History Symposium

Abstract
The history of the FNCV Geology Group from 1880 to 2005 is presented. This includes an account of the origins of the FNCV Geology Group, the geological activities in the early days and the competition with alternative geological forums for members. A case study is given of the involvement of Charles Brittlebank and the FNCV in the elucidation of the Bacchus Marsh glacial sediments. This paper provides detail of notable geological contributors to the FNCV such as TS Hall, Frederick Chapman, ED Gill, Tom Hart, Alf Baker, Jack Douglas, Neil Archbold and Noel Schleiger; it finishes with a description of recent activities of the group under the leadership of Rob Hamson.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2), 2006, 100-111)

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Research Report

Canid predation: a potentially significant threat to relic populations of
the Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei (Pythonidae) in Victoria

Geoffrey W Heard, Peter Robertson, Dennis Black, Geoffrey Barrow,
Peter Johnson, Victor Hurley and Geoffrey Allen

Abstract
 In Victoria’s contemporary rural environments, introduced predators may represent the principal predatory threat to many large, non-venomous reptile species. We present circumstantial evidence that introduced canids are predators of the Inland Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei, using data collected during a radio-telemetric study of the sub-species’ ecology across northern Victoria. Seven pythons (23% of those tracked) were killed by predators during the study, and evidence collected during transmitter retrieval suggested that foxes or wild dogs were involved in six of these cases (the seventh having been eaten by a goanna). Evidence includes the recovery of transmitters from fox den sites, their partial burial in several cases (consistent with caching behaviour) and damage to each transmitter consistent with chewing by a fox or dog (teeth marks in the silicon coating, puncture of the metal housing). Given the abundance of canids (specifically foxes) within these study sites, their ability to prey on carpet pythons, and evidence of their involvement with these predation events, we conclude that canid predation was the primary cause of death for each of these six snakes, and represents a potentially significant issue for carpet python conservation in Victoria. Suggestions for canid control programs and habitat management to minimise this threat to remaining populations of this endangered snake are offered.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2) 2006, 68-74)

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Contributions

The flora of Highbury Park, Burwood East

Steve Sinclair

Abstract
The vegetation that once covered Melbourne’s eastern suburbs has largely been removed, leaving only tiny remnant fragments, most of which are modified by weeds. This report is a descriptive account of the vascular flora of a small but relatively high-quality site in East Burwood. Basic floristic information is recorded, along with a brief discussion of the variation in vegetation patterns in the immediate area. Such descriptive accounts may be useful in future restoration projects. Several taxa of particular note are discussed, including the locally uncommon Shiny Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia induta, a double-flowered form of Golden Weather-glass Hypoxis hygrometrica, and several putative hybrids. A full species list is provided.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2) 2006, 75-83)

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The Barwon Estuary – an example of the estuarine management situation in Victoria

Sadiqul Awal

Abstract
The importance of Australian estuaries is well established. However, the management of these estuaries is not receiving appropriate attention. This paper examines the management situation of estuaries in Australia through a catchment level assessment of the Barwon estuary. The study finds that there are potential gaps between the relevant management agencies. The study identifies the reasons for these gaps. The study also reveals that there are many opportunities through which estuaries could be managed very effectively. The study finally suggests the effective management approach for estuaries in Australia.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2), 2006, 84-90)

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Distribution and habitat requirements of the Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes
at multiple scales: a review

Luke T Kelly

Abstract
This review synthesises present knowledge of the distribution patterns and habitat requirements of the Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes. Factors influencing the distribution of A. flavipes are examined at several spatial scales ranging from the broad climatic conditions prevalent over the species’ entire range to the characteristics of nest sites used by individual animals. Analysis of the literature suggests that: 1) at the broad-scale, A. flavipes distribution is largely determined by warm, dry climatic conditions, the distribution of dry forests and woodlands and competition with closely related species; 2) at the landscape-scale the determinants of A. flavipes distribution are largely unknown, although initial investigations suggest some tolerance of fragmented landscapes; and 3) at a local-scale the distribution of A. flavipes is largely determined by the presence of large diameter trees, tree hollows, coarse woody debris, rocky crevices and leaf-litter. Directions for future research are suggested throughout the review.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2), 2006, 91-100)

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