Surveys for arboreal mammals, Long-Footed Potoroo and Spiny ...

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Mountain Creek upstream and downstream of the point where the informal walking track meets the stream. The stream was found to be particularly shallow, and it was very difficult to locate pools deep enough (ie greater than 15cm) in order to place the box traps. Nonetheless, 10 traps were set and left in situ for approximately 3 hours. Results None of traps yielded any crayfish (neither Orbost Spiny Crayfish or Bidawal Spiny Crayfish) or any species of fish. Surveys of this type also usually yield freshwater amphipods or shrimp, but neither of these were detected. Active hand searching also failed to detect any crayfish. Brown Mountain Creek is a first-order creek that lacks a great deal of complexity in terms of both instream structure and deep pools, both of which tend to be important to freshwater crayfish in the genus Euastacus. The habitat present was considered to be sub-optimal for Orbost Spiny Crayfish. No Spiny Crayfish were detected at the site and the habitat at the site was assessed as unlikely to provide the appropriate habitat. However, Spiny Crayfish can also be hard to find, especially as steam levels had dropped through the summer. Further survey work is recommended to clarify both the presence of freshwater crayfish in the catchment and the identity of species present. CONCLUSIONS The survey program produced the following key results: 1. Sufficient Greater Gliders and Yellow-bellied Gliders were detected to achieve the thresholds for a high density population of these species as stipulated in the “Conservation Guideline – Arboreal Mammals” within the East Gippsland Forest Area Management Plan. 2. No Long-footed Potoroos were detected. 3. No Orbost Spiny Crayfish were detected. Spotlight surveys were conservative estimates of the numbers of animals actually present. The consistent detection of high numbers of Greater Gliders and Yellowbellied Gliders confirms that the site supports a high density population. 10
Given the relatively short amount of time available for the surveys of Long-footed Potoroo and the presence of nearby records and suitable habitat, it is possible that a more intensive and longer survey may record the species at the site. Further survey may also detect Orbost Spincy Crayfish, however, the habitat was considered to be sub-optimal for the species. 11
Page 1 and 2: Surveys for arboreal mammals, Long-
Page 3 and 4: SURVEYS FOR ARBOREAL MAMMALS, LONG-
Page 5 and 6: DSE undertook extensive flora and f
Page 7 and 8: No invertebrates are listed in Advi
Page 9 and 10: Results Summary of animals detected
Page 11: Results The remote cameras were act

Surveys for arboreal mammals, Long-Footed Potoroo and Spiny ...

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