Download WILDLIFE OF KILLALEA STATE PARK

WILDLIFE OF KILLALEA STATE PARK
MARTIN SCHULZ
PREPARED FOR:
KILLALEA STATE PARK
AND
ECOSYSTEMS AND THREATENED SPECIES ILLAWARRA REGION,
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Acknowledgements
This project was carried out by the Ecosystems and Threatened Species Team, Illawarra region of the
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). The project was jointly funded by the Killalea State Park Trust
and OEH.
Lachlan Wilmott undertook initial project management, background research, site selection, field survey
planning and logistics. Field surveys were undertaken by Martin Schulz, Garry Daly and Lachlan Wilmott;
with assistance from Nathan Cattell, Fiona Chivas, Lucy Farrier, Sallyanne Hockey, Joel Robinson,
Darren Scheeringa, Brenton von Takesh Dukai and Amelia Westhoff. Barbara Triggs analysed collected
predator scats and pellets; Lachlan Wilmott analysed photographs taken by the remote cameras, and
Anabat recordings were analysed by Leroy Gonsalves. All data was entered into the Atlas of NSW
Wildlife by Martin Schulz. Nathan Cattell organised logistics within the park for the smooth on-ground
running of the survey, and providing valuable fauna records, management and other related information.
Martin Schulz wrote this report, and maps were produced by Lachlan Wilmott. Valuable comments on
earlier drafts of this report were provided by Kylie Madden, Kylie McClelland, David Bain and Lachlan
Wilmott.
All photographs used in this report were taken by Martin Schulz unless otherwise stated.
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Overview
Killalea State Park is the most important coastal reserve for wildlife in the Illawarra. It provides habitat and
refuge for at least 235 native animal species. Among these are 17 species listed as threatened in NSW
comprising 13 birds, three mammals and one frog.
A surprising array of fauna is present within Killalea State Park due to its relatively healthy and diverse
coastal habitats. Coastal environments, particularly wetlands, are largely cleared or degraded elsewhere
in the Illawarra. Although most parts of the park are in a stage of regeneration, each vegetation
community from the freshwater wetlands surrounding Killalea Lagoon to the Littoral Rainforest on
Minnamurra Spit provides resources and habitat for a different assemblage of species.
Recent land management has been largely complementary with wildlife conservation, however there are
still threats to many species. Nineteen introduced animals were recorded, many of which predate on or
compete with native species. Human disturbance is also a concern, particularly for nesting birds. Weeds
and alterations to the hydrology of the lagoon have also been identified as amongst the highest priority
threats requiring action.
The excellent biodiversity within Killalea State Park can be maintained or improved by continuing and
expanding current programs of restoration and rehabilitation of native vegetation. Values may be further
improved through activities such as the placement of bat boxes to replicate tree hollows that are rare in
the regenerating trees. Further targeted control of rabbits, foxes and feral cats will benefit a number of
native ground-dwelling mammals such as the long-nosed bandicoot. Improving the connection between
Killalea State Park and Bass Point Reserve via a wildlife corridor will enhance the biodiversity of both
areas by allowing animals to move between these two important coastal parks.
Top Finds
1. Australian pied oystercatcher pair resident on Minnamurra Spit and attempting to nest.
2. Two shearwater species and a pair of sooty oystercatchers nesting successfully on Rangoon Island
as well as suspected nesting of the little penguin.
3. A wide diversity of waterbirds including the freckled duck and Australasian bittern at Killalea Lagoon –
both rare water birds in the Illawarra.
4. At least 10 bat species, including the threatened southern myotis that is likely to roost and breed in
the park.
5. A surprising number of native ground mammals, including long-nosed bandicoots, brown antechinus
and short-beaked echidnas occurring in several parts of the park.
6. A population of mountain brushtail possums and other wet forest species uncommon in coastal parts
of the Illawarra such as the large-billed scrubwren and noisy pitta.
7. Surprisingly diverse reptiles including the eastern snake-necked turtle, red-bellied black snake and
eastern small-eyed snake and the unusual mainland she-oak skink.
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Contents
OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................. III
TOP FINDS....................................................................................................................................................... III
1. INTRODUCING KILLALEA STATE PARK ......................................................................................................1
2. THE SURVEY .........................................................................................................................................................1
3. THREATENED FAUNA ........................................................................................................................................3
3.1 THREATENED BIRDS................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 THREATENED MAMMALS ......................................................................................................................... 21
3.3 THREATENED REPTILES AND FROGS ........................................................................................................ 26
4. THREATS .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
5. MANAGEMENT OF THREATS AND ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...................................... 30
5.1 MANAGEMENT OF IDENTIFIED THREATS .................................................................................................. 30
5.2 IMPROVING HABITAT LINKS..................................................................................................................... 33
5.3 MAINTAINING EXISTING PARK USES........................................................................................................ 37
5.4 INSTALLATION OF BAT BOXES ................................................................................................................. 37
5.5 RESEARCH AND MONITORING .................................................................................................................. 37
6. FAUNA OF KILLALEA STATE PARK ............................................................................................................ 39
6.1 BIRDS ...................................................................................................................................................... 39
6.2 MAMMALS ............................................................................................................................................... 43
6.3 REPTILES .................................................................................................................................................. 46
6.4 FROGS ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
7. BIRDS LISTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD AGREEMENTS................................. 48
7.1 RAPTORS (ONE SPECIES) ........................................................................................................................... 48
7.2 SEABIRDS NESTING ON RANGOON ISLAND (TWO SPECIES) ....................................................................... 49
7.3 MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS (TEN SPECIES AS WELL AS THE SANDERLING) ................................................. 49
7.4 LARGE WADING BIRDS (FOUR SPECIES) ................................................................................................... 50
7.5 TERNS (FOUR SPECIES AS WELL AS THE THREATENED LITTLE TERN) ....................................................... 52
7.6 SWIFTS (TWO SPECIES) ............................................................................................................................. 53
7.7 MARINE BIRDS LISTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD AGREEMENTS .................................. 53
8. MARINE FAUNA .................................................................................................................................................. 54
8.1 SEASONAL OCCURRENCE ......................................................................................................................... 54
8.2 THREATENED MARINE SPECIES ................................................................................................................ 58
9. FAUNA HABITATS OF KILLALEA STATE PARK ....................................................................................... 61
9.1 KILLALEA LAGOON .................................................................................................................................. 61
9.2 RANGOON ISLAND (ALSO KNOWN AS STACK ISLET) ................................................................................. 63
9.3 SANDY BEACHES AND BACKING BEACH SPINIFEX GRASSLAND & COASTAL SCRUB ............................... 65
9.4 ROCKY SHORES AND BACKING COAST ROSEMARY SHRUBLAND, SWAMPS & SEEPAGES ........................ 67
9.5 LITTORAL RAINFOREST & BANGALAY SAND FOREST ON MINNAMURRA SPIT ......................................... 69
9.6 DRY SUBTROPICAL RAINFOREST.............................................................................................................. 71
9.7 BRACELET HONEY-MYRTLE – AUSTRALIAN INDIGO DRY SHRUBLAND ................................................... 73
9.8 FOREST RED GUM SHRUBBY OPEN FOREST ............................................................................................. 75
9.9 SWAMP OAK AND SWAMP PAPERBARK FOREST INCLUDING PLANTED AREAS .......................................... 76
9.10 COAST BANKSIA – COAST TEA-TREE MOIST FOREST ............................................................................. 78
9.11 WATTLE REGROWTH, CORAL TREE/PINE TREE STANDS & WEEDY SHRUBLAND .................................. 79
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.12 RANK INTRODUCED GRASSLAND WITH PATCHES OF LOW INTRODUCED SHRUBS.................................... 81
9.13 MOWN GRASS AREAS AND PLANTED TREES .......................................................................................... 83
9.14 SALTMARSH, MANGROVES AND BACKING SEDGELANDS ....................................................................... 85
10. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................... 87
APPENDIX 1: VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF KILLALEA STATE PARK .......................................................... 90
APPENDIX 2: SURVEY METHODS.................................................................................................................... 106
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS RECORDS .................................................................................................................. 106
SURVEY SITE SELECTION ............................................................................................................................. 106
SYSTEMATIC SURVEY TECHNIQUES ............................................................................................................. 106
TARGETED SURVEY TECHNIQUES ................................................................................................................ 110
INCIDENTAL RECORDS ................................................................................................................................. 112
SURVEY TIMING........................................................................................................................................... 112
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1. Introducing Killalea State Park
Killalea State Park (Killalea) is well known for its recreational values as a National Surfing Reserve
comprising breaks at The Farm and Mystics Beaches (see Map 2, pg 6). It is also a popular destination
for school outings, weddings, fun runs, community activities, picnics and camping. However, wildlife
values are far less understood despite there being excellent examples of rare coastal habitats including
the freshwater coastal wetland (Killalea Lagoon), an extensive tract of littoral rainforest at Minnamurra
Spit and a near-shore island in Rangoon Island.
Killalea Lagoon is a haven for waterbirds, including threatened species such as the Australasian bittern
and blue-billed duck. It is a popular location for amateur birdwatching and one of the only coastal
waterbodies in the Illawarra protected from disturbance by watercraft and dogs. There is a long history of
bird data for this site and this report has collated and reviewed information for each threatened species.
Minnamurra Spit is less frequently visited by birdwatchers although we know that the endangered little
tern formerly nested on beaches of the spit. Beyond birds, very little was known about the fauna of the
park, particularly insectivorous bats, tree- and ground-dwelling mammals and reptiles, all of which proved
to be more diverse than expected.
The original objective of the project was to confirm the presence of the long-nosed bandicoot within
Killalea. However, with additional funding this became the first comprehensive fauna survey of the park.
2. The Survey
This report details the first comprehensive vertebrate fauna survey within Killalea. The survey
systematically assessed all major vegetation communities for birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals
between July 2014 and January 2015. The full survey methodology used is summarised in Appendix 2.
All survey techniques were in line with government standards for the collection of biodiversity information
and data has been entered into the publicly accessible statewide database “NSW BioNet”.
Prior to this survey, the best known fauna group was the birds. Killalea is popular with birdwatchers and
there was considerable systematic and non-systematic data for this group. However birdwatchers efforts
were largely confined to a few key areas, particularly the lagoon with other environments totally or largely
overlooked. Records of reptiles and mammals were very few, largely incidental and the species list was
far from complete prior to this survey. The few frog records were associated with searches for the
Shellharbour population of the green and golden bell frog.
This project sought to identify and fill gaps in existing fauna survey effort and collate existing and new
information to facilitate management of the park’s vertebrate fauna.
The threatened fauna recorded during the survey are presented up-front in Section 3 due to their
management priority at Killalea. The more common fauna identified are discussed in Section 6.
1
Map 1: The boundary of Killalea State Park showing key features and points of interest
2
3. Threatened Fauna
Threatened fauna recorded in Killalea include seventeen vertebrate species (excluding fish) listed on the
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and four species o the Commonwealth
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (Table 1; Appendix 1). A
profile of each threatened species has been provided in this section, including a summary of documented
records, location and habitats, as well as threats and management recommendations.
Additionally, a number of threatened marine bird, mammal and reptile species are known or likely to occur
in the waters off Killalea and these are detailed in Section 8.2.
Table 1: Threatened species recorded within Killalea. Resident species have territories within the park and are found
there at all times. Visitors are only found in the park at times. Visitors can be regular or occasional. For information on
the conservation significance of Killalea to these species, see the profiles (Section 3).
TSC Act
EPBC
Act
Australasian Bittern
E
E
Australian Pied Oystercatcher
Common Name
Status within
the Park
Visitor or Resident
Profile
on page
Birds
Rare
Visitor
5
E
Uncommon
Resident (nesting)
6
Blue-billed Duck
V
Rare
Visitor
8
Comb-crested Jacana
V
Vagrant
Visitor
9
Eastern Osprey
V
Uncommon
Visitor
10
Freckled Duck
V
Rare
Visitor
11
Little Eagle
V
Uncommon
Visitor
12
Little Tern
E
Rare
Visitor (formerly nesting
resident)
13
Sanderling
V
Rare
Visitor
15
Sooty Oystercatcher
V
Uncommon
Resident (nesting)
16
Spotted Harrier
V
Rare
Visitor
18
Swift Parrot
E
Rare
Visitor
19
White-fronted Chat
V
Likely Extinct
Formerly resident
20
Eastern Bentwing-bat
V
Uncommon
Visitor
22
Grey-headed Flying-fox
V
Uncommon
Visitor
23
Large-footed Myotis
V
Uncommon
Resident (suspected to
breed in park)
24
Likely extinct
Formerly resident
27
E
Mammals
V
Frogs
Green and Golden Bell Frog
E
V
V = Vulnerable E = Endangered
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
3.1 Threatened Birds
Thirteen threatened birds have been seen within the park (excluding marine species, for these see
Section 8.2). Species profiles for each are provided in this section.
Additional threatened birds that may occur
A number of additional threatened birds have been recorded from nearby areas in recent years and are
likely to occur at times. These species are:


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



rose-crowned fruit-dove (Ptilinopus regina) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Irregularly
recorded from littoral rainforest at Bass Point (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas of NSW
Wildlife records). It is likely to occasionally occur in rainforest habitats within the park.
black bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Recorded from
coastal watercourses lined with swamp oak (Casuarina glauca) or river she-oak (Casuarina
cunninghamiana), such as along the Minnamurra River (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas of
NSW Wildlife records). Likely to occur along the swamp oak-lined channel on the western
boundary of the park at times.
Australian painted snipe (Rostratula australis) (listed as Endangered under the TSC Act) –
Recorded from Shellharbour Swamp in 1986, 2012 and 2013 (Chafer and Brandis 2012; Birdline
NSW records). However, since this time the Shellharbour wetland has been drained for a housing
development. It is likely that this species may occur irregularly at Killalea Lagoon.
little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Recorded from
adjacent areas of eucalypt forest and banksia woodlands (Chafer and Brandis 2012; Birdline
NSW records). It is likely to occur when key food resources, such as forest red gum (Eucalyptus
tereticornis) and bangalay (Eucalyptus botryoides) are in flower.
powerful owl (Ninox strenua) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Recorded from adjacent
Bass Point Reserve on a number of occasions (OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records). It is likely to
occur in woodlands and rainforest within the park at times.
barking owl (Ninox connivens) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Recorded from
adjacent Dunmore Swamp in May 1986 and at Kiama in 1980 (Chafer and Brandis 2012). It is
likely to occur in woodlands within the park at times.
masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) (listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act) – Recorded from
nearby Kiama Beach in 2006 (Chafer and Brandis 2012). It is likely to occur in woodlands and
rainforest within the park at times.
4
AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN
EPBC Act: Endangered
TSC Act: Endangered
Botaurus poiciloptilus
Status In Park: Rare visitor
Occurrence in the Park
A rare visitor to the margins of Killalea Lagoon with several
records since 1980 (Chafer and Brandis 2012). In this survey, a
single individual was flushed early in the morning (in late October
2014) from the south-east corner of the lagoon. It flew to an
extensive reed area on the southern margin of the lagoon. This
species is likely to have been under-recorded in the park due to
its nocturnal habits; frequenting wetland habitats that are difficult
to traverse; and its probable sporadic occurrence.
Australasian bittern. © T. Shimba/OEH
Regional Conservation Significance
Its global conservation status is listed as “Endangered” with the
total mature population in Australia, New Zealand and New
Caledonia estimated between 1500 and 4000 individuals by
BirdLife International (2013). The total Australian population is
estimated to be less than 2500 individuals with a decline of
greater than 20% in the last 10 years (Garnett et al. 2011). This
secretive wetland species is rare and only occasionally recorded
within the Sydney Basin Bioregion; with an increase in sightings
Australasian bittern habitat on the edge of
during severe inland droughts (Hoskin et al. 1991; DECC 2007).
Killalea Lagoon.
Within NSW the overall population has dramatically declined and
2009-10 surveys estimated a maximum of 162 individuals (Birds Australia 2010). Its preferred habitat is
shallow, vegetated freshwater or brackish swamps dominated by sedges, rushes and/or reeds (Marchant
and Higgins 1990). It is a rare visitor to the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region with no confirmed nesting records
(Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Threats within the Park




Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities and
residential development.
Fox predation.
Weed invasion, particularly of the spiny rush.
Public disturbance (Kingsford 2000; Garnett et al. 2011; OEH 2012a).
Management Considerations

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Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying below
sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon.
Encourage long-term, regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon, incorporating
targeted searches using call playback, passive listening at dawn and dusk and active searching using
wetland transects (Birds Australia 2010 guidelines) in spring and early summer to increase the
understanding of occupation rates within the park.
Undertake a fox control program, including baiting in sedgeland areas around Killalea Lagoon.
Enter all sightings into Birdlife Australia’s nationwide Australasian and Australian little bittern
(Ixobrychus dubius) project (http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/our-projects/bittern-survey.html).
No access tracks to the southern edge of the lagoon where currently difficult-to-access reedbeds
occur.
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Haematopus
longirostris
AUSTRALIAN PIED
OYSTERCATCHER
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Endangered
Status In Park: Uncommon resident
(nesting)
Occurrence in the Park
Australian pied oystercatcher.
Uncommon resident, with the same two adult birds recorded
along the shoreline of the park each visit during this survey.
Sightings of this pair were confined to Mystics Beach, the sand
bar at the entrance of the Minnamurra River, and along small
beaches on the estuary side of the Minnamurra Spit.
Additionally, these birds were also observed foraging on
exposed sand flats at low and mid tide just outside the park
along the Minnamurra River estuary. Two additional individuals
were seen in mid-November on The Farm Beach. It is likely that
additional birds may occur during the winter period when
dispersing birds from further south, including Victoria occur
along the shores of the Illawarra-Shoalhaven-Jervis Bay
coastlines.
An exciting find was the location of a nest scrape on a small
beach on the estuary side of Minnamurra Spit in late October
2014. However, a visit on 11 November found no sign of the
scrape, or recent activity; instead the area had been heavily
trampled by visitor and dog footprints. This species is not known
to nest in this area in recent years (J. Dunn, OEH Shorebird
Program Coordinator, pers comm.). It may also nest on the
upper beach and in adjacent beach spinifex grassland on
Mystics Beach.
Australian pied oystercatcher on Mystics
Beach.
Regional Conservation Significance
Evidence of feeding activity on the upper
edge of Mystics Beach.
Any nesting records of this endangered shorebird species in the
state are highly important. Prior to this survey it had not been
reported nesting in this locality. It is confined to beaches and
embayments along the entire NSW coastline, with a total
population estimated at 250 individuals in 1991 (Smith 1991)
and fewer than 200 breeding pairs in the state in 2008 (NSW
Scientific Committee 2008a). It has declined through much of
this range, probably as a result of human disturbance.
Threats within the Park


Disturbance by the public, particularly around nesting locations.
Predation of the eggs and/or chicks by the fox and Australian raven, and possibly the feral cat,
domestic dog and silver gull.
6
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park



Accidental destruction of nests or running over chicks by driving along beaches, particularly the latter
which frequently shelter in previous wheel ruts.
Weed invasion of nesting habitat in beach spinifex grassland, such as sea spurge (Euphorbia
paralias) and the coast pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis).
Entanglement in fishing tackle and other refuse.
Management Considerations


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Park staff or volunteers to participate in the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to identify any nest
locations each spring.
Liaise with the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to explore viable strategies to encourage this
species to nest successfully on the beaches of the park. This could involve a volunteer coordinator
following the models used elsewhere on the south coast; volunteers for monitoring and preferably to
warden the site and educate beach goers towards recognition and a different model of beach usage;
signage; fencing; compliance with respect to dog control; fox control; Australian raven control; and
assistance from park staff.
Avoid driving above the high tide area of the beaches in spring and summer.
Undertake a fox control program in the Minnamurra Spit area.
Undertake an Australian raven control program on Minnamurra Spit during spring prior to the nesting
period of this bird.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this species are made.
Regular enforcement to reduce potential predation by dogs, particularly along the Minnamurra River
estuary beaches and Mystics Beach.
Removal of invasive plants in beach spinifex grassland along Mystics and The Farm Beaches.
Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Nest scrape on small beach on the estuary side of Minnamurra Spit.
7
Oxyura australis
BLUE-BILLED DUCK
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Rare visitor
Occurrence in the Park
A rare visitor to the park and was not found during this survey.
However, it was recorded in December 2014 at Killalea Lagoon
by local birdwatchers (Birdline NSW). Additionally, there are a
number of past records from the open waters of the lagoon,
including up to eight individuals in 1985-86, two in March 1998
and one in February 1999 (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH
Atlas of NSW Wildlife records). This duck prefers extensive
areas of open water, particularly lakes and reservoirs greater
than 100 ha in area with little emergent vegetation (Marchant
and Higgins 1990).
Regional Conservation Significance
Blue-billed ducks.
A rare, nomadic visitor to the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region
(Chafer and Brandis 2012). The Illawarra may be particularly
important as a refuge when conditions are dry inland. Bluebilled ducks bred at Tallawarra Ash Ponds in 2013 (Birdline
NSW) and waterbodies like Killalea Lagoon may be more
important to the long-term conservation of this duck than we
realise.
Threats in the Park

Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities and
residential development.
Management Considerations



Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying below
sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon.
Continue management to maintain and improve water quality in the lagoon.
Facilitate long-term, regular monitoring of waterbirds to learn how often blue-billed ducks use Killalea
Lagoon.
8
COMB-CRESTED JACANA
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Irediparra gallinacea
Status In Park: Vagrant
Occurrence in the Park
Vagrant to the park and region with the only record being of an
immature bird seen at Killalea Lagoon and nearby Dunmore Swamp
in July and August 1984 (Brandis and Chafer 2012).
Regional Conservation Significance
Adult comb-crested jacana.
A vagrant to the region normally occurring in NSW south to the
Hunter region (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
Threats within the Park
No threats identified.
Management Considerations
No management required.
9
Pandion cristatus
EASTERN OSPREY
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Uncommon visitor
Occurrence in the Park
Uncommon visitor to Minnamurra River estuary, including
Minnamurra Spit. The only record in this survey was a single
individual perched in a swamp oak on the edge of Minnamurra
Spit on 8 July 2014. It was later observed fishing in the shallows
of the river on a rising tide. Suitable foraging habitat occurs along
the entire coastline of the park, as well as Killalea Lagoon. This
species has previously been recorded in the Minnamurra estuary
in February 2004 and June 2014 (Chafer and Brandis 2012; K.
Madden pers comm.).
Regional Conservation Significance
It occurs infrequently in the Sydney Basin Bioregion, mainly as
single individuals in coastal estuaries and waterways. However,
numbers appear to be slowly increasing with recent successful nesting recorded at the junction of the
Georges and Woronora Rivers (D. Andrew, OEH, pers comm.) and at Bomaderry in 2011, and
unsuccessful nesting attempts over a number of years on a mobile tower at Ulladulla (Jarman 2008; Rusk
2011) and at Lake Conjola (Chafer and Brandis 2012). Possible nesting behaviour has also been
observed around the Tallawarra Power Station on Lake Illawarra but this is yet to be confirmed.
Therefore, it is likely that sightings in the park will increase over time.
Eastern osprey.
Threats within the Park

Entanglement with fishing line and other refuse items.
Management Considerations



Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Encourage park staff to report any sightings, particularly if displaying nesting behaviour (such as
carrying sticks).
Encourage long-term, regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.
10
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
FRECKLED DUCK
Stictonetta naevosa
EPBC Act: Not Listed
Status In Park: Rare visitor
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Occurrence in the Park
A rare visitor to Killalea Lagoon. In this survey two
individuals were seen swimming among Eurasian
coots on the eastern side of the lagoon in July
2014. One was also recorded on Killalea Lagoon in
January 1999, two in October 2013 and two in April
2014 (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas of NSW
Wildlife records). This species prefers extensive
areas of open water, particularly lakes and
reservoirs greater than100 ha with little emergent
vegetation (Marchant and Higgins 1990). At the
time of the survey there was an influx of this duck
into the Sydney-Illawarra region (e.g. see reports
on Birdline NSW). However, the absence of this
duck in repeated subsequent visits to the lagoon
suggests that it is rarely present.
Regional Conservation Significance
Freckled ducks (top); Freckled ducks are easy to miss when
resting (middle); two individuals were observed swimming
with Eurasian coots in the south-eastern corner of Killalea
Lagoon, July 2014 (bottom).
This species is an uncommon visitor to the region
during periods of inland drought, resulting in an
extremely sporadic occurrence. For example, in the
Sydney area it was recorded in 1897 and then not
again until 1958 (Marchant and Higgins 1990;
Hoskin et al. 1991). During the 2002-2003 drought
there were large numbers in the Illawarra and
Sydney areas (e.g. Chafer 2004; Chafer and
Brandis 2012). Likewise, in 2012-2015 there have
been a number of reports in the Sydney and
Illawarra areas (Birdline NSW) as a result of
several wet years inland followed by a drying
period. Although only visiting the Illawarra
occasionally, waterbodies like Killalea Lagoon are
undoubtedly important as a drought refuge.
Threats within the Park

Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities and
residential development.
Management Considerations



Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure quarrying below sea
level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon.
Continue management to maintain and improve water quality in the lagoon.
Facilitate long-term, regular monitoring of waterbirds to learn how often freckled ducks use Killalea
Lagoon.
11
Hieraaetus morphnoides
LITTLE EAGLE
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Uncommon visitor
Occurrence in the Park
An uncommon winter visitor likely to be seen over a
range of habitats, particularly where rabbits are plentiful.
The only record in this survey was a single, light phase
bird soaring over planted trees and mown grass areas
around Frasers Picnic Area during the July and August
2014 visits to the park. It was not seen to land. Previous
records include two birds seen in the Minnamurra Spit
area in the mid-1980s and a single bird in the Killalea
Lagoon area in June 2012 (OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife
records).
Light phase little eagle.
Since the main dietary item is the rabbit (Marchant and
Higgins 1993), this species is likely to be more prevalent
within the park when rabbit numbers are high. The
species is frequently mistaken for the more common
whistling kite (Hoskin et al. 1991).
Regional Conservation Significance
Dark phase little eagle.
The species’ range is suggested to have extended in
south-eastern Australia following the introduction and
expansion of the rabbit (Marchant and Higgins 1993).
However, there was a 14% decrease in the reporting rate
of this bird between 1984 and 2002 across the nation
(Barrett et al. 2003). This species is scattered across the
Sydney Basin Bioregion in small numbers, with the
majority of sightings in woodlands often adjacent to open
areas on near-coastal plains and foothills.
Threats within the Park

Secondary poisoning from rabbit baiting either on-park or in adjacent lands (OEH 2012c).
Management Considerations

Park staff to move any poisoned rabbits encountered during regular patrols.
12
Sternula albifrons
LITTLE TERN
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Endangered
Status In Park: Rare visitor (formerly
nesting resident)
Migratory Bird Agreements: China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), Japan-Australia
Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement ROKAMBA
Occurrence in the Park
Little tern.
Little terns frequently roost among other species so
may be overlooked.
Prior to the 1970s this species bred on Minnamurra Spit
(Chafer and Brandis 2012). However, in recent times it is
only an occasional visitor between spring and autumn to
the shoreline and inshore habitats. The only record during
this survey was of a single individual in breeding plumage
roosting at high tide amongst terns on the sand bar at the
entrance to Minnamurra River. The species could
potentially occur irregularly anywhere along the park’s
shoreline, particularly on ocean beaches and the
Minnamurra River estuary mouth.
There is still potential nesting habitat available on the
inland edge of the sand bar. However successful nesting
attempts are unlikely due to the high level of public
visitation; the large numbers of foxes and Australian
ravens; and occasional disturbance of birds in this area by
domestic dogs brought across the river.
Regional Conservation Significance
Potential nesting habitat on the inland edge of
Minnamurra River’s sand spit at the entrance (seen
at high tide).
This species principally occurs in sheltered coastal
environments in scattered localities along the entire NSW
coastline. However, it has declined through much of this
range, probably as a result of human-related disturbance.
The nearest regularly used nesting location is at Lake
Wollumboola at the entrance of the Shoalhaven River,
some 36 km to the south (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Threats within the Park




Disturbance by the public, particularly around nesting locations.
Predation of the eggs and/or chicks by the fox and Australian raven, and possibly the feral cat,
domestic dog and silver gull.
Accidental destruction of nests or running over chicks by driving along beaches, particularly the latter
which frequently shelter in previous wheel ruts.
Entanglement in fishing tackle and other refuse.
Management Considerations

Park staff or volunteers to participate in the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to monitor the
presence of this species in the park.
13
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park




Liaise with the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to explore viable strategies to encourage this
species to re-nest on the sand spit at Minnamurra River mouth.
Undertake a fox and Australian raven control program in the Minnamurra Spit area.
Regular enforcement to reduce potential predation by dogs.
Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
14
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Calidris alba
SANDERLING
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Rare visitor
Migratory Bird Agreements: CAMBA, JAMBA, ROKAMBA
Occurrence in the Park
A rare visitor that occasionally occurs between spring and autumn
along the ocean and estuary beaches of the park. The only record
during this survey was of two individuals feeding on the tideline at
high tide on the sand bar at the entrance to Minnamurra River. The
species could potentially occur irregularly anywhere along the
park’s beaches, particularly on ocean beaches.
Sanderlings.
Note that this species can be confused with the more common but
smaller red-necked stint which occurs in small numbers along the
beaches in the Illawarra region.
Regional Conservation Significance
This species was only recorded on the
sand bar at the Minnamurra River
entrance.
This species may potentially occur on
The Farm Beach from time to time.
Nearly half of the East Asian – Australasian Flyway population
occurs in Australia in the non-breeding season (Bamford et al.
2008). The species is widely scattered on sandy beaches around
Australia, with no sites of International or national significance
identified within NSW (Watkins 2003; Bamford et al. 2008). In NSW
it principally occurs on ocean beaches and less commonly on
intertidal mud and sandflats in scattered coastal localities, with a
total mid-summer population estimated at 60 individuals in 1991
(Smith 1991; Higgins and Davies 1996; Geering et al. 2007). It is
rare in the Sydney/Illawarra regions and numbers have declined in
recent decades (Hoskin et al. 1991; Straw 1996; Chafer and
Brandis 2012).
Threats within the Park


Disturbance by the public and accompanying domestic dogs.
Predation by the fox and feral cat at roosts.
Management Considerations



Undertake a fox control program in the Minnamurra Spit area.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this species are made.
Regular enforcement to reduce potential predation by dogs, particularly along the Minnamurra River
estuary beaches and Mystics Beach.
15
Haematopus fuliginosus
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Uncommon resident
(nesting)
Occurrence in the Park
Sooty oystercatcher.
Sooty oystercatcher runners are susceptible to
predation.
An uncommon resident. Scattered sightings of this
species as individuals or pairs along the rocky shoreline
of the park during this survey, particularly where
extensive intertidal reef platforms were exposed at low
tide. Sighting locations included the rocky shoreline
between The Farm and Mystics Beaches, on the eastern
side of the headland just east of The Farm Beach and
exposed, oyster-covered rocks on the sea-side of the
sand spit at the Minnamurra River entrance and on reef
platforms around Rangoon Island. It is likely this species
also occasionally forages along sandy beaches of the
park and tidal flats in the Minnamurra River estuary,
particularly during king tides and large onshore sea
conditions. It is likely that increased numbers may occur
along the shoreline during the winter period when birds
flock and disperse from nesting localities such as the
Five Islands. During this time, flocks of up to 36
individuals have been recorded along the northern
Illawarra Coast, such as on reef platforms in the
Coledale area.
An exciting find was the location of a
single egg above a boulder beach on
Rangoon Island. It is unlikely to nest
park due to this species’ reluctance to
rocky shorelines.
nest containing a
the south side of
elsewhere in the
nest on mainland
Regional Conservation Significance
As with the Australian pied oystercatcher, any nesting
records of this shorebird species in the state are highly
important. Prior to this survey it had not been reported
nesting in this locality (e.g. Battam 1976; Chafer and
Brandis 2012). Apart from Five Islands and Bowen
Island this is the only nesting locality known from the
Illawarra district and one of only a handful of known
nesting localities in the state (Smith 1991). The sooty
oystercatcher is confined to rocky shorelines and
adjacent beaches and embayments along the entire
Sooty oystercatcher foraging habitat east of The
NSW coastline, with a total population estimated at 200
Farm Beach.
individuals in 1991 (Smith 1991) and between 173 and
240 birds in 1996-2000 (NSW Scientific Committee 2008b).
Threats within the Park



Disturbance by the public.
Predation of the eggs and/or chicks by the Australian raven.
Entanglement in fishing tackle and other refuse.
16
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Management Considerations





Nesting habitat of this species to be taken into consideration in the development of a weed
management plan for Rangoon Island.
Park staff or volunteers to participate in the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to identify any nest
locations each spring.
Undertake an Australian raven control program on Minnamurra Spit during spring prior to the nesting
period of this bird.
Regular enforcement to reduce potential disturbance by domestic dogs.
Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Nest location above boulder beach on south side of Rangoon Island.
17
Circus assimilis
SPOTTED HARRIER
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Status In Park: Rare visitor
Occurrence in the Park
A rare visitor in a variety of open and low-vegetated habitats across
the park. In the past this species has been irregularly seen in the
park between 1986 and 2002 (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas
of NSW Wildlife records). In this survey, single birds (possibly all the
same individual) were seen in the following areas and habitats:
Spotted harrier.
‘a) July 2014 visit, three sightings: low grassland- and lantanadominated low scrub on slopes east of Killalea Lagoon, over wattle
regrowth and lantana-dominated slopes on hill east of the lagoon
and over similar habitat downslope of the Mystics Beach Road near
the Camping Ground Road junction.
b) August 2014 visit, two sightings: over reedbeds and low
grassland/weedy area on northern edge of Killalea Lagoon and over
lantana-dominated low scrub, melaleuca scrub and patches of black
she-oak in the eastern section of the park between The Farm Beach
and Bass Point.
Weed-dominated foraging habitat of
the spotted harrier within the park.
c) Late October 2014 visit, six sightings: three over low coastal
rosemary-bitou bush-dominated scrub east of The Farm Beach; two
over open grassy areas with rock outcrops and interspersed with
dense lantana-dominated scrub; and one over beach spinifex
grassland and adjacent low coast coastal scrub in primary dunes on
the north end of Mystics Beach.
Regional Conservation Significance
Prior to 1900, the spotted harrier was recorded as “not uncommon” in marshy areas around Sydney
(Hoskin et al. 1991). Today there are only scattered records from the Sydney Basin Bioregion, with
occasional influxes particularly in late summer or autumn (Marchant and Higgins 1993). There was a 47%
decrease in the reporting rate of this bird between 1984 and 2002 across the nation (Barrett et al. 2003).
The large number of sightings (although all possibly of a single individual which has taken up residence)
during this survey coincides with dry conditions in inland NSW resulting in numerous records along the
eastern seaboard of the state (e.g. Birdline NSW).
Threats within the Park

Secondary poisoning from rabbit baiting either on park or in adjacent lands (OEH 2012b).
Management Considerations

Park staff to move any poisoned rabbits encountered during regular patrols.
18
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Lathamus discolor
SWIFT PARROT
EPBC Act: Endangered
TSC Act: Endangered
Status In Park: Rare visitor
Occurrence in the Park
Rare non-breeding winter visitor. This species was not
recorded during the winter and spring visits to the park in
this survey. Two birds were observed on Minnamurra Spit
in June 1986 (Chafer and Brandis 2012), and have also
been recorded on a number of occasions from the
adjacent Bass Point Reserve, with a maximum of 12 birds
in May 1983 (OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records). It is
most likely to occur when key feed trees occurring within
the park are in flower, the coast banksia (chiefly January
to June) and forest red gum (June to October) (Higgins
1999) or planted gums are in blossom.
Swift parrot. © H. Cook
Flowering coast banksias may be important for this
species in the park.
Flowering forest red gums are likely to be an
occasional food resource for this species in the park.
Regional Conservation Significance
The swift parrot is rare and patchily distributed in the
Sydney Basin Bioregion, including the Illawarra region
(DECC 2007; Chafer and Brandis 2012). However, it can
be found anywhere depending on what prime tree
species are in flower and what else is flowering within its
winter range. It is a non-breeding visitor from Tasmania
with a total population estimated at 2000 mature
individuals arriving on the mainland in April and departing
in early September (Garnett et al. 2011). In this region the
swift parrot primarily feeds in the canopy of flowering
eucalypts (Higgins 1999) with the winter-flowering coast
banksia an important food source in southern coastal
NSW (Mills 2004). Movements of this species are highly
nomadic due to the variable nature of the flowering of its
favoured food trees; sometimes the species doesn’t
return to the same locality for a number of years. The
most important food tree species within the park are the
coast banksia, forest red gum and some planted eucalypt
species (taken from Higgins 1999). It is likely that this
species may be present within the park in some years.
Threats in the Park

Loss of important feed trees, particularly the forest red gum and coast banksia, is a key threat within
the park through the loss of trees around picnic areas due to public safety concerns, tree death
without regeneration and suppression of regeneration by weeds.
Management Considerations


OEH and Killalea State Park to organise birdwatchers to survey areas of flowering forest red gum and
coast banksia during the Birdlife Australia annual swift parrot censuses or late autumn to spring.
Ensure the ongoing health of stands of coast banksia and forest red gum through weed suppression
and assisting natural regeneration
19
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT
Epthianura albifrons
EPBC Act: Not Listed
Status In Park: Likely extinct
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Occurrence in the Park
Probably extinct in the park with the most recent record from
November 1999 (OEH Atlas of NSW records). This species has
principally been recorded around Killalea Lagoon with one record
from the Minnamurra Spit area. It has also been recorded from
adjacent areas such as Dunmore and Shellharbour Swamps
(OEH Atlas of NSW records). However, the most recent records
from these localities were in 1992 and since this time, the
Shellharbour Swamp has been drained for a housing
development.
White-fronted chat. © H. Cook
Prime white-fronted chat habitat on the
northern side of Killalea Lagoon.
Regional Conservation Significance
The white-fronted chat has severely declined in the region. This
decline is evidenced by a 36% decrease in the reporting rate of
this bird between 1984 and 2002 in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
and greater than 20% across the nation (Barrett et al. 2003). The
closest known population is a small remnant population of some
five individuals declining from some 100 birds in the 1990s on the
western shores of Lake Illawarra. Other populations in the region
occur in the Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Wollumboola areas
(Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Threats within the Park

The park is now isolated from the remnant Lake Illawarra population by recent housing
developments. The most suitable habitat for this bird within the park is low, introduced grassland with
scattered shrubs dominated by weed species on the northern edge of Killalea Lagoon.
Management Considerations


Inappropriate weed management in low feral-dominated grassland and low shrubland has the
potential to impact prime habitat for grassland species including thisspecies and other grassland birds
such as the brown quail, tawny grassbird and the golden-headed cisticola.
Encourage long-term, regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.
20
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
3.2 Threatened Mammals
Three threatened mammal species (excluding marine species, see Section 8.2) have been recorded
within the park and species profiles for each of these species are presented here.
Additional threatened mammals that may occur
Additionally, two ultrasonic signals of either the eastern false pipistrelle (Falsistrellus tasmaniensis) or the
greater broad-nosed bat (Scoteanax rueppellii) were recorded using the Anabat detectors at sites in
littoral rainforest on Minnamurra Spit and at the ecotone of mangroves, saltmarsh and swamp oak forest
adjoining the Minnamurra River. These two species can be difficult to separate by ultrasonic signals (e.g.
Pennay et al. 2004). Both species are listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act and could potentially occur,
having been recorded from nearby parts of the Illawarra region (e.g. Atlas of NSW Wildlife records).
Longer ultrasonic signal sequences or more intensive trapping is required to confirm whether one or both
of these threatened bats occur in the park. Primary threats facing these two species in the park are the
loss of hollow-bearing and dead standing trees, including any introduced trees.
Eastern false pipistrelle (left); greater broad-nosed bat (right).
No additional threatened mammal species have been recorded from nearby areas in recent years (e.g.
OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records).
21
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Miniopterus schreibersii
oceanensis
EASTERN BENTWING-BAT
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Priority in Park: Uncommon visitor
Occurrence in the Park
An uncommon seasonal visitor. This species was not
captured in harp traps set at 13 localities. However, it was
recorded by stationary Anabats at two sites in thissurvey;
in coastal scrub south of Killalea Lagoon (one confirmed
call) and the ecotone of mangrove forest, saltmarsh and
swamp oak forest adjoining the Minnamurra River (three
confirmed calls) on the western edge of the park. It has
also been recorded in adjacent areas, such as Bass Point
Reserve (Atlas of NSW Wildlife records).
A targeted search of all sea caves along the coast
including Rangoon Island failed to find any roosting
locations of this species within the park.
Eastern bentwing-bat.
Regional Conservation Significance
The eastern bentwing-bat is widespread across the Sydney Basin Bioregion, occurring in a wide range of
habitats including in urban areas (DECC 2007).
Threats in the Park
Nil as no known roosts located in the park.
Management Considerations
Nil as no known roosts located in the park.
22
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Pteropus poliocephalus
GREY-HEADED FLYING-FOX
EPBC Act: Vulnerable
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Priority in Park: Uncommon visitor
Occurrence in the Park
Grey-headed flying-fox.
An incommon seasonal visitor when key canopy and
subcanopy trees are in flower, such as the forest red gum,
bangalay, coast banksia and when various rainforest trees
are fruiting, in particular figs. During this survey, it was
rarely encountered with only single sightings in planted
trees at the camping ground and in dry subtropical
rainforest downslope of Frasers Picnic Area in October.
Additionally, in July one individual flying near the entrance
gate was almost hit by a car in the early evening (K.
Madden, OEH, pers. comm.). It has also been recorded
from the adjacent Bass Point Reserve (Atlas of NSW
Wildlife record).
There are no known flying-fox camps in the park.
Regional Conservation Significance
Large figs within the park are likely to provide an
important food source for the grey-headed flying-fox.
The grey-headed flying-fox is widespread across the
Sydney Basin Bioregion; with approximately 16 regularly
used camps present (Eby et al. 1999). The significance of
foraging habitat within the park is uncertain but may be
important to the regional conservation of the species,
particularly when there are food shortages at particular
times of the year elsewhere in the region or state.
Threats within the Park

The loss of important feed trees, particularly the forest red gum and coast banksia, is a key threat
within the park through the loss of trees around picnic areas due to public safety concerns, tree death
without regeneration and suppression of regeneration by weeds.
Management Considerations

Ensure the ongoing health of coast banksia, forest red gum stands and figs through weed
suppression of existing trees and assisting natural regeneration.
23
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Myotis macropus
SOUTHERN MYOTIS
EPBC Act: Not Listed
TSC Act: Vulnerable
Priority in
(breeding)
Park:
Uncommon
resident
Occurrence in the Park
An uncommon resident, first recorded in the park during this
survey. Three females were captured in a harp trap set across a
track in tall melaleuca shrubland in the far north of the park.
Southern myotis.
Large feet of this species used for raking
prey up from the water surface.
Since this species primarily feeds over aquatic habitats using its
large feet for raking the water surface for prey items, it is likely
these individuals were captured whilst travelling between a roost
and ideal foraging habitat at Killalea Lagoon. The lagoon was
located some 440m downslope from the harp trap. These
individuals may roost in large fig trees or park buildings situated
near this trapping location.
One male and three females were also captured in a harp trap over
a tidal channel in brackish reed land bordering mangroves on the
estuary side and swamp oak on the far western boundary of the
park.
Additional localities based on Anabat recordings were from littoral
rainforest on Minnamurra Spit and the ecotone of mangroves,
saltmarsh and swamp oak forest adjoining the Minnamurra River.
It has also been recorded from the adjacent Bass Point Reserve
(OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife record). Females from both capture
localities were heavily pregnant and it is likely there are at least two
maternity sites located within the park.
The capture location in tall melaleuca
shrubland 440 m upslope from Killalea
Lagoon.
Regional Conservation Significance
The number of locality records within the park of this “fishing” bat is
highly significant. It has only been recorded from a small number of
localities associated with watercourses and wetlands on the coastal
plain of the Illawarra region.
The more typical capture location in a
tidal channel on the western boundary of
the park.
Threats within the Park



Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities.
Loss of hollow-bearing trees including feral species such as coral trees (Erythrina sp.).
Fox and feral cat predation.
24
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Management Considerations






Conduct a radio-tracking study to determine the roosting locations of this species, including maternity
sites.
Prior to the results of the roosting study protect all hollow-bearing trees, including introduced species.
Investigate purchasing and erecting a number of bat boxes of a design which have been
demonstrated to be used by the southern myotis elsewhere.
Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying below
sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon.
Undertake a fox control program, including baiting in sedgeland areas around Killalea Lagoon.
Undertake feral cat control measures where sightings of this species are made.
25
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
3.3 Threatened Reptiles and Frogs
No threatened reptiles (excluding marine species, see Section 8.2) have been recorded or are likely to
occur within the park. One threatened frog species, the green and golden bell frog, formerly occurred but
there have been no recent records of the Shellharbour population in recent years including within the
park. A species profile for this frog is presented in this section.
No additional threatened frog or reptile species have been recorded from nearby areas in recent years
(e.g. OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records).
26
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Litoria aurea
GREEN AND GOLDEN BELL FROG
EPBC Act: Vulnerable
TSC Act: Endangered
Status in Park: Likely extinct
Occurrence in the Park
Its current status uncertain, although considered probably
locally extinct in the park (DEC 2005; DoE 2013; G. Daly pers.
comm.; B. Lewis pers. comm.; N. Garvey pers. comm.). The
most recent records from the park are from 1997 (Atlas of
NSW Wildlife record).
Green and golden bell frog.
Potentially suitable habitat occurs around Killalea Lagoon and
a number of small wetlands associated with the rocky shoreline
south of the Bass Point Reserve.
Regional Conservation Significance
Former locality for the species: Killalea
Lagoon.
Potential habitat: small swamps west of Bass
Point.
It was formerly widespread in the Sydney Basin Bioregion and
was one of the most common frogs in Sydney/Illawarra regions
(DEC 2005; White and Pyke 1996). The species’ decline was
first noted in the 1980s (Osborne 1990) and currently is limited
to about 40 fragmented and isolated populations across the
state (DEC 2005). The park is situated within the Shellharbour
population of the species with it being irregularly recorded in
the Killalea Lagoon area up until 1992 (DEC 2005; DoE 2013).
However, this population appears to be extinct with no recent
sightings in the Killalea Lagoon area, despite extensive
targeted searches undertaken since this time (e.g. DoE 2013;
N. Garvey pers comm.; B. Lewis pers comm.). The rediscovery
of this species within the park would be of extreme significance
due its rarity in this region.
Threats within the Park






Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities,
and to the small wetlands associated with the rocky shoreline west of the Bass Point Reserve.
Weed invasion (e.g. spread of bitou bush and overgrowth of ponds).
Herbicide spraying.
Chytrid fungus.
Introduced fish predators e.g. plague minnow (Gambusia holbrooki).
Fox and feral cat predation.
Management Considerations


Educate park staff on identification features and encourage reporting of any potential sightings,
together with accompanying photos.
In the advent of this species being relocated within the park it should be managed in accordance
with the Draft Recovery Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (DEC 2005) and the Best
Practice Guidelines, Green and golden bell frog habitat (DECC 2008).
27
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
4. Threats
Seventeen threatened species have been recorded in the park (Appendix 1), although two of these
species are considered extinct in the park, the green and golden bell frog and white-fronted chat (see
Section 3). However, not all these species require an equivalent level of management effort at the current
time. Some species warrant specific active management, while others simply require ongoing protection
of the park. In order to inform the management effort required at the current time, each of the native
priority species identified within the park has been ranked into a class according to its level of priority for
active conservation management:
Highest: Species which are likely to become extinct from the Illawarra region in the short to medium term
without action at a site level.
High: Species that are at risk of becoming extinct or severely declining in the region without management
of key habitats and abatement of threats and for which the park holds a significant amount of foraging,
roosting, wintering or breeding habitat relative to the amount reserved across the region.
Low: Species which: a) have breeding, roosting and foraging habitat well represented in the regional
reserve system; b) have uncertain status in the park and are known to be well represented elsewhere in
the regional reserve system; c) are rare irregular visitors; d) are infrequently recorded but formerly bred
the park (e.g. little tern); d) are vagrants to the Illawarra region (e.g. comb-crested jacana); or e) are
considered extinct in the local area (e.g. green and golden bell frog and white-fronted chat).
Inadequate Information: Species for which there is inadequate information to assess their status in the
park and are not reserved in high numbers elsewhere in the region. If more information is gained on these
species in the park a review of their status would likely see them moved to one of the other priority
categories.
The main threats identified for the different threatened species within the park (refer to species profiles in
Section 3) have been ranked in terms of known or potential impacts on the number of threatened fauna,
taking into account their priority ranking for active management:
Very High: Known or potentially impacting one or more highest priority fauna species and/or more than
half of the high priority threatened fauna species.
High: Known or potentially impacting less than half of the high priority fauna species and/or over half of
the inadequate information priority threatened fauna species.
Moderate: Known or potentially impacting less than half of the inadequate information priority fauna
species or only the low priority threatened fauna species.
Low: Not known or potentially impacting any of the threatened species within the park.
In summary nine threats have been ranked as very high principally due to their known or potential impact
on the highest priority threatened species (i.e. Australian pied and sooty oystercatchers) present in the
park (Table 2). One other very high threat has been identified as a result of potential impacts on the one
high and one moderate priority threatened species as well as a number of low priority threatened species.
The remaining threats have been identified as high or moderate since they were not perceived to impact
any of the highest priority species. It is important to note that the rankings may significantly change if the
green and golden bell frog is rediscovered in the park, the white-fronted chat recolonises, the blue-billed
duck starts breeding in the park or the little tern recommences nesting in the park. Any of these situations
would result in these species’ priority for conservation management being raised from low to highest.
Further species covered by international migratory bird agreements principally face a similar set of threats
as threatened non-breeding waterbird species which have a moderate to highest priority ranking.
28
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Table 2: Prioritisation of key current threats of threatened fauna species occurring within the park. * = listed on TSC Act; ** = presumed extinct but may have avoided detection.
X
-
-
Australian Pied Oystercatcher
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Sooty Oystercatcher
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Alteration in
Killalea
Lagoon
hydrology
Loss of
hollowbearing and
feed trees
Public
disturbance
Driving on
upper levels
of beach
-
Disturbance
and predation
by domestic
dogs
X
Entanglement
in or ingestion
of
anthropogenic
debris
X
Disturbance &
predation by
over-abundant
native species
X
Key Threatening Process *
Predation by
the feral cat
-
Key Current Threat
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Moderate
Secondary
poisoning
High
Predation by
the fox
Very High
Weed invasion
Threat Priority Ranking
-
Highest Priority Species
High Priority Species
Large-footed Myotis
Inadequate Information Species
Australasian Bittern
X
X
Low Priority Species
Blue-billed Duck
X
X
Freckled Duck
X
X
Little Tern
X
X
X
X
Eastern Osprey
Spotted Harrier
X
Little Eagle
X
Comb-crested Jacana
Sanderling
Swift Parrot
X
X
X
X
X
White-fronted Chat
X
X
Grey-headed Flying-fox
X
Green and Golden Bell Frog**
X
X
X
X
29
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
5. Management of Threats and Enhancing Biodiversity
Values
Left unmanaged threats have the potential to reduce biodiversity values and result in local extinction of
threatened fauna within Killalea State Park. Appropriate management can protect and even improve
biodiversity values by retaining and enhancing habitat and removing factors that may be limiting
populations. Management actions need to consider and balance risks and impacts to other species,
biodiversity values, community amenity and safety.
5.1 Management of Identified Threats
It is important that threats identified within Killalea are managed effectively and appropriately to
improve and protect the parks biodiversity values. Recommended management actions for all
identified threats to threatened fauna have been developed including target areas and habitats (Table
3).
30
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Table 3: Recommendations for management of threats to threatened fauna.
Threat
Management action
VERY HIGH THREATS
Liaise with the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to explore viable
strategies to encourage this species to nest successfully on the beaches
Public
of the park
disturbance
Weed invasion
Predation by the
feral cat
Disturbance and
predation by
over-abundant
natives
Key species
Sand spit at Minnamurra River
mouth and Mystics Beach
Oystercatchers and the little tern
Discourage public access to reedbeds currently located away from tracks
Killalea Lagoon
Australasian bittern
Removal of invasive plants such as sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias) and
coast pennywort (Hydrocotyle bonariensis)
Beach spinifex (Spinifex
sericeus) grassland in dunes
along Mystics Beach and the
Minnamurra River estuary
Australian pied oystercatcher
Develop a weed management plan for Rangoon Island
Rangoon Island
Sooty oystercatcher
Ensure the spiny rush (Juncus acutus) does not become established
Killalea Lagoon
Australasian bittern, green and
golden bell frog (if rediscovered)
Ensure weeds do not invade small wetlands associated with rocky
shoreline
Rocky shoreline south of Bass
Point
Habitats supporting coast
banksia (Banksia integrifolia),
forest red gum, figs and
rainforest
Ensure regeneration of key feed trees for nectar-feeding species and
current feed trees are not impacted by weeds, including exotic vines
Predation by the
fox.
Target areas / habitats
Preference mechanical removal of weeds near waterbodies, or
herbicides specifically for use near water.
Killalea Lagoon
Undertake a park-wide control program; preferably in association with
other adjacent broad-acre landholders such as lands managed by local
councils and the Bass Point Quarry
Across the park and adjoining
lands
Encourage staff and park visitors to report sightings of feral cats
Across the park
Where feral cats are photographed or reported implement trapping
program
Across the park
Liaise with the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to explore viable
strategies for the removal of potentially troublesome Australian Ravens
and Silver Gulls
Sand spit at Minnamurra River
mouth, Mystics Beach and
Rangoon Island
green and golden bell frog (if extant)
Swift parrot and grey-headed flyingfox
Australasian bittern, green and
golden bell frog (if rediscovered),
blue-billed and freckled ducks
The majority of threatened species;
particularly Australian pied
oystercatcher and little tern which
may nest in the future.
All species predated upon by feral
cats
All species predated upon by the
feral cat
Oystercatchers and the little tern
31
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Threat
Management action
Entanglement or
ingestion of
human debris
Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered
during regular patrols. Consider installing fishing line bins in problem
areas
Park shoreline
All threatened waterbird species
Disturbance and
predation by
domestic dogs
Maintain regular patrols to enforce exclusion of dogs, especially during
shorebird nesting season
Whole park including beaches
on Minnamurra Spit (both sides)
Australian pied oystercatcher and
potentially nesting little tern
Driving on upper
beach levels
Avoid driving above the high tide mark and in primary dunes along
beaches plus on high parts of the sand spit at Minnamurra River estuary
during shorebird breeding period (spring and summer)
Mystics and The Farm
Beaches, sand spit at
Minnamurra River mouth
Australian pied oystercatcher and
potentially nesting little tern
Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to
ensure that quarrying below sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry
will not impact on the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon
Killalea Lagoon
Waterbirds using Killalea Lagoon
Avoid removing introduced trees which provide hollow-supporting habitat
e.g. coral trees (Erythrina X sykesii) and pine trees (Pinus radiata) as
these provide these scarce resources
Across the park
Native species that use hollow trees,
especially the southern myotis
Avoid removal of hollow-bearing trees during park works
Across the park
Above range of species
Avoid the removal of dead standing trees during park works
Across the park
As above point
Avoid removal of fallen timber, especially large logs since these
resources are scarce.
Across the park.
Various reptile, bird and mammal
species.
Avoid removing mature coast banksia, forest red gums and figs as these
provide an important food resource for some species
Across the park
Swift parrot and grey-headed flyingfox
Across the park
Spotted harrier and little eagle
Changes to
hydrology of
Lagoon
including
saltwater
intrusion
HIGH THREATS
Loss of hollowbearing,
standing dead
trees and live
feed trees
Target areas / habitats
Key species
MODERATE THREATS
Secondary
poisoning
During rabbit control park staff to move any poisoned rabbits
encountered during regular patrols
32
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
5.2 Improving Habitat Links
Isolation of bushland areas is known to reduce fauna diversity (Fahrig 2003). To prevent Killalea from
becoming isolated from other nearby bushland areas it is recommended that habitat links be
established and/or improved. Three areas of connectivity and associated actions have been identified
to help maintain and improve connectivity.
Bass Point Reserve along eastern shoreline of reserve to Killalea Lagoon
Action: Liaise with the Bass Point Quarry and Shellharbour Council to establish a habitat linkage plan
connecting to Bass Point Reserve, incorporating the quarry coastal buffer areas. Within these areas
undertake active weed management, especially of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp.
rotundata) and lantana (Lantana camara) and in seriously weed affected areas conduct native
plantings of vegetation communities which occur as remnants in the vicinity.
Narrow band of largely weeds between the rocky shoreline and quarry which could be rehabilitated to form a
viable habitat linkage between Bass Point Reserve and the main part of Killalea State Park.
33
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Narrow band of coastal vegetation can be seen linking the Bass Point Reserve (right) to the Killalea Lagoon
(left) on the southern edge of the Bass Point quarry.
34
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Continuous vegetation linking the eastern and western edges of the Park
Action: Establish a vegetation linkage plan from the eastern to western edges of the park to link
existing vegetation patches through regeneration or plantings and enhance the condition of existing
vegetation. The plan should provide a continuous link with vegetation extending from Bass Point and
south along the Minnamurra River. Small populations of a number of native mammals (such as the
Long-nosed Bandicoot) are present in various sections of the park. It is important that bands of
continuous vegetation linking larger patches of remnant native vegetation be protected as many of
these mammals are unlikely to travel across expanses of mown grass. These bands of continuous
vegetation could in part comprise weedy habitat, as they still afford protection from introduced
predators. Large breaks in these bands of vegetation (such as extensive weed removal or spraying
without providing alternative cover) may result in populations in various parts of the park becoming
isolated thereby significantly increasing the risk of the species overall becoming extinct in the area.
Potential areas where connectivity could be created or enhanced.
35
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Minnamurra Spit to Minnamurra River west of the Minnamurra Township
Action: Liaise with the Kiama Council and other landholders to ensure the continuity of vegetation
along the lower reaches of the Minnamurra River west to the highway. The large area of natural
vegetation is currently continuous with the park and is likely to be an important factor contributing to
the high biodiversity values of the park by providing additional habitat for some species such as hollow
roosting/nesting specialists and wide-ranging species with a large home range such as the Swamp
Wallaby.
Vegetation within the park on Minnamurra Spit can be seen to be continuous with vegetation upstream to the
highway, west of Minnamurra Township.
36
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
5.3 Maintaining Existing Park Uses
Maintain the existing park uses and exclude any major development proposals within the park as
these are likely to result in a loss of wildlife values due to a loss of habitat and increased visitor
disturbance.
5.4 Installation of Bat Boxes
There is a lack of tree hollows in large parts of the park which has led to a resultant reduced diversity
of some wildlife groups, in particular the insectivorous bats. It is recommended that bat boxes be
erected in habitats away from the bangalay sand forest which are ‘hollow poor’ in order to increase the
diversity of bats present.
Such a program could be undertaken in consultation with the Australasian Bat Society, particular with
respect to box design, siting and height of the boxes and the number required. Note that in other parts
of Australia, it has taken a number of years for bats to utilise these boxes so patience and intermittent
monitoring is required. These bat boxes could be made by local community groups once suitable
designs have been identified, including for potentially occurring threatened species such as the
eastern false pipistrelle and greater broad-nosed bat.
5.5 Research and Monitoring
It is likely that additional wildlife species occur in the park but were not recorded in the current survey
and have not been documented as occurring in the past. For example, a number of threatened
species have been recorded in immediately adjacent areas such as Dunmore Swamp (barking owl),
Shellharbour Swamp (Australian painted snipe) and the Bass Point Reserve (rose-crowned fruit-dove
and powerful owl). Additionally, the frequency of occurrence of many waterbirds in the park is poorly
understood. Therefore, the following actions are recommended:









Encourage long-term regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.
Park staff or volunteers to participate in the OEH Shorebird Recovery Program to identify any
nest locations each spring.
Organise bird watchers who are familiar with the calls of the swift parrot to survey patches of
flowering forest red gum and coast banksia (Banksia integrifolia) during the Birdlife Australia
biennial mainland-wide swift parrot censuses and other times between late autumn and early
spring.
Encourage members of Southern Ocean Seabird Study Association (SOSSA) or other
members of the public with seabird knowledge to sporadically visit Rangoon Island to assess
nesting seabirds and the presence of other birds.
Organise bird watchers to report any Australasian bittern sightings to Birdlife Australia’s bittern
project.
Encourage park staff and contractors to report any potential sightings of the green and golden
bell frog, together with accompanying photos.
Encourage park staff and members of the public to record any shorebirds and other wildlife
encountered along beaches during patrols throughout the year to increase knowledge of
which species regularly occur and to document the occurrence of unusual species, such as
stranded whales or seals. Where identification is uncertain park staff to take photos and send
these to a local expert for identification.
Encourage bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any small
snakes and other reptiles come across during works as it is likely that a number of additional
species occur, such as the golden-crowned snake which is common in similar habitats
elsewhere in the Illawarra region. Any photos taken to be sent to a local expert for
identification.
Encourage bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any rainforest
pigeons (or other unusual-looking forest birds) encountered since it is possible that a number
37
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
of these birds may occasionally occur within this habitat in the park. Any photos taken to be
sent to a local expert for identification.
However, such actions will not provide a detailed understanding of the threatened species within the
park or of the number of cryptic/nocturnal mammal species. To answer these questions, the following
additional research actions are recommended:





In order to ensure the long-term presence of the threatened large-footed myotis in the park, a
better understanding of how this species uses the park is required. It is important that such
research would provide an understanding of roost and maternity colony locations, feeding
habitat and the importance of introduced trees (including the coral tree) as roosting habitat. It
is recommended that this study be undertaken as either an Honours or Masters project
through a local university with financial and logistic support provided by the park management.
Undertake targeted Anabat and harp trapping surveys to confirm whether the threatened
eastern false pipistrelle, greater broad-nosed bat or both species occur in the park.
The current survey demonstrated or confirmed the presence of a number of small to large
native mammal species occurring in the park. All of these species either have a restricted
distribution (e.g. bush rat and brown antechinus largely on Minnamurra Spit and the western
edge of the park) or occur in low numbers and are difficult to see (e.g. short-beaked echidna,
long-nosed bandicoot and swamp wallaby). Some of the medium to large-sized species are
likely to include adjacent areas as part of their home range such as bushland along the
Minnamurra River, Bass Point Quarry and/or Bass Point Reserve. Along with the
recommendations outlined in Section 5.1 it is important that a monitoring program be
established to investigate how these species are going over time. It is recommended the park
purchases or borrows a number of remote cameras that can be located at sites which were
used in the current survey.
Additionally, the use of remote cameras can also be used to monitor numbers of introduced
species, particularly the fox, feral cat and rusa deer. Such monitoring can guide decisions on
when and where targeted control programs need to be undertaken.
The use of remote cameras could also be used on Rangoon Island to determine the presence
of rats bi-annually. The presence of rats on the island could have serious impacts on the
ground nesting seabirds and the sooty oystercatchers which breed there. Early identification of
rat presence would allow the development of a rat eradication program in collaboration with
OEH.
38
6. Fauna of Killalea State Park
A surprising array of fauna is present within Killalea due to the relatively healthy and diverse coastal
habitats that occur there. It provides habitat and refuge for at least 235 native animal species.
Although most parts of the park are in a stage of regeneration, each vegetation community from the
freshwater wetlands surrounding Killalea Lagoon to the Littoral Rainforest on Minnamurra Spit provides
resources and habitat for a different assemblage of species.
6.1 Birds
Birds are a prominent feature of the park whether it is a chorus of kookaburras at the camping ground, a
raven eyeing off a picnic basket or a kestrel hovering over the dunes. A total of 188 native bird species
have been seen including 13 threatened species and 25 others which are listed under international
migratory bird agreements (see Appendix 1 for a full list of species).
Additionally, a variety of seabirds, including a number of threatened species occur close inshore but do
not come ashore to rest or nest (see Section 8.2).
The birds can broadly be grouped in to the areas that they are most frequently observed.
Killalea Lagoon
Killalea Lagoon provides habitat for a variety of ducks and other waterfowl as well as resting cormorants,
skulking swamphens and perhaps even a black swan sitting on a nest. When the water level is low
numbers of shorebirds visit the lagoon, such as the sharp-tailed and marsh sandpipers. At this time blackwinged stilts may nest on the edges. Some of the shier inhabitants include various crakes and rails or the
rare Australasian bittern. In summer the reed warbler nests in banks of reeds around the lagoon. The
wealth of birdlife also attracts various raptors such as the white-bellied sea-eagle, swamp harrier and
Australian hobby.
Purple swamphen (left); red-kneed dotterels (right).
During drought years, significant numbers of waterbirds move coastwards as the inland swamps dry out.
At such times birds that are rare in coastal areas may be seen, such as the freckled duck and red-kneed
dotterel. Others not so uncommon in the region may build up in large numbers, such as the Australasian
39
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
shoveler and whiskered tern. Killalea Lagoon provides an important refuge for these birds at such times,
particularly as other lagoons in the region have been filled in for development, are polluted due to urban
and industrial run off and/or have uncontrolled access by dogs and all types of watercraft.
Minnamurra River Estuary Birds
The western margin of the park borders the Minnamurra River, a habitat that supports a diverse array of
birds some of which only rarely if at all occur at Killalea Lagoon. Large numbers of gulls are commonly
found on the exposed sand flats of the estuary. However, depending on the time of year, feeding
spoonbills and egrets and perhaps even a striated heron may be found skulking amongst the mangroves.
Perched on trees overhanging the river, cormorants, the Australasian darter, herons, ibis and perhaps an
eastern osprey may be observed.
Shoreline Birds
The common bird of the shoreline in Killalea is not only the silver gull but also the Australian raven,
searching the tideline, feeding on a washed up fish or pulling up partly buried seaweed in the search for
sandhoppers. The rare and endangered Australian pied oystercatcher may be seen digging up pipis in
the tideline (Section 3.1). A variety of other shorebirds may occur at times, especially as resting
individuals on the sand spit at the river mouth.
On the rocky shores where there are extensive intertidal reef platforms, the threatened sooty
oystercatcher and regionally uncommon eastern reef egret may be spotted.
Rainforest Birds
The littoral and dry subtropical rainforests in the park support a range of birds which are far more often
heard than seen, such as the distinctive call of the eastern whipbird. One of the most common birds is the
brown gerygone (or warbler) whilst scattered about are the bowers of the satin bowerbird distinctively
littered with a variety of blue objects. In the winter the shy bassian thrush or the more obvious spangled
drongo may been seen. In the spring and summer a variety of cuckoos and other migrants such as the
rufous fantail and black-faced monarch occur. An unexpected species in the current survey was a
sighting of a noisy pitta in littoral rainforest on Minnamurra Spit. The park is right at the southern range
limit of this rainforest bird. A pair of large-billed scrubwrens was observed feeding chicks downslope from
Frasers picnic area, which had previously escaped the attention of bird watchers yet actually nests in the
park.
Noisy pitta (left); large-billed scrubwren (right).
40
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Drier Forest Birds
The other forest types were typically alive with the sounds of new holland honeyeaters, wattlebirds and a
myriad of other birds. At the forest margins bordering mown grass, fairy wrens and red-browed finches
are often seen busily in search of food. In spring and summer, like the rainforest, a variety of cuckoos
occur as well as the leaden flycatcher and rufous whistler. While in the winter the golden whistler is
common in the forest patches. Other less common winter visitors include the rose robin and restless
flycatcher. In spring and autumn,a variety of birds are typically absent from the park, such as the dusky
woodswallow and tree martin as they move north and south. During periods of drought, unexpected
inland birds may show up, such as the white-winged triller and white-browed woodswallow in the current
survey.
Grassland Birds
Grassland here does not refer to the mown grass areas but are typically what is described as ‘wasteland’.
These are areas vegetated by a variety of grasses, mostly introduced, as well as scattered shrubs of
exotics such as blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), bitou bush and lantana. Birds which favour this habitat are
becoming rare in the region as this habitat is fast disappearing or is heavily degraded. The rarest of all is
the white-fronted chat which has not been reported in the park for over a decade (Section 3.1). Similarly,
a small population of the brown quail, golden-headed cisticola and tawny grassbird persists in the park
but could easily be eliminated. Raptors are also frequently seen in this habitat, particularly the blackshouldered kite and the threatened spotted harrier.
Regenerating and Shrubby Weed Infested Areas
Large sections of the park comprise formerly cleared habitat which is now regenerating and in many
places is dominated by dense shrubby weed species such as lantana. Although perhaps unsightly, these
areas support a large variety of birds, often a crossover between rainforest and more open forest type
birds.
Parkland Birds
The mown grass and scattered remnant or planted trees provide habitat for a variety of birds. Many of
these are characteristic of parklands across the region, such as the Australian magpie, magpie-lark,
crested pigeon and the willie wagtail. However, close to the lagoon these open grass areas provide
feeding and resting habitat for a variety of waterbirds, particularly the purple swamphen, black swan and
various other waterfowl. Elsewhere the mown grass provides habitat for the Australian pipit, a declining
bird in the region. Whilst in winter during the current survey on a number of occasions a little eagle was
observed hunting rabbits on the margins. The planted trees, remnant figs and coast banksias provide
habitat for a variety of birds, including the regionally uncommon red-rumped parrot and perhaps on
occasions the endangered swift parrot.
Night Birds
In the current survey night birds were few and far between, with one boobook owl heard near the camping
ground and feathers of a tawny frogmouth close to the northern boundary representing the only records.
However, species such as the barking owl have been recorded closeby, whilst the eastern barn owl has
occasionally been sighted in the park.
Rangoon Island
Rangoon Island supports a number of nesting seabirds, including the little penguin and short-tailed and
wedge-tailed shearwaters. The exact nesting populations are unknown and will be difficult to determine
due to the predominance of impenetrable stands of african boxthorn. Due in part to the absence of
introduced rodents (as determined by remote cameras), it is possible that additional seabirds nest on the
island, such as the white-faced storm-petrel. A pair of threatened sooty oystercatchers and a pair of
41
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
regionally uncommon eastern reef egrets also nest on the island. The nesting populations of this array of
birds makes the island a rarity in the Illawarra region.
Introduced Birds
Widespread introduced birds present in most patches of bushland across the park are the red-whiskered
bulbul and the common blackbird. The common starling was mostly seen along the shore, with a pair
nesting on a south-facing sea cliff on Rangoon Island. The spotted turtle-dove was seen in coastal scrub
on Minnamurra Spit and bracelet honey-myrtle tall shrubland adjacent to the northern edge of the park.
Other introduced birds were mostly confined to the urban boundary of the park, such as the common
myna and house sparrow. On the lagoon introduced waterfowl occasionally turn up such as the northern
mallard and one occasion several Canada geese.
Canada goose (left); red-whiskered bulbul (centre); northern mallard pair (right).
42
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
6.2 Mammals
Eighteen native mammal species have been seen in the park (see Appendix 1); including three
threatened species (see Section 3.2). Additionally, a number of marine species occur in close inshore
waters (Section 8).
Ground Dwellers
Of the native mammals, visitors are most likely to see swamp wallabies or the distinctive diggings of the
short-beaked echidna.. Most of the mammal species are present in low numbers, are nocturnal or are
restricted to dense vegetation and so are difficult to spot. However, surprisingly the park supports a
variety of native ground dwellers including the small brown antechinus and the native bush rat, primarily
in the western parts of the park. Perhaps of the most interest due to its patchy distribution in the region is
the long-nosed bandicoot which occurs across larger bushland patches in the park, including weedinfested areas. It is likely that this diversity of native mammals is at least partly as a result of the park’s
connection to other contiguous bushland along the lower reaches of the Minnamurra River to the south
and mostly weedy areas on Bass Point Quarry land and remnant bush in Bass Point Reserve.
One surprise was the presence of a single eastern grey kangaroo. It is not known whether this individual
had been released into the park or was a wide-ranging animal from elsewhere in the region that had
taken up residence.
Tree Dwellers
Unlike the ground dwellers there are few native tree dwellers present in the park. This low diversity is in
part due to the paucity of tree hollows, particularly away from the Minnamurra Spit area. The most
frequently encountered species was the common ringtail possum which constructs its own nest (drey) out
of sticks that very much resembles an untidy bird nest. A surprise occurrence in the park was that of the
mountain brushtail possum. This species was found in a number of forest types, including in dry
subtropical rainforest upslope of Killalea Lagoon where tree hollows are very few and far between. Here
individuals either shelter in hollows in widely scattered large fig trees or perhaps use rabbit burrows.
Smaller arboreal mammals may occur but have not yet been recorded such as the sugar glider. In the
current survey pitfall traps and remote cameras (see Appendix 2) unsuccessfully targeted the eastern
pygmy-possum.
Common ringtail possum ‘drey’ (left); sugar glider, may be present in the park (right).
43
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Bats
Ten bat species were located in the current survey comprising 56% of the total native mammals recorded
in the park (see Appendix 1). The only threatened mammals found comprised three bat species (Section
3.2). However, despite this presence most park visitors including campers would be completely unaware
of their presence.
The three most commonly trapped insectivorous bats (little forest bat, lesser and Gould’s long-eared bats)
during the survey do not require large tree hollows. Instead they use small tree hollows or cracks in trunks
for roosting or shelter in alternative situations, such as under the peeling bark of swamp oaks. The other
species all require large tree hollows explaining their lower capture rates in the park (6% of captures).
Interestingly of the 148 bats caught (all species combined) the majority were pregnant females indicating
a healthy breeding population of insectivorous bats is present.
The most notable finding was the capture of the threatened southern myotis. This is a bat which uses its
enlarged feet to rake the surface of water to catch insects and small fish. Two pregnant females were
trapped at two widely separated locations (see Section 3.2).
A number of insectivorous bats were recorded using ultrasonic detectors including the white-striped freetailed bat, the threatened eastern bentwing-bat and either the eastern false pipistrelle or greater broadnosed bat. The similarity in ultrasonic signals of these last two species can make identification difficult.
The threatened eastern bentwing-bat tends to be wide ranging and due to the small number of ultrasonic
signals is likely to roost outside the park. All the sea caves along the rocky shores of the park were
checked unsuccessfully for cave-roosting bats. The eastern broad-nosed bat was identified from a single
ultrasonic signal on the ecotone of mangrove forest, saltmarsh and swamp oak forest adjoining the
Minnamurra River.
The only fruit bat recorded in the park is the grey-headed flying-fox. No camps have been found. Instead
it appears to be an irregular visitor, predominantly when key food resources are either in flower such as
the coast banksia and forest red gum or in fruit such as figs and various other rainforest trees and shrubs.
The two most common bats trapped in the park: little forest bat (left); lesser long-eared bat (right).
Introduced Mammals
Rabbits grazing on the edge of grassed areas and fox tracks were common and widespread across the
park. Another widespread common species which is less obvious is the black rat, which at night is often
seen running about on the branches of shrubs and low trees.
44
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Six species of introduced mammals have been seen in the park (see Appendix 1). Less common species
scattered across the park included the house mouse. The rusa deer is mostly confined to the western
margins of the park bordering saltmarsh and mangroves of the Minnamurra River but have been seen
across much of the park. The only record of a feral dog was from a scat found on the edge of the rocky
shoreline bordering the Bass Point Quarry. No feral cats were recorded during the current survey but it is
likely that this species is present in small numbers across the park.
Two cameras set for over three months amongst vegetation on the top of Rangoon Island failed to detect
any introduced mammal species. The absence of such species, in particular the black rat is welcome
news for seabirds nesting on the island.
45
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
6.3 Reptiles
In total 12 native reptile species have been recorded from the park (see Appendix 1). The most common
reptile is the eastern water-skink, often seen on the edge of rocky shorelines, in dunes and along walking
tracks in the rainforest. It was the only reptile seen on Rangoon Island where it shelters in disused
shearwater burrows. Other reptiles less frequently encountered are small garden skinks, comprising two
species the dark-flecked garden sunskink which is found in most vegetated areas and the pale-flecked
garden sunskink which is confined to drier habitats such as the margins of rocky shorelines and rocky
areas in shrubland. Other occasionally encountered reptiles were the red-bellied black snake, particularly
around Killalea Lagoon or sunny patches in the forest on Minnamurra Spit; the jacky lizard sometimes
seen basking on rocks or fence posts; and the eastern blue-tongued lizard. Eastern snake-necked turtles
can be found in Killalea Lagoon.
Most of the other species appear to occur in low numbers (e.g. eastern brown snake); are nocturnal (e.g.
eastern small-eyed snake); or are cryptic in behaviour (e.g. mainland she-oak skink) and therefore are
rarely seen. All species are widespread in the Illawarra region, with no threatened reptiles recorded.
Additionally, the yellow-bellied sea-snake may be occasionally found washed up in the tideline.
One introduced reptile species, the corn snake has been found in the park. This is the result of individuals
being dumped as it is illegal to keep this snake in the country due to the potential risk it poses to our own
unique reptiles.
It is likely that additional reptile species occur in the park. For example, during the survey an unconfirmed
sighting of the common tree snake was made in a patch of lantana in littoral rainforest on Minnamurra
Spit. This sighting requires confirmation as it is near the southern range limit of this species. Additionally,
the common wall lizard has not yet been seen but occurs in nearby Shellharbour and there are rumours
that the tiger snake occurs around Killalea Lagoon. However, despite extensive searching in the current
survey their presence could not be confirmed.
Eastern water-skink (left); tiger snake (right).
46
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
6.4 Frogs
Seven frog species have been recorded (see Appendix 1), with the most important place for these
animals being the margins of Killalea Lagoon. In the months between mid-autumn and mid-spring
common eastern froglets and the Jervis Bay tree frog are most common. In the warmer months between
early spring and autumn, Peron’s tree frog will call from branches of swamp oaks, shrubs or on reeds.
Other frogs well represented ware the striped marsh frog and the eastern dwarf tree frog calling from
reeds and other emergent vegetation. Formerly at this time of the year the green and golden bell frog
could be heard, particularly after heavy rain. However, this threatened frog now appears to be extinct in
the park and has similarly disappeared from most of its former haunts in the region (see Section 3.3).
One frog which was often encountered away from the lagoon, such as in the trees around the camping
ground and even in the amenities block is the bleating tree frog. This species shelters during the day in
tree hollows, including in coast banksias and the introduced coral tree.
No introduced frogs have been recorded within the park and all species other than the green and golden
bell frog are common and widespread in the Illawarra region.
Striped marsh frog (left); eastern dwarf tree frog (right).
47
7. Birds listed under International Migratory Bird Agreements
Twenty-five species recorded within the park are listed in three bilateral migratory bird agreements in
which the Australian Government is a signatory (Department of Environment 2015). These three
agreements are:
a) Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (J): 21 species (including two threatened bird
species, see Section 3.1).
b) China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (C): 22 species (including two threatened bird
species, see Section 3.1).
c) Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (K): 17 species (including two
threatened bird species, see Section 3.1).
Two species are also listed as threatened species and are therefore not included in the current section;
the sanderling and the little tern.
Similar to the threatened species section, it does not include marine birds which are only likely to come
ashore when sick or as beachcast specimens.
7.1 Raptors (one species)
White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (C)
Occurrence: Regular visitor to the coast as well as Killalea Lagoon. No known nests within the park, with
the nearest nesting recorded at Dunmore adjacent to the Minnamurra River (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Regional Significance: Although the park does not currently provide nesting habitat it does support
suitable foraging habitat which will become more important as nearby areas become more developed.
Threats: Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities
and residential development; entanglement with fishing line and other refuse items; and pollution of
inshore waters, including indirect impacts on prey species.
Management Considerations:

As for the eastern osprey.
Adult white-bellied sea-eagle.
48
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
7.2 Seabirds nesting on Rangoon Island (two species)
Wedge-tailed Shearwater (J) and Short-tailed Shearwater (J, K).
Occurrence: A nesting population of these two species is present on top of Rangoon Island. It is difficult
to estimate breeding numbers due to the impenetrable nature of the african boxthorn on much of the
island.
Regional Significance: Apart from the Five Islands and Bowen Island this is the only offshore island in the
Illawarra region supporting these nesting seabirds (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Threats: Disturbance by the public and mortality associated with nesting amongst african boxthorn and
other weeds.
Management Considerations:

Nesting habitat of this species to be taken into consideration in the development of a weed
management plan for Rangoon Island.
Raft of short-tailed shearwaters off Rangoon Island (left); wedge-tailed shearwater ashore (right).
7.3 Migratory Shorebirds (ten species as well as the Sanderling)
Common Sandpiper (C, J, K), Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (C, J, K), Red-necked Stint (C, J, K), Common
Greenshank (C, J, K), Marsh Sandpiper (C, J, K), Wood Sandpiper (C, J, K), Ruddy Turnstone (C, J,
K), Latham’s Snipe (C, J, K), Bar-tailed Godwit (C, J, K), Whimbrel (C, J, K)
Occurrence: All species are rare visitors to the park occurring principally during the summer months. An
exception is the Latham’s snipe with Killalea Lagoon known as an important area for this bird with a
maximum of 12 individuals recorded in recent years (Chafer and Brandis 2012). In the current survey, it
was not seen around Killalea Lagoon but a single individual was flushed from a small wetland behind the
rocky shoreline just south of the Bass Point Reserve boundary. Other species recorded around Killalea
Lagoon are the sharp-tailed sandpiper with up to 40 individuals seen, the r-necked stint, common
greenshank, the marsh sandpiper with up to 10 individuals recorded, the wood sandpiper with one or two
individuals seen most summers between 1995 and 2004, and the bar-tailed godwit with up to three
individuals seen (Chafer and Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records). The common sandpiper
and whimbrel have occasionally been recorded along the edges of the Minnamurra River (Chafer and
Brandis 2012; OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife records). In the current survey two ruddy turnstones were
observed feeding on exposed reef on the edge of the sand spit at Minnamurra River mouth. All of these
species nest in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere and migrate to Australia for the northern
winter.
Regional Significance: Killalea Lagoon is an important area for the Latham’s snipe in the region (Chafer
and Brandis 2012). While all the other species are likely to be occasional to rare visitors.
49
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Threats: Disturbance by the public; alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea Lagoon due to
adjacent quarry activities and residential development; entanglement with fishing line and other refuse
items
Sharp-tailed sandpiper (far left); bar-tailed godwit (centre left); red-necked stint (centre right); whimbrel (far right).
Management Considerations:
 Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying
below sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact on the hydrological regimes of
Killalea Lagoon.
 Encourage long-term regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.
 Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Ruddy turnstones (left); Latham’s snipe (centre); marsh sandpiper (right).
7.4 Large Wading Birds (four species)
Cattle Egret (C, J), Eastern Great Egret (C, J), Eastern Reef Egret (C) and Glossy Ibis (C).
Occurrence: Three species occur as non-breeding visitors to the park, while the eastern reef egret has
been recorded nesting on Rangoon Island (Chafer and Brandis 2012). The cattle egret primarily occurs in
small numbers on the edge of Killalea Lagoon and in parkland and low grassy habitat in the winter
months. While the eastern great egret occurs throughout the year, with the largest numbers also present
in the winter months. It is mainly encountered as single individuals foraging on the edge of Killalea
Lagoon, sand/mud flats in the Minnamurra River estuary and occasionally on grass areas. The eastern
reef egret is restricted to rocky shoreline with well-developed intertidal reef platforms, particularly around
Rangoon Island. Similar to elsewhere in the region, the glossy ibis is a rare visitor with a maximum of 20
seen at Killalea Lagoon in February 1980 (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Regional Significance: All species are widely recorded in the Illawarra, with the exception of the Glossy
Ibis which is a rare visitor to the region (e.g. Chafer and Brandis 2012).
50
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Threats: Disturbance by the public and domestic dogs; alteration in the hydrological characteristics of
Killalea Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities; entanglement with fishing line and other refuse items.
Management Considerations:
 Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying
below sea level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact on the hydrological regimes of
Killalea Lagoon.
 Encourage long-term regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.
 Regular enforcement to reduce potential predation by dogs.
 Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Eastern great egret (top left); cattle egret (top centre); glossy ibis (top right); eastern reef egret (bottom).
51
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
7.5 Terns (four species as well as the threatened Little Tern)
Crested Tern (J), Common Tern (C, J, K), Caspian Tern (C), White-winged Black Tern (C, J, K).
Occurrence: All species occur as non-breeding visitors to the park with the crested, common and
Caspian terns regularly seen resting along the shoreline, particularly on the sand spit at the Minnamurra
River mouth and on the reef platform at Rangoon Island. The crested tern is a common species in the
inshore waters off the park, with the nearest nesting colony at the Five Islands. While the common tern is
a summer migrant which nests in the northern hemisphere. It is seen in small numbers fishing over
inshore waters; often with the former species. The Caspian tern occurs irregularly in small numbers,
especially in the winter months. It is primarily seen around the Minnamurra River estuary and Killalea
Lagoon with up to 10 individuals recorded (Chafer and Brandis 2012). In contrast the white-winged black
tern is a scarce visitor to the Illawarra/Shoalhaven region, with the only records from the park being of
one at Killalea Lagoon in January 1995 and 1999 (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Regional Significance: All species, with the exception of the white-winged black tern, are widely recorded
in the Illawarra region (e.g. Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Threats: Disturbance of roosting birds by the public and domestic dogs; entanglement with fishing line
and other refuse items
Management Considerations:
 Regular enforcement to reduce potential predation by dogs.
 Park staff to clean up all discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular patrols.
Crested tern (left and centre birds and common tern (right bird) roosting at Minnamurra River estuary (top left);
Caspian terns roosting (top right); white-winged black tern (bottom).
52
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
7.6 Swifts (two species)
White-throated Needletail (C, J, K) and Fork-tailed Swift (C, J, K)
Occurrence: The white-throated needletail is regularly observed foraging over the park often ahead of
storms or cold fronts in the summer and early autumn months. During the same months the fork-tailed
Swift can occasionally be seen in groups or intermingled amongst flocks of needletails, with 50+ observed
over Killalea Lagoon in April 1986 (Chafer and Brandis 2012). Both species forage above all vegetation
communities occurring within the park including over the beaches and the sea.
Regional Significance: Both species occur throughout the region feeding over a wide variety of habitats
Threats: Nil.
Management Considerations: Nil
White-throated needletail (left); large mass of needletails preceding a storm (right).
7.7 Marine Birds listed under International Migratory Bird Agreements
The following marine species which are listed under international migratory bird agreements were seen in
waters off the park during the current survey or are regularly seen off the Illawarra Coast:
Shearwaters (two species; in addition to the Wedge-tailed, Short-tailed and Flesh-footed
Shearwaters, see Sections 8.2)
The streaked (C, J, K) and sooty shearwaters (C, J) may occasionally be seen flying over inshore waters
with the former species occurring during the summer/early autumn months.
Jaegers or Skuas (two species)
The pomarine (C, J) and Arctic jaegers (J, K) are regularly seen off the shoreline and occasionally flying
along the coast or resting on beaches between October and April.
Arctic jaeger harassing a crested tern (lower bird) for food.
53
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
8. Marine Fauna
This report does not deal in detail with marine vertebrate species (excluding fish) which do not nest on
Rangoon Island or regularly rest along the shoreline. However, a brief summary of marine species
occurring is presented in this section.
8.1 Seasonal Occurrence
Many marine species are highly seasonal in occurrence. A summary of what may be encountered along
the shoreline or just off the coast is presented in this section. This summary is drawn from observations
elsewhere along the Illawarra coast and Royal National Park.
Summer
Off the Coast:





Peak time for three jaeger (also known as skuas) species which are often seen harassing
shearwaters, terns and gulls, forcing them to drop food they have recently caught.
Large rafts of shearwaters of various species may be present.
Occasional little terns may be observed fishing just beyond the waves.
Rarely seen species may occur particularly in late summer following intense low pressure
systems in the Coral Sea, such as Buller’s shearwater and the sooty tern.
Sea turtles may be present; particularly the green turtle when warm pulses of the East Australian
Current are close inshore
Ashore:


The short-tailed and fluttering shearwaters are commonly washed ashore.
Watch out for unusual tropical species which may be washed up after cyclonic activity in the
Coral Sea or intense East Coast lows lying off the coast, such as tropicbirds and the blackwinged petrel.
Fluttering shearwater (left); black-winged petrel (right).
Autumn
54
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Off the Coast:






Large rafts of shearwaters of various species present.
Various seabirds depart during this period, including various shearwaters and jaegers.
The white-fronted tern arrives in small numbers from its breeding grounds in New Zealand and
Bass Strait.
Rarely seen species may occur, such as the streaked shearwater and sooty tern.
Humpback whales start migrating northwards, primarily from early May onwards.
Most likely time of the year to see turtles close inshore, particularly the green turtle when warmer
waters of the East Australian Current are prevalent.
Ashore:





The short-tailed and fluttering Shearwaters are commonly washed ashore.
Wedge-tailed shearwaters fledging from Rangoon Island may be washed ashore or be present on
the beaches in a weakened state.
Watch out for unusual tropical species which may be washed up after cyclonic activity in the
Coral Sea or intense East Coast lows lying off the coast, such as tropicbirds and the blackwinged petrel.
Albatrosses become more common as the season passes, with the yellow-nosed albatross being
well represented in April and May.
The most likely time of the year for sea turtles to be washed ashore.
Streaked shearwater (left); wedge-tailed shearwater (right).
Winter
Off the Coast:







Albatrosses frequently seen close inshore, especially the black-browed, shy and yellow-nosed
albatross.
Single all dark giant-petrels of two species (the northern and southern giant-petrels) may be seen
flying past.
The ‘yapping’ call of the little penguin is commonly heard.
Some years various prion species and the providence petrel may be seen.
Large rafts of fluttering shearwaters are common.
The Australasian gannet may be present in hundreds.
The brown skua can at times be seen harassing terns and gulls, forcing them to drop food.
55
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park




Small groups of white-fronted terns may be seen fishing close inshore.
Australia’s largest tern, the Caspian tern, is present in ones or twos either resting on the beach or
fishing close inshore.
The best time to see the southern right whale close inshore.
The peak time for the northward migration of the humpback whale.
Ashore:




In some years large numbers of prions, including various species which only nest in the
subantarctic may be washed ashore (e.g. Salvin’s, Antarctic and slender-billed prions).
Other more sub-antarctic species may be washed ashore such as the southern fulmar, Cape and
blue petrels.
In some years single leopard seals may come ashore in a weakened state.
Check any fur-seals ashore for the rarer Sub-antarctic fur-seal which occasionally turns up along
the coast of NSW.
Leopard seal (left); brown skua (right).
Spring
Off the Coast:






Best time of the year to see the wandering albatross close inshore.
Large rafts of fluttering shearwaters are common.
Winter visitors become rarer as the season progresses with these birds heading back to their
breeding grounds, such as albatross, giant-petrels, prions and the white-fronted tern.
The short-tailed and wedge-tailed shearwaters return from their migration to the northern
hemisphere with huge rafts sometimes present just beyond the breaking waves.
Other summer migrants return, such as flesh-footed shearwater, jaegers and the common tern.
Humpback whales heading south; frequently seen breaching calves with mothers in attendance.
Ashore:


Huge wrecks of the short-tailed shearwater may occur, with thousands of individuals washed
ashore dead and some present on the beaches in a weakened state.
Occasional returning white-faced storm-petrels may wash ashore.
56
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Common terns resting amongst silver gulls (left); humpback whale (right).
All Year Round
Off the Coast:




The dog-like ‘yapping’ of the little penguin may be heard at any time.
Four species of cormorants and the crested tern can commonly be observed fishing just offshore.
Bottle-nosed and common dolphins travelling or searching for fish off the shoreline.
Australian and New Zealand fur-seals may be seen lolling about just off the shore.
Ashore:





At any time something unexpected may ashore. For example, the Illawarra region has had the
only confirmed South Georgian diving-petrel (Bellambi; December 1958) washed ashore in the
country; the first Australian record of the Westland petrel (Corrimal; January 1956); and the
second Australian record of the Cook’s petrel (Port Kembla; January 1967).
Some common species may be occasionally washed ashore at any time such as the fluttering
shearwater, cormorants and the crested tern.
The Australian and New Zealand fur-seals may occasionally haul out to rest or be washed
ashore.
Whales and dolphins of various species may wash occasionally ashore at any time of the year.
The yellow-bellied sea snake is likely to be found beach cast in the tideline at the same time as
thousands of Portuguese man o’ war and/or by-the wind-sailors are washed ashore in the
tideline. In the current survey one individual was found live of the tideline on Mystics Beach in
early November.
Bull Sub-antarctic fur-seal (left); yellow-bellied sea-snake (right).
57
8.2 Threatened Marine Species
The following marine threatened species which are listed under the TSC Act 1995 and/or the EPBC Act
1999 were seen in waters off the park during the current survey or are regularly seen in inshore waters of
the Illawarra Coast and are likely to occur.
Seabirds
Wandering albatross Diomedea exulans (Endangered TSC Act 1995;
Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – Uncommon and sightings declining; most
likely of the Gibson’s albatross subspecies (Diomedea exulans gibsoni).
Not seen during the current survey but single individuals most likely to be
seen between May and November.
Shy albatross Thalassarche cauta (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995; Vulnerable
EPBC Act 1999) – Seen in small numbers during the current survey;
most likely to be seen between April and December.
Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophrys (Vulnerable TSC Act
1995; Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – The most frequently observed
albatross during the current survey; most likely to be seen between and
December.
Black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophrys (Vulnerable TSC Act
1995; Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – The most frequently observed
albatross during the current survey; most likely to be seen between and
December.
Yellow-nosed albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos (Vulnerable EPBC
Act 1999) – Regularly observed close inshore during the winter visits
during the current survey; most likely to be seen between April and
September.
Southern giant-petrel Macronectes giganteus (Endangered TSC Act
1995; Endangered EPBC Act 1999) – One individual and several
unidentified giant-petrels observed during the current survey. Occasional
juveniles observed close inshore, mostly in winter and early spring. The
immature birds are very difficult to separate from the other giant-petrel
species.
Northern giant-petrel Macronectes halli (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995;
Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – As for the preceding species.
58
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Flesh-footed shearwater Ardenna carneipes (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995;
Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – Occasional individuals are likely to be seen
amongst other all-dark shearwaters; mostly between September and
April.
Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscata (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995; Vulnerable
EPBC Act 1999) – Occasional individuals including single young birds
accompanied by an adult may be seen flying over the coast or inshore
waters in late summer or as beachcast specimens.
Marine Mammals
Southern right whale Eubalaena australis (Endangered TSC Act 1995;
Endangered EPBC Act 1999) – May occasionally be observed close
inshore just beyond the breakers during the winter months, particularly
July and August.
Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995;
Vulnerable EPBC Act 1999) – Regularly observed close inshore in both
the winter and spring visits of the current survey; most likely to be seen
between May and November when migrating past this section of
coastline.
New Zealand fur-seal Arctocephalus forsteri (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995) –
Regularly observed along the Illawarra/Shoalhaven coastline.
59
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Australian fur-seal Arctocephalus pusillus (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995) –
Several individuals observed close inshore in both the winter and spring
visits in the current survey.
Marine Reptiles
Green turtle Chelonia mydas (Vulnerable TSC Act 1995; Vulnerable
EPBC Act 1999) – May occasionally be observed close inshore or be
washed ashore; principally between late summer and early winter.
60
9. Fauna Habitats of Killalea State Park
This section summarises the wildlife values of specific sections of the park as well as all vegetation
communities which cover more than 1ha in area:
9.1 Killalea Lagoon
This section of the park includes not only the open water of the lagoon but also fringing vegetation
including sedge/reedlands and swamp oak forest.
Wildlife Values














One of the only remaining freshwater lagoons in the Illawarra region.
Serves as an important drought refuge for waterbird species moving coastwards during dry inland
conditions.
Provides habitat for a number of visiting threatened species, including the Australasian bittern,
blue-billed duck, freckled duck and spotted harrier.
Possibly still provides habitat for the currently considered locally extinct Shellharbour population
of the green and golden bell frog.
Provides feeding habitat for the threatened southern myotis, Australia’s only “fishing” bat.
Formerly provided habitat for the white-fronted chat which is now thought extinct locally.
One of the few regular haunts of the musk duck in the Illawarra region, with this species
potentially nesting in the area.
The only documented nesting area of the hardhead in the region.
Provides habitat for a number of migratory shorebirds and other waterbird species listed under
international migratory bird agreements (refer to Section 9).
Provides habitat for a number of waterbirds which are uncommon and patchily distributed in the
Illawarra region, such as Baillon’s and spotless crakes, Latham’s snipe, whiskered tern and little
grassbird. Some of the largest recorded numbers of Latham’s snipe in the Illawarra/Shoalhaven
region have been from this locality, with up to 12 individuals observed (Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Provides habitat for a large array of more regionally widespread waterbird species, including a
number of species which nest in the area, such as the black swan, Pacific black duck,
Australasian grebe and purple swamphen.
Supports a large population of the Eurasian coot, with a maximum count of 400 individuals
(Chafer and Brandis 2012).
Prime habitat within the park for at least five species of frogs with the Jervis Bay tree frog not
located elsewhere during the current survey.
A population of the eastern long-necked turtle is present.
61
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park


Provides a moulting refuge for the black swan; one of the few in the Illawarra region.
An important roosting area for a variety of cormorants, the Australasian darter and large wading
birds, such as egrets; particularly in swamp oaks fringing the north-western margin of the lagoon
and protruding fence posts within the lagoon. The cormorants primarily forage off the park’s
shoreline.
Male musk duck (left); black swan and cygnet (right).
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Alteration in the hydrological characteristics of Killalea
Lagoon due to adjacent quarry activities and residential
development.
Liaise with Hanson Heidelberg Cement Group and
relevant authorities to ensure that quarrying below sea
level in the nearby Bass Point Quarry will not impact on
the hydrological regimes of Killalea Lagoon.
Alteration in current usage of the lagoon by park visitors
to include using watercraft such as kayak and canoes.
Maintain the current level of public usage to no
watercraft usage on the lagoon.
Fox predation, especially of nesting waterbirds and
ground-frequenting birds on the margins
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings
of this species are made.
Weed invasion, particularly of the spiny rush.
Control any outbreaks of spiny rush reported.
How Can You Help?

Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.

Encourage long-term regular monitoring of waterbirds present on Killalea Lagoon.

Enter all sightings of the Australasian bittern into Birdlife Australia’s nationwide Australasian
bittern project (http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/our-projects/bittern-survey.html).
62
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.2 Rangoon Island (also known as Stack Islet)
Wildlife Values
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One of the only islands in the Illawarra region supporting nesting seabirds.
Nesting habitat for the sooty oystercatcher; one of the few nesting sites in the Illawarra region.
Nesting habitat for the little penguin as well as both the short-tailed and wedge-tailed
shearwaters; with only limited breeding sites in the State of all three species.
Important alternate roost for a variety of cormorants and terns during peak visitor times.
The eastern reef egret has been recorded nesting here and forages on the extensive intertidal
rock platforms surrounding the island. This is an uncommon species in the Illawarra region.
The white-faced storm-petrel may potentially nest on the island.
The eastern water skink is plentiful on the island.
Two remote cameras set on the island for a three-month period failed to detect any introduced
rodents on the island.
Little penguin (left); white-faced storm-petrel (right).
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Heavy infestation of weeds,
especially the african boxthorn
(Lycium ferocissimum).
Liaise with OEH to prepare a weed management plan which will not
adversely impact on nesting seabirds.
Alteration in current usage of the
island.
Maintain the current level of public usage to avoid adverse impacts on the
nesting of the sooty oystercatcher and seabird species.
Monitor to determine whether
introduced rats are present.
Undertake bi-annual monitoring using camera traps to determine if rats are
present. If found to be present, in liaison with OEH undertake a rat
eradication program.
63
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
How Can You Help?

Encourage members of SOSSA or other members of the public with seabird knowledge to
sporadically visit the island to assess nesting seabirds and the presence of other birds and fauna.
64
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.3 Sandy Beaches and Backing Beach Spinifex Grassland & Coastal
Scrub
Wildlife Values
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Resident pair of endangered Australian pied oystercatchers which nests in the Minnamurra Spit
area; one of the few nesting locations in the Illawarra region.
Also two separate Australian pied oystercatchers were seen on The Farm Beach in the early midNovember visit. Suitable nesting habitat is present on this beach.
The endangered little tern formerly nested on the sand spit at the Minnamurra River mouth.
Potential nesting of the red-capped plover which only breeds in a few locations in the Illawarra.
The only record of the threatened shorebird, the sanderling, was on the sand spit at the
Minnamurra River mouth.
Various species of cormorants and terns (including the endangered little tern), as well as the
endangered Australian pied oystercatcher and double-banded plover roost on the sand bar at the
Minnamurra River estuary.
The threatened eastern osprey has been seen roosting in trees bordering the estuary or feeding
over the shallows of the Minnamurra River.
A variety of waterbirds feed at low tide on the sandflats and shallows along the Minnamurra River
bordering the spit, including various cormorant and egret species, the Australasian darter, royal
spoonbill, nankeen night heron, Australian white ibis and chestnut teal.
The threatened spotted harrier was observed searching low over the primary dune on the north
end of Mystics Beach.
The threatened southern myotis is likely to forage over still waters of the Minnamurra River
estuary and associated tidal pools and creeks.
Fox tracks on The Farm Beach (left); red-capped plover on nest (right).
65
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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Minnamurra River mouth and estuary.
Mystics Beach
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
High levels of public usage, particularly at the
sand bar at the entrance to the Minnamurra
River estuary.
In the spring search for potential nests of the threatened Little
Tern and Australian pied oystercatcher as well as the locally
uncommon red-capped plover along all beaches and
temporarily fence off following the advice from the OEH coordinator of the Shorebird Recovery Program.
Fox predation, especially of ground-nesting
birds, such as the Australian pied oystercatcher.
Conduct a fox control program.
Driving on the beach.
Restrict vehicles on the beach to driving below the high tide
mark to avoid the possibility of running over shorebird nests or
chicks.
Large Australian Ravens numbers.
Consider a management program to reduce numbers in the
Minnamurra Spit area between August and December.
Weeds in the primary dunes.
Undertake weed control of invasive species such as sea
spurge which may negatively impact on nesting shorebirds.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
Loss of water quality and biodiversity of
sandflats along the Minnamurra River estuary.
Liaise with relevant authorities.
How Can You Help?


Park staff or alternatively encourage volunteers to participate in OEH searches during spring for
nesting shorebirds, in particular the Australian pied oystercatcher, as part of the Shorebird
Recovery Program to maximise the possibility of successful nesting of these birds in the park.
Record any shorebirds and other wildlife encountered along beaches during patrols throughout
the year to increase the knowledge of which species regularly occur. Where identification is
uncertain park staff to take photos and send these to a local expert for identification.
66
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.4 Rocky Shores and Backing Coast Rosemary Shrubland, Swamps
& Seepages
Wildlife Values
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Feeding habitat of the threatened sooty oystercatcher, especially where there are extensive
exposed reef platforms at low tide, such as east of The Farm Beach.
Foraging habitat for the eastern reef egret, an uncommon species in the Illawarra region.
Potential for the cave-dwelling threatened eastern bentwing-bat to roost in sea caves, especially
between The Farm and Mystics Beaches.
The threatened eastern osprey may forage along this shoreline.
Occasional haul-outs of the threatened Australian and New Zealand fur-seals.
Swamps and seepages backing the rocky shoreline may provide potential habitat for the probably
locally extinct Shellharbour population of the green and golden bell frog (although none found
during the current survey), as well as the locally declining Latham’s snipe.
A variety of waterbirds roost in places along this shoreline, particularly when the beach areas
have a high level of public usage, including various cormorants and the white-bellied sea-eagle.
The threatened spotted harrier has been observed searching for food low over coastal scrub.
The short-beaked echidna occurs in coast rosemary scrub east of The Farm Beach.
The eastern small-eyed snake was found on the edge of the rocky shoreline and coast rosemary
scrub close to the eastern edge of the park.
Provides habitat for the ground-dwelling Australian pipit, which is declining in the Illawarra region.
Opportunity to view seabirds and marine mammals close inshore, particularly east of The Farm
Beach. Species readily seen include various albatross and shearwater species, fur seals, the
bottle-nosed dolphin and humpback whale (see Appendix 2).
Adult white-bellied sea-eagle (left); pair of sooty oystercatchers (right).
67
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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Shore east of The Farm Beach to Bass Point Reserve
Headland south of The Farm Beach
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation in backing shrubland,
particularly bitou bush and lantana.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation, especially of the short-beaked
echidna and ground-nesting birds, such as the
Australian pipit.
Conduct a fox control program.
Control rabbit numbers in backing shrubland.
Conduct a Rabbit control program simultaneously with the fox
control program.
Park staff to visit popular rock fishing haunts and clean up all
discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular
patrols.
Follow OEH guidelines for seal haul-outs and avoid publicising
the presence of such animals.
Discarded fishing line resulting in
entanglements.
Disturbance of hauled-out seals
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?


Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.
Report all seal haul-outs.
68
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.5 Littoral Rainforest & Bangalay Sand Forest on Minnamurra Spit
Wildlife Values
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A single noisy pitta and two bassian thrushes were seen in July in a section of littoral rainforest
where the weeds (especially asparagus fern) had been removed from the forest floor by bush
regeneration. The former species is a very rare visitor to the Illawarra region and at the southern
edge of its range while the latter is likely to be a regular winter visitor occurring in small numbers.
Other birds primarily recorded in this habitat within the park during the winter months were the
white-throated treecreeper and yellow-faced honeyeater. These species were not seen during the
spring surveys.
Two birds were only recorded in this habitat within the park in the spring months: the dollarbird
and figbird.
The endangered swift parrot has been recorded from the Minnamurra Spit.
The only location one reptile species was encountered in the park during the current survey; the
barred-sided skink.
One of the only locations two small native mammals were found during the current survey; the
brown antechinus and bush rat.
An unconfirmed sighting of the common tree snake was made in this habitat; a species which is
very rare in the Illawarra lowlands.
White-throated treecreeper (left); common tree snake (right).
69
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples

Minnamurra Spit.
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?


Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any small snakes and other
reptiles come across during works as it is likely that a number of additional species occur, such
as the golden-crowned snake which is common in similar habitats elsewhere in the Illawarra
region. Any photos taken to be sent to a local expert for identification.
Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any rainforest pigeons
encountered since it is possible that a number of these birds may occasionally occur within this
habitat in the park. For example the wompoo fruit-dove was first known to science from a shot
individual at closeby Red Point near Port Kembla in 1804 while the rose-crowned fruit-dove and
brown cuckoo-dove are irregularly observed in rainforest at nearby Bass Point. Any photos taken
to be sent to a local expert for identification.
70
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.6 Dry Subtropical Rainforest
Wildlife Values
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Habitat of the mountain brushtail possum such as downslope of Fraser’s picnic area. This species
is uncommon on the coastal plain in the Illawarra region.
The threatened grey-headed flying-fox was observed foraging while the threatened southern
myotis may roost in tree holes of large fig trees within this habitat.
The only record of the large forest bat was on the ecotone of dry subtropical rainforest and
bracelet honey-myrtle (Melaleuca armillaris) shrubland upslope of Killalea Lagoon.
Two birds were only recorded in this habitat within the park in the spring months: the large-billed
scrubwren and rufous fantail, while scarlet honeyeater was only seen in this habitat in the July
winter visit.
The yellow-bellied three-toed skink was only found in this habitat as well as littoral rainforest on
Minnamurra Spit.
Yellow-bellied three-toed skink (left); male rose-crowned fruit-dove (right).
Examples
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Downslope of Frasers Picnic Area
Adjacent to Federation Walking Track north west of Killalea Lagoon
71
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?


Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any small snakes and other
reptiles come across during works as it is likely that a number of additional species occur, such
as the golden-crowned snake which is common in similar habitats elsewhere in the Illawarra
region. Any photos taken to be sent to a local expert for identification.
Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any rainforest pigeons
encountered since it is possible that a number of these birds may occasionally occur within this
habitat in the park,. For example the wompoo fruit-dove was first known to science from a shot
individual at closeby Red Point near Port Kembla in 1804 while the rose-crowned fruit-dove and
brown cuckoo-dove are irregularly observed in rainforest at nearby Bass Point. Any photos taken
to be sent to a local expert for identification.
72
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.7 Bracelet Honey-Myrtle – Australian Indigo Dry Shrubland
Wildlife Values
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Three pregnant female threatened southern myotis were captured in this habitat during the
current survey; probably travelling between a roost and Killalea Lagoon.
Supports the most diverse reptile community in the park, including the pale-flecked garden
sunskink, jacky lizard, eastern brown snake and the eastern small-eyed snake which were
uncommon elsewhere.
The only record of the large forest bat was on the ecotone of bracelet honey-myrtle shrubland
and dry subtropical rainforest upslope of Killalea Lagoon.
One bird was only recorded in this habitat within the park in the July visit; the tawny frogmouth
while the olive-backed oriole was only recorded in this habitat in October. Additionally, the
Horsfield’s bronze-cuckoo was seen in two habitats in spring, including the current habitat.
Pale-flecked garden sunskink (left); large forest bat (right).
Examples
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Far north-western boundary of the park
Downslope of the ranger’s residence near the park entrance
73
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?

Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any reptiles come across
during works as it is likely that a number of additional species occur, such as the Lesueur’s velvet
gecko. Any photos taken to be sent to a local expert for identification.
74
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.8 Forest Red Gum Shrubby Open Forest
Wildlife Values
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Only a small patch occurs within the park so it does not have a distinctive fauna component.
The highest density of the common ringtail possum was recorded in this forest.
Habitat for the long-nosed bandicoot, mountain brushtail possum and short-beaked echidna.
High numbers of a number of bird species were seen here, such as the bar-shouldered dove, redbrowed finch and black-faced monarch.
Common ringtail possums (left); bar-shouldered dove (right).
Examples
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Halfway along management trail from camping ground to Minnamurra Spit
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?

Consider erecting bat boxes (following a design recommended by the Australasian Bat Society)
since there are few hollows present in the forest red gums.
75
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.9 Swamp Oak and Swamp Paperbark Forest including planted areas
Wildlife Values
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The threatened southern myotis was captured in a harp trap set over a tidal channel bordered by
swamp oak forest on the far western border of the park. This bat is rare in the Illawarra region
and is likelyto forage over still waters of the Minnamurra River estuary and associated tidal pools
and creeks.
The only record of the chocolate wattled bat was from a tidal channel bordered by swamp oak
forest on the far western border of the park. While the only trapped Gould’s wattled bat in the
current survey was on the ecotone of saltmarsh and swamp oak forest at the base of Minnamurra
Spit.
One of the only habitats two small native mammals were found during the current survey; the
brown antechinus and bush rat. These were trapped in the same site as the bats detailed above.
The only sighting of the buff-banded rail in the park in the current survey was from swamp oak
forest with a sedgeland understorey. While this habitat was only one of two habitats the leaden
flycatcher was encountered in during the current survey.
One of the only records of the rose robin was made in swamp oak forest bordering mangroves
adjacent to the Minnamurra River estuary in the July visit.
A range of bird species were recorded from planted swamp oak forest, such as along the
northern boundary of the park. These included the fan-tailed cuckoo, brown gerygone, yellow
thornbill, black-faced monarch, eastern yellow robin and mistletoebird.
Chocolate wattled bat (left); buff-banded rail (right).
76
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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On the estuary side of Minnamurra Spit
Extensive plantings on the northern boundary of the park
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
Rusa deer impacts.
Conduct a rusa deer control program, concentrating on the
western edge of the park.
How Can You Help?



Consider erecting bat boxes (following a design recommended by the Australasian Bat Society)
since there are few hollows present in the swamp oaks, particularly in the planted areas.
Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.
Keep an eye-out in this habitat where it borders waterbodies for the threatened black bittern
which has been recorded further upstream along the Minnamurra River.
77
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.10 Coast Banksia – Coast Tea-tree Moist Forest
Wildlife Values
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Important foraging habitat for the grey-headed flying-fox when the coast banksias are in flower.
Both the grey goshawk and white-bellied sea-eagle were observed perched on several vantage
points within this habitat on the north end of Mystics Beach.
Flowering coast banksias provide potential foraging habitat for the endangered swift parrot during
the winter months.
The main feeding habitat for a number of birds, such as the yellow-tailed black-cockatoo, rainbow
lorikeet, little wattlebird and new holland honeyeater.
New holland honeyeater (left); grey phase grey goshawk (right).
Examples
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Slope above the north end of Mystics Beach
Parts of headland south of The Farm Beach
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures.
Rusa deer impacts.
Conduct a rusa deer control program, concentrating on the
western edge of the park.
78
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.11 Wattle Regrowth, Coral Tree/Pine Tree Stands & Weedy
Shrubland
Wildlife Values
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The threatened spotted harrier and little eagle were observed hunting for food over low
lantana/bitou bush dominated scrub on a number of occasions during the current survey.
Dense shrubland provided nesting habitat of the eastern snake-necked turtle upslope of Killalea
Lagoon.
The only record of the eastern grey kangaroo was from a gap in lantana/bitou bush dominated
shrubland on the slope east of Killalea Lagoon.
The only record of the locally rare restless flycatcher was from a clump of coral trees midway
along the management trail to Minnamurra Spit from the camping ground.
The only record of the southern boobook was from pine trees downslope of the camping ground
in the July visit. These trees also supported only one of two white-throated treecreepers seen and
was one of only three locations in which the rose robin was recorded during the same visit.
The only record of the large-billed scrubwren was from the ecotone of dense african olive/lantana
scrub and dry subtropical rainforest downslope of Frasers Picnic Area.
A pair of brown goshawks was nesting in a grove of pine trees downslope from the camping area.
These pine trees also provided foraging habitat for the yellow-tailed black-cockatoo.
A number of bird species were well represented in this habitat, including the bar-shouldered dove,
satin bowerbird, yellow thornbill, eastern whipbird, silvereye and red-browed finch.
Southern boobook (left); restless flycatcher (right).
79
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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Along management trail to Minnamurra Spit from the camping ground
Downslope of Frasers Picnic Area
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Weed infestation.
Continue and extend weed control program.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
Rusa deer impacts.
Conduct a rusa deer control program, concentrating on the
western edge of the park.
How Can You Help?




Do not remove coral trees and pine trees until alternate hollows are provided either in the form of
nest/bat boxes or eucalypts of a sufficient age to support hollows.
Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.
Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any small snakes and other
reptiles come across during works as it is likely that a number of additional species occur, such
as the golden-crowned snake which is common in similar habitats elsewhere in the Illawarra
region. Any photos taken to be sent to a local expert for identification.
Bush regenerators, park workers and park visitors to take photos of any rainforest pigeons
encountered since it is possible that a number of these birds may occasionally occur within this
habitat in the park. For example the wompoo fruit-dove was first known to science from a shot
individual at closeby Red Point near Port Kembla in 1804 while the rose-crowned fruit-dove and
brown cuckoo-dove are irregularly observed in rainforest at nearby Bass Point. Any photos taken
to be sent to a local expert for identification.
80
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.12 Rank Introduced Grassland with patches of low introduced
shrubs
Wildlife Values
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The threatened spotted harrier and little eagle were observed hunting for food over rank
grassland on a number of occasions during the current survey.
The only record of the mainland she-oak skink was from the edge of basalt rock face fringed by
dense grassland east of The Farm Beach. This species is uncommon and patchily distributed in
the Illawarra region.
A number of birds were only recorded in this habitat within the park; brown quail, golden-headed
cisticola and tawny grassbird. All of these species are uncommon and declining in the Illawarra
region and the last bird is close to its southern range limit.
Formerly provided habitat for the white-fronted chat which is now virtually extinct in the local
region.
A roost of the black-shouldered kite in a lone swamp oak was located in this habitat. The only
prey item identified in 32 pellets collected was the introduced house mouse.
Other raptors also were observed over this habitat included the swamp harrier, Australian hobby
and nankeen kestrel.
Dense grassland provided nesting habitat of the eastern snake-necked turtle upslope of Killalea
Lagoon.
Brown quail (left); golden-headed cisticola (right).
81
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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Lower slopes north of Killalea Lagoon
Upslope of rocky shoreline at the eastern edge of the park
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Not being considered as a habitat in its own
right.
Park managers need to consider this habitat when considering
developments and weed management as loss of prime
examples of this habitat is likely to result in the loss of a
number of species from the park, such as the tawny grassbird.
Weed infestation.
When undertaking weed control programs in this habitat
consider the potential impacts of such works on the unique
fauna.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program as most of the key bird species
present are ground- or low shrub nesting species.
Feral cat predation.
Undertake feral cat control measures, where sightings of this
species are made.
How Can You Help?


Do not eliminate this habitat without alternative habitat being provided.
Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.
82
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.13 Mown Grass areas and Planted Trees
Wildlife Values
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The threatened spotted harrier and little eagle were observed hunting for food over the edge of
this habitat on a number of occasions during the current survey.
The majority of records of the grey-headed flying-fox were from planted or remnant trees in
parkland landscapes, such as around Frasers Picnic Area and the camping ground.
A number of birds were only recorded in this habitat within the park; the eastern koel, striated
pardalote, white-winged triller, dusky woodswallow, leaden flycatcher and tree martin. All these
species (except the striated pardalote) were on passage through the park during the early
October survey period.
While other bird species were principally recorded in this habitat, including the cattle egret,
masked lapwing, galah, Australian magpie and the magpie-lark. All these birds are common and
widespread in the Illawarra region.
The Australian pipit, an uncommon species in the Illawarra region, was seen in the extensive
mown grass area north-east of the park entrance.
One of the only habitats the bleating tree frog was heard calling from was remnant and planted
trees plus buildings in the camping ground area.
The masked lapwing nests on mown grass areas such as near the park entrance.
Some waterbirds feed on the mown grass areas bordering Killalea Lagoon, such as the Eurasian
coot, purple swamphen, Pacific black duck and black swan.
Juvenile dusky woodswallow (left); tree martins (right).
83
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples
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
Around Frasers Picnic Area
Camp ground
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Loss of remnant trees.
The loss of remnant trees, in particularly figs and coast
banksia may result in a loss of feeding habitat for such species
as the grey-headed flying-fox.
Mowing.
Take precautions when mowing not to run over the nests of
ground-nesting birds, such as the masked lapwing and
Australian pipit.
How Can You Help?

Report any unusual birds, as they may be new species for the park, together with accompanying
photos.
84
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
9.14 Saltmarsh, Mangroves and Backing Sedgelands
Much of this habitat is situated outside the park along the Minnamurra River estuary but has been
included as most species which occur in this habitat would also range into the park.
Wildlife Values






The threatened southern myotis was captured in a harp trap set over a tidal channel bordered by
swamp oak forest on the far western border of the park. This bat is rare in the Illawarra region
and is likely to forage over still waters of the Minnamurra River estuary and associated tidal pools
and creeks.
The only record of the chocolate wattled bat was from a tidal channel bordered by swamp oak
forest on the far western border of the park. While the only trapped Gould’s wattled bat in the
current survey was on the ecotone of saltmarsh and swamp oak forest at the base of Minnamurra
Spit.
The little egret was only recorded in this habitat during the current survey.
Formerly provided habitat for the white-fronted chat which is now virtually extinct in the local
region.
The whimbrel, a shorebird listed under international migratory bird agreements, has been
observed in this habitat.
The threatened eastern osprey has been seen roosting in mangrove trees bordering the estuary
or feeding over the shallows of the Minnamurra River.
Gould’s wattled bat (left); little egret (right).
85
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Examples

Base of Minnamurra Spit.
Threats to Fauna
Management Actions
Loss of water quality and siltation along the
Minnamurra River estuary.
Liaise with relevant authorities.
Loss of saltmarsh.
The mangroves are currently invading the saltmarsh area,
similar to what is occurring elsewhere along the NSW coast.
Consider undertaking a program to remove mangrove
seedlings from saltmarsh areas.
Fox predation.
Conduct a fox control program as most of the key bird species
present are ground- or low shrub nesting species.
Rusa deer impacts.
Conduct a rusa deer control program, concentrating on the
western edge of the park.
Weed invasion, particularly of the Spiny Rush.
Control any outbreaks of spiny rush reported.
Park staff to visit popular rock fishing haunts and clean up all
discarded fishing line and hooks encountered during regular
patrols.
Discarded fishing line resulting in
entanglements.
How Can You Help?

Encourage the reporting of any potential sightings of the green and golden bell frog, together with
accompanying photos.
86
10. References
Bamford, M., Watkins, D., Bancroft, W., Tischler, G. and Wahl, J. (2008). Migratory shorebirds of the East
Asian – Australasian Flyway: population estimates and internationally important sites. Wetlands
International, Canberra.
Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry S., Cunningham, R. and Poulter, R. (2003). The New Atlas of Australian
Birds. Royal Australian Ornithologists Union. Hawthorn East, Victoria.
Battam, H. (1976). Stack Islet, New South Wales. The Australian Bird Bander 14: 23.
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Botaurus poiciloptilus. http://www.birdlife.org/
datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3767 Accessed 1 November 2014.
Birds Australia (2010) Birdlife Australia’s bittern survey guide: guidelines for surveying Australasian and
Australian Little Bitterns. http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/our-projects/bittern-survey.html Accessed 1
November 2014
Brunner, H. and Coman, B. (1974) Identification of Mammalian Hair. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Chafer, C.J. (2004) Unusual observations in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and adjacent tablelands.
http://mail.speedlink.com.au/users/cchafer/studies/2001%20Observations.htm Accessed 1 November
2014.
Chafer, C.J. and Brandis, C.C.P. (2012) Handbook of birds found in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and adjacent
nd
tablelands. 2 edition. Illawarra Bird Observer’s Club, Wollongong.
Christidis, L. and Boles, W.E. (2008) Systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds. CSIRO Publishing,
Collingwood.
Cogger, H.G. (2014) Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia. Seventh edition. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.
Commonwealth of Australia (1995a) Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government
of the People’s Republic of China for the protection of migratory birds and their environments. Australian
Treaty Series 1988 No. 22. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra.
Commonwealth of Australia (1995b) Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government
of Japan for the protection of migratory birds in danger of extinction. Australian Treaty Series 1981 No. 6.
Department of Foreign Affairs. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
Commonwealth of Australia (2006) Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government
of the Republic of Korea for the protection of migratory birds and exchange of notes. Australian Treaty
Series 2007 ATS 24. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Australian Government Publishing
Service, Canberra.
Corben, C. (1989) Computer-based call analysis for microbat identification. Macroderma 5:7.
DEC (2005) Management Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog Key Population at Kurnell. Department
of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.
DECC (2007) Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna of the Greater Southern Sydney Region: Volume 2 – Fauna of
Conservation Concern including priority pest species. Information and Assessment Section, Metropolitan
Branch, Climate Change and Environment Protection Group, Department of Environment and Climate
Change, Hurstville.
DECC (2008) Best Practice Guidelines, Green and golden bell frog habitat. Department of Environment and
Climate Change.
DoE (Department of Environment) (2013). Litoria aurea – Green and Golden Bell Frog. SPRAT Profile.
www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1870. Accessed 17 November
2014.
87
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
DoE (Department of Environment) (2015). SPRAT EPBC Migratory Lists in Species Profile and Threats
Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed 14
January 2015.
Eby, P., Richards, G.C., Collins, L. and Parry-Jones, K. (1999) The distribution, abundance and
vulnerability to population reduction of a nomadic nectarivore, the Grey-headed Flying Fox Pteropus
poliocephalus in New South Wales, during a period of resource concentration. Australian Zoologist 31:
240-253.
Fahrig, L. (2003). Effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity. Annual review of ecology, evolution, and
systematics, 487-515.
Garnett, S.T., Szabo, J.K. and Dutson, G. (2011) The action plan for Australian birds 2010. CSIRO
Publishing, Melbourne.
Geering, A., Agnew, L. and Harding, S. (2007) Shorebirds of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Canberra.
Higgins, P.J. (ed.) (1999) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4. Parrots to
Dollarbird. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Higgins, P.J. and Davies, S.J.J.F. (eds.) (1996) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds.
Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Hoskin, E.S., Hindwood, K.A. and McGill, A.R. (1991) The birds of Sydney, County of Cumberland, New
South Wales, 1770-1989. Surrey Beatty and Sons, Chipping Norton.
Jarman, M. (2008) Osprey nest Ulladulla, south coast NSW. http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/birdingaus/2008-05/msg00587.html Accessed 1 November 2014.
Kingsford, R.T. (2000) Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain
wetlands in Australia. Austral Ecology 25: 109-127.
Lunney, D., Matthews, A. and Triggs, B. (2002) Long-term changes in the mammal fauna of logged, coastal
forests near Bega, New South Wales, detected by analysis of dog and fox scats. Australian Mammalogy
23: 101-114.
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds.) (1990) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds.
Volume 1: Ratites to Ducks. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Marchant, S. and Higgins, P.J. (eds.) (1993) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds.
Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (eds.) (1990) Australian Soil and
Land Survey Field Handbook. Second edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Mills, K. (2004) The Swift Parrot on the south coast of New South Wales. Illawarra Wildlife Studies Series.
Coachwood Publishing, Jamberoo.
NPWS (1997) NSW Comprehensive Regional Assessments: Vertebrate fauna surveys, 1997-1998 summer
survey season: Field survey methods. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville. Unpublished.
NSW Scientific Committee (2008a) Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris: review of current
information in NSW. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/schedules/Pied
Oystercatcher.pdf Accessed 1 November 2014.
NSW Scientific Committee (2008b) Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus: review of current
information in NSW.http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/schedules/SootyOystercatcher.
pdf Accessed 1 November 2014.
OEH (2012a) Australasian Bittern – profile. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/
profile.aspx?id=10105 Accessed 1 November 2014.
OEH (2012b) Spotted Harrier – profile.http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/
profile.aspx?id=20134 Accessed 1 November 2014.
OEH (2012c) Little Eagle – profile.http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/
profile.aspx?id=20131 Accessed 1 November 2014.
Osborne, W.S. (1990) Declining frog populations and extinctions in the Canberra region. Bogong 11: 4-7.
88
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Parnaby, H. (1992) 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.
Pennay, M., Law, B. and Reinhold, L. (2004) Bat calls of New South Wales: region based guide to the
echolocation of microchiropteran bats. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.
Richards, G.C. (1992) Fauna Survey: Wingham Management Area, Port Macquarie Region. Part 4: Bats.
Forest Resources Services Report No. 22. Forestry Commission of New South Wales, Sydney.
Rusk, D. (2011) Live Osprey web cam West Ulladulla. http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/
html/canberrabirds/2011-05/msg00115.html Accessed 1 November 2014.
Smith, P. (1991) The biology and management of Waders (Suborder Charadrii) in NSW. Species
Management Report Number 9. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Straw, P. (1996) Wader population study of Botany Bay and Adjacent Wetlands. Royal Australian
Ornithologists Union. Prepared for the Federal Airports Corporation, Sydney.
Van Dyck, S., Gynther, I. and Baker, A. (Eds.) (2011). Field companion to “The mammals of Australia”.
Reed New Holland, Sydney.
Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Vegetation. Pages 58-86 in Australian Soil and Land Survey Field
Handbook. Second edition. (eds.) R.C. McDonald, R.F. Isbell, J.G. Speight, J. Walker, and M.S. Hopkins.
Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Watkins, D. (2003) A national plan for shorebird conservation in Australia. RAOU Report No. 90. Royal
Australasian Ornithologist’s Union, Melbourne.
White, A.W. and Pyke, G.H. (1996) Distribution and conservation status of the Green and Golden Bell Frog
(Litoria aurea) in New South Wales. Australian Zoologist 30: 177-189.
89
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Appendix 1: Vertebrate Fauna of Killalea State Park
This appendix provides a list of vertebrate fauna (excluding fish) that have been recorded within Killalea
State Park in the last 40 years. This list does not include marine species which do not nest or roost/rest
on the terrestrial sections of the park (e.g. Rangoon Island or the mainland shoreline).
In this list the taxonomy and species order for amphibians and reptiles follows Cogger (2014), birds
(Christidis and Boles 2008) and mammals (Van Dyck et al. 2011). Where recent taxonomic changes have
been made the old name is included in brackets.
The following columns have been included for each species:
NSW Legal Status = Current listing under the TSC Act (as of January 2015). Codes used are
CE=Critically Endangered, E=Endangered, EP=Endangered Population, V=Vulnerable, P=Protected,
U=Feral species.
Federal Legal Status = Current listing under the Commonwealth EPBC Act (as of January 2015).
Migratory Bird Listing = Species listed under C – CAMBA (Commonwealth of Australia 1995a), J –
JAMBA (Commonwealth of Australia 1995b) and K – ROKAMBA (Commonwealth of Australia 2006).
Status of species: XX = Presumed extinct; SM = predominantly a summer migrant; WM = predominantly a
winter migrant; RE = Resident (individuals present throughout the year, but may not breed in the park);
RV = Regular non-breeding visitor; IV = Irregular visitor; UV = Uncommon visitor; VA = Vagrant bird
species with less than two documented records and rare or a vagrant in the region (after Chafer and
Brandis 2012); and SU = Status Uncertain as the species may be cryptic or individuals of other species
may either have been released into the park or wandered into the area as wide-ranging individuals.
Record Source = 1 - current survey. If no records in this source then: 2 – Chafer and Brandis (2012); 3 –
records from various observers on the Birding Aus Website; 4 – DoE (2013); 5 – OEH Atlas of NSW
Wildlife record; 6 – Atlas of Living Australia records.
90
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Birds
Quails
Phasianidae
Coturnix pectoralis
Stubble Quail
P
SU
5
Phasianidae
Coturnix ypsilophora
Brown Quail
P
IV
1
Phasianidae
Excalfactoria chinensis
King Quail
P
VA
2
Native Waterfowl
Anatidae
Anas castanea
Chestnut Teal
P
RE
1
Anatidae
Anas gracilis
Grey Teal
P
IV
1
Anatidae
Anas rhynchotis
Australasian Shoveler
P
RV
1
Anatidae
Anas superciliosa
Pacific Black Duck
P
RE
1
Anatidae
Aythya australis
Hardhead
P
RE
1
Anatidae
Biziura lobata
Musk Duck
P
RE
1
Anatidae
Chenonetta jubata
Australian Wood Duck
P
UV
5
Anatidae
Cygnus atratus
Black Swan
P
RE
1
Anatidae
Malacorhynchus
membranaceus
Pink-eared Duck
P
RV
2
Anatidae
Oxyura australis
Blue-billed Duck
V
RV
2
Anatidae
Stictonetta naevosa
Freckled Duck
V
RV
1
Anatidae
Tadorna tadornoides
Australian Shelduck
P
VA
2
Grebes
Podicipedidae
Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe
P
RV
1
Podicipedidae
Tachybaptus
novaehollandiae
P
RE
1
Australasian Grebe
91
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Pigeons
Columbidae
Columba leucomela
White-headed Pigeon
P
VA
5
Columbidae
Geopelia humeralis
Bar-shouldered Dove
P
RE
1
Columbidae
Lopholaimus antarcticus
Topknot Pigeon
P
UV
5
Columbidae
Ocyphaps lophotes
Crested Pigeon
P
RE
1
P
IV
1
Frogmouths
Podargidae
Podargus strigoides
Tawny Frogmouth
Nesting Seabirds
Procellariidae
Ardenna pacifica
Wedge-tailed Shearwater
P
J
RE
1
Procellariidae
Ardenna tenuirostris
Short-tailed Shearwater
P
J, K
RE
1
Spheniscidae
Eudyptula minor
Little Penguin
P
RE
1
Swifts
Apodidae
Apus pacificus
Fork-tailed Swift
P
C, J, K
SM
2
Apodidae
Hirundapus caudacutus
White-throated Needletail
P
C, J, K
SM
1
P
WM
1
Darters
Anhingidae
Anhinga novaehollandiae
Australasian Darter
Cormorants
Phalacrocoracidae Microcarbo melanoleucos
Little Pied Cormorant
P
RV
1
Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax carbo
Great Cormorant
P
RV
1
Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Little Black Cormorant
P
RV
1
Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax varius
Pied Cormorant
P
RV
1
P
RV
1
Pelicans
Pelecanidae
Pelecanus conspicillatus
Australian Pelican
Egrets & Herons
92
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Ardeidae
Ardea ibis
Cattle Egret
P
C, J
WM
1
Ardeidae
Ardea modesta
Eastern Great Egret
P
C, J
RV
1
Ardeidae
Ardea pacifica
White-necked Heron
P
IV
1
Ardeidae
Botaurus poilciloptilus
Australasian Bittern
E
VA
1
Ardeidae
Butorides striata
Striated Heron
P
RV
1
Ardeidae
Egretta garzetta
Little Egret
P
IV
1
Ardeidae
Egretta novaehollandiae
White-faced Heron
P
RE
1
Ardeidae
Egretta sacra
Eastern Reef Egret
P
IV
1
Ardeidae
Nycticorax caledonicus
Nankeen Night-Heron
P
IV
1
E
C
Spoonbills & Ibis
Threskiornithidae
Platalea flavipes
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
P
UV
5
Threskiornithidae
Platalea regia
Royal Spoonbill
P
IV
1
Threskiornithidae
Plegadis falcinellus
Glossy Ibis
P
RV
2
Threskiornithidae
Threskiornis molucca
Australian White Ibis
P
RV
1
Threskiornithidae
Threskiornis spinicollis
Straw-necked Ibis
P
IV
1
C
Raptors
Accipitridae
Accipiter cirrocephalus
Collared Sparrowhawk
P
NR
6
Accipitridae
Accipiter fasciatus
Brown Goshawk
P
RE
1
Accipitridae
Accipiter novaehollandiae
Grey Goshawk
P
IV
1
Accipitridae
Aquila audax
Wedge-tailed Eagle
P
UV
5
Accipitridae
Aviceda subcristata
Pacific Baza
P
UV
2
Accipitridae
Circus approximans
Swamp Harrier
P
RV
1
Accipitridae
Circus assimilis
Spotted Harrier
V
RV
1
93
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Black-shouldered Kite
P
Accipitridae
Haliaeetus leucogaster
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
P
Accipitridae
Haliastur sphenurus
Whistling Kite
Accipitridae
Hieraaetus morphnoides
Accipitridae
Pandion cristatus
Record Source
Elanus axillaris
Current Status
Accipitridae
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
RV
1
RV
1
P
RV
1
Little Eagle
V
UV
1
Eastern Osprey
V
UV
1
C
Falcons
Falconidae
Falco berigora
Brown Falcon
P
IV
3
Falconidae
Falco cenchroides
Nankeen Kestrel
P
RE
1
Falconidae
Falco longipennis
Australian Hobby
P
IV
1
Falconidae
Falco peregrinus
Peregrine Falcon
P
IV
1
Rails
Rallidae
Fulica atra
Eurasian Coot
P
RE
1
Rallidae
Gallinula tenebrosa
Dusky Moorhen
P
IV
1
Rallidae
Gallirallus philippensis
Buff-banded Rail
P
RE
1
Rallidae
Lewinia pectoralis
Lewin's Rail
P
SU
2
Rallidae
Porphyrio porphyria
Purple Swamphen
P
RE
1
Rallidae
Porzana fluminea
Australian Spotted Crake
P
IV
2
Rallidae
Porzana pusilla
Baillon’s Crake
P
IV
1
Rallidae
Porzana tabuensis
Spotless Crake
P
IV
2
Rallidae
Tribonyx ventralis
Black-tailed Native-hen
P
VA
2
Oystercatchers
Haematopodidae
Haematopus fuliginosus
Sooty Oystercatcher
V
RE
1
Haematopodidae
Haematopus longirostris
Australian Pied
Oystercatcher
E
RE
1
94
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Stilts & Avocets
Recurvirostridae
Himantopus himantopus
Black-winged Stilt
P
IV
2
Dotterels & Plovers
Charadriidae
Charadrius bicinctus
Double-banded Plover
P
WM
1
Charadriidae
Charadrius ruficapillus
Red-capped Plover
P
IV
1
Charadriidae
Elseyornis melanops
Black-fronted Dotterel
P
IV
2
Charadriidae
Erythrogonys cinctus
Red-kneed Dotterel
P
UV
2
Charadriidae
Vanellus miles
Masked Lapwing
P
RE
1
V
VA
2
Jacanas
Jacanidae
Irediparra gallinacea
Comb-crested Jacana
Sandpipers
Scolopacidae
Actitis hypoleucos
Common Sandpiper
P
C, J, K
SM
2
Scolopacidae
Arenaria interpres
Ruddy Turnstone
P
C, J, K
SM
1
Scolopacidae
Calidris acuminata
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
P
C, J, K
SM
5
Scolopacidae
Calidris alba
Sanderling
V
C, J, K
SM
1
Scolopacidae
Calidris ruficollis
Red-necked Stint
P
C, J, K
SM
5
Scolopacidae
Gallinago hardwickii
Latham's Snipe
P
C, J, K
SM
1
Scolopacidae
Limosa lapponica
Bar-tailed Godwit
P
C, J, K
SM
5
Scolopacidae
Numenius phaeopus
Whimbrel
P
C, J, K
SM
5
Scolopacidae
Tringa glareola
Wood Sandpiper
P
C, J, K
SM
2
Scolopacidae
Tringa nebularia
Common Greenshank
P
C, J, K
SM
5
Scolopacidae
Tringa stagnatilis
Marsh Sandpiper
P
C, J, K
SM
2
UV
2
Button-quails
Turnicidae
Turnix varius
Painted Button-quail
P
95
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Gulls & Terns
Laridae
Chlidonias hybrida
Whiskered Tern
P
Laridae
Chlidonias leucopterus
White-winged Black Tern
P
Laridae
Chroicocephalus
novaehollandiae
Silver Gull
P
Laridae
Hydroprogne caspia
Caspian Tern
P
Laridae
Larus dominicanus
Kelp Gull
P
Laridae
Sterna hirundo
Common Tern
P
Laridae
Sterna striata
White-fronted Tern
P
Laridae
Sternula albifrons
Little Tern
E
Laridae
Thalasseus bergii
Crested Tern
P
IV
2
VA
2
RV
1
RV
1
IV
1
SM
1
WM
1
C, J, K
SM
1
J
RV
1
C, J, K
C
C, J, K
Cockatoos
Cacatuidae
Cacatua galerita
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
P
RV
1
Cacatuidae
Cacatua sanguinea
Little Corella
P
IV
1
Cacatuidae
Calyptorhynchus funereus
Yellow-tailed BlackCockatoo
P
RV
1
Cacatuidae
Eolophus roseicapillus
Galah
P
RV
1
WM
6
Parrots
Psittacidae
Lathamus discolor
Swift Parrot
E
E
Psittacidae
Platycercus elegans
Crimson Rosella
P
RE
1
Psittacidae
Platycercus eximius
Eastern Rosella
P
RE
1
Psittacidae
Psephotus haematonotus
Red-rumped Parrot
P
IV
1
Psittacidae
Trichoglossus haematodus
Rainbow Lorikeet
P
RV
1
Cuckoos
96
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Cuculidae
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
P
SM
1
Cuculidae
Cacomantis variolosus
Brush Cuckoo
P
SM
3
Cuculidae
Chalcites basalis
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
P
SM
1
Cuculidae
Chalcites lucidus
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
P
SM
1
Cuculidae
Eudynamys orientalis
Eastern Koel
P
SM
1
Cuculidae
Scythrops novaehollandiae
Channel-billed Cuckoo
P
SM
1
Owls
Strigidae
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Southern Boobook
P
IV
1
Tytonidae
Tyto javanica
Eastern Barn Owl
P
IV
3
Kingfishers & Kookaburras
Halcyonidae
Dacelo novaeguineae
Laughing Kookaburra
P
RE
1
Halcyonidae
Todiramphus sanctus
Sacred Kingfisher
P
SM
1
P
VA
1
P
SM
1
P
UV
1
P
RE
1
Pittas
Pittidae
Pitta versicolor
Noisy Pitta
Rollers
Coraciidae
Eurystomus orientalis
Dollarbird
Treecreepers
Climacteridae
Cormobates leucophaea
White-throated Treecreeper
Bowerbirds
Ptilonorhynchidae Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
Satin Bowerbird
Fairy-wrens
Maluridae
Malurus cyaneus
Superb Fairy-wren
P
RE
1
Maluridae
Malurus lamberti
Variegated Fairy-wren
P
RE
1
97
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Southern Emu-wren
Migratory Bird Listing
Stipiturus malachurus
Common name
Federal legal status
Maluridae
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
P
SU
5
Australasian Warblers
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
P
UV
6
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza lineata
Striated Thornbill
P
IV
5
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza nana
Yellow Thornbill
P
RE
1
Acanthizidae
Acanthiza pusilla
Brown Thornbill
P
RE
1
Acanthizidae
Gerygone mouki
Brown Gerygone
P
RE
1
Acanthizidae
Sericornis frontalis
White-browed Scrubwren
P
RE
1
Acanthizidae
Sericornis magnirostra
Large-billed Scrubwren
P
RE
1
Pardalotes
Pardalotidae
Pardalotus punctatus
Spotted Pardalote
P
RE
1
Pardalotidae
Pardalotus striatus
Striated Pardalote
P
RE
1
Honeyeaters
Meliphagidae
Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill
P
RE
1
Meliphagidae
Anthochaera carunculata
Red Wattlebird
P
RE
1
Meliphagidae
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Little Wattlebird
P
RE
1
Meliphagidae
Epthianura albifrons
White-fronted Chat
V
XX
5
Meliphagidae
Lichenostomus chrysops
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
P
IV
1
Meliphagidae
Lichenostomus penicillatus
White-plumed Honeyeater
P
IV
2
Meliphagidae
Meliphaga lewinii
Lewin’s Honeyeater
P
RE
1
Meliphagidae
Melithreptus lunatus
White-naped Honeyeater
P
IV
5
Meliphagidae
Myzomela sanguinolenta
Scarlet Honeyeater
P
IV
1
Meliphagidae
Philemon corniculatus
Noisy Friarbird
P
IV
1
98
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Meliphagidae
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Whipbirds
Psophodidae
Psophodes olivaceus
Eastern Whipbird
Cuckoo-shrikes
Campephagidae
Coracina novaehollandiae
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
P
RE
1
Campephagidae
Lalage sueurii
White-winged Triller
P
UV
1
Whistlers
Pachycephalidae
Colluricincla harmonica
Grey Shrike-thrush
P
RE
1
Pachycephalidae
Falcunculus frontatus
Crested Shrike-tit
P
SU
2
Pachycephalidae
Pachycephala pectoralis
Golden Whistler
P
WM
1
Pachycephalidae
Pachycephala rufiventris
Rufous Whistler
P
SM
1
Orioles
Oriolidae
Oriolus sagittatus
Olive-backed Oriole
P
IV
1
Oriolidae
Sphecotheres vieilloti
Australasian Figbird
P
SM
1
Woodswallows, Butcherbirds, Currawongs & Magpies
Artamidae
Artamus cyanopterus
Dusky Woodswallow
P
IV
1
Artamidae
Artamus superciliosus
White-browed Woodswallow
P
UV
1
Artamidae
Cracticus tibicen
Australian Magpie
P
RE
1
Artamidae
Cracticus torquatus
Grey Butcherbird
P
RE
1
Artamidae
Strepera graculina
Pied Currawong
P
RE
1
P
WM
5
Drongos
Dicruridae
Dicrurus bracteatus
Spangled Drongo
99
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Fantails
Rhipiduridae
Rhipidura albiscapa
Grey Fantail
P
RE
1
Rhipiduridae
Rhipidura leucophrys
Willie Wagtail
P
RE
1
Rhipiduridae
Rhipidura rufifrons
Rufous Fantail
P
SM
1
P
RE
1
Ravens
Corvidae
Corvus coronoides
Australian Raven
Monarch Flycatchers
Monarchidae
Grallina cyanoleuca
Magpie-lark
P
RE
1
Monarchidae
Monarcha melanopsis
Black-faced Monarch
P
SM
1
Monarchidae
Myiagra inquieta
Restless Flycatcher
P
WM
1
Monarchidae
Myiagra rubecula
Leaden Flycatcher
P
SM
1
Robins
Petroicidae
Eopsaltria australis
Eastern Yellow Robin
P
RE
1
Petroicidae
Petroica rosea
Rose Robin
P
WM
1
P
RE
1
P
SM
1
Grass Warblers
Cisticolidae
Cisticola exilis
Golden-headed Cisticola
Reed Warblers
Acrocephalidae
Acrocephalus australis
Australian Reed-Warbler
Grassbirds
Megaluridae
Megalurus gramineus
Little Grassbird
P
RE
1
Megaluridae
Megalurus timoriensis
Tawny Grassbird
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Silvereyes
Timaliidae
Zosterops lateralis
Silvereye
100
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Swallows and Martins
Hirundinidae
Hirundo neoxena
Welcome Swallow
P
RE
1
Hirundinidae
Petrochelidon ariel
Fairy Martin
P
SM
5
Hirundinidae
Petrochelidon nigricans
Tree Martin
P
IV
1
P
WM
1
P
RV
1
Thrushes
Turdidae
Zoothera lunulata
Bassian Thrush
Flowerpeckers
Nectariniidae
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Mistletoebird
Finches
Estrildidae
Neochmia temporalis
Red-browed Finch
P
RE
1
Estrildidae
Lonchura castaneothorax
Chestnut-breasted Mannikin
P
UV
2
Estrildidae
Taeniopygia bichenovii
Double-barred Finch
P
VA
5
Estrildidae
Taeniopygia guttata
Zebra Finch
P
UV
2
P
RV
1
Pipits
Motacillidae
Anthus novaeseelandiae
Australasian Pipit
Feral Birds
Anatidae
Anser anser
Greylag Goose
U
IV
2
Anatidae
Branta canadensis
Canada Goose
U
VA
2
Anatidae
Anas platyrhynchos
Northern Mallard
U
VA
5
Columbidae
Columba livia
Rock Dove
U
IV
1
Columbidae
Streptopelia chinensis
Spotted Turtle Dove
U
RE
1
Alaudidae
Alauda arvensis
Eurasian Skylark
U
SU
5
Pycnonotidae
Pycnonotus jocosus
Red-whiskered Bulbul
U
RE
1
101
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Turdidae
Turdus merula
Common Blackbird
U
RE
1
Sturnidae
Sturnus tristis
Common Myna
U
RE
1
Sturnidae
Sturnus vulgaris
Common Starling
U
RE
1
Passeridae
Passer domesticus
House Sparrow
U
IV
1
Fringillidae
Carduelis carduelis
European Goldfinch
U
RE
1
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Mammals
Monotremes
Tachyglossidae
Tachyglossus aculeatus
Short-beaked Echidna
Marsupial Mice
Dasyuridae
Antechinus stuartii
Brown Antechinus
Bandicoots
Peramelidae
Perameles nasuta
Long-nosed Bandicoot
Possums and Gliders
Pseudocheiridae
Pseudocheirus peregrinus
Common Ringtail Possum
P
RE
1
Phalangeridae
Trichosurus cunninghami
Mountain Brushtail Possum
P
RE
1
Kangaroos and Wallabies
Macropodidae
Macropus giganteus
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
P
SU
1
Macropodidae
Wallabia bicolor
Swamp Wallaby
P
RE
1
UV
1
Flying-foxes
Pteropodidae
Pteropus poliocephalus
Grey-headed Flying-fox
V
V
Insectivorous Bats
Molossidae
Austronomus australis
White-striped Free-tailed Bat
P
RE
1
Miniopteridae
Miniopterus schreibersii
Eastern Bentwing-bat
V
RV
1
102
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
oceanensis
Vespertilionidae
Nyctophilus geoffroyi
Lesser Long-eared Bat
P
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Nyctophilus gouldi
Gould’s Long-eared Bat
P
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Chalinolobus gouldii
Gould's Wattled Bat
P
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Chalinolobus morio
Chocolate Wattled Bat
P
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Myotis macropus
Large-footed Myotis
V
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Vespadelus darlingtoni
Large Forest Bat
P
RE
1
Vespertilionidae
Vespadelus vulturnus
Little Forest Bat
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Native Rats
Muridae
Rattus fuscipes
Bush Rat
Feral Mammals
Muridae
Mus musculus
House Mouse
U
RE
1
Muridae
Rattus rattus
Black Rat
U
RE
1
Canidae
Canis lupus familiaris
Feral Dog
U
SU
1
Canidae
Vulpes vulpes
Fox
U
RE
1
Leporidae
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Rabbit
U
RE
1
Cervidae
Cervus timorensis
Rusa Deer
U
RE
1
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Reptiles
Freshwater Turtles
Chelidae
Chelodina longicollis
Eastern Snake-necked
Turtle
Skinks
Scincidae
Concinnia (Eulamprus)
tenuis
Bar-sided Skink
103
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Scincidae
Cyclodomorphus michaeli
Mainland She-oak Skink
P
RE
1
Scincidae
Eulamprus quoyii
Eastern Water-skink
P
RE
1
Scincidae
Lampropholis delicata
Dark-flecked Garden
Sunskink
P
RE
1
Scincidae
Lampropholis guichenoti
Pale-flecked Garden
Sunskink
P
RE
1
Scincidae
Saiphos equalis
Three-toed Skink
P
RE
1
Scincidae
Tiliqua scincoides
Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard
P
RE
1
P
RE
1
Dragon Lizards
Agamidae
Amphibolurus muricatus
Jacky Lizard
Snakes
Elapidae
Cryptophis nigrescens
Eastern Small-eyed Snake
P
RE
1
Elapidae
Pseudechis porphyriacus
Red-bellied Black Snake
P
RE
1
Elapidae
Pseudonaja textilis
Eastern Brown Snake
P
RE
1
U
VA
6
Introduced Reptiles
Colubridae
Pantherophis guttatus
Corn Snake
Frogs
Ground Frogs
Limnodynastidae
Limnodynastes peronii
Striped Marsh Frog
P
RE
1
Myobatrachidae
Crinia signifera
Common Eastern Froglet
P
RE
1
XX
4
Tree Frogs
Hylidae
Litoria aurea
Green and Golden Bell Frog
E
V
Hylidae
Litoria fallax
Eastern Dwarf Tree Frog
P
RE
1
Hylidae
Litoria dentata
Bleating Tree Frog
P
RE
1
104
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Record Source
Current Status
Migratory Bird Listing
Common name
Federal legal status
Scientific name
NSW legal status
Group
Hylidae
Litoria jervisiensis
Jervis Bay Tree Frog
P
RE
1
Hylidae
Litoria peronii
Peron's Tree Frog
P
RE
1
105
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Appendix 2: Survey Methods
The fauna survey used the following methods.
Review of Previous Records
The OEH Atlas of NSW Wildlife, Atlas of Living Australia and the book ‘A Handbook of birds found in the
Illawarra, Shoalhaven and adjacent tablelands’ by Chafer and Brandis (2012) were the primary resources
used to access data on previous records of fauna in the park. Records were also obtained from park staff
and entries into the Wildlife Sightings book. Additional bird records were obtained from Birding Aus and
NSW Birdline. Information on wildlife previously recorded on Rangoon Island was also obtained from
Battam (1976).
Survey Site Selection
Survey sites were selected to sample the largest patches of each vegetation community from the draft
vegetation map as well as specific land features such as Rangoon Island and Killalea Lagoon. Where
possible, a number of sites within the same vegetation community were sampled in different sections of
the park with the same or a varying complement of survey techniques.
Systematic Survey Techniques
Systematic survey techniques were restricted to the survey sites identified in the above section. The
systematic fauna survey methods used in the current survey were based on those developed by the
NPWS Biodiversity Survey Coordination Unit (NPWS 1997) to sample diurnal and nocturnal birds, diurnal
and nocturnal reptiles, bats, arboreal and ground-dwelling mammals and amphibians. Consistency in the
use of the systematic techniques allows a comparison between fauna species detected across different
vegetation communities and environments within the park. Furthermore, it will allow future comparisons
with consistent surveys of environments elsewhere.
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 at 13 sites 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). 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 at 11 sites for a one person-hour.
Censuses were restricted to the period between mid-morning to late afternoon, when temperature and
insolation were sufficient to ensure maximum reptile activity. Surveying was not conducted on overcast or
rainy days or in extreme heat.
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
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, crevices and other likely shelter sites. Incidental observations
of other fauna were also recorded.
Spotlighting Survey
This census technique comprised searching for arboreal mammals along a 200 metre transect within
seven sites for half a person hour. Two sites were sampled on more than one night during the survey.
Led Lenser head torches 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.
Harp Trapping
Harp traps were used to capture low-flying insectivorous bats for one to two consecutive nights at 13
sites. This technique enabled the identification of some species such as the long-eared bats which can
only reliably be identified to genus level using Anabat detectors. Traps were checked during the night and
each morning. Captured bats were identified by external morphology, forearm measurement and body
weight. Animals were released either during the night trap check or on the following night at the point of
capture.
Harp trap set along a management trail on the ecotone of Bracelet Honey-Myrtle-Australian Indigo shrubland and
dry subtropical rainforest in the park. This trap captured the only Large Forest Bat recorded in the survey.
Bat Ultrasonic (‘Anabat) Recording
Ultrasonic recorders (Corben 1989) are particularly useful for the detection of high-flying species, which
often comprise more than one third of an area’s bat species (Parnaby 1992), yet are under sampled by
harp trapping (Richards 1992). Additionally, ultrasonic detectors are useful in identifying bats using areas
107
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
that are unsuitable for the siting of harp traps, such as along tidal watercourses, above sea caves on
headlands and where there are no tracks or other situations suitable for the siting of harp traps. 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.
The recording equipment for the surveys consisted of either an Anabat SD2 detector housed within a
Tupperware box for weather protection. The detectors was set up at seven sites on a single night in most
major vegetation communities where bats were expected to fly, such as over water bodies and other
open areas, and along cliff lines and tracks. Additionally, a detector was also set for one night upslope of
the sea caves south of The Farm Beach. The standard technique deploys an Anabat detector overnight at
a site, set to commence detection at dusk and turn off at dawn. During the night, a delay switch operates
to turn on the recording device when bat activity is detected and then de-activated the device while no bat
activity is occurring.
Anabat recordings were transferred onto computer and analysed by Leroy Gonsalves using AnaScheme.
Only calls that were definite were recorded into the Atlas of NSW Wildlife.
Nocturnal Streamside Search
Searches for frogs were undertaken for half a person hour along three 200 metre stretches on the margin
of Killalea Lagoon during the October and November surveys. Where possible, the searches were
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.
Nocturnal Call Playback for Threatened Forest Owls
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 threatened forest owls - Powerful Owl, Masked Owl, Sooty
Owl and the Barking Owl. This playback was undertaken at three forested sites located over 1km apart in
the October survey.
This technique involved a ten minute period of listening followed by each call being played for five
minutes interspersed with a five minute listening period. The pre-recorded calls were played on an IPod
amplified through a megaphone. The surrounding area was searched by headtorch 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.
Elliott Trapping
This technique involved setting 20 Elliott A traps at approximately 10m intervals through six sites for four
consecutive nights. Traps were baited with a mixture of peanut butter and rolled oats, and were checked
every morning soon after dawn. Any animals captured in the traps were identified, sexed if possible, and
released at the point of capture.
108
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Elliott trap set on the south-eastern edge of Killalea Lagoon.
Pitfall Trapping
Pitfall trapping was undertaken at three sites with a sand substrate. In these sites four buckets were dug
into the ground 5m apart with an interconnecting drift fence passing along the entire line and across the
top of each bucket. The traps were not baited and were checked soon after dawn on four consecutive
days and whenever other visits were made to the sites. Any animals captured in the traps were identified
and released close to the point of capture.
Pitfall trapline set in coastal scrub between Killalea Lagoon and The Farm Beach.
109
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Infra-red Camera Trapping
The potential presence of native and feral ground-dwelling mammal species and other cryptic fauna that
were either unlikely to be located using other techniques or may be present in very low densities and
therefore were unlikely to be found with more conventional techniques were investigated by the
deployment of camera traps. In the current survey single Reconyx HC600 infra-red camera traps were
deployed at 14 systematic survey sites in all major vegetation types for 45 consecutive nights between 9
October and 19 November across the park. Additionally, two cameras were set in different parts of the top
of Rangoon Island for over three months between October 2014 and January 2015. The cameras at all
sites were attached to saplings or small trees approximately 1 to 1.5m above the ground and aimed at a
bait station positioned approximately 1.5m from the camera which was baited with peanut butter and
rolled oats. The two cameras on Rangoon Island did not have bait stations and relied on incidental
tripping by wildlife present in the vicinity. Each camera was set to take five photos at a rapid fire setting of
one second between pictures with no delay between when the cameras was fired. At the end of the
period the cameras were collected, the memory cards downloaded and all species that had tripped the
camera were identified by Lachlan Wilmott, with some animals photographed confirmed by David Bain
and Kylie Madden.
Targeted Survey Techniques
Targeted survey techniques are those which were not restricted to the systematic survey sites. These
techniques included:
Green and Golden Bell Frog Search
Nocturnal searches at seven sites targeting the Green and Golden Bell Frog were undertaken on two
nights following rain/storm activity in December by Garry Daly. The searches varied in time and
comprised searching for active and calling frogs in a variety of wetland areas, including along the
shoreline between The Farm Beach and Bass Point Reserve.
Predator and Pellet Collection
The identification of prey remains, in predator scats and raptor/owl pellets is an efficient sampling
technique for prey animals, some of which may not be detected using other survey techniques. In
addition, the recording of predator or non-predator scats constitutes records for the species that deposits
the scat. Due to the unknown 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. Lunney et al. (2002) showed that on average feral dogs and Foxes
defecate within a 2km radius of the site of prey ingestion.
Nine Fox and one Feral Dog scat in addition to 32 Black-shouldered Kite pellets from below a well-used
roost were collected, placed in paper envelopes, labelled and sent to specialist Barbara Triggs for
analysis. Skeletal remains were identified where possible and 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.
Searches of Sea Caves
All sea caves along the rocky shoreline were visited either by land or sea approach and searched for
cave-dwelling bats and other fauna.
110
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Sea caves checked for cave-dwelling bats, south of The Farm Beach.
Killalea Lagoon
The open water and shoreline margins of Killalea Lagoon were scanned for waterbirds on at least one
occasion during all days present within the park in the current survey.
Rangoon Island
Seabirds and other fauna present were investigated by walking around the island’s shoreline and
accessible sections of the plateau on one day in October. Further, as mentioned above two remote
cameras were set for a three month period on the island to investigate the potential presence of
introduced rodents and other more cryptic fauna.
Minnamurra River mouth and Mystics Beach
The beach areas of Minnamurra estuary and Mystics Beach and exposed intertidal sandflats within the
Minnamurra River estuary were routinely scanned for birds, including a variety of potentially nesting
threatened shorebird species during most visits to the park during the current survey.
Rocky shoreline and associated swamps
The rocky shorelines and associated wetlands between The Farm Beach and Bass Point Reserve were
searched for waterbirds and other wildlife on one day in October.
Rocky areas
Slopes with rock outcrops, particularly with a north-east to north-west aspect east of Killalea Lagoon were
scanned for active reptiles and loose rocks investigated for sheltering individuals on one day in October.
Grassland and low weedy areas
Grasslands and low weedy areas were searched during all visits for birds which may be confined to these
habitats; for example quail species, Latham’s Snipe, White-fronted Chat, Golden-headed Cisticola,
111
The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
Australasian Pipit, Tawny Grassbird and various finches. Many of these species are confined to such
habitats which are becoming rarer within the region.
Survey of Winter-flowering Trees
Flowering Coast Banksia and Forest Red Gum were checked on the two winter survey days for the
presence of nectarivorous threatened species such as the Swift Parrot and Little Lorikeet. Surveys
involved listening for calls and scanning flowering trees with binoculars.
Incidental Records
Incidental records are point localities of fauna encountered opportunistically during the survey. This is an
opportunity to augment the number of records of species that are not well sampled by systematic or
targeted survey techniques, such as large ground mammals, raptors, non-vocalising birds and secretive
or cryptic species. The date, time, observer, map grid location (usually obtained from a GPS) and
microhabitat of the animal was recorded on a data sheet.
Survey Timing
The fauna survey was conducted undertaken over 14 days between July 2014 and January 2015:
a) Two daytime and evening visits in winter (8 July and 7 August 2014).
Aim: Targeted search for waterbirds of Killalea Lagoon, Minnamurra River estuary and mouth, Mystics
Beach plus incidental records of other species with an emphasis on winter bird migrants including
searching winter-flowering trees for the Swift Parrot and Little Lorikeet. Also collection of Blackshouldered Kite pellets from a known roost and search for grassland birds in rank grassland and low
weedy areas.
b) Main survey in mid spring (7 to 11 October 2014).
Aim: Systematic survey across the park, including Rangoon Island; targeted search for waterbirds of
Killalea Lagoon, Minnamurra River estuary and mouth, Mystics Beach; search for cave-dwelling bats in
sea caves which required a water-based approach; search for grassland birds in rank grassland and low
weedy areas; collection of predator scats and Black-shouldered Kite pellets plus incidental records of
other species with an emphasis on passage bird migrants, summer bird migrants and reptiles.
c) Three daytime late spring visits (29 October, 6 and 18 November 2014).
Aim: On 29 October systematic survey of three rocky shoreline sites; targeted investigation of rocky
shoreline between The Farm Beach and the Bass Point Reserve. Also targeted search for waterbirds of
Killalea Lagoon, Minnamurra River estuary and mouth, Mystics Beach; search for cave-dwelling bats in
sea caves with a land approach; search for grassland birds in rank grassland and low weedy areas;
search for reptiles on rocky outcrops east of The Farm Beach; collection of predator scats plus incidental
records of other species with an emphasis on late-returning summer bird migrants as well as incidental
searches for reptiles in non-systematic sites.
The other two days in November were targeted at determining whether the Australian Pied Oystercatcher
was nesting in the park as well as collecting incidental records and a targeted search of waterbirds at
Killalea Lagoon and search for grassland birds in rank grassland and low weedy areas.
d) Targeted frog survey (4 and 16 December 2014).
Aim: Targeted frog survey by Garry Daly at Killalea Lagoon and other wetland areas in the park, plus the
collection of other incidental records.
e) One daytime mid-summer visit (13 January 2015).
Aim: To investigate the potential presence of shorebirds around the edges of Killalea Lagoon.
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The Wildlife of Killalea State Park
f) One mid-summer visit to Rangoon Island (25 January 2015).
Aim: To take out the two remote cameras which had been left in situ since the October visit.
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