VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN for Bidjigal Reserve - Land

Vegetation Management Plan - Bidjigal Reserve2.6 Biological Environment2.6.1 FloraBidjigal Reserve constitutes a corridor of native vegetation linking significant areas of nativevegetation in the Catchment upstream of the M2 Motorway with extensive areas of nativevegetation downstream of the Reserve concurrent with riparian vegetation on Hunts Creek, aroundLake Parramatta, and ultimately, with the mangroves along the Parramatta River.The Reserve supports a number of vegetation communities in a variety of topographic situations.Along the creeklines, the vegetation is predominantly riparian scrub dominated by Syncarpiaglomulifera (Turpentine), Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood), Eucalyptus pilularis (Blackbutt),and occasionally, Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney Blue Gum).On the slopes above the creeklines is an open, dry sclerophyll forest association which is dominatedby Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple) and Corymbia gummifera (Red Bloodwood), withSyncarpia glomulifera (Turpentine) occurring towards the tops of the slopes.In a few areas, which generally sit at the top of ridgelines, open sandstone woodland occurs. Thiscommunity is dominated by Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-oak) and Eucalyptus piperita (SydneyPeppermint). Small patches of transitional vegetation occur in areas along ridge tops where thesandstone and shale soil landscapes meet. Natural drainage lines, small boggy sites, and shelteredrock ledges support a variety of ferns, herbs and ground orchids.The Reserve also supports a large number of weeds and garden escapes, which are particularlywidespread along riparian corridors, tracks and trails, and on the edges of the bushland at the urbanbushlandinterface. Species such as Ligustrum sinense (Small-leaf Privet), Lantana camara (Lantana),and Acer negundo (Box Elder) tend to dominate in these disturbed areas.2.6.2 FaunaBidjigal Reserve is known for its great diversity of fauna species. The three (3) distinct habitat typesoccurring within the Reserve – rocky eucalypt woodland, Allocasuarina (She-oak) forest and ariparian environment – form a habitat large and healthy enough to support a great number of frogs,mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic species.Bidjigal is known for its great diversity of Birds; 180 have been recorded within the Region, includingmany of the increasingly rare insectivorous species such as wrens and Thornbills. Three (3)individuals of Australia’s largest owl, the threatened Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), were recordedwithin the Reserve during the current survey.Mammals including Sugar Gliders, Swamp Wallabies, Echidnas and Bandicoots are known to reside inthe Rocky Eucalypt Woodland habitat. The threatened Eastern Bentwing-bat (Miniopterusschreibersii oceanensis) has a known over-winter roost in the Reserve, under the M2. Sandstoneoutcrops also provide basking sites and shelter for a range of reptiles, including the Leaf-tailed Geckoand Eastern Water Dragon.UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 19