Download The Vertebrate Fauna of Southern Yengo National Park and Parr

The Vertebrate Fauna of
Southern Yengo National Park
and Parr State Conservation Area
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF
SOUTHERN YENGO NATIONAL
PARK AND PARR STATE
CONSERVATION AREA
FINAL REPORT
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
For enquiries regarding this report please
contact Elizabeth Magarey of the Information
and Assessment Section, Metropolitan Branch,
Environment Protection and Regulation Group,
Department of Environment and Climate
Change, Hurstville.
This report should be referenced as follows:
DECC (2008) The Vertebrate Fauna of
Southern Yengo National Park and Parr State
Conservation
Area.
Department
of
Environment and Climate Change NSW,
Hurstville.
Map data is supplied by the Department of
Environment and Climate Change. Maps are
copyright Department of Environment and
Climate Change NSW.
They are not
guaranteed to be free from error or omission.
The Department of Environment and Climate
Change and its employees disclaim liability for
any act done on the information in the map
and any consequences of such acts or
omissions.
Photographs are copyright Department of
Environment and Climate Change or the
individual photographer.
Cover Photos
Front cover
Feature Photo, Mount Yengo: N. Williams
Giant Burrowing Frog: N. Williams
Hawkesbury Dry Shrub Forest: E. Magarey
White’s Rock Skink: N. Williams
Back cover
Koala: P. Madden
Mellong Sand Swamp Woodland: E. Magarey
Southern Freetail-bat (long penis form): N.
Williams
Thankyou to:
Landholders who provided access and
assistance during the surveys, particularly Viki
Winton, Tony Harvey, Dale Segut and Ryan
Lambert, amongst others.
Field volunteers who generously and keenly
offered their time: Henry Cook, Ian Elton,
Anthony Kerr and Andrew Smith.
Published by:
Department of Environment and
Change
43 Bridge St, Hurstville NSW 2220
PO Box 1967, Hurstville NSW 1482
Phone (02) 995 5000 (switchboard)
www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Climate
The Department of Environment and Climate
Change is pleased to allow this material to be
reproduced in whole or in part, provided the
meaning is unchanged and its source,
publisher and authorship are acknowledged.
ISBN 978 1 74122 597 6
DECC 2008/184
July 2008
OVERVIEW
Southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area together comprise approximately 155 000
hectares of land primarily within the catchments of the Macdonald River and Webbs Creek, north of the
Sydney metropolitan area. This report compiles Atlas of NSW Wildlife data on the terrestrial vertebrate
fauna of these reserves and documents the extensive systematic surveys undertaken by the Department of
Environment and Climate Change between 1997 and 2007. A total of 290 systematic survey sites have
sampled birds, frogs, reptiles, bats, arboreal and terrestrial mammals. This is the first time that a thorough
inventory of all vertebrate fauna within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves has been compiled. The
project has contributed greatly to knowledge of the current composition and distribution of wildlife across
the study area, identified numerous threatened species, and improved the understanding of conservation
management priorities. Some of the key findings are summarised below.
•
Two hundred and fifty-three (253) species of native terrestrial vertebrate fauna are known to inhabit
the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. This is made up of 19 frogs, 45 reptiles, 139 native diurnal
birds, eight nocturnal birds and 42 native mammals. In addition, the Dingo, 10 feral introduced
mammals and one introduced bird species have been detected.
•
Of the 30 threatened fauna species confirmed to occur in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves,
the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is considered to be the highest priority for conservation
management. A further fifteen threatened species are considered a high priority for conservation
management being the Regent Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Speckled Warbler, Squirrel
Glider, Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies), Broad-headed Snake, Black-chinned Honeyeater
(eastern subspecies), Masked Owl, Turquoise Parrot, Barking Owl, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Koala,
East-coast Freetail-bat, Black Bittern and Brush-tailed Phascogale. The last species was identified
in the reserves for the first time during the 2006-07 surveys.
•
Four high conservation priority fauna habitats have been identified: Grassy Alluvial Forests and
Woodlands; Coastal River Oak or Swamp Mahogany Forests; Ironbark Forests; and Mellong
Swamps Woodlands. Directing resources to management of these habitats will confer maximum
benefit to threatened fauna in the reserves. A number of threatening processes continue to
operate within the Grassy Alluvial Forests and Woodlands, in particular, which should be the focus
of key management actions.
•
A number of threatened species were found to be widespread and relatively abundant in the
reserves including Red-crowned Toadlet, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Glossy Black-cockatoo and
Yellow-bellied Glider. At this stage these species do not require targeted management actions.
The eastern and southern sections of the study area support a large number of Koalas and include
some of the largest expanses of protected habitat for this species in the northern half of the Sydney
Basin. The study area and adjacent land to the east and west is likely to play a critical role in the
regional conservation of the Koala.
•
Pest species are widespread across the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, with the Fox and Wild
Dog being the most commonly recorded. Foxes were more frequently recorded in Parr SCA, with
records from southern Yengo concentrated towards the perimeters of the park. Importantly, Foxes
have not been recorded to date between the Macdonald River and Timor Creek, where much of
the Grassy Alluvial Forests and Woodlands high priority fauna habitat occurs. Feral Goat, Feral
Deer and Common Starling are currently only limited in extent in the study area, but have the
potential to have significant impacts on native fauna in the future if not actively managed.
•
The composition of the vertebrate fauna is largely typical of Sydney Basin hinterland sandstone
plateau. However, the proximity of the south-eastern corner of the study area to the coast, and of
the northern end of the study area to the drier environments of the Hunter Valley translates to the
occurrence of a few additional fauna species that are more typical of those regions. Examples
include the coastal Little Bentwing-bat and the inland Southern Freetail-bat (long penis form).
This project has identified key areas for threat abatement, set priorities for future land acquisition,
suggested focus areas for community awareness and involvement, and provided key recommendations for
further targeted survey and monitoring. The data collected for this project will later be used to model
habitat for threatened species across the region.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Reserves – Final Report
i
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.......................................................................................................................... II
OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................................. I
CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................................. II
1
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1
PROJECT RATIONALE ..................................................................................................... 1
1.2
PROJECT AIMS .............................................................................................................. 1
1.3
STUDY AREA ................................................................................................................. 1
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.4
2
PROJECT TEAM ............................................................................................................. 6
METHODS .................................................................................................................................. 7
2.1
PRE-EXISTING FAUNA DATA ........................................................................................... 7
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.2
2.3
Desktop gap analyses and selection of priority areas for survey.............. 8
Fine scale selection of survey sites........................................................... 8
SURVEY TECHNIQUES .................................................................................................... 9
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
Systematic site-based methods ................................................................ 9
Transect based methods......................................................................... 11
Opportunistic methods ............................................................................ 11
2.4
SURVEY TIMING ........................................................................................................... 12
2.5
SURVEY SITE LOCATIONS ............................................................................................. 12
FAUNA SPECIES INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESULTS ......................... 17
3.1
REVIEW OF PRE-EXISTING FAUNA RECORDS ................................................................. 17
3.2
FAUNA SPECIES INVENTORY ......................................................................................... 20
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7
3.3
3.4
Amphibians.............................................................................................. 20
Reptiles.................................................................................................... 21
Native diurnal birds.................................................................................. 22
Nocturnal birds ........................................................................................ 23
Arboreal mammals .................................................................................. 24
Native ground mammals ......................................................................... 24
Bats ......................................................................................................... 25
INTRODUCED SPECIES ................................................................................................. 26
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
4
Major sources of non-systematic records ................................................. 7
Systematic fauna survey data ................................................................... 7
SURVEY SITE SELECTION ............................................................................................... 8
2.2.1
2.2.2
3
Biogeography, geology, geomorphology and soils ................................... 3
Elevation and climate ................................................................................ 4
Vegetation ................................................................................................. 4
History of land use..................................................................................... 6
Introduced mammals ............................................................................... 26
Predator scat analysis ............................................................................. 27
Introduced birds....................................................................................... 27
ADDITIONAL SPECIES THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR ........................................ 27
PROFILES OF THREATENED AND PEST SPECIES ............................................................ 29
4.1
THREATENED SPECIES ................................................................................................. 30
Giant Burrowing Frog ................................................................................................ 30
Red-crowned Toadlet ................................................................................................ 31
ii
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Rosenberg’s Goanna ................................................................................................ 32
Broad-headed Snake ................................................................................................ 33
Black Bittern .............................................................................................................. 36
Gang-gang Cockatoo ................................................................................................ 37
Glossy Black-cockatoo.............................................................................................. 38
Turquoise Parrot ....................................................................................................... 39
Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies)................................................................. 40
Speckled Warbler...................................................................................................... 41
Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern subspecies) ..................................................... 42
Regent Honeyeater ................................................................................................... 43
Grey-Crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies)........................................................... 44
Barking Owl ............................................................................................................... 47
Powerful Owl ............................................................................................................. 48
Masked Owl .............................................................................................................. 49
Sooty Owl ................................................................................................................ 50
Spotted-tailed Quoll................................................................................................... 52
Brush-tailed Phascogale ........................................................................................... 54
Koala
................................................................................................................ 55
Eastern Pygmy-possum ............................................................................................ 56
Yellow-bellied Glider ................................................................................................. 57
Squirrel Glider ........................................................................................................... 58
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby......................................................................................... 59
Grey-headed Flying-fox............................................................................................. 63
East-coast Freetail-bat .............................................................................................. 64
Large-eared Pied Bat ................................................................................................ 65
Little Bentwing-bat..................................................................................................... 66
Eastern Bentwing-bat................................................................................................ 67
Greater Broad-nosed Bat .......................................................................................... 68
4.2
PEST SPECIES............................................................................................................. 71
Common Starling ...................................................................................................... 71
Feral Deer ................................................................................................................ 72
Feral Deer ................................................................................................................ 73
Feral Cat ................................................................................................................ 74
Feral Goat ................................................................................................................ 75
Feral Pig ................................................................................................................ 76
Fox
................................................................................................................ 77
Rabbit
................................................................................................................ 78
Wild Dog ................................................................................................................ 79
5
6
PRIORITIES FOR FAUNA CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT..................................... 82
5.1
THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES ................................ 82
5.2
THREATENING PROCESSES .......................................................................................... 86
5.3
RELATIVE PRIORITY OF FAUNA HABITATS...................................................................... 88
SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................... 94
6.1
PEST SPECIES............................................................................................................. 94
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
Fox .......................................................................................................... 94
Wild Dog.................................................................................................. 95
Feral herbivores ...................................................................................... 95
Common Starling .................................................................................... 96
6.2
FIRE MANAGEMENT AND FAUNA ................................................................................... 96
6.3
ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION ......................................................... 97
6.4
OFF-RESERVE CONSERVATION .................................................................................... 98
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Reserves – Final Report
iii
6.4.1
6.4.2
Co-operative pest management .............................................................. 98
Community awareness and involvement ................................................ 98
6.5
LAND ACQUISITION PRIORITIES FOR FAUNA ................................................................... 99
6.6
FURTHER SURVEY AND MONITORING ............................................................................ 99
6.6.1
6.6.2
Threatened species projects ................................................................... 99
Other future work................................................................................... 100
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 102
APPENDIX A – LOCATION OF SURVEY SITES .............................................................................. 115
APPENDIX B – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED IN SOUTHERN YENGO NP AND PARR SCA..... 138
APPENDIX C – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED AROUND (BUT NOT WITHIN) SOUTHERN YENGO
NP AND PARR SCA ........................................................................................................................... 145
LIST OF MAPS
MAP 1:
LOCATION OF STUDY AREA AND SURROUNDING CONSERVATION AREAS ........... 2
MAP 2:
STATEWIDE VEGETATION CLASSES WITHIN SOUTHERN YENGO NP AND PARR
SCA ..................................................................................................................................... 5
MAP 3:
LOCATION OF SYSTEMATIC FAUNA SURVEY SITES IN SOUTHERN YENGO NP
AND PARR SCA ............................................................................................................... 13
MAP 4:
THREATENED HERPETOFAUNA RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 35
MAP 5:
PART ONE OF THREATENED DIURNAL BIRD RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES
OF THE SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES ................................................. 45
MAP 6:
PART TWO OF THREATENED DIURNAL BIRD RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES
OF THE SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES ................................................. 46
MAP 7:
THREATENED NOCTURNAL BIRD RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 51
MAP 8:
THREATENED ARBOREAL MAMMAL RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 61
MAP 9:
THREATENED GROUND MAMMAL RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 62
MAP 10:
PART ONE OF THREATENED BAT RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 69
MAP 11:
PART TWO OF THREATENED BAT RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 70
MAP 12:
INTRODUCED BIRD RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE SOUTHERN
YENGO AND PARR RESERVES..................................................................................... 72
MAP 13:
INTRODUCED HERBIVORE RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF THE
SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES................................................................ 80
MAP 14:
INTRODUCED CARNIVORE AND OMNIVORE RECORDS WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES
OF THE SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR RESERVES ................................................. 81
MAP 15:
INTERIM HIGH PRIORITY FAUNA HABITATS IN THE SOUTHERN YENGO AND PARR
RESERVES BASED ON LOCATION AND HABITAT PREFERENCES OF HIGH
PRIORITY THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES.................................................................. 93
iv
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 1:
SYSTEMATIC FAUNA SURVEY EFFORT PRIOR TO JULY 2006................................... 8
TABLE 2:
TIMING OF BSP 2006-07 SYSTEMATIC FAUNA SURVEYS WITHIN SOUTHERN
YENGO NP AND PARR SCA........................................................................................... 12
TABLE 3:
VEGETATION TYPES WITHIN SOUTHERN YENGO NP AND PARR SCA AND
CORRESPONDING ALLOCATION OF SYSTEMATIC FAUNA SURVEY EFFORT AS AT
JULY 2007 ........................................................................................................................ 14
TABLE 4:
FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED ON ATLAS OF NSW WILDLIFE FOR WHICH THERE IS
SOME DOUBT ABOUT THEIR CURRENT OCCURRENCE IN THE STUDY AREA AND
THAT HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE SPECIES INVENTORY PROVIDED IN THIS
REPORT. .......................................................................................................................... 17
TABLE 5:
NUMBER OF VERTEBRATE FAUNA KNOWN TO OCCUR IN SOUTHERN YENGO NP
AND PARR SCA ............................................................................................................... 20
TABLE 6:
ADDITIONAL SPECIES THAT HAVE BEEN RECORDED WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES
AND HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN THE STUDY AREA................................. 28
TABLE 7:
THREATENED FAUNA SPECIES CONFIDENTLY RECORDED WITHIN SOUTHERN
YENGO NP AND PARR SCA, THEIR RELATIVE MANAGEMENT PRIORITY, KEY
LOCATIONS AND POTENTIAL THREATS...................................................................... 83
TABLE 8:
RELATIVE PRIORITY AND KEY LOCATIONS OF KEY THREATENING PROCESSES86
TABLE 9:
OTHER THREATENING PROCESSES ACTING IN THE SOUTHERN YENGO AND
PARR RESERVES ........................................................................................................... 87
TABLE 10: VEGETATION COMMUNITIES IN WHICH HIGH PRIORITY THREATENED FAUNA
WERE RECORDED DURING SYSTEMATIC SURVEYS (OTHER SURVEYS
EXCLUDED DUE TO LOWER LEVEL OF SPATIAL ACCURACY)................................. 90
TABLE 11: SUMMARY OF INTERIM HIGH PRIORITY FAUNA HABITATS WITHIN SOUTHERN
YENGO NP AND PARR SCA........................................................................................... 92
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Reserves – Final Report
v
1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
PROJECT RATIONALE
The Central Branch of the Parks and Wildlife Group of the NSW Department of Environment and
Climate Change (DECC) has established a biodiversity survey priorities (BSP) program for DECC
managed estate within the Branch. This program recognises that information which documents the
biodiversity values held within reserves is fundamental to successful reserve management and to
generating an improved understanding of the contribution reserves make to the protection of
vegetation communities, plant and animal populations and their habitats. Currently there is only
sparse and incomplete information that describes the role reserves play in ensuring the viability of
fauna species across large regions and local areas.
Typically the largest reserves, which potentially offer a significant contribution to biodiversity
conservation, are the most poorly understood and the most deficient in data quality and quantity. The
BSP program goes some way towards addressing this information shortfall by surveying the most
poorly known reserves first and combining this work with larger regional conservation assessment
projects.
Currently the Hunter and Central Coast region is the focus of considerable biodiversity assessment
and environmental planning investigation. In terms of human population it represents one of the
fastest growing regions in the state and extreme pressures are being placed on many habitats.
Knowledge of the values of the large sandstone reserves that fringe the southern Hunter and
Goulburn Valleys is fundamental to understanding the conservation priorities for many species. In
2003, Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area were recognised as having low levels of
information on their fauna values (NPWS 2003a) and hence as a priority for wildlife survey. The
northern section of Yengo National Park (Hunter Range Area) was the subject of study in 2004-05,
following which a report on The Vertebrate Fauna of Northern Yengo National Park was produced
(DEC 2005a). The adjacent northern Wollemi National Park was surveyed in 2004-05 (DEC 2005b)
and 2005-06 (DEC 2006a). Southern Yengo National Park (Yango Area) was the next priority, and
together with Parr State Conservation Area was the focus of study in 2006-07.
1.2
PROJECT AIMS
The specific objectives of the 2006-07 project were to:
•
Document, review and collate pre-existing data on terrestrial vertebrate fauna.
•
Carry out field sampling of all terrestrial vertebrate fauna groups using systematic, replicable
techniques to establish a baseline data set.
•
Store this systematic survey data in corporate databases to make it accessible to land managers
and the broader community for use in conservation planning and biodiversity monitoring.
•
Identify broad-scale patterns in fauna occurrence and habitat use across the study area and
identify habitats of particular conservation significance.
•
Identify and profile threatened fauna species, pest species, and regionally significant fauna that
are known or likely to occur.
The 2006-07 program and report are designed to accompany DEC (2005a) and together provide
comprehensive information on vertebrate fauna across the entire Yengo National Park and Parr SCA.
1.3
STUDY AREA
The study area extends from Howes Valley trail in the north to roughly the Hawkesbury and Colo
Rivers in the south, and between the Great North Road and Putty Road to the east and west
respectively. It encompasses approximately 155 720 hectares of land (120 080 of southern Yengo
National Park (NP) and 35 640 of Parr State Conservation Area (SCA). This area is located
approximately 25 kilometres north of Windsor and 70 kilometres north-west of the Sydney metropolitan
area (Map 1).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
Map 1:
2
Location of study area and surrounding conservation areas
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
The vast majority of the study area lies within the catchment of the Hawkesbury River, with southern
Yengo draining largely via the Macdonald River (and a small section in the west via Wollemi Creek)
and Parr SCA draining via Webbs Creek. The far north-eastern section of the study area (north-east
of the Yengo trail) drains via Wollombi Brook into the Hunter River.
Wollemi NP lies along the entire western boundary, with a few private lands north and south of Gibba
Swamp. Comleroy State Forest lays to the south, and beyond that the Hawkesbury River and the
Cumberland Plain. The southern boundaries of the park adjoin the outer fringes of the Sydney area,
which are undergoing an increase in human population and changing from rural to more urban land
uses. The south-eastern corner of the study area abuts Dharug NP. The eastern boundary is formed
by the watershed of the Macdonald River, with the catchment of Mangrove Creek Dam in the southeast and the commencement of the Wollombi Valley in the north-east. To the north lies the remainder
of Yengo National Park.
Yengo National Park forms part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, which was
inscribed on the World Heritage List in November 2000. Yengo NP and Parr SCA, together with
nearby areas of crown, lease and freehold land, were nominated as a wilderness area under the
Wilderness Act (1987). An assessment carried out under the Act in 2001 identified the large majority
of the study area as meeting wilderness criteria (NPWS 2001a), however no declaration has yet been
made. Yengo NP and Parr SCA are important members of the system of reserves that preserve the
sandstone-based links between the Sydney, Hunter and Central West regions of New South Wales.
1.3.1
Biogeography, geology, geomorphology and soils
The study area lays roughly in the centre a distinct environmental region known as the Sydney Basin
Bioregion (Thackway and Cresswell 1995). This Bioregion extends from just north of Batemans Bay
to Nelson Bay on the central coast, and almost as far west as Mudgee (inset Map 1). The Bioregion is
characterised by a temperate climate with warm summers and no dry season (NPWS 2003b). This
bioregion has been further divided into ‘landscapes’ by Mitchell (2002), based on patterns in geology,
landform and environmental influences. These landscapes form a useful basis for understanding the
broad environmental patterns across the study area, as they are likely to influence fauna species.
The study area lies on the north-western edge of the Hornsby Plateau, which extends eastwards to the
coast and is bounded to the west by the higher Blue Mountains Plateau. A small portion on the
western edge of Yengo National Park is part of the Mellong Plateau, a structural anomaly located
between the Blue Mountains and Hornsby Plateaux. The study area is composed of layers of
sedimentary rock which gently tilt upward towards the north. The oldest exposed stratum is the
Narrabeen Series, comprised primarily of sandstone but also holding bands of fine-grained shale
(Sanders et al. 1988). This Series is visible only along the major gullies and river valleys such as the
Macdonald River and its major tributaries, as well as Yengo, Mogo and Webbs Creeks. Narrabeen
sandstones tend to weather to form large vertical cliff faces with shale benches. The ‘Upper
Macdonald Valleys’ Mitchell landscape primarily comprises this region.
The Hawkesbury Sandstone, which overlies the Narrabeen Series is the predominant geological type
across the study area. These rocks are mainly sandstone, but also include some small lenses of
mudstone and siltstone (Sanders et al. 1988). The Hawkesbury sediments tend to weather to form
smaller sloping rock faces. ‘Howes Range’ Mitchell landscape is dominated by Hawkesbury
Sandstone and makes up the large majority of the study area. In the central east, this landscape gives
way to the ‘Bucketty Ridges’, which receive a higher average annual rainfall. In the south east the
‘Macdonald Ranges’ landscape occurs, differing from ‘Howes Range’ by the coastal influence on
weather patterns and hence higher rainfall. ‘Macdonald Ranges’ includes small areas of the
Narrabeen Series and alluvial deposits along Wrights Creek.
Both Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstone topography is characterised by narrow rocky ridges,
often bounded by rock-faces, above stepped slopes that also feature rock outcrops. Erosion of the
rock-faces has resulted in the formation of caves, vertical fissures, overhangs and crevices. South
and south-east facing slopes are generally steeper than north and north-west facing slopes (Sanders
et al. 1988). Soils derived from Narrabeen and Hawkesbury Sandstones are generally sandy (though
they can have as much as 30 % clay content) and are characterised by low nutrient levels. These
soils erode quickly and thus tend to be shallow to skeletal on ridgetops, but deeper on benches or at
the bottom of slopes. Shale lenses within these layers form deeper, more clayey soils.
The youngest sedimentary rocks in the study area are deposits of shale of the Wianamatta Group,
which lie above the Hawkesbury Sandstones. These are very restricted in extent, primarily occurring
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
3
in the far south of the Parr SCA, along Wheelbarrow Ridge and around Colo Heights. The soils that
arise from this parent material are clayey with relatively high fertility. The Mitchell landscape
comprising this geology is ‘Bilpin Ridges’.
Two types of Tertiary volcanic rocks occur within the study area. Mount Yengo is a basalt extrusion
that towers high above the surrounding sandstone landscape. It is the only basalt cap mapped within
the study area and erodes to form clay and clay-loam soil. This distinctive feature forms part of the
‘Sydney Basin Basalt Caps’ Mitchell landscape. More common, though still limited in distribution, are
volcanic ‘diatremes’ that form part of the ‘Sydney Basin Diatremes’ landscape. These were formed as
extinct volcanic vents eroded away faster than the surrounding sandstone into which they were
intruded, often leaving saucer-shaped depressions and valleys (NPWS 2001a). These hollows are
also known as ‘holes’, ‘craters’ or ‘clears’, and hold rich basalt-derived soils. Some examples within or
immediately adjacent to the study area are the Terraborra, Pierces Hole, Mogo Hole and Frog Hollow.
In the study area, diatremes are more common in Parr SCA.
The other major geological types in the study area are alluvial deposits, consisting mainly of deep
sand. Quaternary alluvium occurs at the bottom of major valleys such as the Macdonald River, Mogo
Creek and Webbs Creek, and forms the ‘Macdonald Channel and Floodplain’ Mitchell landscape.
Quaternary alluvium also occurs on the Mellong Plateau at the Mellong Swamps. This area is of low
relief and differs strikingly from the surrounding landscape. This area has been classified by Mitchell
(2002) as the ‘Mellong Range’ and ‘Putty Sands’ landscapes. The soils in this latter area are referred
to as ‘perched alluvium’ and ‘perched wet silty loams’ (Bell et al. 1993). The deep alluvium soils tend
to have a moderate to high fertility, derived from accumulation of organic matter.
1.3.2
Elevation and climate
Climate patterns across the study area are directly related to topography. Most of the of the area lies
between 100 and 400 metres above sea level (asl), with the Mellong Range on the western boundary
being the most extensive high plateau. The climate of Yengo NP and Parr SCA is typical of the
Sydney Basin hinterlands at moderate to low elevations. Due to a ‘rainshadow’ effect, the parks
receive lower rainfall than the coastal ranges to the east or the higher tableland areas to the west
(DECC rainfall data). Annual rainfall is lowest in the north-west (averaging 750-850 millimetres per
year) as this area is on the edge of the dry Hunter Valley. Annual rainfall is highest along Judge
Dowling Range along the eastern boundary (980-1050 millimetres per year), and remains quite high in
the Wrights Creek and Mogo Creek catchments (880-980 millimetres per year). Average annual
rainfall gradually declines generally west of St Albans Common, being lowest through the central part
of the Macdonald River catchment before rising again towards the Mellong Range. The highest
elevation in the study area is Mount Yengo, which reaches over 600 metres asl. Mount Yengo
receives more rainfall than the majority of the Macdonald River catchment due to local orographic
effects. The Macdonald River, Yengo Creek and Webbs Creek Valleys sit mostly below 100 metres
asl, dropping to about 30-odd metres asl before they flow onto private lands.
1.3.3
Vegetation
Concurrently with the 2006-07 wildlife surveys, a project was undertaken to describe and map the
vegetation of Yengo NP and Parr SCA. This has resulted in the production of a detailed vegetation
map (available in hard copy or as a GIS layer) and a corresponding report profiling each of the
vegetation communities (DECC 2008a). These documents (available on the internet) provide detailed
discussion of the vegetation of the study area and should be read in conjunction with this report to
gain an understanding of the relationship between flora and fauna of the study area, and a description
of vegetation communities and associations referred to herein. Map 2 presents a broad overview of
vegetation in the study area by presenting the vegetation communities grouped into the Statewide
Vegetation Classes used by Keith (2004).
4
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 2:
Statewide Vegetation Classes within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
5
1.3.4
History of land use
The study area has a long history of Aboriginal habitation. The Macdonald River area forms part of a
territory identified with the Darkinjung people. Mount Yengo is a site of cultural significance to
Darkinjung people (NPWS 2001b). Numerous Aboriginal art sites are located within the study area,
and it is believed that many of these are connected in some way to Mount Yengo. In 2001 there were
648 Aboriginal sites recorded within Yengo and Parr and nearby lands. Aboriginal use of the natural
resources of the study area are not well understood although some references are made by early
explorers to Aboriginal burning practices (Parr 1817 in Macqueen 2004). It is highly likely that the
well-watered and fertile environments would have been extensively used, with the remote and rugged
environments providing sites of spiritual and cultural significance.
European settlement established quickly in the early 1800s due to the proximity of the area to Sydney.
Early exploration identified the alluvial valleys of Webbs Creek and the Macdonald River as suitable
for settlement and agriculture, while land away from the alluvial flats was recognised as sterile (Strom
1981). The rapid development of the Hunter Valley produced demands by the landed gentry for a land
crossing between Sydney and Newcastle to overcome the dependency on sea transport. Between
1810 and 1830 explorers such as Parr, Howe, Morisset, Blaxland and Finch traversed routes across
the study area in search of an easy passage to the Hunter Valley. Some of these remain today
including the Putty Road in the west and the Great North Road in the east. Access opened up areas
for grazing at Colo Heights, the Putty Valley and Boree, as well as rough grazing near watered sites in
the diatremes and flats of the sandstone plateau itself. Agricultural endeavours are still in practice in
these areas today. Clearing of ‘Big Yengo’ took place in the years up to the early 1900s, after being
settled in 1851. Wild Cattle have been known from the Big Yango area since the early 1900s, while
domestic Cattle were farmed on Big Yango, Nowlands and Timor holdings until 2000 (NPWS 2001a).
Evidence of past land uses on marginal lands is still present across the Yengo and Parr reserves.
While much of this disturbance is localised to small diatremes and alluvial flats, it remains a testament
to how far and remote early settlers were prepared to search for suitable lands.
Timber getting took hold in the area after the 1950s after an extensive system of fire-trails was built by
the army shortly after the Second World War (Sanders et al. 1988). Until then, selective logging had
supplied landowners with timber for housing, fencing and firewood. Mechanised harvesting
techniques targeted Ironbarks, Blue Gums, Turpentine, Stringybarks and Blackbutt and fed sawmills
located in Colo Heights, Putty and Muswellbrook. With the declaration of the Yengo and Parr reserves
in 1989 logging ceased. However, evidence of logging remains in a large number of gully systems,
where regrowth stands of Sydney Blue Gum, Narrow-leaved Ironbark or Blackbutt occur.
Other localised land uses include mining of blue metal and road base from Mogo Creek and Boree
Track, and sand mining at the Mellong Swamps near the western boundary of the study area.
Bushrock collecting appears to have been an intensive practice along some of the ridges of the
western and southern portions of the study area (NPWS 2001b).
1.4
PROJECT TEAM
Elizabeth Magarey, Daniel Connolly and Martin Schulz were primarily responsible for the management
of this project. Elizabeth Magarey undertook field survey planning and logistics, report writing and
map production. 2006-07 (BSP) field surveys were undertaken by Narawan Williams, Clive Heywood
Barker, Martin Schulz, Elizabeth Magarey, Alexander Dudley, Lucinda Ransom, Richard Colbourne,
Catherine Gallery and Jeff Betteridge. 1997 (CRA) field surveys were undertaken by Debbie Andrew,
Clive Heywood Barker, Alexander Dudley, David Geering, Jeremy Little, Michael Murray, Dick Turner,
Richard Wells, Arthur White and Ray Williams. Staff of the Yango Area and Central Coast Hunter
Range Region provided assistance in planning and logistical support. Valuable comments on earlier
drafts of this report were provided by Daniel Connolly, Doug Beckers, Narawan Williams and Martin
Schulz. Kerry Oakes designed the report cover and formatted the report.
6
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
2
METHODS
2.1
PRE-EXISTING FAUNA DATA
2.1.1
Major sources of non-systematic records
The Atlas of NSW Wildlife is the state’s major fauna database and was the primary resource used to
access existing data on the fauna of the study area. A number of sightings have been entered into the
Atlas over several decades. Opportunistic records within the Atlas of NSW Wildlife derive from
observations made by: park rangers and field officers; bushwalkers and naturalists; scientific
researchers working in the area; neighbouring landholders and other visitors to the park; and the
specimen register of the Australian Museum. These records have various levels of reliability
depending on the type of observation, as well as the certainty and identification experience of the
observer.
In addition to the above, several dedicated surveys have been undertaken, either on a small scale or
for particular fauna groups or species. Only a limited amount of the data from these studies has been
stored in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. Where possible, results from these surveys have been included in
the discussion of species occurrence and distributions in this report. The known surveys are
summarised below.
•
Bird surveys by the Royal Australian Ornithologists Union (RAOU) (undertaken between 1977
and 1981; Blakers et al. 1984) and by Birds Australia (undertaken in 1999 and 2000; Barrett et
al. 2003). RAOU data is at a course spatial scale and there is no guarantee that all or even
any of these sightings actually occurred at the given point locality. Consequently some of this
bird data presents a misleading picture of the species composition of the study area. Seven
point localities for these surveys lie within the study area. Most of the records collected by
Birds Australia have a higher degree of spatial accuracy and are more useful for the purposes
of this project. Observations arising from this data were sourced from major access points,
particularly along the Putty Road, in the lower Macdonald River Valley, in the north-east of the
study area near Mogo Creek and Stockyard Creek, and in the vicinity if Big Yango Station.
•
Microbat and herpetofauna survey of Yengo NP (Kendall and Kendall 1995). Sites of this
survey are located in the southern half of the study area, between St Albans and Bucketty as
well as around Terraborra and Pierces Hole diatremes.
•
Survey for Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in Yengo NP and Parr SCA, undertaken in 1995
(Rummery et al. 1995).
•
Survey for Koala in Yengo NP and Parr SCA. This involved a community questionnaire and a
field survey based on scat searches (Curtin et al. 2002).
•
Survey for Broad-headed Snake as part of an honours research project. This involved actively
searching thirty 10 x 100 metre transects along ridges or rock shelfs (Baker 2003).
•
Elliott trapping, Cage trapping, hair tube surveys, nocturnal call playback census and microbat
surveys on Big Yango Station, as part of a study by T. Horwood, DECC Yango Area Manager.
•
Twice yearly monitoring of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in the form of scat searches at Mogo
Creek, Yondy, Cobblers Peg and Big Yango, undertaken by DECC Yango Area staff.
•
Twice-yearly sand-pad surveys along tracks in St Albans area and Big Yango area,
undertaken by DECC Yango Area staff. These surveys primarily record feral predator usage
of the tracks.
•
Surveys for Wild Dogs and Dingoes using soft-jaw traps, by DECC Yango Area staff. These
surveys included genetic testing of captured animals.
2.1.2
Systematic fauna survey data
Prior to the current study a few projects had included implementation of systematic fauna survey
techniques in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA (Table 1, see Section 2.3 for technique description).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
7
Timing of Survey
Locations of sites
Number or records stored in
Atlas
Elliott A trapping
Nocturnal call playback
Nocturnal streamside search
Bat ultrasonic call recording
Harp trapping
Nocturnal site spotlighting
survey
Diurnal herpetofauna
Systematic fauna survey effort prior to July 2006
Diurnal bird survey
Table 1:
Comprehensive
Regional
Assessment
Surveys
35
33
1
8
38
8
46
2
1446
Womerah Track,
Gorricks
Creek
Track,
Howes
Range
Track,
Boree Track &
Yengo Track
February to
November
1997
Biodiversity Survey
Priorities Year 2:
Northern
Yengo
National Park
1
3
4
5
0
0
3
2
162
Howes
Track
January and
May 2005
Total
36
36
5
13
38
8
49
4
1608
2.2
Valley
SURVEY SITE SELECTION
The aim of the fauna survey site selection process was to proportionately sample the full range of
habitat types contained within Yengo NP and Parr SCA. The process of site selection involved several
steps, as summarised below.
2.2.1
Desktop gap analyses and selection of priority areas for survey
Prior to the commencement of the current project, 78 systematic fauna survey sites had been
established as part of the CRA and BSP Year 2 survey programs. The site selection process ensured
that the data collected in 2006-07 would complement, rather than duplicate, this work. A series of
analyses were undertaken to identify gaps in the existing fauna data set. These included:
•
Identification of ‘spatial gaps’ in systematic fauna survey effort across the whole of Yengo NP
and Parr SCA.
•
Identification of Mitchell Landscapes that were under sampled by systematic survey in
proportion to their size across the whole of Yengo NP and Parr SCA.
•
Identification of vegetation types as mapped by Bell et al. (1993) that were under sampled by
systematic survey in proportion to the amount of area they occupy across the whole of Yengo
NP and Parr SCA.
•
Identification of spatial gaps in the distribution of fauna sightings, including both systematic
and opportunistic records.
2.2.2
Fine scale selection of survey sites
These four gap analyses led to the identification of five priority areas for fauna survey. The actual
locations of survey sites within these areas were then chosen using a combination of desktop and onground techniques. An effort was made to sample the full topographic variation within each priority
area (i.e. to sample the range of aspects and positions in the landscape from exposed ridgeline to
most sheltered gorge), and in conjunction to sample all vegetation communities present within each
priority area, as identified using API and on-ground truthing.
Proposed site locations were ground-truthed to ensure that they were representative of the intended
stratum, had been minimally affected by recent burning or other habitat modification, and comprised a
8
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
single vegetation community. If these criteria were not met, an alternative location was found.
Systematic survey sites were 100 by 200 metres in area, and where possible were spaced a minimum
of one kilometre from each other (two kilometres for nocturnal call playback surveys). In some cases
during hikes, due to the terrain and the time taken to walk between sites, survey sites were placed
closer than one kilometre. In this case, care was taken to ensure that adjacent sites sampled different
habitats and that animals were never double counted.
2.3
SURVEY TECHNIQUES
The systematic fauna survey methods used were based on those developed by the NPWS
Biodiversity Survey Coordination Unit (NPWS 1997). The techniques were used to sample the
following vertebrate fauna groups: diurnal and nocturnal birds, diurnal and nocturnal reptiles, bats,
arboreal mammals, amphibians, and terrestrial mammals. Consistency in the use of these techniques
allows comparison between fauna species detected across different vegetation types and
environments within the study area. Furthermore, it will allow comparisons with future consistent
surveys of the park and of environments elsewhere.
Field survey teams were supplied with field proformas to facilitate comprehensive, consistent
recording of field data and to increase accuracy and efficiency of data entry into the DECC Biodiversity
Subsystem (BSS) of the Atlas of NSW Wildlife computer database. The names of observers and
recorders were noted on every data sheet to aid data verification and entry.
2.3.1
Systematic site-based methods
Site attributes
A site attribute form, aiming to characterise fauna habitat, was filled out at every systematic site where
survey techniques were conducted. A 20 by 20 metre quadrat typical of the overall 100 by 200 metre
site was used for the assessment. The site attribute locates and describes the site in a format that is
comparable to other sites. Data relating to physio-geographic, disturbance, structural and floristic,
microhabitat and stream categories were recorded. Standard codes provided by the Australian Soil
and Land Survey Handbook (McDonald et al. 1990), particularly for vegetation (i.e. Walker and
Hopkins 1990) were used wherever possible.
Diurnal bird survey
Diurnal bird censuses comprised a twenty-minute observation and listening search within a two
hectare (100 by 200 metre) area, conducted by an experienced bird surveyor. Censuses were
conducted only during periods of relatively high bird activity (usually in the early morning) and
reasonable detectability (e.g. low wind and cicada activity). Almost all surveys were undertaken in
spring and summer. All bird species and the abundance of individuals seen or heard were recorded.
Individuals were scored as on-site if they were detected within the two hectare plot. Individuals
recorded outside the plot, in adjacent vegetation types or flying overhead were recorded as off-site.
Diurnal herpetofauna search
A standard half hectare (50 by 100 metre) area was searched for one person-hour at each site
(standardised regardless of the number of persons searching). Censuses were restricted to spring
and summer during the period between mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperature and
insolation are sufficient to ensure maximum reptile activity. Surveying was not conducted on overcast
or rainy days or in extreme heat.
This census technique entailed active searching of potential reptile and frog microhabitats within the
half hectare area. Active or basking reptiles were identified by sight or captured and identified by the
use of keys. Sheltering or cryptic species were detected by searching around, under and within fallen
logs, litter, decorticating and fallen bark, rock outcrops and other likely shelter sites. Incidental
observations of other fauna were also recorded.
Nocturnal site spotlighting survey
This census comprised searching for arboreal mammals along a 200 metre transect within a site for
half a person hour. Fifty watt spotlights were used to scan the vegetation for animals and enable
detection of reflected eye shine. Surveyors also listened intently for fauna calls during the survey
period. All fauna observed or heard within the census period were recorded, noting whether they were
on or off site.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
9
Harp trapping
While ultrasonic recorders were used principally to detect high-flying bat species, collapsible bat traps,
known as harp traps (Tidemann and Woodside 1978), captured low-flying species. Two nights of
trapping were conducted at each bat trap site, in spring and summer. Sites were selected for their
perceived potential to interrupt bats along their flight paths, and were usually positioned on tracks or
creeklines or in gaps between trees where adjacent vegetation may ‘funnel’ flying bats.
Traps were checked each morning. Captured bats were identified by external morphology, forearm
measurement and body weight, and keyed out where necessary using Parnaby (1992a) and Churchill
(1998). Animals were released on the following night at the point of capture.
Bat ultrasonic (‘Anabat’) call recording
Ultrasonic recorders (Corben 1989) are particularly useful for detection of high-flying species, which
often comprise more than one third of an area’s bat species (Parnaby 1992b), yet are under sampled
by harp trapping (Richards 1992). Additionally, ultrasonic detectors also record low-flying species.
The method requires the recording and identification of high frequency, echo-location “calls” made by
bats, which, except for one or two species, are ultrasonic, that is, inaudible to humans. All recordings
were made during spring and summer, when bat activity is highest.
CRA
The recording equipment for the surveys consisted of an Anabat II® detector and a tape recorder.
Census duration was 30 minutes. Censuses were conducted between dusk and up to two hours after
dusk, a peak activity period for microchiropteran bats. A 40 kilohertz calibration tone was recorded for
a few seconds at the start and end of each recording session and sometimes at intervals during the
recording period.
BSP
The recording equipment for the
surveys consisted of an Anabat II®
detector and digital flash card recorder,
housed within a Tupperware box for
weather protection. The box was set up
in locations where bats were expected
to fly, such as over water bodies, at
cave entrances and along tracks. The
Anabat was set to commence detection
at dusk and turn off at dawn. During the
night, a delay switch operated to turn on
the recording device when bat activity
was detected and then de-activate the
device while no bat activity was
occurring. The equipment was left in
each location for one night only, then
moved elsewhere.
A 40 kilohertz
calibration tone was recorded for a few
seconds at the start and end of each
recording session.
Plate 1: Anabat in place on Mellong Plateau © E. Magarey/DECC
Anabat recordings were transferred onto computer and analysed by Narawan Williams, a recognised
expert in this field. Troublesome calls were further verified by Michael Pennay. Identification was
designated as definite, probable or possible, following the methodology of Parnaby (1992b) and
Pennay et al. (2004). Reference calls were collected for a number of species in order to document
local call patterns and to assist with the identification and verification of non-reference calls.
Nocturnal streamside search
Streamside searches for frogs were undertaken for half a person hour in one of two ways: in stream or
gully habitats a 200 metre stretch was searched; at standing water bodies a half hectare (50 by 100
metre) area was surveyed. The searches were only conducted on warm, dark, humid and wet nights
or nights within two days of rain. All frogs, and other animals, identified visually or by call within the
time period were recorded, together with the weather conditions at the time of the survey.
10
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Nocturnal call playback
Nocturnal birds and mammals are often detected only when they vocalise for territory or social contact,
behaviour which can be elicited by broadcasting specific calls. A standard survey census involved
broadcasting the calls of each of the four large forest owls - Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Masked
Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) Sooty Owl (T. tenebricosa) and Barking Owl (N. connivens) - from the
centre of a site. Prior to call broadcasts, on arrival at the site, the surrounding area was searched by
spotlight for five minutes to detect any fauna in the immediate vicinity and then a ten minute period of
listening was undertaken.
A pre-recorded compact disc of each species’ call series was played, amplified through a megaphone.
Calls of each species were played for five minutes, followed by a five minute listening period. The
surrounding area was again searched by spotlight after a final ten minute listening period. After the
census, the response or presence of any fauna, date and time that response occurred, and weather
details such as amount of cloud cover was recorded. Very windy and rainy periods were avoided
where possible. Censuses conducted in poor weather were noted. Censuses were undertaken in
autumn and winter.
Elliott trapping
This technique involved setting ten Elliott A traps at approximately twenty metre intervals along a 200
metre transect through a site. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter, oats and honey.
Traps were left in place for four nights, checked and emptied every morning soon after dawn. Any
animals captured within the traps were identified, sexed if possible, and released.
Hair tube sampling
During CRA, twenty large hair-sampling tubes (nine centimetre diameter, after Scotts and Craig 1988)
were placed at 100 metres intervals along a two kilometre transect. Alternate tubes were baited with
meat or a mixture of peanut butter, honey and rolled oats. During BSP ten large hair-sampling tubes
were placed at approximately twenty metre intervals along a 200 metre transect. All tubes were baited
with a mixture of peanut butter, honey, rolled oats and sardines. In both cases each tube was fitted
with adhesive paper to collect hairs of small and medium sized mammals that were attracted to the
bait. Tubes were left on site for a minimum of ten nights. Hair samples were identified using the
techniques described by Brunner and Coman (1974) by an expert in the field, Barbara Triggs.
Identifications were classified into three levels of reliability: definite, probable and possible.
Pitfall trapping
A minimal amount of pitfall trapping was undertaken in an attempt to sample ground-dwelling reptiles
and mammals on the Mellong plateau. This technique involved placing five 20 litre buckets into the
ground at approximately five metre intervals. The buckets were buried flush with the ground, and
connected by shade-cloth fencing designed to divert animals into the traps. Pitfall traps were left in
place for between three and four nights. Traps were checked shortly before dusk and after dawn each
day, upon which captured animals were identified, sexed if possible, and released.
2.3.2
Transect based methods
Transect spotlighting survey
The method employed varied on a site by site basis, and was only undertaken during the CRA
surveys. A team of two surveyors walked or drove along a transect, varying between 300 metres and
eight kilometres in length, searching for arboreal mammals with 50 watt spotlights. An AMG was
calculated for each sighting along the transect and entered into the data sheet.
2.3.3
Opportunistic methods
Predator and herbivore scat and pellet collection
The presence of hairs, and occasionally skeletal remains, in predator scats and owl pellets can result
in the identification of prey species at a high level of confidence and is hence an efficient sampling
technique for prey animals. In addition, the recording of predator or non-predator scats constitutes
records for the species that deposits the scat, providing locality records for species such as the
Spotted-tailed Quoll, Fox, Dingo, Wild Dog and Pig. Due to the unmeasurable time delay between
prey ingestion and defecation, the location in which the prey animals lived cannot be accurately
known, so this technique is useful only for detecting the species presence within a general area.
However, it has been shown previously that predators defecate an average of two kilometres from the
point of prey ingestion (Lunney et al. 2002).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
11
Predator scats were collected, placed in paper envelopes, labelled and sent to specialist Barbara
Triggs for analysis. Hair samples were identified using the techniques described by Brunner and
Coman (1974). Identifications were classified into three levels of reliability: definite, probable and
possible.
The location of herbivore scats was also noted on an opportunistic basis to indicate the presence of an
animal. If there was any doubt in herbivore scat identification in the field, samples were brought back
for identification by an expert.
Searches of caves and overhangs
When come across, caves and overhangs were thoroughly searched with a head torch for animals
such as cave-roosting bats, geckos and nesting birds.
Incidental records
Surveyors driving or walking through the study area recorded the location of interesting fauna when it
was seen or heard. Particular animals targeted by this technique were those under-sampled by
systematic surveys, including large ground mammals, non-vocalising birds, and secretive, shy and/or
rare animals. The date, time, map grid location (usually obtained from a GPS (Geographic Positioning
System)) and microhabitat of the animal were recorded on a data sheet.
2.4
SURVEY TIMING
Table 2 summarises the timing of the 2006-07 BSP surveys and the techniques that were undertaken
in each period.
Table 2:
Timing of BSP 2006-07 systematic fauna surveys within southern Yengo NP and
Parr SCA
Survey program
Timing
Techniques employed
Biodiversity Survey Priorities Year 4
(BSP)
September – November
2006
Diurnal bird census, reptile search, site spotlighting, all
night bat call detection, harp trapping, nocturnal call
playback, nocturnal streamside search, Elliott trapping,
pitfall trapping, opportunistic methods
March – May 2007
Nocturnal call playback, hair tubes, opportunistic
methods, a single diurnal bird census
2.5
SURVEY SITE LOCATIONS
For the 2006-07 project, DECC established and surveyed 212 systematic survey sites. Map 3 shows
the location of these survey sites, together with the 78 systematic survey sites established during the
CRA, 2004-05 BSP, Mixophyes and Yango Area fauna surveys. A breakdown of sites by technique
type and vegetation type is presented in Table 3. Appendix A provides the specific AMG (Australian
Map Grid) and the survey techniques undertaken at each site. The tables and map include all
systematic surveys undertaken within the study area by DECC between 1997 and 2007 (i.e. during
both CRA and BSP programs).
12
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 3:
Location of systematic fauna survey sites in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
13
2
2
5
4
5
3
1
7
1
5
15
15
13
12
23
1
2
2
4
3
2
4
10
1
4
12
11
7
13
17
2
1
4
2
3
3
1
6
2
2
7
9
9
8
12
1
6
1
2
1
2
2
4
3
10
2
8
14
1
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
5
6
1
9
2
12
36
Elliott A trapping
Nocturnal streamside
search
2
3
2
2
4
1
1
1
2
2
1
5
1
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
3
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
2
11
5
11
10
Hair tube sampling
14
544.4
Sydney Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Blackbutt Forest
1076.2
Sydney Hinterland Dwarf Apple Scrub
642.9
1138.2
Mellong Sands Scribbly Gum Woodland
Cleared Lands
1847.2
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully Forest
694.4
3163.5
Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark-Grey Gum Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Bloodwood-Mahogany Transition Forest
3176.7
Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest
10963.4
Sydney Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Apple Forest
5251.5
13176.1
Sydney Hinterland Blue Gum-Turpentine Gully Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly Gum Woodland
16485.9
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
5862.0
17158.3
Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum Forest
32552.3
Diurnal bird survey
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple Forest
Diurnal herpetofauna
search
12
Nocturnal site
spotlighting survey
24
Harp trapping
17
Bat ultrasonic call
recording
40041.9
Nocturnal call
playback
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow Bloodwood Woodland
Area
(hectares,
approx.
only)
Vegetation types within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA and corresponding allocation of systematic fauna survey effort as at July 2007
Vegetation Type (DECC 2008a)
Table 3:
Pitfall trapping
155.7
141.0
135.9
83.1
60.7
53.2
42.9
35.5
11.5
11.2
Sydney Hinterland Warm Temperate Rainforest
Acacia Regeneration
Sydney Hinterland Rock Complex
Regenerating Trees and Shrubs
Sydney Hinterland Diatreme Forest
Sydney Hinterland Shale Ironbark Forest
Hunter Range Footslopes Ironbark-Red Gum Forest
Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry Rainforest
Coastal Riverflat Paperbark Thicket
Coastal River Oak Forest
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
7.5
171.2
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey Box Forest
Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany Forest
191.1
Hunter Range Grey Myrtle Dry Rainforest
9.0
246.0
Sydney Hinterland Sandstone Riparian Complex
Hunter Range Flats Freshwater Wetland
424.1
Area
(hectares,
approx.
only)
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum Sedge Woodland
Vegetation Type (DECC 2008a)
1
1
1
3
2
2
4
1
1
3
2
3
4
1
1
2
1
4
1
1
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
15
Pitfall trapping
Hair tube sampling
Elliott A trapping
Nocturnal call
playback
Nocturnal streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic call
recording
Harp trapping
Nocturnal site
spotlighting survey
Diurnal herpetofauna
search
Diurnal bird survey
2.4
1.1
0.3
Water
Coastal Floodplain Wetland
Exotic Species
Diurnal herpetofauna
search
132
Nocturnal site
spotlighting survey
92
Harp trapping
Bat ultrasonic call
recording
62
10
Nocturnal streamside
search
79
16
15
3
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
56
Nocturnal call
playback
16
Diurnal bird survey
145
1
Elliott A trapping
155566
1
Hair tube sampling
Total
0.04
3.3
Sydney Hinterland Sandstone Upland Swamp
Coastal Estuarine Swamp Oak Forest
4.6
Area
(hectares,
approx.
only)
Hunter Range Flats Paperbark Thicket
Vegetation Type (DECC 2008a)
Pitfall trapping
3
FAUNA SPECIES INVENTORY AND OVERVIEW
OF SURVEY RESULTS
3.1
REVIEW OF PRE-EXISTING FAUNA RECORDS
All records of vertebrate fauna for the study area on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife were reviewed as part of this
project. Several records were identified as having a low degree of spatial accuracy, or as potential misidentifications or database errors. Other species were accurately recorded at the time of survey, but are now
considered to be locally extinct. In order to make the species inventory provided in this report as accurate as
possible, all species that have only been recorded during the first RAOU survey (between 1978 and 1981)
have been excluded. This includes several sea-birds and water-birds for which habitat does not occur in the
reserves.
Table 4 provides a list of all species that have been removed from the fauna inventory given in Appendix B of
this report, together with the reason for their removal. The species in Table 4 are presented here for
reference, as it is possible that some of the species will be confirmed to occur in the study area in the future.
This table includes escapees and vagrants recorded on one or two occasions, but that would not be
residents or regular visitors to the area.
Table 4: Fauna species recorded on Atlas of NSW Wildlife for which there is some doubt about their
current occurrence in the study area and that have been removed from the species
inventory provided in this report.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Reason for omission from species inventory
Adelotus brevis
Tusked Frog
Single record of low spatial accuracy from 1975
Litoria freycineti
Freycinet's Frog
Single record only; potential mis-identification or
database error
Tiliqua rugosa
Shingleback Lizard
Record of low spatial accuracy from 1988
Dromaius novaehollandiae
Emu
Known from a single individual near Wisemans
Ferry that is an escaped farm animal.
Anas castanea
Chestnut Teal
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited within the reserve proper.
May utilise larger creeks in times of flood.
Aythya australis
Hardhead
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Cygnus atratus
Black Swan
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper. May
utilise larger creeks in times of flood.
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Hoary-headed Grebe
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Daption capense
Cape Petrel
Sea-bird. No habitat in study area.
Puffinus assimilis
Little Shearwater
Sea-bird. No habitat in study area.
Puffinus tenuirostris
Short-tailed Shearwater
Sea-bird. No habitat in study area.
Garrodia nereis
Grey-backed Storm-Petrel
Sea-bird. No habitat in study area.
Sula leucogaster
Brown Booby
Sea-bird. No habitat in study area.
Anhinga melanogaster
Darter
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Phalacrocorax carbo
Great Cormorant
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Little Pied Cormorant
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Little Black Cormorant
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Phalacrocorax varius
Pied Cormorant
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Australian Pelican
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
17
Scientific Name
Common Name
Reason for omission from species inventory
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Ardea alba
Great Egret
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Ardea ibis
Cattle Egret
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Ardea intermedia
Intermediate Egret
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Ardea pacifica
White-necked Heron
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Egretta garzetta
Little Egret
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Platalea flavipes
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Platalea regia
Royal Spoonbill
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Threskiornis molucca
Australian White Ibis
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Threskiornis spinicollis
Straw-necked Ibis
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Circus approximans
Swamp Harrier
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Falco longipennis
Australian Hobby
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Fulica atra
Eurasian Coot
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Gallinula tenebrosa
Dusky Moorhen
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Gallirallus philippensis
Buff-banded Rail
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Porzana pusilla
Baillon's Crake
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham's Snipe
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Himantopus himantopus
Black-winged Stilt
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Elseyornis melanops
Black-fronted Dotterel
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Larus novaehollandiae
Silver Gull
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Columba livia
Rock Dove
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Streptopelia chinensis
Spotted Turtle-Dove
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Cacatua sanguinea
Little Corella
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Cacatua tenuirostris
Long-billed Corella
Single record on edge of reserve in 1983. Suitable
habitat not present in reserve proper.
Eolophus roseicapillus
Galah
Only occurs on edges of clearings, not in park
proper.
Tyto capensis
Grass Owl
Recorded on the perimeter of Yengo NP with very
low spatial accuracy in 1979. A dead animal was
collected from St Albans common in 1991. This
latter sighting was a vagrant animal; the species
would occur in the study area or adjacent lands
only on extremely rare occasions, such as during
times of drought (D. Hobcroft pers. comm.).
Alcedo azurea
Azure Kingfisher
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
18
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Scientific Name
Common Name
Reason for omission from species inventory
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera
Crescent Honeyeater
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Melanodryas cucullata
Hooded Robin
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Petroica phoenicea
Flame Robin
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Strepera versicolor
Grey Currawong
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Corvus mellori
Little Raven
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Passer domesticus
House Sparrow
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Carduelis carduelis
European Goldfinch
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Lonchura castaneothorax
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Stagonopleura guttata
Diamond Firetail
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Taeniopygia bichenovii
Double-barred Finch
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat limited in reserve proper.
Cheramoeca leucosternus
White-backed Swallow
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Petrochelidon ariel
Fairy Martin
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Acrocephalus australis
Australian Reed-Warbler
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Cisticola exilis
Golden-headed Cisticola
Records of low spatial accuracy prior to 1981.
Suitable habitat not present in reserve proper.
Parma Wallaby
Single record from hair collected in 1997, but
identified to ‘possible’ level only and considered
unreliable.
Little Mastiff-bat
Specimen collected ‘three miles from St Albans’ at
unknown date. The genus has since undergone
taxonomic revision and been split into two species
in NSW, one of which is the Southern Freetail-bat.
Falsistrellus tasmaniensis
Eastern False Pipistrelle
Recorded from ultrasonic call detection at two
locations, but identification uncertain. Calls are
easily confused with Eastern Broad-nosed and
Greater Broad-nosed Bat.
Scotorepens balstoni
Inland Broad-nosed Bat
Recorded from ultrasonic call detection at a single
location, but identification uncertain.
Vespadelus darlingtoni
Large Forest Bat
Recorded from ultrasonic call detection at two
locations, but identification uncertain.
Never
captured even though harp traps are a reliable
means for detecting this species.
Vespadelus regulus
Southern Forest Bat
Database error.
Macropus parma
Mormopterus planiceps
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
19
3.2
FAUNA SPECIES INVENTORY
A total of 253 native vertebrate fauna species are currently confirmed to occur within southern Yengo NP and
Parr SCA. This total is comprised of 19 frogs, 45 reptiles, 139 native diurnal birds, eight nocturnal birds and
42 native mammals. In addition, the Dingo, 10 feral introduced mammals and one introduced bird species
have been detected.
Table 5 presents the total numbers of native, threatened and introduced fauna known to occur within
southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA. A complete species list for all terrestrial vertebrate fauna groups is
provided in Appendix B.
Table 5:
Number of vertebrate fauna known to occur in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA
Total no. native fauna species known to occur
253
No. species listed as threatened under the TSC Act
30
No. species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act
7
No. introduced mammals
10
No. introduced birds
1
A total of 238 fauna species were recorded during the 2006-07 BSP surveys, including 18 fauna species not
previously recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. The surveys more than doubled the number of fauna
records within the reserves, increasing the number from 5670 to over 11630.
3.2.1
Amphibians
A total of nineteen species of frog are known to occur in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA, including nine
Myobatrachidae (ground frogs), which lack toe discs and rarely climb trees, and ten Hylidae (tree frogs),
which have toe discs and frequently climb trees or rocks (Robinson 1993) (Appendix B). The systematic
nocturnal streamside searches undertaken between 1997 and 2007 detected eleven of these species, while
eight species were detected during diurnal herpetofauna searches, site spotlighting, nocturnal call playback
census or opportunistically. Only three species that were previously known to occur in the park were not
detected during the 2006-07 BSP surveys, while one species, Stoney Creek Frog, was recorded for the first
time.
The most significant finding is the large
number of locations of Red-crowned
Toadlet and to a lesser extent Giant
Burrowing Frog, which are each listed as
Vulnerable under the NSW Threatened
Species Conservation Act (1995) (TSC
Act). The moderately high number of
locations of Bibron’s Toadlet holds regional
significance, as this species is thought to
have undergone a decline in abundance in
the Sydney Basin (Thumm and Mahony
1996). Bibron’s Toadlet is associated with
larger creeklines in the study area, often
where soils are slightly enriched, such as
Pierces Hole, the vicinity of Mount Yengo
Plate 2: Broad-palmed Frog from Bala Range © N. Williams/DECC
and the Wallabadah valley. The Green
Tree Frog is another species of uncertain conservation status, with some herpetologists considering it to
have declined in some parts of its range. This species has only been recorded on three occasions within the
study area, and was not seen or heard during the 2006-07 BSP surveys, despite heavy downpours of rain
prior to and during the surveys.
The frog fauna is largely typical of sandstone dry hinterland reserves, and similar to that recorded in the
incised sandstone plateaux of northern Yengo and northern Wollemi NPs. As for these areas, the most
commonly recorded species is the Common Eastern Froglet, which was detected during 60 % of streamside
searches, and opportunistically in almost every surveyed waterbody in the study area. Other species
frequently recorded during nocturnal streamside searches are Peron’s Tree Frog, Broad-palmed Frog,
Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog and Striped Marsh Frog, each during 50 % of systematic searches. Both Redcrowned Toadlet and Smooth Toadlet were more frequently detected by opportunistic means, with the latter
20
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
a common occurrence in still water bodies such as dams and puddles in road-side ditches. In contrast,
Tyler’s Tree Frog is rare in the study area, having only been detected twice. This species is strongly
associated with coastal environments, and approaches the western limit of its distribution in Yengo and
eastern Wollemi NPs.
The frog surveys undertaken for this survey continue to improve our understanding of the distribution of
newly-defined species. The Stoney Creek Frog (Litoria wilcoxii) has only recently been formerly recognised
as a separate species than Lesueur’s Frog (Litoria lesueurii). The former species appears to be more
widespread in the study area, recorded on the Macdonald River, Mogo Creek and a tributary of Webbs
Creek. Lesueur’s Frog has only been confirmed in the central portion of Yengo NP. As was found to be the
case in northern Wollemi NP (DEC 2006a), the species ranges overlap within the study area, with both
species seen at the same location on the Macdonald River in November 2006.
3.2.2
Reptiles
Forty-five species of reptile have been recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife in the reserves. The
systematic surveys undertaken between 1997 and 2007 confirmed the presence of 36 of these species
during systematic diurnal reptile searches and an additional four species were identified opportunistically
during other survey work. The remaining five species (Broad-headed Snake, Eastern Brown Tree Snake,
Green Tree Snake, Southern Death Adder and Eastern Bandy-bandy) are each quite rare, and have been
recorded on only a handful of occasions. The 2006-07 BSP surveys discovered four reptile species that had
not previously been recorded in the reserves. The reptile fauna is comprised of one turtle, four geckoes,
three legless lizards, four dragons, three monitors, eighteen skinks and twelve species of snake (Appendix
B).
Only two of the reptiles occurring in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA are listed as threatened, being Broadheaded Snake (Endangered under the TSC Act and Vulnerable under the Environmental Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) (EPBC Act)) and Rosenberg’s Goanna (Vulnerable under the TSC Act).
The Punctate Worm-skink is regionally significant, as this species has a very restricted distribution, occurring
only in the northern half of the Sydney Basin, from just south of Sydney to the Hunter Valley (DECC 2007a).
The BSP surveys undertaken in the Central Coast and Hunter Range area over the last three years have
greatly contributed to the understanding of the species distribution and habitat preferences. Like in northern
Wollemi, northern Yengo and Manobalai, the species was found to occur in alluvial gullies and adjacent
slopes, as well as on Mount Yengo itself. It is restricted to the far north of the study area, where
environments are influenced by the lower rainfall and slightly higher fertility soils of the Hunter Valley.
Based on the results of the systematic
diurnal herpetofauna searches, the most
common reptile species in the study area
are the Copper-tailed Ctenotus and White’s
Skink, detected during 33 (25 %) and 30 (23
%) of searches respectively. These species
are both abundant in rocky sandstone
environments, and reflect the dominant
habitat type available in the reserves. Also
frequently detected are the Eastern Water
Skink (16 % of sites), Cream-striped
Shinning Skink (15 %), Dark-flecked
Garden Sunskink (13 %), Broad-tailed
Gecko (13 %) and Red-throated Cool-skink
(12 %). The most commonly encountered
dragons are the Jacky Lashtail and
Mountain Heath Dragon, each recorded
during 9 % of systematic searches. The
Lace Monitor was detected during 11 % of
Plate 3: Burton's Snake-lizard near Yango Track © N. Williams/DECC
systematic searches, but also over 60 times
opportunistically, being widespread across the reserves in a wide range of habitat types.
The richness of the reptile fauna is significantly lower than that occurring in northern Yengo NP (DEC 2005a)
and northern Wollemi (DEC 2006a), and more similar to what would be expected for a coastal ranges
sandstone reserve. The exceptions to this generalisation are several species that approach their
distributional limit in the park, reflecting other regional environmental influences. The Punctate Worm-skink
is one such species that has already been discussed above. The single sighting of Leaden Delma made in
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
21
the reserve (in Howes Swamp during CRA surveys) is the southern-most record of the species on the Atlas
of NSW Wildlife. The Pink-tongued Skink also approaches the southern limit of its range in the study area
and it is more typical of rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest of the North Coast (Swan et al. 2004). The
Southern Rainbow-skink is a species more typical of the central western slopes of NSW, and occurs only in
the northern and western parts of Yengo NP where mean annual rainfall is lower. The occurrence of the
Sand Monitor is also worthy of note, as this species is only infrequently recorded in the Sydney Basin,
normally inhabiting dry environments further west.
3.2.3
Native diurnal birds
The review of records undertaken for this report indicates that at least 139 species of native diurnal bird use
the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. Some of these are sedentary, while others are migratory, seasonal
visitors or nomads. The systematic surveys undertaken between 1997 and 2007 confirmed the presence of
113 of these species during systematic diurnal bird censuses and an additional sixteen species incidentally
(see Appendix B for list of species). The remaining twelve confirmed species are each much rarer within the
reserves, and some such as the Black Bittern and Regent Honeyeater are likely to only be infrequent visitors.
The 2006-07 BSP surveys discovered three diurnal bird species that had not previously been recorded in the
reserves.
Nine of the diurnal bird species are listed as
Threatened under the TSC Act, being Black Bittern,
Gang-gang
Cockatoo,
Glossy
Black-cockatoo,
Turquoise Parrot, Brown Treecreeper (eastern
subspecies),
Speckled
Warbler,
Black-chinned
Honeyeater (eastern subspecies), Regent Honeyeater
and Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern subspecies). Of
these, the study area supports a sizeable amount of
habitat for only the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Glossy
Black-cockatoo and to lesser extent Turquoise Parrot
and Black-chinned Honeyeater; habitat for the
remaining threatened species is quite restricted in
extent or of marginal quality, as will be discussed
individually for each species in Section 4 of this report.
Also of conservation significance is the presence of
several species that are thought to be in decline,
though they have not yet been listed on the TSC or
EPBC Acts. A recent review of bird records across the
nation identified numerous species that appear to have
Plate 4: Rockwarbler nest in sandstone overhang © M.
declined in numbers in recent years (Barrett et al.
Schulz/DECC
2003). Of the species identified, the following occur
within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves: Rockwarbler; White-winged Chough; Spotted Quail-thrush and
Red-browed Treecreeper. In addition, a number of species are thought to have declined in the Sydney
Basin Bioregion in recent years (Barrett et al. 2003). These include the Southern Emu-wren, Jacky Winter,
Restless Flycatcher, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Dusky Woodswallow, Brown Falcon, Australian
Pipit, Scarlet Robin, White-winged Triller and White-throated Needletail. The national parks of the Blue
Mountains and Hunter Range play an integral role in the ongoing regional conservation of habitats for these
species.
Based on the results of the systematic diurnal bird surveys, the most common species are those that flourish
in a range of dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests on the sandstone plateau, such as the Sydney Hinterland
Rocky Yellow Bloodwood Woodland. These include Spotted Pardalote (95 % of sites), Yellow-faced
Honeyeater (84 %), White-throated Treecreeper (77 %), Grey Shrike-thrush (75 %), Eastern Spinebill (69 %),
White-naped Honeyeater (68 %), Noisy Friarbird (66 %), Rufous Whistler (61 %) and Brown Thornbill (58 %).
These birds are not only habitat generalists but are also highly vocal or highly visible, making them easy to
detect during bird surveys. These species are also commonly recorded in shrubby sandstone environments
across northern Yengo and northern Wollemi NPs (DEC 2005a, DEC 2006a). Other species occupy a much
smaller range of habitat types, or habitat types that are more restricted in extent in the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves. Species that were only detected during systematic censuses in incised gullies with mesic
vegetation or rainforest include Large-billed Scrubwren (3 % of sites), Bassian Thrush (2 %) and Yellowthroated Scrubwren (1 site), while Red-browed Tree-creeper, Lewin’s Honeyeater and Brown Gerygone
occur in these habitats as well as in sheltered wet sclerophyll forests.
22
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
The composition of the bird fauna in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA reflects regional environmental
influences. By and large the bird list is what would be expected for a coastal ranges sandstone reserve. As
is the case with reptiles, the exceptions to this generalisation are several species that approach their
distributional limit in the park. The reserves’ proximity to the coast is reflected in the occurrence of species
such as White-bellied Sea-eagle (which travels along the Hawkesbury River and up the major waterways of
the Macdonald River and Webbs Creek), Emerald Dove (which has only been sighted on a single occasion
on Mogo Creek and would only be likely to occur in the most sheltered gully lines within the higher rainfall
areas of Parr SCA and south-eastern Yengo NP), Black Bittern (only recorded along Doyles Creek and only
expected to occur along major watercourse in the south-east of the study area), Southern Emu-wren and
Black-faced Monarch.
In contrast, the western and northern sections of southern Yengo NP provide moderately small and fairly
isolated areas of habitat for a few species more typical of drier environments. These include Grey-crowned
Babbler (eastern subspecies), Speckled Warbler, Australian Pipit, Peaceful Dove, Black-chinned Honeyeater
(eastern subspecies), Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies), Weebill and Turquoise Parrot. Habitat for
these species is not as extensive as that present along the northern boundaries of northern Yengo and
northern Wollemi NPs. The first three of these species have only been recorded in the vicinity of Big Yango
Station and the Nowlands and Timor holdings, which receive the lowest average annual rainfall in the study
area. This area is of high conservation significance. Interestingly the latter six species also occur on the
Mellong Plateau, which is quite high in altitude and moderately high in rainfall for these species. This is likely
to be due to the vicinity if Putty/Howes Valley, which provides a landscape connection from the Mellong
Plateau, along the north-western edge of northern Yengo NP and through to more extensive habitat areas in
the Hunter Valley.
One of the more visible groups of birds in the reserves is the birds of prey, of which at least eleven species
are known to occur. These birds are rarely recorded during systematic diurnal bird censuses, and hence
their abundance tends to be underestimated by this method. However, they are frequently encountered
opportunistically. The most commonly recorded is the Wedge-tailed Eagle, which is easily recognised by its
silhouette as it soars above the tree canopy. As mentioned above, White-bellied Sea-eagle is irregularly
observed along the major waterways of the study area. Less common species include Collared
Sparrowhawk, Brown Goshawk, Nankeen Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite, Grey Goshawk, Whistling Kite,
Brown Falcon, Peregrine Falcon and Little Eagle.
3.2.4
Nocturnal birds
The suite of nocturnal birds occurring in southern Yengo NP and
Parr SCA is shared by the other large reserves of the Sydney
Basin. Eight species are confirmed to occur, including five owls,
the Tawny Frogmouth, Australian Owlet-nightjar and Whitethroated Nightjar. All of these species were recorded during the
2006-07 BSP surveys. Four of the owls occurring in the study
area are listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act: Powerful Owl,
Barking Owl, Masked Owl and Sooty Owl. These owls will be
discussed in detail in Section 4.
Based on the results of the nocturnal call playback surveys, the
most commonly encountered nocturnal bird is the Australian
Owlet Nightjar, heard during 41 % of censuses (as well as during
numerous site spotlighting surveys and occasional diurnal bird
surveys). This bird calls year-round and so it detected during
spring, summer and autumn censuses. The Southern Boobook,
on the other hand, primarily calls during the spring and summer
months and hence is less frequently detected during nocturnal
call playback surveys undertaken in autumn. It was heard calling
during 32 % of nocturnal call playback surveys, as well as 40 %
of site spotlighting censuses and numerous times
opportunistically. It is widespread through a range of habitat
types in Yengo NP and Parr SCA, as it is through neighbouring
reserves.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Plate 5: Koala near Bala Range Track © N.
Williams/DECC
23
3.2.5
Arboreal mammals
Nine species of arboreal mammal have been recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife for southern Yengo NP
and Parr SCA. The systematic spotlighting surveys undertaken in 2006-07 confirmed the presence of seven
of these species, while an eighth, the Eastern Pygmy-possum, was detected for the first time in the reserves
during the BSP surveys, identified from two separate introduced predator scats. The ninth species of
arboreal mammal, the Squirrel Glider, has only been reported from two locations, and has only limited areas
of suitable habitat in the reserves. These latter two species, together with the Koala and Yellow-bellied
Glider, are listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act.
The most commonly detected arboreal mammal during the systematic site spotlighting surveys is the
Common Brushtail Possum, which was observed or heard calling during 25 % of censuses. Though
widespread, this possum is almost never encountered on Hawkesbury Sandstone ridgetops or exposed
slopes. Instead it is abundant along more major creeklines and particularly wider valley flats, such as the
Wallabadah and Nowlands valleys. It also occurs in areas of higher soil fertility, such as on Mount Yengo
and Wheelbarrow Ridge. This result is consistent with patterns observed in northern Yengo and northern
Wollemi NPs. The second most frequently detected species by site spotlighting is the Sugar Glider (22 % of
sites). This species occurs in a wider range of habitat types, including on sandstone ridges tops and slopes.
However, it is also more abundant in gullies and sheltered environments, probably because of the higher
density of tree hollows in such environments (as compared to ridgetops), on which the species depends for
nesting (Suckling 1995a). As will be discussed in Section 4, the Koala is a notable feature of the study area,
particularly the eastern side of Yengo NP and the whole of Parr SCA. This iconic mammal was detected
during 12 % of spotlighting censuses, 4 % of nocturnal call playback surveys and numerous times by nonsystematic methods.
3.2.6
Native ground mammals
Records exist for a total of seventeen native terrestrial ground
mammal species.
This includes one monotreme, six
dasyurids, a species of bandicoot, one wombat, five
macropods, and three rodents. The 2006-07 BSP surveys
confirmed the presence of fourteen of these species using a
combination of Elliott trapping, hair tube surveys, analyses of
predator scats and owl pellets, and opportunistic sightings.
The remaining five species are either rare, restricted in extent,
or of uncertain status in the reserves, and have each been
recorded at only one or two locations. The BSP surveys
discovered two native ground mammal species not previously
recorded in the reserves, the most exciting of which was the
Brush-tailed Phascogale. A skull and several dentary bones of
this Vulnerable species were discovered underneath a Masked
Owl roost site on the Macdonald River.
Unfortunately,
however (as will be discussed in Section 4) the age of the
bones is not known, and it cannot be confirmed at this stage
whether the species persists in the park, or indeed where the
Masked Owl captured the individuals.
In addition to the Brush-tailed Phascogale, the Spotted-tailed
Quoll and Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby are also listed under the
Plate 6: Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby near Yokey
TSC Act. The first two of these species have only been
Creek © N. Williams/DECC
detected through remains and scats respectively. It is thus
impossible at this stage to ascertain the status of these species in the study area, or indeed whether they
persist at all. Further targeted survey would be required to answer such questions for these species. The
status of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, in contrast, is moderately well understood as it has been the focus of
a monitoring programme for the last four years. These issues will be discussed further in Section 4.
In contrast, several species of ground mammal are known to be abundant and widespread. The most
frequently recorded species are large, highly visible animals that also leave easily-identifiable traces, in
particular the Common Wombat and Swamp Wallaby, and to a lesser extent Common Wallaroo and Shortbeaked Echidna. Also common, but generally only detected by trapping, are the Brown Antechinus and
Bush Rat, detected at 13 and 44 % of Elliott trap sites respectively, each most often in taller woodlands or
24
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
forests. The other small ground mammals are much more rare or restricted in extent, such the Swamp Rat
which has only been trapped in the Mellong area.
There is evidence to suggest that the Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) still occurs in Yengo NP, constituting an 18th
species of native ground mammal. A recent study by DECC Yango Area included genetic testing of animals
trapped in soft-jaw traps in the vicinity of, and to the north of, Big Yango Station. Individuals trapped around
the homestead were found to have a high degree of Dingo heritage (up to 98 %). One to two family groups
of Dingo are thought to live around this area, in approximately a ten kilometre radius from the homestead (T.
Horwood pers. comm.). Approximately four Dingoes were heard howling to the south of the Calore Range
during a nocturnal call playback survey in March 2007. Further to the north-west, towards Howes Valley,
trapped animals exhibited a higher degree of hybridisation with Wild Dogs, and only 10-15 % Dingo heritage
(T. Horwood pers. comm.). The existence of Dingoes in the core of Yengo NP has high conservation
significance. Dingoes play an important role in the ecosystem as a top-order predator and probably assist in
controlling numbers of some feral species such as Foxes (Glen and Dickman 2005). The Dingo is listed as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to a 30 % decrease in numbers across its
distribution (Corbett 2004). Populations from Sturt NP, the coastal ranges and some coastal parks have
been nominated as Endangered under the TSC Act (Colong Wilderness Foundation 2002). In contrast to
this, Dingoes are declared a pest animal under the Rural Lands Protection Act (1998) (RLP Act).
Nevertheless, DECC recognises the expectation amongst the community that the Dingo be conserved
(NPWS et al. 2000, Fleming et al. 2001, DEC 2005c). Yengo NP is considered to be important for the
conservation of the Dingo in a submission to the RLP Act by all key land management agencies (NPWS et
al. 2000, DEC 2005c). The Yango Area of DECC is currently addressing this issue by balancing the
conservation of the Dingo with the need for Wild Dog control, a cautionary approach that should be
maintained.
3.2.7
Bats
A total of sixteen species of bat are confirmed to occur in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, including
one Megachiroptera (fruit bat) and fifteen Microchiroptera (small insectivorous bats). All of these species
were recorded during the 2006-07 BSP surveys (including three for the first time); thirteen Microchiroptera
species were detected by the Anabat system while a partly overlapping total of eleven species were captured
using harp traps. Six of the bat species are listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act: the Grey-headed Flyingfox, East-coast Freetail-bat, Large-eared Pied Bat, Little Bentwing-bat, Eastern Bentwing-bat and Greater
Broad-nosed Bat. There is uncertainty about the occurrence in the reserves of a further two threatened
species, the Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat and Eastern False Pipistrelle, for which further survey would be
required to confirm their status.
The composition of the microbat fauna is largely typical of Sydney Basin coastal plateaux. By far the most
widespread and frequently recorded species is the Little Forest Bat (46 % of Anabat sites and 86 % of Harp
trap sites), as is the case in northern Yengo and northern Wollemi NPs, and across the southern half of the
Sydney Basin (DECC 2007b). Other species frequently captured in harp traps are Gould’s Long-eared Bat
(49 % of sites), Lesser Long-eared Bat (42 %), Chocolate Wattled Bat (37 %), Gould’s Wattled Bat (32 %)
and Large-eared Pied Bat (25 %). The latter four of these species are also frequently detected from their
ultrasonic calls, as are the White-striped Freetail-bat (37 % of sites), Eastern Horseshoe-bat (24 %), Eastern
Bentwing-bat (22 %) and Eastern Freetail-bat (17 %). Four of the microbats that occur in the southern
Yengo and Parr reserves roost in caves, including Eastern Bentwing-bat, Little Bentwing-bat, Eastern
Horseshoe-bat and Large-eared Pied Bat. The first two of these species require deep caves for breeding
sites, but temporarily roost at other times of the year in shallower caves and overhangs (and sometimes in
tree hollows or under bark). Eastern Horseshoe-bat and Large-eared Pied Bat appear to more readily use
sandstone overhangs and the ‘twilight’ areas of caves (Churchill 1998). Two temporary roost sites of
Eastern Bentwing-bat and three of Eastern Horseshoe-bat were discovered during the 2006-07 BSP
surveys, and would be widespread along sandstone escarpments and gully lines. The remaining microbat
species roost in tree hollows and under exfoliating bark, and thus are probably less limited in abundance and
distribution by roost site availability.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
25
The distribution of some microbat species
reflects the different environmental influences
acting within the study area.
The Little
Bentwing-bat is recognised as a coastal
species, particularly near this southern end of
its range. It has only been recorded in the
higher rainfall environments of the southeastern corner of the study area. This species
is not likely occur through the remainder of the
study area, and has not been recorded further
from the coast in northern Yengo or northern
Wollemi NPs.
In contrast, the Southern
Freetail-bat (Mormopterus sp. 4 (long penis
form)) has only been recorded in the northern
half of the study area, in areas of lower rainfall.
This species is more common in western NSW,
typically inhabiting dry or semi-arid areas inland
of the Great Dividing Range (Churchill 1998). It
Plate 7: Southern Freetail-bat © N. Williams/DECC
also occurs in northern Yengo and parts of
northern Wollemi NP, within areas influenced by
the rainshadow of the Hunter Valley (DEC 2006a). As would be expected, a number of species that occur in
the low rainfall areas of northern Wollemi NP and in the Hunter Valley itself have not been recorded within
the study area, including Greater Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus timoriensis) and Inland Freetail-bat (short
penis form) (Mormopterus sp. 3). The microbat surveys undertaken across the region in the last few years
have greatly increased our understanding of species distribution, as surveys planned for southern Wollemi
and northern Blue Mountains NPs over the next few years will continue to do.
3.3
INTRODUCED SPECIES
3.3.1
Introduced mammals
Ten species of feral ground mammal have been
recorded in the Yengo and Parr reserves. This
includes two species that are known to be common
and widespread (Fox, Wild Dog), one species that is
widespread but very cryptic (Feral Cat), one species
that roams widely but probably only in low numbers
(European Cattle), and several species which are
currently only limited in extent (Rabbit, Fallow Deer,
Pig, Goat, Black Rat and House Mouse). The House
Mouse and Black Rat have each only been recorded
in areas that have been disturbed in the past
(including Big Yango and the Wallabadah valley) and
are unlikely to be having a significant impact on
native fauna. Evidence of an eleventh introduced
mammal, the Horse, was collected at two locations
Plate 8: Cattle on Yengo Creek near Macdonald River © M.
during the 2006-07 surveys, being the Terraborra
Schulz/DECC
South Track and Howes Swamp Track (Map 13).
However, these traces are very unlikely to be from Feral Horses, but rather from domestic Horses with riders.
Horse riders also frequently use the Grono South Track and Womerah Range Track, amongst others, as well
an established network of off-road horsetrails in Parr and south-eastern Yengo. Horse riding within the
reserves should continue to be managed in line with current legislation and local agreements, and riders
educated as to the potential environmental impacts of taking their horses off established tracks and
horsetrails. At this stage, riding of horses along well established tracks is likely to be having minimal impact
on native fauna, though it would provide a vector for the spread of weeds, particularly into fertile areas.
Wild Cattle have been known from the Big Yango area since the early 1900s, while domestic Cattle were
farmed on Big Yango, Nowlands and Timor holdings until 2000 (NPWS 2001a). Wild Cattle are still
frequently sighted on Big Yango Station, and during the 2006-07 surveys fresh signs were also recorded in
Timor and Nowlands holdings, along the Macdonald River and near Pierces Hole (Map 13). Wild Cattle have
26
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
also been seen in the Mogo Creek Area, in Frog Hollow diatreme (T. Horwood pers. comm.) and on the
Mellong Plateau (DECC 2007a). One of the herds of Cattle observed along the Macdonald River in
November 2006 had eartags, indicating them to be escaped domestic animals or animals let out for rough
grazing, probably from private lands in the lower Macdonald Valley. Whether Feral or farm animals, the
Cattle in Yengo NP and Parr SCA would still be having an impact on the bush, particularly along major
creeklines and in diatremes. Depending on its intensity, Cattle grazing is likely to affect the regeneration of
some plants, spread weeds, foul waterholes and cause harm by trampling and compacting the soil. Wild
Cattle in the Timor and Nowlands holdings are likely to be reducing the regeneration of native vegetation in
previously cleared areas. These impacts would have flow-on effects for the native fauna that rely on these
creek-line or diatreme habitats.
The other feral species will be individually discussed in Section 4, together with a map of their known
locations.
3.3.2
Predator scat analysis
A limited number of Fox scats collected from within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves have been
analysed, revealing the following vertebrate prey species: Eastern Pygmy-possum, Common Brushtail
Possum, Swamp Wallaby, and probably Brown Antechinus. A larger number of Wild Dog/Dingo scats have
been analysed and, as has been found in northern Wollemi and northern Yengo, were dominated by Swamp
Wallaby remains (present in 75 % of scats). Wild Dog/Dingo was also found to include Common Brushtail
Possum, Sugar Glider, Short-beaked Echidna and Long-nosed Bandicoot in it’s diet, and possibly Eastern
Pygmy-possum (in this latter case the identity of the Eastern Pygmy-possum was confirmed but the identity
of the predator is not certain). Sheep remains were identified from one Dog scat found on Rush Creek.
3.3.3
Introduced birds
The only species of introduced bird that occurs within the reserves proper is the Common Starling, which has
been seen near the homestead at Big Yango Station. As discussed in Section 4.2, though the area of
impact of this species is highly restricted, the Big Yango Station area has relatively high conservation
significance due to the presence of several species of ‘declining woodland bird’ with which the Starling may
compete.
Several additional species of introduced bird have been recorded outside the boundaries but within five
kilometres of the southern Yengo and Parr reserves (Map 12), most notably the Common Myna and Spotted
Turtledove. Of these species the Common Myna has the greatest potential to impact on native wildlife, as
though it is usually closely associated with human habitation it will occupy open grassy woodlands
supporting hollow-bearing trees (Pell and Tidemann 1997). The Common Myna is infamous for its
aggressive nature and has been known to evict native birds from their nests and threaten the local survival of
hollow-dependant mammals such as the Sugar Glider (Environment ACT 2004). Barrett et al. (2003) listed
the Common Myna and Eurasian Blackbird as species that had increased in the frequency of recordings
across their distribution between 1984 and 2002. Thus any sightings or reports of Common Myna or
Eurasian Blackbird within the park should trigger management actions, and warrant study into the feasibility
of removing the population.
3.4
ADDITIONAL SPECIES THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR
An examination of records occurring within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and Parr reserves provides
some insight into species that may occur within the study area, but gone undetected to date. Table 6 lists
such species that are considered highly likely to occur within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. This
includes one threatened species, the Swift Parrot. A full list of species detected within five kilometres of the
reserves is provided in Appendix C.
Though the Large-footed Myotis (Myotis adversus) has not been recorded in the vicinity of southern Yengo
NP or Parr SCA on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife, it is highly likely that the species utilises rivers and creeks with
permanent water for foraging. In addition, Brown-headed Honeyeater and Scaly-breasted Lorikeet have
been observed in the Big Yango area but not yet entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife (H. Cook pers.
comm.).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
27
Table 6:
Additional species that have been recorded within five kilometres and have the
potential to occur in the study area
Common name
Scientific name
Reason it is considered likely to occur
Blackish Blind Snake
Ramphotyphlops nigrescens
Suitable habitat is present and the species can
easily go undetected due to its cryptic nature
Golden Crowned Snake
Cacophis squamulosus
Suitable habitat present in south-eastern Yengo
NP.
Swift Parrot
Lathamus discolor
The species may be an extremely rare winter
visitor to the study area when stands of Swamp
Mahogany are in flower, particularly along
Greens Swamp in southern Parr SCA.
Platypus
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Anecdotal report from the owner of the
Terraborra inholding, who observed Platypus in
the 1980s (T. Horwood pers. comm.). The
Macdonald River may have sedimented up too
much to still support the species, but it may
persist in some of the major tributaries such as
Webbs Creek.
Yellow-bellied Sheathtailbat
Saccolaimus flaviventris
The Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat has never been
directly observed within the study area, though a
landholder living adjacent to the park in the
Wallabadah Valley has reported a mother and
baby of the species roosting in a towel on the
clothesline on several occasions. The species is
may be either an uncommon resident or
infrequent visitor to the southern Yengo NP and
Parr SCA, being most likely to utilise the wide
more fertile valleys (such as Wallabadah, Timor
and Nowlands valleys and around Big Yango) as
well as flat areas such as the Mellong Plateau.
28
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
4
PROFILES
SPECIES
OF
THREATENED
AND
PEST
This section provides a profile of each of the threatened fauna species and key pest species that are known
or considered highly likely to occur within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. The aim of these profiles is
to provide: a background on the species biology; a summary of threats to the species; an assessment of how
well the species is protected in the region; a map of known records of the species in the study area and the
surrounding five kilometres (as at 24th July 2007); and an appraisal of the distribution and status of the
species in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves and the surrounding area. Due to the spatial inaccuracy of
records from the first Birds Australia atlas, these records have not been included on the species distribution
maps contained herein. Similarly, records with a low reliability of identification have not been included on the
maps.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
29
4.1
THREATENED SPECIES
GIANT BURROWING FROG
Species Profile
The Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus) is a
large rotund ground-dwelling frog. Its powerful limbs are
used to excavate burrows where it can stay for long
periods of time during unfavourable conditions. This
species has a large black tadpole with a purple ventral
surface that takes up to eleven months to metamorphose
(Anstis 2002). The species has two disjunct populations,
with one restricted to sandstone geology of the Sydney
Basin as far south as Jervis Bay, and the other to the
south between Narooma and eastern Victoria (NPWS
2001c).
It has been suggested that this disjunct
distribution may reflect two separate species, though at
present evidence is inconclusive (Penman et al. 2004).
Threats
Plate 9:
Giant
Williams/DECC
Burrowing
Frog
©
N.
The primary threat to the Giant Burrowing Frog in NSW
is development of its preferred habitat for housing and agriculture (NPWS 2001c). Other threats are
not well known but may include alteration of drainage patterns, infection by Chytrid fungus, road
mortality, water pollution, frequent fire, forestry operations (DEC 2006b), and predation by Foxes and
Feral Cats. Long wall mining may be a significant future threat (NSW Scientific Committee 2005a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Giant Burrowing Frog is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. The Sydney
Basin population is thought to have declined considerably, with tadpoles being encountered far less
frequently than in the past (Anstis 2002). The species has been recorded within a number of Sydney
Sandstone reserves including Royal, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Garigal and Brisbane Waters NPs and across
the Woronora Plateau. Fewer records have been obtained in Blue Mountains, Nattai, Wollemi and
Yengo NPs and Bargo SCA. Penman et al. (2004) consider the Giant Burrowing Frog to be well
represented within the reserve system in the Sydney Basin Bioregion.
The Giant Burrowing Frog has been recorded in both breeding and non-breeding sites within the study
area, most frequently in Parr SCA. Males were heard calling from rock pools at three locations during
the 2006-07 surveys, including near Waterhole Road in September 2006, in the upper reaches of
Doyles Hollow in September 2006 and on Nowlands Creek in March 2007 (Map 4). The species
would potentially breed in similar habitats throughout the study area, particularly near the shallow
headwaters of minor drainage channels where sandy soils have accumulated, or on larger creeklines
with alluvial sand and rocky pools. No tadpoles have been directly observed in the study area to date.
In addition to the breeding habitat, individuals have been sighted dispersing along ridgetops,
particularly in the south-east of the study area as this area was surveyed after a period of heavy rain
when frogs take the opportunity to move through the landscape without risk of desiccation (Map 4).
The frogs would use such habitats extensively during and after rainy periods, and thus a large
proportion of the reserves can be considered potential habitat for this species.
Yengo NP lies towards the northern limit of the range of the Giant Burrowing Frog, with the southern
escarpment of the Hunter Valley appearing to form the northern boundary of the species distribution
(DECC 2007a). Conservation of the species within Yengo, Parr and neighbouring reserves is
therefore important. The species currently appears to be secure in this reserve system, and no
specific management actions are required at this stage. Management may be required in the future if
Chytrid fungus is discovered to be affecting populations, or if scientific research confirms that feral
predators and/or frequent fire pose a significant threat to the species in wilderness areas.
30
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
RED-CROWNED TOADLET
Species Profile
The Red-crowned Toadlet (Pseudophryne australis)
is a small, strikingly coloured, litter-dwelling frog. It is
restricted in its distribution, generally only occurring
on the Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstone
geologies of the Sydney Basin. The Red-crowned
Toadlet lays its eggs in moist leaf litter, relying on rain
to wash the eggs into ephemeral ponds where they
can complete their development (NPWS 2001d). The
species is gregarious, being found in colonies of up to
30 individuals (Barker et al. 1995). It will breed at any
time of year in order to take advantage of
unpredictable rainfall events (Thumm and Mahony
2002). The Red-crowned Toadlet has a high level of
reproductive failure (Thumm and Mahony 2002) and
due to its size and morphology, has only a limited
ability to disperse.
Plate 10: Red-crowned Toadlet © N. Williams
Threats
Development of ridgetop land and creek headwaters is the primary threat to the Red-crowned Toadlet.
Other threats may include habitat alteration due to frequent fire, bush rock removal, water pollution
and Chytrid fungus (NPWS 2001d). The species may also be impacted upon by the removal of dead
wood and trees and by habitat alteration due to longwall mining (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a,
2005a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Red-crowned Toadlet is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Suitable habitat for this species
is widespread across the sandstone plateaux of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, with major populations
occurring in the upper Blue Mountains, around the mouth of the Hawkesbury River and on the
Woronora Plateau extending to Royal National Park. Throughout its range it has been recorded in
numerous reserves, from Yengo and Wollemi National Parks in the north to Barren Grounds Nature
Reserve in the south (DECC 2007a), including some within the Sydney urban area, such as Lane
Cove National Park (DEC 2004a).
The Red-crowned Toadlet has been recorded at over 30 widely distributed locations in southern
Yengo NP and Parr SCA (Map 4). In most cases this small frog has been heard calling from
underneath leaf litter at the edge of pools or seepage areas on first and second order creeks and
drainage channels. The species has been found in such locations in a range of aspects, and would
have gone unrecorded in many more throughout the study area, including the more inaccessible areas
south of Mount Yengo. It is particularly worthy of note that the Red-crowned Toadlet appears to
currently be relatively abundant within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, despite the occurrence
of a number of extensive and intense wildfires over the past twenty years.
The Red-crowned Toadlet is restricted to the sandstone geologies of the Sydney Basin Bioregion, and
reaches the northern limit of its distribution at the southern escarpment of the Hunter Valley. The large
reserves within the Bioregion, particularly Yengo, Wollemi, Blue Mountains and Nattai NPs, as well as
Parr SCA, play a vital role in the conservation of this species over the long term. As the threatening
processes known for this species are not present throughout the majority of these reserves, the Redcrowned Toadlet appears to currently be secure within the area and does not require any immediate
management action. Management may be required in the future if Chytrid fungus is discovered to be
affecting populations or if scientific research confirms that frequent fire imposes a significant threat to
the species in wilderness areas.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
31
ROSENBERG’S GOANNA
Species Profile
Rosenberg’s Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi) (also known as
Heath Monitor) is a large, powerful lizard that occurs in the
greater Sydney Basin and the Southern Highlands, but then
discontiguously through Victoria, South Australia and southwestern Western Australia (King and Green 1999). It is
superficially similar to the commonly encountered Lace Monitor
though morphologically and taxonomically it is closer to the
Sand Monitor. It can be distinguished from the Lace Monitor
by the fine barring on its lips and tail and the spots on front and
back legs, and from the Sand Monitor by the lack of a
distinctive plain yellow tail tip. This goanna is known to be
associated with sandstone environments, but is relatively
cryptic and can be difficult to detect. It is usually found in heath
and woodlands where it shelters in burrows, hollow logs and
rock crevices (Cogger 2000).
Threats
Rosenberg’s Goanna is particularly threatened in urban
fringes, due to development of the flat sandstone ridgetops that
are its preferred habitat as well as road mortality (NPWS
2002a). Goannas have been identified as taking 1080 baits
(Thomson and Kok 2002) and thus may be impacted upon by
Plate 11: Rosenberg’s Goanna © N.
Corkish/DECC
Wild Dog and Fox control programs. Eggs and juveniles may
also be vulnerable to predation by Feral Cats and Dogs (DEC
2005d). Rosenberg’s Goanna is listed as a species adversely affected by the Key Threatening
Process removal of dead wood and dead trees (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
Rosenberg’s Goanna is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. The NSW population was once
thought to be restricted to the Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones (particularly coastal areas such
as Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, Woronora Plateau and Morton NP), but survey work conducted by DECC
over the last few years has confirmed it to be present elsewhere in the region, with confirmed sightings
from Abercrombie River, Turon NPs. In addition, there are anecdotal records of this species from the
south-western slopes as far west as Bathurst and for the region around Goulburn (R. Wells pers.
comm.), Braidwood and parts of the ACT (M. Schulz pers. comm.). The species is moderately well
represented in conservation reserves in the Sydney Basin, including in Wollemi, Yengo and Blue
Mountains NPs (DECC 2007a).
On the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Rosenberg’s Goanna has been recorded at nine widely spaced locations
in the Yengo and Parr reserves, as well as further locations in the adjacent Wollemi and Dharug NPs
(Map 4). All of these observations were made on ridgetops, where the species roams widely in search
of prey. The species has also been reported from the Big Yango Area (H. Cook pers. comm.).
Rosenberg’s Goanna is likely to be patchily distributed right across the sandstone plateau, particularly
on rocky ridges and upper slopes. However, the density of occurrence is unknown and would only be
able to be determined by further survey. There is anecdotal evidence that the species is moderately
abundant in the fact that over ten individuals were captured in cage traps during a survey on the
Western Commission Road in neighbouring Dharug NP (T. Horwood pers. comm.).
Sightings data indicate that the Hunter and Goulburn Valley escarpments form the northern boundary
of the species distribution in central NSW (DECC 2007 Atlas). The large reserves at this northern limit
of the species range, including Yengo and Wollemi NPs and Parr SCA incorporate extensive areas of
occupied habitat and therefore play a vital role in conservation of the species in the Sydney Basin.
Within this system of reserves, there are few threats to the species, with predation by introduced
carnivores likely to be the most significant. No immediate management actions are currently required
for the species.
32
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
BROAD-HEADED SNAKE
Species Profile
The Broad-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus
bungaroides) is a semi-arboreal species that
spends the cooler part the year under
sandstone exfoliations and around rock
outcrops, and the summer sheltering in tree
hollows in woodland (Webb and Shine 1997).
It averages about 60 centimetres in length and
is recognisable by its black and yellow
patterning. It is restricted to the sandstone
environments of the Sydney Basin between
Wollemi National Park and the Clyde River
catchment, south west of Nowra. Within this
Plate 12: Broad-headed Snake © A. Dudley
range it has disappeared from such areas as
Port Jackson and Middle Harbour, and on the
western edge of its distribution around
Bathurst. It is primarily a nocturnal ambush predator (NPWS 1999a) and is known to prey on
Lesueur’s Velvet Gecko (Oedura lesueurii).
Threats
Known key threats to the Broad-headed Snake include removal and disturbance of bush rock (Shine
and Fitzgerald 1989) and collection of specimens from the wild by snake-collectors (NPWS 1999a).
Other potential threats include: urbanisation of sandstone ridgetops; logging operations; and altered
fire regimes including an increase in vegetation density due to long term fire suppression that results in
a reduction in winter habitat (Pringle et al. 2003). Feral animals may threaten the species through
both predation and disturbance (NPWS 1999a), in particular the disturbance of rock outcrops by Feral
Goats (Murphy 1996). Habitat alteration by longwall mining and the removal of dead wood and dead
trees are other Key Threatening Processes thought to impact upon this snake (NSW Scientific
Committee 2005a, 2003a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Broad-headed Snake is listed as Endangered under the TSC Act and Vulnerable under the EPBC
Act. It is restricted to the Hawkesbury and Narrabeen Sandstones of the Sydney Basin Bioregion and
has disappeared from many locations where it was once well-known to occur. Remaining strongholds
appear to be the upper Blue Mountains, southern Wollemi and Royal National Parks extending on to
the Woronora Plateau. There is also a population in eastern Morton National Park, west of Nowra,
where recent targeted surveys in high quality habitat detected two individuals in approximately 27
hours of searching by expert herpetologists (P. Craven pers. comm.).
Locations of the Broad-headed Snake have been accurately recorded in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife on
only two occasions in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, each around Howes Swamp (Map 4). In
addition an individual was observed in the vicinity of Mogo Creek in 2007 and three individuals have
so far been recorded as part of the habitat replacement trials that are currently being undertaken in
Yengo NP (M. Ewings pers. comm.). The snake has also been seen on the Wollemi NP side of the
Mellong Plateau (Map 4). A study undertaken within the study area by Baker (2003) identified
potential Broad-headed Snake habitat at 30 locations in Yengo NP and Parr SCA, yet after turning
4377 rocks located just one individual, leading to the conclusion that the snake is present only at very
low abundance in Yengo NP. No Broad-headed Snakes were observed during the CRA or BSP
surveys.
Targeted searches for Broad-headed Snake in the last decade suggest the species to be rare in
reserves in the northern half of the Sydney Basin (Newell 1998 in Baker 2003). Over 540 systematic
reptile searches undertaken in Yengo and Wollemi NPs in the last three years have found just one
individual (in north-western Wollemi NP see DEC 2006a), though only a proportion of these searches
were undertaken in appropriate habitat and during an appropriate season to detect the species. This
low level of sightings, despite extensive survey effort, is typical of the Broad-headed Snake across its
range. These data do not indicate whether the Broad-headed Snake has undergone a decline in
numbers in the region, or whether it is naturally low in abundance. The Broad-headed Snake is
extremely difficult to locate during the summer months when it utilises tree hollows, and hence it is
very difficult to gain an understanding of the species distribution and density. The number of winter
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
33
shelter rocks suitable for Broad-headed Snake in Yengo NP is low in comparison to Royal NP, and
thus the study area may not represent prime habitat for the species (Baker 2003). However, this
possibility by no means discounts Yengo NP and Parr SCA as a significant contributor to the
conservation of this Endangered species in the north of the Sydney Basin. The recent sightings of
Broad-headed Snake in 2007 and 2008 are an indicator of how easily the species can go undetected
even when it is present. Individuals would survive along ridgelines located far from roads, such as in
the north-west of the study area. Where populations do survive, low abundance would make them
highly vulnerable to local extinction. Postulated threats to the species in the Yengo and Parr reserves
include: previous removal of bush rock leading to current low availability of winter shelter sites;
previous removal of hollows during logging operations leading to reduced availability of summer
shelter sites; frequent high intensity wildfire; and possibly predation by introduced carnivores. The
relative importance and degree of impact of these threats is unknown.
Management actions for the Broad-headed Snake in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves would
ideally commence with gaining a better understanding of the species current distribution and status.
However, due to the notorious difficulty in surveying this species, further surveys would be very
expensive and likely to provide little, if any, return. Until more efficient survey protocols are identified
for this species, further surveys are therefore not recommended. Management should instead focus
on mitigating key threats to the species, including ensuring that access to mapped areas of extensive
outcropping and exfoliating rock is highly restricted, that Feral Goats do not gain a hold in the reserves
and that natural maturation and senescence of forest and woodland is enabled to allow the reestablishment of hollows in previously logged and cleared areas. The study area is also being
incorporated into a research programme currently underway trialling the introduction of replacement
bush rock to potential habitat areas (M. Ewings pers. comm.).
34
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 4:
Threatened herpetofauna records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
35
BLACK BITTERN
Species Profile
The Black Bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis) is a medium-sized, dark grey-black heron, with a distinctive
yellow stripe on the head and neck. It is usually found singly or in pairs in thick vegetation at the
margins of freshwater and estuarine wetlands, with breeding occurring in thick leafy trees overhanging
water (Marchant and Higgins 1990). Within Australia, it is widespread in the coastal region between
the Kimberleys in Western Australia and extreme eastern Victoria. It is rare south of Sydney and there
is an isolated declining population in south-western Western Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000).
Threats
Habitat alteration is the greatest threat to the Black Bittern with practices that are known to have
severely affected the species in Western Australia likely to have had similar impacts in New South
Wales. Identified threats include clearing of riparian vegetation for agriculture and urbanisation, and
the resultant increase in salinity and sedimentation (Marchant and Higgins 1990, Garnett and Crowley
2000). Other threats that are likely to be important are other factors impacting on water quality, weeds
and introduced predators, especially Foxes. The NSW Scientific Committee (2005a) listed the species
as one that has the potential to be affected by subsidence due to longwall mining.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Black Bittern is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Within NSW, the majority of records are
from the three coastal Bioregions, with the occasional historic record west of the Divide (DECC
2007a). In the Sydney Basin Bioregion most records are along coastal waterways or the major rivers,
such as the Hawkesbury, which are often poorly reserved. Nevertheless, a number of records occur in
Dharug and Scheyville NPs.
The Black Bittern has not been recorded within the study area boundary, but has been sighted on a
few occasions immediately to the south (along the Hawkesbury River, Doyles Creek and Webbs
Creek) and to the north near Werong Creek. In addition to these records, a sighting was made further
north in Yengo NP, along Drews Creek, during BSP surveys in January 2005 (DEC 2005a).
It is unlikely that the Black Bittern would utilise the study area proper on a regular basis, but may be an
infrequent visitor along the major rivers and creeklines, particularly the Macdonald River and Webbs
Creek, during periods when standing water is present. The study area would provide only peripheral
habitat for the species, but is likely to make an important indirect contribution to the species
conservation in the region by improving water quality further downstream. More significant habitat lies
in the riverflat wetlands situated in private lands along the Hawkesbury and Macdonald Rivers.
36
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
GANG-GANG COCKATOO
Species Profile
The Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum) is
a small, stocky cockatoo with dark grey feathers on its
body, narrowly margined with pale grey, orange and red
(Pizzey and Knight 1999). Both sexes have a wispy
crest that is curved forward and twisted, with the males
crest and head being a bright fiery red. The species is
endemic to south eastern Australia, ranging from the mid
north coast and central tablelands of NSW to far south
west Victoria and occasionally into South Australia
(Higgins 1999). Gang-gangs are seasonally nomadic,
inhabiting tall mountain forests and woodlands in the
summer then moving to lower altitudes to drier, open
eucalypt forests and woodlands in the winter (Higgins
1999) when they may also be found in urban areas and
farmlands. It is gregarious in nature and primarily
arboreal, roosting in tall trees and foraging in pairs or
family groups for seeds, berries, fruits, nuts and insects
Plate 13: Gang-gang Cockatoo © K. Madden/DECC
in the canopy or occasionally in the understorey or on
the ground (Higgins 1999). The Gang-gang Cockatoo
requires hollows in large trees for breeding, which occurs between October and January (Pizzey and
Knight 1999).
Threats
Threats to the Gang-gang Cockatoo are poorly known but are thought to include habitat destruction
and degradation; in particular the loss of food trees and large old trees required for roosting and
breeding (NSW Scientific Committee 2001a, 2005b). An important threat is that a large amount of
winter habitat has been cleared for agricultural and urban development. Competition for nest hollows
with other species may also be problematic (NSW Scientific Committee 2001a), while Psittacine
Circoviral (Beak and Feather) Disease may threaten small populations that are already stressed (DEH
2004a). Climate change may alter the extent and nature of the cool temperate vegetation that the
species utilises (Olsen et al. 2003, NSW Scientific Committee 2005b).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Gang-gang Cockatoo has recently been listed as a Vulnerable Species under the TSC Act. The
listing was made on the basis of a decline in the reporting of this species across its distribution
between 1984 and 2002, though the reliability of this trend was low (Barrett et al. 2003). In the
Sydney Basin Bioregion it is abundant south of the Hunter River, though there are relatively few
records in the Sydney and Wollongong urban areas. Numerous records of the species occur within
many reserves, including Kanangra-Boyd, Blue Mountains, Nattai, Wollemi and Yengo National Parks.
The Gang-gang Cockatoo has been recorded at over 70 locations in the Yengo and Parr reserves,
including almost 50 times during the 2006-07 BSP surveys (Map 5). This species has been recorded
in all areas where systematic surveys have been undertaken, but was least frequently observed in the
south-western third of the study area. It occurs in a wide range of habitats, most frequently sheltered
forest types and Ironbark forest. It has been recorded feeding on Conesticks (Petrophile pulchella)
fruit, Rough-barked Apple fruit and bracket fungus, though its diet is by no means restricted to these
plants. Records have been collected during various times of the year, including spring, summer,
autumn and winter, suggesting that the study area provides habitat for the cockatoo all year round. Of
the known potential threats to this species, the only ones relevant to the study area are loss of tree
hollows from previous logging operations, and potentially climate change.
The study area is clearly important to the local protection of the Gang-gang Cockatoo and contributes
significantly to its regional conservation. However, the species is widespread across the sandstone
reserves of the Sydney Basin, and is currently considered to be relatively secure in the region. No
management actions are currently required for the Gang-gang Cockatoo in the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
37
GLOSSY BLACK-COCKATOO
Species Profile
The Glossy Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) is a
medium to large black cockatoo, which has a diagnostic blackbrown head, with yellow patches in the female, and red tail
panels. It is usually seen in pairs or trios (with dependant
young) in eucalypt woodland or forest, where it nests in
hollows. This species feeds almost exclusively on Sheoaks
(Allocasuarina species including A. verticillata, A. torulosa and
A. littoralis) (Higgins 1999). Two subspecies are restricted to
eastern Australia between Queensland (Eungella) and eastern
Victoria, with the nominate lathami found in NSW, and a third,
isolated, endangered subspecies on Kangaroo Island (South
Australia) (Higgins 1999).
Threats
The major threat appears to be habitat destruction for
agricultural or residential development, causing the removal of
nesting and feeding sites and also increased competition from
more open habitat species such as Galahs. Because many
Plate 14: Glossy Black-cockatoo © N.
Allocasuarina species are fire sensitive, inappropriate burning
Williams/DECC
regimes may affect food supplies (NSW Scientific Committee
2000a). In addition, the removal of dead wood and dead trees
is a Key Threatening Process that may impact on this species (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a), as
is competition from Feral Honeybees (Apis mellifora) (NSW Scientific Committee 2002a). In addition,
DEH (2004a) lists the Glossy Black-cockatoo as a species that has exhibited symptoms of Psittacine
Circoviral (Beak and Feather) Disease.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Glossy Black-cockatoo is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Being a large, conspicuous
species there are numerous records in the coastal third of the state, though it is also found on the
western slopes and an apparently isolated population occurs in the Narrandera-Lake Cargelligo area
of the Riverina (NSW Scientific Committee 1999a). Relatively large areas of the Sydney Basin provide
suitable habitat for the species and there are a large number of records throughout the Bioregion
(DECC 2007a). Feeding habitat is well protected, occurring in numerous DECC reserves, including
Morton, Nattai, Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Yengo and Wollemi NPs.
The Glossy Black-cockatoo has been recorded at approximately 80 locations in the southern Yengo
and Parr reserves (Map 5). Approximately 25 % of these records derive from evidence of the birds’
activity (as opposed to direct observation) in the form of chewed Allocasuarina cones that are left
behind after feeding. The species has been encountered most frequently in the eastern half of the
study area, where sheltered forests that support Forest Oak as a component of the small tree layer are
widespread. None-the-less, the distinctive bird has also been heard and observed in more sheltered
locations in the north (such as along Nowlands Creek) and west (such as creeks that run east off the
Mellong Plateau).
The southern Yengo and Parr reserves provide an extensive area of high quality habitat for the Glossy
Black-cockatoo, and appear to support greater numbers than northern Yengo NP (DEC 2005a). The
study area thus contributes significantly to the regional conservation of the species. The Glossy
Black-cockatoo is well protected across the sandstone environments of the Sydney Basin, and
appears to have few threats acting upon it within the reserve system. No management actions are
currently required for the Glossy Black-cockatoo in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA. Fire
management may be necessary in the future if research indicates that burning regimes are reducing
the abundance or distribution of Allocasuarina species.
38
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
TURQUOISE PARROT
Species Profile
The Turquoise Parrot (Neophema pulchella) is a small, brightly
coloured parrot, distinguished by its bright green upper parts,
yellow under parts and blue face and shoulder patch. The male
is considerably brighter than the female, and also has a red
shoulder band. The bird usually occurs in pairs or small family
parties in eucalypt woodlands and open forests that have a
ground cover of grasses. It nests in tree hollows, and has a
usual clutch size of two to five eggs (Higgins 1999). It is
restricted to eastern Australia, where its range has contracted by
over 50 percent since the 1890s (Garnett and Crowley 2000).
Threats
Garnett and Crowley (2000) summarise the main threats as:
clearing for agriculture, which has greatly reduced the overall
distribution of the species; predation by Cats and Foxes; loss of
hollows that are used for nesting in managed forests; and
inappropriate burning regimes that may favour a shrubby rather
than a grassy understorey. The species is listed as potentially
threatened by the removal of dead wood and dead trees (NSW
Scientific Committee 2003a). Psittacine Circoviral (Beak and
Plate 15: Turquoise Parrot © DECC
Feather) Disease is not known from this species, but has been
recorded in the congeneric Orange-bellied Parrot (N.
chrysogaster) (DEH 2004a). The species may also be threatened by competition for nesting sites with
introduced birds, such as the Common Myna, as well as Feral Honeybees.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Turquoise Parrot is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Within NSW the number of records is
highest along the western slopes (Nandewar, Brigalow Belt South and NSW South West Slopes
Bioregions) and in the Sydney Basin Bioregion (DECC 2007a). In the latter, the species is most
commonly found within dry grassy woodland environments in the Hunter and Capertee Valleys and to
a lesser extent the Cumberland Plain. Important conservation reserves for this species in this
Bioregion include, Wollemi, Yengo and Goulburn River NPs, Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve and
Yerranderie SCA.
The Turquoise Parrot has been recorded at just over 30 locations within the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves (Map 5). These records are in three main clusters, being the Mellong Plateau, around Mile
Ridge north of Colo Heights, and along Mogo Creek Road south-west of Bucketty (Map 5). In the last
decade the Turquoise Parrot has been recorded most frequently on the Mellong Plateau, within the
woodlands on perched sands. During the 2006-07 BSP surveys the species was also observed on a
handful of occasions in the north of the study area, between Mount Yengo and Sandy Creek. In these
areas the species utilises Ironbark woodlands on Narrabeen Series geology, and it is likely to visit this
vegetation community during periods of flowering elsewhere in the north and centre of southern Yengo
NP.
The southern Yengo and Parr reserves support only a limited amount of habitat for the Turquoise
Parrot, with only the Mellong Plateau, the Ironbark woodlands on Narrabeen Series geology, and
grassy vegetation in wider alluvial valleys being frequently used by the species. The majority of the
study area does not provide suitable habitat. However, due to the fact that large amounts of
Turquoise Parrot habitat in the Goulburn, Capertee, Hunter and Howes Valleys have been cleared in
the past for agriculture, or are still under threat from urban development and expansion of mining
activities, all habitat that is conserved in reserves has high conservation value. The study area
therefore provides a small yet significant contribution to the regional conservation of the species. The
greatest threat to the species within the study area is likely to be predation by Fox and Feral Cat, both
of which have been recorded in Turquoise Parrot habitat areas. The Mellong Plateau and Ironbark
woodlands on Narrabeen Series geology should therefore be included in any Fox or Cat control
programmes, to aid abatement of this threat.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
39
BROWN TREECREEPER (EASTERN SUBSPECIES)
Species Profile
The Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) is a medium-sized brown bird that is superficially
similar in appearance to the Red-browed and White-throated Treecreepers. It is distinguished from
both by its slightly larger size, distinctive pale eyebrow stripe and distinctive call. It is typically a bird of
eucalypt woodlands with a grassy or open shrub understorey and abundant fallen timber and/or dead
trees. Unlike most treecreepers, the species spends approximately half of the time on the ground
feeding on insects, particularly ants and beetles, taken from live and dead trees, fallen branches and
off the ground. It occurs in pairs or small groups in permanent territories where tree hollows are
utilised for breeding (Higgins et al. 2001). The eastern subspecies (victoriae) occurs along the coast
and ranges in Victoria, New South Wales and south-east Queensland, with the other two subspecies
occurring either further west (picumnus) or further north (melanotus) (Schodde and Mason 1999).
Threats
The eastern subspecies of the Brown Treecreeper is one of a suite of woodland birds that have
declined throughout their range due to habitat clearance (Reid 1999). Traill and Duncan (2000)
estimated that the population has declined by at least twenty percent in the last fifteen years. As with
most treecreepers, once extinction occurs in an isolated vegetation remnant, natural recolonisation is
unlikely (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The problem is compounded by competition for tree hollows
from introduced species like the Common Starling, Common Myna and Feral Honeybee (Higgins et al.
2001, NSW Scientific Committee 2001b). Stock grazing impacts on the species by decreasing the
diversity of ground-dwelling invertebrates, which reduces food availability (NSW Scientific Committee
2001b). The Brown Treecreeper is also listed as a species threatened by the removal of dead wood
and dead trees (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The eastern subspecies of the Brown Treecreeper is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. It is
found through all the eastern Bioregions in NSW, though it is least common in the South East Coast
and Australian Alps, and has declined significantly within the Sydney Basin and NSW North Coast.
Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion, the species is restricted to open woodlands of the central
tablelands and open coastal plains and valleys such as the Capertee and Hunter Valleys and the
Cumberland Plain (DECC 2007a). These environments are all characterised by agricultural and urban
clearing with scattered small isolated fragments of native vegetation. The species is very close to
extinction from the Cumberland Plain, with recent sightings consisting of only a small isolated
population in the south (DECC 2007c). Habitat for the species is contained within a limited number of
reserves within the Sydney Basin Bioregion, including Yerranderie SCA, Nattai NP (Burragorang and
Nattai Valleys), Wollemi, northern Yengo, Blue Mountains and Goulburn River NPs and Manobalai
Nature Reserve.
The Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies) has been recently recorded at 10 locations in southern
Yengo NP (Map 6). All but two of these locations are on the Mellong Plateau, particularly near the
western end of the Wallaby Swamp Track. The other two locations are isolated sightings, one on
Calore Creek south of Mount Yengo, and the other on the edge of the park in Wallabadah Valley (Map
6).
Southern Yengo NP supports only peripheral habitat for the Brown Treecreeper (eastern subspecies),
with only the Mellong Plateau and adjacent woodlands and the grassy Red Gum and/or Ironbark
woodlands on Narrabeen Series geology being frequently used by the species. The majority of the
study area does not provide suitable habitat. However, due to the fact that only small amounts of
Brown Treecreeper habitat in the Goulburn, Capertee, Hunter and Howes Valleys are located in public
lands or reserves, all habitat that is conserved has high conservation value. Southern Yengo NP
therefore provides a small yet significant contribution to the regional conservation of the species.
Potential threats to the species within the study area are not known, but may include grazing by
introduced herbivores (including wild Cattle in the valleys within and surrounding Big Yango Station
and Fallow Deer on the Mellong Plateau), competition for hollows from the Feral Honeybee and/or
Common Starling and removal of large logs through firewood collection or frequent hot fires. The
Mellong Plateau and the old inholdings in the north of the study area should therefore be included in
Deer and Cattle eradication programmes, to aid abatement of this potential threat, while the Common
Starling should be monitored on Big Yango Station to assess its abundance and habitat use.
40
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
SPECKLED WARBLER
Species Profile
The Speckled Warbler (Pyrrholaemus sagittata) is a small,
primarily ground-dwelling bird. It is similar in size to the Buffrumped Thornbill but can be identified by its boldly streaked
underbody, distinctive facial pattern, noticeably longer tail and
distinctive call. It usually occurs in dry sclerophyll forests and
woodlands with low shrub thickets and a grassy understorey,
where it feeds on insects and seeds. Pairs, and occasionally
trios, live in permanent territories, in which a domed nest is built
on the ground in grass tussocks, usually under logs or other
cover. Two to four eggs are laid per clutch, though breeding
success can be low. The Speckled Warbler is endemic to southeastern Australia, occurring between Maryborough in southeastern Queensland western Victoria (Higgins and Peter 2002).
Plate 16: Speckled
Williams/DECC
Warbler
©
N.
Threats
The Speckled Warbler is one of a number of woodland birds that has declined in density throughout its
range due mainly to agricultural land clearing (Reid 1999). Speckled Warbler populations are
estimated to have declined by at least twenty percent in the last fifteen years (Traill and Duncan 2000).
Populations in small isolated vegetation patches may experience local extinction due to natural
fluctuations (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The species nests and forages on the ground and hence is
susceptible to predation by feral carnivores, loss of ground cover by stock and Rabbit grazing, and
weed invasion (NSW Scientific Committee 2001c, Garnett and Crowley 2000). Speckled Warbler is
listed as potentially adversely affected by the Key Threatening Process of invasion of native plant
communities by exotic perennial grasses (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b), as well as by
inappropriate fire regimes that alter vegetation structure.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Speckled Warbler is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. It is widespread in the eastern
Bioregions of the state, extending as far west as the Cobar Peneplain, but is scarce or absent from the
South East Coast and Australian Alps. Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion most records are in areas
supporting dry woodlands, including the Burragorang Valley, lower Hunter Valley and Goulburn River
Valley. Its preference for woodlands on higher fertility soils means that it mostly occurs outside the
reserve system. Habitat is contained within a limited number of reserves in the Sydney Basin
Bioregion including Wollemi, Nattai, Yengo and Goulburn River NPS and Munghorn Gap and
Manobalai Nature Reserves (DECC 2007a). The majority of records within these reserves occur near
the edges adjacent to more fertile land.
Historical records exist for the Speckled Warbler in the Yengo and Parr reserves, however these have
low spatial accuracy and do not give information about current distribution of the species (hence they
have not been displayed on Map 6). The only current known localities for the species in southern
Yengo NP were first recorded in November 2006 during the BSP surveys, and include a single
individual flushed during a spotlighting survey at the junction of Big Yengo and Mountain Creeks, and
two individuals seen during a systematic diurnal bird survey on Nowlands Creek (Map 6). In addition
to these records, the species has recently been sighted outside the reserve in Howes Valley, Putty
Valley and Wollombi Valley (DECC 2007a). In the study area the Speckled Warbler has been
observed in Ironbark-dominated woodlands and forests as well as adjacent to clearings in alluvial
valleys.
Southern Yengo NP supports only peripheral habitat for the Speckled Warbler, with only the valley
floors and lower slopes supporting Red Gum and/or Ironbark woodlands on Narrabeen series geology
being frequently used by the species (particularly the old inholdings in the north of the study area).
The majority of southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA does not provide suitable habitat for the species.
However, due to the fact that only small amounts of Speckled Warbler habitat in the Goulburn,
Capertee, Hunter, Putty and Howes Valleys are located on public lands, all habitat that is conserved in
reserves has high conservation value. Southern Yengo NP therefore provides a small yet important
contribution to the regional conservation of the species.
Threatening processes are likely to still act upon this species within the old inholdings along Nowlands
Creek and Big Yango Station, including Fox predation, grazing by Rabbits and wild Cattle and weed
invasion. Mitigation of these threats should therefore be targeted towards Speckled Warbler habitat.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
41
BLACK-CHINNED HONEYEATER (EASTERN SUBSPECIES)
Species Profile
The Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis) is a small,
rather stocky and short-tailed honeyeater. It is distinguished
from other related honeyeaters by its relatively larger size, bright
blue or jade green eye-wattle and distinctive call. The species is
nomadic, moving within and between drier eucalypt woodlands
that feature Ironbark and/or Box species. It is usually found in
pairs or small groups of up to twelve and feeds on insects, nectar
and lerp usually in the upper canopy and outermost flowers and
leaves. There are two subspecies, which have in the past been
named as two separate species.
The eastern, nominate
Plate 17: Black-chinned Honeyeater ©
subspecies (gularis) is found along the inland slopes of the Great
P. Mahoney
Dividing Range, extending to the coast in the Sydney Basin and
Clarence River Valley of NSW, and again between Brisbane and
Rockhampton, Qld, as well as westward into south-eastern South Australia. The ‘Golden-backed
Honeyeater’ (laetior) is widespread across northern Australia (Higgins et al. 2001).
Threats
The eastern subspecies of the Black-chinned Honeyeater is one of a suite of woodland birds that have
declined throughout their range due to habitat clearance (Reid 1999). They are threatened by
clearance and fragmentation of woodland habitat and do not appear to use small remnants less than
200 hectares in area (NSW Scientific Committee 2001d). The species appears to occur naturally at
low densities (NSW Scientific Committee 2001d). The species is likely to experience high levels of
competition from aggressive honeyeater species associated with smaller fragments and may suffer
increased nest predation from such species as the Pied Currawong (NSW Scientific Committee
2001d).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The eastern subspecies of the Black-chinned Honeyeater is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act.
Scattered records occur in the eastern half of the state, with the highest number in the Nandewar,
Sydney Basin and NSW South West Slopes Bioregions (DECC 2007a). In the Sydney Basin region
most records come from drier areas with fertile soils such as the Capertee and Hunter Valleys and
western Sydney, where it is often associated with winter-flowering tree species such as White Box
(Eucalyptus albens) and Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata). All of these areas have been heavily
cleared in the past and remain subject to numerous ongoing threatening processes. Most of the
records for the species are outside of conservation areas. However, it has been recorded in a small
number of DECC reserves, notably Goulburn River and Werakata NPs and Munghorn Gap Nature
Reserve, as well as northern Yengo and Wollemi NPs (DECC 2007a).
All of the records for Black-chinned Honeyeater within southern Yengo NP derive from the 2006-07
BSP surveys. The bird was recorded at six locations, including the old inholdings south and east of
Big Yango Station (a total of six birds in November 06 and March 07), the confluence of the
Macdonald River and Yengo Creek (two heard calling in November 06), and the Mellong Plateau (one
heard calling in October 06) (Map 6). With the exception of the records on the Mellong Plateau, all of
these sightings were made in woodland or forest dominated by Ironbarks (Eucalyptus crebra and/or E.
fibrosa). The Black-chinned Honeyeater has not been observed in Parr SCA, and would be unlikely to
occur due to lack of suitable habitat.
The Black-chinned Honeyeater is a mobile species that moves around the landscape in response to
local flowering events. The species is therefore likely to utilise the extent of vegetation communities in
the park that contain Ironbark species in the canopy, which most frequently occur on lower slopes on
Narrabeen Series geology. Though the amount of habitat available to the Black-chinned Honeyeater
in southern Yengo NP is limited in extent, the area plays a very significant role in regional conservation
of the species. The large majority of other recent records in the northern half of the Sydney Basin are
either on unreserved lands still under threat from fragmentation or development (such as the Hunter
Valley) or on the margins of reserves (such as western Wollemi NP) (DECC 2007a). In contrast,
Black-chinned Honeyeater has been recorded deep within Yengo NP, in areas less vulnerable to
disturbance and other threatening processes. No known threats are acting on the species in the
reserve. The protection of Black-chinned Honeyeater habitat within Yengo NP has high local and
regional conservation significance and, together within neighbouring Wollemi NP, is vital to the
ongoing survival of the species east of the Great Dividing Range in central NSW.
42
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
REGENT HONEYEATER
Species Profile
The Regent Honeyeater (Xanthomyza phrygia) is a medium-sized
honeyeater with striking black and yellow plumage. It typically
favours Box-Ironbark woodland, though it also utilises River Oak
forests and coastal habitats such as Swamp Mahogany
(Eucalyptus robusta) or Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata)
dominated forest. The species is semi-nomadic and seems to
undertake complex movements, generally dependent on where
flowering food trees are available. It feeds on nectar, lerps and
insects and nests in the crown of eucalypts where it usually lays
two or three eggs. It is endemic to south-eastern Australia,
formerly occurring between central Queensland and South
Australia. It is now rare in Queensland and probably extinct in
South Australia, with a general contraction of range in the other
two states (Higgins et al. 2001). There is thought to be only a
single population of approximately 1500 individuals remaining,
with numbers considered to be still decreasing (Garnett and
Crowley 2000).
Plate 18: Regent Honeyeater © DECC
Threats
Land clearance for agriculture has removed about three-quarters of habitat that was suitable for the Regent
Honeyeater across its range. The remaining habitat is highly fragmented, and continues to be degraded by
the removal of larger trees as well as grazing by domestic stock and Rabbits (NPWS 1999b). Habitat
alteration may also advantage more aggressive honeyeaters, such as miners (Manorina spp.) and friarbirds
(Philemon spp.), which may displace the Regent Honeyeater.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Regent Honeyeater is listed as Endangered under the TSC Act and as Endangered under the EPBC
Act. Within NSW the greatest numbers occur in the Sydney Basin, Nandewar and New England Tableland
Bioregions (DECC 2007a). Important areas in the Sydney Basin are the Capertee and lower Hunter
Valleys, the northern Cumberland Plain and the Central Coast. The species is primarily observed outside of
reserves, although a small number of parks are regularly used, including Goulburn River and Nattai NPs,
Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve, and occasionally Wollemi NP (DECC 2007a).
The Regent Honeyeater has been recorded on a single occasion within the study area, right on the eastern
boundary near Mount Manning in 1983 (Map 6). The spatial accuracy of this record is low, and it is
uncertain whether the bird was actually observed within Yengo NP or not. In addition to this, the Regent
Honeyeater has been observed on several occasions adjacent to the Yengo and Parr reserves in the last
decade, including one individual in St Albans in 2005, 13 animals near Laguna in 1997, and one sighting in
the Putty/Howes Valley in 1999 (DECC 2007a). The species has been observed within these areas on
several occasions prior to 1997, and also around Colo Heights during the 1980s (Map 6).
The southern Yengo and Parr reserves contain only a very small fraction of marginal habitat for this
Endangered species. The Regent Honeyeater favours creeklines and valley flats that support River Oak
with mistletoe, Red Gum, Swamp Mahogany or Rough-barked Apple, as well as lower slopes that are
dominated by Box and Ironbark species. A small amount of such habitat occurs along Greens
Swamp/Creek, along the Macdonald River, Mogo and Wallabadah Creeks, and in the old inholdings south
of Yengo Track, including Big Yango Station. It is possible that the Regent Honeyeater visits such areas on
rare occasions where favoured food trees are in heavy flower or food is limited elsewhere.
Clearing has reduced the available habitat in the region to remnants on creek flats and lower escarpment
slopes, with the greater extent of quality habitat located on private lands. Much of the remaining high
quality habitat within the region is fragmented and continues to be degraded or under pressure from
development. Any habitat that is preserved within the reserve system therefore has high conservation
significance. Though the study area contains only a small amount of peripheral habitat, it may none-theless play an important role as part of the network of foraging resources available to the Regent Honeyeater
in the region. Management actions should be focussed on targeted surveys during peak flowering periods
of favoured food trees, over several years, in order to ascertain the extent to which the species currently
utilises the study area, if at all.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
43
GREY-CROWNED BABBLER (EASTERN SUBSPECIES)
Species Profile
The
Grey-crowned
Babbler
(Pomatostomus
temporalis) is the largest of the four Australian
babbler species, and the only one with a lightcoloured crown. Other distinctive features are a long,
decurved bill and a dark band that passes from the
bill through the eye, giving it a “masked” appearance
(Higgins and Peter 2002). There are two subspecies
in Australia, the nominate being temporalis, which
occurs in eastern Australia from Cape York to northeast NSW then south and west through central NSW
and Victoria to south-eastern South Australia (Higgins
and Peter 2002). It is widespread on the inland
slopes of the Great Dividing Range in NSW and on
Plate 19: Grey-crowned Babbler © N. Williams
the western plains. The Grey-crowned Babbler lives
in open forest and woodland, Acacia shrubland and adjoining farmland, preferring Box-Gum woodlands on
slopes and Box-Cypress and open Box woodlands on alluvial plains (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The
species feeds on invertebrates gleaned from vegetation or the ground (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The
birds form family parties which are thought to be vital for predator avoidance and co-operative feeding of the
young (King 1980).
Threats
The Grey-crowned Babbler has been identified as one of a number of birds that have declined significantly
in range and population in the sheep-wheat belt of central west NSW due to the degradation and
fragmentation of woodland habitats (Reid 1999). Much remaining Babbler habitat occurs in isolated
fragments, from which the species has gradually disappeared (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Once lost from
a habitat fragment, natural recolonisation is unlikely (Robinson and Traill 1996). Agricultural practices such
as grazing and associated weed invasion also pose a threat (NSW Scientific Committee 2003b), as does
increased competitor abundance in disturbed habitats (NSW Scientific Committee 2004a), removal of
important feeding sites in the form of dead wood and dead trees and possibly predation by Feral Cats.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The eastern subspecies of the Grey-crowned Babbler is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. It is most
common in the central western Bioregions of NSW, particularly the NSW South Western Slopes and
Brigalow Belt South, but also occurs in the NSW North Coast Bioregion in areas such as in the Clarence
River Valley (DECC 2007a). Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion the species is largely restricted to the
Hunter Valley, with a few records also in the Capertee Valley, where it is closely associated with the drier
woodland habitats. Within the Bioregion it is poorly represented in reserves, but has been detected within
Wollemi, Goulburn River, Yengo and Werakata National Parks and Munghorn Gap Nature Reserve (DECC
2007a).
The Grey-crowned Babbler has been accurately recorded at just two locations in the study area in the last
decade, including around the homestead at Big Yango Station, and on Calore Creek west of Mount Calore
(Map 6). Other potential habitat for this species occurs in the old inholdings east of Big Yango Station,
where a mix of cleared and lightly timbered country occurs along the wider creek flats of Nowlands and
Timor Creeks. It may also occur in low numbers on the Mellong Plateau, as it has recently been seen near
Six Brothers Waterhole. The species is unlikely to occur in Parr SCA or south-eastern Yengo NP, as the
habitat and average rainfall patterns are not suitable. The Grey-crowned Babbler has been recorded much
more frequently outside of the Yengo and Parr reserves, including in the Howes and Putty Valleys, around
Laguna and Wollombi (Map 6) and, further a field, through the Hunter and Capertee Valleys.
Southern Yengo NP supports only a very small amount of habitat for the Grey-crowned Babbler. However,
as most of the remaining habitat for this species east of the Great Dividing Range is still under threat from
further fragmentation and development, all habitat contained within the reserve system makes a significant
contribution to the species long term conservation in eastern central NSW. The species is subject to
ongoing threats even within the reserve system, including grazing by introduced herbivores, weed invasion
and possibly predation by introduced carnivores. Ongoing management of these threats on Big Yango
Station, Timor and Nowlands Creeks will be important to the long term survival of Grey-crowned Babbler in
Yengo NP.
44
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 5:
Part one of threatened diurnal bird records within five kilometres of the southern
Yengo and Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
45
Map 6:
Part two of threatened diurnal bird records within five kilometres of the
southern Yengo and Parr reserves
46
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
BARKING OWL
Species Profile
The Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) is of intermediate size between the
larger Powerful Owl and the Southern Boobook. It has dark brown upperparts and a white underbody with coarse brown streaking (Higgins 1999). It
is often identified by its call, which is a distinctive, dog-like barking that can
be confused with Fox or Dog barks. It usually inhabits dry open eucalypt
forests and woodlands, where it is associated with hydrological features such
as rivers and swamps (Taylor et al. 2002a). It nests in hollows, usually of
large eucalypts, where it lays one to three eggs. It is an opportunistic feeder,
eating more insects than other large forest owls, but consumes small
terrestrial and arboreal mammals and birds during the breeding season. The
race connivens occurs east of a line connecting Cooktown (Queensland) and
the Flinders Ranges (South Australia) with an isolated population in the
south west of Western Australia. Other races occur across northern
Australia, in New Guinea and the Moluccas (Higgins 1999).
Plate 20: Barking Owl © S.
Cottrell/DECC
Threats
The main identified threat to the species is habitat destruction, particularly the removal of woodlands and
forests from more low-lying fertile areas for agriculture (Taylor et al. 2002b). Remaining habitat is often
subject to degradation through grazing or forestry operations that fell old-growth and over-mature trees,
thus reducing available nest sites (NPWS 2003c). However, the owl is frequently located at the edge of
forest blocks adjacent to cleared land, possibly due to increased prey availability at such locations (Taylor et
al. 2002b). Other threats include predation (particularly of fledglings), mortality from collisions with fences
and vehicles, secondary poisoning from rodenticides, collection of firewood and removal of dead wood and
trees and competition from Feral Honeybees (Garnet and Crowley 2000, NSW Scientific Committee 2003c).
The long generation time of this species (ten years) is a further issue, as it compromises the ability to
recover after suffering population declines (NSW Scientific Committee 1998a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Barking Owl is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Records occur throughout NSW, though it is
rarer in the far west and at higher altitudes in the south-east (DECC 2007a). Records are scattered
throughout the Sydney Basin Bioregion, the most important locations appearing to be the Capertee and
Hunter Valleys. Within this Bioregion very few records are located on conservation reserves, with most
being on private lands (DECC 2007a). However, recent DECC surveys have obtained a small number of
records from the dry woodlands on the periphery of northern Yengo and Wollemi National Parks (DEC
2005a, 2005b) as well as Manobalai Nature Reserve and Crown Lands (DEC 2005e).
Recent accurate records of Barking Owl on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife are concentrated in the northern half
of the study area, particularly around Big Yango Station, Nowlands Creek, and adjacent sections of the
Yengo Track, where the species has been seen or heard six times between 1998 and 2007 (Map 7). In
addition the species has been recorded near the eastern and western boundaries of the park (on the edge
of the Putty Valley and near Bucketty), while anecdotal records exist for the lower reaches of Webbs Creek
(V. Winton pers. comm., on ‘Parrawirra’ property). The Barking Owl was detected during just three of the 81
nocturnal call playback surveys undertaken in the study area in the last decade, indicating it to be low in
abundance and/or restricted in extent. Habitat for the Barking Owl occurs along creeklines and lower
slopes in drier parts of the study area, and in addition to where it has been recorded, may include the upper
reaches of the Macdonald River and its major tributaries. The species is highly unlikely to occur in southeastern Yengo or southern Parr, as the average annual rainfall is too high.
Though still recorded very rarely, call playbacks undertaken in the dry woodland habitats of the reserves
along the southern escarpment of the Hunter Valley (particularly north-eastern Wollemi and northern
Yengo) have resulted in higher response rates than have been achieved on reserves in the southern
Sydney region (DECC 2007b). The preferred habitat of the Barking Owl in the Capertee, Goulburn and
Hunter Valleys has been widely depleted by clearing for agriculture, industry and settlements and much
remaining habitat is under continued pressure from these threats. These two facts together indicate the
high degree of importance of northern Yengo and Wollemi NPs to the regional conservation of the Barking
Owl. Current threats to the Barking Owl within Yengo NP are not known, but likely to be few within the
study area. Management of the owl in the park and the region should be undertaken in accordance with the
state-wide recovery plan (currently in draft form, NPWS 2003c).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
47
POWERFUL OWL
Species Profile
The Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) is the largest owl in Australia and is
distinguished by its relatively small, round head and long tail. It is dark
brown above with prominent off-white barring, and paler underneath with
diagnostic dark chevrons. It inhabits various forest habitats, though it
usually breeds and roosts in dense forest types, including rainforest and
wet sclerophyll forest. It hunts in more open forests, where it feeds mainly
on arboreal mammals, particularly Common Ringtail Possums and Greater
Gliders (Kavanagh 2002a). This species usually nests in a hollow in a
eucalypt within or below the canopy, and normally lays two eggs. It usually
maintains a territory of between 300 and 1500 hectares, with size
dependent on habitat quality and prey density. The species is endemic to
eastern Australia, being recorded between Eungella (Queensland) to near
the South Australia-Victoria border (Higgins 1999).
Threats
Plate 21: Powerful Owl ©
N. Williams
Past land clearance for agriculture has reduced the area of habitat
available for the Powerful Owl (Garnett and Crowley 2000), particularly the
availability of nest sites. The owl can, however, survive in areas with some levels of disturbance, such
as in selectively logged forests (Kavanagh 1997) and suburban areas of Brisbane, Sydney and
Melbourne (Garnett and Crowley 2000, DEC 2004a). Two of the determining factors for the species
persistence in disturbed areas are the presence and suitable abundance of prey species (Chafer
1992) and suitable nesting/roosting sites (Debus and Chafer 1994). Other factors that may affect this
species include predation of fledglings by Foxes and secondary poisoning, though neither is thought to
be a significant cause of mortality (DEC 2006c). In addition, the foliage roosts of the Powerful Owl are
vulnerable to regular hazard reduction burning (DEC 2006c).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Powerful Owl is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Within NSW, the majority of records
occur within the three coastal Bioregions, but occasional sightings have also been made further west,
particularly in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion. It is regularly recorded throughout the Sydney
Basin Bioregion, from the rural-urban fringes of the Sydney Metropolitan area to west of the Dividing
Range onto the Central Tablelands. Recent work within the Sydney Catchment Authority Special
Areas (Woronora and Warragamba) has found Powerful Owls to be in higher densities and more
widespread within the sandstone country of the Sydney Basin than previously thought (DECC 2007c).
Most reserves within the Sydney Basin Bioregion support known territories of this species, though they
are at lower densities in the drier environments of the north-west.
The Powerful Owl has been recorded at 10 locations within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA
between 1985 and 2007 (DECC 2007a). These records are widely scattered across the reserves,
from the far north (Yengo Track north-east of Mount Yengo) to the far south (south of Wheelbarrow
Ridge) and west (Mellong Plateau) to east (southern end of Old Great North Road (Map 7). The
species has not been detected in the central north-western portion of the study area, but this is likely
to simply be an artefact of the lower amount of survey effort in that area. In total, the species
responded to three of the 81 nocturnal call playback surveys undertaken in the last decade. The
Powerful Owl would be sparsely distributed across the study area, within the vicinity of sheltered
environments where tree hollows are present and preferred prey species are more abundant.
The Powerful Owl has been recorded much more frequently in higher rainfall climates to the east of
the study area, including on reserves such as Jilliby SCA, and off reserve in vegetation remnants on
the Central Coast. Though the study area appears to support only a low density of the species, the
expanse of suitable habitat plays an important role as part of the wider system of reserves that
connect coastal habitats and populations to those on the Great Dividing Range. The Powerful Owl is
considered to be relatively secure when located in protected areas and no management actions are
currently required for this species in the study area. However, known locations and habitats should be
considered during fire management planning, to ensure that the quality of canopy foliage is not altered
by regular hazard reduction burning. Natural maturation and senescence of previously logged forests
in the study area will increase the availability of roosting sites for the species in the long term.
Management of the owl across the region should be undertaken in accordance with the state-wide
recovery plan (DEC 2006c).
48
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
MASKED OWL
Species Profile
The Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) is a large owl that is distinguished
from the similar Barn Owl by its larger size, more thickset and hunchbacked
appearance, fully feathered legs and larger feet (Higgins 1999). It inhabits a
wide range of open forest and woodland habitats, requiring large hollows for
roosting and nesting and open areas for hunting. It feeds mostly on grounddwelling mammals such as rats and Antechinus, and occasionally on diurnal
birds, Sugar Gliders and insects (Kavanagh 2002a). It appears to forage near
ecotones, either at the boundary of forests of different structural composition or
at the forest edge, and may thus benefit from the mosaic of burnt-unburnt
patches in the landscape after fire (DEC 2006c). The owl has a home range of
800 to 1200 hectares (Kavanagh 2002b). It nests in hollow trees, usually
eucalypts, where two to three eggs are the normal clutch (Higgins 1999). The
nominate subspecies novaehollandiae was formerly found around the southern
coast of Australia between Fraser Island (Queensland) and Carnarvon
Plate 22: Masked Owl ©
(Western Australia), though its range has contracted, particularly in Western
M. Todd
Australia (Garnett and Crowley 2000). Other subspecies occur in Tasmania,
northern Australia and in New Guinea and adjoining islands, some of which are sometimes considered
separate species (Higgins 1999).
Threats
Clearance of native forest for agriculture and urban development, and the resulting fragmentation of
habitat, is the primary threat to the Masked Owl (Garnett and Crowley 2000). The species does not
persist within fragments of forest smaller than 200 hectares (Kavanagh 2002b). The core areas of the
species distribution in NSW are located on the Central Coast and Lower Hunter Valley where much
habitat is not reserved and therefore under continued pressure from urban and industrial development.
The owl may be affected by logging, through removal of hollows or reduction in foraging habitat due to
vigorous regrowth (Garnett and Crowley 2000). However it has been suggested that modern mosaic
logging operations do not cause major changes to the abundance of the species (Kavanagh 2002b).
The removal of dead wood and dead trees is considered to be a Key Threatening Process affecting
this species (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Masked Owl is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Most records for the species in NSW are
located within the three coastal bioregions (NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner),
with a few scattered records west of the Divide (DECC 2007a). Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion,
the woodlands of the coastal plains between Wyong and Port Stephens support high numbers of this
species, with concentrations of records also occurring in the south and to a lesser extent across the
southern Blue Mountains. Records of the Masked Owl are scattered within a number of DECC
reserves, including Royal, Blue Mountains, Nattai, Kanangra-Boyd, Brisbane Water, Wollemi and
Dharug NPs and Berowra Valley Regional Park (DECC 2007a).
The Masked Owl has been observed on four occasions in the study area, between 1995 and 2007
(Map 7). It was recorded during just one nocturnal call playback survey (1.2 %), played from the Bala
Range Track during CRA surveys, suggesting that the species occurs only at very low density. This
result is consistent with surveys of other sandstone reserves, including northern Yengo, northern
Wollemi and reserves south of Sydney (DECC 2007a and DECC 2007b). The other three records for
the study area derive from opportunistic observations, and include the discovery of a roost site near
the junction of Yengo and Little Jimmys Creek during the 2006-07 BSP surveys. Several pellets were
collected from this roost site, from which the following prey species were identified: Brown Antechinus,
Common Dunnart, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Sugar Glider, possible Eastern Pygmy-possum, Rat (Rattus
sp.) and, most excitingly, Brush-tailed Phascogale. The analysis of these pellets gives an insight into
the diversity of the Masked Owl diet, and the occurrence of small ground mammal species that are
otherwise difficult to survey effectively.
The majority of Masked Owl records in the region occur outside or on the margins of DECC reserves,
particularly in the Lower Hunter Valley and on the Central Coast. The habitat within southern Yengo
and Parr is probably only of secondary quality. Never-the-less, as it is subject to fewer pressures than
most of the primary habitat, it is likely to be key to the long term survival of the species in the region.
No specific actions can be recommended for the species at this time, but management of the owl in
the region should be undertaken in accordance with the state-wide recovery plan (DEC 2006c).
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
49
SOOTY OWL
Species Profile
The Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) is a medium to large ‘barn’ owl, with sooty grey plumage that is
finely spotted and flecked with white. It is found in tall wet forests, including wet sclerophyll and
rainforest, where it is often first detected by its distinctive ‘falling bomb’ call. It roosts and breeds in
tree hollows (often located in old emergent trees) as well as in deep sandstone overhangs or dark
caves (DEC 2006c). It is usually located within 100 metres of a stream (Kavanagh 1997). Pairs
probably maintain permanent territories that are between 200 and 800 hectares in area, depending on
the availability of prey (Higgins 1999). The species feeds on a wide range of arboreal and terrestrial
mammals (Kavanagh 2002a). In Australia the subspecies tenebricosa is distributed along the east
coast between Queensland and Victoria. A smaller subspecies (arfaki) occurs in New Guinea (Higgins
1999).
Threats
Garnett and Crowley (2000) list the main threat as habitat clearance for agriculture and urban
development, along with additional fragmentation or degradation caused by logging, burning and
dieback. The exact impacts of logging remain unclear (Higgins 1999). Where the species is at the
margins of its ecological tolerance, frequent fire may threaten its occurrence when it results in the
replacement of mesic plants with fire tolerant species and impacts on nest and roost sites. The Sooty
Owl is a highly specialised species occupying a narrow range of habitats, which makes it particularly
vulnerable to climate change (NSW Scientific Committee 2000b).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Sooty Owl is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Within NSW it is largely restricted to the
three coastal Bioregions, with a few records in the extreme east of the South Eastern Highlands
Bioregion. The distribution of this species in the Sydney Basin Bioregion is strongly tied to the
presence of wet sclerophyll forests and rainforests. The Illawarra escarpment behind Wollongong and
the Watagan Ranges between the Central Coast and Newcastle support the largest areas of high
quality habitat (NPWS 2002a). In these areas it has been most often recorded in Illawarra
Escarpment and Jilliby State Conservation Areas, with other records in Royal, Blue Mountains and
Bouddi National Parks (DECC 2007a).
The Sooty Owl was recorded for the first time on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife in 2007, including once
during a BSP nocturnal call playback survey above a tributary of Wellums Creek, and once
opportunistically by another animal researcher on Wheelbarrow Ridge (Map 7). Both of these records
come from higher rainfall areas, where the average is greater than 900 millimetres per annum.
Potential habitat for the Sooty Owl is quite limited in extent in the study area, restricted to the higher
rainfall areas and sheltered habitats that support mesic vegetation with rainforest elements. In
addition to where it was recorded, the species may also occur on Womerah Creek and its tributaries,
parts of upper Webbs Creek and its tributaries, and elsewhere in the Wrights Creek Catchment.
In the last decade the Sooty Owl has been far more commonly recorded east of the study area, in
regions that receive an average of greater than 1000 millimetres of rain per annum (DECC 2007a).
Habitat occurs on several public lands, particularly Jilliby SCA, Watagans NP and Olney and
Watagans State Forests (DECC 2007a). Given this, the study area is considered to play only a minor
role in the conservation of the species in the northern half of the Sydney Basin. The greatest threat to
the Sooty Owl in the study area is likely to be changes in vegetation characteristic resulting from
frequent fire, leading to a reduction in the availability of suitable mesic habitat. To reduce the potential
for this to occur, fire management practices should aim to ensure at least some sections of mesic and
rainforest vegetation are always left in a long unburnt state. Natural maturation and senescence of
previously logged forest will result in the re-establishment of hollows and potentially increase the
amount of suitable roosting habitat for the species within the reserves in the long term. In general,
management of the owl in the region should be undertaken in accordance with the state-wide recovery
plan (DEC 2006c).
50
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 7:
Threatened nocturnal bird records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
51
SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL
Species Profile
The Spotted-tailed or Tiger Quoll
(Dasyurus maculatus) is a mediumsized marsupial carnivore that is
identifiable by its rufous to dark brown
fur and white spots which are present
on the body and tail. It is essentially
terrestrial, but is also an agile climber.
It feeds on a wide variety of birds,
reptiles, mammals and invertebrates
and will also take carrion and domestic
poultry (NPWS 1999c).
Two
subspecies of Spotted-tailed Quolls
have been recognised: D. maculatus
gracilis from north Queensland and D.
m. maculatus from south-eastern
Plate 23: Spotted-tailed Quoll © N. Fenton/DECC
Queensland, New South Wales,
Victoria and Tasmania (Edgar and Belcher 1995). However, genetic work has shown that the true
genetic split occurs between Tasmania and the rest of the mainland (Firestone et al. 1999). Within
NSW the species utilises a variety of habitats on both sides of the Great Dividing Range, including
sclerophyll forest and woodlands, coastal heath and rainforest (NPWS 1999c). Habitat requirements
include suitable den sites, an abundance of food and large areas of intact vegetation (NPWS 1999c).
Threats
The main problems confronting the Spotted-tailed Quoll are believed to be habitat loss, degradation
and fragmentation (Belcher 2004). Other threats include: predation and competition by introduced
predators such as Feral Cat, Fox and Wild Dog; disease such as toxoplasmosis; road mortality; and
direct mortality at the hands of humans (Mansergh 1984). Quolls were heavily persecuted as killers of
domestic fowl, and have been hunted and trapped to extinction in many parts of eastern Australia. In
recent years evidence has been collected to suggest that baiting using 1080 (sodium
monoflouroacetate) has significant negative impacts on Quoll populations (Belcher 2004, Murray and
Poore 2004), however other research contradicts this (e.g. Kortner and Watson 2005). Wild
Dog/Dingo control also has the potential to indirectly impact on Quolls as it can result in greater
numbers of Foxes and/or Feral Cats (Glen and Dickman 2005). The Spotted-tailed Quoll has been
listed as a species affected by the following Key Threatening Processes: removal of dead wood and
dead trees (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a); high frequency fire (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a);
and removal of bushrock (NSW Scientific Committee 1999b).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Spotted-tailed Quoll is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act and as Endangered under the
EPBC Act. The southern populations are believed to have contracted in range by up to 50 percent in
recent years (Maxwell et al. 1996). Within NSW the species has been most frequently recorded in the
NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions (DECC 2007a). There are few
recent records for the Sydney Basin Bioregion, though it is still seen with some regularity on the
Central Coast between Hornsby and Newcastle, in the upper Blue Mountains and to a lesser extent in
the Kangaroo Valley (DECC 2007a). It may have recently become extinct in other areas. The species
has been recorded in a number of conservation reserves in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, most recently
within Blue Mountains, Brisbane Water, Popran and Wollemi National Parks (DECC 2007a).
The Spotted-tailed Quoll is a very cryptic species. Where it occurs in low density, it is difficult to trap
and can require an immense effort to detect using standard survey techniques (Lunney and Matthews
2001). The majority of recent records for the species in the Sydney Basin come from traces left by the
animals (such as tracks, remains or scats), road kills and opportunistic sightings. This behaviour is
reflected in the fact that only a single record of Spotted-tailed Quoll exists on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife
for the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, being a scat found at Heartbreak Hill campsite during the
CRA surveys (Map 9). The species is more often seen on private lands adjacent to the park, where
individuals have been trapped in aviaries in the Macdonald River Valley, raided chicken coups along
the Hawkesbury River (DECC 2007a) and also been seen by locals in the Wallabadah Creek and
Werong Creek Valleys. This pattern does not necessarily indicate a preference of Quolls for human
52
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
inhabited areas, but more likely reflects the fact that this is where they are more easily observed and
recorded by humans.
The current status of Spotted-tailed Quoll in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA is unknown. The
species was not detected during the BSP surveys, however the systematic survey techniques
implemented did not target this species and are unreliable for detecting the presence of Spotted-tailed
Quoll where it only occurs at low abundance. A limited amount of potential habitat occurs within
moister vegetation types on gully lines and sheltered lower slopes, particularly in the south and east of
the study area. It is likely, however, that this habitat is only of low value compared to that present in
other sandstone reserves that receive higher average annual rainfall, such as southern Wollemi and
northern Blue Mountains NPs. If this native carnivore does persist within the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves, it would be subject to several ongoing threats including competition and predation from
Foxes, Feral Cats and Wild Dogs, and potentially high intensity or high frequency fire. Management of
the species in the reserves should consider interactions between Quolls, Dingoes and Foxes and the
potential impact of 1080 baiting, with the results of latest research incorporated into any feral animal
control programmes. Priority should be given to increasing public awareness of the Spotted-tailed
Quoll, its identification and conservation status, and to encouraging neighbours and park visitors to
report any sightings, together with accurate location information.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
53
BRUSH-TAILED PHASCOGALE
Species Profile
The Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa) is a moderately small Dasyurid wiith a
conspicuous black “bottle-brush” tail that has hairs up to 55 millimetres long (Soderquist 1995). Colour
is a uniform grizzled grey above with a cream to white underside. The species feeds primarily on
invertebrates and nectar but will occasionally attack small vertebrates and even poultry (Soderquist
1995). The Brush-tailed Phascogale is mostly arboreal; its hind-feet are able to rotate 180 degrees
making it an agile climber. The species has often been observed running along the underside of
branches. There is a a northern subspecies (P. tapoatafa subsp. pirata) which inhabits the northern
points of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland, while the southern subspecies (P.
tapoatafa subsp. tapoatafa referred to here) occurs from Rockhampton to the Mount Lofty Ranges
and in a disjunct population in south western Western Australia (Soderquist 1995).
Threats
Threats to the Brush-tailed Phascogale are numerous and include habitat loss and fragmentation,
including as a result of clearing for agriculture. Small populations are now confined to isolated patches
of remnant bushland which impede genetic interchange (Soderquist 1995) and increase the potential
for predation. A vast reduction in the number of hollow-bearing trees through logging is a significant
threat (NPWS 1999d). Van der Ree et. al. (2002) stress the importance that even single and isolated
hollow-bearing trees can have for the species. Predation by the Fox and Feral Cat is an issue with
individuals falling victim if they are weakened from stress-induced illness (Soderquist 1995). NPWS
(1999d) cites inappropriate fires regimes as an issue, destroying foraging and sheltering habitat in
what are usually already fragmented areas. Competition for hollows with the Feral Honeybee has also
been cited as threat (NSW Scientific Committee 2002a). Although arguably not a human influenced
process, drought is considered to be a factor in population decline particularly in the Western
Australian population (Rhind and Bradley 2002).
Local and regional conservation status
The Brush-tailed Phascogale is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. In NSW the species known
core distribution is among the forested habitats of the northern and southern ranges (Dickman and
Read 1992, Ayers et al. 1996). State-wide predicted distribution is from the coast west to around
Dubbo (NPWS 1999d). Within the Sydney Basin Bioregion the species has been recorded mostly
from the Singleton and Maitland areas of the Hunter Valley (DECC 2007a). Scattered records exist
from the Newcastle, Springwood, Northern Sydney and Camden areas although most of these predate
1900 and are of very low spatial accuracy.
The Brush-tailed Phascogale has only been recorded on a single occasion in the study area. It was
identified from skull and dentary bone fragments collected from underneath a Masked Owl roost in an
overhang on a tributary of Little Jimmys Creek, north of the Bala range (Map 8). The age of the bones
could not be determined. There is a considerable degree of uncertainty regarding the existence of
Brush-tailed Phascogale in the study area, as it is possible that: the bone fragments are old and the
species is no longer extant in the area; the individuals were captured by the Masked Owl outside of
the study area; the species still exists but live specimens have gone undetected due to restriced
extent, low population numbers or simply the absence of appropriate targeted survey techniques. The
Brush-tailed Phascogale is known to still occur in the Upper Hunter Valley, including Wollombi Valley
and around Singleton, and is well known from the Lower Hunter Valley particularly between Maitland
and Nelson Bay (DECC 2007a). The species is more common north of the Hunter Valley, with very
few records to the south, until south of the Shoalhaven Local Government Area (DECC 2007a).
The status of the Brush-tailed Phascogale in the Yengo and Parr reserves is currently unknown. The
species is notoriously difficult to detect, and many survey methods are not cost effective, not proven to
work effectively, or present a danger to the animals themselves. However, given the very high
regional conservation significance of this species it is recommended that further targeted surveys be
undertaken. The most effective method is likely to be erection of nest boxes in potential habitat areas
(T. Soderquist pers. comm.) being wider alluvial valleys that support open forest or woodland with a
grassy or herbaceous ground layer (see grassy alluvial forests and woodlands fauna habitat group
description in Section 5.3), including in the vicinity of the Masked Owl roost. These nest boxes would
need to be periodically checked for Brusth-tailed Phascogale individuals, nests or scats over several
years to accurately assess whether the species is extant in the Yengo and Parr reserves or not.
54
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
KOALA
Species Profile
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a distinctive arboreal mammal
of eucalypt forest and woodland. It feeds on a wide range of
eucalypt and other tree species, though in a local area a few species
will be preferred almost exclusively. Historic records and recent
research (DECC 2007c) suggest that the Koala generally has a
preference for higher fertility soils. Individuals spend most of the day
resting in the forks of trees, and are most active following sunset
(NPWS 1999e). The species generally moves within a home range,
the size of which varies on the density of food trees and population
size, but ranges between 15 and 100 hectares (Lunney et al.
unpublished data).
Three subspecies occur between north
Queensland and the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. However,
the distribution is now fragmented and introductions, such as to
Phillip Island in Victoria, have possibly altered the genetic diversity of
many of the populations (Martin and Handasyde 1995).
Plate 24: Koala © P. Madden
Threats
Threats to the Koala across its range include: habitat loss for urban development, agriculture and
mining; degradation of habitat through fragmentation and disturbance such as fire or weed invasion;
mortality from collision with motor vehicles; predation by introduced mammals including Wild Dog, Fox
and Feral Cat; and infection by Chlamydia which causes keratoconjunctivitis (an infection of the eyes)
and infertility (NPWS 1999e, NPWS 2003d). In NSW, Chlamydia mostly afflicts animals that are
already stressed and is not considered to be a major problem (Menkhorst 1995a, NPWS 2003d).
Throughout its entire range loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat is the greatest threat
(NPWS 2003d).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Koala is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. The species is widespread across the eastern
third of the state, with a number of records throughout the Sydney Basin Bioregion. In this Bioregion,
concentrations of records occur around the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, the fringes of the
Cumberland Plain and the Woronora Plateau (DECC 2007a). Records from reserves within the
Sydney Basin are uncommon, though sightings have been made in Morton, Dharug, Nattai, Blue
Mountains, Brisbane Water, Wollemi and Yengo National Parks (DECC 2007a).
The Koala is well known within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA, and has been the focus of at least
one dedicated study (Curtin et al. 2002). The species has been recorded on over 50 occasions during
the systematic survey projects undertaken in 1997 and 2006-07, as well as over 55 times by DECC
field staff and park users. The largest concentration of records is in the north-east of the study area,
from Bucketty to Bala Range and north to the Yengo Track (Map 8). This connects with records in the
Watagans and Olney State Forests to the east, which are likely to be part of the same population. No
estimate of population size was made during the 2006-07 surveys, but animals appeared healthy and
widespread, though only at moderate density. Scattered individuals have been recorded through
south-eastern Yengo, and larger numbers throughout Parr SCA, with another concentration of records
around Wheelbarrow Ridge and Colo Heights (Map 8). A few sightings have been made on the
Mellong Plateau, but it is possible that these were of males moving through the area rather than
indication of a breeding colony in the west.
Southern Yengo and Parr support the greatest collection of Koala records on DECC estate in the
northern half of the Sydney Basin (DECC 2007a). Records are more concentrated in Brisbane Water
and Ku-ring-gai NPs, as well as Watagans and Olney State Forest, but the extent of protected habitat
is smaller in these reserves. Only scattered sightings have been made through northern Yengo and
northern Wollemi NPs in recent years (DEC 2005a, DEC 2005b). Many records on the Central Coast
fall outside of the protected area system. The study area therefore plays a critical role in the regional
conservation of the Koala. Of the known threats to the species, two which occur in the study area are
predation (from Wild Dog, Fox and Feral Cat) and fire. However, no direct evidence of predation from
feral species has been collected to date, and the population(s) appears to have remained healthy after
the extensive 1994 and 2001 wildfires. The key to management of the Koala in southern Yengo and
Parr SCA is likely to be retaining connectivity with habitat areas to the east, by working with adjacent
landholders to conserve Koala habitat and prioritise reserve acquisitions towards lands that support
high quality Koala habitat.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
55
EASTERN PYGMY-POSSUM
Species Profile
The Eastern Pygmy-possum (Cercartetus nanus) is a very small
possum that is found in a wide variety of habitats, including
rainforest, sclerophyll forest and woodland and heaths. It is
generally nocturnal, and is an opportunistic omnivore, including
nectar, pollen, insects, seeds and fruit in its diet (Tulloch 2003).
Each individual has a number of nests, which are usually constructed
in tree hollows, throughout their territory. The species will move
through tree, shrub and ground layers (Turner and Ward 1995). It is
patchily distributed between far south east Queensland and the far
south east of South Australia, and Tasmania, though it is only found
at higher altitudes in the north of its range and is generally more
abundant in southern latitudes (Bowen and Goldingay 2000,
Menkhorst 1995b). It is very difficult to detect without the use of
pitfall trapping (Tulloch 2001) and hence its distribution and
abundance may often be underestimated.
Plate 25: Eastern Pygmypossum © K. Gillett/DECC
Threats
The NSW Scientific Committee (2001e) listed the following potential threats to the Eastern Pygmypossum: isolated sub-populations with little dispersal potential which increases the risk of local
extinction; habitat loss and fragmentation caused by clearing; inappropriate fire regimes that may
effect understorey plants; the loss of nest sites through intensive forestry and firewood collection; and
predation by Foxes and Feral Cats.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Eastern Pygmy-possum is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. This listing appears to be
chiefly based on Bowen and Goldingay (2000), which showed that despite intensive survey effort
throughout the known distribution, relatively few individuals have been detected. However, the survey
techniques used in many of these surveys may have underestimated the abundance of this species.
Kavanagh (2004) concluded that the species is inadequately studied in NSW for its conservation
status to be accurately assessed. Records of the Eastern Pygmy-possum are sparsely distributed
throughout eastern NSW and in the central west and north west of the state, with the majority of
records from the South East Corner and Sydney Basin Bioregions (DECC 2007a). Within the Sydney
Basin Bioregion records are concentrated within the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and the Woronora
Plateau (DECC 2007a). The species has been recorded in a number of reserves including Dharawal,
Morton, Royal, Blue Mountains, Ku-ring-gai Chase, Wollemi and Brisbane Water National Parks (DEC
2007b).
The Eastern Pygmy-possum was recorded for the first time in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves
during the 2006-07 systematic surveys. Both of the records derive from remains located in predator
scats, including one found in Pierces Hole and one on the Old Great North Road north of Sullivans
Arm Track (Map 8). The species has been observed in the Mangrove Dam catchment and on many
occasions in MacPherson State Forest to the east of the study area (DECC 2007a). The Eastern
Pygmy-possum is a highly cryptic animal, and survey techniques that target the species, particularly
pitfall trapping, have only been undertaken to a very limited extent. The species would be more
widespread than records indicate. Based on records elsewhere, the species is most likely to occur
within woodlands that have a dense shrub layer and an abundance of flowers, particularly of the
genus Banksia. Potential habitat is widespread, and includes heathlands and low open woodlands
along the Old Great North Road, the Mellong Plateau and sections of Parr SCA, and potentially taller
woodlands and open forests around Wheelbarrow Ridge and the catchment of Wrights Creek.
Records of Eastern Pygmy-possum in the study area are too sparse to assess the current status of the
species. An intensive targeted trapping program would be required in order to assess the abundance
and distribution of the Eastern Pygmy-possum within the locality and region. Trapping would need to
include use of pitfall traps with drift fences, Elliott traps and nest boxes positioned against flowering
shrubs and trees, as these techniques have been found to be the most effective capture method for
the species in other areas (Bladen et al. 2002, Shelley 1998, M. Schulz pers. comm.). However, as
habitat for the Eastern Pygmy-possum is relatively well reserved in the Sydney Basin, further surveys
are a moderately low conservation priority. The largest threat to Eastern Pygmy-possum within the
study area is likely to be predation by the Fox, and as such if locations of the species are discovered
they should be included in Fox control programs.
56
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
YELLOW-BELLIED GLIDER
Species Profile
The Yellow-bellied Glider (Petaurus australis) is a medium-sized nocturnal
mammal found in tall open sclerophyll forests and woodlands of eastern
Australia. As an arboreal species, it requires mature hollow bearing trees
within which to den during the day, and at night from which to leap and
glide using a membrane that extends from the wrists to the ankles (NPWS
1999f). It is characterised by grey fur above and a whitish to orange fur
underneath with large bare ears. The species is more often heard than
seen, as it frequently emits a distinctive throaty call, which can be heard
from some distance. It feeds on eucalypt nectar, sap, manna and
invertebrates found under shedding bark. Its feeding habits to extract sap
Plate 26: Yellow-bellied
can leave deep V-notched incisions in the bark of eucalypts, with
Glider © J. Winter/DECC
individuals and families demonstrating preference for repeated use of
individual trees for many seasons (Mackowski 1988). Yellow-bellied
Gliders are known to utilise a home range of between 30 and 65 hectares (Goldingay and Kavanagh
1991). The southern, nominate subspecies ranges between south-eastern South Australia and central
coastal Queensland with a separate subspecies isolated in the wet tropics of north Queensland
(Russell 1995).
Threats
Yellow bellied Gliders are known to be greatly affected by the reduction of nesting resources when the
availability of hollow-bearing trees is lost through clearing, fragmentation or timber extraction (NPWS
1999f). Predation by Feral Cats and Foxes is also thought to contribute to the species vulnerability.
Impacts of fire regimes are poorly understood, although some studies suggest that high intensity fire
reduces populations and the availability of food resources (NPWS 1999f, 2003e). The Yellow-bellied
Glider is also listed as potentially negatively affected by the Key Threatening Process of competition
from feral Honeybees (NSW Scientific Committee 2002a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Yellow-bellied Glider is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Within NSW, records are largely
concentrated within the coastal Bioregions, being NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East
Corner, as well as parts of the South East Highlands Bioregion (DECC 2007a). Recent surveys have
significantly expanded the knowledge of its distribution and habitat preferences in the Sydney Basin.
For example, as little as ten years ago the species was thought to be uncommon in the greater
southern Sydney region, however, the converse has been found to be the case (DECC 2007c). Here
the species has been found to strongly associate with habitats that have a high cover of Grey Gum
(Eucalyptus punctata) and Forest Red Gum (E. tereticornis), with large numbers located in the Blue
Mountains escarpments and gullies (DECC 2007c). Population strongholds elsewhere in the Sydney
Basin include the tall forests of the Central Coast and Watagan Ranges (DECC 2007c). Numerous
records are known from a large number of reserves including Jervis Bay, Morton, Nattai, Blue
Mountains, Yengo, Watagans and Wollemi National Parks amongst others (DEC 2007d). In fact, the
large number and wide distribution of records of Yellow-bellied Glider that have been collected in the
past decade, together with the extent to which threatening processes (logging and land clearing) have
been controlled, has led some researches to suggest that the conservation status accorded to the
species should be reviewed and possibly down-listed (Kavanagh 2004).
Over 70 percent of records for the Yellow-bellied Glider in the study area were collected during the
CRA and BSP surveys. Approximately half of all records derive from the distinctive ‘V’-shaped
notches that the gliders make on tree trunks. In the study area these notches have been recorded by
far the most frequently on Grey Gum, but also on Red Bloodwood and Rough-barked Apple. Yellowbellied Glider is restricted to taller open forests in the study area, and though it is likely to be present in
the majority of wet sclerophyll forests it appears to be most abundant in areas of higher fertility such as
the Wallabadah Valley, around Big Yango Station and in the vicinity of Wheelbarrow Ridge (Map 8).
Recent surveys on reserves in the northern half of the Sydney Basin concur with findings in the
greater southern Sydney region, that Yellow-bellied Gliders are widespread and relatively common
throughout the moderate to high rainfall areas in the large sandstone reserves of the Sydney Basin.
Most threats outlined in the species recovery plan are not present within large sections of these
reserves. The Yellow-bellied Glider can thus be considered relatively secure in the Sydney Basin
Bioregion, and does not currently require any specific management actions in the Yengo and Parr
reserves.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
57
SQUIRREL GLIDER
Species Profile
The Squirrel Glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) is a small to medium-sized nocturnal
mammal that inhabits dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands where it shelters in
leaf-lined nests in tree hollows. It is similar in appearance to the smaller and
more common Sugar Glider (P. breviceps). However, the Squirrel Glider is
larger, has a longer more pointed face, longer and narrower ears and a bushier
tail, particularly at the base. It also lacks the persistent yapping call of the Sugar
Glider, instead infrequently emitting a deeper call. It has a varied diet comprised
of insects, nectar, pollen, seeds, Acacia gum and sap from eucalypts (Suckling
1995b). The Squirrel Glider usually occurs in family groups of up to ten,
consisting of one male, one or more females and their dependant young. Home
ranges vary between 0.65 and 8.55 hectares and individuals have been known to
move up to 500 metres in one night. It is patchily distributed along the east coast
and inland slopes between north Queensland and northern Victoria (NPWS
1999g) in habitats that comprise sufficient numbers of hollow-bearing trees for
shelter and winter flowering plant species for food (Quin 1995).
Plate 27: Squirrel
Glider © N. Williams
Threats
The greatest threat to the Squirrel Glider is loss of habitat by broadscale clearing for agriculture
(Kavanagh 2004). Most clearing in NSW has occurred in open forests and woodlands growing on
relatively fertile soils on gentle topography, especially in river valleys (Lunney and Leary 1988), which
comprises the prime habitat of the Squirrel Glider. Clearing of land for mining has also resulted in
habitat loss in the Hunter Valley (N. Williams pers. comm.). NPWS (1999g) lists further threats to the
Squirrel Glider as: loss of nesting resources when the availability of hollow bearing trees are lost
through fragmentation or timber extraction; predation by Feral Cats and Foxes; and the entanglement
of individuals on barbed-wire fences. The species is also listed as susceptible to the following Key
Threatening Processes: removal of dead wood and trees (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a);
ecological consequences of high frequency fire (NSW Scientific Committee 2000a); and competition
for tree hollows with Feral Honeybees (NSW Scientific Committee 2002a).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Squirrel Glider is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. It occurs patchily throughout the
eastern Bioregions of NSW, and is only recorded regularly in the NSW North Coast, Nandewar and
Sydney Basin (DECC 2007a). Across its range, habitat for the Squirrel Glider occurs primarily outside
of public lands (Kavanagh 2004). In the Sydney Basin Bioregion the dry woodlands of the Central
Coast provide very high quality habitat and is a stronghold for the species (Smith and Murray 2003).
Elsewhere in the Bioregion the species has only been patchily recorded at very low densities,
including in a small number of reserves such as Yengo, Wollemi, Blue Mountains, Dharug, Goulburn
River and Werakata NPs (DECC 2007a).
The Squirrel Glider has only been recorded right on the boundary of Yengo NP, including once on the
Mellong Plateau and once in the Wallabadah Valley (Map 8). The species was not recorded during
the BSP surveys, despite extensive searching using techniques known to be suitable for detecting the
species. Potential habitat for the species is very restricted in extent, occurring primarily along the
wider alluvial valleys in the north of the study area, including Wallabadah, Sandy, Timor and Nowlands
Valleys, and possibly also Wollombi Arm. It is possible that the species occurs at low density through
these valleys, though past clearing may have caused local extinction through removal of tree hollows.
The majority of the study area does not provide suitable habitat.
Southern Yengo NP supports only a small fraction of marginal habitat for the Squirrel Glider.
However, as much of the remaining habitat in the Hunter Valley and Central Coast is still under threat
from further fragmentation and development, all habitat that is conserved has high conservation value.
Southern Yengo NP therefore provides a small yet significant contribution to the regional conservation
of the species. The Squirrel Glider is subject to ongoing threats even within the reserve system, including
low density of hollows due to past logging/clearing, and predation by Fox and Feral Cat. Ongoing
management of these threats on Big Yango Station, Timor and Nowlands Creeks will be important if the
Squirrel Glider is to survive in Yengo NP in the long term. Management of the Squirrel Glider in southern
Yengo will require further survey to determine the species current extent, and potentially targeted
management of introduced predators in areas where the Glider is discovered. In addition, adjoining
landholders should be encouraged to maintain paddock trees near the park boundaries, even if dead,
in order to ensure a sufficient supply of tree hollows.
58
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
BRUSH-TAILED ROCK-WALLABY
Species Profile
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is a
medium-sized macropod, characterised by its distinctive facial
markings, black paws, and long thickly furred tail which has a
distinctive brush-like appearance near the tip (NSW Scientific
Committee 2003c, NPWS 2002b). Habitats occupied by this
species tend to take one of three forms: loose piles of large
boulders containing a maze of subterranean holes and
passageways; cliffs (usually over fifteen metres high) with
many mid level ledges covered by overhangs; or isolated rock
stacks, usually sheer sided and often girdled with fallen
boulders (NPWS 2002b). Vegetation forms a vital component
of the habitat, especially as refugia near major rock outcrops.
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby was once abundant and
ubiquitous throughout the mountainous country of southeastern Australia, from the Grampians in western Victoria to
Nanango in south-east Queensland (Short and Milkovits
Plate 28: Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby © E.
1990). This wallaby has declined significantly in the west and
Holland/DECC
south of its former range, and populations have become more
fragmented throughout (NSW Scientific Committee 2003c). It was thought to be extinct in Victoria until
small populations were rediscovered in the Grampians and near the Snowy River (Eldridge and Close
1995).
Threats
The historical decline of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is attributed to three factors: hunting for bounty
and fur; predation by introduced predators; and competition with introduced herbivores (especially
Feral Goat, Rabbit and domestic stock (NSW Scientific Committee 2003c). The major threats
continuing to impact on the species include ongoing predation and competition with feral species such
as Feral Goat, Fox and Wild Dog, habitat modification by fire, vegetation clearing, disease
transmission (toxoplasmosis and hydatosis) by feral carnivores (NSW Scientific Committee 2003c)
and inbreeding (Environment ACT 1999a). The species typically exhibits low migration rates between
colonies, impeding persistence and recovery of populations affected by these threatening processes.
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is listed as Endangered under the TSC Act and as Vulnerable under
the EPBC Act. In the Sydney Basin Bioregion the species forms part of one of the three Evolutionary
Significant Units (ESU) that summarise genetically distinctive groups on the basis of DNA. The
nominate ESU encompasses closely related populations in central NSW including Kangaroo Valley,
Jenolan Caves, the Hunter Valley and the Warrambungles. This central ESU is one of the most fragile
in NSW and all sites within it are of very high conservation significance (NSW Scientific Committee
2003c). Recent records from reserves within the Sydney Basin are mostly confined to Yengo,
Wollemi, the Watagans and Morton NPs and Parr SCA as well as a recently discovered colony in
Nattai National Park (DEC 2004b).
Yengo NP and Parr SCA were surveyed for Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in 1995, including a community
survey, aerial survey and on ground searches for Rock-wallabies and scats (Rummery et al. 1995).
That survey identified Rock-wallabies at nine locations in the study area, including above Webbs
Creek, Doyles Hollow, ‘Cobblers Peg’ behind St Albans, ‘Yondi’ and ‘Reid’ along the Macdonald River,
Boggy Swamp Creek and three locations on Mogo Creek (Rummery et al. 1995). The Central Coast
Hunter Range Region of DECC has been monitoring the species in southern Yengo and Parr at three
of these locations for four years (Yondi, Mogo Creek, Cobblers Peg) and a fourth location for two
years (Big Yango) (D. Beckers pers. comm.). Of these, Mogo Creek is currently considered to be the
best site for Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, followed by Big Yango, Yondi and then Cobblers Peg (D.
Beckers pers. comm.). The BSP surveys detected Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby at five locations, four of
which had not previously been recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. In summary, the species is
currently known to persist at least twelve locations in the study area (Map 9). Potential habitat for the
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is widespread and it is expected that the species persists undetected at
several more remote locations in the study area, particularly along slopes above the Macdonald River,
Toorwai Creek and Yengo Creek.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
59
Colonies of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in southern Yengo NP, together with those in northern Yengo
and northern Wollemi NPs, are highly significant as they encompass one of the few remaining
strongholds for the species, not only within the region but also within the central ESU. These colonies
are important to the conservation of the species across the state. A significant population also occurs
not far to the east, in Watagans National Park (DECC 2007a). However, the Wollemi-Yengo
population(s) is the most northerly known significant population within the central ESU. Another
healthy population of the species does not occur until the Apsley and Macleay River gorges over 160
kilometres to the north (Wong 1994), where the animals are of a different ESU.
The primary threat to the persistence of Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies in the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves is likely to be predation by Foxes and Wild Dogs. The proximity of the Yondi and Cobblers
Peg colonies to agricultural land make them susceptible to disease transmission from feral carnivores.
The small size and apparently scattered nature of the colonies also makes them susceptible to intense
wild fire. Continued survival of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in Yengo, Parr, Wollemi and adjacent
areas will require active targeted management and is a matter of the highest conservation priority.
Management of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby must be coordinated with management of the species
across the state, the key being to maintain regular communication with the NSW Brush-tailed Rockwallaby recovery team.
60
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 8:
Threatened arboreal mammal records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo
and Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
61
Map 9:
62
Threatened ground mammal records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOX
Species Profile
The Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) is a large fruit
bat that has dark grey body fur, a slightly paler grey head and a
russet collar. It is the largest bat in the study area, with a wingspan
of up to one metre. It is a highly mobile species and numbers
roosting at specific camps may vary depending on season and food
availability. It feeds on nectar and pollen of various trees including
Eucalyptus, Melaleuca and Banksia as well as fruits, originally of
rainforest species, but now including commercial and garden crops.
The species can travel up to twenty kilometres to a food source, and
is an important pollinator and disperser of native plants. The Greyheaded Flying-fox is endemic to eastern Australia, between
Melbourne, Victoria and Bundaberg, Queensland (NPWS 2001e).
The species range has contracted, previously occurring as far north
as Rockhampton (NPWS 2001e). It primarily occurs along the
eastern coastal plain, east slopes and tablelands, although regular
movements occur over the Great Dividing Range to the western
slopes in northern NSW (NPWS 2001e). A number of studies have
noted the annual southerly movement of animals in spring and
summer and their return to north-east NSW and south-east
Queensland in winter (NPWS 2001e).
Plate 29: Grey-headed Flying-fox
© N. Williams
Threats
The main threats to the Grey-headed Flying-fox are: destruction of habitat, particularly of foraging
habitat, by clearing for urban development and agriculture; disturbance at roosting sites, particularly of
pregnant females; unregulated shooting, particularly when feeding on commercial crops or close to
residential developments; electrocution on power lines, particularly in urban areas; and accumulation
of pollutants and pesticides (NPWS 2001e, Duncan et al. 1999).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Grey-headed Flying-fox is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act and is also listed as Vulnerable
under the EPBC Act. The species is regularly recorded in all three coastal bioregions (DECC 2007a).
Current locality data suggests the species to be primarily distributed across the coastal and hinterland
environments of the Sydney Basin, although this may reflect reporting bias in the data. The species
has been recorded foraging in numerous conservation reserves, including Royal, Lane Cove, Dharug,
Blue Mountains, Wyrrabalong, Yengo and Werakata National Parks (DECC 2007a), as well as
southern and eastern Wollemi National Park. However, a greater number of records occur off reserve,
including within parks and gardens in metropolitan areas between Sydney and Newcastle. The
majority of known camps are not within national parks.
The Grey-headed Flying-fox was recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife for the first time within
southern Yengo NP in November 2006, when four individuals were seen on the Macdonald River, just
south of the junction with Yengo Creek (Map 10). Within a five kilometre distance of the park the
species has been seen in Howes Valley and along the Colo River (Map 10). The species is more
commonly recorded on the coastal plain east of the study area. The Grey-headed Flying-fox is likely
to be only a moderately infrequent visitor to the study area. The Yengo and Parr reserves would form
a component of the foraging habitats on which Grey-headed Flying-foxes in the northern half of the
Sydney Basin depend and large numbers are likely to congregate in the study area only when an
abundance of eucalypts are in heavy flower, or when food resources are limited elsewhere. There is
no indication of a Grey-headed Flying-fox camp in the study area.
Southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA contribute significantly to the regional system of large reserves
(also including Northern Yengo and Wollemi NPs) that provide a natural foraging area for Greyheaded Flying-foxes in spring and summer, and therefore holds conservation significance to the
species. The area may also play an important role during southward/northward population
movements. However, at this stage no specific management actions are required for this species
within the study area.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
63
EAST-COAST FREETAIL-BAT
Species Profile
The East-coast Freetail-bat (Mormopterus norfolkensis) is a
member of a group of bats that remain in a state of taxonomic
uncertainty (Churchill 1998). The species can be distinguished
from other members of the group by its long forearm, upright
ears and robust build (Allison and Hoye 1995, Parnaby 1992a).
Reinhold et al. (2001) describes the ultrasonic call as “a pattern
of alternating pulses”, making it unique among Mormopterus,
though it can also call without this pattern. It appears to be
restricted to the east of the Great Dividing Range between
approximately Brisbane (Queensland) and Picton (New South
Wales) (Duncan et al. 1999). The species appears to favour
Plate 30: East-coast Freetail-bat © N.
Williams/DECC
dry eucalypt forest and woodland, though it has also been
captured in rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest (Churchill
1998). It usually roosts in tree hollows (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994), though it has been recorded in
the roof of a hut and under the metal caps of telegraph poles (Churchill 1998).
Threats
The threats to this species are poorly known, though it is suspected that agricultural clearing,
development and logging have serious impacts (Duncan et al. 1999). These threats are of heightened
significance because the species’ distribution centres areas of concentrated human population density
and increasing urban development. The East-coast Freetail-bat is listed as threatened by the Key
Threatening Process removal of dead wood and trees (NSW Scientific Committee 2003a) and it has
been suggested that pesticide use may also be a problem (NPWS 2002c).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The East-coast Freetail-bat is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. Most records for the species in
NSW occur within the NSW North Coast, South East Corner and Sydney Basin Bioregions. Within
these bioregions it appears to prefer the coastal plains and larger incised valleys of the Dividing
Range, with relatively large numbers of records from the Cumberland Plain, Central Coast and Hunter
Valley (DECC 2007a). The majority of records for the species within the Sydney Basin Bioregion
occur outside of reserves. However, it has been detected within Nattai, Blue Mountains, Dharug,
Wollemi, Yengo and Marramarra National Parks and Western Sydney Regional Park (DECC 2007a).
The East-coast Freetail-bat has been confidently recorded on just two occasions, including once in
Parr SCA and once in south-eastern Yengo NP (Map 10), each time from ultrasonic call analysis. The
species was recorded to the ‘probable’ confidence level from four further locations in the northern half
of the study area, including the Mellong Plateau, Bala Range and Big Yengo Creek (these sites have
not been indicated on Map 10 due to the low level of identification confidence). Outside of the
reserves the species has been detected near Webbs Creek, the Hawkesbury River and the northern
end of the Mellong Plateau (Map 10). The East-coast Freetail-bat has never been captured in a harp
trap within Yengo NP, Parr SCA or adjacent areas. This is a typical result for this species which
generally flies high or ranges widely through more open habitats where it is difficult to capture, and
sometimes is even beyond the range of Anabat detectors. Current records are therefore likely to be
an underestimate of the number and distribution of the species in the region.
Recent work in the southern Sydney region has found the East-coast Freetail-bat to be strongly
associated with fertile valleys and plains (DECC 2007c), while in the northern half of the basin cursory
examination of records shows the greatest concentrations on the flats of the Central Coast and Hunter
Valley. The low number of records within the study area itself makes it difficult to assess distribution,
but extrapolating patterns elsewhere the species is likely to be most closely tied to alluvial areas,
though also move through more open areas of the sandstone plateaux. The majority of the Yengo
and Parr reserves are likely to provide only peripheral habitat for the East-coast Freetail-bat.
However, due to the fact that large amounts of habitat are still under threat outside of the reserve
system, all habitat that is conserved has high conservation value. As threats to the species in the
reserves are poorly understood, no active management actions can currently be recommended.
Natural maturation and senescence of forest and woodland in previously logged and cleared areas
may lead to an increase in the availability of roost sites in the long term.
64
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
LARGE-EARED PIED BAT
Species Profile
The Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus
dwyeri) is readily distinguished from other
members of its genus by the combination of
large ears and overall black colour, with bands
of white fur along the undersides of the body,
that typically join to form a V-shape (Parnaby
1992a, Churchill 1998). The call (undetectable
by the human ear) is an alternate pattern made
at a low frequency, which is readily
distinguishable from all other species
(Reinhold et al. 2001). It has been recorded
from a number of scattered locations on either
side of the Great Dividing Range between
Rockhampton (Queensland) and Bungonia
(New South Wales) (Hoye and Dwyer 1995). It
Plate 31: Large-eared Pied Bat © N. Williams/DECC
occurs in a wide range of habitats, including
wet and dry eucalypt forest, rainforest, Cypress
(Callitris) forest and sub-alpine woodland (Duncan et al. 1999). It is a cave-roosting species, though it has
also been detected roosting in disused mine shafts and overhangs (Churchill 1998) as well as abandoned
Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel) nests (Schulz 1998). It seems to prefer the ‘twilight’ areas of caves, and
may be dependent on sandstone outcrops (Duncan et al. 1999, Hoye and Dwyer 1995).
Threats
Threats to this species are poorly understood but thought to include: clearing, isolation and alteration of
forest and woodland foraging habitat near cliffs, caves and old mines; damage to roosting and
maternity sites from mining operations and recreational caving activities; and use of pesticides (DEC
2005f). Predation by feral animals is also thought to be a threat (Duncan et al. 1999), as is disturbance of
roost sites by Feral Goats (M. Schulz pers. comm.).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Large-eared Pied Bat is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act and also as Vulnerable under the
EPBC Act. The Sydney Basin is extremely important to the species, holding a large proportion of overall
records. Only scattered records occur to the north, south and west of the Bioregion (DECC 2007a). There
is a concentration of records across the Blue Mountains plateau, particularly within Nattai and Blue
Mountains National Parks, as well as in the upper Hunter Valley in Yengo, Wollemi and Goulburn River
National Parks (DECC 2007a). However these concentrations are likely to reflect the locations of recent
DECC survey effort. Records are scattered throughout the Bioregion, including southern Wollemi,
Kanangra-Boyd, Royal, Gardens of Stone and Morton National Parks (DECC 2007a) However, despite this
wide distribution the species is infrequently detected, suggesting that it only occurs at low abundance.
The Large-eared Pied Bat was captured at fourteen harp trap locations (25 % of harp trap sites) and
identified to the definite level of confidence from a eleven (17 %) Anabat sites. These sites are widely
distributed across both southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA (Map 10), through a range of habitat types. No
roost sites have been located within the study area, but are sure to occur in deep sandstone overhangs and
holes in cliff faces. Maternity roost requirements for the species are poorly understood, but are located
within deeper cave systems, which are comparatively rare. It is however likely that a maternity roost site(s)
occurs within the reserve.
Systematic surveys conducted in northern Wollemi, northern Yengo and Goulburn River National Parks
since 2002 have shown the reserves of the upper Hunter Valley and Goulburn Valley region to be a
stronghold for the species (DEC 2006a). The 2006-07 surveys have shown this stronghold continues
through southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA at least to the Colo River. A greater number of records now
exist for the northern Wollemi, Yengo and Parr reserves than for the plains of the Hunter Valley or Central
Coast. The records continue to provide evidence that the bat is more common in sandstone reserves in the
Sydney Basin Bioregion than previously thought, and is likely to be relatively well protected. The study
area, in conjunction with the remainder of the Yengo and Wollemi reserves are critical to the ongoing
conservation of the Large-eared Pied Bat in the northern half of the Sydney Basin. The primary threat at
to the species in the study area at this stage is likely to be predation by feral animals and possibly wildfires
that scorch roost and maternity caves. If any maternity caves are discovered they should become a focus
of feral predator and wildfire control programmes. In the mean time, however, no immediate management
action is thought to be required for this species in the reserves.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
65
LITTLE BENTWING-BAT
Species Profile
The Little Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus australis) is a small, insectivorous bat, which is chocolate-brown
above and lighter below. This species, like other Bentwing-bats, gains its common name from a bend
in its wing that folds back when the bat is at rest, due to a very long third finger and a narrow wingtip
(Dwyer 1995a). Its coastal distribution ranges from the northern half of NSW through all of eastern
Queensland, and is also found outside Australia in New Caledonia, New Guinea, Malaysia and the
Philippines (Dwyer 1995a). The Little Bentwing-bat forages for small, mostly flying insects within wellvegetated habitat, including rainforest, swamp and dry sclerophyll forest, requiring agile flying
capabilities and manoeuvrability (DEC 2005g Dwyer 1995a). It is predominantly a cave-dwelling
species (though also known to roost in tree hollows), and commonly shares roost sites with the
Eastern Bentwing-bat, often forming mixed clusters during winter (Australian Museum 1999, DEC
2005g Dwyer 2005a). The Little Bentwing-bat relies on particular nursery sites to raise its young, with
mothers leaving their furless juveniles behind each night while they forage.
Threats
With colonies reaching such large sizes, disturbance of nursery or over-wintering sites from mining or
caving activities could prove catastrophic. Only a small number of nursery sites are known in
Australia, with a few located in areas of limestone mining (Dwyer 1995a). Modification of habitat,
especially that surrounding maternity sites is likely to impact on foraging activities and efficiency
(Australian Museum 1999, DEC 2005g). Increased pesticide use may result in decreased prey
availability and possibly toxic build-up within the bats’ tissues (DEC 2005g). There is also some
suggestion that around maternity colonies and hibernation sites the species may be susceptible to
predation by Foxes and Feral Cats (DEC 2005h)
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Little Bentwing-bat is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. The species is widely recorded
throughout the coast and ranges in the northern half of NSW, with the number of records decreasing
with distance from the coast (DECC 2007a). Sightings for the species within the Sydney Basin
Bioregion are almost entirely restricted to the coast north of Broken Bay and high numbers have been
recorded throughout the North Coast Bioregion (DECC 2007a). A roost of Little Bentwing-bat was
found in a disused rail tunnel near Otford, south of Sydney, in early 2007, which is amongst the most
southerly records for the species (DECC 2008b). Individuals have been recorded in a number of
coastal reserves such as Bouddi, Myall Lakes, and Wallingat NPs.
The Little Bentwing-bat was recorded for the first time in Parr SCA in September 2006, when detected
by its ultrasonic call just south of Wheelbarrow Ridge (Map 11). The species is rarely recorded so far
from the coast, particularly near this southern end of its range. The individual was utilising Sydney
Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Blackbutt Forest which is generally a coastal vegetation community
and only occurs in the far south-east of the study area. The Little Bentwing-bat may utilise other areas
of similar habitat in eastern Parr SCA and south-eastern Yengo NP, particularly along creeklines and
water courses, but is unlikely to occur further north-west, particularly not within the lower rainfall areas.
As mentioned above, the Little Bentwing-bat is much more commonly recorded on the coastal plain to
the east of the study area, such as between Brisbane Water and Tuggerah Lake. No roost sites are
known from the Yengo and Parr reserves, and the species may be using the study area only as
foraging habitat.
Though only a small amount of habitat for Little Bentwing-bat occurs within the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves, the area never-the-less makes an important contribution to conservation of the species
towards the south-western end of its known range. The extent of this contribution, and status of the
species in the study area, could only be ascertained by further survey in the form of harp trapping,
ultrasonic bat call detection and searching for roost sites. The discovery of a roost site within the
Yengo and Parr reserves would be highly significant and trigger immediate targeted management. In
absence of this, no specific management actions are currently required in the study area for this
species.
66
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
EASTERN BENTWING-BAT
Species Profile
The Common Bentwing-bat (Miniopterus schreibersii) is the most widely
distributed bat in the world, occurring through Europe, Africa and
Australasia (Churchill 1998). However, recent research suggests there
to be three taxa in Australia (Duncan et al. 1999). The subspecies
oceanensis occurs in eastern Australia and extends from central
Victoria to Cape York Peninsula, Queensland (Duncan et al. 1999).
This subspecies is commonly called the Eastern Bentwing-bat. This
species is distinguished from most other bats by the long last bone in
the third wing digit and from the Little Bentwing-bat (M. australis) by the
longer forearm (greater than 44 millimetres) (Parnaby 1992a). The
ultrasonic call can be distinctive, although it is often inseparable from
Vespadelus darlingtoni and V. regulus (Reinhold et al. 2001). The
species utilises a wide variety of habitats where it usually roosts in
caves, though it has been known to use mines and road culverts
(Churchill 1998). It is a fast flying bat that usually feeds above the
canopy or in canopy gaps (Churchill 1998) and has been known to
travel up to 65 kilometres in a night (Dwyer 1966). Though individuals
often use numerous roosts, they congregate en masse at a small
number of sites to breed and hibernate (Churchill 1998).
Plate 32: Eastern Bentwingbat © S. Eberhard
Threats
Damage and disturbance to hibernating and maternity roosting sites is the greatest known threat to
this species. As only relatively few nursery sites are used, significant population changes can occur if
these sites are damaged (Dwyer 1995b) or inappropriately gated (e.g. Hoye 2001). Disturbance of
hibernating colonies can lead to starvation (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994). Alteration of drainage
patterns in or near roost sites may also be a threat, by leading to changes in roost site microclimate
(N. Williams pers. comm.). Disturbance of smaller diurnal roosts by recreational caving and tourism
may also be significant. Other potential threats include modification to feeding habitat by agriculture
and urban development (Gilmore and Parnaby 1994), application of pesticides in or adjacent to
foraging areas (DEC 2005i) and predation by Feral Cats and Foxes (Dwyer 1995b).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Eastern Bentwing-bat is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. The species is widely distributed
in the eastern third of NSW, with the number of records decreasing with distance from the coast
(DECC 2007a). Records are widespread within the Sydney Basin Bioregion, but strong clusters are
present in the Lower Hunter and Central Coast, Cumberland Plain, Woronora Plateau and across the
southern Blue Mountains. Individuals have been recorded flying through a diverse range of habitat in
a number of reserves including Royal, Nattai, Kanangra-Boyd, Blue Mountains and Wollemi National
Parks (DECC 2007a). However, roost sites for the species, particularly maternity roosts, are much
less frequently recorded and poorly reserved.
The Eastern Bentwing-bat has been directly observed in three occasions in southern Yengo NP,
including twice captured in harp traps and one sighting of four individuals roosting in an overhang on
Little Mogo Creek. A further two roost sites have been recorded for the species, evidenced by
distinctive scat deposits on the floor of the overhangs, including along Sullivans Arm Track and a spur
on the eastern edge of the Mellong Plateau. Many more temporary roost sites would be scattered
throughout southern Yengo NP, but no maternity roosts are known. In addition to the above, Eastern
Bentwing-bat has been detected at 14 locations by its ultrasonic call (Map 11). It has not been
recorded in Parr SCA, but is never-the-less likely to use this reserve for foraging.
Though the Eastern Bentwing-bat is widespread in the study area, the density of records suggest that
it is less common here than in other parts of the region, particularly in comparison to north-eastern
Wollemi NP where a maternity roost site occurs (DEC 2005b). The reserves never-the-less make up
an important component of the matrix of foraging and temporary roost site habitat for the species in
the region. As urban and industrial expansion continues to place pressure on off-reserve roost sites,
any roost sites that are located in reserves will take on increasing conservation importance. Known
roost sites, especially if any maternity or hibernation sites are discovered, should be managed to
minimise disruption from visitation and fire. It is not known where the Eastern Bentwing-bats that
utilise southern Yengo NP breed, but their ongoing survival in the reserve may depend on appropriate
management of the Baerami mine sites in north-eastern Wollemi NP.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
67
GREATER BROAD-NOSED BAT
Species Profile
The Greater Broad-nosed Bat (Scoteanax rueppellii) is a large
microchiropteran bat usually found in gullies draining east from the
Great Dividing Range between south east New South Wales and
north-eastern Queensland. The species can be confused with the
Eastern False Pipistrelle from which it can be distinguished by its
single pair of upper incisors and its smaller ears (Parnaby 1992a).
The ultrasonic call overlaps in frequency and may be confused with
Eastern False Pipistrelle, Eastern Broad-nosed Bat and Inland
Broad-nosed Bat, though they can be distinguished if a good call
sequence is recorded (Pennay et al. 1994). The Greater Broadnosed Bat utilises creeks and clearings for hunting (Churchill 1998,
Hoye and Richards 1995). In southern New South Wales the
species appears to be restricted to lower altitude forests (McKean
1966), while in the centre of its range it occurs at a wide range of
altitudes from near sea level to upland areas (Calaby 1966 in
Duncan et al. 1999). It usually roosts in tree hollows, in cracks and
fissures in trunks or under exfoliating bark, and in old buildings
(Churchill 1998).
Plate 33: Greater Broad-nosed Bat ©
N. Williams/DECC
Threats
The threats to this species are poorly known, but thought to include: disturbance to roosting and
breeding sites; clearing and fragmentation of foraging habitat; and application of pesticides and
herbicides in foraging areas or near waterways (DEC 2005j). Logging may remove suitable hollows
and alter the availability of prey (Duncan et al. 1999), while urban expansion continues to pose a
threat to the species in the Sydney Basin (DECC 2007c).
Local and Regional Conservation Status
The Greater Broad-nosed Bat is listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act. The majority of records for
the species in NSW occur in the NSW North Coast, South East Corner and Sydney Basin, with some
records in the New England Tableland Bioregion and South-eastern Highlands Bioregion (DECC
2007a). Within the Sydney Basin the species is mainly restricted to the eastern half of the Bioregion,
with the greatest density of records on the Central Coast, and to a lesser extent the Cumberland Plain
and the southern Blue Mountains. The species is reasonably well reported from DECC reserves
within the Sydney Basin, including Nattai, Kanangra-Boyd, Blue Mountains and Wollemi National
Parks (DECC 2007a).
Greater Broad-nosed Bat has been trapped at four harp trap locations and confidently identified from
its ultrasonic call from a further two sites (Map 11). As mentioned above, unless a long sequence is
recorded, the ultrasonic call of this species is easily confused with those of the Eastern Broad-nosed
Bat and Eastern False Pipistrelle (Pennay et al. 2004). This has led to the ‘probable’ and ‘possible’
identification of Greater Broad-nosed Bat from Anabat recordings at a number of further locations
(however due to low reliability these have not been included on Map 11). Greater Broad-nosed Bat
was recorded in a range of vegetation types, but most frequently along alluvial flats or lower slopes
such as Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest, Hunter Range Ironbark Forest, Hunter
Range Sheltered Grey Gum Forest, Sydney Hinterland Blue Gum-Turpentine Gully Forest and Sydney
Hinterland Sheltered Turpentine-Apple Forest.
The Greater Broad-nosed Bat remains a poorly understood species. Recent surveys on reserves
between the Hawkesbury and the Hunter have found it to be only sparsely scattered across the Yengo
and Wollemi reserves (DEC 2006a), as is thought to be the case across its range (Parnaby 1992b).
Recently completed studies in southern Sydney found the bat to prefer forested lowlands (such as the
edges of the Cumberland Plain) and forested highlands (such as the southern Blue Mountains).
Continued scientific survey and research of the species is crucial to guiding its conservation
management. Targeted management actions are not immediately required for the species within the
Yengo and Parr reserves, but ongoing survey in the region, and eventually habitat modelling, will lead
to a greater understanding of the conservation requirements of this species in the future.
68
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 10: Part one of threatened bat records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
69
Map 11: Part two of threatened bat records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves
70
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
4.2
PEST SPECIES
COMMON STARLING
Species Profile
The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a medium-sized blackish bird with a distinctive yellow beak
and plumage with a glossy sheen. A European native, birds were released at multiple locations in
south-east Australia between 1850 and 1880; though the exact reason is unknown (Long 1981). It
spread rapidly and by 1926 was established throughout the settled parts of NSW (Long 1981). It is a
common species in urban areas, and particularly in cleared agricultural lands; but will also utilise areas
of native vegetation, such as open woodland, reedbeds and riparian vegetation (Pizzey and Knight
1997). They require hollows for nesting but will use a wide range of substrates including trees,
buildings, fence posts or cliffs where they raise up to three clutches of chicks per year (Pizzey and
Knight 1997, IUCN 2005). Common Starlings are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of insects,
seeds and fruit, and are a pest in orchards (IUCN 2005). Common Starling will roost communally,
usually choosing thick, exotic vegetation, such as Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis)
which may provide better heat conservation than more open-canopied plant species (Gochfeld 1977).
Impacts
The Common Starling has been listed as one of the ‘World’s Worst Invaders’ (IUCN 2005). Despite
this, it is not formally listed as a conservation problem in Australia. The primary impact of this species
on native wildlife is competition for, and contamination of, nesting sites. Direct competition for hollows
with parrots, including common species such as the Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus),
and threatened species such as the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii), is suspected (Gibbons and
Lindenmayer 2002, Garnett and Crowley 2000). It may also compete with the threatened Brown
Treecreeper (Environment ACT 1999b) and other native species (Loyn and French 1991). Common
Starlings coat their nest cavities with a deep lining that quickly becomes contaminated with parasites,
and hollows become unsuitable for other species (IUCN 2005). They are implicated in the spread of
invasive weed species, including African Olive (Olea europaea) (Cuneo and Leishman 2006).
Local and Regional Status
The Common Starling is unprotected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act (1974) (NP&W Act). It
is the most widely distributed of all introduced birds in NSW; though it is most regularly reported in the
south and east. Nationally, between 1984 and 2002 this species showed no change in frequency or
distribution, though regional increases were noted in both the Sydney Basin and South Eastern
Highlands Bioregions (Barrett et al. 2003). It mostly occurs outside of conservation reserves, though it
is found within the smaller, urban parks such as Sydney Harbour and Werakata NPs and Western
Sydney Regional Park and on the edges of larger reserves that abut urban or agricultural areas.
Within the study area the Common Starling has been recorded at a single location, near the
homestead at Big Yango Station (Map 12). The species is most likely restricted to the disturbed lands
around Big Yango station and potentially the Nowlands and Timor holdings, but may also infiltrate into
adjacent open woodland areas. As the Common Starling is well known to compete with native birds
and bats for nest sites, making sites such as tree hollows unsuitable for other species (IUCN 2005),
the presence of the species may further limit this already restricted resource. Though the area of
impact of this species is highly restricted, the Big Yango Station area and the Nowlands and Timor
holdings have relatively high conservation significance due to the presence of several species of
threatened hollow-dependant fauna such as Turquoise Parrot and Barking Owl. A monitoring
programme for the Common Starling could easily be set up in this area, aimed at determining the
conservation incentives and feasibility of removing the population.
Such a programme is
recommended in Section 6.1.4 of this report.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
71
Map 12: Introduced bird records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves
72
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
FERAL DEER
Species Profile
The Fallow Deer (Dama dama) was the first species of deer to become widely naturalised in Australia,
with populations established in all States except Western Australia (Bentley 1995). It is native to the
Middle East and Europe. It is smaller than other introduced deer species in the region, weighing
between 36-97 kilograms. Most Fallow Deer are spotted to a lesser or greater degree, though
variation does occur (Bentley 1995). Deer farms became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, and since
this period many deer species have become established from escapees (Moriarty 2004). Between
2002 and 2004/05 Feral Deer have been reported to increase in abundance and range in NSW more
than any other pest species (West and Saunders 2007) and hence are an emerging pest animal
management issue.
Impacts
Herbivory and environmental degradation by Feral Deer has been listed as a Key Threatening Process
in NSW (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). The impacts of Fallow, Red, Sambar and Rusa Deer are
similar, and include overgrazing, trampling, ring-barking, dispersal of weeds, acceleration of erosion,
concentration of nutrients and degradation of water quality (NSW Scientific Committee 2004b). Like
other species of deer, Fallow Deer can cause serious traffic accidents. There are a number of other
significant socio-economic impacts of deer populations including damage to residential gardens and
fences, attracting illegal hunting, carrying diseases and parasites that may be transmitted to humans
and impacts on agriculture (DEC 2006d).
Local and Regional Status
Fallow Deer are listed as unprotected under the NP&W Act. The species is not formally listed as a
pest animal by the Rural Lands Protection Board, however herbivory and land degradation caused by
Feral Deer is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC Act. Within NSW, the distribution of
Fallow Deer is patchy and not well understood. Wild populations have established from multiple
escapes and releases and the species has not reached the full extent of its potential range (Moriarty
2004).
On the Atlas of NSW Wildlife within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves Feral Fallow Deer have
only been recorded on the Mellong Plateau, between Tari Creek and High Wollemi (Map 13). The
species is also known to occur in the Putty Valley and in adjacent Wollemi NP (DECC 2007a). The
Deer are likely to be having a significant impact on native vegetation in this area, and consequently on
native fauna, particularly after fire when Deer would feed on the abundance of shoots and new leaves
of trees, shrubs and grasses. The density, population characteristics and distribution of Fallow Deer
on the Mellong Plateau is currently not known, making it difficult to assess impacts or recommend
management options. Of further concern is the report of Feral Deer by locals on Webbs Creek (L.
Stein pers. comm.)
Based on the recent spread of Fallow Deer in other parts of the Sydney Basin (DECC 2007c) the pest
is considered to have the potential to increase in density and distribution in Yengo NP if not
addressed. Furthermore, Fallow Deer may become a significant traffic hazard on the Putty Road. As
the Feral Deer become more established they would become increasingly difficult or near impossible
to control or eradicate. Development of a research, monitoring and control programme for Fallow
Deer is therefore a high conservation priority. Deer are currently managed in south-eastern Wollemi
NP, with several eradication methods being trialled (D. Monahan pers. comm.). It is highly
recommended that the Yango and Hawkesbury Areas of the Parks and Wildlife Division work together
to comprehensively address this emerging conservation issue as soon as practicable. Members of the
public, and all government staff, should be encouraged to report sightings with accurate location
information for entry into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
73
FERAL CAT
Species Profile
The Cat is a medium-sized carnivore that was first
domesticated in the eastern Mediterranean about 3000
years ago (IUCN 2005). The exact origin of the Cat in
Australia is unknown, however they were deliberately
introduced into the wild during the 19th Century to control
Rabbits, Rats and Mice (Rolls 1984) and are now found
in virtually all terrestrial habitats across the continent,
except some of the wettest rainforests (Environment
Australia 1999a). Feral Cats can survive with limited
access to water, obtaining moisture from their prey
(Newsome 1995). They prefer live prey and while small
mammals make up the majority of their diet they will also
take birds, reptiles, frogs, fish and insects (Dickman
1996a). They are capable of killing vertebrates up to two
kilograms in weight but prefer smaller species weighing
less than 220 grams (Dickman 1996a).
Impacts
Plate 34: Feral Cat © M. Schulz
Predation by Feral Cats is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the TSC and EPBC Acts and
has been listed by the World Conservation Union as among 100 of the ‘World’s Worst Invaders’ (IUCN
2005). Although it is known that Feral Cats prey on native animals, the details and extent of their
impact remain poorly understood. Predation by Cats has been implicated in the extinction and decline
of many species of mammals and birds on islands around Australia, and in NSW has been linked to
the disappearance of thirteen species of mammal and four species of birds (NSW Scientific Committee
2000c). Current impacts on native fauna are likely to be most severe in modified, fragmented
environments and in areas where the abundance of alternative prey (such as Rabbits and Mice)
fluctuates widely (NSW Scientific Committee 2000c). In Australia, Feral Cats are not recorded to have
impacted on any species of reptiles, amphibians, fish or invertebrates (Dickman 1996a). The impact
of domestic and stray Cats on native wildlife in suburbia and urban bushland remains poorly
understood and controversial.
Local and Regional Status
The exact distribution of the Feral Cat in NSW is poorly known, however there are records from
throughout all the Bioregions in NSW, with concentrations in the urban areas on the coast. The
majority of records within the Sydney Basin Bioregion are from within 50 kilometres of the coast and to
the north of the Shoalhaven River, while they are much more thinly scattered in the South Eastern
Highlands Bioregion. It is highly likely that this species occurs at low densities in most environments
and conservation parks from the smallest to the largest reserves such as Wollemi and Kosciusko NPs.
The distribution and abundance of the Feral Cat in southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA remains poorly
understood. Several individual sightings have been made, including around Big Yango Station and on
the Mellong Plateau (Map 14), but these give little indication as to the size and distribution of the Feral
Cat population. The frequency of sightings around Big Yango Station suggests that a population lives
in this vicinity. All sightings and traces of the Feral Cat within five kilometres of the study area come
from areas either currently or previously inhabited by humans. However, it is not known whether this
reflects a greater density of Feral Cat in these areas or is simply a sampling bias. The Feral Cat is a
very elusive animal and because scats are typically buried and difficult to locate, it is much less
frequently detected than Fox or Wild Dog/Dingo. The lack of records from the majority of the Yengo
and Parr reserves does not necessarily indicate an absence of Feral Cat. It is more likely that the
species occupies most habitats in the study area at a low density, with concentrations around rural
properties. This would only be confirmed by further survey and reporting of sightings. DECC staff and
other visitors to the Yengo and Parr reserves should be encouraged to accurately report all Feral Cat
sightings, for entry in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. The control of Feral Cats is extremely difficult, and it
is not feasible to eradicate the species from the reserves, at least in the medium term. Any control
efforts should instead be targeted towards areas where susceptible threatened species, including
Turquoise Parrot and Speckled Warbler, are known to occur.
74
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
FERAL GOAT
Species Profile
The Feral Goat is a medium-sized generalist herbivore descended from animals first domesticated in
Asia (IUCN 2005). Goats were introduced to Australia by the First Fleet in 1788 and on many
subsequent occasions due to their ability to thrive on tough grazing land, reproduce rapidly and
provide a ready source of meat, milk and fibres (Henzell 1995). Feral Goats are descendants of
various breeds of domestic stock that have escaped, were abandoned or were deliberately released
(DEH 2004b). They now occur in all Australian states and offshore islands, but are most common in
the rocky or hilly semi-arid to arid areas of western NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and
Queensland (DEH 2004b). They have a varied diet; browsing trees and shrubs, grazing forbs and
grass, and eating fruit, bark, roots and dead plant material (NSW Scientific Committee 2004c). Feral
Goats are largely suppressed in areas where Dingos and/or Wild Dogs are present, but reach high
densities where these predators have been controlled (Henzell 1995).
Impacts
Competition and habitat degradation by Feral Goats are listed as a Key Threatening Process under
the TSC Act and the EPBC Act and has been listed by the World Conservation Union as among 100 of
the ‘World’s Worst Invaders’ (IUCN 2005). The species has a major impact on native vegetation
through soil damage and overgrazing and can cause significant habitat degradation by trampling,
deposition of droppings, and the introduction of weeds (NSW Scientific Committee 2004c). Feral
Goats are a major contributor to soil erosion and can prevent the regeneration of palatable trees and
shrubs (Henzell 1995). Feral Goats compete with native fauna for food, water and shelter and have
been implicated as a threat to the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and the Broad-headed
Snake (Environment Australia 1999b, NSW Scientific Committee 2003c, 2004c).
Local and Regional Status
Feral Goats have been recorded in all Bioregions of NSW but are rare in the Australian Alps and
South East Corner Bioregions (DECC 2007a). Most records are in the rocky hills and the mulga and
mallee areas in western NSW, though patches of high density occur throughout the tablelands as well.
In the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregions, scattered records occur throughout,
though the highest densities appear to be in the Southern Highlands, including Abercrombie River and
Tarlo River NPs, and Bungonia SCA, and the far north, such as in eastern Goulburn River NP and
Munghorn Gap NR (DECC 2007a).
Goat droppings have only been recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife on a single occasion in the
study area, above Webbs Creek near the end of Webbs Creek Track during the 2006-07 surveys (Map
13). A Goat farm occurs on the opposite side of the valley, and it is possible that the individual
recorded in 2006 was an escaped or roaming farm animal, rather than a Feral. Goat sightings have
also been reported by members of the public south of Wrights Creek (T. Horwood pers. comm.). It is
not currently known whether these sightings are one-off escapees or whether several Goats exist in
the park and thereby have the potential to become Feral. Though the species is unlikely to be having
a significant impact on native fauna at this stage, should animals form a Feral population they have a
high potential to cause environmental damage in the future. Given the vicinity and importance of
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby populations, this development would be an extremely high conservation
concern. In neighbouring areas, Feral Goat have been recorded on the western side of the Putty
Road, in Wollemi NP and on private lands in the Putty Valley (DECC 2007a).
The Goat must be managed within southern Yengo and Parr at this early stage, before any potential
Feral populations gain a hold. The area above Webbs Creek around the 2006 sighting should be
monitored on a six-monthly basis to ascertain whether a single escaped individual or a Feral
population occurs. If a Feral population is discovered here, or on the western boundary of the park
near Putty Road, swift action should be taken to control the animals before they spread. In addition,
neighbouring landholders should be made aware of the high conservation value of southern Yengo NP
and Parr SCA to the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, and of the damage that escaped Goats could cause,
particularly if they become Feral. The western side of Webbs Creek immediately above the Goat farm
could also be monitored for evidence of escaped Goats, and the landholder encouraged to work
cooperatively with DECC to prevent a Feral population from becoming established.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
75
FERAL PIG
Species Profile
The Feral Pigs in Australia are descendants of
various domestic breeds that were introduced by the
first English settlers and transported around the
country by 19th Century pastoralists (DEH 2004c).
Since that time, there have been repeated escapes
from domestic stock and intentional releases of
animals for recreational hunting (DEH 2003). Feral
Pigs are now found across Australia, reaching
highest densities in eastern NSW, the ACT,
Queensland and through northern Australia to the
Kimberley Region (NSW Scientific Committee
Plate 35: Feral Pig © DECC
2004d). They occupy a wide range of habitats, but
are restricted by their requirement for shade and access to water (Choquenot et al. 1996). Throughout
their range, Pigs show a preference for moist habitats, such as riparian zones, swamps, wet
sclerophyll forests and forested gullies (NSW Scientific Committee 2004d). Feral Pigs have a varied
diet that includes grasses, bulbs, tubers, roots, seeds, fruit, mushrooms, carrion, vertebrate and
invertebrate prey (NSW Scientific Committee 2004d).
Impacts
Pigs have been declared a pest species throughout NSW under the RLP Act. Predation, habitat
degradation, competition and disease transmission by Feral Pigs is listed as Key Threatening
Processes under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act and the species has been listed by the World
Conservation Union as among 100 of the ‘World’s Worst Invaders’ (IUCN 2005). The species poses a
significant threat to native species and ecological communities through its behaviour and feeding
habits. The Feral Pig consumes a range of birds, reptiles, frogs, small mammals and soil
invertebrates (Pavlov 1995) and competes with native fauna for food resources (NSW Scientific
Committee 2004d). They cause extensive habitat alteration by wallowing, rooting and foraging,
including: destruction of plants, reduced regeneration of plants, alteration of soil structure, spread of
weeds, creation of drainage channels in swamps, reduction of water quality and spread of disease
such as root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) (DEH 2004c).
Local and Regional Status
The Feral Pig occurs across the Sydney Basin Bioregion, especially around Goulburn River NP and
the Boyd Plateau. The species has also been recorded in high numbers between Tumut and Bega in
the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion, with many records from reserves such as Kosciusko NP and
Tinderry NR (DECC 2007a). It is common on both private and public land, though this species is
probably under-recorded outside of the reserve system.
The Feral Pig is currently very restricted in extent within southern Yengo NP, and has not been
recorded in Parr SCA. The majority of the reserves do not offer suitable habitat for the species, which
prefers deep soils particularly along river flats and swamps. Within the study area, Feral Pigs are
known to occur on the Mellong Plateau, including in Gibba Swamp/Tinda Creek, Howes Swamp and
Wallaby Swamp (Map 14), and have been reported in the Wallabadah Valley (NPWS 2001b). The
species also occurs in Mellong Swamp and Stoney Waterhole on the western side of the Putty Road in
Wollemi NP, and extends at least as far west as Wollemi Creek (DECC 2007a). Feral Pigs have also
been reported in the Putty Valley (NPWS 2001f). The size of the Feral Pig population(s) in the study
area and adjacent lands is not known at this stage, but only seven records from the Mellong Area have
been entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife between 1993 and 2007. Given the relatively restricted
distribution of the Feral Pig in and surrounding the study area, an ongoing targeted and strategic
approach to control should help to mitigate damage and potentially lead to eradication in the medium
term. Some successful control programs have recently been implemented elsewhere in the Sydney
Basin, particularly in the Murruin Wilderness and the Wollondilly River (DECC 2007c). A management
program involving trapping, selected poisoning and shooting should continue to be implemented as
resources permit and should implement a cooperative cross-tenure and cross-PWG Area approach.
76
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
FOX
Species Profile
The Fox is a small, lithe canid that occurs naturally in Europe,
Asia and North America. Foxes were successfully introduced for
sport hunting in Victoria in the 1870s and since then they have
spread rapidly throughout the southern two-thirds of mainland
Australia and have recently been introduced to Tasmania. Foxes
are generalist predators and will prey on vertebrates and
invertebrates, including crayfish. Unlike Feral Cats, they will also
scavenge carrion and consume plant material such as berries.
Impacts
Plate 36: Fox © N. Williams
Predation by the Fox is listed as a Key Threatening Process
under the TSC Act and EPBC Act and it is also listed as a pest species under the RLP Act (NSW
Scientific Committee 1998b, Environment Australia 1999c). It is known to impact on a range of native
species by either preying on them or competing with them for food and other resources. In particular
medium sized mammals, ground-dwelling and semi-arboreal mammals, ground-nesting birds and
chelid tortoises are thought to be affected (Dickman 1996b, NPWS 2001g). As pests in an agricultural
landscape, Foxes are known to prey on lambs and domestic fowl and can be a significant problem in
some areas. Foxes have been shown to have a role in regulating the populations of some of their
prey species, including Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) (Banks et al. 2000).
Local and Regional Status
Foxes are ubiquitous throughout vegetated, rural and urban areas of the eastern half of NSW,
including the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands Bioregions. They are an extremely common
species, and even though they are under-recorded off park, there are few areas without sightings. In
response to the listing of predation by this species as a Key Threatening Process, a Threat Abatement
Plan (TAP) was endorsed in 2001. This Plan outlines management priorities for NSW including a
research program investigating Fox control and threatened species populations (NPWS 2001g).
As elsewhere in the Sydney Basin, the Fox is widespread and common in the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves. The species has been sighted on only five occasions, but detected from its scats on
thirteen occasions, from tracks on seven occasions and once by it’s call (DECC 2007a). As can be
seen from Map 14, the species has been recorded on many more occasions in Parr SCA, with records
from southern Yengo concentrated towards the perimeters of the park. Interestingly, Fox has not been
recorded in the vicinity of Big Yango Station or Mount Yengo, despite the relatively high level of
visitation to this area, nor along the wider alluvial valleys of the Macdonald River, Nowlands or Timor
Creeks. DECC staff and park visitors should be encouraged to accurately report any Fox sightings in
this area, in order to help ascertain whether this represents a true absence/low abundance of the
species or simply a lack of detection. There is a possibility that the comparatively high number of Cats
and Dingoes in this area may be suppressing Fox numbers through competition, but research would
be required to confirm this. It is difficult to ascertain from scat records the preferred habitat of the Fox,
as scats are mostly collected from roads and trails where they are easily visible. However, the species
has been recorded in all major habitat types. Recent modelling of Fox habitat in the Greater Southern
Sydney Region found the species to prefer areas with moderate to high rainfall, which may go towards
explaining the low numbers in the drier north-western corner of the study area.
Foxes are unlikely to ever be eradicated and priority areas for control should be chosen on the basis of
conservation value, particularly habitats for susceptible threatened species. Based on research
elsewhere, fauna species in the study area thought to be most at risk from Fox predation are: Brushtailed Rock-wallaby, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Speckled Warbler, Turquoise Parrot, Koala, Yellow-bellied
Glider and Rosenberg’s Goanna. Habitats of high conservation significance are described in Section
5.3 and should also be included in any Fox control programmes. Foxes should continue to be
monitored in the vicinity of known Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies, and data entered into the Atlas
of NSW Wildlife and subject to statistical testing to detect changes in abundance over time.
Minimising roads, tracks and other cleared access ways in these habitats, and baiting along those
access paths which are retained may help to control Fox numbers. Ultimately Fox control will not be
successful without the adoption of a multi-faceted approach including cooperative cross-tenure
programmes and consideration of the competitive interactions with other mammalian carnivores.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
77
RABBIT
Species Profile
The Rabbit is a grazer that occurs naturally in Spain and was introduced into south-eastern Australia
from England in 1858 (Myers 1995). The species has since spread throughout mainland Australia with
the exception of the northern most areas of the continent (DEH 2004d). Rabbits occupy a wide range
of habitats, including native and modified grasslands, woodland, heath, forest, agricultural and urban
areas (NSW Scientific Committee 2002b). They are scarce in areas that lack suitable soil for digging
warrens (such as clay soils) and require access to water in arid areas, though elsewhere they can
obtain enough water from their food (DEH 2004d). Feral Rabbits prefer green grass and herbs to
forage on, but will also dig below grasses to reach roots and seeds (DEH 2004d) and in times of
drought will consume the bark and roots of shrubs (NSW Scientific Committee 2002b).
Impacts
The Rabbit is declared a pest species under the RLP Act and it has been rated as among 100 of the
‘World’s Worst Invaders’ (IUCN 2005). Impacts of this species are listed as a Key Threatening
Process under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act. Rabbits cause significant land degradation by altering
the structure and composition of vegetation communities, removing above and below ground plant
biomass, preventing plant regeneration, ring-barking of trees and shrubs and digging of burrows,
which in turn contribute to soil erosion. They compete for food and/or shelter with some native fauna
species, such as the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (NSW Scientific Committee 2002b), and are thought to
have contributed to the extinction of several small mammals (DEH 2004d). Rabbits form the major
component of the diet of Cats and Foxes in many areas and can maintain populations of these
predators at high levels. Sharp declines in Rabbit numbers (such as those caused by disease
outbreaks) can cause these introduced predators to switch to preying on indigenous fauna (Smith and
Quin 1996).
Local and Regional Status
The Rabbit has been recorded in all Bioregions of NSW, though it is found at greater densities on the
coast and western slopes. Sightings occur across the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Highlands
Bioregions with the highest numbers occurring along the Cumberland Plain, Central Coast and Hunter
Valley, and low numbers in the large sandstone reserves, such as Wollemi and Morton NPs. The
Rabbit has long been established in this area, and there is little reason to believe it is expanding in
range.
The Rabbit is very restricted in extent in southern Yengo NP and has not been recorded in Parr SCA
(Map 13). Within the park boundary, the Rabbit is only known to occur in the vicinity of Big Yango
Station, between Mount Yengo, Nowlands Creek and the Howes Valley Trail (Map 13). Features that
make this area suitable habitat for the Rabbit include: the alluvial soils that are of slightly higher fertility
than the surrounding sandstone; the associated grassiness of the ground cover; and the previous
disturbance and canopy clearing/thinning. Similar habitat features occur along sections of Timor,
Wallabadah and Boree Creeks, and it is possible that the Rabbit also exists in these systems, as they
are known to occur on private lands in the Wallabadah Valley (Map 13). Rabbits also occur on the
Mellong Plateau, in deep sandy areas along the creeklines. Though not recorded on the Atlas of NSW
Wildlife to date, the species is sure to occur in rural lands of the lower Macdonald River valley.
The Rabbit is unlikely to expand beyond existing areas of establishment. Management should be
targeted towards areas of high conservation value that contain habitat for susceptible threatened
species. The threatened species thought most likely to be impacted is Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby,
making the Big Yango Station-Mount Yengo-Yokey Creek area a high priority for control. Current
management of the Rabbit around Big Yango Station appears to be having some success. The
release of Calici virus dramatically reduced numbers, while the maintenance of long grass has kept
numbers low (J. Betteridge pers. comm.). At this stage the only additional management action
recommended is annual monitoring of Rabbits in the vicinity of known Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
colonies. The two species currently do not appear to coincide (except potentially in the Wallabadah
Valley), but if Rabbit numbers are found to rise, or distribution expand, targeted control of the Rabbit
could be required at a site-by-site level. In the absence of this, Rabbit control is a moderately low
priority. However, any control of Fox or Wild Dog should include concomitant control of Rabbits which
otherwise may increase sharply in abundance.
78
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
WILD DOG
Species Profile
Wild Dogs are the feral descendants of domesticated European Dogs, introduced into Australia with
first British settlement. They vary in appearance and are found throughout a range of habitat types,
though they are most often associated with areas that have been cleared for agriculture. Wild Dogs
prey on a range of medium to large mammals, such as kangaroos and wallabies, though they will also
consume reptiles, birds, insects and carrion. Prey may also include livestock, and pest species,
including Rabbits and Pigs (Fleming et al. 2001). Wild Dogs will interbreed with the Dingo (C. l.
dingo). Wild Dogs may not impact on native fauna as significantly as other introduced predators
because the native dog, the Dingo, has been a top-order carnivore for approximately 5000 years
(Savolainen et al. 2004). Species that survived the arrival of the Dingo should be able to co-exist with
Wild Dogs, with important exceptions occurring when other threatening processes are involved, such
as habitat loss, disease, altered fire regimes and predation by Foxes. Wild Dogs may be a particular
problem for isolated populations of threatened species.
Impacts
The Wild Dog is declared a pest species throughout NSW under the RLP Act. They are not listed as a
Key Threatening Process, however they are known to impact on a number of threatened mammal and
bird species including the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Koala, Long-nosed Potoroo and Sooty
Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) (NPWS 2002c, 2003d, NSW Scientific Committee 2003c).
Wild Dogs are also responsible for livestock losses, which may be considerable in some areas. A
further threat is that they have been found to carry diseases, such as Cryptosporidium and Hydatid
disease, which may be transmissible to humans. Hybridisation with Dingoes is ongoing and Wild
Dogs and hybrids are probably expanding into remote areas once occupied only by Dingoes.
Local and Bioregional Conservation Status
Wild Dogs are not protected under the NP&W Act. Wild Dogs are widespread throughout the
Bioregions of the Great Dividing Range and some coastal areas.
Of the 104 records of Wild Dog/Dingo within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, only eight derive
from direct sightings, including sightings of two packs of Wild Dogs in 2007 (one pack of three near the
western end of the Wallaby Swamp Track and one of six on the Howes Swamp Track) and eight from
hearing barking. The remainder of the records derive from tracks (24 locations) or scats (72
locations), from which it is impossible to determine the relative percentage of Wild Dog or Dingo
heritage. Records in Map 14 are therefore presented as ‘Wild Dog/Dingo’ to indicate that the sightings
may represent either subspecies. The Wild Dog/Dingo complex is widespread throughout the
reserves, having been recorded in all major habitat types. Unsurprisingly records are concentrated
along tracks and major creeklines, which represents a bias in sampling effort rather than true habitat
preferences. Never-the-less, Wild Dog/Dingo is known to travel along trails (J. Betteridge pers. obs.),
which may increase the ease of incursion for the species into remote areas.
Yengo NP is considered to be important for the conservation of the Dingo (NPWS et al. 2000, DEC
2005c), such that management of the Wild Dog must be balanced against the need to conserve the
Dingo. Yango Area currently takes a cautionary management approach, which includes research into
the relative distribution of Wild Dogs and Dingoes, and deployment of soft-jaw traps (T. Horwood pers.
comm.). This programme is yielding interesting results, and should be continued in southern Yengo
and Parr, and indeed extended to the neighbouring conservation areas of northern Yengo and
Wollemi NPs. While this programme is ongoing, aerial baiting is not recommended for this region.
The primary threatened species vulnerable to predation by the Wild Dog is thought to be Brush-tailed
Rock-wallaby. Wild Dog/Dingo numbers should hence continue to be monitored in the vicinity of
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies, as is currently being undertaken in conjunction with FoxTAP
monitoring. Monitoring data should be entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and subject to statistical
testing to detect changes in abundance over time. Minimising roads, tracks and other cleared access
ways into remote areas may help to control the incursion of Wild Dogs into the centre of the reserves.
Any control of Wild Dogs in the future should focus on the peripheries of the reserve to manage
impacts on adjoining landholders and protect Dingoes that occur in more remote areas. Control may
also become necessary around Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies in the future. Any control
programmes must be undertaken in conjunction with Fox management and employ a cooperative
cross-tenure approach.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
79
Map 13: Introduced herbivore records within five kilometres of the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves
80
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 14: Introduced carnivore and omnivore records within five kilometres of the southern
Yengo and Parr reserves
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
81
5
PRIORITIES FOR FAUNA CONSERVATION AND
MANAGEMENT
5.1
THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES
Land managers are faced with an ominous list of threatened fauna species. However, not all threatened
species warrant equivalent management efforts in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. There are a
number of threatened species within the study area which at this stage do not require any active targeted
management, and others that require specific management, further survey and/or monitoring to be
undertaken in order to increase their chances of long term survival.
Table 7 lists all of the threatened species currently known to occur in the study area, with a rating of their
priority for conservation management. These ratings are derived from expert knowledge rather than
quantitative assessment, and will require review and revision in the future when comprehensive information
on the regional conservation status of each species becomes available. The ratings are defined as follows.
Highest: Species that are likely to become extinct from the study area in the short to medium term without
action, and for which the study area plays a crucial role in the regional conservation of the species. These
species require management at a site by site level.
High: Species that are at risk of becoming extinct from the region in the medium term without active
management of remaining habitats and abatement of threats. This category includes species which are rare
in the study area, or for which habitat is limited in extent, but for which the study area is never-the-less
important to regional conservation, as well as species that are better represented in the study area than in
other reserves in the region.
Moderate: Species for which the study area does not support a significant amount of habitat relative to that
reserved elsewhere in the region. Though management of these species is not currently the highest priority
for the reserves, an increase of pressure on these species elsewhere in the region, or the delineation of key
threats within the study area, may require more active management in the future.
Low: Species for which habitat is widespread within the study area and well represented in the regional
reserve system. These species do not require any specific active management in the study area at this
stage, other than ongoing protection of important habitat features such as mature hollow-bearing trees.
82
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
in
for
the
A single record
with low spatial
accuracy
2
3
2
10
3
6
4
Regent Honeyeater
Grey-crowned Babbler
Speckled Warbler
Squirrel Glider
Brown Treecreeper
Broad-headed Snake
Black-chinned
Honeyeater
Masked Owl
22
Number
of
Confirmed
Records in the
1
Study Area
Not well understood but likely to be more open
forests and woodlands along riparian zones
Ironbark-dominated woodlands, particularly lower
slopes of Narrabeen Series geology.
Rock outcrops with exfoliating sandstone.
Mellong Plateau and Ironbark woodlands on
Narrabeen Series geology in the north of the study
area.
Unknown. Potential habitat occurs in wider alluvial
valleys in the north of the study area, including
Wallabadah, Sandy, Timor and Nowlands Valleys,
and possibly also Wollombi Arm.
Red Gum – Ironbark woodlands on Narrabeen
Series geology in north of the study area.
Wider creek flats in the north and north-west of the
study area where a mix of cleared and lightly
timbered country occurs.
Creeklines and valley flats that support River Oak,
Red Gum, Swamp Mahogany or Rough-barked
Apple. Potential areas include Greens Swamp,
Macdonald River, Mogo and Wallabadah Creeks
and the Timor and Nowlands holdings.
Mogo Creek, the vicinity of Mount Yengo, slopes
above the Macdonald River and its major
tributaries.
Key Locations in the Study Area
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Require further survey
and/or management of
key habitats and key
threats
High Priority
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Species
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations and
Unknown
Previous removal of winter shelter sites,
frequent fire, feral predators. Low density of
suitable hollow-bearing trees due to
historical logging operations and clearing.
Low
Moderate
Unknown
Low
Low
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations and
clearing, and predation by Fox and Feral
Cat.
Grazing by introduced herbivores, low
density of suitable hollow-bearing trees due
to historical logging operations and clearing,
removal of logs through collection of
firewood or frequent high intensity fire, and
potentially competition for hollows from
Common Starling or Feral Honeybee.
Low
by
Low
Low
High
83
Significance
of
the
Study Area to Regional
Conservation of the
Species
feral
Predation by Foxes, grazing
herbivores, weed invasion.
Grazing by introduced herbivores, weed
invasion and possibly predation by
introduced carnivores.
Grazing by introduced herbivores. Fire
(including hazard reduction burns) during
nesting periods.
Predation by and disease transmission from
Feral carnivores and potentially hot wildfire
at rocky refuge sites. Competition from
Feral Goats may be a significant future
threat.
Potential Key Threats in the Study Area
Threatened fauna species confidently recorded within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA, their relative management priority, key locations
and potential threats
Require
targeted
management at a site
level
Highest Priority
Priority
Management
Study Area
Table 7:
in
for
the
84
Require management of
key habitats and key
threats
Moderate Priority
Priority
Management
Study Area
7
A single record
with low spatial
accuracy
1
115
2
Historical
records
less
than 200m from
Parr
SCA
boundary
Barking Owl
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Grey-headed Flying-fox
Koala
East-coast Freetail-bat
Black Bittern
1
6
Little Bentwing-bat
Greater Broad-nosed Bat
1
31
Turquoise Parrot
Spotted-tailed Quoll
Number
of
Confirmed
Records in the
1
Study Area
Species
Unknown
of
Application of pesticides adjacent to
foraging areas. Low density of suitable
hollow-bearing trees due to historical
Unknown.
Potentially application
pesticides adjacent to foraging areas.
Unknown
Low
Low
Low
Unknown but likely to be
low
High
Low
Unknown but likely to be
low
Moderate
Moderate
Significance
of
the
Study Area to Regional
Conservation of the
Species
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Higher rainfall areas with a coastal influence.
Particularly creeklines and water courses in the
south-east.
Potentially predation and competition by
Feral Carnivores, and high frequency fire.
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations and
clearing.
Unknown.
Major tributaries of the Hawkesbury River,
particularly Macdonald River and Webbs Creek.
Unknown. Likely to use moist creeklines and
riparian zones.
Application of pesticides adjacent to
foraging areas. Potentially low density of
suitable hollow-bearing trees due to
historical logging operations and clearing.
None identified. Potentially future threats
include loss of connectivity with habitats to
the east of the study area, and frequent,
large, high intensity fire.
None identified.
Unknown. Potentially low density of suitable
hollow-bearing trees due to historical
logging operations and clearing, and
predation by Feral carnivores.
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations and
clearing.
Predation by Foxes and Feral Cats. Low
density of suitable hollow-bearing trees due
to historical logging operations and clearing.
clearing.
Potential Key Threats in the Study Area
Unknown. Potentially associated with fertile valleys
and alluvial areas.
North-east of the study area, from Bucketty to Bala
Range and north to the Yengo Track.
Potential foraging habitat widespread.
Unknown.
Creeklines and lower slopes in the north and northwest of the study area.
Mellong Plateau and areas of Narrabeen Series
geology supporting Ironbark woodlands.
including the Macdonald River and its major
tributaries.
Key Locations in the Study Area
32
8
2 records with
low
spatial
accuracy
10
19
72
74
74
Red-crowned Toadlet
Giant Burrowing Frog
Eastern Pygmy-possum
Powerful Owl
Eastern Bentwing-bat
Gang-gang Cockatoo
Glossy Black-cockatoo
Yellow-bellied Glider
Widespread. Sheltered forest that includes Forest
Oak in the small tree layer, particularly the eastern
half of the study area.
Widespread. Primarily taller forests along gully
lines and sheltered slopes.
Foraging habitat widespread. No maternity roost
sites known.
Sheltered environments where tree hollows are
present.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations.
Changes in density of Allocasuarina species
from frequent fire may be a significant future
threat.
Climate change may be a significant future
threat.
Application of pesticides adjacent to
foraging areas and predation by Feral Cats.
Low density of suitable hollow-bearing trees
due to historical logging operations.
Frequent fire may damage foliage roosts
and alter the abundance of prey species
Predation by Feral Cats and Foxes.
Unknown. Potential habitat is widespread.
No threats currently identified. It is not
known whether Chytrid fungus occurs, but
may significantly affect this species if it does
break out.
Predation by Foxes and Cats. It is not
known whether Chytrid fungus occurs, but
may significantly affect this species if it does
break out.
Breed in first and second order
Potentially predation by Feral animals and
disturbance of roost sites by Feral Goats.
Predation by Feral Cats, Wild Dogs and
Foxes.
Potentially
changes
in
vegetation
characteristics resulting from frequent fire.
Low density of hollow-bearing trees due to
historical logging operations. Climate
change may be a significant future threat.
logging operations and clearing.
Potential Key Threats in the Study Area
Widespread. Breed at the headwaters of minor
drainage channels or on larger creeklines with
alluvial sand and rocky pools.
Widespread.
creeklines.
Widespread through a range of habitat types.
Widespread. Rocky ridges and upper slopes.
Southern half of the study area where mesic
vegetation with rainforest elements occurs,
particularly Wrights and Webbs Creek catchments.
Key Locations in the Study Area
Widespread. Taller open forests particularly in
areas of higher fertility.
1
Indicates the number of locations accurately recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife
31
Large-eared Pied Bat
2
Sooty Owl
9
Number
of
Confirmed
Records in the
1
Study Area
Species
Do not currently require
management actions
for
the
Rosenberg’s Goanna
in
Lower Priority
Priority
Management
Study Area
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Unknown
High
High
High
Moderate
Low
85
Significance
of
the
Study Area to Regional
Conservation of the
Species
5.2
THREATENING PROCESSES
Several Key Threatening Processes (KTPs), as identified under state and federal legislation, act within
the study area. Table 8 summarises the KTPs that are thought to occur within the southern Yengo
and Parr reserves, including threats that are currently thought to be having a significant impact on
native fauna (shaded red), threats that are restricted in extent or which are not well understood
(shaded pink) and threats that may arise in the future (shaded orange).
Table 8:
Relative priority and key locations of Key Threatening Processes
Key Threatening Process
Key current locations of threat and areas to target for abatement/management
Predation by the European Red Fox
Occurrence is widespread, particularly in the south of the study area. Extent of
impact on animal populations is not well understood. Total eradication is not
feasible, but populations can be reduced. Until further information is gained, key
areas for monitoring/control are known locations and habitats of Brush-tailed Rockwallaby, Speckled Warbler or Turquoise Parrot. Foraging efficiency seems to be
maximal in habitats with an open understorey (Environment Australia 1999c).
Loss of hollow-bearing trees
Areas of regrowth on formerly cleared lands, former grazing lands and logged gully
systems. Vegetation communities most affected include Hunter Range Flats AppleStringybark-Gum Forest, Hunter Range Ironbark Forest, Hunter Range Blue Gum
Turpentine Gully Forest, Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple Forest.
Ecological consequences
frequency fire
of
high
Entire area at risk, particularly the northern third of the study area and along the
western boundary including the Mellong Plateau. The level of threat may increase in
the future due to human-induced climate change.
Bushrock removal and disturbance
Ridgelines across reserve, particularly where accessible by vehicle. No evidence of
recent bushrock removal or disturbance was collected during the 2006-07 surveys.
Historical records suggest removal was widespread through Parr SCA (Bell 1993)
and western Yengo (NPWS 2001, Sanders 1988).
Infection of frogs by amphibian Chytrid
fungus
Occurrence and distribution is not known. Headwaters of minor drainage channels
and larger creeklines with alluvial sand and rocky pools are the highest priority for
research.
Predation by Feral Cats
Distribution unknown and significance of impact on animal populations not well
understood. All current records come from areas either currently or previously
inhabited by humans. Most susceptible areas are known locations and habitats of
Speckled Warbler or Turquoise Parrot.
Herbivory
and
environmental
degradation caused by Feral Deer
Mellong Plateau between Tari Creek and High Wollemi. Impact appears to be of low
intensity and restricted extent at this stage, but has the potential to become
significant if left unchecked.
Invasion of native plant communities by
exotic perennial grasses
Two of the exotic perennial grasses listed in the determination have been recorded
in the study area, being Panic Veldgrass (Ehrharta erecta) and Kikuyu (Pennisetum
clandestinum), but more are likely to occur in former grazing lands. Fauna habitats
most susceptible are those of the Speckled Warbler, Grey-crowned Babbler and
Turquoise Parrot, particularly around Big Yango Station and the former holdings
along Timor, Nowlands and Calore Creeks.
Competition from Feral Honeybees
Distribution and abundance not known. Anecdotal evidence suggests there is only
low abundance of Feral Honeybees in the reserves (D. Beckers pers. comm.).
Potential impacts may be exaggerated in areas where logging or clearing has
occurred in the past due to the reduced availability of tree hollows.
Competition and Grazing from feral
European Rabbit
Grassy habitats in the vicinity of Big Yango Station between Mount Yengo,
Nowlands Creek and the Howes Valley Trail.
Predation,
habitat
degradation,
competition and disease transmission by
Feral Pigs
Mellong Plateau, including in Gibba Swamp/Tinda Creek, Howes Swamp and
Wallaby Swamp, and the Wallabadah Valley.
Competition and land
caused by Feral Goats
86
degradation
Recorded from a single location above Webbs Creek; possibly an escaped farm
animal. Colonies of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby are located in this vicinity and highly
susceptible to the impacts of Feral Goats.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Key Threatening Process
Key current locations of threat and areas to target for abatement/management
Infection by Psittacine circoviral (beak
and
feather)
disease
affecting
endangered psittacine species and
populations
Not currently known from study area.
Human-caused climate change
Table 9:
Potential impact on fauna species poorly understood at this stage. Vegetation
communities at the margin of their range such as Sydney Hinterland Warm
Temperate Rainforest may disappear from the study area in the future if rainfall
decreases, temperature increases and fire frequency/intensity increases. This
would potentially result in the loss of associated fauna such as Yellow-throated
Scrubwren and Bassian Thrush.
Other threatening processes acting in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves
Process
Key locations of threat
Grazing by Wild Cattle affecting the regeneration of previously
cleared areas, and potentially spreading weeds, fouling
waterholes and causing harm by trampling and compacting
the soil, with flow-on effects for native fauna
Creeklines, valley flats, lower slopes and diatremes that
support open grassy woodland with River Oak, Red Gum,
Rough-barked Apple and/or Ironbarks.
Known current
locations are Big Yango Station, Nowlands and Timor
holdings, Macdonald River and Pierces Hole. Wild Cattle
have also been seen in the Mogo Creek Area, in Frog Hollow
diatreme (T. Horwood pers. comm.) and on the Mellong
Plateau (DECC 2007a).
Predation by Wild Dogs and hybridisation between Wild Dogs
and Dingoes
Records of the Wild Dog/Dingo complex are widespread
throughout the reserves. Key areas for management are the
peripheries of the reserves and the vicinity of Brush-tailed
Rock-wallaby colonies.
Competition for hollows from Common Starling
Big Yango Station. The species has the potential to spread
into adjacent open woodland areas and the Nowlands and
Timor holdings.
Very high intensity fire
Anywhere in the study area where no unburnt refugia are left,
particularly near core areas for Koala.
Application of pesticides in neighbouring farmlands
Extent of practice and level of impact on threatened fauna is
not known. Potential problem areas are the north-eastern
corner of the study area as well as the lower Macdonald River
and lower Webbs Creek.
Collection of individual specimens of Broad-headed Snake
Rocky outcrops on ridges and exposed slopes adjacent to
trails.
Trail bike riding causing opening of tracks, erosion and
hydrological change
First and second order creeklines, moderate to steep slopes
and riparian zones.
Firetrail and firebreak construction and maintenance that
alters local hydrology or destroys road-side ditches
All ridgelines and upper slopes.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
87
5.3
RELATIVE PRIORITY OF FAUNA HABITATS
Vegetation communities within the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, and the fauna habitat they
provide, vary widely in their spatial extent, with some being widespread and some naturally restricted.
They also vary in the level of disturbance imposed upon them in the past, with some having been
heavily depleted due to clearing, some subject to rough grazing, some heavily logged, and others left
largely undisturbed. Obviously, fauna species that are closely associated with habitats within
vegetation communities that are naturally restricted and/or heavily disturbed are under greater threat
than those which prefer widespread habitat types or are known to use a wide variety of vegetation
communities.
Table 10 presents a summary of the vegetation communities in which the highest and high priority
threatened fauna species were recorded during the BSP and CRA surveys of the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves. Only the BSP and CRA records have been used for this analysis because they have
the highest degree of spatial accuracy (usually about 10 metres) and the vegetation type in which
individuals occur could be validated against field notes and data sheets. This table shows that some
species have clear associations with the mapped vegetation communities, while others are more
widespread or associated with specific landscape features that are not delineated by vegetation
community, such as the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby association with boulder piles, cliffs and overhangs.
Grassy alluvial flats are important for a number of the high priority threatened fauna species, including
Grey-crowned Babbler, Speckled Warbler, Brown Treecreeper, Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern
subspecies) and Barking Owl (Table 10). They also provide potential habitat for Squirrel Glider,
Masked Owl, Turquoise Parrot and Brush-tailed Phascogale. Vegetation communities located on
grassy alluvial flats are amongst the most disturbed in the study area, and fauna that prefer this habitat
type are subject to ongoing threats including lack of hollow-bearing trees, ecological disturbance
through weed invasion, grazing and trampling by feral herbivores, and more omnipotent threats such
as predation by introduced carnivores. Furthermore, grassy alluvial forests and woodlands are
generally poorly reserved and subject to severe ongoing pressures outside of the reserve system.
The grassy alluvial forests and woodlands in and around the southern Yengo and Parr reserves
therefore form the highest priority fauna habitat. Vegetation communities that comprise this habitat
group are listed in Table 11.
Table 10 also suggests that woodlands on the Mellong Sands support a relatively high number of high
priority threatened fauna species, particularly in relation to the small amount of land that these
vegetation communities occupy. Where the structure of these woodlands is a fairly open woodland
with a sparse shrub layer and grassy ground layer, habitat exists for the ‘declining woodland birds’,
particularly Brown Treecreeper and Turquoise Parrot and to a lesser extent Speckled Warbler and
Black-chinned Honeyeater and also potentially for Squirrel Glider (Table 10). The Mellong woodlands
are unusual habitat for these ‘declining woodland’ species, which are more commonly associated with
lower altitude dry grassy Box woodlands, such as occur along the northern perimeters of Wollemi and
Yengo NPs. The primary threat to the Mellong vegetation communities at this time is likely to be
‘ecological consequences of high frequency fire’, particularly given their naturally restricted occurrence
and their proximity to the Putty Road. The Mellong Sands and adjacent grassy woodlands are
therefore considered a second high priority fauna habitat.
Though neither Swift Parrot or Regent Honeyeater have been recorded within the southern Yengo and
Parr reserves in recent years, a small amount of potential habitat occurs therein which is worthy of
identification and should be the focus for further survey for these species. Based on their potential to
periodically support Swift Parrot and/or Regent Honeyeater, as well as potentially provide habitat for
the Squirrel Glider, the Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany Forest and Coastal River Oak Forest are
also high priority fauna habitats. Regent Honeyeater may also utilise alluvial forests and woodlands
already identified above as high priority fauna habitat.
The declining woodland birds, particularly Black-chinned Honeyeater, also utilise Hunter Range
Ironbark Forest which occurs along shale bands in the sandstone of the Narrabeen series geologies,
primarily on lower slopes through the northern half of the study area. Koala also utilises this habitat
type. This vegetation community is largely in tact, though it has been affected by logging in the past.
This community is the fourth priority fauna habitat.
The Information and Assessment Section is currently working towards undertaking modelling of habitat
for threatened and regionally significant species across the northern half of the Sydney Basin. In the
interim, a map has been produced for this report (Map 15) that highlights the above areas of ‘high
88
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
priority fauna habitat’. This delineation is based on high priority threatened species locality records
and known habitat preferences for particular high priority threatened fauna species where these relate
to the newly mapped vegetation communities in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. This map
should be used as a guide only, until more detailed habitat modelling is undertaken across the region.
Habitat for the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and Broad-headed Snake is not well delineated by the newly
mapped vegetation communities, but rather determined by the occurrence of specific habitat features,
as described for each species in Section 4. As all potential habitat for these species in the reserves
has not been identified to date, a map has not been produced for this report. However, potential
habitat for these species would also form high priority fauna habitat. In the absence of adequate
habitat mapping for these species, the area around all known extant and historic Brush-tailed Rockwallaby colonies is considered to be high priority fauna habitat (see Map 9), as are known and historic
localities of Broad-headed Snake (see Map 4) and corresponding extensive areas of outcropping and
exfoliating rock.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
89
Community
Hunter Range Basalt Red
Gum-Grey Box Forest
Hunter Range Flats AppleStringybark-Gum Forest
1
Hunter Range Sheltered
Grey Gum Forest
1
1
90
1
Accurate location information not available
1
Barking Owl
Brush-tailed Phascogale
1
2
Turquoise Parrot
Masked Owl
Black-chinned
Honeyeater
(eastern subspecies)
Broad-headed Snake
1
1
2
3
Sydney Hinterland Blue
Gum-Turpentine Gully
Forest
Brown Treecreeper
Not recorded during systematic survey
Mellong Sands Drooping
Red Gum Sedge Woodland
1
1
Not recorded during systematic survey
1
Eastern
Riverine
Forests
1
Sydney Hinterland
Sandstone Riparian
Complex
Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll Forests
4
1
1
Hunter Range Ironbark
Forest
Sydney Sand Flats Dry
Sclerophyll Forests
Mellong Sands Scribbly
Gum Woodland
Squirrel Glider
Speckled Warbler
Grey-crowned
Babbler
(eastern subspecies)
Regent Honeyeater
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Vegetation
(DECC 2008a)
North
Coast
Wet
Sclerophyll Forests
1
Sydney Hinterland
Peppermint-Apple Forest
1
2
2
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Sheltered
Turpentine-Apple Forest
2
1
Sydney
Coastal
Heaths
1
Cleared
or heavily
disturbed
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
2
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky
Yellow Bloodwood
Woodland
Coastal Valley Grassy
Woodlands
Sydney Hinterland Exposed
Red Bloodwood-Stringybark
Forest
Statewide Vegetation Class
Hunter Range Exposed
Stringybark-Grey Gum
Woodland
Vegetation communities in which highest and high priority threatened fauna were recorded during systematic surveys (other surveys
excluded due to lower level of spatial accuracy)
Sydney Hinterland Dwarf
Apple Scrub
Table 10:
3
2
5
These primarily occur on
alluvial flats
1
6
1
North
Coast
Wet
Sclerophyll Forests
2
Not recorded during systematic survey
Coastal Valley Grassy
Woodlands
4
1
1
6
Sydney Sand Flats Dry
Sclerophyll Forests
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Total
Black Bittern
East-coast Freetail-bat
Koala
Community
Grey-headed Flying-fox
Vegetation
(DECC 2008a)
Statewide Vegetation Class
Hunter Range Basalt Red
Gum-Grey Box Forest
Hunter Range Flats AppleStringybark-Gum Forest
Hunter Range Sheltered
Grey Gum Forest
Sydney Hinterland Blue
Gum-Turpentine Gully
Forest
Mellong Sands Drooping
Red Gum Sedge Woodland
Mellong Sands Scribbly
Gum Woodland
2
1
Eastern
Riverine
Forests
Sydney Hinterland
Sandstone Riparian
Complex
1
3
9
4
9
2
3
6
Sydney Hinterland Dry Sclerophyll Forests
Hunter Range Ironbark
Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky
Yellow Bloodwood
Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed
Red Bloodwood-Stringybark
Forest
12
Sydney Hinterland
Peppermint-Apple Forest
4
5
Sydney Hinterland Sheltered
Turpentine-Apple Forest
3
Hunter Range Exposed
Stringybark-Grey Gum
Woodland
2
2
Sydney
Coastal
Heaths
Sydney Hinterland Dwarf
Apple Scrub
11
Cleared
or heavily
disturbed
91
These primarily occur on
alluvial flats
Table 11:
Summary of interim high priority fauna habitats within Southern Yengo NP and
Parr SCA
Habitat Type
High
priority
threatened
fauna
species for which potential habitat
occurs
Correlating vegetation communities
within southern Yengo NP and Parr
SCA (from DECC 2008a)
Grassy Alluvial Forests and Woodlands
Grey-crowned Babbler
Coastal Riverflat Cabbage Gum Forest
Speckled Warbler
Hunter Range Flats Apple-StringybarkGum Forest
Brown Treecreeper
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Turquoise Parrot
Barking Owl
Hunter Range Flats Red Gum-Apple
Forest
Partly cleared/highly disturbed lands
around Big Yango, Mount Calore and
Nowlands Creek
Squirrel Glider
Masked Owl
Brush-tailed Phascogale
River Oak or Swamp Mahogany Forests
Regent Honeyeater
Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany
Forest
Swift Parrot
Coastal River Oak Forest
Ironbark Forest
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Koala
Mellong Sands Woodlands
Brown Treecreeper
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
Sedge Woodland
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Mellong Sands Scribbly Gum Woodland
Turquoise Parrot
Speckled Warbler (limited areas)
Squirrel Glider
92
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Map 15: Interim high priority fauna habitats in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves based on
location and habitat preferences of high priority threatened fauna species
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
93
6
SUMMARY
OF
RECOMMENDATIONS
MANAGEMENT
The purpose of this section is to bring together the results of the BSP surveys and the priorities set in
Section 5 to provide interim management recommendations for fauna in the southern Yengo and Parr
reserves. These recommendations are intended to complement actions already identified in relevant
threatened species Recovery Plans, Priority Action Statements (PAS), Threat Abatement Plans and in
the Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area Draft Plan of Management. Such
documents are readily available and will therefore not be duplicated here. These management
recommendations will be reviewed and refined as further information becomes available.
6.1
PEST SPECIES
In order to guide management of pest species in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, the following
notes and recommendations are made. These recommendations are made primarily with regards to
pest species impacts on fauna biodiversity and threatened fauna species.
6.1.1
Fox
•
It is unlikely that Foxes will ever be eradicated from the reserves. The highest priority for
ongoing monitoring and abatement is around known Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies and
potential Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby habitat. Fox data collected in the vicinity of Brush-tailed
Rock-wallaby colonies to date should be entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife and subject to
statistical analysis to test for changes in abundance over time. The monitoring programme
should be extended to the new colonies detected during the 2006-07 surveys. Predator scats
should also be collected from these areas and sent to Barbara Triggs for identification and
prey analysis. Findings should then be used to determine the need for implementation of a
Fox control programme. Any findings and recommendations of the state-wide Fox Threat
Abatement Plan (Fox TAP) as they relate to Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies should be
implemented without delay.
•
The Grassy Alluvial Forests and Woodlands, particularly in the vicinity of Big Yango and
Nowlands holdings provide habitat for a number of threatened species vulnerable to Fox
predation. Fortunately, however, the Fox has not yet been recorded in these areas. It is
recommended that the current sand pad monitoring program be extended to these valleys with
the aim of confirming whether or not the Fox does occur in these habitats and if so, it’s
approximate abundance. Predator scats should also be collected from these areas and sent
to Barbara Triggs for identification and prey analysis. If the Fox is detected in these valleys
then the areas would become a high priority for control. Wild Dog/Dingo baiting should be
avoided in the Big Yango/Nowlands/Timor Creek area as these predators may currently be
suppressing Fox numbers.
•
The impact of the Fox on Koala in the north-east of the study area is not currently known. At
this stage there is no evidence that Koala numbers have declined in the reserves. If evidence
is found to suggest the impact of Fox predation is significant, then Fox control may be
necessary.
•
Foxes readily utilise roads, tracks and other cleared access ways through denser vegetation
or complex topography (Environment Australia 1999c). One option to minimise Fox impacts in
the study area is to reduce such access points to a minimum. Such an approach may be
appropriate on the Mellong Plateau, particularly in the vicinity of Turquoise Parrot records. A
second option is to establish bait stations along access trails that are retained in this area.
•
Use of 1080 baits for Fox in the study area should be carefully considered. Where use of
1080 is necessary, burying baits deeper than seven centimetres below the ground surface
(rather than burying them in raised mounds) will decrease the number of baits removed by
Spotted-tailed Quolls (Glen and Dickman 2003).
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The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
6.1.2
Wild Dog
•
Mitigation of the impacts of Wild Dogs must be balanced against the need to conserve the
Dingo. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty in differentiating Wild Dog from Dingo by indirect
traces such as scats and tracks, the relative distribution of these subspecies is not clear from
data on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. Research undertaken by DECC Yango Area suggests that
Dingo occur at the core of the park and that animals closer to the park boundary have a higher
degree of Wild Dog heritage. It is highly recommended that this research be continued and
leads to the production of a Dingo management plan for the park.
•
The highest priority for ongoing monitoring and abatement is around known Brush-tailed Rockwallaby colonies and potential Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby habitat. Wild Dog/Dingo data
collected in the vicinity if Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies to date should be entered into the
Atlas of NSW Wildlife and subject to statistical analysis to test for changes in abundance over
time. Predator scats should also be collected from these areas and sent to Barbara Triggs for
identification and prey analysis. Findings should then be used to determine the need for
implementation of a Wild Dog control programme.
•
Current control of Wild Dog in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves should focus on the
peripheries of the reserve. In particular, control should be considered in the north-eastern
corner (between Boree and Wollombi in the vicinity of key Koala habitat) and along the Putty
Road between Colo Heights and Howes Valley. Baiting (particularly aerial baiting) within the
interior of the park should be avoided at this stage, including in the vicinity of Big Yango
Station, Nowlands and Timor Holdings. Wild Dogs should continue to only be directly
removed on a selective basis from these latter areas at least until further information is gained
on the competitive relationship between Fox and Dog/Dingo in this area.
•
It is recommended that wherever possible predator scats be collected by DECC staff and sent
to Barbara Triggs for identification and prey analysis. Results, together with accurate location
information, should be entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife in order to build up a database of
the prey composition of predators in different parts of the reserves and the impact they are
likely to be having on fauna species in particular habitats.
6.1.3
Feral herbivores
•
The Goat must be managed within southern Yengo and Parr at this early stage, before any
potential Feral populations gain a hold. The area above Webbs Creek around the 2006
sighting should be monitored on a six-monthly basis to ascertain whether a single escaped
individual or a Feral population occurs. If a Feral population is discovered here, or on the
western boundary of the park near Putty Road, swift action should be taken to control the
animals before they spread. In addition, neighbouring landholders should be made aware of
the high conservation value of Yengo NP and Parr SCA to the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, and
of the damage that escaped Goats could cause, particularly if they become Feral. The
western side of Webbs Creek immediately above the Goat farm could also be monitored for
evidence of escaped Goats, and the landholder encouraged to work cooperatively with DECC
to prevent a Feral population from becoming established.
•
A monitoring and control programme for Feral Deer on the Mellong Plateau should be
developed in cooperation with DECC Hawkesbury and Hunter Range Areas and neighbouring
land holders. The sooner such a programme is implemented the higher the chance that the
pest can be successfully eradicated from Yengo and adjacent reserves. As Fallow Deer have
the potential to increase in Yengo and Wollemi NPs if left unchecked, this is a high
management priority.
•
It is recommended that a management program for Feral Pig be established on the Mellong
Plateau in cooperation with DECC Hawkesbury and Hunter Range Areas and neighbouring
land holders. The programme could variously involve trapping, selective poisoning and
shooting and lead to removal of the species from the reserve in the medium term.
•
Current management of Rabbit around Big Yango Station appears to be having some success
(J. Betteridge pers. comm.) and should therefore be continued. At this stage the only
additional management recommendation for Rabbit is bi-annual monitoring in the vicinity of
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies. This could take the form of undertaking searches and
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
95
counts of Rabbit scats over a designated area. Any baiting of Fox around Big Yango and the
Nowlands and Timor holdings must be accompanied by Rabbit control, and visa versa.
•
6.1.4
It is recommended that the Feral Cattle control programme currently in place for Big Yango
Station be extended to Timor and Nowlands holdings and Pierces Hole, with the first two
locations taking higher priority. Surveys should be undertaken to determine the origin of
Cattle along the Macdonald River, and if found to be Feral should also be removed.
Common Starling
Though the area of impact of Common Starling is currently restricted to disturbed lands on Big Yango
Station the species has the potential to spread to other previously disturbed areas in the park, such as
Timor and Nowlands holdings, and thus further limit the availability if tree hollows in these areas. In
light of this it is recommended Common Starling be surveyed and monitored biannually around Big
Yango Station, Timor and Nowlands holdings, in conjunction with threatened diurnal bird species as
outlined in Section 6.6.2.
6.2
FIRE MANAGEMENT AND FAUNA
Due to characteristics of elevation, slope and aspect Yengo NP is rated as having a very high potential
to carry fire, greater than that of neighbouring Wollemi NP (DEC 2005k). The impact of wildfire and
controlled burning on fauna remains poorly understood. Research currently being undertaken by
DECC (in prep.) is one of few studies comparing fauna composition in long unburnt vegetation to
vegetation that has undergone extensive and severe wildfire. Findings of that study will aid in
understanding the impacts of severe wildfire on fauna in the Yengo and Parr reserves. Though listed
as a Key Threatening Process, the ecological impacts of frequent fire on the suite of fauna in an
ecosystem remain poorly studied, and hence it is difficult to make informed management
recommendations in this regard.
Preliminary examination of data collected during the DECC study (DEC 2004c) suggests that fauna
groups particularly susceptible to high intensity fire are the arboreal mammals, shrub-frequenting birds
and litter-dwelling skinks. The study highlights the importance of unburnt refugia in the recolonisation
of burnt areas. Unburnt refugia remain important for many years after the fire, as a population source
for recolonisation and by augmenting food and habitat for individuals occupying burnt areas. When
few unburnt refugia remain, maintaining these in an unburnt state for many years is particularly
important. It is worth noting that despite the history of numerous extensive and intense wildfires
across the Yengo and Parr reserves (roughly between three and seven wildfires in the last 20 years),
the suite of fauna expected to occur in Sydney hinterland sandstone environments remains present.
Koala, for example, are widespread across the north-eastern corner of the study area, which has
frequently been burnt in the last 20 years. The mechanism for these species survival was not
examined as part of this study, but suggests that species such as Koala and Red-crowned Toadlet can
survive in frequently burnt reserves where large interconnected areas of habitat exist.
Recent completion of detailed vegetation mapping across the Yengo and Parr reserves will enable the
delineation of fire sensitive vegetation communities. The DECC Metro Information and Assessment
Section is working towards undertaking fauna habitat modelling across the Yengo, Parr and Wollemi
reserves to further delineate high conservation value and fire sensitive fauna habitats. That work
would enable formulation of more prescriptive fire management strategies for biodiversity
conservation.
In the mean time the following generic recommendations for fire management in relation to fauna are
made:
•
Fire management should always maintain a mosaic of fire regimes.
•
Mosaic burning should retain some examples of all vegetation communities in a long unburnt
state, especially representatives of the high priority fauna habitat vegetation types.
•
Fire planning should recognise the crucial role that unburnt refugia play in the recolonisation of
burnt landscapes, particularly after extensive and intense wildfire. When only small areas are
left unburnt these should remain in an unburnt state for as long as possible, at the very least
for ten years.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
•
Where possible, fire management in southern Yengo and Parr should aim to protect hollowbearing trees and assist the establishment of new hollows in areas that have previously been
cleared or logged. One example is not felling hollow-bearing dead or living trees during mopup operations or during construction or upgrading of fire breaks and trails. Broadscale wildfire
may temporarily disrupt the age structure of previously logged forests, but can also promote
hollow formation in standing trees (Lindenmayer et al. 1991b in NSW Scientific Committee
2007).
•
Fire intensity mapping should be carried out following all major wildfire events.
A number of threatened species warrant particular consideration when planning hazard reduction
burns and attempting to control wildfires. In light of this the following recommendations are made.
•
High intensity wildlife should be excluded from the rocky refugia of known extant Brush-tailed
Rock-wallaby colonies (see Map 15).
•
During a wildfire it is critical to attempt to ensure that a proportion of Koala habitat is left
unburnt. Fuel reduction burning should be conducted outside of the spring/summer period
when Koalas are breeding, and crown scorch and crown burns should be avoided. Preferred
feed trees, including Red Gums and Grey Gum should not be felled during mop-up operations
or construction of fire breaks in areas that are known to be used by Koala. Introduced
predator control, especially for Foxes should be undertaken in initial years following wildfire,
as Koalas spend more time on the ground travelling between feeding areas.
•
High intensity wildfire should be excluded, where possible, from creeklines and gorges that
support habitat for the Sooty and Powerful Owls, in particular where territories of these
species are currently known to occur (see Map 7). Too frequent hazard reduction burning,
using low intensity fire with short burn intervals, should also be avoided in these areas.
Vegetation communities considered to potentially provide habitat for these owls include
Sydney Hinterland Blue Gum-Turpentine Gully Forest, Sydney Hinterland Warm Temperate
Rainforest and Sydney Sandstone Riparian Complex, though the Powerful Owl may utilise
other vegetation types where taller forest exists.
•
The distribution of Spotted-tailed Quoll in the southern Yengo and Parr reserves is not
currently known. Further survey, community consultation and habitat modelling may improve
our understanding of patterns of habitat use, and enable more prescriptive recommendations
for fire management. In the mean time, it is recommended that representative areas of each
of the moister vegetation communities are always left in a long unburnt state, particularly in
the south and east of the study area.
•
Fire regimes in the grassy alluvial forests and woodlands, particularly around Big Yango and
Nowlands holdings, as well as in the woodlands around the Mellong Sands, should be
managed to ensure key habitat features for threatened species that occur therein are
maintained and enhanced. Key habitat features include: diversity of native grasses; moderate
density of shrub thickets; fallen logs and standing or fallen dead trees; hollow-bearing trees.
6.3
ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
Vegetation communities most affected by historical clearing, grazing and logging activities before the
establishment of the Yengo and Parr reserves include Coastal Riverflat Cabbage Gum Forest, Hunter
Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest, Hunter Range Flats Red Gum-Apple Forest, Sydney
Hinterland Diatreme Forest, and taller forest on sheltered slopes and gully lines from where
hardwoods such as Ironbark species, Sydney Blue Gum, Turpentine and Stringybark species were
logged. The most appropriate restoration for the latter logged forests is natural regeneration, together
with protection of existing hollow-bearing trees, as few, if any, weed species occur and the areas are
subject to few ongoing threatening processes. The first four vegetation communities, however, could
best be restored by assisted regeneration, with the main focus being the control of weed species.
The highest priority for assisted regeneration is the Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest
and adjacent clearings, particularly where it occurs along wider alluvial valleys with Red Gums in the
canopy and/or adjacent to Hunter Range Ironbark Forest. It is recommended that a survey of weeds
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
97
be commissioned for these areas, particularly around Big Yango, Timor and Nowlands holdings, and
former grazing lands below Mount Calore. A weed management plan could then be established for
these areas, particularly targeting any perennial grass species that are listed under the determination
of invasion of native plant communities by exotic perennial grasses as a Key Threatening Process,
and/or weed species that are most likely to inhibit natural regeneration of the native plant community.
This weed management plan should be implemented in conjunction with a biannual survey of birds
and arboreal mammals, to monitor any corresponding changes in abundance or distribution, as
outlined below.
Management of the grasslands around Big Yango Station should also take into account the current
habitat usage of high priority threatened species, particularly Grey-crowned Babbler and Speckled
Warbler. These species have been recorded along wider creek flats at the interface of cleared and
lightly timbered country and it is possible that their current occurrence in the study area depends on
the maintenance of this grassland/woodland interface. It is therefore recommended that the
grasslands around Big Yango Station be retained at their current extent, at least as long as Greycrowned Babbler and Speckled Warbler continue to use this habitat. The monitoring of these
threatened bird species, as recommended in Section 6.6.2, will reveal longer term patterns in habitat
use and population status, and inform management of these habitats, as well as those within the
Timor and Nowlands holdings, in the future.
6.4
OFF-RESERVE CONSERVATION
6.4.1
Co-operative pest management
Control of pests on the study area will not be successful without the adoption of a cooperative crosstenure approach. It is therefore strongly recommended that a pest management program be
developed for all of the catchments of which the study area is a part. Such a program will be
particularly pertinent for successful control of Wild Dog, Feral Goat, Wild Cattle and Fox.
6.4.2
Community awareness and involvement
Private lands adjacent to the park, particularly in the Boree, Wallabadah, Macdonald, Mogo and
Webbs Creek valleys, play an important role in the ongoing conservation of fauna in the area.
Landholders should therefore be encouraged to participate in conservation programs and/or minimise
the undertaking of activities that would decrease the value of habitats to native fauna. The 2006-07
BSP project could be used as a platform to launch a community awareness program for landholders in
the Macdonald, Webbs, Wrights, Mogo, Boree, Wallabadah and Wollombi Valleys. Such a program
could include the following:
•
Helping the community to become aware of the conservation value of particular habitats within
and adjacent to the southern Yengo and Parr reserves. High conservation value habitats
include: Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby colonies; mapped areas of vegetation that constitute the
grassy alluvial forests and woodlands priority fauna habitat group (see Table 11); Koala
habitat to the east of Yengo NP; creeklines and valley flats that support River Oak, Red Gums,
Swamp Mahogany, Thin-leaved Stringybark or Rough-barked Apple; and Ironbark woodland
on lower slopes.
•
Helping the community become aware of the threat that actions they take can pose to fauna
both on and off reserve. Landholders should be encouraged to prevent the progress of
relevant threatening processes, which entails: in situ retention of fallen wood, dead trees, live
hollow-bearing trees and bush rock; preventing domestic Cattle from grazing in either Yengo
NP or Parr SCA; avoiding planting of exotic plant species, particularly exotic grasses; avoiding
the use of pesticides in lands adjacent to the park boundary wherever possible.
•
Encouraging landholders to accurately report any sightings of the following species in or
adjacent to the park to the DECC Yango Area or the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. Species include
Feral Cat, Goat, Feral Deer, Pig, Common Starling, Common Myna, Eurasian Blackbird,
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and Spotted-tailed Quoll.
•
Landholders could also be made aware of the possibilities available to them to develop
conservation partnerships, such as through voluntary conservation agreements.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
6.5
LAND ACQUISITION PRIORITIES FOR FAUNA
In terms of vertebrate fauna, priorities for land acquisition are areas that contain significant intact
amounts of the high priority fauna habitats described in Section 5.3. Grassy alluvial forests and
woodlands are generally poorly represented in the reserve system and are the highest priority for
addition to the southern Yengo and Parr reserves, particularly where remnant vegetation is present
and contiguous with larger areas of native vegetation. Previously disturbed lands remain worthy of
addition to the reserve system if they hold enough ecological integrity to naturally regenerate in the
long term. Vegetation communities that are a high priority for inclusion in the reserves are: Coastal
River Oak Forest, Coastal Riverflat Cabbage Gum Forest, Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany Forest,
Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest, Hunter Range Flats Red Gum-Apple Forest,
Hunter Range Ironbark Forest, Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum Sedge Woodland and Mellong
Range Scribbly Gum Woodland.
Any areas of high quality Koala habitat to the east of Yengo and Parr SCA that retain connectivity with
habitats and Koala populations in Watagans and Olney State Forests are also a high priority for
addition to the reserve system.
6.6
FURTHER SURVEY AND MONITORING
The systematic fauna surveys undertaken over the last decade have resulted in an adequate level of
understanding of the occurrence of most fauna species, and there is now comprehensive
documentation of the fauna characteristics of the Yengo and Parr reserves. The key priorities for
further survey and analysis now lie in gaining a more detailed understanding of particular species not
well sampled during the systematic survey process, as well as in developing information systems that
accurately delineate the relative quality of habitats for particular threatened species and the key
threats acting therein.
6.6.1
Threatened species projects
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
Potential habitat for the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is widespread, yet only a small number of locations
are currently known to support the species, and even fewer of these are well understood. The
discovery of Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby at four new locations during the 2006-07 surveys demonstrates
the validity of undertaking further survey for the species in more remote sections of Yengo NP and
Parr SCA, in order to gain an understanding of the role that these parks currently play in the state-wide
conservation of the species. The delineation of rocky areas and the detailed vegetation mapping
recently completed by DECC (2007a) could be used as a guide for further surveys, while habitat
modelling to be completed by the Information and Assessment Section can be used in the future. The
easiest techniques to employ would be searches for fresh scats. The surveys should be undertaken
by personnel experienced in identifying potential Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby habitat on the ground, and
identifying scats and individuals. Any newly discovered locations should be subject to a broad scale
assessment of threats, particularly search and collection of predator scats, and search of Feral Goat
and Rabbit scats.
Following the above, colonies and habitats should be priorities and ranked in terms of their importance
to the long-term survival of the species in the region. High priority sites should be the first target for
feral animal control and abatement of any other threatening processes that are identified during the
study, in consultation with the species Recovery Team.
Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot
Targeted survey work is required to determine the relative importance of Yengo NP to conservation of the
Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot. It is recommended that surveys be undertaken during peak flowering
periods over several years, in order to ascertain the extent to which these species utilise the study area, if at
all. Key areas for survey for Regent Honeyeater include Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany Forest along
Greens Swamp/Creek, riparian zones along the Macdonald River, Mogo and Wallabadah Creeks, and in
the old inholdings south of the Yengo Track, including Big Yango Station. The key area for Swift Parrot
survey is the Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany Forest along Greens Swamp, during winter flowering
events. Such surveys need to be undertaken by experienced observers familiar with the species calls.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
99
Squirrel Glider
Potential habitat for the Squirrel Glider is very restricted in extent, occurring primarily along the wider
alluvial valleys in the north of the study area, including Wallabadah, Sandy, Timor and Nowlands
Valleys, and possibly also Wollombi Arm. It is possible that the species occurs at low density through
these valleys, though past clearing may have caused local extinction through removal of tree hollows.
Management of the Squirrel Glider in southern Yengo will require further survey to determine the species
current extent. Surveys should involve systematic spotlighting in potential habitat areas, by surveyors
highly experienced in differentiating Squirrel and Sugar Gliders in the field.
Brush-tailed Phascogale
Surveys for Brush-tailed Phascogale are considered to be worthwhile as the species is of high regional
conservation significance, yet its status currently very poorly understood in the Yengo and Parr
reserves. The most effective method for ascertaining whether Brush-tailed Phascogale occurs within
the study area or not is likely to be the erection of nest boxes in potential habitat areas (Soderquist et
al. 1996). Potential habitat areas are wider alluvial valleys that support open forest or woodland with a
grassy or herbaceous ground layer, including Hunter Range Flats Apple-Stringybark-Gum Forest
particularly where it is in the vicinity of Hunter Range Ironbark forest on lower slopes. Areas to be
targetted should include in the vicinity of the Masked Owl roost and potentially along Nowlands and
Tumbledown Creeks or south of Mount Calore. These nest boxes would need to be left in place for a
long period of time (> 4 months) and periodically checked for Brush-tailed Phascogale individuals,
nests or scats (Soderquist et al. 1996). Boxes should be no smaller than 150 x 150 x 300 millimetres,
be placed at least four metres off the ground in trees greater than 25 centimetres in diameter and
follow construction guidelines presented in Soderquist et al. (1996). Boxes should be checked in AprilJune (breeding season) and February-March (juvenile dispersal period), and though animals may be
present from August-November it is best not to disturb them at this time (Soderquist et al. 1996).
Evidence of Brush-tailed Phascogale activity can be gained by three means: a phascogale nest,
phascogale scat or observation of an animal. Periodic checking of nest boxes would also yield
information on other arboreal mammal species.
6.6.2
Other future work
Modelling of habitat for priority fauna species across the Yengo and Parr reserves
Modelling of habitat for threatened and regionally significant species has recently been completed
across the Greater Southern Sydney region (DECC 2007b, c), leading to the setting of fauna species
conservation priorities, identification of high priority fauna habitat, mapping of important fauna corridors
and linkages and associated management recommendations. DECC Metro Information and
Assessment Section is working towards implementing a similar project across the northern half of the
Greater Sydney Region, including Yengo and Wollemi NPs and Parr SCA. Systematic fauna data
collected in these parks during the last four years, and continuing to be collected in Wollemi NP over
the next two years, will feed directly into this process, in combination with the detailed vegetation
mapping recently completed in Yengo and Parr and currently being undertaken across Wollemi NP
and neighbouring lands. Such work will enable more detailed and robust setting of fauna conservation
priorities for the southern Yengo and Parr reserves in a regional context, as well as identification of
high priority and highly sensitive habitats.
Long term monitoring of threatened birds and arboreal mammals around Big Yango Station, Calore
Creek, Nowlands and Timor holdings
Due to the conservation significance of grassy alluvial forests and woodlands high priority fauna
habitat in the above vicinities, and the ongoing threats acting upon these habitats, the establishment of
a long term monitoring program is warranted. Monitoring sites should be established in each of the
above areas, in the following habitat types: Ironbark on Narrabeen slopes, regenerating Red Gum,
Rough-barked Apple, known current location of Speckled Warbler and Grey-crowned Babbler. The
standard 20-minute systematic bird census could be used on an annual (or bi-annual) basis, including
in spring and late autumn/winter. Censuses must be conducted by experienced observers familiar
with calls of all of the declining woodland birds. Such monitoring should lead to a better understanding
of the status of the declining woodland birds in the study area, particularly of Speckled Warbler and
Grey-crowned Babbler, changes in relative species abundance over time as habitats in the previously
cleared valleys regenerates, and whether further management actions are required for these species.
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The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
In addition, it would be worth considering the installation of next boxes in the Timor and Nowlands
holdings in areas of open forest supporting Red Gum or Rough-barked Apple or Ironbark, and an open
understorey. The primary objective of such a venture would be to determine whether Brush-tailed
Phascogale occurs in this area, which would supplement such surveys in the vicinity of the junction of
Yengo and Little Jimmy Creeks (see above).
Monitoring of Common Starling at Big Yango Station
Though the area of impact of this species is highly restricted, the Big Yango Station area and the
Nowlands and Timor holdings have relatively high conservation significance due to the presence of
several species of threatened hollow-dependant fauna such as Turquoise Parrot and Barking Owl. A
monitoring programme for the Common Starling could easily be set up in this area, aimed at
determining the conservation incentives and feasibility of removing the population. Surveys should be
undertaken on an annual basis, and can be completed in conjunction with native diurnal bird
censuses. Surveys should include systematic 20-minute bird census at set locations where Common
Starlings are currently known to occur, as well as targeted opportunistic searches for the species in
adjacent habitat areas and in the Calore Creek, Nowlands and Timor valleys. If the species is found to
increase in abundance or distribution action should be taken to control the birds.
Further feral animal surveys
As outlined above further surveys are required for feral Fox, Goat and Deer. Suggestions for these
programs are given in Section 6.1.
Ongoing collection and analysis of predator scats, particularly Fox scats
The analysis of predator scats yields important information on the distribution and relative abundance
of predator species as well as the composition of predator diets. The development of a database on
predator locations and prey species will over time help to quantify and locate the threats posed to
native fauna by Dogs and Foxes. It is therefore highly recommended that predator scats, particularly
Fox scats, be collected by DECC staff whenever they are encountered, placed in a paper envelope
with accurate location information and date, and sent to a recognised expert such as Barbara Triggs
for analysis. Results should be entered into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife using the Biodiversity
Subsystem so that they are available not only to park managers but a wide range of audiences.
Research into the competitive relationship between Wild Dog/Dingo and Fox
Much research is currently being undertaken into the relationship between Dingo and Fox, and the
role that the Dingo plays in the Australian ecosystem. The apparent absence or low abundance of Fox
in the vicinity of Big Yango Station, Nowlands and Timor holdings could make the area ideal for
inclusion in studies investigating these processes.
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101
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1998. Prepared by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, State Forests of NSW, Department
of Land and Water Conservation and Sydney Catchment Authority. March 2000.
NSW Scientific Committee (1998a) Final determination to list the Barking Owl as a Vulnerable species.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Barking+Owl+-+vulnerable+species+listing
Accessed 27/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (1998b) Final determination to list predation by European Red Fox as a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Predation+by+the+European+red+fox+key+thr
eatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04.
NSW Scientific Committee (1999a) Final Determination to list the Glossy Black-cockatoo population,
Riverina
as
an
endangered
population.
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
109
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/glossy+black+cockatoo+population+riverina+e
ndangered+population+listing Accessed 26/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (1999b) Final Determination to list Bushrock Removal as a Key
Threatening Process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/bushroc1k.pdf Accessed 17/06/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2000a) Final Determination to list Ecological consequences of high
frequency
fires
as
a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Ecological+consequences+of+high+frequency
+fires+key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/06/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2000b) Final Determination to list human-caused climate change as a Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Human+caused+climate+change+key+threate
ning+process+declaration. Accessed 24/4/06
NSW Scientific Committee (2000c) Final Determination to list predation by Feral Cats as a key
threatening
process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Predation+by+feral+cats++key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001a) Final Determination to list Gang-gang Cockatoo population,
Hornsby and Ku-ring-gai Local Government Areas as an Endangered Population.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Gang+gang+cockatoo+population+Hornsby+a
nd+Ku+ring+gai+Local+Government+Areas+endangered+population+listing. Accessed 27/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001b) Final Determination to list Brown Treecreeper (eastern
subspecies)
as
a
Vulnerable
Species.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Brown+treecreeper+eastern+subspecies++vulnerable+species+listing Accessed 27/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001c) Final Determination to list Speckled Warbler as a Vulnerable
Species.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Speckled+warbler++vulnerable+species+listing Accessed 07/02/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001d) Final Determination to list Black-chinned Honeyeater (eastern
subspecies) as a Vulnerable Species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Blackchinned+honeyeater+eastern+subspecies+-+vulnerable+species+listing Accessed 01/02/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2001e) Final Determination to list Eastern Pygmy-possum as a Vulnerable
species.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/eastern+pygmy-possum++vulnerable+species+listing Accessed 13/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2002a) Final determination to list Competition from Feral Honeybees Apis
mellifera
as
a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Competition+from+feral+honeybees++key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 24/4/06
NSW Scientific Committee (2002b) Final determination to list competition and grazing by the feral
European
Rabbit
as
a
key
threatening
process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Competition+and+grazing+by+the+feral+Euro
pean+rabbit+key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 15/6/04.
NSW Scientific Committee (2003a) Final determination to list removal of dead wood and dead trees as
a key threatening process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/deadwood_removal_ktp Accessed 15/05/06.
NSW Scientific Committee (2003b) Final determination to list invasion of native plant communities by
exotic
perennial
grasses
as
a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Invasion+of+native+plant+communities+by+ex
otic+perennial+grasses+key+threatening+process+declaration Accessed 24/04/06.
110
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
NSW Scientific Committee (2003c) Final Determination to list Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale
penicillata) as an endangered species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Brushtailed+rock+wallaby+-+endangered+species+listing. Accessed 15/6/04.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004a) Final determination to list Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern
subspecies) as a vulnerable species. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Greycrowned+babbler+eastern+subspecies+-+vulnerable+species+listing. Accessed 14/06/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004b) Final Determination to list herbivory and land degradation caused
by
Feral
Deer
as
a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/feral_deer_ktp Accessed 21/06/06.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004c) Final Determination to list competition and habitat degradation by
Feral Goats. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/feral_goats_ktp
Accessed
15/06/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2004d) Final Determination to list Feral Pigs as a Key Threatening
Process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/feral_pigs_ktp. Accessed 13/05/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2005a). Final determination to list alteration of habitat following
subsidence
due
to
longwall
mining
as
a
Key
Threatening
Process.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/longwall_mining_ktp Accessed 24/10/05.
NSW Scientific Committee (2005b) Final determination to list Gang-gang Cockatoo as a Vulnerable
species.
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/gang-gang_cockatoo_vulnerable.
Accessed 03/02/06.
NSW Scientific Committee (2007) Preliminary determination to list loss of hollow-bearing trees as a
Key Threatening Process. http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/trees_ktp_preliminary
Accessed 10/09/07.
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Parnaby, H. (1992a) An interim guide to identification of insectivorous bats of south-eastern Australia.
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Parnaby, H. (1992b) An ultrasonic survey of microchiropteran bats of north-east NSW forests. North
East Forests Biodiversity Study Report No. 3b. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Pavlov, P.M. (1995) Pig Sus scrofa Pp. 715-717 in Strahan, R. (ed.). The Mammals of Australia. Reed
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Pell, A.S. and Tidemann, C.R. (1997) The Ecology of the Common Myna in urban nature reserves in
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Reed, P.C., Lunney, D. and Walker, P. (1990) A 1986-1987 survey of the Koala Phascolarctos
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Rhind, S. and Bradley, J. (2002) The effect of drought on body size, growth and abundance of wild
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Robinson D. and Traill, B.J. (1996) Conserving woodland birds in the wheat and sheep belts of
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Sanders, J., Bedward, M., Leahy, B., Robinson, M. and Sheringham, P. (1988) Preliminary Report on
the Vegetation of Yengo National Park and Parr State Recreation Area. An unpublished report to the
National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW.
Savolainen, P, Leitner, T. Wilton, A., Matisoo-Smith, E. and Lundeberg, J. (2004) A detailed picture of
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Schulz, M. (1998) Bats and other fauna in disused Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel Nests. Emu 98: 184-191.
Scotts, D.J. and Craig, S.A. (1988) Improved hair sampling tube for the detection of small mammals.
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Shelley, D. (1998) Survey of vertebrate fauna and habitats in a cypress pine-ironbark forest in centralwest New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 30: 426-436.
Shelley, D. (2004) Macquarie Marshes – Threatened species profiles. Department of Infrastructure,
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Shine, R. and Fitzgerald, M. (1989) Conservation and reproduction of an endangered species: the
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Short, J. and Milkovits, G. (1990) Distribution and status of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby in southeastern Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 17: 169 –179.
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Smith, A.P. and Quin, D.G. (1996) Patterns and causes of extinction and decline in Australian
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Soderquist T. (1995) Brush-tailed Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa. Pp 104-106 in The Mammals of
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114
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
ABR001W
ABR002O
ABR003W
ABR004H
ABR005W
ABR006O
ABR008W
ABR009W
CLH001O
CLH002O
CLH003O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
290371
286168
288274
292710
310210
300971
300712
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
Bloodwood6309396 Mahogany Transition Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6313764 Bloodwood Woodland
Sheltered
Sydney
Hinterland
6309707 Turpentine-Apple Forest
1
1
1
1
Harp trapping
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6325075 Forest
1
1
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
1
1
1
1
1
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6332314 Bloodwood Woodland
Gum-
1
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6331192 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6329616 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
Gum-
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6331844 Turpentine Gully Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6332738 Bloodwood Woodland
Sheltered
1
bird
Sydney
Hinterland
6332426 Turpentine-Apple Forest
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
301623
309233
Diurnal
survey
308959
(as
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
6323874 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Northing
Nocturnal
playback
313003
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
Tabulated below is the location of systematic fauna survey sites in southern Yengo National Park and Parr State Conservation Area and the techniques
undertaken at each site. All sites are located in Zone 56, using Australian Geodatum 66.
APPENDIX A – LOCATION OF SURVEY SITES
115
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
CLH004O
CLH005W
CLH006W
CLH007W
KLN001M
KLN002S
KLN003W
KLN004W
KLN005W
KLN006O
KLN007O
KLN008W
KLN009O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
314659
322965
321156
317357
318473
1
Sydney
Hinterland
Bloodwood6313323 Mahogany Transition Forest
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6324392 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6324453 Turpentine Gully Forest
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6324931 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6323396 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6323204 Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6323268 Forest
Sheltered
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6324709 Turpentine Gully Forest
Gum-
Gum-
Gum-
Sandstone
Apple
Sydney
Hinterland
6323894 Upland Swamp
Dwarf
1
Hinterland
Sydney
6322491 Scrub
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6310425 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
bird
Sydney
Hinterland
Bloodwood6314002 Mahogany Transition Forest
Nocturnal
streamside
search
320413
321565
321630
322132
289742
Diurnal
survey
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
286477
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
288199
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully
6312976 Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
289686
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
116
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
KLN010W
KLN011O
KLN012W
KLN013O
KLN014O
KLN015H
KLN016O
KLN017C
KLN018H
KLN019W
KLN020W
KLN021O
KLN022W
KLN023O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
320862
319628
319868
315958
313956
322594
319777
318565
322349
319442
317901
317267
Diurnal
survey
316407
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322792 Bloodwood Woodland
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6325777 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6325652 Turpentine Gully Forest
Sydney
6326673 Scrub
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6322481 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly
6319682 Gum Woodland
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6320877 Forest
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322037 Bloodwood Woodland
Apple
1
1
1
1
1
1
Dwarf
1
1
1
1
1
1
Harp trapping
6323786 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Hinterland
Gum-
1
1
Gum-
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6326705 Turpentine Gully Forest
Apple
1
Dwarf
Sydney
6324953 Scrub
Hinterland
1
6324651 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Sheltered
1
bird
Sydney
Hinterland
6322326 Turpentine-Apple Forest
(as
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
6323736 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Northing
1
Nocturnal
playback
313924
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
1
117
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
KLN024W
KLN025W
KLN026W
KLN028W
KLN029W
KLN030W
KLN031O
KLN032W
KLN033O
LPR001W
LPR002H
LPR003W
LPR004O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
297085
301807
306619
301671
321401
319566
317591
322551
316582
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
bird
1
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
Sheltered
6304280 Turpentine-Blackbutt Forest
Apple
6300323 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Dwarf
1
Hinterland
Sydney
6304207 Scrub
1
1
1
1
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6320543 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322597 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322870 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6303003 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6325632 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6332703 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6332810 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6323191 Forest
call
1
1
A
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6323259 Forest
Apple
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
313683
322758
321606
Dwarf
(as
Diurnal
survey
Hinterland
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney
6323088 Scrub
Northing
Elliott
trapping
322667
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
118
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
LPR005O
LPR006W
LPR007W
LPR008W
MLG001W
MNG001O
MNG002W
MNG003O
MNG004W
MNG005O
MNG006O
MNG007O
MNG008W
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
317162
317762
320407
319511
314268
317347
316285
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6317261 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sheltered
Sheltered
Sheltered
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6316904 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6311914 Turpentine-Apple Forest
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6316299 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sheltered
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6313971 Forest
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6311720 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6312375 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6312658 Forest
Harp trapping
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6302313 Bloodwood Woodland
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
1
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6303828 Bloodwood Woodland
Coastal Riverflat Swamp Mahogany
6301482 Forest
1
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
314782
289456
296869
303549
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6303651 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
305862
(as
Sheltered
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Diurnal
survey
Sydney
Hinterland
6303730 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Northing
Nocturnal
playback
299266
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
1
1
119
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
MNG009W
MNG010O
MNG011W
MNG012W
MNG013W
MOR001O
MOR002W
MOR003O
MOR004W
MOR005O
MOR006O
MOR007O
MOR008O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
310625
310684
312430
312243
307917
306720
290150
1
Hunter
Range
Flats
6346426 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Apple-
1
Hunter
Range
Flats
6345491 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Apple-
1
1
6343331 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
6342395 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6333140 Bloodwood Woodland
Gum-
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6333725 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6337217 Bloodwood Woodland
Sheltered
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6336235 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sheltered
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
6314643 Turpentine-Apple Forest
bird
1
1
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6316220 Bloodwood Woodland
Harp trapping
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6319056 Bloodwood Woodland
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
1
call
Sydney
Hinterland
6315838 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sheltered
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
294167
314442
315979
318900
(as
Diurnal
survey
318542
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6311108 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
318296
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
120
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
MOR009O
MOR010W
MOR011W
MOR012C
MOR013W
MOR014O
MOR015W
MOR016O
MOR017O
MOR018O
MOR019W
MOR020O
MOR021W
MOR022H
MOR023O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
305644
303978
304976
302014
301634
301679
308362
306941
300416
6334740 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
6333161 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
6333974 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Hunter
Range
Flats
6346086 Stringybark-Gum Forest
6345985 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Apple-
1
1
1
1
1
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6345929 Forest
6343265 Cleared Lands
1
6346480 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6343764 Bloodwood Woodland
6344754 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6344258 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
300440
1
bird
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully
6342790 Forest
6343490 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
6342477 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Apple-
(as
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
301145
302110
311384
312249
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Diurnal
survey
Hunter
Range
Flats
6345470 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Northing
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
playback
311233
Easting
1
1
1
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
1
121
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
MOR024W
MOR025O
MOR026W
MOR027O
MOR028W
MOR029O
MOR030W
MOR031O
MOR032W
MOR033W
MOR034O
MOR035W
MRY0001O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
320420
296305
297758
307781
300704
300626
305065
301345
301551
304016
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6334466 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
A
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6338468 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6338519 Forest
1
6341174 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
1
Harp trapping
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6333060 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
1
1
1
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6345227 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Hunter
Range
Flats
6334117 Stringybark-Gum Forest
1
1
1
bird
6334835 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Apple-
Gum-
Dry
Gum-
Gum-
1
1
Hunter Range
6333355 Rainforest
Myrtle
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6336239 Turpentine Gully Forest
Grey
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6334877 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
303425
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6333015 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Gum-
Gum-
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6335287 Turpentine Gully Forest
Nocturnal
playback
302583
1
(as
Diurnal
survey
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Northing
Elliott
trapping
304331
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
122
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
MRY0004W
MRY002O
MRY003C
MRY005W
MRY006W
MRY007W
MRY008W
MRY009W
MRY010O
MRY011W
MRY012W
MRY013W
MRY014W
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
316345
318264
318120
324614
315338
314114
318670
317238
316758
316799
324200
Diurnal
survey
321808
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6336648 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6344969 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6346120 Forest
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6336523 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6334541 Forest
Apple-
Hunter
Range
Flats
6337938 Stringybark-Gum Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Harp trapping
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6336788 Forest
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6339195 Forest
Apple
1
Dwarf
Sydney
6338774 Scrub
Hinterland
1
1
1
1
1
6333482 Sydney Hinterland Rock Complex
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6334600 Bloodwood Woodland
1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6338424 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
(as
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6337849 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Northing
1
1
Nocturnal
playback
323209
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
123
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
MRY015W
MRY016W
MRY017O
MRY018W
MRY019S
MRY020W
MRY021W
MRY022O
MRY023O
MTY001O
MTY002O
MTY003O
MTY004W
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
310488
bird
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6352925 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6354072 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6353824 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6342474 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6342984 Forest
A
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6354397 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6338181 Bloodwood Woodland
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6335602 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6337985 Bloodwood Woodland
6339275 Sydney Hinterland Rock Complex
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6334627 Forest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6345154 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
302308
304934
303545
315097
313289
320887
319526
318000
319519
316382
Diurnal
survey
313567
(as
Harp trapping
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6337332 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
321648
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
124
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
MTY005O
MTY006O
MTY007O
MTY016O
MTY034O
MTY036O
MTY037W
MTY038W
MTY040O
MTY041O
MTY042C
MTY043O
MTY044O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
299252
296388
296874
298317
311477
312196
304119
300010
300010
1
1
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6347595 Box Forest
1
1
Sandstone
1
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully
6353290 Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6352705 Riparian Complex
1
1
Hunter
Range
Flats
6353357 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Apple-
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6351713 Bloodwood Woodland
6346991 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6354140 Bloodwood Woodland
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
1
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6354600 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6354600 Forest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6354029 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6352040 Forest
1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6354344 Bloodwood Woodland
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
312703
302744
Diurnal
survey
303737
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Harp trapping
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6353618 Forest
Northing
Nocturnal
playback
305888
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
125
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
MTY045O
MTY046O
MTY047O
MTY048O
MTY049O
MTY050W
MTY051O
MTY052O
MTY053W
MTY054O
MTY055W
MTY056W
MTY057O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
297753
308325
306798
307145
308226
300932
299998
302124
306736
306018
1
1
1
1
1
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully
6348318 Forest
Hunter
Range
Flats
6352126 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Hunter
Range
Flats
6349802 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark6351126 Grey Gum Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6350174 Forest
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6351071 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6347234 Forest
Hunter Range Hillgrove Gum Gully
6353130 Forest
1
6348698 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Gum-
1
6350677 Regenerating Trees and Shrubs
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6350774 Forest
Apple-
Apple-
1
bird
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6348472 Box Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
302899
Diurnal
survey
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
299891
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6348125 Box Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
298781
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
126
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
MTY058O
MTY059O
MTY060O
MTY061O
MTY062O
MTY063O
MTY064O
MTY065W
MTY067W
MTY068C
MTY069O
MTY070W
MTY071W
MTY072O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
307292
298967
305624
298632
1
1
1
1
Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry
6347839 Rainforest
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6352769 Bloodwood Woodland
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6347632 Forest
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6352350 Bloodwood Woodland
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6347899 Box Forest
3
6350181 Cleared Lands
1
Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry
6347610 Rainforest
1
1
1
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
6347038 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
6351701 Cleared Lands
1
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6350521 Turpentine Gully Forest
Gum-
1
6350816 Cleared Lands
1
1
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6348828 Box Forest
bird
1
1
Harp trapping
Hunter Range Stinging Tree Dry
6347384 Rainforest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
299547
303765
299076
301800
305892
307994
306214
298998
(as
Diurnal
survey
298901
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6347124 Forest
Northing
Nocturnal
playback
301974
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
1
1
127
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
306250
307150
S-F-LNE-43121-G
S-F-LNE-43123-R
STA001O
STA002W
STA003O
STA004W
STA005O
STA006O
STA007O
STA008W
STA009O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
296169
307667
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
Sheltered
6307372 Turpentine-Blackbutt Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6310578 Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6309164 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6312338 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6305332 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6306982 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney
Hinterland
Bloodwood6305513 Mahogany Transition Forest
Sheltered
Sheltered
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6309720 Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
305740
306466
308860
309799
308594
304980
1
bird
6308987 Hunter Range Ironbark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6353250 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6353475 Forest
Diurnal
survey
Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark6347309 Grey Gum Woodland
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
305730
(as
Hair
tube
sampling
128
299045
MTY074O
BSP Fauna Survey
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Hunter Range Basalt Red Gum-Grey
6347633 Box Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
299540
MTY073O
BSP Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
STA010O
STA011O
STA012W
STA013W
STA014R
STA015O
STA016W
STA018W
STA019W
STA020W
STA021O
STA022W
STA023H
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
297321
298004
297738
310187
309296
309006
292864
291815
292623
292395
293457
Diurnal
survey
292671
1
1
1
Sydney
Hinterland
Bloodwood6306464 Mahogany Transition Forest
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6308506 Turpentine Gully Forest
Mellong Sands
6307818 Woodland
Gum
Gum-
Apple
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6308004 Bloodwood Woodland
Dwarf
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6306135 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Hinterland
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6310794 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney
6306777 Scrub
1
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6309422 Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Harp trapping
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6308024 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly
6309227 Gum Woodland
Scribbly
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly
6308167 Gum Woodland
Gum1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6309358 Turpentine Gully Forest
(as
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6312333 Forest
Northing
1
1
1
Nocturnal
playback
300206
Easting
1
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
129
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
STA024O
STA025O
STA026C
STA027W
STA028W
STA029W
STA030W
SXB001W
SXB002W
SXB003W
SXB004O
SXB005W
SXB006O
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
287280
288277
286290
286711
285196
284327
299897
313144
293084
292242
292060
1
1
1
1
Mellong Sands
6326766 Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6324597 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6323190 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6324127 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Gum
1
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6325218 Sedge Woodland
Scribbly
1
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6323339 Sedge Woodland
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
1
1
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6318452 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6306368 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Harp trapping
1
Dry
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly
6309507 Gum Woodland
Myrtle
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
1
Grey
1
call
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6312489 Bloodwood Woodland
Hunter Range
6312348 Rainforest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6307934 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
293328
(as
Diurnal
survey
Sheltered
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney
Hinterland
6306332 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
296930
Easting
Hair
tube
sampling
130
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
SXB007W
SXB008W
SXB009W
SXB010W
SXB011W
SXB012W
SXB013S
SXB014W
WLM014O
WRB001W
WRB002W
WRB003W
WRB004W
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
288185
285493
287046
285925
313221
285192
284708
284871
285364
285453
286128
1
1
Mellong Sands
6335956 Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6337744 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Gum
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6337673 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Scribbly
1
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6337875 Sedge Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6351949 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6325992 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6331790 Sedge Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6331860 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Gum
Mellong Sands
6331788 Woodland
Scribbly
1
1
1
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6326089 Sedge Woodland
1
1
1
bird
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6325600 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
1
1
Harp trapping
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6327753 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Gum
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
286966
Scribbly
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Diurnal
survey
Mellong Sands
6322028 Woodland
Northing
1
1
Nocturnal
playback
283787
Easting
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Site number
Survey program
1
1
131
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
286400
288900
288050
298030
296250
WRB007W
WRB008W
WRB009W
WRB010W
9COP-DB01
9COP-ET01
S-F-LNE-41101-G
S-F-LNE-41102-M
S-F-LNE-41103-R
S-F-LNE-41106-M
S-F-LNE-41107-R
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
BSP Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
314400
286245
286707
288369
286434
Scribbly
Gum
Sheltered
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6321500 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322050 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney
Hinterland
6331650 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6331800 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
1
1
1
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
6331850 Cleared Lands
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6348950 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6349025 Forest
6338798 Cleared Lands
Mellong Sands
6337997 Woodland
1
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6338294 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Gum
1
1
Scribbly
1
Harp trapping
Mellong Sands
6337921 Woodland
1
bird
Mellong Sands Drooping Red Gum
6339933 Sedge Woodland
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
284930
Diurnal
survey
1
Hair
tube
sampling
132
314275
WRB006W
BSP Fauna Survey
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
1
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6339064 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
285508
WRB005W
BSP Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
297350
297350
297095
297095
296120
296120
297590
297590
298820
298820
304256
304256
S-F-LNE-42062-R
S-F-LNE-42062-R
S-F-LNE-42063-M
S-F-LNE-42063-M
S-F-LNE-42064-G
S-F-LNE-42064-G
S-F-LNE-42066-R
S-F-LNE-42066-R
S-F-LNE-42067-M
S-F-LNE-42067-M
S-F-LNE-42068-G
S-F-LNE-42068-G
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
(as
Sheltered
Sheltered
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6316320 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6316320 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6317720 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6317720 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6317478 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6317478 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6317780 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6317780 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6316320 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6316320 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6315290 Bloodwood Woodland
Diurnal
survey
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6315290 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6321750 Bloodwood Woodland
Northing
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
294200
S-F-LNE-41111-R
CRA Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
1
1
1
1
1
1
133
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
bird
298600
297550
314450
313975
314925
318375
317750
317025
306250
307150
304038
305333
S-F-LNE-42071-M
S-F-LNE-42072-G
S-F-LNE-43113-G
S-F-LNE-43114-M
S-F-LNE-43115-R
S-F-LNE-43117-G
S-F-LNE-43118-M
S-F-LNE-43119-R
S-F-LNE-43121-G
S-F-LNE-43123-R
T-F-LNE-42503
T-F-LNE-42504
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
Sheltered
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6313957 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6316593 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6353250 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6353475 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6343225 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6342800 Forest
Sydney
Hinterland
6342000 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6349275 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6350800 Bloodwood Woodland
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
1
1
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6350325 Bloodwood Woodland
Sandstone
Gum-
Diurnal
survey
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6314500 Turpentine Gully Forest
1
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Sydney
Hinterland
6314200 Riparian Complex
(as
Nocturnal
playback
Sandstone
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Elliott
trapping
Sydney
Hinterland
6314340 Riparian Complex
Northing
Hair
tube
sampling
134
298220
S-F-LNE-42070-G
CRA Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
bird
305171
314900
311450
290020
320850
304811
315943
314225
307225
314400
314275
314838
T-F-LNE-42506
T-F-LNE-43144
T-F-LNE-43145
T-F-SYD-42001
T-F-SYD-42012
T-F-SYD-42129
T-F-SYD-43017
T-F-SYD-43121
T-F-SYD-43122
T-F-SYD-43123
T-F-SYD-43143
T-F-SYD-50007
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
(as
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6326070 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6348950 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6348875 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6353125 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6353125 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6345386 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6316368 Forest
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6329850 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322367 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6352250 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6349350 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Diurnal
survey
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6313290 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6316560 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Northing
1
1
1
1
Elliott
trapping
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
303050
T-F-LNE-42505
CRA Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
135
Pitfall trapping
Hair
tube
sampling
A
call
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
Harp trapping
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
bird
316337
315522
313641
286750
290500
292411
294500
296891
320200
308565
T-F-SYD-50010
T-F-SYD-50011
T-F-SYD-50012
T-F-SYD-50020
T-F-SYD-50021
T-F-SYD-50022
T-F-SYD-50023
T-F-SYD-50024
F-MIX-00106
F-MIX-00107
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
CRA Fauna Survey
Mixophyes Survey
Mixophyes Survey
State Forest Fauna
Surveys
SF180959-1
(as
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
bird
Sydney
Hinterland
6318830 Turpentine-Apple Forest
Sheltered
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
A
call
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
1
1
Harp trapping
Hunter Range Sheltered Grey Gum
6329150 Forest
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
1
Gum-
Nocturnal
streamside
search
Sydney Hinterland Blue
6326200 Turpentine Gully Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6317044 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6318900 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6320510 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6322389 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6323770 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6332901 Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6333066 Bloodwood Woodland
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Red
6331657 Bloodwood-Stringybark Forest
Diurnal
survey
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6330025 Bloodwood Woodland
1
Hair
tube
sampling
136
315382
T-F-SYD-50009
CRA Fauna Survey
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Nocturnal
playback
Sydney Hinterland Peppermint-Apple
6327900 Forest
Northing
Elliott
trapping
314700
315706
T-F-SYD-50008
CRA Fauna Survey
Easting
Site number
Survey program
Pitfall trapping
311490
301580
YANGO
YANGO
Yengo Fauna Survey BIG
- CCHR
3
Yengo Fauna Survey BIG
- CCHR
4
(as
bird
145
92
56
Bat ultrasonic
call recordning
62
Nocturnal
streamside
search
10
79
call
132
3
4
2
2
2
16
A
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Hunter Range Exposed Stringybark6351260 Grey Gum Woodland
Apple-
6
Diurnal
herpetofauna
search
Hunter
Range
Flats
6351850 Stringybark-Gum Forest
Sydney Hinterland Rocky Yellow
6353343 Bloodwood Woodland
1
15
Hair
tube
sampling
Total
305180
YANGO
Vegetation
Community
mapped by DECC 2008a)
Diurnal
survey
Sydney Hinterland Exposed Scribbly
6334080 Gum Woodland
Northing
Nocturnal site
spotlighting
survey
Yengo Fauna Survey BIG
- CCHR
1
Easting
Nocturnal
playback
324400
Site number
Elliott
trapping
State Forest Fauna
Surveys
SF182829-2
Survey program
3
137
Pitfall trapping
Harp trapping
APPENDIX B – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED
IN SOUTHERN YENGO NP AND PARR SCA
Below is a list of the fauna species recorded within southern Yengo NP and Parr SCA on the Atlas of
NSW Wildlife (as at 24th July 2007). Taxonomical nomenclature follows that used on the Atlas of
NSW Wildlife, with more updated scientific names noted where relevant. Records are derived from
DECC systematic surveys (Biodiversity Survey Priorities and Comprehensive Regional Assessment),
licensed data sets (Birds Australia and the Australian Museum) and incidental observations
submitted by individuals, including park rangers and field officers; catchment officers; bushwalkers
and naturalists; scientific researchers working in the area; and other visitors to the park.
The list contains records of various levels of reliability and spatial accuracy. Species where there is
doubt about their occurrence within the study area due to possible identification inaccuracy have
been marked with an asterisk * and due to spatial inaccuracy have been marked with an ^.
Introduced species are indicated with the addition of an I.
Crinia signifera
Common Eastern Froglet
P
Myobatrachidae
Heleioporus australiacus
Giant Burrowing Frog
V
Myobatrachidae
Limnodynastes dumerilii
Bullfrog
Myobatrachidae
Limnodynastes ornatus
Ornate Burrowing Frog
Myobatrachidae
Limnodynastes peronii
Striped Marsh Frog
P
x
x
Myobatrachidae
Pseudophryne australis
Red-crowned Toadlet
V
x
x
Myobatrachidae
Pseudophryne bibronii
Bibron's Toadlet
P
x
x
Myobatrachidae
Uperoleia fusca
Dusky Toadlet
P
x
x
Myobatrachidae
Uperoleia laevigata
Smooth Toadlet
P
x
Hylidae
Litoria caerulea
Green Tree Frog
P
Hylidae
Litoria dentata
Keferstein's Tree Frog
P
Hylidae
Litoria fallax
Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog
P
x
x
Hylidae
Litoria latopalmata
Broad-palmed Frog
P
x
x
Hylidae
Litoria lesueuri
Lesueur's Frog
P
x
Hylidae
Litoria peronii
Peron's Tree Frog
P
x
x
x
Hylidae
Litoria phyllochroa
Green Stream Frog
P
x
x
x
Hylidae
Litoria tyleri
Tyler's Tree Frog
P
Hylidae
Litoria verreauxii
Verreaux's Tree Frog
P
Hylidae
Reptiles
Litoria wilcoxii
Stoney Creek Frog
P
x
Chelidae
Chelodina longicollis
Eastern Snake-necked Turtle
P
x
x
x
Gekkonidae
Diplodactylus vittatus
Eastern Stone Gecko
P
x
x
x
Gekkonidae
Oedura lesueurii
Lesueur's Velvet Gecko
P
x
x
x
Gekkonidae
Phyllurus platurus
Broad-tailed Gecko
P
x
x
Gekkonidae
Underwoodisaurus milii
Thick-tailed Gecko
P
x
x
Pygopodidae
Delma plebeia
Leaden Delma
P
Pygopodidae
Lialis burtonis
Burton's Snake-lizard
P
x
x
Pygopodidae
Pygopus lepidopodus
Southern Scaly-foot
P
x
x
Agamidae
Amphibolurus muricatus
Jacky Lashtail
P
x
x
Agamidae
Physignathus lesueurii
Eastern Water Dragon
P
x
x
Other Sources
CRA
BSP
Australian Museum
Myobatrachidae
Birds Australia
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
Frogs
138
x
x
x
x
P
x
x
P
x
x
V
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
x
Agamidae
Pogona barbata
Eastern Bearded Dragon
P
x
x
Agamidae
Rankinia diemensis
Mountain Heath Dragon
P
x
x
Varanidae
Varanus gouldii
Sand Monitor
P
x
Varanidae
Varanus rosenbergi
Rosenberg's Goanna
V
x
x
x
x
Varanidae
Varanus varius
Lace Monitor
P
x
x
x
x
Scincidae
Acritoscincus platynota
Red-throated Cool-skink
P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Anomalopus swansoni
Punctate Worm-skink
P
x
Scincidae
Carlia tetradactyla
Southern Rainbow-skink
P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Cryptoblepharus virgatus
Cream-striped Shinning-skink
P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Ctenotus robustus
Robust Ctenotus
P
x
x
x
x
Scincidae
Ctenotus taeniolatus
Copper-tailed Ctenotus
P
x
x
x
x
Scincidae
Cyclodomorphus gerrardii Pink-tongued Skink
P
x
Scincidae
Egernia cunninghami
Cunningham's Spiny-tailed Skink P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Egernia whitii
White's Rock-skink
P
x
x
Scincidae
Eulamprus quoyii
Eastern Water-skink
P
x
x
x
x
Scincidae
Eulamprus tenuis
Bar-sided Forest-skink
P
x
x
Scincidae
Lampropholis delicata
Dark-flecked Garden Sunskink
P
x
x
x
x
Scincidae
Lampropholis guichenoti
Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink
P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Lerista bougainvillii
South-eastern Slider
P
x
Scincidae
Lygisaurus foliorum
Tree-base Litter-skink
P
x
x
x
Scincidae
Saiphos equalis
Yellow-bellied Three-toed Skink
P
x
Scincidae
Saproscincus mustelinus
Weasel Shadeskink
P
x
Scincidae
Tiliqua scincoides
Common Bluetongue
P
x
Boidae
Morelia spilota spilota
Diamond Python
P
x
Colubridae
Boiga irregularis
Eastern Brown Tree Snake
P
x
Colubridae
Dendrelaphis punctulatus
Green Tree Snake
P
x
Elapidae
Acanthophis antarcticus
Southern Death Adder
P
Elapidae
Cryptophis nigrescens
Eastern Small-eyed Snake
P
x
Elapidae
Demansia psammophis
Yellow-faced Whipsnake
P
x
x
x
Elapidae
Red-naped Snake
P
x
x
x
Elapidae
Furina diadema
Hoplocephalus
bungaroides
Broad-headed Snake
E1
Elapidae
Notechis scutatus
Mainland Tiger Snake
P
x
Elapidae
Pseudechis porphyriacus
Red-bellied Black Snake
P
x
Elapidae
Pseudonaja textilis
Eastern Brown Snake
P
x
Elapidae
Birds
Vermicella annulata
Eastern Bandy-bandy
P
Megapodiidae
Alectura lathami
Australian Brush-turkey
P
x
x
Phasianidae
Coturnix pectoralis
Stubble Quail
P
x
x
x
Phasianidae
Coturnix ypsilophora
Brown Quail
P
x
x
x
Anatidae
Anas gracilis
Grey Teal
P
x
Anatidae
Anas superciliosa
Pacific Black Duck
P
x
x
x
Anatidae
Australian Wood Duck
P
x
x
x
x
Podicipedidae
Chenonetta jubata
Tachybaptus
novaehollandiae
Australasian Grebe
P
x
x
Ardeidae
Egretta novaehollandiae
White-faced Heron
P
x
x
Ardeidae
Ixobrychus flavicollis
Black Bittern
V
x
x
Ardeidae
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night Heron
P
x
Accipitridae
Accipiter cirrocephalus
Collared Sparrowhawk
P
x
Accipitridae
Accipiter fasciatus
Brown Goshawk
P
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Other Sources
Birds Australia
CRA
BSP
Australian Museum
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
V
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
139
Accipitridae
Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey Goshawk
P
x
Accipitridae
Aquila audax
Wedge-tailed Eagle
P
x
Accipitridae
Elanus axillaris
Black-shouldered Kite
P
Accipitridae
Haliaeetus leucogaster
White-bellied Sea-eagle
P
Accipitridae
Haliastur sphenurus
Whistling Kite
P
Accipitridae
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Little Eagle
P
x
Falconidae
Falco berigora
Brown Falcon
P
x
Falconidae
Falco cenchroides
Nankeen Kestrel
P
Falconidae
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
P
x
Rallidae
Porphyrio porphyrio
Purple Swamphen
P
x
Turnicidae
Turnix varia
Painted Button-quail
P
x
x
x
x
Charadriidae
Vanellus miles
Masked Lapwing
P
x
x
x
x
Columbidae
Chalcophaps indica
Emerald Dove
P
Columbidae
Columba leucomela
White-headed Pigeon
P
x
x
Columbidae
Geopelia humeralis
Bar-shouldered Dove
P
x
Columbidae
Geopelia placida
Peaceful Dove
P
x
x
x
Columbidae
Leucosarcia melanoleuca
Wonga Pigeon
P
x
x
x
x
Columbidae
Macropygia amboinensis
Brown Cuckoo-Dove
P
x
x
x
x
Columbidae
Ocyphaps lophotes
Crested Pigeon
P
x
Columbidae
Phaps chalcoptera
Common Bronzewing
P
x
x
x
Columbidae
Phaps elegans
Brush Bronzewing
P
Cacatuidae
Cacatua galerita
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cacatuidae
Callocephalon fimbriatum
Gang-gang Cockatoo
V
x
x
x
x
Cacatuidae
Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cacatuidae
Calyptorhynchus lathami
Glossy Black-cockatoo
V
x
x
x
x
Psittacidae
Alisterus scapularis
Australian King-parrot
P
x
x
x
x
Psittacidae
Glossopsitta concinna
Musk Lorikeet
P
x
x
Psittacidae
Glossopsitta pusilla
Little Lorikeet
P
x
x
x
Psittacidae
V
x
x
x
x
Psittacidae
Turquoise Parrot
Neophema pulchella
Platycercus
adscitus
Eastern Rosella
eximius
P
x
x
x
Psittacidae
Platycercus elegans
Crimson Rosella
P
x
x
x
x
Cuculidae
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cuculidae
Cacomantis variolosus
Brush Cuckoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cuculidae
Chalcites basalis
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo
Cuculidae
Chalcites lucidus
Shining Bronze-cuckoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cuculidae
Cuculus pallidus
Pallid Cuckoo
P
x
x
x
x
Cuculidae
Eudynamys orientalis
Pacific Koel
P
x
Cuculidae
Scythrops novaehollandiae Channel-billed Cuckoo
P
x
Strigidae
Ninox boobook
Southern Boobook
P
Strigidae
Ninox connivens
Barking Owl
V
Strigidae
Ninox strenua
Powerful Owl
V
x
Tytonidae
Tyto novaehollandiae
Masked Owl
V
x
Tytonidae
Tyto tenebricosa
Sooty Owl
V
x
Podargidae
Podargus strigoides
Tawny Frogmouth
P
x
Caprimulgidae
Eurostopodus mystacalis
White-throated Nightjar
P
x
x
Aegothelidae
Aegotheles cristatus
Australian Owlet-nightjar
P
x
Apodidae
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Needletail
P
Halcyonidae
Dacelo novaeguineae
Laughing Kookaburra
P
140
x
Other Sources
Birds Australia
CRA
BSP
Australian Museum
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
Todiramphus sanctus
Sacred Kingfisher
P
x
Meropidae
Merops ornatus
Rainbow Bee-eater
P
x
Coraciidae
Eurystomus orientalis
Dollarbird
P
x
Menuridae
Menura novaehollandiae
Superb Lyrebird
P
x
x
x
x
Climacteridae
Climacteris erythrops
Red-browed Treecreeper
P
x
x
x
x
Climacteridae
Climacteris picumnus
Brown Treecreeper
V
x
x
x
x
Climacteridae
Cormobates leucophaeus
White-throated Treecreeper
P
x
x
x
x
Maluridae
Malurus cyaneus
Superb Fairy-wren
P
x
x
x
x
Maluridae
Malurus lamberti
Variegated Fairy-wren
P
x
x
x
x
Maluridae
Stipiturus malachurus
Southern Emu-wren
P
x
x
x
Pardalotidae
Pardalotus punctatus
Spotted Pardalote
P
x
x
x
x
Pardalotidae
Pardalotus striatus
Striated Pardalote
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza lineata
Striated Thornbill
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza nana
Yellow Thornbill
P
x
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza pusilla
Brown Thornbill
P
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza reguloides
Buff-rumped Thornbill
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Calamanthus pyrrhopygius Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Gerygone mouki
Brown Gerygone
P
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Gerygone olivacea
White-throated Gerygone
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Origma solitaria
Rockwarbler
P
x
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Pycnoptilus floccosus
Pilotbird
P
x
x
Acanthizidae
Pyrrholaemus sagittatus
Speckled Warbler
V
x
x
Acanthizidae
Sericornis citreogularis
Yellow-throated Scrubwren
P
x
x
Acanthizidae
Sericornis frontalis
White-browed Scrubwren
P
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Sericornis magnirostris
Large-billed Scrubwren
P
x
x
x
Acanthizidae
Weebill
P
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Smicrornis brevirostris
Acanthorhynchus
tenuirostris
Eastern Spinebill
P
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Anthochaera carunculata
Red Wattlebird
P
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Little Wattlebird
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Entomyzon cyanotis
Blue-faced Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Lichenostomus chrysops
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Lichenostomus leucotis
White-eared Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Lichenostomus melanops
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Manorina melanocephala
Noisy Miner
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Manorina melanophrys
Bell Miner
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Meliphaga lewinii
P
x
x
x
x
V
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Birds Australia
BSP
CRA
x
x
Other Sources
Halcyonidae
Australian Museum
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Lewin's Honeyeater
Black-chinned Honeyeater
Melithreptus gularis gularis (eastern subspecies)
Meliphagidae
Melithreptus lunatus
White-naped Honeyeater
P
x
Meliphagidae
Myzomela sanguinolenta
Scarlet Honeyeater
P
x
Meliphagidae
Philemon corniculatus
Noisy Friarbird
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
White-cheeked Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Phylidonyris nigra
Phylidonyris
novaehollandiae
New Holland Honeyeater
P
x
x
x
x
Meliphagidae
Xanthomyza phrygia
Regent Honeyeater
E
Petroicidae
Eopsaltria australis
Eastern Yellow Robin
P
x
x
x
x
Petroicidae
Microeca fascinans
Jacky Winter
P
x
x
x
x
Petroicidae
Petroica boodang
Scarlet Robin
P
x
x
x
x
Petroicidae
Petroica goodenovii
Red-capped Robin
P
x
x
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
E
x
141
Petroicidae
Pomatostomidae
Rose Robin
Petroica rosea
Pomatostomus temporalis Grey-crowned Babbler (eastern
subspecies)
temporalis
Eupetidae
Cinclosoma punctatum
Spotted Quail-thrush
Eupetidae
Psophodes olivaceus
Eastern Whipbird
Neosittidae
Daphoenositta chrysoptera Varied Sittella
P
x
x
x
x
Pachycephalidae
Colluricincla harmonica
Grey Shrike-thrush
P
x
x
x
x
Pachycephalidae
Falcunculus frontatus
Eastern Shrike-tit
P
x
x
x
x
Pachycephalidae
Pachycephala pectoralis
Golden Whistler
P
x
x
x
x
Pachycephalidae
Pachycephala rufiventris
Rufous Whistler
P
x
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Dicrurus bracteatus
Spangled Drongo
P
Dicruridae
Grallina cyanoleuca
Magpie-lark
P
x
Dicruridae
Monarcha melanopsis
Black-faced Monarch
P
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Myiagra inquieta
Restless Flycatcher
P
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Myiagra rubecula
Leaden Flycatcher
P
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Rhipidura albiscapa
Grey Fantail
P
x
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Rhipidura leucophrys
Willie Wagtail
P
x
x
x
x
Dicruridae
Rhipidura rufifrons
Rufous Fantail
P
x
x
x
Campephagidae
Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
P
x
x
x
x
Campephagidae
Coracina papuensis
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike
P
x
x
x
x
Campephagidae
Coracina tenuirostris
Cicadabird
P
x
x
x
x
Campephagidae
Lalage tricolor
White-winged Triller
P
x
Oriolidae
Oriolus sagittatus
Olive-backed Oriole
P
x
x
x
x
Artamidae
Artamus cyanopterus
Dusky Woodswallow
P
x
x
x
x
Artamidae
Cracticus nigrogularis
Pied Butcherbird
P
x
Artamidae
Cracticus torquatus
Grey Butcherbird
P
x
x
x
Artamidae
Gymnorhina tibicen
Australian Magpie
P
x
x
x
Artamidae
Strepera graculina
Pied Currawong
P
x
x
x
x
Corvidae
Australian Raven
P
x
x
x
x
Corcoracidae
Corvus coronoides
Corcorax
melanorhamphos
White-winged Chough
P
x
x
x
x
Ptilonorhynchidae
Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Satin Bowerbird
P
x
x
x
x
Motacillidae
Anthus australis
Australian Pipit
P
x
x
x
Estrildidae
Neochmia temporalis
Red-browed Finch
P
x
x
x
x
Estrildidae
Stagonopleura bella
Beautiful Firetail
P
Dicaeidae
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Mistletoebird
P
x
x
x
x
Hirundinidae
Hirundo neoxena
Welcome Swallow
P
x
x
x
x
Hirundinidae
Petrochelidon nigricans
Tree Martin
P
x
x
Sylviidae
Cincloramphus mathewsi
Rufous Songlark
P
x
Sylviidae
Megalurus gramineus
Little Grassbird
P
x
Zosteropidae
Zosterops lateralis
Silvereye
P
x
x
Muscicapidae
Zoothera lunulata
Bassian Thrush
P
x
x
Sturnidae
Mammals
Sturnus vulgaris
Common Starling
U
Tachyglossidae
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Short-beaked Echidna
P
Dasyuridae
Antechinus flavipes
Yellow-footed Antechinus
P
Dasyuridae
Antechinus stuartii
Brown Antechinus
P
x
Antechinus swansonii
Dusky Antechinus
P
x
Dasyuridae
Dasyurus maculatus
Spotted-tailed Quoll
V
Dasyuridae
Phascogale tapoatafa
Brush-tailed Phascogale
V
142
x
Other Sources
Birds Australia
CRA
BSP
Australian Museum
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
P
x
x
x
V
x
P
x
x
x
x
x
x
P
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
U
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
E
x
x
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
x
Sminthopsis murina
Common Dunnart
P
x
Peramelidae
Perameles nasuta
Long-nosed Bandicoot
P
x
Phascolarctidae
Phascolarctos cinereus
Koala
V
x
x
x
Vombatidae
Vombatus ursinus
Common Wombat
P
x
x
x
Burramyidae
Cercartetus nanus
Eastern Pygmy-possum
V
x
Petauridae
Petaurus australis
Yellow-bellied Glider
V
x
x
x
Petauridae
Petaurus breviceps
Sugar Glider
P
x
x
x
Petauridae
Petaurus norfolcensis
Squirrel Glider
V
Pseudocheiridae
Petauroides volans
Greater Glider
P
x
x
Pseudocheiridae
Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum
P
x
x
Acrobatidae
Acrobates pygmaeus
Feathertail Glider
P
x
x
Phalangeridae
Trichosurus vulpecula
Common Brushtail Possum
P
x
x
x
Macropodidae
Macropus giganteus
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
P
x
x
x
Macropodidae
Macropus robustus
Common Wallaroo
P
x
x
x
Macropodidae
Macropus rufogriseus
Red-necked Wallaby
P
x
x
Macropodidae
Petrogale penicillata
Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby
E
Macropodidae
Wallabia bicolor
Swamp Wallaby
P
Pteropodidae
Pteropus poliocephalus
Grey-headed Flying-fox
V
Rhinolophidae
Rhinolophus megaphyllus Eastern Horseshoe-bat
P
x
Molossidae
East-coast Freetail-bat
V
x
Eastern Freetail-bat
P
x
Molossidae
Mormopterus norfolkensis
Mormopterus species 2
(Adams et al. 1988)
Mormopterus species 4
(long penis form) (Adams
et al. 1988)
Molossidae
Molossidae
Other Sources
CRA
BSP
Australian Museum
Dasyuridae
Birds Australia
Common name
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
x
x
x
x
V
x
x
x
x
x
V
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Southern Freetail-bat (long
penis)
P
x
Tadarida australis
White-striped Freetail-bat
P
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Chalinolobus dwyeri
Large-eared Pied Bat
V
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Chalinolobus gouldii
Gould's Wattled Bat
P
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Chalinolobus morio
Chocolate Wattled Bat
P
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
V
x
Vespertilionidae
Little Bentwing-bat
Miniopterus australis
Miniopterus
schreibersii
Eastern Bentwing-bat
oceanensis
Vespertilionidae
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Lesser Long-eared Bat
Vespertilionidae
Nyctophilus gouldi
Gould's Long-eared Bat
P
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Scoteanax rueppellii
Greater Broad-nosed Bat
V
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Scotorepens orion
Eastern Broad-nosed Bat
P
x
x
x
Vespertilionidae
Vespadelus vulturnus
Little Forest Bat
P
x
x
x
Muridae
House Mouse
U
Muridae
Mus musculus
Pseudomys
novaehollandiae
New Holland Mouse
P
Muridae
Rattus fuscipes
Bush Rat
P
x
x
x
Muridae
Rattus lutreolus
Swamp Rat
P
x
x
x
Muridae
Rattus rattus
Black Rat
U
U
Leporidae
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rabbit
U
U
x
Canidae
Canis lupus
Dingo/Wild Dog
U
U
x
x
x
Canidae
Vulpes vulpes
Fox
U
U
x
x
x
Felidae
Felis catus
Feral Cat
U
U
x
Equidae
Equus caballus
Horse
U
U
x
Suidae
Sus scrofa
Feral Pig
U
U
Bovidae
Bos taurus
European Cattle
U
U
x
Bovidae
Capra hircus
Feral Goat
U
U
x
V
V
x
x
x
P
x
x
x
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
U
x
x
x
x
x
x
143
National Legal Status
Cervus sp.
Unidentified Deer
U
U
x
Cervidae
Dama dama
Fallow Deer
U
U
x
144
BSP
Other Sources
NSW Legal Status
Cervidae
Australian Museum
Common name
Birds Australia
Scientific name
CRA
Family
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
APPENDIX C – FAUNA SPECIES RECORDED
AROUND (BUT NOT WITHIN) SOUTHERN
YENGO NP AND PARR SCA
Scientific name
Common name
NSW Legal Status
National Legal Status
Below is a list of fauna species recorded on the Atlas of NSW Wildlife within a five kilometre radius of
the study area boundary, but not recorded from within the study area (as at 24th July 2007).
Family
Myobatrachidae
Mixophyes iteratus
Giant Barred Frog
E
E
Myobatrachidae
Paracrinia haswelli
Haswell's Froglet
P
Myobatrachidae
Pseudophryne coriacea
Red-backed Toadlet
P
Myobatrachidae
Uperoleia marmorata
Marbled Toadlet
P
Myobatrachidae
Uperoleia rugosa
Wrinkled Toadlet
P
Hylidae
Litoria aurea
Green and Golden Bell Frog
E
Hylidae
Litoria chloris
Red-eyed Tree Frog
P
Chelidae
Emydura macquarii signata
Brisbane River Short-necked Turtle
P
Gekkonidae
Christinus marmoratus
Marbled Southern Gecko
P
Gekkonidae
Saltuarius swaini
Southern Leaf-tailed Gecko
P
Scincidae
Egernia striolata
Tree-crevice Skink
P
Scincidae
Hemiergis decresiensis
Three-toed Earless Skink
P
Scincidae
Morethia boulengeri
South-eastern Morethia Skink
P
Typhlopidae
Ramphotyphlops nigrescens
Blackish Blind Snake
P
Elapidae
Cacophis squamulosus
Golden Crowned Snake
P
Elapidae
Hoplocephalus stephensii
Stephens' Banded Snake
V
Elapidae
Parasuta dwyeri
Variable Black-naped Snake
P
Elapidae
Pseudechis guttatus
Spotted Black Snake
P
Anatidae
Anas platyrhynchos
Mallard
U
Ardeidae
Butorides striatus
Striated Heron
P
Accipitridae
Aviceda subcristata
Pacific Baza
P
Accipitridae
Milvus migrans
Black Kite
P
Accipitridae
Pandion haliaetus
Osprey
V
Falconidae
Falco subniger
Black Falcon
P
Rallidae
Porzana fluminea
Australian Spotted Crake
P
Rallidae
Porzana tabuensis
Spotless Crake
P
Rallidae
Rallus pectoralis
Lewin's Rail
P
Scolopacidae
Calidris acuminata
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
P
Burhinidae
Burhinus grallarius
Bush Stone-curlew
E
Charadriidae
Erythrogonys cinctus
Red-kneed Dotterel
P
Columbidae
Lopholaimus antarcticus
Topknot Pigeon
P
Psittacidae
Lathamus discolor
Swift Parrot
E
Psittacidae
Trichoglossus haematodus
Rainbow Lorikeet
P
Cuculidae
Cuculus saturatus
Oriental Cuckoo
P
Centropodidae
Centropus phasianinus
Pheasant Coucal
P
Frogs
V
Reptiles
Birds
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report
E
145
Common name
Tytonidae
Tyto alba
Barn Owl
P
Halcyonidae
Todiramphus macleayii
Forest Kingfisher
P
Meliphagidae
Lichmera indistincta
Brown Honeyeater
P
Meliphagidae
Philemon citreogularis
Little Friarbird
P
Petroicidae
Petroica phoenicea
Flame Robin
P
Dicruridae
Myiagra cyanoleuca
Satin Flycatcher
P
Oriolidae
Sphecotheres vieilloti
Australasian Figbird
P
Artamidae
Artamus superciliosus
White-browed Woodswallow
P
Ptilonorhynchidae
Ailuroedus crassirostris
Green Catbird
P
Pycnonotidae
Pycnonotus jocosus
Red-whiskered Bulbul
U
U
Muscicapidae
Turdus merula
Eurasian Blackbird
U
U
Ornithorhynchidae
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
Platypus
P
Peramelidae
Isoodon macrourus
Northern Brown Bandicoot
P
Macropodidae
Macropus Hybrid
Euro/Red Kangaroo
P
Macropodidae
Macropus sp.
kangaroo
P
Emballonuridae
Saccolaimus flaviventris
Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat
V
Molossidae
Mormopterus loriae
Little Northern Freetail-bat
P
Vespertilionidae
Kerivoula papuensis
Golden-tipped Bat
V
Vespertilionidae
Nyctophilus timoriensis
Eastern Long-eared Bat
V
Vespertilionidae
Vespadelus pumilus
Eastern Forest Bat
P
Vespertilionidae
Vespadelus troughtoni
Eastern Cave Bat
V
National Legal Status
Scientific name
NSW Legal Status
Family
Mammals
146
The Vertebrate Fauna of the Southern Yengo and Parr Reserves – Final Report