Wildlife Preservation Autumn 2012.indd - Wildlife Protection Society ...

Blue sun orchid (Thelymitra sp.). This incredibly stunning orchid species is often found in great
numbers in random locations all through the Little Desert National Park
Western blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua occipitalis). Although rarely encountered, if found, their beautiful
markings are very obvious and clearly identifiable
as correa (Correa spp.) that blanket
the understorey of the heathland.
Delicate grevillea (Grevillea spp.)
owers erupt amongst their
sharp, menacing leaves along with
eremophila (Eremophila spp.) and
the rst emergence of native orchids
combine to make the winter season an
unexpected delight.
Walking along the various paths in
the winter is a great way to stay warm
and the fresh perfumes of the damp
mallee habitats will delight your
senses. Small bush birds that remain
throughout the winter visit the tiny
owers, gathering nectar and insects,
as they too struggle to keep warm
during this challenging time.
Other animals that you may not
necessarily see, but you will de nitely
hear, are the frogs. The many calls
resonating from springs, dams and
lakes echo great distances in an attempt
to attract the attention of females for
reproduction. The region is home to
many species of frog, but in particular
two species of burrowing frog: the
Mallee spadefoot toad (Neobatrachus
pictus) and common spadefoot toad
(Neobatrachus sudelli) both occur.
The spadefoot toads emerge from
their summer burrows as winter
rainfall seeps through the ground to
wake them from their long slumber.
Another species that in many
situations survives underground
in vacant yabbie holes is the
endangered growling grass frog
(Litoria raniformis). This incredibly
beautiful and bright-green frog still
survives in western Victoria and
is one of Australia’s largest frogs.
From the minute common froglet
(Crinia signifera) and Bibron’s
toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii) to
the larger Peron’s tree frog (Litoria
peronii), striped and spotted marsh
frog (Limnodynastes peronii/L.
tasmaniensis) and pobblebonk frog
(Limnodynastes dumerilii) all are here
in the diverse habitats both natural
and man-made.
Spring - September to
November
It seems everyone’s favorite time of
year in the Park is spring.
The burst of wild owers put on a
spectacular show and the birdlife
is proli c. With over 220 bird
species recorded in the Little
16 Australian Wildlife Vol 2 - Autumn 2012