about (MXl-V -5.KKc-(u 2 R= 1.0) 3 - 4 mm long, curving ventrally between the hind limbs. The neonates often moved during the examinations. In general, the forelimbs moved randomly while the hindquarter moved more saltatorially with the curved spine straightening as the hind limbs pushed backwards. Description of emergent pouch young The oldest pouch young observed were estimated to be 53 days old. The mean head length and body weight of emergent pouch young (between day 46 and 53) were

47.2 mm (n=IO; range 49 - 44 mm) and h^. t in- 2. growth In body weight of 33 Perome- 8 1 .4 (n=4; 1 - ly gwmk in the captive g range 40 42.5 g) respectively. breeding eolonv at ( ielii hraiul HiH Pwk, Their ears were erect, facing forward and Victoria, Values are' means t Standard error 28.1 and line of best fit ± 0.2 mm (n=2) high and their tail was plotted I. ..in was fl polynomial equation to the order of 4 (v =0 32 49.2 ± 0.7 mm (n=2) long. The young's eyes T 4 J-J^X-0.006x .l.O2e-4x^0.Oe + 0x R. were open, all whiskers were present and fur covered the body to a length of 5 mm. The

The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 1. Growth of head length, foot length and body weight for 145 pouch young in a free-ranging population of Perameles gunnii at Hamilton, Victoria. Values are means ± standard errors with the

Age Head length Foot length Body Age Head length Foot length Body (days) (mm) (ram) weight (days) (mm) (mm) weight (g) (g)

1 5.8 + 0.1 (2) 27 25.810.2 (3) 16.6 2.4 (2)

2 6.510.0 (3) 28 26.810.8 (2) 19.311.6 (2) 3 7.2 ±0.3 (2) 29 27.010.5 (2) 16(1) 8.0 4 (1) 30 29.0 (1) 5 8.410.1 (4) 31 29.610.2 (5) 19.111.2 (5) 8.8 6 (1) 32 32.311.3 (2) 25.0 + 0.5 (2)

8 9.310.3 (3) 34 32.610.1 (2) 24.9 (1) + 10 10.5 0.2 (6) 35 34.5 (1) 30.5 (1) + 11 12 (3) 36 34.7 0.2 (3) 28.0 4.0 (3)

12 12.511.5 (2) 38 36.9 + 0.5 (2) 31.314.6 (2)

14 14 (1) 42 40.710.3 (3) 34.21 1.0 (3) 30.0(1)

15 14.810.7 (3) 6.411.4 (2) 44 44.3 0.8 (2) 41.8 0.3 (2) 70.0(1)

16 16(1) 6(1) 45 43.8 (1) 38 (1)

17 16(1) 7 (1) 46 44(1) 42(1)

18 17.4±0.4 (7) 8.4 + 0.6 (7) 47 44.8 (1X41.5 (1) 66.0(1)

19 19.3 + 0.8 (2) 9.511.5 (2) 48 47.010 (2) 46.811.3 (2) 77.0(1)

21 21.410.3 (5) 11.710.7 (3) 49 4810.5 (2) 4610.5

22 22.710.5 (3) 12.3 + 0.5 (3) 50 4810.5 (2) 41.813.75 (2) 42.5 (1)

24 22.510.5 (2) 14.5 (1) 51 48.2 (1X48.1 (1) 140 (1)

25 23.8 + 0.8 (2) 12.4 (1) 53 49 (1),45 (1)

26 25.5 (1) 18.8 (1)

fur was very fine and soft to touch and age of the young was estimated to be about pigmented a golden brown with distinct 53 days. post-emergent dependent cream and dark patches that delineated bars Description of young on their hindquarters. The young were often Although not observed during the study, found detached from a teat (one young was emergent young were probably left in a nest observed suckling two teats simultaneously) during the mother's nocturnal foraging. and were sometimes heard making soft Many adult females were observed lactating, squeaking noises. During examinations, the having greatly extended nipples, about young were very curious and often sniffed 40 mm long, but without pouch young. This objects e.g. fingers placed and nuzzled period of lactation when pouch young were pouch. During this time, young within the absent, occurred between pouch emergence for short periods may voluntarily emerge (day 53) and day 57. Eight post-emergent one occa- and later re-enter the pouch. On juvenile R gunnii were captured with then- sion, after both mother and young were mothers. The youngest of these juveniles crouched on the trap floor, the young was was estimated to be 57 days while the oldest observed re-entering the pouch. As the trap was 86 days. All mothers that were caught was approached, the mother raised herself to with post-emergent juveniles were not lac- very immature young. a standing position, arched her back and tating or lactated with P. gunnii appeared to be weaned lifted her left forelimb to expose the pouch. Therefore, 57 but still depended The young promptly re-entered the pouch off milk by about day on their mothers to find solid food. The while the mother maintained her vigil. The

81 Vol 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

Table 2. Mean size of live-trapped juveniles (aged - 3 months), subadults (aged 3 - 6 months) and adults (aged 6 months or older), excluding pouch young, in a free-ranging population of Perameles gunnii at Hamilton, Victoria. Mean values are ± standard error.

Characteristic Mean size Number Minimum Maximum

a) Juvenile

Body weight 286.4 ± 29 g 18 135 g 480 g Head length 65.1 ± 1.4 mm 18 53.0 mm 73.8 mm Foot length 62.6+ 1.2 mm 15 54.0 mm 68.7 mm Ear length 37.9 ±1.6 mm 18 31.8 mm 44.8 mm Tail length 71.3 ±2.6 mm I! 53.5 mm 83.5 mm Scrotal length 11.7±1.1 mm 9 7.8 mm 18.2 mm Scrotal width 13.8 ±1.4 mm 9 9.0 mm 21.8 mm b) Sub-adult Body weight 546.9 ± 9.9 g 34 405 g 640g Head length 79.8 ±0.6 mm 30 74.5 mm 89.0 mm Foot length 70.1 ±0.5 mm 30 66.0 mm 75.0 mm Ear length 42.3 ± 0.7 mm 30 35.0 mm 47.0 mm Tail length 83.6 ±1.3 mm 27 73.8 mm 97.9 mm Scrotal length 19.6 ± 1.4 mm 11 12.0 mm 26.5 mm Scrotal width 23.4 ±1.6 mm 11 13.3 mm 29.5 mm c) Adult

Body weight 805.8 ± 4.8 236 g 645 g 950 g Head length 86.9 ±0.2 mm 225 78.4 mm 95.2 mm Foot length 75.1 ±0.2 mm 223 68.0 mm 81.5 mm Ear length 45.9 ±0.2 mm 222 38.5 mm 52.0 mm Tail length 91.6 ±0.4 mm 184 75.0 mm 105 mm Scrotal length 27.9 ±0.2 mm 136 21.7 mm 33.0 mm Scrotal width | 33.1 ±0.2 mm 136 26.3 mm 39.2 mm average head length and body weight of the and dependent on, their mother for some live-trapped post-emergent dependent juve- time after weaning. During one occasion, niles were 59.9 mm (n=8; range 70 - 53 mm) two juvenile females (about 57 days old) and 161.4g(n=7;range 220- 135 g) respec- were trapped with their mother. Upon unas- tively. sisted emergence from the handling bag, the On one occasion when mother and young mother moved quickly into some tussock had been caught in the same trap, the young grass about 1.5 m to the north. One young attempted to enter the pouch but was re- followed her closely, while the other headed fused. The mother adopted an arched-back west but stopped about 2 from her mother stance m (described earlier) but held her pouch and made a soft squeak that was repeated closed. When the pouch of the mother was five times at about one second examined, intervals. three 2 day old pouch young were The mother backtracked about half a metre found. The post-emergent young was esti- and made a single low 'honk' that attracted mated to be about 70 days old and if the the young to her and gestation reunited the trio. The period of Perameles gunnii is as- mother then slowly moved east out of cover sumed to be about 12.5 days (Lyne 1974) at a walking pace and jumped onto the wire these pouch young were probably conceived mesh of a mattress when the base. Again one young emergent young were about 56 followed closely and climbed onto the base days old (just weaned). while the other (the one that The live-trapping was initially of both mother and lost) went under the wire mesh of the base. young m the same trap indicates that juve- Although niles continue this young could hear and see her to be closely associated with mother, she remained out of contact. Exten-

82 The Victorian Naturalist Reseatth Reports

Table 3. The development of pouch young of eastern barred bandicoot, Ptntmefes gunnii in Victoria.

Descriptions were based on observations of 27 young in 13 litters in both the free-ranging population ai Hamilton and captive population at Gellibrand Hill Park. Victoria.

Small anttnor Latrral lip groove d#v»1opwg Op#n laterally. Fully op#n. MOUTH

SUCKLING Younq firmly attached. Young abl* to d*tach.

Clos*d. Oprn EVES Ey»lids nsiblt. Distinguishable lint b#tv«n upp#r and 1ow»r lids

OUTER Fus*d to h*ad, Fr»«.

EARS Powtmq forvard. Powtinq bacicvard. Er»ct.

Abs»nt. Small amount on snout. ExtrKnitiw, Body. PIGMENTATION .^fl

Absent, Som« papillat prwnt. All nbn«a» prtstnt. V1BRISSAE ^ Hair und»r m#mbr*n». Erupting. Fully furrtd. HAIR ^^M

Pouch dtprMswn and scrotum visibl*, SEX jH 1 VOCALISATION Mutt Soft squtakmq

Em*r7#nc». POUCH LIFE Continuously in pouch.

1 i i i t 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i l ' i 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ! i M 1 M 1 | | | | 1 1 1 I'TT'TT | | | | | | M 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 ( 3 5 to DAYS SINCE BIRTH.

- body weight). sive vocalisations and searching for a break 5 6 months (about 640 g independent P. gunnii reach sex- in the mesh by both mother and young were Therefore, between 3 and 6 months. The perceived until, probably by chance, the ual maturity subadult can be mother and young jumped off the base and period when P. gunnii are morphometrically defined as when head the trio was reunited a second time. The is greater than 74 mm and body mother then led the young northwards into a length weight is greater than 400 g but equal to or pile of Monterey Cypress Cupressus macro* 640 carpa limbs where they were last seen. less than g. Description of sub-adult Discussion study, P. gunnii were grouped Sub-adults appear to be proportionally During this (juve- into three age classes: - 3 months similar to, though smaller than, adult P gun- - and greater to suc- nile), 3 6 months (subadult) nil (Table 2). The youngest female than 6 months (adult). These age classes also cessfully mate was about three months old represent developmental stages. The juve- the mean age of females at first although on nile stage is when young are dependent successful mating was 3.5 months (109 the matur- their mother for nutrition and shelter; days; n=9). The onset of male sexual sub-adult stage represents when young are to determine using mor- ity is more difficult and scrotum independent, becoming sexually mature phometry data. The growth of the adult size, and; the adult are about developing to full appears to plateau when P gunnii

83 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

stage is when P. gunnii are fully mature ami 6.6 mm and 6.0 mm. independently established in their own Young remained in the pouch for about 46 home range. Dufty (1994 b) utilised these days and after emergence were able to re-en- three age elasses and further subdivided the ter the pouch until about day 53. Similarly, adult group into three-month intervals to Heinsohn (1966) believed the period of facilitate more intensive demographic emergence occurred when young were aged analysis. Lyne (1964), Brown (1989) and between 48 and 53 days. A large range in Minta et al. (1990) classified the population body weights was observed for emergent on the basis of body weight intojuvenile and young during both this study (mean = adult. Dufty (1991a) utilised three age 81.4 g, range: 140-42.5 g) and Hcinsohn's classes: less than 150 g, between 150 and (1 966) study (mean = 82.5 g, 143-61 g).The 500 g, and greater than 500 g to designate high variation in pouch young body weight juvenile, sub-adult and adult groups respec- may directly reflect the amount, and nutri- tively. During this study, head length was tional value, of milk produced by the mother. favoured over body weight and foot length Stoddart and Braithwaite (1979) and due to the greater consistency of measure- Claridge et al. (1991) suggest that males ment, the slow growth of body weight and frequently occupy optimal habitat and that foot length early in development, and the few food resources and little shelter may be case of head length measurement for P. gun- present in suboptimal areas (Dufty 1994 r). nil of all ages. Lyne (1964) and Heinsohn Female P. gunnii that inhabit suboptimal (1966) also believed head length to be the areas may need to forage longer, spend more most suitable measurement for ageing juve- time avoiding predators and conspccifics, nile bandicoots. Mead length measurements and use more energy keeping warm than were accurate for age estimation ofjuveniles females in optimal habitat. Hence, the size and subadults. However, the growth of pouch young and timing of their emer- of P. gunnii slowed after six months while gence may be dependent on the mother's variations due to individual and seasonal position in the dominance hierarchy in addi- differences increased. Therefore, age esti- tion to seasonal and climatic factors. Hein- mation using head length and body weight sohn (1966) maintained a mother and pouch may be considered unreliable for individuals young alone in a captive enclosure (presum- that are nine months or older. This may be ably with adequate food and shelter) and of little concern during close demographic observed that the litter remained in the monitoring of R gunnii due to their high pouch until day 55 and periodically emerged trappability (Minta et al. 1990; Dufty 1994 and re-entered the pouch until day 58, con- b) and the likelihood that most individuals siderably longer than was observed for free- in the population will be encountered as ranging P. gunnii in Tasmania and Victoria. juveniles, sub-adults or young adults. Heinsohn The ( 1 966) believed that young were description of P, gunnii pouch young kept in a nest for several during days after emer- this study was similar to descriptions gence. The youngest and oldest post-emer- given by Heinsohn (1966) and Lyne (1964; gent dependent juveniles were 57 days 1 and 95 1 ). The head length for neonate P. gunnii 86 days old and if a period of nest-life was (5.8 mm. this study; 5.3 mm, Heinsohn present during this study, 1966) was it probably oc- similar to the head length of curred between day 46 (emergence) and day newborn P. nasuta (6.3 mm, Lyne 1964) 57. Young Newborn hoodon appeared to be dependent on their sp. may be similar in size mother (based until they are about 3 months old, on head length) to newborn Perame- after which female les sp, Maekcrras and male P. gunnii appear and Smith (1960) deter- "»ned to become more independent and sexually a mean head length of 4.5 mm for active. Sexual maturity appears to occur at /. macmurus, and Heinsohn (1966) deter- about mined 3.5 and 5 months for females and that the head length of /. obesulus males neonates trom respectively, although Heinsohn three litters were 5.8 mm (1966) believed that females and males

84 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

reached sexual maturity at 3 and 4-5 months Dufty, A.C. (1994a). Field observations of the behaviour of free-ranging eastern barred bandicoots, Perameles respectively. gunnii at Hamilton, Victoria. The Victorian Natural- ist 111,54-9. Acknowledgements Dufty, A.C. (1994 b). Population demography of the The following people assisted in the col- eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gunnii at Ham- ilton, Victoria. Wildlife Research. 21, 445-57. lecting of data at Gellibrand Hill Park: Ms F. Dufty, A.C. (1994 c). Habitat and Spatial requirements of Marriot, Ms M. Watson, Mr N. Robinson, the eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gunnii at Mr J.H. Seebeck, Mr M. Downs, Mr L. Hamilton, Victoria. Wildlife Research. 21, 459-72. Heinsohn, G.E. (1966). Ecology and reproduction of the and A. Govanstone. Mrs T. Dufty Kogge, Mr Tasmanian bandicoots (Perameles gunni and Isoo- and Miss K. Alston reviewed an early draft donobesulus). University ofCalifornia. Publications of the manuscript. in Zoology 80, 1-96. Lyne, A.G. (1951). Notes on external characters of the barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii Gray), with spe- References cial reference to the pouch young. Proceedings ofthe Brown, PR. (1989). Management plan for the conserva- Zoological Society ofLondon 121, 587-98. tion of the eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles gun- Lyne, A.G. (1964). Observations on the breeding and nil, in Victoria. National Parks and Wildlife Division, growth of the marsupial Perameles nasuta Geoftroy, Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental with notes on other bandicoots. Australian Journal Research Technical Report Series No 63. (Depart- of Zoology 12, 322-39. ment of Conservation, Forests and Lands: Mel- Mackerras, M.J. and Smith, R.H. (1960). Breeding the bourne). short-nosed marsupial bandicoot, Isoodon macrou- Claridge, A.W., McNee, A. Tanton, M.T. and Davey, S.M. rus (Gould), in captivity. Australian Journal of Zo- (1991). Ecology of bandicoots in undisturbed forest ology 8,371-82. adjacent to recendy felled logging coupes: a case Minta, S. C, Clark, T. W., and Goldstraw, P. (1990). study from the Eden Woodchip Agreement Area. In Population estimates and characteristics of the East- 'Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna.* (Ed. D. ern Barred Bandicoots in Victoria, with recommen- Lunney) (Royal Zoological Society of NSW: Mos- dations for population monitoring. In 'Management man). and conservation of small populations'. Pp. 47 - 76. Dufty, A.C. (1991a). Some population characteristics of (Eds T.W. Clark and J.H. Society: Brookfield Illi- Perameles gunnii in Victoria. Wildlife Research 18, Seebeck.) (Chicago Zoological 355-66. nois). Braithwaite, R.W. (1979). A strategy Dufty, A.C. (\99\b). Conservation biology and manage- Stoddart, D.M. and regenerating hcathland by the brown ment of the eastern barred bandicoot, Perameles for utilization of (Isoodon obesuius', Marsupialia, Perameli- gunnii, in Victoria. M.Sc. Thesis, Zoology Depart- bandicoot Animal Ecology 48, 165-79. ment, University of Melbourne. dae). Journal of

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85 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

Activity and Stratification of Microchiropteran Bat Communities in Thinned, Unthinned and Old Lowland Regrowth Forest, East Gippsland

A. S. Kutt Abstract (ii) Many forest bat species have a ten- The results of a survey of bat species using dency to roost in large, old hollow trees with ultrasonic detectors in thinned, unthinned diameters greater than 80 cm (Lunney et al and old regrowth forest in East Gippsland 1985; Lunney et al. 1988; Taylor and Savva were examined to determine if structural 1 988) and often choose roosts with openings differences of these forest types influenced and cavities with one dimension only the type of bat communities present within slightly larger than the bat (Tidemann and them. Ravel 1987; Taylor and Savva 1988). Fea- There were no statistically significant dif- tures such as fissures, burnt boles, hollows, ferences in individual species or total rela- bark and residual (down) wood are often tive activity between forest types, although utilised (Taylor and Savva 1988). a higher level of activity was recorded in (iii) Relationships also exist between unthinned forest, possibly due to a more wing morphology, echolocation call struc- complex vertical structure. Species recorded ture and habitat use (Aldridge and Rauten- were divided into community guilds accord- bach 1987). Variations in wing morphology ing to flight and foraging behaviour. No result in differences in flight speed and ma- significant differences were recorded in noeuvrability (Dwyer 1965). Because of relative guild activity between forest types, this, microchiropteran bat species are verti- though some simple trends were observed in cally distributed in the forest profile, accord- relation to species flight characteristics, ver- ing to their foraging and flight behaviour tical foraging position and structure of the (Taylor et forest type. al. 1987). Both Crome and Richards (1988) and McKenzie and Rolfe Introduction ( 1 986) demonstrated that bats can be The availability of roost sites, foraging grouped into foraging guilds that specialise resources and individual species mobility all in different vegetation and structural areas influence microchiropteran bat distribution within a forest. and activity within a forest (Lunney et a! This study examined the differences in 1985; Tavlor et al. 1987; Parnaby and activity and Cherrv species composition of micro- 1992). In this case, it may be pre- chiropteran bat dicted communities between forest that alterations to the number of po- types with different disturbance histories. tential roost sites, the vertical structure of a Structural toresi and changes to the vegetation profile, an individual bat species' ability to (e.g. a decrease in large potentially hollow- travel from roost sites to foraging sites bearing may aifect trees, an open canopy structure, bat community composition and thick shrub layer, increase in level of activity in a forest. young regen- Recent erating trees) associated with thinned, un- studies of roosting and foraging behaviour, thinned and old regrowth forest were and movement patterns of micro expected to chiromeran bat influence the presence of some species (such as those listed in bat species in the forest. table 1 have ) concluded the following. Many Study Sites and Methods (0 forest bat species will forage 1-2 km from roost sites, The study sites but may move up to were located in East o-/ km during an evenings fonuSnc Gippsland, Victoria, in State Forest 50 km (Parnaby and cast Cherry 1992). Movements'? of the township of Orbost. Five sites 3 km iovChalmolobm morio and Nyctophh were examined: Dyers Creek in the Cabbage I ree Forest Block; Towser Creek in the Jir- 988) ' and °n u km for N. rah Forest Block; Stare Track andi i? seoffivvi in the Pur- FaUMm tasmaniensis (L. ffiffiK gugouluh Forest Block; Hippo Track and Patrol Track both in the West Bemm Forest Block (Fig. 1 ). All these forests are managed by the Victorian Department of Conserva- tion k and Natural Resources. Much of the '•£SSSSS3SSSS2g area has been selectively logged or clear-

86 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

felled over the past 30-40 years, and the numbers of sites for all forest types could not vegetation is dominated by eucalypt re- be achieved due to the lack of old forest growth (LCC 1985). The vegetation of all coupes adjacent to the thinned and un- Five sites has been described as Lowland thinned sites in the study area. Each site Forest (Woodgate et al. 1994). represents a separate coupe. Three types of forest stand were selected Relative bat activity and species presence for examination: 25-35 year old regrowth for each site was surveyed using ultrasonic coupes thinned between 1988-1992, 25-35 bat detectors. Each site was monitored twice year old unthinned regrowth coupes and for- for 40 minutes over two different nights, the cassette tape for later est coupes that have only been selectively calls being recorded on were logged in the past (old regrowth). In total analysis. Bat detectors and recorders placed in an area that seemed to there were 1 1 sites in thinned regrowth (two always clear flight path. Two different in each study area, except Stare Track which constitute a recorded simultaneously, contained three), 10 in unthinned regrowth sites were always could be quantitatively (two in each study area) and 5 in old re- so relative activity Various combi- growth forest (two each at Hippo Track and assessed for different sites. simultaneously recorded sites Towser Creek and one at Dyers Creek). Even nations of

REGIONAL LOCALITY MAP LOCALITY MAP FIVE STUDY SITES IN WEST BEMM, CABBAGE TREE, JIRRAH, AND PURGAGOOLAH MANAGEMENT BLOCKS ORBOST REGION

KILOMETRES NEW

STRAIT BASS K^r/p^crr^sTir°cSi-s,«T«t

Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

were used. All recording was conducted be- clature throughout this report follows tween dusk and 90 minutes after dusk, a Richards etai (1993). period when bat activity is perceived to be The structural differences in vegetation be- greatest. All field work was conducted between the three sites are summarised in Ta- tween 7 January 1993 and 14 of March 1993 ble 2 and can be described as follows. and no recording was conducted on nights Thinned forest is characterised by an over- perceived to be sub-optimal for bat activity storey of many, small, thin trees with a (e.g. cold or wet nights, with temperatures < 1 5°). poorly developed canopy and containing The number of passes (a single clear echo- very few trees with a diameter greater than local ion sequence recorded on the detector) 50 cm (and hence few well developed or for each species was counted for each 40 large hollows), a low, open and rich shrub minute tape. From this, the relative activity layer and almost no other trees other than levels for each species in each treatment Eucalyptus species in the sub-canopy. were estimated. Relative activity was simply In comparison, the unthinned regrowth the number of passes recorded for a species forest is characterised by an overstorey con- at a treatment site as a proportion total of the taining more trees with diameters greater number of bat passes recorded for a single than 50 cm (and hence more trees with hol- simultaneous monitoring session. These lows), a shrub layer that is of a similar height measures were then used to calculate the to the thinned forest, but containing fewer mean relative activity for each species in species with greater cover and a rich middle each of the three forest types. stratum of 16 non-Eucalyptus species The number of passes (a single clear echo- greater than 6 m in height. location sequence recorded on the detector) Lastly old forest is characterised by a well for each species was counted for each 40 developed mixed species Eucalyptus over- minute tape. From this, the relative activity storey containing fewer but larger trees, in- levels for each species in each treatment cluding many greater than 50 cm in diameter were estimated. Relative activity was simply (and hence a larger number of hollows), an the number of passes recorded for a species understorey of taller thicker shrubs with a at a treatment site as a proportion of the total very high species richness and a very low number of bat passes recorded for a single number of non-eucalypt species greater than simultaneous monitoring session. These 6 m in height. measures were then used to calculate the Results mean relative activity for each species in

each of the three forest types. A total of 1 species and one species group Species level identification was possible were recorded for all treatment sites using using local reference sequences collected by ultrasonic bat detectors. The species re- the author, and pre-recorded sequences on corded at each site and their relative abun- the ANABAT 1.1 analysis package. AN- dance is given in Table 3. ABAT II bat detectors were used for the field There were no statistically significant dif- recordings and the ANABAT II Zero Cross- ferences in total level of activity of all bat ings Analysis Interface Module was used for species recorded across treatments, though the call interpretation and species identifica- total activity was highest in unthinned sites tion (David Titley Electronics, Ballina, New and lowest in old forest stands (Table 4). South Wales). The Nyctophilia species Examination of the differences between group and two species Vespadelus vulhmms the guilds also indicated no statistically sig- and V regulus were each treated as a single nificant differences between the treatments. ecnolocatory complex, as they were deemed However, some general trends between for- by the author to be too similar in pattern and est types were revealed. Thinned stands had frequency to differentiate confidently. a higher proportion of species in guilds 1 The bat species recorded in this survey (high speed, low manoeuvrability, above were grouped into guilds according to flight canopy) and 3 (low speed and manoeuvra- characteristics and foraging behaviour as as- bility below and beside canopy), unthinned sessed from previous surveys of bat popula- a higher proportion iions of species in guilds 2 (Dwyer 1965; Fenton 1972; McKenzie (high speed and low manoeuvrability at and andRolfe 1986; Taylor,/, al mi). Criteria beside canopy) and 5 (low speed and high and groupings are listed in Table 1 . Statist!- manoeuvrability inside canopy) and old ^y«s used a non-parametric method, stands a higher proportion of species in guild Z^eKruskal-Wallis analysis of variance by (high ranks (Siegel 4 speed and manoeuvrability below and Castellan 1988). Nomen- and beside canopy) (Table 4).

88 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 1. Guild classification for bat species recorded in thinned, unthinned and old forest treatment sites, using foraging and flight characteristics to group species (after Dwyer 1965; Fenton 1972; McKenzie and Rolfe 1986; Taylor el ai 1987).

Guild Species Foraging area and behaviour Speed Manoeuvrability

1 Tadarida australis Fast aerial feeders, foraging high High Low Mormopterus spp. above the canopy or in large gaps beside the canopy

2 Miniopterus schreibersii Fast aerial feeders foraging close Medium-High Low Chatinolobus gouldi to and above canopy, or in gaps beside the canopy Medium-Low Medium-Low 3 Seotorepens orion Medium to slow aerial feeders Falsistrellus tasmaniensis foraging below, inside and beside Vespadelus darlingtoni the canopy and sub canopy Medium-High Medium-High 4 Chatinolobus morio Medium to fast aerial feeders Vespadelus vulturnus foraging below, inside and beside Vespadelus regulus the canopy and sub canopy Medium-High Medium-High

the Low High 5 Nyctophilus spp. Gleaners foraging inside canopy, sub canopy and shrublayer

characteristics of thinned and unthinned regrowth and Table 2. Overstorey and understorey structural Kutt el al. 1993). old forest in East Gippsland (adapted from Treatment

Thinned Unthinned Old Structural characteristics 1,491 1,406 1,082 Stocking of all eucalypts (per ha) 21 24 52 Stocking of eucalypts diameter > 50 cm (per ha) 21.0 25 28 Average diameter of all eucalypts (cm) 7.0 12.0 Number of stags diameter > 50 cm (per ha) 0.3 0.6 1.3 Average cover of understorey shrubs (%) 0.7 0.7 1.5 Average height of understorey shrubs (m) 16 Richness of non-eucalypt species > 6 m 31 25 15 Richness of understorey shrub species <6m

foraging and tation forests, but generally Discussion nearby no in areas of old growth forest This survey indicated that there was roosting and between (O'Neill and Taylor 1986; Parnaby statistically significant differences and old 1992). bat activity in thinned, unthinned Cherry that bat activity was recorded regrowth forest sites. This may suggest The highest total study may not regrowth forest. This may be a the bat species recorded in this in unthinned the forest complexity of the forage preferentially in any of function of the structural conclusions can compared to types examined, though no unthinned forest (see table 3) activity (e.g. Unthinned forest be drawn on the specific type of thinned and old forest sites. under- vertical foraging or flying through, roosting) may provide a greater variety of in the study sites. As possibly prey items). taken by each species foraging niches (and each forest type was sug- the species richness for Tidemann and Havel (1987) have also that these equal, it can be concluded recolonise regrowth almost gested that bats may present, species utilised, or were at least requiring species, bat forest before other hollow old regrowth for- in thinned, unthinned and roost in small hollows due to their ability to studies have also est at some stage. Other exfoliating bark. and fissures and under logged and plan- recorded bats active within

Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

correspond. For Though there may be an expectation of ing sites do not necessarily higher relative bat activity in sites where this species these forests may be important there are potentially more roost hollows, the as foraging sites. lower proportion of activity recorded in old No information on roosting sites or origin pattern of bats roost- regrowth may reflect a of bat species foraging in the forest stands sites but actively foraging else- ing in these was collected, however two general hy- where. Previous studies have indicated that potheses from the results of the present study the distribution of bats in an area is not a could be postulated. Firstly, the proximity reflection of roost site availability (Taylor and ample number of hollow bearing trees and O'Neill 1986; Lunney et ai 1988; all (from riparian growth, old forest Parnaby and Cherry 1992). The presence of in sites Miniopterus schreibersii, (a cave and aque- areas, stags and overwood), may mean that duct roosting species), in each forest type roosts are not a limiting resource in these may also reflect that foraging area and roost- areas. Secondly as was indicated above, bats

Table 3. Average proportion of relative bat activity for each species, expressed as a percentage of the total level of activity recorded in thinned, unthinned and old forest types.

Treatment

Species Thinned Unthinned Old (n=22) (n=20) (n=10)

Vespadelus vulturnus, Vespadelus regulus 0.31 0.33 0.42 Chalinolobus mono 0.15 0.15 0.22

Vespadelus darlingtoni 0.19 0.06 0.09

Miniopterus schreibersii 0.04 0.02 0.03

Nyctophilia spp. 0.19 0.26 0.16

Scoiorepens orion 0.06 0.09 0.06

Chalinolobus goutdi 0.02 0.07 0.01

Mormopterus spp. 0.01 0.02 0.01 Falsistrellus tasmaniensis 0.006 0.004

Tadarida australis 0.03 0.007 0.01

Table 4. Mean proportion (and standard error) of bat guild activity in thinned, unthinned and old forest sites. Bold type indicates treatment with highest proportion for that particular guild. = above A canopy, C = close to canopy, I = inside canopy, B = below and beside canopy, LS = low speed, HS = high speed, LM = low manoeuvrability, HM = high manoeuvrability.

Treatment

Guild Thinned Unthinned Old (mean t s.e.) (mean ± s.e.) (mean i s.e.)

Guild 1 (A-HS-LM) 0.02 t 0.003 0.01 t 0.004 0.01 ± 0.007 Guild2(C-HS-LM) 0.03 ± 0.017 0.05 ± 0.019 0.02 ± 0.005

Guild 3 (B-LS-LM) 0.12 i 0.029 0.09 ± 0.033 0.07 ± 0.017 Guild4(B-HS-HM) 0.22 ± 0.048 0.26 ± 0.048 0.30 ± 0.057 Guild 5 (J-LS-HM) 0.10± 0.012 0.14± 0.031 0.07 ± 0.047

Totals 0.48 ± 0.187 0.55 + 0.171 0.46 ± 0.118

90 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

can travel large distances from roost to for- layers (Taylor et al. 1986), the more com- aging site so the mosaic pattern and size of plex, thicker vegetation of the unthinned the regrowth coupes, old forest and thinned sites may be preferred foraging sites.

forest (coupes were only 10-40 ha in size) is There are a number of limitations in this not restrictive to bat movement from roost to survey that need clearer discussion. foraging site. Firstly, monitoring of bat activity only pro- Though there were no statistically signifi- vides an estimation of relative activity using cant differences in activity of bats in each a count of the number of 'passes' (a single distinct echolocatory sequence) during a set guild at each treatment site, a few general time period. use of simultaneous trends emerged. The monitoring to provide comparison of relative ac- Guild J (relatively higher proportion in tivity between sites overcomes this problem thinned forest). These fast flying species to a degree, but still lacks the resolution of with low manoeuvrability may forage at direct counting of individual bat species and lower levels and in the gaps created in numbers at a site. Because of this, the results thinned forest due to the more open, acces- of this study should be taken as indicative of sible structure. Crome and Richards (1988) likely patterns of bat activity in each forest also indicated fast aerial feeders preferen- type. tially forage in gaps and areas lacking a Secondly, there is no information on the dense canopy. origin of the bats recorded in each treatment Guild 2 (relatively higher proportion in un- (Le. location of roost site, type and size of thinned regrowth forest). These bats were tree, distance travelled to foraging area). recorded in very low numbers in all sites. Therefore the effect of the forest type on Dwyer (1965) and Taylor et al. (1986) note foraging activity and forest use for different these species tend to forage beside stands or species could only be inferred from available in open woodlands and farmland, and there- structural information. fore may not be commonly recorded in any Thirdly, bat detectors only have a limited of these forest sites. These species are more range of recording and this can be influenced likely to be recorded along tracks and major to some extent by the height and closure of roads. the forest canopy. Therefore, it is possible Guild 3 (relatively higher proportion in that in forest types with a more open canopy forest). These are larger thinned regrowth regrowth) the detec- medium structure (e.g. thinned bats with low manoeuvrability and above tors may be more likely to record speed, that forage just below the canopy and canopy foragers than those recording in the sub canopy. Like the faster aerial in dense unthinned regrowth. These issues are prefer feeders in guild 1, these species may discussed in Crome and Richards (1988) and are to forage in thinned stands, where there Kutt(1993). more gaps and open spaces. suggests that In conclusion, this study proportion in old Guild 4 (relatively higher activity and is no difference in relative and there regrowth forest). These medium fast un- species composition between thinned, forage highly manoeuvrable aerial feeders, thinned and old regrowth forest coupes of (Tay- to the sub-canopy and shrublayer close There is some variation in prefer- of small size. 1986). The higher proportion lor et al some species or guilds for particular and on- ence of these species in old regrowth forest on foraging areas and this may be dependent reflect an abil- thinned regrowth forest may the re- the vertical structure of that forest, in a structurally ity or preference to forage flight sources available at that site and the profile (e.g. rich more complex vegetation spe- and foraging characteristics of the bat and dense understorey and shrub layers). More detailed surveys are required to proportion in un- cies. Guild 5 (relatively higher bat determine the type of activity of these these slow fly- thinned regrowth forest). As regrowth species in thinned and unthinned manoeuvrable species glean ing, highly the extent of foraging and and shrub forest, including invertebrates from inside foliage

91 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Research Reports

Gippsland Technical Report No.18. whether they actually roost in these areas or growth in East (CSIRO and Department of Conservation and Envi- originate from sites containing old, hollow- ronment: Victoria). regrowth, riparian bearing trees (e.g. old Crome, F.HJ. and Richards, G.C. ( 1 988). Bats and gaps: gullies). microchiropteran community structure in a Queens- land rainforest. Ecology 69 (6). 1960-69. Clearly, longer term monitoring and more Dwyer, P.D. (1965). Flight patterns of some eastern Aus- necessary detailed surveys of these sites is tralian bats. The Victorian Naturalist 82, 36-41. to examine how bat populations respond to Fenton, M.B. (1972). The structure of aerial-feeding bat faunas as indicated by wing and ear elements. Cana- changes in the forest over time, particularly dian Journal of Zoology 50, 287-296. if extensive, continuous areas of forest are Kutt, AS. (1993). Ultrasonic bat sequences: some notes thinned or remain as even-aged regrowth, on recording type sequences and activity at different and further intensive management is applied height levels. Australian Bat Society- Newsletter 2, 16-23. to the stand in an effort to enhance wood Kutt, AS., Thompson, BR. and Trumbull-Ward, A.V. production potential. Intensively managed ( 1 993). Short term effects and long term implications native regrowth forest is likely to become an of thinning eucalypl regrowth on flora and fauna in increasingly prominent element of the forest lowland forest. East Gippsland, Victoria. Unpub- lished report to the Department of Conservation and in south-eastern Australia. The implications Natural Resource, Orbost Office, Gippsland Area, of this management compared to untended Victoria. regrowth deserve to be examined and care- Land Conservation Council. (1985). 'Report on the East fully considered in the development of con- Gippsland Area: a review*. (Land Conservation Council: Victoria). servation strategies in native forest. Lunney. D , Barker, J. and Priddel, D. (1985). Movements Acknowledgments and day roosts of the Chocolate Wattled Bat Chall- nolobus morio (Gray) (Microchiroptera: Vespertili- I would like to extend my sincere thanks onidae) in a logged forest. Australian Mammalogy 8, to the following people who assisted in this 313-317. project: Stephen Henry; Brian Thompson: McKenzie, N.L. and Rolfe, J.K. (1986). Structure of bat guilds Kimberley mangroves, Tony Mitchell (Orbost Office, Department in the Australia. Jour- nal of Animal Ecology 55, 401-420. of Conservation and Natural Resources. O'Neill, M.G. and Taylor, R.J. (1986). Observations on 1DCNR]); Graeme Coulson (Zoology De- the tlight patterns and foraging behaviour of Tasma- partment, University of Melbourne); nian bals. Australian Wildlife Research 13. 427-432. Parnaby, H. and Cherry, K. (1992). 'A trapping study of Jeanettc Kemp; Lindy Lumsden (Arthur Ry- the bat fauna of Mountain Ash plantations and old lah Institute, DCNR); Harry Parnaby (Aus- growth forest in the Strzelecki Ranges, Victoria*. tralian Museum) and particularly Lawrie VSP Internal Report No.5, SSP project. (Department of Conservation and Environment: Conole for invaluable information and dis- Victoria). Richards, G., Hall, L.. Hoye, G.. Lumsden, L., Parnaby, cussion on microchiropteran bats. This work H., Reardon, T., Stahan, R., Thomson, B. and Tide- was conducted while employed by the De- mann, C. (1993). A revision of the inventory and partment of Conservation and Natural Re- English names of Australian bats. Australasian Bat Society Newsletter 8-9. sources, Orbost Office, as part of a larger 2, Siegul, S. and Castellan, N.J. (1988). *N on -parametric study examining the effects on vertebrate Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences'. (McGraw- fauna of thinning eucalyptus regrowth in Hill: New York). East Gippsland, and was funded by the Taylor, R.J., O'Neill, M.G. and Reardon, T. (1987). Tas- manian bats: identification, distribution and natural Commonwealth Department of Primary In- h i story. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society dustries and Energy under the Common- of Tasmania 121, 109-119. wealth-State East Gippsland Forest Taylor, R.J. and Savva, N.M. (1988). Use of roost sites Agreement. by fourspecies of bats in state forest in south-eastern References Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 15,637-645. Tidemann, C.R. and Ravel, S.C. ( 1 987). Factors affecting Aldridge. H.D.J.N. and Rautenbach, L.L. (1987) Mor- choice of diurnal roost site by tree-hole bats (Micro- phology, echolocation and resource panilioning in chiroptera) in south-eastern Australia. Australian insectivorous bats. Journal of Animal Ecology 56, Wildlife Research 14, 459-473. /uJ- iio. Woodgate, P.W.. Peel, W.D., Ritman, K.T., Coram, J.E.. Brady, A., Rule, A.J. and Banks, J.G.C. (1994). 'A R.AM. ledge, D.R., Morris, BJ. and Nelson, JJL study of the old-growth forests of East Gippsland'. UWl ). Use of thinned and unthinned cucalypt forest by (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: vertebrates. Management of Eucalyptus Re- Victoria).

92 The Victorian Naturalist \Contributtons

Factors Contributing to a Fish Kill in Broken Creek

Lachlan McKinnon and NikShepheard 1

Introduction downstream of Wangaratta (Anderson, un- Seasonal flooding is an important factor dated) and in the Broken Creek at Nathalia

for the successful spawning and recruitment in 1936 (J. O'Hare pers. comm.). However, of many native freshwater fish species in the the causes of these kills were unknown. Fish Murray-Darling Basin (Lake 1967; Mackay kills involving large numbers of Redfin have 1973; Rowland 1989). The regulation of also been reported from Victoria (Anon. rivers which involves the impoundment of 1984; Langdon 1984) and in several cases water during the winter and spring months were attributed to epizootic haematopoietic and subsequent release throughout summer necrosis virus (EHN) (Langdon 1986; Lang- and autumn for irrigation, stock and domes- don et ai 1986; Langdon and Humphrey

tic purposes, is often cited as one of the 1987). Fish kills attributed to hypoxia have major causes of the decline of many of our been reported in the Broken and Goulburn

native fish species (Reynolds 1 976; Cadwal- River Basins on previous occasions (Ander- ladcr 1978, 1986; Pollard etal. 1990). son and McNamara 1984; Anon. 1986) but During a large-scale flood event in Octo- the introduced Carp and Redfin were the ber 1993 in the Broken River drainage basin, species most affected and no native species a fish kill occurred in the Broken Creek were reported on these occasions. A fish kill downstream of Nathalia in northern Victoria involving Murray Cod and Carp occurred in

(Fig. 1). Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii Menindee Lakes and was attributed to the peelii, appeared to be the most adversely lowering of the water level in the lake (Gre- affected native species, although Freshwater gory 1994). Catfish Tandanus tandanus, Golden Perch This paper reports on a fish kill which Macquaria ambigua and the introduced occurred in the Broken Creek in 1993. It is Carp Cyprinus carpio and Redfin Percaflu- proposed that this kill was due to hypoxic viatitis were also killed. Large numbers of water conditions caused by the runoff from shrimp, Macrobrachium and Paratya sp. exceptionally large-scale flooding in an area and Yabbies Cherax destructor, also died where native riparian and floodplain vege- during the flood event. tation has been largely replaced by intro- Although not uncommon, fish kills are duced pasture and crop species. and can result from both sporadic events Site Description such as point-source anthropogenic causes, Broken Creek is a relatively small tribu- 'natural' causes, such as some pollution, and from tary of the Murray River, extending and acute water quality Broken disease epidemics 200 km from its effluence from the 1984; Trim and Marcus changes (Harbison River, downstream of Benalla, to its junction in water quality often 1990). Major changes with the Murray River near Barman. It is a etal. 1 978; Beer occur with flooding (Cullen lowland stream, fairly typical of the Murray- 1987, 1988) and flood etal 1981; Hart era/. Darling Basin with a low gradient, relatively in have been implicated silt sub- mitigation works low flow, predominantly clay and kills through rapid de-oxygena- turbidity. Bro- causing fish strate and with relatively high after flooding (Richardson supply and tion of water ken Creek is used for both water kills were also re- urban 1981). Large-scale fish drainage disposal for irrigation and from from the first releases of water in various stages of ported use. A total of nine weirs (Cadwallader 1978). Murray Creek, most of Hume Weir repair are present on Broken reported in fish kills on other As a Cod have been which are downstream of Nathalia. River Victoria: the Ovens to periods of occasions in result fish passage is limited Resources, are overtopped or 'Department of Conservation and Natural high flow when weirs P.O. Box 1226, Shep- Kaiela Fisheries Research Station, by-passed by floodwater. parton, Victoria, 3630.

93 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Contributions

u sMrir stdnfyo/ ^""\ Kit \o ADELAIW k _y In r "*"*J MC l BOURNE D f

.' ''.

^^. B ij™» **»>».^*

(I 4^ <' " o ^ay 2) ^ NathaKa V^ Creek<£^J~

- Flood Waters

Water Quality Sites

D ' Dead Fish Observed t=M 5 km

Fig. 1. Map of study area indicating water quality ami fish sampling sites.

Much of the riparian vegetation, particu- ment using hand-held grappling hooks. larly along the lower reaches of Broken Results Creek, has been removed for grazing and Dead Murray Cod were first reported on cropping both of which often occur right to October 19 and again on October 31 (1993) the water's edge. Consequently, an impor- in the section of Broken Creek from James tant aspect of fish habitat in Broken Creek Bridge to its junction with the Murray River has been adversely affected but despite the (Fig. 1). The fish observed on the latter apparently high degree of modification and occasion had been dead for some time and it disturbance, a relatively good population of is presumed they had died at the same time Murray Cod exists in the creek. as the initial report but had only become Methods visible once the water level in the Broken The first reports of dead fish in the Broken Creek had receded. Dead fish were observed Creek were made on October 19. In situ on the banks of the creek and partly sub- measurements of dissolved oxygen and tem- merged amongst inundated rye-grass perature were subsequently made using a {Lolium spp.). The fish species and numbers YS1 Model 57 Dissolved Oxygen Meter and observed are listed in Table 1. Murray Cod in situ pH measurements were made using were the most numerous (91%) of all the an Orion 250A pH meter. Water quality native fish species observed in the fish kill; measurements were repeated over the following three weeks. Water samples were a total of 41 Murray Cod were found dead and collected at several sites on two separate the majority (26) of these were found occasions and preserved in eleven washed at site B in a 150m stretch of creek bank plastic bottles for later analysis of pesticide (Fig. 1). The length-frequency distribution residues by the Rural Water Corporation of the Murray Cod measured is shown in Melbourne, using standard methods (RWC Fig. 2. The length range of Murray Cod 1988). Total length (TL) measurements of measured was 255 to 1260 mm TL and dead Murray Cod were taken to the nearest included several mature female fish (Fig. 3). and freshly 5 mm dead fish were weighed to Water quality measurements were made on the nearest Fish 2g. entangled amongst in- October 20 and 26 and November 4 and 5 stream snags were retrieved for measure- (1993) and results are presented in Table 2.

The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Table 1. List of fish and macrocrustacean species observed during the fish kill.

Common Name Scientific Name Site Nos.

Native Species

Murray Cod Maccullochella A 8 peelii peelii

B 26

C 4

D 2

E 1

Golden Perch Macquaria A 2 ambigua

Freshwater Tandanus tandanus A 2 Catfish

Shrimp Macrobrachium All >1000 austral iense Sites

Paratya australiensis/ All >1000 Caridina mccullochi Sites

Yabby Cherax destructor All >1000 Sites

Introduced Species

Carp Cyprinus carpio A 2 Fig. 3. Dead female Murray Cod prior to spawn- Redfin Percafluviatilis A&B ca.200J ing. Note expelled eggs.

14 n=34 JT 12 V°

ih ' ' .'_ ' ._ ,- ,*. m m m in L/> m m in in in m m in in in in s in a) r^soniDro^^^^NSNNfflcomaioioioooor-rNwin ln

Length Range Midpoint (mm)

Creek Fish kill, 1993. for Murray Cod from Broken Fig. 2. Length-frequency distribution

95 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 ( Contributions

where the fish kill occurred did not produce At the time Of the Rih kill, dissolved oxygen However, Golden Perch was 0.1 mg/l throughout the water column any Murray Cod. were recorded in relatively high (dissolved oxygen levels of around 3.0 mg/1 and Carp and above would be considered as favour numbers (Douglas 1993). Perch and Freshwater Catfish are able). These low oxygen levels persisted Foi Golden several days although Ihey slowly improved known to be present in the lower reaches of with time and with distance downstream. Broken Creek but only a small number of Dissolved oxygen levels remained at below these species appeared to be affected during fish kill. This not unexpected for 1,0 mg/l at all sites on October 26 but ini the was Freshwater Catfish as the catfish population proved to more favourable levels (4. 1 mg/l) appears be relatively by November 4. Temperature ranged from of Broken Creek to c small. Golden Perch, however, appear to be 8.0° all sites with pi I rang- 1 6i to 1 C over in the creek and thus be ex- ing from 6.7 to 7J (Table 2) and these common may variables were not considered to have Con- pected to have been represented in greater in the fish kill. tributed to the fish kill. No chlorinated pes numbers Adult Golden Perch tieide residues were detected from water may exhibit an ability to actively avoid ad- samples collected (Table 2) and so pesticides verse conditions such as extreme hypoxia. demonstrated the tendency were not implicated in this fish kill. Of the Gehrke (1991) water quality parameters measured, hypoxia for Golden Perch larvae to avoid oxygen-deficient water this behaviour is appears to be the primary cause o\' the fish and type of

kill. common for other species (Moller and Schol/. 1991). Murray Cod, however, may Discussion be more tenacious in their behaviour and Although the length-frequency distribu- may not vary movement patterns in spite of tion of Murray ('oil killed during this event pooi water quality. Although Redfin are rela- suggests that a large proportion of this Spe tively tolerant of hypoxia at most stages of Oies killed were immature (Gooley t'f al. in their life-history (Doudoroff and Shumway prvp. and references therein), the presence 1 I ) 10) this species would not be expected to i>l mature fish in pre-spawning condition survive extended exposure to the low dis- would indicate that spawning and sub solved oxygen levels experienced during the sequent recruitment of Murray Cod in the fish kill. lower section of Broken Creek in 1993 It is expected that few aerobic aquatic or- would have been reduced because of this ganisms would survive extended exposure kill The leugth-fret|ucncy distribution of the to the hypoxic conditions observed during Murray Cod population in Broken Creek the fish kill, although few data on tolerance suggests that the bulk of the population is limits of made up ot sub-adult fish but with a smaller many native species to hypoxia are but presently significant proportion of adult fish. Sub available, Ryan {unpubi data) sequent fish Surveys conducted in the area found adult Golden Perch and Catfish survived beyond 40 min. exposure to extreme

Tiible 2. ijiuiiiiy saturation - Water parameters measured dm - hypoxia (0-2% or 0.0 <0.5 mg/l ing and after the fish kill, at 19.0 - 22.0° C) and adults were more

9ta Dtft Tfmpcr^ pH tolerant than juveniles. Favourable long- Oxygwi (mg/l) aliiivli) DrpUim term levels of dissolved oxygen would be about 3(W6 saturation. It is quite conceivable Surface Bottom Surface Bottom Surface thai Murray tolerant. i 'imwi Cod would be equally 0.1 0,1 IK 18 6.8 fcj i :wnv9.t 03 oj It is suggested, however, that fish kills 17 17 6.7 2.H

i unwn 0.7 0* 17 17 7 > t caused by low oxygen levels, such as that i 2MQI93 II 0.5 175 17 7.1 2.H observed in the Broken Creek, may occur oi Ml 4.1 4.1 17 17 7.3 3.5 only when hypoxia is persistent and fish are 1 5/11/93 41 41 l« Ife.5 2,4 unable to escape to alternative habitat areas Chlorinated Pesticides (ing/l) not delected at surface containing favourable levels of dissolved sites I mul 2. oxygen.

96 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Large numbers of Yabbies Cherax destruc- depletion of the floodwater due to the aero- tor were also observed dead during the fish bic microbial degradation of these flood-in-

kill (Table 1). This suggests that conditions tolerant plant species caused the observed were extremely poor for an extended period dissolved oxygen depletion and hypoxia in of time in Broken Creek as studies of the Broken Creek after these floodwaters were tolerance of a number of Cherax species to channelled downstream. hypoxia indicate that these species are rela- Spring flood events can provide benefits to tively tolerant of hypoxic conditions (Barley native fish populations through the provi- 1983;Morrissy£fa/. 1984;Bezzobs 1988). sion of spawning stimuli (Lake 1967; Due to the wide range of fish and crusta- Mackay 1973) and production of zooplank- initial phase of juve- cean species recorded in the fish kill, it is ton during the feeding likely that the cause was environmental nile native fish (Geddes and Puckridge flow rather than pathological. 1989; Rowland 1992). Extensive of greater benefit than The fish kill occurred prior to, and during, events are probably However, large proportions the peak of the flood which in Broken Creek smaller floods. and riparian habitats in the reached a flow of over 4,500 Ml/day at Kata- of floodplain Basin have been altered sig- matite in early October (Fig. 4). Floodwaters Murray-Darling of large tracts of covered an area of approximately 90 km in nificantly with the clearing vegetation in these areas and their the Nathalia area, much of which is managed native replacement, in many instances, with exotic as pasture and crop land comprising mainly pasture species that are often intol- annual and Perennial Rye-grass Lolhtm spp. crop and extended periods of flooding. Inun- and clover Trifolium spp., the crop species erant of these species causes rapid wheat Triticum aestivum, barley Hordeum dation of de-oxygenation of the floodwater due to the vulgare and oats Avena sativa and common increased biological oxygen demand associ- introduced weed species (G. Akers, Depart- with the microbial degradation of or- ment of Agriculture, /?er$. comm.). Many of ated ganic matter (Reddy and Chhonkar 1990), these introduced plant species exhibit little and consequently poses potential problems to inundation and waterlogging, tolerance (Wel- for fish and aquatic invertebrates particularly for extended periods (Depart- comme 1979; Gehrke 1993). Under natural of Agriculture pers. comm.), although ment currently the on the conditions, more often than is there is little published information large scale case (e.g. Dexter et aL 1986), levels of these species cur- flood tolerance areas oxygen flooding occurred in many floodplain rently available. It is suggested that

5000-]

4500 -

Kill Fi rst observation of Fish -g 4000 1 S 3500 - oo

oo .1.1.1 Discharge

I - E 1500 £ 1000 - M 500- A / \\ ? o- NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER OCTOBER -J Month

"' ;t* Sent. Nov 1993. Gauge Stat on404214A the Broken Fig. 4. Mean daily flows for

Vol. 112 (2) 199S Contributions

gimes for the benefit of native fish (Jacobs along the Murray River and its tributaries. Migration of several native fish spe- However, under current land management 1989). into forested floodplain areas and sex- regimes, extensive Hooding of land cleared cies these species have been of native vegetation may not be desirable as ual maturation of quality with large scale seasonal flood this could exacerbate potential water associated problems associated with some flood events in Barman Forest (McKinnon, un- that events. publ data). Thus, it appears spring Departmental records and verified angler flood events provide benefits to native fish reports indicate that Broken Creek is one of populations in relatively natural environ- only a few watcrbodies in Victoria that sup- ments but on a large scale may actually be port a naturally occurring riverine popula- deleterious to their populations in areas tion of Freshwater Catfish (T. Ruadik, where natural habitats have been attenuated. Department of Conservation and Natural Acknowledgements Freshwater Cat- Resources, pers. comm.). The authors would like to thank the fol- been nominated for listing fish has recently lowing people for their contributions to this Victorian Flora and Fauna Guar- under the paper: Richard Gasior for assistance in the antee Act (1988). The fact that this species field; Sue Jones for word processing; Nicole was recorded in the fish kill places some Hunter (Department of Agriculture) for in- concern over the future of this population in formation on flood-tolerance of crop and both this area and Victoria generally. This pasture species; Greg Williams (Nathalia recent fish kill also adds to the concern Shire Council) for providing information on regarding the status of the natural Murray the extent of flooding; Hugh Calhrie for Cod population of Broken Creek, particu- supplying the hydrographic data and Geoff larly considering the heavy recreational an- Gooley, Tom Ryan and John Koehn for con- gling pressure which resulted in the removal structive comments on the manuscript. This of over 1000 Murray Cod from the creek work was funded by the Murray-Darling during the 1992 spawning season (D. Basin Commission under the Natural Re- Trickey, Department of Conservation and sources Management Strategy. Natural Resources, per$* comm.). Murray Cod is not listed nationally as a References threatened species (Wager and Jackson Anderson. J.R. (undated). (DCNR Filenote unpublished). 1993). It is, however, considered in Victoria Anderson, J.R. and McMamara, D. (1984). Report on fish kills at Lake Nillahcootie. 19 as 'Vulnerable' (Koehn and Morison 1990) Investigation of IX-cember, 1984 (DCNR unpublished). and is listed under the Victorian Flora and Anon. (1984). Redfin in Lake Hamilton are Dying. Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). An Action 'Hamilton Spectator'. 3 November 1984. Statement outlining a range of management Anon. (1986). Fish Kill at Reedy Swamp. 17 February, 1986 Filenole. unpublished). recommendations designed to enhance the (DCNR Barley, R.J. (1983). A comparison of the responses to conservation status of the species is ex- hypoxia of the yabbie Chertix destructor Clark and pected to be released in 1994 (Reed et at in the Murray crayfish Euastacus annatus (von Mar- prep.). Given the present conservation status lens). B.Sc.(Hons.) Thesis (unpublished). University of Adelaide. of Murray Cod in Victoria, it is of concern Beer, T.. Young, PC, Humphries, R.B. and Burgess. J.S. that currently depleted Victorian stocks of (1982). 'Environmental Water Quality. A Systems Murray Cod are subject to fish kills (Cad- Study in Tuggeranong Creek and Kambah Pool'. wallader and Gooley 1984). (CRES Monograph Australian National University: Revegetation with indigenous plant spe- Canberra). Be//obs, T. (1988). A comparison of the respiratory cies and fencing of riparian zones and floodplain responses of the Murray crayfish Euastacus arma- areas may be an option to reduce the ftu(von Martens) and the yabby Cherax destructor incidence offish kills. The manipulation of (Clark) to maintained hypoxia. B.Sc. (Hons.) Thesis regulatory structures to provide water at de- (unpublished). University of Adelaide. sirable times C ad wallader. P.L. (1978). Some causes of the decline in of year to floodplain and riverine range and abundance of native fish in the Murray- habitat areas is seen as a means of Darling River system. Proceedings of the Royal So- ameliorating the current unnatural (low re- ciety of Victoria 90, 21 1 -224.

98 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Cadwallader, RL. (1986). Flow regulation in the Murray spawning. Australian Journal ofMarine and Fresh- River system and its effect on the native fish fauna. water Research 18, 137-153. In 'Stream Protection. The Management of Rivers for Langdon, J. (1984). Laboratory Report - Fish kill of lnstream Uses'. Ed I.C. Campbell. (Water Studies juvenile Rcdfin Perch at Lake Mokoan, I December Centre: Chisholm Institute of Technology). 1 984. (Department of Agriculture unpublished). Cadwallader, P.L. and Gooley, G.J. (1984). Past and Langdon, J. (1986). A new viral disease of redfin perch. present distributions and translocations of Murray Australian Fisheries. December, 35-36. Cod, Maccullocheila peeli and Trout Cod, Maccul- Langdon, J.S., Humphrey, J.D., Williams, L.M., Hyatt, lochella macquariensis (Pisces:Percichthyidae) in A.D. and Westbury, H.A. (1986). First virus isolation Victoria. Pmc eedings ofthe Royal Society of Victoria from Australian fish: an iridovirus-like pathogen 96, 33-43. from Redfin Perch, Perca fluviatilis L. Journal of Cullen, P., Rosich, R. and Bek. P. (1978). ' A Phosphorus Fish Diseases. 9, 263-268. Budget for Lake Burley Griffin and Management Langdon, J.S. and Humphrey, J.D. (1987). Epizootic Implications for Urban Lakes'. Australian Water Re- haematopoietic necrosis, a new viral disease in Red-

sources Council Technical Paper No. 3 1 . (Australian tin Perch, Pen a fluviatilis L. Australia. Journal of Government Printing Service). Fish Diseases 10, 289-297. Dexter. B.D., Rose, H.J. and Davies, N. (1986). River Mackay, N.J. (1973). Histological changes in the ovaries regulation and associated forest management prob- of the Golden Perch. Plectroplites amhiguus, associ- lems in the River Murray red gum forests. Australian ated with the reproductive cycle. Australian Journal Forestry 49, 16-27. ofMarine and Freshwater Research 24, 95-10L Doudoroff, P. and Shumway, D. L. (1970). Dissolved Moller, H. and Scholz (1 99 1 ). Avoidance of oxygen-poor Oxygen Requirements of Freshwater Fishes. FAO zones by fish in the Elbe River. Journal of Applied echnical Paper No. 86. Ichthyology 7, 176-182.

Douglas, J. ( 1993).Victorian Fisheries Research Institute, Morrissy, N.M., Caputi, N. and House, R.R. (1984). Snobs Creek, Inland Fisheries Research, Field Trip Tolerance of marron (Cherax tenuimanus) to hypoxia Report Summary, Broken Creek Fish Survey, 8-12 in relation to aquaculture. Aquaculture 41, 61-74. November, 1993. (DCNR unpublished). Pollard, D.A., Ingram, B.A., Harris, J.H. and Reynolds, Geddes, M.C. and Puckridge, J.T. (1989). Survival and L.F. (1990). Threatened fishes in Australia-an over- growth of larval and juvenile native fish: the impor- view. Journal of Fish Biology 37 (Supplement A), tance of the floodplain. In 'Proceedings of the Work- 67-78. shop on Native Fish Management'. Canberra, 16-17 Reddy, M.S. and Chhonkar, P.K. (1990). Oxygen diffu- June, 1988. (Murray-Darling Basin Commission). sion rate and redox potential as influenced by flood- Gehrke, PC. (1991). Avoidance of inundated floodplain ing, organic matter and regulatory chemicals. habitat by larvae of Golden Perch (Macquaria am- Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science 38, bigua Richardson): influence of waterqualily or food 731-732. distribution? Australian Journal of Marine and Reed, J., Gooley, G. and Davidson, 1. (in prep.). Murray Freshwater Research 42, 707-719. Cod Maccullocheila peelii peelii. Flora and Fauna Gehrke, PC. (1993). Effects of river red gum, Eucalyptus Guarantee Action Statement. camaldulensis, litter on Golden Perch, Macquaria Reynolds, L.F. (1976). Decline of the native fish species ambigua. Journal of Fish Biology 43, 265-279. in the River Murray. SAFIC 8, 19-24. Kill in the Belmore River, Gooley, G. J., Anderson, T. A. and Appleford, P. {in prep.). Richardson, B.A. (1981). Fish Aspects of the reproductive cycle and gonadal devel- Macleay River Drainage, NSW, and the possible opment of Murray Cod, Maccullocheila peelii peeU't influence of flood mitigation works. In 'Proceedings Conference', 7-10 (Mitchell) (Percichthyidae). in Lake Cbarlegrark and of the floodplain Management Canberra). adjacent farm dams, Victoria, Australia. May, 1980. (Canberra. AGPS: of the History and Fishery Gregory, D. (1994). Outback outcry at fish slaughter. Rowland, S.J. (1989). Aspects Maccullocheila peeli (Mitchell) 'Border Morning Mail'. March 1st. 1994. of The Murray Cod, (Percichthyidae). Proceedings ofthe Linnean Society Harbison. P. (1984). Fish kills can have natural causes. Wales 111, 201-213. Australian Fisheries. April. 18-20. ofNewSouth (1992). Diet and feeding of Murray Cod Hart, B.T., Day, G., Sharp-Paul, A. and Beer.T. (1988). Rowland, S.J. (Maccullocheila peelii) Larvae. Proceedings of the Water quality variations during a flood event in the Linnean Society ofNew South Wales 113, 193-201. Annan River. North Queensland. Australian Journal Water Commission of Victoria (1988). Chemical ofMarine and Freshwater Research 39, 225-43. Rural Report Methods, Volume 1 . Routine Water Analyses. Hart, B.T., Ottaway, E.M. and Noller, B.N. (1987). No. CE25, 2nd Ed. Magela Creek system, Northern Australia. 1. 1982-83 Integration of long- Trim, A.H. and Marcus, J.M. { 1 990). wet season water quality. Australian Journal ofMa- ambient water quality moni- -68. term fish kill data with rine and Freshwater Research 38, 26 1 toring data and application to water quality Jacobs, TA. (1989). Regulation of the Murray -Darling management. Environmental Management 14, 389- River System. In 'Proceedings of the Workshop on 396. Native Fish Management' (Canberra, 16-17 June Welcomme, R.L. (1979). 'Fisheries Ecology of Flood- 1988). plain Rivers'. (Longman: London). Koehn, J.D. and Morison, A.K. (1990). A review of the Plan for Wager, R and Jackson, P. (1993). The Action conservation status of native freshwater fish in Vic- Australian Freshwater Fishes. Australian Nature toria. The Victorian Naturalist 107, 13-25. Endangered Species Program species Conservation Agency Lake, J.S. (1967). Rearing experiments with five 147. to Project Number of Australian freshwater fishes I: Inducement

99 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 1

Contributions

Occupancy of Peregrine Falcon Eyries near Melbourne during 1976-84 and 1992

2 W.B. Emison 1 and V.G. Hurley A study of Peregrine Falcons breeding at Therefore, wc conclude that the decline in 21 eyries (20 on cliffs and one on a dam wall) occupancy which was recorded between near Melbourne between 1976 and 1984, 1976 and 1984 was mainly because of sam- showed a progressive decline in occupancy pling bias. However, it is possible that some of the sites during the years in which data contribution to the reversal of this decline were collected (Emison et al. 1993). This can be attributed to reduced pesticide levels

occurred at the same time as high levels of i n the environment. The use of DDT in Aus- eggshell thinning and contamination of eggs tralia peaked in the mid 1970's and then by organochlorine pesticides were known to declined until it was finally banned for use exist within the population. However, dur- on farms in 1987 (Olsen et al. 1992). By ing the same period the observation time 1983, DDT residues in Peregrine eggs had spent by the scientists at eyrie sites was begun to decline in Victoria (Olsen et al.

progressively reduced. In their paper, Emi- 1 992) and this may have been a factor in the son etai (1993) indicated that data on eyrie recovery of the percentage occupancy of occupancy were not sufficient to determine Peregrine eyries between 1984 and 1992. whether the observed decline was due to Regardless of the reasons for the recovery pesticide contamination or to sampling bias. They suggested that a re-examination of the 20 cliff sites and the dam wall site near 100 Melbourne during a future breeding season would be useful in determining whether the X occupancy had actually dropped or, was 90 % commensurate with the levels found in the ^X * 1976-1984 study. x\ X 60 During the breeding season in 1 C 992, all 2 c nest sites were again visited and details of LI p occupancy were recorded. Most of the sites ?0 A X N were visited during the incubation period N but there were not many follow-up C visits Y during the chick-rearing period. 60 We found that 18 of the 21 sites (86%) were occupied by either one or two adult 50 Peregrine Falcons. This is slightly higher 76 7.8 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 than the mean occupancy (84%) for the nine YEAR years of 1976-1984. When this figure of * Predicted D Actual 86% is included with those data which showed a negative correlation between the Fig. 1. Percentage of territories occupied by one percentage of sites occupied and the years or two Peregrine Falcons in relation to the years during which the data were collected (1976- in which the data were collected. The solid part of 1984), there is no longer a negative correla- the regression line indicates the negative correlation. The previous data would have tion between the percentage of sites occupied and predicted a percentage occupancy of only ihe data collection years of 1976 - 1984. If this about 59% (Fig. 1). negative correlation had continued during 1985 - 1991 (illustrated by broken line) when no data P.O. Box 4228, were collected, the predicted occupancy for 1992 Melbourne University, Parkville Vic. from the regression (y = 93.86 - 2.02x) would be Department of Conservation and Natural Resources about 59%. However, the actual percentage P.O. Box 137, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084. occupancy was found to be 86%.

100 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

in occupancy, most (86%) of the Peregrine References eyries around Melbourne that were studied Emison. W.B., Bren W.M. and White. CM. (1993). In- fluence of Weather on the Breeding of the Peregrine a decade or so ago are still occupied by one Falcon Falco peregrinus Near Melbourne. In 'Aus- or two adult Peregrines. Of the three eyries tralian Raptor Studies'. Ed. Penny Olsen. (Aus- found not to be occupied, two were probably tralasian Raptor Association, RAOU: Melbourne). vacated because of human disturbance and Olsen, P., Emison, B., Mooney, N. and Brothers. N. (1992). DDT and Dieldrin: Effects on Resident Pere- other one probably because of natural the grine Falcon Populations in South-eastern Australia.

causes. Ecotoxicology 1: 89-100.

A Record of an Introduced Fish, the Oriental Weather Loach (Misgurnus anguitticaudatus: Family Cobitidae) from the River Murray Upstream of Corowa

Michael MacQueen

The Oriental Weather Loach Misgurnus sion contained no water although the sur- depres- anguillicaudatits is a popular cold water rounding soil was very damp. The aquarium fish in southern Australia. The sion in which the fish was found was located channel of the River species is typically found in still or slow- 95 m from the main Another flowing waters with muddy bottoms Murray, the nearest body of water. containing water was located (Burchmore et ai 1 990). Weather Loach are billabong opposite direction. tolerant of low oxygen levels, utilising at- 105 m away in the I was able to mospheric oxygen under extreme condi- Upon finding the specimen Oriental Weather Loach tions (Burchmore et ai 1990). identify it as the article earlier this Feral populations of the species are estab- having read a newspaper identification was made by my lished at a number of locations throughout year. Formal G.P. Closs, La Trobe south-east Australia, having been recorded Biology lecturer Dr - who also retained the from the Yarra River near Melbourne, the University Wodonga Wingecarribee River south-west of Sydney specimen in his private aquarium. the River Murray dropped and the Ginninderra Creek in the A.C.T. Water levels in cessation of summer irrigation (Allen 1984; Burchmore era/. 1990; Linter- following the Presumably the billabong mans etal 1990). The species has previously flow in late April. Weather Loach was found been recorded from the River Murray at in which this of the have been isolated at some time dur- least as far upstream as the confluence would time at which the depres- Ovens and Murray rivers (G.P Closs pers. ing May. The exact appeared out is unknown. The fish comm.). In this note I report the occurrence sion dried depression suffered no obvious ill effect due to of the species in the bed of a dry to have be- of water because it tried to wiggle on the floodplain of the River Murray being out discovered and swam ac- tween Corowa and Howlong (Grid refer- away when first placed in water. ence 191591; 15,000, Lowersdale 8126-5, tively when knowledge, this record is the fur- lsted.). To my Loach upstream occurrence of Weather Loach A single specimen of Weather thest a log River Murray. The origin of the speci- (length 61 mm) was discovered under in the and could be derived Yabbies Cherax destructor men is not known, while collecting down- collected from from populations located further on 24 July 1 994. The fish was aquarium release. It is not depression located under the log. A stream or a recent a small popu- speci- whether there is a permanent further search yielded no additional known River. The depres- the section of the Murray mens. At the time of collection, the lation in absence of water is finding of the fish in the that this species also significant, suggesting 2646. 92 Redlamls Road, Corowa, N.S.W.

101 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Naturalist Note

Burchmore, J., Faragher, R and Thomcraft, G (1990) may be able to tolerate a wider range of Occurrence of the introduced Oriental Weather any other native conditions compared with Loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus in the Wingecar- or introduced fish currently recorded from ribee River, New South Wales. In 'Introduced and translocated fishes and their ecological effects'. Ed. the River Murray (Cadwallader and Back- D. A. Pollard. (Department of Primary Industries and It be able to colonise some house 1983). may Energy: Canberra). temporary wetland habitats from which Cadwallader, P.Land Backhouse, G.N (1983). * A guide to (Government other species are presently excluded due to the freshwater fish of Victoria'. Print- ing Office: Melbourne). periodic drying. Lintermans, M. Rutzou, Tand Kukolic, K (1990). Intro- duced fish of the Canberra region - recent range References expansions. In 'Introduced and translocated fishes Allen S. (1984) Occurrence ofjuvenile Weatherfish Mis* and their ecological effects.' Ed. D.A. Pollard. (De- gunttiS anguitlicaudatus (Pisces: Cobitidae) in the partment of Primary Industries and Energy: Can- Yarra River. The Victorian Naturalist 101, 240-242. berra).

Weather Loach. Drawing courtesy of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Fisheries Branch.

From our Naturalist in Residence, Cecily Falkingham

Grey-headed Flying Fox

On Tuesday 1 1 January 1994, 1 observed a calls of Boobook Owls adding to the joy of small group of Grey-headed Flying Foxes in my night walks. my garden in Mitcham. They were feeding Many people would be aware of the noise on the fruit of an Ornamental Cherry Plum that Grey-headed Flying Foxes make whilst Prunus sp. The time was 1 1 p.m. feeding not to mention the loud noise made I had visited the Botanic gardens in Mel- by the large wings or flight membrane as bourne on several occasions to view these they fly overhead. beautiful animals so you can imagine my I watched the bats each evening from ap- surprise, delight and excitement when I proximately 1 1 p.m. until midnight or some- made the discovery. times until 2 a.m. in the morning depending During spring, summer and autumn I stroll on how long I could tolerate being eaten around our garden with a small spotlight and alive by mosquitoes. miniature tape recorder. These nocturnal I found that they arrived within five min- rambles have been carried out for many utes of their 11 pm 'rendez-vous' with the years and even the neighbours no longer Cherry plums. worry when the sharp beam of the spotlight 1 soon discovered how good their eye-sight strays into their gardens late in the evenings. was when one evening I wore white sneak- Nocturnal insects, spiders and frogs so far ers (normally I wore dark clothing and being the main attractions with the nearby shoes), they flew around and over, circling

102 The Victorian Naturalist horst from the Arthur Rylah Institute, it would seem to be the first sighting from Mitcham where I live. It also seems to be the first recorded sighting of the bats feeding on Eucalyptus cormtta.

T phoned two other Naturalists who live in Mitcham, both of whom had no records of previous sightings in our area. Conclusions:

• that the bats first food preference was a

variety of plums and Ioquat fruit, and only when these were all gone did they turn their attention to the flowering Eu- calypts;

• their arrival in the two gardens was almost at the same time each evening. Pos-

sibly the bats left the Botanic Gardens in

Melbourne at dusk, feeding at 'random'

on fruits and nectar in other gardens on their way to Mitcham;

• that in spite of several Eucalptus sp. flowering in the Mullum Mullum valley nearby, none produced the volume of flowers and the density of foliage protec- Grey-headed Flying tion as did the two Eucalypt food plants Lumsden. previously mentioned; my garden again and again and not until F • that this 'appears' to be the first record of hid myself did they settle down to their meal. Grey-headed Flying Fox sighted in divided their The group of seven animals Mitcham. It does appear that they are garden time between my garden and a extending their range from Melbourne in gaining permis- nearby of over 3 ha. After their search for food; sion from the owners of the neighbours • that in spite of a dog on the larger prop- property 1 tried to observe what else they erty barking intermittently during feed- were feeding on. ing they were not 'put off their food'. The I discovered that they had arrived one barking ceased when I asked the owners month ago on the larger property and had to kindly keep the dog inside at night, possibly been feeding on plums and Ioquat which they gladly complied with, being fruit, arriving at this property at 10.45 p.m. as delighted as I with their nocturnal visi- each evening. tors; By the time they had arrived at my garden • that in spite of a den of foxes between the all the fruit had been eaten at their first two properties and a lot of fox activity in destination. Within three nights almost all Mitcham they managed to survive. In the cherry plums were eaten in my garden. fact, feeding on my property was as low Their food then consisted of nectar from as 2 m when the plums up higher in the Eucalyptus globulus sub species bi-costata tree had been eaten. and E. cornuta. Both of these Eucalypts We have a high population of cats around growing on the neighbours property were house with two immediate neighbours heavy with flowers. Our last sighting of the my owning four between them. It was infuriat- bats was on 22 January 1994. one night to watch one of the cats stalking After making enquiries from Peter Mcnk- ing

103 Vol. 112(2)1995 Book Review

the bats, needless to say I intervened. The observations in the eastern suburbs and be-

bats, feeding quite noisily at the time, were yond if possible. I am particularly interested

unaware of the danger. Still, in spite of dogs, in the food preferences of the Flying Fox.

cats and foxes, the seven animals survived. Mr Peter Menkhorst would also appreciate The Grey-headed Flying Fox seems to be any information in future on distribution etc.

extending its feeding locations further than and he can be contacted at the Department previously recorded until my observations of Conservation and Natural Resources, 123

in Mitcham, which is a first, as far as we Brown St, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084.

know. I would like a response from readers Cecily Falkingham of The Victorian Naturalist as to their own 27 Chippewa Ave, Mitcham, Victoria 3 132

Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas (Fully revised 5th Edition)

by Leon Costermans

Publisher: The Author. J 994. 176 Pages, 7 pages colour photographs. RRP $12.00.

There can be few Victorians interested in cross-referencing. Like the equally valuable the outdoors and more particularly in learn- 'big Costermans' - 'Trees and Shrubs of ing about the surrounding bush who have Southeastern Australia', this is a book not not treasured and carried with them, a copy just to name plants, but one from which you of 'little Costermans' 'Trees of Victoria: an genuinely learn, in that the plants featured Illustrated Field Guide'. For me this genu- are grouped according to their relationships, inely back pocket-sized book was indispen- not by the botanically meaningless criterion sable when we first came to Australia and all of the alphabet! eucalypts seemed to look disconcertingly In addition to the drawings which allow alike. That was back in 1966, the year in easy identification, there is now a section which the original was published. Since then reflecting the growing interest of the human we alone must have accounted for several of community in both ecological relationships the 120,000 copies which have been sold - and diversity of vegetation types. Simple we've worn them out, given them away, line drawings of vegetation there's profiles are used one in the house, one in the car etc. in this section This new revised along with descriptions of edition, which brings in soils more of the and typical localities for each vegeta- areas adjoining Victoria (after all, tion type. In my opinion, this sort of infor- plants know no political boundaries) has already, in only a mation is enormously important if we are to few months, sold out its first printing. develop a truly caring and responsible atti- The highly successful and accessible format of tude to our bushland. No longer is it just the 1 966 original has been largely retained enough to name a plant with, for the eucalypts, de- and move on to the tailed line next drawings of leaves, bark and buds specimen. It is to Leon's great credit plus an overall sketch that he of the form of the tree! has been able to encompass both plus a black and white photograph of the approaches so clearly and pleasurably in general bark type. such a small and inexpensive volume. We The language is simple, with a glossary for are all, beginners and those more advanced, those terms that have been necessary, and in his debt as a result. Thank you Leon. hke elsewhere in the book there is excellent Jane Calder

104 The Victorian Naturalist ,

How to be a Field Naturalist

Shell Collecting

Noel Schleiger 1

Activities 'Shell Collecting' is usually confined to collecting along coastal beaches although the enthusiast will include freshwater examples. 'Collecting' should be restricted to dead or observations of living animals. You should be aware of the restrictions on the removal of any material in some areas. Appropriate permits should be obtained - refer to clubs listed below. a Field Naturalist As specialising in 'shell collecting' you can look forward to participating

Field collecting trips; Participating in surveys; Making your own collection; Studies of species behaviour; Recognition of fossil shells in old marine deposits; Conservation of species; Conservation of habitat; Studies of shell associations.

Field Guides/Handbooks Australian Sea Shells. J. Child. (Periwinkle Press: Sydney). What Shell is That? Neville Coleman. (Lansdowne Press: NSW). Marine Invertebrates of Southern Australia, (Eds.) S.A. Shepherd and I.M. Thomas. Australian Sea Shores. W.J. Dakin. (Angus & Robertson: NSW). Marine Molluscs of Victoria. National Museum of Victoria. (Melbourne University Press). Coastal Invertebrates of Victoria. Marine Research Group of Victoria and National Museum of Victoria. Life on the Rocky Shores of Southeastern Australia. Victorian National Parks Association, Melbourne. Equipment Hand lens (10 or 20 magnification) for looking at detail on shell specimens. Plastic bags, labels, water-resistant pens and plastic ties are essential for collecting for later analysis. Look-box orface mask for observations in rockpools. Camera, photography is important for illustration and study. Sketching equipment, sketches can bring out features not seen in photographs.

Clubs and societies Marine Research Group Malacological Society of Victoria FNCV

Journals „ . , annually and deals with Journal of the Malacological Society of Australia, produced Moll u sea. Australian Shell News, produced quarterly, related topics. The Victorian Naturalist, occasional articles on marine life. occasional articles on field Field Nats News (Newsletter of the FNCV), produced monthly, trips.

and you can contact him YoTfNCV contact for shell collecting is Noel Schleiger on (03) 435 8408.

1 35/20 Were Street, Montmorency, Victoria 3094.

105 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Letter

A Tribute to Akjx Burns

morning, a hike straight up the mountain Dear Editor the timber tramway which took us to the The news of the death of Alex Burns sad- on a road three or four km from the dened me indescribably. He had been a good mountain summit. No vehicles used the road that sum- friend to me. For several years, it has been mer. The road was strewn with eucalypts on my mind to write to Alex but 1 have not down by winter snow, making it done so, simply because I had no address and brought climb over them all. never developed the energy to get in touch hard work for us to too, we went to the with someone who would know. Now it is Several times Railway Station and from there too late and 1 have never made due acknow- Moorooduc ledgement of an ancient debt. walked the high ground back to Frankston, or several times once with Len Thorn, who I was admitted as an associate member of to Yallock RS the FNCV on 13 December 1920. My spe- got stung by a scorpion, Woori station cial interest was Lepidoptera. Very shortly and from there by bush to another Seville, or once from after joining, I was introduced to Alex. Al- which, I think, was though Alex was then aged in his early twen- Yarra Junction over the Don Gap to Heales- the open ties and I was eight years younger, we ville, a long walk. We wandered

became friends and almost immediately 1 grassy country around the Broadmeadows was visiting him at his home in Lower Fern- RS, or, with Charles Barrett to the heath- tree Gully. The Burns property fronted Dor- lands near the Cheltenham RS. Always Alex set Road and was backed by the railway line, had something specific in mind, always I

so the way to it was by foot along the rail learned much, not only of butterflies but also track about a half mile from the Lower Fern- of native species, zoological and botanical. tree Gully Station. Alex lived in the farm Mentioning Len Thorn's casualty reminds house with an older, much older, brother and me of Charles Oke, for some time the Club's

sister. As I remember his story, when he was secretary. His interest was spiders and he born his mother was remarkably old, in her was questioning the dangers attributed to middle fifties. spider bites. To satisfy himself about the

For a young man of 22, a boy of 14 is still subject, he teased all kinds of spiders into a child, but never did Alex treat me, discuss sinking their fangs into him. He experienced with me, talk to me about any subject other no adverse effect. Then, in discussion, he than as with an equal. Even on the subject of mentioned he was going to experiment with butterflies, with me, he took the role of guide a Red-Back. Some of the audience at the rather than that of an expert. He included me FNCV meeting were shocked. Then, and in many of his excursions. Several times later he received so many reports of first- with Charles French Jr., we went to hand very adverse experiences of Red-Back

Springvale where there was then natural bites that he desisted. Years later it struck me; bush country adjoining the old race track. his inoculation by minor bites may have had Each time, our quarry was the pupae of what the effect of inuring him to every kind of we called then Miletia delicia, (now Hypo- bite. But as he desisted, how can we form an chrysops) to be found on Acacia meamsii. opinion? That was the only way to collect them; but- As I write, it comes to mind, in 1922 my terflies never came below the higher mother took me for a fortnight's holiday tot branches of the food plant and so were im- Double Bay. It so happened, at that time Alex. possible to net. was also in Sydney. Together he and I ex We went together to Mount Donna Buang. plored St Georges River to find, under the Alex was making his own survey of the waterside rocks, the largest centipedes andl incidence of Macleays Swallowtail. So it scorpions I have ever seen. Another day we was by train to Warburton. a night's rest in a took the tram from Manly to Narrabeen. This shopkeeper's spare room and then, early in tram ran mostly not along a road at all, buff

106 The Victorian Naturalislr iLetter

heath low scrub. through and ocean-side My I cannot remember why I let my member- tells me after leaving the precincts memory ship lapse. Perhaps it was because the thir- of Manly, we saw very few houses until we ties were very difficult years. And then the reached the village of Narrabeen. war came. I think Alex moved to Queens- Around 1929, I allowed my membership land, I am not sure. But I completely lost to drop, but rejoined the club in 1938. In the touch with him, seeing him again in Mel- thirties, Alex worked from an office near my bourne purely by chance only twice. All the city address, 430 Little Collins Street. De- same our meetings were just as though we spite my not having seen him for some years, had parted the day before. our friendship was as ever. It is here that I I have never forgotten the debt 1 owe Alex think I find a minor error in Sheila and with him many other members of the Houghton's account as to the beginning of Field Naturalists Club; Edward Pescott, Alex's interest in orchids. It was in the early Charles French, Bert Clinton, Miss R.E. thirties that Alex had an orchid house at his Blackburn home. This was very helpful to Chisholm, Charles Daley, are just a few that

me. It was a time when, if you were taking spring to mind. I have often wondered how out your girl of the moment to anything they may have discussed having this brat special, you gave her a corsage to wear. The along with them on three summer camps in centre flower was most commonly a garde- the years 1923, 25 and 28 to Wilson's Prom- nia or a cyclamen and, because they were ontory. hard to find, rarely an orchid. I had the great In my later membership Crosbie Morrison, advantage that Alex would bring to the city Stan Colliver and the Saroviches come high Cymbidiwn for me an orchid (Dendrobium, in my memory. Stan was then the Club sec- price of two shil- or Cattleya) for the low retary and intense in his study of palaeontol- In the florist an orchid cost at least lings. ogy. In addition to all that entailed, one and sixpence and, as that was about seven Sunday each month Stan enthused us by the price of a front stalls seat at the theatre, having a gathering of young (and not so it was for any young fellow a lot of money. young) Club members to his Essendon home A friendly florist would complete the posy. where, over time, we discussed every aspect A couple of times 1 visited Alex at Black- of nature study. The exigencies of war burn. In addition to his orchid house of brought those meetings to an end. which I remember only that he had a variety In short, these people, and no doubt first of epiphytes including several species of among them Alex Burns, enriched my life to Miltonias which I had not ever seen before, that even now, daily, I expe- he had an amazing garden on the north side such an extent an the benefit. And it is probable that one of his house. It was a garden with literally rience causation from those unexampled variety of tropical species could trace the line of retired to growing there healthily in the open. Alex had early influences that we have now area where our home spent much time in Queensland, an this high Strzelecki country because of the Tarra Bulga Na- always attractive to him, if only is now surrounded by butterflies. pristine state. its large population of handsome tional Park, much of it in a near to persuade that more young people I asked him how he managed I could only wish so well in to do so north Queensland species to grow would be attracted to the Club. But give them copious difficult and per- Melbourne. His recipe: artificially would be very water and keep them as dry as to stimulate in summer haps not at all effective. How winter. Some years later, after I indeed. possible in one from within is a moot problem north facing corner in our married, I had a Cedric Ralph - quite house in Kew and I tried Alex's idea RMB 7560, Balook, Victoria 3971 unsuccessfully.

107 Vol. 112 (2) 1995 Australian Natural History Medallionist is Honoured in the 1995 Australia Day Honours List

Associate Professor Michael James Tyler was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to zoology, in particular, his work with Australian amphibians. Michael Tyler was the Australian Natural History Medallionist in 1980.

Australian Natural History Medallion Trust Fund

The following donations were gratefully received during 1994:

ValdaDedman $ 10 Stawell Field Naturalists Club $ 10

Royal Society of Victoria $ 1 00 Ballarat Field Naturalists Club $ 25 Peninsula Field Naturalists Club $ 5 Helen Aston $100

If you would like to contribute to this fund which supports the Australian Natural History Medallion, donations should be sent to: The Treasurer, The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria, National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. Cheques should be made payable to the Australian Natural History Medallion Trust Fund. The Medallion is awarded annually to a person who is considered to have made the most significant contribution to the understanding of Australian natural history in the last ten years.

Sheila Houghton

Membership Rates 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1995 INDIVIDUAL (ELECTED MEMBERS) MEMBERSHIP Single Membership $35 Joint Membership (for all categories) $45 Concessional Rate for each individual country member (more than 50km from GPO)/ student/ pensioner/ unemployed person $25 Junior (under 1 8, no 'Victorian Naturalist') $5 Pensioner Card/ Student ID Number INSTITUTIONAL SUBSCRIPTION Within Australia $50 VC AUD $60 Australian? fT Clubs^ $35 Send cheque to: The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria c/-Nat,onal Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 orian Naturalist

Volume 112 (3) 1995 June

ISEUM OF VIC1

29114

Club of Victoria Published by The Field Naturalists

since 1 884 Thank You Robyn

Council and members of The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria wish to express

their appreciation for the time and hard work put in by Robyn Watson as Editor of The Victorian Naturalist from 1989 to 1995. Her experience and professional knowledge contributed to maintaining the high standard of the journal.

New Members

Members Ms Alexa Ryhorchuk Fish Creek

Ms Judith Alcom Seymour Mr Andrew Saniga St Kilda Dr Alan Beasley Balwyn Ms Natasha Schedvin Plenty Mr Adrian Cameron Rosanna Ms Celia Smith Rhyll Mr Darren Carmon lyabb Mr Keith Tan Glen Waverley Ms Anne Casey Ascot Vale Mi- Robert Taylor North Bayswater

Ms Lynda Chambers Mooroolbark Mr James Todd St Kilda Ms Pamela Clunie Diamond Creek Mr Rodney Vanderree Langwarren Mr Dale Cummings Bayswater Ms Brigid Vaughan Elwood Mrs Dawn Dennis Spotswood Mrs Kate Walsh Strzelccki

Ms Sheila Devine Parkdale Ms Jill Weatherhead Selby Mr Darcy Duggan Selby Mr John Weiss Frankston Mr Matthew Dunstan Northcote Dr R.G. Wilson Bendigo Mr Clem Earp South Melbourne Mr Robert Wright Kew Mr Murray Ellis Broken Hill Ms Annika Everaardt Mt Waverley Mr David Falla Donald Joint Members Ms Sue Garner Benalla Ms Jackie and Ms Maree Gilbert Boronia Mr 1 -(alley Baiaban Deepdene Ms Claire Green Collingwood Mr Daryl and Mrs Judy Begg Glen Waverley Miss Amy Hahs North Carlton Mr Stuart Dashper and Mr Ian Htggins Moorabbin Ms Susan Myers Kew Mr Peter Howden Axedale Miss Kelley Glaister and Mrs El speth Jacobs Montrose Miss Peta Glaister Richmond Mr Scott Jessup Beachworth Mr Brian and Ms Catherine King North Carlton Mrs Valerie Hill Lower Templestowe Mr S.A. Larwood Port Melbourne Mr Ian and Mr David Laurie Broadford Mrs Joyce Hunt Research Mr Ray MacPherson Lower Templestowc Mr Sean McMullen, Mrs Ms Trish Smyth and Sheri McGrath Pascoe Vale Mis> Katherine Ms Ann McGregor Brunswick Smyth-McMullen Melbourne Mr Dennis Meltzer Balaclava Mr David Mitchell and Ms Nadine Michel Fitzroy Ms Joanne Emsley Parkville Mr Charlie Pascoe Wangaratta Mr Max and Mr Rob Price Bendigo Mrs Carol Patterson Blackburn South Mr Bruce Quinn Yellingbo Mr Denys and Mr Mrs Bertha Phillips Philip Robinson Mornington Camberwell Dr Ron Mr Alan Robley Gienroy Westcott and Ms Lucy Ms Cheryl Taylor Williamstown Rogers Collingwood Mr Tim Mr Peter and Rowe East Ringwood Ms Christine Wlodarczyk Balliang East The Victorian Naturalist

blume 112(3) 1995 June

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Index to Volume HI, 1994 is in the centre of this issue.

Research Report Leadbeater's Possum in Sub-alpine Woodland at Lake Mountain, by A. Jelinek, D. Cameron, C. Belcher and L Turner 112

Contributions Revegetation of Habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater in the

Yarra Valley, by G Gadsden andM. Ashby 1 16

Astelia australiana (Liliaceae): An Overview, by E. James 122

Geology of Popular Places in the Western MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia, by Dr. A. W. Beasley 126

Whipstick Nature Trail, by R.J. Fletcher 129

Naturalist Note Those Amazing Mistletoe Plants, by Cecily Falkingham, Naturalist in Residence 134

How to be a

Field Naturalist Geology, by J. Douglas 136

Book Reviews Peninsula Plants: A Field Guide to Indigenous Plants of the Mornington Peninsula, by K. and P. Strickland, reviewer L Costermans 137

Identification Handbook for Native Grasses, by M. Mitchell, reviewer/. Morgan 138

Census Update Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria. Update Bulletin No 4.4, compiled by T.J. Entwisle 139

ISSN 0042-5184

James Calder. Cover: Drooping Mistletoe Amyema pendulum. Photograph courtesy (see article on page 134) .

Research Report

New Perspectives on the Ecology of Lake Mountain: The Discovery of Leadbeater's Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy in Sub-alpine Woodland

1 2 , Christopher Belcher Ann Jelinek , David Cameron and Lucille Turner

Introduction The study area is 2.5 km north of Lake Mountain summit. It includes approximate- Lake Mountain plateau is situated at the ly hectares of the Heath plateau western limit of the Australian alps in south- 90 Long between 1400 m and 1440 m asl, including eastern Australia. It is biogeographically River, important and also has conservation sig- two tributaries of the Taggerty and a hectares at nificance at all levels - national, state and small area of approximately 12 River catchment regional. This is indicated by the concentra- the head of the Royston tion of rare and disjunct populations of between 1420 m to 1450 m asl. species and communities, and the concen- Leadbeater's Possum in Sub-alpine communities, tration of species and Woodland particularly plants, at the geographic and Leadbeater's Possum is listed as ecological limits of their range (CNR 1994). 'endangered* on Schedule 1 of the 'En- Although no comprehensive ecological dangered Species Protection Act', 1992 and surveys have occurred at Lake Mountain, is listed as a threatened taxon on Schedule 2 recent flora and fauna surveys of the Long the 4 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act', Heath-Echo Flat area highlight new ecologi- of is also classified as cal information, including the discovery of 1988. The species Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus lead- 'endangered' by IUCN ( 1 993) and Extensive beateri McCoy, in sub-alpine woodland. 'endangered' by CNR (1993). These surveys were completed as part of an surveys indicate that Leadbeater's Possum assessment of the environmental impacts of is predominantly confined to the montane two proposed cross-country ski trails at Lake ash forests in the Central Highlands of Mountain in December 1993 (CNR 1994). Victoria (Lindenmayer et al. 1989; Linden- This paper reports the discovery of mayer and Dixon 1992; Macfarlane andt 1 Leadbeater's Possum in sub-alpine wood- Seebeckl991). land and results of two subsequent Leadbeater's Possum stagwatch surveys (sensu Lindenmayer et at. 1989) carried out with The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. Further details on methodology, taxonomy and results of the environmental assessment are given in CNR (1994). Study Area

Lake Mountain (37°31'S 145°53'E) is north-east of Melbourne and 20 km east of Marysville in the Central Highlands of Vic- toria. High average annual precipitation of around 1400 mm per annum occurs, with frequent snow falls during June to October

1 and 1 Conservation Council 1 99 1 ). Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Endangered Species Unit. GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT 2601 Department or Conservation and Natural Resources 123 Brown St, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084. Leadbeater's Possum. Note that the white pieo ECOSYSTEMS. RMB 7285 Timboon, Victoria 3268. hanging down below the branch is bark.

112 The Victorian Naturalise Research Report

In early December 1993, at 1500 h, three Leadbeater's Possums were disturbed from a one-metre-high hollow in a Snow Gum (White Sallee) Eucalyptus pauciflora stump in sub-alpine woodland at the head of the

Royston River catchment (Fig. 1). After a short time climbing the nearby Snow Gums and leaping from trunk to trunk, the animals retreated to the original stump and another that was 0.75 m high. Each stump had small hollows at 0.5 m and 0.25 m above the ground respectively. One stump was associated with two other dead coppice stems, the other was associated with two live and three dead coppice stems. The stumps ranged from 20-30 cm diameter and one of the entrances part way up the stump was distinctly chewed (see Lindenmayer 1989). A subsequent stagwatch in early March 1994, involving 17 observers, recorded five. Leadbeater's Possums (two groups of two animals and one individual) spread over part

of the same area and all within sub-alpine Fig. 1. Snow Gum stump from which three woodland. One possum group was sighted Leadbeater's Possums emerged. at dusk, the others were seen after dark. The possums were observed climbing Snow There is abundant evidence throughout the Gums and acacias or moving through the sub-alpine woodland community in the understorey shrubs. No animals were study area that the density of A. obliquiner- recorded during another stagwatch in late via was high until quite recently, and that March 1994 with 13 observers in an adjoin- most individuals of the currently senescing most have ing area to the west of the Panorama Trail, age class have recently died and where one possum was spotlighted during already collapsed. Therefore, stands with an are increas- the previous stagwatch. understorey of A. obliquinervia ingly uncommon in the sub-alpine wood- Habitat Characteristics land community of the Echo Flat-Long In the study area, Leadbeater's Possum Heath area. was recorded between 1420-1445 m asl on Three of the Leadbeater's Possums were a ridge in the headwaters of the Royston sighted near the highest part of the ridge at montane ash forest dominated by River. A approximately 1445 m in shrubby sub-al- Alpine Ash Eucalyptus delegatensis is pine woodland. The most elevated and situated 350 to the east of the most north m exposed stands of shrubby sub-alpine wood- easterly sighting. These sites are separated land, on dry flat ridgelines and north-west by a rocky escarpment, wet sub-alpine aspects, are characterised by widely-spaced, heathland and sub-alpine woodland. broad-crowned E. pauciflora and a discon- Multi-stemmed Snow Gums with connect- tinuous shrub stratum with a distinctive ing canopies dominate the sub-alpine herbaceous flora in the intervening gaps. woodland which also includes mainly ma- soils and occasional outcropping Hickory Wattle Shallow ture, scattered Mountain and rock account for the gaps in the tree Acacia obliquinen'ia of 5-8 m in height. in the shrub strata. Average basal area ofA. obliquinervia wood- These stands of shrubby sub-alpine 3.5 /ha, although area is approximately m theirrather land are significant on account of clumps of acacias do occur.

113 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Research Report

1 in Alpine Ash (D.B. Lindenmayer restricted occurrence and because their 180 m pers. comm.) and 3.2 km to the south at structural and floristic heterogeneity con- approximately 1420 m, in the Snow tributes to the highest stand biodiversity ecotone (Jenkin and recorded for sub-alpine woodland vegeta- Gum/Alpine Ash 1991; D.B. Lindenmayer pers. tion within the study area. This significant Thomas of Leadbeater's Possum form of shrubby sub-alpine woodland is also comm.). A sighting in sub-alpine woodland on Mount Baw Baw at the ecological and altitudina! limit of this 1971 is reported in Lindenmayer (1989). vegetation type in the Lake Mountain area in However, there are no records of (CNR 1994). Possum at Lake Mountain in The vegetation around the stumps, from Leadbeater's sub-alpine woodland, distant from E. which the Leadbeater's Possum emerged, delegatensis or the Snow Gum/Alpine Ash represents a grassy and herbaceous form of ecotone, that is, outside their potential home sub-alpine woodland in which the under- range. storey is dominated by the grass Poa The importance of sub-alpine woodland ensiformis, which has an estimated cover of for the conservation of Leadbeater' s Possum 40%, together with a suite of forbs of which and the habitat requirements and home range the most common are Asperula pusilla, of Leadbeater's Possum in this habitat are Hydrocotyie hirta and Leptostigma reptans. not known. As the sub-alpine woodland is Shrubs are scattered and poorly represented. under snow for three to four months each Eucalyptus pauciflora forms a continuous year, it is possible that Leadbeater's Possum and uniform canopy of 15-18 m in height may use this habitat only on a seasonal basis. and estimated cover of 35%. The current Snow Gum stumps and old, dead coppice stems of E. pauciflora apparently represent branches may provide suitable nest sites. a single age class, mostly multi-stemmed Lindenmayer (1991) demonstrated that and often including both living stems of Leadbeater's Possums use particular trees canopy height and self-pruned stags or with hollows over many years, although it is stumps arising from the same lignotuber. not known whether these hollows are in These observations are consistent with the continuous use. Leadbeater's Possum often interpretation that the stand regenerated change nest trees, some of which are oc- prolifically following the 1939 wildfires. casionally shared with other arboreal This stand occupies a well-drained mid- mammals (Lindenmayer et at. 1990a). slope site of uniform 5% (estimated) slope, Leadbeater's Possums nesting in low NNE aspect and 1425 m elevation asl. Stand stumps could be vulnerable to predation and diversity is low with only 22 vascular the loss of a connected canopy fragments species and ten non-vascular cryptogams (4 their habitat, although proximity of tree mosses, 4 liverworts and 2 lichens) recorded trunks may be even more important for within one quadrat. Four species (Orites lan- movement. Loss of these features could in- cifolia, Ozothamnus secundiflorus, Prost- crease their susceptibili ty to predation anthera cuneata and Uncinia flaccida) are because they lack a gliding membrane and considered regionally significant by thus, in areas without a connected canopy or Beauglehole (1983) but these are all stem proximity, they need to descend into widespread within sub-alpine woodland at the understorey or to ground-level to move Lake Mountain. No plant species of state or between trees. Thus, considerable care national significance were recorded. needs to be taken in planning and construct- Distribution and ecology ing ski trails which involve changes to the The Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (1994) has vegetation structure and cover. several records for Leadbeater's Possum in The sap from Acacia obliquinervia is an montane areas around Lake Mountain, in- important food source for Leadbeater's Pos- cluding the Lake Mountain summit area. sum (Smith 1984; Lindenmayer £/ a/. 1994). Leadbeater's Possum has previously been Fresh bite marks on several A. obliquinervia recorded approximately 1 .8 km to the east at near the potential nest sites of Leadbeater's

114 The Victorian Naturalist; Research Report

Possum indicate that they may be extracting DCNR ( 1 994). An assessment of the environmental im- sap from this species. pacts of two proposed ski trails at Lake Mountain. (Unpublished). Snow Gums have abundant loose bark Jenkin, J.F. and Thomas, V.C. (1991). Lake Mountain. provides a suitable which environment for Surveys of vegetation and small mammal fauna in invertebrates. Arthropods and other inver- relation to proposed ski trails - Helicopter Rat, Gerraty's to Snowy Hill, Snowy Hill. Alpine Resorts tebrates are an important protein source for Commission. (Unpublished). Leadbeater's Possum and their abundance Land Conservation Council (1991). Melbourne area. may directly influence breeding success District 2 Review. Descriptive report. Land Conser- vation Council, Melbourne. (Lindenmayer et al. 1990b). Given the low Lindenmayer, D.B. (1989). The ecology and habitat re- acacias density of and abundance of other quirements of Leadbeater's Possum. Ph.D. thesis. insect feeders, invertebrates could be an im- (Australian National University, Canberra). Lindenmayer, D.B. (1991). A note on the occupancy of portant food source for Leadbeater' s nest trees by Leadbeater's Possum at Cambarville in at Possum in sub-alpine woodland Lake the montaine ash forests of the Central Highlands of Mountain. Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 108, 128-129. Lindenmayer, D.B., Smith, A.P., Craig, S.A. and The major populations of Leadbeater* s Lumsden, L.F. (1989). A survey of the distribution in ash forests of Possum occur the montane of Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus lead- the Central Highlands. These populations beaten McCoy, in the Central Highlands of Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 106,174-78. are critical to its future conservation (Lin- Lindenmayer, D.B., Cunningham, R.B., Tanton, M.T. denmayer and Possingham 1994). However, and Smith, A. P. (1990a). The conservation of ar- further study of Leadbeater' s Possum in sub- boreal marsupials in the montane ash forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia alpine woodland is needed. This may assist I. Factors effecting the occupancy of trees with with developing long-term conservation hollows. Biological Conservation 54, 1 1 1-131. strategies using population viability analysis Lindenmayer, D.B., Tanton, M.T. and Norton, T.W. - Test Case for to determine effective reserve systems and (1990b). Leadbeater's Possum A Integrated Forestry. Search 21, 156-159, management prescriptions for the species Lindenmayer, D.B. and Dixon, J.M. (1992). An addition-

(Lindenmayer and Possingham 1994). al historical record of Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy, prior to the 1961 Rediscovery of the Species. The Victorian Acknowledgements Naturalist 109, 217 -218. Lindenmayer, D.B., Boyle, S., Burgman, M.A., Mc- Special thanks are extended to members of Donald, D. and Tomkins, B. (1994). The sugar and The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria nitrogen content of the gums of Acacia species in the (Fauna Survey Group) and the Upper Goul- Mountain Ash and Alpine Ash forests of central Victoria and its potential implications for ex- burn Field Naturalists who endured the udivorous arboreal marsupials. Australian Journal during two nights of chilly mountain air of Ecology 19, 169-177. stagwatching and spotlighting. Lindenmayer, D.B. and Possingham, H.P. (1994). 'The of extinction: Ranking management options for The authors gratefully acknowledge the risk Leadbeater's Possum using Population Viability information constructive comments and Analysis'. (Centre for Resource and Environmental provided by Dr D. B. Lindenmayer. Studies, Australian National University: Canberra). Macfarlane, M.A. and Seebeck, J.H. (1991). 'Draft Management Strategies for the Conservation of References Leadbtnter'sPossumGynwobelideusleadbeateriM Tech. Rep. Series No. ML and Conser- Victoria*. ARIER Beauglehole, A.C. ( 1 983). 'The Distribution Conservation and Environment: Vic- Area, ( Department of vation of Vascular Plants in the Melbourne Naturalists toria). Victoria*. (Western Victorian Field Smith, A.P. (1984). The diet of Leadbeater's Possum, Clubs Association: Portland). GvmnobeHdeus leadbeateri (Marsupial ia). Austra- in Victoria. Department DCNR ( 1993).Threatened Fauna lian Wildlife Research 11, 265-273. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Victona. STOP PRESS Open Day - inspect our new home (see p.121) Sunday 23 July, 2-4 p.m.

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Revegetation of Habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops cassidix, in the Yarra Valley 2 Gaye Gadsden and Mark Ashby

Introduction Mahon and Carr 1992). The intent was to The Helmeted Honeyeater population is introduce an understorey once the tree layer this yet now restricted to a small area drained by had become established but has not Cockatoo Creek, approximately 50 km east been done (Ian Smales pers. comm. 1994). of Melbourne. The former range of the bird By 1988, with the continued decline of the covered some 3,000 sq km within the Helmeted Honeyeater population, it became Western Port and mid-Yarra catchments. apparent that protecting and expanding Helmeted Honeyeaters are specialised habitat within Yellingbo State Nature foragers of riparian forests and require dense Reserve was not sufficient to save Victoria's understorey vegetation for nesting. The avifaunal emblem (Smales et at. 1990). In primary cause of the decline in the bird's 1989 the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery

population and distribution is the destruc- Team was formed to direct the intensive tion and degradation of these wide-spread management effort required to halt the vegetation communities since European set- decline of the population. tlement, practices which continue today In May of that year more than 300 Vic- with increasing efficiency. torians responded to a multi-media By 1965 most of the remaining Helmeted campaign to enlist community support for Honeyeater population was found along the Helmeted Honeyeater and attended a three creeks in the Yellingbo area. The Vic- public meeting in Lilydale. Friends of the torian Government duly proclaimed narrow Helmeted Honeyeater Inc. (FOHH) was stream-side remnants along the Woori Yal- founded. The group was formed to en- lock, Cockatoo and Sheep Station Creeks as courage people to participate in activities the Yellingbo State Nature Reserve (Back- designed to: house 1987). a) increase public awareness of the en- Revegetation of habitat for the endangered dangered status of the Helmeted Helmeted Honeyeater population in the Yel- Honeyeater; lingbo area began in 1978 (Smales et at. b) improve the status of the Helmeted 1990). Since 1975, cleared land bordering Honeyeater in the wild, and the reserve has been purchased to con- c) assist with the conservation of the Hel- solidate its boundaries and incorporate meted Honeyeater in the wild. habitat fragments. Revegetation of this In this paper we will report on FOHH's cleared land has the objectives of increasing experience in revegetation on both private habitat within the reserve and providing a and public land. This information is buffer zone between the reserve and sur- presented to demonstrate the evolving na- rounding agricultural land. Between 1978 ture of such projects. and 1987 the Bird Observers Club, the Society for Growing Australian Plants and The rapid learning curve the State Government Conservation Depart- Priorities were quickly set within the ment (term is used since the Department has revegetation sub-group of FOHH. With only had several name changes over the period) 38 known birds, FOHH sought to work in planted approximately 80,000 trees and the area immediately surrounding the some shrubs (Backhouse 1987). Sites population. It was decided that efforts were revegetated during this period are, with few best directed at private landowners in the exceptions, devoid of a shrub layer (Mc- Yellingbo area and to leave revegetation 189 Swales Road, Macclesfield, l Victoria3782 responsibilities within Yellingbo State Na- Christine 35 Street, Millgrove, Victoria 3799. ture Reserve to the State Government

116 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Conservation Department. In addition, it ders, tree climbing with spurs and a .22 rifle was believed at this time that the population were all experimented with to obtain seed was being limited by a lack of winter nectar which could not be reached from the ground. sources (Wykes 1982) and upslope foraging Collecting seed from fallen branches after a requirements were not represented in the strong wind is now the most common reserve when FOHH was formed. method used for these "hard to reach* An information day, advertised through species. the local media, attracted a dozen interested During this time FOHH contacted land-holders whose properties abutted or wholesale nurseries, seeking voluntary as- were close to the reserve. A major incentive sistance with plant propagation. Nurseries for land-holders to revegetate was the from Ringwood to Bittern responded and FOHH's offer to contribute 90% of material FOHH received many thousands of plants costs plus voluntary labour. Land-holders via this method but several difficulties arose. have had a variety of reasons for wanting These included oversupply of some species revegetation works on their land which in- and under supply of others with few species of flora and fauna, cluded the conservation available at any one time and also a problem property value, creating a an enhanced in matching sites to available stock. Conse- screen of vegetation and even, in one case, quently FOHH often had to revegetate those assisting political ambitions! By 1991, thir- areas for which suitable stock was available, teen properties had been assessed, but including sites within the reserve. revegetation on several has not yet even- Efforts culminated with the first planting tuated. Some properties were too far away held in Yellingbo State Nature Reserve on from recent or extant Helmeted Honeyeater Arbor Day 1990. Over 100 people attended sites to warrant immediate attention and in the weekend including Scout and school other cases the land-holders' aims for the groups. The first planting on private land, area were inconsistent with the aims of which had been delayed by lack of insurance FOHH. For example, one land-holder cover, took place in October 1990 at 'Yel- wanted to continue grazing in proposed lingbo Farm', owned by A. and A. Tegel. revegetated sites. The 20 species planted consisted of over- To ensure that land-holders and FOHH storey and shrub species in an area fenced intentions coincided, an agreement, to be by FOHH to exclude stock. signed by both parties, was drawn up by Planting methods were dictated by site FOHH based on that used for the DCNR conditions, a small budget and FOHH's Land Protection Scheme. The agreement commitment to chemical-free weed control comprises a property description, descrip- methods. Freehold sites are invariably on tion and sketch map of the site, a costing of exotic pasture with its corresponding suite the project and a set of conditions to which of vigorous introduced species. Sites were both parties must adhere. The format has mown prior to planting. To control competi- worked well and is still used. possible tion from exotic grasses at the least Information about local vegetation com- metre of cost, approximately half a square only a munities was limited and specific to then the turf was removed with a mattock, few plant species. FOHH obtained aerial a inserted plant was surrounded by photographs to determine the extent of rem- newspaper weed mat. The sods of turf and conducted its own nant vegetation removed during the scalping process were surveys of local vegetation. inverted on the corners of the weed mat to Subsequently seed was collected with the of secure it. re-establishing as wide a range aim of finance from limited sources time Obtaining appropriate species as possible. A lot of involved hard work. Fundraising items dispersal also was invested in learning the seed were produced and sold, suppliers of the seasonal varia- habits of the local flora, sponsorship materials were approached for of those habits and in refining methods tions of Lillydale and lad- and the local Shires of collection and extraction. Loppers,

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Sherbrooke contributed in kind to FOHH replant vegetation or protect remnant efforts. Submissions were presented for vegetation from grazing. There are now 46 grants and TreeVic provided initial funding properties registered in the Land for Wildlife for fencing materials, fencing tools and tube program within the Cockatoo and Woori stock. Yallock Creek sub-catchments. FOHH has The successes and indeed survival of assisted with revegetation on three of those properties and fenced off a riparian-zone FOHH during this first year can be attributed remnant on another. to the intensive dissemination of information by the group. This campaign included Site preparation and maintenance media releases, bulk dispatching of letters, In mid 1993 FOHH replaced mechanical public information days, plant identification site preparation with chemical preparation. workshops for members and invitations to The scalping method produced high survival each of the 400 members to attend activities. rates but was physically too demanding for most volunteers. Also the exotic grasses, From strength to strength retained in the sods securing the newspaper Sites weed mats, found the decomposing paper to FOHH has revegetated approximately be an ideal rooting medium. Sites are now 10.5 ha of degraded habitat to May 1995 spot sprayed with glyphosate prior to plant- including 5 ha on nine sites within Yellingbo ing. However, FOHH remain uneasy about State Nature Reserve. Since there are many the possible deleterious effects of herbicides sites which need revegetating within the on components of the ecosystem such as soil reserve, when planting cannot be done on fauna and amphibians. freehold sites FOHH can quickly arrange Sites are maintained by hand weeding and planting on an alternative site. Although dead plants are replaced. Plant survival rates planting within the reserve was not the vary enormously from 20% to 90%, the original aim of the revegetation sub-group it majority being around 80%. Eutrophication, was decided that since artificial boundaries competition from exotic grasses and brows- are irrelevant to wildlife, planting should ing are the major causes of plant loss. Other occur where the need arose. losses have occurred from repeated flood- Projects on private land have been under- ing, careless application of herbicides on taken on 10 properties in the area, leading to neighbouring properties, trampling by the revegetation of some 5.5 ha and erection recreational anglers and slashing by service of 3 km of fencing. Revegetated areas pro- instrumentalities and government agencies. vide a variety of ecological functions: Substantial nutrient loads carried by run-off extending habitat; linking stream side rem- from adjacent land has resulted in high mor- nants; arresting stream bank erosion; tality of Eucalyptus and Acacia species on increasing the viability of roadside rem- some sites. These areas are replanted with nants; creating a vegetative buffer between more nitrogen tolerant Melaleuca species. the reserve and areas of intensive agricul- While this results in less representative ture, and preserving the local floristic gene planting, it at least provides a buffer between pool. natural remnant vegetation and areas of in- Another major recruitment drive for land- tensive agriculture. Melaleuca species can holders was made in mid 1991, a project be thinned at a later date to introduce a more shared by FOHH and the regional DCE desirable assemblage of species. Land for Wildlife Extension Officer. Letters In the presence of vigorous, exotic pasture were mailed to 80 property owners with land grasses, the native seedlings often suffer between Woori Yallock Creek and Cock- from stem rot and slug and snail attack and, atoo Creek. Owners were offered the in the competition for light, either death or opportunity to assist the Helmeted poor form development. Pasture grasses are Honeyeater by joining the Land for Wildlife therefore program removed by hand from around the or allowing the Friends either to base of plants until the native species have

118 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

become established above their exotic comments as the opportunity arises. Within the petitors. group there is still a debate on how far from

Inadvertent grazing from both sheep and the proposed revegetation site it is accept- cattle has occurred on freehold sites where able to select seed plants. This dilemma has stock gained entry through temporary fences been resolved to some degree by adopting a while rabbits, wallabies and deer are more 'close-as-possible' rule which still allows likely to cause damage on sites within Yel- for intra-species diversity. However, the lingbo State Nature Reserve. FOHH has choice of seed collected is subjective and left used tree guards on only one site because of to the discretion of the collectors. the high cost and labour involved in guard- Since procurement of plants from coming. Rabbits have not been a problem on mercial nurseries was sporadic and most sites but where they were, a 4-foot- inconsistent, FOHH sought funding for a wide netting fence was used successfully to community nursery to be sited at Healesville minimise damage. Approximately half the Sanctuary. Three other Yarra Valley conser- width of the mesh was laid horizontally vation groups shared in the submission and along the ground, bending away from the funding was received from TreeVic in April revegetated site. 1990. Members with commercial nursery All sites are visited once a year in Autumn skills enabled the nursery to be established for photo monitoring. The photographs are at minimal cost. While still maintaining a used for progressive comparison purposes. stake in the Healesville facility, FOHH has set up other facilities at the Yellingbo Species selection Reserve and the first seedlings were Consultants were employed by the Hel- propagated in 1992. meted Honeyeater Recovery Team in 1991 Initially FOHH members had limited to document vegetation within Yellingbo knowledge of indigenous plant propagation State Nature Reserve, identify vegetation methods but through experimentation, con- management issues and to prepare a tact with other community nurseries and, revegetation strategy. McMahon et al. more recently, Greening Australia, expertise (1991) recorded 11 vegetation communities has increased to such an extent that FOHH including seven sub-communities within the funds are occasionally augmented with reserve. propagation contracts. Plants are sold to FOHH replants assemblages of species government agencies for local projects and from several of the identified plant com- to land holders within the area. munities. In general, assemblages are During 1993, FOHH volunteers attending dominated by Eucalyptus viminalis, E. four nursery days a month, produced around ovata, E. camphora, Leptospermum spp. 30,000 tube stock. Almost all of the 45 and Melaleuca spp. These assemblages con- species of trees and shrubs > 1 metre which tain the principal foraging and nest-site occur in the Yellingbo/Macclesfield area are plants of the Helmeted Honeyeater, as col- now propagated. Species and their required lated by ornithologist Don Franklin quantities are determined on an annual basis (McMahon et al. 1991). according to the sites available for revegetat- Species selection for a site is determined ing with a planting rate of about a thousand by existing remnant vegetation (if any), tubes each activity day. Surplus stock is drainage, aspect, perceived nutrient load donated to DCNR for planting within the the site and the quantities of species entering and school groups on propagate reserve by their staff available. While it is desirable to weekday excursions. species on a site-by-site basis, when planting delays on private land in a high rainfall area, Planting of plan- often occur which make this level FOHH held revegetation days every week group ning unworkable. for the first few months, but the works not maintain the organisation and Plant propagation could needed to keep up sub-catch- volunteer enthusiasm Seed is collected within the

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Contributions

such an intensive program. Twelve been made to the 'National Estate Grants revegetation days are now held per year, Program' to continue the position in 1995. avoiding the hottest summer months and The co-ordinator provides support to the holding two per month in the more revegetation convenor and nursery super- favourable seasons of autumn and spring. In visors by assisting with the planning and late 1993, mattocks were replaced with implementation of revegetation projects and Hamilton tree planters when the switch to nursery operations. With the creation and chemical site preparation was made. The maintenance of a high public profile, the number of plants going into the ground group receives many requests for further doubled. However, survival rates have fal- information and offers of help. By employ- len. ing a part-time co-ordinator FOHH has been FOHH revegetates sites at a density of able to respond quickly to such requests and approximately 10,000 plants per hectare. thereby maintaining the group's momen- While overstorey species are spaced at ap- tum. With a full-time co-ordinator FOHH proximately 3 m intervals, species such as could work over a wider area within the Leptospermum conttnentale and Melaleuca Helmeted Honeyeater' s former range, res- squarrosa are planted in thickets of up to 6 toring habitat at a greater rate and with more plants per square metre. efficiency. Other community groups have collective!) Unsolved problems contributed thousands of hours labour to Incremental clearing of natural vegetation FOHH projects. Primary, secondary and ter- on freehold land, public land water frontages tiary students, Scouts and Venturers and and roadsides surrounding Yellingbo State other local interest groups have regularly Nature Reserve continues at a rate far greater helped the ten to twenty FOHH members than that at which land is being revegetated. who have formed the core revegetation group. In addition to remnant vegetation cleared under permit for 'developments', substantial Funding projects vegetation is lost due to inappropriate road Revegetation works have been resourced maintenance, fire prevention works, illegal by a substantial voluntary commitment, firewood collection, fence re-alignment, fundraising, state and federal grant stock access to streams and utility main- programs and donations of materials. Based tenance; all of which repeatedly occur in this on estimates for 1993, FOHH contributes area. Despite efforts by many local FOHH some $80,000 a year to revegetation in terms members to arrest these problems, destruc- of labour, investment in equipment, the tion of remnant vegetation continues as the provision of plants and expenses for telephone human population of the area increases. and travel. Additionally, over the past Protected habitat currently occupied by the five years FOHH has received approximately remaining Helmeted Honeyeater population $15,000 through various grant is also under stress. Eucalypt dieback within programmes for plant propagation and revegetation Cockatoo Swamp is widespread and locally severe (McMahon and Franklin 1993) with Co-ordination little regeneration occurring. As early as 1990 it was apparent that a Faced with these problems, it is imperative voluntary part-time committee and member- that FOHH integrate direct seeding methods ship could not keep up with the level of into the revegetation program to community maximise interest in the conservation of the area being revegetated. Direct seeding is the Helmeted Honeyeater. Submissions to not an option for the majority of sites that lie funding bodies to employ a part-time co-or- within riparian zones subject to annual °r *ere lodged in 1991. Funding */f of flooding. However, direct seeding methods >n,MK) per annum has been received for the offer past two potential for rapidly establishing years from the federal 'Save the vegetation Bush program. on the more elevated sites in A successful application has order to provide continuous vegetation links 120 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

between riparian-zone habitat remnants. constantly supported the work of FOHH, Small trials carried out by FOHH indicate and to those people who provided comments that the 'brushwood' method of laying seed- on this paper. bearing Leptospermum continentale If you would like to help or want more branches over a scalped area, results in information on the FOHH, contact PO Box profuse regeneration. This method can also 295, Mt Evelyn, Victoria 3796. Tel: (059) be applied to other Myrtaceae species. 64 4494. Ideally, future FOHH projects would include groundstorey species in addition to References trees and shrubs. The inclusion of in- Backhouse, G.N. (1987). Management of remnant digenous ground flora would create a more habitat for conservation of the Helmeted Honeyeater complex ecosystem with a greater potential Uchenostomus melanops cassidix. In 'Nature Con- to support evolutionary processes in the servation: the role of remnants of native vegetation'. Eds. D.A. Saunders, G.W. Arnold, A.A Burbridge local area. At present, the labour and ex- and A.J.M. Hopkins. (Surrey Beatty: Sydney). pense involved in revegetating and McMahon, A.R.G., Carr, G.W., Race, G.J.. Bedggood, maintaining ground flora over large areas S.E. and Todd, J.A. (1991). 'The vegetation and management of the Yellingbo State Nature Reserve adjacent to weed sources, such as pasture, is with particular reference to the Helmeted Honeyeater beyond the resources of the group. (Uchenostomus melanops cassidix)'. (Report There is no foreseeable limit to private or prepared for the Department of Conservation and public land sites available for revegetation Environment, Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd: Clifton Hill, Victoria). or restoration work within even a small McMahon, A.R.G. and Carr, G.W. (1992). Strategy for radius of Yellingbo State Nature Reserve. restoration of habitat for the Helmeted Honeyeater, FOHH hopes to retain enough support to Yellingbo State Nature Reserve. (Report prepared for the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team and continue its efforts to conserve the Helmeted Department of Conservation and Environment, Honeyeater population and other biota Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd: Clifton Hill, Vic- toria). within the mid-Yarra catchment. It is hoped McMahon, A.R.G. and Franklin, D.C. (1993). The Sig- that, with time, these efforts will extend over nificance of Mountain Swamp Gum for Helmeted much of the former range of the Helmeted Honeyeater Populations in the Yarra Valley. The Honeyeater. Victorian Naturalist 110: 230-237. Smales, I.J., Craig, S.A., Williams, G.A. and Dunn, R.W. Acknowledgements (1990). The Helmeted Honeyeater: decline, conservation and recent initiatives for recovery. In We acknowledge all FOHH members who Management and Conservation of Small Popula- have assisted with fencing, seed collection, tions.' Eds T. W. Clark and J.H. Seeback. (Chicago plant propagation and planting, in particular Zoological Society: Chicago). Wykes, B.J. (1982). Resource partitioning and the role of those members who initiated the revegeta- competition in structuring Uchenostomus tion in first 12 months. Thanks project the honeyeater (and Manorina melanophrys) com- also to the former Yellingbo State Nature munities in southern Victoria. Unpublished Ph D Reserve Ranger, Mick Keenan, who has thesis, Monash University, Melbourne.

OUR NEW HOME

The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria now has its OWN home at 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. and our new We will inform you of the actual date of our move for updates, postal address and telephone number. So keep watching

121 Vol. 112(3)1995 Contributions

Astelia australiana (Liliaceae): An Overview

Elizabeth James

Tall Astelia, Astelia australiana (J.H. Wil- 1 99 1 ). Seventeen taxa occur in New Zealand lis) L. Moore, is a rare lily endemic to (Moore 1966) with three in Australia. The

Victoria. It is listed as a threatened taxon on remaining taxa are found in Hawaii (a nor- Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee therly outpost), northern Papua, New Act 1988. It was first recorded in 1929 when Caledonia, the Marquesas Islands, the a colony was found by J.H. Willis near Society Group and antarctic America, with Powelltown. The following account sum- an isolated representative in the Islands of marises aspects of the species' distribution, Reunion and Mauritius (east of Africa). New abundance, ecology and threats, as reported Zealand is a likely centre of development in several recent studies. and past migration.

The genus Astelia Australian species The genus Astelia has approximately 27 The three Australian species of Astelia are species (Williams 1987) divided into three endemic and restricted to specific habitats in subgenera mostly found within the southern the temperate south-eastern corner of the hemisphere (Moore 1966). The genus is continent including Tasmania. Astelia generally placed in the family Liliaceae australiana (subgenus Tricella) has a dis- (Willis 1939; Williams 1987). Astelia has junct distribution in the Otway Ranges and been placed in Asteliaceae by Dumortier Central Highlands of Victoria where it oc- (1829) (monogeneric). Harden (1993) (five cupies wet, silty sites within cool temperate genera including Cordyline) and by rainforest. The other Australian member of Dahlgren, Clifford and Yeo (1985) (includ- the subgenus Tricella, A. psychrocharis, oc- ing the genera Milligania, five species in curs in the alpine and sub-alpine areas of Tasmania) and Neoastelia, a recently Kosciusko National Park in New South described monotypic genus from New South Wales where it occupies Bog and tall alpine Wales. The genus was also placed in As- herbfield sites (Costin etal. 1982). The third phodelaceae by Dahlgren and Clifford species A. alpina (subgenus Astelia) (1982). comprises two recognised varieties and occupies Astelia was first recognised as a distinct similar habitats to A. psychrocharis. In Kos- genus by Banks and Solander during Cook's ciusko National Park A. alpina var. novae first voyage to New Zealand (1769-70) but hollandiae and A, psychrocharis are often the descriptions formulated of the three found growing species were not published. The name, As- together. The former species also occurs telia, was first published in 1810 by Robert in much of the Victorian high Brown when he described the Tasmanian country. Astelia alpina var. alpina is species A. restricted to the alpina (Wheeler 1966). It is mountain areas of Tasmania derived from the Greek, meaning 'without a (Costing a/. 1982). trunk or pillar', referring to the habit of the Astelia australiana plant in which leaves arise directly from a Tall fleshy rhizome. Astelia was first recorded in 1929 after a colony was found by J.H. Willis near The mainly southern distribution of the Powelltown, genus and Victoria. It was originally iden- its frequent association with tified Nothofagus as A. nervosa which is found in New cunninghamii is thought to Zealand but later reflect was considered to be a its ancient origin in the rainforests of separate species. It is a robust, perennial Gondwana, the southern supercontinent that herb which grows up to 2 m tall, with leaves broke up over 45 million years ago (Turner (60-230 cm long and 4-15 cm wide) forming 'koyal Botanic Gardens, I Melbourne. Birdwood Avenue, tufts that are connected by rhizomes. The South Yarra, Victoria, 3141. rhizomatous habit of the species leads to the

122 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

formation of colonies but makes it difficult to distinguish individual plants. Flowering of individual lufts is infrequent and seedling recruitment appears to be a minor part of the plant's reproduction. Green or reddish flowers are borne on many-flowered open panicles with individuals generally considered to be either male or female (Willis 1939; Williams 1987). Marks (1992), however, records the plants as either female or hermaphrodite and V. Turner {pers. comm., Dept. of Evolutionary Biology, Monash University) considers this to be the norm for A. australiana.

Distribution and habitat All known colonies of A. australiana are within a relatively small area in the Powelltown-Beenak area of the Central Highlands except for one colony in the Lavers Hill area of the Otway Ranges (Fig.l). The species occurs mainly in cool temperate rainforest dominated by Myrtle Beech Nothofagus cunninghamii with two colonies in Riparian Thicket dominated by Scented Paperbark Melaleuca squarrosa Fig. 2. Astelia australiana in conjunction with and Woolly Tea-tree Leptospermum Melaleuca squarrosa at Gembrook. {Photograph: E. James). lanigerum (Fig. 2). The ecology of A. australiana and the implications for a result of land clearing, logging and succes- management are described in detail by sive wildfires (J.H. Willis, pers. comm.). Turner (1991). Early settlers reported that the plant was once common in the Yarra catchment Decline in distribution (Parish of Beenak) but is now represented in Whilst the distribution of A. australiana that area by only two colonies, one of several has probably diminished over the past hundred tufts and the other of a few tufts 2,000-10,000 years as the climate became possibly derived from a single individual. drier, severe reductions in colony numbers An extensive population along the McCrae have occurred since European settlement as Creek has not been sighted since the 1939 fires and is presumed extinct (J.H. Willis, pers. comm.). It is thought to be sensitive to

fire and may also be sensitive to the root rotting fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi under certain conditions.

Genetic diversity The levels of genetic diversity in colonies of A, australiana are not known. There are no obvious phenotypic (morphological) differences between tufts either within or between different populations. The only observed phenotypic difference is the flower of Astelia Fig. 1, Location of populations The impact Con- type present on inflorescences. australiana. (Flora Branch, Department of on genetic diversity, where populations are servation and Environment).

123 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Contributions

a with no male function (Fig. 3) and is in lost due to human interference or literature relating to dioecy catastrophic event, is likely to be high be- keeping with the cause the loss of variability from the in the genus. The second form appears to be population or species occurs quickly and is hermaphroditic rather than male because the not related to the particular habitat in which flowers set fruit containing seed and also the plant is found. Astelia australiana is both produce pollen (Fig. 4). This condition is rare and restricted to a fairly specific habitat known as gynodioecy. Williams (1987) has type. Its rarity may reflect adaptation to a described A. australiana as normally dioe- habitat which has become rare through cious although some male plants produce a climatic change and European settlement. few fruits with apparently normal seeds. The Inbreeding is highly likely in A. australiana occurrence of female function in male in- flower at the because only a few individuals dividuals is considered to be uncommon in same time and nearby flowering tufts may other species of Astelia. Godley (1979) said identical. be genetically that some male inflorescences in Astelia can Reproductive biology carry functional hermaphrodite flowers and Most information available for reproduc- that male parthenocarpy (fruit production tive biology in the genus is anecdotal. A without seed) can also occur. general observation is that individual tufts The ratio of hermaphrodite to female in- flower infrequently and unpredictably. dividuals in populations is unknown and can Dioecy is the occurrence, within a species, be based only on a comparison of flowering of separate plants which bear only female or individuals but warrants further study and only male organs. The genus is considered documentation. Pollen morphology and to contain either male or female plants ac- viability are described by Marks (1992). cording to published studies. Two sexual A pollen vector is required for the transfer forms of A. australiana were observed but of pollen between inflorescences and be- the species does not appear to be dioecious tween flowers on the same inflorescence but

in the strict sense. The first form is female so far the vector has not been identified.

Fig. 3. Female plant of Astelia australiana Fig. 4. Hermaphrodite plant of Astelia austra- (Photograph: E. James). liana. {Photograph: E. James).

124 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Fruitset on female inflorescences is usually invasion by species of e.g. Gaknia and in- very high. This may be due to a high percent- troduced species of Rttbus (R. frutkom of age functional ovaries and efficient pollen complex). The outlook for the continued transfer by vector, or apomixis (seed survival and long-term viability of A, production in the absence of pollination) australiana is positive provided that the occur. Apomixis may can be ruled out by quality of the habitat is maintained. One of sectioning ovules during development to see the major long-term goals for the conserva- if embryo sacs are formed. Fruitset on her- tion of A. australiana should be to ensure maphroditic inflorescences is often lower that there is no diminution of the current compared to that on female inflorescences level of genetic diversity so that future adap- and may be due to some apparently her- tation and successful expansion in natural maphrodite flowers containing non- populations is possible. Conservation of functional ovules. Alternatively, fruit may habitat will be the most cost-effective and develop in the absence of pollination but not suitable method of maintaining current contain fertile seeds. levels of genetic diversity. Recent work on the genetic variation in A. Ackowledgements australiana using DNA analysis (E. James, 1 would like to thank Adrian Moorrees, unpubl.) shows clearly that individuals from Vivienne Turner, Marita Sydes, Roger Ash- the Otways form a group which is distinct burner and Jim Willis for their discussions from the Central Highlands populations, yet and help with locations while I was working there is still a high degree of similarity be- on Astelia. tween them both. It is suggested from these results that there was originally continuous References Costfo, A.B., Gray, M, Toiterdell, C.J., Wimbush, DJ. variation in A. australiana throughout its (1982). 'Kosciusko Alpine Flora'. CSIRO Australia population geographic range. The Otways and William Collins Ply Lid: Sydney). appears to be a natural occurrence and was Duhlgren, R.M.T. and Clifford, H-T- (.1982). 'The Monocotyledons. A Comparative Study' (Academic most likely separated from plants in the Press: London). Basalt flow formed Central Highlands when Dahlgren, R.M.T., Clifford, H.T.. Yeo, P.F. (1985) The the western basalt plains making large areas families of the Monocotyledons; structure, evolu- (Springer-Verlag: Berlin) unsuitable for A. australiana. The number tion, taxonomy'. Dumortier, B.C. (1829). In 'Analyse des Families des genetically distinct individuals in A. of Plantes'. (J. Caslerman.Tournay: France). australiana colonies is not known due to the Godley, E.J. (1979). Flower Biology in New Zealand.

Botany 17, 44 1 -446. rhizomatous habit of the plant but DNA New Zealand Journal of Harden. G.J. (1993). In "Flora of New South Wales'. differences analysis has shown that there are Press: Sydney). ( University of New South Wales presumab- reproductive biology in DNA between tufts which can Marks, J. (1992). The ecology and ofTali Astelia, Astelia australiana, Honours Thesis, ly be correlated to different genotypes. The Monash University. of breeding individuals, how- actual number Moore. L.B. (1966). Australasian asteliads (Liliaceae). makes -40. ever, is extremely low and probably New Zealand Journal of Botany 4, 20 1 Aspects of the ecology of Astelia up a very small percentage of the entire Turner. V. (1991) australiana and implications for management. individual tufts observed in any number of Department of Conservation and Environment. V ic- species single population within the loria. Internal Report. Wheeler. J.M. (1966). Cyloiaxonomy of the large as- restricted range. teliads (Liliaceae) of the north island of New 95- outlook for A. australiana Zealand. New Zealand Journal ofBotany 4, 113. Long-term 45. Williams. J.B.

125 Vol. 112(3)1995 Contributions

Geology of Popular Places in the Western MacDonnell Ranges, Central Australia

1 Dr. A.W. Beasley

In recent years it has become much easier present height. However, they are still im- to travel further afield than in the past. Places pressive, rising up to 1,000 m above the that were once considered to be remote in surrounding plain. As well as the spectacular the Northern Territory are now being visited folding of the rocks, the steep (frequently by an increasing number of people. A nearly vertical) dip of the strata was holiday based at Alice Springs normally in- produced during this ancient period of cludes a visit to the Western MacDonnell mountain-building. Ranges, to the west of the town. These ran- Heavitree Gap, through which the Todd

ges are especially interesting for their River flows southward after heavy rain, is geology, plants and theirnative animals. The on the southern outskirts of Alice Springs. Western MacDonnell National Park covers The Gap separates the Western MacDonnell an area of 210,000 ha and incorporates the Ranges from the Eastern MacDonnell Ran-

localities that most tourists visit (Fig. 1). It ges. is worthwhile for field naturalists and others Heavitree Gap, Simpsons Gap, Ellery who visit the region to know something Creek Gorge, Serpentine Gorge and Ormis- about its geology, as the scenery is intimate- ton Gorge are all gaps that have been formed ly related to the geology. by streams cutting through quartzite known The rocks seen at the localities that espe- geologically as the Heavitree Quartzite. This cially attract and impress people in the quartzite is often pinkish or brownish in Western MacDonnell Ranges were laid colour due to staining by varying amounts down under the sea in Precambrian and of iron oxides both in and on the rock. The Cambrian times. The Precambrian period of Heavitree Quartzite is of late Precambrian geological time precedes the Cambrian age, originating some time between 800-850 period, which itself dates back from 500-570 million years ago. million years ago. Sedimentary rocks laid Simpsons Gap, about 22 km west of Alice down under the sea during the Ordovician Springs, has been formed by the erosion period that followed the Cambrian, also are caused by Roe Creek (Fig. 2). The creek was significant components of the MacDonnell once fast-flowing and the gradient of the Ranges. stream quite steep, caused most probably by The Ranges are exceptionally striking gradual when warping or tilting of the land surface viewed from the air. The ancient in the past. The eroding power of the fast- sedimentary rocks occur in long, sharp flowing stream over a long period of time ridges, or cuestas, and in gently sweeping has cut the narrow curves. gorge through the rock. The ridges are composed generally Thompson (1991) considers that the gorge of quartzites, formed by the metamorphism probably of Precambrian follows a pre-existing joint (rock- sandstones. The quartzites fracture) trend in the quartzite. are hard and resistant to erosion. The Ellery Creek Gorge, which is located about upheavals that produced the Mac- Donnell 85 km west of Alice Springs, is best known Ranges were the result of major earth movements to the public for the waterhole called the that occurred during the Devonian Ellery Creek Big Hole that has developed period of geological time, about in 350 million the narrow years ago. The ranges produced gorge. Ellery Creek flows by these major through the gorge upheavals were probably and continues southwards over 5,000 m high. to join the Finke River, though Erosion over many mil- nowadays it lions of years has is dry for most the reduced the ranges to their of year. In parts of the 1 gorge the strata are almost vertical, but 4 Georgian Court, on Balwyn, Victoria 3103. either side of the waterhole an overturned

126 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

VCORN _>-l\ T " o.ita "Ceilidh Hill A

\ Hamilton Ormiston / Gorge Downs H S , 2,/Alice SS< "' ^»''«'C*mtf«^^ >&«<*<* Simpson Gap Springs Standley m - u *c Chasm 38 a h Honeymoon O/^L G.v> ^ '^^S^=^ihJay Creek Native " RANGP^ Settlement Hfrmannsburq Owen Springs Mission H.S. 1 W KRICHAUFF J) A r£ftHQ Ewaningao\o Areyonga /M /$*//*-"* R.S. V% Native VaHe Senlemeni Chah 30KM A

^'<*

Fig. 1. Map showing location of popular places in the Western MacDonnell Ranges, fold in the Heavitree Quartzite can be seen, west of Serpentine Gorge, there are sheer produced by the intense lateral pressure that 200 m cliffs of pinkish quartzite. The deep, occurred during the ancient period of moun- narrow gorge has been eroded by Ormiston tain-building. Thompson (1991) considers Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. The that Ellery Creek Gorge may lie along a geology here is very complex with much north-south fault line which has slightly dis- folding and overthrusting of the rock strata. placed the quartzite. Glen Helen Gorge has been eroded by the From Ellery Creek Gorge downstream for Finke River through a sandstone of about 8 km one can see a very interesting Cambrian age known as the Pacoota sequence of sedimentary rocks exposed Sandstone. The shape of the Gorge has been along the banks and in the bed of Ellery controlled quite markedly by jointing in the Creek. Indeed, a thickness of about 6,000 m rock, the joints (parting-planes) having of sedimentary rocks can be inspected, in- acted as zones of weakness to erosional for- sandstone that were cluding sediments laid down beneath the sea ces. The layers of turned up on during the Cambrian period, the Ordovician originally horizontal have been upheavals that produced the period and later periods of geological time. end during the Ranges. This popular place is The rocks, which include sandstones, shales, MacDonnell west of Alice limestones and conglomerates, are fos- approximately 125 km siliferous, and the various fossils found in Springs. is a narrow chasm which them have been of use in dating the sedi- Standley Chasm formed by erosion in quartzite ments. has been geologically as the Chewings Range Serpentine Gorge is approximately 20 km known Quartzite (Fig. 3). This quartzite is of early to the west of Ellery Creek Gorge. In fact, it Precambrian age and is probably about has been formed by a stream that is a million years old. A vertical dyke of tributary of Ellery Creek. Two gorges ac- 2,000 an igneous rock called dolerite here was tually occur here where the south-flowing intruded into Chewings Range Quartzite. creek cuts through two ridges of Heavitree weathering the Dolerite is much less resistant to Quartzite. There is a prominent fold in south-flow- the and erosion than quartzite and a strata between the two ridges. At eroded narrow ing creek has almost completely upstream site at this locality, the very away this dolerite dyke leaving vertical gap indicates that the creek has eroded along quartzite walls; this is now Standley Chasm. a nearly straight, vertical joint. The relatively narrow, parallel-sided ig- At Ormiston Gorge, about 24 km north-

127 Vol. 112(3)1995 Contributions

scaled bitumen road that links Alice Springs and the Glen Helen settlement. At Glen Helen there are restaurant and accommoda-

tion facilities.

References

Black, I. P., Shaw, K.D. and Offc, LA. (1980). The age

of the Stuart Dyke Swarm and its bearing on the onset ol Late Precambrian sedimentation in Central Australia. Journal of the Geological Society of Australian, 151-155. Thompson, R.B. (1991). A Guide lo ihe Geology and Landforms of Central Australia. Northern Territory Geological Survey Special Publication 3, 1-136. Twidale. C.R. (1967). 'Geomorphology'. (Thomas Nel- son (Australia) Limited: Melbourne). Woolley, D.R. (1967). 'A Layman's Guide to the Geol- ogy of Central Australia'. (Alice Springs Tourist Promotion Association).

Fig. 2. Simpsons Gap. A gap cut through quartzite, Western MacDonnell Ranges, 22 km west of Alice Springs.

ncous intrusion was one ofthcdolcritc dykes of the Stuart Dyke Swarm, which according to Black et al. (1980) intruded the older Chewings Range Quartzite about 897 million years ago. The intrusion of the molten igneous rock opened up fractures in the quartzite.

These rock-fractures and major joint planes in the quartzite, resulting from other causes, have facilitated erosion contributing lo the formation of Standlcy Chasm. The Chasm is at its most dramatic at midday when the sun briefly paints both walls a brilliant orange. This spectacular gorge is some 45 km west of Alice Springs. All these scenic attractions in the Western Fig. 3. Standley Chasm. A narrow gorge with MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessible very steep walls of quart/ite, 45 km west of Alice from Namatjira Drive, the name given to the Springs.

The Victorian Naturalist - Subject Index 1884-1978 A handy reference book to have on hand lor all members. Price $5.00 pick ny meetmg ' or $95 P°stcd BNi™ ° l(> anywhere in Victoria. Remit to: bNLV, c/- D.E. Mclnnes, 1 29 Waverley Road. East Malvern, Victoria 3 145.

128 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Whipstick Nature Trail

R.J. Fletcher 1

An article with this title was published by "Do not curse this old gate, F. Robbins in The Victorian Naturalist 85 You may be old and stubborn 1968, 225-227. Reference is also made to a and hard to shift yourself 1 one day". 1966 FNCV 'Whipstick Excursion* in 1966 There are some remnants of the wattle in (The Victorian Naturalist 84 1967, 50-53). the paddock and a few trees such as Yellow The 1968 article was meant as a self-guided Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon and Grey Box tour through a section of the Whipstick, E. microcarpa but it has obviously been while the latter is a report of a field trip and heavily grazed for many years. However, is basically a plant list. there is a very good roadside remnant that An opportunity arose in early October shows some of its former glory. (List 1) 1994 to retrace the route described as 'The List 1. Millwood Road, roadside verge Nature Trail', although this was later than

the original August date recommended by F. Spreading Wattle Acacia genistifolia Robbins. His purpose was to draw particular Whirrakee Wattle Acacia williamsonii attention to what he called the Hakea Wattle Cranberry Heath Astroloma but which is known in this area as Whirrakee humifusum

Wattle Acacia williamsonii (A. williamsonii Everlasting Daisies Bracteantha sp. A.B. Court formerlyA hakeoides A.Cunn ex Black-anther Flax -lily Dianella revoluta Benth and referred to as A. hakeoides var. Yellow Gum Eucalyptus leucoxylon angustifolia in 'Flowers and Plants of

Victoria' by Coxhrane, Fuhrer et at. 1968), Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa which makes such a display at that time. This Leafless Currant-bush Leptomeria aphylla shrub, featured in the original article, is still abundant although, in one instance where he Along Goodings Road from the sign in- mentions a 'paddock full', there has been dicating Neilborough, the roadside verge is modification. late-flowering some A few worth a few stops. At the sweeping curve in specimens of A. williamsonii were seen, the new bitumen road there is also a large especially near the old location of Magetti's sign indicating the Whipstick State Park. wine saloon. Robbins mentions that, at this point, there particularly dry The 1994 season has been are all sorts of interesting things to see in the and where Robbins mentions water and paddock on your right. This is no longer the fords neither. Fords have been there are case. It also has been cleared and heavily replaced by culverts and some alterations grazed over the intervening years. track re-align- have been made in road and Just a. little further on is a roadside picnic ment. This is the main reason for some area which indicates the start of Loeser Road. difference in mileage noted in Table 1. The In spite of the extreme dryness of the season, sketch map, based on that of Robbins, shows many plants were observed although some the route beginning and ending at the foun- were showing signs of distress. List 2 is by tain in Bendigo and the distances referred to no means exhaustive but indicates some of

in Table 1 are based on this route. the flora in the understorey of this area. After leaving the Midland Highway, just Between this picnic area and the one at the

before the old Council Chambers at Huntly, site of the former Eucalyptus Distillery, now the first point of significance is at what Rob- known as the Loeser Picnic Area, there are bins referred to as 'the paddock full of -4. many places to stop and look. AH that hakeoides*. The paddock is still there with remains of the distillery is the boiler. It is less an intriguing sign that reads: than a kilometre from here to the intersection with Skylark Road, and, especially along needs to take time. *4/48 Newport Road, Clayton South, Victoria 3 169. this section, the traveller

129 Vol. 112(3)1995 .

Contributions

Whi E5£i£ k "ature_Trail (Sketch Map, not to Scale) Approx. /\CW pTft*uT«7"" Distances km. Loeser Picnic Area ^^-B.oundary Rd 'Hartlands"

oadside Picnic Area

27* "

List 5 Sk ylarkjjUr. Li ljbj shadb'Ait^Qr" *"|P~7n5 ndigo Ck. * Car PaWll £ . Levee Bank Old Hotel

EAGLFJ1AWK 41-1

WHITE HILLS

LONG » GULLY

^BEHDItjOoicn,

"Vicmap" Kefs: Raywood 77U-4-] Summci field 11V*-\-h Marong ll'lh-k-1 Epsom 7724-1-3

130 The Victorian Naturalist mtributions

Table 1. Whipstick Nature Trail. Basic comparison of distances with that of F. Robbins in 1968 (some differences may be accounted for by road changes).

Feature Distance Observation Bitumen FR FR RJF (ml) (km) (km) Fountain 0.0 0.0 0.0 The excursion described by Robbins began and ended at the fountain at the entrance to Bendigo from the Calder Highway Huntly 7.8 12.6 12.6 Bridge (Bendigo Creek) 9.7 15.6 15.7 Ford 10.8 17.4 17.4 Now a culvert, the bitumen continues

Paddock 1 1 .2 1 8.0 1 8.2 Largely cleared and grazed but stand of Acacia williamsonii on roadside verge. (See list 1) Neilborough turnoff 11.5 18.5 18.5 18.7 Stand of Exocarpus sp

1 2.0 1 9.3 1 9.3 Acacia williamsonii in paddock and on verge Road turns to right 12.6 20.3 20.1 New bitumen road at beginning of Whipstick State Park. Paddock on right grazed out Graded track Loeser Rd Picnic Area 13.4 21.6 21 .4 In spite of extremely dry conditions, Caladenia carnea and Westringia eremicola were seen, (see list 2) Eucalyptus

Factory 1 5.3 24.6 24.4 All that remains is a boiler and a dam the area is now a picnic ground Ford 15.6 25.1 24.9 What was a ford, 'never dry', is now a dry culvert Fence 15.8 25.4 25.1 Still remains of a fence. This is the intersection of Skylark and Loeser Roads 16.0 25.8 25.6 Green flowered Grevillea rosmarinifolia and extensive colony of Caladenia carnea (see list 3) prospectors Skylark Dam 16.5 26.7 27.6 Rich flora area, also still favoured by gold? (see list 4) project 1 'Flagstaff Reservation* , a long-since abandoned Stony Rise 1 7.7 28.5 28. (see list 5) 28.3 Pseudanthus ovalifolius Sebastian Phebalium obcordatum. Shadbolt Picnic Area carpark. Water Race 1 8.4 29.6 29. 1 Old Tom Mine Walk Old Hotel 19 30.6 30.0 Old Lamp still complete to 32.8 Turn-off to Notley Picnic Area, an alternative route Rifle Range Road

Bitumen _ . . Eaglehawkt WhipstickRoad 21.7 34.9 34.2 The main road to ,__ remains are a few bricks and 3 Peppercorn Magetti's 34.4 All that Trees. Road to right rejoins Whipstick Rd completely Except for 'Hill Behind', the range is almost Rifle Range 24.6 39.6 39.0 overgrown (see list 6) Lookout, directional plaque missing Lightning Hill 24 9 40.1 39.3 and Old Log Jail Eaglehawk 26.0 41.9 41.1 Town Hall point Distance on current roads and tracks vanes from Bend.goFountamRrndi™ Fountain 3141310 50DU.u 47.8 topoint with those ofl968, but in total only 2.2 km

131 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Contributions

List 2. Boundary Road, at Loeser Road List 4. Skylark Dam and nearby area

intersection Rough Wattle Acacia aspera

Pink Fingers Caladenia carnea var. Daphne Heath Brachyloma carnea daphnoides

Common Correa Correa reflexa Musky Caladenia Caladenia gracilis

Blue Dampiera Dampiera lanceolata Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuata

Red Ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon Gorse Bitter-pea Daviesia ulicifolia

Hop Goodenia Goodenia ovata Red Box Eucalyptus Totem-poles Melaleuca decussata polyanthemos Ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon Cyprus Daisy-bush Olearia teretifolia Red

Slender Westringia Westringia eremicola Green Mallee Eucalyptus viridis Wax-lip Orchid Glossodia major

This is typical 'Whipstick* scrub and a Rosemary Grevillea Grevillea rosmarinif- foray to the right or left at almost any point olia (red & green forms) will be rewarded. List 3 details a few of the Silky Hakea Hakea sp. plants to be seen. Leafless Currant-bush Leptomeria aphylla List 3. Along Skylark Road Red Beard-heath Leucopogon rufus Gold Dust Wattle Acacia acinacea Totem-poles Melaleuca decussata Varnish Wattle A. verniciflua Dainty Phebalium Phebalium obcordatum Daphne Heath Brachyloma Rough Mint-bush Prostanthera daphnoides denticulata Pink Fingers Caladenia carnea var. Malted Bush-pea Pultenaea pedunculata carnea

Coarse Dodder-laurel Cassytha melantha from the dam. In fact this is about 0.5 km along Skylark Road and what remains of the Hop Bush Dodonaea cuneata reservation may still be seen, if you walk Bull Mallee Eucalyptus behriana through the area that has been cut for the Blue Mallee E. polybractea distillery, and the stand of Melaleuca decussata. This reservation was established by Green Malice E. viridis Frank Robbins and members of the Bendigo Mountain Grevillea Grevillea alpina Field Naturalists Club in an attempt to Rosemary Grevillea G. rosmarinifolia preserve rarer species of flora, but is apparently not familiar to the current

generation of Field Naturalists in the area. It The area around Skylark Dam is par- has apparently been long since abandoned ticularly rich in interesting plants even though and the fence is in a state of disrepair (see there has been, and stil! is, digging The Victorian Naturalist 84 1967, 52). A and fossicking carried on. Both the Blue few plants still have name tags painted in Mallee Eucalyptus polybractea and Green black enamel on pieces of galvanised iron, Mallee E. viridis have also been cut for the but the area, about could eucalyptus distillery 200 m x 50 m, in the past but it is well hardly worth spending be called the 'Flagstaff Reservation' time here. There is ample any longer. List 5 indicates a of the room to park few just before the dam is reached plants and List to be found here. 4 indicates some of the plants you At 28.3 km, just Skylark might see. where Road leaves the Whipstick vegetation and enters Robbins speaks of a reservation to the a mainly Ironbark area, it is worthwhile to south of a 'stony rise' nearly 2 km further on pull off the road and wander for a while.

132 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

List 5. 'Flagstaff Reservation', south of List 6. 'Rifle Range' on Rifle Range Road Skylark Road Gold-dust Wattle Acacia acinacea

Small Crowea Crowea exalata Rough Wattle A. aspera

Eucalypts Eucalyptus spp. Spreading Wattle A, genistifolia

Golden Pennants Glischrocaryon behrii Golden Wattle A. pycnantha

Clasping Goodenia Goodenia amplexans Varnish Wattle A. verniciflua Leafless Currant-bush Leptomeria aphylla Drooping Mistletoe Amyema pendulum

Heath-myrtle (pink Micromyrtus ciliata Cranberry Heath Astroloma humifusum flowers, prostrate) Rosy Baeckea Baeckea ramosissima Dainty Phebalium Phebalium obcordatum (pink and white forms)

Rough Mint Bush Prostanthera denticulata Daphne Heath Brachyloma daphnoides Oval-leaf Pseudanthus Pseudanthus ovalifolius Everlasting Daisy Bracteantha sp.

Among the many smaller plants to be seen Common Fringe-myrtle Calytrix tetragona is Pseudanthus ovalifolius, growing in any- Drooping Cassinia Cassinia arcuata thing but the 'usually sandy ground' mentioned by Willis (Willis, 'Handbook to Coarse Dodder-laurel Cassytha melantha

Plants in Victoria' Vol II, 351). Common Correa Correa reflexa the Shadbolt Picnic Area When you reach Bitter-pea Daviesia leptophylta carpark, time out could be taken for a walk Gorse Bitter-pea D. ulicifolia to the Old Tom Mine. What Robbins referred to as the 'Sebastian Water Race' is Black-anther Flax-lily Dianella revoluta now marked on the map as Raywood Chan- Fairy Wax-flower Eriostemon verrucosus nel. Shortly after this point the Red Box Eucalyptus Eaglehawk-Neilborough Road is rejoined polyanthemos and the old hotel with its lamp still intact, is Red lronbark E. sideroxylon reached. A little less than 3 km further on is the turn-off to the Notley Picnic Area which, Cherry Ballart Exocarpus cupressiformis along with the Shadboldt Area, is the site of a former eucalyptus distillery. Wax-lip Orchid Glossodia major to botanise on There are plenty of reasons Goodenia Goodenia sp. the left-hand side of the road along here, as Mountain Grevillea Grevillea alpina there are along the Whipstick Road which is Hakea sp. clearly signposted. Just past the commence- Silky Hakea ment of the Whipstick Road is the site of the Guinea-flower Hibbertia sp. former Magetti's Wine Saloon which was Leafless Currant-bush Leptomeria aphylla apparently the venue for some roistering Beard-heath Leucopogon rufus times in the old days. Nothing now remains but an old Peppercorn tree *Schinus molle Lomandra Lomandra sp. descendants and what must be two of its Totem-poles Melaleuca decussata together with a few broken bricks. Yam Daisy Microseris lanceolata Just past this point you can rejoin the Rice-flower Pimelea linifolia Whipstick Road and at about 39 km link up Slender with the intersection of Rifle Range Road. Apple-berry Rhytidosporum coming procumbens The sign is not very visible when to the turnofl from the north, so if you come Feather Spear-grass Stipa elegantissima have to the Lightning Hill Lookout, you Pink Bells Tetratheca ciliata gone too far.

133 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Naturalist Note

instances, the plaque which once pointed out You will need time in this area. It is many is missing. Just below the years since this was used as a rifle range and, landmarks Lookout you rejoin the bitumen on the out- apart from the 'hill behind', there is little evidence of such a function. This is em- skirts of Eaglehawk and the circuit may be fountain in phasised by the sign which announces "No completed by returning to the Shooting"! The regrowth is very interesting Bendigo. and would no doubt require more than one In Frank Robbins* article of 1968, observation was its main visit for a complete listing. List 6 names the of Acacia hakeotdes plants seen in one traverse. theme, but it is quite apparent that the

It is worth a short diversion to the Light- Whipstick will repay a visit at seasons other ning Hill Lookout for an overview of the than late winter. whole area. Unfortunately, as in so many 'exotic plant

From our Naturalist in Residence, Cecily Falkingham

Those Amazing Mistletoe Plants

This plant's very beginnings are sheer in dangerof becoming moisture stressed and

magic and its survival in the early stages is possibly dying. Most people seem to lose an incredible story. This amazing plant oc- sight of the fact that this green semi-parasitic curs in mangroves, jungles, deserts, dry and plant does photosynthesise. wet sclerophyll forests, mallee, heathland Uses etc. and it is time its public image was lifted. The twelve species of Mistletoe we have Mistletoe plants were long recognised by in Victoria provide nectar for animals over Koori people as a useful food source. Espe- a long period; for example the flowering cially the sticky fruits of the Amyema species season of Amyema pendulum sometimes which were eaten raw. The pulp is sweet and stretches from May until the following sum- the leaves were also used for medicinal pur- mer. The flowering of various Mistletoes poses. covers most months of the year and would Fires lit by Aboriginal people all over this be vital for animals in search of nectar in country would have effected some control winter when little else may be flowering. over this fire-sensitive plant. On the other Many animals use the bushy, thick and hand, an increase of Mistletoe has probably pendulous leaf masses on mature plants for occurred with the altered landscape and fire shelter. I have observed many birds' nests regime that has developed with European and possums' dreys hidden in their settlement and as a result Mistletoe is now voluminous foliage and seen many birds considered by some to be a problem plant. feeding and sheltering in Mistletoe plants. In The majority of people 1 speak to, talk with fact, it has become an interest of mine when concern about its required removal and I 1 discover Mistletoe to search for signs of its have witnessed large-scale vandalism in many uses by our local fauna. bushland reserves and on private property. The large colonies of Imperial White but- Trees with only minor outbreaks of terflies alone must be an important food Mistletoe have suffered rigorous pruning source. (With two generations per year often and complete removal of the Mistletoe plant. containing sixty or seventy larvae to one This with little regard or knowledge for the web this must surely be one of the natural food and shelter this marvellous plant controls of Mistletoe). Wood White, Com- provides. According to the literature a tree mon Jezabel and Imperial White butterflies needs to be infected by at least 20-30% to be both larvae and adults may contribute con-

134 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Note

siderably to the food source of many animals To test the roadside theory I have on many especially birds. occasions explored further into good quality Last year I rescued approximately 40 Im- bushland DIRECTLY behind heavy infesta- perial White butterfly larvae and pupae tions and on all occasions fewer occurrences cases from the ground where they lay. Some of the plant is observed. were crushed and were injured and some of Over a period of nearly two decades of them were already dead. The large branch fascination and observation of this plant I under which they lay had been cut down have come to this conclusion, that we should from a Eucalypt which had been sawn off be providing educational leaflets for proper- and left where it fell. Perhaps the property ty owners (urban and rural) which contain owner mistook the dark larvae for sawfly sensible guidelines on how to appreciate larvae. This animal also suffers from a poor and/or control Mistletoe. public image and again without just cause. As naturalists and scientists we need to But both Mistletoe and the insects obviously inform the media in its many forms that this were not wanted and both were ALMOST plant is a natural and fascinating component destroyed. I did to raise manage and save of our native flora and vital to the lives of more than half of the butterflies which were many animals including birds. It is an impor- released into local bushland within metres of tant source of food and shelter and essential the site where I found them. for the survival of several species of some of Land Clearance our most beautiful butterflies. Apart from all those reasons it is a plant Over the years I have observed heavier that we could learn a lot more about so that infestations on solitary trees on partially we can support and nurture its growth and at cleared land, and also a greater incidence of the same time develop SENSIBLE manage- Mistletoe along roadsides. Opening the ment strategics. canopy, and more light as a consequence may favour the plant. Roadsides are often good flight paths for birds that spread the

seed i.e. Mistletoe Birds and Painted Cecily Falkingham Honeyeaters. 27 Chippewa Ave, Mitcham, Victoria

Australian Defence Force Academy The Literature of Australian Natural History

A One Day Seminar about Writers and Writings on the Animals and Plants ofAustralia

This one-day seminar will be held in Canberra on Friday, 8 December 1995.

The topics discussed will include both the writing itself- scientific, literary, popular- and the writers, from Joseph Banks to Densey Clyne.

The seminar will provide a forum for writers and scientists, as well as students and amateur Australian naturalists, to contribute and listen to modern debate on literary and historical aspects of natural history writing, and just as importantly to share knowledge and interests with others.

Registration forms will be sent out in early May, 1995.

Please send enquiries and proposals for papers to: Force Academy, Nick Drayson, English Department, University College, Australian Defence Canberra, ACT 2600.

adfa.oz.au Tel: (06) 268 8433; Fax: (06) 268 8899; e-mail: nick-drayson @

135 Vol. 112(3)1995 How to be a Field Naturalist

Geology

Jack Douglas

Many Field Naturalist Club members will have an interest in geology. After all, the earth itself is an integral part of the environment, encompassing all the manifestations of nature. If you want to upgrade your expertise in geology (and this may well be from a most minimal base) you would achieve this most quickly by participating in the activities of the FNCV section called the Geology Group. Activities Regular monthly addresses on aspects of the earth sciences, with subject and speaker notified in the Club newsleter;

Submission and discussion of specimens and items of interest at these meetings; Field inspections and excursions under the guidance of leader/s with pertinent expertise;

Preparation and production of publications on aspects of Victorian earth science; Preparation of exhibits for Club displays or other organisations as requested, and providing personal explanation where feasible; Initiation and development of specific projects from time to time; Interaction with other FNCV groups and other groups interested in geology. Your choice As with bird watching, (see December 1994 volume 1 1 1) there is plenty of scope for specialisation. Some become fascinated with the record of life in the rocks, that is PALAEONTOLOGY (often with further specialisation, perhaps becoming dinosaur hunters, or trilobite excavators, or investigators of forests of the past). Some may be intrigued with SEDIMENTOLOGY and examine the depositional patterns of age-old sandstones. YOU might acquire an outstanding knowledge of METEORITES and TEC- TIl'ES. Equipment Equipment may well be minimal. A geological hammer with either pick or chisel end is essential for collectors, and a hand lens or good magnifying glass is vital in many circumstances. If you are loaded with money you would have a Magellan (GPS) instrument signalling satellites and pinpointing your location in off-the-track situations, but most of us are content with the /; 25,000 topographic maps easily obtained at the government map shop. A simple compass and clino-rule for the measurement of the attitude of the rocks (dip and strike) is necessary if you wish to map the strata and its subsurface projection, and other retirements such as a polaroid camera with instant' photos can help, but on many trips ^^ Y mr ersonal ^Puter is as comfortable analysing fossil distributions as X™storing your taxt figures./ Further reading (specifically about Victoria) Sodety ° mS^SSX^lt^ f Australia ,ncorp) ComPrehensive but a 11 06010^'- Geol ( °Sica l Society of Australia TShvZyi? ^, .) A must! P °™,c,ona E S Hills. •Wh^n m * ^ - - Guide to landtorms. ' S ' h8t? by J ' G D°UglaS - A uide to Victoria b^FNCV - * s ancient fl oras published Enquiries Geolog ", y GrouP is DouS Haipen You can contact him on Uttj (OsTS^nysyu 09 1 S2or write 3, to 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert 3 1 27.

' 42 SunhiU Rd, Mt Waverley, Victoria 3149 (

136 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

Peninsula Plants: A Field Guide to Indigenous Plants of the Mornington Peninsula with Notes on Cultivation

by Kathie and Peter Strickland

Publisher: Kareelah, Balnarring.

Vol 1, 1992; Vol. 2, 1994; each approx. 200 pages. RRP $14.95

With the urgent need to halt the clearing of I did find a couple of difficulties in using native vegetation and to revegetate degraded the two books. An initial uncertainty arises areas with indigenous species, it is essential because the second volume developed as that we have accurate, accessible and infor- something of an 'add-on' to the original one mative literature to give sound guidance to in terms of plant coverage, and there is no people who want to take positive action, but obvious basis for determining which plants who may not have formal environmental are in which volume. relates to the organisa- training. My second concern Plants are described In their two volumes of Peninsula Plants, tion within each book. within each Kathie and Peter Strickland have made a in botanical species-name order (which, apart from valuable contribution, not only for residents of the seven habit groups contents, are not of the Mornington Peninsula, but also for the reference in the table of the people with similar concerns in other Vic- separated or headed in any way), yet each species page is torian coast-to-foothill areas where most of prominent heading for The ef- the species described also occur naturally. the common name in bold capitals. impression of The original volume was put out as a self- fect of this is to give an initial similar published book in 1992 (the Stricklands 'randomness' of order and, indeed, several genera operate Kareelah Bush Nursery). Because of or related plants (e.g. in the published Fabaceae) tend to be its success, a second volume was of the pea-flowers, book. While the habit in December 1994. scattered through each Each volume describes about a hundred groupings are useful, I feel that subgroup- small family would have species of trees, shrubs, creepers and ings within these by together for herbaceous plants, covering the most com- helped to bring similar plants iden- mon and cultivatable of the Peninsula's comparison in identification. Clear and the use 600-odd species. tification of the seven sections given the Each species has an accurately written full of running-heads would also have page description by Kathie, with interesting books a more organised feel. and recom- comments on history and nomenclature These concerns aside, I certainly every their clarity and practical advice on cultivation. On mend these two books for usefulness opposing page are clear and mostly natural- accuracy of content, practical whose inexpensiveness com- size line illustrations by Peter, and, at $14.95 each, Diagnos- publications we background as an artist is obvious. pared with some botanical attention, with tic features are given special have seen of late. enlargement where appropriate. grouped: The plants in each volume are shrubs under 2 m, trees, shrubs over 2 m, Leon Costermans tufted herbs and orchids. creepers, herbs, Frankston,Victoria 3199. included. 6 St Johns Ave, Glossaries and bibliographies are

137 Vol. 112(3)1995 Book Reviews

Identification Handbook for Native Grasses in Victoria

by Meredith Mitchell

Available from: Meredith Mitchell, Rutherglen Research Institute, RMB 1145, Rutherglen, Victoria 3685

values recorded for Victorian This is a curious little booklet (34 pages) than most other than in rank, long-unburnt that, on the one hand, is simple in text and grasslands layout to encourage complete novices (the stands. the better target audience are farmers) to identify the What makes this booklet one of native grasses of their area and to alert them introductions to native grasses I have seen is photography of to the potential agricultural values of these John Schnieder's superb matter. of the ten species, whilst, on the other hand, is detailed often difficult subject Each six enough at the minutiae of important grass genera described is accompanied by usually include (with characteristics that it serves as a very impor- photographs. These unfortunately scale) the tant companion introduction to students, great clarity but no feature of native naturalists, etc. wishing to learn to identify most important diagnostic leaf native grasses, an area of taxonomy per- grasses including: whole plant view, tip, sheath, stem node, ligule, ceived to be difficult. blade, leaf leaf not Of Victoria's 64 genera of native grasses, seedhead and seed. Whilst you will be genus to species level with ten are covered by this booklet. The booklet able to identify a to improve can hardly therefore be described as an iden- this booklet, it may help you character recognition and bui Id con- tification handbook to Victoria's native general fidence in identifying native grasses. grasses. At best, it is a simple introduction. There is also a useful identification table at The agronomic slant is obvious from the the rear of the booklet to distinguish the outset as no Poa species are included, it in a non-flowering, being widely recognised that these species genera covered when vegetative state. glossary and a diagram are not favoured by grazing stock. The in- A of a grass round clusion of a species such as Dichanthium of the generalised anatomy off the booklet, although I suspect that these sericeum is also interesting given the limited would have been better placed at the front distribution of this species. rather than the back of the publication. Each species is described according to Despite some of the minor failings of this general appearance and its distinguishing booklet, it is an important piece of work. It features. The now ubiquitous distribution makes native grasses more accessible to map is also included. Agronomic values those people who do not speak the such as production (t/ha), forage value, taxonomic language. Hopefully, it will also crude protein content, digestibility and foster enthusiasm amongst the farming com- response to fertility are included. These data munity to view native grasses in a different rely heavily on the research of Wal Whalley light (our light?) and co-workers from the north-west slopes of NSW. Whether such data can be applied to northern and southern Victoria is uncer- John Morgan tain. Certainly, the production of 8.3 t/ha School of Botany, LaTrobe University, cited for Themeda triandra is much higher Bundoora, Victoria 3083.

138 The Victorian Naturalist Census Update

Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria Update Bulletin No. 4.4

1 Compiled by T.J. Entwisle

Update bulletins to A Census of the Vas- Uncinia sulcata K.L. Wilson, Telopea cular Plants of Victoria are published in The 5:620(1994). Victorian Naturalist at intervals depending New name for Uncinia sp. aff. compacta. on the number of additions and alterations LILIACEAE to the Census. The first update to appear in Dianella amoena G.W. Carr The Victorian Naturalist (1 1 1(4): 154-159) & P.F. Horsfall, was number 4.3. The number refers to the Muelleria 8: 369 (1995). New record for Victoria. edition of the Census (currently edition four) Restricted to grassland and grassy woodland in and to the number of update bulletins Victoria and Tasmania, and characterized by its long, produced since that edition (this is the very slender, fourth). wiry and much-branched rhizomes; the narrow, tapering and thin lax Monocotyledons or stiff leaves that can be summer deciduous; CYPERACEAE the often small, relatively few-flowered Descriptions, illustrations, distributions panicles; and the large, showy stamens (with and keys to these species of Cyperaceae can bright orange swelling). Dianella brevicaulis (Ostenf.) be found in Flora of Victoria, volume 2, pp. G.W. 238-356. Carr & P.F. Horsfall, Muelleria 8: 375 Bauraea planifolia (Benth.) K.L. Wil- (1995). for Dianella revofuta var. son, Telopea 5: 589 (1994). New name brevicaulis. This taxon is considered by the New name for Baumea sp. (Wallaby authors to be distinct at species level. Creek). Dianella callicarpa G.W. Carr & P.F. Chorizandra australis K.L. Wilson, Horsfall, Muelleria 8: 366 (1995). Telopea 5: 59A{\99A). New record for Victoria. Known from New record for Victoria. scattered, small populations in south- Eleocharis macbarronii K.L. Wilson, western Victoria, and from the Mornington Telopea 5. S99{\994). Penninsula and Dandenong Ranges, but New name for Eleocharis sp. aff . atricha possibly more widespead (perhaps into (Mt Arapiles). South Australia). This species is charac- Isolepis gaudichaudiana Kunth, Enum. terized by having aerial stems; very long, PL 2:201(1837). lorate, strongly occluded, thin leaves which New record for Victoria. frequently arch or bend down; and flowers (F. Muell.) Schoenus lepidosperma like D. caerulea var. caerulea. K.L. Wilson, Telopea 5: 619 (1994) Dianella porracea (R.Henderson) P.F. ssp. lepidosperma. Horsfall & G.W. Carr, Muelleria 8: 375 New name for Schoenus tenuissimus. (1995). Schoenus lepidosperma ssp. pachy- New name for Dianella longifolia var. lepis (S.T. Blake) K.L. Wilson, Telopea porracea. This taxon is considered by the 5:619(1994). authors to be distinct at species level. New record for Victoria. Dianella tarda G.W. Carr & P.F. Uncinia nemoraiis K.L. Wilson, HorsM, Muelleria 8: 372 (1995). Telopea 5: 620 (\994). New record for Victoria. A fragmented of Vic- New name for Uncinia sp. aff. rupesths. distribution on the northern plains toria, probably extending into New South Wales. Similar to D. longifolia var. lon- 'National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens porracea, but robust, Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, Victoria 3141. gifolia and D.

139 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Census Update

evergreen and densely tussock-forming; Dicotyledons with narrow, more or less smooth, erect, ASTERACEAE moderately glaucous, deeply channelled, PicrisangustifoliaDC. ssp. merxmuel- more or less fleshy leaves; and usually tall, leri Lack & S. Holzapfel, Wildenowia 23: more or less obovoid to elliptic (in outline) 190(1993). inflorescence of sprawling, elongated New name for Picris sp. (Eastern High- panicles, lands). Differs from P. squarrosa in having POACEAE bracts which are all straight, the outer ones upright (sometimes slightly squarrose) and Aristida jerichoensis (Domin) Henrard not as wide as inner ones. Further diagnostic var. subspinulifera Henrard, Meded. Herb, features are not available currently. Leiden 5SA: 300 (1932). Siloxerus multiflorus Nees in Lehm., New record for Victoria. Collected once PLPreiss. 2:244(1845). (in 1994) from a sandy rise in yellow gum New name for Rutidosis mult iflora. Field woodland near Charlton. This locally rare and herbarium studies indicate that grass differs from other Victorian species of Rutidosis multiflora is more similar to Aristida in having lemmas each with a species of Siloxerus than recent authors have ventral furrow that is pronouncedly tubercu- thought. This species has been returned to < late at the margin. the genus in which it was orginally ' Rytidosperma oreophilum H.P. Linder described. & N.G. Walsh, Muelleria 8: 283 ( 1995). New record for Victoria. Somewhat EPACRIDACEAE intermediate between Rytidosperma erian- Epacris celata R.K. Crowden, Muel- , thum and R. tenuis (previously Danthonia /ma 8: 319 (1995). eriantha and D, tenuior) but differing from New record for Victoria. Widespread in R. eriantha in the setae on the lateral lobes damp areas on the Snowy Range and of the lemma being much shorter than the Bogong High Plains, extending into New flattened part of the lobes, always included South Wales in the Kosciusko region. This within the glumes, the lemma often with species resembles E. petrophila and E. scattered hairs between the two rows of breviflora, and has campanulate flowers hair-tufts, and the more compact ovate clustered in heads, but differs in having

inflorescence. From /?. tenuis it differs in rounder (length to width ratio c. 1 .5), flatter having a broader, obovate palea that is leaves and a somewhat smooth, conspicuous glabrous abaxially, and by the compact margin that is rarely minutely serrate. There ovate (cf. linear) inflorescence. Rytidosper- are further differences in leave shape and ma oreophilum grows in grassland, open orientation. heathland or on rock outcrops along the Monotoca billawinica Albr., Muelleria' Great Dividing Range and nearby moun- 8:303(1995). tains from near Canberra to just north of New name for Monotoca sp. (Gram- Heyfield in Victoria. pians). Rare and restricted to small areas im Note that following a worldwide the Victoria and Mt Difficult Ranges in the- revision, all Victorian species of Danthonia Grampians. Similar to M. glauca and A/.. except D. lepidopoda are now referred to scoparia but characterized by a combination] Rytidosperma. Appropriate combinations of its robust habit; absence of lignotuber: for all Victorian species exist in Rytidosper- leaves usually 2.3-4.2 mm wide; long! ma (and these may be found listed in peduncles (0.6-2.7 mm on lowermost) synonymy in the Flora of Victoria, spikes), sepals (1.2-1.9 mm), corolla (2.5-? volume 2). Danthonia lepidopoda and mm in male flowers) and anthers (l.3-l.£ Chionochloa pallida are probably con- mm and exserted); glabrous petioles on dis generic but any taxonomic change must tal leaves; and red-orange fruits. await a complete assessment of the tribe Monotoca oreophila Albr., Muellerid Arundineae in Australia. 8:299(1995).

140 The Victorian Naturalist Census Update

New name for Monotoca sp. aff. elliptica other species of Ornithopus naturalized in (Alps). This Victorian endemic is restricted Victoria in having stems usually branched at toSnowfieldsfromMtBawBawtoMtKent, base only, white or pink flowers with calyx it grows where among rocks of various teeth c. half as long as tube and corolla 3 - 5 types. It is characterized by its dense, small mm long, and straight or slightly curved leaves (4-11 mm long, 1.4 -2.8 mm wide) pods which are constricted between articles. with a pungent apex, its singly borne Podolobium ilicifolium (Andrews) flowers, the absence of a lignotuber, and Crisp & P.H. Weston, Advances in Legume more subtle features of the flowers and the Systematics 7: 56 (1994). overwintering buds. It most closely Podolobium alpestre (F. Muell.) Crisp resembles M. elliptica* a coastal species. & P.H. Weston, Advances in Legume Sys- Richea victoriana Y. Menadue, Muel- tematics 7:56(1994). fcrw8:3l7(1995). Podolobium procumbens (F. Muell.) New name for Richea gunnii in Victoria. Crisp & P.H. Weston, Advances in Legume First noticed by the author during a Systematics 7: 58 (1994). chemotaxonomic survey of Richea, this New names for taxa previously included endemic Victorian species is known from in Oxytobium. The genus Podolobium was damp areas on the Baw Baw Plateau and the resurrected in a recent revision. Species of Blue Range (between Marysville and Tag- Podolobium are distinguished from those of Oxytobium their peltate hairs, trilobed gerty). It resembles R, gunnii, now by considered to be a Tasmanian endemic, but bracts, rigid stipules that are usually recurved or spreading, calyx lobes that are is a more robust plant with longer, wider recurved at anthesis, and the warty ridges on leaves that are distinctively twisted. the pods. FABACEAE Pultenaea forsythiana Blakely, Contr. Gompholobium inconspicuum Crisp, New South Wales Nati Herb. 1: 121 (1941). Muelleria 8: 307 (1995). Change of rank for Pultenaeajuniperina New name for Gompholobium sp. B aff. var. mucronata. uncinatum. Restricted in Victoria mostly to Pultenaea sericea (Benth.) Corrick, the upper Genoa River area where growing Af«W/i?rifl8:392(1995). in open forest and Allocasuarina nana Change of rank for Pultenaea paleacea heathland. It has tuberculate stems, trifolio- var. sericea. late leaves, and pale lemon-yellow or Pultenaea williamsonii Maiden, The yellow-green flowers with a minutely ciliate Victorian Naturalist 22, 99 (1905). or glabrous keel. Most similar to G un- Change of rank for Pultenaea paleacea cinatum Cunn. ex Benth. from northern New var. yvilliamsonii South Wales and south-east Queensland, but In preparation for the Flora of Victoria, of Pultenaea, M. Corrick that species has reddish petals and lacks volume 3, account three : 1-394) has raised these stipules. (Muelleria 8 39 level, using existing *Meiilotus officinalis (L.) Pall., Reise varieties to species in two instances. Russ. Reich. 3: 537(1776). names parrisiae J.D. Briggs & New weed record for Victoria. Collected Pultenaea Telopea 5: 647 (1994) ssp. parrisiae. once from Red Cliffs, this European species Crisp, name for Pultenea sp. aff. paleacea differs from Melilotus albus in having yel- New Gippsland). First collected by Fer- low flowers, longer fruiting racemes (10- (East von Mueller from upper Upper 25 cm long) and reticulate-rugose (rather dinand from River (in 1 860) and now known than transverse-rugose) pods. Genoa East Gippsland as well as New *Ornithopusperpusi!IusL.,5/?. Pi 743 other sites in South Wales, this taxon has been hidden (1753). paleacea. It. differs from that weed record for Victoria. A within P. New and species in having flowers pedicellate European species collected from two and in its only 5-7 mm long (cf. 10-12 mm), localities in South Gippsland, it differs from

141 Vol. 112 (3) 1995 Census Update

more diminutive, procumbent habit (with *Vicia sativa ssp. cordata (Wulfen ex generally shorter leaves and stipules). Hoppe) Asch. & Graebn.,Sv/i. Mitteleur. Fl. Pultenaea viscosa = Pultenaea mollis. 6(2): 968 (1909). M. Corrick (Muelleria 8: 393) has placed New weed record for Victoria. Native to of roadsides P. viscosa in synonymy with P. mollis. Eurasia and an occasional weed *Trifolium resupinatum var. majus and other disturbed areas in Victoria. It dif- Boiss.,F/. Orient 2: 137(1872). fers from ssp. sativa in having pods 4-6 mm *Trifolium resupinatum var. resupin- wide, without regular swellings and dark atum. brown, and seeds 3-5 mm long. New weed record for Victoria. Follow- *Vicia villosa ssp. eriocarpa (Hausskn.) ing the account in preparation for Flora of P.W. Ball, Feddes Report. 79: 45 (1968). Australia, two varieties of Trifolium *Vicia villosa ssp. villosa resupinatum are recognized in Victoria. New weed record for Victoria. Follow- Var. majus, native to the Middle East, differs ing the account in preparation for Flora of from the Eurasian var. resupinatum in Australia, two of four subspecies of the having hollow, generally longer and broader Eurasian species V. villosa are recognized in stems (to 80 cm long and 5 mm thick), Victoria. Var. eriocarpa grows in a few leaflets often 30 mm or more long, dense disjunct localities in Victoria, usually on flowering heads mostly more than 10 mm disturbed sites. It differs from var. villosa wide, and flowers with corolla 6-8 mm long. (the other variety in Victoria) in having

It is currently known only as a roadside weed stems glabrous or appressed pilose, stipules from Keilor and near Casterton (and may not 1 -3 mm wide, lower calyx lobes shorter than be truly naturalized). calyx tube and sparsely ciliate to sub- *Trifolium vesiculosum var. vesiculos- glabrous, and pod pubescent. umSavi,f7.P«.2:165(1798). MYRTACEAE New weed record for Victoria. Recorded Callistemon kenmorrisonii Molyne- in 1993 as an infestation covering 40 ha on aux, Muelleria 8: 379 (1995). private land and roadside verge in the Little New record for Victoria. Confined to a Desert area, possibly as a result of deliberate single population in the upper Betka River planting for seed or green manure. This catchment of Victoria. It differs from C European annual differs from other intro- citrinus, more common in the area, in being duced species of Trifolium in having an a shrub of rock crevices with less regularly upright habit, prominently toothed leaflets, hairy rachises, glabrous perigynium (except inflorescence more than 20 mm long and for irregular patches of hair at base), and with all flowers fertile, calyx tube con- generally smaller leaves (c. 15-52 mm long, spicuously inflated (bladdery in fruit), and 3-6 mm wide). Compared with C. sub- corolla pale pink to purple, more than 10 mm ulatuSy which grows nearby, C. kenmorri- long and persistent in fruit. sonii is a larger bush; has longer, wider and *Vicia rnonantha ssp. triflora (Ten.) more irregularly arranged leaves; purple B.L. Bum & P. Lewis, Kew Bull 1949: 510 (1950). rather than crimson anthers; and larger fruits. New weed record for Victoria. This subspecies, also native to Europe, has been OXALIDACEAE found in disturbed areas at several localities Oxalis thompsoniae B.J. Conn & P.G. in the far north-west of Victoria and at a Richards, Austral Syst. Bot. 7: 175 (1994). single site in South Gippsland. It differs New name for Oxalis sp. sensu Joy from ssp. rnonantha in having racemes Thomps. Known from Papua New Guinea, 2-5-flowered, corolla 14-20 long, mm pod eastern Australia and New Zealand, but its 3-5 cm long and 10-12 mm wide, and seeds precise distribution in Victoria is unclear 3.5-5 mm long and blackish. Specimens in- (collections currently from Otway Plain, termediate between the two subspecies have Gippsland Plain and East Gippsland). Like been reported in Victoria. O. exilis and O. rubens it has hairs directedl

142 The Victorian Naturalisti Census Update

upwards (antrorse) on the branches, stoloniferous species ofmoist habitats on the prominent stipules and a slender or absent Volcanic Plains and in East Gippsland. It taproot. It is glaucous (when fresh) like O. resembles R. papulentus generally but has rubens. but with the apex of the fruit abrupt- smaller petals (3.5-6.2 mm long, 0.6-2.0 mm ly narrowed as in O. exilis. It is further wide), a less robust habit and usually entire characterized by its fruit being arranged in leaves (although those of/?, papulentus can 3s and always with a dense covering of be entire). spreading, septate hairs; seeds very flattened laterally and with indistinct transverse VIOLACEAE ridges; and stipules with a rounded, elongate Viola sp. A sensu T.A. James, FL New apex. South Wales 1:438 (1990). POLYGONACEAE Interim name for Viola hederacea ssp. jus- coviolacea. This subspecies warrants *Fallopia sacchalinensis (Schmidt) recognition at species level and will be given Ronse Deer., Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 98: 369 a formal name prior to publication of Flora (1988). of Victoria, volume 3. New name for weed species Reynoutria sacchalinensiSj following a reassessment of URTICACEAE generic characters by Ronse-Decraene & Parietaria australis (Nees) Blume, Mus. Akeroyd (journal citation as above). Bot. 2:256(1857). PROTEACEAE New record for Victoria. Mostly restricted to the Grampians and further north, growing Grevillea celata Molyneux, Muelleria 8: in moist, shady habitats in woodland on 311(1995). rocky scarps. Also known from Western New name for Grevillea aff. chrysophaea Australia and South Australia, this taxon (Nowa Nowa). Endemic to the Bruthen- was previously subsumed within P. debilis. Nowa Nowa area in East Gippsland, and It differs from that species in having bracts similar to both G. alpina and G. subtending lateral flowers nearly equal in chrysophaea which are not known in Vic- length, broadly triangular-ovate, concealing toria east of the Tambo River. It is for perianth tips, characterized by resprouting from the roots, the flowers entirely except delicate green but becoming the simple to 3-times branched conflores- initially and cence with 2-8 flowers, the generally larger brown and often harder at maturity, and with venation visible; and nuts pistil (18-25 mm cf. 10-22 mm long in the delicate reticulate other two species), and the conspicuous, which are delicate, and pale brown to pale angled nectary to 2.5 mm high. greenish-brown. RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus diminutus B.G. Briggs, Acknowledgements Telopea 5\5%?>(\994). The following provided information or New name for Ranunculus sp. B sensu read the manuscript: Marco Duretto, Jeff B.G. Briggs & Makinson. A small Jeanes, Jim Ross, Neville Walsh.

143 Vol. 1 12 (3) 1995 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Microscopical Society of Victoria In which is incorporated the Established 1880 Birdwood Avenue. South Yarra, 3141, 650 8661. FNCV. c/- National Herbarium. Roistered* Office preserve OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to and protect Australian fauna and flora. naturalists. Members include beginners as well as experienced

Patron McGarvie. The Governor of Victoria. His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. Key Office-Bearers June 1995 Burwood, 3125(9244 7278). President: Dr. ROB WALL1S. 24 Iris Street, Caulficld. 3162 (9690 4733, 1 1 Olive Street, South Hon. Secretary: Mr. GEOFFREY PATERSON, a u QS7I 6436^ Bight, 3980 ((059) 987 996). Hon Treasurer-Mr. ARNIS DZEDINS, PO Box 1000. Blind Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, CA National Herbarium.

Yallambie, 3085 (9435 9019). Editors: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, National Herbarium. Birdwood Avenue, South Librarian: Mrs. SHEILA HOUGHTON. FNCV. C/- Yarra. 3141 (A.H. (054) 928 4097). A.H.) Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER (9435 8408 McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, Sales Officer (Victorian Naturalist only): Mr. D.E. 3145(9571 2427) 1/249 Highfield Road. Burwood, 3 125 (9889 2779), Publicity Officer: Mm MARGARET POTTER. National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, Book Sales Officer: Dr. ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, C7- South Yarra, 3141 (9850 2617 A.H.). Street., Montmorency, 3094 (9435 8408). Programme Secretary: Dr. NOEL SCHLEIGER. 1 Astley

Group Secretaries

Botany: Mr. JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayvicw Crescent. Black Rock, 3143 (9598 9492). Geology:Mr. DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert. 3127 (98900913). 4684). Fauna Survey: Miss FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, 3101 (9818 Microscopical: Mr. RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road. Mernda, 3754 (97 1 7 35 II ).

The Victorian Naturalist South All material for publication to be sent to FNCV. CA National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, Yarra 3141. Telephone queries to 9650 8661 or A.H. 9435 9019. MEMBERSHIP Naturalist Membership of the F.N.C.V. is open to any person interested in natural history. The Victorian activities is distributed free to all members, the club's reference and lending library is available and other are indicated in reports set out in the several preceding pages of this magazine.

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Volume 112(4) 1995 August

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria ein^p 18*4 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Honorary Membership

Honorary Membership is bestowed on several grounds, one being for those who have been Members of the Club for a continuous period of forty years. Two Members joined the Club in 1955 and will be presented with their Certificates at our December General Meeting.

Mr Eric Allen was elected to membership on 4 April 1955. His involvement has ranged from Honorary Assistant Librarian and Honorary Sales Officer, to Council Member (1961-66) and President (1967-69). Mr Allen has also contributed to this journal and remains a Trustee of the M.A. Ingram Trust.

Dr Gordon Mackenzie was elected to membership on 7 March 1955. His botanical interests, pursued where possible with his medical practice, have centred on endemic plants in the Grampians, including early collection of Borya sp.

Both members deserve our congratulati ons on their long FNCV service.

New Members to 18 May 1995 Council of the FNCV extends a warm welcome to the following new members. Members Mr Johnny Avraam Northcote Mrs Klari Randall Mornington Ms Rosemary Barham Box Hill South Ms Catherine Sandercock Richmond Ms Coral Cole Murrumbeena Mrs Penelope Savage Murrumbeena Mr Greg Dennis Carnegie Dr Jim Sparrow Brighton Miss Margaret Drummond Forest Hill Ms Lynda Sharpe Healesville Mrs Marion Ducco South Caulfield Ms Jacqueline Stump Richmond Mr David Duncan Middle Park Mr Roger Thomas Ballarat West Mr Clairie Handreck Ringwood Mr Quentin Tibballs Bacchus Marsh Mr RalfHenman East Kew Mr Matt White Alexandra Mr Peter Homan Eltham Ms Elizabeth Wicklein Viewbank Mr Rhys Jones Kooyong Mrs Sandra Woolward Hawthorn Mr Lincoln Kern Preston Mr Daniel Yencken Albert Park Mr David Low Armadale Mr Edward Lowe Blackburn Joint Members Ms Leticia Maher Glen Waverley Mr David Blake and Mr Mark Merryfull Northcote Ms Sonya Everard North Melbourne Dr John Mitchell Mt Martha Mr Bernard and Mr Adam Muyt Northcote Mr Loren Engelbrecht Westburn Mr George Paras Bundoora Mr Jeremy Sullivan and Mr Paul Peake Richmond Ms Liz Dudley North Fitzroy Mr Fred Pribac Mt Waverleyj Mr Simon Thorning and Ms Clare Putt Camberwell Ms Fiona Granville Mulberry Hill The «3SBUM Victor Naturalist

Volume 112 (4) 1995 August

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Report Base-line Monitoring of a Significant Grassland Remnant at Evans Street, Sunbury, Victoria, by J.W. Morgan and T.S. Rollason 148

Contributions Reptiles and Amphibians of the Melbourne Area, by S.A. Larwill 160

Discovery of a Cleistogamous Form of Clover Glycine

in the Arthur's Seat State Park, by Stefanie Rennick . . 172

Searching for the Rare White Bird, by Glen Jameson 174

^Naturalist Notes The Wasp and the Spider, by Angus Martin 177

Those Magical, Mystical Creations - Galls, by Cecily Falkingham, Naturalist in Residence . 178

Book Review The Silken Web: A Natural History of Australian Spiders, by Bert Simon-Brunet, reviewers M. Elgar and R. Allan . 180

How to be a . 182 •Field Naturalist Botany, by John Eichler

. 183 Obituary William Perry 1911-1995

SSN 0042-5184 feature of the Evans Street Cover: Blue Pincushion Brunonia austraUs is a distinctive plains grassland (see article pages 148-159). Grassland but is uncommon in true basalt Photograph by Vanessa Craigie. Research Report

Base-line Monitoring of a Significant Grassland Remnant at Evans Street, Sunbury, Victoria

J.W. Morgan 1 and T.S. Rollason2 Abstract The frequency and overlapping cover of native and exotic plant species were determined from 1 10 x 2 lm quadrats positioned in a uniform grid over the Evans Street grassland during December 1993. A species list of the cryptogamic flora was also made. Fifty-nine native and 44 exotic species were recorded in quadrats during the survey. Most native species are sparse, occur at low frequency and have low projective foliage cover. Indeed, some species (e.g. Ptilotus macrocephalus, Comesperma polyga- hides andStylidium graminifolium 'plains form') are represented by only one or a few individuals. The frequency of occurrence of exotic species is bimodal with most species occurring in less than 5% of quadrats, but 20% of species also occur in greater than 50% of quadrats. One hundred and one native plant species have now been recorded for the site, making it as rich as the much larger Derrimut Grassland Reserve. Only 49 native species are common to both Evans Street and Derrimut. At least 32 cryptogams were also noted. Evans Street therefore represents one of the few opportunities to conserve species-rich grassland on the basalt plains. Patterns of current weed invasion are documented and some recommendations for assessment of future surveys are provided.

Introduction grasslands in permanent conservation Themeda grasslands on the western reserves (Scarlett et al 1992). All remaining volcanic or basalt plains have been so remnants on the Keilor Plains, thoroughly put to agricultural use since the encompassing some of the best remnants of

mid- 1 800' s that much less than 1% now Themeda grassland in western Victoria (and persists (McDougall etal 1992; McDougall many under imminent threat of urban and and Kirkpatrick 1994). Of this, possibly less industrial development), are therefore vital than 500 ha is species rich with a minimal to the conservation of this flora. The weed component (McDougall et al. 1992). challenge of conserving such a fragmented The basalt plains grassland community is ecosystem has been addressed by Ross therefore amongst the most threatened in (1993a) who proposed that the bestremnants Australia (Frood and Calder 1987; Lunt be seen as an integrated unit, linked by 1991). Most refugia have survived to this common objectives and management. The day because they have been protected from Evans Street grassland at Sunbury is an intense or prolonged stock grazing and important component of this grassland many have been regularly burnt for fire reserve network. protection (as was the practice along railway The grassland at Evans Street has received lines and roadsides). As such, these small considerable attention from conservationists remnants now play a vital role in the in the Melbourne region because of its size conservation of the ecosystem, supporting relative to most other remnants, and its many species that can no longer be found in perceived integrity. The biological values of other grassland remnants (Stuwe and the site have been recognised for some time Parsons 1977). (Raynerrta/. 1984; Stuwe 1986; DCE 1990) Only one reserve for the conservation of but it has only recently been temporarily the basalt plains grassland community has reserved for conservation. The aim of the been proclaimed (Derrimut Grassland research reported here was to document the Reserve) although it has a history of condition of the grassland as it was at the cropping and grazing (Lunt 1990a). Many time of reservation (1993) so that future grassland plants of the region are absent or changes could be monitored and an poorly represented at Derrimut due to this assessment of its condition at the end of the past management regime. Most grassland 1 year interim reservation period species (80%) are, as yet, unrepresented in determined.

1 Study Site School of Botany, La Trobe University. Bundoora, Victoria 3083. The Evans Street grassland is approx- 2 Ramsden Street, Clifton Hill, Victoria 3068 imately 30 km north-west of Melbourne on

148 The Victorian Naturalist Research Report

the southern perimeter of the town of and assigned a cover abundance value based Sunbury (37° 35' S, 144° 44' E). It is on a six point scale, i.e:

approximately 100 wide, 3.5 ha in size and - m + projective foliage cover less than 1 % is bounded to the east by the residential 1 - projective foliage cover 2-5% Evans Street and to the west by the 2 - projective foliage cover 6-25% railway Melbourne-Bendigo line. The area 3 - projective foliage cover 26-50% can be considered to be urban. 4 - projective foliage cover 51-75% red- The soil at the site is predominantly a 5 - projective foliage cover 76-100%

1 to grey clay loam on Quaternary brown One-metre square quadrats were chosen as site, I the centre of the a lens of basalt. In the sampling unit so that many quadrats i silcrete protrudes from the Ordovician could be placed throughout the site to soil gives the site its i surrounding and monitor changes in abundance and cover. relief. silcrete I topographical The area Small quadrats were chosen ahead of larger

! indicates that the basalt soil is (probably) quadrats to give more accurate estimates of

! only a thin layer in places and absent alto- these changes even though they are probably is ', gether in others. As a result, Evans Street below the minimal area required for mis plains. \ not truly representative of the basalt community (see Lunt 1990b). The sampling The vegetation is primarily free-draining grid also allowed for the invasion by exotic plains grassland dominated by Kangaroo species from reserve edge to be quantified.

I Grass Themeda triandra with numerous All sampling was done between 19-29 \ intertussock species and may be considered December 1993. Further observations were | Keilor Plains community made during autumn-winter 1 994 and \ similar to the Willis non-vascular plants were collected for I described by Sutton (1916) and identification in July 1994. outcropping silcrete area is ! (1964). The dominated by Acacia paradoxa and contains Plant Taxonomy many species that are uncommon in typical Vascular plant nomenclature throughout Walsh Themeda grassland (e.g. Brunonia australis, this report follows Ross (1993b) and Styluhum graminifolium 'plains form*). and Entwisle (1994) whilst non-vascular plant nomenclature follows Catcheside The site, previously a rail reserve, has been (1980) and Scott (1985). burnt regularly for fire protection for The survey was conducted late in the decades (J. Ross pers. comnu). The grazing growing season of a particularly dry spring. history is unknown but presumably was light As such, many plants had either completed More recently, an I or absent altogether. flowering or had not flowered at all. This ecological burn of the entire site was ; presented some difficulty in identification. approximately nine months prior undertaken Difficulties were encountered with the to this study. following plants: *Aira spp. - this small annual had time of Methods completed its life cycle at the Aira Data Collection sampling. It is likely to include caryophyllea. Eleven 90 m transects were laid out across cupaniana and A. grassland. scoparia - most specimens of the site to form a grid to survey the Asperula observed at the site were A. Permanently marked transects, each Asperula but some A. conferta may have approximately 20-30 m apart, ran east to scoparia included. from the roadside fence towards been west, i.e. the Plantago spp. - the native Plantago at the railway line, stopping approximately identified because site could not be reliably rail-line itself. At 10 m 15 m from the material. Both P. m,10 m, of the lack of fertile intervals along each transect (i.e. the site gaudichitadii and P. varia occur at 2 was located on 90 m), a 1 m quadrat 20 m included in this grouping. of 110 and are the south side of the tape (a total some Exotic Asteraceae - identification of were sampled) and all species of quadrats specimens to genus was projecting small, infertile ilar plants growing in, or recorded difficult. OVcr, ihc quadrat were identified,

149 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Research Report

Unidentified Liliaceae - some small lilies Table 1. Indigenous and exotic species classified according to family, life history and growth form. were not reliably identified but are likely to have been Arthropodium strictum and Caesia calliantha. Classification Indigenous Exotic Exotic dicots - some very small, infertile Families 36 13 exotic dicots were encountered but not identified to genus level. Annuals 9 19 Unidentified monocots - some exotic Perennials 92 25 grasses could not be identified to genus because they had completed their life cycle Grasses 28 18 Forbs 65 21 at the time of sampling. Shrubs 7 4 Difficulties in identification to species Trees 1 1 level were encountered in some instances Unclassified 6 with the following genera: Carex, Danthonia, Euchiton, Isolepis, Juncus, annual and 63% of all native species were Stipa, Trifolium and Wahlenbergia. forbs. The typical basalt plains families Given that the botanical survey was (Willis 1964) also predominate at Evans conducted in December, many seasonal Street, namely Poaceae (33 spp.), Asteraceae species (notably geophytes and annuals) (19spp.), Fabaceae(ll spp.), Liliaceae (7 may have been overlooked. Many additional spp.) and Cyperaceae (6 spp.). species would undoubtedly be recorded if Most plant species at the site were the area was surveyed during the height of recorded in few quadrats (Fig. 1). Very few flowering in spring. species other than the grassland dominant, Results Themeda triandra, and exotic annual A total of 93 species was identified in grasses occurred in greater than 50% of quadrats during the survey and a further 10 quadrats. Given the low percent frequency exotic species were recorded but not of most species, it is not surprising that identified to species level (Appendix 1). Of percent foliage cover per quadrat is also very these, 59 species (57%) were native and 44 low for most species (Fig. 2). Only Themeda species (43%) were exotic. A further 48 has a significant cover (43%) at the site. species have also been recorded for the site Native species richness did not differ comprising 42 native and 6 exotic species, greatly on basalt versus silcrete areas (6.71 2 although it is not certain as to whether all versus 7.02 species/m ). Some species, recorded species still persist. The however, were restricted to, or more classification of species according to family, numerous on, the rocky silcrete substrate life history and growth form is shown in (e.g. Arthropodium strictum, Brunonia 1 Table . Nine percent of native species were australis, Stylidium graminifolium 'plains

Fig. The frequency 1 of occurrence of native and exotic species (as a % of total number of species in each flora) as determined 2 from 110 x 1 m quadrats

150 The Victorian Naturalist )

Research Report

Fig. 2. The mean cover of native and exotic species (expressed as a % of total number of species in 2 each flora) as determined from 110 x 1 m quadrats. form', Acacia paradoxa and Dillwynia varies between 10-20% throughout the cinerascens). grassland proper whereas native species between 60-80%, At least 32 non-vascular species were overlapping cover varies recorded from Evans Street including Riccia most of which is contributed by Themeda. spp., Bryum spp. and Fissidens spp. Three groups of exotic species can be (common components of grasslands) and recognised at Evans Street (Table 2): Gigaspermum repens, Grimmia pulvinata 1 Widespread, ubiquitous weeds and Triquetrella papillata (species more These species occur in greater than 50% of restricted to the rocky outcropping areas) quadrats and are found independent of the (Appendix 2). degree of disturbance. Of the 151 species recorded at Evans 2) Species that occur throughout the Street, 50 (33%) are exotic species. Whilst grassland with low (<10%) to moderate numerically significant, most occur (40%) frequency. cover. The infrequently and have low These species, such as Avena fatua, number of exotic species did, however, Juncus capitatus and Plantago lanceolata, species in outnumber the number of native are not restricted to disturbed areas and have 53% of quadrats. not invaded the site to the degree that Highest numbers (Fig. 3) and percent ubiquitous species have. It is uncertain overlapping cover (Fig. 4) of exotic species whether these species will continue to occur along both edges of the reserve, increase their abundance and hence, become particularly the more disturbed Evans Street ubiquitous at a later date. fenceline. Lowest native species richness 3) Disturbance/Edge weeds and percent overlapping cover also occurs These species occur almost exclusively in species richness throughout the here. Exotic Agrostis areas of disturbance. Some, like grassland is similar to that of rest of the to capillaris and Cynodon dactylon, appear native species richness. Exotic species cover

cover of y 4. Average percent overlapping (per 2)of native Fig. 3. Average species richness m transects (n=ll) native and exotic species along (n=l 1) running and exotic species along transects site. running across the Evans Street across the Evans Street site. 151 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 .

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according to frequency of occurrence and/or degree of Table 2. Indigenous and exotic species grouped site modification. ... restricted to these areas whereas native species * Note that exotic species found in disturbed areas are disturbance or can co-exist with exotic species in such sites. in disturbed areas appear to either tolerate the

Widespread Moderately common Disturbed Areas* (>50% frequency) (10-40% frequency)

Exotic Species Aira spp. Avenafatua Acacia baileyana

Brizfl minor Centaurium tenuifolium Agrostis capillaris Holcus lanatus Juncus capitatus Conyza bonariensis Hypochoeris radicata Paspalum dilatatum Cynodon dactylon Romulea rosea Helminthotheca echioides Lolium perenne Trifolium campestre Plantago lanceolata Phalaris aquatica Vulpia bromoides Tragapogon porrifolius Vicia sp.

Native Species Plantago spp. Bossiaea prostrata Elymus scaber Schoenus apogon Calocephalus citreus Geranium retrorsum Themeda triandra Convolvulus erubescens Danthonia spp. Dichelachme crinita Elymus scaber Eryngium ovinum Gonocarpus tetragynus Lomandra filiformis Oxalis perenrums Pimelea curviflora Senecio quadridentatus

Stipa sp. be invading from the mown road reserve in Derrimut Grassland Reserve which supports Evans Street 102 indigenous species from a variety of By contrast, when native species are plant communities (Lunt 1990a). Indeed, the classified into similar frequency or site Evans Street grassland contains many modification groupings (Table 2), it is species that are absent or poorly represented apparent that very few native species can at Derrimut (and other grassland remnants in co-exist with exotic species in the most the region), particularly members of the disturbed sites. Elymus scaber, Geranium Orchidaceae (e.g. Diuris lanceolata, retrorsum and, to a lesser extent, Acaena Thelymitra nuda, T. pauciflora) and echinata appear to be exceptions. Fabaceae (e.g. Bossiaea prostrata, Dillwynia cinerascens) (Lunt 1990a). It Discussion supports one Victorian vulnerable species One hundred and one native plant species (Comesperma polygaloides), one rare have been identified for the Evans Street species (Stipa setacea) (Gullan et al. 1990), grassland. This makes it one of the most at least one undescribed species (Stylidium diverse remnants of grassland on the basalt graminifolium 'plains form') and many plains (McDougall et al 1992; McDougall species that are uncommon (Brunon ia and Kirkpatrick 1994). A further 32 australis) or arc becoming so in grasslands non-vascular plant species were also in the Melbourne area (e.g. Burchardia recorded for the site. Evans Street is likely umbellata, Dianella longifolia, Minuria to be one of the most significant grassland leptophylla, Pelargonium rodneyanum, remnants in the Melbourne area in Ptilotus macrocephalus, Ptilotus spathulatus, conjunction with the much larger (153 ha) Ranunculus lappaceus). The Evans Street

152 The Victorian Naturalist Research Report

grassland makes an important contribution The exotic species at Evans Street differ in to the conservation of the Keilor Plains flora two fundamental respects to the type and when it is considered that only 49 native pattern of occurrence of native species: species are shared between Derrimut (Lunt i) the frequency of occurrence of exotic 1990a) and Evans Street. species is bimodal (Fig. 1). Like the native Whilst the site is species rich, many native species, most exotic species occur very species occur infrequently and at low cover. infrequently (<5%), perhaps limited to the There are some species such as Ptilotus edge of the reserve or to disturbed areas. macrocephalus, Ranunculus lappaceus and However, unlike native species with an Stylidium graminifolium 'plains form' that observed unimodal frequency distribution, are known only from one or a few individual there is also a second group of species (20% plants at the site. Such species will need of all exotic species) that occur at high active management to ensure their frequency (>50%). This group includes persistence (i.e. propagation and planting to mostly annual grasses (e.g. Aira spp., Briza enhance population size and recruitment). minor, Vulpia bromoides) but also includes Mclntyre et al. (1993) has described similar perennial grasses {Holcus lanatus), forbs patterns of occurrence for the temperate (Hypochoeris radicata) and geophytes grasslands of the New England Tablelands (Romulea rosea). It is interesting that these area and concluded that much of the species can persist at high frequency in the grassland flora can be considered to be of presence of Themeda (and the apparent 'sparse* occurrence due to its wide absence of soil disturbance) whereas most geographic range, low levels of dominance native intertussock species do not. and low habitat specificity. At Evans Street, ii) annual species are far more important low in part cover may be due to the fact that in the exotic flora than the native flora ( 43% the site was burnt only nine months prior to of exotic species versus 9% of natives) sampling. Maximum native species richness whilst grasses contribute more to the exotic 2 at Evans Street (14 spceies/m ) is also less species (41%) than the native species (29%) than that mapped by Patton (1935) for a (Table 1).

single quadrat in a similar Themeda It is suggested that the ubiquitous species grassland on the basalt plains. The reasons will have to be accepted as a part of the flora for this are unknown but may be related to at Evans Street. They occur too frequently past management of the site. (e.g. Romulea rosea occurs in 96% of

There was little difference in the total quadrats and Briza minor in 84%) for control native species richness between basalt and to be feasible, Many of these species silcrete areas although species composition function without threatening (at their current the standing flora. often varied markedly. Brunonia australis, densities) the integrity of Their impact on seedling recruitment, Kennedia prostata, Stylidium graminifolium however, is likely to be greater than their 'plains form* and Acacia paradoxa were impacts on the standing flora and restricted to silcrete areas whilst management should aim to prevent their Arthropodium strictum and Stipa spp. were frequency and cover from further increases. much commoner here than on basalt. Similar This may be achieved by particular burning species substitutions in grasslands as a result regimes (e.g. spring) although these remain environmental variation, but with no of largely speculative and untried. overall change in richness, have also been Edge- or disturbance- dependent weeds noted Mclntyre and Lavorel (1994). by could be expected to invade the grassland at at Evans Exotic species are numerous a slow rate. Most of these species are Street and contribute 33% of all species. restricted to the perimeter of the reserve and This is a typical contribution to the grassland may be incapable of further encroachment flora of the basalt plains (McDougall et al provided that no soil disturbance occurs in 1992). Their frequency and cover, however, the central grassland area. Their presence at reserve, however, is are low in most cases and they (largely) do the edge of the large reduction in native not detract from the aesthetic quality of the correlated with a diversity and this is likely to site other than along the perimeter species continue to decline whilst exotic species fencelines.

153 Vol. 112(4)1995 Research Report

remain. Only Elymus scaber, Geranium many species are also likely to have been retrorsum and, to a lesser extent, Acaena adversely affected by the past sheep grazing echinata appear to 'tolerate* this regime there (Morgan et al 1993; Scarlett disturbance (Mclntyre and Lavorel 1994). 1994). Seven of the species at Evans Street, The potentially most threatening group of mostly mosses, appear to be restricted to the weeds are those species that already occur higher ground amongst silcrete rock. widely in the grassland (10-40% frequency). However, all but six species have also been recorded at Yarra Bend Park, (Sago It is not known whether these species will Kew 1994) suggesting a widespread distribution continue to increase their frequency and of many of these species. Many of the cover. The main threat of this group of weeds cryptogams at Evans Street also appear to be is that, unlike the ubiquitous weeds that are common components of other volcanic typically annual grasses of low biomass, this grassland soil crusts, particularly on group of species includes weeds that are frequently burnt rail and road reserves (e.g. capable of directly outcompeting native Riccia spp., Lethocolea pansa, Bryum species because of their potential higher billardieri, Fossombronia intestinalis) productivity (e.g. Paspalum dilatatum, (Scarlett 1994; J. Sago unpublished data). Plantago lanceolata). Management aims Themeda cover averaged 43% per square This metre only nine months from burning. At base-line study of the condition of the Evans Street grassland in that rate, 100% cover is likely to be reached December 1993 has produced some accurate within 2-3 years. It has been well estimates of the frequency documented that to maintain species of occurrence and the cover of 59 native diversity, periodic canopy reduction of and 44 exotic species. As such, it allows some specific Themeda is required to prevent smaller goals to be stated for plants from being shaded out (McDougall this site and a measure of the success of these 1989; Lunt 1991). The maintenance of goals can be determined by future monitoring. believe diversity is dependent on the maintenance of We that four main aims are the standing flora because many native appropriate for the Evans Street grassland: species do not store seed in the soil for any length of time, i.e. often less than one year i) the maintenance of current native (Lunt 1995). As a consequence, if the species richness. This grassland has an grassland is left unburnt (e.g. five or more important role to play in the conservation of years) and plants die out as a result of old age the Keilor Plains flora and every attempt or shade intolerance, subsequent burning must be made to ensure the persistence of all will not return the site to its former diversity native species at the site. but will rather maintain the plants that have ii) populations of rare and vulnerable survived the inter-fire period (either as seed, species, as well as undescribed taxa, should dormant buds or standing plants). This be maintained. phenomenon has been documented iii) populations of species that are elsewhere (Scarlett and Parsons 1990). To currently maintain the very small should be increased. It diverse flora of Evans Street, it is crucial is known that some species are restricted to that Themeda is not allowed to one or a few individuals maintain canopy dominance for an extended (e.g. Ptilotus period macrocephalus). These of time (e.g. greater than 4 years). species should be planted in the reserve to increase Thirty-two non-vascular species were the viability recorded of their populations. at Evans Street. By contrast, the From the plant frequency Demmut Grassland Reserve recorded only data obtained in this survey, we three moss species (Morgan etal 1993). The are also in a position to make some longer difference in species richness may be term recommendations. For example, all attributed to differences in the management species that occur in 1% of quadrats should history of the two sites. Heavy shading under be planted to improve population viability. a dense canopy of unburnt Themeda is Species that occur in only 2-5% of quadrats suspected to be the reason for the current should have seed collected and propagated p? icity of cryptogams at Derrimut whilst to buffer against local extinction at some

154 The Victorian Naturalist Research Report

later date. Future surveys would be able to whether the site has degraded over the determine which species need to be added or interim protection period. Indeed, it is this deleted from this list. group of species that Mclntyre et al (1993) iv) exotic species richness and cover suggests are often neglected in conservation should be maintained at, or preferably strategies because their usual widespread below, their current levels. All species distribution understates their abundance and defined as being restricted to the edge or significance at a regional scale. disturbed areas of the reserve should be Similarly, species such as Caesia controlled. calliantha and Eryngium ovinum, amongst others that are Interpreting future surveys present at moderate frequencies, are sufficiently common at the Monitoring is an essential way of site to determine how management is determining vegetation change over time as affecting the more conspicuous components it can determine changes in species of the grassland flora. The combined abundance and cover with some precision. changes in both the common and *rare' Anecdotal evidence and hearsay cannot be species of the flora should be far better nearly as accurate. To determine whether the indicators of vegetation condition than the grassland is maintaining its high quality, it loss of a few already critically is imperative that a commitment be made to low populations of species. monitor the site and that future surveys be undertaken in the year following burning b) Wliat weeds have changed their abundance and cover (rather than when the grassland has been left over the course of time? Annual unburnt as this may obscure the results). The plants are likely to exhibit temporal most important features to consider in the fluctuations in their abundance and interpretation of results of future surveys may not be good indicators of directional are: change. Particularly dry seasons may under- represent the contribution of these species a) Has native species richness been to the flora and this could mistakenly be maintained? The loss of species that at attributed to management. present are represented by only a few Far better indicators of vegetation 'health' are likely to individuals should not be viewed as a be gained by following the changes of those decline in conservation significance of the perennial species that already occur site. These species are unlikely to recruit commonly throughout the grassland many individuals to the population because (i.e. 10-40% frequency). Species such as of low seed set and, in the absence of Paspalum dilatatum and Phalaris aqu- vegetative regeneration, will probably atica, which appear capable of directly disappear once established plants senesce. outcompeting co-occurring native species, Plants such as Ptilotus macrocephalus and may continue to increase under the present Comesperma polygaloides occur in such regime of management and it is this type of low numbers that their medium-term change that needs to be determined. persistence at the site relies on an active Vigilance is al so required to monitor the propagation and re-introduction program. establishment and spread of weeds that are Indeed, manual re-stocking should be yet to invade the site. Stipa neesiana poses viewed as responsible site management. by far the greatest threat of any potential new Species of 'rare' or sparse occurrence invader. (<3% frequency) will probably remain rare c) Has exotic species richness increased because of their population structures or per quadrat? If so, this will indicate a slow, clumped distributions. At present, 15 native but steady, invasion of the site by a number species can be considered to be of 'rare' of exotic species. occurrence. These species include grasses What type species ha ve (e.g. Chloris truncata), geophytes (e.g. d) of grasses, Burchardia umbellate), forbs (e.g. declined/increased (e.g. forbs, Chrysocephalum apiculatum) and shrubs shrubs)? If a growth form is favoured over this should indicate something (e.g. Eutaxia microphylla). The fate of these another, species will not be immediately obvious to about the management regime employed. the eye but will have a large impact on Historically, frequent burning and no

155 Vol. 112(4)1995 . Research Report

grazing on rail reserves favoured herbaceous Mclntyre, S., Huang, Z. and Smith, A. P. (1993). Patterns of abundance dicotyledons over woody species (Stuwe in grassy vegetation of the New Eng- land Tablelands: identifying regional rarity in a and Parsons 1 977). threatened vegetation type. Australian Journal of Botany 41, 49-64. Acknowledgments Mclntyre, S. and Lavorel, S. (1994). How environmental and disturbance factors influence species composi- James Ross and Michael Fendley tion in temperate Australian grasslands. Journal of provided the impetus for this study and we Vegetation Science 5, 373-384.

thank them for their encouragement. We are Morgan. J.W., Scarlett, N.H. and RoIIason, T.S. (1993). 'Native grateful to Jon Sago for identifying the Grassland Sites of Significance and Species Rescue on the Western Basalt Plains, Victoria. Final non-vascular flora. Ian Lunt and Bob Report for 1993'. A report to the Australian Nature kindly Parsons commented on drafts of this Conservation Agency, Endangered Species Unit, manuscript. We gratefully acknowledge the Canberra prepared on behalf of the Department of Botany, La Trobe University. financial support of the Friends of the Evans Patton. R.T. Street Grassland. (1935). Ecological studies in Victoria. IV, Basalt Plains association. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 48, 172- 1 9 1

References Rayner, C, Marsh, D. and Kemp, B. (1984). KeiJor plains Caichcside, D.G. (1980). 'Mosses of South Australia*. flora - a battle against extinction. Parkwatch 139, (Government Printer: South Australia). 12-15.

DCE. (1990). 'Remnant Native Grasslands and Grassy Ross, J. (1993a). A grassland park for Melbourne's Woodlands of the Melbourne Area'. (Department of plains? Indigenotes 6 (8), 2-4. Conservation and Environment: East Melbourne). Ross, J.H. (1993b). 'A Census of the Vascular Plants of Frood, D. and Caldcr, M. (1987). 'Nature Conservation Victoria'. (National Herbarium of Victoria: Austra- in Victoria. Study Report". (Victorian National lia). Parks Association: Victoria). Sago, J. (1994). A checklist of Yarra Bend cryptogams.

Gullan, P.K., Chcal, Part I. D.C. and Walsh, N.G. ( 1 990). 'Rare Mosses, liverworts lichens. Indigenotes 7 (9). or Threatened Plants in Victoria'. (Department of 14-15. Conservation and Environment: Victoria). Scarlett, N.H. (1994). Soil crusts, germination and weeds Lunt, I.D. (1990a). A floristic survey of the Derrimut - issues to consider. The Victorian Naturalist 111 Grassland Reserve, Melbourne, Victoria. Proceed- 125-130. ings of the Royal Society of Victoria 102, 41-52. Scarlett, N.H. and Parsons, R.F. (1990). Conservation Lunt, l.D. (1990b). Species-area curves and growth-form biology of the southern Australian daisy Rutidvsis spectra for some herb-rich woodlands in western leptorrhynchoides. In 'Management of Small Popu- Victoria, Australia. Australian Journal lations', (ed. by T.W. of Ecology* Clark and J.H. Seebeck.) pp. 15, 155-161. 195-205. (Chicago Zoological Society: Illinois). Lunt, I.D. (1991). Management of remnant lowland Scarlett, N.H., Wallbrink,SJ. and McDougall, K. (1992). grasslands and grassy woodlands for nature conser- 'Field Guide to Victoria's Native Grasslands'. (Vic- vation: a review. The Victorian Naturalist 108, toria Press: South Melbourne). 56-66. Scott, G. A.M. (1985). 'Southern Australian Liverworts'. Lunt, I.D. (1995) Seed bank dynamics of six native forbs (Australian Government Printing Service: Can- in a closed Themeda triandra grassland. Australian berra). Journal of Botany, in press. Stuwe, J. (1986). "An Assessment of the Conservation Status McDougall, K.L. 1 of Native Grasslands ( 989). 'The Re -establishment of The- on the Western Plains, meda triandra Victoria and Sites of Botanical (Kangaroo Grass): Implications for Significance'. Arthur the Restoration of Rylah Institute for Environmental Grassland". (Arthur Rylah Insti- Research Technical tute for Report Series No. 48. (Department Environmental Research Technical Report of Conservation, Series No. Forests and Lands: Melbourne). 89. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands: Melbourne). Stuwe, J. and Parsons, R.F. (1977). Themeda australts grasslands on the Basalt Plains, Victoria: McDougall, K, Barlow, T. and floristics Appleby, M (1992) and management "Nat.ve effects. Australian Journal of Ecol- Grassland Sites of Significance and Species ogy 2, 467-476. Rescue on the Western Basalt Plains, Victoria. Final Sutton, report for 1991/92 - C.S. (1916). A sketch of the Keilor Plains July 1992". A report to the flora. Australian National The Victorian Naturalist 33, 1 12-123. Parks and Wildlife Service En- dangered Species Walsh, Unit, Canberra prepared on behalf N.G. and Entwisle. TJ. (eds.) (1994). 'Flora of of me Department of Victoria. Botany, La Trobe University. Volume 2. Ferns and Allied Plants, Coni- fers and McDougall. Monocotyledons' . (Inkata Press; K and Kirkpatrick. * J.B. (cds.)(1994) Con~ Melbourne). servauon of Lowland Native Grasslands in Willis, J.H. (Wori- (1964). Vegetation of the basalt plains in Widc Ptand fw Na - ^Z^t^'' western Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 77, 397-418.

156 The Victorian Naturalist Research Report

Appendix 1

Summary of Quadrat Data (n=110) and additional species noted at the site either during this work or by DCE (1990). (* denotes exotic species)

Species Common Name Av. % % Frequency Cover/m2

Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle 0.02 5 Acaena echinata Sheep's Bun- 0.13 8 Agrostis aemula Blown Grass 0.07 5 A. avenacea Common Blown Grass 0.04 3 *A. capillaris Brown-top Bent 0.25 5 *Aira spp. Air Grass 0.29 58 * Anagallis arvense Pimpernel 0.005 1 *Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass 0.16 2 Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily 0.06 4 Asperula conferta/scoparia Woodruff 0.31 5 unidentified Asteraceae 0.005 1 *Avenafatua Wild Oat 0.15 26 *Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass 0.01 3 *B. minor Lesser Quaking-grass 0.58 84 Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea 0.89 15 *Bromus diandrus Great Brome 0.005 1

*fl. hordaceus Soft Brome 0.09 9 Burchardia umbellata Milkmaids 0.01 1 Brunonia australis Blue Pincushion 0.14 1 Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-lily 0.13 8 Calocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-heads 0.73 21 Carex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge 0.07 5 7 Carex spp. 0.06 42 *Centaurium tenuifolium Centuary 0.21 2 Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock Fem 0.01 3 Chloris truncata Windmill Grass 0.19 3 Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common Everlasting 0.06 2 *Cicendia quadrangularis Square Cicendia 0.01 15 Convolvulus erubescens Pink Bindweed 0.25 1 *Conyza bonariensis Tall Fleabane 0.01 0.57 5 *Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass 0.01 1 *Cyperus tenellus Tiny Flat-sedge 0.12 11 Danthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby Grass Grass 0.25 5 D. duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby Grass 0.07 5 D. eriantha Reddish Wallaby Grass 0.005 1 D. penicillata Slender Wallaby Wallaby Grass 0.17 4 D. racemosa Branched Grass 0.04 4 D. setacea Bristly Wallaby 0.34 23 Danthonia spp. Flax-lily 0.05 2 Dianella revoluta Black-anther Plume Grass 0.40 35 Dichelachne crinita Long-hair 0.01 2 unidentified dicots 0.01 2 cinerascens Grey Parrot-pea Dillwynia 5 Pale Sundew 0.03 Drosera peltata ssp. peltata 38 Wheat Grass 0.49 Elymus scaber Common 1.33 42 Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil 0.005 1 *Euchiton sp. Common Eutaxia 0.14 1 Eutaxia microphylla 9 Grassland Crane's Bill 0.07 Geranium retrorsum 15 Raspwort 0.12 tetragynus Common Gonocarpus 0.07 9 Varied Raspwort Haloragis heterophylla 34 Ox-tongue 0.52 *Helminlhotheca echiodes

157 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Research Report

Appendix 1 (cont) Summary of Quadrat Data (n=l 10) and additional species noted at the site either during this work or by DCE (1990). (* denotes exotic species)

Species Common Name Av. % % Frequency Cover/m2

*Holcus Umatus Yorkshire Fog 2.71 73 Hypericum gramineum Small St John's Wort 0.02 4 *Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ears 2.84 52 holepis spp. 0.02 4 Juncus bufonius Toad Rush 0.05 9 */. capitatus Dwarf Rush 0.06 13 Juncus spp. 0.11 9 *Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit 0.07 5 Leptorynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons 0.04 4

unidentified Liliaceae 0.03 1 *Lolium perenne Perennial Rye-grass 0.04 4 Lomandra filifo rm is Wattle Mat-rush 0.43 20 L nana Dwarf Mat-rush 0.05 5 *Nassella trichotoma Serrated Tussock 0.03 2 Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood Sorrel 0.13 26 Oxalis sp. 0.04 7 *Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 2.63 14 Pentapogon quadrifidus Five-awned Spear Grass 0.10 7 *Peterahagia velutina Hairy Pink 0.01 2 *Phalaris aquatica Canary-grass 0.17 3 Pimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower 0.27 14 P. humilis Rice-flower Common 0.005 1 *Platago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain 0.005 1 *P. lanceolata Ribwort 2.72 41 P. gaudichaudii/varia Native Plantain 4.31 57 Poa sieberiana Grey Tussock Grass 0.49 5 unidentified Poaceae sp. 1 0.04 4 unidentified Poaceae sp. 2 0.10 6 *Romulea rosea Onion-grass 2.20 96 *Rumex acetosella Sheep Sorrel 0.04 3 Schoenus apogon Common Bog Sedge 1.06 51 Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Firewood 0.08 11 Solenogyne dominii Solenogyne 0.04 4 *Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle 0.05 9 Stipa blackii Crested Spear Grass 0.35 13 S. setacea Corkscrew Spear Grass 0.03 1 Stipa spp. 0.06 3 Stylidium graminifolium Grass Trigger-plant 0.14 1 'plains form' *Trifolium arvense Hare's-foot Clover 0.07 5 *T. angustifolium Narrow-leaf Clover 0.04 3 *T. campestre Hop Clover 3.01 57 *T. subterraneum Subterranean Clover 0.04 3 *Trifolium spp. 0.01 3 Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass 43.39 91 unidentified thistie 0.03 2 *Tragopogon porrifolius Salsify Tricoryne 0.005 1 elatior Yellow Rush-lily Veronica 0.28 7 gracilis Slender Speedwell 0.14 1 *Vicia sp. Vetch *Vulpia bromoides 0.06 6 Squirrel-tail Fescue Wahlenbergia 0.72 70 sp. Bluebell 0.005 1

158 The Victorian Naturalist Research Report

Appendix 1 (cont)

1993 = those plants observed during the 1993 survey.

Other species not recorded in quadrats low Other species not recorded in quadrats during survey during survey 19»

*Acacia baueyana Cootamundra Wattle # Microtis unifolia Common Onion Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood # Orchid Calotis scapigera Tufted Burr Daisy Minuria leptophylla Minnie Daisy # Centipeda minima Centipeda Oxalis radicosa Oxalis Centrolepis aristata Centrolepis Pelargonium Magenta Stork's Bill # Comesperma Small Milkwort # rodneyanum potygahides Pimelea glauca Smooth Rice-flower # Crassula steberiana Sieber Crassula # *Pinus sp. *Cyperus rotundus Nut Grass # Poa labillardieri Common Tussock # Oanthomaauricuiata Lobed Wallaby Grass Grass # Daucus glochidiatus Austral Carrot Podolepis jaceoides Showy Podolepis # Dianella longifolia Pale Flax-lily # Ptilotus macrocephalus Feather Heads # Dichondra repens Kidney Weed # Ptilotus spathulatus Pussy Tails # Diuris lanceolata Golden Moths Ranunculus lappaceus Australian Buttercup # Drosera glanduligera Scarlett Sundew *Rosa rubiginosa Sweet Briar # Drosera whittakari Scented Sundew # *Rubusfruncosus ssp. Blackberry # agg- Epilobium biardieria- Robust Willow-herb num Rumexdwnosus Wiry Dock # Five-spined Bassia E. hirtigerum Hairy Willow-herb Sclerolaena muricata # # Glycine tabiacina Variable Glycine # Stackhousia monogyna Creamy Candles Sun-orchid Goodenia pinnatifida Cut-leaf Goodenia # Thelymitranuda Plain Sun-orchid # Halorgis aspera Rough Raspwort Thetymitra pauciflora spp. agg. holepis marginata Little Club Sedge Twining Fnnge-lily Juncus raduia Hoary Rush Thysanotus patersomi New Holland Daisy # Juncus usitatus Rush Vittadinia sp. Tufted Bluebell # Kennedia prostrata Running Postman # Wahienbergia communis *Lyciumferocissimum Boxthorn # gracilenta Annual Bluebell Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife W. W.stricta Tall Bluebell

Appendix 2 Non-vascular species recorded at Evans Street. * restricted to high ground, amongst silcrete rock Codoniaceae MOSSES Fissidentaceae Pottiaceae integrifolium Fossombronia Bartramiaceae Fissidens bifrons Acaulon Barbula crinita intestinalis Bartramia papillata F. taylorii Barbula sp. Fossombronia sp. B. stricta F. vittatus Didymodon luehmanni Geocalycaceae Bryaceae Funariaceae *Triquetrella papillata *Lophocolea semiteres argenteum Funaria hygroametrica Bryum Ricciaceae billardieri Gigaspermaceae B. Riccia bifurca repens LIVERWORTS B. dichotomwn *Gigaspermum Acrobolbaceae R. cartilaginosa Bryum sp. Grunmiaceae Lethocolea pansa R. crozalsii Dicranaceae *Grimmia pulvinata Aytoniaceae Campylopus clavatus Hypnaceae Asterella tenera LICHENS *C introflexus *Hypnum Cephaloziellaceae Cladoniaceae cupressiforme Ditrichaceae Cladonia sp. Polytrichaceae Cephaloziella Ceratodon purpureus undifferentiated crustose *Polytrichum exiliflora species juniperinum

159 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Contributions

Reptiles and Amphibians of the Melbourne Area

S.A. Larwill 1

, . Abstract fl . , . Melbourne area was compiled using records registered An inventory of reptiles and amphibians of the (Wildlife Section, Department of Conservation and Natural on the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife database municipal boundaries and was divided into four Resources) The Melbourne area was defined by of species. An annotated species list was physiographic regions used to characterise the distribution scientific names of all species with notes on recent compiled including: a review of common names and the distribution of each species; a review of the status revisions to taxonomic nomenclature; notes on of the conservation status of species at the state of each species within the Melbourne area; a review cryptic species. and national levels and notes on identification of some Introduction inventories and assessments of distribution of reptiles and amphibians in The objective of this paper is to provide an and abundance area (e.g. Schulz et al 1991 a; inventory of reptiles and frogs for use by the Melbourne Wallis et al 1990; naturalists in the Melbourne area. It includes Meredith et al 1991; Yugovicefa/. 1990). Although comprehensive, a full list of species recorded for the region, have limited public notes on distribution and abundance, a these studies Similarly, a number of review of changes in scientific names and availability. reviews of the fauna of the some notes on identification. It is not comprehensive been published by intended that it be used as a key for Melbourne region have Council (e.g. LCC identification. A number of good references the Land Conservation 1985). are available for this purpose (e.g. Cogger 1991; Lumsden et al 1991; LCC incorporate a large 1992; Hero et al. 1991; Coventry and However, these studies Robertson 1991; Weigel 1990; Wilson and area including major parts of the eastern and Knowles 1992; Barker and Grigg 1977; western highlands, extending north to Littlejohn 1987). Seymour and including much of the western Bellarine Peninsula, Since Littlejohn (1963), Martin (1965) basalt plains, South Gippsland. and Rawlinson (1965) published early Westemport region and limits their inventories of amphibians and reptiles of the This extensive coverage fragmented habitat Melbourne area, new species have been applicability to the most of regularly recorded from the region (e.g. remnants of suburban Melbourne, studies. Martin et al 1966; Littlejohn and Harrison which are excluded from the LCC 1987). Despite the time that has elapsed An overview of the reptiles and amphibians area since their publication, these early papers for use by naturalists in the Melbourne still provide useful references for is therefore warranted. identification of the more common species. It is widely recognised that an accurate However, as inventories of species abundance taxonomic nomenclature is critical to and distribution and as guides to species effective conservation of species biodiversity taxonomy, they are now largely out of date (e.g. Donnellan et al 1993; Pamaby 1991). and remain of historical value only. In There is considerable electrophoretic and addition, these early papers did not include morphometric analysis of species groups yet an inventory of lizard species from the to be undertaken by taxonomists and region and a widely available list has not on-going changes in nomenclature can be since been published. expected. A number of widely used A number of recent studies published by references on reptiles and amphibians use government departments or other research zoological nomenclature that was out of date organisations on behalf of government even at the time of publication (e.g. Jenkins authorities provide updated species and Bartell 1980; Wilson and Knowles 1992). This causes confusion over species 'Biosis Research Ply Ltd, 322 Bay Street. Port Melbourne. Victoria 3207. identification, and may have implications

160 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

for conservation of species when outdated reports (e.g. Schulz and Webster 1991b) but zoological nomenclature is used in the corresponds approximately to the area context of conservation planning and chosen by Littlejohn (1963), Martin (1965) land-use planning. Scientists and and naturalists Rawlinson (1965). The names and should aim to use the most accurate boundaries of these municipalities have been zoological nomenclature reviewed available at the since the data were collated for the time of publication. present study. The study area corresponds Confusion caused by changes in scientific approximately to the new municipal boundaries names is compounded by the absence of a of the Metropolitan Municip- alities published list of common names for and the five outer municipalities of Australian frogs and reptiles. Individual Wyndham, Melton, Hume, Whittlesea and species are referred to by a variety of Nillumbik (Department of Finance 1995). names in the literature. For example The study area contains a number of Limnodynastes dumerilii is variously representative physiographic regions (Fig. referred to as the Bullfrog (e.g. Littlejohn 2): the west Gippsland Plains to the 1963), the Southern Bullfrog (e.g. Lumsden south-east; the foothills of the eastern etai 1991), the Pobblebonk Frog (e.g. Hero uplands to the north-east; the foothills of the et al. 1991) and the Eastern Banjo Frog (e.g. western uplands to the north-west and the Cogger 1992). The common names and volcanic plains to the north and west zoological names of species occurring in the (Emison et al. 1987). Each region has an Melbourne area are reviewed in this paper. associated set of characteristic habitats and many the reptile Study Area of and amphibian species are associated with one or other of For the purposes of the present study, the these physiographic regions. Melbourne area is defined by municipal The major habitat boundaries incorporating the Metropolitan types of the volcanic plains are the grassy Municipalities (MMBW 1987) and five ecosystems on the outer municipalities to the north and west newer volcanic soils characterised by (Fig. 1), Werribee, Melton, Bulla, grasslands and open woodlands. Other Whittlesea and Eltham (Department of habitat zones include coastal, riparian and Crown Lands and Survey 1981). This area wetland features. Much of the area is now is smaller than the Greater Melbourne Area modified as a result of residential, industrial referred to in a number of government and agricultural development. Few large

Uplwb (UothtU.)

~ ] W-t« UpU-d. (footUIb)

Fig. 2. Physiographic regions of the study area. Fig. L Study area.

161 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Contributions

intact habitat zones remain, with the some confusion may arise due to the exception of larger broad-acre farming areas on-going use of old names in the literature. with relatively low intensity farm practices. Where available, common names are The habitat associations of the foothills of taken from the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. the western uplands are characterised by low The total number of records for the study hillslopes of woodland and open-forest area registered on the Atlas of Victorian types. These areas have been intensively Wildlife database prior to April 1994 is developed for agricultural purposes and few presented for each species. The database large refuges remain. includes records of all specimens held at the The foothills of the eastern uplands feature National Museum of Victoria plus records low hillslopes supporting dry woodland submitted to the Atlas database by field habitats, montane and damp sclerophyll scientists and naturalists. Submitting all forest remnants and floodplain riparian fauna records to the database is a condition features. Larger remnants are found in a of all Wildlife Research Permits issued in number of regional parks under Victoria by the Wildlife Management conservation management including Yarra Section, Flora and Fauna Branch, Valley Park, Warrandyte State Park and Department of Conservation and Natural

Plenty Gorge Park. Resources. It should be noted that such a The west Gippsland plains are permit is required for any capture or characterised by floodplain, coastal scrub handling and releasing of native wildlife in and heath associations. Wetlands, such as Victoria. Notes on the distribution, status the vestiges of Carrum Swamp, are an and identification of species are based on my important habitat feature and constitute the own knowledge of the reptiles and frogs of most significant habitat remnants in this the Melbourne area combined with region which has been intensively background information from Yugovic et al. developed for residential and industrial uses. (1990), Meredith et al. (1991), Lumsden et al (1991), Coventry and Robertson Inventory of Species (1991), Brook (1975) and Hero et al (1991). Notes A collated list of reptile and amphibian records for the study area was provided by on the status of each species in the the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife (Wildlife Melbourne area include, where relevant, re- Section, Department of Conservation and ference to the following listings of Natural Resources) in April 1994. With one threatened taxa within Victoria and exception, all reptile and amphibian taxa Australia; the List of Threatened Fauna in recorded for the study area on the Atlas Victoria (Baker-Gabb 1993), Schedule 2 of database are included in the inventory the (Victorian) Flora and Fauna Guarantee below, including species which have been Act (1988), Schedule 1 of the (Commonwealth) introduced to the Melbourne area as a result Endangered Species Protection Act (1992) of release or escape from captivity. The and The Action Planfor Australian Reptiles Yellow-bellied Sea Snake Pelamis platurus, (Cogger et al 1993). Status in the which occurs in marine habitat on Melbourne region does not in all cases Australia' s northern coastline, is represented correlate with the total number of records on in the database by a single record from the the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. Cryptic or Melbourne area and is not included in the inventory. rarely encountered species may be poorly Zoological represented on the database despite being names follow Cogger (1992), incorporating relatively common. Other species, such the taxonomic revisions of as Hutchinson et al. (1990), Hutchinson and Varanus varius, may be represented by a Donnellan (1992), and Rawlinson (1991). high total number of records consisting Notes on zoological nomenclature are predominantly of historical records and yet provided for species which have undergone may have been recorded only rarely in recent taxonomic revision and for which recent years.

162 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

CLASS AMPHIBIA Atlas Records: 443 Status: Common in the Melbourne area. FAMILY MYOBATRACHIDAE Distribution: Widespread, occurs in wetland Crinia parinsignifera habitats throu ghout the study area. Banjo Common Name: Plains Froglet Notes: Also known as the Eastern Frog and the Pobblebonk Frog. The most Nomenclature: Previously referred to as Ra~ common burrowing frog in the Mel- nidella parinsignifera (Cogger et aL bourne area, sometimes found in 1983); revised by Heyer et al (1982). suburban garden beds particularly in Atlas Records: 65 the outer eastern suburbs. Status: Locally common. Distribution: Restricted. Victorian distribu- limnodynastes peronii north of the Divide with the tion mainly Common Name: Striped Marsh Frog limit extending into the study southern Atlas Records: 139 area in the uplands and foothills to the Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. north. Distribution: Widespread, occurs in perma- Morphologically similar to Crinia Notes: nent water bodies throughout the study signifera. The advertisement call of C. area, with records from the volcanic parinsignifera is superficially similar to plains being rare. the territorial call of C. signifera which can be heard sporadically during the day, Umnodynastes tasmaniensis at the onset or calling activity at dusk, or Common Name: Spotted Marsh Frog males are at breeding sites where calling Atlas Records: 900 high numbers. As for all am- present in Status: Abundant. species, identification by phibian Distribution: Occurs throughout the study call should be confirmed advertisement area. possible. by hand-capture when Notes: There are two call races of this spe- northern call race generally Crinia signifera cies: a north of the Divide and a Name: Common Froglet occurring Common southern call race generally occurring Previously referred to as Ra- Nomenclature: south of the Divide (Hero et al. 1991; (Cogger et al 1983); nidella signifera Littlejohn 1963). revised by Heyer et al. (1982). sudelli Atlas Records: 1108 Neobatrachus Name: Common Spadefoot Toad Status: Abundant Common study 150 Distribution: Occurs throughout the Atlas Records: area. Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. _ . . Crinia confined primarily Notes: Morphologically similar to Distribution: Restricted, the west although parinsignifera. to the basalt plains in throughout the species has been recorded Geocrinia victoriana the low hill slopes and plains. Froglet explosive Common Name: Victorian Smooth Notes: Males of the species have short Atlas Records: 135 breeding periods characterised by calling after Status: Locally common. (2-3 days) intense periods of Restricted, confined to damp less often en- Distribution: heavy rains. It is therefore eastern uplands and more forest habitats of the countered than other species with south Gippsland plains. prolonged breeding periods. Umnodynastes dumerilii Pseudophryne bibronii Common Name: Southern Bullfrog Common Name:Bibron*s Toadlet are three Victorian Nomenclature: There Atlas Records: 215 Umnodynastes dumerilii Melbourne area. subspecies: Status: Common in the insulans^rt L. general* occurs dumerilii, L dumerilii Distribution: Restricted Um- alutudes of toe for- dumerilii variegata (Maitxn 1972). throughout higher the east dumerilii occurs in estedliabitats of the uplands to nodynastes dumerilii wood- study area and north-east and the drier grassy the northwest of the and Uncommon on toe east- to the north-west. L dumerilii insularis occurs w lands area with up- the volcanic plains. ern half of the study i subspecies oc- grades between the two Pseudophryne semimarmorata of overlap. curring in the areas Common Name: Southern Toadlet dumerilii vanegata does Limnodynastes Records: 225 area. Atlas not occur in the Melbourne 163 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Contributions

area. Atlas Records: 22 Status: Common in the Melbourne Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Restricted, occurs in the for- Distribution: Occurs in wetland and riparian ested habitats of the foothill forests as habitats of the drier open forests of the well as heathland and coastal habitats. and north and Within the study area restricted to the foothills to the north-east from damp sclerophyll for- foothills to the east and the Gippsland also recorded records from the study plains in the south. est habitats. Most area are located in the upper Plenty and FAMILY HYLIDAE middle Yarra Valleys. LUoria ewingii LUoria raniformis Common Name: Southern Brown Tree Frog Common Name: Growling Grass Frog Atlas Records: 720 Atlas Records: 272 Status: Common in the Melbourne area. Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Widespread, throughout the Distribution: Occurs in deep permanent study area, but occurrence in the western water bodies throughout the region. volcanic plains is restricted to wetland Notes: There is some evidence that this spe- and riparian habitats. cies is declining throughout its ranee (e.g. Notes: Similar to both Litoria paraewingii Tyler 1994; Sadlier 1994) in south-east- and L verreauxii verreauxii. Most com- ern Australia. Similarly, anecdotal monly encountered of the tree frogs reports suggest that the species has de- (genus Litoria) in the Melbourne area.lt clined in abundance in the Melbourne is represented in Victoria by a northern area where it was once described as com- form and a southern form. Only the mon in grassy margins of small streams southern form occurs in the Melbourne (Littlejohn 1963). The significance of the area (Atlas of Victorian Wildlife). Also decline in the region is the subject of known as Ewing's Tree Frog. recent debate and warrants further investigation (Appleby 1994; Larwill and Kutt LUoria tesueuri 1994). Inaeed, further investigation is Common Name: Lesueur's Frog needed to determine the severity of the Atlas Records: 22 decline observed throughout south-east Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. Australia. Sometimes referred to as the Distribution: Restricted, occurs in the vol- Southern Bell Frog. canic plains in the north-west where it is recorded from riparian habitats on LUoria verreauxii Jackson Creek and Deep Creek. Also Common Name: Verreaux's Tree Frog recorded in the foothills of the central Atlas Records: 332 in the north-west. In Victoria, highlands Status: Locally common. generally confined to streams montane of Distribution: Occurs throughout the study the uplands in forested habitat. area except coastal areas to the south- Notes: Also known as the Rocky River Tree west. Uncommon from habitats in the Frog and Lesueur's Tree Frog. western volcanic plains. Litoria paraewingii Notes: Similar to both Litoria ewingii and Common Name: Plains Brown Tree Frog L paraewingii. Two subspecies occur in Atlas Records: 7 Victoria: L verreauxii verreauxii and L Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. verreauxii alpina. Litoria verreauxii al- Distribution: Restricted. Victorian distribu- pina is confined to higher altitudes and tion predominantly north of the Divide does not occur in the study area. There- with the southern limit of the species fore all records of Litoria verreauxii from range abutting the north of the study area. within the Melbourne region are taken to Four of the seven records from the study be Litoria verreauxii verreauxii. Also area are from a single location in the known as the Whistling Tree Frog. upper Plenty Valley. Notes: Similar to both Litoria ewingii and CLASS REPTILIA L verreauxii verreauxii. Records of die species from Gardners Creek in Mel- FAMILY CHELIDAE bourne are likely to be either Chelodina misidentifications or introductions due to expansa escape or release from captivity. Common Name: Broad-shelled Tortoise Atlas Records: 3 LUoria peronii Status: Introduced to the Melbourne area. Common Name: Peron's Tree Frog Listed as 'Insufficiently Known*

164 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

(suspected Rare, Vulnerable or Endang- Schedule 1 of the (Commonwealth) En- ered) in Victoria, (Baker Gabb 1993) dangered Species Protection Act Distribution: Victorian distribution con- (1992). Listed as * Vulnerable* in Australia fined to the Murray Valley in the (Cog- ger et al 1993). Listed on Schedule 2 of north-west of the state. Introduced to the the (Victorian) Flora and Fauna Guaran- Melbourne area where it has been re- tee Act (1988). Listed as 'Vulnerable in corded from billabongs in the middle Victoria*, (Baker-Gabb Yarra region. Also known as the Broad- 1993). Distribution: shelled River Turtle. Restricted distribution in the Melbourne area. Occurs almost exclu- Chelodina longicoUis sively in the grassy habitats of the Common Name: Common Long-necked western basalt plains (grassy woodlands Tortoise and treeless grasslands). Most commonly Atlas Records: 63 recorded in native grassland habitat but Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. also found in exotic vegetation. Distribution: Widespread, occurs through- Notes: The west of the Melbourne area is out the study area in the rivers, major one of the strongholds of the species streams and wetlands. Often seen bask- range, with other recent records occur- ing on rocks or logs at the water's edge. ring from the Notes: The only indigenous and most com- Canberra region, west of Heathcote in central monly encountered freshwater tortoise Victoria and the in the Melbourne area. Also known as the volcanic plains of the Colac/Ballarat re- Eastern Snake-necked Turtle. gions. Delma impar is a cryptic species rarely encountered. Many of the known macquarii Emydura records originate from specimens located Murray River Tortoise Common Name: during physical destruction of their grass- Atlas Records: 2 land habitat including cultivation, Status: Introduced to the Melbourne area, excavation, grading, burning and re- uncommon. moval of surface boulders. Distribution: Victorian distribution confined to the Murray River valley in the Delma inornata north-west of the state. Introduced and Common Name: Olive Legless Lizard uncommon in the Melbourne area, re- Atlas Records: 1 corded from the middle Yarra Valley Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. and the upper Merri Creek. Also known Distribution: Restricted, single record from as the Murray Turtle and, previously, as grassy woodland habitat in Gellibrand the Macquane Tortoise. Hill Park. This record is in need of confirmation. GEKKONIDAE FAMILY Pygopus lepidopodus Name: Common Scaly-foot PhyUodactylus marmoratus Common Common Name: Marbled Gecko Atlas Records: 1 Extremely rare in the Melbourne Atlas Records: 60 Status: area, probably locally extinct. Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. Restricted, represented by a Distribution: Restricted, occurs in the dry Distribution: specimen collected from forests of the foothills but most com- single museum area pre- 1900. Victorian monly encountered in riparian habitats of the Frankston concentrated in drier habitats the western and northern basalt plains, distribution of the north-west of the state with occa- where it can be found in rocky outcrops records from the Mornington or beneath basalt boulders. Often found sional Gippsland. beneath exfoliating bark of River Red Peninsula and East Gums Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Notes: The only member of the gecko family FAMILY AGAMIDAE recorded in the Melbourne area. Amphibolurus muricatus FAMILY PYGOPODIDAE Common Name: Tree Dragon Atlas Records: 121 in some areas. Delma impar Status: Locally common Widespread throughout much Common Name: Striped Legless Lizard Distribution: of the study area, but rare in the western Atlas Records: 79 basalt plains where it is confined to ri- Status: Rare in the Melbourne region. parian woodland remnants. Nationally threatened species. Listed on

165 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Contributions

escarpment grasslands on the western Notes: Also known as the Jacky Lizard. Most basalt plains. often encountered agamid (dragon) lizard Notes: Further investigation of the species in the Melbourne area. distribution and status is urgently re- Physignathus lesueurii howittii quired. Common Name: Gippsland Water Dragon Atlas Records: 1 FAMILY VARANIDAE Status: Introduced to the Melbourne area. Varanus varius Distribution: Victorian distribution confined Common Name: Tree Goanna to East Gippsland east of the Thomson Atlas Records: 222 River. Any records from the study area Status: Rare and restricted possibly locally represent introduced individuals escaped extinct. Listed as 'Insufficiently Known' or released from captivity. (suspected Rare, Vulnerable or Endan- Pogona barbata gered) in Victoria (Baker-Gabb 1993). Distribution: Now restricted to damp sclero- Common Name: Eastern Bearded Dragon phyll and dry open forest habitats to the Atlas Records: 5 north and north-east. Rare in the Melbourne area. Status: Notes: This species was probably once com- Restricted, occurring in suit- Distribution: mon and widespread in the woodlands able drier habitat isolates in the foothill and open-forests of the Melbourne area forest in the north of the study area. (e.g. Ward 1966). Of the 222 records Within Victoria generally occurs in drier registered on the Atlas of Victorian Wild- forests and woodland habitats north of the life only 17 records have been registered Divide. since 1983. Also known as the Lace Monitor. Tympanocryptis diemensis Common Name: Mountain Dragon FAMILY SCINCIDAE Nomenclature: Previously referred to as Am- phibolous diemensis (Cogger et al. Bassiana duperryi 1983); Tympanocryptis adopted by Wit- Common Name: Eastern Three-lined Skink ten (1984) following Storr (1982). Nomenclature: Previously included in Atlas Records: 17 Leiolopisma trilineata (Cogger et al. 1 duperryi by Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. Listed as 983); renamed Leiolopisma Greer (1982); included in the genus 'Insufficiently Known' (suspected Rare, Pseudemoia by Cogger (1992); revised Vulnerable or Endangered) in Victoria by Hutchinson etai (1990). (Baker-Gabb 1993). Atlas Records: 52 Distribution: Restricted, confined to the dry Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. upland forests to the north-east and Distribution: Occurs throughout the study north-west of the study area. area in stony habitats of the volcanic Notes: Adult Tympanocryptis diemensis are plains and drier foothill forests. considerably smaller than adult Amphi- bolurus muricatus. Ctenotus robustus Common Name: Large Striped Skink Tympanocryptis lineata pingukolla Atlas Records: 123 Common Name: Southern Lined Earless Status: Locally common. Dragon Distribution: Restricted to the dry grassy Atlas Records: 15 ecosystems of the newer volcanic plains Status: Nationally threatened species. Listed occurring in rocky habitats on stony rises as 'Vulnerable' in Australia (Cogger et and escarpments. al 1993). Listed as 'Endangered in Vic- Egernia coventryi toria* (Baker-Gabb 1993). Listed on Common Name: Swamp Skink Schedule 2 of the (Victorian) Flora and Atlas Records: 1 Fauna Guarantee Act (1988). Regionally Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. Listed rare and possibly vulnerable to extinc- as 'Rare' in Victoria (Baker-Gabb 1993). tion. Distribution: Restricted, confined to the Distribution: Restricted, recent Victorian re- South Gippsland plains where it occurs cords are from only three locations, all in Swamp Paperbark and other wetland/ from within the Melbourne area since swamp woodland habitats in the Morn- 1987. All three locations support rocky ington Peninsula and Western Port

166 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

region. Only recorded from the south- Bartell 1980), revised by Greer (1974). east of the study area. Atlas Records: 518 Egernia cunninghami Status: Common in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Widespread throughout most Common Name: Cunningham's Skink ofthe study area except the western Atlas Records: 96 basalt plains where it is uncommon and con- Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. fined to woodland vegetation in Distribution: Restricted to the newer vol- riparian and floodplain habitats. canic soils. Occurring in stony rises and rocky outcrops of escarpment grassland Lerista bougainvillii and woodland throughout the western Common Name: Bougainville's Skink basalt plains. Atlas Records: 128 Egernia saxatilis intermedia Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Common Name: Black Rock Skink Distribution: Generally occurs in the drier Atlas Records: 61 habitats of the plains and the dry open Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. forests ofthe foothills. Recorded in rocky Distribution: Restricted to drier habitats of outcrops and stony rises. the forested foothills. Nannoscincus maccoyi Egernia whitii Common Name: McCoy's Skink Common Name: White's Skink Atlas Records: 81 Atlas Records: 78 Status: Locally common. Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Restricted, confined to damp Distribution: Restricted, generally occur- sclerophyll forests ofthe uplands. Occurs forests foothills with ring in the dry ofthe in damp detritus of leaf litter and rotting in riparian and flood- rare occurrences logs on the forest floor. plain habitats ofthe western plains. Also occurring in rocky habitats. Niveoscincus coventryi Common Name: Coventry's Skink Eulamprus tympanum Nomenclature: Previously referred to as Common Name: Southern Water Skink Leiolopisma coventryi (Cogger et al. Nomenclature: Previously included as part included in genus Pseudemoia of Sphenomorphus tympanum (Cogger 1983); Cogger 1 992); revised by Hutchinson et al 1983), referred to as S. tympanum by ( Cool Temperate Form (Jenkins and etai (1990). Bartell 1980), divided into the two spe- Atlas Records: 32 cies Eulamprus tympanum and E. heat- Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. wolei by Wells and Wellington (1984). Distribution: Occurs in the forested habitats Atlas Records: 192 of the foothills and uplands. Rare in the Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. study area but relatively widespread and Distribution: Widespread species through- common in adjacent regions such as the although out most of the study area South Gippsland Plains (Andrew et al. confined to damp habitat generally 1984). types. Rarely recorded from the western basalt plains where it is confined to Niveoscincus metallicus riparian and escarpment habitats. Common Name: Metallic Skink Nomenclature: Previously referred to as Lampropholis delicata Leiolopisma metallicum (Cogger et al Common Name: Delicate Skink included in genus Pseudemoia by Nomenclature: Previously included in ge- 1983); Cogger (1992); revised by Hutchinson et nus Leiolqpisma (e.g. Jenkins and Bartell 1980), revised by Greer (1974). al. (1990). Atlas Records: 122 Atlas Records: 5 Melbourne area. Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Status: Rare in the occurs in a variety Distribution: Widespread species occurring Distribution: Restricted, plains. throughout the east and north ofthe study of habitats in the south-eastern the adjacent area but absent from the western basalt Common and widespread in 1984). plains. Western Port region (Andrew et al. Occasional records from coastal and Lampropholis guichenoti grassland areas in the plains to the south- Common Garden Skink Common Name: west of the study area are unusual and Previously included in Nomenclature: may warrant further investigation. genus Leiolopisma (e.g. Jenkins and 167 Vol. 112(4)1995 Contributions

on the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii teauxii Common Name: Southern Grass Skink which represent either P. pagenstecheri or P. entrecasteauxii and are not in- Nomenclature: Previously included in Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii (Cogger et cluded in the above tally . P. en- and P. entrecasteauxii al. 1983); referred to as Leiolopisma pagenstecheri trecasteauxii Form B (Jenkins and were both previously referred to as the Bartell 1980); referred to as Leiolopisma Grass Skink. entrecasteauxii Group 2 (Donnellan and rawlinsonii Hutchinson 1990); referred to as Pseu- Pseudemoia demoia entrecasteauxii Group 2 Common Name: Glossy Grass Skink referred to as (Hutchinson et al. 1990); revised by Nomenclature: Previously Hutchinson and Donnellan (1992). Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Group 3 Hutchinson de- Atlas Records: 20 (records registered as (Donnellan and 1990); Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Form B scribed as Leiolopisma rawlinsonii Donnellan re- only). (Hutchinson and 1988) . , et al. Status: Generally uncommon to rare in the vised by Hutchinson (1990). Records: 19 Melbourne region, although locally Atlas Status: Rare in the Melbourne region. Listed common in restricted areas. as insufficiently Known* (suspected Distribution: Widespread, occurring throu- Rare, Vulnerable or Endangered) in ghout the eastern half of the study area in Victoria (Baker-Gabb 1993). forested habitats characterised by an un- Distribution: Occurs in swamp habitat of derstorey supporting both woody shrubs floodplain, wetlands and riparian zones. and grasses. Absent from the treeless Notes: Morphologically similar to P. entre- grassland habitats of the western plains. casteauxii and P. pagenstecheri. Notes: Morphologically similar to Pseude- moia pagenstecheri and P. rawlinsonii. Pseudemoia spenceri There are 210 records of Leiolopisma Common Name: Spencer's Skink entrecasteauxii on the Atlas of Victorian Atlas Records: 9 Wildlife which represent either P. pagen- Status: Rare in the Melbourne area. stecheri or P. entrecasteauxii and are not Distribution: Restricted, occurs only in the included in the above tally. P. pagen- north-west of the study area in damp stecheri and P. entrecasteauxii were both sclerophyll moist hillslope and dry foot- previously referred to as the Grass Skink. hill forest. Pseudemoia pagenstecheri Saproscincus mustelinus Common Name: Tussock Skink Common Name: Weasel Skink Nomenclature: Previously included as part Nomenclature: Previously included in genus of Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii (Cogger Lampropholis (e.g. Cogger et al. 1983), et al 1983); included as part of revised by Wells et al. (1984). Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Form A Atlas Records: 161 Status: Common in the Melbourne area. (Jenkins and Bartell 1980); referred to as Distribution: Restricted, occurs in the damp Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Group 1 sclerophyll forests of the uplands and (Donnellan and Hutchinson 1990); in- damp riparian and woodland forests of cluded as part of Pseudemoia gullies in lowland areas. Absent from the entrecasteauxii Group 1 (Hutchinson western basalt plains. Often occurs in et al 1990) revised by Hutchinson and gardens in the outer eastern suburbs of Donnellan (1992). Melbourne. Atlas Records: 252 (records registered as Tiliqua nigrolutea Leiolopisma entrecasteauxii Form A only). Common Name: Blotched Blue-tongued Status: Locally common. Lizard Atlas Records: 111 Distribution: Restricted, occurs in tussock Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. grasslands and grassy woodlands of the Distribution: confined to the for- newer volcanic plains. Generally ested habitats of the foothills and Notes: The most commonly encountered uplands in the east. Absent from the vol- reptile in some areas of the western volcanic plains. Common and wide-spread canic plains. A highly variable species in the adjacent Western Port region (An- which may be confused with P. entre- drew et al. 1984). casteauxii and P. rawlinsonii There are Notes: Records registered as 'Tiliqua sp.' on 210 records of Leiolopisma entrecas- the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife are not

168 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

included in the above total number of area in box woodland, riparian records. woodland and coastal heathland and coastal Tiliqua scincoides tussock grassland. Common Name: Common Blue-tongued Notechis scutatus Lizard Common Name: Tiger Snake Atlas Records: 362 Atlas Records: 326 Status: in the Common Melbourne area. Status: Common in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Widespread, occurs in the Distribution: Occurs throughout the study grasslands and grassy woodlands of area in a range of habitat types, often Foothills and newer volcanic plains, recorded in riparian and wetland habitats. mostly in the west and north of the study Notes: The most commonly encountered area. large elapid snake in the Melbourne area, Notes: Records registered as "Tiliqua sp.' on although like the other large elapids in the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife are not the study area, may be declining in num- included in the above total number of bers locally. records. Also known as the Eastern Blue- Pseudechis porphyriacus tongued Lizard. Common Name: Red-bellied Black Snake Trachydosaurus rugosus Atlas Records: 39 Common Name: Stumpy-tailed Lizard Status: Regionally rare - locally extinct. Atlas Records: 3 Distribution: Absent from much of the study Status: Introduced to the Melbourne area. area with most recent records being from Distribution: Victorian distribution includes the volcanic foothills of the uplands and areas north of the Divide and the south the plains of the north-east region. west of the state. Rarely seen in the Mel- Pseudonaja textilis bourne area. Also known as Stump- Common Name: Eastern Brown Snake tailed Lizard, Shingleback or Shingle- Atlas Records: 179 back. Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Distribution: Occurs throughout the study FAMILY ELAPIDAE area in a range of habitats excluding damp sclerophyll and montane forests. Austrelaps superbus Rarely recorded in the South Gippsland Common Name: Lowland Copperhead plains, but occurs south of the study area Nomenclature: The species referred to as in forested habitats of the Mornington Austrelaps superbus in Cogger et ah Peninsula. (1983) has been recognised since 1969 Notes: Juveniles can be superficially con- as consisting of two distinct forms: a fused with the Little Whip Snake Suta montane form and a lowland form origi- flagellum. Rawlinson (1969). nally described by Rhinoplocephalus nigrescens The two forms were described as sepa- Common Name: Eastern Small-eyed Snake rate species, A. superbus and A. ramsayi, Nomenclature: Previously referred to as by Rawlinson (1991). Cryptophis nigrescens (Cogger et al. Atlas Records: 193 1983); revised by Hutchinson (1990). Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. Atlas Records: 38 Distribution: Occurs on the timbered hill- Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. slopes and plains, often associated with Distribution: Restricted, inhabits the dry wetland or riparian habitats. Probably forested hillslopes of the north and east absent from the treeless grasslands of the of the study area. western basalt plains. Notes: Cryptic species rarely encountered. Notes: This species was once widespread and common throughout the study area Suta flagellum (Rawlinson 1965). The Highland Cop- Common Name: Little Whip Snake perhead A ramsayi occurs in the Nomenclature: Previously referred to as not highlands east of Melbourne but does Unechis flagellum (Cogger et al. 1983); occur in the Melbourne region. new name used by Cogger (1992) and Drysdalia coronoides Hutchinson (1990). Records: 228 Common Name: White-lipped Snake Atlas Status: Locally common. Atlas Records: 78 Distribution: Restricted, occurs in grassy Status: Uncommon in the Melbourne area. ecosystems, grasslands and grassy Distribution: Occurs throughout the study

169 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 1

Contributions

Department of Crown Lands and Survey (1981). 'Victo- woodlands of the newer volcanic plains ria; Municipal Boundaries', (map) (Department of is often associated with rocky where it Crown Lands and Survey: Victoria). rock fences, stony rises and outcrops, Department of Finance. (1995). Local Government of escarpments. Victoria: Local Government Boundary Status as at 3 January 1995. (map). (Department of Finance: Vic- Acknowledgements toria). Donnellan, S., Adams, M., Hutchinson, M. and Baver- Collated data used in the present study stock, P.R. (1993). The identification of cryptic by the Atlas of Victorian were provided species in the Australian herpetofauna: a high re- Wildlife, Wildlife Section, Department of search priority. In 'Herpctology in Australia: A Conservation and Natural Resources. Diverse Discipline'. Eds. D. Lunney and D. Ayers. (Transactions of the Royal Zoological Society of Discussions relating to the distribution and New South Wales: Mosman, NSW). of different taxa in the Melbourne taxonomy Donnellan, S.C. and Hutchinson, M. (1990). Biochemical area were held with Peter Robertson (Arthur and morphological variation in the geographically Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, widespread lizard leiohpisma entrecasteauxii (Lac- 46 149-159. Department of Conservation and Natural ertilia: Scincidae). Herpetotogica (2): Emison, W.B., Beardsell, CM., Norman, F.I., Loyn, R.H. Melbourne), Alan Webster Resources, and Bennett, S.C. (1987). 'Atlas of Victorian Birds*. (DCNR, Port Phillip Area), Geoff Witten (Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands (Department of Anatomy and Physiology, and Royal Australasian Ornithological Union: Melbourne). Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Greer, A.E. (1974). The generic relationships of the scin- Campus, Victoria), Mark Bundoora cid lizard genus Leiohpisma and its relatives. Hutchinson (South Australian Museum), Si- Australian Journal of Zoology, Supplementary Series, mon Hudson (School of Zoology, La Trobc 31: 1-67. new species of Leiohpisma (Lac- University) and John Coventry (National Greer, A.E. (1982). A crtilia: Scincidae) from Western Australia, with notes Victoria). Museum of on the biology and relationships of other Austra- An earlier version of this article was lian species. Records of the Australian Museum. improved by comments provided by Simon 34,549-573. Hudson (School of Zoology, La Trobc Hero, J-M., Littlejohn, M. and Marantelli, G. (1991).

'Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs' . (Depart- University) and an anonymous referee. ment of Conservation and Environment: Victoria). Heyer, W.R., Daugherty, C.H. and Maxson, L.R. (1982). References Systematic resolution of the genera of the Crinta Myobatrachidae). Pro- Andrew, D.L., Lumsden, L,F. and Dixon J.M. (1984). complex (Amphibia: Anura: Biological Society Washington 95: Sites of Zoological Significance in the Westernport ceedings ofthe of 423-427. Region*. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands. Hutchinson, M.N. (1990). The generic classification of the Australian terrestrial elapid snakes. Memoirs of Appleby, G. ( 1994). The nature of anecdotes or anecdotes the Queensland Museum 29 (2): 397-405. of nature? The Victorian Naturalist 111 (6); 235- 237. Hutchinson, M.N. and Donnellan, S.C. (1988). A new related to Baker-Gabb, D. (1993). 'Interim List of Threatened Fauna species of scincid lizard Leiohpisma entrecasteauxii, from south-eastern Australia. in Victoria in 1993*. (unpublished list) (Wildlife Sec- tion. Department of Conservation and Natural Transactions ofthe Royal Society ofSouth Australia Resources: Victoria). 112(4): 143-151. Barker, J. and Grigg, G. (1977). *A Field Guide to Aus- Hutchinson, M.N., Donnellan, S.C, Baverstock, PJL, tralian Frogs'. (Rigby: Adelaide). Krieg, M., Simrns, S. and Burgin, S. (1990). Immu- Brook, AJ. (1975). The distribution of anuran amphibi- nological relationships and generic revision of the ans in Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 92, Australian lizards assigned to the genus Leiohpisma 102-120. (Scincidae: Lygosominae). Australian Journal of Cogger, H.G. (1992). 'Reptiles and Amphibians of Aus- Zoology 38: 535-554. tralia.' (Reed Books: Chatswood, New South Hutchinson, M.N. and Donnellan. S.C. (1992). Taxon- Wales). omy and genetic variation in the Australian lizards of Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E. and Cogger, H.M. (1983). the genus Pseudemoia (Scincidae: Lygosominae). 'Zoological Catalogue of Australia 1 : Amphibia and Journal of Natural HistoryD 26: 215-264. Reptilia'. (Australian Government Publishing Serv- Jenkins, R.W.G. and Bartell. R. (1980). 'Field Guide to ice: Canberra). the Reptiles of the Australian High Country*. (Inkata Cogger, H.G., Cameron, E.E., Sadlier, R.A. and Eggler, Press: Melbourne). P. (1993), 'The Action Plan for Australian Rep- tiles*. (Australian Nature Conservation Agency Larwill, S. and Kutt, A. (1994). Declining frogs: think * J Canberra). locally, act locally. The Victorian Naturalist 111 (6): Coventry, 233-235. A.J. and Robertson, P. (1991). 'The Snakes of Victoria: A Guide to Their Identification'. (Depart- LCC (1985). 'Report on the Melbourne Area, District 1 - ment of Conservation and Environment: Victoria). Review*. (Land Conservation Council: Victoria).

170 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

LCC (1991). 'Melbourne Area District 2 Review De- bolurus. Records of the West Australian Museum 10: scriptive Report*. (La nd Conservation Council: 199-214. Victoria). Tyler, M. J. (1994). Frogs of western New South Wales. Littlejohn, MJ. (1963). Frogs of the Melbourne area. The In Tuture of the Fauna of Western New South Victorian Naturalist 79: 296-304. Wales'. Eds. D. Lunney, S. Hand, P. Reed and D. Littlejohn, M. J. (1987). 'Calls of Victorian Frogs', (audio Butcher. ( Transactions of the Royal Zoological So- tape) (University of Melbourne: Victoria). ciety of New South Wales: Mosman, NSW). Littlejohn, MJ. and Harrison, P.A. (\9Sl).Litoriaperoni Wallis, R.L.. Brown, P.R., Brunner, H. and Andrasek, (Anura: Hylidac): An addition to the amphibian A.M. (1990). "The Vertebrate Fauna of Dandenong fauna of the Melbourne area. The Victorian Natural- Valley Metropolitan Park'. (Department of Science ist 104 (5): 137-140. and Centre for Australian Applied Ecological Re- search Lumsden, L.F., Alexander, J.S.A., Hill, F.A.R., Krasna, and Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of ). Works, Waterways and Parks Division: Melbourne). S.P. and Silveira, C.E. ( 1 99 1 'The Vertebrate Fauna Ward, of the Land Conservation Council Melboume-2 G.M. (1966). Once in the suburbs. The Victorian Naturalist 83: 157-167. Study Area'. (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environ- mental Research, Technical Report Series No.115, Weigel, J. (1990). "The Australian Reptile Park's Guide Wildlife Branch, Flora and Fauna Division, Depart- to Snakes of South-East Australia'. (Australian Rep- tile Park: NSW). ment of Conservation and Environment: Victoria). Wells, R.W. and Wellington, C.R. synopsis of Martin, A.A. (1965). Tadpoles of the Melbourne area. (1984). A class Reptilia in Australia. Australian Journal The Victorian Naturalist 82: 139-149. of Herpetology 1 (3-4): 73-129. Martin, A.A. (1972). Studies in Australian amphibia 1H. Wilson, S.K. and Knowles, D.G. (1992). 'Australia's The Umnodynastes dorsalis complex (Anura: Lep- Reptiles: A Photographic Reference to the Terrestrial todactylidae). Australian Journal of Zoology 20: Reptiles of Australia'. (Collins Angus and Robertson 165-211. Publishers: NSW). Martin, A.A., Littlejohn, M.J. and Rawlinson, P.A. Witten, G.J. (1984). Relationships of Tympanocryptis (1966). A key to the anuran eggs of the Melbourne aurita Storr, 1981. Records of the West Australian area, and an addition to the anuran fauna. The Victo- Museum 11 (4): 399401. rian Naturalist 83: 312-315. Yugovic, J.Y., Crosby, D.F, Ebcrt, K., Lillywhite, P.. Larwill, S. and Jaremovic, R. (1991)- Meredith. C, Saddlier. S.R., Schulz.M., Vaughan, P.J., Westaway, 'Plenty Metropolitan Park: Fauna: Planning Gorge J. and Yen, A.L. (1990). "Flora and Fauna of the and Management Guidelines. (Melbourne Water and Koonung and Mullum Mullum Valleys (Proposed Biosis Research Pty Ltd: Melbourne). Eastern Arterial Road and Ringwood Bypass), Vic- MMBW (1987). 'Metropolitan Municipalities', (map) toria'. (Lands and Forests Division, Department of (Survey Division, Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Conservation, Forests and Lands: Victoria). Works: Melbourne). Pamaby. H. (1991). A sound species taxonomy is crucial to the conservation of forest bats. In 'Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna". Ed. D. Lunney. (Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales: Mosman, NSW). Area. The Rawlinson, P. ( 1965). Snakes of the Melbourne Victorian Naturalist 81: 245-254. Rawlinson. P. (1969). Reptiles of East Gippsland. Pro- ceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 82: 113-128. Rawlinson, P.A. (1991). Taxonomy and distribution of copper- the Australian tiger snakes (Notechis) and heads {Austrelaps) (Serpentes, Elapidae). Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 103 (2): 125-135. reptiles Sadlier. R.A. (1994). Conservation status of the and amphibians of western New South Wales. In South 'Future of the Fauna of Western New D. Wales'. Eds. D. Lunney, S. Hand. P. Reed and Zoological Butcher. (Transactions of the Royal Striped Legless Lizard Delma impar. South Wales: Mosman. NSW). Society of New Photo, by S. Larwill. (1991a). Schulz, M.. BeardseU, C. and Sandiford, K. Western Wet- 'Sites of Faunal Significance in the Department lands of Melbourne'. (Wildlife Branch, of Conservation and Environment: Victoria). of Biologi- Schulz, M. and Webster A.G. (1991b). 'Sites Comdor: A cal Significance in the Mem Region, Preliminary Investigation'. (Melbourne Environment: Department of Conservation and Victoria). the bearded dragons Storr, G.M. (1982). Revision of Australia with (Lacertilia: Agamidae) of Western genus Amphi- notes on the dismemberment of the 171 Vo!.112(4)1995 Contributions

Discovery of a Cleistogamous Form of Clover Glycine in the Arthur's Seat State Park

Stefanie Rennick 1

Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeana is a shortly-stalked to stalkless pea flowers. The decumbent leguminous herb that is listed as flowers are about 1 5 mm across and produce vulnerable in Victoria and rare Australia pea-shaped pods after fertilisation. (These wide. showy open flowers are known as chasmogamous flowers). However, in On the Mornington Peninsula it is known spring 1994 no such flowers appeared, with certainty from only one location, at the although numerous pods were noted, Arthur's Seat State Park, where it is apparently developing directly out of the scattered over about 0.4 ha of open grassy leaf axils (Fig. 2). Investigations at the forest infested with Bonesecd Chrysanth- National Herbarium of Victoria revealed emoides monilifera. that those pods had developed from tiny The plants were discovered in October self-pollinating cleistogamous flowers, i.e. 1987 by a member of The Field Naturalists flowers that do not open to expose their Club of Victoria (FNCV) some time after he reproductive parts, thereby preventing cross had cleared a dense stand of the introduced pollination. These cleistogamous flowers weed, Boneseed. His attention had been are green and globular, about 1 mm in drawn to the colourful purple flowers diameter and are enclosed in broad hairy (Fig. 1). The location is adjacent to a plot bracts within the leaf axils. where the FNCV remove Boneseed This flower form apparently has been annually and is within a quadrat being overlooked by Victorian botanists, although monitored by the Botany Group of the club. examination of specimens at the National Glycine latrobeana typically has erect Herbarium revealed a number of plants from flowering stems up to 14 cm tall with silky, appressed hairs and with a short terminal spike of showy purple and green,

Fig. 1. The original specimen of Glycine latrobeana with chasmogamous flowers collected by Tom Sault, Arthur's Seat, October 1987 (Sketch by Stefanie Rennick). Fig. 2. Glycine latrobeana with seed pods that developed from cleistogamous flowers. (A.) Open pods seeds dispersed. (B.) Tiny emerging pod. (Photocopy of a pressing from Arthur's Seat 1 1 Lancaster Street, 1 East BenUeigh, Victoria 3165. State Park Herbarium).

172 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

various locations with cleistogamous flowers. This discovery demonstrates what interesting finds can be made when participating in botanical monitoring, habitat restoration and propagating work. It is reported that cleistogamous flowers can be produced by many plants in response

to adverse environmental conditions. It would be interesting to investigate why the Arthur' s Seat plants are producing cleistogamous flowers despite the removal of the competing Boneseed plants and to record how frequentiy cleistogamous and 'standard* chasmogamous flowers are produced (Fig. 3).

Acknowlegements I would like to thank: John Eichler for helping me produce this article; Bob Parsons and Neville Scarlett of La Trobe University for so promptly sending me Fig. 3. Glycine microphylla showing (A.) valuable information on the Glycine; The chasmogamous flowers and (B.) cleistogamous National Herbarium, Melbourne for permit- pods. (Photocopy of a pressing from the Arthur's ting me to view their Glycine specimens, Seat State Park Herbarium. Specimen collected by lima Dunn, Greens dating back to the last century; Tom Sault Bush, 24 November 1988). who, in the first place, made us aware of this interesting Glycine on Arthur's Seat and

lima Dunn for photographing it in situ for Reference our book. "The Mornington Peninsula, A Scarlett, N. and Parsons, R. ( 1 993). Rare and Threatened Field Guide to the Flora, Fauna and Walking Plants of Victoria. In 'Flora of Victoria' Volume 1. Tracks'. Eds. D. Forman and N. WaJsh.

Books Available from FNCV

The Club has, over the years, published a number of books on natural history topics which can be purchased from the Book Sales Officer. It is currently distributing four, as follows:

'What Fossil Plant is That?' (J.G.Douglas) $12.50 A guide to the ancient flora of Victoria, with notes on localities and fossil collecting.

'Wildflowers of the Stirling Ranges'. (B. Fuhrer and N. Marchant) $7.95 144 magnificent illustrations of the spectacular flora of this region.

Down Under at the Prom'. (M. OToole and M. Turner) $16.95 A guide to the marine sites and dives at Wilson's Promontory (with maps and numerous colour illustrations).

'A Field Companion to Australian Fungi'. (B. Fuhrer) $19.95 incorporating name changes. A reprint of the earlier book with additional photographs and Alan Parkin Book Sales Officer 9850 2617 (H), 9565 4974 (B)

173 Vol. 112(4)1995 Contributions

Searching for the Rare White Bird

Glen Jameson 1

IfDreaming places collect power through the stories thai are generated by their spirit, then perhaps the Glynnsproperty comes close to being the White Cockatoo Special Place. They sweep through the Gorge valleys ordinary geological wonder. An incised and across the river flats in ecstatic, meander is one where the river has shrieking clouds. An amorphous white mass maintained its general course over a section moving like crazed mist above the muddied of land during a period of geological uplift, waters of Birrarrung, the Yarra Yarra. In with the river incising its way down through numbers of over one hundred, they replace the parent rock material to keep on its the small bird chatter and hypnotic chime of original course. the Bell Miner with raucous song and chorus The theme of this story centres on three of the day's events. Piercing chants of species of White Birds (well, almost Cocky lore break the skies. Sometimes the white), Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian sound that they generate rises to such levels, White Ibis (previously Sacred Ibis) that it can challenge the noise coming from Threskiornis molucca, and the white form of the cars along Warrandyte roads; quite a the Grey Goshawk, Accipiter novae- splendid effort. hollandiae. It is not the full story of all that It is reminiscent of the intense sound has happened on the Glynns property, but a levels generated by Magpie Geese, selective vertical slice of observations from Anseranas semipalmata, on Wetlands at the past ten years. Kakadu, but they haven't always been in It is late afternoon, one warm and balmy such a position of strength. In the early 80 day just on the 1993 summer solstice and the 1 9 ' s , the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, first few Silent Scouts of the White Cacatua galerita , numbered perhaps a Cockatoos glide over the Warrandyte dozen or so birds in the forests around Tunnel, cross the river and fly Warrandyte, having gone through an into Glynns. They follow intensive recent history of persecution and the downstream flow of the River and to strategic casual slaughter. It was the incorporation of move vantage points, the Glynns property (soon to be named commanding views up and down the River Laughing Waters Park) into the Yarra Valley. A little while later, the first of the Valley Parks, a Melbourne Parks and Proclaimers leading the Cocky Mob follow Waterways park, around this time that gave the same path with exalted, loud and them a safe refuge and the opportunity to confident voices, calls that carry for a still call Australia home. surprising distance. They are calls made by Observing the changes that come to an those unafraid of who hears the Big White area set aside as a Sanctuary such as the Parrot. Their resonance stamps the ground Glynns property, illustrates how the Flora as Cocky Country. and Fauna can recover when given the Those Birds whose responsibility it is to opportunity. Glynns is at the upstream end keep watch from the ridge country, depart of the Yarra Valley Park. It is the land that from the main Mob and effortlessly slip is enclosed by the next river meander, across the high ridges to carry out a patrol of immediately down stream from the Pound the next valley. All the while that highly Bend. You see it across the river from the communicative voice of each individual, Pound Bend Picnic Reserve looking sending westward. information back to the Mob who The shapes in the river that create Pound are now tentatively roosting on a massive Bend also create the biggest incised meander Manna Gum Eucalyptus viminalis, in the Australian river systems; the Glynns overlooking the Wetlands and River at the meander contributes to this extra- bottom of the property in the south-west 1 Longridgc Farm, Warrandyte, Victoria, 31 13. corner.

174 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

The collective knowledge of the 100 or so rosea and Sour Sob Oxalis pescarpe Cockies that make up the corms Glynns Mob must They must consume vast amounts of these be immense. Individual birds have been weeds in search of the carbohydrate known to live to one stored hundred years old. They in the corms. Late afternoon is spent are strong fliers who can back on cover large areas in the big Manna Gums an attempt Eucalyptus viminalis, to satisfy their insatiable a tribe in each tree, where continued and curiosity, those black eyes shining with sporadic disturbance sends wisdom and one group or mischief, scanning the forests another up into the air to slowly flutter, circle and streets for news and opportunity. and then return to roost. They are the image In a Yellow Box, Eucalyptus meliodora, of those wonderful tourist mementos; plastic across the river from Glynns, at the 'snow bottom domes* encapsulating your favourite of Longridge (also Yarra Valley Park lands), destination, that silently float fake snow are a small group of Yellow-tailed Black- through the water when you shake them. Cockatoos Calyptorhyncus funereus. The It is now early spring, a week after the younger Black Cocky birds, as usual are 1994 equinox. The dry conditions inland cawing to the parents, w hose call is a gentle have begun to bring interesting visitors and whistling when compared to the White extended the stay of migrating regulars such Cockies. A White Cocky Patrol of angry as the big mob of Australian White Ibis and young Turks discover the Black Cockies and Staw-necked Ibis, Threskiornis spinicollis, immediately descends upon them in a fierce of which at least two hundred birds have attack. The Black Cockies are panic struck, been at Glynns from early winter. two bolt down the river and the other five The Ibis mobs' favourite overnight birds haphazardly make their way to another roosts are the massive Manna large tree nearby. The Black Cockies remain Gums overlooking the river in the south-west comer of there, totally shattered and uncharacter- Glynns. Previously the favourite roost of the istically quiet, for the rest of the early Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, who are so evening. Meanwhile outraged Patrols of severely crest-fallen they have barely raised White Cockies speed up and down the river, a scrawk since the Ibis moved them on. screaming out warnings and threats to any The occupation of the site by the Ibis others who may be lurking on their Trees, could not be in more contrast with now strangely leaving the Black Cockies to the previous themselves. The Black Cockies regroup and reign of the White Cockies. The Ibis return later slip off under the cover of night, to their roosts in Glynns in the dusking early wishing to avoid any more unpleasant evening, after a full days honest slog in the confrontations. wet meadows and swamps feeding on The drama subsides, another story to be insects. None of this turning up re-enacted out in front of the Cocky Mob on mid-afternoon like larrikin Cockies full of the Manna Gums. The river meander bragging wind. The Ibis stream into Glynns resounds to the screeching howls and hoots with meticulously ordered flight patterns, that of territorial superiority. From the top of the awesome, immaculate lines enthralled high ridge at Longridge members of the Pharoahs and still generate an aura of Trick Cockie Troupe take advantage of the timeless antiquity. Demure honking of the breezes, steep slope to aerially dive and soar down at Ibis is faintly heard on the from a distance it can barely be heard at all. terrific speed. Halfway down the slope, they turn upside down, twist and weave in The Ibis flight path usually follows the

spectacular aerobatic displays. It is breath- river as they return from the extensive the Yarra taking larrikin showoff bravado at its best Billabong and Wetland system of Ivanhoe), down- and the crowd on the Manna Gumsjust about Flats (Heidelberg and their stay lengthens due to dry do the Mexican Wave in appreciation. The stream. As inland conditions, the Ibis come from more summer is theirs. disparate directions, Kangaroo Ground, Early autumn and the White Cockatoos, Pan ton Hills. reminiscent of grazing sheep, wander in a Eltham and huge flock across the elevated river terrace, Finally, one night in late October, as the digging and eating Onion Grass Romidea Ibis arrivals at Glynns started to become

Vol. 112(4)1995 175 Contributions

years ago, until apparently more irregular, they showed their dry sense Cockies a few Whistling Kites, also of humour when a few late arrivals to the falling prey to the who roost, parodied the Trick Cocky Troupe by use Glynns. doing a couple of *upside -downers' coming What is apparent is that when we also in to land. It must have kept the whole Ibis consider the recruitment and generation of mob in quiet, honking laughter all night each other Wildlife within Glynns, the power that time they thought of it The White Cockies •Sanctuary Areas' have in restoring the detested them. ecology, is immense and of the greatest Disgruntled, the White Cockies kept to the importance to the Urban Wilderness. eastern end of Glynns and bided their time, The high numbers of Sulphur-crested summer had to come and the Ibis had to Cockatoos may be antagonising the local eventually leave. human community. Damage that they can do Do the Cockies pose a management to fruit and nut trees and, in some cases, to problem due to their dominating numbers? timbers on houses and the racket they make, Are they a positive for Park management or can make them unpopular and an do they threaten other wildlife and the health unwelcome fauna for some parts of the local and integrity of the remnant Bushlands? human community. Park management may They have been observed locally harassing be seen as not being fair and reasonable Wedge-tail Eagles Aquila audax, Whistling managers of Wildlife to allow numbers to Kites Milvus sphenurus and of course the become greater and may get the local

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Could they community offside. However, it is up to Park be over-harvesting local Eucalypt and other Management to continue the educative remnant Bushland seed? process in the manner that the ParkCare The overclearing for agriculture that has programme formalised and persuade those previously occurred on Glynns (and the parts of the community who may be surrounding residential areas) and the negatively inclined, that we all have to make resulting unbalanced ecosystem has created allowances in the process of environmental an ideal situation for the explosion of their reconciliation. numbers to occur. The Cockies, who prefer There have not been many recordings of open lightly forested habitats, are behaving the white form of the Grey Goshawk in the like classic colonisers taking advantage of a middle Yarra region. It is an uncommon and vacuum, a niche that must be filled. mysterious visitor/vagrant, probably com- Colonisers invade in waves of succession, ing in during hard times elsewhere and this, just as Cassinias, Wattles and Wallaby 1994, was the year for it. The white form of Grasses do in some cases in the plant world. the Grey Goshawk (the other form is, Niches that get filled and then succeeded by surprisingly, very grey) is the dominant form another assemblage of organisms as cond- of the bird around the coast of Victoria, in itions change due to the effects of the Tasmania and over in the Kimberley region. colonisers* life cycles. This is what we are One of the preferred habitats of the White observing, a vital stage in the initial phase in the restoration of the urban Wilderness. As Goshawk is heavily timbered edges of water courses. The bird is reputedly a particularly the revegetation fills out and other Fauna find Glynns, it will become a less attractive powerful, highly skilled hunter and I caught habitat to the White Cockies who will be less sight of it near the Annulus Billabong (Yarra able to dominate the site. Once the Glynns Flats Park, Ivanhoe) in April 1994, at first Wetlands becomes a suitable site for the Ibis thinking it to be a White Cockie because of to breed they may have a resident mob who the size of its wings. A good view of it as it will make it even more uncomfortable for sat calmly whilst we scrutinised its details, the White Cockies. The Cocky Mob may confirmed it as the white form of the Grey have helped to establish a small group of Goshawk, probably a female which is the Long-billed Corellas, Cacatua tenuirostris, larger of the sexes. Observations of probably who have been in residence for the past the same bird or perhaps its partner, were years. Even a cage-escaped Major Mitchell made in Warrandyte and on the Yarra Rats Cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri flew with the during winter and a later springtime

176 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

observation of the bird calling from the large variety of prey and habitat. It is these Sugar Gum that rises above the canopy on qualities that create biological opportunity the crest of the Glynns hill. and give importance to an area such as The white form of the Grey Goshawk was Glynns, especially in a regional context, recorded at Glynns around the summer providing refuge in times of environmental solstice of 1994 and there is speculation that stress in other parts of the State.

it may be breeding locally. Would it breed It is the thrill of seeing the rare white bird so far from its territory? Would it take up finding and using these resources that is a permanent residence? Glynns certainly reward for all the planning and work needed

provides opportunities that make it attractive to restore the urban wilderness. It is a for the Goshawk to stay. They have been benchmark of the success of the Park vision to record a rare white bird as part of the known to fly with flocks of White Cockies, fauna. using them as camouflage to take smaller birds who haven't noticed the slightly different bird in the flock. The mix of open Acknowledgements areas, regenerating slopes, dry grassy I wish to thank Patrick Flicker for his encour- sclerophyll hill country and the riparian agement, vision and for playing 'cockatoo' for the forest, river and wetlands generates a wide Yarra Valley Environment.

The Wasp and the Spider

Angus Martin 1

In a garden in Camberwell at midday on I then removed the retreat from the web Fresh spider 3 April 1995 I was casually observing the and carefully opened it. web of a Leaf-curling Spider Phonognatha remains - part of a cephalothorax and about - in the graeffei; the web was in good repair. A 15 leg fragments were contained spider (assumed, and later proved, to be a retreat. female) was in the curled leaf at the hub of This observation shows that European the web; her legs were visible at the Wasps have developed the capacity to entrance. A European Wasp Vespula exploit a presumably novel food-source germanica landed at the hub of the web on (there are no Leaf-curling Spiders in the opposite surface from the leaf retreat. Europe), utilising a feeding technique which After a few moments the wasp left, to return discards all but the nutritionally-rich about two minutes later. This time she abdomen of the spider. Clearly neither the and forced her way through the web spider's web, nor its venom, nor its use of a retreat. After refuge immediately entered the leaf retreat which is usually regarded as a about 1.5 minutes she left, to return yet from predation, offered any effective she again after another short interval. Now defence against this exotic predator, even the landed on the same side of the web as though the cavity within the leaf was so it. the following have retreat and re-entered For narrow that the wasp obviously did not nor wasp was both wasp 2.5 minutes neither spider room to deploy her sting. Since and vibrated summer visible, but the retreat shook and spider are most active in later re-emerged intermittendy. The wasp then and autumn, and since the spider seems to spider's abdomen, cannot tail-first, carrying the be so vulnerable to wasp predation, I (presumably not the survival which she dropped but feel some concern over leaving the retreat areas intentionally) just after prospects of the Leaf-curling Spider in to be retrieved Wasp (hence enabling the abdomen supporting dense European and identified). populations. Melbourne, •Department of Zoology. University of Parkville, Victoria 3052. 177 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Naturalist Notes

From our Naturalist in Residence, Cecily Falkingham

Those Magical, Mystical Creations - Galls

I wonder how many people, when walking in the bush, are aware that those strange, sometimes exotic-shaped creations seen on plants can tell a tale of mystery and intrigue comparable to any fairy story or science fiction invention. My fascination with galls started ten years ago when I collected my first gall, after years of wondering exactly what they were! I unsuccessfully tried to raise to maturity the tiny insect inside the gall. In my ignorance I had tried to do this by placing the stem of the eucalypt leaves, on which the gall grew, into a jar of water. The gall withered and died without the normal supply of nourishment flowing through trunk, stem and leaves, as well as an absence of sunlight which provides both carbohydrates and warmth for the tiny inhabitant. With a small home-made low-powered microscope (10 x) a world of bizarre-shaped insects housed in even more bizarre-shaped galls aroused such curiosity and wonder, I am still hooked on galls. Fig. 1. The Hop Goodenia Goodenia ovata Gall. The wonder of personal discovery is Photo. A. Farnworth always so much more exciting than reading facts from books. I actually discovered facts about their life cycles long before I read about them. On the stems of Hop Goodenia Goodenia ovata grew an oval-shaped, 1.5 cm, pale mauve/green gall - the Goodenia ovata Gall (Fig. 1). Closer examination revealed a tiny brown empty pupal case or in some cases a minute cream larva curled in perfect safety in its well-camouflaged home.

I then discovered the Nematode Gall, where the combined action of nematodes

(Fergusobia) and a tiny fly larvae (e.g. Fergusonina nicholsoni) create many galls on leaves, stem tips, leaf and flower buds of eucalypts; the female fly larvae become infested with female nematodes which are then deposited in the eucalypt tissue with the fly eggs and both fly and nematode develop together in the gall, eventually leaving their gall home through many holes seen on the outside of the gall (Fig. 2). Golden Bush-pea Pultenaea gunnii yielded more questions when I discovered Fig. 2. The Nematode Gall. what looked, at first glance, like a cluster of Photo. A. Farnworth

178 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

new growth or a mutation of the flower emerged from their trumpet-shaped galls as (Fig. 3). However, careful dissection with a tiny 2.5 mm orange, pale-winged insects sharp razor blade revealed the minute larvae with the same mealy powder on their bodies nestled inside the intricate structure. and were jetting around the jar where the

I discovered that each gall shape indicated female continued to wave her feathery the insect family involved and that galls plumes. Who needs television with all this grow on buds, leaves, stems, flowers and action, romance and intrigue! developing fruit. The Banksia Mite Gall After reading some of the short passages causes large misshapen brown powdery and about galls in many books, I learned that gall rough-textured galls to develop over the makers can be Gnats, Midges, Psyllids, outside of Banksia cones of several species. Weevils, Coccids, Flies, Thrips, Beetles, All this caused by a tiny microscopic mite. Mites, Nematodes, Bacteria, a few mom Fungi. latter causing those Then there is the remarkable Casuarina Gall species and The Cherry which mimics the fruit of the plant. large, knobbly, protuberant lumps on Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformis and I then found that there is an exception to ee us on our toes)! The Acacia species. every rule (just to ^ P Eriococcidae Galls on eucalypts had a I found that at least two gall-producing introduced: one, a Mexican different shape according to whether a male insects had been species of fly Procecidochares ulilis to or female resided inside the gall. The female control Crofton Weed Ageratina adeno- gall - a large, green, acorn-shape - usually phora and two, the Gall Gnat, Zeuxidiplosis had some male galls nearby and they were giardi to control St John's Wort Hypericum small, ruby-red and trumpet-shaped. perforatum. This also points to yet another With this particular group I eventually had interesting fact that perhaps the many some success with rearing. After keeping the varieties of galls play a role in providing a two galls (male and female) in ajar for some control over seed production and growth time I was able to observe the large, generally in plants and possibly exerting recumbent, mealy female with a 1 .5 cm body some control of over-population. entombed like an Egyptian mummy and, are Galls? swarming all over her, dozens of tiny So What an abnormal growth microscopic bright-yellow insects with large They appear to be when an insect or mite introduces black eyes, six legs, tiny feelers and covered produced before the through saliva or chemical stem injection, a in hairs. I had noticed, some days waving compound which influences the growth of 'birth', tiny feathery appendages The complex and highly outside the tiny hole in the large gall. Was plant cells. chemicals in the saliva or body signalling for a mate? The males had individual she cells liquid produce proliferation of plant which and so triggering off the mechanism forces the plant to house the egg. When and Why do Some Animals Create Galls? early Most galls are produced in spring or summer while plants are in active growth. cm (Weevil The galls range from 30 cm x 10 a few Stem Galls) to tiny pimples measuring appear millimetres e.g. Timple Galls' which by a wasp on some eucalypts and are made Some from the family, Nonotontomennae. seen were in of the largest galls I have Bloodwood Central Australia and called eucalypts and Apples. They grew on the eaten by the were collected, roasted and these large aboriginal people. In the desert, have protected the sail structures would due to high animal inside against desiccation hot winds, and daytime temperatures and Bush-pea Pultneaea gunnii temperatures. Fig. 3. Gall on Golden from the freezing night Photo. A. Farnworth 179 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 Book Review

Gall structures aid in insulation, protection not and on taking some of my specimens into from predators and provision of food. For a the entomology section of the museum I was gall animal it would compare with us living told that, although they can now identify in one room surrounded by an endless many of the species, the mystery of their supply of growing food. sometimes complicated life cycle has yet to Some galls replicate in shape, colour and be accurately described. texture the fruit, buds and seed of the plant I would like to hear from anyone who has and in doing so provide excellent observed varieties of host plants, life camouflage for the developing animal. histories and particularly predators, as these Many galls accumulate large amounts of highly rich food parcels must surely be eaten sugars to support the growth of the larvae by a range of animals, particularly birds. and some galls contain high amounts of List of useful books tannic acid or protein and also carbohydrates The Insects of Australia'. (1979). (CSIRO: Canberra). such as starches. Galls have been used in 'Australian Insects'. (1945). Keith C. McKeown. medicine and as human and animal food; the (Sydney & Melbourne Publishing Co Pty Ltd). Aleppo Oak Gall of Asia was once an 'Insects of Australia' (1980). John Goode. (Angus & important source of tannic acid, containing Robertson). 65%, and the gall ink produced from Aleppo 'Insects*. (1966). Ross E. Hutchins. Galls was considered the best type of ink and The Insect Book*. (1948). Walter W. Froggatt (Shakespeare Head Press Pry imported into the USA for writing important Ltd). 'Insect Wonders of Australia'. (1944). Keith C. documents, while the Gall, which contained McKeown. (Angus Robertson P/L). high quantities of protein and carbo- 'An Introduction to Australian Insects. (1982). Phillip hydrates, was fed to domestic animals. W. Hadlington and Judith A. Johnston. (New South Predators Wales University Press). 'Friends and Foes of Australian Gardens'. (1980). They are not without enemies and control F.D. Hockings. (Reed Publishing). of galls is supplied by gall wasps, predatory 'Pests, Diseases & Ailments of Australian Plants'. mites, birds and human use and (1986). David Jones and Rodger Elliot. (Lothian). consumption. The World of Insects'. (1977). Zanetti Adriano. With approximately 2,000 different (Sampson Low). species so far identified, you would think Cecily Falkingham our knowledge was fairly complete. But it is 27 Chippewa Ave., Mitcham Victoria, 3132

The Silken Web: a Natural History of Australian Spiders by Bert Simon-Brunet Publisher: Reed Books, Sydney, 1994. 208 pp. RRP $39.95 (hb). For reasons that are not entirely clear, results of recent studies are not included. A spiders have a bad press, and are very substantial body of research has consequently under-represented in the emerged over the last fifteen years, and yet natural history literature. This is as true for 75% of the articles in the reference list were Australia, which has an abundance of published before 1980. spiders, as for elsewhere in the world. In the second part of 'The Silken Web', Indeed, the last comprehensive book Simon-Brunet divides the Australian spiders devoted to Australian spiders was Barbara into the three major York Main's volume groups; the 'Spiders', published Mygalomorphs, Hypochilomorphs by Collins in and the 1976 and now out of print. Thus, Araneomorphs. While the arrangement of the publication of the present volume these major groups is conventional, the could not be more timely. Araneomorphs or modern spiders 'The Silken Web' are is divided into two arranged according parts. to the ways in which The first part outlines the general they utilise silk to capture their prey, rather biology of spiders, including evolutionary than to their taxonomic origins, anatomy, affiliation. Implicit habitat, predators behind reproduction this arrangement is the notion that and the importance of silk! these foraging strategies represent various This account of spiders is generally evolutionary accurate, although end-points which parallel the it is surprising that the evolutionary radiations of the insects. Thus, 180 The Victorian Naturalist Book Review

the Araneomorphs are divided into this respect the book is a disappointment. open-range hunters, ambushers and anglers, Some anthropomorphisms can almost be apprentice weavers and master weavers. The forgiven, but not if they are based on errone- open-range hunters rely on mobility, ous generalisations. Male spiders of sexually eyesight, strength and swiftness rather than cannibalistic species may well experience silk to capture their prey, while the fear; we'll never know. But itis unlikely that ambushers and anglers remain stationary in all male spiders are in fear of their lives from places where insects frequent, ambushing rapacious females, because sexual can- those hapless prey that venture within nibalism is common in only three or four striking distance. The apprentice weavers families. More importantly, there are simply build untidy, three dimensional silk snares too many factual errors. For example, the ant that lack the characteristic symmetry of the mimic Amyciaea albomaculata is a thomisid webs of the master weavers. Several not a salucid, and while the taxonomy of representative species from different Australian orb-weavers is rather poorly understood, families within each category are described, 'Araneus' bradleyi does not belong in the genus Eriophora. Interest- with details of their appearance, toxicity, ingly, we are told that the first Australian danger to humans, habitat, distribution and spider to be formally described was Gaster- reproductive behaviour. acantha fornicata, now known as Aranea This arrangement is not a bad idea because, fornicata. In fact, this spider was incorrectly in most cases, these different foraging placed by Fabricius in die genus Aranea, not strategies are closely associated with the other way round. particular taxa. However, the chapter Correct scientific names may not concern describing the ambushers and anglers seems the general reader, but other errors might; it unnecessarily arbitrary and may be certainly not clear that the white-tailed confusing. The Crab Spiders (Thomisidae) is spider is responsible for necrotic sores, and are certainly ambushers; these impressively the organism that causes ulcerating sores is cryptic animals hide in flowers, where they a bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, not a capture unsuspecting pollinators or other virus called Microbacterius ulcerans. insects feeding on nectar. But the behaviour Spiders belonging to the genus Myrma- of the Lobster-pot Spider seems more rachne have a very close resemblance to analogous to web-building species; this are no records confirming the thomisidspiderbuildsarigid, silken nest that ants, yet there claim that these spiders prey on their ant resembles a lobster-pot. Ants that venture models. Particularly irritating was Brunet- into these pots are then caught by the spider Simon's decision to re-name the webs built sitting at the base of the pot. The chapter also araneid spiders 'wheel-webs* rather than includes those web-building spiders that do by conventional 'orb-web* . Changing not build conventional orb-webs. Most the names is confusing at the best of familiar of these spiders is the moth- common times, but there is insufficient reason to do attracting Bolas Spider, which captures its here. The word orb may give the prey on a sticky bolas that the spider swings so impression of a sphere or globe, but it is on the end of a silk line. The problem with from the Latin orbis meaning ring, of the chapters is that it derived this arrangement of the which is an appropriate description seems to obscure the fascinating evolution- web. ary divergence, convergence and loss of can be recommended different foraging strategies. 'The Silken Web' as a general nicely for its illustrations, and maybe The text is easy to read and The book will enhanced by simple diagrams and a introduction to spiders. stimulate an interest in these wonderful collection of excellent photo- undoubtedly creatures, perhaps even among graphs. There are also some beautiful, large, fascinating species. arachnophobes. But the errors will spoil the full colour illustrations of several that experts, and generate confusion for The main text is augmented by boxes book for find out more. It is a great highlight particular species or unusual those wishing to not reviewed and edited anecdotes about spiders. These visual shame that it was ( and before publication. aspects of The Silken Web' are superb, more thoroughly of surely confirm the beauty and fascination A. Elgar and Rachel A. Allan spiders. Mark many Department of Zoology, history book must also However, a natural Paikville.Victoria 3052. and in University of Melbourne. be judged by the accuracy of the text, 181 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 How to be a Field Naturalist

Botany

John Eichler

magnifications are Activities essential. (Much higher when exarnining fungi). As a field naturalist with an interest in needed botany you will have the opportunity with A plant press is useful for drying plant the FNCV to participate in the following: specimens for identification at a later date Regular field trips to the particularly and for preparing specimens for lodging at varied vegetation communities found in the the National Herbarium. A press can be Melbourne region. Field trips generally deal made from slats of wood nailed together in with specific plant groups or vegetation a lattice pattern to form 2 outer covers, each communities and complement Botany measuring approximately 50 cm x 30 cm. Group meetings; If you wish to photograph plants you will Organised surveys which include collect- need a single lens reflex camera that can be ing data on the structural form of vegetation manually focussed, a set of close-up lenses habitat preferences, species composition, or a macro lens and a flash unit. frequency, and changes over time. Current You will want to apply names to the plants projects include: A fungal survey at Wattle you find and to do this you will need some Park; Pre and post fire surveys at the of the books listed below. To accurately Botanic Gardens Annexe, Cranbourne; identify those plants, it is necessary to learn Monitoring regeneration following Bone- some botanical terms and to use botanical seed removal at Arthur's Seat, Dromana; keys. A number of the books listed below Collecting, preserving and identifying contain glossaries and keys. plant specimens (you will need a permit to collect on public land and permission from Field Guides and Textbooks the owner to collect on private land); General Plant photography; Trees of Victoria and Adjoining Areas -L. Costermans. (Costermans Publishing). Ex- Workshops on plant identification, cellent inexpensive introduction. survey techniques etc. and field studies with expert speakers and guides; Native Trees and Shrubs ofSouth Eastern Australia - L. Costermans (Lansdowne). Habitat restoration projects; Excellent colour photos and line drawings. Preparing submissions on conservation - Maroondah issues, and Flora of Melbourne SGAP Group. (Hyland House). Regular meetings on a variety of topics Census Vascular Plants Victoria - J. catering for beginners through to of of Ross. (National Herbarium of Victoria). experienced naturalists. Members are en- Lists all currently recognised indigenous couraged to contribute exhibits and nature and introduced plants and gives current and notes, which are segments of each meeting. former names. There is at least one Members Night a year Flora Victoria - Vol 1 Introduction - at which members are invited to make a of - short presentation. D. Foreman and N. Walsh; Vol 2 Monocotyledons - N. Walsh and T. Entwisle Equipment (Inkata) (Volumes 3 and 4, covering dicotyledon families, to be published March A good hand lens of lOx magnification is 1996 and September 1997). Compre- essential to check details on which species hensive, up to date coverage with dis- identification is often based and to reveal the tribution information. often hidden beauty of plants. A stereo Collecting and Preserving Herbarium microscope with magnification of lOx and Specimens - D. Albrecht (National 20x is a very useful piece of equipment but Herbarium of Victoria). it is quite expensive and certainly not Specific Plant Groups •18 Bayvicw Crescent, Black Rock, Victoria 3193. Ferns and Allied Plants of Victoria, Tas-

te! The Victorian Naturalist .

Obituary

mania and South Australia -B.Duncan and Australian Plants (contains articles of G. Isaac. (Melbourne University Press). general interest, including information on The Orchids of Victoria - G. Backhouse cultivation). andJ.Jeanes. (Miegunyuh Press). Answers in Nature Conservation (a Afield companion to Australian Fungi- B scientific journal). Fuhrer. (The Five Mile Press). Indigenotes (contains articles of general A Field Guide to Common Australian interest). Fungi - T. Young. (NSW University Press). The Orchadian (contains scientific

- , articles, articles of general _. „ . A , interest and Societies Clubs and information on cultivation). Indigenous Flora Fauna Association. & Newsletters of relevant clubs and societies Society for Growing Australian Plants. often contain interesting articles. Native Orchid Society. Enquiries Fern Society of Victoria. Your FNCV contacts for Botany are: Friends Groups associated with various John Eichler, phone: 03 598 9492 AH or nature conservation reserves. write; Tom May, phone 03 655 23 19 BH, 03 645 2381 AH or write to The National Periodicals Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Muelleria (a scientific journal published Victoria 3141. Tom and John will be able to annually by the National Herbarium of answer many of your questions or direct you Victoria). to others who can help.

Obituary William Perry (1911-1995)

William Perry, who died in March 1995 at the age of 83, was born and lived all his life in Eaglehawk. In his youth he was an enthusiastic member of the Eaglehawk Rifle plants the bush. Club, and it was in their company that he first began to observe the of Gradually his interest in flora and fauna supplanted that in shooting and he became an acknowledged authority on the flora of the Bendigo Whipstick. He was also interested in the mining history of the area - his grandfather was manager of the South New Moon Whipstick*. mine in Sailor's Gully - and in 1975 William published Tales of the Victoria on 8 He was elected as a country member of The Field Naturalists Club of the foundation members of the Bendigo June 1 942 and three years later became one of William Perry Field Naturalists Club, and their first librarian. Between 1945 and 1969 Naturalist and a glance at contributed a number of articles and notes to The Victorian ants and spiders these indicates the breadth of his interest in natural history; birds, also an accomplished fascinated him, as well as orchids and acacias. He was photographer. knowledge of the Whipstick He was always ready to share his love of the bush and his the area by The Field Naturalists with visiting naturalists, particularly on excursions to Club of Victoria. Naturalists Club hosted the Victorian Field In August 1982 the Bendigo Field his feUow it was at this gathering of Naturalists Clubs Association weekend and Perry was awarded the certificate of naturalists from all over Victoria that William of Victoria, in recognition of his Honorary Membership of The Field Naturalists Club years' membership. contribution to natural history over forty Naturalists Club and Ray Wallace of the Bendigo Field I am indebted to John Ipsen for much of the above information. ^^ ^ Hon. Librarian, FNCV

183 Vol. 112 (4) 1995 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria Established 1880 Registered Office: FNCV, c/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141, 650 8661. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Members include beginners as well as experienced naturalists. Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria.

Key Office-Bearers June 1995 President: Associate Prof. ROBERT WALL1S, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03) 9244 7278; [fax] (03) 9244 7403.

Hon. Secretary: Mr. GEOFFREY PATERSON, 1 1 Olive Street, South Caulfield, 3162 (A.H. 9571 6436). Hon. Treasurer: Mr. ARNIS DZEDINS, PO Box 1000, Blind Bight, 3980 ((059) 987 996). Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (9650 8661). Editors: ED and PAT GREY. 8 Woona Court, Yallambie, 3085 (9435 9019). Librarian: Mrs. SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, CI- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (A.H. (054) 928 4097). Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER (9435 8408 A.H.)

Sales Officer (Victorian Naturalist only): Mr. D.E. McINNES, 1 29 Waverley Road, East Malvern, 3 145 (9571 2427). Publicity Officer: Miss MARGARET POTTER, 1/249 Highfield Road, Burwood, 3125 (9889 2779). Book Sales Officer: Dr. ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, C/- National Herbarium, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, 3141 (9850 2617 A.H.).

Programme Secretary: Dr. NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street., Montmorency, 3094 (9435 8408).

Group Secretaries Botany: Mr. JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143 (9598 9492). Geology.Mr. DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127 (9890 0913). Fauna Survey: Miss FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, 3101 (9818 4684). Microscopical: Mr. RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Memda, 3754 (9717 35 II).

The Victorian Naturalist All material for publication to be sent to FNCV, Locked Bag 3, PO Blackburn, Victoria 3130. MEMBERSHIP Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The Club organises several monthly meetings (free to all) and excursions (transport costs may be charged). Research work, including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a number of locations in Victoria and all members are encouraged to participate.

Membership Rates 1995 Individual (Elected Members) Membership Subscription Single Membership $35 Joint Membership $45 Concessional rate (Full Time Student/Pensioner/Country Member more than" 50km from GPO/Unemployed Person) $25 Junior (under 18, no Victorian Naturalist') ...... /... $5 Institutional Subscriptions (Subscriptions to uotui * The Victorian Naturalist' only) Within Australia ... $50 Overseas AUD $60

Clubs . . ... $35

Printed by: Sands & McDougall Printing Pty. Ltd. 91-97 Boundary Road, North Melbourne, 3051. Telephone (03) 9329 0166 The rfSoMOF V7C7 ^ V»ictoria,_9 NOV Naturalist

Volume 112(5) 1995 October

Published by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria since 1884 VALE MARIE ALLENDER

It is with deep regret that we report the death of Marie Allender on 27 September. Marie will be remembered for her long and dedicated service to the club and especially for her outstanding work in organising club excursions over many years.

NEW FNCV HOME

Address: 1 Gardenia Street Blackburn Victoria 3130 Postal Address: Locked Bag 3 PO Blackburn Victoria 3130 Telephone and Fax: (03) 9877 9860

Disclaimer from John Whinray

l A Census of the Plants of Deal Island, Kents Group, for 1884'

In 1993 the above paper was issued as my work in The Victorian Naturalist,

110 (6), 247-250. However, I neither saw nor approved the changed form in

which it appeared. Given the standard of the changes, I would not have agreed to its publication. In so doing, I would also have mentioned the various typing errors, including the wrong dates.

I hereby disclaim the paper totally. It should never be referred to as my work. All members and subscribers should fully cross it out in their copies and indexes. John Whinray, Flinders Island. Tasmania.

Erratum

Index to Volume 111, 1994 included in Volume 112 (3) 1995, should have included:

Jameson, G, 145

We extend our apologies to the author. The O 4 NOV Vi c t o f 1 _a n Naturalist

Volume 112(5) 1995 October

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Honours Australian Natural History Medallion 1995 - Rodger Elliot, by Sheila Houghton \$$

Research Reports Reassessment of the Distribution, Abundance and Habitat of the Baw Baw Frog (Philoriafrosti), by Gregoiy J. Hollis 190

Biosystematics of Australian Mygalomorph Spiders: Two New Species of Arbinitis from Victoria, by Barbara York Main 202

Contributions Bats in Remnant Vegetation along the Barwon River, Victoria, by L.E. Conole and G.A. Baverstock 208

Initial Results from Bat Roosting Boxes at Organ Pipes National Park, by R. Inline and R. Bender 212

Notes on the Alpine She-oak Skink in the Mt Hotham Area,

Alpine Victoria, by M. Schidz, J. Alexander and I. Mansergh 219

Book Reviews The Wonders of the Weather, by Bob Crowder, reviewer Arthur Farnworth 207

Flora of Victoria, Vol. 1 , edited by D.B. Foreman and N.G. Walsh, Vol. 2 edited by N.G. Walsh and T.J. Entwisle, reviewer///. Willis 217

How to be a Field Naturalist Mammal Survey, by Amis Dzedins 221

Naturalist Note Carnivorous Plants - Carnivorous Bugs, by Cecily Falkingham, Naturalist in Residence 222

ISSN 0042-5184 Medallion Cover: Rodger Elliot, winner of the 1995 Australian Natural History (see article page 188). Honours

Australian Natural History Medallion 1995 W. Rodger Elliot

it annual success. He is a Fel- Rodger Elliot needs no introduction to making such an Horticultural Societies of botanists and gardeners throughout Austra- low of the Royal in London and Victoria, an honorary life mem- lia. Wherever people are interested the growing of Australian plants his name ber of the Arboretum Associates, University he has springs to mind, not only as a provider of of California, Santa Cruz, to whom Australian Systematic plants, but also for a great reference source, supplied plants; the Club of since the publication of the multi-volume Botany Society; the Bird Observers 'Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants suitable Australia and is a past vice-president of the for Cultivation' began in 1980. Ornamental Plants Collection Association Growing native plants has been Rodger's for whom he holds the Dampiera Collection. lifelong interest, inspired by an introduction In 1992 Rodger received the Australian Insti-

to Australian flora while camping in the tute of Horticulture Award of Excellence and Grampians during his schooldays, and it is this year, the Australian Plants Award (Pro- his understanding of the importance of envi- fessional) from the Association of Societies ronment to native plants which is significant for Growing Australian Plants.

in all his work. Influenced by Edna Walling, Rodger is well-known as a lecturer and he abandoned his training as an industrial broadcaster. For eight years he ran courses chemist, and in 1961 began work in the land- for the Council of Adult Education and scape firm of E.H. Hammond and Sons. Monash University Summer Schools. He From growing and propagating native plants regularly gives lectures and demonstrations

in his parents' backyard, he progressed to the to the Victorian College of Agriculture and 'Austraflora' nursery, which he set up with Horticulture, Burnley, and the Royal Botanic his wife, Gwen, and which quickly became Gardens, Melbourne, as well as being in de- the Australian plant specialist nursery. In mand for talks to natural history societies. In

1 973 they transferred to the wholesale propa- 1988 he undertook a lecture tour in Califor- gation nursery 'Australian Tube Plants' nia and has led botanical tours to USA, which has supplied plants to nurseries and Europe and China as well as nearer home to floriculture industries in Australia, UK and the Grampians. USA. More recently, Rodger has become the He has travelled extensively throughout plant expert in the 'Koala Blooms' company, Australia on field collecting trips seeking not which is developing a thriving export trade only plants with horticultural potential but in Australian plants with the USA. The gar- also the rare and endangered species, so that den which he and Gwen established at stocks of these might be maintained. Many Montrose, Victoria, has featured in a number botanical gardens, here and overseas, re- of gardening magazines in Australia, Eng- search institutes and amateur enthusiasts land and USA. have benefitted as a result of these expedi- Rodger has had a long association with the tions. In 1991 he was invited to design a Society for Growing Australian Plants, Vic- garden of eastern Australian plants at the toria, of which he and Gwen were made Strybing Arboretum and Botanical Garden, honorary life members in 1987. He was a San Francisco. founding memberof the Society forGrowing Rodger Elliot's career as an author began Australian Plants, Maroondah, in 1967 and in 1 972 with an article for Your Garden maga- has been involved in the Melbourne Wild- zine and he became a monthly contributor for flower Show, organised by this Group, since almost the next twenty years. In 1983 he be- its inception twenty years ago, where his ex- gan a series 'On Australian Plants' for the pertise in identifying specimens sent from all Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria's over Australia has contributed largely to Gardening News. His love of the Grampians

188 The Victorian Naturalist Honours

produced 'An Introduction to the Grampians growing Australian plants. To have been in- Flora' (1975) and 'A Field Guide to the vited by a publisher to produce such a work Grampians Flora' (1984). In 1984 the 'Plant is testimony enough to Rodger Elliot's stand- Identikit' series, covering four significant ing in the botanical world. And as his wife, botanical areas in Victoria, appeared, written who has been involve in all his endeavours, by W.R. Elliot and illustrated by T.L. Blake. has pointed out, 'the contributions Rodger is Three more booklets followed in 1988, cov- able to make are things he enjoys doing and ering areas in New South Wales. He has which he feels have both value and purpose.

published a number of gardening books, but There is no distinction between work and lei-

his majorundertaking has been the 'Encyclo- sure' - and in this he is a fortunate man. paedia of Australian Plants suitable for Rodger Elliot was nominated by the So- Cultivation', written in conjunction with ciety for Growing Australian Plants,

David L. Jones. This unique work, still in pro- Victoria, and all his work exemplifies their gress, will cover the flora of the entire motto 'Preservation by Cultivation'. continent, providing a wealth of botanical information as well as practical assistance in Sheila Houghton

Australian Natural History Medallion

The Medallionist for 1995 is Rodger Elliot

His address will be Things which have caught my eye and other senses'.

The presentation will be made at the General Meeting of the club on 13 November in the presence of His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria.

The FNCV Council extends a warm invitation to all its members and their guests, event. and hopes that you will be able to attend such a prestigious

can be shown to have This award is presented annually to a person who and Fauna, assisted increased popular or scientific knowledge of Australian Flora and fauna, discovered new notably in the protection or propagation of flora study of the subject, done species of importance, devoted much time to the books, photography and pictonal definite service by the publication of articles, responsible for administering the award art or by any other means. The FNCV is the cost of the medallion itself, and bears the administrative expenses and 'award', are responsible for the although two committees, the 'general' and the administration and selection of the medallionist. box Tony Gilevski and is presented in a The current medallion was designed by made by Cameron Miller.

189 Research Reports

Reassessment of the Distribution, Abundance and Habitat of the Baw Baw Frog Philoria frosti Spencer: Preliminary Findings

1 Gregory J. Hollis

Abstract Reports of amphibian declines and extinctions are now numerous throughout the world. A number of these pertain to amphibian populations restricted to mountain-top environments in relatively pristine habilats. A survey was implemented to reassess the conservation status of the Baw haw Frog Philotid frosti based on these reports and recent anecdotal observations that suggest a population decline in the species. Numbers of calling males counted in 1993 represent a decline by several orders of magnitude when compared with surveys of calling males conducted a decade ago. The habitats and microhabitals oi calling males and oviposition sites appear different to former known breeding sites, being restricted predominantly to topographically protected gullies consisting of sub-alpine wet heath and montane riparian thicket vegetation. Potential reasons for this decline are considered and future research and management actions identified. A recently completed survey in 1994 confirms this apparent decline of the Baw Baw Frog population.

Introduction current conservation status of the Baw Baw The Baw Baw Frog Philoria frosti Frog. Of even greater concern, a suite of spe- Spencer (Fig. 1) is the only amphibian en- cies restricted to mountain-top environments demic to Victoria (Hero et at. 1991) and is and relatively pristine habitats, like the Baw one of the most restricted amphibian species Baw Frog, are among those that have de- in south-eastern Australia, being distributed clined or disappeared (see Osborne 1989, over an area of approximately 80 km 2 en- 1990, 1991; La Marca and Reinthaler 1991; compassing the Baw Baw Plateau, Victoria CrumpetaL 1992; Richards et al 1993). (Malone 1985a) (Fig. 2). It is considered to This paper presents the results of a survey be vulnerable in Victoria (CNR 1993a) and for calling male Baw Baw Frogs conducted also regarded nationally as a vulnerable spe- during spring and summer 1993. It docu- cies (ANZECC 1991). ments the first part of a three-year survey Population surveys conducted in 1983 program to monitor and research the species. and 1984 estimated the number of adult Abundance, distribution and habitat data are males to be 10,000-15,000 (Malone 1985a). analysed and compared with surveys con- Based on this estimate, the status of the Raw ducted a decade ago (Malone 1985a). Also Baw Frog has been presumed to be probably presented, are the results of a systematic secure (e.g. Tyler 1992). However, in recent survey for egg masses. years anecdotal observations made by her- petologists and personnel of the Victorian Department of Conservation and Natural Resources indicate that numbers of calling males are significantly lower than that recorded by Malone (1985a) a decade ago. With increasing interest among both Austra- lian and international biologists regarding a number of recent amphibian declines (e g TylcrandDavies 1985; Osborne 1989, 1990; Blaustein and Wake 1990; Watson el at 1991; Mahony 1993; Richards et at. 1993) and extinctions (e.g. Barinaga 1990* Czechura and Ingram 1990; Osbonie 1990; Phillips 1990), concerns were raised over the Fig. 1 1. Baw Baw Frog Philoria frosti. The Impart meni of ConservHimn and Natural resources Morass, Baw Baw Plateau, Victoria. (Photo: 57 VuSona si., Warragul. Vieinria, 3820. Gregory J. Hollis),

190 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

assemblage of vegetation communities, including sub alpine woodland, in which there exists two variants (shrubby and grassy suh alpine woodland), wel sub-alpine heaihland damp sub-alpine heathland, dry nifedipine shrubland, grassy sub-alpine shrubland, dry rocky sub-alpine grassland and montane riparian thicket (Moorrees and Molnar 1991; Cameron 1994). Sub-alpine woodland communities are predominantly restricted to ridges on the plateau while the other communities occur primarily in frost hollows or rocky areas (Fig. 3). Pig. 2. Distribution the of Baw Baw Frog within Most of the Plateau is included in Ihe Baw five minute grids (Alias of Victorian Wildlife) Baw National Park, with the exception of approximately 2 Methods 3.5 km near Mi Baw Baw which is managed by the Victorian Alpine Study area Resorts Commission. The Baw Bnw Plateau is located 120 km east of Melbourne and is primarily sub-al- Data collection and analysis pine in climate; il receives a mean annual Audio strip transects (Zimmerman 1994) rainfall of 1500-2500 mm and mean annual were used to estimate relative abundance, de- temperatures range from 4-8° C, with July termine distribution and describe breeding mean minimum temperatures of -2 - 0° C habitats and microhabitats of male fi/mstf. and February mean maximum temperatures Previous surveys (Malone 1985a) used the 1-13° of 1 C (Aldrick etai. 1992). From June same technique which was found to be very to September snow may lie on Ihc ground useful for detecting calling males during above approximately 1200 m. their restricted breeding season (two to three Geologically, the Baw Baw Plateau con- weeks in late spring; Malone 1985a). Due to sists ofgranodiorile (the Baw Baw batholith) the cryptic nature and complex breeding with a zone of metamorphosed sedimentary habitat of the species (small cavities within rock (hornfels) surrounding the granodiorile wet sub-alpine heathland), other census tech- (Douglas and Ferguson 1 976). Geomorphol- niques were considered less suitable, ogy of the plateau includes a wide variety of particularly in a survey designed to cover a features associated with the weathering of large area in a short time. the granodiorile, including broadly concave The technique used involved two search- valleys, peaty flats, tors, stepped-valley ers walking in opposite directions around heads and a distinctive rectangular drainage the perimeter of a frost hollow (1 0-50 m pattern which is controlled by the rectangu- from the snow-gum woodland boundary) lar pattern of joints in the granodiorite (Rosengren etai- 1981). Intermittent water courses drain Ihe slopes of frost hollows into permanently flowing creeks within the larger valley Hats, while ephemeral ponds often result from the accumulation of water in low-lying poorly drained areas. Soils on the plateau are characterised by: bog peats, restricted to the permanently wet bogs of sphagnum moss and hillside drainage lines; humified peats, found on the sloping edges of the bogs and in desiccating bogs on hill- sides; transitional alpine humus soils and acid brown earths, occurring on the plateau and its slopes and red earths, found on the lower slopes of the plateau below the zone 1975). of the acid brown earths (Sibley Fig. 3. Baw Baw Frog habitat. The Morass, Baw The Baw Baw Plateau consists of a diverse Baw Plateau, Victoria. {Photo: Grcgpry J Mollis).

191 Vol. 112(5)1995 ReseQrch Reports

;iml recording the number of calling males. be fully described (J. Davies f><7.v. amun.). Surveys were carried out diurnally ai air During surveys of calling males, prominent lempcraturcs above 5*G The previous dis- lloristic and structural attributes of all frog irihulion of male choruses was found to be localities, including microhabilats, were re- restricted primarily to the slopes of frost hol- corded. A draft 1:25000 map ofthe BawBaw lows rather than their basins, and high Plateau detailing vegetation communilies levels of calling activity occur diurtrally at and Haw Haw Frog habitat classes (Roberts temperatures above 5" C (Malone 1985a), 1994) was used as an aid. Along each transect the searchers peri A census of deposited egg masses at male oilically slopped lor one lo live minutes to calling sites was also conducted. This was lislen lor, and count calling frogs, Within any expected lo provide a relative measure of given search area, this method provided a breeding activity of females within the frost measure of relative abundance of calling hollows sampled and of ihe relationship be- males. As many frost hollows as possible tween numbers of calling males recorded were surveyed across the plateau during the and egg masses. Previous searches for egg period in which frogs were calling. Com massL-s showed they are deposited at, or menccincnl of calling activity was detCI within the vicinity of, calling sites (B. mined by regularly visiting a number of Malone pers* CQfftw*)* Whilst undertaking (

easi ly accessible 1 1 ' >st hoi lows ( 'i cek repeated surveys of calling males at Barag- Corner and Village Flat; Fig. 4) early in the wanalh flat and Currawong Flat, accurately breeding season. To mnniioi variation in located calling sites were marked with flag- calling activity, and determine when calling ging tape. A number of calling sites al Access

activity ceased, repented surveys were c

in I Varied size from MS ha (Mustering Flat) of 5 x I m either sdde ofthe marked site (most lo 1.2 ha (Access Road 3) and represented calling sites were along linear drainage approximately 60% of Lhose containing suit- lines) and the number of egg masses able breeding habitat on Ihe Raw Haw counted. Plateau. ( ieographic names and Ihe distribution of Survey comparison frost hollows across ihe plaleau were taken Surveys conducted in 1983 and 1984 from the 1:25000 map of the Haw Haw Pla- (Malone 1985a) provide the only quantita- i leau ( Balkan I >87> and aerial photographs tive data on relative abundance, distribution (Lolrobe Regional Commission Projeci and habiiat of /' frosti with which compari- 1088). In cases where geographic names of sons can be made. Because both survey host hollows were not provided by Halkau design and census techniques used in the

I *>K7 < >, names were assigned * on the basis of 1 99 survey followed those used by Malone the nearest geographic feature such as a river (1985a), ii was possible lo undertake com- oi mountain (.Fig. 4). parative analyses on three survey data sets Vegetation community types within al- (1083, 1984 and the present survey). pine and sub alpine areas in Victoria have Ihe relative abundance, distribution, previously been based on the vegetation breeding habitat and duration of calling ac- classification by Walsh er at. (I9S4), How- tivity of male frogs are compared. ever, a more recent classification of Comparisons of calling male counts be- Vkinui.n Central Highlands vegetation tween surveys are made from the same set communities by Moorrees and Molnar o\' frost hollows. Most frost hollows sur- i'Wj, and an assessment of ihe vegetation veyed in the present study were also proposed to be affected bv ski trails I at ake surveyed by Malone ( 1085a) in either 1983 Mountain (Cameron 1994), have provided or 1984. or both However, portions of some detailed vegetation community descriptions, of these Areas were not surveyed in llns study, Ihe present study adopts these new taxo- but were in the 1083 and 1984 surveys. After nomic community descriptions, although inspecting descriptions oi Raw Bow frog the lull range of vegetation community as- breeding habitats presented by Malone 501 unions on ihe Haw Haw Plateau is yet to (1985a), these portions were considered to

192 The Victorian Naturalist calling sites within frost hollows on Fig. 4. Distribution, number and locality of male Baw Baw Frog surveyed more than once, the number the Baw Baw Plateau. October-December 1993. For frost hollows derived from all censuses. of calling males (N) refers to the total number of calling males

193 Vol. 112 (5) 1995 Research Reports

unsuitable breeding; be for they were often the Baw Baw Frog is involved in calling ac- dry and rocky with no aquatic habitat (e.g. tivity, oviposition, egg development and frost hollows near Whitelaw Ruins; Fig, 4). larval development through to metamorpho- Field constraints (e.g. logistics and adverse sis (Malonc 1985a), and are considered the conditions) also weather prevented some most vulnerable phases of the anuran life surveys from being completed. cycle (Williamson and Bull 1994). The demarcation of some frost hollows presented by Malonc (1985a) (Currawong Results of 1993 Survey Flat, Baragwanath Flat, Gwinear Flat and Calling activity, relative abundance and Jeep Track) was not provided, and as a result distribution the exact location to which his calling male Figure 4 shows the distribution, number census statistics belong are not clear. To al- and localities of calling male Baw Baw low comparison, Malonc's separate census Frogs recorded in different frost hollows statistics for each these of frost hollows surveyed on the Baw Baw Plateau, Initial have been amalgamated into one statistic surveys conducted at Creek Corner and for each frost hollow. Village Flat frost hollows between 28 Oc- Frost hollows with a relatively large area tober and 3 November 1993 failed to detect un-surveyed in 1993 (East Tanji! and Chair- any calling activity. An unseasonable lift frost hollows) were excluded from snowfall of 50 cm which covered the analysis. A number surveyed north-west of Baw Baw Plateau from 3-11 November Mt Whitelaw (Whitelaw 11-13) were also limited surveys but this may not have af- excluded. To avoid the possibility of using fected the census because only low levels re-counts of calling males in frost hollows of calling activity are exhibited by the which had their area surveyed more than Baw Baw Frog at temperatures below once, only one census statistic (the 5° largest) C (Malone 1985a). Calling activity was was used in calculations and analyses of rela- first detected on 15 November 1993, from tive abundance. Some larger frost hollows one frog at Access Road 1 and two at Village that required more than one census on dif- Flat, and appeared to cease on approximately ferent days to complete had their separate 1 3 December when no calls were recorded statistics summed in order to derive a single from Baragwanath Flat and Currawong Flat. total statistic. These two frost hollows were surveyed four Pearson correlations (Systat, Inc., 1800 times throughout the breeding season and Sherman Ave, Fvanston, Illinois, 60201- recorded the following number of calling 3793) were conducted on measures of males respectively: (4, [17 Nov]; 6, 2 relative abundance recorded over the three 129 Nov]; 3, (6 Dec]; and 0, [13 Dec]). surveys to assess relationships between frog Opportunistic visits to sections of a number densities within individual frost hollows* of frost hollows between 16-21 December, Comparisons were also made of the altitudi- including Village Flat, Pudding Basin, nal distribution of calling sites and the Macallister Plain, Baragwanath Flat, frequency of occurrence of calling males re- Currawong Flat, East Tanji!, The Morass corded within different vegetation com- and Jeep Track 3, failed to detect any munity types and microhabitats. calling males. Calling activity appeared A preliminary inspection of spring and to last for approximately four weeks in summer rainfall totals over the three surveys 1993. (1983 to 1994) was undertaken to see rf they Table 1 summarises provided the census statistics any insight into differences ob- for each frost hollow surveyed. Forty-three served between surveys. Spring (September frost hollows were surveyed during the 1 993 - November) and summer - (December Feb- breeding season ruary) with calling males being re- monthly rainfall totals were summed corded in 19 of these. and a Including all census mean monthly total was derived for statistics (i.e. re-counts each season from frost hollows in each year. These records were surveyed more than once), a total of 99 collected from Erica (Department of Conser- calling males vat.on and was recorded from all frost Natural Resources), a location hollows surveyed on the close to the plateau. Numbers Baw Baw Plateau, in the ab- ranged fiom 0-30 in sence of a weather any one single sur- station on the plateau vey. Spring and summer Including only the largest census result rainfall records were from used because frost hollows surveyed more than once, this is the period over which the total number of calling males recorded 194 The Victorian Naturalist 1 Research Reports

Table 1. Relative abundance of calling male Baw Baw Frogs recorded within different frost hollows on the Baw Baw Plateau during surveys conducted in 1993, 1983 and 1984 * denotes the largest census statistic obtained from frost hollows surveyed more than once in 1993 denotes frost - hollows that were not surveyed. NA denotes un-available information. Note: Currawone Flat 2 refers to a small portion of Currawong Flat surveyed in 1993, 1983 and 1984; the census statistic for 1993 and 1983 are not included in their respective totals as they already contribute to the census statistic for Currawong Flat

Frost Hollow Approx. Approx. Total 199J Total No. Call- No. Calling No. Calling No. Calling Area (ha) Area Sur- Survey in ing Males in Males in Males in Males in veyed (ha) pers. hrs. 1993, all surveys 1993 1983 1984

Access Road 1 1.9 5.7 1.5 3 2* 43 21 Access Road 2 1.7 3.4 0.7 0* 30 26 Access Road 3 1.2 2.4 0.7 0*

Chairlift 10.8 1 0.7 0* 6 8 Village Flat 26.8 26.8 6.5 4 3* 183 149 Neulyne Plain 2.3 2.3 1.2 2 2 24 La Trobe Plain 7.5 7.5 3.2 3 3 206 Macallister Plain 5.3 5.3 2.7 5 5 82 Pudding Basin 5.5 11.5 6.4 2 2* 101 Moondarra Flat 8.7 11.6 4.5 0* 225 — Baragwanath Flat 23.7 83.1 21.2 22 11* 167 245 Currawong Flat 66.2 132.2 26.2 8 8* 536 — Currawong Flat 2 NA NA NA 2 2* 174 231 Creek Corner 1.7 3.9 3.5 0* 52 49 Tanjil Plain 4 4 3 9 9 120 —

1 — East Tanjil 5.2 2.1 I 1 71 McMillian'sFlat 1.7 3.4 0.8 0* 64 — The Morass 95.4 89.4 14.3 30 30 667 —

Jeep Track 1 15.4 15.4 1.9 Jeep Track 2 8.1 3.4 0.5 6 Jeep Track 3 2.6 4.5 0.7 0* 3 Jeep Track 4 13 13 1.3 Freeman's Flat 28.7 28.7 4.8 41 104 — 18 Wombat Flat 8.7 8.7 2.8 1 1 9 Tyers River 1 9.8 9.8 2.3 14 Tyers River 2 1.6 1.6 1.2 7 3 Mustering Flat 124.8 124.8 8 57 Gwinear Flat 45.6 45.6 5.7 —93 2 Cascade Creek 14.4 14.4 2.3 — 3.9 3.9 1.5 2 2 Whitelaw 1 _ Whitelaw 2 10.4 10.4 4.2 2 2 67 — 28 Whitelaw 3 3.7 3.7 1.3 39 — Whitelaw 4 3.1 3.1 1.9 164 — Whitelaw Ruins 27.5 27.5 6.6 1 1 53 — Whitelaw 5 1.9 1.9 0.7 1 1 49 — Whitelaw 6 3.6 3.6 1.1 96 — Whitelaw 7 7.3 7.3 1.5 30 Whitelaw 8 5 5 1.8 368 Whitelaw Creek 34.1 31.2 9.2 I 1 90 — Whitelaw 9 6 6 1.4 17 4.4 1.6 1 1 Whitelaw 10 4.4 NA NA 7.8 1.3 0.7 Whitelaw 1 NA i NA 1.6 0.7 1 Whitelaw 12 1.6 NA NA ' Whitelaw 13 1.7 1.7 0.7 86 3771 893 TOTAL 664.3 778.1 164.5 99

195 Vol. 112(5)1995 ) Research Reports

was B& The largesi number of calling Table 2. Numberof calling male Haw Baw Frogs males recorded over lour repeated surveys (Phitvria frosti) recorded in different breeding of Barsgwanath Flat and Currawong rial nueiohahitals aiut associated vegetation lypes

was six and I wo respectively. during surveys conducted OH the Haw Haw Pla- Calling males were distributed 0VC1 the leau helween 2S Oeloher and 13 December 1993. ami regions ol the western, northern central Key to Breeding Mlcrohabitats: 1 Peal cavities Haw Raw Plateau, lull were nol heard on the nndei mots of shrubs; 2 Peal eavilies under eastern side (Fig, 4). No surveys were eon logs/n>eks, } ( 'avilies beneath W. \< Stages ol the survey and by what appealed lo Vegetation CoramunJtles/Ecirtonei Mic ilinhiliils be a slant season AM males breeding calling i n were located within or at Ihe periphery ol Wei Suh .ilpiiu- llt-.illil;iml IS 17 host hollows along intermittent water 01 courses seepages. Their distribution was Montane Riparian Thicket II \ 7 restricted primarily to dendritic or elongate Wei Suit ft ml hollows (e.g. I a Tmhe Plain), 01 to alpine Heuthl&ad/ 2 elongate portions of bfoadei liosi hollows Montane Riparian Thickei ecntone (e.g. The Morass; Pig. 4>, Calling male-, m Wei suh uipine Hetthtoml /Dry most eases did not form aggregations, 6 Suh ulpine Shrublond et'otonc typically being recorded as solitary indi vuluals Wi-i Suit ill pi lie Ht\nhl;iiRl/Suh 2 1 — .ilpiin' Womttanil eccitone Habitat preferences Calling males vveu- recorded within (wo Oi /' tdpiiumi/i'tmimmu*. Only one male was vegetation communities and three vegein loeated beneath small moss covered roeks 2 lion community These (• ceolones. included: 20 em ) and togs within a creek. wet sub alpine healhlaiul ( \9 1949! frogs; ) and montane riparian Ihiekel (21: 21.291 I /-X'tf masses wet sub-alpine heathland dry suh alpine From 14 calling sites searched, only two shruhlundccotone(8; '•;•;' R r; >. wel sub alpine masses were located, lor a total search heathland montane riparian thicket ceotone eifort ol seven person hours over 70 square <\s O'i )andwet sub alpine heathland sub metres of breeding habitat Both were alpine woodland ecotonc (26; 26 W, ) located at Curruwong Flat The first of these The positions Ol 87 males (frOW the total was found in a soil cavity (15 cm depth) "l 99) were located accurately enough lo along a seepage line at the base of a large describe their microhabiiai (Table 1). 2 Fifty granite boulder (3 A m ) in wet sub alpine nine frogs were located in small cavities heal hland/suh alpine woodland BCOtone, "long seepage lines created by ihe roots ol Plant species occurring outside this sod cav- shrubs (typieally ity (_'. Richeti cftntinvrttis, included gaudichaadhma and .V. trams futimtosti, Bacckea uttlte vai iri.stafum/Yhc egg mass was fertile and laUfoliu, Orites faneif&tki < 'ailistewon contained approximately 20-30 live un- pityoidi v. ieptmpvrmum grandifolmm ami pigmentcd larvae at Gosuer Siage 22 Nothofti$m mtnlnghamif) associated with (Gosnei I960), The other egg mass was smallei ground-cover species (Sphagnum round in sub alpine wel heathland along a ristuntm, < Palyirtchiwi alpinum/vomnnme, seepage line within a cavity created by Wittstehiia v,i,cmui<*;t, Astelia atpina and roots ol the shrub /?. continents in ass<> ( am gaudh hmdiana) and peat soil, Foui cialion Willi peal soil. A, a (pitlet and \. hxn frogs were recorded beneath oi ai the cristatum, This egg mass appeared to have base oi large a granite boulders ( 2 m ) with a desiccated as only three partially decom- soil oi peat substrate only. Of the remaining posed egg capsules were found. The few egg irogs, s!x were found beneath logs mas masses recovered from searches may reflect sociwtton With peat zo\lCgat

was not possible and could only be attained vey results, Table 1 shows the number of call- if destructive searches were undertaken. ing males recorded in each frost hollow in the 1983 and 1984 surveys. Measures of rela- Comparison of 1983, 1984 and 1993 tive abundance (i.e. frog counts) within the Survey Results same frost hollows for each survey were Calling activity, relative abundance and highly correlated ( i 983/84: r* = 0.87, n = 1 6, distribution 2 P<0.001; 1983/93: r = 0.75, n = 35 The calling activity period of the 2 1993 sur- P<0.001; 1984/93: r = 0.71, n = 19, vey (15 November - 13 December) was P<0.005), indicating that the differences in considerably shorter than that observed by frog densities between frost hollows were Malone (1985a). He heard males calling as proportionally the same across all surveys. early as the third week of October and con- The distribution of calling males recorded tinuing as late as the 24 December in in 1993 was similar to that observed by 1983 and 1984 (approximately 8 weeks). Malone in 1984 when males were restricted Calling activity was greatest between 17-29 primarily to the central, western and north- November 1993 which is similar to western regions of the Baw Baw Plateau that reported by Malone who noted a peak (Fig. 4). By contrast, during the 1983 survey

in calling activity between 1 1-29 November Malone recorded calling males in the eastern (1983/84). region of the plateau. No surveys were con- Over the 1983 and 1984 surveys, Malone ducted in the south-eastern region of the (1985a) recorded calling males in 73% plateau in 1993 to compare with Malone's, (64 of 88) of frost hollows surveyed, com- although he found the Baw Baw Frog to be pared to 46% (22 of 48) in 1993 (using conspicuously absent from unforcsted areas Malone's frost hollow units). In a subset oi' in the south-east in both 1983 and 1984. 35 frost hollows surveyed in both 1983 and Comparison of altitudes from 1993. 1983 1993, Malone (1985a) recorded 3694 males and 1984 calling sites showed that, in the compared with 83 in this survey. In a subset same 15 frost hollows, there was no signifi- of 19 frost hollows surveyed in both 1984 cant difference in the distribution of calling and 1993, Malone (1985a) recorded 885 sites (1983: mean ± SE = 1442.9 + 6.1 m,

males compared with 19 in this survey. This n = 123, range = 370 m; 1984: 1 44 1. 7 ± survey only recorded 2.2% and 2.1% of the 8.3 in, n = 86, range = 370 m; 1993: 1435.0 number of calling males recorded by ± 18.5 m, n = 17, range = 270 m). In 1993, Malone in 1983 and 1984 respectively, the range (lowest to highest altitude) of call- whereas, in frost hollows surveyed twice in ing sites was less, and the mean altitude consecutive breeding seasons by Malone, in lower, than in the 1983 and 1984 surveys. A 1984 he recorded 97% of the number greater proportion of calling sites (31 .4%) in altitude (1 150- counted in 1983. Togetherwiih the I993sur- 1993 were located at lower 1350 m) when compared with the 1983 and 1984 surveys, where fewer sites (20.6%) r-,u"im.:i occurred. Spring 180 Habitat use and breeding microhabitats 160 vegetation units Malone ( 1 985a), by using et al. (1984), recorded 14D described by Walsh breeding males (calling and non-calling 120 males) in the following four habitat classes in 1983 and 1984 surveys: wet alpine 100 alpine heath - 1148 frogs (22.5%); wet ccotonc - 3834 frogs (75.0% ); bog 80 heath/bog (modified areas 1 1 - 82 frogs ( 1 .6% ); grassland - frogs SO in the Baw Baw Alpine Resort) 45 also recorded 102 frogs (2.4%) III I I 1 ll (0 9%). He '''''' BM* « 63** 84/w sum Be/a; e?/oo fli/fls «/*) Un1 Vat a sparse (calling males only) in habitats with under storey of N. cunmngluwiii and L. this as a separate i>nirulifolium but presented with this sur- rainfall statistic. To allow comparison Fig. 5. Mean monthly spring and summer habitat classes adopted 1983-1994. vey, a number of the at Erica (DCNR). Victoria from 197 Vol. 112(5)1995 1

Research Reports by Malonc (1985a) had to be correlated with Rainfall the vegetation classification adopted in this Figure 5 shows mean monthly spring and study; wcl aipine heath, wet alpine heath/bog summer rainfall totals spanning the 1983, ccotone and bogs fit into the vegetation com- 1984 and 1993 surveys. The mean (± SE) munity 'wet sub-alpine heathland' while monthly spring and summer rainfall total habitats a sparse understorey of with overall years examined was 1 17.2 ±7.2 and N. cimninghamii and L. grandifoliwn full 82.2 ± 8.1 mm respectively. Rainfall re- into the vegetation community 'montane ceived during both 1983 and 1984 surveys riparian thicket'. was below the average for the decade, while In 1993, 39.4% were recorded in wet sub- rainfall received during the 1983 survey was alpine heathland compared with 99.1% greater than that received in 1984. In spring found by Malone (1985a). In eeotonal and summer of 1993, rainfall was consider- habitats, 39.4% were recorded at the pe- ably higher than in both surveys conducted riphery of wet sub-alpine heathland by Malone (1985a), and the average for the adjacent to either sub-alpine woodland, decade. In several years preceding 1993 montane riparian thicket or dry sub-alpine (1987/88 to 1991/92), spring and summer shrubland. Malone did not record aggrega- rainfall was relatively low, particularly tions of calling males in these habitats (B. summer rainfall, which was below the aver- Malonc pers. comtn.). In montane riparian age for all of these years. thicket and bog habitat 2 2% and 1 .0% were recorded respectively, compared with 2.4% lutein press 9 and 1 by .6% Malone. Frogs recorded in bogs Baw Baw Frog surveys conducted re- are also included in the 'wet sub-alpine cently in November and December 1994 heathland' percentages above. In the present confirm the decline in calling males recorded survey frogs no were recorded within modi- in 1993. The number of calling males re- fied areas in the Baw Baw Alpine Resort corded in 1994 was 15% lower than that compared with 0.9% found by Malone recorded in the 1993 survey and approxi- (1985a). mately 2% of numbers recorded a decade The microhabitats in which many calling ago. As in the 1993 survey, the distribution males were recorded in 1993 appear dif- of calling males was restricted to the ferent from microhabitats in which Malonc western, northern and central regions of the (1985a) reported oviposition sites in 1983 Baw Baw Plateau. Many of the localities at and 1984. He recorded egg masses in which calling males were recorded in 1994 natural cavities in vegetation (including were identical to those recorded in 1993, Sphagnum spp., A. alpma, Empodisma with preferred breeding habitats restricted minus, E. pahubsa, R. continents and Carex to topo-graphically protected gullies with spp.) which acted as catchments for wuter wet sub-alpine heath and montane ripar- travelling down slope, and under building ian thicket vegetation. materials, rocks and logs which occurred mostly in modified areas within the Mt Baw Discussion Baw Alpine Resort. In 1993, calling males Survey results and egg masses were also located in natural The relative abundance of calling male cavities which retained water, but none of Baw Baw Frogs across all frost hollows sur- these were located in modified micro- veyed in 1993 was approximately 2% of the habitats within the Mt Baw Baw Alpine numbers recorded by Malone (1985a) a dec Resort, and not all cavities were in vegeta- ade ago, indicating a size reduction in the tion. For example, 14 males were located in male frog population by several orders of soil or peat crevices beneath large granite magnitude. Malone concluded that actual boulders. Those recorded in cavities cre- numbers of males were probably two to three ated by vegetation were associated with times the number heard because of the most of the species reported by Malone presence of silent males in the vicinity of (1985a), with the exceptions being attribut- calling males and the frequent occurrence of able to proportionally greater number of more than one male at a calling site. From males being located in association with these observations he estimated species that the that occur in montane riparian adult male Baw Baw Frog population was thicket (N. cunninglwmii, L gmmlifalium 10.000-15,000. Using the same proce- and W, vacankuea). dure, the adult male population would be in 198 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Lhe vicinity of - 200 300 individuals in i 993. et at. 1994; Osborne 1990; Phillips 1990; Data on abundance of the Baw Baw Frog Pechmann mv/. 1991; Trcnerry etai 1994- prior to 1983 are only qualitative (Atlas of Wyman 1990). Victorian Wildlife, Dept ofConservation and Obvious anthropogenic disturbances on Natural Resources, Heidelberg) or anec- the Baw Baw Plateau appear limited when dotal. Frogs appear to have been relatively compared with amphibian habitats in other easy to locate during the 1950's, 1960'sand places. Modification of frog habitat through 1970*S Littlejohn (M unpubi data, J. the construction of trails and areas for skiing Coventry pers. but cammJi from 1989 to and bushwalking is the main disturbance. 1 992 only low numbers of cal ling males have However, this appears to be an unlikely ex- been detected (W. Osborne, J. Morey, P. planation for the low number of males Johnson pers. comm.) when compared with recorded because the decline across the pla-

in 1 numbers recorded 983 and 1 984. The re- teau is relatively uniform and the modified sults from the present survey are in habitats are relatively localised, although accordance with these later observations. levels of embryonic and larval mortality of Calling males tended to be confined to the Baw Baw Frog have previously been topo-graphically protected sites within shown to be higher in these modified shaded and moist gullies. These appear re- habitats because of increased desiccation, fugial when compared with former known resulting in reduced recruitment (Malone breeding habitats where frogs were distrib- 1985b). If the species has declined in these uted over a wider area in wet sub-alpine modified areas, it is not possible at this stage heathland (sec Malonc 1985a). The lower to distinguish between this decline and mean altitude and range over which calling what appears to be a decline across the entire sites were recorded in 1993 can be plateau. To a lesser extent, trampling and atlributed to the proportionally higher browsing by introduced species such as number of males recorded in montane ri- cattle and deer have also impacted ad- parian thicket and ecotonal habitats at the versely on habitat {G.Wo\\\s pers. ohs.). periphery of wet sub-alpine heathland. Less obvious disturbances such as the ef- Montane riparian thicket typically occurs fects of introduced predators (foxes, dogs at lower altitudes than wet sub-alpine heath- and cats perhaps with pathogens) and pollu- land, often arising at the drainage outlets of tion from local industrial activity in the sub-alpine heathlands, and descending to inform of atmospheric deposition could also tergrade with cool temperate rainforest or affect the Baw Baw Frog in an adverse way. thickets at lower altitude (Moorrces and 2) The results may also reflect normal popu- Molnar 1991). lation fluctuations in response to environmental variation (see reviews by Possible reasons for an apparent decline Blaustein 1994; Pechmann and Wilbur Two possible scenarios may explain these 1994). The reduced breeding activity ob- occurred as results: served in this survey may have conditions. Alter- 1) The first possibility is that the Baw Baw a result of poor breeding Frog population has declined and the spe- natively, the low number of calling males male popula- cies could be threatened with extinction. In may be indicative of an actual typical of normal population the light of many recent reports of rapid tion size, but is studies have population declines and possible extinctions fluctuations. Some amphibian that variations in climatic factors in amphibians, concern for the stability and shown and rainfall are unrelated conservation status of the Baw Baw Frog such as temperature observed declines (e.g. Richards et al. population is justified. Although some to have linked such events amphibian declines have been attributed to 1993) while others low precipitation (Osborne anthropogenic disturbances such as habitat to drought or et al 1991; Crump et al. destruction and chemical pollution (Blaus- 1990; Pechmann severe frosts (Heyer et al. 1988), or tein and Wake 1990; WiXetaL 1990;Wyman 1992), effects of climatic and other in press), other the synergistic 1 990; Gillespie and Hollis environmental variables (Pounds and Crump declines are not readily explained. In these cases other hypotheses have been 1994). and summer rami all from the acid precipitation, in- Low spring suggested, including he years 1987/88 to 1991/92 (Fig. 5) could creased ultraviolet radiation, introduced responsible for the small number ol catling exotic species, pathogens and climate Recruitment ol Blaustein males recorded in 1993. change (B laustein and Wake 1 990; 199 Vol. 112(5)1995 Research Reports frogs over this period may have been Monitoring of the population will be under- low due to increased desiccation of embryos taken in the 1994 and 1995 breeding seasons and larvae resulting from low summer by the Department of Conservation and rainfall, and these frogs could now be the Natural Resources. Planned research in-

1993 adult cohort. It cannot be determined cludes: ( I ) age determination (using skeletal whether the higher spring rainfall received chronology) to assess longevity; (2) mark- in this survey was responsible for the re- recapture studies and radio tracking, to duced calling activity recorded, when provide information on population size, dis- compared with the 1983 and 1984 surveys persal and utilisation of other habitats; when lower spring rainfall was received and and (3) an assessment of the impact of cli- greater calling activity was recorded. The mate on breeding activity. Guidelines lower spring rainfall received during the outlining current conservation and manage- 1984 survey, when compared to 1983, could ment objectives for the Baw Baw Frog are also explain why Malone (1985a) observed contained in CNR (1993b). a contraction in range of breeding by the Baw Baw Frog from the eastern side of the Acknowledgments plateau, while frost hollows on the western This study was funded by the Australian Nature Con- servation Agency and the Victorian Department side recorded similar numbers of calling of Conservation and Natural Resources (CNR), Flora and males in both 1983 and 1984. The eastern Fauna Branch. Special thanks must go to Brian side of the Baw Baw Plateau is primarily Malone (Latrobe University) who helped coordinate the drier and rockier than the central and western study and assisted with some of the Held work and lo David Stewart (Ballarat College of Advanced Educa- sides (Roberts 1994) and may become un- tion) who assisted with all of the field work. John suitable for breeding in dry periods. Dayies (CNR. Warragul) and DaVid Cameron (CNR, However, in this survey a contraction in Heidelberg) assisted with plant identifications and vegetation community classifications. Graeme Gillespie (CNR. breeding range from the eastern side of Heidelberg). Peter Johnson (CNR, Bendigoi. Will Os- the plateau, similar to that recorded in borne (University of Canberra). Peter Robertson (CNR. 1984, was observed during a period of Heidelberg) and Graeme Watson (University of Mel- bourne) provided additional high spring rainfall. A more detailed in- guidance in planning and designing the survey. Murray Littlejohn (University spection of longer-term climatic data over of Melbourne) and John Coventry (Museum of Victoria) several decades is required before any fur- provided additional information on amphibian col- ther conclusions can be made, particularly lection trips to the Baw Byw Plateau. Graeme Gillespie, John Davies, Peter considering ihe absence in knowledge of Robertson, Will Osborne, Max James and Brian Ward provided comment on the the longevity of the Baw Baw Frog manuscript. Steve Tullock (CNR. Gippsland) kindly as- and the impact that rainfall and other cli- sisted with drafting of the Baw Baw Plateau map. Thanks must matic factors has on its breeding biology. also go to student volunteers I'rom LaTrobe Univer- sity (Zoology Department) who assistedwith some of Although the fundamental characteristics the field work. CNR (Gippsland Area) provided vehicles and ot the ecology and biology of the Baw Baw logistic support. The Alpine Resorts Commission kindly- Frog have been discussed and documented assisted with accommodal ion facilities during the field work (Martin 1 967; Watson and Martin 1 973- Lit- tlejohn 1963; Malone 1985a; Malone References 1985b), little is known about the demogra- Aldriek, J.M, Hook. R.A.. van de Graalf, R.H.M.. phy Nicholson, and population dynamics of this species. B.M.. O'Bcime, D.A and Schoknecht, ' N.R ( 1992). A Study of the Land in the According to Blausiein«7fl/. (1994), without Catchment ol the Gippsland Lakes'. Volume 2, Ed. M.S. Lnrimer. long-term data detailing demography and (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, dynamics of amphibian populations it is very Victoria: Australia). ANZLCC difficult, if not impossible, to unambigu- (1991), Australian and New Zealand Fnvironment and Conservation ously state whether or not Council. List of they are suffering Lndangered Vertebrate Fauna, i ANPWS Canberra) unusual declines. Therefore, interpretinu the Balkau.F.(l987>. 1:25,000 Map of the Baw Baw PlaieaU. results of this survey as indicating a popUla (Snowgum Press; Victoria). tion change outside the bounds Barinaga, P.H. (1990). Where have all the froegfes gone? of 'normal' 5W««v247, fluctuations could 1033-1034. be considered premature Blaustein, A.R. 1 1994). Chicken little or Nero's fiddle? although the 1994 survey results obtained A perspective on declining amphibian populations. recently also confirms this apparent decline Hcrpcrohsica SO. K5-97. Long-term Blaustein. A.R. and Wake. D.B. (1990). Declining monitoring and research into amphibian populations; a global phenomenon? the population dynamics Trends and demography hi Ecology ami Evolution 5, 203 2iH. of the Baw Baw Frog is Blaustein. required fo assess A K . Wake. D.B. and Sousa, W.P. (19W). population Amphibian stability and determine whether declines: Judging stability, persistence, and plibilin ol populations or not it is suffering to local and global an unusual decline. extinctions. Conservation Biolo$\ 8, 60-71. 200 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Cameron, D (1994). Vegetation mapping and vegetation Osborne, W.S. typology. (1991). The biology and management In An assessment of the environmental of the corroboree frog impact ol two proposed ski (Pseudophrxne corroboree) trails in the long heath and Species Management Report No. 8. triangle junction areas at Lake Mountain'. (New South Wales Department National Parks and of Conservation Wildlife Service) and Natural Resources, Flora and Pechmann J.H.K., Scott. D.E., Semlitsch, Fauna Branch, Heidelberg, unpublished report R D., Caldwell. J.P, Via, L.J. and CNR (1993a). 'Threatened Gibbons, J.W. (1 99 J) Fauna in Victoria' Declining amphibian populations: the problem of (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources separating human impacts Victoria). from natural fluctuations. Science 253, 892-895. CNR (1993h). Baw Baw Frog (Phihria frosti) Action Pechmann, J.H.K. and Wilbur, H.M. (1994). Statement No. 55. (Department of Conservation Putting and declining amphibian populations Natural Resources: into perspective Victoria). Natural fluctuations and human impacts Crump, M.L., Hensley, F.R. and Clark, K.L. (1992). Herpetologica 50. 65-84. Apparent decline of the golden toad: Underground or Phillips. K. (1990). Where have all the frogs extinct? Copeia 1992, 413-420. and toads gone? BioScience 40, 42 2-424. Czechura, G.V. and Ingram. G.J. (1990). Taudactvhs Pounds, J.A. and Crump, M.L. (1994). Amphibian dutmus and the case of the disappearing frogs. Memoirs declines andclimatedisturbance:Thecaseof the golden the Queensland of Museum 29. 361-365. load and the harlequin frog. Conservation Biology 8. Douglas, J.G. and Ferguson. J.A. (eds.) (1976). "Geology of Victoria'. Special Publications of the Geological Richards. S.J., McDonald. KR, and Alford. R.A. [1903). Society of Australia, No. 5. Declines in populations of Australia's endemic tropical Gillespie. G.R. and Hollis. G.J. (in press). Distribution rainforest frogs.P«c//7rC(?/rv(*nW/V>/ifi/Vi/()i,'v 1.66 77. and habitat of the Spotted Tree Frog Litoria spenceri Roberts, 1. (1994). Baw Baw Plateau provisional aerial Spencer (Anura: Hylidae), and an assessment of photographic interpretation: Baw Baw Frog habitat and potential causes of population declines. Wildlife vegetation mosaic map 1:25000. (Earth Resource Research. Analysis, unpublished). Gosner, K.L. (1960). A simplified table for staging anuran Rosengren, N.J.. McRae-Williams. M.S. and Kraemers, embryos and larvae with notes on identification. S.M. ( 1981 ). Sites of Geological and Geo morphological

Herpetologiai 16, 1 83- 1 90. Significance in Central Gippsland. Ministry for Hem, J.. Littlejohn, M. and Marantelli, G. (1991). Conservation, Victoria. Environmental Studies Series 'Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs'. (Dep- No. 341. artment of Conservation and Environment: Victoria), Sibley, G.T (1975). 'A Study of the Land in the Tyers Heycr. W.R., Rand, A.S.. Da Cruz. C.G. and Peixoto. OL River Catchment'. (Soil Conservation Authority: (1988). Decimations, extinctions, and colonizations of Victoria). frog populations in south-east Brazil and their Trenerry, M.P.. Laurance, W.F and McDonald, KR.

evolutionary implications. Biotropica 20, 230-235. ( 1994). Further evidence for the precipitous decline of La Marca, E. and Reinthaler. H.P. (1991). Population endemic rainforest frogs in tropical Australia. Pacific

changes in Atelopus species of the Cordeillera de Conservation Biology 1, 150-153. Merida. Venezuela. Herp Review 22, 125-128. Tyler. M.J. (1 992). 'Encyclopedia of Australian Animals

Littlejohn. M.J. ( 1 963). The Breeding Biology of the Baw Frogs'. (Angus and Robertson: Sydney). Baw Frog. Proceedings of the Unnean Society of New Tyler, M.J. and Davies, M. (1985). The gastric hrooding South Wales 88. 273-276. frog Rheobatrachus situs. In 'Biology of Australasian Mahony, M.J. (1993). The status of frogs in the Watagan Frogs and Reptiles'. Eds. G. Grigg, R. Shine and H. Mountains area the central coast of New South Wales. Ehmann. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Sydney). In Herpetology in Australia: A Diverse Discipline'. Vitt. L.J., Caldwell, J.P. Wilbur, H.M. and Smith, D.C. Eds. D. Lunney and D. Ayers. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: (1990). Amphibians as harbingers of decay. BioScience Sydney). 40,418. Malone, B.S. (1985a). Status, distribution and ecology of Walsh. N.G.. Barley. R.H, and Gullan, P.K. (1984). The the Baw Baw Frog (Phihria frosti). Arthur Rylah alpine vegetation of Victoria (excluding the Bogong Institute Technical Report No. 36. (Arthur Rylah High Plains region). Volume I. Ministry for Institute, Department of Conservation, Forests and Conservation, Victoria, Environmental Studies Series Lands: Victoria). No. 376. Malone. B.S, (1985b). Mortality during the early life Watson. G.F. and Martin, A.A. (1973). Life history, larval history stages of the Baw Baw Frog (Philoria frosti). morphology and relationships of Australian leptodacly lid In D 'Biology of Australasian Frogs and Reptiles'. Eds, frogs. Transactions of the Roval Society of South G. Grigg, R. Shine and H. Ehmann. (Surrey Beatty and Australia 97 ,33-45. Sons: Sydney). Watson, G.F.. Littlejohn, M.J.. Hero, J-M. and Robertson,

P. 1 99 ). Conservation status, ecology and management Moorrccs. A. and Molnar, C. (1991). Sites of Botanical ( 1 (Litoria spenceri). Arthur Significance in the Land Conservation Council of [he Spotted Tree Frog Institute Technical Report No. 116. (Arthur Melbourne District II Study Area*. (Department of Rylah Conservation and Conservation and Environment Victoria, unpublished Rylah Institute. Department of report). Environment: Victoria).

Bull. ( 1994). Population ecology Martin, A. A. (1967). Australian amphibian life histories: Williamson, I. and CM. Egg-laying some evolutionary and ecological aspects. In of the Australian frog Crinia signifera: Reseatrh 21. 621-632. •Australian Inland Waters and Their Fauna'. Ed. AH. patterns and mortality. Wildlife What's happening to the am- Weatherlv. (Australian National University: Canberra). Wyman. R.L. (1990). Conservation Biology 4. 350-355. Osbome, W.S. (1989). Distribution, relative abundance phibians? B.L. (1994) Audio strip transects In and conservation status of corroboree frogs Zimmerman, Monitoring Biological Divcrsitv: udophryne corroboree Moore (Anura: Measuring and for Amphibians' Eds. W.R Heyer, Myobatrachidae). Australian Wildlife Research 16, Standard Methods R.W. McDiarmid. L.C. Hayek and 537-547. M.A. Donnelly, M.S. Foster. (Smithsonian Institute Press: Washington me, W.S. (1990). Declining frog populations and 4-7. and London). extinctions in the Canberra region. Bogong 11 ,

201 Vol. 112(5) 1995 Research Reports

Biosystematics of Australian Mygalomorph Spiders: Two New Species of Arbanitis from Victoria (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae)

Barbara York Main 1

Abstract The genus Arbanitis is newly recorded in Victoria from Bairnsdale, Ml Buffalo and Glenaladale National Park and (wo new species are described. The occurrence of the genus in Victoria indicates a continuous distribution, albeit restricted to suitable habitats, from North Queensland to Tasmania.

Introduction Central Australia (Main 1981) was in error

This paper is the eleventh in which I deal as the species on which this statement was with the systematics of Australian Ctenizi- based was later transferred to Blakistonia dae and Idiopidae as defined by Raven (Main 1985a, b). (1985)(sec Main 1983, 1985 a, b for bibli- This paper records, for the first time, the ography of earlier papers and Main, 1993, occurrence ofArbanitis in Victoria, and des- for re-establishment of two genera). cribes two new species. The type specimens Arbanitis Koch is one of the most wide- are housed in the collection of the Museum spread genera of trapdoor spiders in of Victoria.

Australia (Main 1985a). Raven ( 1 985) trans- I have also collected immature specimens ferred Arbanitis from the Ctenizidae to his from Glenaladale National Park. newly erected family Idiopidae. Arbanitis as currently defined (Main 1985b) has been Methods recorded from Tasmania, north-eastern New The format for species descriptions fol- South Wales, south-eastern and mid lows that of earlier papers (see Main 1985b). Queensland, south-western Western Austra- Measurements are in millimetres throughout lia and one species from the Lofty descriptions. Ranges in South Australia (Davies 1976; Abbreviations. In reference to eyes: ALE, Gray 1976; Hickman 1967; Koch 1873, AME, PLEand PME, anterior lateral and an- 1874; Main 1964, 1981, 1985b; Rainbow terior median, posterior lateral and posterior and Pulleine, 1918). However, from per- median respectively. In reference to position sonal collecting and examination of museum of scopula, trichobothria and tooth rows of collections it is tarsal apparent that the genus is claws: P, prolateral; R, retrolateral; p, much more widely distributed in eastern prolateral; r, retrolateral; v, ventral; d, dorsal; Australia, from Cape York to Tasmania, than pv, pro-ventral; rv, retro-ventral; pd, pro-dor- is indicated either in biological survey re- sal. MV, Museum of Victoria; BYM, Barbara ports or from descriptions of nominal York Main collection housed in the Zoology species. Similarly in Western Australia, al- Department, University of Western Austra- though only species from the south-west lia. have been described, personal observations and collecting as well as the specimens in Systematics the Western Australian Museum collections, Arbanitis victoriensis sp, nov. show that Arbanitis extends well into the - (Figs. 1 10 and Table semi-arid region. 1) These HOLOTYPE: Female, Buffalo River widely scattered records then raise Dam, 8 September 1965 (MV K-3001). doubts about the authenticity of the locality Colour ol the South (in alcohol) tan brown, chelicerae Australian species A. zorvdes (Rainbow reddish, abdomen dark brown, dorsally with and Pulleine) because no specimens conspicuous, but pale, broken bands. Cara- additional to that of the type (Rainbow and pace glabrous; length 8.5, width 7.5. Deep Pulleine 1918) have been recorded cervical 'pits'. Fovea deeply procurved, from South Australia. Main's slightly reference to the 'efoveate' i.e. with backwardly di- occurrence of Arbanitis in rected swelling over the depression. Caput

1 l^partnient of Zoology, University of Western with high hump between eyes and fovea but Australia, Nedlands.W A 6009. with a depression immediately behind eyes; 202 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 1. Leg measurements of Arbanitis victoriensis sp. n. female holotype. [The leg formula is the length of leg divided by length of carapace (from anterior mid-margin to posterior mid-margin). The tibial index is the of width patella x 100, divided by length of patella plus tibia (Petrunkevitch 1942)1 Leg formula:

2.07 .67 1.58 1.47

Ti M Ta Total

1 4.5 3.2 2.8 2.0 1.7 14.2

II 4.4 3.1 2.4 1.9 1.7 13.5

III 3.5 3.2 2.6 2.3 1.9 12.5 IV 5.0 3.6 3.4 3.5 2.1 17.6 Palp 4.2 2.7 2.3 — 2.7 11.9

Width of patella I at knee = 1.3. Tibial index = 21.6. Width of patella IV at knee = 1.6. Tibial index = 22.2.

clypeus short. A line of a few short, fine hairs P 2, R 2 (?). Spines. Prolateral/vcntral edge between eyes and fovea; a group of about of femurs of palp and I (and less so on II) eight pre-ocular bristles; a clump of at least with dense line of long, strong bristles. Palp, 6, tibia pv 9 (some broken), 1 bristles between posterior eyes. Eye group tarsus pv 4, rv rv tibia compact, anterior width 1.7 mm, posterior rv 8. 1, tarsus v 4, metatarsus pv 3, 7, width 1.9 mm, length 0.9 mm; anterior row pv 5, rv 4. II, tarsus v 3, metatarsus pv 3, rv bristles. Ill, almost straight. Diameters of eyes: ALE 0.4 3, tibia pv 1, rv 1 + 2 tapering tarsus v 4, metatarsus v 3 apical, d 2 apical, mm, AME 0. 1 5, PLE 0.3, PME 0. 1 5. v Chelicerae mlh longitudinal band of stout pd 2, patella pd 3 in a line. IV, tarsus 8, bristles; rastellum of long pointed teeth on metatarsus 4. hairy and with few apical angle, no process. Teeth of groove Abdomen. Sparsely median dorsal bristles. Internal genitalia, (left) p 7, r 9, 4 proximal intermediate; (right) of vesicles each with a broad based long p 7 (plus 2 tiny regen erated teeth on site of pair narrowing below globose crown; 'tu- second distal tooth) r 8, intermediate 7; pro- stem, bercles' covering whole of crown and stem lateral ventral keel on fang. Sternum with scattered short and long bristles, length 4.7, (Fig. 10). width 4.5. Posterior sigiila large, oval, about 0.8 from margin and about 1 .8 apart. Labium Diagnosis pointed cuspulcs. with cuspules; abdomen with length 1 .0, with 2 anterior Labium Maxillae with about 22 cuspules on inner sparse hairs and dorsal bars. Legs slightly A. bairnsdale, anterior angle, some reduced bristles but no stouter and less spinose than one to three spinules. paired tarsal claws with globose vesicles Legs. Scapula, palp tarsus P complete, R teeth. Internal genitalia with metatarsus based, flanged stems. incomplete; 1, tarsus P, R dense, and broadly tarsus and meta- P dense, R apical only. II, Arbanitis bairnsdale sp. nov. Palp tarsus dense P only. Trichobothria. (Figs. 11 -17 and Table 2) in and r rows. tarsus about 1 2, tibia 6 or 7 p about 8 in Female, Bairnsdale, 13 I, tarsus about 12, metatarsus HOLOTYPE: irregular row, tibia 6 in p and r rows. II, tarsus May 1964 (MVK-3002). HI, tarsus 14, metatarsus 10, tibia p 6, r 5. brown Colour tan brown, abdomen dark about 8, tibia p 6, r 5. about 12, metatarsus tansverse bands; with faint, narrow broken metatarsus 7, tibia p 6, r IV. tarsus about 10, area reddish brown. with 2 chelicerac and sternal Tarsal claws teeth, (right), palp 6. glabrous, caput arched, depressed 11, Carapace claws on legs: 1, P 3, R 2 (?). teeth. Paired in front ol fovea. IV, behind eyes, humped Ill, P I R 1 (left - right broken) P 2, R 2. ,

203 Vol. 112(5)1995 Research Reports

Figs 1-10. Arbanitis vktoriensis sp. n., female, holotype; 1, dorsal view; 2, abdomen, dorsal; 3, abdomen ventral; 4, eyes; 5, sternal area; 6, left chelicera, teeth on groove margins; 7, rastellum, right chehcera; 8,9, femurs of legs I, II, ventral; 10, internal genitalia, dorsal view. Scale: 1 - 3, 5, 8 , = 1 mm; 9 .0 4 JO = 0.5 mm; 6, 7, not to scale

204 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

holotype;. carapace ; 12, Figs 11-17. ArW/.^Wa/.spn. female *^ le "'^J^»• groove teeth; 1. pre > - ^ » sternum; 14, 15, right and left chelicerae, ^ * *t4.no! - 1.0 mm, 17,0.5 Jmm. £ Scale: 11- 13 , 15, 16 metatarsus and tarsus; 17, internal genitalia. to scale. 205 Vol. 112(5) 1995 Research Reports

n. Table 2. Lett measurements of Arbanitis balrnsdale sp. female holotype. | Method as in Table I

Ley formula: 4 1 3 7 2?

2.4 1 .93 1.84 1.73

F P Ti M T Total

I 4.5 3.1 2.8 2.0 1.5 13.9

11 3,8 2.7 2.5 2.1 1.4 12.5?

III 3.7 2.9 2.5 2.5 1.7 13.3? IV 4.5 3.4 3,8 3.5 2.1 17.3 Palp 3.9 2.5 2.5 — 2.6 11.5

Width ol patella 1 at knee = 1.2. Tibial index = = 20.03.

- Width ol patella IV at knee = 1.4. Tibial index : = 19.4.

Fovea procurved (not projecting). Carapace Abdomen dorsally long bristles and hairs, length 7.2, width 6.7. Eyes, anterior width very dark, with pale speckles and posteriorly

1 posterior .5, width 1 .5, length 0.7. Clypeus with pale, barely perceptible narrow bar-like a low mound, with slight anterior peak. Di- marks. Internal genitalia, paired vesicles ameters of eyes: AIJi0.4, AME0,2 T PLE each with narrow base, spherical crowns; 0.2, PME0.15. Cheliceme, Rastellum of whole of stem and crown covered with tu- Stout teeth, in decreasing size dorsally. bercles (Fig. 17 ). Teeth on cheliceral fang groove: (Right/Left) 7I\ 6 + 3R, 6M / 71>, 9R, 4M; on right Diagnosis cheliccro median tow in long line, on left Labium without cuspules, abdomen hir- chclicera form a stout basal group (Tigs, 14, sute, dorsally dark, pattern indistinct. Paired 1 5 ). Sternum length 4.0, width 4.0; posterior tarsal claws all with a single large tooth (ex- sigilla large, oval. Labium length 1 .0. nocus cept retroclaw IV). Legs slightly more pules or spinules, Maxillae, 45 to 50 slender and more spinose than A.victorien- cuspules on inner anterior angle. sis. Internal genitalia, vesicles with spherical Legs, Scapula: very sparse on palp tarsus. crowns and straight sided stems. prolateral face only; I, thin on prolateral face tarsus and metatarsus, a few hairs only on Other records of Arbanitis from Victoria retrolateral face; II, thin scopula on prolateral The genus is also known from Glenaladalc face of tarsus, a few apical hairs

206 The Victorian Naturalist iesearch Reports

References Main, B. Y (1985a). Mygalomorphae. In 'Zoological Davies, V. (1976). Spiders. In 'Fauna of Eastern Catalogue of Australia' vol. 3. Ed D.W. Walton, Australian rainforests: Preliminary report on patehes (Australian Government Publishing Service: surveyed by the Queensland Museum in mid-eastern Canberra). and north eastern Queensland'. (Queensland Museum: Main, B. Y. (1985b). Further studies on the systematics Brisbane). of ctenizid trapdoor spiders: a review of the Australian Gray, M. R. (1976). Spiders. In 'A fauna! survey of east genera (Arancae: Mygalomorphae: Cteni/idac). Australian rainforests. Interim report'. (Australian Australian Journal of Zoology, Suppementary Series Museum: Sydney). 108, 1-84. Hickman, V. V. (1967). 'Some Common Spiders from Main, B. Y. (1993). From Hood avoidance to foraging: Tasmania'. (Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: adaptive shifts in trapdoor spider behaviour. Memoirs Hobart). of the Queensland Museum 33, 599 - 606. Koch. L. (1973). 'Die Arachniden Australiens'. (Bauer Petrunkevitch, A. (1942). A study of amber spiders. and Raspe: Nurnberg). Transactions of (he Connecticut Academy of Arts and 1 Koch, L. (1874). 'Die Arachniden Australiens . (Bauer Sciences 34,119 - 464. and Raspe: Nurnberg). Rainbow, W. J. and Pulleine, R. H. (1918). Australian Main, B. Y. (1964). 'Spiders of Australia'. (Jacaranda, trapdoor spiders. Records ofthe Australian Museum 12, Brisbane). 81-169.

Main, B. Y. (1981). Eco-evolutionary radiation of Raven, R, J. (1985). The spider inlraordcr mygalomorph spiders in Australia. In 'Ecological Mygalomorphae (Araneae): Cladistics and systematics. Biogeography of Australia Vol. 2. Ed. A. Keast. (Junk: Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History The Hague). 182(1), 1-180.

Main, B. Y. ( 1983). Systematics of the trapdoor spider genus Homogona Rainbow (Mygalomorphae: Ctenizidae: Homogoninae). Journal of the Australian Entomological Society 22, 81-92.

The Wonders of the Weather

by Bob Crowder

Publisher: Australian Government Publishing Service for the Bureau of Meteorology RRP $39.95 from Commonwealth Government Bookshops or Freecall to A.G.P.S. 008 020 049 orA.G.PS. Mail Order Sales, GPO Box 84, Canberra, ACT260I

casy-to-rcad, infor- In the Preface to this outstandi ng book, the tors are discussed in an style but author states that meteorology is not only mative and mystery-unravelling uncertainties about weather but must embrace the study of without ignoring the existing comings. the total environment - the land and ocean as and short- the text is copiously illus- well as the atmosphere. He set out to explain In addition, magnificent photographs, well the complex, interacting processes which trated with presented drawings, charts govern weather and climate in a manner conceived and and the odd cartoon, consistent easily understood, interesting and appealing and graphs, with the overall somewhat informal - well! to a wide range of readers - amateur and pro- technical anyway - style. fessional meteorologists, groups whose lives not too book will certainly satisfy the target are intimately linked with the weather(avia- The readership and be a boon to those who, tors, mariners, farmers etc.) and especially the reviewer, have never really come students. Mr Crowder has succeeded like grips with deciphering the weather map! It admirably. to with the will also convince the sceptics that, This 264-page book is divided into eleven of the sophisticated technology now Chapters ranging from The Sun, the Earth aid today's available and covered in the book, Seasons' to 'Myths, Facts and and the as four-day weather forecasts arc as accurate Fallacies' and deals with such topics as radia- only ten years ago'. systems, 24-hour forecasts were tion, greenhouse effect, wind clouds, precipitation, weather maps, Arthur Farnworth cyclones, thunderstorms etc, and, of course, The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria weather forecasting. All the complex fac-

207 Vol. 112(5)1995 Contributions

Bats in Remnant Vegetation along the Barvvon River, south-west Victoria: A Survey by Electronic Bat-detector

L.E. Conole 1 and G.A. Baverstock

Introduction ence by members of the public, all of which The Barwon River rises on the northern have been disincentives. We considered slopes of the Otway Ranges and then flows hand held, electronic bat-detectors as a pos- across coastal and volcanic plains, around sible solution to some of these survey the base of the Barrabooi Hills, through the impediments and in late winter/early spring large provincial city of Geelong, and into the (August and September) of 1994, we con- Lake Connewarre estuarine system before ducted a brief, unstructured pilot project emptying into Bass Strait at Barwon Heads using bat -detectors to survey microbats at ar- on the Bellarine Peninsula. In the bitrarily selected points along the Barwon headwaters, the East and West Barwon River River between Geelong near the estuary and branches begin in, mostly intact, indigenous, Winchelsea on the plains. wet sclerophyll forest and cool temperate There are no existing written records of rainforest. As the river leaves the Otways* bats occurring in the riparian vegetation of northern slopes, the remainder of the the Barwon River near Geelong, but based river's course flows through cleared rural, on trapping in other remnant vegetation on rural residential and urban environments. A the plains nearby, we expected to record narrow riparian strip of River Red Gums White-striped Freetail-bat Tadarida aus- Eucalyptus camaldalensis, only one or two traits. Little Forest Bat Vespadelus trees wide, is the sole surviving indigenous vulturnus, Southern Forest Bat V regulus % vegetal ion for much of the length of the Large Forest Bat V darlingtoni, Gould's river across the plains, until it reaches the Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii, Choco- marshland and White Mangroves Avicennfo late Wattled Bat C. morio and Lesser marina of the estuarine system. Other tree Long-eared Bat Nyctoph'dus geoffroyi species in the riparian strip include Manna (Baverstock and Conole 1991; Conole and Gum E. viminalis. Late Black Wattle Acacia Baverstock 1985; 1992; unpubl. data). We mearnsii. Silver Wattle A. dealbata and have trapped Little Freetail-bat Mormop- Blackwood A. melanoxylon\ major shrubs tertts planiceps (small penis form) and include River Bottlebrush Callistemon sie- Inland Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens bal- beri, Blackthorn Bursaria spinosa. stoni on farmland at Tcesdale on the plains Hemp-bush Gynatrix pulchella. Tree Ever- (Conole and Baverstock unpubl. data), and lasting Ozothanmus ferrugineus, Tangled expected that the plains section of the river Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta and the might yield these taxa. Other possible oc- exotic Boxthom Lyciumferocissimum, currences included M. planiceps (long The broad objective is to compile an in- penis form) and Eastern Broad-nosed Bat ventory of microchiropteran bats (micro- S. orion, Other bats of uncertain status in bats) of the Geelong-Otway area. However, River Red Gum riparian vegetation in this we have been largely prevented from survey- area include Eastern Great Pipistrellc Falsis- ing bats by normal direct methods e.g. trelius tasmaniensis. Large-footed Myotis trapping and netting along major water- Myotis adversus and Yellow-bellied Sheath- courses such as the Barwon, Moorabool and tail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris (Conole Leigh Rivers. This has been due to the diffi- and Baverstock 1985; unpubl. data). eulty of access, ill defined bat flyways and the serious risk of vandalism to the highly Methods and materials visible equipment as well as other interfer- A number of locations along the Barwon 2/45 Virginia Street, ^ Newtown, Victoria 3220. River were selected for ease ofaccess, such as 1350 Noyes Road, Lethbridge, Victoria 3220. road bridges, pedestrian and bicycle paths

208 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

(see table 1). At each site, a 30-40 minute Results period after dusk was surveyed for The pilot project using the ANABAT 2.0 microchiropteran bats using one hand-held bat-detector was very successful, resulting in AT 2.0 electronic bat-detector ANAB (Titley the detection of between eleven and thirteen Electronics, Ballina, South New Wales, Aus- species of microbats along the course of the tralia). Inaudible (to human ears) ultrasonic Barwon River. As the sole indigenous wood- calls were detected by the ANABAT, and re- land vegetation for much of the river's corded on audio cassette tape for later course, the riparian strip appeared to function analysis. Recorded sequences were viewed as a focus for microbat activity, both for and analysed using the ANABAT 5.1 signal roosting and foraging. Bridge structures and

processing software (Titley Electronics) on aqueducts were important roost sites too, alan IBM-clone personal computer. The soft- though over-represented in the survey due to ware produced graphical representations of our method of site selection. In an unseason- the microbat calls, with frequency on the y ally warm and dry winter, microbat activity

axisandtimeonthexaxis(seefigs. 1 -3). Ref- was greater than we expected for this time of erence sequences were not available from the year in a cool temperate area. Barwon River strip, so sequences from The expected species were recorded, and nearby in Victoria and elsewhere were em- in some cases in areas where we did not ex- ployed. pect them. All records were the first for the Barwon River strip, and several were signifi- Table 1. Results of dusk bat-detector surveys at cant range extensions for some species. As

selected sites on the Barwon River Victoria. expected, T. australis, C. gouldii, V dar-

Key: lingtoni, V. regulus and V. vutturnus were 1. Zillah Crawcour Reserve, Newtown. ubiquitous. Nyctophilia geoffroyi was not 2. Merrawarp Road bridge, Ceres. 3. Pollocksford bridge. often recorded, but as a 'whispering bat' (soft Winchelsea. 4 Winehel^ea-Deans Marsh Road bridge, calls difficult to detect) we expected to un- 5. Balyang and Yollinko Sanctuaries, Princes Bridge. der-record it. Chalinolobus mono was less Newtown. recorded than expected. We are cur- 6. Buckley's falls Regional Park, Highton. widely 7. Confluence of Barwon and Leigh Rivers. Inverleigh. rently not able to differentiate between V!

8. Murgheboluc. darlingtoni and V. regulus calls, but enough variation was recorded to suggest that both species were detected. Mormopterus planiceps 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 was recorded in the urban river suburbs of Geelong for the first time, as well as other Tadurida australis • • new locations along the river. Two slightly '• Murmopterm planiceps • • differentiated call signatures were recorded planiceps at -27 kHz and Scotorepens prion • from free flying M. -29 kHz, which may represent the two un- Falsistrellus 1 long penis: species deserved taxa (species 1 tasmaniensis • individual vari- 2, short penis), or simply • Myotis Vespadeius vutturnus • • • • • ation. Scotorepens prion and for the first time in \ • adversus were recorded '. darlingtoni/regulus the base the Geelong area at Pollocksford, at Chalinololms gotitdii • • • these tree- of the Barrabool Hills. Along with • roosting M. C mono • hole roosting species, the cave resident of Myotis adversus • schreibersii was an unexpected in aqueducts the strip; probably roosting Minitfpierus scltreibcrsii • • re- and bridge structures. Some detector • • • by Nyctophilias geoffrayt cords were verified or augmented

209 Vol. 112(5) 1995 Contributions

Oppressed to 86 kHz Div = 16 Cal = 40686 CHG0UL62.LCI Fcr = 28.5 kHz DOR = 7.67 ms TBC = 183 ms FRE = 30.5 kHz - - TOTAL 888 ms TICKS 58 ws Npts = 2188 Buff = 28 X F 5 i ITiri n i H f iii M niiii n it i iii M iM ii M iii r iirriiTrtir ii i 'i'rn rp iT TTi iii MM'iti i ii ii m pni iiTiTTiTTTrifnt m i i ii iiiiiiriii ip i p m

78 -:

56KHz -

,.^^M^ ;.vv

illlll » l J llll in i lj l M1 l 11 l ll l ljl lll U lllllllll ll lll L l l lJlllllllt jllll11liy ni l I...,,'.., !., ...... [, ,. ,. „,, ,, ..l..,.,,... ! ^ | |

Fig. 1 Foraging sequence of Gould's Wattled . Bat Chalinolobus gouldii showing three 'kills' or attempts to capture prey, recorded at Yollinko Sanctuary, Barwon River, Newtown (Geelong) by L.E. Conole. ANABAT V display, compressed mode (Titley Electronics).

Conpressed = to 88 kHz Div 16 Cal = M0RNPL67.LCI = = = Ti TOTAL - 488 - TICKS - 25 ^ '&« iff '&- E *ft rpTT'T I TT1 Tp ll.llllf|lllMIMipiT1f

58KHz - U NV_A .^S^VA*,, s \ \ \ ,.

' ' ..' ' ' """ 1.1 . IJ l) ,H , | ""J |! "'}[ t ""i jj fr j .^ ,JM„„„d ^ J.

°f ,h Uttle MaS,iff- ba Mormopterusplaniceps 2*^31^^ o ' recorded on the Leigh m d™e^

210 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

! i M^*»*"i *,l Pi' . 'i 19 1*41 MKHz r 1 v- I 1 MH \ ii Ui W'i

' < ., ^V^. K \\ V 10

..I ! n m 1 iliiiUHiHUI i""""i j a t i T"i "i" i i

Fig. 3. Combined sequences of Little Forest Bat Vespadelus vulturnus (c. 50 kHz), Forest Bat sp. australis (c. 12 kHz) V. darlingtoni or V. regulus (c. 45 kHz) and White-striped Freetail-bat Tadarida (Titley recorded at Pollocksford, Barwon River, by L.E. Conole. ANABAT V display, compressed mode Electronics).

visual records, e.g. C. gouldii, M. schreiber- Acknowledgments We would like to thank Alex Kutt, Alexander sii, M. planiceps. Herr and Martin Rhodes for the ANABAT reference files that they provided. We also extend our Discussion appreciation to the trustees of the M.A. Ingram Remote sensing with bat-detectors proved Trust who authorisedasubstantial financial contri- technique for surveying a to be a valuable bution enabling us to purchase the ANABAT 5.0 rich microbat habitat which could not easily bat-detector system. be surveyed by direct trapping methods. A wider range of species was detected than that which occurs in any woodland remnant nearby on the plains (Conole and Baverstock and Conole, L.E. (1991 ). The mammals Clearly a Baverstock, G.A. 1985; 1991; 1992; unpubl data). Geelong Naturalist of the 'Bannockburn Bush'. techniques combination of direct and remote 27(4):75-81. Mammals ot records, L.E. and Baverstock, G.A. (1985). is preferable for producing verified Conole, a Reserve. Part 111. the Inverleigh Common Flor and gathering morphometric and reproduc- Geelong Naturalist 22:44-46. enjoys a clear The mammals tive data, but the bat-detector Conole L E. and Baverstock, G.A. (1992). Forest. Victoria. The Victorian advantage in gathering basic distributional of the Bamganie State Naturalist \09(6):2l2-2\6. data in certain difficult survey environments.

211 Vol. 112(5)1995 Contributions

Initial Results from Bat Roosting Boxes at Organ Pipes National Park

Robert Irvine 1 and Robert Bender2

Background park. This helped us decide where the roost- The Organ Pipes National Park is located ing boxes would be located. 26 km NW of Melbourne. The park is a spec- Trapping was conducted on 3 April 1992 tacular example of restoration of natural using two harp traps set up along the river vegetation, begun in 1972, that has rehabili- track in the area where we proposed to locate tated a barren and weed-infested landscape the boxes. A total of 23 individuals from (Kemp and Irvine 1993). The Friends Of four species (Gould's Wattled Bat, Choco- Organ Pipes (FOOP) are involved in this late Wattled Bat, Large Forest Bat and revegetation effort and also in encouraging Little Forest Bat) were caught, identified, animals back into this regenerated environ- measured, sexed, weighed and released

ment. (see Table 1). The White-striped Freetail-bat usually Early mammal survey forages above the canopy and well above the In February 1988, Ray Brereton and height of the harp trap, hence they are rarely Martin Schulz of the Arthur Rylah Institute trapped, but may use the roosting boxes.

(Department of Conservation and Natural Although it is difficult to estimate overall Resources - DCNR) conducted a mammal bat numbers from trapping data, it provided survey at the Organ Pipes National Park and an indication of the range of species found reported that bats were the most diverse- in the area. Following the success of this sec- group of native mammals occurring in the ond trapping session it was decided that this park (Schulz and Brereton 1988). Brereton part of the river flat would be a good place and Schulz set up harp traps over Jacksons to locate the roosting boxes. The FOOP suc- Creek and over three nights they trapped cessfully applied for a Bird Observers Club a total of 53 individual bats consisting of six of Australia grant to construct ten roosting species: Gould's Wattled Bat, Chocolate boxes. timber The used was Pinus radiata y Wattled Bat, Lesser Long-eared Bat, Large which has weathered remarkably well over Forest Bat, Southern Forest Bat and Little three years. The rear plate of the box Forest Bat (Table 1). An additional species, the White-striped Freetail-bat, was recorded in flight by spotlight.

One of their recommendations was that 'To encourage bats further into the area, the possibility of setting up 'bat roost boxes' should be investigated. These have been used with great success in Europe' (Schulz and Brereton 1988). The FOOP decided to follow up these recommendations with a project to build and install roost boxes, then undertake a monitoring program. The project started with an invitation to Ms Lindy Lumsden, also of Arthur Rylah Institute, assisted by other DCNR staff, to do some bat-trapping in the

1 Mudie Avenue, ^ 1 Sunhury, Victoria 3429 Habitat * Bailey and bat roosting box location along 9 Grove, Ivanhoe. Victoria 3079. river track.

212 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Table 1. Bat species and numbers trapped at OPNP. Species Common name Sex 23/2/88 24/2/88 25/2/88 3/4/92 Total Chalinolobus gouldii Gould's Wattled Bat M 1 1 2

F 1 1

Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat M 3 4 1 8

F 5 1 1 7 NyctophMus Lesser geoffroyi Long-eared Bat M 1 1 F 1 1

Vespadelus darlingtoni Large Forest Bat M 3 3 1 7

F 2 1 3 6

Vespadelus regidus Southern Forest Bat M 1 1

F 1 1 2

Vespadelus vidturnus Little Forest Bat M 6 6 1 5 18

F 6 5 3 14

Tadarida australis White-striped Mastiff Bat Spotlit in flight only

Depth 12cnv

Hinged lid

Width 16cm 30 cm >

Climbing Grooves

Entrance 3cm

Fig. 1. Dimensions of Bat roosting boxes, box dark and to en- extended above and below the box structure, design was to make the from below. A series of and was nailed to the tree trunk at both ends able bats to enter grooves was machined on the inner surface (Fig. 1 and Llewellyn 1988). of the rear plate to make it easier for the bats the boxes. It was hoped Bat roosting box design to climb and cling to would also restrict use of the The species of bats caught in OPNP pre- the design to bats, as it was believed that other dominantly roost in tree hollows or behind boxes arboreal animals such as possums and birds loose bark (Schulz and Brereton 1988). The a side entry, as used on nesting optimum roosting box simulates these kinds preferred set up boxes for birds and Sugar Gliders also of roosting sites. As there was no published along the creek in the National Park. research on roosting boxes in Australia, overseas research was used to determine the a Box Location size and design of the boxes. We selected into consid- European A range of factors was taken design (Fig. 1 ) based on successful of the eration in deciding on the placement Bat box similar to our bird boxes but without had shown several This roosting boxes. Trapping a base or round entry hole at the front. 213 Vol. 112(5)1995 Contributions

species were using the forested area by the boxes and we had come to believe Jacksons Creek (Table 1). It was decid ed to the boxes were unsuccessful, for causes place boxes about 5 metres above ground, in unknown. Possible explanations considered trees free from crowding branches, sheltered were that the designs were unattractive to from wind and with a variety of aspects to bats, box locations were poorly chosen, and cater for seasonal temperature variation. Ten the abundant presence of natural hollows boxes were installed in trees on 3 April 1 992 were chosen by bats in preference to our in the locations shown (Fig. 2 and Table 2). artificial boxes. FOOP were also surprised to find that a Monitoring Inspections, Don't give up number of the roosting boxes had been used hope! by Sugar Gliders Petaums breviceps as Inspections were conducted in November shown by the worn entrance where Gliders

1 992 and July, October and November 1 994. had squeezed through the narrow slit. Until the last inspection in November, no Published illustrations of bat roost box de- bats were found to have been using any of signs (e.g. Llewellyn 1988) recommended a

Table 2. Box Installation notes and location details.

Box Height Tree species Aspect Sun/ Comments no (metres) Shade

CI 4.5 Manna Gum Eucalyptus N Partial Surrounded by trees viminalis sun C2 4 Yellow Box SE Shaded Hillside close to large open area. Eucalyptus melliodora Ridge Track C3 4.5 River Red Gum N Sun/ Surrounded by trees Eucalyptus camaldulensis Shaded C4 4.5 River Red Gum S Surrounded by trees C5 4.5 Manna Gum SE Shaded Surrounded by trees C6 6 River Red Gum W Shaded Surrounded by trees C7 4.5 River Red Gum NE Shaded Surrounded by trees C8 6 River Red Gum NW Sun/ Near creek, surrounded by trees Shaded C9 4.5 River Red Gum SE Shaded Surrounded by trees CIO 4 River Red Gum NW Shaded Overhanging creek

Fig. 2. Location of Bat boxes.

214 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

slit dimension of 15 to 20 mm, but we had in what appeared to be a random mix of as- used 30 mm, apparently allowing larger pect, location and tree species (Table 3). In animals to enter. Two bat roosting boxes box C5 bats were roosting above the old nest- contained nests made of eucalypt leaves ing material of Sugar Gliders which was woven into a hollow ball that is typical of filling the entrance slit. Bat droppings were glider nests (Triggs 1984). In the three years found in one additional box. before the bat roost boxes were installed, a According to recently released research program of Sugar Glider releases had taken from North America (Tuttle and Hensley

place - 37 Gliders in total; 13 in February 1 993) roosting boxes are normally used in the

1 989, 6 in March 1 990, and 1 8 in April 1 990 first season and, if not used within two (FOOP 1989, 1990a, 1990b). years, will probably not be used at all. Until The specifically designed boxes installed the November 1994 inspection, we felt for these gliders, were mainly hollow logs justified in deciding that the boxes would with both ends bunged up and a round never be used. side entrance which was drilled through the timber. Sugar Glider use of the bat roost- Why the slow results? ing boxes with the narrow slit underneath was It may be that the bats were roosting, over unexpected. During 1994, a research project winter, in more secure locations in tree hol- had commenced on social inter-action among lows and had become more active as the Sugar Gl iders, some of which were known to weather warmed up and a plentiful supply of be nesting in the bat roosting boxes. The re- insects appeared, late in spring. The boxes searcher had placed wooden pegs just below may be too cold during winter, as is sug- Hensley the entrance to some bat boxes, for attach- gested by the research of Tuttle and ment of sensing apparatus to detect glider (1993) in the USA where inland winters are southern Australia. movements into and out of the nest boxes. generally harsher than in importance of roost The biggest surprise came on 19 Novem- This emphasises the exposed to at least four hours of ber 1994 when, preparing to remove and sites being winter. All boxes at OPNP relocate the boxes, we found a total of 34 bats full sun during wooded area, which is un- (species were not identified) using 5 boxes are in a densely

Table 3. Box Inspection results (boxes installed 3/4/92) (Eucalypt leaves), rt = radio CG = Chahnohhus gouldii material = material for Sugar Glider nest detector indicating tagged Sugar Gto ^

slit worn by glider.

22 Dec 25 Feb July 8 Oct 29 Oct 19 Nov Box 7 Nov 23 1995 1994 1994 1994 no. 1992 1994 1994 material material. material no inspect, 2 s/gliders, CI empty material, ants large nest some fresh worn, bat worn, 2 bats 1 s/glider, C2 empty empty worn no inspect. droppings CG nest 18 bats CG 2 bats, worn 1 s/glider empty empty empty 7 bats C3 2 bats CG material, fresh empty C4 empty empty empty no inpsect. leaves bats CG empty no inspect. 2 bats, 2 empty material, rt material C5 material material

1 s/glider 10 bats empty C6 empty empty empty no inspect. bat droppings empty empty no inspect. 7 bats C7 empty empty Ant nest worn, Ant nest Ant nest empty empty empty no inpsect. C8 s/glider 2s/glidcrs empty no inspect, 13 bats 1 C9 em ply empty material, s/glider material material no inspect. 1 CIO empty material, 1 s/glider

1 s/glider

215 Vol. 112(5)1995 Contributions

winter Conclusions and the future likely to provide this source of There is now no doubt that bats may use warmth for a sufficient period each day. We the roosting boxes in the location s where we just do not know why it took two and a half them, regardless of the as- years for bats to show signs of using our roost have installed relation to sunlight, or tree boxes. pect, position in are located. All four bats found in the boxes in species in which they December 1994 were identified as Gould's FOOP intend to construct additional bat to the success rates of diffe Wattled Bats and it is believed those boxes compare positions. The new roosting found in previous inspections were also of rent designs and larger with multiple internal this species. boxes will be According to our expert Lindy Lumsdcn paititions, possibly of different internal The most probable reason for the marked dimension, to attract smaller bats than will also change in numbers found between No- C. gouldii (sec Fig. 3). They have will discourage vember and December is that by no bases, which we expect December, the females would be using ma- Sugar Gliders which will have no support on nests of eucalypt ternity roosts. It appears that the boxes are which to construct their not being used as maternity roosts (the leaves. These designs have been very suc- internal microclimate may not be optimal cessful in North America. for this purpose), so this leaves only the We hope these new boxes will be suitable

males to use the boxes'. The other factor for the bats during winter hibernation as wel I that might have an impact was the pegs as at other times of the year. They will be installed beneath the entrances to boxes C4 checked on a regular basis and all bats and CIO for the purpose of research be- will be banded to investigate the social ing conducted on Sugar Glider social organisation of the bats. To date, all bats

inter-actions in the area, over part of this pe- found using the boxes and identified to

riod. These wooden pegs - two placed about species have been Gould's Wattled Bats C.

10 cm apart across the entrance slit - would gouldt'u despite the fact that six species have have made the bats' access to the boxes more been identified as using the river Hat where difficult. Only these two boxes had such pegs the boxes have been installed. This is a strong in place and eventually bats were found oc- contrast with the distribution of species cupying one of these two boxes. trapped by Brereton and Schulz in 1988, in

O Hinged ltd

I i

i i

i i :

! Climbing Grooves » i

I !

I i

Fi^. 3- Proposed new Bat roosting boxes.

216 The Victorian Naturalist Book Review

which only 3 of the 53 captured bats were Schedvin for trapping, banding and identifying Gould's Wattled bats. Bats, though harp traps FOOP members Mark Scida and John Smith might not give a representative impression for helping with box inspections. Several unidentified reviewers of the proportional mix of species in an area, for their valuable suggestions. and C. gouldii may have been under-repre- References sented by that sampling technique. It is

FOOP (1989) Newsletter 22: 1. possible that installation of the boxes, so FOOP (1990a) Newsletter 30:2. attractive to one species, may have affected FOOP (1990b) Newsletter 32:2. the mix of species using the area. The Kemp, B, and Irvine, R. (1993). Design and use of planting /ones at the Organ Pipes planned monthly series of box inspections National Park: notes on research and planning for the first 20 years. The through 1995 should help test this possibil- Victorian Naturalist 110, 1 13-124. ity. However, it is known that bats such Llewellyn, J. (ed.). "The Yarra Book: an urban wildlife guide*. (MMBW, January as C. gouldii may forage up to 20 km from 1988). Sehulz. M. and Brereton, R. (1988). Bats of Organ Pipes their roost sites (L. Lumsden,pers. comm.), National Park, Arthur Rylah Institute. Reprinted in

so they may not be using the park for forag- Kemp, B. ( 1 994). 'Organ Pipes National Park, a Natural History'. Ed. R. Bender, Friends of Organ Pipes. ing, despite using it for roosting. Triggs, B. (1984). 'Mammal Tracks and Signs'. (Oxford Further results will be published the when University Press: Melbourne).

regular banding and monitoring program Tuttle, Merlin D. and Hensley, Donna L. ( 1993). 'The Bat seems to warrant a further report. Builders Handbook' (Bat Conservation International: Austin, Texas). Acknowledgments Lindy Lumsden for trappings at OPNP and providing advice throughout this project. Natasha

Flora of Victoria

Volume I edited by D.B Foreman and N.G. Walsh 320pp. 26 x 18 cm. RRP $75.00 Volume II edited by N.G. Walsh and T.J. Entwisle 26x18 cm. RRP $195.00 Publisher; Inkata Press, Melbourne/Sydney.

During 62 years since the appearance, in pages, selling for 25 shillings, but costs were at the early years May 1931, of this State's only other full- commensurate with prices Actually, its length Flora of Victoria, immense strides of the Great Depression. inadequate for such a weighty have been made in botanical exploration of binding was with frequent use, tended to the whole region, studies in its ecology, plant tome which, some owners were wise communities and habitats. Also, as a result fall in pieces; government Printer's proof considerable taxonomic research leading enough to get this split and re-bound as two separate to revisional work, there have been many duction name changes and the addition of numerous books. new Flora of Victoria comprises four unrecorded taxa. The increase in the number The volumes of which the first two are already of accepted species is demonstrable no more Vol. at the available - Vol. I in 1993 and 2 dramatically than in the orchid family - 149 as special 1994. Volume I (A$75, a Victorian species recognised in A.J. Ewart's end of and N.G. offer) is edited by D.B. Foreman Flora of 1931, 270 in the present Flora its 320 Walsh and is entirely introductory. In (J 994). pages are ten chapters by sundry specialists Ewart had managed to squeeze his whole geo- - on prehistory of the flora; geology and account into a single chunky volume of 1 257 217 Vol. 112 (5) 1995 !

Book Review

morphology; climate of Victoria; botanical depth); and it has been calculated that each exploration; natural regions and vegetation; species occupies 50% more space than in any soils in relation to vegetation; use of Victo- other regional flora. rian plants by Koories; interplay of Victoria's Volume 2 is copiously illustrated by excel- flora with fire; rare or threatened plants; ex- lent line-drawings to show features of otic flora of Victoria and its impact on diagnostic importance for most species; indigenous biota. Presentations of all these these drawings arc chiefly by Anita Barley topics are fortified by photos, diagrams, (formerly at the National Herbarium of Vic- maps or tables, and they provide and admi- toria) who is also artist for all 16 of the rable, if not quite comprehensive, back magnificent colour plates. Both covers and ground for studying the whole vascular end-papers portray a coloured map of Victo- vegetation: particularly useful are those ria showing the 16 'natural regions' adopted basic sections on natural regions and classi- for this State. One result of so much good- fication of vegetation by B.J. Conn, soils by quality paper is a very heavy book -just over F. Gibbons and J. Rowan, and the exotic flora 3 kg - and one hopes the binding will stand up

(weeds) by G.W. Carr. to continual usage; it certainly won't unless

Volume 2 (A$I 55, by special offer, other- volumes are opened carefully while flat on a wise A$195) is under joint editorship of table. Unfortunately the retail price of

N.G. Walsh who wrote the account of A$ 1 95, which is three times the cost of other Poaceae (grasses) and T. J. Entwisle (re- recent floras, places this fine book well be- sponsible for the orchid family). Embracing yond the reach of most would-be purchasers,

946 pages, it is the first of three taxonomic who will need to consult it at some volumes and deals with ferns (also their al- accessible library. lies), conifers and all monocotyledons - Quite obviously the print has been meticu- some 1300 species. The choice of type is lously proof-read and contains very few good and it is generously set out, giving clar- undetected errors of etymology or spelling. ity. For each species the full binomial The numerous keys (to genera, groups, spe- appears in bold-face, followed by authority cies and lower taxa ) all seem to work well. and details of original publication in Our F.N.C.V/s Botany Group devoted its smaller type. Essential synonymy is given meeting on 13 April last to a 'hands on' ses- wherever necessary, and the ample descrip- sion, with co-editor Dr Neville Walsh present tions are uniformly set out, with any to demonstrate the use of keys from Volume accepted vernacular names at the end of 2 in identifying actual specimens (including the descriptive text. The next paragraph some difficult grasses). gives distribution both within and beyond It is a pleasure to recommend such a su- Victoria, also flowering time, while any perior work, and to congratulate Inkata information on affinities, peculiarities, con- Press on the high quality of their beautiful servation status, habitat etc. appears in final production. The Dicotyledons are due to be paragraphs. Every entry has an inset line- published as Volumes 3 and 4 (in 1996 and map of the State, indicating by small blacked 1997 respectively). After three generations, rectangles the known range within each 10- Ewart would surely be astounded to peruse minute grid (about 19x15 km). Far more the descendant of his one-volume Flora information is thus provided than in other which was reviewed by Dr C.S. Sutton in comparable regional floras, e.g. New South The Victorian Naturalist of August 1 93 1 Wales (4 vols.), South-eastern Queensland vols.), (3 Perth Region (2 vols.). In a few instances the space allocated to one species J.H. Willis will stretch almost a full column (to page- 102 Male Street, Brighton, Victoria 3186.

218 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Notes on the Alpine She-oak Skink Cyclodomorphus praealtus in the Mt Hotham Area, Alpine Victoria with a Description of a Potential New Survey Technique

Martin Schulz 1 2 2 , Jerry Alexander and Ian Mansergh

The Alpine She-oak Skink Cyclodomor- cient time to positively identify the animal. phus praealtus, previously included in the Cogger (1983) considered the Alpine She- Tiliqua casuarinae complex has been a oak Skink normally crepuscular or rarely encountered reptile, occurring above nocturnal. These factors may contribute to treeline the in alpine Victoria and southern the low reporting rates. A new technique (de- New South Wales (Green and Osborne scribed below) which facilitates hand 1994). She-oak Skinks (as T. casuarinae) capture, should allow easier access to the had the most disparate range of any reptile species in the wild. in Victoria (Fig. 1) and consequently there Each year since 1988, the Department of were suggestions for a revision of the 'spe- Conservation and Natural Resources (CNR) cies complex' (e.g. Norris and Mansergh and Latrobe University have conducted the 1981). This revision has now been com- Alpine Ecology Course on the Bogong High

pleted by Shea (1995) who recognises that Plains. In January 1 995, the course was held the animals in the alpine areas (C praealtus) for the first time in Mt Hotham-Dargo High are distinct at the species level from Plains area. Among the full range of ecologi- populations near the coast (C. michaeli). cal studies, students are taught the basics of C praealtus inhabits alpine grasslands and fauna survey including direct observation low heathlands in the Victorian alps and active searching for cryptic reptile latter searching (McDougall 198 1 ). At present, the Cyclodo- species. The includes morphus complex is regarded as vulnerable potential resting sites beneath rocks and 1 in Victoria (CNR 1993). ground debris. During these 'lessons six Until recently, the eight records of Alpine She-oak Skinks were hand captured: C. praealtus in the Atlas of Victorian Wild- three in alpine heathland and three in al- life were limited to the specimens collected pine grassland on Mt Hotham, Mt Loch and carpark. Of these, three in 1 97 1,1 977 and 1 983 from the Mt Hotham, adjacent to the Loch Mt Loch and Lankey Plains areas (Fig. 1) were observed beneath small pieces of gal- Jenkins and Bartell (1980) provide an addi- vanised iron. Within 50 m of Mt Loch, one observed under tional record from the Buffalo National Park. immature individual was consecutive Some observers suggest that the species is the same piece of iron on three active searching under rare and threatened (Green and Osborne days. Despite galvanised iron (0.7 1994; CNR 1993). larger sheets of 'feral' wereobserved. The The reduced limbs, snake-like move- x 2.0+ m), no individuals ments and rapid disappearance into its grassy She oik Skink habitat may result in this species bcingeasily mistaken for a small snake (e.g. Whitclipped Snake Drvsdaliacoronoides or young High- U land Copperheads Austrelaps ramsayi). * " "-J Unlike other alpine skinks, C. praealtus the rare is infrequently observed basking; rV observations are usually made as they disap- rj pear from view into the grass tussocks or -£ other dense ground vegetation (M. Schulz

' pers. obs.), thus giving the observer insuifi- i r X

1 Management. '-' Faculty ol" Resource Science arid Lismore. Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157, t«< w.*' **»«.»«** NSW 2480. 2 Conservation and Natural of Cyclodomor- Flora and Hiuna Branch, Fig. 1. The Victorian distribution 250 Victoria Parade, East mkhavli Resources (CNR). phus praealtus (alpine area) and C and 123 Brown Street. Melbourne. Victoria 3002, WildI ije Atlas). (coastal area). (Source Victorian Heidelberg. Victoria 3084. 219 Vol. 112(5)1995 Contributions

species was not observed during the courses 1991 ). Twenty (two per si le) sheets of cor- held on the Bogong High Plains. rugated iron (240 x 90 cm) were placed in a These observations suggest that the spe- variety of habitat types to sample the reptile cies may be more common than previously population. These sheets were checked for thought, albeit in a quite restricted habitat. ten consecutive days, A total of five species The abundance and distribution of the (32 observations) were detected utilising the species needs to be clarified as a large pro- shelter of these sheets during this time portion of its known range occurs within, or period (see Lumsden et al. 1991). adjacent to, the Mt Hotham Alpine Resort If successful, this simple technique, using Areas of habitat may be subject to modi small custom built sheets, would assist with fieation by infrastructure development (e.g. the detection of more cryptic species (includ- ski runs) for the ski industry. ing nocturnal) and allow non-intrusive Based on the above observations, a pro- access to wild animals for the collection of posed survey technique for this (and other biological information (reproductive condi- alpine reptiles) is the placement of small, tion etc.). Systematic placement of these about 25 x 25 cm pieces of galvanised iron artificial shelters (e.g. in grids and lines) within potential habitat (Fig. 2). These could provide quantitative data for com- could act similarly to small mammal traps puter modelling for density estimates (e.g. (e.g. Elliott traps). In this case the 'bait' is White et al. 1982) and increase our current not food, but a place with increased 'pro- knowledge of distribution and abundance. tected' hen; availability. The plate is laid to Given the cost-benefit and non-intru- ensure that all edges are not flush with the sive nature of this technique, the use of ground, rather, that there are gaps to al- artificial shelters as a valuable survey tool low access. The 'trap' allows complete should not be underestimated. An experi- freedom of movement of the animal and for mental program is being implemented to several animals to use it simultaneously. In investigate this technique with the Alpine the present case, the aggressive nature of the She-oak Skink around Mt Hotham, and traps She-oak Skink, may preclude other species have been laid prior to winter (D. Heinz. pers. (Jenkins and Bartell 1980). In some environ- conim). ments (probably alpine) there may need to We would like to thank Glen Shea and be an extended period to allow animals Peter Robertson for some critical comments to find and use the 'trap' for a resting site. on the manuscript and Dean Heinz for Elsewhere in Victoria large sheets of iron taking the idea to field experimental stage. have been used to assess the herpetologie References al fauna during a broad-scale vertebrate sur- CNR (I99.U 'Threatened Fauna of Victoria - 1993*. vey of the Melbourne Area, District 2 (LCC (Conservation and Natural Resources: Melbourne) A tmail rutk »r whir arfuU Cogger, H. (1983). Reptiles and Amphibians of nitn tht /rlaii ihi gnumd off Australia', upvridt kctu for rtptiUi (rev. ed.>. (Reed Books: Sydney), / Green. K and Osborne. \V. (1994). 'Wildlife of the Australian Snow-Country'. (Read: Sydney). Jenkins. R.W.G and Bartell. R.J. (1980). Reptiles or the Australian High Country', (tnkata Press: Melbourne). LCC (IWh. Melbourne (District 2) .Study Area Review', (ljind Conservation Council: Victoria Lumsden. L.F.. Alexander. J.S.A.. Hill, F.A.R.. Krasna,

S.P and Sih )- ena C.E ( 1 99 1 'The vertebrate fauna of the Land Conservation Council Melboume-2 study area*. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technology Report No. 115. tDepl. o\ Conservation and Environment; Victoria). McDougall, K. (1981). Hotham' (vegetation map). (Soil

(viking ptg Conservation Authority: Victoria). Nurris, K and Mansergh I. (1981), "Sites of zoological significance in East Gippsland' (2 v>, (Ministry of Conservation: Victoria). J. So u^_ + Shea. G.M. (1995). A taxonomic revision of the ( yladomorphus casuarinae complex (Squamata: Flfr 2. Diagram of the reptile trap. To open, Si truUk'a). the Records of the Australian. Museum 47 ( 1 ). ocking peg is twisted and the plate raised from 83-115 side A. The hinge peg While, G. when 'open" allows side B Anderson, U. Burnham. K. and Otis D.. to forma barrier to (,1982). CaptttrV-ttcapturt and removal methods movement of the animals be- for neath The prototype has sampling closed populations (Utah Qo- Operative been developed by Elliott Se.eiu.bc Wildlife Research Unit, Los Alnmos. New Mexico). Instruments (Upwey, Victoria), 220 The Victorian Naturalist iw to be a Field Naturalist

Mammal Survey

Amis Dzedins 1

Activities oftencausesanimalslofrcezc.Binocularsare Australia has a unique and varied mammal also most useful. fauna that passes largely unnoticed as most of Indirect observations, such as tracks, our animals are nocturnal, small and cryptic. skeletal remains and droppings, and road kills There are surprisingly large gaps in our can indicate the presence of many species. knowledge and amateurs have the opportu- The faeces or pellets of predators (e.g. foxes, nity to make a real contribution to science. owls) often have identifiable remains (hair, Since much of the work involves trapping, bones) of small prey. which is illegal unless done under a permit Hair tubes which contain a bait to attract (usually granted only to approved organisa- the animal and a sticky tape to retain hairs are tions), there is limited scope for individual a relatively non-intrusive survey technique, studies. By far the best approach is to join a but require expert microscopic analysis to group, where experienced naturalists will identify the species. This technique i s part icu- help you to learn the appropriate survey tech- larly useful fordetecting trap shy species such niques and pass on their knowledge about the as the Long-footed Potoroo and Long-nosed animals concerned. Surveys may involve Bandicoot. one-day (or night) trips as well as trapping Nest boxes can be used as a survey tool, camps spanning a weekend or longer. By par- apart from their normal role of providing nest ticipating in these you will have the sites forthreatened species such as the Brush- opportunity to see many of our mammals at tailed Phaseogale. On public land they may close range, particularly the smaller species only be used under permit. most useful and which you are very unlikely to see otherwise. Trapping is by far the technique for delecting small Some surveys arc in particularly interesting widespread are of several types: cage areas which have limited public access. mammals. Traps usually set out in a regular grid pattern Much survey work is done at the request o\' traps baited with an appropriate bait; Elliot the Department of Conservation and Natural and - aluminium traps; Pit Resources and by participating you would be traps small collapsible buckets buried in the ground, making a direct contribution to the manage- traps, deep frogs and reptiles, but also ment and conservation of our fauna. most useful for suitable for some very small mammal species and Harp traps for Methods such as Pigmy Possums, are intrusive ofthe catching bats. All these methods Direct observation is 1 imited to a few and could be damaging to the animals con- larger species such as kangaroos and walla- care. cerned if not done with the utmost bies which are active for at least part of the day. watching involves sitting under hol- Stag out with Trapping is illegal unless carried low-bearing trees (i.e. potential nest trees) at under the supervision of feed a permit and dusk to observe animals coming out to experienced personnel. for pos- at night. This is particularly suitable sums and gliders. Reference Books and useful Australian Museum Spotlighting is a widespread Strahan, R. led.] (1983). 'The Mammals (Angus & technique for detecting arboreal mammals. Complete Book of Australian Sydney). spotlights are used with re- Robertson: Typically 30-55 V Tracks and Signs. A Held Trigg* B (1984). 'Mammal cell batteries. A red filter (Oxford University chargeable gel gpide for south-eastern Australia*. observa- allows more natural behavioural Press: Melbourne). S.C (1987). 'A Guide to Bats very bright white light Reardon. T.B. and Flavel, tions to be made, as the Australian Museum: of South Australia". (South Adelaide). 1 PO Box 1000, Blind Bight, Victoria 398(X 221 Vol. 112(5)1995 Naturalist Nate

Menklmnrt, P. [cd.| (1995) 'Mammals of Victoria. Wildlife Research is published by the Distribution, Ecology, Conservation' (Oxford CSIROand specialises in research on the bi- I liuvi-isity 1'irsv MtflbfHlfTMt). ology and management of wild animals.

Ilyrii, I .mil Sliiiw, N. (1980). 'Australian Mammals. Australian Mammalogy is published by A Field ( luiUe for New South Wulea.Soviifl Australia, the Australian Mammal Society and contains Vu tniiiiiiinl lasnuiniii' (Thomas Nelson: Melbourne), articles of a specialised nature. Clubs and Societies The Fauna Survey Group of f'NCV. Enquiries Mammal Survey Group of Victoria. Ray Gibson is the Chairman of the Fauna Australian Mammal Society Survey Group of I'NCV. The Group holds Journals meetings on the first Tuesday of each month The Vi< torian Naturalist publishes the re and runs frequent surveys and trapping suits of surveys run by the Fauna Survey camps. Ray's address is: Group, as well as research reports by profes 26 McCulloch Street, N unawading, sional scientists. Victoria 3131. Ph (03) 9874 4408.

From am Naturalist in Residence, ( 'ecilv Falkinshom

Carnivorous Plants-Carnivorous Bugs. Is There a Symbiotic Relationship?

The first time I saw a Sundew Bug, more hairs on the plant. Several others were properly a Mirid Hug {family Mindae), it already reduced to mere shadows of their for- was an exciting and myslciious discovery. It mer selves. Wings that were no longer was the year l°S5 and I was down on my needed for flight moved gently and ineffec- hands and knees inspecting Droscra peltatft tually as I gently blew on them. Withered and ssp iutriadata commonly called the Tall crumpled bodies soon to be blown away in Sundew when it suddenly looked to me as if the wind. part o\' the plant had grown legs. I was, in The soil where Sundews grow is usually tact, looking at a beautiful green insect with deficient in nitrates and these insects are vital plum coloured It antennae, had a green cross for the plant's survival. I knew that Sundews on the back of the abdomen just below the were insectivorous plants and obtained food head, large compound eyes, a red, jointed by capturing insects, breaking them down proboscis which was coiled under the body with an enzyme into a suitable form for ab- when not in use. The proboscis consists of solution, This is in addition to obtaining food two hollow lubes, one pumps digestive en by photosynthesis. In the past 1 had observed /ymes down into its victim's body while the many small insect skeletons as well as adjoining tube sucks up the pre-digestcd freshly immobilised 'prey' but not once had liquefied tissues. The bug also had red knees I seen such a handsome and agile insect ef- on black and white striped legs. The two long ficiently ignoring all the sticky leaves. What hind legs, I discovered later, made it capable chemical did it produce on its feet to make it ol long leaps. immune or, was it very skilful at avoiding the The opportunist in its bright-green and plant's traps? ruby red 'costume* strode confidently amid I placed the bug and some Sundew the bodies trapped in the leaves of the plant. plant in a container, large enough not to It crcpl up the stems, over the flowers and injure either specimen. Sitting at home across the leaves without becoming trapped. at the dining-room table I seemed to be I [ere surch was an amazing insect, immune witnessing a miracle. Mow was it that to the Sundew's slickv leaves and the bug did not become ensnared? Phis with incredible camouflage. bug relies on the Sundew to trap the Within the leaves o\ The Sundew there insects on which it then feeds - a free- were a lew insects in various stages of being loader robbing the plant 01 precious 'eaten". ( )ne was freshly caught by the sticky nourishment. 222 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Note

Fig. 1. Sundew Bugs on Sundew. Photo coutiesey Fig. 2. Green form of Sundew Bug. Photo cour- Dt Jan Taylor. tesy Or Jan Taylor,

The Mirid bugs of the genera Cyrtopeltis assist the plant to obtain food? Does the Sun- and Setacoris have been observed feeding on dew Bug assist pollination or is the bug just the Sundew itself as well as the trapped prey another fascinating co-existing evolutionary (Matthews and Kitching 1984, 26). It is phenomenon - a freeloader, robbing the lar- known that some species of Mirid bugs con- der of the Sundew? sume eggs of insects so providing some form In the quest for knowledge and under- of control on insect numbers. standing I am constantly overwhelmed and During evolution of the species the Mirids fascinated with how much there is to learn from may have started sucking sap of plants, then and observe. Additional information advanced to sucking the blood of soft-bodied Gerry Cassis of the Australian Museum only associated insects who were themselves sap suckers. showed that these bugs are The Black-kneed Capsid Blephidoptcrus with Australian Sundew species and that this 'undescribed species' for angulatus, another Mirid, mainly preys on particular bug is an from Victoria. Red Spider Mites, a pest of British orchards. which few records exist value of observation What orchardist would not welcome this spe- This shows the great field notes. You never know cies to help control at least one of the many and keeping be observing and describing. pests that plague their life! what you may

The Mirid bugs that I observed are only associated with Australian species of Aknowledgements (Department Drosera and do not capture their own prey. The generous helpof Mali Malipaiil Cassis {Australian Much work remains to be done on this fam- of Agriculture, Victoria), Gerry and DrJan Taylor(Ncdlands, WA) is grate- ily. Museum) My specimen was colour-matched per- fully acknowledged. fectly to the Sundew on which it hid and, was almost impossible to de- until it moved, Bibliography varies the colour of these bugs lo the Insects pi tect. In fact, Chinery, M. (1974). 'A Field Guide the general (Houyhion Milllm from red to green depending on Britain ami Northern Europe*. colour of the Sundew which in turn depends Company: Boston). "The Insects of Australia on where the plant grows - sun (red) or shade CSIRO Canberra (1979), (Melbourne University Press). (green). 'An J A. I TO2). Hadlington. P. and Johnston. South Wales Australian spe- to Australian Insects'. (New Figs. 1 and 2 show West Introduction cies and the colour variation. University Press) 'Pests. Dm** the Sundew Jones David and Elliot. Roger (1$86) Is the bug's relationship with (Lothian of Australian Planls*. of the insects and Ailments symbiotic? 1 wonder if ALL Publishing). . plant's sticky hairs are 11984). fcaeel that are trapped by the Matthews. E.G and Kitchine, R.L pickings tor of Queensland). digested? If not. this makes easy Kcology- 2nd Edition. tUniversily actually help the Sundew Bug. Does this bug and killing the plant by quickly moving in Cecily Falkingham and, does that they arrive, Victoria 3 1 31 insects the moment 27 Chippewa Ave, Miteham, of the lood this killing and breaking down 223 Vol. 112 (5) 1995 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

In which is incorporated the Microscopical Society of Victoria Established 1880

Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. (03) 9877 9860. OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Members include beginners as well as experienced naturalists. Patron His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Governor of Victoria. Key Office-Bearers June 1995 President: Associate Prof. ROBERT WALLIS, School of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03) 9244 7278 (Fax) (03) 9244 7403.

Hon. Secretary: Mr. GEOFFREY PATERSON, 1 1 Olive Street, South Caulfield, 3162. (A.H. 95716436). Hon. Treasurer: Mr. ARNIS DZEDINS, P.O. Box 1000, Blind Bight, 3980 ((059) 987 996). Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. Blackburn, 3130. (9877 9860). Editors: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yallambia, 3085 (9435 9019). Librarian: Mrs. SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. Blackburn, 3130. (A.H. (054) 928 4097). Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER (9435 8408 A.H.) Sales Officer (Victorian Naturalist only): Mr. D.E. McINNES, 129 Waverley Road, East Malvern, 3145(95712427), Publicity Officer: Miss MARGARET POTTER, 1/249 Highfield Road, Burwood, 3125 (9889 2779). Book Sales Officer: Dr. ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. Blackburn, 3130. (9850 2617 A.H.).

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Group Secretaries Botany: Mr. JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143 (9598 9492). Geology: Mr. DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent. Mont Albert, 3127 (9890 0913). Fauna Survey: Miss FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade, Kew, 3101 (9818 4684). Microscopical: Mr. RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Mernda, 3754 (9717 351 1).

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7 The 3 JAN Victorian Naturalist

Hume 112 (6) 1995 December

New F.N.C.V. Home 1 Gardenia Street, Blackburn

of Victoria Published by The Field Naturalists Club victoria since 1884 museum of

linn 32677 Th e Vict onan Naturalist

Volume 112(6) 1995 ^J December

Editors: Ed and Pat Grey

Research Reports Foraminiferans from Lake Connewarre, Victoria, by K.N Bell ' 228

The Cryptogams of Royal Park, Melbourne, Victoria, by J. Sago 234

Contributions European management of Remnant Grassy Forests and Woodlands in South-eastern Australia - Past, Present and Future, byLD. hunt 239

A Trip to the Victorian Alps, by R.J. Fletcher 250

Naturalist Notes Mountain Ducks Tadorna tadomoides - Tragedy of Instinct, by GA. Crichton 255

White-winged Choughs Corcorax melanorhamphos and Bird Behaviour, by Cecily Falkingham, Naturalist in Residence.... 258

Northern Pacific Seastar, by T. O'Hara 261

How to be a Field Naturalist Pond Hunting, by D.E. Mclnnes 256

Book Reviews The Bush (A Guide to the Vegetated Landscapes of Australia). 2nd Edition, by Ian G Read, reviewer W. Walsh 262

The Orchids of Victoria, by Gary Backhouse and 264 Jeffrey Jeanes, reviewer Malcolm Calder

Australian Beetles, by John F. Lawrence and E.B. Britton, reviewer P. Kelly 266

Obituary Marie Allender 267

ISSN 0042-5184

Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. Cover: New FNCV Hall at 1 Gardenia The Editors would like to wish all their readers, authors, referees, proof readers and advisory group a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Successful 1996, and we hope to hearfrom you in the New Year.

THANK YOU FROM THE NEW MEMBERS to 11/10/95 EDITORS Members Ms Libby Anthony Mt Wavcrlcy Ed and Pat Grey wish to thank all the Mr John Burtonclay Mandurang authors and referees for their support, time, Ms Mandy Coulson East Brunswick courtesy and assistance in preparing articles Ms Shirley Diez Castlemaine Phillip Driver Box Hill for The Victorian Naturalist. Mr Ms Jean Edwards McKillop We would particularly like to place on Ms Leonie Heard Adelaide record thanks to our conscientious group of Ms Jeanette Kemp Townsville proofreaders for their invaluable help. Mr Michael Krejany West Newport Finally, we must mention the advisory Mr Ronald Lee Richmond group - Gill Earl, Ian Lunt, Ian Mansergh Miss Kylie Lewin Eltham North and latterly Tom May. Their expertise and Mr Craig Lupton Vermont contacts in the field have been of great help Mr Alexander MacKenzie Homebush Sth Mr Kenneth McDonnell Invcrmay to us. Mr Peter Neish South Yarra The efforts of all these people have Mr Paul Nicholls Burwood to maintain the quality and helped Ms Janet Norman Glen Wavcrlcy reputation of the journal and we look Mrs Joyce Rowlands Heathmont forward to their support in the future. Ms Rachelle Rudduck Milcham Mr Mark Scida St rath more Mrs Digna Smit-Martin Woori Yallock Our Naturalist in Residence Mr Brian Snape East Hawthorn This has been a very interesting series Mr Ian Thompson Hawthorn and shows how valuable accurately Mr Dennis Walters Mt Egerton Ms Judy West Moorabbin recorded observations can be and how this Miss Natalie White Glen Wavcrley sort of information is a useful contribution to overall scientific research. Joint Members Ed and Pat Grey wish to thank Cecily Mr Mark Ashby and Falkingham for her great contribution to Ms Gitta Peterson Millgrove

the journal. She has set a standard for all Dr Lauren Bennett and who follow. Dr Terry Judd Brunswick Mr Jack and We now welcome Glen Jameson who Mrs Dee Dinkgreve Wantirna South will take up this segment for 1996 - you Mr Glen and will remember Rare The White Bird' and Mrs Mary Oliphant Frankston other articles by Glen. His contributions Mr Graeme and will be eagerly awaited. Mrs Francis Riddell Forest Hill

VALE JIM WILLIS

We regretfully report the death of Dr J.H. Willis. A.M. on Friday 10 November. Jim will be greatly missed personally, and for his contribution to the Club. His record number of articles in The Victorian Naturalist stands as a tribute to his enthusiasm. We extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Willis and his family. Research Reports

Foraminiferans from Lake Connewarre, Victoria

K.N. Bell*

Abstract A live foraminifcral fauna of eleven species is recorded from Lake Connewarre and the Lower Barwon River. There is no vascular plant growth within the Lake and this together with a high turbity of the waters and varying salinities has limited the foraminiferal fauna. One new species, Miliammina edens is described.

Introduction 1 909 '...at least 50,000 cubic yards of sludge About 10 km south of Geelong the Bar- and sand per year was entering the river sys- won Riverpasses through an extensive reedy tem' (Sludge Abatement Board Reports, swamp area before entering Lake Conne- quoted in Strom 1954). - This material has warre '... as picturesque a sheet of water as then been reworked down the Yarrowee and ever I beheld' (Lang iwCampbell 1 894). The Barwon Rivers into Lake Connewarre by Lake, which forms part of the Lake Conne- normal bed-load flow and by turbulent flow warre State Game Reserve (3,300 ha), covers during flood times. an area of some 1,000 hectares before it is The natural history and geological setting drained by the Lower Barwon River via a of Lake Connewarre have been dealt with by winding channel which enters the sea at Bar- Coulson (1933, 1935) and Rosengren won Heads (Fig, 1). (1973). Yugovic (1985) has described the The waters of the lake are brackish as it vegetation of the area and found that, whilst lies within the tidal influence zone, so it is there was no vascular plant growth in the classed as an estuarine lagoon. The salinity lake, the reserve supported a very diverse varies with the state of the tide and the degree estuarine and freshwater flora. Sherwood of freshwater input from the Barwon River; ( 1 988) has discussed the possible impacts on it ranges from about 4 parts per thousand near Lake Connewarre that may occur with cli- where the Barwon enters, to about 26 ppt matic change. near the Lower Barwon exit from the lake On its northern side (Rosengren the lake is bounded 1973). The tidal range is small by relatively steep cliffs cut into Middle Ter- probably less than 300 mm but it can be tiary and Pliocene sediments. These cliffs greatly influenced by winds. may represent the position of a former coast- The lake is quite shallow - '... a pleasanter line during and the last interglacial high sea-level safer watercourse can nowhere be found when the sea was about 7 m above present ...the bottom is so near the top' (Campbell levels (Gill and Collins 1 983). The southern 1 894). In the early days of settlement yacht- side of the lake, by contrast, is bounded by ing regattas were held on the lake until flat-lying sands and muds siltation caused which overlie ba- the waterto become too shal- salts of Pliocene age and lie <* alfo only a few ™ "'-Melville I984 )- Coulson metres above sea (1935) has shown level. Coulson (1933, that the average depth at the 1935) proposed that the lake was formed by present, away from the river channel is basalt flows little more than damming the ancestral Barwon one metre. Sedimentation has River at Tait Point and Pelican Rocks; the deposited over 1 metres of Recent sands and muds on river later cut through the bars and formed parts of the lake floor, of which an exit to the sea about one metre at Barwon Heads. has been deposited since buropean Coulson (1935) lists foraminiferans occupation (Coulson 1935) Al- (identified by W.J. Parr) obtained from though some of this 'European' shal- siltation is low due to borings made over the lake floor and erosion after land clearance, much surrounding areas. came rrom the sludge These foraminiferans and tailings of the Bal may be either Holocene or Late larat goldf.elds where, from Pleistocene about 1 856- in age and of the 1 S st ,ma 7 species reported by Coul- ed thaI '80,000,000 cubic IZL r f 4 ! son all but two are yards of sludge had found typical of fully marine its way into the environments, Yarrowee (Leigh) not the brackish conditions River, and from 1887 that occur at the present time.

1 The lake bottom Honorary Associate, sediment is fine grained, Museum of Victoria Swanston Street. varying from muddy silts Melbourne. Victoria 3&o. to muddy silty sands with a high organic content. 223 The Victorian Naturalist .

Research Reports

Ocean 4 Grove 1 Sample site

\~s Salinity %

1973). sites and average salinity values (after Rosengren Fig. 1. Lake Connewarre, showing the sample

Methods salinity-tolerant form - it is very common in have few, Fifty millilitre samples of sediment were sample 3 whereas other samples salinities collected, and processed and picked using seldom live, specimens. Different species; standard techniques. Rose Bengal was used appear to affect the growth of this specimens are often as a protoplasmic stain to distinguish the liv- in the lower salinities higher salinities the ing foraminiferans. flabelliform, while in test becomes more cylindrical. Victorian Results This species is widespread in species was lower salinity areas such as A total living fauna of eleven estuaries in (Apthorpe 1980), found, comprising six agglutinated and five the Gippsland Lakes and Drury 1992) and calcareous species. The faunal distribution Mallacoota Inlet (Bell (pen. obs.). by sample site is given in Table 1 at Western Port barwonensis Collins 19/4 The species are well known in Victorian Reophax found coastal waters and synonymies can be (Fig. 2.1). species shows a patchy distribution in Collins (1974). This , salinity In Ammobaculites barwonensis Collins apparently not related to the 12,14) it higher salinity areas (samples 1974 (Fig. 2.2). low grows longer and more robust. This species appears to be a very 229 Vol. 112(6)1995 Research Reports

Table 1. Distribution of foraminiferans, Lake Connewarre.

Key:*- 1 specimen; 2-4 specimens; • 5-9 specimens; 10-40 specimens; i^ 40+ specimensmens

Samples 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

A. barwonensis

R. barwonensis • ••* •*• W. palustris • • •** T, injlata • • • • M. fusca ••• + • + + M. edens • • • • •

Q. seminulum • A. aoteanus ••••a E. macellum

E. poeyanum • • • H. depressula • •

Warrenita palustris (Warren 1 957) rangement. The aperture is rounded with a (Fig. 2.3). bar-like tooth on the inner side. This is a very small, slender species with Many of the specimens from the lowest slightly compressed and overlapping cham- salinity samples (I, 2, 3) showed marked bers. Rare specimens arc found in many variations in the test growth plan with some samples. This species was originally de- specimens even producing a linear tube in- scribed from the Holocene marshes of stead of the norm al chamber. Louisiana; in Victoria it is also found in Miliammina edens n. sp. (Fig. 3.1-3). Swan Bay (pers. obs.). Diagnosis: A species of Miliammina with Trochammina inflate (Montagu 1808) a squat, oblong shape and no apertura! tooth. (Fig. 2.10). Types: Holotype (Fig. 3.1-2): NMV Apart from rare specimens in sample 6, F74815, Museum of Victoria; from the Re- this species has a patchy distribution con- cent sediments of Lake Connewarre, fined to the higher salinity waters. It may be Victoria; sample 3. substrate controlled since the localities Paratypes (Fig. 3.3): NMV F74816, Mu- where it is found were those with a higher seum of Victoria; from the Recent sediments mud content as was also found by Collins of Lake Connewarre, Victoria; sample 5. (1974) in Port Phillip Bay, although Matera NMV F74817 Museum of Victoria, (10 and Lee report (1972) its preference for unfigured specimens); from the Recent sedi- coarser sediments in a Long Island salt ments of Lake Connewarre, Victoria, various marsh. samples. Miliammina fusca (Brady 1870) (Fieb ' Description: Test agglutinate, small; quin- 2.6,3.4). queloculine chamber arrangement; test wall This species is typically found in brackish is very fine grained with much cement and a waters. It is large, with a coarse-grained but smoothly finished surface; chambers are cy- smoothly finished test surface that is often lindrical with almost parallel sides, rounded dark-coloured due to included mineral aborally; aperture terminal, rounded to semi- grains in the test matrix. The chambers are circular, without a tooth; a paler rim of much rounded and have a quinqueloculine ar- finer grains surrounds the aperture; speci- 230 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Ammobaculitcs barwoncnsis x 60; 3. Warrcnita palustris x Fig. 2. 1. Reophax barwonensis x 120; 2. side x Miliammina 100- 4 Ammonia aoteanus, spiral side x 60; 5. Ammonia aoteanus, umbilical 60; 6. macellum x 60; 9. Haynesina dcprcssula fusca x 45; 7. Quinqueloculina seminulum x 75; 8. Elphidium x 120; 10. Trochamminainflatax60.

the original description and figure mens are usually a pale yellow-fawn colour tooth; and by Brady (1870) with no toolh. when alive. of fusca that specimens from 3. -2): Haynes (1973) stated Size: Holotype (Fig. 1 localities contain forms both with Iength=430fjm, width=276jjm, l/w=1.55. Brady's and without an apertural tooth; he suggested Paratype (Fig. 3.3): length=380nm, presence or not of a tooth may be a width=288pm, l/w=1.34. that the artefact. Of the several hun- Lat. e - without; dens preservational Derivation ofname: had dred specimens of M. edens studied none - tooth. apertural tooth. Some specimens of M Remarks: One of the characteristics of the an almost spiroloculine in later Heron-Allen and Earland edens become genus Miliammina to (Fig. 3.3); this is most likely due tooth in the aperture growth is the presence of a very age and not salinity changes as only a (Heron-Allen and Earland 1930). Notwith- showed this develop- in few larger specimens standing this, the present species is placed

. - other ment. . partly because there is no t Miliammina from M. fusca in being ot because many M. edens differs genus available and also oblong much smaller size; with a squat, previously have referred to speci- authors fine-grained test and never of MiUammma shape, having a mens of another species Although some had an showing an apertural tooth. (M. fusca) that may or may not have specimens offusca may not have an apertural ( 1 965) both apertural tooth e.g. Brodniewicz uncommon in no tooth (and these were quite with and without tooth; Saunders (1958) 231 Vol. 112(6)1995 Research Reports

it is usually only present in rare numbers (1 -5

specimens) except in samples 1, 2 and 12 where it is very common (20+ specimens). These sites have widely different salinities and the reason for the larger numbers is not known. Haynesina depressula (Walker and Jacob 1798) (Fig. 2.9).

This species is common in sample 1 4, near Ocean Grove, with two isolated specimens found within the lake. This species is found widespread in Victorian shallow water sediments and previously has been recorded under the name Elphidium simplex Cushman 1933. It differs from trueE. simplex'm having more defined retral processes and that there is no boss in the umbilical region which, in depressula, is covered with small pustules which continue slightly along the sutures.

Parr ( 1 945) suggested that this form is a temperate water form of E, simplex.

Discussion Although 11 species of foraminiferans are Fig. 3. 1-3, Miliammina edens n.sp. 1, Holotype, living in the lake and Lower Barwon River, NMV F74815, xI20; 2, close-up of aperture of the absolute number of specimens was low

Holotype, x400; 3. Paratype, F748 1 NMV 16, x 50. being of the order of 30 specimens in most 4: Miliammina fusca. close-up of aperture, x400. samples. The reason for these low numbers Scale bar; 100 um for each figure. may be complex. In an estuary the environmental conditions can be subject to large LakeConnewarre) the two species can easily daily and seasonal changes which make it be distinguished on their other characters. difficult for animals and plants to live. Within M, earlandi Loeblich and Tappan differs Lake Connewarre due to the high turbidity from M. edens in having longer and narrower of the water and the possible mobile substrate chambers, in having an apertural neck and there is no plant growth ( Yujovic 1 985; Sher- apertural tooth and is a marine not a brackish, wood 1 988). This lack of plant growth within intertidal species. the lake is perhaps the major cause of the Quinqueloculina seminulum (Linn^ lower numbers since it is known that 1767) (Fig. 3.7). foraminiferan species are more abundant in This species is only found in the Lower epiphytic communities in Enteromorpha, Barwon River downstream of the lake where Zostera beds, (Lee etai 1969; Murray 1973) the waters are almost normal marine (Rosen- than in mobile sandy sediments. The turbid- gren 1973; salinities .32 ppt). ity of the water reduces the light intensity and Ammonia aoteanus (Finlav 1940) so may affect the production of phytoplank- (Fig. 2.4-5). ton which is a major food resource for This is the most common species through- foraminiferans. Decaying plant detritus out in the lake, although specimens are very the sediments would lead to lower oxygen rare and fragile in the lowest salinity locali- levels in the substrate and in fine sediments ties (samples 1,2,3). the black sulphide layer (i.e. reduced sedi- Elphidium macellum (Linne 1 758) ments) lies close to the surface (Gray 1 98 ). (Fig. 2.8). 1 Foraminiferans are sensitive to low oxygen Small, infrequent specimens are restricted levels and are not found living to the more in reduced mobile sandy areas where little sediments. However, these factors do not ex- clay was present. plain all the distribution variations found, Elphidium poeyanum (d'Orbigny 1839) although where plant growth was present This small, thin walled, lobate Elphidium (samples 2, 3) live foraminiferans were more is widespread throughout the lake. However, common (about 100/sampIe). 232 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Two species, A. aoteanus and Brodniewicz, M. fusctu I. (1965). Recent and some Holocene are more tolerant forammifera of the changing environ- of the southern Baltic Sea. Acta Paleontoiogia Polonica mental conditions and were found in all 10, 131-248. Campbell, J.C. samples. M. edens is a hyposaline species (1894). First settlers and early days. In 'The living Tourists' Guide to Geelong and the Southern found within the salinity range 1 1-23 Watering Places'. (M. L. Hutchinson: Melbourne). ppt. A mmobaculites barwonensis also shows Collins, A.C. (1974). Port Phillip Survey 1957-63 this hyposaline distribution but was most Foraminiferida. Memoir, National Museum of common in the lower Victoria salinity samples (2, 3); 35, 1-61. the high Coulson, A. numbers in samples 10 and 1 1 may (1933). A study of Lake Connewarre. The indicate lower salinity in that area than given Victorian Naturalist SO, 12-17. Coulson, A. by Rosengren since a small intermittent (1935). Geological notes on Lake Connewarre, near Geelong. Proceedings ofthe Royal stream enters near sample 1 1 . In the estuaries Society of Victoria 48. 1-10. of Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, the related spe- Ellison, R.L. (1972). Ammobaculites, Foraminiferal cies A. crassus was found to prefer low proprietor of Chesapeake Bay estuaries. Geological salinities and fine, organic-rich substrates, Society of America, Memoir 133. 247-262. but these were not limiting conditions (El- Gill, E.D. and Collins, A.C. (1983). Ancient seaway between Geelong lison 1972). Sample 9 has quite a Harbour and Bass Strait, Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist 100. 200-203. depauperate fauna (5 species; 23 specimens); Gray, J.S. 1981. 'The Ecology of Marine Sediments*. the waters of the northern arm of the lake (Cambridge University Press). can be more saline than the sea in summer Haynes, J. R. (1973). Cardigan Bay Recent Foraminifera. due to the prevailing. SW winds reducing British Museum (Natural History), Zoology. water circulation (Yujovic 1985). With the Supplement 4, 1-245.

higher salinity in the Lower Barwon (salinity Lee, J.J., Muller, W.A., Stone, R. J. McEnery, M. E. and >32 ppt) Q. seminulum and H. depresstda Zucker, W. (1969). Standing crop of foraminifera in sublittoral epiphytic communities of a Long Island become important components of the fauna. salt marsh. Marine Biology 4, 44-61. To understand the patchiness and variabil- Matera. N.J. and Lee, J.J. (1972). Environmental factors ity of the foraminiferan fauna in Lake affecting the standing crop of foraminifera in Connewarre we need much more informa- sublittoral and psammolittoral communities of a Long tion on the 'microenvironment' which Island salt marsh. Marine Biology 14, 89-103. occurs, especially the physical and chemical Murray, J.W, 1973. 'Distribution and ecology of living benthic foraminiferids'. (Heinemann: London). factors (such as sediment size, organic con- Parr, W.J. (1945). Recent foraminifera from Barwon tent, oxygen level) and the biotic factors (e.g. Heads, Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of as phytoplankton and microbial production Victoria 56, 189-218.

foraminiferan food resources). Rosengren. N.J. 1973. Lake Connewarre and the Barwon Estuary. Victorian Resources 15, 19-22.

Acknowledgements Saunders, J.B. (1958). Recent foraminifera of mangrove fossil I thank the editors and an anonymous swamps and river estuaries and their 479-92. referee for suggestions which improved this counterparts in Trinidad. Micropaleontology. The likely impact of climatic paper. Sherwood, J.E. (1988). change on south-west Victorian estuaries. In 'Greenhouse, planning for climate change', Ed. G. References Pearman. (C.S.I. R.O. Division of Atmospheric Aplhorpe. M. (1980). Foraminiferal distribution in the Research: Melbourne). estuarine Gippsland Lakes system, Victoria. Strom, H.G. (1954). The BarwonRiverand its Catchment. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 9, State Rivers and Water Supply Commission (Roneo, 207-227. evidence tothe Parliament Public Works Committee). Balfour-Melville, F. (1984). Toorang Memories. Yugovic, J.Z. (1985). The Vegetation at the Lake Investigator 19. 10-19. Connewarre State Game Reserve. Arthur Rylah Bell. K.N. and Drury, S.R. (1992). Foraminiferal fauna Institute Environmental Research, Technical Report of Mallacoota Inlet, East Gippsland, Victoria The and No. 18. (Department of Conservation, Forests Victorian Naturalist 109, 7-16. Lands, Melbourne). Brady, H.B. (1870). The ostracoda and foraminifera of Annals tidal rivers. Eds G. S. Brady and D. Robertson. and Magazine ofNatural History (4) 6, 83-107.

233 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

The Cryptogams of Royal Park, Melbourne, Victoria

Jon Sago 1

Abstract The cryptogenic flora of a 150 year old inner urban public reserve was surveyed and comprises twenty-one mosses, 1 liverworts and 24 lichen species. This represents 20. 1 % of overall plant diversity and 50.0% of indigenous plant diversity. In comparison with Yarra Bend Park, the nearest public reservation of similar size, the lower diversity values of cryptogamic species, across all groups, were attributed to recreational and topographical differences. Greatest species diversity, however, was in those remnant areas that have experienced minimal human activity.

Introduction Communities observed Royal Park, 3 km north-west of the Mel- Turf Community

bourne GPO and consisting of more than 1 00 Turf habitats include roadside verges, ha, was reserved in 1856 with excisions for playing fields, golf links, and other recrea-

Zoological 1 the Gardens in 862, and railway tional areas with only occasional tree cover. and tramway purposes in 1889 and 1923 re- These areas are all mown; cryptogam diver- spectively (Sanderson 1932). A review of sity and richness appear to be inversely the geology and vascular plant ecology may proportional to mowing frequency. be found in Carr and Race (1992) and Muyt (1991). The lack of a similar study of non- The loose wefts of the pleurocarpous vascular plants was the impetus for this moss Brachythecium albicans are wide- investigation. spread, as with other lawn environments across Melbourne. recently burnt soils Between April 1 992 and July 1993, Royal On Park was regularly surveyed and species col- the cosmopolitan moss Funaria hygromet- lected and determined. An objective system rica is seen. Badly drained or shaded sites of random sampling was rejected because may also harbour the mosses Bryum argen- the diverse habitats, varying from from hori- team, Eurhynchium sp., Ceratodon purpu- zontal to vertical and encompassing natural reas and the thallose liverworts Lunularia and artificial substrates, presented formida- cntciata and Riccia bifurca. ble practical problems. Instead, a subjective Beneath and adjacent to Eucalyptus estimate of the frequency of each species was camaldidensis, the indigenous mosses Tri- made derived in part from Gilbert (1990). quelrella papillata and Barbula crlnita may using the scale: Abundant, Common, Fre- also be encountered occupying shallow de- quent, Occasional and Rare (ranging from pressions that provide greater moisture 'abundant' species which were seen con- availability and lesser mowing intensities. k stantly, to rare' species which were observed only once). In addition, rather than Red Gum Grassy Woodland Community dividing the park geographically and pre- Centred on the Upfield line rail cutting, senting the species site by site, an ecological west of Royal Park Station, this community approach based upon community analysis contains both the most species (27) and the was undertaken combining substrate charac- greatest number of indigenous species (24). ter and humidity regimes (Ashton 1985; Despite extensive clearing and past exotic Ma/impaka et al 1993). This was consid- uses, such as a rifle range, it comprises the ered to give the most useful overview. highest quality extant remnant of the lower Cryptogams, throughout this article, is Moonee Ponds Creek valley (Carr and Race used as a collective noun to incorporate 1992). As the site has northerly aspect the mosses, liverworts and lichens. Non- cryptogam flora is restricted to that of a dry liehcnised fungi and algae were ignored. sclerophyll vascular species complement. Nomenclature follows that of Scott and On bare soil and eroded areas, the mosses Stone (1976), Scott (1985), Cropper ei al Pleuhdium nervosum, Archidium stella- (1991) and Filson (1986). tum, Bryum argenteum and B. dichotomum play a colonising role, as do the crustose lichens Porpidia crustulata and Verrucaria 10 Wimble Sired. NOrthcote, Victoria 3070. spp. and the thallose Endocarpon simplica- 234 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

turn and E. pusillum. On moister, shaded pulvinata are prominent. The latter species sites the lichens Cktdcmia spp. in a non-fruit- is restricted to basic surfaces, especially ba- ing condition, and liverworts Riccia bifurca salt and the cement tracks of brickwork and R. cartilaginosa can be observed grow- where it forms small, hoary pads. ing on undisturbed pluvial mud and silt. The prominent mosses Rryum billardieri, Lignicolous and Corticolous Campylopus clavatus, Barbula crinita, Communities Pofytrichum juniperinum, Triquetrella This environment, consisting of wood, papillata, Weissia controversa and Hypnum bark and their worked derivatives provides cupressiforme are associated with the domi- a distinctive and peculiar environment. In or- nant trees E. camaldulensis and Acacia mea der of descending cryptogam diversity the msii and grasses Danthonia, Stipa and Ely- trecgenera Ulmus, Fraxinus, Allocasuarina, tnus. The liverworts Fossombronia infest* Ficus, Eucalyptus and Finns provide the inalis and Lethocolea pansa are restricted to most suitable habitats. Such qualitative se- this community, as are the lichens lectivity by cryptogams between tree species

Hetcreodea maelleri, ' Ramatea cochleata, appears to be dependent upon available sur- Thysansothecium hookeri and Cladia aggre- face area and degree of bark deciduousness. gate The most commonly encountered mosses One of the Verrucaria sp. is unnamed (P. are Bryum argenteum, Tortula muralis and McCarthy pers. comm.), whilst Thysano- '/; papulosa. The more delicate liverworts thecium hookeri is considered uncommon Frullania falciloba and Metzgeria furcata (Sammy 1992) and its occurrence at Royal are restricted to the darker, moister recesses Park is regionally significant. (Leigh et at of Ulmus bark and Allocasuarina butts, 1984). always under the influence of artificial watering of adjacent lawns. The crustose Saxicolous Communities lichens Candelariella xanthostignwides and Saxicolous environments are the most di- lemon-yellow Chyrosthrix candelaris, the verse habitats at Royal Park, encompassing foliose lichens Xantlwria parietina and the artificial and natural substrata. These include blue-grey Hypotrachyna osseoalba often exposed Tertiary bedrock, exogenous boul- form extensive patches on Fraxinus and ders, stones, brick and stonework, Ulmus bark. On tree extremities, such as monuments, roofing and masonry. Due to twigs and small branches the lichen species radical alteration of the park few undisturbed Usnea sp. and Teloschistes sp. are found. In cases, lichens are ob- rock surfaces remain and it is the artificial the vast majority of constructions, often over a century old, that served in a non-fertile condition. surfaces encompassing show the greatest cryptogam richness. Worked timber surprisingly, The crustose lichen Candelariella vitel- buildings, fences, benches, and, chrome-treated pine timber, are all exploited lina is ubiquitous, even in the most exposed cryptogams throughout the park. The sites, and is easily detected by its yellow pat- by as youngest surfaces are inhabited by colonis- ina. Substrate preference is conspicuous, such as Candelariella granite an acidic substrate, appears to be far ing lichens xanthostignwides, whereas on older, more less amenable to colonisation than blue- decayed 'surfaces, the foliose lichens H. stone, a basic substrate. Other crustose parietina and Usnea sp., and genera include Lecanora, Caloplaca, Buel- osseoalba, X. Bryum ar- foliose the mosses Tortula muralis and lia, Acarospora, and Verrucaria. The genteum appear. lichens Neofuscelia put la, Xantlwria parietina and Xanthoparmelia tasmanica Creek Community habitually grow on most types of stone sur- An unnamed tributary of Moonee Ponds Thallus diameters of up to 30 cm. may faces. Hows from Melbourne Zoo under extensive mats of mixed Creek, that be found, forming narrow creek- grow- the Upfield rail line, forms a species. The finest examples are those the park. Densely shaded part of line in the north of ing upon the rail bridge that forms camaldulensis, Finns, Ulmus and and the exposed Ter- by E. The Avenue, Parkville within the park with Fraxinus, it is the habitat tiary bedrock of Royal Park West. highest humidity. On south-facing brick walls and stone- The zone directly adjacent to the water Tortula muralis, Bryum work, the mosses eroded Tertiary bedrock Grimmia line, composed of argentewn and, to a lesser extent, 235 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

and loose boulders, contains the saxieoious Concrete less than 20 years old, particu- crustosc lichens, Lecanora, Buellia, Par- larly building masonry and footpaths, is pidia crustulata and Aairospora citrina. found to be colonised with Candelariella Whereas bryophytes Lophocolea, March- vitellina. Xanthoria parietina was observed antia, Rhacopilitm and Brachythecium are only on such surfaces older than 20 years, typically terrestrial elsewhere in the park, and then only forming small, discrete within the confines of the creek-line they also patches, less than 3 cm in diameter. inhabit rock surfaces. The aquatic moss De- Exploiting the gaps and hollows of road pranoctadus aduncus, egrcgiously absent metal in bitumen roads and paths, Xantho- from inner Melbourne's waterways, is here parnwlia tasmanica and Neofuscelia pulla confined to water soaks and seepages. are able to produce relatively high cover val- Higher up on the banks, the fructicose li- ues on areas of road surface. This chens Cladonia humilis and C scabriuscula phenomenon, which can also be observed may be found in abundance. This is the only across Melbourne, is apparently facilitated site where these species may be encountered by the greater stability and moisture reten- in fruiting condition, an indication of its relation of bitumen roads than locally available tive undisturbed and mesic nature. The saxieoious habitats. If substrate age, aspect pleurocarpous mosses Brachythecium, Rha* and absence of human activity suitably con- copilum and Hypnum eupressiforme also spire, the additional species Porpidia have high cover values. Close examination crustulata, Xanthoria parietina, Tortulamu- revealed small disjunct patches of the liver- ralis and Bryum argenteum can also occur. worts Riccia bifurca, Lumdaria cruciate, Aged painted surfaces on wood, metal and Marchantia berteroana, Cephaloziella stonework which have decayed to the point arctica ssp. subantarctica, and mosses Phi- of flaking, or with only the pigment stain lonotis tenuis and Eurhynchium. Brachy- remaining, may be observed to carry Cande- thecium albicans is of only recent introduc- lariella xanthostigmoides and Xanthoria tion (Willis 1955) and its dominance of the parietina colonies. habitat represents evidence of disturbance of the creek-line within the last fifty years. Discussion Above the creek-line, but still under the The total number of plant species includ- influence of tree shade, is a grassy commu- ing vascular species (Can* and Race 1992) nity of Distichlis, Briza, Nassella and was found to be 274 of which 20.1% were Danthonia. It is here that Hypnum has the cryptogams. Of the overall indigenous (i.e. highest cover. Other mosses found growing non-introduced) plant species 50.0% were amongst the grasses were Barbula crinitu, cryptogams. Table 1 illustrates the cryp- Triquetrellapapillata and Bryum biliardieri. togam floristics of the study area. Their figures are discussed below and those in Vitricolous and Anomalous brackets are percentages of species in com- Communities. mon with those at Yarra Bend (Sago 1994), These communities reside on substrata which, in metropolitan Melbourne, is the that are, by definition, artificial in substance nearest area of remnant vegetation to Royal and origin. They include glass, paint, bitu- Park. Twenty (399b) were mosses, 23 (26%) men, concrete and oxidised metal surfaces. lichens and 10 (80%) liverworts. The Royal Broken, but subsequently undisturbed, beer Park's lower values across all groups is at- and soft drink bottles provide a suitable habi- tributable to the comparative lack of tat for Candelariella viteliina, Xanth- topographical variety, and past and present opamwlia tasmanica and Neofusceliapulla. human activity. The gently undulating to- Studies have shown that glass and vitreous pography of the Park, with only a single surfaces must initially become pitted before creek-line, allows little amelioration of the colonisation can be initiated (Brightman and effects of solar radiation and wind. The origi- Seaward 1977). Since the examples of colo- nal E. camatdulensis Grassy Woodland has nised shards that the author has collected are been cleared and, with only one exception, up to cm in 5 diameter, it can be estimated totally transformed (Muyl 1 99 1 ). This is un- that they have been laying on the ground for like Yarra Bend where a variety of original periods that can be measured in decades habitats persist. Also certain substrates, such instead of years. as burnt wood, are entirely lacking, while the

236 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Table 1. Cryptogamic Floristics of Royal Park. Key: - !.= red gum grassy woodland community; 2.= turf community; 3.= creek community; 4.= saxicolous community; 5.= corticolous and lignicolous community; 6.= vitricolous and anomolous community. A=abundant; C=common; F=frequent; 0=occasional; R=rare., *=introduced or urban.

SPECIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 SPECIES 12 3 4 5 6

LICHENS

Acarospora citrina F Bryum billardieri F

Buellia sp. F Bryum dichotomum* C C

Caloplaca sp. O Campylopus clavatus COO

Candelariella vilellina C A F Ceratodon purpureus* F F O

C. xanthostigmoides C Depranocladus aduncus

Chrysothrix candelaris Eurhynchium sp.*

Cladia aggregata Funaria hygrometrica* F Cladonia fimbriata Grimmia pulvinata F Cladonia humilis Hypnum cupressiforme

Philonotis tenuis R C. scabriuscula

Endocarpon pusillum Pleuridium nerwsam juniperinum Endocarpon simplicatum F F Polytrichum Rhacopilum convohttaceum Heterodea meulleri O muralis* F F R Hypotrachyna osseoalba. c Tortula Tortula papulosa Lecanora sp. F F Triquetrella papillata OOO Neofuscelia pulla C R Weissia controversa Porpidia crustidata F

Ramalea cochleata LIVERWORTS Teloschistes sp Cephaloziella arctica ssp Thysanotheciwn hookeri subantarctica R o Usnea sp. Fossombronia intestinali Verrucaria spp. R F Frullaniafalciloba Xanthoparmelia tasmcmica C O Lethocolea pansa F F Xanthoria parietina* O Lophocolea semiteres o O Lutwlaria cruciata* MOSSES Marchantia berteroana stellatum F Archidium R Metzgeriafurcata Barbula crinita F Riccia bifurca Brachytheciitm albicans* A C cartilaginosa R F F Riccia Bryum argenteitm* C C

237 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

recreational pressure chronically degrades and Dr. Bob Parsons for allowing generous habitats and their formation. As a conse- access to Latrobe University Botany quence overall species diversity tends to a Department facilities. minimum. However the colonizing component of terrestrial bryophytes are at an References D.H. (1985). Bryological Communities adaptive advantage in such situations. Ashlon. associated with Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. A common feature amongst some of the Australian Journal of Botany 34, 107-1029. species present is their wide ecological am- Brightman FH. and Seaward, M.R.D. ( 1 977). Lichens of plitude, in as much as they are almost Man-made Substrates. In 'Lichen Ecology'. Ed. to substrate and, to a lesser extent, indifferent M.R.D. Seaward. (Academic Press: London). microclimate. The genera Xanthoha, Can- Carr. G.W. and Race, G.J (1992). 'Vegetation and delariella, Bryutn, and Tortula would be Management of Royal Park West. City of Melbourne'. included in this complement. Moreover, they (Ecological Horticulture Australia Ply. Ltd.), are also classed as urban, cosmopolitan and Cropper, S.C.Tonkinson.D. A. and ScotlG.A.M. (1991). early colonisers (Gilbert 1990; Mazimpaka 'A Census of Victorian Bryophytes'. (Department of etai 1993), suggesting they are able to with- Conservation and Environment: Victoria). stand pollution and disturbance, prominent Eldridge, DJ, and Greene, R.S.B.(1994). Microbiotic environmental factors of urban areas. Soil Crusts: A Review of their Roles in Soil and Ecological Processes in the Rangelands of Australia. In contrast, a group of indigenous cryp- Australian Journal of Soil Research 32, 389-415. togams can be characterised by a low Filson. R.B.0986). 'Checklist of Australian Lichens' tolerance of disturbance a nd a dependence 2nd. Edition. (National Herbarium of Victoria). upon a high integrity of soil structure. In the Gilbert. O.L. (1990). The Lichen Flora of Urban Royal Park environment they are concen- Wasteland. Uchenologist 22, 87-101. trated in refugia that have been bypassed by Ldgh, J., Boden, R. and Briggs, J. (1984). 'Extinct and destruction. most prominent human The Endangered Plants of Australia'. (Macmillan Co. habitat form for such species is a superficial Ausl. Pty Ltd.; Melbourne). dense, soil crust consisting of interwoven Mazimpaka, V, Lara, F. and Lopez-Garcia, C. (1993). cryptogam hyphae, rhizoids and associated Donnees ecologiques sur la bryoflora de la ville de algae, especially Nostoc. Unless hydrated, Cuenca (Espagne). Nova Hedwigki 56, 113-1 29. these crusts are present as an undifferenti- Muyt A.(1991). Royal Park West, a new Friends group, ated, continuous 'mat'. Such mats have been Indigenotes 4, 2-4.

implicated in the germination ecology of na- Sago. J. (1994). The Cryptogams of Yarra Bend: Part 1 tive vascular plants (Scarlett 1994), and soil Indigenotes- 7, 14-15. stability and erosion control (Eldridge and Sammy. N. (1992). Thysanothecium, In 'Mora of Australia' vol 54. Greene 1994). Included in this grouping are The Alienation of Melbourne the genera Cladonia, Cladia, Heterodea, Sanderson. W.A. (1932). Parks. Victorian Historical Magazine 14,41-165. Thysanothechun, Ramalea, Lethocolea, Scarlett. N.H. (1994). Soil Crusts. Germination and Fossombronia, Barhula, Polytrichum, Weis- Weeds-Issues to Consider. The Victorian Naturalist sia, Triquetrella and Philonotis. 111, 125-130. A further group is limited to habitats of Scon, G.A.M. ( ) 985). 'Southern Australian Liverworts'. high relative humidity, are therfore and se- (Australian Government Publishing Service: verely restricted within the Melbourne Canberra). metropolitan area. In general, and in Royal Scott, G.A.M., and Stone l.G. (1976). 'The Mosses of Park particularly, artificial watering regimes Southern Australia'. ( Acedemie Press: London). of public parks allow afar grealergeographi- Willis J.H. ( 1955). Systematic notes on Victorian mosses cal range than that would naturally occur - 5. The Victorian Naturalist 72. 73-78. However, they tend to be tolerant of phoro- phyte (host tree), and include the bryophytc genera Frullania, Metzgeria and Rhucopi- lum.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Arthur Thies, Dr. Patrick McCarthy and Neville Scarlett for providing invaluable taxonomic opinion; Adam Muyt for providing an insight into local geology and geography; Max Barlley

238 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

European Management of Remnant Grassy Forests and Woodlands in South-eastern Australia - Past, Present and Future?

Ian D. Lunt

Abstract The impact of European management practices on grassy forests and woodlands is discussed, and six conclusions are drawn: (1) On the Gippsland Plain in Victoria, the exclusive use of either grazing or burning, coupled with the effects of changing tree densities, has led to an ecological segregation of

many plant species. Many species have been depleted in one class of reserves only to survive in another. Similar patterns occur in other grassy forests and woodlands in south-eastern Australia. (2) The tiny rail-line and cemetery remnants that tenuously survive in woodland regions protect a suite of species that have been systematically depleted or eliminated from the larger, secure grassy forest and woodland remnants. (3) In order to conserve the small rail-line remnants and their species, the traditional rail-line

management of tree removal, grazing exclusion and frequent burning should be continued. (4) The species that repeatedly occur in rail-line or cemetery remnants were presumably common and widespread in the region originally, and most probably also occurred in grassy forest and woodland remnants that occur on similar soils. (5) Species conservation, in some cases, may be hindered at present by policies which prevent species from being introduced to secure reserves unless there are accurate records

from the particular reserves. This is a problem since many species were undoubtedly eliminated from some reserves before records were made. (6) Most Victorian remnants of grassy forests and woodlands are being managed as 'grazing ecosystems' with no burning. Consequently, small-scale trials are urgently required to determine the effects on endangered species of grassy forest and woodland management regimes that are characterised by grazing exclusion and frequent burning.

Introduction provides an overview of these results and The management requirements of rem- discusses their implications for conserva- nant grasslands dominated by Kangaroo tion. The detailed results will be presented Grass Themeda triandra have received con- elsewhere. Secondly, I present a broader in- siderable attention lately (e.g. Stuwe and terpretation of these results to include grassy Parsons 1977;McDougall 1989; Lunt 1991; forest and woodland remnants throughout Scarlett et at. 1992). By comparison, little Victoria, and finally I present some thoughts attention has been given to grassy forests and on how such remnants might be managed in

woodlands. It is now widely recognised that the future. most Themeda grasslands need regular man- The terms 'grassy forest' and 'grassy (non-alpine) eco- agement, usually in the form of burning, to woodland' refer to lowland soils, in which maintain plant diversity. By contrast, man- systems on relatively fertile by native agement of lowland grassy forests and the understorey is dominated herbs with relatively few species woodlands in south-eastern Australia is typi- grasses and 1991). Grassy forests have a cally a process of benign (and malign) of shrubs (Lunt density of trees than grassy wood- neglect, in which diversity is assumed, higher 1981). The term 'grassland' rightly or wrongly, to be maintained by in- lands (Specht grasses 7 to treeless sites in which native ternal 'natural processes. refers herbs dominate the ground layer; trees This article concerns the impact of Euro- and naturally absent or may have been pean management practices on remnant are either since European settlement. The- grassy forests and woodlands in south-east- removed by the aspects. meda grasslands are dominated ern Australia. It deals with three Kangaroo recent perennial, native tussock-grass, Firstly, I summarise findings from a Grass Themeda triandra. Plant names follow study of remnants in Gippsland. This article Ross (1993). Bundoora, ' School of Botany, LaTrobe University. Victoria 3083. 239 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

floristic composition from the grassy forest remnants, even though both seemed to occur on the same soils. The rail-line grasslands and the nearby grassy forest remnants have different management histories. The grassy forest remnants have been selectively logged and most have rarely been burnt. All have been grazed by stock with varying intensities, and many are now grazed by Grey Kangaroos. Judging from the density of

stumps at some sites, tree density is probably considerably greater now than at the time of European settlement. Conversely, the trees have been removed from the rail-lines and Fig. Location of the study area: the lowland L cemeteries, and these sites have not been Gippsland Plain. grazed by stock or kangaroos since the rail- The lowland Gippsland Plain line was built last century. Instead, they have The lowland Gippsland Plain occupies been burnt about every 2-4 years.

about 2000 sq km in eastern Victoria, from Recently, I undertook a vegetation and

Traralgon east to Johnsonville (Fig. 1). At seedbank survey to see how distinct the the time of European settlement, the alluvial grassland and grassy forest floras were, and plains probably supported about 600 sq km to attempt to identify the physical and man- of native grassland and 1200 sq km of grassy agement determinants of the two floras. Only forests and woodlands. The native grass- intact remnants with few weeds were sam-

lands have since been totally destroyed for pled, not obviously degraded sites. I asked

agriculture and not a single remnant is known three questions: ( 1 ) Do the grassland patches to survive (Lunt 1994). The grassy forests on rail-lines and in cemeteries have a differ- and woodlands have fared slightly better. ent floristic composition from the grassy

The largest and most intact remnant is the forest remnants, or do they just have different nationally significant Moormurng Flora and dominant species, with the subordinate spe- Fauna Reserve near Bairnsdale, which in- cies being common to all sites? (2) Do the cludes about 400 ha of grassy forest rail-line grasslands occur on different soil dominated by Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus textures from the grassy forest remnants? (3)

tereticornis. The second largest remnant, the Is it possible to identify which factors are Briagolong Forest Reserve, includes about primarily responsible for any differences in 120 ha of Forest Red Gum forest, and there floristic composition, e.g. different grazing are many other smaller remnants, most of or burning histories, or differences in tree which are quite degraded. Collectively all of cover? these remnants add up to about 0.3% of the The results of the survey were quite sur- region. Most of the region supports grazed prising. Firstly, grassland and grassy forest pastures. remnants both occurred across a wide range In first visiting the Gippsland region, 1 was of soil textures, from heavy clays to sandy puzzled by the presence of Themeda grass- loams. Some grassland and grassy forest lands along rail-lines and in some patches of dramatically different plant com- cemeteries. These small grassland patches position were separated only by a fence-line, are in areas that were mapped in the 1860*s with both communities growing on similar as grassy forest and woodland, not grassland, soils. Furthermore, the composition of and they often occurred in close proximity grassy forest remnants on sandy soils was to larger remnants supporting Forest Red more similar to that of distant grassy forest Gum grassy forest. However, the grassland patches on clay soils than it was to nearby patches appeared to have a very different grasslands on sandy or clay soils.

240 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

Thus, the differences between the two species. Many species were common in both communities were not due to large-scale dif- communities, but many more only occurred ferences in 'natural' soil texture. Instead, commonly in one community, and some spe- plant composition was directly correlated cies were totally restricted to one community with the long-term site management. Grass- (Table 1). Furthermore, neither community land remnants on the rail-lines and in ceme- could be called a 'degraded' or 'depauper- teries shared a similar floristic composition, ate' form of the other, as both had a similar regardless of the location of the remnant or richness of native species and relatively few the soil texture, while the grassy forest rem- exotics. The magnitude of the floristic dif- nants shared another distinct group of ferences between the two communities was

Table 1. Common grassland, grassy forest and widespread species on the Gippsland Plain. Grassland species are uncommon or absent in grassy forest remnants, and grassy forest species are uncommon or absent in grassland remnants. Widespread species are common in both communities. Taxonomy follows Ross (1993), and asterisks (*) denote exotic species.

Grassland species Grassy forest species Widespread species

* Allocasuarina veriicillata Acacia implexa Aira spp. Briza maxima * Aspenda conferta Agrostis avenacea * Bulbine bulbosa Asiroloma humifusum Anagailis an'ensis Burchardia umbellata Comesperma volubile Arthropodium striaum Caesia calliantha Cotida australis Bossiaea prostrata * Chamaescilla corymbosa Crasstda decumbens Briza minor Chrysocephahtm apiculatum Danthonia genicidata Carex breviculmis erythraea * Craspedia variabilis Danthonia racemosa Centaurium Cerastium glomeratum * Diitris punctata Dkhondra repens Crassula sieberiana Drosera peltata ssp. peltata Elymus scabrus Danthonia setacea Eragrostis trachycarpa Eucalyptus tereticomis Danthonia tenuior Haloragis heterophylla Gahnia radula * crinita Helichrysum scorpioides Galium murale Di'chelachne Dillwynia cinerascens Hemarthria uncinata Geranium potentilloides Eragrostis brownii Holcus lanatus * Glycine microphylla Gnaphalium purpureum Juncus capitatus * Gnaphalium involucratum s.l. Gonocarpus tetragynus Leptorhynchos squamatus Hydrocotyle foveolata Hypericum gramineum Lomandra nana Hydrocotyle hirta Hypochoeris glabra * Lagenifera gracilis Pentapogon quadrifidus * linearis Hypochoeris radicata Poa clelandii Leptorhynchos Hypoxis hygrometrica Romidea rosea * Microlaena stipoides varia Juncus subsecundus Thelymitra spp. Opercularia taraxacoides Poa sieberiana Leontodon fdiformis Poranthera microphylla Lomandra unifolia Ranunculus sessiliflorus Microtis Oxalis perennans Senecio tenuiflorus Pimelea humilis Solenogyne dominii * Plantago gaudichaudii Soliva sessilis Schoenus apogon Slipa rudis * * Sonchus oleraceus Taraxacum sp. aff. brakellii Stipa mollis Veronica plebeia Themeda triaiulra Viola betonicifolia * Thysanotus iHitersonii Vulpia myuros Tnconne elatior Wahtenbergia gracilis Xantlwrrhoea minor

241 Vol. 112(6)1995 Research Reports

in sites. But on a broader scale, the sites also surprising. The rail-line grasslands and damp rail-line grasslands and the the grassy forest remnants clearly formed that now support two 'communities' rather than minor 'sub- sites that now support grassy forest remnants communities' under the classification presumably all contained much the same years ago. scheme that is widely used in Victoria (e.g. flora 150 GuWanetai. 1981; Opitetal. 1984; Lobert Over the past 1 50 years the original grassy etai 1991;Frood 1992). forests and woodlands have been fragmented The Gippsland data do not reveal the and most have been converted to agriculture. causal factors for these differences - whether In addition to these obvious changes, an species are abundant on rail-lines because extraordinary process of 'ecological segre- intact they require fire, or because they can't persist gation' has taken place in the most under dense trees or stock grazing. Different remnants that remain (Fig. 2). Many species species may be affected by different factors. have been depleted or eliminated from the Unfortunately, these factors cannot easily be grassy forest remnants and large popula- determined since regularly burnt, ungrazed, tions of these species now only survive in grassy forest remnants, or regularly grazed sites such as rail-line verges and cemeter- and burnt rail-line sites, simply do not exist. ies. Simultaneously, another group of Nevertheless, the patterns of land-use on the species has been depleted or eliminated Gippsland Plain are common throughout from the rail-line and cemetery sites, only south-eastern Australia: intact, regularly to survive in the grassy forest patches. In burnt rail-line and cemetery sites tend not to destroying the one original grassy ecosys- be grazed and grassy forest and woodland tem, we have created two very different remnants tend to have a history of frequent plant communities: the present grassy for- stock grazing but infrequent burning (see be- ests and the present grasslands. We now low). have to conserve two communities to save the remnants of the one original commu- 'Original' vegetation nity. Before European settlement the grassy forests and woodlands of the Gippsland Future management needs Plain formed a continuous ecosystem (Lunt To save large populations of all native spe-

1 994), not a series of tiny, isolated remnants, cies on the lowland Gippsland Plain, the and the rail-line obviously didn't exist. Pre- rail-line grasslands and the grassy forest rem-

sumably, the species that 1 recorded in grassy nants will both have to be protected, as many

forest remnants and in rail-line grasslands all species arc largely restricted to just one of existed in the one community originally; the two communities. Furthermore, based on they could not have formed two discrete our present understanding of the manage- communities as they do now. Rail-line spe- ment requirements of both communities, the cies, like the Purple Donkey-orchid Diuris most prudent way to conserve both will be punctata, Blue Grass-lily Caesia calliantha to continue the traditional management (al- and Common Everlasting Chrysocephalum though the importance of marsupial grazing

apicutatum (Table 1 ), are most likely to have in grassy forest remnants remains unknown). occurred in the same sites as the species that Thus, in order to maintain the distinctive rail- are now restricted to the forested remnants, line flora, rail-line remnants should continue like Love Creeper Com esperma voluhile, to be regularly burnt, have large grazing ani- Creeping Speedwell Veronica pleheia and mals excluded, and regenerating trees Small Poranthera Poranthera microphylla. continually removed. Presumably there were small-scale patterns In another analysis, I found that most of within the original grassy forests and wood- the species that occur in both rail-line grasslands, with some species being more lands and grassy forest remnants occur pre- abundant under trees and others in gaps, and dominantly in forest gaps, not beneath dense some being common in dry areas and others trees. Presumably, therefore, if trees arc

242 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

original ecosystem

1 1 3 3o grassy '.' 1 3 grassland forest 1 remnant remnant

Fig. 2. Simple model of species segregation, with examples from the Gippsland Plain. The original ecosystem contained four, co-occurring groups of species (1 - 4), which suffered various fates following burnt, ungraded European settlement. Species in group 1 were depleted or eliminated from frequently (e.g. Hydwcotyle rail reserves, and now survive in unburnt, intermittently grazed grassy forest remnants depleted or eliminated from hirta, Leptorhynchos linearis and Veronica plebeia). Group 2 species were burnt, unburnt, intermittently grazed, grassy forest remnants, and now survive in treeless, frequently and Diuris punctata). Group ungrazed rail reserves (e.g. Caesia calliantha, Chrysocephalum apiculatum remnants (e.g. Arthropodium 3 species remained common in rail-line grasslands and grassy forest Plantago gaudichaudii), and Group 4 species strictum, Bossiaea prostrata, Hypericum gramineum and leptorrhynchoides and Thesium became extinct in the region (e.g. Goodenia pinnatifida, Rutidosis pastures in the region, especially australe; Lunt 1994). Some species remain common in grazed native many of the widespread species in Group 3.

survive in the soil beneath the rail-line allowed to recolonise the small rail-line do not grasslands (Lunt, unpubl data, August grassland sites, then these gap-requiring spe- 1995). Dense tree regeneration on rail-lines cies may be lost. Many ecologists suspect wide- results in an impoverished mix of that many grassland and woodland species spread, shade-tolerant natives and exotics. do not form persistent, long-term seed banks rail-line flora, rail-line man- J. Mor- To preserve the in the soil (DeKock and Taube 1991; agement should continue the past activities gan and A. Pyrke, pers. comnu September regular of gap creation (i.e. tree removal), 1992; Lunt, unpubl. data, August 1995). burning and grazing exclusion. This pattern also occurs in many grasslands this is so, such overseas (Thompson 1 992). If the Broader implications species will completely disappear from The above case study clearly demon- when existing plants die, as rail-line sites of European strates the dramatic impact there will be no seeds for future regeneration. management practices on grassy remnants Furthermore, there will not be a succession Plain. It is difficult dense on the lowland Gippsland to a typical grassy forest flora under extent or magnitude of eco- grass- to determine the stands of regenerating trees in rail-line in other regions, as species logical segregation lands, as seeds of the grassy forest 243 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

similar surveys have not been undertaken many species have disappeared or been elsewhere. However, from personal observa- grossly depleted, while others have in-

tions and discussions with other botanists, I creased in abundance. Few people would believe that these patterns will be found in debate this claim, since the ubiquitous utili- many regions, from the southern tablelands sation of grassy forest and woodland of NSW to the northern and western plains remnants for timber production and grazing of Victoria. Unfortunately, much of the evi- has caused significant changes in tree density

dence for this claim is anecdotal. However, and plant composition. grassy forest remnants in Gippsland have a 2. In most regions, small remnants on similar composition to many woodlands roadsides, rail-lines, cemeteries and race- dominated by River Red Gum Eucalyptus courses are the only places where many of camaldulensis. Yellow Box E. melliodora the original grassy forest and woodland spe- and Yellow Gum E. leucoxylon throughout cies survive (Frood 1985; Stuwe 1986; Victoria, and the land management practices Scarlett and Parsons 1982, 1992). Most of

that occur in Gippsland (i.e. of grazing some these remnants and many of these species are sites and burning others) occur throughout now threatened with extinction.

l the state. 3. Because there are many big' grassy Site-specific examples of ecological seg- forest and woodland remnants throughout regation are known from western Victoria, the state, many observers have uncon- e.g. Themeda grassland on the Melbourne - sciously assumed that these large remnants Ararat rail-line south of Mt Langi Ghiran are unchanged, intact remnants of the versus River Red Gum and Yellow Box 'original' ecosystem. They have therefore woodland in the adjacent State Park (Lunt, invoked a lower status for the rail-line and pers. obser\>.)\ central Victoria, e.g. Themeda cemetery remnants, that are described grassland on the Woodend racecourse versus as 'disclimax' communities or unnatural nearby Narrow-leaf Peppermint forest (Lunt, ^artefacts* of doubtful conservation sig- pets, observ,), and Themeda grasslands on nificance.

rail-lines in the Clunes - Maryborough area The interpretation in number 3 above is

versus nea rby remnant Grey Box woodlands too simplistic and, at least in Gippsland, is (N. Scarlett, pers. comm., September 1992); factually wrong. The Gippsland rail-line the northern plains, e.g. Themeda grassland remnants are no more a disclimax or an in Mitiamo cemetery versus woodlands in artefact than are the 'big' grassy forest Terrick Terrick Park (Morcom 1990); and remnants; both communities contain only north-east Victoria, e.g. rail-line remnants a portion of the species that occurred in the containing Diuris cuneata, versus nearby original grassy forest and woodland eco- open-forests (Johnson 1992). These and system. The original grassy forests or other known examples include grassy forests woodlands of every region presumably and woodlands dominated by River Red contained the species that now survive in Gum E. camaldulensis, Yellow Box E. mel- the forest and woodland remnants plus the liodora, Grey Box E. microcarpa, Long- species in the rail-lines and cemeteries. leaved Box E. goniocalyx, Narrow-leaf Pep- Whether that species is Caesia calliantha permint E. radiata, Candiebark E. rubida. in Gippsland, Diuris punctata or Podolepis and Snow Gum £. pauciflora. Assuming jaceoides in any grassland and woodland re- that such patterns will one day be properly gion of Victoria, or any of many other documented in many grassy forests and threatened species (see Scarlett and Parsons woodlands throughout Victoria, the follow- 1982), for one reason or another, these spe- ing framework can be developed: cies have all been dramatically depleted, or 1. Throughout Victoria, there are no un- completely eradicated, from most grassy for- altered remnants of the 'original' grassy est and woodland remnants. They have forests and woodlands. Even the most intact survived in the tiny rail-line and cemetery remnants have changed dramatically, and sites owing to the unique management of

244 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

those sites; tree removal, no grazing and though there are no records from those sites. regular burning. The rail-line remnants, and If a species was rare in a region prior to Euro- their attendant management regimes, are no pean settlement, then the probability that a more ' unnatural' than the nearby forest or number of populations would occur on the woodland patches. They are just consider- narrow strip of land that was later to became ably rarer. a rail-line is exceedingly low (Fig. 3a). Only those species that were originally abundant Rare species? in the region are likely to be repeatedly found Species without wind dispersed seeds that in rail-line remnants (Fig. 3d). occur in many small and isolated rail-line Many species have probably increased in and cemetery remnants could not have been abundance within individual rail-line rem- rare originally. Instead, they must have been nants owing to favourable conditions for common and widespread, and probably oc- regeneration (e.g. regular burning), and curred in many of the sites that now support some species with wind-blown seeds may remnant forests grassy and woodlands, even have dispersed along the rail-line between

(a) \ , * regional boundary >^

•

s^ "^ ^j** plant populations "^ A

rail -line

• 10 # • • •

S^ * A • •

: * t %/

«* «\ *

• ^** 000"^

• t * _«*-* 1

populations in a hypothetical region at the time of Fig. 3. Pictorial example of randomly located plant If plants were originally rare in European settlement. The region was later to be bisected by a rail-line. repeatedly occur on the narrow band ol and the region, then the probability that populations would low (Fig. 3a). As plant density increases (Figs which was later to become a rail-line is exceedingly on the rail-line increases accordingly. Conse- 3b-d) the probability of numerous populations occurring no. have on rail-line remnants, and which does quently, any species which is repeatedly found region priorto settlement. This illustration assumes wind-dispersed seeds, must have been common in the over most rail- hks no*.support supports remnant vegetation. In reality, 90% tha, the entire rail-line '"«•»'''' many native species is low regardles exotic vegetation in which the likelihood of finding are repeatedly found in original densities ol spec.es which density in the region. Consequently, the been considerably greater again. numerous small remnants on rail-lines must have 245 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Research Reports

nearby remnants. However, the majority of large grassy forest remnant in the region,

the rail-line flora is unlikely to have migrated even though there are no records of some of

along the line to fill previously unoccupied these species from most grassy forest rem- sites. Most species are small and have seeds nants. Conversely, the species that are now that are not distributed over long distances common in grassy forest remnants must once in the wind. The rate of migration without have occurred in areas that are now cemeter- wind dispersal is probably extremely slow. ies and rail-lines. This seems beyond debate: For instance, Caesia seeds are about the size from soil data; from the close proximity of of a mustard seed, with no adaptations for some grassy forest remnants to rail-line sites wind dispersal. Most plants are less than and from the improbability of finding these 30 cm tall, and most seeds probably fall species time after time in small rail-line rem- within 50 cm of adult plants, from where nants. they might then be transported by water

across the soil surface. However, even if we Species re-introductions

assume that at least one seed in every gen- Recently I suggested that regionally rare eration travels for 2 m in the same direction species should be introduced into secure reas the rail-line, and that this seed always serves in order to save these species from grows (in reality, mortality probably exceeds extinction in the wild, regardless of whether 90%), and that it takes only two years for the or not there are records of these species oc- second plant to set seed (probably 3-5 years curring naturally in the sites (Lunt 1992). In in the wild), and that one seed from the sec- response, Yugovic (1992) cogently argued ond plant then produces another seed which that whilst we shouldn't necessarily require travels 2 m, and so on; even under such ideal, a record of a species from the exact re-plant-

hypothetical conditions, it would still take ing site, we do need to have, 'a strong and 1,000 years for Caesia to migrate over just reasonable expectation that the species origi-

1 km. Clearly, the present distribution of nally occurred on the site.' I believe that this Caesia, and other species, is unlikely to be criterion may prove to be too restrictive, and the result of large scale dispersal, as the rail- suggest that we should only require that the lines were only built 150 years ago. species once occurred in a similar habitat in Furthermore, it seems extremely unlikely the region. Nevertheless, if the criterion is that rail-line and cemetery species could followed it does beg the question, what evi- have been inadvertently introduced to all of dence do we need to form a 'strong and these sites by humans, on clothing, boots or reasonable expectation'? One of the strong- vehicles. Many cemeteries, in particular, are est sources of evidence that is available is far isolated from rail-lines, and are not man- the frequency with which species occur in aged by rail-line workers. It is far more intact refugia such as rail-lines, racecourses plausible to assume that most rail-line spe- and cemeteries. cies must have occurred in or near existing If a species repeatedly occurs in such sites sites when the rail-line was built last century. within a region, and these sites encompass a Species that are restricted to rail-lines and range of soil textures, then we can be confi- cemeteries are rare now, not because they dent that the species must once have been were originally rare, but simply because they widespread and common in the region. If are intolerant of the typical farmland and for- other grassy forest, woodland or grassland est and woodland management, whether that reserves occur in the same region on similar be sustained stock grazing, no burning, soils, then we can also be reasonably confi- dense trees, weed invasions or some other dent that the rail-line species probably once associated factor. occurred in those reserves also. If one wishes The inevitable corollary to this argument to know which extra species originally oc- is that, in Gippsland at least, most (if not all) curred in our few 'big' grassland reserves, of the species that are now common on rail- all of which were once grazed by stock (e.g. lines may have occurred in perhaps every Derrimut and Laverton North reserves), then

246 The Victorian Naturalist Research Reports

the most valuable information may be ob- nant grassy forests and woodlands have been tained, not by sampling nearby paddocks grazed by stock, so at best the policy can only with the same management history, but by maintain the impoverished remnants of 150 sampling other more-distant remnants with years of stock grazing. Few people collected different management histories, such as rail- plant lists in parks last century. Most wood- lines and cemeteries. land parks didn't exist until 20 years ago, and Unfortunately even if we do know that a most species were probably eliminated from species once occurred in a particular rem- those sites 50 to 100 years ago. If we want nant, the species won't necessarily prosper to save all species in remnant ecosystems in

there if it is re -introduced, as the present con- all regions, I believe we will have to stop ditions may no longer be suitable. There is viewing species introductions as being in- little point in re-introducing a species like trinsically undesirable. Instead, we might Purple Donkey-orchid Diuris punctata to an acknowledge them as a means of saving area dominated by dense, young Red Gums many species from regional or total extinc- or a thick grove of Prickly Moses Acacia tion in the wild, while perhaps verticillata, as the orchid is unlikely to grow simultaneously restoring an original ecologi-

under such conditions. Nevertheless, the cal diversity to the site in question. I don't species might perhaps prosper there if site propose that every regionally threatened spe- conditions or management were altered, per- cies has to be planted into every reserve in haps by thinning the trees and re-introducing the region; or that this policy should be ex- regular burning. Conversely, examples will tended to reserves in other less fragmented, probably be found whereby endangered rail- secure ecosystems; or that introductions line species actually grow better in grassy should occur across the entire area of any forest or woodland remnants (where they are park. Instead, small areas in particular re- currently absent) than- in their present rail- serves in each region could be devoted to the are threat- line habitats. This scenario is likely to occur introduction of species which now

(Scarlett 1 for palatable species which are poor com- ened, orperhaps even extinct 993), would need petitors, as such species could easily be within that region. These areas micro-habitats grazed out of grassy forests and woodlands, to include the full range of prospective introductions. only to tenuously survive beneath dense needed for all Themeda on ungrazed rail-lines. Governmental policies may provide bu- Fire exclusion of many grassland and wood- reaucratic impediments to the successful The rarity undeniably due to habitat loss; introduction of threatened species to secure land species is over of indigenous vegetation has reserves, and these impediments may be as 99% been destroyed in most grassland and restrictive as ecological impediments. The forest and woodland regions in National Parks Division of the Victorian De- grassy Australia. However, the partment of Conservation and Natural Res south-eastern Gippsland data clearly demonstrate that the ources (DCNR) does not permit threatened is not due rarity of many species in the region species to be introduced to any park unless also to solely to habitat loss. Instead it is due prior record of the species from there is a regimes the imposition of management within the park boundaries. This, of course, unsuitable for those species. large intact which are is a superb policy for managing species so rare in our Errinun- Why are so many pa rks such as Croajingolong and and woodland remnants, refreshing larger grassy forest dra National Parks, and is a are now protected in National introductions ot many of which antidote to the Anglophile probably State Parks? Past stock grazing is Societies. or the Acclimatisation and this can the reason in many instances, can also be viewed as being But the policy introducing plants to of be tested simply by counter-productive for the conservation plants grow and reproduce, grasslands remnants. If the species in fragmented threatened provide suitable habitat. But All rem- then the sites and grassy forests and woodlands. 247 Vol. 112(6)1995 Contributions

past stock grazing does not seem to be the quent burning can be a valuable tool for pre- only determining factor. For instance, the venting dense regeneration of Red Gums, Grampians National Park has one of the larg- thereby maintaining an open woodland est areas of non-riverine River Red Gum and structure. Yellow Box woodlands in a reserve in Vic- Across Victoria, management of grassy toria: about 10,000 ha, with another 14,000 forests and woodlands has fallen into two ha in the adjacent State Forest. Five popula- schools (exemplified by the Gippsland

1 tions of Diuris punctata are known from the scene): 'ungrazed burning ecosystems (in park. In 1 99 1 , no plants were recorded at four the few rail-line and roadside remnants that of these populations, and there were only survive) and 'unburnt grazing ecosystems' five plants at the fifth (D. Venn, September (most of the larger reserves). As a conse- 1992, pers. comm. to G. Earl). There is noth- quence, ourgrassy forest and woodland flora ing obviously distinctive about the five spots has been partially segregated into two where the orchids survive, and large areas of groups: those species that are best repres- seemingly suitable, unoccupied habitat ex- ented on rail-lines and cemeteries, and those

ist. The species appears to be extremely rare species that are common in secure reserves.

in what could be (and perhaps once was) a I suggest that, as a long-term aim, if we want large area of eminently suitable habitat. In to save all of the species in grassy forest and Gippsland, Diuris punctata is abundant in woodland regions, we might consider re-in- many intact remnants on regularly burnt rail- tegrating these two floras, and one means of

lines, even though it is absent from nearly all doing that may be to re-integrate the major nearby grassy forest remnants. processes of burning and grazing, so that Perhaps a major reason that species like some parts of our big, intact reserves are Diuris punctata are now so rare in secure, regularly burnt and grazed (by kangaroos, reserved, remnant grassy forests and wood* not stock).

lands is because hardly any grassy forests I must emphasise that I am not proposing and woodlands in south-eastern Australia that alJ of our grassy forests and woodlands are regularly burnt: most are virtually never be regularly burnt. The ideas presented in burnt (Victorian Government 1983). Fuel this paper are intended to encourage readers loads in grassy forests and woodlands are to compare the composition of remnants with either naturally low or are reduced by graz- different management histories, and to seri- ing. Our best grassy forest and woodland ously question current management regimes. remnants are essentially 'unburnt, grazing I suggest that if we want to save all of the ecosystems', grazed by stock, kangaroos or species in remnant grassy forests and wood- rabbits. By contrast, most of our best grasslands, we simply have no choice but to adopt land remnants are 'burning ecosystems' a more flexible approach to reserve manage- without any grazing. Some National Park ment and to species and ecosystem management plans specifically forbid burn- conservation. ing in Red Gum woodlands because of the Tire sensitivity of the red gums' (e.g. De- Acknowledgments partment of Conservation and Environment This paper was first presented in October 1990). Ground fires can kill Red Gum sap- 1992 at the 'Great Plains Crash* conference lings and promote the formation of gum on grassland conservation, organised by the veins in mature trees, which reduces their Victorian National Parks Association and the timber value (Dexter 1978; Robertson 1985; Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association. Meredith 1 but 988), ground fires will not kill Kind thanks are due to Gill Earl, Jodie Hoey, large trees (Robertson 1985). Prior to Euro- John Morgan, Bob Parsons, Adrian Pyrke pean settlement, lowland grassy forests and and Neville Scarlett and anonymous referees woodlands were frequently burnt by Abo- for comments on drafts of the manuscript. rigines and lightning strikes (Nicholson Many of the ideas in this paper were trig- 1981), and Robertson (1985) noted that fre- gered, in one way or another, by

248 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

conversations with Neville Scarlett, the Nicholson. PH. (1981). Fire and the Australian mainstay of grassland ecology in Victoria for Aboriginal - an enigma. In Tire and the Australian Biota'. Eds. A.M. Gill. R.H. the past 20 years. Groves and I R. Noble. (Australian Academy of Science: Canberra). Opie, A.M., Gullan. References P.K., van Berkel. S.C. and van Rees. H. (1984). Vegetation of the Western Port catchment. DeKock, B. and Taube, (1991). 'Reproductive M Muelleria 5: 289-346. Phenology of Seven Native Forbs and Implications Robertson, D. (1985). Interrelationships between for their Establishment and Management'. (Unpubl. Kangaroos, Fire and Vegetation Dynamics at B. App. Sc. (Horticulture) thesis, Victorian College of Gellibrand Hill Park, Victoria. (Ph.D. Thesis, Botany Agriculture and Horticulture - Burnley Campus: Department, University of Melbourne: Melbourne). Melbourne). Ross, J.H. (1993). 'A Census of the Vascular Plants of Department of Conservation and Environment Victoria Victoria'. 4th ed. (Royal Botanic Gardens: (1990). *Langi Ghiran State Park. Proposed Melbourne). Management Plan*. (DCE: Melbourne). Scarlett, N.H. (1993). The plains wanderer. The Dexter, B.D. (1978). Silviculture of the river red gum metaphorical grassland: museum, ark or lifeboat? forests of the centra] Murray Hood plain. Proceedings IntUgenotes 6(1): 2-3. of the Royal Society of Victoria 90: 1 75- 1 92. Scarlett, N.H. and Parsons, R.F ( 1 982). Rare plants of the Frood, D. (1985). *A Survey of the Relic Vegetation of Victorian plains. In 'Species at Risk: Research in Victorian Railway Reserves'. (Unpubl. report to the Australia'. Eds R.H. Groves and W.D.L. Ride. Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands (Australian Academy of Science: Canberra). Victoria: Melbourne). Scarlett, N.H. and Parsons. R.F. (1992). 'Project 45:

Frood, ( 1 992). 'Vegetation of the Native Grasslands in D. Propagation of Threatened Australian Plants in the Merri Creek Valley. Outer Melbourne Area*. Victorian Reserves.' (Unpublished report to World Ecological Survey Report No. 42. (Department of Wide Fund for Nature Australia). Conservation and Environment Victoria: Melbourne). Scarlett, N.H., Wallnrink, ST. and McDougall, K. ( 1 992). Forbes, S.J. (1981). Gullan. P.K., Walsh, N.C.and 'Field Guide to Native Grasslands', (Victoria Press: Vegetation of the Gippsland Lakes catchment. Melbourne). Muelleria 4: 333-383. Specht. R.L. (1981). Foliage projective cover and Action Johnson, G. (1992). 'Flora and Fauna Guarantee standing biomass. In 'Vegetation Classification in cuneata'. Statement No. 22, Wedge Diuris, Diuris Australia'. Eds A.N. Gillison and D.J. Anderson. (Department of Conservation and Environment (CSIRO and Australian National University Press: Victoria: Melbourne). Canberra). I.D., Peacock, R.J. Lobert, B.O., Gillespie, G.R.. Lunt, Sluwe, J. (1986). 'An Assessment of the Conservation the and Robinson, D. (1991). 'Flora and Fauna of Status of Native Grasslands on the Western Plains, Goolengook Forest Block, East Gippsland, Victoria'. Victoria and Sites of Botanical Significance'. Arthur of Ecological Survey Report No. 35. (Department Rylah Institutefor Environmental Research Technical Conservation and Environment Victoria: Melbourne.) Report Series No. 48. (Department of Conservation, Lunt, ID. (1991). Management of remnant, lowland Forests and Lands: Melbourne). for nature australis grasslands and grassy woodlands Stuwe. J. and Parsons, R.F. (1977). Themeda conservation: a review. The Victorian Naturalist 108: grasslands on the Basalt Plains. Victoria: tlorislics and 56-66. management effects. Australian Journal of Ecology regional Lunt, I.D. (1992). The plains wanderer: saving 2: 467-476. provenances. IntUgenotes 5(7): 4-5, 10-11. Thompson, K. (1992). The functional ecology of seed grasslands of the lowland banks. In 'Seeds: The Ecology of Regeneration in Lunt. I.D. ( 1994). The extinct Ed. M. Fenner. (C.A.B. Gippsland plains. In 'Conservation of Lowland Plant Communities'. Eds. Wallingford UK). Native Grasslands in South-eastern Australia.' International: Wide Submission for Inquiry K. McDougall and J.B. Kirkpatrick. (World Victorian Government (1983). Impact of Bushfires by the House Fund for Nature: Australia). into Environmental Standing Committee on McDougall, K.L. (1989). 'The Re -establishment of of Representatives (Unpublished 7yu-m^///-/VmJm(KangarooGrass): Implications for Environment and Conservation Institute submission). the Restoration of Grassland*. Arthur Ryhth Report Series plains wanderer. Saving regional for Environmental Research, Technical Yugovic. J. (1992). The and 2 - Another point of view. No. 89. (Department of Conservation. Forests provenances, Part 2-3. Lands: Melbourne). Indigenates 5(9): Environment: Meredith. C. (1988). 'Fire in the Victorian ot A Discussion Paper'. (Conservation Council Victoria: Melbourne). Morcom,L.(1990).The Effects of Grazing by Introduced Slate Park. Stock on the Vegetation of Terrick Terrick Conservation. (Unpublished report. Department of Forests and Lands: Bendigo). 249 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Contributions

A Trip to the Victorian Alps

R.J. Fletcher'

An article, in the form of a paper read to Table 1. Some of the specimens exhibited by The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria on the Charles Walter at the May 1899 FNCV Meeting.

I Oth July 1 899, appeared under this title (and Acacia atpina printed in The Victorian Naturalist 16, Alpine Wattle A. penninenis Hickory Waitle 1 899). The paper was read by Charles French Aciphylla facialis Snow Aciphyll Jnr., close friend and colleague of Charles Aster celmhia- Cvhmsia spp. Silver Daisy Walter. Charles Walter was born in Germany A. cult (sic)= Otearia frostii Bogong Daisy in 1831 and migrated to Australia when he Barortia atgfda Alpine Boronia was about 25 years old. Soon after his arrival Eriasremon corri'ifolius= he began collecting seeds of native plants to Astewtasia astehscophora Lemon Star-bush E. send home to his sister. It was through this myoparoides Long-leaf activity that he came under the notice of the Wax flower Eucalyptus Kunniitt? then Dr Mueller, who sent him off on collect- E, fclaucescens Tingiringi Gum ing trips in various parts of Victoria, and E. pauciflara Snow Gum honoured him by naming Prostanthera wat- Gaulriera (sic) hfopida=

teri y especially for his work in East Oaulihcria appressa Wax berry Gippsland. Walter also made several excur- Goadenia hederacea sions to the high country and made extensive var. cordifolia- var. collections which were in part purchased by atpestris Ivy Gootlenia (hevilU'tt victorias Mueller. It was on one of these trips that he Royal Greviilea Hctivlirysuiu lucidum- reported in some detail as mentioned above. liracteantlhi braacata Golden The journey was made in two sections. The Everlasting first to the Mt. Holham area and the second H. msmarinifolium = to Mt. Buffalo (Fig. I). Considering the ():oiham/iu\ rasmarinifalitts Rosemary modes of transport, he covered an Everlasting astonishing amount of territory. Train and //. sfiritngii= Ozothammts horse-drawn carriage were used for longer sitrtingli Ovens journeys, but at the age of 68, when he made Everlasting ffi'liptcrum antlwmoides= this trip, he was still walking considerable Rhodamhc atuhemoides Chamomile distances. For instance the return trip from Sun ray Marrietville to Mt. St. Bernard and Mt. Ho- H. incanutn var auriccps= tham was all done on foot. At the May meet- Lalbicans ssp. albicans Yellow Sunray ing oftheFNCV following this January 1899 II. incunum- U'ucochrysum excursion, he exhibited about 100 speci- albicans Hoary Sunray mens, some half of which were named in his Kunz.ea muelten— Kimzea presentation. For the Harrietville/Mt. St vricifolia Yellow Kunzea Lcotopodium Bcrnard/Mt. Hotham section, those named catipes= are listed in Ewartia nubi^eim Silver Ewartia Table 1 (with current names fol- Lomaria atpina= Blcchnum lowing an equals symbol). However, penna- marina Alpine as stated, this is not a complete Water-fern list ol Walter's collection. In a recent (Janu- Oxytohium alpestre Mountain Shaggy ary 1995) retracing of his steps the following -pea additional species were observed (Table 2) Pcrsoonia chamocpcuce In contrast to Walter's hike up the moun- (sic)= ft chamaepeuce Dwarf Geebung >am, this 1995 P. conferriflora trip was done in Cluster-flower air-conditioned comfort on a bitumen road Geebung but stopping Rii lira gurwife Richca regularly to look at things On continenfis Candle Heath arrival at Mt. St. Bernard there was no wel- Sclcranlhas bijlorus Twin-flower coming. Hospice as in Charles Walter's day Knawel this having been destroyed in the 1 939 bush- Shu khousia pulvinaris Alpine Stachousia tires. It had stood since 1863, being \\'t'sirmgiacutwata-= '•IMS Newport Road,, Rrosianihera ciaytnn South. Victoria Mm. cuneata Alpine Mint-bush

250 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

A_TRIP_TO_ ni- VICTORIAN ALPS .ho .... areas referred to; Hot ham

fla re pc*o W*»r\

Vartc a

Fig. 1. Maps showing locations 251 Vol. 112(6)1995 Contributions

Table 2. Some of the plants observed on the tows and lifts, parking areas and other ancil- January 1995 trip. lary structures. On his way back down the * indicates exoiic species. + indicates flowering. track, Walter noted new accommodation at Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle the Diamantina Springs, where refreshments Arthropodium milleflorum Pale Vanilla-Iily+ were available. This is now the site of a ref- Biechnum nudum Fishbone uge hut, but it was disappointing to see that Water- fern vandals have been at work and that the emer- Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia+ gency telephone has been pulled from the Coprosma hirtella Rough Coprosma wall. One wonders Daviesia latifolia Hop Bitter-pea why people in such D. ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea places commit such acts. The 'bridle track' Derwenlia derwentiana Derwent from Diamantina Spri ngs referred to in Char- Speedwell* les Walter's article is now the walking track Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily to Mt. Feathertop, and nearby is the hut of Dipodium roseum Hyacinth Orchid+ the Mildura Ski Club. On the day after he- Echium plantagineum * Patersons Curse+ arrived, Walter walked over The Twins in the Eucalyptus delegatensts Alpine Ash morning and in the afternoon visited E. rubida Candlebark Mt. Smythe. From below £. viminalis Manna Gum here he stated that he Exocarpus cupressifonnis Cherry Ballart 'followed the source of the Dargo River Kunzea ericoides Burgan+ downwards, returning by the Grant or Lomatia fraseri Tree Lomatia+ Crooked River Road'. Being about the same Oreomyrrhis enopoda Australian age as he was at the time, one can only admire Carraway his energy! The country is very steep with a Ozothammts secundijlorus Cascade very dense understorey of Tasmannia xero- Everlasting+

phyla y Oxylobium alpestre O. stirlingii Ovens and Acacia alpina Everlasting+ beneath closely spaced Eucalyptus Platyiobium formosum Handsome pauciflora. No attempt was made to emulate Flat-pea Table 3. Plants seen in 1995, in addition to those Polystichum proliferum Mother listed by Walter. Shield-fern + indicating in flower. * Pumadenis aspera Hazel Pomadcrris indicates exotic species. Ranunculus lappaceus Australian Asperula pusilla Alpine Buttercup+ Woodruff* Stella ha pungens Prickly Starwort+ Brachyscome angustifolia Daisy+ B, rigidula Sfytidium graminifolium Trigger Plant-t- Leafy Daisy* Wahlenbergia gloriosa Royal BIuebell+ Bracteantha subundulata Orange W. gracilenta Bluebell+ Everlasting+ Craspedia spp. Billy Buttons* established to serve travellers between the Drosera arcturi Alpine Sundew* Grant Diggings and the Ovens Valley. For Epilobium sp. Willow Herb + our trip, a camp was set up between Mt. St. Euphrasia collina Glacial Bernard and The Twins just off the track. Eyebright+ There are still signs of the old track that Wal- Hovea monfana Alpine Hovea ter would have walked, but the current tracks Leptospermum myrtifolium Myrtle Tea-tree have less Leucopogon gelidus Beard steep grades. On the morning fol- Heath lowing Microser'ts Ian veolata Yam Daisy+ his arrival, Walter walked up to Mt. Oleariafroslii Bogong Daisy + Hotham. Once again signs of the old road are Orites lancifolia still visible, Alpine Orites + but we used the bitumen and a Punelea axiflora var. alpina Bootlace Bush vehicle, stopping regularly to add to the plant Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax list. Walter remarked that Mt would be tiring Prasophyllum alpinum Alpine if I enumerated all the different species 1 Leek-orchid + could have collectecL.the grassy slopes Prasophylhttn suftonii Mauve appeared in many places like a carpet dotted Leek-orchid + Hubus with flowers of various colours./. However parvifolius Small-leaf ttnng, here Bramble + is a list (Table 3) of the plants seen Senecio spp. Groundsel + between Mt. St. Bernard and Mt Taraxacum sp.* Dandelion + Hotham which do not appear on Walter's Tasmannia xerophylu printed Alpine Pepper list. It shows that the carpet is still Trachymene humiiix Alpine dotted with flowers', but of course, a large Trachymene+ expanse is now covered by ski lodges, ski- Viola betonicifolia Showy Violet+ 252 The Victorian Naturalist Contributions

Table 4. Some plants mentioned in Walter's land Rivers. The building known as Man- paper. field's Temperance Hotel still stands, but not for long. For many years it has been called Acacia penninervis Hickory Wattle Buffalo Lodge and has served a variety of Baeckea crenaT'tfolia Fern-leaf Baeckea purposes. It is in a sorry state of disrepair and Bauera rubioides Wiry Bauera the present owners are about to demolish it Gaulteria (sic) hispida = and rebuild, but with a sense of history in Gaidtheria appressa Wax berry mind. We did the same as Charles Walter and Grevillea pan'iflora Small-flowered 'botanised along the Eurobin Creek' as far Grevillea as the Eurobin Falls for the rest of Kimzea corifolia (sic) = the day. Among the plants collected, Kunzea ericifolia Yellow Kunzea he the following Leptospermum spp. Tea Tree are listed in Table 4. Logania floribunda = Walter complained that there was no

Logania aibiflora Narrow-leaf proper track up to the Falls , but there is one Logania now, within the National Park, and for the Micrantheum hexandrum Box use of which there is an entry fee of $6. Ad- Micrantheum ditonal plants found in 1995 are listed in Mirbelia oxylobioides Mountain TableS. This table list indicates that January Mirbelia is too late for the peak of the flowering sea- Pultenaea mollis Bush Pea Pultenaea. spp. Bush Peas son. Trachymene billardieri - There had been recent heavy rains so the Platysace hmceolata Shrubby Platysace Falls were in good shape, as were the Buffalo Falls, of which there is a good view from below the Eurobin Falls. From Charles Wal-

Walter at this point. It would appear from ter's description of the track he took next day

Vicmap 8323-N that the Dargo River begins to the Plateau, it may well have followed below Mt. Hotham and what Charles Walter fairly well along the existing winding road. referred to is a tributary. On the other hand Certainly one of the early promoters of the the RACV map of the area shows the tribu- area, in 1887, was a W.A. Staker, and there tary below Mt. Smythe as the Dargo River. is a Staker's Lookout on the track. Walter One presumes that the Vicmap is correct. On walked up here with one of the Manfield the following day, Walter walked back to sons. We drove up in comfort, stopping on Harrietville, collecting specimens that he many occasions. He would have walked had missed two days earlier because of 'two from what is now the Hospice Plain along 'a severe thunderstorms, hail and steady rain, small stream' which is Crystal Brook, and water for the Buffalo ' which provides the which made the roads very muddy . Because far away. Nearby is a carpark from of this it had taken him seven hours to make Falls not a circuit leading to various the trip up. On the way back it took only six! which there is around the Gorge. Walter's Not really bad for someone carrying his lug- points of interest included those in Table gage, including press and specimens. It's plant list for this area in Table 6 may be added only 20 kilometres! One similarity between 6. To Walter's list plants from January 1995 the two excursions was a day of foul weather. the following Following the trip to Mt. Hotham, we also (Table 7). Apart from the botanistng, the rewards tor had a violent thunderstorm, which passed walks include the fantastic views from and settled down to steady rain for the next these area, and of course from other hours. While Walter walked back to Har- the Gorge 24 pur- places all over the Buffalo Plateau. The rietville to take a coach to Bright and then a follow as Pore- pose of this part of the trip was to train to Porepunkah, we returne d to possible in the footsteps of Charles punkah by way of The Twins Track, Selwyn far as so other parts of the area had to be Creek Road, and the Buckland Valley Road. Walter, another time. Walter had used as his base here Manheld's left for collection Walter is a great pity that the Buffalo Falls Temperance Hotel, about 6.5 It with the Manfield family no from where he had made and left km from Porepunkah, collected for longer exists. The specimens he walked 'arriving in good time for breakfast' no doubt safely housed in the a.m. train from Mueller are after having taken the 5 Walter National Herbarium at Melbourne. camped at the Buffalo Caravan Bright. We pressed collection to the and Buck- had also donated a Park at the junction of the Ovens 253 Vol. 112(6)1995 Contributions

Table 5. 1995 additions to Walter's Tabic 4. Table 6. Walter's plant list. + indicating in flower. Epacrts mucronulata ? Epacris microphylla Coral Heath Acacia daltachiana Catkin Wattle Kunzea muelleri = A. kettleweltiae Buffalo Wattle Kunzea ericifotia Yellow Kunzea A. melanoxylon Blackwood Podolepis = A. obliauinervia Mountain Hickory longipedata Wattle Podolepis robusta Alpine Podolepis A. phtebophylla Buffalo Sallow Wattle Ranunculus anemoneus #? erroneus record Billardiera scandens Apple Berry (Willis, Vol. II, 156) Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria + Ranunculus gunnianus Alpine Buttercup Calochlaena dubia Ground Frern R. lappaceus Australian Buttercup Calytrix tetragona Fringe Myrtle = Carex appressa Tall Sedge + Richea gunnii Cassinia acuteata Dogwood + Richea continents Candle Heath C. hngtfblia Shiny Cassinia + Davie sia latifolia Hop Bitter -pea Table 7. 1995 additions to Walter's Table 6. Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily + indicating in flower. Dicksonia antarctica Soil Tree-fern Dodonaea viscosa Wedge-leaf Hopbush Acacta obliquinervia Mountain Eucalyptus mannifera Brittle Gum Hickory Wattle E. radiata Narrow-leaf Peppermint Gleichenia dicarpa Pouched Coral-fern A. phtebophylla Buffalo Sallow Grevitlea atpina Cat's Claws Wattle (7. victoriae Royal Grevillea Arthropodium milleflorum Pale Vanilla-lily + llcdycarya angttstifotia Austral Mulberry Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria + llymenanihera dentata Tree Violet Daviesia ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea Kunzea ericoides Burgan+ Dianella tasmanica K. parvifolia Violet Kunzea Tasman Lomandra fongffolta Mat Rush + Flax-lily + Lomatia ilicifolia Holly Lomatia Elii atyptus delegatensis Alpine Ash + Mentha laxijlora Forest Mint E. mitchelliana Buffalo Sallee Pandorea pandorana Wonga Vine E. pauciflora Snow Gum Parsonsia brownii Twining Silkpod ( loodenia hederacea Ivy Goodenia + Platylobium formosum Handsome Flat-pea Kunzea parvifolia Pomaderris sp. Pomaderris Violet Kunzea Rubus parvifolitts Small-leaf Bramble* U'ptospertnum micromyrtus Button Tea-tree+ Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller Leucochrysum albicans Hoary Sunray + Todea barbara Austral King-fern Lomandra tongtfolia Mat Rush Oxylobium alpestre Mountain Shaggy-pea + St. Bernard Hospice, but that piece of history Pimelea humilis Dwarf would also have disappeared. Rice-flower + After enjoying the hospitality of the Man- Platysace tanceolata Shrubby field Buffalo Falls Temperance Hotel, Platysace + Walter took the train back to Melbourne, Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry having accomplished all he had done in the Panax space Polystichum proliferutn Mother of a week. Rumour has it that the hop- beer served at the Temperance Hotel rather Shield -fern stretched the meaning of the word 'temper- Stylidium graminifolium Trigger Plant + ance', but we'll never know. Tasmannia lanceolata Mountain Pepper

References and Further Reading Ross. J.H. (1993). A Census of the Vascular Plains of Anon.(1907).Obiturary forCharles Waller. The Victorian Victoria. 4th Edition (National Herbarium of Victoria: Naturalist XXIV, 1 10. Melbourne). Brooker i. and Kleinig, D. (1993). 'Field Guide to Walsh, N.G. andEniwisle.T.J. (editors) (1994) 'Flora of Eucalypts'. Vol.1. (Inkata Press). Cosicrmans,L( Victoria' Vol.11 (Inkata Press). 198.1). 'Native Trees and Shrubs of South Walter, C (1899). A Trip to the Victorian Alps. The Eastern Australia'. (Weldon Publishing: Sydney) Victorian Duncan B and Naturalist XVI, 81-87. Isaac, G. (1994). 'Perns and Allied Plants. Willis. J.H. (1972). *A Handbook to Plants in Victoria'. (Melbourne University Press) Vol. II. (Melbourne Johnson Dick University Press). (1974). 'The Alps a. the Crossroads'. Woolcock, Dorothy (1990). 'Field Guide to Native Pea (Victorian National Parks Association). Flowers'. (Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst).

254 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Mountain Ducks Tadorna tadomoides Tragedy of Instinct

One bright morning, in late spring, the upon some of those chicks for its breakfast. lady at the farm where I was staying, in far Immediatedly the drake was in the air hurl- East Gippsland (on the Numeralla side of the ing himself at the hawk. While the hawk had Orbost Flats), drew the attention of her hus- the speed and turning ability, the drake cer- band and myself to a pair of Mountain Ducks tainly had the weight. We assisted by and their numerous brood, which she had had shouting and whirling our hats into the air. under observation for about an hour. Altogether this was too much for the hawk birds The were on the opposite side of the and it just as quickly disappeared. gully the from house and under easy obser- All this time the duck was hurrying the vation from the kitchen window. They were chicks ever closer to the safety of the cliff on their way from the adjoining bush, where face with its trees and shrubs which offered the chicks had been hatched, to the wetlands easy access to the lagoons and connecting on the flats below. They had come up against channels below. a netted fence, not one to prevent them from The only other fence was now a long way going down to the flats but one preventing along the cliff face, where the road snaked them from going further along the cliff tops up at an angle to the higher ground above. which happened to be the particular place So we left them, well satisfied with our good they had in mind (or whatever it is that actu- deed for the day. ates such birds). The next afternoon I had occasion to travel The adult birds were unable to get through up that road and there in the paddock was but the amazing thing was that the netting the drake with one chick, both running away fence offered no obstruction whatever to the from the fence at my approach. I soon found chicks who ran freely back and forth through the duck, minus its head and much of its it, seeming to float like a single splash of breast, a typical victim of a hungry fox. brilliant colour against the deep green of the I put the drake and its solitary chick across pasture, while their parents moved stolidly the two road fences where the chick back and forth looking for a way through, all promptly disappeared down an under- the time calling loudly to their chicks. ground water course but as the drake landed At our approach the adult quickly took to nearby he would soon call it out. I had to gully the air and landed on the opposite side of the leave them again, hoping the cleared fence and headed, not down the cliff face to ahead would divert them, at last, to the safety the water below, but along to the next fence of the water. which barred their way and the same per- formance again took place. Again we moved Crichton and the adults flew over but just at that mo- G.A. ment a hawk appeared on the scene intent 6 Ainslie Park Avenue, Croydon, Victoria 3136.

FNCV New Home in Blackburn

Blackburn. The library to I Gardenia Street, Work is proceeding with internal changes area is taking shape. The library been partitioned off and the kitchen and laboratory has now have by mid December and we are on track to is expected to be installed completely everything completed by the New Year. activities w, take place rMftetoD. From January 1996 Club meetings and I progress on any Wednesday or Thursday. You are welcome to come and see the

255 Vol. 112(6)1995 HOW to be a Field Naturalist

Pond Hunting

D.H. Mclnnes

Mosi people look at a lake or pond and ice cream containers cut down to 3 cm deep jusl sec a sheet ol walct and think, "I suppose with scissors also make good observation there urc Home fish there ami they eat the dishes, things in the water", und that is all, hut to the Second For the forms of life thai require POND HUNTER there is another woild of at least a good haml lens to see, or are so hie Inh >w the sin iaceol llu- watCI both plant small that a microscope is needed to see them and animal life as well as olhei remaikable properly, for these we require a different net forms ol hie that are actually plants hut look to catch them, as well as a Special trough for like very active animals swimming around. a first examination with your hand lens. Thelargci forms such as fish, crayfish and This net needs to be 15 cm wide sloping yabbies we will leave to the fishermen. down as a cone to fit a glass jar about 4 em

There is the hte wc can see with the naked wide. The lid of the jar has holes bored into eye the large) tonus of algae, and the many it, and the net is attached to the lid. The jar aquatic insects and their various larvae, even can be (> to 8 cm long. The top of the net is aquatic spulcis ;is well as a variety of snails, sewn to a circle of strong wire which is at- Nexl is that wonderful world of micro tached to a good strong handle a metre or si-opie aquatic life Many can be seen with a more long. The material of the net must be a hand lens but most need to be examined im very line mesh. Examine the mesh with the del a microscope which reveals a third world hand lens or with KM) magnification under ol living creatures all rushing around to 'gel the microscope, this will give you some idea a bile to eat'. olvvlial si/e catch will slip through your net.

To obtain samples, different methods are A glass trough is needed to examine the Used; catch with the hand lens. To make the trough First Aquatic insects and their larvae. To you need two pieces of thin window glass catch these you need a shallow net 20 to 30 cut into 8 cm square and some thick (5 mm

Cm Wide (made of old, fine mesh curtain ma or more) plastic, I cm wide. Slick the glass terial) with a long handle b needs u> be and plastic together with Selley's glass

strong so thai you can draw it along under sealant.

the surface among the weeds in the shallow One more handy item is a plastic tea- watei Tip the contents of the net, usually a strainer. This allows you to strain off the mix ol broken weed, Onto a while plastic larger forms such as water boatmen when sheet and examine the catch. Among the pulling your catch into the containers to take Weed will be various insects oi larvae, per home. haps a bnlliant colored red or blue walei The pond life can be considered as three mite that will race around, some aquatic sections: snails, tadpoles ami fish, small 1 ) The free swimmers those near the edge Now hit them out With a plastic spoon, not of the pond among the weeds will be differ tweezers, ami place ihem into a w lute saucer cut from those in the clear water well away oi shallow dish filled with pond water. Then from the a\v,i'. you can examine them carefully with a hand 2 ) The tonus attached to weeds many of lens ami put them into jars to take home, He which are the most interesting animals to caietul io place each kind in a separate jai observe under the microscope.

because some will cat Others. ; | rhe life (hat lives just on lop of the mud At home, place into shallow containers, surface. white margarine containers are ideal. White Now let us catch the free swimmers. Sweep your net through the water near the , ,, i '\\,v l Mi^Ku,a,i ll MM,ivnn.\u l on, mis surface and also deeper down with just

Tin* Victorian Naturalist How to be a Field Naturalist

enough speed to strain the water through the This will give you an idea of all the catch.

net several times then lift it up slowly allow- For closer examination select a specimen ing the forms to sink into the jar. Unscrew with a pipette and place in a smaller petri the jar from the cover and pour the contents dish. into the trough. Now you can examine the If you want to look at, say a 'Water Flea' catch with your hand lens. If you want to or a Rotifer in a single drop of water, obtain

retain it, strain through the tea-strainer to re- a piece of thick clear plastic about 2.5 cm by move unwanted large forms and place into 7.5 cm. Why? Because a drop of water will your container to take home. Make other remain a circular drop on the plastic bui will sweeps near the edge and also out in the spread flat out on glass. Place 3 small pieces deeper water. Remember to number all your of Plasticene around the postion that the drop containers and label with the date and loca- will cover, place the drop of water, with the with tion. Also make notes in a field notebook. specimen, on the plastic and then cover Use a wateiproof marker (e.g. lead pencil). a glass cover slip or a clear plastic cover. The attached forms cannot be caught with Press down until the specimen is caught be- the slide and cover (note - any thin the net, it is necessary to pick many samples tween will do, of weed and place them in the trough and clear plastic stuck to a glass slide tape stuck to the slide will carefully examine to see if there is anything even just sticky pinch). Now examine the slide under of interest. If a good find is seen on a weed, do in a losing the higher powers of the microscope. place it in a separate container to avoid weed To examine the attached forms, place it. It is a good idea to take plenty of some of the weed in the trough or in a wide sam p les to examine at home with the mi- and check with the hand lens or croscope. petri dish under the lowest power microscope. Pick out The forms that live near the mud surface specimen with the tweezers, cut otf ex- can only be obtained by sucking up or scoop- any cess weed and place in a small petri dish. If ing the top layer of mud, this results in a lot projects above the water, cover with a glass of dirty muddy water. However, just place it it higher powers of get home. cover. Examine with the in a container to look at when you microscope. Remember that the lower When you arrive home remove the covers the powers of magnification give the best depth from the containers and if possible place in Number of focus. a series of shallow wide dishes. The muddy water collection should be these the same as your containers settles, then, put in a wide dish until the mud just above with a pipette, draw off the layer at the material when you How to look dish and let the mud. Place this in a smaller have got it home opaque draw oil settle. If the mud layer is insect larvae material in your Place the spaces are seen. lamp some of the mud until open observation dishes under a strong desk specimens and put in a drop of examine a Again select and just watch for movement. To for further examination. plastic spoon that water specimen lift it out with a see something interesting, the Now, when you it and place it in has small holes bored in Well, the best how will you know what it is? clear pond water and ex- trough filled with things you are book, one that covers all the lens or place in a small amine with the hand lake or pond is to see in a freshwater a low power likely petri dish and examine with the one below: microscope (15x to 20x). The Inver- Australian Freshwater Life. the free swimmers. Now to examine Australian Inland Waters peln dish tebrates of contents of jar in an 8 cm reprinted in Place Williams. This book was with glass W D (make your own petri dishes have to go to 1985 and you will probably possible, and circles squares 2 mm thick if a copy. The local library to obtain stick with your plastic down-pipe, can boi- cut from library has a copy members Examine with hand FNCV Selley's glass sealant). row. of the microscope. lens or the lowest power 257 Vol. 112(6)1995 .

Naturalist Notes

A book that is available and is a must for Another excellent book to look up in the any pond hunter with any interest in rotifers library is or 'water fleas' is: The Natural History of Aquatic Insects. A Guide to Identification of Rotifers, (1903) - Prof. L.C. Miall. It has nearly 400 Cladocerans and Copepodsfrom Australian pages of the interesting life stories of the Inland Waters -R.J,SWd. aquatic insects you will catch in your net. This book has over 500 illustrations of ro- Some overseas books to obtain from your tifers and explains in detail methods of library.

catching, preservation and mounting speci- Freshwater Biology - Ward and Whipple. mens. There is also a pictorial reference to A Guide to the study of Fresh-water key out the species of 'Water Fleas', Clado- Biology - J.G. Needham and P.R. Needham. cerans and Copepods. Price is $33.00 The FNCV Microscopical Group is will- (posted). Obtainable from The Murray-Dar- ing to help anyone with pond hunting or the ling Freshwater Research Centre, PO. Box use of a microscope. Your contact is Ray 921 Albury, N.S.W.2640. Power, telephone (03) 97 1 7 35 i 1

From our Naturalist in Residence, Cecily Falkingham

White-winged Choughs Corcorax melanorhamphos and Bird Behaviour

From the early days of my childhood when terest in birds. It has never been important to the Gould League of Bird Lovers (Gould me how many bird species I see in one day League of Victoria Inc.) visited my Primary (I would fail dismally as a twitcher). What school, I was hooked on birds. I enthusiasti- interests me is the quality of the observation, cally signed the pledge, promising to protect what I have learned about the species and native birds and not to collect their eggs. what the bird was doing at the time. I must have been one of thousands of chil- My first experience with a flock of White- dren whose first introduction to birds was winged Choughs Corcorax melanorh- through the Gould League. Subsequently, for amphos was within cycling or walking dis- many years, the League has embraced all tance from my home. In January 1981, I aspects of natural history. discovered an enormous mud nest, 20 cm The great and late Crosbie Morrison with wide, overflowing with two fat, lively his 6.00-6.15 p.m. 3DB Sunday broadcasts chicks. I had previously observed the nest in fanned the flame of my enthusiasm as I lis- November 1980. The area was open Manna tened to that wonderful voice of quiet Gum bushland beside the Mullum Mullum authority. Creek. A place where Yellow-tailed Black Then followed TAFE and Council of Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus funereus Adult Education courses and eventually, two looped lazily through the. trees in winter and decades ago, becoming a member of The where Little Falcons (Australian Hobby) Bird Observers Club. Falco longipennis nested in the old disused For most nature lovers or naturalists, birds Ravens nests. are only one small, but fascinating part, of The inevitable soon happened and houses the whole picture. My curiosity about bird pressed further down onto the edge of this behaviour is the driving force behind an in- have, the owners bringing with them their 258 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

domestic pets. In less than one decade the tory overlaps into Magpie territory. Several Chough no longer entertains me with its som- times a day the Magpies will dive-bomb the bre wailing and enchanting whistles. We had, Choughs and have been seen to tilt at a and still have, a high population of foxes Chough's tail in mid-air flying battles, tip- which also played a part in their demise. ping the Chough a nd unbalancing it so that past In the twenty years I have observed it crashes to the ground. White-winged Choughs at Rushworth For- Choughs breed sometimes as early as June est, Bendigo Whipstick Forest, Gembrook but usually between July and December, and State Forest, Inglewood, Little Desert Na- not normally until their fifth year. Choughs tional Park, Pink Lakes State Park, have been known to live ten years. The nest Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Chiltern can take anything from one week to several State Park, Macedon Ranges (Mt Teneriffe months to build if a dry spell intervenes. All area), Wychitella Forest, Warby Ranges Na- the birds, apart from the very young, help

tional Park, Warrandyte State Park, and, build the nest and all help in incubating, closer to home, Currawong Bush Park in brooding, nest sanitation and nestling feed- Templestowe. Theirpreferredhabitat is open ing. The nest can be from 10-20 m or more

woodland, Mallee of south-eastern Austra- high, usually in a Eucalypt species. I have lian and new crops and pastures. observed them on forked or single horizontal

White-winged Choughs are usually heard branches. The nest is lined with soft material long before they are seen, their miaowing, such as grass, wool or bark. Old nests are wailing, whistling, mournful call being like frequently used again and again and have no other bird. The birds are usually sighted proved to be of a solid well-built construction when disturbed, flapping lazily through the - when one came down attached to the branch middle canopy. A flock, unaware of your after a storm, it remained intact. It has been presence, is usually found feeding on the recorded that cattle dung and Emu dung have ground. They can be confused with Ravens been used and mixed with the mud. The fibre until they take flight exposing the white un- content makes up at least 7% of the whole. derwing patches. Their eyes are a bright Eggs take 19 days to hatch, and then for ruby-red, unlike Raven Connts spp. with 25 Days the older birds in the group, male or as their white eyes or Pied Currawongs female, tend the young. Although many Strepera graculina with yellow eyes. as eight or nine eggs can be laid by several only Choughs feed on invertebrates and larvae, females in the group in the one nest, average are successfully seeds (their liking for seed does not endear abut two birds on maturity. The birds have very weak them to farmers) and berries. They probe the raised to ofdays after leaving ground vigorously with their strong, sickle- flight for the first couple early days they arc at shaped beaks, flipping sticks, stones and leaf the nest and in these risk from predators; foxes, feral cats, liner up to 30 cm in the air. Their stout, heavy most dogs and, to a lesser extent, the oc- bodies sway from side to side as they stride roaming shooter find them and their nests along on the ground on strong thick-set legs. casional targets. Sometimes farmers kill They control a territory of about 50 ha and easy Choughs in country areas because of their are not aggressive birds, living peacefully in 0- grain-eating habits, quite forgetting that they their large groups. Groups range between 1 consume armies of insects. When insects are 30 birds in a family gathering. On rare on seed scarce, in winter, the birds depend when conflict is unavoidable, the occasions food and berries, and, being a large bird, their battle takes the form of whistling matches the young Dis- intake is quite considcrable.Once with elaborate tail and wing wagging. travel, they birds have fledged and learned to plays of aggression are rare and usually end travelling and leave their breeding grounds in a few minutes. of 500- 1 ,000 foraging for food over an area The aggressive nature of nesting Magpies is rapidly being re- the ha. As open woodland and their excellent flying ability make sheep and wheat farms, the birds their terri- placed by Choughs' life quite hectic when 259 Vol. 112(6)1995 Naturalist Notes

are becoming less and, common as the urban limit with habitat loss. Ian Rowley has this sprawl reaches out even further into suitable to say: Chough habitat, they are becoming rare in 'Choughs, rather than being an ag- southern Victoria. Mallee scrub, the pre- gressive, expanding species, are a mild, ferred habitat, and watercourses are also slow maturing, slow breeding, weak- areas that are fast-dwindling! flying bird, ill adapted to coping with One of the most exciting bird-watching the new predators such as the fox and activities 1 have experienced concerns the feral cat. Their extinction is probably

White-winged Choughs' behaviour. As I only a matter of time, that may well be rounded a corner on the flats beside the Mul- delayed by the abundance of grain introduced to lum Mullum Creek I accidentally walked their native environment. into a flock of ground-feeding Choughs. However, Choughs seem to be one of the few species that They were intent on feeding and I was look- have taken to Pine Plantations so ing up, binoculars to my eyes, when we there may be hope for them yet as specialists feeders stumbled into each other. At once the group amongst the pine needles'. of about seven Choughs joined forces, bunched up together and with much over- I wonder how much closer to that predic- tion we are, head flapping of wings and snapping of bills, two decades after Ian Rowley wrote those a screaming mass of black and then white words? with large red engorged eyes completed this References very impressive display of aggression. It was Cayley. Nevill. (1970). 'What Bird is Thai?* (Angus & sometime later that from Ian Rowley's book Robertson). 'Bird Life' I learned Gould League of Victoria that I had witnessed one , (1983). 'Birds of South- Eastern Australia - Farmlands'. of their rare displays of aggression called 'plum pudding Hill, Robin. (1970). 'Australian Birds'. (Nelson). display' , so-called because of Pizzey, Graham, (1982). 'A Field Guide to the Birds the round shape of of the mass of birds and Australia*. (Collins). the black, white and red colours scrambled 'Readers Digest Complete Book of Australian Birds*. together. (1977). (Readers Digest Services Ply Ltd). Rowley, Recently, Ian, (1975). 'Bird Life*. The Australian whilst walking with a group, I Natualists Library. was (Collins). able to observe a Chough's nest at Simpson, War- K. and Day, N. (1993). 'Field 'Guide to the randyte. The Birds nest was overflowing with two of Australia. A Book of Identifica tion*. large (Lifetime Distributors). nestlings and a third youngster was being fed on the ground. A tuft of fine grey to buff feathers on the bird's crown facilitates camouflage, making the bird difficult to see in the nest and on the ground. Their head Cecily Falkingham feathers 27 Chippewa resembled the colour of the nest rim Avenue, Mitcham, Victoria 3 132. the red eye of the adult bird is not obtained until one year old. All chicks were exactly the same size and five adult birds danced attendance on them. Then one member of my group noticed a sub-adult who raised its wings and fluttered and quivered begging for food imitating the new chicks. This bird was obviously reluctant to be forced out from the number one position. These large sedentary or locally nomadic birds of mainly peaceful disposition are a species about which we still could learn a lot more. Their complicated social structure and food requirements are being stretched to the

260 The Victorian Naturalist Naturalist Notes

Northern Pacific Seastar

Tim O'Hara 1

Asterias amurensis, or the Northern Pa- Resources office or to the Museum of Vic- cific Seastar, is an exotic seastar that now toria. It is crucial that the exact locality and occurs in very high numbers along the south- date of the find is sent with the specimen. east coast of Tasmania. It was probably Despite the high fecundity of this species, introduced via ship's ballast water in the the most likely method of dispersion toother 1980's. Each female can produce up to 19 Australian ports remains human transloca- million eggs each season and spawning oc- tion of sea-water. This can be via ballast curs in early spring. The seastar's impact on water, bilge water or through the transpor- native marine life appears to be considerable tation of live marine animals or plants. Most

and it also poses a threat to aquaculture ven- southern Australian ports now have some tures. In August 1995 a single female was introduced species. In the long run the design reputedly found off Point Cook in Port Phil- of boats and ports will have to be modified lip Bay. to treat ballast water. In the meantime, how- Asterias amurensis has five elongate ever, all boat owners have a responsibility to arms, with slightly swollen bases tapering to avoid spreading marine pests by keeping a pointed tip. Each arm can grow up to 20 their hulls and fishing equipment clean, and is not cm in length. There are small, sharp spines ensuring that water from one port scattered over the central disc and arms. Un- released into another. derneath the animal in the furrow that runs along each arm, there are four longitudinal rows of tube feet. Tube feet are fleshy tube- like organs with suckers at each end that enable, the seastar to grasp its prey. With a hand lens or microscope you can see a single series of sharp spines running along the margin of the arm furrow. Tiny pincer-like structures called pedicellariae are densely spread over the body and spines. The colour Pre- is a mottled purple, yellow or orange. served specimens lose their original colour and become uniform orange. Some native seastars with five arms are regularly mistaken for Asterias. However, they can be distinguished by their blunt, round-tipped arms, their thick, rounded spines on the upper surface and their two longitudinal rows of tube feet or two longi- the tudinal rows of spines on the margin of whole animal arm furrow. The colour of these native seas- Fig. 1. Upper view of (Smilastehas tars can be a mottled red irregularis), black and white (Smilastenas pur- multipara), or mottled red, orange and ple (Uniophora granifera). have If FNCV members think they found a Northern Pacific Seastar it should as be sent to an appropriate institution soon as possible to verify the identifica- and can tion. The animal is not poisonous methylated be dried in the sun orpreserved in a local De- spirits. Specimens can be sent to Natural partment of Conservation and the mouth and base of the Fig 2. Detailed view of are courtesy ofT. Bogue. arms. Photographs 1 Victoria 3167. 2 St James Avenue, Mont Albert, 261 Vol. 112(6)1995 Book Reviews

The Bush (A Guide to the Vegetated Landscapes of Australia) Second edition

by Ian G. Read

Publisher: University of New South Wales Press, Sydney, 1994. 184 pages. RRP $22.95

The alluringly simple main title of this and height of the dominant stratum to de- guide invites the lover of Australia's unset- scribe the 50 or so vegetation formations

tled areas to browse through its 1 84 pages of (e.g. closed forest, open forest, woodland,

text and photographs, both colour and black scrub, shrubland, heath etc.) is augmented and white. However, this is not a homage to by line-drawing profiles of relevant stands. the world of Banjo Patterson or Bob Brown, To this existing classification, Read has but an attempt to teach the reader how to added qualifications such as 'shrubby', recognise and describe the vegetative land- 'grassy', 'layered', sometimes an environ- scapes of this large and varied country. mental description 'subaipine', 'northern', A comprehensive, yet widely accessible, 'coastal' and sometimes an indication of the method of vegetation description has been dominant plant group 'Acacia', "Banksia\ an elusive goal for many writers in this coun- 'Themeda' etc. Hence, the next 100 or so try and elsewhere. While descriptions of pages are given over to the various permu- plant communities and associations have tations and combinations (I estimate 300) of been successfully produced for defined, usu- these possibilities such as 'Vine-fern closed ally relatively small areas (e.g. pre-logging forests' (pp. 40, 41) and 'north-eastern Aca- surveys, and vegetation surveys of the cia shrubby and grassy tall open shrublands' to mallee the alps), attempts to extrapolate (p. 106). Alternative 'common' names (such to large areas (states or countries) have usu- as 'warm temperate rainforests' for the first ally foundered simply because of the scale example above) are offered for some of the of the task and the number of variables better known types of vegetation. (plant species, soils, climates, land-use). Each formation is summarised giving its Ian Read's book sets out to address that distribution around the country, the most problem. Following a relatively brief intro- likely habitat(s), substrate(s), an indication duction as to why plants may be where they of the 10 or so plant genera or species that are, through sections on climate, soils, geol- are likely to be encountered, and a comment ogy, topography, and land use by native and on the likely fate of the formation since white colonising peoples, we are introduced to the settlement (termed Transformations'). Fol- method favoured by the author to classify lowing the formation descriptions are some 'the bush'. By - concentrating on structure notes of interest on the principle genera height and density of vegetated canopy, and/or families encountered in The Bush', shrub and ground - layers similar structural and a glossary of terms used through the formations in Australia, once recognised, work. can be pigeon-holed into a named formation. If all of this seems to answer your needs The framework for Read's guide is based when describing or appreciating 'the bush', on the classification first presented by Specht then this is probably the book for you. Some in 1 970. This valuable system has been fairly caveats and quibbles, however. The cover- inaccessible to the general public, so The age of eastern, northern and central Australia Bush' has done a service in bringing Specht's appears reasonably comprehensive, but work into greater prominence. Specht's Western Australia, particularly the florally original matrix of 'projective foliar cover' rich south-west, rarely rates a mention. One 262 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

gets the impression that it is the areas most to the pedant, but better proof-reading would familiar to the author which get the 'full treat- have eliminated most of these. A number of ment'. Read has preferred to use common comments or claims are made which some- names throughout the book (although this is times surprised me, and although I'm in no

an inconsistently applied preference). Most position to doubt their veracity, I would have (but not all) are given their botanical bino- appreciated the opportunity to follow these mials in the Index, but for one with some up through a referenced source. Examples familiarity of the commonest genera in this are 'heaths are home to 20 species of birds broad country, it is a frustration to constantly (3 must live here) and 22 species of mam-

refer to the index to query 'Crows Ash', mals, all of which can live elsewhere' (p. 83) 'Queensland Maple' 'Rhodes Grass* etc., - the New Holland Mouse and Heath Rat and which of the multitude of Australian might dispute this - and, that most eucalypt 'lawyer vines' is being referred to. Inevita- hybrids 'seem to result from human interfer- bly, with the incomplete vocabulary for ence as most occur on margins of cleared

common names of Australian plants, the land' (p. 157). same common name has occasionally been In the author's words 'to be able to put a applied to two different species, or in the case name to something greatly assists in inter- of 'Iron- wood', three. The problem of com- preting what is being seen while to actually mon names is exemplified in illustrations of discover that named 'something' is a reward- 2 different grasses captioned as 'Spinifex' ing experience in itself. Although the this is admirable, and (p. 163). The name is used for coastal sentiment in quote Spinifex (the genus) and unrelated inland Tri- summarises the aims of 'The Bush', its ex- odia without any indication of the true pression may seem a trifle unclear. A less ten- identity of either. The identification of illus- than straightforward style of prose and a might be left trated species through the book is dency to state that which be thought unfortunately very patchy (many of the pho- unstated ('open woodlands can woodlands. ...the tographs a re however quite beautiful). of as an extension of spaced) detracts from what Most are apparently accurately identified to trees are further is otherwise a useful primer on the descrip- at least genus, some queried. ( e.g. '?briga- tion of vegetation. low\ p. 64), some not attempted, and some l In summary, "The Bush' achieves its goal plain wrong (e.g. Poa tussock' for what is enabling enthusiasts to construct struc- surely Stipa stipoides, p. 141, 'Millstream of of plant communities, and Fan Palm* Livistona alfredi for what is not a tural descriptions con- for that I warmly recommend it and Livistona, (p. 139). Podocarpus alpina (p. gratulate the author. Its wider applicability is 42) presumably refers ioP lawrencei. Spell- as - however jeopardised by problems such ing errors are unfortunately common outlined above. 'phyllum' for phylum (throughout), 'kuari' those sclero- for kauri (p. 39), 'schlerophyir for phyll Trioda for Triodia (throughout), (p.45), Neville Walsh Erythropleum m&Erythrophloeum (several) National Herbarium of Victoria, for Erythrophleum and many others. They Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. are perhaps nothing more than an annoyance

FNCV FEES DUE 1 JANUARY 1996 Renewal form in the December Field Nats News

263 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 Book Reviews

The Orchids of Victoria

by Gary Backhouse and Jeffrey Jeanes

Publisher: The Miegunyah Press: Melbourne University Press, 1995, RRP 559.95

Orchids have a magnetic fascination for fungi. A short section on taxonomy and no- both field naturalists and conservationists, as menclature is included and there is a well as for those with even just a passing discussion of orchid habitats. Finally, in this interest in bush plants. The interest in orchids introductory section there is an important

is not at all surprising when one realises the discussion of orchid conservation and the fascination of the complex flower structure role of the 'Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act,

and coloration, the biological dependence of 1 988*. All these topics are important as back- orchids on fungi, and what appear to be the ground to the descriptive parts that follow. strict ecological requirements of each spe- My review has been written during one of cies. the wettest and coldest winters we personally Gary Backhouse and Jeffrey Jeanes as have experienced in the Yarra Valley and, for

authors and photographers have produced, lack of material, I have not been able to work with Melbourne University Press, a really through any of the binary identification keys. comprehensive and informative account of These keys, I'm sure, will be great contribu- the currently described 270 orchids of Vic- tions and help in the use of this book. The

toria. I like this book and I think it will carry key to genera is clear and for each genus the

into the next century as the definitive account page, on which it can be found, is given. The of our understanding of the Victorian orchid genera, and species within them, are pre-

flora at the end of the 20th Century. The book sented alphabetically and each species is

is substantial, 1,350 g, 388 pages, firmly described in a standard form at, one page to bound, resulting in a high quality production each.

characteristic of the Miegunyah Press im- From its size and quality of production, it print of M.U.P. is not intended as a field pocket book, al- Dr Jim Willis, unchallenged as Victoria's though laws against orchid collecting will

Botanist Emeritus, has written a thoughtful almost certainly see it taken into the field for foreword tracing the 120-year history of or- working through the keys. Herein lies a con- chid publication since Bentham's 'Flora flict of purpose and the Publishers might well Australiensis' (1873) which, incidentally, consider printing the keys as a supplement included only 61 orchid species at that time. for field use. I estimate that this would come The main aims of this book are to provide to a total of around 25 pages. information for the professional botanist and For each species the botanical name and field naturalist and 'to enable identification authority is given, followed by at least one of all the currently known or chid taxa in common name. The dynamic and evolving Victoria, and to provide an up-to-date review situation regarding the description and char- of the information available on each, includ- acterisation of orchid species is recognised ing its natural history and conservation by the inclusion for many species of a list of 7 status . Notes on cultivation and propagation recent synonyms and similar or confusing have not been included and I, for one, am taxa. Then follows a standard and complete happy to endorse this approach and to ap- botanical description of the plant. Months plaud the emphasis on conservation. when the species can be found in flower are The first 30 pages cover a range of topics listed and there is a small map based on Chur- which bring to the fore the essential nature chill and Corona's 1972 map with known of orchids; their floral and growth charac- distribution indicated on the ten-minute grid teristics and ecological requirements, basis. Next is a short statement of habitat and especially their dependence on fire and notes relating to any particular problems of

264 The Victorian Naturalist Book Reviews

identification and regional variation. Finally, work done by systematists, both splitters and there is a statement of the conservation status lumpers and including all the taxa which of the species. have been validly described. Individual or- Each species is accompanied by a colour chidologists will need to apply their own photograph ( 1 x 6.5 cm) and in general these criteria regarding the validity of any particu- are of the highest quality and will be of great lar species. assistance in identification. On their own the As with all plants, pollination is a critical photographs represent a major contribution function in the life-cycle and most orchids to orchidology and a lot of hard work by the have evolved very special floral structures authors! Some presumed extinct species are and behaviour to attract insects in order to represented with colour plates by W.H. achieve pollination. There is, in my view, one Nicholls held in the collections of the library serious sin ofomission in this otherwise great of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. book. On the dust-jacket it is claimed that the Identification and naming is clearly the main authors have included the most up-to-date thrust of the book. review of the information on the biology and A legitimate question to be asked oforchid ecology of orchids and the authors repeat a taxonomists is whether there is justification similar claim in the Preface, viz. 'to provide in splitting the Victorian representatives of an up-to-date review of the information

the family into 270 species. Sometimes the available on each [species], including its

differences between so-called sp ecies are natural history*. This, I must say, they have

most obscure and hard to recognise. Back- not done. I am aware of information in sev- house and Jeanes discuss this problem eral publications covering research on

briefly on page 9. They draw attention to the Victorian orchids and published over the last

existence of two main schools of thought re- decade which is not included in this work.

garding the, definition of species; the There is no reference to the pollination stud- 'lumpers* and the 'splitters*. They point out ies of Dafni (on Thelymitra antennifera); the that the splitters tend to concentrate on the ecological and flowering studies by Cropper differences between the different taxa while (on Thelymitra epipactoides) nor the com- the lumpers emphasise the similarities. The parative floral studies of Sydes (on

effect of these two approaches is for the split- Thelymitra circumsepta and 7. ixioides). ters to recognise a larger number of species Slater has published fully on the floral biol- while the lumpers usually end up with sig- ogy and breeding system of Dendrobium to this nificantly fewer species. I must admit to a speciosum, but there is no reference natural tendency to side with the lumpers. work. Adams and Lawson are regular and Biologists have been debating the nature of distinguished authors on the biology and species since before the time of Linneus and flowering of the genus Dendrobium and of the inclusion oftheir currently there is a broad, but not universal, there is little evidence publications been acceptance of the concept of the 'biological work. Had these and other text there would have been a species*, viz. individuals of a morphological included in the support the claims group which are capable of interbreeding and much stronger basis to producing fertile offspring. Even if we ac- made. these deficiencies, 1 be- cept the application of the biological species Notwithstanding book will be a great success and concept to the orchid flora of Victoria, the lieve this will stand as a significant contribution to the authors of this publication would still be and conservation literature of the faced with two substantial problems. Firstly, taxonomic orchids of south-eastern Australia. there is insufficient detailed information on the breeding biology of most of our orchid taxa to be able to determine their breeding Malcolm Calder, Botanist compatibilities. Secondly, the authors, in this Blackwood Hill. Pinnacle Lane, comprehensive account of the orchid flora of Steels Creek, Victoria 3775. Victoria, recognise therieed to include all the

265 Vol. 112(6)1995 .

Book Reviews

Australian Beetles

by John F. Lawrence and E.B. Britton

Publisher: Melbourne University Press 1994; 192 pages, 15 colour and black & white plates; RRP $44. 95

The first comprehensive book on Austra- ily level and the book under review does this lian entomology was that of W.W. Froggatt in the most comprehensive and authoritative

in 1907. In 1926, R.J. Tillyard published his way possible. splendid 'Insects of Australia and New Zea- This book, which is based on the Coleop- land' and, with the exception of K.C. tera chapter of the C.S.I.R.O. 'The Insects of McKeown's wartime 'Australian Insects*, Australia', consists of three main parts:- this has served as the standard work for 45 1. Introduction, covering Fossil History, years. In 1970, C.S.I.R.O. published the Habitats, Collection. Anatomy, Immature massive 'The Insects of Australia' providing stages and Biology. This excellent summary

a badly needed, authoritative text-book for is entirely new and forms an up to date and professional entomologists and students succinct review of beetle biology. alike. This has been updated and largely 2. Classification and Keys. This gives the re-written in the second edition of 1991 latest classification of the family relation- Unlike butterfly enthusiasts, who have ships listing 117 families occurring in been well catered for with a range of special- Australia. Then follows a rather daunting set ist books, coleopterists have had to make do of keys to family or in many cases sub-family with the appropriate chapter from the above level for both adults (pp.38-57) and for lar- mentioned texts until relatively recently. In vae (pp. 57-78). 1980, B.P. Moore began 'A Guide to the 3. Treatments of each family individ- Beetles of South-eastern Australia* as a se- ually.

ries of fascicles issued from time to time with This is followed by a considerably up-

the Australian Entomological Magazine. dated list of references and a comprehensive Unfortunately, this seems to have petered out index.

about halfway through. Also in 1980, E.G. The book is fully illustrated throughout Matthews began publication of 'A guide to with first class line drawings and six plates the Genera of Beetles of South Australia' of scanning electron micrographs have been

which is expected to appear in 10 or 1 1 parts added to more clearly illustrate diagnostic and is now about half way through. This characters. Two plates of coloured illustra- work is profusely illustrated with clear line tions of some of the more striking beetles drawings and photographs and with easy to taken from insects of Australia' and eight follow figured keys and is a jcy to use. In colour plates of photographs of living beetles 1987, T. Hawkeswood produced the handy add to the attractiveness of this book. The field guide 'Beetles of Australia'. inclusion of a glossary of technical terms The difficulty of producing a useful book may have made this book more accessible to about beetles lies in the enormous number a wider range of readers. It is, at $45, good of species, about 30,000 in Australia. The value and will be a boon to professional hope of finding a 'What Beetle is that' type entomologists and advanced amateurs alike. of book whereby the reader hopes to identify any beetle down to species level is quite un- P. Kelly realistic. The best that can be hoped for is 16 Roberts Street, one that allows identification down to Fam- East Brunswick, Victoria 3057.

266 The Victorian Naturalist Marie Allender

A Last Excursion

Marie Allender, aged 79, died on 27 September 1995 at a nursing home in Rosanna. A funeral service was held at St Kilda on Friday, 29 September and many members of The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria were present at the service to show their appreciation of Marie as a friend and a Club member who had given so many years of service to the FNCV.

With the passing away of Marie Allender the Club has lost a member known for 34 years to Field Naturalists all around Victoria as the Excursion Secretary of the FNCV

Under her guidance excursions were conducted to areas of natural history interest throughout Victoria, every State of Australia, even to Norfolk Island, and to New Zea- land. Over 500 excursions, from monthly day trips to extended annual tours, were arranged by her for the enjoyment of very many members.

Marie joined the FNCV in 1947 and became Excursion Secretrary in 1954. As an office bearer she also became a member of the Council and the two posts were carries out with zeal and regular attendance until her retirement as Excursion Secretary in 1989 and Councillor in 1994. In 1967 the Club Treasurer decided to leave all the financial side of excursions to the Excursion Secretary and for nearly ten years Marie bore the total responsibility for arranging the finance as well as the excursions. When the Club again took over the In financial position, Marie presented the Club with a bank balance of over $4,000. Allender recognition of her efforts for the Club, the Council established the 'Marie Excursion Fund*. Sec- Marie was made an Honorary Member of the Club for her work as Excursion Tray was made to Marie for retary in 1965 and, in 1985, a Presentation of a Silver achievement. THIRTY YEARS as Excursion Secretary, a remarkable kidney in her Many members would not know that Marie suffered the loss of a lost the sight of one eye. younger days and in her later years, while Excursion Secretary, technical assistant until her Marie was employed at the National Herbarium as a the Botany Group, in arranging the retirement, and this gave her a very active interest in specimens at Group meetings and Group excursions and in the displays of botanical Nature Shows. name of a plant Oleana Allenderae The name of Allender will live forever in the of land on Wilsons Promontary. Dr J H Willis spec, nov., found only in a small tract graceful plant after its discoverer t"at he had pleasure in naming this our knowl- hS Herbarium staff) who has advanced Miss Mai Allender (of the Melbourne other noteworthy discoveries. edge of the Victorian flora by several

D.E. Mclnnes

267 Vol. 112 (6) 1995 The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria Society of Victoria In which is incorporated the Microscopical Established 1880 Street, Blackburn, Victoria 3130. (03) 9877 9860. Registered Office: FNCV, 1 Gardenia OBJECTIVES: To stimulate interest in natural history and to preserve and protect Australian fauna and flora. Members include beginners as well as experienced naturalists. Patron Governor of Victoria. His Excellency, The Honourable Richard E. McGarvie, The Key Office-Bearers June 1995 of Aquatic Science and Natural Resources President- Associate Prof. ROBERT WALLIS, School 9244 7403. Management, Deakin University (Rusden), Clayton, 3168. (03) 9244 7278 (Fax) (03) Street, South Caulfield, 3162. Hon, Secretary: Mr. GEOFFREY PATERSON, 1 1 Olive (A.H.9571 6436). Bight, 3980 987 996). Hon Treasurer: Mr. ARNIS DZED1NS, P.O. Box 1000, Blind ((059) Subscription-Secretary: FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. Blackburn, 3130. (9877 9860). 9019). Editors: ED and PAT GREY, 8 Woona Court, Yallambia, 3085 (9435 Blackburn, 3130. Librarian: Mrs. SHEILA HOUGHTON, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. (A.H. (054) 928 4097). Excursion Secretary: DOROTHY MAHLER (9435 8408 A.H.) Waverley Road, East Malvern, Sales Officer (Victorian Naturalist only): Mr. D.E. McINNES, 129 3145(95712427). Road, Burwood. 3125 (9889 2779) Publicity Officer: Miss MARGARET POTTER, 1/249 Highfield Blackburn, 3130. Book Sales Officer: Dr. ALAN PARKIN, FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. (9850 2617 A.H.). 3094 (9435 8408). Programme Secretary: Dr. NOEL SCHLEIGER, 1 Astley Street, Montmorency, Group Secretaries Botany: Mr. JOHN EICHLER, 18 Bayview Crescent, Black Rock, 3143 (9598 9492). Geology: Mr. DOUG HARPER, 33 Victoria Crescent, Mont Albert, 3127 (9890 0913). Fauna Sumy: Miss FELICITY GARDE, 18 College Parade. Kew, 3101 (9818 4684). Microscopical: Mr. RAY POWER, 36 Schotters Road, Mernda, 3754 (9717 351 1). The Victorian Naturalist

All material for publication to be sent to FNCV, Locked Bag 3, P.O. Blackburn, Victoria 3 1 30. MEMBERSHIP Members receive The Victorian Naturalist and the monthly Field Nat News free. The Club organises several monthly meetings (free to all) and excursions (transport costs may be charged). Research work,

including both botanical and fauna surveys, is being done at a number of locations in Victoria and all members are encouraged to participate.

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eien •i ^Or\ { \r

Ht*rmannsburq Mission * i KRICHAUFF } *' Areyonga RA Pitlm ^ Native v.i/ffy Senlemeni Chai?;

*A'<*•

Fig. 1. Map showing location of popular places in the Western MacDonnell Ranges.

fold in the Heavitree Quartzite can be seen, west of Serpentine Gorge, there are sheer produced by the intense lateral pressure that 200 m cliffs of pinkish quartzite. The deep, occurred during the ancient period of moun- narrow gorge has been eroded by Ormiston tain-building. Thompson (1991) considers Creek, a tributary of the Finke River. The that Ellery Creek Gorge may lie along a geology here is very complex with much north-south fault line which has slightly dis- folding and overthrusting of the rock strata. placed the quartzite. Glen Helen Gorge has been eroded by the From Ellery Creek Gorge downstream for Finke River through a sandstone of about 8 km one can see a very interesting Cambrian age known as the Pacoota sequence of sedimentary rocks exposed Sandstone. The shape of the Gorge has been in the along the banks and in the bed of Ellery controlled quite markedly by jointing having Creek. Indeed, a thickness of about 6,000 m rock, the joints (parting-planes) for- of sedimentary rocks can be inspected, in- acted as zones of weakness to erosional that were cluding sediments laid down beneath the sea ces. The layers of sandstone have been turned up on during the Cambrian period, the Ordovician originally horizontal the upheavals that produced the period and later periods of geological time. end during This popular place is The rocks, which include sandstones, shales, MacDonnell Ranges. 125 km west of Alice limestones and conglomerates, are fos- approximately siliferous, and the various fossils found in Springs. is a narrow chasm which them have been of use in dating the sedi- Standley Chasm formed by erosion in quartzite ments. has been geologically as the Chewings Range Serpentine Gorge is approximately 20 km known Quartzite (Fig. 3). This quartzite is of early to the west of Ellery Creek Gorge. In fact, it Precambrian age and is probably about has been formed by a stream that is a 2,000 million years old. A vertical dyke of tributary of Ellery Creek. Two gorges ac- an igneous rock called dolerite here was tually occur here where the south-flowing intruded into Chewings Range Quartzite. creek cuts through two ridges of Heavitree weathering the Dolerite is much less resistant to Quartzite. There is a prominent fold in south-flow- the and erosion than quartzite and a strata between the two ridges. At eroded narrow ing creek has almost completely upstream site at this locality, the very dolerite dyke leaving vertical creek has eroded along away this gap indicates that the Chasm. quartzite walls; this is now Standley a nearly straight, vertical joint. The relatively narrow, parallel-sided ig- At Ormiston Gorge, about 24 km north-

127 Vol. 112(3)1995 The Victorian Naturalist

Index to Volume 111, 1994

Compiled by K.N. Bell Amphibians Kukolic, K., Osborne, W.S. and Gillispie Anecdotes of nature or Nature of anecdotes, G.R., 60 235 Kutt, A. and Larwill, S., 233 Frogs declining, 233 Larwill, S. and Kutt, A., 233 Litoria spenceri, addition for A.C.T., 60 Lumsden, L.F., 4 Spotted Tree Frog, 60,182 Lunt, I.D. and Morgan, J.W., 10 Australian Natural History Medallion McAlley,P.,243 seasonality (A.J. Address: Exploring local Mclnnes, D.E., 32 Reid), 35 McNabb,E., 190 171,212 Awardee,J.W.Cribb, McPhee, C, Story, D. and Korzniak, N., 70 A.N.H.Medallion, 248 May, T., 244 (book review) Fund, 33 A.N.H.Trust Morgan, J.W., 87 and Lunt, I.D., 10 Authors Morgan, J.W. Osborne, W. and Gillispie, G., 182 Aberton, J., Wilson, B. and Chenery, K., G. and Kukolic, K., 135 Osborne, W., Gillispie, Albrecht, D., Walsh, N. and Entwisle, T., 80 60 Appleby, G. ,235 Poiani, A., 102 Braby,M.F.,109 Rawlings, J., 169 Cavanagh, A.K., 25 Reid, A.J., 35 Chenery, K., Aberton, J. and Wilson, B., Robinson, K., 223 135 Scarlett, N., 125 Conran,J.G.,205 Schnackenberg, S., 227 Costello, R. and Tonkinson D., 120 Scott, G.A.M., 112 Daniell,A.,218 See, M., 172

Douglas, J., 246 (book review) Seebeck, J., 74 Dufty,A.C.,54 Silveira, C., 202 (book review) Editors (Vict. Nat.), 38 (book review) Sluiter,L, 164

Endersby, I., 242 Smales, I., 178 Entwisle, T. J., 154 Smith, J.M.B., 196

Entwisle, T.J., Albrecht D, and Walsh. N., Stuwe, J., 93 80 Story, D., Korzniak, N. and McPhee, C, 70 Faithful,!., 31 Sydes,M.,213 Falkingham,C.,241 Wallis,R., 151 Farnsworth,A.J., 34 Walsh, N., Entwisle, T. and Albrecht, D., 80 Gillespie, G.R., Kukolic, K. and Osborne, Watson, J.E., 65 W.S., 60 Williams, K.L., 18 Gillespie, G.R. and Osborne, W.S., 182 Willis, J.H., 144 (Book review) Harry, J., 39 (obituary for W. Lock) Wilson, B.A., 46 Hill, S.M., 184 Wilson, B.A., Chenery, K. and Aberton J., Hill, S.M. and Joyce, E.B., 96 135 Houghton, S., 38 (book review), 153 (book Thompson, R., 152, 152 review), 247 212, (obituary for A.N. Tonkinson, D. and Costello, R., 120 Burns), 248

Howie, G.L., 44 (letter) Irwin, P., 139 Birds Joyce, E.B. and Hill, S.M., 96 Beachwashed Little Penguin, 243 Korzniak, N., McPhee, C. and Story, D., 70 Bell Miner, host/parasite interactions, 102 Butchered by a bird, 34 Weed control on ground flora, 223 Crested Tern recovery, 153 Your Longyfolia, 145 Manorina melanophrys, parasite interac- Entomology tions, 102 Australian spiders, Predator calls, prey response, 190 publicity worse than bite?, 70 Rainbow Bee-eater, eating butterfly, 31 Raven and Leaf-case Moth, 241 Butterflies eaten by Dragon Lizard and Rainbow Sterna bergii, recovery, 153 Bee-eater, 31 Butterflies, bird predation on, 109 Insects found on Blackthorn, Book Reviews 238

'After the Greening', M. White (J. Geology Douglas), 246 Beaumaris cliffs, a review, 139 'Collecting and Preserving Herbarium Buried soil in ash sequences, Bullen- Specimens', D. Albrecht (Editors, Vict. merri/Gnotuk Maars, 96 Nat.), 38 Granite landforms, Wilsons Promontory, 'Common Australian Fungi', T. Young (T. 184 May), 244 'Door to the Forest', E. Lyndon (S. Invertebrates Houghton), 38 Hydroids of eastern Bass Strait, 65 'Encyclopaedia of Australian Animals: Terrestrial molluscs, impact on native Reptiles, Frogs, Mammals, Birds', 38 vegetation, 218 'Field Guide to the Birds of Australia', K.G. Simpson and N. Day (G. Silveira), 202 Localities

'Kangaroo Island Native Plants', 1, Hol- Albert Park Lake, volvox at, 32 liday, B. and D. Overton (J.H. Willis), Bass Strait, hydroids, 65 144 Beaumaris cliffs, 139 'The story of Mossvale Park', E. Lyndon (S. Bullenmerri/Cnotuk maars, buried soils, 96 Houghton), 153 Cradle Mt., Kate Weindorfer of, 227 Hamilton, Eastern Barred Bandicoots, 54 Botany Otway Ra., New Holland Mouse in, 46 landforms, Banksia, recent literature, 25 Wilsons Promontory, granite Blackthorn, insects on, 238 184 Bryophytes, biology of, 112 Mammals Bursaria spinosa, insects on, 238 Antechinus minimus maritimus behaviour, Census of Vict, vascular plants, Bull. 4.3, 135 154 Brushtailed Phascogale, antipredator be- Grasses and grassland ecology, 87 haviour, 22 Ground flora diversity, 80 Eastern Barred Bandicoot at Hamilton, 54 Germination of grass-, wood-land forbs, 10 Greater Long-eared Bat, ecology of, 4 Native vegetation, terrestrial mollusc im- Leadbeater's Possum in lowland swamp pact on, 218 woodland, 178 Orchids, management indicators, 213 New Holland Mouse in eastern Otway Ran- Slime moulds, 18, 75 (erratum) ges, 46 Soil crusts, germination and weeds, 125 Nyctophylus timotiensis, ecology of, 4 Soil microflora, 131 Perameles gunnii at Hamilton, 54 Tradescantia virginiana in Australia, 205 Possum spp., dual use of tree, 157 Tropical seeds, fruit on Victorian beaches, 1 96 Predator calls, prey response, 190 Volvox at Albert Park Lake, 32 Pseudomys novaehollandiae in eastern Miscellaneous Otway Ranges, 46 Horn Expedition, centenary, 86 Urban wombats, 74 How to be a Field Naturalist: Birdwatching, 242 Management/Restoration Kate Weindorfer, 227 Ecology, grasses and grasslands, 87 Lightning strikes again, 44 (letter) Ground flora, diversity and associations, 80 M.A. Ingram Trust, 222 Orchids, success indicators, 213 Planning a restoration project, 164 Rapid growth in Brisbane, 172 Obituaries Role of fire in ground flora ecology, 93 A.N. Burns (S.Houghton), 247

Soil conditions, treatment and disturbance, W. Lock (J. Harry), 39 120 Soil crusts, germination and weeds, 125 Reptiles Soil microflora, 131 Dermochelys Coriacea, 152 Sydney ground flora?, 169 Terrestrial molluscs, impact on native Dragon Lizard eating butterflies, 31 vegetation, 218 Leathery Turtle (Luth), 152 Weed control in ground flora, 223