Research Reports

Little Penguin Eudyptula minor at Middle Island, Western Victoria: Current Status

Rebecca L Overeem and Robert L Wallis

Abstract
We examined the status of the Little Penguin Eudyptula minor at Middle Island on the west coast of Victoria during the species’ 1999/2000 breeding season. The vegetated upper surface of the island had 292 occupied burrows at a density of 0.02/m². Peak dusk arrival occurred in January with 502 penguins coming ashore during a one-hour period. Little Penguins at Middle Island displayed important differences in breeding ecology from penguins in other Australian colonies. Early breeding combined with heavier adult and chick weights resulted in high breeding success. However, as Middle Island is a popular destination for day visitors, during the 1999/2000 Little Penguin breeding season, tourism was found to cause detrimental effects, including deaths of some eggs and chicks. There are also concerns for the conservation of the Little Penguin colony as foxes or dogs may readily access the island.
(The Victorian Naturalist 120 (3), 2003, 76-83)

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Survey of the Reptile Fauna Inhabiting the Mt Meg Flora and Fauna Reserve, North-east Victoria

Geoffrey Heard and Dennis Black

Abstract
A survey of reptiles inhabiting a 5 km² study area incorporating the Mt Meg Flora and Fauna Reserve in north-eastern Victoria was conducted between September 2000 and March 2001. The study area was traversed systematically every week and diurnal observations used to detect reptiles that were either active or sheltering within microhabitats such as rock crevices, fallen timber or human rubbish. Fourteen reptile species were located. A further two species are known from this study area yet were not recorded. Large, diurnal species such as the Lace Monitor Varanus varius and Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus were most frequently encountered. Other notable records include Burton’s Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis (considered regionally uncommon) and the Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei (listed as Endangered within Victoria). Composition of the reptile assemblage is discussed in terms of biogeographic and site-specific habitat associations.
(The Victorian Naturalist 120 (3), 2003, 84-91)

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Contributions

First Record of Burrow Use by the Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus

Inka Veltheim

Abstract
Within the family Potoroidae, which includes potoroos and bettongs, only one species, the Burrowing Bettong, Bettongia lesueur, is known to construct and regularly inhabit burrows. This is the first reported incident of burrow use by the Long-nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus. Two individuals, one male and one female, were found to enter a burrow on separate occasions. The observations were made during a study into habitat use of P. tridactylus at the Ralph Illidge Sanctuary, Naringal East, in south-western Victoria.
(The Victorian Naturalist 120 (3), 2003, 92-93)

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Distribution and Density of the Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis
Along a Remote Coastline in North West Tasmania

Mark Antos

Abstract
The Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, on the north-west coast of Tasmania, provides many kilometres of ocean beach habitat for the vulnerable Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis. Hooded Plovers were surveyed along a 43.5 km section of coast which included both rocky shores and sandy beaches. They were absent from the rocky portion of the coastline (17.0 km), but 65 individuals were recorded along the sandy portion of coastline (26.5 km). The recorded population density of 2.45 birds/km compares favourably with reported mean densities for most parts of south-eastern Australia. Careful management and monitoring are required if the current numbers of the Hooded Plover in this area are to be maintained.
(The Victorian Naturalist 120 (3), 2003, 94-97)

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Some Recent Strategic Additions to Victoria’s Protected Area System 1997-2002

James A Fitzsimons and Chris Ashe

Abstract
The development of a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system is an objective of all Australian states and territories. In Victoria, land purchase is one means of increasing the reservation levels of some of the State’s most endangered ecosystems. This article outlines the biological features of some new land purchases for addition to the Victorian protected area system.
(The Victorian Naturalist 120 (3), 2003, 98-108)

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