Survey of the reptiles of the montane forests near Dorrigo on the north coast of New South Wales

Abstract

We review the survey methodology used in terms of its robustness in assessing the impacts of logging on forestdependant species. We present the distributions of reptiles in each state forest within the Dorrigo area and reinterpret the findings. We also consider past and current forestry management practices, particular in regard to conservation of species listed under the Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act (1995). The distribution, species richness and relative abundance of reptiles was quantified at a given time by the use of a systematic survey methodology. Methods Location of survey area The survey area lies within the former Dorrigo FMA, situated on the north coast of New South Wales between 29 o 55' and 30 o 15'latitude and 152 0 25' and 152 0 50' longitude (Figure 1; Countrywide Ecological Service 1995). The total area covered was approximately 80,000ha and included Chaelundi, Ellis, Wild Cattle Creek, Marengo, Moonpar, Hyland and Bielsdown State Forests (SFs). While the altitudinal range of the State

Benchmarks and predictors of coarse woody debris in native forests of eastern Australia

“…Prior to 1930, harvesting focussed on red cedar, coachwood and hoop pine in rainforests, and by the 1940's the focus had shifted to routine selective harvest of hardwood (Eucalyptus) for sawlogs, including repeat harvesting in the 1960's. Timber harvest activities remained intensive into the 1990's, where some plots in the study were subject to harvest in the year prior to data collection (Daly and Hoye 2016;Forestry Commission of NSW 1985;Sinclair Knight 1992). Other disturbances included prescribed burning to manage fuel hazard, and firewood collection.…”

Ecological Correlates of Small Territories and Intra-Seasonal Variation in the Social Context of Displays in Male Water Dragons, Intellagama lesueurii

“…Study Species and General Methods .—Water Dragons are diurnal, semiaquatic lizards that occur throughout New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, in natural and urban riparian habitats (Littleford-Colquhoun et al, 2017; Wilson and Swan, 2017; Baxter-Gilbert, 2018). Diet of Water Dragons consists of arthropods, fish, other lizards (small scincids, juvenile conspecifics), and occasionally small mammals (MacKay, 1959; Wilson and Knowles, 1992; Meek et al, 2001). Our study population was located on the grounds of the Flynn's Beach Resort (-31.44618S, 152.92728E, datum WGS84, 22 m elevation), Port Macquarie, New South Wales, where all wildlife was protected (Baird et al, 2012).…”