Threatened Species Management Plan for Kinglake National Park

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Threatened Species Management Plan for Kinglake National Park, – V 1.0, September 2001 predation (particularly by foxes). Invertebrate food resources are also likely to be greatly reduced for several years due to reduction of old, peeling bark and rotting tree stumps. The Brush-tailed Phascogale has also declined at the One Tree Hill and Rifle Range Reserves (Northern Reserves) to the south since fuel reduction burns were conducted there in 2005-06 (reduction in trapping rates of up to 80%). These findings suggest that the species is extremely fire sensitive. Considering that the Northern Reserves and Kinglake National Park support up to 30% of the north-east Melbourne population (the most genetically diverse population in Victoria), the species is likely to have been greatly impacted across its range. It is recommended that further trapping sites be established within Kinglake National Park in burnt and unburnt sections, to monitor population recovery. This would also allow research to be undertaken to gain a greater understanding on the effect of fire on the species. Further trapping sites should be established in the southern Everard Block, in areas that were not burned in 2009. This project should be undertaken by Parks Victoria and DSE staff. 6.1.6 Pitfall Trapping – establish pitfall lines to allow survey for small mammals and reptiles Several pitfall lines should be established throughout the Park to allow continual survey and monitoring of small mammals and reptiles. Pitfall lines would be particularly effective for surveying for Eastern Pygmy Possum, a species that is of localised occurrence within the Park. The 2006 and 2009 fire burnt much of the known habitat of this species and a survey to determine its current distribution is greatly needed. The Hairpin Banksia, which is a key component of their habitat, was greatly depleted by the fires. The surveys should follow-up and build on previous pitfall surveys that have been undertaken within the Park (such as at Broad Gully and around Candlebark Track) by establishing new lines at these locations. Other sites that could be established should include along Captains Creek Road and Ninks Road (two sites from where the Eastern Pygmy Possum has been recorded) and at Stuart’s Spur. This project could possibly be undertaken by an educational group with assistance from Parks Victoria staff and regional experts. 6.1.7 Targeted butterfly surveys – conduct survey for butterfly species in 2012 The Park supports a high diversity of rare butterfly species, including the nationally threatened Small and Large Ant Blue Butterflies. Some butterfly species were possibly badly impacted by the 2009 fire. The key food plant of the Macleay’s Swallow Tail, Southern Sassafras, was killed throughout most of its range, whilst the known sites for the Small and Large Ant Blue Butterflies were burnt at extreme intensities. However the fire may also have a positive effect on some species, and the early succession stages offer a rare opportunity to undertake a comprehensive assessment of butterfly populations within the Park. Broad Gully supports ideal habitat for the rare Chaostola Skipper, a species that is often conspicuous in the early years following a fire event. A detailed butterfly survey should be conducted in 2012 after the vegetation has recovered sufficiently. The survey should include particular focus at Broad Gully (a known butterfly hotspot) and in other areas of the Park considered to support suitable habitat. The study should have particular focus on Sedge skipper butterflies (that breed on Gahnia sp.) and should target rare species that have previously been recorded within the Park (see Beardsell 1997) 22
Threatened Species Management Plan for Kinglake National Park, – V 1.0, September 2001 This project would only be suitable for a professional ecologist, as butterfly survey requires extensive experience and knowledge. 6.1.8 Targeted bat surveys – survey the Park for bat species and potential habitat Many rare bat species have been recorded in the Park, including the Eastern Horseshoe Bat and Common Bent-wing Bat from old mineshafts at Full and Plenty Creek and the Large-footed Myotis at Toorourrong Reservoir. Since the 2009 fire, bat surveys have been conducted at Toorourrong Reservoir and there are plans to conduct additional surveys around old mine shafts in the Mt Slide area. This project should include both research of old title records and active searching to assist in locating old mine shafts. As collapse of mine shafts is one of the greatest threats to rare bat species within the Park, the condition of all known shafts should be assessed to determine if rehabilitation works are required (such as replacement of old shoring). Ongoing monitoring of mine shafts and bat populations should be implemented to ensure that bat colonies are not being disturbed by humans or that shafts are not in danger of collapse. 6.1.9 Motion sensor camera surveys – survey for fauna across the Park using remote sensor cameras Motion sensor cameras are an effective and low-cost method for surveying for fauna species. Cameras should be set up throughout the Park to assist in monitoring fauna species in the post-fire period. Cameras could be set up randomly or could be carefully placed to target particular species. Target species could include Spot-tailed Quoll, Lace Monitor, Broad-tooth Rat, Bandicoot species and Dunnart species. There have been sightings of Spot-tailed Quoll in the Mt Disappointment Reference area and in gullies east and west of Bowden Spur Road. There have been post-fire sightings of Lace Monitor in the southern section of the Everard block. Cameras should be installed at these locations to allow survey for these species. An effective method when targeting Spot-tailed Quoll or Lace Monitor is to set the camera aimed at a horizontal log and to spray tuna oil on the log for attraction. When targeting smaller species it is effective to set up a small sand pad with bait secured to the pad (such as a tea filter filled with oats and honey). The camera should then be installed on a star picket facing downwards, so that the silhouette of the animal can be photographed. If the camera is faced horizontally it may be difficult to identify smaller animals due to the lack of profile and blurring with surrounding vegetation. This method has recently been trialed successfully in the Grampians National Park, where Common Dunnart and Heath Mouse have been confidently identified from images. This project could be undertaken by Parks Victoria staff. 6.2 Biodiversity management and land protection Biodiversity management must be undertaken throughout the Park to prevent decline of habitat and threatened flora and fauna species. 6.2.1 Pest plant management – engage experienced bushland managers to control weeds across the Park. The 2009 bushfire appears to have reduced the populations of many high threat weeds across the Park, providing a rare opportunity to eliminate these species from selected sites. Other high threat 23
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Threatened Species Management Plan for Kinglake National Park

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