Fish River Station Northern Territory 23 April–3 May 2012 What Is Contents Bush Blitz?

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BUSH BLITZ SPECIES DISCOVERY PROGRAM

Fish River Station Northern Territory 23 April–3 May 2012 What is Contents Bush Blitz?

Bush Blitz is a Summary 3 multi-million dollar Abbreviations 3 partnership between the Introduction 5

Australian Government, Reserve Overview 6 BHP Billiton and Earthwatch Methods 8 Australia to document plants Results 12 and animals in selected properties across Australia’s Discussion 15 National Reserve System. Appendix A: Species Lists 37 Fauna 38 Vertebrates 38 This innovative partnership Invertebrates 46 harnesses the expertise of many Flora 54 of Australia’s top scientists from Appendix B: Threatened Species 67 museums, herbaria, universities, Fauna 68 and other institutions and Flora 68 organisations across the country. Appendix C: Exotic and Pest Species 69 Fauna 70 Vertebrates 70 Invertebrates 71 Flora 72

Glossary 73

2 Bush Blitz survey report Summary

This Bush Blitz was the first substantial baseline flora and invertebrate survey of Fish River Station, and has significantly increased information for the Abbreviations reserve. In total, 701 flora and fauna species were ABRS added to those previously known for the reserve, of Australian Biological Resources Study which 60 are believed to be new to science. Of the ANIC putative new species, a spider (Phlogius n. sp. 13) Australian National Insect Collection and a vascular plant (Brachychiton n. sp. Fish River) are likely to be endemic to Fish River Station. CSIRO Another major discovery was a new species of Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research goblin spider that has since been described as Organisation Cavisternum attenboroughi n. sp. in honour of EPBC Act Sir David Attenborough. Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) Fish River Station supports a diverse group of ILC terrestrial vertebrates broadly characteristic of the Indigenous Land Corporation tropical savannas of the Top End of the Northern IUCN Territory. During this study, 14 frogs, including International Union for Conservation of Nature the Cane Toad (Rhinella marina), and 35 reptile species were documented, bringing the number NRS of amphibians and reptiles known from Fish River National Reserve System Station to 81. Six of these were recorded on the TPWC Act reserve for the first time. Fish River Station has a Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 high diversity of freshwater fishes, with 29 species (Northern Territory) recorded during the survey, raising the total number to 45. Delicate Blue Eye (Pseudomugil tenellus) specimens collected have an unusual gold colour form and might be an undescribed species from the Daly Basin, with most of its known range on Fish River Station. A spring-fed swamp appears to be a rare core habitat for this species.

The diversity and abundance of small mammals was low, which reflects the severity of ongoing small mammal declines experienced across the Top End. Unfortunately, the team did not capture The survey team for the Fish River Station Bush Blitz © Copyright, R. Whyte the undescribed species of false antechinus Back row: Ben Firth, Ian Cowie, Vince Kessner, Dane Trembath, Gavin Dally, Stephen Richards, Dave Wilson. (Pseudantechinus sp.) that was the main target of Middle row: Mim Jambrecina, Nicole Gunther, Jo Harding, Celia Symonds, Chris Cargill, Michael Hammer. mammal trapping. This suggests that population Front row: Alister Bell and Darren Stockton (helicopter pilots), Michael Braby, densities are low, requiring a longer survey period. Kate Gillespie, Donna Lewis, Robert Raven, Jeff Long.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 3 One of the many rivers fringed by Melaleuca and Eucalyptus woodlands, R. Raven © Copyright, Queensland Museum

The semi-aquatic Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus A significant attribute of Fish River Station is the mertensi) was the only threatened animal observed lack of introduced fishes. Other feral animals were that is listed under the Territory Parks and Wildlife common on most parts of the reserve with 20 exotic Conservation Act 2000 (TPWC Act). No species listed or pest animal species recorded. The environmental under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity damage attributed to Water Buffalo Bubalus( bubalis), Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) were recorded; European Cattle (Bos taurus) and Pigs (Sus scrofa) however, several are known to occur on the was evident at most sites. Some reptiles known to property. experience population declines following the arrival of the Cane Toad and expected to occur on the Some 351 flora species were recorded on Fish reserve were not found during this survey. River Station for the first time. It supports extensive areas of Excoecaria parvifolia/Eucalyptus Twenty weeds were recorded including six noxious microtheca/Melaleuca/Eucalyptus camaldulensis- weeds gazetted under the Weeds Management Act dominated forest, a community not observed 2001 (NT). The most important emerging weed is elsewhere. Thirty-seven species of conservation Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus), which is not yet significance1 were identified, although no listed well established on Fish River Station, in contrast to threatened plants were recorded. Information nearby pastoral land. Gamba Grass is likely to have gathered during this survey may result in the a serious impact on the conservation of native flora. change of conservation status of some species at Of the non-gazetted weeds, the most significant are the next (2014–15) review of species listings under Gambia Pea (Crotalaria goreensis) and Annual Mission the TPWC Act. Grass (Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. pedicellatus)— both are common and appear to be spreading. Gambia Pea promises to cause similar problems as the declared weeds Coffee Senna Senna( occidentalis) 1 Species of conservation significance are those in the and Arsenic Weed (S. obtusifolia) because of its similar IUCN categories Data Deficient, Not Evaluated and Near structure and ecological characteristics. Threatened.

4 Bush Blitz survey report Introduction

This is a report for the Bush Blitz program, which coordination and overall leadership of the aims to survey recent additions to the National survey. Experts from the following organisations Reserve System (NRS)2. Bush Blitz is an initiative of conducted the field and laboratory work: Museum the Australian Government, through the Australian and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Northern Biological Resources Study (ABRS), in partnership Territory Herbarium, Department of Land Resource with BHP Billiton and Earthwatch Australia. The Management Flora and Fauna Division, Australian Bush Blitz objectives are: National Insect Collection (CSIRO), Australian ++ to promote, publicise and demonstrate the National Herbarium (CSIRO), Queensland Museum, importance of taxonomy through species Darwin Botanic Gardens, University of New South discovery; Wales and the consultancy Aquagreen.

++ to undertake a national species discovery The ABRS wishes to thank the Museum and Art program targeted at recently acquired Gallery of the Northern Territory and the Northern properties of the NRS of Australia; Territory Herbarium for hosting this Bush Blitz. Jeff ++ to support the science of taxonomy in Long and Shaun Ansell from the Indigenous Land Australia through training students and Corporation (ILC) facilitated access to the reserve early career researchers, and the provision of and provided helpful advice on survey locations. grants for species description and resolution of taxonomically problematic, nationally important groups; ++ to promote partnerships between scientific institutions, government, industry and non‑government organisations; and ++ to inform the NRS, reserve managers and other stakeholders of the results of the Bush Blitz Project.

This Bush Blitz took place from 23 April 2012 to 3 May 2012, in the transition period between the wet and dry seasons. The ABRS provided logistical

2 The NRS is Australia’s network of protected areas, covering 16.52% of the country—over 12.7 million hectares, comprising Commonwealth, state and territory reserves, Indigenous lands and protected areas run by non‑profit conservation organisations, through to ecosystems protected by farmers on their private working properties , accessed 27 May 2014. Vince Kessner, Michael Braby and Robert Raven having a moment of rest, M. Jambrecina © Copyright, Department of the Environment

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 5 Reserve Overview3

Fish River Station Description Indigenous Land Corporation Fish River Station is a former pastoral property situated approximately 150 km south of Darwin in the Daly Basin bioregion. Date of purchase The property is largely undeveloped, with past clearing only for infrastructure (fencing, tracks, airstrip and homestead) and more 2010 recently from tracks associated with uranium exploration and a gas pipeline easement. Area The ILC purchased Fish River Station through the NRS component of the 182,500 ha Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Pew Foundation. The ILC holds Fish River Station on behalf of the traditional owners (Larbarganyin, Wagiman, Malak Malak and Kamu representatives) in a trust arrangement with Greening Australia. The ILC and traditional owners, with support from The Nature Conservancy, are working to develop long-term, sustainable management plans for Fish River Station.

With a tropical wet–dry climate, Fish River Station receives an annual rainfall of approximately 1,300 mm. Bordered to the north by the Daly River, the reserve has extensive river frontage, freshwater tributaries and floodplains. A vast network of creek-lines and riparian areas criss-cross the savannah woodlands, and open forests dominate the reserve. Six major vegetation types occur on the reserve, ranging from tall open forests of Darwin Woollybutt (Eucalyptus miniata) and Darwin Stringybark (E. tetrodonta) to low open woodlands dominated by Corymbia species, with an understorey of tropical grasses. Pockets of dry, riparian and spring fed monsoon rainforest (totalling 947 ha) are generally small and scattered across Fish River Station, although some large stands also occur.

3 Information sourced from NRS applications and assessments; and the Daly Basin Bioregional Description, Department of Land Resource Management Spectacular ranges and rocky gorges border Fish River Station to the west © Copyright, Department of the Environment (Northern Territory), accessed 23 October 2013 .

6 Bush Blitz survey report Darwin

Fish River Station

Northern Territory National Reserve System conservation values Fish River Station augments the Trans-Australia perennial rivers in Australia’s wet–dry tropics and its Eco-link, a governmental effort to link protected middle reaches contains large limestone aquifers that areas from South Australia to the Arafura Sea in the capture monsoon rains and provide high flows during Northern Territory. Fish River Station also increases the dry season. The perennial flow of water results protection of the Daly Basin bioregion from 2.5% to in a unique freshwater ecosystem that supports 9.5%, making a significant addition to the NRS. As one numerous species listed as threatened at the national of the most fertile areas in northern Australia, and or territory levels. These include the Australian Bustard because of its proximity to Darwin and Katherine, the (Ardeotis australis), Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae), Daly Basin bioregion is under significant pressure from Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), Northern Quoll development. (Dasyurus hallucatus), Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi), Freshwater Sawfish Pristis( pristis) and the A large portion of the Daly River Middle Reaches Freshwater Whipray (Himantura dalyensis). There is also wetland complex, which is listed on the Directory of an unusually high diversity of freshwater turtles, the Important Wetlands,4 occurs on Fish River Station. richest in Australia. The Daly River itself is one of the largest spring-fed

The mighty Daly River, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

4 Department of the Environment, Directory of Important Wetlands, accessed 1 November 2013 .

Fish River Station Northern Territory 7 Methods

Collection and observation sites were selected were closed following the wet season, and all sites based on land classes, supplemented by were accessed by helicopter. Site locations were identification of suitable microhabitats during the recorded using global positioning systems. field visit. Site selection also depended on access, suitability for trapping and time restrictions. A number of taxonomic groups were identified as At the time of the survey, roads into the property targets for study. Table 1 lists the groups surveyed and the specialists who undertook the fieldwork.

Table 1: Taxonomic groups surveyed and personnel Group Common name Expert Affiliation Mammalia, Mammals, Stephen Richards Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Amphibia Amphibians Dane Trembath Consultant (Museum and Art Gallery of the and Reptilia and Reptiles Northern Territory Associate) Stuart Young Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management Flora and Fauna Division Jeff Long ILC Pisces Fishes Michael Hammer, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Gavin Dally David Wilson Consultant (Aquagreen) Coleoptera Beetles Nicole Gunter, Tom Weir Australian National Insect Collection (CSIRO) (identification)

Lepidoptera Butterflies and Michael Braby Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Moths Management Flora and Fauna Division Gastropoda Snails Vince Kessner Consultant Heteroptera True Bugs Celia Symonds University of New South Wales Odonata Dragonflies and Stephen Richards Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory Damselflies Arachnida Spiders Barbara Baehr Queensland Museum Vascular Plants Vascular Plants Ian Cowie, Donna Lewis Northern Territory Herbarium Ben Wirf George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Chris Cargill Australian National Herbarium Bryophytes Liverworts, Chris Cargill Australian National Herbarium Hornworts and Mosses

8 Bush Blitz survey report ++ Reptiles were surveyed using intensive pitfall and funnel trapping at three sites, and by day and night habitat searches. ++ Freshwater turtles were sampled using three aquatic turtle traps for one day in the Daly River.

Dane Trembath releasing an Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus) ++ Fish were primarily surveyed by backpack electro © Copyright, R. Whyte fishing, supplemented by the use of dip net, cast A standard suite of survey techniques was used: net, angling and spot lighting at some sites. ++ Small mammals were surveyed using Elliot traps ++ Dung beetles were collected using baited pitfall over three consecutive nights on Mount Muriel. traps at six sites and at light traps (mercury ++ Frogs were surveyed using visual and aural vapour light shining on a white sheet) on two searches during the day and night. nights, as well as opportunistic hand collection from fresh dung.

Electrofishing uses electricity to stun fish so they can be easily surveyed. The fish return to their natural state unharmed, shortly after being stunned © Copyright, D. Wilson

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 9 ++ Butterflies and diurnal moths were surveyed by visual observation and collected using sweep and canopy nets. Targeted searches were also undertaken for the presence of early stages (larvae, pupae) on their larval food plants. Two hilltops were surveyed to exploit the well-known ‘hill-topping’ mate-location behaviour exhibited by many species of butterflies. ++ Dragonflies and damselflies were captured using large insect nets during intensive searches around all accessible water bodies. Searches during the mornings, evenings and on sunny

afternoons covered the different activity Vince Kessner searches for snails amongst talus, pavements and boulders. Layers of rock provide moisture and shelter. The oldest snails patterns of taxa. are normally found in the deepest layers, while the young are found near the surface where they are vulnerable to predators and drying-out, ++ True bugs were collected primarily by foliage M. Jambrecina © Copyright, Department of the Environment beating and sweeping grasses, supplemented by pitfall traps and light traps. Light traps were transect between sites. A quadrate based used on two nights. method was used to sample one to two sites per ++ Spiders were collected in small pitfall traps filled day for full floristic and structural information, to with propylene glycol at seven sites, and by better document the floristic variation across excavating burrows, hand searching, and sifting Fish River Station. through leaf litter to catch small and less mobile ++ Liverworts, hornworts and mosses were species. collected by hand where they occurred in large ++ Land snails were sampled by digging and enough colonies. Specimens approximately excavating talus, pavement and boulders in 10 cm in diameter or less were collected from a limestone or sandstone outcrops using a range variety of substrates including soil, bark, wood of rakes and crowbars. Samples of leaf litter were and rocks. also collected and sorted for microscopic snails. ++ Vascular plants were sampled using standard Incidental records were obtained for freshwater methodologies for vegetation and flora sampling snails, fungi and algae. Macrofungi were in the Northern Territory and emphasis was photographed but not collected. Voucher placed on collecting under-sampled flora of specimens of all other groups were retained for the region. Several pre-determined sites were further study and examination. Fauna specimens selected along transects intersecting different were tagged, fixed in formalin and preserved in vegetation patterns, topography and geology alcohol. Vascular plant specimens were pressed types. Further collecting was done along the and dried. Bryophytes were placed in paper envelopes and dried. Some bryophytes were kept

10 Bush Blitz survey report alive under refrigeration for further study and Final species lists were compiled using data culturing at the Australian National Herbarium. provided by the results of this Bush Blitz, museum Tissue samples for DNA analysis were obtained and herbarium collections, the Australian Natural from all vertebrates, snails and butterflies Heritage Assessment Tool, Northern Territory vouchered during the survey, as well as some Biodiversity Conservation Invertebrate Database, true bugs and dung beetles. University of New South Wales Heteroptera Database, Fish River Wildlife Survey 2011 Collections were identified using available (Department of Natural Resources, Environment, literature and the holdings of museums and the Arts and Sport, unpublished data), long-term herbaria. Fauna specimens were deposited monitoring on the Daly River (Griffith University with the Northern Territory Museum and Art Australian River Institute, unpublished data), and Gallery, type specimens of dung beetles with the Northern Australian Freshwater Fish project the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC), (National Centre for Tropical Wetland Research vascular plants with the Northern Territory and Griffith University Australian River Institute, Herbarium and bryophytes with the Australian unpublished data). National Herbarium.

Helicopters were used to access Fish River Station, which was still cut off by wet season floodwaters, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 11 Results

The locational data of collected and observed Species Lists specimens are available to reserve managers. A total of 701 species were added to those previously Appendix A provides full, updated species lists recorded from the reserve, including 60 putative for the reserve. Names in brown bold text are species new to science that were discovered putative new species. Species marked with an during this Bush Blitz—these await assessment. asterisk (*) have not been previously recorded in One threatened animal species was observed and, the reserve. Those without an asterisk have been although no threatened plants were recorded, recorded previously and were identified again 37 plants of conservation significance were during this survey. Species shown in blue text were identified for Fish River Station. Twenty exotic or not recorded on this survey, but are known from pest animal species and 19 weed species were previous studies. Table 2 provides a summary of also recorded. the number of flora and fauna records and putative new taxa for the reserve.

Nicole Gunter sets a malaise trap, J. Harding © Copyright, Department of the Environment

12 Bush Blitz survey report Some specimens collected during this survey the taxonomic literature for some groups is not have been identified only to family or genus level. current. Further work will be conducted on these This is because a great deal of time is required collections. to examine and identify to species level the many collections that are generated. In many Nomenclature and taxonomic concepts used cases, microscopic examination of the material is in this report are consistent with the Australian necessary. Additional limitations include the lack Faunal Directory, Australian Plant Name Index, of experts working on particular groups, and that Australian Plant Census, AusMoss, and the Catalogue of Australian Liverworts and Hornworts.

Table 2: Summary of flora and fauna records and putative new species Total number Species new Species new Group Common name of species to reserve to science Mammalia Mammals 33 0 0 Aves Birds 38 0 0 Reptilia Reptiles 64 5 0 Amphibia Frogs and Toads 17 1 0 Pisces Fishes 45 3 0 Lepidoptera Butterflies and Moths 75 73 0 Coleoptera Beetles 21 15 0 Heteroptera True Bugs 161 161 40 Dermaptera Earwigs 1 0 0 Odonata Damselflies and Dragonflies 38 38 0 Arachnida Spiders 33 33 18 Gastropoda Snails and Slugs 21 21 0 Flowering Plants Flowering Plants 691 317 2 Conifers Conifers 1 0 0 Cycads Cycads 4 0 0 Ferns Ferns 5 4 0 Bryophytes Liverworts 8 8 0 Bryophytes Hornworts 1 1 0 Bryophytes Mosses 13 13 0 Fungi Fungi 5 5 0 Green Algae Green Algae 3 3 0 Total 1,278 701 60

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 13 Threatened Species Appendix B includes the species listed under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and Northern Territory TPWC Act known from the reserve. A summary of threatened species identified during the study is provided in Table 3.

Table 3: Summary of threatened species identified Total number Species new Group of species to reserve Fish River ranger, Geoff Long, holds a Common Rock Rat (Zyzomys argurus), Fauna 1 1 one of only two small mammal species captured during three nights of trapping at Mt Muriel © Copyright, Department of the Environment Flora 0 0 Exotic and Pest Species Appendix C lists the exotic pest species known from the reserve. A summary of exotic and pest species identified during the study is provided in Table 4.

An exotic species is one that occurs outside of its normal range. A pest is a species that has the potential to have a negative environmental, social or economic impact. Native species that are at times pests or are exotic to this region of Australia are included in the numbers in Table 4.

Botanist, Donna Lewis, preparing plant specimens in the field, Table 4: Summary of exotic and pest species identified J. Harding © Copyright, Department of the Environment Total number Species new Group of species to reserve Fauna 20 16 Flora 20 16

14 Bush Blitz survey report Discussion

Putative New Species A putative species new to science is one that has been recognised by an expert as never having been named or described in the scientific literature. It is confirmed as a new species once it is named and its description is published. In addition to species that are considered new to science, specimens collected during this survey include many undescribed taxa that are already known from museum and herbarium collections, but have not yet been formally described and named. A summary of the This new tarantula (Phlogius n. sp. 13) might be endemic to Fish River Station, groups in which putative new species have been R. Raven © Copyright, Queensland Museum discovered is provided in Table 5.

Table 5: Putative new species by group Fauna Total number Species new Forty putative new species of true bug and Group of species to science 18 putative new species of spider were recorded. One of these, the tarantula Phlogius n. sp. 13, True Bugs 161 40 might be endemic to Fish River Station, with its Spiders 33 18 closest relative near Borroloola (near the Gulf Flowering Plants 691 2 of Carpentaria). Descriptions of four of the ten new species of goblin spider (Oonopidae) from the genus Opopaea have since been published.5 Another goblin spider has been named Cavisternum attenboroughi in honour of Sir David Attenborough for his contributions in recognizing the magnificence of the world’s biodiversity and his support for life on planet Earth.6

5 Baehr, B., Harvey, M. S., Smith, H. M. & Ott, R., 2013, The goblin spider genus Opopaea in Australia and the Pacific islands (Araneae: Oonopidae), Memoirs of the Queensland Museum—Nature 58: 107–338. 6 Baehr, B., Raven, R. & Whyte, R. 2013, ‘Biodiversity discovery program Bush Blitz yields a new species of goblin spider, Cavisternum attenboroughi (Araneae: Oonopidae), from the This curtain web spider (Cethegus n. sp. 12) is one of 18 putative new species Northern Territory’, Zootaxa 3616(4): 396–400. doi:10.11646/ of spider discovered during the survey, some of which have since been described © Copyright, R. Whyte zootaxa.3616.4.8.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 15 Two of the 40 putative new species of true bug collected on Fish River Station, left to right: Miridae Orthotylini n. sp. 3; Antestiopsis n. sp. (BBFR12msp008), C. Symonds © Copyright, University of New South Wales

Flora The two putative new vascular plant species recorded during the survey were a kurrajong (Brachychiton n. sp. Fish River) and a mulla mulla (Ptilotus n. sp. Fish River). The kurrajong was found growing on an upper ridge slope dominated by Darwin Box (Eucalyptus tectifica) and Rat’s Tail Grass (Sehima nervosum) on fine-grained, possibly felspathic sandstone. The population extended north along the ridge for at least half a kilometre. From satellite imagery, this ridge extends to the south as well as the north for some kilometres. This species was not recorded on similar but unconnected ridges to the south. It is likely to have a restricted distribution, given the unusual type of sandstone substrate that has not been found elsewhere during this or other surveys of surrounding areas.

The new kurrajong species might warrant a vulnerable or near threatened status under the

The flower (top) and seed pod (bottom) of Brachychiton n. sp. Fish River, TPWC Act. Additional surveys are recommended I. Cowie © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management to better understand the distribution, abundance

16 Bush Blitz survey report and threats to the species, however no immediate The putative new species of mulla mulla has several threats were evident. More specimens are also obvious characters that separate it from similar well- needed to help clarify diagnostic characters, known taxa. Based on known collections it occurs especially to describe the species and understand on both Fish River Station and Wongalara Sanctuary its natural variation. The plants were not flowering (approximately 300 km east of Fish River Station), at the time of the survey, however seeds were where it was collected during a subsequent Bush Blitz collected and plants have been cultivated. survey. On both reserves, the species was found on stony foot slopes and was collected independently by different collectors at a number of sites. Given its distribution and habitat, and that it is apparently uncommon but not rare on both reserves, it is very

Two putative new vascular plants were discovered on Fish River Station: a mulla mulla (Ptilotus n. sp. Fish River) (left) and a kurrajong (Brachychiton n. sp. Fish River) (right). The kurrajong is likely to be endemic to Fish River Station, I. Cowie © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 17 Mertens Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi) is listed as vulnerable under the TPWC Act. It is highly susceptible to Cane Toad (Rhinella marina) toxin © Copyright, G. Schmider likely to be more widespread than current records Threatened Species indicate. This species has probably been collected before and confused with other taxa. An IUCN Australia is home to around 570,000 species, Data Deficient status is recommended, but it is likely most of which are yet to be formally described. to be given a status of Least Concern with further Approximately 92% of Australian plants, 87% of survey or more complete curation of the Northern mammals, 93% of reptiles and 45% of birds are Territory Herbarium collection.7 endemic. Changes to the landscape and native habitat as a result of human activity have put many of these unique species are at risk. Over the last two hundred years, many species have become extinct; many others are threatened.8

7 IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, accessed 8 Chapman, A. D. 2009, Numbers of Living Species in Australia 23 October 2013 . 9 Mahney, T., Young, S., Brennan, K., Fegan, M., Ansell, S., Daly, D., Daly, J. & Long, J. 2011, Fish River Station Wildlife Survey 2011, Unpublished Report by Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport, Northern Territory Government, Darwin.

18 Bush Blitz survey report Fauna bacalusius, and the herbs Dopatrium junceum, Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi) was the Stylidium aquaticum and Tephrosia sp. G Kimberley only threatened species recorded; however, several Flora. All of these plants appear to have either others—mainly birds and large mammals—are a restricted distribution or relatively specialised known to occur on the reserve.9 The semi-aquatic habitat requirements, and sometimes both. Two Mertens’ Water Monitor is listed as vulnerable are relatively small, ephemeral and inconspicuous, under the TPWC Act. The arrival of Cane Toads and are likely to have been missed during previous (Rhinella marina) to the Daly Basin has caused surveys. None, except perhaps Glycine hirticaulis populations to decline, as it is highly susceptible to subsp. hirticaulis, appears to have significant threats. Cane Toad toxin.10 Cane Toads can also deplete the Table 6 lists the plant species of conservation prey eaten by monitors, especially foods eaten by significance recorded from Fish River Station. juvenile monitors.11 The increased knowledge of the distribution Flora and abundance of species collected during the survey will be used to re-assess their conservation No threatened flora species listed under the status at the next (2014–15) five yearly review of TPWC Act were recorded; however, 37 species of listings under the TPWC Act. For some species conservation significance were identified. The there has been sufficient information gathered wider region has been insufficiently surveyed during this survey to probably result in a change of to establish the distribution, abundance and conservation category. threats of many of the rarer taxa. The region is dominated by relatively intact native vegetation, All Northern Territory plants are assessed against and threats have historically been relatively subtle IUCN criteria and assigned a status or category. (for example, grazing by introduced herbivores Applying the IUCN criteria in assessing species and changed fire regimes) but often operating at a relies on having a solid taxonomic foundation. landscape scale. In many cases, species may be Data Deficient because taxonomic research is needed to clarify Apart from newly discovered species, the most species concepts or because of a need for curation important species of conservation significance of specimen records to species or sub-specific on Fish River Station are the tree Croton sp. aff. level. ‘Not Evaluated’ species are those that have dockrillii, the vine Glycine hirticaulis subsp. hirticaulis, not been assessed against IUCN criteria because the shrubs Abutilon sp. Mataranka and Hibiscus they have been discovered or recognised since the last formal assessment period. In the past, some 10 Smith, J. G., & Phillips, B. L. 2006, ‘Toxic tucker: the potential species were assigned to this category because of impact of cane toads on Australian reptiles’, Pacific unresolved taxonomic problems. This Bush Blitz Conservation Biology 12: 40–49. survey and related taxonomic research grants 11 Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Threatened Species of the Northern Territory, will contribute significant information for IUCN Mertens Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi), accessed assessments. 23 October 2013 .

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 19 ASTERACEAE AMARANTHACEAE ACANTHACEAE COMMELINACEAE BORAGINACEAE Table 6: 20 Plant species of conservation significance recorded from Riverfrom Fish Station recorded significance conservation of Plant species Family

Bush Blitz survey report survey Blitz Bush Cartonema spicatum Cartonema Heliotropium Apowollastonia Pterocaulon discolor Cyanthillium Ptilotus Gomphrena Dipteracanthus grey leaf * grey leaf River * lacinulata subsp. australasicus prostratum verbesinoides var. * Key spicatum new record for this reserve this for record new n. sp. Fish n.

dalyensis Taxon * sp. * * * *

* dd dd ne ne ne ne ne lc NT IUCN Cat. -14.0844 -14.3023 -13.9805 -13.9699 -14.3675 -13.9025 -14.0235 -14.0255 -14.3541 -13.8931 -13.8931 -14.0168 -14.0120 -14.1204 -14.1424 -14.1162 Latitude 130.84094 130.96959 130.80416 130.74642 130.99776 130.77710 131.07726 131.00197 131.07561 131.15906 131.15906 131.17680 131.19670 131.17647 131.17673 131.16612 dd lc Categories: IUCN NT

= = Longitude Data Deficient Data Concern Least 56 km south of Douglas Douglas of south 56 km Snape Creek of Headwaters Farm Research Daly Douglas of west 45 km Farm Research Daly Douglas of south-west km 48 Muriel Mt Near Reedy Hole of north km 3.4 Reedy Hole of north km 3.4 Collah Waterhole of 12 north-east km – Farm Research Daly Douglas of south km 48 – Farm Research Daly Survey Creek of Headwaters Reedy Hole of north km 3.4 area Muriel Mt area Muriel Mt –

Approximate location on ne nt the reserve = = Not yet evaluated against IUCN criteria IUCN against evaluated yet Not Threatened Near

No. NT Records 13 11 7 – – – – – (2010) NT endemic NT endemic discovered Newly common recognised, previously Not – – Newly described common and recognised Newly

Comment CUCURBITACEAE CONVOLVULACEAE MALVACEAE FABACEAE EUPHORBIACEAE DROSERACEAE

Family Abutilon Tephrosia Tephrosia Tephrosia gracilis Neptunia hirticaulis Glycine Galactia Alysicarpus brownii Croton Drosera fulva Cucumis picrocarpus Cucumis althaeoides Jacquemontia Brachychiton Brachychiton Wangi * Wangi * Fish River * Mataranka * Muddy Bay Kimberley Flora brachyodon glandulosa subsp. Katherine * dockrillii Daly Douglas sp. aff. sp. sp. hirticaulis sp. sp. G Taxon * sp. * * sp. * sp. f. f. *

* * dd dd dd dd dd dd dd dd dd ne ne ne ne ne ne NT IUCN Cat. -14.2508 -14.2803 -14.0560 -14.0580 -13.9002 -13.8928 -13.9025 -14.0255 -13.8927 -14.2810 -14.2810 -13.9354 -13.9024 -14.2813 -13.9787 -14.1486 -14.2474 -13.9177 -13.9101 -14.1162 Latitude 130.84094 130.98936 130.98627 130.98659 130.98659 130.99797 130.97252 130.93455 130.99281 130.74306 131.02849 130.74109 130.71719 131.02774 131.18097 131.15663 131.19670 131.15335 131.16612 131.18513

Longitude 5 km east of Mt Boulder Mt of east 5 km Farm Research Daly Douglas of west 50 km and Lilyarba Creeks Jogi between Ridges Muriel Mt Near area Muriel Mt Farm Research Daly Douglas of south-west 30 km Daly River Reedy Hole of north km 3.4 Farm Research Daly Douglas of south-west km 48 Muriel Mt Near area Muriel Mt Creek Lilyarba of east 1 km and Lilyarba Creeks Jogi between Ridge and Lilyarba Creeks Jogi between Ridge Research Farm 70 south-west km – – Adjacent to Muriel Mt Creek Lilyarba of east 1 km turn-off Homeseat Fish River south km 9.5 Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 Territory Northern Station River Fish

Approximate location on the reserve

No. NT Records 23 30 20 35 15 4 4 4 5 8 3 – – – – (2010) – NT endemic recognised previously Not Newly described NT endemic to Fish River Litchfield from found species NT endemic discovered Newly – recognised previously Not – revision taxonomic Needs – NT endemic – –

Comment 21 POLYGALACEAE POACEAE PLANTAGINACEAE PHYLLANTHACEAE MALVACEAE URTICACEAE STYLIDIACEAE SOLANACEAE 22

Family

Bush Blitz survey report survey Blitz Bush Pouzolzia zeylanica aquaticumStylidium Nicotiana Polygala succulenta Polygala pterocarpa Polygala petrophila Polygala integra Polygala bifoliata Polygala barbata Ectrosia schultzii junceum Dopatrium Phyllanthus Hibiscus lobatus bacalusius Hibiscus var. var. schultzii lacerosus monoschizocarpa * Key congesta petrophila new record for this reserve this for record new

* Taxon * * * * var. *

* *

dd dd dd dd dd dd dd ne ne ne ne ne ne nt NT IUCN Cat. -14.0488 -14.0504 -14.0838 -14.0204 -14.0545 -13.9894 -13.8653 -14.0523 -14.2537 -13.9025 -13.9091 -13.9091 -13.8301 -14.3541 -13.9354 -14.0168 -14.2512 -14.0120 -14.3153 -14.1394 -13.9153 -13.9319 -14.1451 Latitude 130.79990 130.98865 130.83455 130.78030 130.76823 130.78235 130.74642 131.00067 130.73302 131.08454 130.98378 131.00366 130.80122 131.08324 130.75011 130.75011 130.74310 131.16980 131.07561 131.01789 131.02130 131.19670 131.17647 dd lc Categories: IUCN NT

= = Longitude Data Deficient Data Concern Least Rock Candy Range River, of Daly south – – Station Tipperary Road, River Daly south River,Daly 18 km Creek Survey Survey Creek of Headwaters – Wingate Mountains Creek, Lilyarba Snape Creek of Headwaters Daly River Mt Boulder of east 5 km Farm Research Daly Douglas of south 30 km Creek Lilyarba Creek Lilyarba Near – Reedy Hole of north km 3.4 – Creek Survey Muriel Mt Near Creek Northern Near Farm Research Daly Douglas of south 56 km Creek Bamboo of East ‑ west of Xing of west Approximate location on

ne nt the reserve = = Not yet evaluated against IUCN criteria IUCN against evaluated yet Not Threatened Near

No. NT Records 40 94 92 53 71 16 18 14 13 3 8 5 4 6 (2010) – – – River Candy Rock Endemic to – NT endemic NT endemic – – – – – – –

Comment

Exotic and Pest Species Monitor (Varanus mitchelli) and Yellow-spotted Monitor (Varanus panoptes)) were not found during Invasive species can have a major impact on the survey. already vulnerable species and ecosystems, as well as economic, environmental and social impacts. A significant attribute of Fish River Station is the The inclusion of exotic and pest species records lack of introduced fishes. Potential invaders that as part of this report will provide land managers are already problem species in tropical Queensland with baseline information to assist with pest and southern New Guinea include Tilapia management programs. (Oreochromis mossambica), Spotted Tilapia (Tilapia mariae), Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) and Vertebrate Fauna Northern Snakehead (Channa argus). Feral animals were common on most parts of Fish River Station and were frequently encountered in Invertebrate Fauna the field. It was usual to count 30 or more Water No pest species of dung beetle were found Buffalo Bubalus( bubalis) or European Cattle on Fish River Station; however, three exotic (Bos taurus) during a 30-minute helicopter flight. species—considered beneficial and introduced as Large numbers of Pigs (Sus scrofa) were also seen. agricultural dung control—were collected: Gazella The environmental damage attributed to these Dung Beetle (Digitonthophagus gazella), Bronze species was evident at most sites. Dung Beetle (Onitis alexis) and Sri Lankan Dung Beetle (Onthophagus sagittarius). Cane Toads (Rhinella marina) were common at all vertebrate survey sites. Some species of reptile Twelve true bug pest species were identified known to have experienced population declines in low abundances; most are Australian following the arrival of Cane Toads and expected natives that can become pests under certain to occur at Fish River Station (for example, King conditions. The Rutherglen Bug (Nysius vinitor), Brown Snake (Pseudechis australis), Eastern Brown Bean Bug (Melanacanthus scutellaris), Blue‑tongue (Tiliqua scincoides), Mitchell’s Water Redbanded Shield Bug (Piezodorus oceanicus), Green Vegetable Bug (Nezara viridula) and

A significant attribute of Fish River Station is the lack of introduced fish species. Some of the potential invaders include (left) TilapiaOreochromis ( mossambica) and (right) Spotted Tilapia (Tilapia mariae) © Copyright, G. Schmider

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 23 Flora Six noxious weeds gazetted under the Weeds Management Act 2001 (NT) were identified (see Table 7). The most important emerging noxious weed on Fish River Station is Gamba Grass (Andropogon gayanus). It is likely to have serious consequences for the conservation of native flora, particularly for species with restricted distributions Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) is the most significant weed on Fish River Station. It is likely to have serious consequences for native flora that overlap with its preferred habitat, a category © Copyright, C. Wilson that includes many species of conservation significance. Gamba Grass is well established on Green Mirid (Creontiades dilutus) can be pests with pastoral land immediately to the east of Fish River varying damage potential on various agricultural Station and scattered stands are already on the crops. Coon Bug (Oxycarenus arctatus), Seed Eating property. These outliers ahead of an invasion front Bug (Graptostethus servus) and Swan Plant Seed may greatly increase the rate of spread of Gamba Bug (Remaudiereana nigriceps) can form large Grass by acting as a source of seed. Gamba Grass swarms in rural areas of the Top End, and although can substantially change savannah fire regimes: it they do not threaten crops, they can cause indirect forms taller, denser stands than the native grasses, damage and are regarded as a nuisance.12 and cures later in the dry season. With a high During this survey, a potential pest lace bug biomass and higher flame heights than native (Aconchus urbanus) was recorded in Australia for grasses, Gamba Grass can dramatically increase the first time. Known throughout Africa and Asia as local fuel loads from the 2–4 tonnes/ha typical for a common pest on pawpaw and Urochloa species, native grasses to 11–15 tonnes/ha or sometimes Aconchus urbanus can cause considerable damage, up to 30 tonnes/ha, resulting in more intense fires but there have been few such occurrences that can kill trees or reduce their vigour.14 15 Gamba worldwide.13 Further research is required to Grass can also out-compete native woody species determine the distribution and pest potential by altering the availability of nitrogen to plants of this lace bug in Australia. The exotic Redback and by using larger amounts of water than Spider (Latrodectus hasseltii), which is native to native grasses.16 17 It can also shade out smaller southern Australia, was also recorded. low‑growing species.

14 Rossiter, N. A., Setterfield, S. A., Douglas, M. M. & 12 NT Department of Regional Development, Primary Hutley, L. B. 2003, ‘Testing the grass-fire cycle: exotic grass Industry, Fisheries and Resources (2009) Factsheet ENT7: invasion in the tropical savannas of northern Australia’, Swarming bugs (family Lygaeidae). Northern Territory Diversity and Distributions 9: 169–176. Government, Darwin. 15 Ferdinands, K. Setterfield, S. A., Douglas, M. M. & Barratt, J. 13 Neal Jr, J. W. & Schaefer, C. W. 2000, ‘Lace Bugs (Tingidae)’, 2006, ‘Africanising the tropical woodlands: canopy loss and tree in Heteroptera of Economic Importance, eds Schaefer, death following gamba grass Andropogon gayanus invasion’, in C. W. & Panizzi, A. R., Boca Raton: CRC Press, pp. 85–137. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference, eds. Preston, C., Watts, J. H. & Crossman, N. D., Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide, p. 296.

24 Bush Blitz survey report Table 7: Gazetted weeds documented on Fish River Station Indication of Species Common name Latitude Longitude Location abundance Andropogon Gamba Grass -13.89351 131.15871 Mt Muriel Scattered with several gayanus dozen plants -14.02426 131.16063 3.5 km north of Reedy Hole A few large plants Hyptis suaveolens Hyptis -14.06179 130.83479 – – Senna obtusifolia Arsenic Weed -14.33648 131.02362 60 km south of Douglas Daly – Research Farm -14.21937 130.92655 Fish River – Senna occidentalis Coffee Senna -14.06327 130.83565 – – Sida acuta Spinyhead Sida -14.06179 130.83479 – – -13.93819 130.73538 50 km west of Douglas Daly – Research Farm Sida cordifolia Flannel Weed -14.33648 131.02362 60 km south of Douglas Daly – Research Farm -14.21937 130.92655 Fish River – -14.058 131.02771 – –

Thirteen other weeds recorded on Fish River flats where it can form dense stands. Gambia Station are not gazetted as noxious weeds (see Pea appears to be similar in stature with similar Table 8). Of these, the most significant are Gambia densities, habitat and problems caused by Coffee Pea (Crotalaria goreensis) and Annual Mission Grass Senna (Senna occidentalis) and Arsenic Weed (Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. pedicellatus)—both (S. obtusifolia), both declared weeds. Annual are common and appear to be spreading. Feral Mission Grass is probably dispersed by wind. animals such as Water Buffalo Bubalus( bubalis) It was found in some remote places, apparently probably assist the spread of Gambia Pea. It was independent of any obvious disturbance. prevalent in some habitats, for example on creek

16 Rossiter, N. A., Setterfield, S. A., Douglas, M. M., Hutley, L. B. 17 Rossiter-Rachor, N. A., Setterfield S. A., Douglas, M. M., & Cook, G. D. 2004, ‘Exotic grass invasion in the tropical Hutley, L. B., Cook, G. D. & Schmidt, S. 2009, ‘Invasive savannas of northern Australia: Ecosystem consequences’, Andropogon gayanus (gamba grass) is an ecosystem in Proceedings of the 14th Australian Weeds Conference, eds. transformer of nitrogen relations in Australian savanna’, Sindel, B. M. & Johnson, S. B., Weeds Society of New South Ecological Applications 19(6): 1546–1560. Wales, Sydney, pp. 168–171.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 25 Table 8: Non-gazetted weeds documented on Fish River Station Indication of Species Common name Latitude Longitude Location abundance Alysicarpus Oval-leafed -14.14695 131.07358 Near Black Loaf Billabong, Minor weed, locally common ovalifolius Alysicarpus Bamboo Creek Bidens pilosa Cobbler’s Pegs -14.05799 131.02771 – Minor weed Cenchrus Annual Mission -13.89886 131.16393 Mt Muriel area Appears to be spreading pedicellatus Grass on Fish River; not widespread subsp. away from disturbance pedicellatus Crotalaria Gambia Pea -13.99276 131.07036 East of Bamboo Creek Appears to be common and goreensis spreading on Fish River; similar problems to Senna occidentalis and S. obtusifolia -13.98088 130.99158 30 km south-west of Appears to be common and Douglas Daly Research spreading on Fish River; Farm similar problems to Senna occidentalis and S. obtusifolia -14.25200 130.98400 Headwaters of Abundant on creek flat Lilyarba Creek Crotalaria juncea Sunhemp -13.97887 130.98399 30 km south-west of Minor weed Douglas Daly Research Farm Cynodon radiatus Giant Couch Grass -14.25538 130.98305 Near Lilyarba Creek Probably pre‑European -14.05997 131.19359 30 km south of Douglas Probably pre‑European Daly Research Farm Digitaria ciliaris Summer Grass -14.33648 131.02362 60 km south of Douglas Minor weed, may be native Daly Research Farm Hibiscus sabdariffa Rosella -14.26210 130.90160 Fish River Gorge, – 55 km south of Douglas Daly Research Farm Macroptilium Wild Bushbean -14.15189 131.07735 Near Black Minor weed lathyroides var. Loaf Billabong, semierectum Bamboo Creek Malvastrum Spiked Malvastrum -14.28288 130.98831 Ridges between Jogi and Minor weed americanum Lilyarba creeks Scoparia dulcis Scoparia -14.05989 131.19408 30 km south of Douglas Probably pre‑European, Daly Research Farm minor weed Triumfetta Fivestamen -13.93819 130.73538 50 km west of Minor weed pentandra Burrbark Douglas Daly Research Farm Triumfetta Chinese Burr -14.06181 130.83478 – Pre-European rhomboidea

26 Bush Blitz survey report Other Points of Interest

Vertebrate Fauna Mammals, Reptiles, Frogs and Toads Fish River Station supports a high diversity of terrestrial vertebrates broadly characteristic of the tropical savannas of the Top End. This survey focused on frogs, reptiles and small mammals. The Northern Snapping Turtle (Elseya dentata) was common in Fish River Gorge reserve has been surveyed for terrestrial vertebrates and was a new record for the reserve © Copyright, S. Zozaya previously by the Northern Territory Government; as a result, a fairly comprehensive list now exists. ++ Excitable Delma (Delma tincta), a common and Fourteen frog (including the Cane Toad) and widespread species of legless lizard expected 35 reptile species were identified during the to occur on the reserve. A single individual was survey, bringing the number of amphibians and caught in an arachnid trap. reptiles known from Fish River Station to 81. The ++ Northern Snapping Turtle (Elseya dentata), a following five reptile species were recorded on the large chelid turtle, was found to be common reserve for the first time: in Fish River Gorge and is common in the ++ Northern Ctenotus (Ctenotus borealis), a large Daly River. skink, was collected from Mount Muriel. This ++ Marbled Velvet Gecko (Oedura marmorata), a species might have been recorded from Fish large gecko found on exposed rock faces and River Station previously but misidentified as trees at night. Several individuals were found on Robust Ctenotus (C. robustus). one of the larger rock escarpments. ++ Mertens’ Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi) is a large semi-aquatic varanid lizard. A single individual was observed.

The Daly River is home to six species of freshwater turtle (Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), Northern Snake-necked Turtle (Chelodina oblonga), Jardine River Turtle (Emydura subglobosa), Northern Yellow-faced Turtle (E. tanybaraga) and North‑west Red-faced Turtle (E. victoriae)), but only two of these (Northern Snake-necked and North-west Red-faced Turtles) were recorded on the reserve. Given that the Daly River borders Fish River Station, it could be argued that all six species should be The Excitable Delma (Delma tincta) was a new record for Fish River Station © Copyright, R. Whyte included on the species list for the reserve.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 27 Small mammals were surveyed over three nights relationships of taxa within this genus. The advent along the western side of the Mount Muriel of modern molecular systematic techniques has range, with the main aim of capturing a false revealed that many well-known species in the Top antechinus (Pseudantechinus sp.). Nine small End are composites of cryptic taxa. Describing these mammals of two species were captured—three new species will require a combination of molecular Grassland Melomys (Melomys burtoni) and six techniques and traditional taxonomic studies. Common Rock-rats (Zyzomys argurus). Both are common and widespread across the Top End. No Fishes other small mammals were observed during the Fish River Station has a high diversity of survey. Unfortunately, the undescribed species of freshwater fishes. A large number of sites (18) were false antechinus was not captured. This does not surveyed, recording 29 species, three of them suggest that the animal has vanished from the for the first time. This brings the total number location but rather that population densities are of known species for the reserve to 45. Previous low, and a longer survey period is needed. The management reports of fishes on Fish River Station low diversity and abundance of small mammals were limited to a handful of larger species and documented during this study reflects the severity riverine habitats, so considerable new information of ongoing small mammal declines experienced has been added. The following species were across the Top End.18 significant new records resulting from this survey: ++ Delicate Blue Eye (Pseudomugil tenellus), a small The taxonomic status of two species collected wetland fish documented on Fish River Station during the survey requires further study. A large that is likely to be a new cryptic species. gecko (Gehyra sp.) was collected on an exposed ++ Blackbanded Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia nigrans) rock face at Fish River Gorge. Research is underway is a small rainbowfish previously known by only at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern a few specimens from Beeboom Crossing. This Territory to study its relationships to the Northern survey identified large sustainable populations in Dtella (G. australis) and King’s Dtella (G. koira) and upland stream habitats on Fish River Station. to determine whether it is an undescribed species. A toadlet from the taxonomically difficult Uperoleia ++ Swamp Eel (Ophisternon gutturale), collected genus could not be identified. This individual’s from wetland habitat on the reserve, was a rare call was similar to that of the Floodplain Toadlet find. The Daly River is currently the western- (U. inundata). Tissue samples from this specimen will most catchment known for the Swamp Eel, with be included in a large project looking at molecular only a few other records from the system. Its core range is larger wetland systems in the Top End (for example in Kakadu National Park). It is 18 Woinarski, J. C. Z., Armstrong, M., Brennan, K., Fisher, A., seldom seen owing to its shy nature, burrowing Griffiths, A. D., Hill, B., Milne, D. J., Palmer, C., Ward S., into sediments and being active at night. Watson, M., Winderlich, S., and Young, S. 2010, ‘Monitoring indicates rapid and severe decline of native small mammals in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia’, Wildlife Research 37: 116–126.

28 Bush Blitz survey report Genetic and morphological material was collected from 21 species found during the survey. This will be used for future systematic reviews of northern Australian fishes, a group that looks set for substantial change. Fish diversity is high in the tropical north19 20 and more research is required. New taxa continue to be recorded from remote

The golden form of the Delicate Blue-eye (Pseudomugil tenellus) recorded on regions of Australia, and recent research using Fish River Station could be an undescribed species © Copyright, D. Wilson genetic techniques suggests that there are likely to be two to three times the number of species The Delicate Blue Eye specimens have an unusual present than are currently recognised.21 Quite a gold colour form. Initial genetic evidence, together number of obligate freshwater fishes, for example, with the distinctive colouration, suggests that the gudgeons (Mogurnda spp.), glassfishes (Ambassis specimens from the Daly Basin are an undescribed spp.), catfishes (Ariidae and Plotosidae) and species, with most of its known range on Fish grunters (Syncomistes spp.), require revision based River Station. It was found at three sites during this on the presence of likely cryptic taxa identified survey: two on Fish River Station, and one just east using genetic techniques. and further upstream than previously recorded. One of the sites on Fish River Station was a spring- Survey sites were spread across all major aquatic fed swamp that appears to be core habitat. These habitats, including large spring-fed rivers, fish are usually found dispersed in low numbers. lowland wetlands and an array of small streams Morphological and genetic review is required to (for example, limestone, earthen, sandstone and confirm that these specimens represent a new waterfalls). The species list for Fish River Station species. Additional voucher and tissue samples are now covers all major habitats and detailed spatial needed, particularly from the East Alligator River coverage of the reserve. Areas that warrant system near Gunbalanya, from where the Delicate further investigation include water bodies Blue Eye was first described. above waterfalls and sinkholes with exposed groundwater at the surface.

19 Unmack, P. J. 2001, ‘Biogeography of Australian freshwater fishes’,Journal of Biogeography 28: 1053–1089. 20 Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H. & Allen M. 2002, Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia, Western Australian Museum,

The Blackbanded Rainbow Fish (Melanotaenia nigrans) was previously known Perth. by only a few specimens from Beeboom Crossing. This survey identified large sustainable populations in upland stream habitats on Fish River Station 21 Hammer, M. P., Adams, M. & Hughes, J. H. 2012, © Copyright, D. Wilson ‘Evolutionary Processes and Biodiversity’, in Ecology of Australian Freshwater Fishes, eds Humphries, P. and Walker, K. CSIRO Press, Melbourne.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 29 One of the many waterholes on Fish River Station © Copyright, Department of the Environment

A variety of floodplain wetlands, different types Invertebrate Fauna of streams and water bodies isolated above Research on Australian invertebrates has increased waterfalls are significant attributes and focuses for significantly over the last 20 years, but it is management (for example, control of introduced estimated that less than 15% of species have been vertebrates). The spring-fed Daly River flowing formally described. In general, about a third of the alongside and through Fish River Station has species collected in any area are found to be new very high conservation value and supports larger to science. fish species such as the EPBC listed Freshwater Sawfish (Pristis pristis), the recreationally and Butterflies and Moths culturally important Barramundi (Lates calcarifer), The large variety of habitats on Fish River Station Sooty Grunter (Hephaestus fuliginosus), fork-tailed supports breeding populations of many butterflies catfishes (Ariidae), eel-tailed catfishes (Plotosidae), and diurnal moths and their food plants, resulting Freshwater Whipray (Himantura dalyensis) and Bull in high diversity. 277 butterfly and diurnal moth Shark (Carcharhinus leucas). Vigilance and proactive records were obtained for 74 species (71 butterflies management to keep Fish River Station free of and three diurnal moths), bringing the total introduced fishes is highly recommended. number known for the reserve to 75. Prior to this survey only two species were recorded, the Northern Jezebel butterfly Delias( argenthona) and Gilbert’s Blue butterfly Candalides( margarita gilberti)); the former was not identified during this survey.

30 Bush Blitz survey report Based on data from Daly River and Tipperary site, and two monsoon rainforest sites that had the Station, Fish River Station is likely to support highest species richness. Onthophagus parrumbal around 100 species (88 butterflies, 13 diurnal was the most common species and was found at all moths), i.e. about two thirds of the fauna sites where pitfall traps were set. An undescribed recorded for the Top End. Most of the species species of Lepanus (NT4) was collected in rainforest expected at the time of the survey were found, and will be described in the near future. but approximately 20 species were not recorded, probably because of their short seasonal activity Dung beetles are important indicators of an (some have limited flight seasons and are present ecosystem’s health. They are associated with only during the early to mid wet season). nutrient turnover and improve the soil by tunnelling which increases aeration, breaking up compacted Although none of the butterflies or diurnal moths soils and taking organic matter underground. Native recorded are endemic to Fish River Station, the dung beetles tend to use native dung or fungi as reserve contains populations of 23 taxa that are a resource; hence, dung beetle diversity relates to restricted in their geographic range to the Top End the vertebrate diversity in the region. In general, and/or north-western Australia. The remainder occur disturbed environments have more introduced than more widely across the monsoon tropics of northern native dung beetle species. Australia and/or the eastern coast of Australia. Despite their usefulness as an ecosystem health The most noteworthy record from the study was indicator, little is known about the diversity and an extant breeding population of the Australian distribution of dung beetles in many of Australia’s Beak butterfly Libythea( geoffroyi genia), a rare bioregions, including the Daly Basin. Prior to species that was previously known from only two this survey, the ANIC had only three genera historic records in the Northern Territory (Darwin– representing 14 species recorded from the Daly Palmerston and Wessel Islands). Prior to this survey, Basin with no records from Fish River Station. Nine its habitat requirements and larval food plant genera representing almost 80 species have been were unknown, and the female had not been recorded from the Northern Territory, and the recorded. At Fish River Station the butterfly was apparently limited diversity in Daly Basin is likely to found breeding near the southern boundary 15 km represent a lack of sampling effort. An additional south-east of the homestead in semi-deciduous genus (Lepanus) was recorded for the Daly Basin monsoon vine thicket on a large dolostone during this survey. BIOCLIM22 modelling for the outcrop that supported an extensive stand of the other five genera (Amphistomus, Aptenocanthon, larval food plant Malaiino (Celtis australiensis).

Dung Beetles 22 BIOCLIM is a bioclimatic analysis and prediction system, Fifteen species of dung beetle representing five initially developed by H. A. Nix, that can be used to predict genera were collected. All were first records for the spatial distribution of plant and animal species: Nix, H. A. 1986, ‘Biogeographic analysis of Australian Fish River Station, and three represent first records elapid snakes’, in Atlas of Elapid Snakes (ed. R. Longmore), for the Daly Basin bioregion. Dung beetles were pp. 4–15, Australian Flora and Fauna Series No. 7, Australian collected at six sites, including a recently burnt Government Publishing Service: Canberra.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 31 Another of the 40 putative new species of true bug collected on Fish River Station: (Tingidae) nr Lasiacantha n. sp., C. Symonds © Copyright, University of New South Wales

Demarziella, Monoplistes, survey of Fish River Station provided the Tesserodon) found in the first intensive study of true bugs in the Northern Territory indicates region and from a diversity of landscapes. that the climate in the Daly Basin is suitable for all except Aptenocanthon. The species composition from collections on Fish River Station is quite different to Bush Blitz True Bugs collections from southern Australia. The diversity One-hundred and sixty-one true bug species from of true bugs was higher than that recorded on 34 families were recorded from Fish River Station other surveys, and spread more evenly across over the two-week survey; all are new records true bugs as a whole (34 families recorded). The for the reserve. Forty-seven named species have number of putative new species (40) was almost been identified and another 74 require further equal to the number of named taxa (47) identified work to determine their status. Of these, four during the study, and the number of un-named are un-named but previously known species for species (74) was even greater, indicating that which suitable taxonomic information and keys further survey and taxonomic work is warranted are unavailable, and the others are possibly new for true bugs in the Top End. species. Twelve true bug taxa are first records for the Northern Territory and three are new Damselflies and Dragonflies records for Australia: Aconchus (Tingidae), Belenus Thirty-eight odonates (13 damselflies (Zygoptera) (Tingidae) and Psallops (Miridae). and 25 dragonflies (Anisoptera)) were documented in what was the first survey of Fish River Station for True bugs were collected from 40 sites and 49 these groups. The reserve supports a moderately plant host species were identified. Although a high diversity of odonates typical of that in similar range of methods (light traps, pitfall traps, foliage habitats in the Top End. Additional surveys, beating, sweeping and collection by hand) were particularly in the wet season, are likely to expand used to capture true bugs, 60% of species were the list. captured using a light trap, and almost half of those were not collected by any other method. Members of the pond damsel family (Coenagrionidae) and the skimmers/perchers There has been inadequate surveying for true family (Libellulidae) dominated the collections. bugs in northern Australia. The collecting of true One undescribed stream-dwelling species of bugs has been more extensive across temperate, damselfly, Nososticta cf. coelestina, was recorded. semi-arid and arid regions of Australia and to Previously known from elsewhere in the Top End, a much lesser extent in the tropical north of it is currently being described as a new species. Queensland and the Gulf Country. The tropical The material collected from this Bush Blitz will vegetation of the Top End contains a distinctive be used to describe the species. One species assemblage of plant species, many found only in of damselfly from the narrow-wings family northern Australia and with which no true bug (Isostictidae), tentatively referred to as Kimberley species have been associated. The Bush Blitz Pondsitter (Austrosticta soror), was also collected.

32 Bush Blitz survey report Michael Hammer, Gavin Dally, Stephen Richards and Dave Wilson, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

However, the specimens from Fish River Station are spider Spinasteron nigriceps, which was collected unusual in having a number of characters typical of once before at Daly River, being the specimen Northern Pondsitter (A. fieldi), and further studies from which the species was described. As this are needed to confirm its taxonomic status. expedition was conducted in the early dry season, most of the spiders normally active at other times Spiders of the year, such as most swift spiders (Corinnidae) Spiders from 11 target families were collected on and many wolf spiders, were seen only as juveniles. Fish River Station, including curtain web spiders (Dipluridae), ground spiders (Gnaphosidae), Land and Freshwater Snails white-tailed spiders (Lamponidae), wolf spiders Twenty-one snail species (18 land snails and (Lycosidae), wishbone spiders (Nemesiidae), 3 freshwater snails) were recorded. There have goblin spiders (Oonopidae), water spiders been no previous comprehensive surveys of land (Pisauridae), long-spinneret ground spiders and freshwater snails for Fish River Station. During (Prodidomidae), jumping spiders (Salticidae), the past two decades, opportunistic collections whistling spiders (Theraphosidae) and ant spiders were made from an area between the Stuart (Zodariidae). To date, 33 species have been Highway and Daly River just east of Fish River identified, all new records for the reserve. An Station, but areas to the west of the reserve have important find was a male specimen of the ant never been sampled.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 33 One of the most significant discoveries was the Flora collection of Ribbed Pupasnail (Glyptopupoides Vascular Plants egregia), which represents the first record of this Three hundred and twenty-one vascular plant taxa species for the Northern Territory. It was recorded were first records for Fish River Station. Another from the edges of vine thicket patches on the 380 species had been recorded previously, lower slopes of Mount Muriel. Previously, it was bringing the number of vascular plant taxa known only from the east coast of Queensland known for the reserve to 701. The flora is largely and the Mitchell Plateau in the northern Kimberley, representative of the lower Daly Basin, and with Western Australia. Another important collection was much of the Daly Basin suitable for agricultural Eastern Trumpetsnail (Gyliotrachela australis), being development the reserve provides an important only the third record of this species in the Northern reserve for the flora of this region. The reserve is Territory with previous records from Katherine and notable for large areas of Excoecaria parvifolia/ Gregory National Park. At least four undescribed Eucalyptus microtheca/Melaleuca-dominated species of land snails were also collected. forest, a community not observed elsewhere, with Excoecaria parvifolia at the northern limit of The most serious threat to some of the land snails their ranges. This community grows on poorly is the extent and timing of fire. At Mount Muriel, an drained sites such as the lower part of Bamboo extensive early season burn had destroyed most Creek. The reserve also includes the only extensive of the known habitat on Fish River Station for the area conserving a number of species preferring Ribbed Pupasnail, Torresitrachia weaberana and clay-loam soils (for example, Dendrolobium Xanthomelon spp. Most of the individuals killed polyneurum). were still active when the fire at Mount Muriel occurred. During the dry season, Torresitrachia Additional localities were obtained for these rare weaberana and Xanthomelon spp. of camaenid species: the riparian tree Croton sp. aff.dockrillii ; the land snails aestivate deep in the soil, whereas vine Glycine hirticaulis subsp. hirticaulis; the shrubs the Ribbed Pupasnail aestivates in leaf litter or Abutilon sp. Mataranka and Hibiscus bacalusius; under logs at the surface. However, in April when and the herb Stylidium aquaticum. Additional conditions are still moist, the larger camaenids distribution and abundance information was also typically rest under tussocks of grass or close to recorded for the tree Brachychiton sp. Wangi, the the soil surface. The control burn at Mount Muriel herb Dipteracanthus australasicus subsp. dalyensis, penetrated the interior of vine thicket patches and and the vine Glycine hirticaulis subsp. hirticaulis. was too early in the season, killing a substantial Much of the known distribution for all of these proportion of the snails. Limestone outcrops with species is in the lower Daly Basin; as such, they are patches of monsoon vine thicket support habitats potentially affected by land clearing. for a number of specialised land snails—fire needs to be excluded from these areas. The collections included 11 taxa thought to be undescribed. Some of these, such as Fimbristylis sp. A Kimberley Flora, are relatively

34 Bush Blitz survey report The savannah woodlands of Fish River Station, J. Harding © Copyright, Department of the Environment

widespread, common and well known in the names at this stage as some are in groups for which Northern Territory while others are of conservation the variation is poorly understood and the available significance, such as Abutilon sp. Mataranka. Further broad species concepts may include several study by specialist taxonomists is necessary to taxa. Until a preliminary working taxon concept determine if they are undescribed and how they is established, it is premature even to use phrase are distinct from related taxa. In some cases (for names for these taxa. Others such as Corymbia example, Galactia sp. Katherine) they form part of a sp. aff.chartacea may represent intergrades widespread species complex extending across the between described taxa. Northern Territory, and establishing species limits is a substantial task requiring examination of large Further surveys at different times of year are likely numbers of specimens and populations in the field. to record more species on Fish River Station, In addition, several taxa were unplaced at the time especially during the early wet season. These may of writing and require further study by specialists in well include species of conservation significance those groups (for example, Tephrosia brachyodon); restricted to clay loam soils such as Brunoniella sp. at least some of these may represent undescribed Daly River Road, known from only three locations taxa. They have not been given formal phrase in the Daly River Road–Litchfield Station area.

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 35 Early dry season burning of much of the reserve for the Northern Territory. Amongst the collections and seasonal conditions may have influenced of Riccia spp. many could not be identified using the collection and recording of some taxa (for current keys and descriptions. Some preliminary example, although identifiable at the time of molecular data suggest that there may be new taxa survey, species such as Cochlospermum were sterile in the collections from Fish River Station, but this and therefore unsuitable for collecting). Some cannot be assessed until a comprehensive revision species, such as some ground orchids (Typhonium) of the northern Australian members of the genus is are difficult to detect at most times, but are best undertaken. detected during the early wet season. Others, such as Amorphophallus, Sedopsis and some Utricularia, Many of the areas surveyed were open savannah can die back rapidly once the wet season ends and grasslands or woodlands, and the soil was already others need more survey effort. too dry for bryophytes to survive. Habitats where bryophytes were relatively abundant included vine Liverworts, Hornworts and Mosses thicket, monsoon rainforest, Fish River Gorge and Twenty-two species of bryophytes were collected. disturbed areas. As far as is known, no bryophytes have been collected previously from Fish River Station, and Biological soil crusts were probably the most only six species of liverworts and 11 mosses were important ecosystem service provided by known for the Daly Basin. Overall, the bryophyte bryophytes, and in some areas these were diversity was quite low, but this was understandable dominated by Riccia species. Biological soil crusts given the harsh conditions experienced in the can stabilize the soil, increase its fertility, help it Top End. Even when habitat conditions appeared retain moisture, provide habitat for fauna and favourable to bryophytes (for example, vine exclude weeds. thickets), the habitat was dominated by only one or two bryophyte species or totally dominated by While the focus of this trip was to survey the vascular plants. bryophytes, a small number of other cryptogams were also collected, including the algae Highlights of the survey included a single Trentepohlia sp. and Chara sp., and two corticioid hornwort, Notothylas javanica, which is a new fungi. One of the fungi has been identified as record for Australia, and the thalloid liverwort, Hjortstamia crassa. Macrofungi were identified at Fossombronia cf. papillata, which is a new record least to genus where possible.

36 Bush Blitz survey report Appendix A: Species Lists

Nomenclature and taxonomy used in this appendix are consistent with that from the Australian Faunal Directory (AFD), the Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) and the Australian Plant Census (APC).

Current at September 2013

Fish River Station Northern Territory 37 Fauna Vertebrates Mammals Family Species Common name Bovidae Bos taurus ^ European Cattle Bubalus bubalis ^ Water Buffalo, Swamp Buffalo Canidae Canis lupus Dingo Dasyuridae Dasyurus hallucatus # ~ Northern Quoll Pseudantechinus cf. roryi Rory Cooper’s False Antechinus Sminthopsis bindi Kakadu Dunnart Sminthopsis macroura Stripe-faced Dunnart Sminthopsis virginiae Red-cheeked Dunnart Emballonuridae Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat Equidae Equus asinus ^ Donkey Equus caballus ^ Horse, Brumby Felidae Felis catus ^ Cat Macropodidae Macropus agilis Agile Wallaby Macropus antilopinus Antilopine Wallaroo Macropus robustus Common Wallaroo Petrogale brachyotis Short-eared Rock-wallaby Megadermatidae Macroderma gigas Ghost Bat Molossidae Chaerephon jobensis Northern Freetail-bat, Northern Mastiff Bat Muridae Hydromys chrysogaster Water-rat Melomys burtoni Grassland Melomys Mesembriomys gouldii ~ Black-footed Tree-rat Pseudomys delicatulus Delicate Mouse Pseudomys nanus Western Chestnut Mouse Rattus tunneyi ~ Pale Field-rat Zyzomys argurus Common Rock-rat Peramelidae Isoodon macrourus Northern Brown Bandicoot Petauridae Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula arnhemensis Northern Brushtail Possum Pteropodidae Pteropus alecto Black Flying-fox Pteropus scapulatus Little Red Flying-fox Suidae Sus scrofa ^ Pig Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna Vespertilionidae Pipistrellus adamsi Cape York Pipistrelle, Forest Pipistrelle

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 39 Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus) © Copyright, R. Whyte

Reptiles Family Species Common name Agamidae Chlamydosaurus kingii Frilled Lizard Diporiphora albilabris White-lipped Two-line Dragon Diporiphora bennettii Robust Two-line Dragon Diporiphora bilineata Two-lined Dragon Diporiphora magna Yellow-sided Two-line Dragon Diporiphora sp. – Lophognathus gilberti Gilbert’s Dragon, Ta-ta Lizard Boidae Antaresia childreni Children’s Python Liasis olivaceus Olive Python Chelidae Chelodina oblonga Northern Snake-necked Turtle Elseya dentata * Northern Snapping Turtle, Victoria River Snapper Emydura victoriae North-west Red-faced Turtle, Victoria River Red-faced Turtle

Bynoe’s Gecko (Heteronotia binoei) © Copyright, R. Whyte

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 41 Reptiles Family Species Common name Scincidae Carlia amax Bauxite Rainbow-skink, Two-spined Rainbow Skink Carlia gracilis Slender Rainbow-skink Carlia munda Shaded-litter Rainbow-skink Carlia rufilatus Red-sided Rainbow-skink Carlia triacantha Desert Rainbow-skink Cryptoblepharus cygnatus Swanson’s Snake-eyed Skink Cryptoblepharus metallicus Metallic Snake-eyed Skink Ctenotus borealis * Northern Ctenotus, White-faced Ctenotus Ctenotus decaneurus Ten-lined Ctenotus Ctenotus essingtonii Port Essington Ctenotus Ctenotus inornatus Bar-shouldered Ctenotus, Plain Ctenotus Ctenotus robustus Robust Ctenotus Ctenotus spaldingi Spalding’s Ctenotus, Straight-browed Ctenotus Ctenotus tantillus Dwarf Ctenotus, Kimberley Wedgesnout Ctenotus Eremiascincus isolepis Northern Bar-lipped Skink, Smooth-scaled Skink Glaphyromorphus darwiniensis Darwin Skink, Northern Mulch-skink Lerista orientalis North-eastern Orange-tailed Slider Menetia greyii Common Dwarf Skink, Grey’s Menetia Menetia maini Northern Dwarf Skink Morethia ruficauda Lined Firetail Skink Morethia storri Storr’s Snake-eyed Skink, Top End Firetail Skink Notoscincus ornatus Ornate Soil-crevice Skink Proablepharus tenuis Northern Soil-crevice Skink, Slender Snake-eyed Skink Tiliqua scincoides Eastern Blue-tongue Typhlopidae Ramphotyphlops diversus Northern Blind Snake Ramphotyphlops guentheri Top End Blind Snake Varanidae Varanus acanthurus Ridge-tailed Monitor, Spiny-tailed Monitor Varanus mertensi ~ * Mertens’ Water Monitor Varanus primordius Northern Ridge-tailed Monitor Varanus scalaris Spotted Tree Monitor Varanus tristis Black-headed Monitor

Dahl’s Aquatic Frog (Litoria dahlii) © Copyright, R. Whyte

Wotjulum Frog (Litoria watjulumensis) © Copyright, R. Whyte

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 43 Fishes Family Species Common name Ambassidae Ambassis agrammus Sailfin Glassfish Ambassis interrupta Longspine Glassfish Ambassis macleayi Macleay’s Glassfish Ambassis sp. (muelleri) Northwest Glassfish Denariusa australis Pennyfish Apogonidae Glossamia aprion Mouth Almighty Ariidae Neoarius berneyi Highfin Catfish Neoarius graeffei Blue Catfish Neoarius midgleyi Silver Cobbler Sciades leptaspis Boofhead Catfish Atherinidae Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum Flyspecked Hardyhead Craterocephalus stramineus Blackmast Belonidae Strongylura krefftii Freshwater Longtom Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus leucas Bull Shark Clupeidae Nematalosa erebi Bony Bream Dasyatidae Himantura dalyensis Freshwater Whipray Eleotridae Hypseleotris compressa Empire Gudgeon Mogurnda mogurnda Northern Purplespotted Gudgeon Oxyeleotris lineolata Sleepy Cod Oxyeleotris selheimi Blackbanded Gudgeon Prionobutis microps Smalleye Gudgeon Gobiidae Glossogobius aureus Golden Flathead Goby Glossogobius giuris Tank Goby

Northern Purplespotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda mogurnda) © Copyright, R. Whyte

Fishes Family Species Common name Hemiramphidae Arrhamphus sclerolepis Snubnose Garfish Latidae Lates calcarifer Barramundi Lutjanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus Mangrove Jack Megalopidae Megalops cyprinoides Oxeye Herring Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia australis Western Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans * Blackbanded Rainbowfish Mugilidae Liza alata Diamond Mullet Plotosidae Anodontiglanis dahli Toothless Catfish Neosilurus ater Black Catfish Neosilurus hyrtlii Hyrtl’s Catfish Porochilus rendahli Rendahl’s Catfish Pristidae Pristis pristis ~ # Freshwater Sawfish Pseudomugilidae Pseudomugil tenellus * Delicate Blue Eye Scatophagidae Scatophagus argus Spotted Scat Soleidae Leptachirus triramus Three-line Sole Synbranchidae Ophisternon gutturale * Swamp Eel Terapontidae Amniataba percoides Barred Grunter Hephaestus fuliginosus Sooty Grunter Leiopotherapon unicolor Spangled Perch Syncomistes butleri Sharpnose Grunter Toxotidae Toxotes chatareus Sevenspot Archerfish Toxotes lorentzi Primitive Archerfish

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 45 Invertebrates

Butterflies and Moths Family Species Lycaenidae Anthene lycaenoides godeffroyi * Anthene seltuttus affinis * Arhopala eupolis asopus * Candalides erinus erinus * Candalides margarita gilberti Catochrysops panormus platissa * A breeding population of the butterfly Australian Beak (Libythea geoffroyi genia) was an exciting discovery. This rare species was previously known from only two historic Catopyrops florinda estrella * records in the Northern Territory (Darwin-Palmerston, Wessel Islands). It is endemic to the Top End and Kimberley regions, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Deudorix smilis dalyensis * Resource Management Euchrysops cnejus cnidus * Everes lacturnus australis * Famegana alsulus alsulus * Freyeria putli putli * Hypolycaena phorbas phorbas * Jamides phaseli * Butterflies and Moths Nacaduba biocellata biocellata * Family Species Nacaduba kurava felsina * Nesolycaena urumelia * Geometridae Dysphania numana * Ogyris zosine zosine * Hesperiidae Badamia exclamationis * Prosotas dubiosa dubiosa * Cephrenes trichopepla * Theclinesthes miskini miskini * Chaetocneme denitza * Zizina otis labradus * Hesperilla crypsigramma * Hesperilla sexguttata * Ocybadistes flavovittatus vesta * Ocybadistes hypomeloma vaga * Ocybadistes walkeri olivia * Parnara amalia * Pelopidas lyelli lyelli * Proeidosa polysema * Suniana sunias sauda * Telicota augias krefftii * Telicota colon argea * Immidae Birthana cleis *

Butterfly specimens collected at Fish River Station, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

Butterflies and Moths Butterflies and Moths Family Species Family Species Noctuidae Idalima metasticta * Nymphalidae Mycalesis perseus perseus * Nymphalidae Acraea andromacha andromacha * Mycalesis sirius sirius * Cethosia penthesilea paksha * Phalanta phalantha araca * Charaxes sempronius sempronius * Ypthima arctous * Danaus affinis affinis * Papilionidae Cressida cressida * Danaus genutia alexis * Graphium eurypylus nyctimus * Danaus petilia * Papilio demoleus sthenelus * Euploea corinna * Papilio fuscus canopus * Euploea darchia darchia * Pieridae Belenois java teutonia * Euploea sylvester pelor * Catopsilia pomona * Hypocysta adiante antirius * Catopsilia pyranthe crokera * Hypolimnas alimena darwinensis * Catopsilia scylla etesia * Hypolimnas bolina nerina * Cepora perimale * Hypolimnas misippus * Delias argenthona Junonia hedonia zelima * Elodina walkeri * Junonia orithya albicincta * Eurema alitha novaguineensis * Junonia villida villida * Eurema hecabe * Libythea geoffroyi genia * Eurema herla * Melanitis leda bankia * Eurema laeta sana *

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 47 Beetles True Bugs Family Species Family Species Scarabaeidae Anoplognathus brevicollis Alydidae Leptocorisa sp. * Anoplostethus roseus Melanacanthus scutellaris ^ * Ataenius spinipennis Mutusca sp. * Australammoecius occidentalis Riptortus linearis * Calloodes grayianus Riptortus sp. * Digitonthophagus gazella ^ * Anthocoridae Orius sp. * Lepanus NT4 * Belostomatidae Diplonychus planus * Lepanus pygmaeus * Blissidae Heinsius sp. * Onitis alexis ^ * Iphicrates sp. * Onthophagus consentaneus * Colobathristidae Phaenacantha australiae ^ * Onthophagus endota * Coreidae Amorbus sp. * Onthophagus fabricii * Clavigralloides sp. * Onthophagus muticus * Clavigralloides spinosus * Onthophagus parrumbal * Cletus minutus * Onthophagus parvus * Gralliclava australiensis * Onthophagus propinquus * Mictis profana ^ * Onthophagus sagittarius ^ * Corixidae Agraptocorixa sp. * Onthophagus symbioticus * Cydnidae Blaena setosa * Onthophagus togeman * Cydnidae sp. 1 * Tesserodon intricatum * Cydnidae sp. 2 * Xylotrupes ulysses australicus Cydnidae sp. 3 * Cymidae Cymodema sp. * Gelastocoridae Nerthra walkeri * Geocoridae Geocoris sp. * Germalus sp. 1 * Germalus sp. 2 * Gerridae Limnogonus sp. * Hebridae Hebrus sp. * Heterogastridae Dinomachus sp. * Hydrometridae Hydrometra sp. * Largidae nr Delacampius sp. * Largidae sp. * Lygaeidae Graptostethus servus ^ * Nysius sp. * Nysius vinitor ^ *

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 49 True Bugs Family Species Pyrrhocoridae Dysdercus cingulatus * Reduviidae Australcmena lineativentris * Gminatus sp. * Havinthus sp. * Oncocephalus sp. 1 * Oncocephalus sp. 2 * Opistoplatys fuscus * Peirates sp. * Larva of the shield bug Spermatodes australis © Copyright, R. Whyte Ploiariolini sp. * Polytoxus sp. * Ptilocnemus sp. * True Bugs Pygolampis sp. * Family Species Reduviidae sp. * Pentatomidae Antestiopsis n. sp. * Rhyparochromidae Antillocorini sp. * Asopinae sp. * Appolonius territoralis * Aspideurus flavescens * Cligenes n. sp. * Avicenna inquinata * Cligenes sp. * Bromocoris souefi * Dieuches sp. * Cephaloplatus australis * Diniella glabrata * Cephaloplatus n. sp. * Lethaeini sp. * Cephaloplatus pertyi * Meschia barrowensis * Eysarcoris distinctus * Myodochini sp. 1 * Eysarcoris lereddii * Myodochini sp. 2 * Halyini n. gen. n. sp. * Neolethaeus sp. * Nezara viridula ^ * Paraeucosmetus sp. * Novatilla sp. * Paramyocara sp. * Oncocoris sp. 1 * Paromius sp. * Oncocoris sp. 2 * Remaudiereana nigriceps ^ * Paramenestheus sp. * Remaudiereana sp. * Parocirrhoe sp. * nr Remaudiereana sp. * Pentatominae sp. 1 * Stigmatonotum geniculatum * Pentatominae sp. 2 * Schizopteridae Ogeria sp. * Piezodorus oceanicus ^ * Schizopteridae sp. * Plautia affinis ^ * Scutelleridae Lampromicra senator * Spermatodes australis * Thaumastocoridae Baclozygum depressum * Plataspidae Brachyplatys sp. * Onymocoris stysi *

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 51 Spiders Family Species Dipluridae Cethegus n. sp. 12 * Gnaphosidae Gnaphosidae n. gen. n. sp. 16 * Gnaphosidae n. gen. n. sp. 17 * Lamponidae Lampona ampeinna * Notsodipus marun * Notsodipus n. sp. 10 revNP * Lycosidae Artoria parvula * Lycosidae sp. 2 * Lycosidae sp. 7 * Water spiders (Dolomedes sp.) can dive and remain underwater for up to an hour, Lycosidae sp. 8 * hunting for tadpoles, small fish and aquatic insects © Copyright, R. Whyte Nemesiidae Aname n. sp. 11 * Oonopidae Cavisternum attenboroughi n. sp. * Gamasomorpha n. sp. 4 * Gamasomorpha n. sp. 6 * Ischnothyreus sp. KE002 * Opopaea ephemera n. sp. * Opopaea fishriver n. sp. * Opopaea johardingae n. sp. * Opopaea preecei n. sp. * Pelicinus n. sp. 1 * Pelicinus n. sp. 5 * Xestaspis n. sp. 9 * Pisauridae Dolomedes sp. * Prodidomidae Nomindra gregory * Nomindra jarrnarm * Wydundra barrow * Wydundra gibb * Salticidae Adoxotoma n. sp. 15 * Evarcha n. sp. 14 * Theraphosidae Phlogius n. sp. 13 * Selenotholus foelschei * Theridiidae Latrodectus hasseltii ^ * Zodariidae Spinasteron nigriceps *

A tarantula (Selenotholus foelschei) and its burrow. Australian tarantulas make a fine whistling sound, hence they are also called whistling spiders © Copyright, R. Whyte

The Ribbed Pupasnail (Glyptopupoides egregia) was recorded for the first time in the Northern Territory. It was observed on the edges of vine thickets on the lower slopes of Mount Muriel © Copyright, V. Kessner

Hundreds of Westracystis fredaslini gather in a cool and moist place. Snails return to the same location to aestivate during the dry season. They form a semi-permeable membrane made of saliva at the opening of their shell, which allows moisture in but not out © Copyright, R. Whyte Xanthomelon interpositum © Copyright, V. Kessner

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 53 Flora Flowering Plants Family Species Anacardiaceae Blepharocarya depauperata * Buchanania arborescens Buchanania obovata Apocynaceae Alstonia spectabilis subsp. ophioxyloides Gymnanthera oblonga * Ichnocarpus frutescens Marsdenia angustata * Marsdenia geminata Tylophora cinerascens Gomphrena lacinulata, I. Cowie © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Tylophora erecta Management Tylophora flexuosa * Flowering Plants Araceae Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Family Species Colocasia esculenta Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Arecaceae Carpentaria acuminata Dicliptera armata Livistona humilis Dipteracanthus australasicus Asparagaceae Chlorophytum laxum subsp. dalyensis * Thysanotus banksii * Hygrophila angustifolia * Thysanotus chinensis * Hypoestes floribunda var. varia * Asteraceae Acmella grandiflora var. Nelsonia campestris * brachyglossa * Pseuderanthemum variabile Adenostemma lavenia Rostellularia adscendens * Ageratum conyzoides ^ Aizoaceae Trianthema rhynchocalyptra Bidens pilosa ^ * Alismataceae Caldesia oligococca var. oligococca Blumea diffusa * Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera * Blumea integrifolia * Alternanthera nodiflora * Blumea saxatilis Gomphrena canescens Blumea tenella Gomphrena flaccida * Centipeda borealis Gomphrena lacinulata * Cyanthillium cinereum * Gomphrena parviflora Cyanthillium sp. grey leaf Ptilotus corymbosus * (P.S.Short 4793) * Ptilotus n. sp. Fish River Eclipta prostrata * (D.L.Lewis 2249) Cowie & Eclipta sp. Humpty Doo D.L.Lewis * (H.S.McKee 8360)

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 55 Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Cucurbitaceae Cucumis althaeoides * Cyperaceae Fimbristylis pachyptera Cucumis melo Fimbristylis pallida * Cucumis picrocarpus * Fimbristylis pauciflora Diplocyclos palmatus Fimbristylis phaeoleuca * Trichosanthes cucumerina Fimbristylis punctata * Cyperaceae Crosslandia setifolia * Fimbristylis quinquangularis * Cyperus aquatilis Fimbristylis schultzii * Cyperus bifax * Fimbristylis sieberiana * Cyperus cuspidatus Fimbristylis simplex * Cyperus decompositus Fimbristylis sp. A Kimberley Flora Cyperus difformis (A.S. George 13584) * Cyperus haspan Fimbristylis sphaerocephala Cyperus haspan subsp. juncoides * Fimbristylis squarrulosa * Cyperus iria * Fimbristylis tetragona Cyperus microcephalus Fimbristylis trigastrocarya Cyperus orgadophilus * Fuirena ciliaris Cyperus portae-tartari Fuirena umbellata Cyperus procerus * Lipocarpha microcephala * Cyperus pulchellus * Rhynchospora heterochaeta * Cyperus tenuispica * Rhynchospora subtenuifolia * Cyperus zollingeri Rhynchospora wightiana * Eleocharis acutangula Schoenoplectus praelongatus * Eleocharis atropurpurea Schoenoplectus subulatus Eleocharis geniculata Scleria brownii Eleocharis rivalis * Scleria levis Eleocharis sanguinolenta * Scleria lingulata Eleocharis spiralis * Scleria pygmaea Fimbristylis acicularis Scleria rugosa Fimbristylis cephalophora * Scleria sphacelata Fimbristylis cinnamometorum * Dilleniaceae Hibbertia brevipedunculata * Fimbristylis complanata * Hibbertia candicans Fimbristylis dichotoma * Hibbertia ciliolata * Fimbristylis furva Hibbertia dilatata Fimbristylis lanceolata Hibbertia oblongata subsp. Fimbristylis littoralis var. littoralis * brevifolia * Fimbristylis microcarya Hibbertia sphenandra * Fimbristylis oxystachya *

Ian Cowie and Ben Firth sorting and pressing plant specimens after a long day in the field, M. Jambrecina © Copyright, Department of the Environment

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 57 Flowering Plants Family Species Fabaceae Abrus precatorius Acacia auriculiformis Acacia difficilis Acacia gonocarpa * Acacia holosericea * Acacia humifusa Acacia lamprocarpa

Acacia latescens A pea-flowered legume, Desmodium sp. © Copyright, R. Whyte Acacia multisiliqua * Flowering Plants Acacia nuperrima * Acacia pellita Family Species Acacia tolmerensis Fabaceae Crotalaria verrucosa * Acacia tumida Cullen badocanum Acacia tumida var. tumida * Dendrolobium multiflorum Aeschynomene indica * Dendrolobium polyneurum Albizia canescens Desmodium brownii Alysicarpus brownii Desmodium filiforme * Alysicarpus muelleri * Desmodium flagellare * Alysicarpus ovalifolius ^ * Desmodium glareosum * Alysicarpus schomburgkii * Desmodium heterocarpon var. Aphyllodium schindleri * strigosum Austrodolichos errabundus var. Desmodium muelleri * errabundus * Desmodium pullenii Bauhinia malabarica Desmodium trichostachyum * Cajanus marmoratus * Dunbaria singuliflora * Cajanus reticulatus var. Erythrophleum chlorostachys grandifolius * Flemingia lineata Canavalia papuana Flemingia pauciflora * Cathormion umbellatum Flemingia sp. Sericea (S.T.Blake 16726) Chamaecrista absus var. absus * Flemingia trifoliastrum Chamaecrista mimosoides Galactia megalophylla Chamaecrista nomame var. Galactia muelleri * nomame * Galactia sp. Katherine Christia australasica * (J.R.Maconochie 517) * Crotalaria alata Glycine hirticaulis subsp. Crotalaria brevis * hirticaulis * Crotalaria goreensis ^ * Glycine tomentella * Crotalaria juncea ^ * Indigastrum parviflorum * Key Colour coding for entries: * = New record for this reserve Black = Previously recorded on the reserve and found on ^ = Exotic/Pest this survey # = EPBC listed Brown = Putative new species ~ = TSP listed Blue = Previously recorded on the reserve but not found on this survey 58 Bush Blitz survey report Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Fabaceae Indigofera linifolia * Flagellariaceae Flagellaria indica Indigofera trifoliata * Gentianaceae Fagraea racemosa * Jacksonia dilatata Schenkia australis Macroptilium lathyroides var. Goodeniaceae Goodenia armstrongiana * semierectum ^ * Goodenia heppleana * Mucuna gigantea Goodenia hispida * Neptunia gracilis f. glandulosa * Goodenia holtzeana * Plagiocarpus axillaris Goodenia janamba * Pycnospora lutescens Goodenia leiosperma Rhynchosia minima * Goodenia pilosa * Senna obtusifolia ^ * Goodenia pumilio * Senna occidentalis ^ Goodenia purpurascens * Sesbania cannabina Goodenia redacta Sesbania cannabina var. Haloragaceae Gonocarpus leptothecus * cannabina * Hydrocharitaceae Blyxa aubertii Tephrosia brachyodon * Najas sp. * Tephrosia carriemichelliae Vallisneria annua Tephrosia coriacea * Vallisneria rubra Tephrosia nematophylla Hypericaceae Hypericum gramineum Tephrosia oblongata Hypoxidaceae Curculigo ensifolia Tephrosia phaeosperma * Isoetaceae Isoetes coromandelina subsp. Tephrosia polyzyga macrotuberculata Tephrosia remotiflora * Juncaginaceae Triglochin dubia Tephrosia sp. G Kimberley Flora Triglochin procera (G.J.Keighery 4828) Lamiaceae Anisomeles malabarica * Tephrosia sp. Muddy Bay Basilicum polystachyon * (P.I.Forster+ PIF15313) * Callicarpa candicans Tephrosia subpectinata Gmelina schlechteri Tephrosia virens Hyptis suaveolens ^ * Uraria lagopodioides * Plectranthus scutellarioides * Uraria sp. Litchfield Lauraceae Cassytha capillaris * (C.R.Dunlop 5220) Cassytha filiformis * Vachellia pachyphloia subsp. Cryptocarya cunninghamii pachyphloia * Litsea glutinosa Vachellia pallidifolia Leeaceae Leea indica Vachellia valida * Leea rubra Vigna lanceolata var. lanceolata * Vigna radiata var. sublobata * Zornia areolata Zornia chaetophora

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 59 Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Lentibulariaceae Utricularia caerulea Loganiaceae Mitrasacme connata * Utricularia chrysantha Mitrasacme exserta * Utricularia circumvoluta Mitrasacme gentianea * Utricularia fulva Mitrasacme multicaulis * Utricularia gibba Mitrasacme nidulifera Utricularia kimberleyensis * Mitrasacme nudicaulis var. Utricularia lasiocaulis nudicaulis * Utricularia limosa Mitrasacme nummularia Utricularia odorata Mitrasacme scrithicola Utricularia uliginosa Mitrasacme subvolubilis * Linderniaceae Lindernia aplectra * Mitreola petiolata Lindernia lobelioides * Strychnos lucida Lindernia plantaginea Loranthaceae Amyema sanguinea Lindernia scapigera Decaisnina signata subsp. Microcarpaea minima cardiophylla * Dendrophthoe glabrescens Lythraceae Ammannia baccifera Ammannia multiflora Nesaea muelleri * Rotala mexicana

Key Colour coding for entries: * = New record for this reserve Black = Previously recorded on the reserve and found on ^ = Exotic/Pest this survey # = EPBC listed Brown = Putative new species ~ = TSP listed Blue = Previously recorded on the reserve but not found on this survey 60 Bush Blitz survey report Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Malvaceae Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. Meliaceae Owenia vernicosa tuberosus * Menispermaceae Pachygone ovata Abutilon hannii subsp. erect Tinospora smilacina (J.Russell-Smith 7032) Menyanthaceae Nymphoides aurantiaca Abutilon indicum var. australiense Nymphoides crenata Abutilon sp. Mataranka Nymphoides indica * (R.M.Barker 877) * Nymphoides minima Adansonia gregorii Nymphoides parvifolia Brachychiton megaphyllus * Nymphoides quadriloba Brachychiton n. sp. Fish River Molluginaceae Glinus oppositifolius (I.D.Cowie 13260) Cowie * Moraceae Ficus aculeata var. aculeata * Brachychiton sp. Wangi Ficus brachypoda * (S.E.Pickering 20) * Ficus cerasicarpa * Corchorus aestuans Ficus congesta * Corchorus fascicularis Ficus coronulata * Gossypium australe Ficus virens Grewia breviflora Ficus virens var. virens Grewia retusifolia * Myristicaceae Myristica insipida var. insipida Helicteres integrifolia subsp. dentata * Myrtaceae Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa * Hibiscus bacalusius Calytrix achaeta Hibiscus lobatus Calytrix exstipulata Hibiscus meraukensis Corymbia abbreviata * Hibiscus multilobatus * Corymbia bella Hibiscus sabdariffa ^ Corymbia bleeseri Malvastrum americanum ^ Corymbia chartacea Melhania oblongifolia Corymbia confertiflora Melochia corchorifolia * Corymbia dichromophloia Melochia pyramidata * Corymbia dunlopiana Sida acuta ^ * Corymbia ferruginea Sida cordifolia ^ Corymbia ferruginea subsp. Sida spinosa * ferruginea * Sterculia holtzei Corymbia foelscheana Sterculia quadrifida Corymbia grandifolia Thespesia thespesioides * Corymbia jacobsiana * Triumfetta albida * Corymbia kombolgiensis Triumfetta micracantha Corymbia latifolia Triumfetta pentandra ^ * Corymbia polycarpa Triumfetta rhomboidea ^ * Corymbia polysciada Urena lobata * Corymbia ptychocarpa Waltheria indica Corymbia ptychocarpa subsp. Melastomataceae Melastoma affine ptychocarpa Memecylon pauciflorum Corymbia sp. aff. chartacea Osbeckia australiana Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 61 Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Myrtaceae Corymbia terminalis * Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia gardneri Eucalyptus alba var. australasica Boerhavia paludosa Eucalyptus apodophylla subsp. Nymphaeaceae Nymphaea violacea apodophylla Oleaceae Jasminum molle * Eucalyptus bigalerita Onagraceae Ludwigia hyssopifolia * Eucalyptus brachyandra Ludwigia octovalvis Eucalyptus camaldulensis Ludwigia perennis Eucalyptus camaldulensis subsp. Opiliaceae Opilia amentacea obtusa Orchidaceae Cymbidium canaliculatum Eucalyptus microtheca Dendrobium dicuphum Eucalyptus miniata Nervilia aragoana Eucalyptus oligantha Orobanchaceae Buchnera linearis Eucalyptus patellaris Buchnera ramosissima * Eucalyptus phoenicea Centranthera cochinchinensis Eucalyptus tectifica Passifloraceae Adenia heterophylla subsp. Eucalyptus tetrodonta australis * Eucalyptus tintinnans Phyllanthaceae Antidesma ghaesembilla Lithomyrtus retusa * Breynia cernua Lophostemon grandiflorus Bridelia tomentosa Lophostemon lactifluus Glochidion apodogynum Melaleuca argentea * Glochidion sumatranum Melaleuca dealbata Glochidion xerocarpum Melaleuca leucadendra Notoleptopus decaisnei * Melaleuca minutifolia * Phyllanthus amarus Melaleuca nervosa Phyllanthus arnhemicus * Melaleuca sericea * Phyllanthus carpentariae * Melaleuca viridiflora Phyllanthus eutaxioides * Syzygium angophoroides Phyllanthus lacerosus * Syzygium eucalyptoides Phyllanthus maderaspatensis * Syzygium eucalyptoides subsp. Phyllanthus minutiflorus * bleeseri Phyllanthus reticulatus Syzygium minutuliflorum Phyllanthus virgatus * Syzygium nervosum Picrodendraceae Petalostigma banksii * Verticordia cunninghamii Petalostigma pubescens Xanthostemon eucalyptoides Petalostigma quadriloculare * Xanthostemon paradoxus Pittosporaceae Pittosporum ferrugineum subsp. ferrugineum *

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 63 Flowering Plants Flowering Plants Family Species Family Species Poaceae Sehima nervosum * Proteaceae Grevillea refracta Setaria apiculata * Hakea arborescens Setaria oplismenoides Hakea lorea subsp. borealis Sorghum laxiflorum * Helicia australasica Sorghum plumosum Persoonia falcata Sorghum stipoideum * Stenocarpus acacioides Thaumastochloa major * Rhamnaceae Alphitonia excelsa * Themeda arguens * Ziziphus oenopolia Themeda triandra * Rhizophoraceae Carallia brachiata Triodia bitextura Rubiaceae Aidia racemosa * Triodia bynoei Dentella dioeca * Triodia microstachya Gardenia resinosa subsp. resinosa Urochloa polyphylla * Ixora timorensis * Whiteochloa airoides * Psydrax attenuata f. myrmecophila * Whiteochloa semitonsa * Spermacoce auriculata Yakirra majuscula * Spermacoce breviflora * Yakirra pauciflora Spermacoce calliantha * Podostemaceae Podostemaceae sp. * Spermacoce constricta * Polygalaceae Polygala barbata * Spermacoce dolichosperma * Polygala bifoliata Spermacoce erythrosepala * Polygala integra * Spermacoce leptoloba * Polygala petrophila var. petrophila * Spermacoce stenophylla * Polygala pterocarpa * Timonius timon Polygala succulenta var. congesta * Rutaceae Boronia lanceolata * Polygonaceae Persicaria attenuata subsp. Glycosmis trifoliata attenuata * Melicope elleryana Persicaria barbata * Micromelum minutum Portulacaceae Calandrinia uniflora Zanthoxylum parviflorum * Primulaceae Embelia curvinervia Salicaceae Flacourtia territorialis Proteaceae Banksia dentata Santalaceae Exocarpos latifolius * Grevillea benthamiana Santalum lanceolatum * Grevillea decurrens Sapindaceae Allophylus cobbe Grevillea dryandri subsp. dryandri * Cupaniopsis anacardioides Grevillea pluricaulis Dodonaea hispidula Grevillea pteridifolia Dodonaea platyptera

Conifers Family Species Liverworts Cupressaceae Callitris intratropica Family Species Fossombroniaceae Fossombronia cf. papillata * Ricciaceae Riccia cf. gangetica * Cycads Riccia cf. inflexa * Family Species Riccia cf. limbata * Cycadaceae Cycas armstrongii ~ Riccia cf. sorocarpa * Cycas calcicola Riccia lamellosa * Cycas canalis Riccia multifida * Cycas maconochiei Riccia sp. *

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 65 Hornworts Family Species Notothyladaceae Notothylas javanica *

Mosses Family Species Archidiaceae Archidium birmanicum * Bryaceae Gemmabryum exile * Calymperaceae Octoblepharum albidum * Syrrhopodon trachyphyllus * Erpodiaceae Erpodium coronatum var. australiense * Fissidentaceae Fissidens linearis var. linearis * Fissidens serratus * Fissidens victorialis * Erpodium coronatum var. australiense is one of the few epiphytic bryophytes found on Hypnaceae Isopterygium minutirameum var. Fish River Station, C. Symonds © Copyright, University of New South Wales minutirameum * Meesiaceae Leptobryum pyriforme * Pottiaceae Hyophila involuta * Pterigynandraceae Trachyphyllum inflexum * Green Algae Pylaisiadelphaceae Taxithelium planum * Family Species Characeae Chara sp. * Nitella sp. * Trentepohliaceae Trentepohlia sp. *

Fungi Family Species Coprinaceae Coprinus sp. * Hygrophoraceae Hygrocybe sp. * Hymenochaetaceae Phellinus sp. * Lentinaceae Panus fasciatus * Phanerochaetaceae Hjortstamia crassa *

Five species of fungi, including this Hygrocybe sp., were incidental observations made during the survey, C. Cargill © Copyright, Department of the Environment

Nomenclature and taxonomy used in this appendix are consistent with that from the Australian Faunal Directory (AFD), the Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) and the Australian Plant Census (APC).

Current at September 2013

Fish River Station Northern Territory 67 Fauna

Mammals Family Species Common name Status Dasyuridae Dasyurus hallucatus Northern Quoll EPBC — Endangered; TPWC — Critically Endangered Muridae Mesembriomys gouldii Black-footed Tree-rat TPWC — Vulnerable Rattus tunneyi Pale Field-rat TPWC — Vulnerable

Reptiles Family Species Common name Status Varanidae Varanus mertensi * Mertens’ Water Monitor TPWC — Vulnerable

Fish Family Species Common name Status Pristidae Pristis pristis Freshwater Sawfish EPBC — Vulnerable; NTFA — Vulnerable

Flora

Cycads Family Species Common name Status Cycadaceae Cycas armstrongii Zamia Palm TPWC — Vulnerable

EPBC = Refers to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) TPWC = Refers to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 (Northern Territory) Blue = Previously recorded on the reserve but not found on this survey * = New record for this reserve

68 Bush Blitz survey report Appendix C: Exotic and Pest Species

Nomenclature and taxonomy used in this appendix are consistent with that from the Australian Faunal Directory (AFD), the Australian Plant Name Index (APNI) and the Australian Plant Census (APC).

Current at September 2013

Fish River Station Northern Territory 69 Fauna

Vertebrates

Mammals Family Species Common name Bovidae Bos taurus European Cattle Bubalus bubalis Water Buffalo, Swamp Buffalo Equidae Equus asinus Donkey Equus caballus Horse, Brumby Felidae Felis catus Cat Suidae Sus scrofa Pig

Blue = Previously recorded on the reserve but not found on this survey

Frogs and Toads Family Species Common name Bufonidae Rhinella marina Cane Toad

70 Bush Blitz survey report Invertebrates

Beetles Family Species Common name Scarabaeidae Digitonthophagus gazella * Gazella Dung Beetle Onitis alexis * Bronze Dung Beetle Onthophagus sagittarius * Sri Lankan Dung Beetle

True Bugs Family Species Common name Alydidae Melanacanthus scutellaris * Brown Bean Bug, Podsucking Bug Colobathristidae Phaenacantha australiae * Linear Bug Coreidae Mictis profana * Crusader Bug Lygaeidae Graptostethus servus * Seed Eating Bug Nysius vinitor * Rutherglen Bug Miridae Creontiades dilutus * Green Mirid Oxycarenidae Oxycarenus arctatus * Coon Bug Pentatomidae Nezara viridula * Green Vegetable Bug Piezodorus oceanicus * Redbanded Shield Bug Plautia affinis * Green Stink Bug Rhyparochromidae Remaudiereana nigriceps * Swan Plant Seed Bug Tingidae Aconchus urbanus * Lace Bug

Spiders Family Species Common name Theridiidae Latrodectus hasseltii * Redback Spider

* = New record for this reserve

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012 71 Flora

Flowering Plants Family Species Common name Asteraceae Ageratum conyzoides Nightshade Bidens pilosa * Cobbler’s Pegs Xanthium strumarium Noogoora Burr Convolvulaceae Merremia aegyptia * Hairy Morning Glory Fabaceae Alysicarpus ovalifolius * Oval-leafed Alysicarpus Crotalaria goreensis * Gambia Pea Crotalaria juncea * Sunhemp Macroptilium lathyroides var. semierectum * Wild Bushbean Senna obtusifolia * Arsenic Weed Senna occidentalis Coffee Senna Lamiaceae Hyptis suaveolens * Hyptis Malvaceae Hibiscus sabdariffa Rosella Malvastrum americanum Spiked Malvastrum Sida acuta * Spinyhead Sida Sida cordifolia Flannel Weed Triumfetta pentandra * Fivestamen Burrbark Triumfetta rhomboidea * Chinese Burr Plantaginaceae Scoparia dulcis * Scoparia Poaceae Andropogon gayanus * Gamba Grass Cenchrus pedicellatus subsp. pedicellatus * Annual Mission Grass Cynodon radiatus * Giant Couch Grass Digitaria ciliaris * Summer Grass

* = New record for this reserve Blue = Previously recorded on the reserve but not found on this survey

72 Bush Blitz survey report Glossary

Fish River Station Northern Territory 73 C P Cryptic species (Cryptospecies) Putative new species Species that are physically similar but A species that has been recognised by an expert reproductively isolated from each other. as never having been named or described in the scientific literature. Note that specimens may Cryptogams already be in museum or herbarium collections. A plant that reproduces by spores, without flowers or seeds. Includes bryophytes (hornworts, T liverworts, mosses), lichens, fungi, slime moulds Taxon (plural taxa) and algae. A member of any particular taxonomic group, e.g. a species, genus, family. D Diurnal Taxonomy Active during the day. The categorisation and naming of species. The science of identifying and naming species, as H well as grouping them based on their relatedness. Hill-topping The congregation of butterflies and other insects U at the top of hills and ridges to facilitate mate Undescribed taxon location. A taxon (usually a species) that has not yet been formally described or named. M Macrofungi Fungi that produce large fruiting bodies, i.e. those visible to the naked eye and generally one centimetre or more in width or height.

The spectacular Daly River forms the northern boundary of Fish River Station, M. Braby © Copyright, Department of Land Resource Management

Fish River Station Northern Territory 2012. A Bush Blitz survey report is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons By Attribution 3.0 Australia licence with the Contributors exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, Bush Blitz is coordinated by the Australian Biological Resources the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, Study (ABRS), which is part of the Australian Government content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting Department of the Environment. The program is a partnership people. For licence conditions see: between the Australian Government, BHP Billiton and Earthwatch http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au/ Australia. This report should be attributed as ‘Fish River Station Northern Territory Research agencies involved in this Bush Blitz were the Museum and 2012. A Bush Blitz survey report, Commonwealth of Australia 2014’. Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Northern Territory Herbarium, The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts Department of Land Resource Management Flora and Fauna to identify content supplied by third parties using the following Division, Australian National Insect Collection (CSIRO), Australian formats ‘[name of creator] © Copyright, [name of copyright holder] National Herbarium (CSIRO), Queensland Museum, George Brown or © Copyright, [name of copyright holder]’. Darwin Botanic Gardens, University of New South Wales and Aquagreen. Disclaimer Photo credits The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Photographs have been reproduced in this publication with Government or the Minister for the Environment. permission. Effort has been made to credit the photographers correctly, however, please contact us if incorrectly credited. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the FRONT COVER Two species of true bug inspect each other: Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or Pachygrontha sp. (left) and an unidentified shield bug completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or (Pentatomidae) larva (right) © Copyright, R. Whyte damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication. PUBLISHER ABRS, Canberra EDITOR ABRS LAYOUT Looking Glass Press DESIGN TEMPLATE ABRS PRINTER Instant Colour Press BIO303.1013 Bush Blitz survey report Fish River Station Northern Territory + 23 April–3 May 2012