Research Report

The bird communities of Berry Jerry State Forest and The Rock Nature Reserve near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales in 1975-1981 and 1995-2003

Michael J Murphy

Abstract
A study of the bird communities of two public reserves near Wagga Wagga on the NSW South Western Slopes recorded 127 species including 26 woodland species considered to be declining in the region (seven of which are currently listed as threatened under NSW state legislation) and 49 woodland species at risk of decline, as well as a range of agricultural species and waterbirds. Ninety- three species were recorded in Berry Jerry State Forest and 108 species in The Rock Nature Reserve, with 74 species found in both. Differences between the bird communities of the two reserves are in part a reflection of the different habitats available, with Berry Jerry State Forest supporting a diverse aquatic bird community in addition to the terrestrial bird community. Species in the ‘declining’ and ‘at risk’ categories made up approximately two thirds of the terrestrial bird communities of both reserves, and both reserves are considered to be close to losing a number of these species. Comparison of records from 1995-2003 and 1975-1981 suggests that Berry Jerry State Forest may have lost four species of its declining woodland bird community (Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata, Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis, White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus and Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata) over the past two decades. Both Berry Jerry State Forest and The Rock Nature Reserve are considered to be of regional significance for bird conservation. A combination of local- and regional-scale management actions is necessary if they are to maintain viable bird communities. (The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 4-18).

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 7. The genus Triandrophyllum Fulf. & Hatch

David Meagher

Abstract
Triandrophyllum subtrifidum (Hook.f. & Tayl.) Fulf. & Hatch. var. subtrifidum is known in Victoria from a single site, on the WestTyers River. The species is described and illustrated, and its conservation status is discussed. (The Victorian Naturalist 124(1), 2004, 48-51

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Distribution, frequency and density of the weed Achillea millefolium Yarrow in the Snowy Mountains, Australia

Frances Johnston, Wendy Hill and Catherine Marina Pickering

Abstract
This paper examines the distribution of Yarrow Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), in the Snowy Mountains. Location data from species specific surveys, field experiments and 18 general vegetation surveys were mapped in relation to altitude/floristic zone, climatic parameters (rainfall and temperature) and location of roads and tracks. Achillea millefolium is less common with increasing altitude and benefits from human disturbance. Using all location data, Yarrow was found at 376 sites; nearly all associated with human disturbance (91% of sites) mostly road or trail verges (72%) and around buildings and other ski tourism infrastructure. It occurred along ~100 km of public access roads, management trails and walking tracks, from the tableland to the alpine zone (800 m to 2100 m altitude). The general vegetation surveys, however, indicate that although it can be found in 15% of disturbed sites, it is uncommon in undisturbed vegetation (4%). Yarrow occurred at high density around buildings and low density along walking tracks in the species specific surveys. The distribution of A. millefolium demonstrates that human disturbance provides favourable habitats for weeds even in mountains. Although its distribution was affected by altitude, A. millefolium was able to establish and grow on some of the highest mountains in Australia, along tracks. Increased disturbances as well as climate change are likely to facilitate its spread. (The Victorian Naturalist, 124 (1), 2007, 52-63)

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Contributions

Decline in numbers of the Little Penguin Eudyptula minor
at Middle Island, Warrnambool, Victoria

Rebecca Overeem and Robert Wallis

Abstract
Throughout the six years till 2005 Little Penguins Eudyptula minor at Middle Island, Warrnambool, have been subjected to intense fox predation. The population of the Little Penguin at Middle Island is now dangerously low, with a reduction from 342 active burrows in 1999 to the current 52 active burrows, and from 502 to 4 Little Penguins arriving at the colony after dusk. Such a reduction in numbers requires urgent management measures in order for the colony to survive. (The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 19-22)

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An exercise in lichenometry at Point Lonsdale

Noel Schleiger

Abstract
The growth of a white crustose lichen growing on concrete gravestones at the Point Lonsdale Cemetery was investigated. It was found that the growth rate of the lichen could be determined by using the date on the headstone, and that larger lichens tended to have a greater rate of growth. Orientation of the longest lichen axis was non-random and appears to be related to the direction of rain-bearing winds. (The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 23-26)

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Heidelberg mistletoes revisited: decadal changes in the distribution of Creeping Mistletoe Muellerina eucalyptoides on introduced trees in suburban Melbourne

Gregg Müller

Abstract
Introduced tree hosts of creeping mistletoe in Heidelberg, Victoria, were resurveyed after an interval of ten years. There was substantial turnover of hosts in the decade, and increasing disparity in the density of both infected trees and mistletoes between the elevated western block compared to the adjacent valley slopes to the east, with more than five times the density of infected trees and ten times more mistletoes in the west. Different potential host densities between the sites do not explain the differences in infection rates. (The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 27-32)

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An addition to the snake fauna of Victoria: De Vis’ Banded Snake Denisonia devisi (Serpentes: Elapidae) Waite and Longman

Nick Clemann, Peter Robertson, Dale Gibbons, Geoffrey Heard, David Steane, A John Coventry and Ryan Chick

Abstract
In late November 2005 a survey was carried out for Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarcticus on Lindsay and Wallpolla Islands along the Murray River. No sighting of this species were made but a De Vis’ Banded Snake  Denisonia devisi was collected, representing the first record of the species in Victoria. Further specimens of the snake were recorded locally in other surveys, pointing to the value of baseline survey. Ongoing surveys of herpetofauna are essential and until more is known of the conservation status of De Vis’ Banded Snake in Victoria; caution is recommended regarding landuse that could potentially threaten the species. (The Victorian Naturalist 124 (1), 2007, 33-38)

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