Mt Laura Reserve Native Vegetation Plan 2009/10 - City of Whyalla

FINAL DRAFT14Atriplex spongiosa is classified as Rare on Eyre Peninsula (although it isrelatively common in adjoining Gardiner Torrens region) and Sida fibuliferastatus is classified as unknown K . Extensive botanical surveys may identifyseveral other plant species of significance within the proposed conservationarea.Acacia papyrocarpa (Western Myall) Low Open Woodland is classified asRARE regionally and is well represented in the proposed conservation area.Furthermore significant numbers of seedlings have germinated post 2007autumn rains (160mm 24 hours) which should survive to maturity given thelow number of herbivores and rabbits in the area.Casuarina pauper (Black Oak) Low Open Woodland is classified as RAREregionally and is well represented in the western and northern areas of theproposed conservation area.Myoporum platycarpum (False Sandalwood) Low Open Woodland isclassified as THREATENED regionally but is relatively common within thesite. As with A. papyrocarpa significant numbers of seedlings havegerminated post 2007 rains and the majority should reach maturity.There is a high probability that Pterostylis sp. Eyre peninsula R. Bates 19474 whichis flagged under the EPBC Act 1999 as Vulnerable AUS,SA exist within the MtLaura reserve due to suitable rocky habitat existing across much of the site.1.3.4 – Remnancy DataThe Hundred of Cultana contains 91.7% remnant vegetation of which only3.8% (462ha) is protected.The Whyalla Association contains 95.9% vegetation in the association.The inclusion of the Mt Laura Conservation reserve as an extension of theboundary of the Whyalla Conservation Park would effectively double the sizeof the Conservation Park.1.4 – Fauna and Wildlife Habitat ValuesDue to the landforms and overall intactness and diversity of plant communitiesthe proposed Mt Laura Conservation Reserve contains a mosaic of differenthabitats for a range of native fauna.Habitats range from large rock outcrops, hillslopes with broken rubble andHummock grasslands, tall shrublands in steep gullies, clearings containingnative tussock grasslands, low open woodland with tree hollows, drainagedepressions with dense perennial shrubs and exposed rock and saltbushplains with native grassland and emergent low trees.© L. Bebbington – Habitat & Land Management Consultant – 86845065- lbebb@bordernet.com.au