Witchelina Reserve
Twenty-five EBS Ecology staff and volunteers embarked on Witchelina 18th October – 2nd November 2011 to conduct the largest and most comprehensive flora and fauna survey of the Reserve to date. Witchellina was purchased in 2010 for inclusion under the National Reserve System and is owned and managed by Nature Foundation SA. At over 4,200 square kilometres, it is twice the size of metropolitan Adelaide and forms an impressively sized link as part of the world's first transcontinental wildlife corridor being created through the heart of Australia's outback, between Port Augusta and Arnhem Land.
The purpose of the field work conducted by EBS Ecology was to survey the key land systems, environments and habitats of the Reserve, building on existing species lists, gathering information on the distribution of flora and fauna species, and assessing current environmental conditions. All the major land-systems of the Reserve were represented. In time, the aim is record data on the long-term improvement of the property as it recovers from pastoralism.
Just under 800 captures of small mammals, reptiles and frogs were made, with many more observations of animals, as well as records of scats, tracks and diggings. Some species identifications are still being confirmed by the SA Museum, but initial results suggest that overall just under 200 species of mammals, reptiles, frogs and birds were recorded.
Noteworthy species important due to their threatened conservation status either at State or National levels, include the Plains Mouse (Pseudomys australis), Thick-billed Grasswren (Amytornis textilis modestus), Musk Duck (Biziura lobata), and Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon). Although not endangered, the capture of a Gwarder (Pseudonaja mengdeni) was also important as there have only been few records of the species in South Australia. Nearly all animals recorded were in good condition, with many showing signs of recent breeding – likely a result of the exceptional conditions of the region over the last few years.
Some plant vouchers are still being confirmed with the State Herbarium, but initial results suggest over 150 native plant species, and 14 exotic species were recorded. The State Rare Australian Broomrape (Orobanche cernua australiana) was recorded in dune habitat in the southern areas.
EBS will finish collating the data and produce a survey report, and then focus on writing a management plan for the Reserve with recommendations on future flora and fauna surveys and on-going monitoring to obtain fundamental data on the Reserves’ recovery over time.
EBS Ecology would like to sincerely thank all volunteers who contributed to making this field work such a success.
For more information on Witchellina: http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/getting-involved/case-studies/witchelina.html
To learn more and support Nature Foundation SA: http://www.naturefoundation.org.au/
