Research Reports

Mountain Swamp Gum Eucalyptus camphora at Yellingbo State Nature Reserve:
Habitat Use by the Endangered Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix
and Implications for Management

Jennie Pearce

Abstract
Within the Yellingbo State Nature Reserve, breeding neighbourhoods of the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops cassidix are found within patches of Mountain Swamp Gum Eucalyptus camphora vegetation characterised by trees of small girth spaced closely together, within standing water. These patches are scattered throughout a more open E. camphora matrix. Little is known regarding the regeneration ecology of E. camphora, or how stand structure is affected by site conditions such as waterlogging. This study used dendrochronology techniques to assess the hypothesis that Helmeted Honeyeaters occupy younger patches of vegetation within an older matrix. It was found that trees within both Helmeted Honeyeater habitat and the surrounding matrix were approximately the same age. Stand structure therefore appears to be related to prevailing site conditions, with Helmeted Honeyeaters occupying stands that are growing within the more waterlogged sites. These results are discussed in relation to the known features of E. camphora regeneration ecology to determine management strategies that will encourage the expansion of suitable Helemeted Honeyeater habitat within the Reserve.
(The Victorian Naturalist, 117 (3), 2000, 84-92.)
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Identification of Cypress-pines (Callitris Species) at Terrick Terrick National Park, Victoria

David Parker, Ian Lunt and Robyn Adams

Abstract
Some confusion surrounds the identity of Callitris species in Terrick Terrick National Park, due to the presence of trees with glaucous or green foliage. Some studies have reported just one species, C. glaucophylla, whilst others have recorded two common species, C. glaucophylla and C. gracilis. We investigated the identity of Callitris species in the reserve, and compared ecological differences in habitats and growth-rates between the two colour forms. All collected cones were identified as C. glaucophylla, thereby indicating the presence of one species only. There was no evidence of ecological differentiation between the two forms, and both occurred in mixed stands across a similar range of soils. The mean girth of trees of both colour forms was virtually identical, indicating that both have grown at the same rate since regenerating last century. We conclude that the two forms represent different forms of C. glaucophylla, rather than two different species. Callitris gracilis should be omitted from reserve species lists unless particular trees are unambiguously identified by cone characteristics.
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (3), 2000, 93-95.)
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Contribution

After the 1983 Wildfire: the Anglesea Vegetation Regeneration Project – How it Grew

Margaret C. Wark

Angair Inc. (Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna)

Abstract
This paper describes how a long-term, low-cost study of the regeneration of vegetation in the Anglesea/Aireys Inlet region of the Eastern Otway Ranges, Victoria, following the devastating wildfire of February 1983 (Ash Wednesday) was organised and sustained over 10 years. The project was carried out entirely by volunteers and the results have now been published in the scientific literature. The study increased knowledge of the flora of the region and how it responds to wildfire. It also provided data to support submissions to protect, and preserve for the public, significant areas of indigenous local vegetation, as well as information to assist in the future planning of conservation management.
(The Victorian Naturalist 117 (3), 2000, 96-106.)
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