VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN for Bidjigal Reserve - Land

Vegetation Management Plan - Bidjigal ReserveDiurnal BirdsA formal bird census was conducted in each of the three (3) fauna habitat types present; this beingin addition to the opportunistic bird census conducted over the remaining areas of the Reserve.Formal census involved ‘point counts’ made along designated transects (along tracks/trails wherepossible to minimise disturbance) (Figure 3.3). Approximately 15-20 minutes was spent at eachtransect point during early morning or late afternoon sessions, where birds were identified on thebasis of visual identification and by their characteristic calls. All opportunistic observations of birdspecies were recorded while undertaking general field survey activities.Herpetofauna CensusReptiles and amphibians were surveyed using hand-searches in suitable habitat, and by spotlightingfor nocturnal species. For reptiles, hand searches concentrated on the hill-slopes and mid-slopes,near watercourses and around dead trees; and this included techniques such as carefully turningover rocks or logs wherever these were encountered. These were replaced in situ after inspection.All opportunistic sightings of active herpetofauna were noted. A nocturnal search was conductedaround pooling creeks using a head torch to survey for active frogs. Frogs were identified on thebasis of their characteristic calls, and wherever possible, by direct observation.MammalsSpotlighting was undertaken for all terrestrial and arboreal mammals and for nocturnal birds, by two(2) observers over two (2) nights using a Lightforce 100 Watt hand-held spotlight. The locations ofall fauna sightings were recorded during the spotlighting surveys (See Figure 3.3). The spotlightingsessions lasted for approximately three (3) hours each evening, and were carried out during andafter dusk.BatsA mobile ultrasonic bat call detector (Anabat II, Titley Electronics) connected to a PDA was used torecord bat calls, particularly targeting forested areas along narrow corridors created by creeks,gullies and vehicle tracks, as such locations are generally associated with natural flyways formicrochiropteran bats (Figure 3.3). Calls were continuously recorded over the duration of bothspotlighting sessions. Recorded calls were later identified to genus and wherever possible, tospecies level, using computer frequency analysis software (Analook V4.8f).A stationary ultrasonic bat call detector (Anabat II, Titley Electronics) with a storage ZCAIM unit wasused to record bat calls at two (2) sites over 10 nights by a University of New South Wales PhDCandidate, Caragh Threlfall (School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences). The datacollected in this survey period has also been included in this Report.Spotlighting and listening for calls of megachiropteran bats (Pteropus spp) was conducted during thespotlighting activities.UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 34