Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

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BYRON FLORA AND FAUNA STUDY, 1999 (Callaghan et al. 1994). The Long-nosed Potoroo is particularly susceptible to predation by Foxes once understorey shelter is removed or modified and a number of examples of localised extinctions as a result have been documented. A study on the diet of the Fox, Dog and Cat (Triggs et al 1984) found that the Common Ringtail Possum was the main prey for these predators. The Fox and Cat also took the Bush Rat, the Brown Antechinus and the Echidna. The Dog’s diet included larger mammals such as the Red-necked and Swamp Wallabies in addition to the Brown Antechinus and Echidna. The abundance of the Cat was the best predictor of decline in small native rodents such as Pseudomys and Melomys spp. (Smith and Quinn 1996). Mammal declines are less severe where the Dingo is abundant, possibly because the latter species actively excludes Foxes (Smith and Quinn 1996). Retaining natural shelters such as rockpiles and logs has been shown to allow the co-existence of small terrestrial fauna with the Fox (Kinnear et al. 1988). The maintenance of understorey and ground cover vegetation, is also important in providing shelter and refuge from these introduced predators for terrestrial frogs and reptiles, particularly the larger skinks, for small mammals and for ground-dwelling birds. Shallow ponds and dams, grassy swales with closely mown or grazed edges, lawns, roadways and cleared land create ideal breeding and foraging areas for the Cane Toad (Seabrook 1993). This species is known as a voracious predator of small terrestrial vertebrates including the Threatened Common Planigale (Covacevich and Archer 1975) and is also toxic to frog-eating snakes such as the Red-bellied Black Snake. Methods for controlling Cane Toad populations include the planting of dense vegetation such as sedges and rushes around dams to reduce their suitability as breeding habitat and restricting areas of mown lawns, particularly where electric lighting is installed, limits areas suitable for foraging. 7.7 DEVELOPMENT Development can have obvious direct effects on native vegetation since clearing is frequently required to locate buildings and infrastructure. Changes to drainage and increased nutrient run-off may modify adjacent vegetation. Rubbish, which sometimes includes environmental weeds, may be dumped in neighbouring bushland. Trampling of vegetation is likely when informal walking tracks are created, and Dogs and Cats may have access to surrounding bush. These impacts can be minimized or compensated for by appropriate location of development sites and providing information that encourages interest in, and respect for, the surrounding vegetation. Minimum habitat buffers need to be developed for developments in areas adjacent to extant habitat. The planting of suitable native species should be encouraged or required, and the planting of species with environmental weed potential prohibited in all newly developed areas. 89
A GREENPRINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 8 Ecological assessment 8.1 INTRODUCTION An ecological assessment integrating the vegetation attributes identified during the mapping phase of the project, the occurrence of flora and fauna species of conservation significance, and other available information from previous studies was carried out to identify the values of the various areas of the Shire. The assessment was independent of planning considerations and current or potential land uses, but focused on the ecological values and viability of each area. Other constraints on the uses of the land must be considered in conjunction with the assessment presented here. The intention was that planning for future land use would be assisted by an understanding of the ecological values that have been identified in these areas. The assessment also points to opportunities for the creation, replacement or enhancement of ecological values. Future planning processes being undertaken by Byron Shire Council that incorporate the findings of this Study include the proposed Wildlife Corridor and Environmental Repair and Enhancement Zone and the proposed Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. 8.2 METHODS The study area was divided into units for assessment purposes using subjective inspection of mapped vegetation in conjunction with natural topographic and landscape boundaries. Criteria used for assessment: • Extent of vegetation cover • Condition of vegetation • Conservation significance of vegetation • Habitat values • Connectivity • Presence of flora and fauna of conservation significance 8.3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Fifty land units containing patches of native vegetation were delineated (Map 6). The ecological attributes on which the assessment is based are summarised in Table 8.1. Threatened fauna and flora species recorded in the land units are listed in Appendix 13. Twenty-eight of the 50 land units in the Shire have been identified as containing core areas of habitat (encompassing patches of native vegetation >50 ha in area). Most of these land units are in the mountainous north-western portion of the Shire and on marginal agricultural lands along the coastal strip. Six of the seven land units containing significant areas of native vegetation (encompassing patches of 25-50 ha) are adjacent to core habitat areas on more accessible lands. These areas are not prime agricultural or 90
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Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

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