Download Technical Report Series No. 155 - Department of Environment, Land

Impacts of fire on the distribution of a
predatory stonefly (Eustheniidae:
Thaumatoperla alpina) in the Bogong
alpine region
S. McKay, C. Bryce and P. Papas
2005
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Technical Report Series No. 155
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Technical Report Series No. 155
Impacts of fire on the distribution of a predatory
stonefly (Eustheniidae: Thaumatoperla alpina)
in the Bogong alpine region
Shanaugh McKay, Cassandra Bryce and Phil Papas
June 2005
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Published by: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Department of Sustainability and Environment
PO Box 137
Heidelberg, Victoria 3094
Australia
Telephone: (03) 9450 8600
www.dse.vic.gov.au/ari
This publication may be cited as:
McKay, S., Bryce, C. and Papas, P. (2005) Impacts of fire on the distribution of a predatory
stonefly (Eustheniidae: Thaumatoperla alpina) in the Bogong alpine region. Freshwater
Ecology, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series
No.155, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne; La Trobe University,
Wodonga, Victoria.
© The State of Victoria
Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005
This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for private study, research,
criticism or review allowed under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means,
electronic, photocopying or other, without the prior permission of the copyright holder.
ISBN 1 74152 158 0
ISSN 1326 6446
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do
not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for
your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other
consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
Front cover photos (left to right): Thaumatoperla alpina. Photo: C. Bryce; McKay Creek.
Photo: S. McKay.
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Contents
Contents ............................................................................................................................I
Figures , Tables and Plates .............................................................................................. II
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................... III
1
2
3
Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1
Background.............................................................................................. 1
1.2
Project rationale and objectives.............................................................. 1
1.3
Biology and ecology of Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa .... 2
1.4
Conservation status of Thaumatoperla ................................................... 3
1.5
Threats to Eustheniidae in the alpine region .......................................... 4
Methods ................................................................................................................... 4
2.1
Sample sites ............................................................................................ 5
2.2
Sampling procedure ................................................................................ 7
2.3
Habitat Parameters ................................................................................. 7
Results ..................................................................................................................... 8
3.1
Plecoptera findings .................................................................................. 8
3.2
Thaumatoperla alpina records ................................................................. 8
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
Survey site descriptions ........................................................................ 15
Thaumatoperla alpina sites ................................................................... 15
Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa sites ............................... 15
Eusthenia venosa sites .......................................................................... 17
3.4
Water properties and stream habitat .................................................... 20
4
Discussion .............................................................................................................. 21
5
Conclusions and Recommendations ...................................................................... 23
6
Acknowledgments ................................................................................................. 25
7
References ............................................................................................................. 25
Appendix A...................................................................................................................... 29
I
Figures , Tables and Plates
Figures
Figure 1. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with
the Alpine National Park boundary shown.
Figure 2. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with
the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.
Figure 3. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to
2001 with Alpine National Park boundary shown.
Figure 4. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to
2001 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.
Tables
Table 1. Location of sites sampled for stonefly species in December 2004 and February
2005.
Table 2. Sites where stonefly species were recorded during December 2004 and February
2005.
Table 3. Geographic information for sites with current (including this study) T. alpina
records.
Table 4. Water property measures at sites with records of T. alpina during February 2005.
Plates
Plate 1. T. alpina sites sampled in February 2005
Plate 2. T. alpina and E. venosa sites sampled in February 2005.
II
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Executive Summary
A survey of high altitude streams in the Bogong Alpine area was conducted during February
2005 to investigate the status of predatory stonefly (Plecoptera: Eustheniidae) populations in
the alpine region of north-east Victoria following the bushfires of 2003. A total of 17 sites
were sampled with altitudes ranging from 760-1720m. Of particular interest was
Thaumatoperla alpina, a species of Eustheniidae is classified as ‘vulnerable’ and is listed
under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
T. alpina is known to occur at eight sites throughout the Bogong High Plains; two of these
sites are situated within the Alpine National Park. Another species in the stonefly family
Eustheniidae, Eusthenia venosa, which is similar in its ecology and habit to T. alpina, was
also investigated to ascertain any effects that the 2003 bushfires may have had on that
species.
T. alpina was found in two new locations - a tributary of McKay Creek and an unnamed
creek, which flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. E. venosa was found at five locations,
including three new locations – two streams on the Bogong High Plains (Clearwater Creek
and a tributary of Bundara River) and a tributary of Big River near Glen Valley.
Previous studies of T. alpina and E. venosa have found that the main threats to these species
were those associated with an increase in water temperature arising from activities such as
the removal of vegetation (ski resort development, forestry and grazing) (Brittain 1997; Doeg
1999). Climate change also poses a potential threat to the distribution of Eustheniidae in the
alpine region (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). It is likely that there were impacts on
water temperature as a result of the 2003 bushfires through removal of vegetation.
Additionally, the risk of predation may have increased due to decreased plant cover. While in
this study, T. alpina was found to occur at sites affected by the bushfires, the longer term
impacts on the species’distribution, in the fire-affected area are unknown and there remains
the possibility that numbers may decline. Annual T. alpina surveys should therefore be
undertaken to assess future population and distribution trends.
III
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
1
Introduction
1.1
Background
The alpine fires of early 2003 burnt over 1.12 million hectares of land in the State of
Victoria alone (Wareing and Flinn 2003). The fires were started by lightning strikes
on the 7th of January, and continued for 59 days to become the largest fires that have
occurred in Victoria since the devastating fires of 1939. The area burnt equated to
5% of Victoria, and 15% of the State’s total area of public land (Wareing and Flinn
2003). The fires affected six major catchments in Victoria, namely the Upper Murray,
Kiewa, Ovens, Snowy, Tambo and Mitchell River catchments (DSE unpublished a).
There have been limited studies globally on the impact of fire on aquatic
macroinvertebrates. Most studies involving fire effects have concentrated on water
quality impacts (e.g. Chessman 1986; Condina 1984; Leitch and Flinn 1984; Sheridan
et al. unpublished). Common post-fire effects on lotic systems are increases in
turbidity, suspended solids and nutrients (Chessman 1986; Leitch and Flinn 1984;
Minshall et al. 1997; Benda et al. 2003; Meyer and Pierce 2003; Beschta 1990) and
increases in water temperature (Hitt 2003; Minshall and Brock 1991).
Increases in suspended sediment loads in streams have been shown to result in
significant macroinvertebrate drift (e.g. Doeg and Milledge 1991). It is likely that high
suspended sediment loads in streams will influence the macroinvertebrate fauna,
resulting in the loss or reduction in abundance of those taxa sensitive to high
suspended sediment levels and sediment deposition. Such declines, described by
Wood and Armitage (1997), can be through mechanisms such as:

Decreased suitability of habitat by alteration through sediment deposition

Macroinvertebrate drift due to suspended sediment or substrate instability

Inhibition of respiration due to sediment deposition on respiratory structures

Inhibition of filter-feeding through sediment deposition.
There may be a shift toward taxa more tolerant to high levels of sediment deposition
and consequently a change in the macroinvertebrate composition.
1.2
Project rationale and objectives
There are aquatic invertebrate species of conservation significance that may have
been affected by the bushfires of 2003. These species include two stoneflies,
Thaumatoperla alpina and Riekoperla intermedia that are classified as ‘vulnerable’
and ‘near threatened’ respectively (DSE unpublished b). T. alpina and R. intermedia
are also listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The
1
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
freshwater flatworm genus Spathula has six species occurring in high altitude areas
of Victoria, with a number of species having conservation significance (St. Clair et al.
1999).
A more common stonefly species present in the area, Eusthenia venosa, is similar in
ecology and habit to T. alpina and hence was also investigated to ascertain any
effects that the 2003 bushfires may have had on this species.
Existing information on the systematics, distribution, ecology and conservation of
the predatory stonefly T. alpina has come largely from Honours and PhD research
undertaken by Cassandra Bryce at the Albury-Wodonga Campus of La Trobe
University. Information from Cassandra’s research was invaluable in ascertaining
sampling sites and for distribution information of two Eustheniidae species
(T. alpina and E. venosa) prior to the fires.
As there was extensive data available on the distribution of T. alpina prior to the
fires and little known information of the ecology and distribution of R. intermedia, a
decision was made to focus on the distribution of T. alpina.
The principal objectives of the study were to:

Investigate the status of T. alpina and E. venosa populations in the alpine region
of north-east Victoria following the 2003 fires

Update the Wildlife Atlas and Aquatic Fauna Information System with new
records of T. alpina in the Rocky Valley and Pretty Valley catchments

Provide an assessment of the impacts of the 2003 fires on the distribution of
populations of T. alpina and make recommendations for future management of
the species.
1.3
Biology and ecology of Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia
venosa
Thaumatoperla alpina and E. venosa are commonly found in the same streams,
occupying similar habitats. T. alpina, however, is restricted to high altitude areas
(>760m) in the Mt. McKay and Mt. Fainter areas, whilst E. venosa are more widely
distributed across the Bogong High Plains and in the alpine regions of Victoria (Bryce
2001).
Thaumatoperla alpina, a Gondwanan relic, is endemic to the Bogong High Plains,
occurring in high altitude, first order streams. They are the largest of the Australian
stoneflies, with nymphs recorded up to 52 mm long (excluding antennae and cerci).
They spend approximately three years in the nymphal stage with 14 instars, and are
considered the top-level instream predators in the absence of introduced trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss (Bryce 2001).
2
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Their flight capabilities are highly restricted, therefore dispersal is limited to the
riparian vegetation immediately beside the stream from which they have emerged.
The adult stage of development is primarily consumed with reproduction efforts.
Following fertilisation, the female deposits her egg masses into the water where they
slowly break apart (Hynes 1976). The development of these eggs can take at least
four months under laboratory conditions, the timing of which was found to be highly
temperature dependant with successful development occurring in the 5 to 15ºC
range (Brittain 1997).
Eusthenia species are very similar in their ecology and life history to that recorded
for Thaumatoperla. Their range, however, extends from the Otway Ranges, along the
Great Divide to Mount Kosciusko National Park (Hynes 1978). There are two species
endemic to Australia, the widely distributed E. venosa (Tillyard 1921) and the highly
restricted E. nothofagi Zwick (Zwick 1979), which is found only in the Otway Ranges
(Doeg 1995). E. venosa are considered to be a complex of species (Bryce 2001) which
is currently under investigation.
Eusthenia nymphs have a final instar between 24-40mm in length, and are also
considered to have a long nymphal development (Sephton and Hynes 1982). Egg
masses are spread in a tough layer of jelly on the underside of rocks within the
stream. Flight capabilities of the adults is unknown, but is also considered to be
highly restricted (Zwick 1979).
1.4
Conservation status of Thaumatoperla
There are four species of Thaumatoperla that occur in isolated populations endemic
to the Victorian High Country. Two of these species, T. alpina and T. flaveola
(endemic to Mts. Buller and Stirling in Victoria) are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’
and ‘endangered’ respectively (DSE unpublished b). T. alpina and T. flaveola are also
listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. T. robusta
(Mount Donna Buang to Mount Baw Baw) and T. timmsi (at one location in a creek on
Mount Wellington near Lake Tali Karng [Zwick 1979]) are listed as ‘data deficient’
(DSE unpublished b).
In addition to the stonefly species mentioned, the following fauna species found in
the Bogong Alpine area are listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988: Alpine Bog Skink (Pseudemoia cryodroma), Alpine Egernia
(Egernia guthega), Alpine She-oak Skink (Cyclodomorphus praealtus), Alpine Water
Skink (Sphenomorphus eulamprus), Mountain Skink (Egernia montana), Alpine Tree
Frog (Litoria verreauxii alpina) and the Mountain Pygmy Possum (Burramys parvus).
3
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
1.5
Threats to Eustheniidae in the alpine region
The Australian Alps are subjected to numerous human activities, which may impact
the aquatic and terrestrial habitats of the Plecoptera and other species mentioned
above.
These activities include: forestry, cattle and sheep grazing, apiary, recreational
skiing, fishing, bushwalking and sightseeing (Brittain 1997; Doeg 1999). These
activities can affect a species directly or indirectly through disturbing essential
components of an organism's habitat. Threatening processes include: increased
sediment loads, temperatures, light intensity, humidity, wind and soil erosion.
Threatening processes can also decrease the energy flow within stream systems and
the availability of suitable refuge sites (i.e. vegetation and snags) (Campbell and Doeg
1989; Irons et al. 1994; Pettigrove 1991; Petersen et al. 1999; Agriculture, Fisheries
Forestry Australia 1999).
Climate change poses a potential threat to the distribution of T. alpina in the alpine
region, due to its highly restricted habitat range. Aquatic organisms in these areas
may not be able to withstand an increase in water temperature or a decrease in
stream flow associated with reduced snow fall. A warming of 0.3°C with no change in
precipitation (a low change scenario for 2030 in the alpine region) will result in a
contraction of the area covered with snow by 18%. A 1.8°C warming accompanied by
8% less precipitation (a high change scenario for 2030) will result in a contraction of
the snow area by 66% (Commonwealth of Australia 2002). This rise in temperature
may lead to a reduction of alpine habitats for many species. An increase in water
temperature and decreased flows associated with predicted climate change may also
impact on the growth rates of the nymph and egg stages of the Eustheniidae.
Results from this and previous studies suggest that T. alpina are more common
outside the Alpine National Park and are found within the Alpine Ski Resort areas.
Ski resort expansion has been identified as a major threat to the survival of T. alpina
and T. flaveola (Brittain 1997). Although cattle grazing within the Alpine National
Park has recently been discontinued, impacts outside the Park are likely as cattle
grazing can continue in these areas. Cattle grazing may pose a threat to T. alpina as
cattle can erode stream banks and increase sedimentation (Brittain 1997; Doeg 1999;
DSE 2005).
2
Methods
The alpine flatworm Spathula spp. are a cryptic group of species found in small
rivulets rising from springs (St. Clair et al. 1999). The genus Spathula
(Tricladida:Dugesiidae) consists of nine species restricted to high altitude areas of
4
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Australia with six species occurring in Victoria, including a number of species
recognised as threatened (St. Clair et al. 1999).
A meeting was held with EPA Victoria and a literature review undertaken to
determine the viability of sampling Spathula spp. in conjunction with the stonefly
species. This meeting concluded that it was not viable to collect alpine flatworm
species as identification would require sectioning specimens, which is costly and
impractical (pers. comm. R. St. Clair, EPA Victoria).
2.1
Sample sites
Seventeen sites were sampled with altitudes ranging from 760–1720m in the Bogong
High Plains area (Table 1). Sites sampled previously by C. Bryce were considered and
two criteria were used to pinpoint sampling sites – sites greater than 700m and sites
with a stream width of less than 1m.
5
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Table 1. Location of sites sampled for stonefly species in December 2004 and
February 2005.
Site Code
Creek/Location Name
Zone
Easting
(AGD66)
Northing
(AGD66)
Altitude
(m)
ALP UNK
Tributary of McKay Creek @ Road 24
55
522017
5919995
1500
ALP ARTH
Unnamed creek -Little Arthur Track
(flows into Lake Guy)
55
521874
5927966
1040
ALP MCK2
McKay Creek @ Mt McKay Road
55
522767
5919229
1720
ALP MCKAY
McKay Creek @ Road 24
55
522254
5919740
1480
ALP RDS #
Tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on
Bogong High Plains Road
55
519873
5925861
760
ALP CLEAR
Clearwater Creek @ Bogong High
Plains Road
55
531525
5910328
1410
ALP
MCNAMA
Tributary of Bundara River (near
McNamara Hut)
55
529693
5909752
1440
ALP WILTR2
Tributary of Big River @ Kangaroo
Creek Track
55
539849
5921880
815
ALP WILTR1
Tributary of Big River @ Kangaroo
Creek Track
55
538795
5923316
880
CPE 01
Cope Creek East (upstream of
aqueduct)
55
524926
5912322
1670
ALP
ABVFCK
Rivulet @Roadside above Falls Creek
Village
55
525268
5919084
1680
ALP
COPEWT
Tributary of Cope Creek West
Aqueduct
55
520382
5913079
1670
HGP01
High Plains Creek
55
520204
5913031
1690
MCT02
Middle Creek Tributary 2 (near Cope
Hut)
55
526557
5915370
1620
ALP PVT
Pretty Valley tributary
55
520046
5925948
760
ALP SPK
Spion Kopje Creek
55
523116
5925853
1100
ALP SPKTRB
Tributary of Spion Kopje Creek
55
523116
5925853
900
# = sampled during December 2004
6
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
2.2
Sampling procedure
Sampling for T. alpina and E. venosa was performed in February 2005. At each site,
rocks and boulders were overturned and examined for nymphs. A kick net was
placed downstream to catch any dislodged fauna and later placed in a sorting tray
with water to search for other individuals. The average time spent searching each
site was approximately one-person hour. Individuals of E. venosa and T. alpina were
identified in the field and confirmed by C. Bryce. Other aquatic invertebrates of
interest were recorded on field sheets, collected and preserved in 70% ethanol for
identification in the laboratory.
2.3
Habitat Parameters
Temperature, dissolved oxygen (percent saturated and mg/L), pH and electrical
conductivity were measured in the field using a TPS meter (90-FL). Turbidity was
measured using a HACH 2100P Turbidimeter. Stream alkalinity was measured using
a HACH AL-AP test kit. These water quality measurements were only made at sites
where T. alpina were found.
Average stream width and depth was recorded, as was the substrate size and the
type of vegetation present. Observations of the health of the vegetation, its burnt or
unburnt status, and evidence of regeneration were recorded. A photo was taken at
each site where T. alpina or E. venosa were collected except for site ‘ALP_MCNAM’
due to a camera malfunction.
7
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
3
Results
3.1
Plecoptera findings
Thaumatoperla alpina was present at five of the 17 sites sampled and at two of
these sites E. venosa was also present. E. venosa was present at three additional sites.
An individual Cosmioperla spp. (from the same stonefly family as T. alpina) was
recorded at one site and there were no stoneflies recorded at eight sites (Table 2)
(Figures 1 and 2).
Data from extensive surveys of sites in the Bogong Alpine area and surrounding
areas conducted by C. Bryce up to 2001 are provided in Appendix A and shown in
Figures 3 and 4.
3.2
Thaumatoperla alpina records
Including the new records from this study, T. alpina has now been recorded at eight
sites in the Bogong alpine area (Table 3).
Three sites sampled during February 2005 have been sampled previously by C. Bryce
with records of T. alpina documented (these include sites ALP_MCKAY, ALP_MCK2
and ALP_RDS) (Table 2). Sites ALP_MCK3, 79 and AEC6 were not sampled during
February 2005, but T. alpina have been recorded here in surveys conducted by C.
Bryce (Table 3). A tributary of McKay Creek (ALP_UNK) and an unnamed creek on
Little Arthur Fire Track (ALP_ARTH) are new records of T. alpina.
All of the sites with records of T. alpina are within areas burnt in the bushfires of
2003. Only two of the sites are within the Alpine National Park including site AEC6
and ALP_ARTH (Table 3). Descriptions of the study sites where either T. alpina
and/or E. venosa were recorded during February 2005 are provided in Section 3.3.
Photos of each site except (ALP_MCNAM) are shown in Plate 1 and 2.
All data was entered into the Wildlife Atlas and Aquatic Fauna Information System,
databases curated by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
8
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Table 2. Sites where stonefly species were recorded during December 2004 and
February 2005.
Site
Creek/Location Name
ALP UNK
Tributary of McKay Creek @
Road 24
ALP ARTH
Altitude
(m)
Species of
Eustheniidae
Count
1500
T. alpina
1
No
Unnamed creek -Little Arthur
Track (flows into Lake Guy)
1040
T. alpina
2
No
ALP MCK2
McKay Creek @ Mt McKay Road
1720
T. alpina
1
Yes
ALP MCKAY
McKay Creek @ Road 24
1480
T. alpina +
E. venosa
1 T. alpina,
5+ E. venosa
Yes
ALP RDS #
Tributary of Pretty Valley
Creek on Bogong High Plains
Rd
760
T. alpina +
E. venosa
1 T. alpina,
1. E. venosa
Yes
ALP CLEAR
Clearwater Creek @ Bogong
High Plains Road
1410
E. venosa
6
No
ALP
MCNAMA
Tributary of Bundara River
(near McNamara Hut)
1440
E. venosa
1
No
ALP WILTR2
Tributary of Big River @
Kangaroo Creek Track
815
E. venosa
3
No
ALP WILTR1
Tributary of Big River @
Kangaroo Creek Track
880
Cosmioperla
spp.
1
No
# = sampled during December 2004
9
Previous
T. alpina
records
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Table 3. Geographic information for sites with current (including this study) T. alpina records.
Alpine
Burnt in
Site Code
Creek Name
Location
National Altitude
Slope
Catchment
Distance from
bushfires(2003)
Park
(m)
(m/km)
area (km )
source (km)
2
ALP UNK
Tributary of McKay Creek
Road 24
Yes
No
1500
100
1.3
1.7
ALP ARTH
Unnamed creek
Little Arthur Fire Track
Yes
Yes
1040
400
0.3
0.5
ALP MCK2
McKay Creek
Mt McKay Road
Yes
No
1720
200
0.3
0.1
ALP MCKAY
McKay Creek
Road 24
Yes
No
1480
80
1.7
1.9
ALP RDS
Tributary of Pretty Valley Creek Bogong High Plains Road
Yes
No
760
400
0.1
0.4
ALP MCK3*
McKay Creek
Road 24
Yes
No
1700
60
0.6
0.4
79*
Turnback Creek
Bogong High Plains Road
Yes
No
1140
200
0.7
0.8
Off Bogong High Plains Road
Yes
Yes
1680
50
0.1
0.6
Tributary of Rocky Valley
AEC6*
Storage
* = Not sampled for T. alpina during February 2005.
10
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Town
Y
#
Streams
Y Mount Beauty
#
Alpine National Park
$ALP ARTH
ALP SPK
$ALP
ALP RDS$
SPKTRB
Bogong#
YALP PVT
$ ALP WILTR1
$ ALP WILTR2
Y Glen Valley
#
ALP MCKAY
Falls Creek
ALP UNK
ALP ABVFCK
ALP MCK2
#
$$$ Y
$
Species present
$
Thaumatoperla alpina
$
Thaumatoperla alpina/
Eusthenia venosa
$
Eusthenia venosa
$
Cosmioperla spp.
$
Eustheniidae absent
$ MCT02
Y Shannonvale
#
$$ALP COPEWT$ CPE 01
HGP01
$ $ ALP CLEAR
ALP MCNAMA
YHotham Heights
#
Anglers Rest#
Y
N
W
E
10
0
10
20 Kilometers
$$
#
Y
$$$$Y
#$
og
B
oA
g P VT
n
L
ha
S
nn
on
va le
S
Figure 1. Distribution of Eusthniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the Alpine National Park boundary shown.
13
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Town
Y
#
Streams
Y Mount Beauty
#
2003 bushfire extent
$ALP ARTH
ALP SPK
$ALP
ALP RDS$
SPKTRB
Bogong#
YALP PVT
$ ALP WILTR1
$ ALP WILTR2
Y Glen Valley
#
ALP MCKAY
Falls Creek
ALP UNK
ALP ABVFCK
ALP MCK2
#
$$$ Y
$
Species present
$
Thaumatoperla alpina
$ Thaumatoperla alpina/
Eusthenia venosa
$ MCT02
Y Shannonvale
#
$$ALP COPEWT$ CPE 01
HGP01
$ $ ALP CLEAR
$ Cosmioperla spp.
ALP MCNAMA
YHotham Heights
#
$ Eusthenia venosa
Anglers Rest#
Y
$ Eustheniidae absent
N
W
E
10
0
10
20 Kilometers
$$
#
Y
$$$$Y
#$
og
B
oA
g P VT
n
L
ha
S
nn
on
va le
S
Figure 2. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during February 2005 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
#7
#5 # 6
Town
Y
#
Streams
DUN134
#35
DUN4##
37
#
#
38
#39 36
DUN5#
#
40
41#
DUN3
Y
#
28
# # 27
# 24
# 25
# 26
Mount Beauty
63
# 57
64## 65
# 61
32 66#
##33 67#68
#69 Bogong
# 70
71##
Y#
20# 73#
EAS1 # 74
19#18
AIAS6# # AIAS7
17 # 76
15#
16
# 78 56
#AIAS2
14# 10 # 79# # 62Falls Creek
11 59 #
12# #
Y
# AIAS3
13 9 #
##1#2
##34 #29
AIAS4
##
AEC6
3031
49
#
#
# #50 AEC5
#
55 #
54 53 # 51
# 52
Alpine National Park
42
45 DUN6
48
DUN8
DUN7
HOPE1
##
## #
#
Species present
#
YGlen Valley
#
Thaumatoperla alpina
# Thaumatoperla alpina/
Eusthenia venosa
Y Shannonvale
#
# Eusthenia venosa
# Cosmioperla spp.
Y Hotham Heights
#
Anglers Rest
Y
#
# Eustheniidae absent
N
W
E
10
0
10
20 Kilometers
$$
#
Y
$$$$Y
#$
og
B
oA
g PVT
n
L
ha
S
nn
on
va le
S
Figure 3. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with Alpine National Park boundary shown.
(Source: C. Bryce).
15
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Town
Y
#
#7
#5 # 6
Streams
DUN134
#35
DUN4##
37
#
#
38
#39 36
DUN5#
#
40
41#
DUN3
Y
#
28
# # 27
# 24
# 25
# 26
Mount Beauty
63
# 57
64## 65
# 61
32 66#
##33 67#68
#69 Bogong
# 70
71##
Y#
20# 73#
EAS1 # 74
19#18
AIAS6# # AIAS7
17 # 76
15#
16
56
# 78
#AIAS2
14# 10 # 79# # 62Falls Creek
AIAS3
11 59 #
12# #
Y
##
13 9 #
4
#
#
#
3
#
AIAS4 1 2
29
###
AEC6
3031
49
#
# ###5051 AEC5
#
55 #
53
54
# 52
2003 bushfire extent
42
45 DUN6
48
DUN8
DUN7
HOPE1
##
## #
#
Species present
#
YGlen Valley
#
Thaumatoperla alpina
# Thaumatoperla alpina/
Eusthenia venosa
Y Shannonvale
#
# Eusthenia venosa
# Cosmioperla spp.
Y Hotham Heights
#
Anglers Rest
Y
#
# Eustheniidae absent
N
W
E
10
0
10
20 Kilometers
$$
#
Y
$$$$Y
#$
og
B
oA
g P VT
n
L
ha
S
nn
on
va le
S
Figure 4. Distribution of Eustheniidae in the Bogong alpine area during various surveys up to 2001 with the extent of the 2003 bushfires shown.
(Source: C. Bryce).
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
3.3
Survey site descriptions
3.3.1 Thaumatoperla alpina sites
ALP_ARTH – Unnamed creek on Little Arthur Fire Track
This site is in a south-facing gully located on Little Arthur Fire Track south west of
Mount Arthur in the Alpine National Park. The stream is a tributary of an unnamed
creek that flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. The small creek has a width of
about 40cm and a depth of about 8cm. During February 2005, two T. alpina
individuals were found below a cascade flowing over a moss covered cobble and
pebble substrate. The creek flows underneath the road down a steep embankment.
The riparian vegetation is wet sclerophyll with tree ferns. The survey of February
2005 was the first time that this site had been sampled for T. alpina.
ALP_UNK – Tributary of McKay Creek at Road 24
Located in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort this site is on a tributary of McKay Creek
about 200m from ALP_MCKAY site on Road 24. During February 2005, one T. alpina
individual was found below a large cascade amongst a cobble and pebble substrate
10m from where the creek flows underneath Road 24. The surrounding vegetation
consists mainly of burnt and regenerating snow gums and an unburnt riparian
heath. Previous to this survey, only E. venosa had been found at this site.
ALP_MCK2 – Tributary of McKay Creek at Mount McKay Road
This site on McKay Creek is on Mt McKay Road immediately north of Ruined Castle
in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort. The small tributary forms part of the headwaters of
McKay Creek from snow melt and is a small, permanent tributary that flows down a
steep hill and underneath Mt McKay Road and Road 24 before joining the main
channel. During February 2005, a single T. alpina was collected in a pool below a
cascade formed by boulders underneath a cobble-sized stone. The substrate is
predominantly cobble with some pebble and gravel. The surrounding vegetation is
alpine heath that has regenerated well after the bushfires of 2003.
ALP_MCK3 - McKay Creek at Road 24
This site within the Falls Creek Alpine Resort was not sampled during February 2005
but T. alpina has been collected here previously by C. Bryce. The stream is the
uppermost site on McKay Creek. The stream substrate consists mainly of cobble with
some large boulders and has a stream depth ranging from 15-40cm. The
surrounding vegetation is alpine heath.
3.3.2 Thaumatoperla alpina and Eusthenia venosa sites
ALP_RDS – Tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on Bogong High Plains Road
15
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Located just outside of the Alpine National Park this site is a small tributary that
flows underneath the Bogong High Plains Road into Pretty Valley Creek. The creek
flows down a steep embankment to form a cascade/waterfall over bedrock with a
maximum width of about 15cm. During December 2004, one T. alpina individual was
collected under a loose piece of bedrock along with an E. venosa individual where the
waterfall creates a splash zone. The survey of December 2004 was the second time
that T. alpina has been collected from this site, which is the lowest recorded altitude
for this species (760m).
Another species of interest that was collected during February 2005 at this site is
another Gondwanan relic, a dragonfly species from the family Austropetaliidae
(Austropetalia tonyana). This primitive species is semi-aquatic in its habit and is
able to survive in moist leaf litter close to streams (Hawking and Theischinger 1999).
Classified as ‘near threatened’ by the Department of Sustainability and Environment
(DSE unpublished b), A. tonyana has limited distributions in montane, moist
environments in southern New South Wales and Victoria, which include alpine areas.
Continued pressure from human disturbance may serve to limit the distribution of
this species. Hawking (1997) suggests the conservation status of the species be
recognised as ‘rare’; larval and adult habitats are susceptible to destruction by urban
and rural development and require protection.
ALP_MCKAY – McKay Creek at Road 24
Located in the Falls Creek Alpine Resort this site on McKay Creek is located
downstream of a concrete tunnel. During February 2005 one T. alpina individual
was collected below one of two small cascades that form below the tunnel along with
numerous E. venosa. The stream has a depth and width of about 20cm and 2m
respectively, with the substrate consisting mainly of sand and some scattered cobble
and pebble. The vegetation is mainly burnt snowgum and thick grasses and small
native shrubs.
16
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
3.3.3 Eusthenia venosa sites
ALP_CLEAR – Clearwater Creek at Bogong High Plains Road
This site on Clearwater Creek is on the Bogong High Plains Road west of Trapyard
Gap in the Alpine National Park. This small highly shaded stream with numerous
cascades has a mossy covered cobble and pebble substrate with some gravel. The
vegetation consists mainly of unburnt eucalypts and tall native shrubs. Six
individuals of E. venosa were found during the February 2005 survey.
WIL_TR2 – Tributary of Big River at Kangaroo Creek Track
This site is on a tributary of Big River on Kangaroo Creek Track. It is about 3.5km
north west of the township of Glen Valley off the Omeo Highway within the Alpine
National Park. The stream has an average width of about 2.5m and a depth of about
15cm. The substrate consists mainly of gravel and sand with sparse boulders. During
February 2005, three E. venosa individuals were found underneath boulders. The
surrounding vegetation consists of burnt eucalypts with a weedy understorey of
blackberry and other exotic vegetation. The survey of February 2005 was the first
attempt at finding E. venosa and T. alpina in this creek.
ALP_MCNAM – Tributary of Bundara River (near McNamara Hut)
This site, located on a small tributary of the Bundara River, is found at the first creek
crossing along the track to McNamara Hut off the Bogong High Plains Road. The
creek flows through a cobble and gravel substrate with no cascades present. The
surrounding snow gums have not recovered from the bushfires of 2003 and the
creek is overgrown with exotic grasses. During February 2005 one E. venosa
individual was collected.
17
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
A
B
C
D
Plate 1. T. alpina sites sampled in February 2005. A: site ALP_MCKAY – McKay Creek at Road 24; B:
site ALP_MCK2 – McKay Creek at Mt McKay Road; C: site ALP_MCK3 – McKay Creek at Road 24; D: site
ALP_UNK – Unnamed tributary of McKay Creek at Road 24. [photographs by S. McKay]
18
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
A
B
C
D
Plate 2. T. alpina and E. venosa sites sampled in February 2005. A: site ALP_ARTH – Unnamed creek at
Little Arthur fire track; B: site ALP_RDS – tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on Bogong High Plains Road;
C: site ALP_CLEAR – Clearwater Creek at Bogong High Plains Road; D: site ALP_WILTR2 - tributary of
Big River at Kangaroo Creek track. [photographs by S. McKay]
19
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
3.4
Water properties and stream habitat
Water property measures were recorded at all sites where T. alpina were found during
February 2005 excepting site ALP_RDS due to low water levels (Table 4). For purposes of
comparison to other T. alpina sites, water quality was measured at site ALP_MCK3 even
though this site was not sampled for invertebrates during February 2005. Water quality
readings were typical of those found in alpine streams, i.e. electrical conductivity was low,
dissolved oxygen levels were high and alkalinity low.
Streams were typically 15-40cm in width with a depth of about 15cm. The substrate
consisted mainly of cobble and pebble with some streams having small amounts of gravel
and/or boulders present.
Table 4. Water property measures at sites with records of T. alpina during February 2005.
Note, pH was not measured, as the meter was unable to measure pH in low ionic strength
water.
Site Code
Water
Electrical
Dissolved
Temperature
Conductivity
Oxygen
(ºC)
(µs/cm)
(% saturation)
(NTU)
(mg/L)
10.6
7.2
90.6
3.1
10
9.7
33.5
85.9
1.9
25
McKay Creek
8.1
6.3
79.4
0.8
10
ALP MCKAY McKay Creek
9.9
8.4
72.1
2
10
ALP MCK3*
7.2
5
86.1
0.6
10
ALP UNK
Stream
Tributary of McKay
Turbidity Alkalinity
Creek
ALP ARTH
Unnamed creek
(flows into Lake
Guy)
ALP MCK2
McKay Creek
* = Not sampled for invertebrates during February 2005.
20
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
4 Discussion
Thaumatoperla alpina is known to occur at only eight sites throughout the Bogong High
Plains at altitudes ranging from 760-1720 m. Only two of these sites are located within the
Alpine National Park including: a tributary of Rocky Valley Storage and an unnamed creek,
which flows into Lake Guy at Bogong Village. A tributary of McKay Creek and the unnamed
creek, which flows into Lake Guy are new records of T. alpina. Bryce (2001) found a number
of habitat parameters to be important in the distribution of both T. alpina and E. venosa
including: stream flow (0.13 ± 3.13 E-02m/s), pH (7.5 ± 7.5 E-02), oxygen content
(12.15 ± 0.177mg/L), width of stream (126 ± 12.72cm), vegetation structure (above the
treeline and not in alpine grassland), altitude (1185 ± 45.7m) and the presence of a mayflies
(Mirawara spp. and Archeophylax spp.). During this study, E. venosa was present at five sites
and occurred with T. alpina at two of these sites.
Bryce (2001) highlighted that anthropogenic activities, including the removal of vegetation
through ski resort development, forestry and grazing and the effects of climate change, were
major conservation issues. The major threats to the two genera being those which cause
increases in stream temperature. Biological factors were also found to affect the
distribution of the genera including predation threats and the availability of dietary
requirements (Bryce 2001).
T. alpina has a lifecycle of approximately three years and as adults live for approximately
two months, from April through until the first snow falls. Dispersal is very limited in
Thaumatoperla spp. as they have lost all flight capabilities (Brittain 1990). Their lack of
dispersal capability may limit their capacity to tolerate habitat disturbance and change due
to developments in Australian alpine areas that have increased steadily since the 1950s
(Land Conservation Council 1977).
Observations made during this study of the three-year nymphal stage, suggest they have not
been significantly affected by increased sediment loads as a result of the 2003 bushfires.
High sediment levels were observed in some pools, however, T. alpina nymphs have been
found in these areas two years after the fires. As abundance estimates have not been
determined, no conclusive statements can be made about potential impacts of silt on
T. alpina nymphs.
Fire may have a greater effect on the adult stage of T. alpina. Following the fires, T. alpina
adults have been found on burnt vegetation that is void of any leaf material. This species is
highly cryptic, even though they are found on the outer margins of vegetation and not
‘hidden’ within the vegetation. Adults blend into their preferred vegetation but become
highly exposed on burnt vegetation that is void of leaves (Bryce 2001). During autumn 2003,
any newly emerged T. alpina would have been highly vulnerable to both aerial and terrestrial
predation. The impact of the fires may not be evident until 2006 due to the nymphs threeyear life cycle. If adult T. alpina were predated on in higher numbers during Autumn 2003
21
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
before having a chance to lay eggs in a stream, then the population could potentially
experience a decrease in number of emerging adults in the third year (2006).
Temperature fluctuations endured by the adults may be dramatically increased due to the
lack of vegetation. Adult T. alpina move down the branches towards the base of the plant
after dark, only returning as the first rays of sun hit the plant in the morning. This is
presumably to insulate against low nightly temperatures (Bryce 2001). It is likely that the
future threat of aerial predation will decrease as vegetation continues to regenerate.
The long-term effect of the 2003 bushfires on T. alpina is unknown. Annual monitoring of
T. alpina should be undertaken to determine if impacts from predation and temperature
extremes have impacted on their population. Climate change also poses a potential threat to
the distribution of T. alpina in the alpine region, due to its highly restricted habitat range
and needs to be studied further.
22
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
5 Conclusions and Recommendations
Thaumatoperla alpina is restricted to high altitude areas (>760m) in the Mt. McKay and Mt.
Fainter areas. T. alpina is known to occur at eight sites within the Bogong Alpine area. Two
of these sites are within the Alpine National Park and four sites are within the Alpine Ski
Resort Area (McKay Creek sites). Their flight capabilities are highly restricted, therefore
dispersal is limited to the riparian vegetation immediately beside the stream from which
they have emerged. T. alpina are currently classified as ‘vulnerable’ (DSE unpublished b) and
are listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.
Threats to Thaumatoperla alpina include: Ski resort development, grazing (cattle and sheep),
forestry, recreational skiing, bushwalking, fishing, sightseeing and apiary. These activities
can affect a species directly or indirectly through disturbing essential components of an
organism's habitat. Climate change also poses a potential threat to the distribution of
Eustheniidae in the alpine region.
Recommendation 1: Protecting T. alpina from threats
1.1
Ensure vegetation within 10 m of streams and the distribution area of T. alpina is
protected. Ensure skiing and other ski resort activities don’t encroach on the streams
identified as T. alpina habitat (ie. McKay Creek sites).
1.2
Maintain water quality in streams within the distribution area of T. alpina (ie. high
dissolved oxygen levels close to 100% saturation, pH close to 7 and water temperatures
close to average for time of year).
1.3
Ensure trout are free from streams identified as having T. alpina populations (ie.
remove trout from Rocky Valley and cease re-stocking of trout).
Recommendation 2: The conservation status of T. alpina
Nominate T. alpina for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Assess T. alpina against the criteria for the appropriate category (eg.
‘Vulnerable’) outlined in the guidelines for threatened species nominations for listing under
the EPBC Act (see EPBC Act website: http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/index.html). Note that
although there is a range of criteria for each category, meeting any ONE of the criteria qualifies
a species for listing at that level.
23
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Recommendation 3: Improving knowledge on the distribution of T. alpina and other stonefly
species of conservation significance
3.1
Further surveys of streams outside of the Bogong Alpine area may be needed to
confidently map the distribution of T. alpina.
3.2
Annual assessments of currently known T. alpina populations should be undertaken to
determine distribution changes.
3.3
Riekoperla intermedia another stonefly species of conservation significance that occurs in
under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Current knowledge on its
distribution is limited and should be assessed in conjunction with any future stonefly
assessments.
Recommendation 4: Research to gain a better understanding of the biology and threats to
T. alpina
Further research on the biology of T. alpina and the threats associated with the species will
assist in applying the best possible management technique for specific issues in alpine
regions that may affect the survival of T. alpina.
4.1
Undertake research to assess sediment loads in streams identified as T. alpina habitat
4.2
Undertake research on the impacts of increased nutrient loads in streams where grey
water has been used for snow making within the Falls Creek ski resort and the affect on
T. alpina populations.
4.3
Undertake research into the adaptive significance of adult colouration (warning or
camouflage?).
4.4
Undertake laboratory diet studies of adult T. alpina to determine if and what they eat in
the wild.
4.5
Undertake dietary studies of Mountain pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus). Do B. parvus
eat Thaumatoperla alpina?
4.6
Identify threats of predation on adult T. alpina (ie. studies involving lizards and birds).
24
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
6 Acknowledgments
Di Crowther, Freshwater Ecology, DSE and Prue McGuffie, Latrobe University, AlburyWodonga Campus are thanked for their assistance in the field and to Di Crowther for
identifying invertebrates in the laboratory and editing the report. Pam Clunie is thanked for
comments on the draft report.
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status of each species. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 111 (1): 43-49.
Tillyard, R.J. (1921) Revision o the family Eustheniidae (Order Perlaria) with descriptions of
new genera and species. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 46,
221-226.
Wareing, K. and Flinn, D. (2003) The Victorian Alpine Fires, January –March 2003. Prepared
for Fire Management, Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Wood, P. J. and Armitage, P. D. (1997) Biological effects of fine sediment in the lotic
environment. Environmental Management 21(2): 203-217.
27
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Zwick, P. (1979). Revision of the stonefly family Eustheniidae (Plecoptera), with emphasis on
the fauna of the Australian region. Aquatic insects. International Journal of
Freshwater Entomology 1: 17-50.
28
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Appendix A
Sites sampled for Plecoptera of the family Eustheniidae in the Bogong Alpine Area, Victoria
(up to 2001).
Source: Cassandra L. Bryce, La Trobe University, Albury-Wodonga Campus.
Site
Creek/Location Name
Zone
Easting
(AGD66)
Northing
(AGD66)
Altitude
(m)
Species
79
Turnback Creek - Bogong High Plains
Rd, Site 16
55
521500
5921700
1140
T.alpina
AEC6
Trib of Rocky Valley Storage - Rocky
Valley Plots
55
525700
5916900
-
T. alpina
1
Mt McKay Site 1 (ALP MCK2)
55
522700
5919300
1720
T. alpina +
E. venosa
2
Mt McKay Site 2 (ALP MCK3) - McKay
Ck @ Road 24
55
523286
5919241
1680
T. alpina +
E. venosa
59
Road 24, Mt. McKay, Site 2 (ALP
MCKAY)
55
522200
5919800
1700
T. alpina +
E. venosa
4
Watchbed Creek Site 4
55
529000
5919800
1660
E. venosa
9
Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(1st
pool)
55
520900
5920600
1130
E. venosa
10
Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(2nd
pool)
55
520900
5920600
1130
E. venosa
11
Mt. McKay Power Stn Rd. Site 1(up the
ck.)
55
520900
5920600
1130
E. venosa
12
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 2
55
520100
5920000
1120
E. venosa
13
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 2
55
520100
5920000
1120
E. venosa
14
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 3
55
519000
5921900
1260
E. venosa
15
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4
55
518400
5923200
1280
E. venosa
16
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4
55
518400
5923200
1280
E. venosa
17
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 4
55
518400
5923200
1320
E. venosa
19
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 5
(below rd)
55
517200
5924300
1380
E. venosa
20
0.8km below The Springs Saddle, Site
6
55
517800
5926400
1160
E. venosa
25
Dungey Tk., Pyramid Hill Site 2
55
512900
5925600
1020
E. venosa
30
Marum Point Tk, Site 2
55
531200
5918100
1600
E. venosa
31
Marum Point Tk, Aqueduct, Site 3
55
530900
5918000
1610
E. venosa
33
Big Hill Fire Tk, down turn off, Site 2
55
516800
5929800
1125
E. venosa
36
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 3
55
537400
5934700
840
E. venosa
41
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 8
55
536800
5932600
1030
E. venosa
42
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 8
55
536800
5932600
1030
E. venosa
45
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 11
55
537300
5931200
1140
E. venosa
48
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 14
55
538200
5929400
960
E. venosa
56
Bogong High Plains Rd, trib abv
Howmans Gap
55
523100
5922000
1300
E. venosa
61
Bogong High Plains Rd, 7.8km from
Resort (Site 5)
55
518550
5930990
?
E. venosa
29
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Appendix A (continued)
Site
Creek/Location Name
Zone
Easting
(AGD66)
Northing
(AGD66)
Altitude
(m)
Species
70
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 8
55
521900
5927700
600
E. venosa
74
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 11a
55
521990
5925800
740
E. venosa
DUN3
Dunstans Fire Track
55
537520
5934925
869
E. venosa
DUN5
Dunstans Fire Track
55
536710
5933358
1039
E. venosa
DUN6
Dunstans Fire Track
55
537953
5930560
1229
E. venosa
DUN7
Dunstans Fire Track
55
538485
5929293
1227
E. venosa
AIAS3
Watchbed Ck
55
529239
5920109
E. venosa
AIAS4
Mt. McKay (below Rd)
55
522185
5919350
E. venosa
HOPE1
?
55
542050
5928100
1386
E. venosa
AEC5
?
55
525600
5916700
-
E. venosa
AIAS7
Mt. Nelse 3rd stream
55
529623
5924480
5
Mountain Ck. Rd. Site 1
55
520600
5937900
AIAS2
Mt. Nelse
55
530652
5922483
Cosmioperla
spp.
AIAS6
Mt. Nelse above falls
55
527495
5924000
Cosmioperla
spp.
EAS1
?
55
520320
5926100
-
Cosmioperla
spp.
DUN4
?
55
537285
5934572
1028
Absent
DUN8
?
55
539477
5929323
-
Absent
3
Watchbed Ck @ Rocky Valley
Storage Site 3
55
528300
5919200
1620
Absent
6
Mountain Ck. Rd. Site 2
55
522300
5938200
620
Absent
7
Trappers Gap Tk. Site 3
55
527600
5938900
1100
Absent
18
Bald Hill McKay Ck Fire Tk. Site 5
(abv rd)
55
517200
5924300
1380
Absent
24
Dungey Tk., Pyramid Hill Site 1
55
512400
5927600
980
Absent
26
Dungey Tk., Snowy Ck. Site 3
55
509000
5927200
620
Absent
27
Big Flat Tk., Big Flat Ck. Site 4
55
508600
5930500
890
Absent
28
Big Flat Tk., Big Flat Ck. Site 5
55
507600
5930700
820
Absent
29
Marum Point Tk, Site 1
55
531100
5918500
1670
Absent
32
Big Hill Lookout, RHT, Site 1.
55
516400
5929900
1020
Absent
34
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 1
55
538500
5936000
700
Absent
35
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 2
55
538300
5935700
720
Absent
37
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 4
55
537400
5934500
860
Absent
38
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 5
55
537200
5934400
930
Absent
39
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 6
55
537000
5934000
980
Absent
40
Dunstans Snowy Ck. Rd. Site 7
55
536900
5933400
1000
Absent
49
Rd. to Pretty Valley, past the hut,
Site 1
55
521900
5916500
1670
Absent
50
Cope Aqueduct (Saddle) Tk., Site 2
55
522200
5916100
1675
Absent
51
Cope Aqueduct (Saddle) Tk., Site 3
55
522700
5915400
1650
Absent
30
E. venosa
510
E. venosa
Impacts of fire on the distribution of Thaumatoperla alpina in the Bogong alpine region
Appendix A (continued)
Site
Creek/Location Name
Zone
Easting
(AGD66)
Northing
(AGD66)
Altitude
(m)
Species
52
Cope Saddle Hut (SEC Hut), Site 4
55
523100
5913500
1660
Absent
53
Fainter Fire Tk. (Niggerhead Aq.),
Site 5
55
520600
5916000
1670
Absent
54
Fainter Fire Tk., Site 6
55
519500
5915700
1780
Absent
55
Fainter Fire Tk., Site 7
55
518200
5915700
1710
Absent
57
Bogong High Plains Rd, Blanket Leaf
Gully
55
518000
5931800
580
Absent
62
Bogong High Plains Rd, Ti Tree Ck,
(Site 6)
55
524000
5921400
1420
Absent
63
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 1
55
517100
5932800
540
Absent
64
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 2
55
517500
5932200
570
Absent
65
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 3
'Blanket Leaf Gully'
55
518000
5931800
580
Absent
66
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 4
55
518400
5931100
540
Absent
67
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 5
'Lyrebird Ck'
55
518500
5930900
560
Absent
68
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 6
55
518800
5930300
590
Absent
69
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 7
55
518900
5928000
590
Absent
71
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 9
'Slippery Rock Ck.'
55
519200
5927000
670
Absent
73
Bogong HP Rd, Site 11- above
Bogong Village
55
519700
5926600
610
Absent
76
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 13
55
520800
5923600
980
Absent
78
Bogong High Plains Rd, Site 15
55
521600
5922500
1090
Absent
DUN1
Dunstans Fire Track
55
538571
5936197
723
Absent
31