Threatened Species and Communities
Over 500 fauna and flora species and ecological communities are listed as threatened under Victorian legislation (Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988). Many more are included in DSE's Threatened Species Advisory Lists (over 250 animals and 1800 plants). Reasons for their decline include the loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat due to clearing for agriculture, urban development, timber harvesting, weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes, grazing, climate change, and alteration to flows and temperature regimes in rivers. Competition for resources and predation by introduced species (e.g. fox, cats, rabbits, trout) have also had a significant effect on many species. Effective management of these processes is required to ensure the survival of threatened species and communities into the future. This management needs to be based on information obtained via ecological research.
Key projects (with details below)
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For information on earlier projects including fauna recovery plans, the Alpine Stonefly and fires in 2003, population modelling software and Spot-tailed Quoll surveys using hair-tubes and cameras see the Threatened Species and Communities - past projects page
| Detecting Smoky Mouse Populations in Victoria The Smoky Mouse Pseudomys fumeus is a small native rodent restricted to mainland south-eastern Australia, and is a nationally listed threatened species. In Victoria its distribution is highly fragmented with populations recorded in the Grampians, Otway Ranges, Central and Eastern Highlands, and coastal East Gippsland. Whether the Smoky Mouse still persists in all these areas is unknown; in East Gippsland and the Otway Ranges the most recent surveys failed to detect it. Extensive wildfires in 2006 and 2007 burnt a number of areas where Smoky Mice were known to occur. In 2008, ARI surveyed two sites each in the Grampians and Central Highlands to determine the current status of populations. Elliot traps, hair-tubes and automatic heat and motion-triggered cameras were used to identify the most suitable technique for detecting this species. Smoky Mice were found at one site in the Grampians, where they were last recorded in 2002 and which had been partly burnt in 2006. However, the species was not detected from the other site where it was last recorded in 2004. In the Central Highlands, where Smoky Mice were last detected in 1989, they were found at one site, which had been burnt in 2007. These results indicate that although some populations appear to have declined, others had survived wildfire events. Hair-tubes and cameras were more effective than Elliot traps; in some locations no animals were trapped even though they were detected by cameras and hair-tubes. Cameras were the most efficient and cost-effective, and when combined with appropriate statistical analyses, will be a powerful monitoring technique. The availability of food and suitable cover for Smoky Mice is strongly influenced by fire, although the appropriate interval between fires that promotes high quality habitat for the species is not well understood. Ongoing monitoring of the sites in the Grampians and Central Highlands where Smoky Mice were detected, would help identify a suitable burning regime that could be used during management of the species. For further information contact Jenny.Nelson@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |    |
| Distribution of the Threatened Pale Mangrove Goby The Pale Mangrove Goby (Mugilogobius platynotus) is Victoria’s only threatened estuarine species. It is unclear whether this species occurs throughout the distribution of mangroves in Victoria, or whether it is restricted to small pockets. The species has previously been found at only a few locations in Western Port Bay, always in association with mangroves that are close to freshwater inputs (e.g. tributaries, drainages). The biology and ecology of the Pale Mangrove Goby was recently reviewed and the distribution of this species in Western Port Bay and Port Phillip Bay, central Victoria, re-investigated. Large stands of mangrove habitat also occur in other parts of Victoria, such as south Gippsland, and these regions also need to be sampled to properly assess the state-wide distribution of this species Mangroves play a crucial role in the maintenance of water quality, nutrient processing and sediment stabilisation and are also critical habitat for many fish and invertebrates. Mangroves are flooded only during high tide periods for lengths of time generally less than 3 hours. Only one species of mangrove (Avicennia marina) occurs naturally in Victoria, where it is at its southern-most latitude in the world. These habitats are at risk from sea level rises and extraction of freshwater, and there is a need for better understanding of the ecology of these unique ecosystems. Pale Mangrove Gobies occur almost exclusively within mangrove forests, and as such must be able to withstand periods of exposure as the tide falls. It is uncertain where the gobies go when this occurs, but it is suspected that they bury themselves in the mud, seek refuge in crab burrows, or shelter in small puddles of water beneath mangrove trees. During the current study, 20 sites within mangrove stands were sampled throughout Western Port and Port Phillip Bays. Pale Mangrove Gobies were found around the western and northern regions of Western Port, and were most abundant around Hastings. Gobies were also caught around the north-western area of French island, but were not found in mangroves of Phillip Island. None were found in Port Phillip Bay. This study was funded by Melbourne Water. For further information contact Jeremy.S.Hindell@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |   |
| Research in Coastal Moonah Woodland The threatened plant community Coastal Moonah Woodland (Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988) belongs to the Ecological Vegetation Class Coastal Alkaline Scrub (EVC 858). It occurs on the swales, lower slopes and upper south-facing slopes of coastal dune systems that are alkaline and usually derived from calcarenite. Coastal Moonah Woodland varies structurally and may occur as low forest or shrubland. Classic, mature examples of the plant community are dominated by Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata subsp. lanceolata) trees that are often twisted by the wind into fascinating shapes. However, in addition to Moonah, Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorus), or some combination of these can also form the canopy. Several threatened understorey plant species are often supported in high quality remnants. Much of Coastal Moonah Woodland has been cleared or fragmented, leaving remnants that have been degraded by weed invasion and recreational activities. Currently it covers less than 10% of its original distribution in Victoria. A research program on the Mornington Peninsula commenced in 2004, and is providing information on plant community dynamics that will contribute to better management of Coastal Moonah Woodland around the state. The program includes botanical surveys, monitoring sites, review of historical literature, Geospatial Information System (GIS) mapping and experimental trials of regeneration methods. The program aims to achieve:
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| Recovery Plans for Threatened Flora Recovery Plans have been written or are being prepared for over 140 individual flora species, including more than 60 on nationally threatened orchids. Plans contain details on general biology, estimated population sizes, distribution and specific site locations for each species as well as an assessment of existing and potential threats to their long-term survival. Each Plan includes recommended management and recovery actions designed to ensure their conservation. Completed Plans are periodically reviewed. The overall objective of Recovery Plans is to establish a framework to minimise the probability of extinction of each threatened flora species in the wild, and to increase the probability of populations becoming self-sustaining in the long term. These documents are an important management tool used to monitor and manage our threatened species. They also play a major role in providing data for the Actions for Biodiversity Conservation information database established by DSE. Recovery Plans for the Grampian Pincushion-lily Borya mirabilis and 25 orchid species are currently under review and new Plans are being prepared for the Leafy Greenhood Pterostylis cucullata, Small Snake Orchid Diuris pedunculata, Gaping Leek-orchid Prasophyllum correctum, Adamson’s Agrostis Agrostis adamsonii, and Tall Astelia Astelia australiana. The Gaping Leek-orchid has the most restricted distribution, only occurring at two sites on the Gippsland Plains. Completed recovery plans are available from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website For further information contact Fiona Coates research.ari@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |    |
| Victorian Threatened Orchid Recovery Program Various activities are in progress to aid the recovery of populations of threatened orchids. Statewide, the implementation of Recovery Plans is underway for more than 60 orchid species. This includes conducting demographic censuses of orchid populations, devising and implementing measures to protect orchid populations from predators and liaising with horticultural researchers to develop techniques for conserving species in cultivation. Orchid monitoring protocols are being developed in response to an increase in on-ground monitoring conducted by regional DSE staff. These protocols will include a range of techniques that will, among others, allow particular questions at a population level to be addressed while detailing methods for analysing monitoring data for a species at a statewide level. It is critical that all monitoring programs are efficient, targeted, coordinated and scientifically robust, so that data analysis and management decisions can be confidently made at a population, regional, and species level. The monitoring protocols will be specifically referred to in future recovery plans. Staff regularly attend, present or contribute to papers at local and international orchid-specific conferences covering genetics and molecular biology, population biology and ecology and conservation planning. The program of work towards threatened orchid recovery is recognised as leading orchid conservation in south-eastern Australia, and has secured considerable funding from the federal Department of the Environment and Water Resources and from the Australian Research Council. In 2006 this program was the proud winner of the Banksia Environmental Foundation Banksia Award in the Land and Biodiversity category. For further information contact Fiona Coates research.ari@dse.vic.gov.au Results of a long-term study on the Gaping Leek-orchid are now available:
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| Spot-tailed Quoll Surveys in the Otway Ranges Spot-tailed Quolls Dasyurus maculatus are forest-dependent marsupial carnivores that are classified as ‘Endangered’ in Victoria as well as nationally. The Otway Ranges in south west Victoria were once considered to be the stronghold of this species in the state. However, over the past decade, there have been very few records in the area indicating that numbers have declined. The Otway Ranges population has been identified as an ‘important population’ in the draft national recovery plan (Long and Nelson 2007). Consequently a broad-scale survey of the area was undertaken to determine the current distribution and status of the population. Heat and motion-triggered cameras were used to survey potential Spot-tailed Quoll habitat, with two cameras set 500m apart at each of 51 sites, covering a total area of 5,100 ha Cameras were set near large meat baits, used as an attractant, and left in place for three to four weeks. This survey method has been widely used overseas for a range of carnivore species. Trials conducted in East Gippsland have shown that it is also a useful survey tool for Spot-tailed Quolls, which are particularly difficult to detect, as well as for introduced carnivores such as foxes and feral cats, species that may threaten quoll populations through competition for food or possibly predation. Eleven species of mammal, including two introduced carnivores, and eight species of bird were detected during the survey. The most commonly recorded species were feral cats (at 82% of sites) and Bush Rats (at 63% of sites). Spot-tailed Quolls were not detected. These results indicate that quolls, if present, occur at extremely low densities and confirms that the Otway Ranges population has undergone a significant decline. The combination of no records of quolls and the very high number of feral cat records must be considered a major concern for the long-term conservation of quolls in this area. For further information contact Jenny.Nelson@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |    |
| Rehabilitation of Instream Habitat for Trout Cod in Seven Creeks Victoria’s only known self-sustaining population of Trout Cod Maccullochella macquariensis is primarily confined to a 10km section in the upper reaches of Seven Creeks, near Euroa. This section runs through steep granitic gorge country where a granite and large boulder substrate provide good quality habitat. Below this there are substantially lower gradients, decreased water depth and a sand substrate that provides little habitat diversity. Years of riparian vegetation clearing and unrestricted stock grazing has resulted in bank damage and reduced bank stability leading to an increase in sand loads (mobilised during flood events). This has reduced habitat complexity and deeper water refuges that are needed to provide critical habitat during summer when water temperatures are high and flows low. This has been exacerbated by extraction of water to supply nearby towns. A series of waterfalls restricts movement of Trout Cod from this degraded section into better quality habitat upstream. Rehabilitation of degraded habitat (in conjunction with a monitoring program) aim to improve the status of the population and increase understanding of Trout Cod ecology in this system. The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority have undertaken works such as fencing, erosion control works and resnagging (placing large logs and branches into the stream) to improve the quality of the instream and riparian habitat. ARI scientists have surveyed the instream habitat, Trout Cod numbers and macroinvertebrate communities prior to the rehabilitation works and are currently evaluating their effectiveness in increasing the fish population size. Monitoring of instream habitat suggest that some deeper water refuges are being provided to Trout Cod and habitat diversity has increased within the rehabilitation areas. To monitor Trout Cod movement, 70 individuals have been implanted with PIT tags (like those used for identification of domestic pets) and data loggers are currently being installed in the creek to record information from tagged fish. This will help determine the degree of fish movement into the degraded section as well as the importance of factors such as water flow and temperature to fish movement. For further information contact Jarod.Lyon@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |    |
| Threatened Alpine Herpetofauna There is currently one frog and six lizard species restricted to the Victorian alpine bioregion that are considered threatened at a national and/or state level. Grazing pressure (cows and feral horses), development of ski resort infrastructure, disease, and climate change are considered potentially detrimental to existing populations. To effectively conserve these species, thorough knowledge of their distribution and ecology is required. Collection of this information has included broad-scale surveys, development of monitoring protocols and taxon-specific surveys. With a particular focus on the Alpine She-oak Skink Cyclodomorphus praealtus, the use of artificial cover objects (roof tiles) as a survey and monitoring technique is being evaluated. This involves determining the suitability of this technique as a long-term monitoring tool of known populations, its ability to detect new populations, and whether it is a viable technique for investigating the impact of threatening processes on select populations. The surveys determine detection probabilities and site occupancy for this species. More than 50 sites have been established on the Omeo Plains, Bogong High Plains, the Mt Hotham area and on Mt Buller. Alpine She-oak Skinks have been detected on the Omeo Plains, Bogong High Plains, and in the Mt Hotham area, and two other threatened reptiles; Guthega Skink Egernia guthega and Alpine Bog Skink Pseudemoia cryodroma have also been detected beneath tiles. Problems with weather-related damage to tiles has lead to a current trial using tiles made from different material. The use of tiles as a survey technique is considered an effective way to gather information useful for conservation management. A number of survey sites were burnt during the 2006-2007 bushfires and will be the subject of fire-related research. For more information contact Nick.Clemann@dse.vic.gov.au Page Top |    |
| Alpine Tree Frog Monitoring Much has been written in the last decade on the observed world-wide decline of frogs, and the possible reasons for this phenomenon. In this context, it is important to know how best to assess fluctuations in frog populations, for their effective management and conservation. Frogs with narrow geographical ranges, generally those in upland areas, are more likely to be threatened or in decline. The Alpine Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii alpina is a high-altitude species that is listed nationally as Vulnerable and Critically Endangered in Victoria. Historically, the Alpine Tree Frog was widespread and abundant across most of the high country of mainland south-eastern Australia. However, since the mid-1980s it has disappeared from much of its former range, so there is a clear need to develop reliable and cost-effective techniques for population monitoring. Surveys of water-bodies in three parts of the historical distribution of the Alpine Tree Frog in Victoria were conducted to determine probabilities of detection for adults and tadpoles. Call surveys and spotlight surveys were used to detect adult frogs, and visual surveys and funnel trapping surveys were used for detecting tadpoles. Tadpole surveys were found to be very reliable, and considerably better than surveys for adult frogs. For further information contact Geoff.Brown@dse.vic.gov.au A journal article based on this work is available: Brown, G.W., Scroggie, M.P., Smith, M.J. and Steane, D. (2007) An evaluation of methods for monitoring the population status of the threatened Alpine Tree Frog Litoria verreauxii alpina in south-eastern Australia. Copeia 2007(3): 765-770 Page Top |    |
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