Kotta NCR Management Statement 2005 - Parks Victoria

Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Management Statement
Land Stewardship & Biodiversity
Department of Sustainability and Environment
August 2005

This Management Statement has been written by Hugh Robertson and James
Fitzsimons for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.
This Statement fulfils obligations by the State of Victoria to the Commonwealth of
Australia, which provided financial assistance for the purchase of this reserve under
the National Reserve System program of the Natural Heritage Trust.
©The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in
accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 1 74152 276 5
Disclaimer:
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its
employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is
wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability
for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any
information in this publication.
Cover:
Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis among tussocks of Wallaby Grass
Austrodanthonia sp., Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve (Photo: Hugh Robertson).

1
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Objectives
This Management Statement for the Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve outlines the
reserve’s natural values and the directions for its management in the short to long
term.
The overall operational management objective is:
Maintain, and enhance where appropriate, the condition of the reserve while
allowing natural processes of regeneration, disturbance and succession to occur and
actively initiating these processes where required.
Background and Context
Reason for purchase
Since the implementation of the National Reserve System Program (NRS) in 1992, all
Australian states and territories have been working toward the development of a
comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) system of protected areas.
In a systematic process to increase the reservation levels of Victoria’s most
threatened ecosystems, particularly native grasslands and grassy woodlands, the
Department of Sustainability and Environment’s conservation land purchase
program aims to acquire areas of private land containing high quality samples of
such ecosystems for addition to the reserve system.
A strategic assessment of high quality sites containing grassy ecosystems on the
Victorian Riverina bioregion was completed in 1999 (Todd 1999). Among a number
of sites identified as suitable for voluntary purchase and addition to the protected
area estate, the Kotta grasslands were purchased due to their size and good
condition.
The purchase was assisted with funding from the National Reserve System Program
of the Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust (Project No. N454).
Location
The Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve (Kotta NCR) of 224.21 ha is located at the
northeast corner of Aird and Whitfield Roads, Kotta, approximately 20 km north east
of Mitiamo (Figure 1). It consists of: Crown Allotment 2003, Parish of Turrumberry.
The purchase of the Kotta grasslands was completed on 14 April 2004.
The Kotta grasslands fall within the Riverina IBRA 5.1 bioregion, Victorian Riverina
subregion (Environment Australia 2000) and the Terrick Local Landscape Zone
(Wierzbowski et al. 2002).
Reservation and Management
Kotta NCR was transferred to the Crown on 30 April 2004 and assigned to Parks
Victoria for management on 8 July 2004 (Park Reserve ID 4260). The Kotta NCR is
temporarily reserved for the “preservation of an area of ecological significance”
under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and managed as a Nature Conservation
Reserve.

2
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
The generic management objectives for Nature Conservation Reserves as defined by Parks
Victoria (2003) are:
Nature conservation reserves a) conserve and protect species, communities and
habitats of indigenous plants, animals and other organisms; b) provide for research
and study of the natural environment of the reserve where this is consistent with a)
and there is minimal impact on the reserve; c) provide opportunities for appropriate
enjoyment and recreation and education by the public where this does not conflict
with a); d) protect Aboriginal cultural sites and places; and e) protect historic features
in specific reserves where noted.
Nature conservation reserves are consistent with IUCN Protected Area Category Ia:
Strict Nature Reserve (NRE 1996).
As the purchased land was originally freehold, no Land Conservation Council
(LCC), Environment Conservation Council (ECC) or Victorian Environmental
Assessment Council (VEAC) recommendations apply.
The Crown Land (Reserves) (Nature Conservation Reserve) Regulations 2004 regulate
activities in this reserve.
Natural Values and Condition
Refer to Figure 2 for the location of threatened species recorded in the Atlas of
Victorian Wildlife and Flora Information System 1 .
Vegetation Types
Plains Grassland is the main Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) represented in the
reserve 2 . Plains Grassland is considered endangered in the Victorian Riverina
bioregion and patches of the size present in Kotta NCR are of high priority for
conservation (Todd 1999). Only around 6% (approximately 17,000 ha) of the original
extent of Plains Grassland remains in the Victorian Riverina, with 1,745 ha occurring
in protected areas (DSE 2004). The Northern Plains Grassland Community is listed as
a threatened ecological community in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee
Act 1988. An Action Statement (#182) for the conservation of this community has
been prepared (Craigie & Moorrees 2003).
Kotta NCR also contains areas mapped as Lignum Wetland EVC. Lignum Wetland is
considered vulnerable in the Victorian Riverina, with only around 18% (8,358 ha) of
the original extent of the vegetation type remaining in the bioregion (801 ha in
protected areas) (DSE 2004).
1 Note this does not necessarily represent records for all threatened species on the reserve. Only those
recorded in the DSE flora and fauna databases are displayed.
2 Note that as of December 2004, approximately 30% of Kotta NCR had been mapped as Plains
Grassland EVC and 15% as Lignum Wetland EVC, within the EVC_CMP100 geospatial data layer (refer
Figure 2).

3
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
A number of fine-scale vegetation units have been identified in the reserve - Western
Northern Plains Grassland Complex, Plains Grassy Wetland and Gilgai Plains
Complex (Todd 1999).
The varied soil types in the Victorian Riverina influences the floristic and structural
diversity of native grassland vegetation. The two soil types commonly observed at
sites retaining native grasslands on the Northern Plains, including the Kotta NCR,
are - ‘grey soils’ (grey and grey-brown calcareous sodic uniform clays) and ‘red soils’
(red-brown sodic duplex soils) (LCC 1983). Grey soils are heavier clays (often
gilgaied) and typically form in areas more prone to waterlogging. The red soils,
found at slightly higher elevations are more freely drained and support more open
and sparse grassland vegetation (LCC 1983, M. Tscharke pers. comm. 2004).
The topography within the Kotta NCR is generally flat, although some minor
depressions and the presence of gilgai soil formation support shallow, intermittent
wetland areas. Western sections of the property were last cultivated in 1978. The
presence of gilgais in the eastern section suggests that this area has not been cropped
in the past (Marshall 2003).
Ecological Management of Northern Plains Grasslands
Control of biomass, particularly of exotic pasture grass species, may be considered
desirable for flora and fauna species requiring inter-tussock spaces for habitat (Diez
& Foreman 1996). Management of vegetation to provide suitable habitat for
threatened species should also be considered, particularly the nationally significant
Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus, which prefers sparse native grasslands
(approximately 50% bare-ground) (Maher & Baker-Gabb 1993). This may be achieved
via a number of management options:
- Grazing: Sheep grazing has been used as a management tool on a number of
reserves containing Plains Grasslands in the Victorian Riverina. Sheep have
grazed Kotta NCR in the past. Strategic grazing by sheep may be appropriate to
maintain the conservation values of the reserve. If grazing is utilised, stocking
rates will need to be adjusted depending on the cover abundance of extant
vegetation and seasonal conditions (i.e. rainfall). Grazing over autumn and
winter is preferred to allow native grassland plants to set seed and regenerate
during spring and summer (Diez & Foreman 1996). Vegetation growing on red
soils is often preferred by sheep for grazing (M. Tscharke pers. comm. 2004). The
availability of water for sheep is a key consideration for implementing grazing
programs. A number of reserves including Kotta NCR are connected to the local
Dam Fill Scheme. Parks Victoria is developing specific guidelines for the sitescale
management of Northern Plains Grasslands located in conservation
reserves. These guidelines will provide information to aid in the assessment of
native grassland structure and quality, including descriptions of habitat quality
for ground-dwelling fauna, together with details of potential site-specific
management regimes (e.g. grazing management options). In addition, grazing
exclusion areas may be used to monitor the impacts of grazing on the grassland
vegetation.

4
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
- Ecological Burning: Fire may be used as a management tool both to control exotic
pasture species and to promote the regeneration of indigenous flora species
reliant on the creation of inter-tussock spaces and regular burning. However, the
long-term effects of burning on grassland vegetation of the Northern Plains are
not yet fully understood (Diez & Foreman 1996).
Management objectives and targets (short-long term)
- Actively manage the grasslands, using some of the management options
described above, to maintain species diversity, richness and structural
heterogeneity of the vegetation - utilising the specific guidelines being developed
by Parks Victoria for the management of Northern Plains Grasslands.
- Monitor and research outcomes of management actions and adapt management
regimes as the need arises.
- Encourage ongoing research by universities and other scientific institutions into
optimal management techniques for maintaining and enhancing grassland
biodiversity.
Flora
Kotta NCR supports high quality grassland that is structurally and floristically
dominated by native species. Common Wallaby-grass Austrodanthonia caespitosa,
Plump Spear-grass Austrostipa aristiglumis, Spider Grass Enteropogon acicularis and
Windmill Grass Chloris truncata are the main species present (Marshall 2003). The
grassland also supports a number of significant plant species 3 including Umbrella
Wattle Acacia oswaldii, Silky Swainson-pea Swainsona sericea, Woolly Mantle
Eriochlamys behrii s.l. and Pale Spike-sedge Eleocharis pallens. A few River Red Gums
Eucalyptus camaldulensis are also scattered in parts of the reserve. Low-lying areas of
Kotta NCR are likely to support wetland plant species during periods of high
rainfall.
Notably, a number of the significant Swainsona species occur in Kotta NCR and on
the surrounding land. The Action Statement for Swainsona species (#126) identifies
open vegetation structure and low competition from plants as important for the
conservation of these species (Earl et al. 2003).
A number of significant plant species have also been recorded on adjoining land
managed, or covenanted, by the Trust for Nature (refer to O’Brien 2004 and see
Figure 2). Refer to Appendix 1 for flora recorded in Kotta NCR and adjoining areas.
Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)
- Record flora in the Parks Victoria Environmental Information System and DSE
Flora Information System (FIS), and encourage seasonal surveys.
Fauna
Kotta NCR contains extensive areas of native grassland that provide diverse habitat
for ground-dwelling fauna. Notably, Kotta NCR is an area of known habitat for the
3 Threat status for flora and fauna follows DSE (2003, 2005)

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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
critically endangered Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus, Brolga Grus rubicunda
(vulnerable in Victoria), Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata. Eastern Bearded
Dragon Pogona barbata and Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri.
The Kotta grasslands were identified as an area of known habitat for Plainswanderer
in northern Victoria (Maher & Baker-Gabb 1993). An Action Statement for
Plains-wanderer in Victoria has been prepared (#66, Baker-Gabb 1995), identifying
the conservation of native grasslands which provide suitable habitat as a high
priority.
Scattered trees and fallen timber (e.g. River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and
Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii) also provide habitat for fauna in the Northern
Plains. The enhancement of habitat for fauna by re-establishing ground refuges, such
as the artificial placement of logs, has proven successful at nearby grasslands
(Michael et al. 2004). Establishment of ground habitat may also enhance the
conservation value of Kotta NCR.
Refer to Appendix 2 for fauna records from Kotta NCR and adjoining areas.
Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)
- Actively manage the vegetation structure to provide suitable habitat for
threatened fauna, particularly Plains-wanderer, using techniques previously
outlined for the management of Northern Plains Grasslands.
- Record fauna in the Parks Victoria Environmental Information System and Atlas
of Victorian Wildlife, and encourage seasonal survey programs.
Biosites 4
The following Biosites are recorded in close proximity to Kotta NCR:
- Site # 7020 ‘Glassons West’ (Located in Trust for Nature managed Glassons
Grassland adjacent (west)of Kotta NCR)
- Site # 5461 ‘Grassland/ Wetland Block’ (Located in the block southeast of Kotta
NCR that has a Trust for Nature conservation covenant attached to its title)
- Site # 5460 ‘Canegrass Swamp #2’ (Located approximately 2 km northwest of
Kotta NCR).
Refer to Appendix 3 for further details.
Landscape context
Kotta NCR represents one of the largest grassland reserves in the Victorian Riverina.
The reserve also provides ecological linkages between other significant native
grassland sites on public and private land in the district. Kotta NCR is bordered to
the west and north by private land used for grazing and cropping, and to the east
and south by Aird and Whitfield Roads. Glassons Grassland Reserve (169.9 ha), a
Private Protected Area purchased by the Trust for Nature though the National
4 ‘Biosites’ are sites of biological conservation significance and their location and details are maintained
on a register by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.

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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Reserve System Program adjoins Kotta NCR to the west of Aird Road. A large block
(154 ha) containing native grassland and protected by a Trust for Nature
conservation covenant adjoins Kotta NCR to the southeast. Together, these protected
grasslands form a consolidated unit of some 548 ha.
Other nearby conservation reserves include Terrick Terrick National Park, five
Nature Conservation Reserves (NCR) also containing Plains Grassland and recently
purchased through the National Reserve System Program (Wanurp, Roslynmead,
Pine Grove, Tomara Gilgais and Terrick Terrick East NCRs) and The Meadows
Wildlife Reserve (Figure 3).
Dryland grazing is the predominant land use in the area but more intensive
agriculture, such as cropping, is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Threatening Processes
Pest Plants
Pest plants are one of the main threats to the conservation values of the Kotta NCR.
Pest plants have the ability to alter the structure of the grasslands and pose a threat
to species reliant on the ecosystem. Weed cover is generally low across the reserve
(Marshall 2003). Some localised areas of the grassland are domianted by a high
biomass of pest plants, particularly introduced pasture grasses including Rye Grass
Lolium spp., Barley Grass Hordeum spp. and Fescue Vulpia spp. The abundance of
pest plants is often greater in areas of the grassland where grey soils occur (M.
Tscharke pers. comm. 2004). Pine Pinus spp., Peppercorn Schinus molle and Willow
Salix spp. have been removed from the reserve. Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum and
other thistles (e.g. Cirsium vulgare), Horehound Marrubium vulgare and African
Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum have been identified as other pest plants that may
require management (Marshall 2003).
Management objective targets (short-long term)
- Monitor and control the establishment and spread of pest plants in Kotta NCR,
particularly introduced pasture grasses, through grazing or burning and
encourage the establishment of native grasses in their place (see ‘Ecological
Management of Northern Plains Grasslands’).
- Liaise with the Shire of Campaspe to ensure control of pest plants that occur
along roadsides adjoining Kotta NCR, to prevent their spread into the reserve.
Pest animals
Foxes are present throughout the district, but the impact of predation on native
fauna in the reserve is unknown. However, they may pose a significant threat to
ground nesting or feeding birds (including the Plains-wanderer), small mammals
(including Fat-tailed Dunnart), and reptiles. Rabbits and hares have also been
observed in the local area but their impact on the grassland is undetermined.

7
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Management objectives and targets (short-long term)
- Control foxes to maintain habitat values of the reserve for birds (including Plainswanderer),
small mammals and other ground-dwelling fauna.
- Maintain rabbit and hare numbers at less than 5 per spotlight km.
Physical Assets
Two dams occur on Kotta NCR, both of which are connected to the local Dam Fill
Scheme via surface drainage lines (Figure 1). Boundary fencing at the reserve is in
poor condition, and requires replacement prior to grazing commencing. The two
internal fences separating are generally in good condition although require repair in
some sections. A shearing shed and stockyards are present in the southwestern
corner of the reserve (Figure 1). The shearing shed has not power connected. An old
railway carriage is also present in the reserve (refer to ‘Heritage Values’ section
below).
Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)
- Maintain dams and surface drainage channels (Dam Fill Scheme) required for
stock water.
- Liaise with adjoining landowners to ensure boundary fences are maintained in a
stock-proof condition.
Heritage Values, Condition and Risk
There are no recorded places of heritage value in Kotta NCR. An old four-wheel ‘U’
van railway carriage occurs to the southeast of the reserve (Figure 1). Although the
carriage has no particular historical significance to the reserve, the carriage is now
rare and may be of interest to a museum (e.g. Australian Railway Historical Society).
Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)
- If sites are identified, assess their condition and establish management objectives.
- Investigate options to remove the railway carriage from the reserve if required.
Indigenous Values, Condition and Risk
There are no recorded archaeological sites and no identified sites or features, and
potential for sites of indigenous value is considered to be low.
Management objectives and targets (short-long term)
- Reflect the Traditional Owners’ cultural lore, and interests and aspirations in the
area in managing the reserve, and work with them and the scheduled local
Aboriginal community in accordance with relevant legislation and Parks
Victoria’s operational policies.
- Work with the Traditional Owners and consult the scheduled local Aboriginal
community in survey of the reserve to identify the location of significant
indigenous sites, places and objects.
- If sites, places and objectives are identified, seek guidance from the Traditional
Owners on their future management and assessing their condition.

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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Visitor Services, Condition and Risk
There is currently no level of visitor services for Kotta NCR (classified as “Very
Basic”). The provisional future level of service will be “Very Basic” (no facilities).
Access is restricted to pedestrian access off Aird and Whitfield Roads (Figure 1).
While there is no data available, visitor numbers to the Kotta NCR are likely to be
low (0-5000 p.a.), because the reserve has been purchased only recently.
Management objectives and targets (short term and long term)
- Retain ‘Very Basic’ level of service; i.e. do not provide built facilities or access
roads accessible by the general public.
- Maintain existing internal Management Vehicle Only (MVO) tracks where
required. These MVO tracks will not be accessible for public vehicular access.
Signage: Provide locality signage for the reserve within two years and maintain it.
Consultation
This Management Statement has been prepared in consultation with Mark Tscharke
and Simon Casanelia (Parks Victoria).
References and Further Reading
Baker-Gabb D., Benshemesh J.S. & Maher P.N. (1990) A revision of the distribution,
status and management of the Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus. Emu 90,
161-168.
Baker-Gabb, D. (1995) Plains-wanderer Pedionomus toquatus. Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Action Statement No. 66. Department of Natural Resources &
Environment, East Melbourne.
Craigie, V. & Moorrees, A. (2003) Central Gippsland Plains Grassland, Forest Red
Gum Grassy Woodland, Northern Plains Grassland, South, Gippsland Plains
Grassland & Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland. Flora and Fauna Guarantee
Action Statement No. 182. Department of Sustainability & Environment, East
Melbourne.
DCE (1992) Draft Conservation Program for Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in
Victoria. Department of Conservation & Environment, East Melbourne.
Diez, S. & Foreman, P. (1996) Practical Guidelines for the Management of Native
Grasslands on the Riverine Plain of South-Eastern Australia. Draft Report,
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bendigo.
DSE (2003) Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2003. Department
of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.
DSE (2004) Victorian Bioregional Conservation Status of EVCs Area Statement.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (Revised 28 September 2004).

9
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
DSE (2005) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of
Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.
Earl, G., Barlow, T. & Moorrees, A. (2003) Twelve threatened Swainson-peas and
Darling-peas (Swainsona species). Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement
No. 126. Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.
Environment Australia (2000) Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation
for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1 Summary Report.
Environment Australia, Canberra.
http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/ibra/version5-1/summary-report/index.html
Fitzsimons, J.A., FitzSimons, P. & Ashe, C. (2004) Further strategic additions to
Victoria’s public protected area system: 2002-2004. Victorian Naturalist 121, 214-
225.
LCC (1983) Report on the Murray Valley Area. Land Conservation Council, Victoria,
Melbourne.
Lunt, I.D. (1991) Management of remnant lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands
for nature conservation: a review. Victorian Naturalist 108, 56-66.
Maher, P.N. & Baker-Gabb, D.J. (1993) Surveys and conservation of the Plainswanderer
in northern Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental
Research Technical Report Series No. 131, Department of Conservation &
Natural Resources, East Melbourne.
Marshall, D. (2003) Assessment of Grassland Property on the Corner of Aird and
Whitfield Road, Kotta. Unpublished Report, Department of Sustainability &
Environment, Bendigo.
Michael D.R., Lunt I.D. & Robinson W.A. (2003) Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of
grasslands and grassy woodlands in Terrick Terrick National Park, northern
Victoria. Victorian Naturalist 120, 164-171.
Michael D.R., Lunt I.D. & Robinson W.A. (2004) Enhancing fauna habitat in grazed
native grasslands and woodlands: use of artificially-placed log refuges by fauna.
Wildlife Research 31, 65-71.
NRE (1996) IUCN Categories and Other Key Data for Parks and Conservation Reserves in
Victoria. National Parks and Reserves Branch, National Parks Service,
Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Melbourne.
O’Brien, E. (2004) Draft Glasson’s Grassland Management Plan. Trust for Nature,
Melbourne.

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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Parks Victoria (2003) Conservation Reserves Management Strategy. Parks Victoria,
Melbourne.
Todd, J.A. (1999) Identification of Priority Areas for Protection and Establishment of
Protected Areas - Riverina Bioregion, Victoria. Report for Parks, Flora and
Fauna, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Melbourne.
Tscharke, M. (2001) Experiences managing Terrick Terrick National Park. Our
Valuable Native Grasslands, Better Pastures Naturally: Proceedings of the Second
National Conference of the Native Grasses Association. 24-25 August 2001,
Melbourne. Available: http://www.regional.org.au/au/stipa/papers/
Wierzbowski, P., Lowe, K.W., Handley, K., Berwick, S., Robinson, D. & Ahern L.D.
(2002) Biodiversity Action Planning Strategic Overview for the Victorian
Riverina Bioregion (Revised 22 November 2002). Department of Natural
Resources & Environment, Victoria.

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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Appendix 1. Provisional list of vascular flora recorded at Kotta Nature
Conservation Reserve and adjoining areas.
Taxon Common Name Source
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Native species
Acacia oswaldii Umbrella Wattle + + v
Agrostis s.l. spp. Bent/Blown Grass + + +
Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke + L
Alternanthera sp. 1 (Plains) Plains Joyweed + k
Alternanthera spp. Joyweed +
Amphibromus spp. Swamp Wallaby-grass + + +
Aphanes australiana Australian Piert +
Aphanes spp. Piert +
Arthropodium fimbriatum Nodding Chocolate-lily + +
Arthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lily +
Arthropodium strictum Chocolate Lily +
Asperula conferta Common Woodruff + +
Asperula spp. Woodruff +
Atriplex leptocarpa Slender-fruit Saltbush +
Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush + +
Austrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass + + + + + +
Austrodanthonia carphoides Short Wallaby-grass +
Austrodanthonia duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby-grass + + + +
Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass + + + + +
Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby Grass + + + + +
Austrostipa aristiglumis Plump Spear-grass + + +
Austrostipa gibbosa Spurred Spear-grass + +
Austrostipa nodosa Knotty Spear-grass +
Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass + + + +
Austrostipa spp. Spear Grass + + +
Boerhavia dominii Tah-vine + +
Brachyscome lineariloba Hard-head Daisy +
Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily + + +
Calocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-heads +
Calocephalus sonderi Pale Beauty-heads + + + +
Calotis anthemoides Cut-Leaf Burr-Daisy + +
Calotis hispidula Hairy Burr-Daisy +
Calotis scabiosifolia Rough Burr-Daisy + + + +
Carex spp. Sedge +
Centipeda spp. Sneezeweed +
Chamaesyce drummondii Flat Spurge + + +
Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Green Rock-fern + +
Chenopodium desertorum Frosted Goosefoot +
Chenopodium desertorum
subsp. virosum
Frosted Goosefoot + + k
Chenopodium pumilio Clammy Goosefoot +
Chloris truncata Windmill Grass + +
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
s.l.
Common Everlasting + + + +
Vic Status
FFG
EPBC

Taxon Common Name Source
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Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Convolvulus erubescens spp.
agg.
Pink Bindweed + +
Convolvulus remotus Grassy Bindweed + +
Convolvulus spp. Bindweed +
Craspedia spp. Billy Buttons +
Crassula colorata Dense Crassula + +
Crassula decumbens var.
decumbens
Spreading Crassula + + + +
Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula +
Crassula peduncularis Purple Crassula + +
Crassula spp. Crassula + + +
Cressa australis Rosinweed +
Damasonium minus Star Fruit + + +
Daucus glochidiatus Australian Carrot + + + +
Eclipta platyglossa Yellow Twin-heads + + + +
Einadia nutans subsp.
nutans
Nodding Saltbush +
Eleocharis pallens Pale Spike-sedge + + k
Eleocharis pusilla Small Spike-sedge + + +
Eleocharis spp. Spike Sedge + + + +
Elymus scaber var. scaber Common Wheat Grass +
Enchylaena tomentosa var.
tomentosa
Ruby Saltbush +
Enteropogon acicularis Spider Grass + + + +
Epilobium spp. Willow Herb + +
Eragrostis infecunda Southern Cane-grass +
Eriochlamys behrii s.l. Woolly Mantle + + + + + r
Erodium crinitum Blue Heron's Bill +
Erodium spp. Heron's Bill + +
Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil +
Eryngium spp. Eryngium +
Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum +
Geranium spp. Cranes Bill +
Glinus lotoides Hairy Carpet-weed +
Glossostigma spp. Mud Mat +
Goodenia heteromera Spreading Goodenia +
Goodenia pinnatifida Cut-leaf Goodenia + + +
Goodenia pusilliflora Small-flower Goodenia + + + + + +
Goodenia spp. Goodenia + + + + +
Haloragis glauca f. glauca Bluish Raspwort + k
Haloragis spp. Raspwort +
Heliotropium europaeum Common Heliotrope + +
Heliotropium spp. Heliotrope +
Hyalosperma glutinosum
subsp. glutinosum
Golden Sunray +
Hyalosperma praecox Mayweed Sunray +
Hypoxis spp. Hypoxis +
Isoetes spp. Quillwort + + +
Isoetopsis graminifolia Grass Cushion + + + + +
Vic Status
FFG
EPBC

Taxon Common Name Source
13
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Juncus spp. Rush + + +
Juncus subsecundus Finger Rush +
Leiocarpa panaetioides Woolly Buttons + +
Leiocarpa spp. Plover Daisy +
Leptorhynchos orientalis Annual Buttons + e L
Leptorhynchos spp. Buttons +
Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons + + + +
Leptorynchos tetrachaetus Beauty Buttons +
Linum marginale Native Flax +
Lobelia concolor Poison Pratia + + +
Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife +
Maireana cheelii Chariot Wheels + v V
Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush + + +
Maireana enchylaenoides Wingless Bluebush + + +
Maireana excavata Bottle Bluebush + + +
Maireana humillima Dwarf Bluebush + +
Maireana pentagona Hairy Bluebush + + + + + +
Maireana spp. Bluebush +
Malva australiana Australian Hollyhock +
Marsilea costulifera Narrow-leaf Nardoo + + +
Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo + + + +
Microseris spp. Yam Daisy +
Minuria cunninghamii Bush Minuria + r
Muehlenbeckia florulenta Tangled Lignum + + + +
Muehlenbeckia horrida
subsp. horrida
Spiny Lignum + r
Myosurus minimus var.
australis
Mousetail +
Myriocephalus rhizocephalus Woolly-heads +
Myriophylum porcatum Ridge Water-milfoil + v L V
Myriophylum spp. Water-milfoil +
Ophioglossum lusitanicum Austral Adder's-tongue + + +
Oxalis perennans Grassland Wood-sorrel + + + + +
Panicum laevinode Pepper Grass + v
Panicum spp. Panic +
Persicaria spp. Knotweed +
Plagiobothrys spp. Rochelia + +
Plantago cunninghamii Clay Plantain +
Plantago spp. Plantain +
Pogonolepis muelleriana Stiff Cup-Flower +
Polygonum spp. Hogweed +
Ptilotus erubescens Hairy Tails + + +
Ptilotus exaltatus Mulla Mulla +
Ptilotus macrocephalus Feather Heads +
Pycnosorus globosus Drumsticks + + +
Ranunculus spp. Buttercup + + +
Rhodanthe corymbiflora Paper Sunray + + + + + +
Rhodanthe pygmaea Pygmy Sunray +
Rumex spp. Dock + +
Vic Status
FFG
EPBC

Taxon Common Name Source
14
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Salsola tragus Prickly Saltwort + +
Sclerolaena diacantha Grey Copper-burr +
Sclerolaena muricata Black Roly-poly + + +
Senecio runcinifolius Tall Fireweed +
Senecio spp. Groundsel +
Sida corrugata Variable Sida + + + + +
Sida trichopoda Narrow-leaf Sida +
Solanum esuriale Quena + +
Spergularia spp. Sand Spurrey + +
Sporobolus caroli Yakka Grass + r
Swainsona murrayana Slender Darling-pea + + + e L V
Swainsona plagiotropis Red Swainson-pea + + + + + e L V
Swainsona procumbens Broughton Pea + + +
Swainsona sericea Silky Swainson-pea + + + + v L
Swainsona swainsonoides Downy Swainson-pea + e L
Teucrium racemosum s.l. Grey Germander + + + +
Teucrium spp. Germander +
Triglochin procera Water Ribbons +
Tripogon loliiformis Rye Beetle-grass + + + r
Triptilodiscus pygmaeus Common Sunray + + + + +
Veronica spp. Speedwell +
Vittadinia spp. New Holland Daisy + +
Wahlenbergia spp. Bluebell + + + + +
Whalleya proluta Rigid Panic + + +
Wurmbea dioica Common Early Nancy + +
Wurmbea spp. Early Nancy +
Introduced species
Aira spp. Hair Grass + + +
Aphanes arvensis Parsley Piert +
Arctotheca calendula Cape Weed + + +
Avena fatua Wild Oat +
Avena spp. Oat +
Bromus spp. Brome + + + +
Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle + + + +
Centaurium tenuiflorum Slender Centaury +
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle + +
Cotula bipinnata Ferny Cotula +
Erodium botrys Big Heron's-bill + + + +
Hedypnois cretica Cretan Hedypnois +
Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue +
Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass + + +
Hordeum spp. Barley Grass +
Hypochoeris glabra Smooth Cat's-ear +
Hypochoeris spp. Cat's Ear + + +
Lolium rigidum Wimmera Rye-grass +
Lolium spp. Rye Grass + + + +
Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn + + +
Marrubium vulgare Horehound +
Vic Status
FFG
EPBC

Taxon Common Name Source
15
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Medicago spp. Medic + + + +
Medicago truncatula Barrel Medic +
Panicum gilvum Panic +
Romulea minutiflora Small-flower Onion-grass + + + +
Scorzonera laciniata Scorzonera +
Scorzonera spp. Scorzonera +
Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover +
Trifolium repens var. repens White Clover +
Trifolium spp. Clover + + +
Vulpia spp. Fescue + + + + +
Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr + + +
Key: v (vulnerable in Victoria), r (rare in Victoria), e (endangered in Victoria), k (poorly known in
Victoria), L (listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988), V (nationally
vulnerable). Threat status follows DSE (2005).
Source:
1 - Kotta grassland site assessment. Observer: E. O’Brien, TFN (Marshall 2003)
2* - Glassons Grassland flora list (O’Brien 2004)
3# - Victorian Flora Site Database (FIS): S37714, Date: 5 October 1998, Collector: EOB
4# - Victorian Flora Site Database: D37714, Date: 5 October 1998, Collector: EOB
5# - Victorian Flora Site Database: D37715, Date: 5 October 1998, Collector: EOB
6# - Victorian Flora Site Database: P01522, Date: 5 October 1999, Collector: T.J. Barlow
7 - Victorian Flora Site Database: M05029, Date: 17 September 1992, Collector: P. Foreman
8* - Victorian Flora Site Database: P01605/P01425/M14002, Date: 1 October 1997, Collector: EOB
9* - Victorian Flora Site Database: P01606/P01633, Date: 1 October 1997, Collector: EOB
* FIS sites located on the Glassons Grassland adjacent to Kotta NCR, which is managed by the Trust for
Nature.
# FIS sites located on covenanted grassland property adjacent (southeast) of Kotta NCR.
All FIS sites located on grassland sites within 1.5 km of Kotta NCR. Refer to Figure 2 for location of
threatened flora observations.
Vic Status
FFG
EPBC

16
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Appendix 2. Provisional list of fauna recorded at Kotta Nature Conservation
Reserve and adjoining areas.
Common Name Scientific Name Source Vict.
FFG EPBC
Status
Indigenous Species
Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 3,4,5 n
Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri 3 d
Common Froglet Crinia signifera 4
Common Spadefoot Toad Neobatrachus sudelli 3
Spotted Marsh Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 3,4
Plains Froglet Crinia parinsignifera 3
Boulenger's Skink Morethia boulengeri 3
Eastern Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata 3,4,6 d
Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 2,4
Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus 4
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2
Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 6
Black Falcon Falco subniger 2 v
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 2
Brolga Grus rubicunda 1 v L
Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis 5,6
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 1
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1
Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus 5,6 c L V
Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 1,2,5,6
Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica 6
Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis 5,6
White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 6
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 6
Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 2,6
Introduced Species
Brown Hare Lepus capensis 3,4
European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 4
House Mouse Mus musculus 3,4
House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2
Key: d (data deficient in Victoria), v (vulnerable in Victoria), n (near threatened in Victoria), c (critically
endangered in Victoria), L (listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988), V
(nationally vulnerable). Threat status follows DSE (2003).
Source:
1 - Assessment of Kotta grassland. Observer: E. O’Brien, Trust for Nature (Marshall 2003)
2 - Kotta NCR site inspection 5 November 2004. Observer: J. Fitzsimons, DSE
3 - Victorian Fauna Site Database (VFD) Ref: A0031238, Date: 1 January 1995, Collector: 1339
4 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A0031239, Date: 1 January 1995, Collector: 1339
5 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A0107730, Date: 11 February 1992, Collector: 385
6 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A0107731, Date: 11 February 1992, Collector: 385
All VFD sites located within or directly adjacent to Kotta NCR. Refer to Figure 2 for location of
threatened fauna observations.

17
Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
Appendix 3. Biosites listed near to the Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve
(Database accessed 25 November 2004).
Site # 7020 Glassons West (Located in adjoining Glassons Grassland managed by
Trust for Nature)
• Significance Level: Yet to be determined
• Bioregion: Victorian Riverina
• Boundary Derivation: Site boundary not mapped on DSE GIS
• Longitude: 36° 08' 55", Latitude: 144° 25' 37"
• Species Assets: Slender Darling-pea Swainsona murrayana, Red Swainson-pea
Swainsona plagiotropis
Site # 5461 Grassland/ Wetland Block (Located in Trust for Nature covenanted
property 1.1 km southeast of Kotta NCR)
• Significance Level: Regional
• Bioregion: Victorian Riverina
• Boundary Derivation: Site boundary not mapped on DSE GIS
• Area (Ha): 76
• Map References: West of Dullard Road, Pine Grove, south of Whitfield Road.
• Longitude: 36° 09' 40", Latitude: 144° 28' 27"
• Species Assets: Frosted Goosefoot Chenopodium desertorum, Buloke Allocasuarina
luehmannii, Spurred Spear-grass Austrostipa gibbosa
• Floristic Community: Grassland
• EVC Description: Grassland
Site # 5460 Canegrass Swamp #2 (Located approximately 2 km northwest of Kotta
NCR)
• Significance Level: Regional
• Bioregion: Victorian Riverina
• Habitat: Myriophyllum porcutum was recorded at this site, however this record
appears to be erroneous
• Boundary Derivation: Site boundary not mapped on DSE GIS
• Area (Ha): 17
• Map References: South of Echuca/Serpentine Road, Pine Grove. Property on Cant
Road
• Longitude: 36° 08' 05", Latitude: 144° 25' 10"
• Species Assets: Spiny Lignum Muehlenbeckia horrida ssp. horrida, Bluish Raspwort
Haloragis glauca f. glauca
• Floristic Community: Grassland
• EVC Description: Grassland
• Other Asset: Breeding site

LOCALITY
#
December 2004
Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library
© Department of Sustainability and Environment
The State of Victoria, 2004.
Glassons Grassland
Reserve (Trust for Nature)
Figure 1. Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve -
Boundaries, Hydrology and Physical Assets
Disclaimer:
This map is made using the best available information.
The creators of this map do not warrant that it is free
of error and do not accept liability for loss arising
from use of this product beyond its original purpose.
Aird Road
Gate
Drain
# Dam
Shed and
holding yard
Gate # Dam
Fence
Gate
Gate
0.2 0 0.2 Kilometres
N
Whitfield Road
Fence
Gate
Roads
Railway Carriage
Gate
Kotta NCR
Hydrology (1:25,000)
Major road sealed
Major road unsealed
Vehicular track
Gate

#
#
%
Kotta NCR
Threatened flora
Threatened fauna
Biosites
Wetlands
%
Freshwater Meadow
Ecological Vegetation Classes
(104) Lignum Wetland
(132) Plains Grassland
(803) Plains Woodland
(990) Non Vegetation
EVC mapping based on the EVC_CMP100
geospatial layer as of December 2004, and
from on ground validation.
Red Swainson-pea Eastern Bearded Dragon
Slender Darling-pea Plains-wanderer
# #
%
Biosite
Red Swainson-pea
# 7020
Slender Darling-pea
#
#
Eastern Bearded Dragon
Fat-tailed Dunnart
LOCALITY
#
December 2004
Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library
© Department of Sustainability and Environment
The State of Victoria, 2004.
#
Brolga
Disclaimer:
This map is made using the best available information.
The creators of this map do not warrant that it is free
of error and do not accept liability for loss arising
from use of this product beyond its original purpose.
Figure 2. Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve -
Theatened Species, Biosites, Wetlands
and Ecological Vegetation Classes
Barking Marsh Frog
Eastern Bearded Dragon
Fat-tailed Dunnart
#
Plains-wanderer
Fat-tailed Dunnart
0.3 0 0.3 Kilometres
#
N
Silky Swainson-pea
#
Biosite
# 5461
%
#
#
#
Frosted Goosefoot
Woolly Mantle
Red Swainson-pea
#
#
Red Swainson
-pea
#
Silky Swainson-pea
Rye Beetle-grass
Hairy Tails
Buloke
Red Swainson-pea
Woolly Mantle
Silky Swainson-pea
Rye Beetle-grass
Hairy Tails
Frosted Goosefoot
Woolly Mantle
Silky Swainson-pea
Rye Beetle-grass
Hairy Tails

Parks and Reserves
Other Public Land
BALD ROCK
#
Roads (1:100,000)
#
LOCALITY
#
National Parks
Nature Conservation Reserves
Natural Features Reserves
Highway
Major road sealed
Major road unsealed
Vehicular track
Minor road sealed
Minor road unsealed
Towns
Hydrology (1:100,000)
NCR Nature Conservation Reserve
WR Wildlife Reserve
Note: The proposed Pipit, Cane Grass Swamp
and Little Kotta NCRs are currently categorsied
as Natural Features Reserve, Uncategorised
Crown Land and Bushland Reserve, respectively.
Terrick Terrick
National Park
December 2004
Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library
© Department of Sustainability and Environment
The State of Victoria, 2004.
#
MITIAMO
Figure 3. Kotta Nature Conservation
Reserve - Landscape context
Disclaimer:
This map is made using the best available information.
The creators of this map do not warrant that it is free
of error and do not accept liability for loss arising
from use of this product beyond its original purpose.
Terrick Terrick
East NCR
Tomara Gilgais NCR
Wanurp NCR
The Meadows WR
Glassons Grassland
Reserve (Trust for Nature)
Cane Grass Swamp
NCR (proposed)
Roslynmead NCR
Kotta Nature
Conservation Reserve
Pine Grove
NCR
1 0 1 2 3 Kilometres
N
TORRUMBARRY
#
#
ROSLYNMEAD
Little Kotta
NCR (proposed)
#
KOTTA
Pipit NCR
(proposed)
Murphy
Swamp WR

Figure 4: Aerial photograph of Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve (1999).