DARLING RIVERINE PLAINS BIOREGION Background Report
DARLING RIVERINE PLAINS BIOREGION Background Report
DARLING RIVERINE PLAINS BIOREGION Background Report
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<strong>DARLING</strong> <strong>RIVERINE</strong><br />
<strong>PLAINS</strong> <strong>BIOREGION</strong><br />
<strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
NSW BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY<br />
[JULY 2002]
<strong>DARLING</strong> <strong>RIVERINE</strong><br />
<strong>PLAINS</strong><br />
BACKGROUND REPORT<br />
<strong>DARLING</strong> <strong>RIVERINE</strong> <strong>PLAINS</strong><br />
<strong>BIOREGION</strong><br />
A project undertaken for the<br />
NSW Biodiversity Strategy
For more information data contact the:<br />
Western Regional Assessments Unit, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service<br />
PO Box 2111<br />
DUBBO NSW 2830<br />
Ph: (02) 6841 9200<br />
Fax: (02) 6841 9222<br />
www.npws.nsw.gov.au<br />
© Crown copyright [July 2002]<br />
New South Wales Government<br />
ISBN 0731365305<br />
This project has been funded by the NSW Biodiversity Strategy and coordinated by Western Regional Assessments Unit,<br />
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service<br />
This report was produced by Anne Kearle, Carl Gosper, Helen Achurch and Tania Laity. Maps in the atlas were produced by<br />
Fiona Ross.<br />
Thanks to Gary Saunders for managing the project and providing valuable input.<br />
For their comments:<br />
Bill Johnson, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service;<br />
Mike Maher, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service;<br />
Murray Ellis, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service;<br />
Mike Fleming, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service;<br />
Steve Lewer, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation;<br />
Darren Shelley, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation;<br />
Terry Mazzer, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation; and<br />
Patrick Tap, State Forests of New South Wales.<br />
Disclaimer<br />
While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that this document is correct at the time of printing, the State of New<br />
South Wales, its agents and employees, do not assume any responsibility and shall have no liability, consequential or<br />
otherwise, of any kind, arising from the use of or reliance on any of the information contained in this document.
CONTENTS<br />
PROJECT SUMMARY<br />
1 INTRODUCTION 14<br />
1.1 The <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 14<br />
1.2 The DRP Biodiversity Conservation Assessment Project 15<br />
1.2.1 Objectives of the DRP project 15<br />
1.2.2 Funding for the DRP project 15<br />
1.2.3 Associated projects 16<br />
1.3 The Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion 18<br />
1.3.1 Location and area 18<br />
1.3.2 Human history 18<br />
1.3.3 Land tenure and administrative boundaries 22<br />
2 ABIOTIC FEATURES 29<br />
2.1 Introduction 29<br />
2.2 Climate 29<br />
2.2.1 Rainfall: temporal and spatial variation 30<br />
2.2.2 Winds 36<br />
2.2.3 Temperature and evaporation 37<br />
2.3 Geology, Topography And Soils 39<br />
2.3.1 Geological history 39<br />
2.3.2 Topography and geomorphology 41<br />
2.3.3 Soils 41<br />
2.4 Hydrology 42<br />
2.4.1 Surface waters: rivers, catchments and wetlands 42<br />
2.4.2 Groundwaters 49<br />
2.5 Land Condition 51<br />
2.5.1 Land degradation 51<br />
2.5.2 River and wetland degradation 52<br />
2.5.3 Salinity 53<br />
2.6 Boundaries Within the DRP 55<br />
2.6.1 Provinces 55<br />
2.6.2 Land systems 58<br />
2.7 Summary and Proposed Further Work 58<br />
2.7.1 Summary 58<br />
2.7.2 Proposed further work 59<br />
3 VEGETATION 60<br />
3.1 Vegetation in 1750 and Subsequent Modification 60
3.2 Vegetation Mapping and Description in the DRP 62<br />
3.3 Plant Community Descriptions 64<br />
3.3.1 Forests and woodlands 70<br />
3.3.2 Shrublands 73<br />
3.3.3 Grassland and wetland communities 74<br />
3.3.4 Plant communities of major DRP wetlands 76<br />
3.4 Conservation Status of Vegetation Communities in The DRP 80<br />
3.4.1 Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen) open forest 81<br />
3.4.2 Acacia loderi (nelia) shrublands 81<br />
3.4.3 Artesian springs ecological community 82<br />
3.4.4 The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the<br />
Great Artesian Basin 83<br />
3.4.5 Acacia harpophylla (brigalow dominant or co-dominant) 83<br />
3.5 Summary And Proposed Further Work 84<br />
3.5.1 Summary 84<br />
3.5.2 Proposed further work 85<br />
4 FLORA 86<br />
4.1 Available Information 86<br />
4.1.1 Sources of data 86<br />
4.1.2 Plant species diversity of the DRP 87<br />
4.2 Species of Conservation Concern 88<br />
4.2.1 Threatened and ROTAP species 88<br />
4.2.2 Predicted threatened species 89<br />
4.2.3 Extinct species and historical records 90<br />
4.2.4 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 91<br />
4.3 Weed And Introduced Species 91<br />
4.4 Summary And Proposed Further Work 91<br />
4.4.1 Summary 91<br />
4.4.2 Proposed further work 92<br />
5 TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE FAUNA 93<br />
5.1 Available Information 93<br />
5.1.1 Sources of data 93<br />
5.1.2 Species diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in the DRP 94<br />
5.2 Amphibians 95<br />
5.2.1 Known species diversity and distribution 95<br />
5.2.2 Species of conservation concern 95<br />
5.2.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 96<br />
5.3 Reptiles 96<br />
5.3.1 Known species diversity and distribution 96<br />
5.3.2 Species of conservation concern 97<br />
5.3.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 99<br />
5.4 Birds 99<br />
5.4.1 Known species diversity and distribution 99<br />
5.4.2 Species of conservation concern 101<br />
5.4.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 105<br />
5.4.4 Introduced and pest species 106<br />
5.5 Mammals 106<br />
5.5.1 Known species diversity and distribution 106<br />
5.5.2 Species of conservation concern 107<br />
5.5.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 108<br />
5.5.4 Introduced and pest species 109<br />
5.6 Summary and Proposed Further Work 110<br />
5.6.1 Summary 110<br />
5.6.2 Proposed further work 111
6 OTHER FAUNA 112<br />
6.1 Invertebrates 112<br />
6.1.1 Aquatic invertebrates 112<br />
6.1.2 Terrestrial invertebrates 113<br />
6.2 Fish 113<br />
6.2.1 Known species diversity and distribution 113<br />
6.2.2 Species of conservation concern 114<br />
6.2.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations 116<br />
6.2.4 Introduced fish species 116<br />
6.3 Summary and Proposed Further Work 118<br />
6.3.1 Summary 118<br />
6.3.2 Proposed further work 118<br />
7 ECOLOGICAL AND THREATENING PROCESSES 119<br />
7.1 Ecological Processes 119<br />
7.1.1 Nutrient cycling and soil formation 119<br />
7.1.2 Hydrological regimes 120<br />
7.2 Listed and Potential Threatening Processes 121<br />
7.2.1 Listed Threatening Processes 121<br />
7.2.2 Potential Threatening Processes 126<br />
7.3 Weeds and Pest Animals 127<br />
7.3.1 Weeds 127<br />
7.1.2 Dense tree and shrub regeneration 128<br />
7.3.2 Kangaroos 129<br />
7.3.3 Feral animals 129<br />
7.4 Other Threats to Biodiversity 129<br />
7.4.1 Firewood collection and timber harvesting on private lands 129<br />
7.4.2 Grazing 130<br />
7.5 Summary and Proposed Further Work 130<br />
7.5.1 Summary 130<br />
7.5.2 Proposed further work 130<br />
8 EXISTING CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT 131<br />
8.1 Existing Conservation Assessments 131<br />
8.2 Formal Reserves and Other Crown Lands 134<br />
8.2.1 National Parks and Nature Reserves 134<br />
8.2.2 Other Crown lands Managed For Conservation 139<br />
8.3 Off-Reserve Conservation 141<br />
8.3.1 Voluntary Conservation Agreements 141<br />
8.3.2 Wildlife Refuges 141<br />
8.3.3 Forest Management Zones 141<br />
8.3.4 Catchment Blueprints 142<br />
8.3.5 Water Management Plans 143<br />
8.3.6 Regional Vegetation Management Plans 144<br />
8.3.7 Salinity Management Plans 145<br />
8.4 Areas of Biological Significance 145<br />
8.4.1 Key areas 145<br />
8.4.2 Refugia 146<br />
8.4.3 Centres of endemism 147<br />
8.4.4 Areas of high biodiversity 148<br />
8.5 Wilderness Values in the DRP (NSW) 148<br />
8.6 Summary and Proposed Further Work 148<br />
8.6.1 Summary 148<br />
8.6.2 Proposed further work 149<br />
9 REFERENCES 150
10 APPENDICES 166<br />
A CLIMATIC DATA<br />
B LAND SYSTEMS<br />
C PLANT SPECIES LIST<br />
D EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES<br />
E NATIVE FAUNA<br />
F WATERBIRD SURVEY DATA<br />
G INVERTEBRATE TAXA
List of Tables<br />
Chapter 1<br />
Table 1.1 NPWS estate in the DRP ...............................................................................................................................22<br />
Table 1.2 State Forests in the DRP................................................................................................................................23<br />
Table 1.3 State government electorates within the DRP ...............................................................................................24<br />
Table 1.4 DLWC regions within the DRP.....................................................................................................................24<br />
Table 1.5 NPWS administrative boundaries within the DRP ........................................................................................24<br />
Table 1.6 SFNSW administrative boundaries within the DRP ......................................................................................25<br />
Table 1.7 RLPBs within DRP .......................................................................................................................................25<br />
Table 1.8 RVCs within the DRP ...................................................................................................................................26<br />
Table 1.9 Water Management Committees within the DRP..........................................................................................26<br />
Table 1.10 CMBs within the DRP...................................................................................................................................26<br />
Table 1.11 Local Government areas which intersect the DRP ........................................................................................27<br />
Table 1.12 Aboriginal Land Councils within the DRP....................................................................................................28<br />
Chapter 2<br />
Table 2.1 DRP meteorological stations used in this analysis.........................................................................................29<br />
Table 2.2 Wetlands identified within each catchment of the DRP ................................................................................44<br />
Table 2.3 River catchments intersecting the DRP .........................................................................................................45<br />
Table 2.4 Groundwater resources of the Lower Namoi Catchment...............................................................................51<br />
Table 2.5 Actual and predicted average salinity levels for major rivers in the DRP .....................................................54<br />
Table 2.6 Predictions of the tonnes of salt mobilised to the land surface per year for river catchments of the DRP.....54<br />
Chapter 3<br />
Table 3.1 Existing broad-scale vegetation mapping in the DRP ...................................................................................62<br />
Table 3.2 Dominant plant communities of major wetlands of the DRP ........................................................................76<br />
Table 3.3 Dominant plant species in the Lower Gwydir Watercourse ..........................................................................78<br />
Chapter 4<br />
Table 4.1 Summary of floristic surveys conducted within the DRP..............................................................................87<br />
Table 4.2 Plant species of conservation concern recorded in the DRP..........................................................................88<br />
Table 4.3 Plant species of conservation concern predicted to occur in the DRP ...........................................................89<br />
Table 4.4 Extinct plant species in New South Wales previously recorded from the DRP.............................................90<br />
Table 4.5 Plant species of conservation concern known historically from the DRP but with no recent records ...........90<br />
Chapter 5<br />
Table 5.1 Summary of systematic fauna surveys conducted within the DRP................................................................93<br />
Table 5.2 Reptile species of conservation concern recorded within the DRP................................................................98<br />
Table 5.3 Bird species of conservation significance recorded from the DRP..............................................................102<br />
Table 5.4 Feral bird species recorded in the DRP .......................................................................................................106<br />
Table 5.5 Mammal species of conservation concern recorded in the DRP..................................................................107<br />
Table 5.6 Feral mammals recorded from the DRP. .....................................................................................................109<br />
Table 5.7 Summary of vertebrate taxa in the DRP ......................................................................................................110<br />
Chapter 6<br />
Table 6.1 Fish species known or likely to occur in the Darling Region ......................................................................113<br />
Table 6.2 Fish species of conservation concern within the DRP.................................................................................115<br />
Table 6.3 Introduced fish species recorded within the Barwon-Darling Region .........................................................117<br />
Chapter 7<br />
Table 7.1 Declared noxious weeds occurring within the DRP ....................................................................................128<br />
Chapter 8<br />
Table 8.1 Reservation status of major regional ecosystems in the DRP......................................................................132<br />
Table 8.2 Threatened fauna recorded within State forests of the DRP ........................................................................140<br />
Table 8.3 Dominant vegetation types within State forests of the DRP........................................................................140<br />
Table 8.4 Wildlife Refuges within the DRP................................................................................................................141<br />
Table 8.5 Forest Management Zones...........................................................................................................................142<br />
Table 8.6 River flow rules and implementation status within the DRP.......................................................................143<br />
Table 8.7 Water sharing plans being prepared within the DRP...................................................................................144
List of Maps<br />
Chapter 1<br />
Map 1 Location of the Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion<br />
Map 2 The Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion<br />
Map 3 Aboriginal sites in the DRP<br />
Map 4 Land tenure<br />
Map 5 Aboriginal Land Council Areas in the DRP<br />
Map 6 State electoral boundaries<br />
Map 7 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Regions and Areas<br />
Map 8 State Forests of NSW management areas<br />
Map 9 Department of Land and Water Conservation Regions<br />
Map 10 Rural Lands Protection Board boundaries<br />
Map 11 Regional Vegetation Committee boundaries<br />
Map 12 Catchment Management Board areas<br />
Map 13 Local Government Areas<br />
Chapter 2<br />
Map 14 Average annual rainfall<br />
Map 15 Average annual temperature<br />
Map 16 Lithology<br />
Map 17 Digital elevation model<br />
Map 18 Soils of the DRP<br />
Map 19 Major rivers and catchment boundaries<br />
Map 20 Major wetlands<br />
Map 21 Darling Riverine Plains provinces<br />
Map 22 Darling Riverine Plains landsystems<br />
Chapter 3<br />
Map 23 Moree RVC pre-clearing vegetation<br />
Map 24 M305 vegetation densities<br />
Map 25 Extent of vegetation mapping for the DRP<br />
Chapter 4<br />
Map 26 Flora records per 1:100 000 map sheet in the Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
Map 27 Post-1970 threatened flora records<br />
Map 28 Threatened flora records per 1:100 000 map sheet in Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
Chapter 5<br />
Map 29 Post-1970 amphibian records in the DRP<br />
Map 30 Atlas of NSW Wildlife records per 1:100 000 mapsheet: amphibians<br />
Map 31 Post-1970 reptile records in the DRP<br />
Map 32 Atlas of NSW Wildlife records per 1:100 000 mapsheet: reptiles<br />
Map 33 Post-1970 threatened reptile records in the DRP<br />
Map 34 Post-1970 bird records in the DRP<br />
Map 35 Atlas of NSW Wildlife records per 1:100 000 mapsheet: birds<br />
Map 36 Post-1970 threatened bird records in the DRP<br />
Map 37 Records of feral bird species in the DRP<br />
Map 38 Post-1970 mammal records in the DRP<br />
Map 39 Atlas of NSW Wildlife records per 1:100 000 mapsheet: mammals<br />
Map 40 Post-1970 threatened mammal records in the DRP<br />
Map 41 Records of feral mammal species in the DRP<br />
Map 42 Atlas of NSW Wildlife records per 1:100 000 mapsheet: threatened species
List of Figures<br />
Chapter 1<br />
Figure 1.1 <strong>Report</strong>s resulting from the DRP Biodiversity Conservation Assessment Project ..........................................16<br />
Chapter 2<br />
Figure 2.1 Annual rainfall records for Bourke 1871-1999..............................................................................................31<br />
Figure 2.2 Bourke mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile.......................................................31<br />
Figure 2.3 Mungindi mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile...................................................32<br />
Figure 2.4 Menindee mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile...................................................32<br />
Figure 2.5 Trangie mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile ......................................................33<br />
Figure 2.6 Walgett mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile......................................................33<br />
Figure 2.7 Median monthly rainfall for weather stations across the DRP.......................................................................34<br />
Figure 2.8 Mean monthly rain days recorded across the DRP ........................................................................................34<br />
Figure 2.9 Rainfall CuSums for five locations in the DRP .............................................................................................35<br />
Figure 2.10 Mean monthly wind speed at 9am.................................................................................................................36<br />
Figure 2.11 Mean monthly wind speed at 3pm.................................................................................................................37<br />
Figure 2.12 Mean monthly maximum temperatures .........................................................................................................38<br />
Figure 2.13 Mean monthly minimum temperatures..........................................................................................................38<br />
Figure 2.14 Mean daily evaporation at Walgett and Bourke.............................................................................................39<br />
Figure 2.15 Geological history of the Nyngan and Walgett 1:250 000 map sheets ..........................................................40<br />
Figure 2.16 Lower Gwydir Wetlands ...............................................................................................................................48<br />
Figure 2.17 Groundwater features of the Coonamble Embayment of the Great Artesian Basin.......................................50<br />
Chapter 3<br />
Figure 3.1 Profile of the Bogan-Macquarie Province .....................................................................................................64<br />
Figure 3.2 Profile of the Castlereagh-Barwon Province .................................................................................................65<br />
Figure 3.3 Profile of the Culgoa-Bokhara Province........................................................................................................65<br />
Figure 3.4 Profile of the Warrambool-Moonie Province ................................................................................................66<br />
Figure 3.5 Profile of the Narran-Lightning Ridge Province............................................................................................66<br />
Figure 3.6 Profile of the Collarenebri Interfluve Province .............................................................................................67<br />
Figure 3.7 Profile of the Louth Plains Province..............................................................................................................67<br />
Figure 3.8 Profile of the Wilcannia Plains Province.......................................................................................................68<br />
Figure 3.9 Profile of the Menindee Province..................................................................................................................68<br />
Figure 3.10 Profile of the Great Darling Anabranch Province..........................................................................................69<br />
Figure 3.11 Profile of the Pooncarie-Darling Province.....................................................................................................69<br />
Figure 3.12 Profile of land units within the Lower Gwydir Wetlands ..............................................................................78<br />
Chapter 8<br />
Figure 8.1. Bioregional conservation assessment framework 133<br />
Figure 8.2. Nationally significant biological refugia within the DRP 147
PROJECT SUMMARY<br />
This report forms part of stage one of the two stage Darling Riverine Plains Conservation<br />
Assessment Project, funded by the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, which was released in 1999.<br />
The Biodiversity Strategy is a whole of government document and all government agencies<br />
are committed to working cooperatively towards conserving the biodiversity of NSW. The<br />
Strategy outlines a framework for coordinating and integrating government and community<br />
efforts to conserve biodiversity across all landscapes.<br />
Project objectives and methods<br />
The existing abiotic and biotic information of the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion (DRP)<br />
within New South Wales has been collated and synthesised in this report. This information<br />
provides a baseline for planning further work and conservation needs in this bioregion. The<br />
human activities in this region are also outlined as these have an impact on the natural<br />
distribution and abundance of plants and animals and affect the measures required for<br />
biodiversity conservation.<br />
Key features of the DRP in NSW<br />
The Darling Riverine Plains bioregion is a fluvial environment, having been almost entirely<br />
shaped and maintained by water flow and responses to water. This is reflected by the alluvial<br />
origin of the underlying geology and soils and by the gently undulating topography. Rivers<br />
and wetlands of the lower plains and floodplains of six catchments make up the bioregion and<br />
an understanding of the hydrology of the bioregion is fundamental to an understanding of the<br />
ecosystems. Flooding is essential for the healthy functioning of the ecosystem. Flooding is<br />
extremely irregular and does not follow predictable patterns.<br />
The Darling Riverine Plains bioregion in NSW covers approximately 9 255 000 ha<br />
(approximately 12% of New South Wales) and includes the lower reaches and alluvial fans of<br />
the Bogan, Macquarie, Castlereagh, Namoi, Barwon, Culgoa, Bokhara, Narran, Gwydir and<br />
MacIntyre Rivers and the Darling River corridor from Bourke to the southern edge of the<br />
Menindee Lakes.<br />
Although almost all of the bioregion lies within the semi-arid zone, there is substantial<br />
climatic variation. This is especially so for rainfall, which varies both spatially and
temporally. Annual averages are of little value for understanding the responses of ecological<br />
processes and requirements.<br />
Major changes have been made to this natural environment since European occupation.<br />
Extensive areas have been cleared of native vegetation, especially in the east, and in the west<br />
the combination of drought and overgrazing by sheep and rabbits have led to extensive<br />
denudation of the land. Agricultural enterprises have created changes including altered runoff<br />
patterns, changes in turbidity and nutrient status of rivers and increased salinity in the<br />
rives and in the soil. Stream regulation has changed flow and flooding patterns resulting in<br />
change to riverine and wetland ecosystems. Land tenure varies from large areas of leasehold<br />
land (50% of the bioregion) in the west, to predominantly freehold (40.5% of the bioregion)<br />
in the east. Approximately 9.5% of the bioregion is Crown land. The large number of<br />
administrative boundaries crossing this bioregion has resulted in inconsistent levels of<br />
research being carried out.<br />
No systematic plant or animal surveys have been conducted across the entire bioregion but<br />
general descriptions of vegetation communities are broadly consistent, with several<br />
woodland, shrubland, grassland and wetland communities having been described. Coolibah,<br />
Black Box and River Red Gum communities are generally the most common associations.<br />
More detailed mapping of these communities is needed. There are three communities,<br />
Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen), Acacia loderi (nelia), and the artesian springs community<br />
listed as threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995 (NSW) (TSC Act)<br />
and the Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) community has a preliminary determination. The<br />
brigalow and artesian springs communities are also listed under the Environment Protection<br />
and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 (Commonwealth of Australia) (EPBC Act) and<br />
several other communities have been noted as of concern.<br />
A total of 1 129 plant taxa are recorded on databases covering the Darling Riverine Plains<br />
bioregion within NSW. Nineteen of these species are listed as vulnerable or endangered, five<br />
as extinct under the TSC Act and twenty are on the national register of Rare or Threatened<br />
Australian Plants (ROTAP) (Briggs & Leigh 1996). There are also 229 exotic species<br />
recorded. These plant records are unevenly distributed across the bioregion and detailed<br />
floristic surveys have been patchy with large areas never having been surveyed.<br />
The distribution and abundance of terrestrial vertebrates is also based on few and scattered<br />
surveys and incidental records and there are substantial gaps in the coverage of the<br />
information. The most detailed information available is for waterbird fauna in the three major<br />
wetlands, Macquarie Marshes, Narran Lakes and the Gwydir Wetlands and some detailed<br />
analysis is possible. Five hundred and six terrestrial vertebrate species have been recorded<br />
from the DRP. Of these, 65 are listed under the TSC Act, 9 as extinct, 11 endangered and 45<br />
as vulnerable. Other threatened species are noted as being predicted to occur in the bioregion<br />
or as of concern, either near threatened or in decline. Twenty-four species are listed under the<br />
Japan Australia and China Australia Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA and CAMBA).<br />
The information available for invertebrates and fish is more limited than that for the<br />
terrestrial vertebrates. This needs to be rectified, not only to understand the biodiversity of the<br />
bioregion but also because of their importance as food resources for vertebrate species both<br />
within and outside the DRP and as indicators of ecosystem health. There are 30 fish species<br />
known from the DRP and three of these have been listed as threatened by the Fisheries<br />
Management Act, 1994 (NSW).<br />
High fire frequency, anthropogenic climate change, clearing of native vegetation, predation<br />
by feral cats, foxes and Gambusia, competition and land degradation by feral goats and
abbits are listed as key threatening processes for the DRP under the TSC Act and/or the<br />
EPBC Act. There have also been preliminary determinations to list river regulation and<br />
competition by feral honeybees as key threatening processes. Weeds and pest animal species<br />
also pose significant threats to biodiversity within the DRP.<br />
Implications for biodiversity conservation management<br />
Conservation reserves make up less than one percent of the DRP bioregion and these do not<br />
cover the full range of plant communities present. Off-reserve conservation initiatives include<br />
the development of Catchment Management Plans, River Management Plans, Groundwater<br />
Management Plans, Regional Vegetation Management Plans and the declaration of Wildlife<br />
Refuges and Voluntary Conservation Agreements. There is insufficient information to define<br />
areas of biological significance but the major wetlands and Artesian Springs require<br />
consideration. The significance of the rivers as corridors for movement of wildlife also<br />
requires assessment.<br />
This bioregion covers a large area within NSW for which the floristic and faunal records and<br />
vegetation mapping is inadequate. Further survey and assessment must be based on the gaps<br />
highlighted in both this report and in the accompanying data audit and gap analysis report. It<br />
is also important to define the internal landscape variation using refined province or land<br />
system boundaries and to ensure an even coverage of survey effort across these sub-regions<br />
rather than using mapsheet analysis. Recommendations for further work emerging from the<br />
background information reviewed and the gap analysis study are listed at the end of each part<br />
of this report.
16/08/02 Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
1 INTRODUCTION<br />
1.1 THE BACKGROUND REPORT<br />
The aim of this report is to collate and synthesise the available abiotic and biotic information<br />
for the Darling Riverine Plains (DRP) Bioregion within New South Wales and to assess the<br />
current conservation status of the bioregion. The biotic information includes information<br />
about vegetation, flora, fauna, ecosystems, ecological processes and threatening processes.<br />
Simultaneously, a data audit and gap analysis is being undertaken in which the quality and<br />
completeness of the data will be assessed and inadequacies and gaps identified. These studies<br />
provide information which forms the basis of proposals for data collection and analysis of<br />
conservation values across the bioregion. Emerging from the information gathered are<br />
proposed recommendations for further work. This detailed information is required for<br />
regional conservation planning and the establishment of a protected area network (including<br />
formal reserves) and conservation management practices.<br />
The following conventions are used throughout this report.<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
DRP (Aus) - the total area of the Darling Riverine Plains bioregion (as defined by<br />
Thackway and Cresswell 1995);<br />
DRP - the portion of the DRP (Aus) in New South Wales; and<br />
DRP (Qld) - the portion of the DRP (Aus) in Queensland.<br />
Names for flora and fauna will be cited in the following ways:<br />
for birds, mammals (excluding bat species), invertebrates, and fish – common name<br />
followed by scientific name when first used, then common name only used throughout;<br />
and<br />
for reptiles, amphibians, bats and all flora – scientific name followed by common name<br />
(where available) when first used, then scientific name only used throughout.<br />
The naming authorities recognised and used in this report are as follows:<br />
for flora – Harden (1990-1993), Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney (2001);<br />
for reptiles and amphibians – Cogger (2000);<br />
for birds – Simpson et al. (1999); and<br />
for mammals – Strahan (1995).<br />
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1.2 THE DRP BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ASSESSMENT PROJECT<br />
This <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong> forms part of Stage 1 of the DRP Biodiversity Conservation<br />
Assessment Project. The recommendations for further work presented here together with the<br />
results of the data audit and gap analysis will be used to determine the content of the<br />
associated projects.<br />
1.2.1 Objectives of the DRP project<br />
The objectives of the DRP Biodiversity Conservation Assessment Project are to:<br />
compile appropriate bioregion-wide biotic and abiotic data for use by planners and land<br />
managers;<br />
identify bioregional conservation values for use in regional planning processes such as<br />
regional vegetation management planning, catchment management planning and river<br />
management planning;<br />
provide advice about appropriate conservation measures and management practices;<br />
provide advice about further detailed assessment needed for the creation of reserves;<br />
involve the community in information gathering and to present the findings in plain<br />
English; and<br />
establish long term monitoring sites that will allow ecological health to be assessed and<br />
the conservation management practices to be evaluated and reviewed.<br />
The two stages in the project (NPWS 1999a) are:<br />
Stage 1: Compilation and analysis of background information, broad data collection,<br />
development of broad conservation criteria and a biodiversity survey of sites selected<br />
to cover the ecological variation of the DRP. To undertake a preliminary analysis that<br />
identifies gaps in the data layers and establishes an understanding of environmental<br />
patterns and variation within the bioregion.<br />
Stage 2: Information collected from Stage 1 of this project will be reviewed and used to<br />
design a targeted survey program, detailed assessment of the conservation status of the<br />
region and possible modelling to provide more detailed information for use in the<br />
broader conservation assessment. Areas targeted for more detailed analysis may<br />
include areas of high conservation value and those considered under greatest threat.<br />
Stage 2 will be used to identify the processes and funding requirements needed to<br />
complete the Integrated Biodiversity Conservation and Assessment process across the<br />
whole bioregion.<br />
1.2.2 Funding for the DRP project<br />
The DRP Biodiversity Conservation Assessment Project is funded from two sources:<br />
under priority action 13 of the New South Wales State Biodiversity Strategy (SBS); and<br />
the Commonwealth Natural Heritage Trust (NHT).<br />
The SBS funding covers conservation assessment and vegetation mapping. The NHT funding<br />
covers community based nature conservation planning. SBS also funds long term monitoring<br />
sites established for invertebrate diversity assessment, a project conducted by the Australian<br />
Museum. A separate report will be produced for each project.<br />
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1.2.3 Associated projects<br />
Figure 1.1 below shows how all aspects of the DRP Biodiversity Conservation Assessment<br />
Project are linked and the reports which shall be produced for this project. This background<br />
report is part of the initial stages of the project as shown in Figure 1.1. Each component of<br />
the project is outlined further in this section.<br />
BACKGROUND DOCUMENT<br />
(synthesis of pre-survey info on biota,<br />
state of environment etc.)<br />
Draft due Oct 2001<br />
Final draft due Jan 2002<br />
Final IBCA Review May 2002<br />
PROJECT REPORTS<br />
Data Audit and Gap Analysis<br />
current status of information<br />
Draft due Dec 2001<br />
Final draft due March 2002<br />
Biodiversity Survey<br />
Draft due Oct 2001<br />
Final draft due Mar 2002<br />
Community Technical <strong>Report</strong><br />
Draft due Oct 2001,<br />
Final draft due June 2002<br />
Vegetation Mapping<br />
Draft due Oct 2001<br />
Final draft due June 2002<br />
Preliminary Conservation Assessment<br />
(incl. Technical Framework,<br />
conservation criteria, Focus on habitat<br />
/ indicators of habitat quality, bioregional<br />
boundaries – future work required)<br />
final draft due October 2002<br />
COMMUNITY REPORTS<br />
Community <strong>Report</strong><br />
Draft due October 2001<br />
Final draft due Dec 2001<br />
Release date April 2002<br />
Cultural Community <strong>Report</strong><br />
Draft Due Oct 2001<br />
Final draft due April 2002<br />
Further consultation / Workshops<br />
<strong>BIOREGION</strong>AL STRATEGY<br />
Broad conservation priorities<br />
Possible conservation areas<br />
Draft outline due Jan 2002 for<br />
consultation,<br />
Draft due July 2002<br />
Final draft due October 2002<br />
FIGURE 1.1 REPORTS RESULTING FROM THE DRP BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION<br />
ASSESSMENT PROJECT<br />
Data audit and gap analysis<br />
The information available on the ecology and biological diversity of the DRP is limited in<br />
detail and extent. This is a significant impediment to informed land use planning,<br />
conservation management and regional development. In this project existing data will be<br />
audited and evaluated in order to develop targeted studies that will fill gaps in the data. This<br />
includes collation of readily available environmental data and the establishment of a baseline<br />
for a more comprehensive and detailed assessment of the bioregion. The data audit process<br />
also involves the maintenance of a comprehensive database.<br />
A data audit of the western region of New South Wales for the Resource and Conservation<br />
Assessment Council (RACAC) included data relating to fauna, flora, geoscience, heritage,<br />
land, photography and imagery, vegetation and water (NPWS 1999c). The data were<br />
classified by bioregion and the DRP was found to have reasonable coverage of climatic and<br />
weather information, while vegetation, flora and fauna data are poor or unavailable. In<br />
general there is an incomplete coverage of all existing base data layers, a variation in methods<br />
of data collection, variable or unknown reliability of the records and a bias in collection<br />
locations.<br />
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Vegetation mapping<br />
The aim of this project is to validate and integrate existing vegetation mapping. The<br />
resolution of the mapping area covered, methods used, type of information collected and<br />
currency of the data varies across the DRP. From this, targeted flora survey requirements will<br />
be defined and ecological and geographical patterns determined using a spatial analysis. Preand<br />
post-clearing vegetation maps of the bioregion, an inventory of vegetation communities,<br />
vascular plant communities and rare and threatened plant species, an assessment of the<br />
conservation status of vegetation communities and an understanding of the environmental<br />
influences on plant and vegetation distribution across the DRP will be provided.<br />
Biodiversity survey<br />
This project will develop an appropriate bioregion-wide biodiversity database and data layers,<br />
which will allow identification of priorities for further assessment, classification of biotic<br />
assemblages and habitats, areas of high biodiversity and conservation significance,<br />
identification of conservation management options and a technical report. An important<br />
component of this project is community participation in biodiversity surveys.<br />
Regional based nature conservation planning<br />
The aim of this project is ensure that any future bioregional plan for the Darling Riverine<br />
Plains incorporates best practices by providing opportunities for community participation and<br />
information exchange at all levels. It is designed to provide opportunities for all sectors of the<br />
community to assist with data collection and to provide fauna/flora records in a manner that<br />
can be used in the project.<br />
This will be done by providing training, expertise, opportunities, networks and incentives for<br />
cooperative partnerships with private landholders, local and state government, non<br />
government organisations, industry and other relevant management authorities involved in<br />
long term management of key areas for the conservation of biodiversity. This whole of<br />
landscape approach to biodiversity conservation and appropriate long term conservation<br />
management practices can be achieved through programs such as the Land for Wildlife<br />
scheme (ie Land for Wildlife property registration and support), wildlife refuges, voluntary<br />
conservation agreements, Farming For The Future, Bushcare and the Native Vegetation<br />
Conservation Act, 1997 (NSW).<br />
Consultation with the Aboriginal community<br />
For this project Aboriginal communities will be consulted about traditional or ecological<br />
knowledge and conservation issues the communities consider important. This may include<br />
field trips with members of the Aboriginal community to biodiversity survey sites or other<br />
locations, collecting information about past and present species distribution, habitat<br />
requirements and the impact of changes to ecosystems.<br />
Conservation assessment<br />
This assessment will identify highly significant areas and features of the DRP and provide<br />
advice on appropriate conservation measures. The report will focus on habitat definition,<br />
indicators of habitat health and the definition of the bioregional boundaries. It will outline the<br />
technical framework of the project and future work required.<br />
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Bioregional strategy<br />
This strategy will use existing information and that generated by the project to prepare a<br />
bioregional conservation strategy. This will be developed through consultation with the<br />
broad network established by the NHT-funded project and public comment on the strategy.<br />
1.3 THE <strong>DARLING</strong> <strong>RIVERINE</strong> <strong>PLAINS</strong> <strong>BIOREGION</strong><br />
1.3.1 Location and area<br />
The DRP (Aus) bioregion was originally defined by Thackway and Cresswell (1995) in their<br />
Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia as having ‘Alluvial fans and plains;<br />
summer/winter rainfall in catchments, including occasional cyclonic influence; grey clays;<br />
woodlands and open woodlands dominated by Eucalyptus species.’<br />
The total area of this bioregion is 10 550 000 hectares with 88% located within NSW and two<br />
small lobes extending into Queensland. It is surrounded by six other bioregions: to the east is<br />
the Brigalow Belt South, to the north-west the Mulga Lands, to the south and south-west the<br />
Cobar Peneplain, Murray Darling Depression and Broken Hill Complex, and the New South<br />
Wales South Western Slopes in the Narromine area (Map 1). The bulk of the bioregion<br />
extends from east of Boggabilla to Weilmoringle on the Queensland border, south almost to<br />
Peak Hill and west to Nyngan and Bourke. South west from Bourke it becomes a narrow<br />
riverine corridor along the Darling River to the Menindee overflow lakes.<br />
The New South Wales portion of the DRP covers approximately 9 255 000 hectares. It<br />
includes the lower reaches and alluvial fans of the Bogan, Macquarie, Castlereagh, Namoi,<br />
Barwon, Culgoa, Bokhara, Narran, Gwydir and MacIntyre Rivers and the Darling River<br />
corridor from Bourke to the southern edge of the Menindee Lakes (Map 2). The alluvial fans<br />
form extensive fertile plains.<br />
The DRP (QLD) has been described by Sattler and Williams (1999) as forming two distinct<br />
provinces of the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion. These are the Balonne-Culgoa Fan (Province<br />
35) that contains extensive quaternary alluvial sediments along the Balonne and Culgoa<br />
Rivers and the predominantly alluvial plains and associated riverine landforms of the<br />
MacIntyre-Weir Fan (Province 36) (refer to section 2.6.1 for an outline of the provinces<br />
described by Morgan and Terrey (1992) within the bioregion in New South Wales).<br />
1.3.2 Human history<br />
Aboriginal and cultural heritage<br />
Aboriginal people have occupied this continent for approximately 55 000 years and their<br />
connection with this continent dates back to far earlier times, to the time of the creation itself.<br />
The Aboriginal people of Australia represent one of the oldest continuously living cultures in<br />
the world.<br />
Approximately 3 000 people occupied the Barwon-Darling area prior to European settlement.<br />
The river tribes of the DRP settled along the main rivers during the summer months, moving<br />
to regular campsites on drier country in the winter months (Dargin, 1976).<br />
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The DRP covers land belonging to several Aboriginal nations including the Wiradjuri,<br />
Gamilaroi, Yullaroi, Murriwarri, Ngiyampaa/Wongaibon and Baarkinji. For Aboriginal<br />
people, the land, waterways, flora, fauna and the skies, are central to their traditional lifestyles<br />
and cultural beliefs and there are many areas of cultural significance within the DRP (NPWS<br />
undated; Dargin 1976).<br />
In 1836 white settlement extended to the Barwon-Castlereagh River junction. Traditional life<br />
was disrupted, with the introduction of stock and agriculture and many Aboriginal women<br />
being forced to live with white stockmen (NPWS undated; Dargin 1976). Violent conflicts<br />
between the Aboriginal and white people occurred throughout the area during the 1880s<br />
(Dargin 1976; Butlin 1983). The dwindling Aboriginal population of the area was further<br />
decimated by the European-introduced small pox and venereal disease. Outbreaks of small<br />
pox within the Aboriginal populations of the Darling area lead occurred between 1820 and<br />
1830, causing many deaths. Rapid population decline from disease, which mainly affected<br />
the old and young, coupled with venereal diseases, which caused sterility in some, greatly<br />
affected the recovery rate of the Aboriginal population of the region (Butlin 1983; NPWS<br />
2000).<br />
As white settlement of the area continued to expand, the newly appointed Protector of<br />
Aborigines called a census of Aboriginal people in 1882. The results of this census for the<br />
region found that a total of approximately 440 people of Aboriginal descent were living in<br />
Walgett, Brewarrina and Wilcannia (Dargin 1976).<br />
The Brewarrina area was particularly important as one of the great intertribal meeting places<br />
of eastern Australia where Aboriginal elders deliberated on policies aimed at maintaining<br />
balance between tribes and their environment. Ceremonial grounds, burial areas and<br />
extensive stone flaking are the only remaining evidence of these meetings (Dargin 1976).<br />
The late 1880s saw the almost total demise of traditional Aboriginal life in the region (Dargin<br />
1976; NPWS undated). The last traditional initiation ceremony occurring at the bora grounds<br />
at Collymongle, approximately 18km east-north-east of Collarenebri (Dargin 1976).<br />
Many Aboriginal sites and areas of significance in the DRP have been mapped and include<br />
physical and non-physical or spiritual sites. Physical remains of earlier Aboriginal occupation<br />
as indicated by the presence of stone tools, rock art, rock peckings, rock engravings, scarred<br />
and carved trees are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 (NSW) and<br />
many are still being located. The spiritually important sites are more difficult to classify and<br />
map but can include a mountain range or a waterway incorporated in the creation stories,<br />
totemic animals or plants. These features of the landscape continue to be used by Aboriginal<br />
people.<br />
Known and mapped sites of significance to Aboriginal people are spread throughout the DRP,<br />
with a high concentration in the Darling riverine corridor south of Wilcannia (Map 3). Two<br />
areas of high significance to the Ngiyampaa/Wongaibon people are the Brewarrina fish traps<br />
and Mt Grenfell. There are also other highly significant areas to the Ngiyampaa/Wongiabon<br />
and other nations within the DRP but many of these cannot be revealed to the broader<br />
community.<br />
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European settlement of the bioregion<br />
The DRP has been significantly modified since European settlement that began after the early<br />
exploration along the rivers in 1817. John Oxley was the first European to the region, naming<br />
and crossing the Castlereagh River in 1818. George Clarke, an escaped convict, traversed the<br />
northern part of the DRP with the Kamilaroi people between 1826 and 1831. When<br />
recaptured, he reported to the acting governor a great inland river. This prompted Sir Thomas<br />
Mitchell to investigate and he found the Barwon River in 1832 (Fairfax 2001). European<br />
explorers, Charles Sturt and Hamilton Hume first reached the Darling River in 1829.<br />
River frontage properties along the Barwon and Macquarie Rivers were taken up by the<br />
1840s and extended to the Darling River in the 1850s. To begin with, the runs were unfenced<br />
and the lack of water restricted stock movement with only spasmodic occupation of the<br />
surrounding lands after rain. This pattern of occupation and development changed<br />
significantly in the 1870s and 1880s with the construction of wells, bores and tanks enabling<br />
the stock runs to expand permanently into the dryland. At the same time, good seasons and a<br />
strong demand for wool caused an almost complete change from cattle to sheep and a strong<br />
increase in sheep numbers. Fencing of stock runs began in this period along with the use of<br />
timber for construction of dwellings, firewood, lining of well and mine shafts and for stock<br />
fodder which led to the clearing of timber from large areas, especially in the Western<br />
Division. By the 1890s the massive build up of stock, invasion of rabbits and drought led to<br />
the broad scale and profound environmental degradation of the Western Division.<br />
The river boat trade was a major contributing factor to the development of the DRP with 90<br />
paddle steamers using the Darling River by 1890 (Outback NSW 2001a). Captain William<br />
Randall took the first riverboat up the Darling River in 1859 to the location where Brewarrina<br />
now stands. This was the beginning of the river trade at Brewarrina and Bourke. Bourke<br />
became the major port along the Darling River from 1860 to 1885. Menindee, Wilcannia and<br />
Brewarrina were also important river ports along the Darling River (Back O’Bourke 2001;<br />
Australian Museums and Galleries Online 2001).<br />
Menindee was the first town established on the Darling River (in the 1850s but was not<br />
gazetted until 1863), with Bourke being surveyed in 1862, Brewarrina being officially<br />
declared a town in 1863 and Wilcannia officially notified as a township in 1866 (renaming<br />
the town formerly known as Mount Murchison). These townships were developed to service<br />
the river trade (Outback NSW 2001b; Australian Museums and Galleries Online 2001).<br />
In 1859, Vincent Dowling, the pioneer station builder of the Bourke area, brought his wife<br />
(the first white woman in the area) out to the Darling. In 1878 the Artesian Basin was tapped<br />
for the first time at Kallara and Kerbree Stations near Bourke. The cotton industry began in<br />
1966 in the Bourke district (Back O’Bourke 2001; Outback NSW 2001b).<br />
A number of important historic sites of early European settlement exist. It is beyond the scope<br />
of this report to document these sites in detail but in addition to the more obvious sites of<br />
cemeteries and settlements there are graves scattered across the landscape. For example, the<br />
graves of the first settlers in the Macquarie Marshes area, George Gibson and Henry Wage<br />
are still located there and are a designated historic site within Warren Shire. The presence of<br />
marked European survey trees is evidence of early exploration of the area.<br />
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Land use<br />
The most common land use across the bioregion is grazing, with average livestock densities<br />
of 0.85 animals/ha. Stock routes to the main markets were developed in the 1880s and these<br />
crossed the DRP from south to north, up the Darling River from Wilcannia to Bourke, across<br />
to Hungerford and over the border to Queensland. This major route also connected the south<br />
of the bioregion to others heading east to Dubbo and south to Deniliquin and Echuca. By the<br />
1890s a vast network of stockroutes spanned the DRP (McKnight 1977).<br />
Irrigated and dryland cropping is a more recent land use, but it is becoming more extensive.<br />
The cotton industry began with the construction of the Keepit Dam in 1960, with 20 000 ha of<br />
cotton planted in the Narrabri / Wee Waa area by 1968/69, increasing to 48 000 ha by<br />
1989/90 (NWCMC 1996). The following land use descriptions by province have been drawn<br />
primarily from Morgan and Terry (1990) (see section 2.6.1 for a description and Map 21 for a<br />
map of the provinces).<br />
In the Bogan-Macquarie Province grazing is the dominant land use with dryland and<br />
irrigated cropping becoming more significant in the south. Stock levels in the region range<br />
from six dry sheep equivalents per hectare (dse) in the pastoral eastern area, to 0.25 dse in the<br />
west (Macquarie 2100 Plan 1999).<br />
Wheat, cotton, beef and wool dominate in the Narromine to Collie, Bogan River and Merri<br />
Merri Creek area with cropping increasing since livestock returns were reduced in 1994-5.<br />
Total gross value of cropping in this region was $260 million in 1996 to 1997 and livestock,<br />
$50 million, in the same period. The area cultivated for cotton production increased by 400%<br />
from 1981 to1992 and 60% of the cotton is grown within five kilometres of the Macquarie<br />
River (Macquarie 2100 Plan 1999).<br />
The Castlereagh-Barwon Province is the most intensively developed with rapid growth in<br />
the cropping industry. Dryland cropping is widespread and irrigated crops cover large areas<br />
near Wee Waa and Moree in the east and, to a lesser extent, near the Barwon River and<br />
Moomin Creek. In the Border Rivers region, which includes the northern portion of this<br />
province, 57 000 ha were irrigated for cotton, producing an income of approximately $200<br />
million per annum and 13 500 ha irrigated for summer crops such as lucerne (DNR & DLWC<br />
2000). Grazing is also a significant land use in this province.<br />
Throughout the remainder of the bioregion, land use is dominated by grazing but in the<br />
Culgoa-Bokhara and Warrambool-Moonie Provinces substantial areas have been cultivated<br />
for dryland cropping and this is increasing. Narran Lakes (Narran-Lightning Ridge<br />
Province) are also used for lakebed cropping and extensive clearing has recently occurred in<br />
the Collarenebri Interfluve Province. Horticulture is an expanding industry in the<br />
Menindee Province.<br />
The fertility and higher moisture levels of the wetlands within the DRP has frequently<br />
resulted in a concentration of agricultural activities in these areas. The Gwydir Wetlands were<br />
mostly used for wool production during the early part of the century. By the 1970s beef cattle<br />
were the mainstay of the grazing industry. The crash of beef prices in the early 1970s when<br />
wheat prices were buoyant, resulted in many landholders clearing extensively for cultivation<br />
cropping but in the 1980s sheep and cattle re-emerged as important industries. Dryland<br />
cropping is still important but the produce has diversified to include barley, oats, chickpeas,<br />
safflower and canola. Irrigated cotton production is important upstream from the wetlands<br />
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around Moree since the construction of Copeton Dam, and there has been pressure to build<br />
another dam to allow for irrigation in the wetlands (Keyte 1994; NWCMC 1996).<br />
1.3.3 Land tenure and administrative boundaries<br />
Land tenure<br />
The current land tenure of the DRP is shown in Map 4.<br />
Crown lands<br />
The available data on Crown lands (Map 4) (from Crown Lands Information Database,<br />
DLWC) at the time of writing is not totally accurate because there is considerable spatial<br />
overlap between classifications and a lack of data verification and updated information in the<br />
database. There are also inconsistencies in the data with some, but not all classifications<br />
coinciding. Leasehold land within the occupies approximately 4 628 000 ha, 50% of the<br />
bioregion. Crown reserves include travelling stock reserves, transport corridors, National<br />
Parks, Nature Reserve and State Forests that cover an estimated 9.5% (879 350 ha) of the<br />
bioregion (Map 4).<br />
Freehold<br />
The remaining 40.5% (3 748 800 ha approximately) of the DRP is freehold land, located<br />
mainly in the south and east of the bioregion (Map 4).<br />
National Parks and Wildlife Service estate<br />
Two national parks and six nature reserves cover 0.89% of the DRP. Two recent acquisitions<br />
by the NPWS, Mount Murchison, and Tillpilly Stations (45 km and 100 km north-east of<br />
Wilcannia respectively), partially fall within the DRP and are yet to be formally declared.<br />
Another ungazetted area adjacent to Narran Nature Reserve is also part of the NPWS estate<br />
within the DRP. These ungazetted areas of NPWS estate increase the total area of by NPWS<br />
estate within the DRP to 1.13% (Map 4). The largest reserves are Culgoa National Park in the<br />
far north west of the DRP, and Kinchega National Park in the far south west of the bioregion<br />
(Table 1.1).<br />
Table 1.1 NPWS estate in the DRP<br />
Name Hectares % within Protected area management category under the International<br />
within DRP DRP Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)<br />
Kinchega National Park 37 861 86% II – national park managed for ecosystem protection and recreation<br />
Culgoa National Park 20 918 95% II – national park managed for ecosystem protection and recreation<br />
Macquarie Marshes Nature 18 192 100% IV – habitat / species management area managed for conservation<br />
Reserve<br />
through management intervention<br />
Narran<br />
Reserve<br />
Lake Nature 4 527 100% Ia – strict nature reserve managed mainly for science<br />
Midkin Nature Reserve 359 100% Ia – strict nature reserve managed mainly for science<br />
Boronga Nature Reserve 195 100% Ia – strict nature reserve managed mainly for science<br />
Boomi Nature Reserve 156 100% Ia – strict nature reserve managed mainly for science<br />
Boomi<br />
Reserve<br />
West Nature 149 100% Ia – strict nature reserve managed mainly for science<br />
Mt Murchison ungazetted 13 677 30% not assigned<br />
Tillpilly ungazetted 5 048 21% not assigned<br />
Narran Lake ungazetted 3 691 100% not assigned<br />
Total area within DRP 104 773 1.13%<br />
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State Forests of NSW estate<br />
Twenty-two State Forests occur within, or partially within, the DRP (Map 4). These forests<br />
cover an estimated 13 900 ha, or 0.15% of the total area of the bioregion. Each State forest,<br />
and the area occurring within DRP, is listed in Table 1.2. They are all located in the southern<br />
part of the DRP, and in a narrow belt of ‘Monkey scrub’ (Eucalyptus chloroclada-Callitris<br />
glaucophylla community on a relict channel of the Castlereagh River) running to the north<br />
west of Gulargambone.<br />
The Sandgate Flora Reserve within the DRP has been exempted from mining and is therefore<br />
equivalent to IUCN I-IV. Timber harvesting and grazing by domestic stock are not permitted<br />
in flora reserves unless specified in a working plan. To date State Forests within the DRP<br />
have not been assigned IUCN categories. However, parts of these forests are likely to qualify<br />
for IUCN categories of I-IV under future Forest Management Zoning and initiatives<br />
associated with habitat or species management.<br />
Table 1.2 State Forests in the DRP<br />
State Forest Hectares intersecting DRP % within DRP<br />
Sandgate Flora Reserve 16 100%<br />
Gilwarny State Forest 3 452 100%<br />
Pilliga West State Forest 2 808 2%<br />
Tallegar State Forest 1 601 100%<br />
Narraway State Forest 881 100%<br />
Sandgate State Forest 780 100%<br />
Bourbah State Forest 623 100%<br />
Merrinele State Forest 536 100%<br />
Cowal State Forest 504 100%<br />
Tenandra State Forest 490 100%<br />
Nebea State Forest 361 100%<br />
Warrie State Forest 295 100%<br />
Wingadee State Forest 283 100%<br />
Tailby State Forest 196 22%<br />
Mellerstain State Forest 194 100%<br />
Merri Merri State Forest 191 100%<br />
Gilgandra State Forest 190 100%<br />
Carrabear State Forest 174 100%<br />
Holybon State Forest 125 100%<br />
Berida State Forest 68 100%<br />
Eringanerin State Forest 58 88%<br />
Girilambone State Forest 53 100%<br />
Gin Gin State Forest 39 100%<br />
Total area within DRP 13 916 0.15%<br />
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Administrative boundaries<br />
In addition to crossing a State border, the DRP (Aus) bioregion is divided by a number of<br />
other administrative boundaries. Among the more significant of these are the DLWC Regions<br />
(Map 9) that have influenced the coverage of research throughout the bioregion. Research<br />
carried out in the Western Division (Far West Region, Table 1.4, Map 9) has frequently<br />
differed in content and comprehensiveness from that undertaken in the regions to the east.<br />
New South Wales State government<br />
Four State Government electorates (Table 1.3, Map 6) intersect the DRP. Most of this<br />
bioregion is in the Electorate of Barwon (79%).<br />
Table 1.3 State government electorates within the DRP<br />
Electorate Area intersecting DRP (ha) % electorate % DRP<br />
Barwon 7 351 190 63% 79%<br />
Murray – Darling 1 758 506 5% 19%<br />
Dubbo 130 234 8% 1%<br />
Northern Tablelands 13 432 0.4% 0.1%<br />
Department of Land and Water Conservation administrative boundaries<br />
The DRP lies within three Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC) Regions<br />
(Table 1.4, Map 9).<br />
Table 1.4 DLWC regions within the DRP<br />
DLWC Region Area intersecting DRP (ha) % region % DRP<br />
Far West 3 993 322 12% 43%<br />
Central West 3 164 952 23% 34%<br />
Barwon 2 093 817 23% 23%<br />
National Parks and Wildlife Service administrative boundaries<br />
99.9% of the DRP falls under the jurisdiction of the Western Directorate of NPWS, with the<br />
remaining 0.1% being within Northern Directorate (Map 7). Table 1.5 shows NPWS<br />
Directorates, Regions and Areas within these Directorates, and the area of the DRP covered<br />
by each. Narrabri Area Office has jurisdiction over 39% of the DRP, with Coonabarabran and<br />
Cobar Area Offices covering 23% and 25% respectively.<br />
Table 1.5 NPWS administrative boundaries within the DRP<br />
Directorate Region Area Area intersecting % NPWS % DRP<br />
DRP (ha)<br />
Area<br />
Western Northern Plains Narrabri 3 590 790 56% 39%<br />
Coonabarabran 2 117 223 56% 23%<br />
Upper Darling Cobar 2 281 882 19% 25%<br />
Far West Broken Hill 854 947 9% 9%<br />
Central West Lachlan 394 384 10% 4%<br />
Northern Northern<br />
Tablelands<br />
Glen Innes West 13581 1% 0.1%<br />
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State Forests of NSW administrative boundaries<br />
Eight SFNSW Management Areas lie partially within the DRP (Table 1.6, Map 8). The<br />
Walgett Management Area covers the largest percentage of the DRP (41%).<br />
Table 1.6 SFNSW administrative boundaries within the DRP<br />
SF Management Area Area intersecting DRP (ha) % SF Management % DRP<br />
Walgett 3 828 033<br />
Area<br />
99% 41%<br />
Pilliga 1 728 155 44% 19%<br />
Unincorporated 1 214 062 7% 13%<br />
Dubbo 1 070 150 35% 12%<br />
Gilgandra 943 077 65% 10%<br />
Mildura 302 673 3% 3%<br />
Inverell 119 265 6% 1%<br />
Forbes 30 618 1% 0.3%<br />
Condobolin 20 053 0.4% 0.2%<br />
Rural Lands Protection Boards administrative boundaries<br />
Sixteen Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPBs) intersect the DRP, with the Walgett RLPB<br />
covering 27% of the DRP (Table 1.7, Map 10). Other RLPBs that are mostly within the DRP<br />
are Brewarrina, Coonamble and Moree.<br />
Table 1.7 RLPBs within DRP<br />
RLPB Area intersecting DRP (ha) % RLPB %DRP<br />
Walgett 2 471 851 96% 27%<br />
Brewarrina 1 293 744 87% 14%<br />
Coonamble 1 121 902 99% 12%<br />
Moree 1 010 819 63% 11%<br />
Nyngan 798 382 45% 9%<br />
Dubbo 538 118 31% 6%<br />
Wilcannia 515 072 11% 6%<br />
Bourke 506 480 13% 5%<br />
Broken Hill 339 875 8% 4%<br />
Narrabri 299 695 24% 3%<br />
Cobar 142 876 4% 2%<br />
Warialda 128 837 10% 1%<br />
Coonabarabran 49 447 4% 1%<br />
Molong 18 836 2% 0.2%<br />
Condobolin 16 871 1% 0.2%<br />
Wentworth 539 0.02% 0.01%<br />
Regional Vegetation Committees administrative boundaries<br />
Of the seven Regional Vegetation Committees (RVCs) which cover portions of the DRP, the<br />
Lower Macquarie - Castlereagh and Walgett RVCs cover the largest land area within the<br />
bioregion (50%) as indicated in Table 1.8 and Map 11.<br />
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Table 1.8 RVCs within the DRP<br />
RVC Area intersecting DRP<br />
(ha)<br />
% RVC % DRP<br />
Lower Macquarie – Castlereagh 2 470 760 72% 27%<br />
Walgett 2 162 767 97% 23%<br />
Brewarrina 1 400 409 73% 15%<br />
Moree 1 120 193 63% 12%<br />
Nth Lachlan – Bogan 301 993 13% 3%<br />
Narrabri – Coonabarabran – Coolah 298 615 12% 3%<br />
Mid – Lachlan 18 948 1% 0.2%<br />
Water Management Committee administrative boundaries<br />
Water management committees established under the Water Management Act, 2000 whose<br />
coverages fall within the DRP are listed in Table 1.9.<br />
Table 1.9 Water Management Committees within the DRP<br />
(DLWC 2001a)<br />
Water Management Committee<br />
Gwydir River (Regulated) River Management Committee<br />
Namoi Regulated River Management Committee<br />
Gwydir Unregulated River Management Committee<br />
Namoi Unregulated River Management Committee<br />
Macquarie – Cudgeon (Regulated) River Management Committee<br />
Central West (Unregulated) River Management Committee<br />
Barwon-Darling River Management Committee<br />
Great Artesian Basin Groundwater Management Committee<br />
Gwydir Groundwater Management Committee<br />
Macquarie Groundwater Management Committee<br />
Namoi Groundwater Management Committee<br />
Border Rivers Unregulated River and Groundwater Management Committee<br />
Catchment Management Board administrative boundaries<br />
Six Catchment Management Boards (CMBs) have jurisdiction over sections of the DRP<br />
(Table 1.10, Map 12) with Central West and Western CMBs covering 72% of the DRP. All<br />
CMBs within NSW are preparing Catchment Management Plans or Blueprints.<br />
Table 1.10 CMBs within the DRP<br />
CMB Area intersecting DRP (ha) % CMB % DRP<br />
Central West 3 563 432 39% 38%<br />
Western 3 190 730 14% 34%<br />
Gwydir 910 366 34% 10%<br />
Namoi 779 814 19% 8%<br />
Border Rivers 522 455 22% 6%<br />
Lower Murray Darling 271 354 4% 4%<br />
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Local Government boundaries<br />
The DRP is divided between 18 Local Government areas, covering 99% of the bioregion<br />
(Table 1.11, Map 13). The remaining 1% of the DRP is not under the jurisdiction of any local<br />
Government and is shown as unincorporated.<br />
Table 1.11 Local Government areas which intersect the DRP<br />
LGA Area intersecting DRP (ha) % LGA % DRP<br />
Walgett 2 162 767 97% 23%<br />
Brewarrina 1 400 409 73% 15%<br />
Moree Plains 1 120 193 63% 12%<br />
Warren 1 069 140 100% 12%<br />
Coonamble 908 063 91% 10%<br />
Central Darling 753 005 14% 8%<br />
Bourke 458 674 11% 5%<br />
Narromine 358 423 68% 4%<br />
Narrabri 296 398 23% 3%<br />
Bogan 284 772 20% 3%<br />
Cobar 143 013 3% 2%<br />
Gilgandra 135 135 28% 1%<br />
Unincorporated area 103 325 1% 1%<br />
Parkes 18 948 3% 0.2%<br />
Lachlan 17 221 1% 0.2%<br />
Inverell 14 200 2% 0.2%<br />
Yallaroi 9 576 2% 0.1%<br />
Coonabarabran 2 217 0.3% 0.02%<br />
Wentworth 752 0.03% 0.01%<br />
Local Aboriginal Land Council administrative boundaries<br />
Aboriginal Land Council boundaries within the DRP are shown on Map 5. Twenty-seven<br />
Aboriginal Land Councils (ALC) and an unincorporated area exist within the DRP. Local<br />
ALCs that cover the largest sections of the DRP are Walgett, Brewarrina, Collarenebri,<br />
Quambone and Coonamble (Table 1.12), covering 39% of the DRP. Collarenebri,<br />
Quambone, Lightning Ridge, Trangie, Warren-Macquarie and Goodooga LALCs all fall<br />
entirely within the DRP.<br />
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Table 1.12 Aboriginal Land Councils within the DRP<br />
ALC Area<br />
(ha)<br />
intersecting DRP %ALC %DRP<br />
Walgett 1127 695 93.6% 12%<br />
Brewarrina 881 442 89.5% 10%<br />
Collarenebri 847 748 100.0% 9%<br />
Quambone 765 698 100.0% 8%<br />
Coonamble 732 096 96.1% 8%<br />
Lightning Ridge 498 545 100.0% 5%<br />
Mungindi 484 517 98.4% 5%<br />
Wilcannia 473 773 13.2% 5%<br />
Menindee 456 183 20.1% 5%<br />
Warren-Macquarie 436 320 99.6% 5%<br />
Nyngan 294 483 18.8% 3%<br />
Goodooga 274 486 99.9% 3%<br />
Nulla Nulla 262 499 21.4% 3%<br />
Wee Waa 261646 73.1% 3%<br />
Weilmoringle 219 042 49.8% 2%<br />
Winbar 203 898 17.6% 2%<br />
Toomelah 189 855 20.9% 2%<br />
Peak Hill 170 015 17.4% 2%<br />
Moree 141 622 14.1% 2%<br />
Gilgandra 110 141 16.2% 1%<br />
Trangie 109 059 100.0% 1%<br />
Unincorporated 86 495 3.5% 1%<br />
Narromine 71 737 43.7% 1%<br />
Pilliga 16 858 4.9% 0.2%<br />
Narrabri 13 750 2.7% 0.1%<br />
Murrawari 13 509 1.7% 0.1%<br />
Condobolin 13 002 0.8% 0.1%<br />
Coonabarabran 755 0.1% 0.01%<br />
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2 ABIOTIC FEATURES<br />
2.1 INTRODUCTION<br />
In this section the climate, geology, topography, soils and hydrology of the DRP are<br />
described to provide a basis for mapping and predicting the distribution and stability of plant<br />
communities, habitats and species distributions. Predictive distributions are essential as<br />
survey cannot cover the entire land surface. This bioregion is strongly influenced by water<br />
systems and the hydrological parameters are crucial in the biological assessment of the<br />
region.<br />
The effect of human activities, particularly clearing and agricultural activities also need to be<br />
understood in order to assess the changes to plant and animal distribution patterns, population<br />
viability and provenance, water quality and the conservation protocols required. Activities<br />
within the DRP can have an impact on flora and fauna outside the bioregion, for example, the<br />
disruption of migration routes for migratory vertebrate species or the loss of migratory<br />
invertebrate species through control of larval stages in agricultural areas. Activities within<br />
the DRP can also impact on downstream riverine health, water supply and water quality.<br />
Consideration of abiotic factors is important in the development of a meaningful subdivision<br />
of the Bioregion into smaller, manageable units. Boundaries previously defined within the<br />
DRP are outlined in this section.<br />
2.2 CLIMATE<br />
Almost all of the DRP lies within the semi-arid zone of New South Wales, except for a small<br />
portion of the eastern edge that extends into the temperate zone. The semi-arid zone covers an<br />
extensive area and in order to evaluate the climatic influence on the ecological processes of<br />
that area the climatic data for six meteorological stations across the bioregion are used in the<br />
following analysis (Table 2.1, Australian Meteorological Bureau).<br />
Table 2.1 DRP meteorological stations used in this analysis<br />
Town Location within DRP Latitude Longitude Elevation Years of<br />
(m)<br />
records<br />
Moree north-east 29.50 S 149.90 E 207 86<br />
Mungindi northern NSW border 28.98 S 148.99 E 160 113<br />
Walgett central 30.04 S 148.12 E 133 121<br />
Trangie south-east boundary 32.03 S 147.98 E 219 102<br />
Bourke north-west at the beginning of the 30.09 S 145.94 E 106 129<br />
Darling corridor<br />
Menindee south-western on the Darling River<br />
corridor<br />
32.40 S 142.42 E 61 124<br />
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Variation in temperature and rainfall across the bioregion has also been modelled from the<br />
digital elevation model. The mapping shows that the variation in climatic variables is not<br />
affected by variation in local relief.<br />
2.2.1 Rainfall: temporal and spatial variation<br />
Most of the bioregion occurs within the summer rainfall region of New South Wales, with<br />
higher and more reliable rainfalls occurring in the east. The mean monthly rainfall ranges<br />
from about 60 mm in the east of the bioregion to 15 mm in the west and along most of the<br />
Darling River (Map 14). At the six meteorological stations, mean annual rainfall ranges from<br />
578.6 mm at Moree to 508.3 mm at Mungindi, 504.8 mm at Trangie, 477.8 mm at Walgett,<br />
355.1 mm at Bourke and 243.7 mm at Menindee (Bureau of Meteorology 2001). These mean<br />
values, however, mask the fact that the rainfall in the bioregion is highly variable in<br />
frequency and intensity and is generally unreliable. There are occasional periods of intense<br />
rainfall, which are often the products of deep extra-tropical depressions. Large portions of the<br />
bioregion also experience prolonged periods of no rainfall.<br />
The annual rainfall recorded at Bourke from 1871, graphed on Figure 2.1, illustrates this<br />
variability, with annual total rainfall ranging from about 80mm to 850mm. This variability is<br />
also demonstrated by the mean and first and ninth deciles calculated for the Bourke’s monthly<br />
rainfall averages (Figure 2.2). The first decile is the rainfall amount not exceeded by the<br />
lowest 10% of rainfall events. The ninth decile is the rainfall amount exceeded by the highest<br />
10% of rainfall events. The first and ninth decile are measured to give the ‘normal’ rainfall<br />
range (that which 80% of all rainfall events falls within). The rainfall at Mungindi in the<br />
north east of the bioregion has a more definite summer pattern with January and February<br />
being the wettest months. The range between the first and ninth deciles is also greatest for<br />
those months (Figure 2.3). This contrasts with Menindee in the southwest (Figure 2.4) and<br />
Trangie in the southeast (Figure 2.5) where there is no evidence of summer dominance in the<br />
rainfall although the range between the first and ninth deciles is greatest in December and<br />
January. Monthly means and ranges, which illustrate the degree of rainfall variability, have<br />
also been calculated for Walgett in the centre of the bioregion (Figure 2.6). The distribution<br />
and intensity of rainfall is also illustrated by median monthly rainfall (Figure 2.7) and mean<br />
monthly rain days (Figure 2.8) (Bureau of Meteorology 2001).<br />
Mean monthly rainfall and mean monthly rainfall graphs for each of these weather stations<br />
across the DRP are shown in Appendix A.<br />
30
ainfall (mm)<br />
900<br />
800<br />
700<br />
600<br />
500<br />
400<br />
300<br />
200<br />
100<br />
16/08/02 Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion <strong>Background</strong> <strong>Report</strong><br />
0<br />
1871<br />
1877<br />
mm<br />
120<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
1883<br />
1889<br />
1895<br />
1901<br />
1907<br />
Bourke mean annual rainfall<br />
1913<br />
1919<br />
1925<br />
1931<br />
Figure 2.1 Annual rainfall records for Bourke 1871-1999<br />
Bourke mean monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Figure 2.2 Bourke mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
1937<br />
year<br />
1943<br />
1949<br />
1955<br />
1961<br />
1967<br />
1973<br />
1979<br />
1985<br />
1991<br />
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mm<br />
160<br />
140<br />
120<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Mungindi mean monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Figure 2.3 Mungindi mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
mm<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Menindee mean monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Figure 2.4 Menindee mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
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mm<br />
140<br />
120<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Trangie mean monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Figure 2.5 Trangie mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
mm<br />
160<br />
140<br />
120<br />
100<br />
80<br />
60<br />
40<br />
20<br />
0<br />
Walgett mean monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Figure 2.6 Walgett mean monthly rainfall and range between first and ninth decile<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
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mm<br />
50<br />
45<br />
40<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
median monthly rainfall<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Trangie Bourke Walgett Menindee Mungindi Moree<br />
Figure 2.7 Median monthly rainfall for weather stations across the DRP<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
days<br />
7<br />
6<br />
5<br />
4<br />
3<br />
2<br />
mean monthly raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Trangie Bourke Walgett Menindee Mungindi Moree<br />
Figure 2.8 Mean monthly rain days recorded across the DRP<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
34
1500<br />
1000<br />
500<br />
0<br />
-500<br />
-1000<br />
-1500<br />
-2000<br />
-2500<br />
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Long term rainfall variation<br />
Trends in available moisture resulting from the annual variation in rainfall are determined by<br />
calculating the Cusum (cumulative residual mass) curves for Menindee, Mungindi, Trangie,<br />
Walgett and Bourke. These curves (Figure 2.9) indicate that the rainfall was high throughout<br />
the 1880s and 1890s but there was a steady decrease from about 1900 until 1948 with a<br />
resultant moisture deficit throughout the bioregion. The severity and timing of this deficit<br />
varied between the five locations. Since about 1950, the moisture availability generally shows<br />
an upward trend although this was delayed until 1974 at Menindee and was not sustained at<br />
Trangie from 1960 to 1974.<br />
Cummulative Sums for Rainfall<br />
Menindee Mungindi Trangie Walgett Bourke<br />
Figure 2.9 Rainfall CuSums for five locations in the DRP<br />
The rainfall within the DRP does not have a regular annual cycle and plant growth and animal<br />
breeding patterns will be controlled by this long term pattern. This will influence the recovery<br />
rates of particular habitats and populations, with the current upward trend in the rainfall<br />
suggesting that conditions are favourable for potential re-establishment and recovery of<br />
populations. This may help explain the increased growth of the unpalatable native shrubs or<br />
‘woody weeds’ in parts of the bioregion.<br />
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2.2.2 Winds<br />
Wind has a strong influence on rainfall and the degree of erosion that occurs in the area.<br />
Nyngan is subjected to dominant southerly winds and subdominant north-easterlies in January<br />
with a modal speed of 11 to 20 km/hr. This changes to dominant southerlies of between six<br />
and 10 km/hr in winter. At Walgett, north-easterlies are dominant in summer with modal<br />
speeds of one to five km/hr, while in winter this changes to light southerlies and southwesterlies<br />
(Wolfgang 1998).<br />
Figure 2.10 below shows that the mean monthly wind speed at 9am at Walgett, Menindee,<br />
Bourke and Mungindi varies from 13.1 km/hr at Menindee to 7.1 km/hr at Mungindi in<br />
December and from 7.4 km/hr at Menindee to 3.5 km/hr at Mungindi in June. Wind speeds<br />
of the DRP are greatest, on average, in the spring months at all stations, and lowest in the<br />
winter months at all stations. Only the weather stations with long term data have been<br />
included in Figures 2.10 and 2.11 (Bureau of Meteorology 2001).<br />
km/hr<br />
14<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
mean monthly 9am wind speed<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Bourke Walgett Menindee Mungindi<br />
Figure 2.10 Mean monthly wind speed at 9am<br />
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km/hr<br />
14<br />
13<br />
12<br />
11<br />
10<br />
9<br />
8<br />
7<br />
mean monthly 3pm wind speed<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Bourke Walgett<br />
Figure 2.11 Mean monthly wind speed at 3pm<br />
2.2.3 Temperature and evaporation<br />
In general terms the summers are mild to hot and winters mild to cool. Across the bioregion<br />
the average annual temperatures increase from 17ºC in the south east to 20ºC in the<br />
northwest. Most of the bioregion has an annual average temperature of 18 or 19ºC (Map 15).<br />
The average mean maximum temperature in January ranges from 33ºC to 36ºC and the<br />
average mean minimum temperature in July ranges from 3ºC to 6ºC (Bureau of Meteorology<br />
2001). The mean monthly maximum and mean monthly minimum temperatures are illustrated<br />
in Figure 2.12 and Figure 2.13.<br />
Average annual potential evaporation varies from 1 800 mm east of Trangie to 2 000 mm<br />
west of Bourke (Wolfgang 1998). Total average annual evaporation figures range from 2 131<br />
mm at Moree to 1 825 mm at Bourke. Mean daily evaporation has been recorded for the<br />
Bourke and Walgett weather stations within the DRP. These figures are graphed in Figure<br />
2.14 and range from 1.7mm at Walgett in June to 8.5 mm at Bourke in December (Bureau of<br />
Meteorology 2001).<br />
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degrees celcius<br />
37<br />
35<br />
33<br />
31<br />
29<br />
27<br />
25<br />
23<br />
21<br />
19<br />
17<br />
15<br />
average daily maximum temperature<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Trangie Bourke Walgett Menindee Mungindi Moree<br />
Figure 2.12 Mean monthly maximum temperatures<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
degrees celcius<br />
22<br />
20<br />
18<br />
16<br />
14<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
average daily minimum temperature<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Trangie Bourke Walgett Menindee Mungindi Moree<br />
Figure 2.13 Mean monthly minimum temperatures<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
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mm<br />
10<br />
8<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
0<br />
mean daily evaporation<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
month<br />
Walgett Bourke<br />
Figure 2.14 Mean daily evaporation at Walgett and Bourke<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology 2001)<br />
2.3 GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY AND SOILS<br />
2.3.1 Geological history<br />
The underlying lithology of the bioregion is almost entirely formed from transported<br />
sediments. Cainozoic (Quaternary) alluvium is found in 87% of the area and the Cainozoic<br />
lacustrine sediments and Cainozoic residual and aeolian sands are present in another 10% of<br />
the region. The lacustrine sediments are found along the lower reaches of the Macquarie and<br />
Castlereagh Rivers, and the aeolian sands are along the lower reaches of the Darling River<br />
with large areas associated with the Menindee overflow lakes. The broad lithology of the<br />
bioregion has been mapped (Map 16) and there has also been more detailed geological<br />
mapping of some portions of the bioregion.<br />
The Great Artesian Basin underlies the DRP bioregion, and this is divided into a series of<br />
smaller basins including the Surat and Euromanga Basins. The Great Artesian Basin consists<br />
of extensive Quaternary alluvial deposits associated with the Darling River. In a broader<br />
context, the entire Barwon-Darling basin can be described as a large intercratonic Cainozoic<br />
basin, which has been infilled with sediments derived mainly from continental alluvium<br />
(Thoms et al. 1995).<br />
In two areas the lithology reflects the underlying geology. In the north of the bioregion the<br />
coarse grained Cretaceous Surat Basin sandstone has not been covered by the more recent<br />
alluvium, forming the Lightning Ridge and the Collarenebri Interfluves. In areas of rolling<br />
downs and lowlands between the Culgoa and Barwon Rivers there are ridges and residuals of<br />
various rock types including conglomerate, sandstone, claystone, shale, siltstone, quartzite<br />
and granite.<br />
The geological history of the Walgett and Nyngan 1:250 000 map sheets, covering an area<br />
from Walgett in the north, south to Trangie, west to Girilambone and east to Coonamble, has<br />
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been mapped and the formations are illustrated on Figure 2.15 (Watkins & Meakin 1996).<br />
The geological history and stratigraphy of the Macquarie-Bogan catchment is also described<br />
by Wolfgang (1998) and geological framework studies have been carried out in the Bourke<br />
region (Thoms et al. 1995).<br />
Figure 2.14 Geological history of the Nyngan and Walgett 1:250 000 map sheets<br />
(Watkins & Meakin 1996)<br />
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2.3.2 Topography and geomorphology<br />
The alluvial deposits form extensive plains with slopes to the west and south of less than one<br />
degree and local relief rarely exceeds a few metres. The relief of the bioregion varies from<br />
40m above sea level (asl) in the southwest to 300m asl in the east. A digital elevation model<br />
(DEM) for the bioregion has been developed using two different levels of resolution (Map<br />
17). The coverage of the eastern third of the bioregion is at a 25 m grid size while the<br />
remainder is at 250 m. It would be preferable if the western portion was mapped at a finer<br />
resolution but this will not occur in the timeframe of this bioregional assessment.<br />
While more detailed modelling is desirable, its value would be limited by the generally low<br />
relief and little variation in elevation within the bioregion. Minor relief may be locally<br />
important (run on and run off areas), but these subtle changes may not be detected even at a<br />
25 m grid resolution. The Narrabri-Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri Interfluve provinces<br />
(see Section 2.6) are the areas most likely to benefit from more detailed modelling.<br />
The present day alluvial landscape of the bioregion is dominated by abandoned quaternary<br />
river systems, which are slightly higher than the modern river systems. Since the Pliocene (2-<br />
5 million years ago) the lower reaches of the tributaries of the Darling system have built<br />
outwash fans from material eroded from the eastern highlands. Watkins and Meakin (1996)<br />
defined four fluvial units in the alluvial landscape of the Nyngan and Walgett sheets: the<br />
Trangie formation, Carrabear formation, Bugwah formation and Marra Creek formation. The<br />
low hill lands adjacent to the riverine plain contain erosional surfaces of pre-Cainozoic rock<br />
blanketed by Quaternary residual and colluvial deposits.<br />
As a part of the Smith et al. (1998) report on the fauna of the northern floodplains, nine<br />
landforms were defined and four of these are present in the DRP. These are:<br />
Alluvial plains and floodplains permanent and temporary streams with channels to 15 m<br />
deep, alluvial plains with minor drainage lines and swamps, some small elevated areas (to<br />
3 m), extensive scalds, some pans, dunes to 10 m, some dunes and rises in channel loops;<br />
Playas and basins small to very large lakes, channels and floodouts, playas (shallow<br />
closed depressions occasionally filled with water), salt lakes, claypans and swamp basins,<br />
feeder channels, levees, lunettes to 10 m, low lying back plains;<br />
Rolling downs and lowlands undulating or low rounded ridges and some higher remnant<br />
hills, broad to narrow drainage lines, rounded pans to 1 km wide, relief to 20 m; and<br />
Plains deposited sediments with many small drainage sinks, broken drainage lines,<br />
floodouts, swamps, floodplains and sandplains, some lunettes, relief to 3 m.<br />
Additional landforms occur in the portion of the DRP outside of the northern floodplains<br />
study area. Some are described within the descriptions of provinces and land units (Section<br />
2.6).<br />
2.3.3 Soils<br />
The soils of the DRP have been mapped at a broad scale resolution (1:2 000 000) by DLWC.<br />
The mapping, current to 1988 (Map 18), shows the spatial arrangement of 10 broad soil<br />
groupings.<br />
Grey, brown and black cracking clay soils cover the 70% of the bioregion in the lower lying<br />
plains and depressions. The areas of higher elevation result from prior stream deposits with<br />
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coarse red sediments deposited as levees during periods of high flow. This has produced the<br />
texture contrast soils, which have a well-drained coarser surface soil over red clays. Severe<br />
scalding is common on these soils that have been extensively and often heavily grazed.<br />
Scalding results from loss of the surface soils exposing the underlying red clays.<br />
Deep red earths have formed on coarse-grained sediments in two areas in the north of the<br />
region and calcareous red and yellow earths have formed from the aeolian sands in the west.<br />
In the northern floodplains study (Smith et al. 1998) in the north west of the bioregion, soils<br />
were described as:<br />
water deposited sediments on the alluvial plains and floodplains - mostly cracking clays,<br />
often deep and sometimes crabholey, areas of texture contrast soils (often on rises), noncracking<br />
clays on elevated areas, sands and sandy-earths on dunes;<br />
water deposited sediments on playas and basins - brown and grey cracking clays (heavy in<br />
lakes, more compact in channels and floodouts, saline in playas), often surrounded by red<br />
country;<br />
shallow to deep soils, often loamy and red, on rolling downs and lowlands - may be gritty<br />
or gravelly especially on upper slopes, grade into sandy red earths in drainage lines, clays<br />
in lakes and pans; and<br />
water-deposited sediments including moderate to deep red earths on plains - red-brown<br />
texture contrast soils, and grey or brown clays (non-cracking, cracking or gilgaied).<br />
The Macquarie catchment and marshes generally have rich alluvial soils but they vary<br />
between high quality soils from basic parent rocks and poorer soils formed from the more<br />
acid granite materials. The soils are highly weathered and leached of the soluble nutrients and<br />
the brown to red-brown subsoil also contains concretions (Wolfgang 1998).<br />
2.4 HYDROLOGY<br />
2.4.1 Surface waters: rivers, catchments and wetlands<br />
The DRP bioregion contains the Darling River, its tributaries and their catchments. Each of<br />
these catchments has unique flooding patterns and depositional characteristics and many<br />
rainfall events affecting these rivers originate outside the bioregion. Map 19 and Map 20<br />
show the rivers, major wetlands, floodplains and catchments within the Barwon-Darling<br />
basin.<br />
Three broad river reaches can be identified along the Barwon-Darling River system within<br />
New South Wales (Map 19). The river between Mungindi and Walgett is largely influenced<br />
by, and constrained within, the Cobar structural ‘lineament’. From Walgett to Bourke it is not<br />
constrained by any structural ‘lineaments’ but is influenced by the mega scale alluvial fan<br />
morphology of the Gwydir, Namoi and Macquarie River systems. South from Bourke the<br />
river is again constrained by a structural ‘lineament’ - the Darling ‘lineament’ which<br />
continues into the Murray River basin (Lloyd et al. 1994).<br />
Rivers<br />
The Namoi, Gwydir, MacIntyre Rivers (and associated rivers) rise in the Great Dividing<br />
Range (North East Tablelands Bioregion) and flow across the Nandewar Bioregion.<br />
Relatively high and reliable summer rainfalls feed these waterways. The Macquarie River<br />
also originates in reliable rainfall regions of the Great Dividing Range and flows into the DRP<br />
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from the South Eastern Highlands, Brigalow Belt South and South Western Slopes<br />
Bioregions. These rivers are predominantly fed by winter rainfall and flooding is more likely<br />
to occur in winter-spring.<br />
Under a natural flow regime, the Barwon-Darling system receives an average of 35% of its<br />
water from the border rivers (MacIntyre, Dumaresq, and Boomi), 25% from the Namoi River,<br />
20% from the Condamine-Culgoa, 5% from the Macquarie-Bogan and 10% from the Gwydir.<br />
Modelling by DLWC has estimated that flows from the Namoi have been reduced by 70%,<br />
from the Condamine-Culgoa by 45% and from the Border Rivers by 45%. Total irrigation<br />
diversions from the Barwon-Darling system and tributaries exceed the natural median flow at<br />
Menindee (Thoms et al. 1995).<br />
The highly variable rainfall within the bioregion is reflected by flow variability, a feature of<br />
the Darling-Barwon system. Annual variations in flow range from 0.04% to 911% of the<br />
long-term mean, and discharges from the major rivers in the basin are highly skewed with a<br />
large proportion of average flows being recorded in very wet years and during major floods.<br />
This river system mostly floods in summer but flow is intermittent downstream of Louth<br />
(Lloyd et al. 1994). The Macquarie River has the most variable flow of 18 selected rivers in<br />
the Murray-Darling Basin. Annual flows vary from 2% to 940% of the mean, and only about<br />
one third of the flow entering the Macquarie Marshes flows through to the end of the system,<br />
except during floods (Kingsford & Thomas 1995; DWR 1991).<br />
Flooding is an important natural process that replenishes the floodplain with water and allows<br />
the large scale cycling of nutrients and biota. Inundation of the floodplain boosts invertebrate<br />
populations, breeding activity in waterbirds and fish, initiates growth and regeneration of<br />
riverine vegetation and creates extensive areas for colonisation by aquatic plants. Floodplains<br />
generally contain a mosaic of habitats ranging from those that are permanently wet to those<br />
that are rarely inundated. These all have different defining attributes and support distinctive<br />
communities. They are critical habitats for the biota in the floodplain and rivers (Lloyd et al.<br />
1994).<br />
Flood behaviour in the Barwon-Darling is complex with no two floods being the same and<br />
with a variety of localised forms of flooding. The relative contribution of the tributaries to<br />
this river system varies between floods. Mostly, the largest inflow is from the Namoi River<br />
but in the 1990 floods, the greatest inflow was from the Bogan River (most of this water was<br />
carried overland to the Bogan from the Macquarie River in the flood period). The Castlereagh<br />
River carries the Namoi and Barwon overflows as well as runoff from its own catchment to<br />
the Macquarie that then flows into the Barwon River. In 1998 extensive floodplain inundation<br />
occurred along the Darling between the Bogan and Warrego River junctions (DLWC 1999).<br />
Wetlands<br />
There are 4 810 defined wetlands covering 533 439 hectares in the DRP (Table 2.2).<br />
Wetlands are highly significant for the maintenance of biodiversity, regularly supporting<br />
significant breeding populations of waterbirds. They are also important refuges when drought<br />
occurs in other parts of arid and semi-arid Australia (Pressey, 1988). Parts of three wetlands<br />
within the DRP have been recognised by the Convention of Wetlands of International<br />
Importance (Ramsar Convention): the Gwydir wetlands west of Moree (Gingham<br />
watercourse and Lower Gwydir wetland), the Macquarie Marshes north of Warren and the<br />
Narran Lake system north-west of Walgett. In addition to these wetlands, the Menindee<br />
Lakes, Talyawalka Anabranch and Teryawynia Creek, Morella watercourse-Boobera lagoon-<br />
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Pungbougal lagoon, Great Artesian Basin springs, and the Culgoa River floodplain are<br />
recognised as wetlands of importance in Australia (Environment Australia 2001d). The<br />
wetlands and rivers of the DRP also feed two river Ramsar sites downstream in South<br />
Australia; ie Riverland Ramsar site adjacent to the Murray River and Coorong and Lakes<br />
Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar site at the mouth of the Murray River (Ellis, M., NPWS, pers.<br />
com. Dec. 2001).<br />
Other wetlands occur throughout the bioregion including some 200 defined within the<br />
Walgett to Bourke section of the Darling-Barwon River alone (DLWC 1999). The<br />
significance of these smaller wetlands has not been fully assessed but they are critical for the<br />
movement of waterbirds between larger habitats. Much of the bioregion is characterised by<br />
smaller temporary to permanent wetlands, often known as cowals.<br />
Table 2.2 Wetlands identified within each catchment of the DRP<br />
(Source: Kingsford et al. 1999)<br />
Catchment Wetland type Number of Wetland<br />
wetlands area (ha)<br />
Named wetlands within DRP % within<br />
NPWS<br />
estate<br />
Castlereagh Floodplain wetlands 35 16 451 Broadsheet Lagoon<br />
Reservoir 105 33 879 Yarraman Lagoon, Merrah Dam<br />
Castlereagh totals 140 50 330 0<br />
Gwydir Floodplain wetlands 261 55 592 Collytootela Lagoon<br />
Reservoir 172 11 501 Bluebush Swamp<br />
Gwydir totals 433 67 093 0<br />
Macintyre Floodplain wetlands 62 91 868 Gooroo Lagoon, Poopoopirby Lagoon<br />
Freshwater lake 1 7<br />
Reservoir 54 2 468<br />
Macintyre totals 117 94 343 0<br />
Macquarie Floodplain wetlands 817 53 260 The Big Waterhole, The Big Lagoon, 29%<br />
Paddys Cowal, Moonachie Cowal, Meryon<br />
Cowal, Gewah Cowal, Dragon Cowal, Dead<br />
Gum Lake, Bay of Biscay Swamp<br />
Freshwater lake 35 1 492 0<br />
Reservoir 98 2 175 Sandy Creek, Meringo Cowal, Ewenmar 0<br />
Creek, Euloon Cowal, Boothaguy Creek<br />
Macquarie totals 950 56 927 7%<br />
Namoi Floodplain wetlands 82 39 710<br />
Reservoir 102 1 866<br />
Namoi totals 184 41 576 0<br />
Western Floodplain wetlands 2 902 134 834 Yambie Lagoon, Well Lake, Saltbush 19%<br />
Waterhole, Nartooka Lake, Louth<br />
Freshwater lake 52 87 755<br />
Waterhole, Kangaroo Lake, Jims Lake, Four<br />
Mile Lake, Dead Horse Lake, Copi Hollow<br />
Lake Are, Collins Lake, Paradise Tank, 4%<br />
Travellers Lake, Wintlow Lake, Lake<br />
Bintullia, Lake Eurobilli, Malta Lake,<br />
Coonimby Lake, Lake Speculation,<br />
Pollioillaluke Lake, Cawndilla Creek,<br />
Angledool Lake, Packers Lake, Bijijie Lake,<br />
Jinki Lake, Emu Lake, Balaka Lake,<br />
Nettlegoe Lake, Tandure Lake, Lake<br />
Woytchugga, Gunyulka Lake, Coocoran<br />
Lake, Wongalara Lake, Pamamaroo Lake,<br />
Narran Lake, Lake Cawndilla, Poopelloe<br />
Lake, Lake Menindee<br />
Reservoir 32 582 0%<br />
Western totals 2 986 223 170 13%<br />
DRP TOTALS 4 810 533 439 8%<br />
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Catchments<br />
There are six major river catchments within the DRP (Map 19, Table 2.3). The Western and<br />
Macquarie River catchments together cover 67% of the DRP and contain most of the<br />
wetlands.<br />
Table 2.3 River catchments intersecting the DRP<br />
Catchment Area within % total % DRP<br />
DRP (ha) catchment area<br />
Western including Barwon, Birrie, Bokhara, Culgoa, 3 472 620<br />
Darling, Little Weir, Moonie, Narran, Paroo and Warrego<br />
Rivers<br />
12% 38%<br />
Macquarie River including Barwon, Bogan, Darling, and 2 710 519<br />
Little Bogan Rivers<br />
36% 29%<br />
Gwydir River including Barwon, and Mehi Rivers 910 366 34% 10%<br />
Castlereagh River 853 068 49% 9%<br />
Namoi River 779 814 19% 8%<br />
Macintyre River including<br />
Barwon, Boomi, Doondoona, and Dumaresq Rivers.<br />
522 455 22% 6%<br />
Western Catchment<br />
The Condamine-Culgoa River system in south-central Queensland feeds the Culgoa and<br />
Bokhara Rivers of the western catchment. Beardmore Dam at St George regulates these<br />
rivers and an increase in water diversion for cotton irrigation has substantially reduced the<br />
river flow from Queensland into New South Wales. These rivers are mostly fed by summer<br />
floods from cyclonic depressions and are strongly seasonal.<br />
The Narran River is also part of this system but it does not feed into the Darling system,<br />
terminating instead at Narran Lake and associated wetlands. It is unregulated with minimal<br />
water extraction occurring. It also receives flows from the Balonne River during periods of<br />
high flow, although the Balonne is regulated by Beardmore Dam and water is also extracted<br />
to on-farm water storages, affecting the flows into the Narran system.<br />
The Narran Lakes are a large terminal lake system at the end of the Condamine - Balonne<br />
River system (Map 20). The Narran River has a small shallow main channel with a<br />
contiguous floodplain and several lakes lie along the floodplain. During a large flood event<br />
the Narran branches to fill Clear Lake while simultaneously flowing to and filling Narran<br />
Lake. Once Clear Lake has filled it overflows to fill Back Lake and the Long Arm and more<br />
water flows into Narran Lake (Ramsar 2000).<br />
Flooding mostly occurs in summer and autumn, but floods have been recorded in winter and<br />
spring. Annual inflows are highly variable and more than one flood per year has occurred<br />
during a quarter of the recorded flood events. Once inundated, Narran Lake can hold water<br />
for up to 2 years, but in years of low flow water may not reach Lake Narran at all. Back and<br />
Clear Lakes, which are within Narran Lake Nature Reserve, will usually retain water for<br />
about 4-6 months after a single inundation. As a terminal system the lakes usually empty only<br />
by evaporation and seepage but during exceptional events the Lakes can overflow to the<br />
Barwon River. These lakes have an average inundation frequency of one per two years and<br />
this is more frequent than for other inland wetlands in New South Wales (Ramsar 2000).<br />
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Narran lakes was a major meeting and ceremonial centre for Aboriginal people and supported<br />
a large, semi-permanent Aboriginal population (Martin 1979; NPWS 2000a). The Narran<br />
Lake area is a highly productive area which played a vital role in the Aboriginal settlement<br />
pattern of the region (NPWS 2000a).<br />
Teryawynia Lake is at the southern edge of the DRP and is one of a series of lakes which<br />
floods sequentially as high flows travel along the Talyawalka Anabranch of the Darling<br />
River. This wetland system includes Teryawynia, Dry, White Water, Eucalyptus / Waterloo,<br />
Victoria, Brummeys, Dennys, Brennans, Sayers, Gum, Boolaboolka, North and Ratcatchers<br />
Lakes and associated wetlands. The Talyawalka Anabranch and Teryawynia Creek wetlands,<br />
when inundated, provide important habitat for large numbers of waterbirds. Aboriginal<br />
middens are located within the dunes of the area (Withers 1996; Environment Australia<br />
2001d).<br />
These wetlands are mostly located on Western Lands leases and are characterised by a series<br />
of braided channels across the floodplain, interspersed with seasonally inundated lakes.<br />
Some lakebed cropping occurs occasionally, when sufficient moisture is available.<br />
The floodplain of the Balonne and Culgoa Rivers at Byra just north of the New South<br />
Wales/Queensland border, supports a variety of wetland and floodplain vegetation. These<br />
wetlands are listed as nationally significant in the Directory of Important Wetlands of<br />
Australia (Environment Australia 2001d). They are mostly within the Culgoa National Park<br />
and support the largest contiguous Eucalyptus coolabah woodland remaining in NSW. They<br />
can be flooded for periods of up to four months with water depths reaching 10 metres. The<br />
Culgoa River floodplain is of traditional and social significance to the local Aboriginal<br />
people, the Gandugari group of the Morowari people.. English (1997) found strong evidence<br />
of extensive Aboriginal use of the sandy rises on the floodplain of the Culgoa River for camp<br />
sites, especially near water sources. This indicates the importance of long-term water sources<br />
to the local Aboriginal people.<br />
The Menindee Lakes consist of Lake Pamamaroo, Lake Menindee, Lake Cawndilla, Lake<br />
Wetherell, Lake Tandou, Lake Balaka, Lake Malta, Tandure Lake, and Lake Bijji and cover<br />
approximately 45 000 ha (Environment Australia 2001d). Part of these wetlands fall within<br />
Kinchega National Park, with the remainder on Crown land and Western Lands Lease. The<br />
large number of Aboriginal sites within Kinchega National Park indicate the changing pattern<br />
of Aboriginal occupation of this area. Sites include middens, camps and hearths where the<br />
remains of freshwater mussels and yabbies can be found. Aboriginal scarred trees occur<br />
along the Darling River within the Menindee Lakes area (NPWS 1996).<br />
Macquarie River Catchment and Macquarie Marshes<br />
The Macquarie River is regulated by Burrendong dam, built in 1967 for flood mitigation and<br />
for irrigation. Windamere Dam, built in 1984, also regulates the flow in this river system and<br />
there are many weirs and storage dams built for town water supplies and other extractive<br />
purposes. Irrigation occurs extensively in the centre of the catchment with 50 - 60% of flows<br />
being used for cotton (Macquarie 2100 Plan 1999). Water flows can also be diverted to the<br />
Bogan from the Macquarie to provide adequate water supplies for Nyngan and Cobar. This<br />
river regulation has reduced flows to the Macquarie Marshes and in an attempt to compensate<br />
for this, a guaranteed level of water flows for the Marshes has been established. This is<br />
known as an environmental flow and is intended to maintain the diversity and productivity of<br />
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the wetland habitat. The allocation is generally insufficient to stimulate breeding so is timed<br />
to occur with natural triggers such as rainfall events (Kingsford & Thomas 1995).<br />
The Macquarie Marshes are one of the largest inland semi-permanent wetlands in southeastern<br />
Australia (Map 20). They cover approximately 200 000 hectares when flooded and<br />
are about 100 km long and 30 km wide. They have a flow through system rather than being a<br />
terminal basin. Water quality is increased by the anabranch flow, which acts as a filtration<br />
system and promotes a diverse and productive biological system (Wolfgang 1998). In 1818<br />
when Oxley was exploring the area, the Macquarie Marshes were probably at least twice the<br />
size they are today. In 1863 a newspaper reported that ‘The whole of the country between the<br />
Merri Merri [Creek, 24 to 41 km east of the Macquarie River] and the Macquarie [River] was<br />
one sea of water with scarcely a dry foot of ground’ (quoted in Kingsford & Thomas 1995).<br />
The 1874 flood was reportedly even larger, but the largest on record was in 1955. These<br />
marshes contain extensive reed beds, Eucalyptus camaldulensis (red gum) swamps, open<br />
lagoons and Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum) covered gilgaied floodplains.<br />
A range of significant Aboriginal sites have been recorded within the Macquarie Marshes<br />
including oven mounds. The Macquarie Marshes is the only area where oven mounds have<br />
been recorded outside the Murray Valley. Aboriginal culture in the area was influenced by<br />
the changing water regimes of the Macquarie Marshes (NPWS 1993).<br />
The impact of rising salinity levels will be localised in areas where evaporation concentrates<br />
the salts into pools or depressions. At the point where the Macquarie River enters the<br />
Marshes, the expected average salinity for the year 2100, is 2 110 EC, well above the<br />
acceptable ANZECC (1999) trigger levels (DLWC 2000). Monthly salinity data from the<br />
Macquarie River at Narromine indicate that in 1998 the river had a 4% chance of exceeding<br />
the 1 500 EC threshold but extrapolation of this data indicates that this threshold will have a<br />
23% chance of being exceeded in 2100, mostly during low flow periods. This could have a<br />
serious effect on in-stream biota and recruitment of biota into and between wetlands. This<br />
would result in a loss of species diversity and declines in abundance of species (MDBC<br />
1999).<br />
Gwydir River Catchment and Gwydir Wetlands<br />
The Gwydir River is regulated by Copeton Dam which supplies irrigation water for the cotton<br />
industry. The Gwydir Valley is the largest cotton producing area in Australia and water<br />
supplies from Copeton Dam are over allocated. The dam rarely has sufficient supplies to meet<br />
demand resulting in significantly reduced water flows in the river and a subsequent increase<br />
in the usage of off-river storage to capture water during periods of high flow (EPA 1997).<br />
Downstream of Moree the Gwydir divides into two major arms, the Gingham in the north and<br />
the Lower Gwydir in the south (Figure 2.16). Towards the end of these watercourses the<br />
water forms a delta with intermittent and semi-permanent wetlands. The distribution of flows<br />
into these wetlands is naturally dynamic. Prior to 1936 most small floods flowed into the<br />
Lower Gwydir and only the large flows reached the Gingham. This has changed with the<br />
development of the Gwydir Raft near the Tyreel Regulator. The raft is an accumulation of<br />
deposited timber debris and sediment which began to form in the early 1900s and effectively<br />
blocked the original river channel. The raft has continued to steadily accumulate and now<br />
extends for about 30 km. By the mid-1940s water flowed more readily to the north, increasing<br />
flows into the Gingham system (McCosker & Duggin 1993).<br />
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(Keyte 1994)<br />
Figure 2.16 Lower Gwydir Wetlands<br />
The construction of Copeton Dam has resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of<br />
major floods through this system and stabilisation of the raft. A new raft has formed on the<br />
Gingham Channel a few kilometres downstream of the head of the old raft and this may affect<br />
the distribution of future floodwaters. The formation of these rafts (accumulations of timber,<br />
debris and sediment) is thought to result from the combination of human activities such as the<br />
clearing of the upper catchment and natural depositional processes. Currently, with flows of<br />
between 2 500 and 40 000 ML/day, 70% of the Gwydir flows into the Gingham and 30% into<br />
the Lower Gwydir. Flows of 40 000 ML/day or more produce over-bank flows and the water<br />
divides evenly into each watercourse (McCosker & Duggin 1993; Keyte 1994).<br />
Significant flooding of the watercourse is irregular and occurs most frequently in January and<br />
February. Secondary floods occur in winter. Long term residents recall the Gwydir River<br />
entering the wetlands ‘until the River emptied’ but most of the flow is now diverted for<br />
irrigation and domestic use before reaching the wetlands. Before regulation the Gwydir<br />
wetlands would have received flows sufficient to inundate their core and watercourse<br />
wetlands (20 000 ha) in 192 months during a 93 year period or 17% of the time and large<br />
flows would have been a maximum of three years apart. With regulation, flows large enough<br />
to fully inundate the wetlands occur only 5% of the time, a 70% reduction (McCosker &<br />
Duggin 1993; Keyte 1994).<br />
The Gwydir wetlands are a flow through system and are likely to be affected by salinity in a<br />
similar way to the Macquarie Marshes. The estimated average salinity in the Gwydir as it<br />
enters the wetlands is expected to rise to 740 EC in 2100, and the probability of exceeding the<br />
threshold of 1 500 EC (this threshold is considered to be where direct biological effects are<br />
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likely to occur in river, stream and wetland ecosystems) is likely to change from 3% in 1998<br />
to 12% in 2100 at Pallamallawa. The impact of periods of high salt levels will be similar to<br />
that predicted for the Macquarie Marshes, with possible salt scalding where the saline waters<br />
become highly concentrated (MDBC 1999).<br />
Macintyre, Namoi and Castlereagh River Catchments<br />
The Macintyre River (with tributaries known as the border rivers) receives most of its 760<br />
Gl per year of flow from its catchment within New South Wales. Pindari dam in NSW, and<br />
Coolmundie and Glenlyon dams in Queensland are major water storages in the Macintyre<br />
catchment. About 222 GL per year are drawn from this river, less than for the Gwydir<br />
(300 GL/year) and Namoi Rivers (248 GL/year) (DITAR 1996).<br />
The Morella Watercourse, Boobera Lagoon and Pungbougal Lagoon wetlands are the<br />
remnants of a previous course of the Macintyre River. They are permanent water bodies and<br />
provide important habitat for many waterbirds. Boobera Lagoon has great significance to the<br />
local Aboriginal people, the Kamilaroi, and is considered to be an exceptionally important<br />
Aboriginal site in south-eastern Australia as the local Aboriginal people, the Kamilaroi,<br />
believe that Boobera Lagoon is the resting place of the rainbow serpent. Boobera Lagoon<br />
plays an important role in the teaching of Aboriginal culture (Environment Australia 2001d).<br />
The Namoi River is dammed by Lake Keepit, constructed in 1960. Trials for cotton<br />
production began in the Narrabri / Wee Waa area soon after this. Cotton is now extensively<br />
grown in the area and 54% of the natural median flow of this river is used for irrigation. This<br />
regulation has resulted in the loss of natural variation in flow levels, with periods of low flow<br />
very rare, and a reduction in overall flow volume (Inland Rivers Network 1999; EPA 1997).<br />
The Castlereagh River rises in the Warrumbungle Ranges in the Brigalow Belt South<br />
bioregion, an area of comparatively high rainfall. Most of the upper catchment is sandy and,<br />
along some of its length, the river flows through the sand to reappear as pools further<br />
downstream. This is one of the least regulated rivers in the bioregion, with no dams and only<br />
a few weirs and limited use for irrigation (EPA 2001).<br />
2.4.2 Groundwaters<br />
There are two sources of groundwater within the bioregion, the Great Artesian Basin and<br />
several alluvial aquifers.<br />
The Great Artesian Basin<br />
The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) aquifer is a multi-layered, confined system with a large<br />
synclinal structure. Much of the artesian water in New South Wales originates in Queensland,<br />
but a significant amount is contributed through the Pilliga Sandstones, the primary intake area<br />
in New South Wales (Watkins & Meakin 1996, Figure 2.17). The artesian water has total<br />
dissolved solids of 500 to 1 500 mg/l, making it suitable for stock and domestic uses but the<br />
sodium-bicarbonate-chloride chemistry of this water makes it unsuitable for irrigation<br />
(NWCMC 1996).<br />
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Figure 2.17 Groundwater features of the Coonamble Embayment of the Great Artesian Basin<br />
(Watkins & Meakin 1996)<br />
One thousand, four hundred bores tap the deeper aquifers of the GAB in New South Wales<br />
but nearly half of these have ceased to flow as a result of artesian pressure having decreased<br />
markedly over the past 100 years. About 250 of the bores operating in New South Wales have<br />
uncontrolled flow (DLWC & AFF 2000).<br />
The Great Artesian Basin Mound Springs are wetlands found mostly within the Mulga Lands<br />
bioregion but some occur within the DRP. Mound springs in the Great Artesian Basin<br />
provide important habitat for more than 40 species of freshwater snails which are endemic to<br />
these springs and some which are endemic to an individual spring (Environment Australia<br />
2000d). About one third of the mound springs have dried up as a result of the decreased<br />
artesian flows.<br />
Alluvial aquifers<br />
The Namoi catchment alluvial aquifer is the most extensive and most intensively developed<br />
aquifer system in New South Wales. It accounts for nearly 40% of all good quality, high yield<br />
groundwater extracted. This is mainly used for irrigation and is currently over-allocated<br />
(Table 2.4). Alluvial aquifers are also of great importance in the Gwydir and the Macquarie<br />
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catchments. The alluvial aquifer near Narromine has yielded 10 litres/second and is being<br />
tapped extensively for crop irrigation between Narromine and Warren (NWCMC 1996).<br />
Table 2.4 Groundwater resources of the Lower Namoi Catchment<br />
(NWCMC 1996)<br />
Total area of alluvium (km 2 ) 5 100<br />
Volume of storages (ML) 20 million<br />
Volume available for extraction (ML) 6.6 million<br />
Estimated recharge (ML/yr) 82 500<br />
Entitlements (ML/yr) 208 000<br />
About 5.4 million hectares of land in New South Wales have groundwater at or near the<br />
surface; this is mostly on the western slopes (MDBC 1999). There are estimates that up to<br />
12.3 million hectares, about 20% of the Murray-Darling Basin in New South Wales (a more<br />
extensive area than the DRP) may be experiencing rising groundwater tables. In addition, an<br />
estimated 40% to 80% of the individual catchments east of the Bogan and Darling Rivers,<br />
which make up the majority of the DRP bioregion, have rising groundwater levels. There<br />
have been very few detailed groundwater studies in the DRP (DLWC 1999).<br />
The area of land with high water tables and which could become salt affected has not been<br />
precisely estimated, but a waterlogged area of between five and seven million hectares is<br />
considered to be realistic. Serious salination is predicted to affect between two and four<br />
million hectares (MDBC 1999). Salt loads in the Darling River also appear to be enhanced by<br />
the inflow of saline groundwater, which originates in the Cainozoic valley-fill aquifers of the<br />
Bourke Graben (Mount 1995). Sturt (1833), on his expeditions into the interior of southern<br />
Australia describes the Darling River as follows: “as a river it ceased to flow; the only supply<br />
it received was from brine springs, which, without imparting a current, rendered its waters<br />
saline and useless”. This suggests that salinities within the Darling River are affected by<br />
naturally saline ground water.<br />
2.5 LAND CONDITION<br />
2.5.1 Land degradation<br />
The north east portion of the bioregion, the alluvial fans of the Darling tributaries, has been<br />
extensively cleared with remnant vegetation now often only found in woodland ‘islands’ on<br />
infertile or non-arable land. Goldney and Bowie (1990) have described this region as “islands<br />
of woodlands and forests in a sea of agricultural land”. Land clearing began with the early<br />
settlement in the 1830s. The plains of the lower Namoi catchment were originally covered by<br />
grasslands and open woodlands and the black cracking clays of these plains are now mostly<br />
used for cropping. In this area there is an average tree cover of nine percent (NWCMC 1996).<br />
Important causes of land degradation in the bioregion include:<br />
soil erosion;<br />
streambank erosion;<br />
tree decline;<br />
rising groundwater and dryland salinity;<br />
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soil structure decline;<br />
soil acidity;<br />
decline in water quality; and<br />
contamination of water and soil by sheep dips, pesticides and wastes.<br />
Morgan and Terry (1992) identify the following land degradation indicators:<br />
scalding of rises in the Bogan-Macquarie, Castlereagh-Barwon, Culgoa-Bokhara,<br />
Warrambool-Moonie and Narran-Lightning Ridge provinces;<br />
scalding of floodplains in the Louth Plains, Wilcannia Plains and Menindee provinces;<br />
dieback in Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) in the Bogan-Macquarie province;<br />
sheet and gully erosion on the ridges of the Narran-Lightning Ridge province; and<br />
wind and gully erosion in the Menindee province.<br />
2.5.2 River and wetland degradation<br />
Streambank and gully erosion, turbidity and sedimentation, high nutrient levels, blue-green<br />
algal blooms, exotic plants and contamination by rising salinity are degradation issues posing<br />
a threat to wetlands and rivers in the DRP. During the last 15 years, levels of blue green algae<br />
were generally above acceptable safe swimming levels in the Macquarie River. Escherichia<br />
coli exceeded acceptable levels for swimming at times in the Macquarie River, and phosphate<br />
levels were also sometimes high.<br />
River regulation and water extraction for irrigation have had a detrimental effect on wetlands<br />
within the bioregion. In 1996 the Gwydir wetlands were filled with the first substantial flow<br />
for twelve years, less than the estimated natural average of three years (McCosker and<br />
Duggin 1994). Environmental flows are an essential requirement for the survival of these<br />
wetlands and a key element in wetland health is the natural wetting and drying cycle<br />
produced by irregular flooding.<br />
Slumping of riverbanks as a result of increased flows due to river regulation, uncontrolled<br />
stock access, no buffer zones, big wets following long drys causing flow diversion, increased<br />
turbidity, the presence of European carp (Cyprinus carpio) and poor water quality (caused by<br />
the location of garbage and septic systems) have been identified as problems within the<br />
Macquarie system. More than 1 300 km of streambank erosion along the Macquarie River<br />
occurs upstream of Narromine (Macquarie 2100 Plan 1999).<br />
Aquatic biodiversity has been lost because weirs and dams impede the movement of various<br />
species to their spawning grounds. Fish ladders have been constructed on some weirs but the<br />
success of these is questionable as some have not been used. Control of river flows by dams<br />
has also changed the river level and flow requirements of many species for successful<br />
breeding (Thoms et al. 1995).<br />
An infestation of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), a highly invasive aquatic weed, was<br />
first observed in the Gingham watercourse during the 1950s, spreading to cover an area of<br />
more than 7 000 ha by the mid 1970s. An integrated control program was established in 1976<br />
with physical, chemical and biological control measures implemented. The management<br />
program included construction of diversion banks across the many natural off takes to prevent<br />
water inflow to the wetlands during the control period. The seed bank could not survive the<br />
resultant drying and when the area was later flooded any seed germination was controlled by<br />
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herbicides and subsequent drying out before seed set (McCosker and Duggin 1993). The<br />
infestation had been monitored and controlled regularly until two large floods through the<br />
wetlands in the summer of 2000-01, when the previously dormant seedbank of Eichhornia<br />
crassipes germinated and quickly became established throughout much of the wetland area.<br />
2.5.3 Salinity<br />
Dryland salinity occurs in non-irrigated areas. Salinity is the result of a build up of salt in the<br />
soil, usually caused by a rising watertable. Evaporation of saline water at the soil surface<br />
tends to concentrate salts to the point where they affect the environment (DLWC 2001a). In<br />
the Macquarie River catchment (approximately 7 500 000ha) dryland salinity affects at least 3<br />
850 ha, mostly in areas with extensive vegetation clearing (1 560 ha) and in areas with saltinduced<br />
sheetwash (627 ha) and bare scalds (1664 ha). Saline scalds are most common in the<br />
drier lower floodplain of the Macquarie (Taylor 1994). In the coarser red soils of the more<br />
elevated land, grazing has caused the compaction or loss of surface soil, producing patches of<br />
scalded red clay.<br />
Salinity from irrigation is caused by supplying water excess to crop requirements, inefficient<br />
water use, poor drainage, irrigation of unsuitable or "leaky" soils, allowing water to pond for<br />
long periods and seepage from irrigation channels, drains and storages. Introduced land<br />
management practices (such as irrigation) generally have different water use characteristics<br />
than native vegetation and allow more rainfall to enter the groundwater. If more water is<br />
being added than can be accommodated in the groundwater aquifer, the groundwater level<br />
will rise. As the watertables reach the land surface, the soil becomes waterlogged. The<br />
significant difference between dryland and irrigation salinity is that the application of<br />
irrigation water to land can exaggerate the leakage of surplus water past the root zone to<br />
groundwater (recharge), increasing the rate at which the watertable rises (DLWC 2001a, EPA<br />
1997).<br />
River salinity is caused by the movement of saline water from areas of dryland, irrigation and<br />
urban salinity into creeks and rivers. As salinity in a catchment worsens, the rivers become<br />
increasingly saline (DLWC 2001a).<br />
The salinity levels and predicted changes in the salinity of the rivers in the DRP have been<br />
assessed in a salinity audit for the Murray-Darling Basin. The salt loads study carried out as a<br />
part of the salinity audit has estimated the potential salinity levels for 2020, 2050 and 2100<br />
for each of the river valleys supplying water to the Murray and Darling Rivers. The average<br />
salinity levels for the Macquarie, Namoi and Bogan have been estimated as being likely to<br />
exceed the 800 EC threshold of the World Health Organisation for acceptable drinking water<br />
within 20 years and the Castlereagh within 50 years under current management practices<br />
(Table 2.5). These predicted salinity levels have serious implications for both agriculture and<br />
the supply of drinking water for the population centres (MDBC 1999), as well as for the<br />
region’s biodiversity. The predicted salinity levels for the Darling River are not yet available<br />
but generally the salinity level of the Darling is currently less than 800 EC throughout its<br />
length. At Menindee the salt levels are predicted to increase from about 250 EC in 1998 to<br />
500 EC in 2100 (MDBC 1999).<br />
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Table 2.5 Actual and predicted average salinity levels for major rivers in the DRP<br />
(MDBC, 1999)<br />
River valley 1998 2020 2050 2100<br />
Bogan River 730 1 500 1 950 2 320<br />
Macquarie River 620 1 290 1 730 2 110<br />
Castlereagh River 640 760 1 100 1 230<br />
Namoi River 680 1 050 1 280 1 550<br />
Gwydir River 560 600 700 740<br />
Trends in the levels of salt concentrations in the rivers have indicated that within the DRP<br />
they are increasing by 2-4 tonnes per km per annum in the Castlereagh / Macquarie systems,<br />
and more than 1 tonne per km per annum in the Namoi River. The amount of salt mobilised to<br />
the land surface in the Murray Darling Basin is predicted to double from five million tonnes<br />
annually in 1998 to 10 million tonnes annually in 2100. The predictions are significant for the<br />
river catchments within the DRP (Table 2.6) (MDBC 1999).<br />
Table 2.6 Predictions of the tonnes of salt mobilised to the land surface per year for river catchments<br />
of the DRP<br />
(MDBC 1999)<br />
Catchment 1998 2020 2050 2100<br />
Macquarie River 240 000 490 000 660 000 790 000<br />
Castlereagh River 161 000 180 000 320 000 330 000<br />
Namoi River 60 000 100 000 120 000 150 000<br />
Gwydir River 7 000 20 000 50 000 60 000<br />
Macintyre River 80 000 80 000 80 000 80 000<br />
The economic impact of rising watertables and salinity has been estimated for the Little and<br />
Talbragar Rivers in the Upper Macquarie catchment. The estimated annual cost of rising<br />
water tables and salinity for the Talbragar River catchment was $1 612 421, with the major<br />
costs for repairs, maintenance and preventative works being borne by farmers (MDBC 1999).<br />
In the lower Macquarie area water tables are rising at 0.3m/year in some areas and between<br />
15 and 20 thousand hectares have water less than three metres below the surface. Water will<br />
be unsuitable for irrigation in this area as a result of high salinity loads by 2100 (Macquarie<br />
2100 Plan 1999).<br />
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2.6 BOUNDARIES WITHIN THE DRP<br />
The land within the DRP has been described and subdivided using a variety of criteria and<br />
scales. Some descriptions most widely used by land managers are the province and regional<br />
descriptions by Morgan and Terrey (1992) and land system descriptions of the Western<br />
Division by Walker (1991).<br />
2.6.1 Provinces<br />
In NSW nine provinces have been described for the DRP (Morgan & Terrey 1992). Five of<br />
these cover each of the northern alluvial fans, one is an interfluve of the weathered sandstones<br />
near Collarenebri and three are different types of alluvial deposits along the Darling River,<br />
south from Bourke (Map 21). Within Queensland the northern extent of the DRP is described<br />
as two distinct provinces of the Brigalow Belt South Bioregion (Sattler & Williams 1999).<br />
Northern Alluvial Fans<br />
The catchment characteristics of each of the northern alluvial fans have resulted in variation<br />
in the flood patterns and alluvial deposits between each province.<br />
Bogan-Macquarie Province<br />
This alluvial complex formed by the Bogan and Macquarie Rivers lies in the south east of the<br />
bioregion. The province has a large catchment extending beyond the DRP bioregion south<br />
east of Bathurst and east to the Liverpool Range. Quaternary alluvials are underlain mostly by<br />
Paleozoic sediments and small areas of basalt and sandstone. The coarser-textured high red<br />
ridges and Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (poplar box) woodlands dominate the eastern<br />
portion of this province. Grey and brown clays dominate on the plains and depressions,<br />
alluvial soils on levees and river channels with texture contrast soils occurring on the low and<br />
gently undulating rises.<br />
The wetlands and low-level floodplains of the Macquarie River dominate the central areas of<br />
the province. Much of this area has been cleared, although the wettest areas within the<br />
Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve retain significant areas of native vegetation. The western<br />
parts of this province are associated with the Bogan River and receive high level overflows<br />
from the Macquarie River. Flooding is infrequent and the finer soils of low scalded rises and<br />
clay plains are dominant.<br />
Castlereagh-Barwon Province<br />
Extensive plains of quaternary alluvials with a strong basaltic influence form the Castlereagh-<br />
Barwon province. This is the most intensively developed province of the bioregion, including<br />
both dryland and irrigated cropping. It includes the alluvial fans of the Castlereagh, Namoi,<br />
Gwydir and Macintyre Rivers and the broad plains of the Barwon and upper Darling Rivers.<br />
Seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands are present on the major tributaries including the<br />
significant wetlands of the Gwydir.<br />
The landform contains three co-dominant formations: river channels, levees and lower<br />
floodplains with riparian woodland vegetation; upper floodplains predominantly covered by<br />
Astrebla lappacea (curly Mitchell grass); and wooded low rises with some higher gently<br />
undulating areas. Soils range from grey clays of the floodplains to texture contrast soils,<br />
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occasional sands and brown clays on low rises. A broad, complex floodplain dominated by<br />
high-level grey clay plains lies between the confluence of the Barwon and Macquarie Rivers<br />
and Bourke.<br />
Culgoa-Bokhara Province<br />
Grasslands or forbfields occur on the plains of quaternary alluvium of the Culgoa and<br />
Bokhara Rivers. Grey clays predominate on the floodplains, with some texture contrast soils<br />
on low rises. These low level flood plains and channels contain extensive areas of Astrebla<br />
(Mitchell grass) grasslands, much of which has been heavily grazed and cultivated. In many<br />
areas the Astrebla grasslands have become degraded and are now replaced by opportunistic<br />
weed species such as Sisymbrium (mustard weed).<br />
Warrambool-Moonie Province<br />
This province contains no major river but is cris-crossed by a complex of distinct channels<br />
(the Big Warrambool). The channels are usually dry but are filled periodically by high level<br />
overflows of the Moonie and Balonne Rivers to the north. The channels are usually dry. The<br />
landform varies from low-level floodplains and channels to high-level floodplains, low rises<br />
and high-flow channels. Grey clay soils occur on the floodplains, and texture contrast soils<br />
and sands occur on low rises. The vegetation of this province is generally quite open with<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah) and Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodlands on the<br />
higher areas. Much of the land is heavily grazed and some areas are cultivated. The low red<br />
rises are generally severely scalded.<br />
Narran-Lightning Ridge Province<br />
A dominant feature of this province is a north-south ridge of Cretaceous sediments, adjacent<br />
to low-level Quaternary alluvials on the floodplains. The Narran River, which lies to the west<br />
of the ridge, receives flow from low-level floods in the Balonne-Maranoa River system in<br />
Queensland. Water from this system mostly flows around the ridge and is retained in a large<br />
number of basins formed around the lower slopes. The largest of these basins is Narran Lake,<br />
the terminal basin for the Narran River. The Narran wetlands are terminating basins with little<br />
or no flushing. They also receive a large quantity of local runoff from the adjacent<br />
sedimentary ridge. During high flows this basin overflows to the west and the Narran River<br />
overflows to join the Big Warrambool (Province 4).<br />
The two most common landforms in this province are low rounded ridges and some rocky<br />
hills with Eucalyptus melanophloia (silver-leaf ironbark) open woodland and level to gently<br />
undulating floodplains, low rises and sand dunes with a riparian woodland. There are also<br />
depressions and backplains, lunettes, salinas and levees where grasses, forbs and some<br />
riparian plant communities occur. The soils on the ridge vary from red earths to lithosols and<br />
grey clays are again dominant on the plains.<br />
Collarenebri Interfluve Province<br />
This province is the southern-most tip of the Northern Surat Basin, an extensive region of<br />
coarse-grained deeply weathered Cretaceous sediments in south-eastern Queensland. This<br />
narrow area of land west of the Barwon River is slightly undulating, with low rounded hills. It<br />
separates the parts of the DRP bioregion that receive drainage from Queensland from those<br />
fed mainly by drainage from the slopes and tablelands of New South Wales. The loamy deep<br />
red earths of this area are easily compacted and susceptible to water and wind erosion<br />
following clearing of the Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodlands in this province.<br />
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Darling Alluvials<br />
Between Bourke and Wilcannia Paleozoic sediments underlie the Quaternary alluvials<br />
associated with the Darling River. The river is mostly confined to a narrow meandering belt<br />
with broad alluvial plains. Near Tilpa, high-level flows are restricted by bedrock and some of<br />
the river flow is directed into the Paroo overflow.<br />
Louth Plains Province<br />
The Louth Plains Province contains broad, relatively uniform alluvial plains. This province<br />
stretches along the northern part of the Darling River and in addition to the flows from the<br />
northern alluvial provinces is fed by flows from central southern Queensland via the Warrego<br />
River, outside the DRP bioregion. The dominant landforms are high-level floodplains and<br />
small channels with grey clays, and fringing areas of dunes and old red alluvials. In the south<br />
there are dunefields typical of the northern part of the Murray-Darling Depression bioregion<br />
and the bedrock ranges and ancestral alluvials of the Cobar Peneplain bioregion. Astrebla<br />
grasslands were once widespread through this province but are now generally degraded.<br />
Wilcannia Plains Province<br />
This province contains a broad complex riverine plain. It contains the river channel, small<br />
lakes and anabranches on the high level floodplain, with low rises, dunes, and pans. Soils<br />
range from grey clays of the river channel and floodplain, to texture contrast soils on low<br />
rises and occasional sands. In addition to the flows along the Darling River the province can<br />
receive water from south west Queensland when the Paroo is in flood.<br />
Menindee Province<br />
The Menindee Province contains broad alluvial complex dominated by rises and plains. In<br />
this province the Darling River begins to flow more slowly and form anabranches and<br />
associated overflow lakes. The province contains an intricate system of flood channels,<br />
floodplains, back plains and dunes. The province includes the Darling River floodplain with<br />
the main channel, billabongs, swamps and occasional low sandhills, higher alluvial plains and<br />
dunes, large overflow lakes and basins, and associated lunettes. Soils are varied, from grey<br />
clays and sands of the Darling River floodplain, to sands, texture contrast soils and clays of<br />
undulating plains and dunes, and clays, texture contrast earths and sands of overflow lakes<br />
and basins.<br />
Provinces in Queensland<br />
The provinces in Queensland are the Balonne-Culgoa Fan (Province 35) and the Macintyre-<br />
Weir Fan (Province 36). The Balonne-Culgoa Fan is the larger of these two provinces and<br />
contains extensive quaternary alluvial sediments along the Balonne and Culgoa Rivers. The<br />
alluvial plains and wetlands of this province have texture contrast soils with Eucalyptus<br />
coolabah grassy woodlands on areas subject to periodic flooding and Eucalyptus populnea<br />
subsp. bimbil with Eucalyptus melanophloia and Casuarina cristata (belah) on higher<br />
ground. The Macintyre Weir Fan features predominantly alluvial plains and associated<br />
riverine landforms. The mean annual rainfall in this province is higher (550 mm) than in the<br />
more western province (450 mm) and the general elevation is also a little higher (200 m<br />
compared with 150 m).<br />
Regional ecosystems have also been described by Sattler and Williams (1999). Two of these<br />
are of particular interest as they are restricted in Queensland to the Balonne-Culgoa province,<br />
and their conservation status is poor. The fringing woodland of Eucalyptus coolabah with<br />
Acacia stenophylla (river cooba) and Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum) found on the heavy<br />
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soils of swampy stream channels, occurs only in the extreme south-west of this province.<br />
About 40% of this ecosystem has been cleared and the remaining 60% is subject to total<br />
grazing pressure and ringbarking. The other ecosystem of concern is also in the south west of<br />
this province and is extensively grazed. It is low open woodland of Flindersia maculosa<br />
(leopardwood) and Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood) with Acacia omalophylla, Acacia<br />
cambagei (gidgee) and Tripogon loliiformis (five-minute grass).<br />
2.6.2 Land systems<br />
Land systems are an area or group of areas throughout which there is a recurring pattern of<br />
topography, soil and vegetation (Walker 1991). Ninety-one of the land systems defined and<br />
mapped by Walker cover 46% of DRP. These land systems are listed in Appendix B, which<br />
includes a brief description of topography and dominant vegetation. The percentage of the<br />
DRP covered by each land system ranges from 4.5% (Nelyambo - floodplains with<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah), less than one precent (45 landsystems each cover less than one percent<br />
of the DRP) (Appendix B). Several land systems occur almost entirely within the DRP and<br />
thirty-five have less than 10% of their total area within the DRP. The distribution of the land<br />
systems which each cover more than 1% of the area is illustrated on Map 22. Approximately<br />
90% of the mapped area contains land systems described as playas and basins or alluvial<br />
plains.<br />
2.7 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
2.7.1 Summary<br />
The DRP lies almost entirely in a semi-arid climatic zone, with only a small portion in the<br />
temperate zone in the east and the south-western arm of the bioregion in an arid zone. There<br />
is a substantial variation in conditions throughout the bioregion. Rainfall varies both spatially<br />
and temporally with annual averages being of only limited value for understanding the<br />
requirements and responses of the vegetation and fauna. In the north there is a summer<br />
dominance in mean monthly rainfall but in the south it is evenly distributed throughout the<br />
year and the mean monthly temperatures, both maxima and minima, are lower than in the<br />
north.<br />
The native geology, topography and soils of the DRP demonstrates that this is a derived,<br />
water driven environment. The geological substrate is of alluvial origin, the topography is<br />
generally low in relief with most areas of higher elevation being the product of deposits from<br />
prior streams, and the soils are predominantly clays typical of alluvial fans and floodplains.<br />
The Collarenebri Interfluve is the most obvious exception to this. Rivers and wetlands are<br />
significant features of the DRP as it consists of the lower fans and floodplains of six<br />
catchments. Wetlands and riverine corridors are critical components of this bioregion.<br />
Morgan and Terrey (1992) have subdivided the DRP into smaller units (provinces) and<br />
Walker (1991) has mapped land systems and land units for the western third of the bioregion.<br />
These two classifications need to be compared and the boundaries of the provinces refined.<br />
Since European settlement the DRP has been subjected to high levels of disturbance with the<br />
impact of clearing and introduced pests combining with extreme climatic conditions in the<br />
1890s and the middle of this century to destroy much of the original vegetation. The extent<br />
and rate of land degradation must be taken into account if effective biodiversity conservation<br />
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measures are to be developed. Increasing levels of salinity in the rivers, wetlands, sub-surface<br />
waters and the soil, and river regulation are some of the most significant problems affecting<br />
this bioregion in addition to the loss of extensive areas of forests and woodlands and<br />
consequent loss of habitat.<br />
2.7.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work needed in relation to abiotic features of the DRP includes the following:<br />
detailed climatic analysis to develop an understanding of the impact of irregularity and<br />
unreliability of rainfall through the bioregion and through time;<br />
more detailed assessment of boundaries of the DRP and the provinces using detailed<br />
mapping of the basic abiotic features and vegetation communities;<br />
development of maps of land condition and the disturbance history of the bioregion;<br />
mapping of landunits across the bioregion; and<br />
mapping of landsystems over the 54% of the bioregion not currently mapped for<br />
landsystems.<br />
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3 VEGETATION<br />
3.1 VEGETATION IN 1750 AND SUBSEQUENT MODIFICATION<br />
Prior to European settlement, the vegetation of the bioregion is likely to have been mostly<br />
open woodland on alluvial fans and riverine corridors, with woodland in the eastern margins<br />
of the bioregion and large areas of grassland. Since European settlement, this has changed to<br />
a predominance of grassland as a result of extensive clearing of the woodlands. An estimated<br />
50% of the DRP has been cleared and 28% converted to intensive agricultural production<br />
(DEST 1996).<br />
Carnahan (1976) mapped the presumed 1750 vegetation of the DRP at a scale of 1:5 000 000,<br />
indicating that most of the fans and the riverine corridor to near Wilcannia was a eucalypt<br />
woodland (10 - 30 m height,
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cover had decreased for only a few sites and less than half the sites had a decrease in grass<br />
cover (Denny 1994). This study suggests that vegetation modification has been most<br />
extensive on the eastern alluvial fans of the DRP and less along the Darling River south of<br />
Bourke.<br />
The initial impact of cutting trees for timber and the effects of stock grazing, drought and<br />
rabbits on land condition in western NSW has been well documented. As a case study, Palmer<br />
(1994) describes historical changes in land condition on Teryawynia Station, south of<br />
Wilcannia. The manager of Teryawynia Station told the Royal Commission of 1901 that:<br />
‘... 100 000 acres (of a total of 463 000 acres), is as bare as the floor in spite of the<br />
great rains which they have had. About 50 miles of fencing has been silted up by the<br />
sand. All the stockyards are filled in (with sand). There is a stockyard seven feet high<br />
on Abermarle Station ... in less than 18 months (after erection) he drove a buggy over<br />
the top of the yards.’ (cited in Palmer 1994).<br />
In 1945 these same yards had about 50 cm of the rails above the sand and in 1983 at the time<br />
the drought broke, there was only about 2 cm of sand in the bottom as a result of the<br />
revegetation of the surrounding country. In the 1950s this Station covered 600 000 acres and<br />
was carrying at least 60 000 sheep with five or six watering points in addition to Darling<br />
River frontage. Some of the watering points had to provide water for some 20 000 sheep<br />
each, denuding the surrounding area for a radius of several kilometres (Palmer 1994).<br />
Teryawynia has now been broken up with the area of each new property being 60 000 acres<br />
and each carrying 5 000 sheep, with 15 or more watering points. In the 1940s most of this<br />
station was bare of Maireana pyramidata (black bluebush), except for scattered individuals.<br />
Today the same area is covered with M. pyramidata spaced between two and ten metres all<br />
over (Palmer 1994). This suggests that there has been a notable recovery of the vegetation in<br />
at least portions of the Western Division in recent times, however, M. pyramidata is generally<br />
regarded as a coloniser species of degraded land, particularly land which has been overgrazed<br />
(Lewer, S., DLWC, pers. com. Dec. 2001). If Denny had undertaken his assessment in 1950<br />
rather than in the early 1990s he is likely to have found a much higher percentage of sites<br />
with a loss of vegetation cover.<br />
Intensive grazing of the plant communities by domestic stock has caused a decrease in<br />
numbers of some species, increases in numbers of some species and has aided in the<br />
proliferation of exotic species. Decreasing species are those highly palatable and nutritious to<br />
stock and which stock grazed in preference to other species, and which became depleted in<br />
the plant community - for example Atriplex nummularia (old man saltbush) and A. vesicaria<br />
(bladder saltbush). Increasing species are those not preferentially eaten by stock, or those that<br />
respond positively to grazing such as Maireana spp. (bluebushes), Sclerolaena spp.<br />
(copperburrs), Aristida spp. (wiregrasses) and unpalatable woody shrubs. Woody shrubs were<br />
also advantaged by the reduction in the frequency of fire associated with grazing. Invasion of<br />
native plant communities by exotics has been extensive. For example, Marrubium vulgare<br />
(horehound) became very common on Bogan River runs only 10 years after occupation.<br />
There has been a rapid change in plant communities from those dominated by chenopod<br />
shrublands to disclimax grasslands. A disclimax community is one where recurring<br />
disturbances, such as grazing or periodic burning exert the predominant influence in<br />
maintaining the structure and composition of the steady-state vegetation. The Acacia pendula<br />
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(myall) community, for example, has greatly diminished as a community and is not well<br />
conserved (Mitchell 1991).<br />
The pre-1750 vegetation of the DRP bioregion has been substantially modified but not in a<br />
consistent way or degree throughout the bioregion. In the eastern portion, clearing of the<br />
forests and woodlands on the productive alluvial plains has left an extensively changed<br />
landscape, one dominated by agricultural uses and containing only small patches of remnant<br />
native vegetation communities. In the western semi-arid portion of the bioregion the initial<br />
effects of overgrazing were extreme, but with changes in management there has been some<br />
recovery of the vegetative cover. In general terms there has been a shift from woodland to a<br />
larger proportion of grassland but of different and predominantly introduced species.<br />
3.2 VEGETATION MAPPING AND DESCRIPTION IN THE DRP<br />
Vegetation mapping covering the DRP is limited to very broad-scale datasets, with some<br />
detailed mapping of small areas. Only the Murray Darling Basin Commission basin-wide<br />
mapping of structural and floristic attributes of the vegetation (M305) covers the entire DRP<br />
(MDBC 1991) (Map 24). This M305 mapping indicates that only 6.2% of the DRP is now<br />
covered with woody vegetation. In the Macquarie catchment 6.4% of the area is covered with<br />
woody vegetation (M305). Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (bimble box) communities are<br />
dominant, but are in poor health, with the grassy/herbaceous E. populnea subsp. bimbil<br />
woodland of the relic floodplains being severely fragmented through cropping, while the<br />
more shrubby E. populnea subsp. bimbil woodlands have been largely affected by grazing,<br />
thinning, ring-barking and cropping (Lewer, S., DLWC, pers. com. Dec. 2001). Understorey<br />
species have almost completely disappeared and less than 13% of the region retains natural<br />
pastures (MDBC 1991; Macquarie 2100 report). The value of the M305 vegetation mapping<br />
is limited, as it omits native grasslands and shrublands with less than 20% woody cover and<br />
provides no specific indication of species composition or community health.<br />
The precision, scale, methodology and coverage of mapping with floristic interpretation<br />
varies throughout the region. Other broad-scale vegetation datasets are listed in Table 3.1.<br />
Table 3.1 Existing broad-scale vegetation mapping in the DRP<br />
Dataset Scale of<br />
mapping<br />
Notes / references<br />
62<br />
% of DRP<br />
covered<br />
The Vegetation of Australia 1:10 000 000 Beadle (1981) 100%<br />
AUSLIG Atlas of Australian 1:5 000 000 AUSLIG (1990) 100%<br />
Resources: Vegetation<br />
The Natural Vegetation of 1:1 000 000 Pickard and Norris (1994) 21%<br />
North-Western<br />
Wales<br />
New South<br />
Murray Darling Basin 1:100 000 Broad Landsat structural and floristic interpretation 98%<br />
Commission M305 Datalayer (nominal)<br />
of woody/non-woody vegetation in the Murray-<br />
Darling Basin (MDBC 1991).<br />
Conservation Atlas of Plant Point data used to Specht et al. (1995) not available in electronic form 100%<br />
Communities<br />
estimate locations – published only in hard copy.<br />
of vegetation<br />
Natural Vegetation of the<br />
communities<br />
1:250 000 Sivertsen and Metcalfe (1995) 57%<br />
Southern Wheatbelt
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The eastern 57% of the bioregion has been mapped as part of the NPWS wheatbelt mapping<br />
project (Sivertsen & Metcalfe 1995). This includes systematic site survey data and includes<br />
updated mapping layers which incorporate information about clearing of native vegetation,<br />
covering the period from 1987 to 1998 (Sivertsen & Metcalfe 1999). This mapping identifies<br />
woody vegetation of greater than 5% cover and a remnant patch sizes of greater than 10<br />
hectares.<br />
The lower reaches of the Macquarie and Bogan Rivers have been surveyed and mapped<br />
during a number of studies. Beadle (1948) mapped the area in the west and Biddiscombe<br />
(1953,1963), the east. These maps outline the vegetation communities of the area but do not<br />
indicate the densities of woody vegetation cover. Steenbeeke (1996) mapped the lower<br />
Macquarie floodplain, upstream of the Macquarie Marshes using aerial photography; Peasley<br />
(1999) mapped Moree Plains and East Walgett; and Sawtell (undated) mapped the West<br />
Walgett and Brewarrina Regional Vegetation Committee (RVC) areas. Two additional<br />
surveys did not included mapping. These were the survey of native vegetation in the lower<br />
Macquarie valley irrigation area by Hassall and Associates (1996); and the vegetation survey<br />
of stock routes in the central west by Nowland (1997). The survey report by Hassall and<br />
Associates (1996) outlines the health of native vegetation and discusses the distribution and<br />
decline in woody vegetation cover since European settlement. The spatial distribution of<br />
recent fine-scale vegetation mapping indicates a gap in floristic community information in the<br />
centre of the DRP (Map 25). Lee (1925) includes excerpts from the diary of the botanist on<br />
Oxley’s expedition from Condobolin to the Bogan River describing the vegetation of the area.<br />
Surveys of the natural pastures were undertaken of the north-west slopes of New South Wales<br />
by Williams (1979).<br />
Several authors have provided general descriptions of plant communities in the DRP. In their<br />
descriptions of the provinces defined for the DRP, Morgan and Terrey (1992) described<br />
briefly the dominant plant communities. These descriptions are very broad but cover the<br />
entire bioregion. Plant communities in the portion of the bioregion within the western<br />
division of New South Wales have also been described by Walker (1991) and Cunningham et<br />
al. (1992), and the plant communities of the northern floodplains are described in Smith et al.<br />
(1998). None of these descriptions has been based on quadrat sampling or detailed plant<br />
community analysis.<br />
The Sivertsen and Metcalfe (1995) mapping also contributed to the description of plant<br />
communities within the eastern portion of the DRP which overlaps with the majority of the<br />
Macquarie catchment within the DRP, and the entire area of the Macintyre, Gwydir, Namoi<br />
and Castlereagh catchments within the DRP. Howling (1997) described seven woodland<br />
communities for the Central West catchment (including Macquarie, Bogan and Castlereagh<br />
Catchments), highlighting the importance of riparian, wetland, shrubland and native grassland<br />
communities.<br />
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3.3 PLANT COMMUNITY DESCRIPTIONS<br />
The distribution of plant communities in the DRP is influenced by climate, landform,<br />
drainage and soil/substrate attributes. This distribution has been extensively modified as a<br />
result of European settlement and land use, the introduction of rabbits and other pest species,<br />
and modification of drainage regimes due to the rapid expansion of irrigation since the 1930s.<br />
In particular, distribution and floristic composition of grassy or herbaceous communities has<br />
been profoundly affected by disturbance, particularly from grazing by domestic stock and<br />
rotational cropping (Walker & Hodgkinson 1999; Kirkpatrick 1997; Lewer, S., DLWC, pers.<br />
com. Dec. 2001).<br />
In this section, broad descriptions of vegetation types from reports covering the DRP have<br />
been integrated in an attempt to provide an overview of the dominant vegetation communities<br />
and the changes across the landscape resulting from landform variation, increasing aridity<br />
from east to west and north-south climatic influences. These descriptions generally include<br />
the dominant species in the overstorey, shrub layer and grass cover and while they are too<br />
broad to indicate local variation and subtle habitat changes, they provide a general picture of<br />
the landscape. The vegetation descriptions are taken from Plants of Western NSW<br />
(Cunningham et al. 1992); land systems descriptions by Walker (1991); vegetation<br />
descriptions provided by Morgan and Terrey (1992); the eight communities defined for the<br />
northern floodplains (Smith et al 1998); and descriptions of the riverine plains of the Namoi<br />
catchment (NWCMC 1996). The province diagrams taken from Morgan and Terrey (1992)<br />
(Figure 3.1 through to Figure 3.11) indicate in more detail some of the plant communitylandform<br />
associations throughout the DRP. The key conservation areas are described in<br />
section 8.4.1.<br />
co-dominant co-dominant sub-dominant<br />
Land Profile<br />
Geology Medium and coarse Quaternary alluvials Fine Quaternary alluvials. Quaternary alluvials<br />
Landform and Soils Low, gently undulating rises. Red Plains with shallow depressions and Creek and river channels, levees<br />
texture contrast soils<br />
channels. Brown and grey clays. and immediate flood plain.<br />
Vegetation Woodland to open woodland of Open woodland and grasslands,<br />
Alluvial soils.<br />
River cooba, eurah, black box,<br />
leopardwood, wilga, budda, native includes myall, black box, belah, belah, lignum with coolabah<br />
orange, warrior bush with bimble box eurah, leopardwood, whitewood and becoming common in the west.<br />
woodland on higher areas and occasional wilga, lignum, flowering River red gum lines larger<br />
occasional white cypress on deeper lignum. May be prominent channels, cumbungi on<br />
soils. Understorey includes salt bushes understorey of old man saltbush. waterlogged areas. White cypress<br />
and copper burrs. Occasional rosewood Occasional areas of curly Mitchell and bimble box on coarse<br />
and whitewood, and, in the south, grey<br />
box, yellow wood and Blakely’s red<br />
gum.<br />
grass.<br />
textured levee deposits<br />
Condition Usually heavily thinned with severe Usually heavily thinned and heavily Heavily grazed. Some cropping.<br />
scalding. Some cropping on coarser<br />
soils.<br />
grazed. Cropping in the south. Dieback in river red gums.<br />
Reservation None Minor areas in Macquarie Marshes Macquarie Marshes NR<br />
NR<br />
(18 211ha)<br />
Key Areas 1, 2, 3<br />
Figure 3.1 Profile of the Bogan-Macquarie Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
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Land Profile<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials<br />
Landform and Soils River channels, levees and lower Upper floodplains. Light grey clays Low rises and high, gently<br />
floodplains. Grey clays.<br />
and brown clays.<br />
undulating areas. Texture contrast<br />
soils, occasional sands and brown<br />
clays<br />
Vegetation Coolabah low open woodlands and Predominantly grassland of curly Bimble box woodland, with wilga,<br />
woodlands. Occasional myall, cooba, Mitchell grass, with occasional native orange and leopardwood; and<br />
whitewood and belah with areas of whitewood, coolabah, and wilga, and with whitewood, belah and<br />
lignum and mimosa bush. River red bimble box on low rises.<br />
occasional brigalow on lower areas.<br />
gum on larger tributaries, billabongs<br />
White cypress on higher, coarser<br />
and depressions. Occasional black<br />
soils in the east with silver-leaf<br />
box in the west.<br />
ironbark. Moreton Bay ash and<br />
occasional bloodwood on sands<br />
Condition Largely cultivated, particularly in the Some cultivation, usually heavily Some cultivation, largely thinned and<br />
east<br />
grazed with annual becoming heavily grazed. Scalding<br />
predominant<br />
widespread.<br />
Reservation None None Midkin NR (359ha)<br />
Boronga NR (195ha)<br />
Boomi West NR (149ha)<br />
Boomi NR (156ha)<br />
Key Areas 4, 5, 3, 6, 7<br />
Figure 3.2 Profile of the Castlereagh-Barwon Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Upper Darling, Long Meadow Goodooga, Wombiera Rostella, Wongal<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials<br />
Landform and Soils Low level flood plains, channels. High level flood plains, occasional Low rises, some high flow channels.<br />
Grey clays<br />
Vegetation Coolabah open woodland, with<br />
occasional lignum, river cooba, eurah,<br />
golden goosefoot, whitewood, black<br />
co-dominant co-dominant co-dominant<br />
sub-dominant co-dominant<br />
co-dominant<br />
box. River red gum fringing channels.<br />
low rises. Grey clays.<br />
Grassland of Mitchell grasses and<br />
annuals, occasional lignum, coolabah<br />
and whitewood. Areas of gidgee in<br />
the west.<br />
Clays and texture contrast.<br />
Forblands dominated by saltbushes.<br />
Areas of gidgee, occasional wilga,<br />
leopardwood, warrior bush. Bimble<br />
box in the north-east.<br />
Condition Heavily grazed Heavily grazed, some cultivation Severe scalding and loss of tree cover<br />
in most areas.<br />
Reservation None None None<br />
Key Areas 8<br />
Figure 3.3 Profile of the Culgoa-Bokhara Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
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Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Llanillo, Upper Darling (Moonie Jomara, Gingie (in the south only) Rugby<br />
Geology<br />
River only)<br />
Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials, prior stream<br />
Landform and Soils Low level floodplain, channels. Grey<br />
clays<br />
Vegetation Coolabah, eurah, river cooba and<br />
lignum on wetter areas with river red<br />
gum on larger channels. Occasional<br />
bimble box and belah on higher areas.<br />
Areas of high grassland.<br />
High level floodplains, shallow<br />
drainage lines. Grey clays<br />
Coolabah open woodland with belah<br />
and myall. Bimble box on higher<br />
areas. Occasional whitewood, wilga<br />
and leafless cherry.<br />
deposits.<br />
Low rises, minor dunes, raised<br />
channels. Texture contrast soils and<br />
sands. Minor grey clay.<br />
Bimble box woodland with budda and<br />
wilga. White cypress on coarser soils,<br />
belah on finer soils. Coolabah on<br />
enclosed channels, usually with belah.<br />
Condition Heavily grazed, some cultivation Usually thinned, some cultivation Usually thinned, some clearing. Often<br />
severe scalding<br />
Reservation None None None<br />
Key Areas 9, 10<br />
Figure 3.4 Profile of the Warrambool-Moonie Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Lightning Ridge Rotten Plain, Narran Upper Darling, Wombiera, Goodooga, Long<br />
Meadow, Llanillo, Nigery, Rostella, Tatala.<br />
Geology Fine and medium-grained Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials<br />
Cretaceous sediments<br />
Landform and Soils Low rounded ridges with some<br />
rocky hills. Red earths and lithosols<br />
Vegetation Open woodland with silver leaf<br />
ironbark. White cypress, western<br />
bloodwood and mulga on coarser,<br />
shallower soils and bimble box on<br />
loamier soils and lower slopes.<br />
Occasional rough-barked apple,<br />
supplejack, warrior bush, kurrajong<br />
and beefwood.<br />
Condition Generally thinned and grazed.<br />
Sheet and gully erosion widespread.<br />
Frequent dense regrowth of cypress<br />
and mulga.<br />
co-dominant co-dominant co-dominant<br />
co-dominant sub-dominant co-dominant<br />
Extensive depressions and<br />
backplains, minor lunettes,<br />
salinas and levees. Grey clays<br />
Grasses and forbs within<br />
depressions with areas of lignum.<br />
River red gum fringes in wetter<br />
areas with river cooba, while<br />
coolabah fringes seasonal<br />
swamps with eurah.<br />
Level to gently undulating floodplains, low<br />
rises and low sand dunes. Grey clays,<br />
texture contrast soils and sands<br />
Coolabah, river red gum and occasional<br />
black box fringing main channels with<br />
scattered coolabah, myall, whitewood and<br />
flowering lignum on floodplains. Bimble<br />
box, wilga, budda, belah and occasional<br />
leopardwood on low rises. Supplejack,<br />
white cypress and wild lemon on dunes.<br />
Largely cultivated Generally thinned and grazed. Higher areas<br />
usually scalded. Coolabah regrowth dense in<br />
some areas.<br />
Reservation Kurrajong (9,000ha) None None<br />
Key Areas 11, 12<br />
Figure 3.5 Profile of the Narran-Lightning Ridge Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
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Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Araluen<br />
Geology Cretaceous sediments, deeply weathered<br />
Landform and Soils Slightly undulating with low rounded hills. Predominantly deep red earths<br />
Vegetation Woodlands and open forests dominated by bimble box and white cypress with budda and wilga and occasional belah<br />
and leopardwood<br />
Condition Heavily grazed with some thinning and logging. Small areas of clearing<br />
Reservation None<br />
Key Areas 13<br />
Figure 3.6 Profile of the Collarenebri Interfluve Province<br />
(Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Mid Darling Nelyambo, minor Dunoak<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials<br />
Landform and Soils Main river channel and adjacent low level flood plains.<br />
Grey clays<br />
Vegetation Open forests and woodlands of coolabah and river red<br />
gum. Occasional black box and river cooba<br />
sub-dominant dominant<br />
High level flood plains with small channels. Small<br />
fringing areas of dunes and old red alluvials. Grey clays,<br />
minor sands and texture contrast soils<br />
Forbfields and grasslands, coolabah and black box on<br />
channels, canegrass or lignum in small pans. Higher<br />
fringing areas with occasional black box, rosewood and<br />
bimble box<br />
Condition Heavily grazed, some scalding Heavily grazed, scalding, minor cultivation in the north<br />
Reservation None None<br />
Key Areas 14<br />
Figure 3.7 Profile of the Louth Plains Province<br />
(Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
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Minor<br />
Land Profiles<br />
Land Systems Mid Darling Nelyambo, areas of Thackenbe, Budda, Acres<br />
Billabong<br />
Dunoak in the north, Denian in<br />
the south<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials<br />
Landform and Soils Main river channel and<br />
adjacent low level flood<br />
plain. Grey clays<br />
Vegetation Coolabah and river red<br />
gum fringing channels.<br />
Occasional black box and<br />
river cooba on the flood<br />
plain<br />
Condition Heavily grazed, some<br />
High level floodplain patterned by small lakes, low<br />
rises and dunes, and high level anabranches. Grey<br />
clays, areas of sands and texture contrast soils<br />
Forbfields; black box and coolabah fringing lakes and<br />
bases of dunes, river red gum on anabranches, lignum<br />
in lakes, shrubs on low rises and dunes with<br />
occasional rosewood.<br />
scalding<br />
Heavily grazed. Scalding common especially on<br />
coarser soils.<br />
Reservation None None None<br />
Key Areas 15, 40<br />
Figure 3.8 Profile of the Wilcannia Plains Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
Plains with low rises, pans and<br />
low dunes. Texture contrast soils.<br />
Bimble box and black box<br />
fringing low rises and in<br />
depressions, rosewood and shrubs<br />
on low rises. Black bluebush<br />
common in the south.<br />
Heavily grazed and scalded<br />
Land Profile<br />
Land Systems (in part) Darling Denian, Canally Teryawynia, Minor Acres Travellers, Gunnaramby, Sayers,<br />
Billabong<br />
minor Thackenbe.<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials, Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials and aeolians<br />
minor aeolian<br />
Landform and Soils Darling River flood<br />
plain with main<br />
channel, billabongs,<br />
swamps and occasional<br />
low sandhills. Grey<br />
clay and sands<br />
Vegetation Black box woodlands<br />
and open woodlands<br />
with river cooba and<br />
areas of lignum. River<br />
red gum on levees.<br />
Condition Heavily grazed and<br />
scalded<br />
Reservation Kinchega NP<br />
(44 182ha)<br />
Key Areas To be determined<br />
sub-dominant dominant<br />
minor sub-dominant<br />
and aeolians<br />
Undulating plains<br />
and dunes, and<br />
higher alluvial<br />
plains. Sands,<br />
texture contrast soils<br />
and clays.<br />
Lower areas fringed<br />
by black box. Areas<br />
of prickly wattle,<br />
bluebush and woody<br />
shrubs.<br />
Local severe<br />
scalding and wind<br />
erosion<br />
Floodplains, backplains<br />
and distributary channels.<br />
Heavy clays, some texture<br />
contrast and sands.<br />
Scattered black box, areas<br />
of lignum and canegrass,<br />
occasional old man<br />
saltbush. River red gum,<br />
river cooba and occasional<br />
coolabah on larger<br />
channels<br />
Large overflow lakes and basins<br />
and associated lunettes. Clays,<br />
texture contrast earths and sands.<br />
Lignum on lake beds with black<br />
box fringing. Bluebush, sandhill<br />
canegrass and sparse belah and<br />
acacias on lunettes.<br />
Heavily grazed and scalded Wind and gully erosion of lunettes.<br />
Water levels manipulated in several<br />
areas for off-river storage.<br />
Cultivation of lake beds.<br />
Kinchega NP None Kinchega NP<br />
Figure 3.9 Profile of the Menindee Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
dominant sub-dominant<br />
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Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Anabranch Travellers<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials Quaternary alluvials and aeolians<br />
Landform and Soils Floodplains, channels, billabongs and plains. Grey Large overflow lakes, lunettes and plains. Grey clays and<br />
clays, minor texture contrast<br />
Vegetation Black box open woodland with occasional river<br />
cooba and areas of lignum. River red gum on<br />
channels.<br />
co-dominant co-dominant<br />
sands<br />
Lignum and occasional black box on lake margins. Belah,<br />
white cypress and prickly wattle on lunettes.<br />
Condition Heavily grazed, local severe scalding Lunettes heavily grazed. Scalding and wind erosion<br />
Reservation None Nearie Lake NR (4 347ha)<br />
Key Areas To be determined<br />
Figure 3.10 Profile of the Great Darling Anabranch Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
Land Profile<br />
Land Systems Darling, minor Canally and Wentworth<br />
Geology Quaternary alluvials, minor aeolian<br />
Landform and Soils Floodplain, main channels, billabongs, swamps, back channels and low dunes. Grey clays and sands<br />
Vegetation Black box open woodland with river cooba and areas of lignum. River red gum on major channels.<br />
Condition Heavily grazed, areas of severe scalding<br />
Reservation None<br />
Key Areas To be determined<br />
Figure 3.11 Profile of the Pooncarie-Darling Province<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terrey 1992)<br />
The most common plant communities within the DRP are open woodlands dominated by<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah), Eucalyptus largiflorens (black box) and Eucalyptus<br />
camaldulensis (river red gum) with significant areas of Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil<br />
(bimble box) woodlands and grasslands and minor areas of shrublands (Cunningham et al.<br />
1992; NWCMC 1996). On the northern fans there is a variety of communities including<br />
mulga, northern floodplain community, gidgee and brigalow, bimble box and white cypress<br />
pine and Mitchell grass plains. Along the Darling River from Bourke to the Menindee Lakes,<br />
communities change from a dominance of Northern Floodplain plant communities to<br />
Southern Riverine Woodlands, with belah and bluebush communities becoming increasingly<br />
common to the south (Walker 1991). Walker’s descriptions contain greater detail than other<br />
reports about plant species composition in the break down of the land systems into land units<br />
for the Western Division.<br />
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3.3.1 Forests and woodlands<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (bimble box) - Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress<br />
pine) woodlands<br />
These woodland communities are widespread on level to undulating lands with red and red<br />
brown earths, including the coarse textured ridges (levee deposits) formed by prior streams in<br />
the Bogan-Macquarie and Castlereagh-Barwon provinces of the bioregion, much of which is<br />
now cleared. The relative abundance of the two dominant species varies from almost pure<br />
stands of each to co-dominance. Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil can occur with<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens (black box) on low rises fringing the floodplain in the Wilcannia<br />
Plains province within the Bogan River catchment, often occurring as an ecotonal community<br />
on the relict floodplains, and on the outer floodplains of the Macquarie Marshes area within<br />
the Bogan-Macquarie province.<br />
Along the edge of the northern Darling River floodplain this community consists of open<br />
woodlands, woodlands and open forest with canopy trees ranging from four to 12 m in height<br />
and a canopy cover of two to 40%. Dominant tree species are Eucalyptus populnea subsp.<br />
bimbil, Acacia aneura (mulga), Acacia excelsa (ironwood) and Grevillea striata (beefwood).<br />
Common shrub species: Eremophila mitchellii (budda), Eremophila sturtii (turpentine),<br />
Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima (narrow-leaf hopbush), Acacia aneura, Senna form<br />
taxon ‘filifolia’ and Geijera parviflora (wilga). Ground cover species include Monachather<br />
paradoxa (bandicoot grass), Eriachne mucronata (mountain wanderrie grass), Austrostipa<br />
spp., Sclerolaena convexula (tall copperburr), Rhodanthe floribunda (common white sunray),<br />
Calotis cuneifolia (purple burr-daisy), Brachyscome spp. (daisies), and Cheilanthes<br />
lasiophylla (mulga fern). Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood) and Exocarpus cupressiformis<br />
(native cherry) are associated in Warrambool-Moonie province.<br />
On the red ridge country around the town of Lightning Ridge these woodlands are more<br />
diverse, occurring as open woodlands and woodlands with canopy height from six to 14 m<br />
and canopy cover from three to 20%. Dominant trees are Callitris endlicheri (black cypress<br />
pine), Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus coolabah, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil and<br />
Acacia aneura. Common shrub species include Geijera parviflora, Eremophila mitchellii,<br />
Acacia aneura and Exocarpus aphyllus (leafless cherry). Ground cover species include<br />
Chloris truncata (windmill grass), Eragrostis eriopoda (woollybutt), Enneapogon spp.,<br />
Einadia nutans (climbing saltbush), Enchylaena tomentosa (ruby saltbush), Chenopodium<br />
curvispicatum (cottony saltbush), Sclerolaena muricata (black roly-poly), Sclerolaena<br />
tricuspis (streaked poverty-bush), Sclerolaena convexula (tall copperburr), Dissocarpus<br />
biflorus (twin-horned copperburr), Capparis lasiantha (nepine), Marsilea drummondii<br />
(nardoo) and Calotis cuneifolia.<br />
On dunes in the Narran-Lightning Ridge province Ventilago viminalis (supplejack) and<br />
Canthium spp. can occur with Callitris glaucophylla and occasional Angophora floribunda<br />
(rough-barked apple), Ventilago viminalis, Apophyllum anomalum (warrior bush) and<br />
Brachychiton populneus (kurrajong).Grevillea striata (beefwood) are found with Eucalyptus<br />
populnea subsp. bimbil on the loamier soils and lower slopes.<br />
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Casuarina cristata (belah) - Alectryon oleifolius (rosewood) woodlands<br />
These communities vary structurally and are widely distributed across western New South<br />
Wales. They generally occur on solonised brown soils or calcareous red earths as open<br />
forests, woodlands and open woodlands with canopy height ranging from eight to 20 m and<br />
cover from five to 65%. On the northern floodplains the dominant tree species is Casuarina<br />
cristata, which occasionally co-exists with Geijera parviflora, Eucalyptus populnea subsp.<br />
bimbil or Myoporum platycarpum (sugarwood). Among the common shrub species are<br />
Alectryon oleifolius, Nitraria billardierei (dillon bush), Dodonaea viscosa subsp.<br />
angustissima, Olearia pimeleoides (showy daisy-bush), Olearia muelleri (Muller’s daisybush)<br />
and Eremophila sturtii. Groundcover species may include Atriplex stipitata (bitter<br />
saltbush), Enchylaena tomentosa (ruby saltbush), Rhagodia spinescens (thorny saltbush),<br />
Sclerolaena diacantha (grey copperburr), Sclerolaena obliquicuspis (limestone copperburr),<br />
Maireana spp. (bluebushes), Austrostipa spp. (spear grasses), Zygophyllum apiculatum (gallweed)<br />
and Vittadinia cervicularis (a daisy). Associated species in other areas include Acacia<br />
loderi (nelia), Acacia homalophylla (yarran), Enneapogon spp. (bottle washers) and herbs.<br />
Dense monotypic forests of Casuarina cristata occur on heavy clay soils of floodplains in the<br />
eastern portions of western NSW.<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens (black box) woodlands<br />
E. largiflorens common on the massive and self-mulching clay soils of floodplains, and as<br />
fringing communities around ephemeral lakes. In the north and west of the Bogan-Macquarie<br />
and Castlereagh-Barwon provinces, this community merges with Eucalyptus coolabah<br />
woodlands and these two species can be co-dominant. Acacia stenophylla (river cooba),<br />
Acacia pendula (myall), Acacia salicina (cooba), Acacia oswaldii (miljee), Eremophila<br />
bignoniiflora (eurah), Casuarina cristata, Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Eremophila polyclada<br />
(flowering lignum) and Exocarpos aphyllus are scattered throughout the community. Ground<br />
cover ranges from forbs and perennial grasses such as panic grasses and Paspalidium spp., to<br />
pasture species.<br />
Along the Barwon River canopy trees range from eight to 16 m in height with a canopy cover<br />
of ten to 60%. In addition to Eucalyptus largiflorens, dominant trees include Eucalyptus<br />
coolabah, Casuarina cristata, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil and Atalaya hemiglauca.<br />
Common shrub species are Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Chenopodium nitrariaceum and<br />
Eremophila mitchellii. Groundcovers include Astrebla elymoides (hoop Mitchell grass),<br />
Astrebla lappacea (curly Mitchell grass), Tripogon loliiformis (five-minute grass),<br />
Paspalidium jubiflorum (warrego summer-grass), Atriplex nummularia (old man saltbush),<br />
Atriplex leptocarpa (slender-fruited saltbush), Sclerolaena calcarata (red copperburr),<br />
Sclerolaena muricata, Dissocarpus biflorus (twin-horned copperburr), Capparis lasiantha,<br />
Marsilea drummondii, Centipeda cunninghamii (common sneezeweed) and Vittadinia<br />
cuneata (fuzzweed).<br />
The floodplains of the Menindee province, which represent the most southern and western<br />
extremity of the bioregion, are dominated by Eucalyptus largiflorens woodlands and open<br />
woodlands with some Acacia stenophylla. Eucalyptus camaldulensis can occur with<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens on the levees and patches of Acacia victoriae (prickly wattle) grow<br />
on the higher alluvial plains.<br />
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Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah) woodlands<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah woodlands are common on clay soils in areas subject to flooding in the<br />
north, becoming mixed with Eucalyptus largiflorens in similar habitats in the south. Other<br />
tree and shrub species are uncommon, but include Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eremophila<br />
bignoniiflora, Casuarina cristata, Acacia stenophylla, Atalaya hemiglauca, Capparis<br />
lasiantha and Exocarpos aphyllus. The groundcovers are similar to those in Eucalyptus<br />
largiflorens communities. In the Bogan-Macquarie and Castlereagh-Barwon provinces<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah can be associated with Acacia pendula (myall) Muehlenbeckia<br />
florulenta and Acacia farnesiana (mimosa bush). Chenopodium auricomum (golden<br />
goosefoot) is associated with this community in the Culgoa-Bokhara province.<br />
Species associated with this community vary with topography. For example, Muehlenbeckia<br />
florulenta occurs in wetter areas and Casuarina cristata and Acacia pendula are found on the<br />
higher level floodplains.<br />
On the floodplains of the Culgoa and Narran Rivers, Eucalyptus coolabah is found as closed<br />
and open forest, woodland and open woodland with tree canopy height ranging from six to 15<br />
m and canopy cover from five to 70%. Eucalyptus coolabah is found with varying densities<br />
of Acacia stenophylla, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus largiflorens and Eucalyptus<br />
populnea subsp. bimbil. Common shrub species are Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Eremophila<br />
bignoniiflora, Eremophila sturtii, Myoporum montanum (western boobialla), Geijera<br />
parviflora and Alstonia constricta (quinine bush). Groundcover species include Paspalidium<br />
jubiflorum, Cyperus concinnus (trim sedge), Eleocharis pallens (pale spike-rush) and<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta.<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum) open forests and woodlands<br />
These communities predominantly occur as ribbons along rivers, swamps, billabongs and<br />
ephemeral sandy creeks. They are widely distributed across western New South Wales and<br />
can be grouped as open forests, woodlands and open woodlands with canopy trees up to 20 m<br />
in height and a canopy cover of 40 to 50%. In addition to Eucalyptus camaldulensis, tree and<br />
shrub species can include Eucalyptus largiflorens, Eucalyptus coolabah, Eucalyptus<br />
melliodora (yellow box), Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen), Acacia stenophylla, Acacia salicina,<br />
Acacia oswaldii and Muehlenbeckia florulenta and ground cover frequently contains grasses,<br />
sedges, forbs and some low shrubs such as Enchylaena tomentosa and Chenopodium spp.<br />
Common shrub species on the northern floodplains include Nicotiana glauca (wild tobacco),<br />
Swainsona greyana (darling pea), Eremophila longifolia (emu bush), Eremophila<br />
bignoniiflora, Eremophila mitchelli and Muehlenbeckia florulenta, and groundcover<br />
Myriocephalus sturtii (poached eggs), Enneapogon avenaceus (common bottle washers),<br />
Capparis lasiantha and Marsilea drummondii.<br />
Eucalyptus melanophloia (silver-leaf ironbark) woodlands<br />
These woodlands typically occur in the north of the region on skeletal soils of gravelly to<br />
stony ridges, and on deep red sandy earths on sandplains. Associated tree and shrub species<br />
can include Acacia aneura, Grevillea juncifolia (honeysuckle spider flower), Hakea spp.,<br />
Acacia excelsa, Alstonia constricta, Brachychiton populneus, Ventilago viminalis, Geijera<br />
parviflora, Capparis lasiantha and Callitris glaucophylla. Corymbia tessellaris can co-occur<br />
on the higher coarser soils and with Corymbia dolichocarpa (bloodwood) on sandy soils in<br />
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the east of the Castlereagh-Barwon province and with Corymbia terminalis (western<br />
bloodwood) and Acacia aneura in the coarser, shallower soils of the Narran-Lightning Ridge<br />
province. Perennial grasses dominate the groundcover, with Triodia mitchellii var. breviloba<br />
(buck spinifex) common in the north, and Monachather paradoxa, Eragrostis eriopoda<br />
(woolybutt) and others prominent elsewhere.<br />
Geijera parviflora (wilga) - Flindersia maculosa (leopardwood) woodlands<br />
This community is mostly restricted to the Bogan-Macquarie area, occurring on red-brown<br />
earths that are often scalded and on low gently undulating rises away from the main<br />
watercourses. Communities can vary from being monotypic stands of either species to a<br />
mixture. Other species include Atalaya hemiglauca, Eremophila mitchellii, Capparis<br />
mitchellii (native orange), Apophyllum anomalum, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (on<br />
higher areas) and occasional Callitris glaucophylla, Alectryon oleifolius Eucalyptus<br />
microcarpa (grey box) and Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakley’s red gum) in the south. Understorey<br />
includes saltbushes and Sclerolaena spp. (copper burrs). This community can intergrade with<br />
the Eucalyptus largiflorens community on plains with shallow depressions and channels and<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil on the higher slopes.<br />
On the low rises of the Culgoa-Bokhara province Geijera parviflora, Flindersia maculosa,<br />
Apophyllum anomalum and Acacia cambagei occur together.<br />
Acacia pendula (myall) woodlands<br />
These occur as open to dense woodlands on clay and clay loam textured soils of the river<br />
floodplains. Casuarina cristata, Acacia stenophylla, Acacia oswaldii, Senna artemisioides<br />
ssp. circinnata (spring-pod cassia), Capparis lasiantha, Acacia victoriae, Acacia<br />
homalophylla and Alectryon oleifolius may also occur with the Acacia pendula. The<br />
groundcover species include saltbushes, grasses and forbs such as Sclerolaena spp..<br />
Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) woodlands<br />
Monotypic stands of Acacia harpophylla form on red clays and red earths with sandy clay<br />
loam topsoils. Shrubs are rare to absent, and the groundcover consists of saltbushes,<br />
Sclerolaena spp. and annual forbs. This shrubland is found in the north of the bioregion and<br />
in lower parts of the landscape can mix with the species of the Flindersia maculata and<br />
Geijera parviflora community in the Castlereagh-Barwon province.<br />
3.3.2 Shrublands<br />
Tall Acacia Shrublands<br />
Acacia loderi (nelia) shrublands<br />
This community exists on sandy calcareous red earths and sandy accumulations on broad<br />
plains of solonised brown soils in the west of the region. Associated trees include Acacia<br />
aneura in the north and Casuarina cristata in the south. Shrubs include Maireana sedifolia<br />
(pearl bluebush), Templetonia egena (desert broombush), Eremophila sturtii and Senna form<br />
taxon ‘filifolia’ (punty bush).<br />
Saltbush Shrublands<br />
This community is widely distributed across western New South Wales as forblands, open<br />
chenopod shrublands, chenopod shrublands and sparse shrublands. Common shrubs include<br />
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Nitraria billardierei, Maireana pyramidata (black bluebush), Atriplex vesicaria (bladder<br />
saltbush), Atriplex nummularia, Enchylaena tomentosa, and Chenopodium nitrariaceum.<br />
Groundcover species include Sclerolaena diacantha, Sclerolaena obliquicuspis, Austrostipa<br />
spp., Calotis erinacea (tangled burr-daisy), Atriplex vesicaria, Atriplex leptocarpa (slenderfruited<br />
saltbush), and Atriplex lindleyi (eastern flat-top saltbush), Disphyma crassifolium ssp.<br />
clavellatum (pigface), Medicago minima (medic) and Sonchus oleraceus (common<br />
sowthistle).<br />
Atriplex vesicaria (bladder saltbush) shrublands<br />
Within the DRP this community occurs on alluvial plains with grey and brown clays and<br />
shallow-surfaced red-brown earths. It is often a treeless community, or has scattered<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens or Acacia pendula, and occurs interspersed with wetland<br />
communities, watercourses and sand ridges. Associated chenopods can include Atriplex<br />
nummularia, Maireana pyramidata, Maireana aphylla (cottonbush), and occasionally<br />
Nitraria billardieri. Grasses and forbs grow between the shrubs.<br />
Maireana pyramidata (black bluebush) -Maireana sedifolia (pearl bluebush) shrublands<br />
This bluebush community exists on solinized brown soils on plains and dunefields in the<br />
DRP, with composition ranging from monospecific stands of either species to a mixed<br />
community. It often intergrades into the Atriplex vesicaria community. Grasses and forbs<br />
grow between the shrubs. These saltbush shrublands become more common in the south-west<br />
of the bioregion, occurring extensively across the southern Wilcannia Plains and the<br />
Menindee provinces.<br />
3.3.3 Grassland and wetland communities<br />
Astrebla spp. (Mitchell grass) perennial grasslands<br />
This community is common in the northern part of the bioregion, occurring on grey clay soils<br />
of the floodplains and is usually treeless. Other grass species found with the Astrebla spp. are<br />
Eragrostis setifolia (neverfail) and Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland bluegrass), as well as<br />
many annuals such as Iseilema spp. (Flinders grass) and Dactyloctenium radulans (button<br />
grass) after wet seasons. Pastoral landuses such as grazing of stock has significantly altered<br />
this community (Fisher 1999).<br />
Eriochloa australiensis (Australian cupgrass) and Eriochloa crebra (tall cupgrass) are often<br />
co-dominant in Astrebla lappacea (curly Mitchell grass) closed grasslands in the Bogan-<br />
Macquarie province. These communities also have a number of common forbs including<br />
Boerhavia dominii (tarvine), Hibiscus trionum (bladder ketmia), Cullen tenax (emu foot), and<br />
Brachyscome heterodonta (lobed-seed daisy) (Lewer, S., DLWC, pers. com. Dec. 2001).<br />
Astrebla lappacea occurs on upper floodplains with Atriplex nummularia and occasional<br />
Atalaya hemiglauca, Eucalyptus coolabah and Geijera parviflora in Bogan-Macquarie and<br />
Castlereagh-Barwon provinces. In the Culgoa-Bokhara province Muehlenbeckia florulenta<br />
and Acacia cambagei can be found in Astrebla grasslands, especially towards the west.<br />
Triodia mitchellii var. breviloba (buck spinifex) grasslands<br />
This spinifex community is restricted to the deep sands of the sandplains in the north of the<br />
region, often mixing with the Eucalyptus melanophloia community. Common shrubs include<br />
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Grevillea juncifolia, Grevillea albiflora (white spider-flower), Acacia murrayana (sandplain<br />
wattle) and Acacia johnsonii (gereera wattle).<br />
Austrostipa aristiglumis (plains grass) grasslands<br />
Grey and brown clays of floodplains of major rivers support this community. Associated<br />
species include other grasses, perennial forbs and, following winter rains, annual grasses and<br />
forbs.<br />
Austrostipa spp. (variable speargrasses) and Enneapogon spp. (bottle washers) grassland<br />
This grassland community also often forms the groundcover of the Casuarina cristata -<br />
Alectryon oleifolius and Acacia loderi shrubland communities. It is found on solonized brown<br />
soils, calcareous red earths and desert loams and occurs with other grasses, chenopods,<br />
perennial forbs, and after winter rains, annual forbs. The dominance of Austrostipa variabilis<br />
is favoured by winter rains and Enneapogon spp. by summer rains.<br />
Floodplain communities<br />
A sparse to open chenopod shrubland and open grassland is found on the floodplains, playas<br />
and basins within the northern floodplains region. The height of this community ranges from<br />
0.5 to three metres and cover from five to 50%. Most common shrubs are Muehlenbeckia<br />
florulenta, Chenopodium auricomum (golden goosefoot), and occasionally regeneration of<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Ground cover species include Agrostis avenacea (blown grass),<br />
Eragrostis setifolia, Eleocharis pallens (pale spike-rush), Pycnosorus chrysanthus (golden<br />
billy-buttons), Atriplex pseudocampanulata (mealy saltbush) and Pimelea simplex (desert<br />
riceflower).<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta and Chenopodium nitrariaceum can form distinct communities<br />
although their boundaries can be indistinct depending on the degree, frequency and reliability<br />
of flooding.<br />
The Muehlenbeckia florulenta community occurs on alluvial areas with cracking grey soils<br />
and periodic flooding. It can be a treeless community, or have scattered Eucalyptus<br />
largiflorens, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus coolabah or Acacia stenophylla.<br />
Associated shrub species include Eragrostis australasica, Leptochloa digitata (umbrella<br />
canegrass), Chenopodium nitrariaceum and Typha spp. (cumbungi). After floodwaters<br />
recede, a pasture of Marsilea drummondii, Eleocharis spp. (spike-rushes) and Eragrostis<br />
setifolia (neverfail) often grows between shrubs.<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta grows on the beds of the large overflow lakes and basins of the<br />
Menindee province, fringed by Eucalyptus largiflorens, Maireana pyramidata and Zygochloa<br />
paradoxa (sandhill canegrass) and sparse Casuarina cristata and acacias on the lunettes.<br />
The Chenopodium nitrariaceum community is found on the grey clay soils of the beds of<br />
periodically flooded lakes and flooded alluvial sites along major rivers. Trees are usually<br />
absent and complementary shrub species include Eragrostis australasica, Leptochloa digitata<br />
and Muehlenbeckia florulenta. Pastures similar to those found in the Muehlenbeckia<br />
florulenta communities occur after flooding.<br />
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Eragrostis australasica (cane grass) and Leptochloa digitata (umbrella canegrass) community<br />
Eragrostis australasica (cane grass) swamps occur in pans in sand dune country and on<br />
lakebeds with compact clay soils that are subject to periodic inundation. Few species are<br />
associated with this community except for scattered Eremophila bignoniiflora.<br />
Swamp or marsh communities<br />
These communities occur on sites with permanent, or effectively permanent, still or slowmoving<br />
shallow water. Vegetation is commonly composed of Phragmites australis (common<br />
reed), Typha spp. and other aquatic species, with or without emergent Eucalyptus<br />
largiflorens, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eucalyptus coolabah.<br />
3.3.4 Plant communities of major DRP wetlands<br />
Mapping and survey of plant communities in some of the major wetlands within the DRP<br />
indicates that there are distinct differences between them. These distinctive features suggest<br />
that each of the wetlands is significant in its own right, as well as being critical in the<br />
interconnecting, but diminishing, network of wetland habitats which support waterbird<br />
movements. The wetlands of the DRP are dynamic and strongly influenced by the irregular<br />
and uneven distribution of rain events and rainfall intensity in their catchments. They are<br />
adapted to this variability, with the relative proportions of particular wetland vegetation<br />
associations varying in relation to the prevailing climatic conditions.<br />
The frequency and duration of flood events mostly determine the distribution, composition<br />
and structure of wetland plant communities. The regulation of river flows has changed the<br />
dynamic nature of this system, stabilising and enlarging the area of the drier plant<br />
communities while reducing the core wetlands and causing long term community changes<br />
through the loss of conditions suitable for the recruitment of some tree species (Kingsford &<br />
Thomas 1995). Table 3.2 below gives a brief summary of the dominant plant communities<br />
within the major wetlands of the DRP.<br />
Plant<br />
community<br />
Forests and<br />
woodlands<br />
Shrublands<br />
Grasslands<br />
and<br />
reedlands<br />
Table 3.2 Dominant plant communities of major wetlands of the DRP<br />
Dominant species Major wetlands of Area within each<br />
DRP<br />
major<br />
(ha)<br />
wetland<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodlands Macquarie Marshes 10 023<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens woodlands Macquarie Marshes 15 800<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah woodlands<br />
Macquarie Marshes 8 040<br />
Gwydir Wetlands 50 000<br />
Gingham Wetlands 150 000*<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah – Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlands Gingham Wetlands 2 000<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlands<br />
Macquarie Marshes 39 500<br />
Narran Lakes nd<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis – Eucalyptus coolabah – Narran Lakes nd<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens – Acacia stenophylla woodlands<br />
Casuarina cristata woodlands Gingham Wetlands<br />
Acacia pendula shrublands Macquarie Marshes 8 600<br />
Acacia stenophylla shrublands Macquarie Marshes 3 270<br />
Acacia stenophylla and Muehlenbeckia florulenta shrublands Gingham Wetlands 42 000*<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta shrublands<br />
Macquarie Marshes 2 840<br />
Narran Lakes nd<br />
Phragmites australis and Typha spp. Reed beds Macquarie Marshes nd<br />
Marsh club-rush Bulboschoenus fluviatilis, Eleocharis plana,<br />
Paspalum distichum and Juncus aridicola communities<br />
Gwydir Wetlands 10 000<br />
Paspalum distichum and Eleocharis spp. communities Gingham Wetlands 13 500*<br />
Grasslands Macquarie Marshes 108 000<br />
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* estimated area prior to construction of Copeton Dam on the Gwydir River<br />
nd = no data<br />
Macquarie Marshes<br />
The plant communities of the Macquarie Marshes include 108 000 ha of grassland, 10 023 ha<br />
of Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodland, 8 600 ha of Acacia pendula, 2 840 ha of<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta, 15 800 ha of Eucalyptus largiflorens, 8 040ha of Eucalyptus<br />
coolabah, 3 270ha of Acacia stenophylla and 39 500 ha of Eucalyptus camaldulensis forest<br />
(Bray 1994b). Slow flowing channels have Vallisneria gigantea (ribbon reed), Potamogeton<br />
crispus (curly pondweed), Azolla filiculoides (red azolla), duckweeds, rushes and Paspalum<br />
distichum (water couch). Typha sp. occurs in the more permanently wet channels within reed<br />
beds. The Macquarie Marshes contain the most northern occurrence of extensive reed beds of<br />
Phragmites australis (Wolfgang 1998).<br />
In the Macquarie Marshes, tree health has been affected by variation in flood regimes, raised<br />
water tables and salinisation, herbicide spray drift, tree senescence, fire damage, pathogens<br />
and insects. The area of wetland vegetation in the Marshes has declined as a result of river<br />
regulation which has reduced the frequency of large and medium flows. This has, in turn, led<br />
to a change to a vegetation association more suited to a drier environment. Reed beds were<br />
formerly dominant in south marsh, but this area has recently been colonised by chenopods<br />
(Atriplex and Sclerolaena spp.). Weeds are also prevalent. Large areas have been cleared for<br />
farming, with the area of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in the southern marshes having been<br />
reduced from an estimated 1 406 ha in 1931 to 636 ha in 1981 (Wolfgang 1998).<br />
Lower Gwydir Wetlands<br />
The Lower Gwydir supports about 24 000 ha of semi-permanent wetland and floodplain plant<br />
communities, including 7 500 ha of Paspalum distichum and Juncus aridicola (tussock rush)<br />
and a 700 ha stand of Bolboschoenus fluviatilis (marsh club-rush), the largest area of<br />
Bolboschoenus fluviatilis known in New South Wales. One third of this area (2 500 ha) in the<br />
west is highly degraded. Intermittent wetland areas of the lower Gywdir wetlands include 4<br />
000ha of lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta) and river coobah (Acacia stenophylla).<br />
Approximately 4 880ha of coolibah (Eucalyptus coolabah) occurs on the floodplain of the<br />
lower Gywdir Wetland. Other significant plant species in this wetland include Eleocharis<br />
plana (ribbed spike-rush), Eleocharis sphacelata (tall spike-rush), Juncus aridicola (tussock<br />
rush) and Typha spp. (cumbungi) (Johnson 2001; Ramsar 1999).<br />
The main wetland area contains stands of dead Eucalyptus coolabah killed by prolonged<br />
inundation from the 1955 and 1970 floods and the release of water from Copeton Dam for<br />
spillway modifications in the 1970s. The dominant species in the seven distinct landform<br />
types within the wetland are shown on Figure 3.12 and listed in Table 3.3 (Keyte 1994).<br />
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(Keyte 1994)<br />
(Keyte 1994)<br />
Figure 3.12 Profile of land units within the Lower Gwydir Wetlands<br />
Table 3.3 Dominant plant species in the Lower Gwydir Watercourse<br />
Land unit Common name Species name Nature of species<br />
Ridge<br />
windmill grass Chloris truncata 1<br />
curly windmill grass Enteropogon acicularis 1<br />
High floodplain mimosa bush Acacia farnesiana 2<br />
native millet Panicum decompositum 1<br />
curly windmill grass Enteropogon acicularis 1<br />
Floodplain<br />
warrego summer grass Paspalidium jubiflorum 1<br />
nutgrass Cyperus victoriensis 1<br />
ribbed spike-rush Eleocharis plana 1<br />
soft roly poly Salsola tragus 2<br />
Flood channel river cooba Acacia stenophylla 1<br />
lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta 1<br />
water couch Paspalum distichum 1<br />
lippia Phyla canescens 2<br />
Watercourse tussock rush Juncus aridicola 1<br />
water couch Paspalum distichum 1<br />
soft roly poly Salsola tragus 2,3<br />
black roly poly Sclerolaena muricata 2,3<br />
black thistle Cirsium vulgare 2,3<br />
nardoo Marsilea drummondii 1<br />
lippia Phyla canescens 2<br />
Bathurst burr Xanthium spinosum 2,3<br />
Core wetland water couch Paspalum distichum 1<br />
sag Bolboschoenus fluviatilis 1<br />
black thistle Cirsium vulgare 2,3<br />
wild lettuce Lactuca saligna 3<br />
Bathurst burr Xanthium spinosum 2,3<br />
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Key<br />
1 natural wetland species<br />
2 invasive species<br />
3 terrestrial species<br />
Gingham Wetlands<br />
The plant communities of the Gingham Wetland prior to the construction of Copeton Dam<br />
have been mapped using historical photos (McCosker & Duggin 1993). The communities and<br />
the area they covered were:<br />
about 2 000 ha of mixed Eucalyptus coolabah and Eucalyptus camaldulensis forests and<br />
woodlands at the head of the watercourse near the Gwydir Raft. Much of this forest only<br />
became established in the 1950s as the raft progressed and caused more extensive<br />
flooding in the area;<br />
13 500 ha of semi-permanent swamps and low wetland areas with Paspalum distichum<br />
and Eleocharis spp. which only dried out in exceptionally dry years; this area included<br />
several open water bodies;<br />
42 000 ha of semi-permanent core wetlands that are surrounded by Acacia stenophylla<br />
and Muehlenbeckia florulenta, critical habitat for waterbirds; and<br />
150 000 ha of open Eucalyptus coolabah woodlands which was only inundated during<br />
major floods.<br />
By 1993 about 1 000 ha of healthy Eleocharis spp. and Paspalum paspalodes (water couch)<br />
remained, and a further 7 000 ha still supported these plant species but insufficient flooding<br />
resulted in the loss of wetland vigour and weed invasion. The remaining 5 500 ha of former<br />
core wetland has lost almost all aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation (McCosker & Duggin<br />
1993). Phyla canescens and terrestrial weeds such as Silybum marianum and Xanthium<br />
spinosum (Bathurst burr) occur extensively over this land. Little, if any, of the Acacia<br />
stenophylla and Muehlenbeckia florulenta remained in a healthy state, having not been<br />
flooded between 1984 and 1996. Muehlenbeckia florulenta bushes were reduced to clumps 30<br />
cm high while the Acacia stenophylla showed signs of extreme stress. Some areas of dead<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah may have resulted from prolonged inundation during the 1950s.<br />
Casuarina cristata and Eucalyptus coolabah are also present in the western part of the<br />
watercourse. Remnant lines of Casuarina cristata and numerous rotting Casuarina cristata<br />
logs suggest these trees were once much more abundant (McCosker & Duggin 1993).<br />
Narran Lakes<br />
There are six dominant vegetation communities in the Narran Lake Nature Reserve in<br />
addition to the wetland associations. These are: chenopod low open shrublands; ephemeral<br />
herbs; mixed low woodlands; riparian low open forest; and spinifex grassland. Other<br />
associations are found outside the Reserve, in other parts of the Lakes system. Extensive<br />
areas of river red gum with lignum occur to the south of the reserve and a large area of river<br />
red gum occurs to the north-east of Clear Lake. The most detailed mapping of plant<br />
communities has been done within the Nature Reserve.<br />
The wetland communities within Narran Lakes Nature Reserve are:<br />
sedges, grasses and ephemeral herbs on the playa lakes and the main lake beds after<br />
floodwaters recede;<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta in dense shrublands in extensive areas in and around Clear<br />
Lake and Back Lake;<br />
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Phragmites australis in small patches amongst the Muehlenbeckia florulenta;<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus coolabah, Eucalyptus largiflorens and Acacia<br />
stenophylla association fringing the Narran River and wetland channels with<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta, Myoporum sp., Alstonia constricta, Acacia brachystachya<br />
(umbrella mulga) Paspalidium jubiflorum; and<br />
aquatic plants such as Azolla filiculoides following the inundation of wetland areas<br />
(NPWS 2000a).<br />
The sandy lakeshore and dune areas are generally treeless as a result of past grazing. Areas<br />
with minimal erosion support a scattered cover of Chloris truncata (windmill grass),<br />
Eragrostis eriopoda, Eragrostis dielsii (mallee lovegrass) and chenopods such as Sclerolaena<br />
spp.<br />
3.4 CONSERVATION STATUS OF VEGETATION COMMUNITIES IN THE<br />
DRP<br />
Three plant communities found in the bioregion have been listed as Endangered Ecological<br />
Communities in New South Wales under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation<br />
Act (TSC Act) 1995 (New South Wales NPWS 2001a). These are: the Corymbia tessellaris<br />
(carbeen) open forest community; the Acacia loderi shrublands; and, the artesian springs<br />
ecological community. Two additional communities occurring in the DRP listed as<br />
endangered under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)<br />
Act, 1999 are: Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) (dominant and co-dominant) (this also has a<br />
preliminary determination under the TSC Act); and, the community of native species<br />
dependant on natural discharges of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.<br />
Benson (1989) considers Acacia pendula woodland with an Atriplex nummularia understorey<br />
to be a very poorly conserved and endangered by clearing but it has not been listed under the<br />
TSC Act nor the EPBC Act.<br />
Several communities in the Narran Lakes area are considered to be endangered, poorly<br />
conserved or of conservation interest (Benson 1989; Ramsar 2000). These are:<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta shrublands, with one of the largest and healthiest expanses of<br />
this community in New South Wales occurring at Narran Lakes;<br />
Eucalyptus melanophloia, Brachychiton populneus subsp. trilobus (kurrajong), Geijera<br />
parviflora and Grevillea striata (beefwood) woodland on sandy ridge country;<br />
Triodia mitchelli (spinifex) and Acacia murrayana (sandplain wattle), which are restricted<br />
to deep sandy soils;<br />
Atriplex nummularia shrubland;<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodland;<br />
Grevillea striata and Acacia aneura shrubland;<br />
Eremophila maculata (native fuchsia) shrubland;<br />
Acacia cambagei;<br />
Phragmites australis sedgeland;<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodlands and open forests;<br />
Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland; and<br />
Acacia excelsa (ironwood) and Callitris glaucophylla shrubland.<br />
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3.4.1 Corymbia tessellaris (carbeen) open forest<br />
Corymbia tessellaris open forest is listed as an endangered ecological community under the<br />
TSC Act. This community occurs on siliceous sands, earthy sands and clayey sands on the<br />
riverine plains of the Meehi, Gwydir, Macintyre and Barwon Rivers in the DRP and Brigalow<br />
Belt South bioregions. It was originally an open forest but is now more likely to be found as<br />
woodland or remnant trees. In addition to Corymbia tessellaris, Callitris glaucophylla,<br />
Corymbia dolichocarpa, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil, Eucalyptus camaldulensis,<br />
Casuarina cristata and Allocasuarina leuhmannii are characteristic tree species. Other plant<br />
species characterising the community are:<br />
Abutilon oxycarpum Acacia excelsa<br />
Acacia salicina Alectryon oleifolius<br />
Alstonia constricta Aristida calycina<br />
Atalaya hemiglauca Austrostipa scabra ssp. scabra<br />
Capparis mitchellii Chloris truncata<br />
Crinum flaccidum Cymbidium canaliculatum<br />
Einadia nutans Eremophila mitchellii<br />
Geijera parviflora Panicum decompositum<br />
Petalostigma pubescens Rhagodia spinescens<br />
Sclerolaena birchii<br />
The complete plant species list is larger than this but many species may be only present at one<br />
or two sites or have a very low abundance. The species composition of a site will be<br />
influenced by the size of the site and its recent disturbance history (NPWS 2001a).<br />
This community has been extensively cleared for grazing and cropping and is further<br />
threatened by clearing for agriculture, grazing, inappropriate fire management, land grooming<br />
for irrigation and weed invasion. The remaining stands are typically fragmented and isolated<br />
(NPWS 2001a).<br />
3.4.2 Acacia loderi (nelia) shrublands<br />
Acacia loderi shrublands are listed as an endangered ecological community under the TSC<br />
Act. The Acacia loderi shrublands are found in south western New South Wales, from<br />
Hillston to White Cliffs with large stands between Broken Hill, Ivanhoe and Wilcannia.<br />
Isolated stands are found in other areas. These shrublands grow on the solonised brown and<br />
duplex soils on level to undulating plains or on calcareous red earths. Most remnants are on<br />
pastoral lands but there are also some in Kinchega and Mungo National Parks (NPWS<br />
2001a).<br />
Acacia loderi is the dominant species and occurs with Acacia aneura, Acacia oswaldii,<br />
Callitris gracilis, Casuarina pauper and Flindersia maculosa. The mistletoes Amyema<br />
quandang and Lysiana exocarpi frequently infest A. loderi.<br />
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Understorey species include:<br />
Aristida contorta Atriplex spp.<br />
Atriplex angulata Atriplex holocarpa<br />
Atriplex stipitata Brachyscome spp.<br />
Dissocarpus paradoxus Dodonaea viscosa<br />
Enchylaena tomentosa Enneapogon avenaceus<br />
Eremophila maculata Eremophila sturtii<br />
Grevillea huegelii Haloragis glauca forma glauca<br />
Ixiolaena tomentosa Lotus cruentus<br />
Lycium australe Maireana georgei<br />
Maireana pyramidata Maireana sclerolaenoides<br />
Maireana sedifolia Myoporum deserti<br />
Pimelea microcephala Plantago drummondii<br />
Ptilotus atriplicifolius Pycnosorus pleiocephalus<br />
Rhodanthe floribunda Sauropus trachyspermus<br />
Sida fibulifera Sclerolaena spp.<br />
Sclerolaena divaricata Sclerolaena obliquicuspis<br />
Sclerolaena patenticuspis Senna artemisioides<br />
Austrostipa spp. Swainsona formosa<br />
Templetonia egena Tetragonia tetragonioides<br />
Teucrium racemosum Zygophyllum simile<br />
3.4.3 Artesian springs ecological community<br />
The artesian springs ecological community is listed as an endangered ecological community<br />
under the TSC Act. This community is restricted in New South Wales to artesian springs at<br />
the southern and western margins of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) in the north-west of the<br />
state, in the Mulga Lands, DRP and Cobar Peneplain bioregions. The Artesian Springs<br />
Ecological Community varies between springs, as they differ in shape, water flow,<br />
topographic position and geographic location (NPWS 2001a). Typical plant species may<br />
include:<br />
Abutilon otocarpum Acacia victoriae<br />
Alternanthera denticulata Alternanthera angustifolia<br />
Atriplex spp. Boerhavia coccinea<br />
Calandrinia ptychosperma Centipeda minima<br />
Centipeda thespidioides Chamaesyce drummondii<br />
Chenopodium cristatum Chenopodium melanocarpum<br />
Chloris pectinata Cyperus bulbosus<br />
Cyperus iria Cyperus laevigatus<br />
Cyperus squarrosus Dactyloctenium radulans<br />
Diplachne fusca Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima<br />
Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Eragrostis spp.<br />
Eremophila deserti Eucalyptus largiflorens<br />
Geijera parviflora Marsilea spp.<br />
Oxalis spp. Portulaca oleracea<br />
Sclerostegia spp. Sporobolus caroli<br />
Stemodia florulenta Trianthema triquetra<br />
Eremophila sturtii Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil<br />
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Glinus lotoides Myoporum montanum<br />
Pimelea microcephala subsp. microcephala Sclerolaena spp.<br />
Solanum esuriale Sporobolus mitchellii<br />
Swainsona spp.<br />
Mounds of salt and sediment resulting from the evaporation of artesian water as it emerges<br />
through rock, are the features on which this community depends. The community often<br />
supports unique aquatic invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, including freshwater snail and fish<br />
species that may occur at one spring only. Threats include trampling and grazing by stock and<br />
feral animals, and the alteration of flow or unsustainable extraction of artesian water leading<br />
to reduce flows at mound springs. Some mound springs have dried in the past 100 years,<br />
probably causing the extinction of undescribed aquatic invertebrates (NPWS 2001a).<br />
3.4.4 The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of<br />
groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin.<br />
The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from the<br />
Great Artesian Basin is listed as a threatened ecological community on the EPBC Act. This<br />
community includes natural surface discharge points within the GAB discharge area of<br />
aquifers in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous sedimentary sequence. The native species in<br />
this community depend on the discharge of groundwater for their existence and include some<br />
wide-ranging species as well as locally endemic species (restricted to one or more GAB<br />
spring). Examples of these species include:<br />
Jardinella sp. (endemic snail)<br />
Utricularia sp. (aquatic forb)<br />
Cyperus laevigatus (flora)<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis (flora)<br />
Myoporum desertii (flora)<br />
Chlamydogobius sp. (fish)<br />
Schoenoplectus pungens (flora)<br />
Cyperus gymnocaulos (flora)<br />
Eriocaulon carsonii (aquatic herb –<br />
endemic to mound springs of Peery Lake)<br />
Heliotropium curassavicum (flora)<br />
Sclerostegia sp. (flora)<br />
This community has become threatened through excessive extraction of groundwater from the<br />
GAB, leading to the extinction of some springs and a reduction in flow at remaining springs.<br />
Other threats include grazing and trampling by livestock and feral animals, mechanical<br />
modification such as dam construction and the introduction of exotic pasture species<br />
(Environment Australia 2001b).<br />
3.4.5 Acacia harpophylla (brigalow dominant or co-dominant)<br />
The Acacia harpophylla community is listed as threatened under the EPBC Act and a<br />
preliminary determination has been made to list this community as an endangered ecological<br />
community under the TSC Act. It has suffered a severe decline in extent since clearance of<br />
land for agriculture. Less than 10% of its original extent remains (Environment Australia<br />
2001a). Within NSW there are several species associations. These are Acacia harpophylla<br />
with Casuarina cristata (belah) and Geijera parviflora (wilga) or yellow wood, with wilga,<br />
with vine thickets of ooline or mixed species or softwoods, with Eucalyptus populnea subsp.<br />
bimbil (bimble box) and Eucalyptus pilligaensis (Pilliga box), with Eucalyptus coolabah<br />
(coolibah), with gidgee and other acacias and occur as regenerated brigalow (Pulsford 1984).<br />
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3.5 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
3.5.1 Summary<br />
The vegetation of the DRP has been described in a variety of ways and at several levels of<br />
detail. There have been some attempts to describe the pre-European vegetation at both a<br />
landscape level and for smaller portions of the bioregion. However, detailed survey and<br />
mapping has been very limited. Broadscale mapping has mostly been from aerial photo<br />
analysis, which is limited to a crude structural analysis and naming of the dominant tree<br />
species, but this has not been extensively ground truthed. There has also been variation in the<br />
scale of vegetation mapping between the east and the western portions of the bioregion with<br />
smaller quadrat sizes being used in the east.<br />
In broad terms the original vegetation of the DRP is thought to have been open woodland on<br />
alluvial fans and riverine corridors. The height and density of the overstorey decreased from<br />
east to west and the grassy ground cover was dominated by Mitchell grasses (Astrebla<br />
species). Since European settlement the proportion of grassland has increased and is<br />
dominated by introduced species. Description of the pre-European vegetation is of most value<br />
in determining the rate and extent of change that may have occurred as a result of European<br />
settlement of the bioregion. The 1750 mapping by Carnahan (1976) indicates that the lower<br />
reaches of the Darling floodplains within the bioregion were Astrebla grasslands. This region<br />
then suffered from a period of extreme conditions as a result of drought in association with<br />
rabbit infestation and sheep grazing resulting in almost total denudation of the landscape.<br />
This area has now recovered and is dominated by black bluebush communities. Carnahan’s<br />
mapping indicates that there has been a change in the dominant plant community after the<br />
recovery of the landscape or that the area is at a seral stage in the re-establishment of the<br />
vegetation. Any attempts to map pre-European vegetation based on existing remnants should<br />
consider these possibilities and ensure that detailed analyses of historical documents are also<br />
incorporated.<br />
The existing broad vegetation communities within the DRP have been defined by several<br />
authors. These descriptions show a high degree of consistency and fifteen communities can<br />
be described. These include seven forest/woodland communities, tall Acacia shrublands,<br />
saltbush shrublands, grasslands with varying dominant genera (Astrebla, Triodia or<br />
Austrostipa) and wetland, swamp and marsh communities. While these community<br />
definitions are not based on systematic floristic surveys and could be considered subjective,<br />
their consistency indicates that they provide a sound broad definition of the plant<br />
communities of the bioregion. The fundamental importance of riverine and alluvial landforms<br />
is clearly demonstrated by the dominance of water tolerant communities.<br />
Variation within these broad plant communities has not been mapped across the bioregion but<br />
the mapping of land units by Walker (1991) in the Western Region and the relationship<br />
between topographic variation and vegetation associations indicated by Morgan and Terrey<br />
(1990) for all provinces provide an indication and could be analysed further. The more<br />
detailed vegetation descriptions for small areas within the bioregion could be used to verify<br />
these descriptions.<br />
Of the plant communities occurring within the DRP, the Corymbia tessellaris open forest,<br />
Acacia loderi shrublands, and the Artesian Springs community are listed under the TSC Act.<br />
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In addition, the Brigalow communities and community of native species dependant on natural<br />
discharge of groundwater from the Great Artesian Basin have been listed under the EPBC<br />
Act. The Brigalow community has also been given a preliminary determination by the NSW<br />
Scientific Committee for listing under the TSC Act. There are other communities considered<br />
to be endangered, poorly conserved or of conservation interest but they have not yet been<br />
nominated for listing under the TSC Act. There has been no analysis of declining plant<br />
communities that may require monitoring and assessment.<br />
3.5.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work required related to vegetation in the DRP includes the following:<br />
mapping of the defined broadscale plant communities across the whole bioregion in<br />
NSW;<br />
determination and mapping of ‘1750’ pre-European vegetation across the whole bioregion<br />
in NSW using indicators from extant vegetation and abiotic factors and validation from<br />
historical descriptions;<br />
integration of other vegetation descriptions and mapping that covers portions of the DRP<br />
in more detail with the broad descriptions;<br />
development of a systematic sampling regime to build on the existing vegetation data and<br />
definition in more detail of the variation within the broad communities;<br />
development of profiles and descriptions of plant communities present in the DRP;<br />
review of the conservation status of defined plant communities and, if considered to be<br />
under threat, preparation of nominations for listing under the TSC Act. This review will<br />
include assessing changes in extent of each vegetation community since European<br />
settlement and determining declining and threatened plant communities;<br />
assessment of the response of the defined vegetation communities to disturbance and<br />
threats present in the DRP;<br />
identification of threats to plant communities and preparation of nominations for listing of<br />
key threatening processes under the TSC Act; and<br />
assessment of the spatial configuration of remnants within the landscape.<br />
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4 FLORA<br />
4.1 AVAILABLE INFORMATION<br />
4.1.1 Sources of data<br />
Plant species records from the DRP have been extracted from the databases of the Royal<br />
Botanic Gardens (NSW), National Herbarium, NPWS Wildlife Atlas and other vegetation<br />
surveys within the DRP. Other herbaria may also have plant records from the DRP but this<br />
information will be obtained as part of the DRP vegetation mapping, biodiversity survey and<br />
conservation assessment projects.<br />
Threatened species under the TSC Act, Schedule 13 species listed under the National Parks<br />
and Wildlife Act, 1974 (NSW), and ROTAP (Rare and Threatened Australian Plants) species<br />
were taken from the complete list. The provenance, distribution of the remaining plant species<br />
and most recent common names were determined from Harden (1990-94) and exotic species<br />
were then removed from this list and placed in a separate database. Records of questionable<br />
accuracy or those species not described by Harden were further investigated using the Royal<br />
Botanic Gardens Plants of NSW Database. Distribution and current common names were<br />
checked. Species still considered or a questionable reliability were deleted from the list.<br />
Separate lists of historical records (pre-1970) and extinct flora were also created.<br />
Systematic surveys<br />
Only a limited number of systematic floristic surveys have been conducted in the DRP and<br />
these are listed in Table 4.1 Not all of these surveys have full floristic sampling or precise<br />
location information (such as AMG reference) and some of the studies included sites from<br />
outside the DRP.<br />
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Table 4.1 Summary of floristic surveys conducted within the DRP<br />
Dataset<br />
Site selection Survey methods No. Survey period Full<br />
author & date<br />
sites<br />
floristic<br />
Natural Vegetation of the Stratified - based on API, 20x20m,<br />
530 Oct 1991-Feb Yes<br />
Southern Wheatbelt<br />
replications within each cover/abundance,<br />
1992<br />
(Sivertsen & Metcalfe 1995) veg type, no private land geomorphology,<br />
structure<br />
veg<br />
Vegetation of Wombeira Land Stratified - based on API, 3 20x40m,<br />
65 30/10/90 – Yes<br />
System<br />
replications within each cover/abundance,<br />
10/11/90<br />
(Dick 1993)<br />
veg type<br />
geomorphology,<br />
structure<br />
veg<br />
Floristic Description of Sites stratified on 20x20m,<br />
152 20/2/99 – 8/5/99 Yes<br />
Grasslands of the Moree vegetation types<br />
cover/abundance,<br />
& 12/7/99 –<br />
Plains<br />
geomorphology, veg 10/8/99<br />
(Hunter & Earl 1999)<br />
structure<br />
Natural Resources Study – Sites geographically 30 x 30m, 272 2/9/96 – 31/1/97 Yes<br />
Murray-Darling action plan spread<br />
cover/abundance,<br />
(Centre of Environmental<br />
geomorphology, veg<br />
Management 1998)<br />
structure<br />
Vegetation survey of riparian<br />
3 03/10/95 -<br />
zones within the Namoi River<br />
16/05/96<br />
catchment, north-west New<br />
South Wales (Beckers 1996)<br />
Macquarie Marshes<br />
20 x 20m, 251 01/04/92 -<br />
Vegetation Mapping<br />
(Wilson 1992)<br />
cover/abundance<br />
30/10/92<br />
Vegetation Mapping of the Sites selected randomly 20 x 20m, cover / 90 9/96 – 11/96 Yes<br />
Lower Macquarie Floodplain<br />
abundance,<br />
(Steenbeeke 1996)<br />
geomorphology<br />
The survey by Dick (1993) of the vegetation of the Wombeira land system on the floodplains<br />
of the Culgoa, Birrie and Narran Rivers in northern NSW is one of the more intensive surveys<br />
undertaken to date in the DRP. This was a quadrat-based survey with structural and floristic<br />
data collected from sixty-five sites.<br />
4.1.2 Plant species diversity of the DRP<br />
A total of 1 129 plant taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) have been recorded from the<br />
DRP. Native species are listed in Appendix C and the 229 exotic plant species are listed<br />
Appendix D.<br />
Plant species records in the Wildlife Atlas are unevenly distributed across the bioregion (Map<br />
26) (NPWS 1999c). On a coarse scale (1:100 000 mapsheets), much of the eastern section of<br />
the DRP has a relatively moderate number of records (101-1000) compared with other<br />
regions in NSW. The southern portion of the arm of the DRP along the Darling River has few<br />
records. The mapsheet of the Culgoa floodplain contains the greatest number of records in the<br />
DRP.<br />
The survey by Dick (1993) recorded 175 plant species, with the species richness per 20x40 m<br />
quadrat ranging from an average of 25.3 species on parts of the floodplain without channels<br />
to 20 species in the channels and 19 species on slight rises. With the inclusion of previous<br />
records a total of 230 species is known from the Wombeira landsystem (Dick 1993). The<br />
families Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae and Poaceae contributed the largest number of species<br />
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in this survey. Introduced species were uncommon with only 17 species recorded from 32%<br />
of quadrats.<br />
4.2 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION CONCERN<br />
4.2.1 Threatened and ROTAP species<br />
Nineteen threatened species (listed in the schedules of the TSC Act) have been recorded in the<br />
DRP, nine of which are endangered (E1) and ten are considered vulnerable (V) (Table 4.2).<br />
Nine of these species are also listed as threatened on the EPBC Act. The majority of<br />
threatened species records are from the Menindee area with the remainder scattered<br />
throughout the bioregion (Map 27). Twenty species are also included on the ROTAP list<br />
(Briggs and Leigh 1996, Table 4.2) and four are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife<br />
Act 1974 (Table 4.2).<br />
Listed endangered species recorded from the Culgoa River floodplain are Capparis<br />
loranthifolia var. loranthifolia (narrow-leaf bumble), and Euphorbia sarcostemmoides<br />
(climbing caustic). Regionally rare species occurring on the floodplain include Aristida<br />
longicollis (bull wiregrass), Acacia coriacea (wirewood), Pluchea dentex (bowl daisy),<br />
Phyllanthus carpentariae (hairy spurge) and Pimelea penicillaris (sandplain riceflower)<br />
(Environment Australia 2001d). Goodenia macbarronii has been located recently in the<br />
Narran Lakes Nature Reserve (Hunter 1999).<br />
Table 4.2 Plant species of conservation concern recorded in the DRP<br />
Family Scientific name Common name Legal<br />
Status 1<br />
Number of<br />
records<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium monoplocoides Winged<br />
*E (3ECi) 5 WLA (1), RBG (1),<br />
Peppercress<br />
NH (1), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Capparaceae Capparis loranthifolia var<br />
E 6 WLA (4), RBG (1),<br />
loranthifolia<br />
NH (1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Desmodium campylocaulon Creeping Tick-trefoil E 14 WLA (1), NH (1),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Moree(12)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Indigofera leucotricha E 16 WLA (1), RBG (6),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
NH (9)<br />
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea diamantinensis E 7 WLA (2), RBG (2),<br />
NH (3)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus maderaspatensis E 22 WLA (1), NH (3),<br />
Moree(18)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea elongata E 10 WLA (1), RBG (4),<br />
NH (5)<br />
Malvaceae Sida rohlenae E 9 WLA (3), RBG (2),<br />
NH (3), Namoi(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Swainsona adenophylla E 2 WLA (1), NH (1)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum karsense *V (3VCa) 58 WLA (29), RBG (14),<br />
NH (15)<br />
Surianaceae Cadellia pentastylis *V (3RCa) 2 WLA (1), NH (1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Swainsona pyrophila *V (3RCa) 118 WLA<br />
Poaceae Bothriochloa biloba *V (3V) 3 RBG (1), NH (2)<br />
Sterculiaceae Rulingia procumbens *V (3V) 3 RBG (1), NH (2)<br />
Haloragaceae Haloragis exalata *V (3VCa) 9 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia carneorum Needle Wattle *V (3VCi) 14 NH (5), WLA (9)<br />
Fabaceae Swainsona plagiotropis *V (3VCi) 3 WLA (2), RBG (1)<br />
Dataset 2<br />
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Family Scientific name Common name Legal<br />
Status 1<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Number of<br />
records<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia macbarronii V (3VC-) 4 NLNRVS(4)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Swainsona murrayana V (3VCi) 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Echinochloa lacunaria 2K 9 WLA (5), RBG (4)<br />
Apiaceae Actinotus paddisonii 3K 7 WLA (3), RBG (4)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex morrisii 3K 2 WLA<br />
Proteaceae Persoonia cuspidifera 3K 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena blackiana 3K 4 WLA (2), RBG (2)<br />
Rutaceae Philotheca ericifolia 3RC- 2 RBG (2), NH (2)<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra patens 3RCa 1 WLA<br />
Rutaceae Phebalium obcordatum Club-leaved<br />
Phebalium<br />
3RCa 1 WLA<br />
Rutaceae Boronia rubiginosa P13<br />
(2RCa)<br />
4 WLA<br />
Casuarinaceae Casuarina cunninghamiana River Oak, River P13 8 WLA (6), NWB(1),<br />
ssp cunninghamiana<br />
Sheoak<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Orchidaceae Cymbidium canaliculatum Tiger Orchid P13 125 WLA(116), NWB(8),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Swainsona formosa Sturt's Desert Pea P13 2 WLA<br />
Dataset 2<br />
1 Identified status of species on Threatened Species Conservation Act (E1 - endangered, E4 - extinct, V - vulnerable), Environmental<br />
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (those species listed indicted by *), National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (protected species -<br />
P13) and Rare and Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP) (for definition of ROTAP codes see Briggs and Leigh 1996)<br />
2 Key<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
NH National Herbarium, Canberra<br />
RBG Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney<br />
BBSPil Brigalow Belt South Study - Pilliga State Forest<br />
BBSSF Forestry survey of the Pilliga forests<br />
Moree Moree Plains Grasslands survey of Moree Plains Shire and Walgett Shire east of the Barwon River<br />
NWB Northern Wheatbelt Vegetation Survey<br />
Wombeira Wombeira Landsystem Vegetation Survey<br />
NLNRVS Narran Lake Nature Reserve Vegetation Survey.<br />
MMVS Macquarie Marshes Vegetation Survey<br />
WFS Walgett fauna survey sites<br />
BrigOut Brigalow Outlier (NE of Bourke) Vegetation Survey<br />
Brigfauna Fauna sites for the Brigalow second survey, related to the Brigalow dataset from 1991.<br />
BBSPil2 Pilliga State Forest Survey - part of Brigalow Belt South Bioregional Assessment<br />
BBSSF&NR Brigalow Belt South Study - State Forest and Nature Reserves of the Dubbo region.<br />
Namoi Vegetation survey of riparian zones within the Namoi River catchment, north-west New South Wales<br />
4.2.2 Predicted threatened species<br />
Six endangered plant species, one extinct species, two vulnerable species (TSC Act 1995) and<br />
one ROTAP species have not been recorded, but are predicted to occur in the DRP bioregion<br />
on the basis of bioclimatic analysis (Table 4.3).<br />
Table 4.3 Plant species of conservation concern predicted to occur in the DRP<br />
Family Plant species Legal Status 1<br />
Chenopodiaceae Osteocarpum scleropterum E1<br />
Euphorbiaceae Monotaxis macrophylla E1<br />
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Family Plant species Legal Status 1<br />
Fabaceae (Mimosoideae) Acacia notabilis E1<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea microzyga var. microzyga E1<br />
Asteraceae Leptorhynchos waitzia E1<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa wakoolica *E1<br />
Asteraceae Senecio behrianum E4<br />
Euphorbiaceae Bertya sp. A (Cobar-Coolabah) *V<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium aschersonii *V<br />
Aizoaceae Glinus orygioides 3K<br />
1 Status codes as for Table 4.2<br />
4.2.3 Extinct species and historical records<br />
Four species now regarded as extinct in NSW (TSC Act) have been recorded from the DRP<br />
(Table 4.4).<br />
Table 4.4 Extinct plant species in New South Wales previously recorded from the DRP<br />
Family Scientific name Legal<br />
status 1<br />
Number of<br />
records<br />
Dataset 2<br />
Last date<br />
recorded<br />
Asteraceae Acanthocladium dockeri *E4 1 WLA 1788<br />
Proteaceae Grevillea nematophylla E4 2 WLA (1), RBG (1) 1788<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana lanosa E4 1 WLA 1800<br />
Brassicaceae Stenopetalum velutinum E4 2 WLA (1), RBG (1) 1903<br />
1 - Legal status codes as for Table 4.2<br />
2 - Database sources as for Table 4.2<br />
An additional ten listed plant species are only known from historical (pre-1970) records<br />
(Table 4.5). The current status of these species in the DRP is unknown and it is possible some<br />
may be regionally extinct.<br />
Table 4.5 Plant species of conservation concern known historically from the DRP but with no recent<br />
records<br />
Family Scientific name Legal<br />
status 1<br />
Number of<br />
records<br />
Last date<br />
recorded<br />
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi ssp. E1<br />
pseudovellea<br />
2 RBG (1), NH (1) 1952<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex infrequens *V (2V) 4 WLA (1), RBG (1), NH (2) 1861<br />
Myrtaceae Thryptomene hexandra 3RC- 2 RBG 1913<br />
Rutaceae Zieria granulata *E1 1 RBG 1899<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Indigofera efoliata *E (2E) 1 NH 1955<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Swainsona murrayana *V (3VCi) 10 WLA (3), RBG (3), NH (4) 1955<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Swainsona recta *E1 5 WLA (1), RBG (2), NH (2) 1911<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
(3ECi)<br />
Eriocaulaceae Eriocaulon carsonii *E1 (3E) 2 RBG (1), NH (1) 1888<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus conicus E1 2 RBG (1), NH (1) 1968<br />
Poaceae Dichanthium setosum *V 2 WLA (1), NH (1) 1892<br />
1 - Legal status codes as for Table 4.2<br />
2 - Database sources as for Table 4.2<br />
Dataset 2<br />
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4.2.4 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
There are no listed threatened populations of these species on the TSC Act 1995 and there has<br />
been no assessment of declining populations or regionally threatened populations. Regionally<br />
threatened populations are to be included in Regional Vegetation Management Plans and<br />
other management strategies.<br />
There has been no evaluation of regionally endemic species within the DRP.<br />
4.3 WEED AND INTRODUCED SPECIES<br />
There are many introduced plant species in the DRP and these are often in high densities. A<br />
total of 229 exotic species have been recorded (Appendix D). Some native species also<br />
respond very favourably to change in environmental conditions, including disturbance, and<br />
become agricultural weeds. The abundance of both native and weed species will vary from<br />
season to season depending on rainfall. Some of the most abundant ‘weeds’ include:<br />
blackberry Rubus fruticosus species complex<br />
prickly pear Opuntia stricta<br />
Paterson’s curse Echium plantagineum<br />
African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum<br />
lippia Phyla canescens<br />
*galvanised burr Sclerolaena birchii<br />
variegated thistle Silybum marianum<br />
mimosa bush Acacia farnesiana<br />
water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes<br />
tiger pear Opuntia aurantiaca<br />
* = native species which are not endemic to the DRP<br />
4.4 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
4.4.1 Summary<br />
Floristic surveys of the DRP have been very patchy with large areas having never been<br />
systematically surveyed, especially in the western half of the bioregion. The lower portion of<br />
the Darling River (south from Bourke to just north of Menindee) has few records in the<br />
NPWS Wildlife Atlas (Map 26), with most 1:100 000 scale mapsheets having only one to ten<br />
records. This area should be a priority for flora survey. The most detailed systematic floristic<br />
surveys have been conducted in the eastern and northern portions of the bioregion, such as the<br />
northern floodplains (Dick 1993), Moree (Hunter 1999) and the wheatbelt (Sivertsen &<br />
Metcalfe 1995).<br />
Thirty-one species of conservation concern (TSC Act, EBPC Act, ROTAP) have been<br />
recorded from the DRP, another ten are predicted to occur in the bioregion, four are<br />
considered extinct and ten have not been recorded since 1970. Very little is known about the<br />
distribution and abundance of these species or the processes threatening their survival.<br />
Targeted searches for these species are needed if they are to be managed effectively and if<br />
recovery plans are to be prepared. No threatened plant species listed under the TSC Act<br />
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known from the DRP have a completed recovery plan. Most threatened species records are<br />
concentrated around Menindee (Map 27).<br />
A large number of introduced plant species have been recorded from the bioregion but there<br />
is little information about their abundance, distribution or environmental impact. The<br />
diversity and abundance of introduced species can be used as an indicator of community<br />
disturbance (Commissioner for the Environment 2000). The result of the survey by Dick<br />
(1993) indicated a low abundance of these species in the Wombeira landsystem but relative<br />
abundances of these species may be higher on the eastern alluvial fans and wetlands of the<br />
bioregion. Research into this area is of high priority given the extent of occurrence of some<br />
weed species, such as Eichhornia crassipes, Phyla canescens and Lycium ferocissimum. The<br />
impact of native woody weed species on the distribution and abundance of fauna is currently<br />
being investigated.<br />
4.4.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work required in relation to flora within the DRP includes the following:<br />
collation and analysis of all datasets from previous surveys in the DRP;<br />
systematic floristic surveys across the DRP using a stratified sampling procedure based on<br />
a gap analysis of existing data (such as map sheets with less than ten records), to provide<br />
information about the patterns of plant distribution and abundance at the bioregional<br />
level;<br />
targeted surveys to locate species of conservation concern unlikely to be recorded in<br />
systematic surveys as a result of factors such as low abundance, seasonal conditions and<br />
habitat preferences;<br />
assessment of the status of each species and populations to identify those that may require<br />
listing under the TSC Act;<br />
identification of declining species, assessment of their rate of decline and measures<br />
required to prevent them becoming threatened species;<br />
preparation of species profiles for priority species (including threatened and declining<br />
species) to identify distribution and abundance, status and threats;<br />
population viability analysis and predictive habitat modelling for selected priority plant<br />
species;<br />
identification of areas of significance for threatened species and populations;<br />
preparation and implementation of recovery plans for threatened species and populations<br />
not already being prepared; and<br />
research into the abundance, impact and control of exotic plant species in the DRP.<br />
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5 TERRESTRIAL<br />
VERTEBRATE FAUNA<br />
5.1 AVAILABLE INFORMATION<br />
5.1.1 Sources of data<br />
Datasets<br />
Records of terrestrial vertebrate fauna from the DRP have been obtained from the Atlas of<br />
NSW Wildlife (NPWS), Australian Museum, CSIRO, Australian Bird and Bat Banding<br />
Scheme, Birds Australia and various fauna survey reports. Not all of these datasets cover all<br />
faunal groups. Records from other sources were not included in this initial analysis and all<br />
records were subjected to expert review to identify dubious records. Any records considered<br />
to be dubious have been removed from the database used in this analysis. Records for which<br />
the location information appears correct but which appear doubtful are identified in the list of<br />
native fauna in Appendix E.<br />
Surveys<br />
Fauna surveys using systematic techniques that have been carried out in the DRP prior to this<br />
study are listed in Table 5.1. This table lists the study area, methods of site selection and<br />
fauna survey, the number of sites and the survey period for each of these studies.<br />
Table 5.1 Summary of systematic fauna surveys conducted within the DRP<br />
Dataset Site selection Survey methods<br />
Number of Survey period<br />
(* = incidental data) sites<br />
Midkin Nature Reserve Flora Fauna Stratified based on Elliots, pitfalls, spotlighting, 6 26/5/93 – 30/5/93<br />
Survey<br />
veg types identified bird census<br />
Hunt (1993b)<br />
through<br />
photography<br />
aerial<br />
Boronga Nature Reserve Biodiversity Stratified based on Elliots, cages, pitfalls, harp 14 16/9/93 – 20/9/93<br />
Survey<br />
veg types identified traps, bird census,<br />
Hunt (1993a)<br />
through<br />
photography<br />
aerial spotlighting<br />
Lumeah – Biodiversity and Resource Systematically Elliots, cages, pitfalls, bird 5 19/10/98 – 28/10/98<br />
Survey<br />
selected based on census*, spotlighting, herp<br />
Henderson (1998)<br />
veg types search*<br />
Boomi and Boomi West Nature Stratified based on Elliots, pitfalls, bird census, 6 6/12/96 – 14/12/96<br />
Reserves Biodiversity Survey veg types identified herp searches<br />
Butler (1996)<br />
through<br />
photography<br />
aerial<br />
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Dataset Site selection Survey methods<br />
Number of Survey period<br />
(* = incidental data) sites<br />
Native Small Mammals and Reptiles in targeted surveys at Elliots*, pitfalls* 10 Sep-Oct 1992 & Oct<br />
Cropped and Uncropped Parts of specific locations<br />
1993<br />
Lakebeds<br />
for mammals and<br />
Briggs (1996)<br />
reptiles only<br />
Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Systematically Elliots, hair sampling, cages, 7 15/9/97 – 26/9/97<br />
Watercourse<br />
selected based on bird census, habitat search,<br />
Spark (1998)<br />
veg types call playback, spotlighting,<br />
herp search, pitfall, noc<br />
search, anabat<br />
trap*<br />
and harp<br />
Trangie Agricultural Research Centre Stratified based on Elliots, bird census*, 5 26/3/98 – 29/3/98<br />
– Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
Kerle (1998)<br />
land conditions spotlight*, pitfall, harp trap*<br />
Vertebrate Fauna of the Narran River Survey range of Elliots, cages, bird census, 10 3/1992 - 4/1992<br />
Floodplain<br />
Smith (1993)<br />
habitats<br />
spotlight*, pitfalls, harp traps<br />
Natural Resources Study – Murray- Based on veg Elliots, cages, bird census, 14 (4) 2/9/96 – 31/1/97<br />
Darling Water Management Action types, habitat, spotlight, pitfall, herp search,<br />
Plan<br />
disturbance & harp trap<br />
Centre of Environmental Management geography<br />
(1998)<br />
An Overview of the Vertebrate Fauna Stratification based Pitfall, mistnets, harp traps 13 (2) 10/1991<br />
of the Brigalow Belt North East of on veg types,<br />
Bourke, NSW<br />
biophysical<br />
Ellis and Wilson (1992)<br />
attributes<br />
Fauna of Western New South Wales - Stratification based Elliots, cages*, bird census*, 12 1994-1996<br />
Northern Floodplains<br />
on veg types, call playback*, spotlight*,<br />
Smith et al (1998)<br />
biophysical pitfall, herp search*, harp<br />
attributes<br />
trap*<br />
Fauna Survey in the Floodplain of the Variety of Elliots, bird census*, 4 27/3/94 – 6/4/94<br />
Great Anabranch of the lower Darling vegetation spotlight*, pitfall<br />
River<br />
Read (1995)<br />
communities<br />
Ecological Management of Lakebed 6 major habitats Elliots, bird census, pitfall, 8 winter & spring 1994<br />
Cropping on Great Anabranch<br />
Jenkins and Briggs (1995)<br />
surveyed<br />
Vertebrate Fauna Survey of Culgoa Range of habitats Hair sampling, cages*, 32 (approx 30/10/90-10/11/90,<br />
and Birrie River Floodplains<br />
covered<br />
Elliots, bird census, pitfall, 10 14/10/91-25/10/91 &<br />
Dick and Andrew (1993)<br />
herp search*, harp trap* systematic) 11/4/92 – 28/4/92<br />
Narran Lake Nature Reserve Targeted water Herp search*, pitfall* 7 8/11/99 – 13/11/99<br />
Amphibian Survey<br />
Henderson (1999b)<br />
bodies<br />
5.1.2 Species diversity of terrestrial vertebrates in the DRP<br />
Five hundred and six species of vertebrates have been recorded in the DRP in the datasets.<br />
These comprise 25 species of amphibian, 104 reptile species, 319 bird species and 58<br />
mammal species (Appendix E). Of these 65, species are listed by the NSW TSC Act, nine as<br />
extinct (Schedule 1, part 4), 11 as endangered (Schedule 1, part 1) and 45 as vulnerable<br />
(Schedule 2). The status of the species is indicated in the tables for each taxonomic group in<br />
addition to species of conservation concern, species listed on the JAMBA and CAMBA<br />
international agreements, species that have not been recorded since 1970 and exotic species.<br />
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5.2 AMPHIBIANS<br />
5.2.1 Known species diversity and distribution<br />
There are 3 532 records of 25 amphibian species recorded from the DRP with both wetland<br />
and burrowing frogs being represented. The number of amphibian records in the DRP is<br />
lower than for all other vertebrate taxa and these records are unevenly distributed across the<br />
bioregion (Map 29). Record numbers per 1:100 000 mapsheet range from no records from 33<br />
mapsheets to 51 records for the mapsheet containing Narran Lake (Map 30) (NPWS 1999c).<br />
Eight broad herpetofaunal habitat types have been defined within the Darling Basin by Ayers<br />
et al. (in press), six of which are present in the DRP. These are:<br />
Channels - no frog species live entirely within the channels, all use the adjoining riparian<br />
zone as well;<br />
Riparian Zone - undisturbed riparian zones are generally diverse, rich and well watered<br />
habitats. Tree hollows and crevices, soil crevices and logs are important habitat elements.<br />
Species include Litoria caerulea (green tree frog) and Litoria peronii (Peron’s tree frog),<br />
which survive the drier times within tree hollows, and Limnodynastes tasmaniensis<br />
(spotted marsh frog), which shelters under logs and in soil crevices;<br />
Woodlands - these contain a high diversity of habitats (tree hollows, logs, soil crevices,<br />
temporary wetlands) and can support a high level of frog diversity;<br />
Shrublands – some species of burrowing frogs occur in the various shrublands, for<br />
example, Neobatrachus sudelli (common spadefoot toad) in Chenopod shrubland,<br />
Notaden bennettii (crucifix toad) in mulga communities;<br />
Grasslands - Canegrass contains burrowing species such as Neobatrachus sudelli<br />
(common spadefoot toad); and<br />
Wetlands - ground debris and fallen timber are used for shelter by species such as<br />
Limnodynastes salmini (salmon-striped frog) and Uperoleia rugosa. Several Litoria<br />
species rely on trees with deep hollows, spouts or hollow interiors for shelter, feeding and<br />
calling.<br />
Twenty frog species are known from the Northern Floodplain region (which includes areas<br />
outside the DRP), with 18 being recorded during the Northern Floodplains survey (NPWS<br />
1998a). Three species were also recorded from the Narran River floodplain (Smith 1993) and<br />
six during the Culgoa and Birrie floodplains survey (Dick & Andrew 1993). These species<br />
were found in all major habitats.<br />
Fourteen frog species have been recorded in the Gwydir wetlands with some very high<br />
densities, for example, 8 834 individuals of six species were caught at seven sites during 342<br />
pitfall trap-nights (Spark 1998). Seventeen species of frogs have been recorded in the<br />
Macquarie Marshes (Metcalfe et al. 1994).<br />
5.2.2 Species of conservation concern<br />
No frog species known or predicted to occur in the DRP are listed as threatened in New South<br />
Wales, but several have been identified as of conservation concern in the western division<br />
(Sadlier & Pressey 1994) and these could be found in the DRP. These are:<br />
Cyclorana novaehollandiae (wide-mouthed frog)<br />
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Cyclorana verrucosa (warty water-holding frog)<br />
Litoria alboguttata (striped burrowing frog)<br />
Crinia deserticola<br />
Crinia parinsignifera.<br />
5.2.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
Seven amphibian species recorded in the DRP are either endemic to or have a majority of<br />
their distribution within the Darling Basin (Ayres et al. in press). These are Crinia<br />
parinsignifera and Crinia sloanei, Limnodynastes fletcheri (long-thumbed frog),<br />
Limnodynastes interioris (giant banjo frog), Neobatrachus sudelli, Notaden bennettii (crucifix<br />
toad) and Cyclorana verrucosa.<br />
No threatened populations of amphibians in the bioregion have been listed under the TSC Act<br />
(1995) but there has also been no detailed assessment of the status of populations of<br />
amphibians in the DRP. Areas such as the Gingham wetlands may be worthy of assessment.<br />
5.3 REPTILES<br />
5.3.1 Known species diversity and distribution<br />
There are 5 467 records of 104 reptile species in the datasets with dragons, skinks, goannas<br />
and geckoes being the most frequently reported. The distribution of reptile records from the<br />
Wildlife Atlas is uneven and record numbers are generally low across the whole bioregion<br />
(Map 31, Map 32) (NPWS 1999c). The density of records reflects the intensity of surveys<br />
with a high proportion of records from the Narran Lake, Culgoa floodplain and Menindee<br />
mapsheets.<br />
Seven of the eight broad reptile habitat types defined for the Darling Basin occur in the DRP<br />
(Ayers et al. in press). These are:<br />
Channels - Turtle species of the Darling River and tributaries are the only species that can<br />
be defined as true channel inhabitants. Several turtle species use the billabongs, oxbows<br />
and other associated wetlands. Turtles feed from and shelter in the channel, mating occurs<br />
in the water, and eggs are laid above the high water level on river and stream banks.<br />
Physignathus lesueurii (eastern water dragon) and Eulamprus quoyii (eastern water skink)<br />
have also been able to colonise the major drainage channels along the Darling River;<br />
Riparian Zone - Tree hollows, crevices, and hollow limbs provide a shelter for a variety of<br />
medium sized reptiles including Egernia striolata (tree skink), Oedura marmorata<br />
(marbled velvet gecko), Lophognathus gilberti (Gilbert’s dragon) and Varanus tristis<br />
(black-headed monitor). Gehyra dubia (northern dtella), Cryptoblepharus carnabyi<br />
(Carnaby’s wall skink) and Hoplocephalus bitorquatus (pale headed snake) live under<br />
bark while Morelia spilota variegata (carpet python) and Varanus varius (lace monitor)<br />
feed and shelter in trees and on the ground. Other microhabitats include logs and rocks<br />
harbouring fossorial reptiles such as legless lizards, blind snakes, small skinks and snakes,<br />
and geckoes, such as Heteronotia binoei (Bynoe’s gecko). Burrowing species include<br />
larger skinks of the genus Ctenotus;<br />
Woodlands - Arboreal reptile species are found in many woodland types and include<br />
Egernia striolata and Diplodactylus intermedius (eastern spiny-tailed gecko) which<br />
shelter in crevices and hollows or under bark. Large species such as Pogona barbata<br />
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(bearded dragon) sit on trunks or limbs of trees well above ground. Litter dwelling skinks<br />
include Menetia greyii (Grey’s skink);<br />
Shrublands - Chenopod shrublands harbour Underwoodisaurus milii (thick-tailed gecko)<br />
and Pogona barbata. Many ground dwelling lizards occur in the woody weed shrublands<br />
including Rhynchoedura ornata (beaked gecko) and various Ctenotus species;<br />
Grasslands -Tympanocryptis lineata (lined earless dragon) and Diplodactylus tessellatus<br />
(tessellated gecko) are among the species that occur in canegrass habitat;<br />
Rocky outcrops - The DRP has few rocky outcrops, however these areas provide good<br />
shelter and sites for thermoregulation for reptiles such Antaresia stimsoni (Stimson’s<br />
python); and<br />
Wetlands - the rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats support turtles in<br />
permanent waterholes, and a variety of snake species such as Pseudechis porphyriacus<br />
(red-bellied black-snake), Denisonia devisi (De Vis’ banded snake) and Morelia spilota.<br />
Seventy-seven reptile species have been recorded from the Northern Floodplains region<br />
which includes areas outside the DRP. These species include four turtles, 12 geckos, five<br />
legless lizards, seven dragons, three goannas, 25 skinks, five blind snakes, two pythons, one<br />
rear-fanged snake and 13 front-fanged snakes (Smith et al. 1998). Sixty of these were<br />
recorded during the Northern Floodplains survey (Smith et al. 1998) and Smith (1993) found<br />
21 reptile species on the Narran River floodplain. Dick and Andrew (1993) list 23 species of<br />
reptiles (five geckos, one legless lizard, three dragons, two goannas, eight skinks and four<br />
snakes) from the Culgoa and Birrie floodplains and Coolibah woodlands with a grassy<br />
understorey contained the greatest diversity of reptile fauna. Fifty-two species of reptiles are<br />
known from the Macquarie Marshes (Metcalfe et al. 1994), including 14 snake species. In the<br />
Gwydir watercourse Spark (1998) recorded 26 reptiles including Morelia spilota and<br />
Chelodina expansa (broad-shelled turtle).<br />
5.3.2 Species of conservation concern<br />
Six species of reptiles recorded from the DRP bioregion are listed under the TSC Act (Table<br />
5.2). Another five species recorded within the bioregion are considered rare, insufficiently<br />
known or vulnerable under the IUCN criteria as defined by Cogger et al. (1993). Records of<br />
threatened reptile species in the DRP from the Wildlife Atlas are shown on Map 32. Twenty<br />
additional species not listed on the TSC Act have been identified as being of conservation<br />
concern in the western division of New South Wales (Sadlier & Pressey 1994) and those<br />
occurring in the DRP bioregion are listed in Table 5.2.<br />
Three additional listed species may occur in the DRP bioregion. Cyclodomorphus branchialis<br />
(Gunther’s skink) and Simoselaps fasciolatus (narrow-banded snake) are predicted by<br />
bioclimatic analysis to occur in the DRP. Cyclodomorphus branchialis has, however, recently<br />
been split into two taxa, and as such bioclimatic analysis may have to be undertaken on these<br />
two species separately to determine if either occur within the DRP (Ellis, M., NPWS,<br />
pers.com.. Dec. 2001). A turtle species Elseya belli (Namoi River elseya), is currently known<br />
from the Namoi and Gwydir rivers and may also occur in the DRP bioregion, with<br />
unconfirmed records of this species from the Macquarie Marshes (Cogger et al.1993).<br />
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Table 5.2 Reptile species of conservation concern recorded within the DRP<br />
Common name Scientific name Conservation Number of Datasets<br />
status records<br />
broad-shelled river turtle Chelodina expansa R/IKCCSE, 22 AM (10), WLA (9), MD (2), Gwy<br />
RSP<br />
(1)<br />
eastern snake-necked Chelodina longicollis RWDSP 602 AM (5), WLA (576), CSIRO (15),<br />
turtle<br />
Lum, Tra (2), MD (2), Gwy (2)<br />
Murray turtle Emydura macquarii R/IKCCSE, 49 AM (33), WLA (11), CSIRO (1),<br />
IK/VWDSP<br />
MD (4)<br />
ocellated velvet gecko Oedura monilis RWDSP 15 AM (3), WLA (2), CSIRO (10)<br />
gibber earless dragon Tympanocryptis intima RSP 2 AM (1),WLA (1) (historic<br />
Anomalopus mackayi E1, VCCSE 4<br />
records)<br />
WLA<br />
skink Ctenotus ingrami RSP 26 AM (4), WLA (14), CSIRO (5),<br />
Bor (3)<br />
skink Ctenotus strauchii subsp<br />
RSP<br />
varius 17 AM (6), WLA (9), Bor (2)<br />
skink Egernia modesta RWDSP 2 AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
eastern water skink Eulamprus quoyii RWDSP 23 AM (8), WLA (6), MD (9)<br />
skink Lerista xanthura DPWDSP 28 AM (14), WLA (14)<br />
skink Proablepharus kinghorni RSP 19 AM (2), WLA (11), CSIRO (4),<br />
Cul (2)<br />
western<br />
lizard<br />
blue-tongued Tiliqua occipitalis V 1 WLA<br />
blind snake Ramphotyphlops proximus RWDSP 10 AM (5), WLA (5)<br />
woma Aspidites ramsayi V 2 AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
Stimson's python Liasis stimsoni V 2 AM (1), WLA (1) (last recorded<br />
in 1969 in Wilcannia)<br />
carpet python Morelia spilota variegata IK/EWDSP 5 WLA (4), Gwy (1)<br />
green tree snake Dendrelaphis punctulata RWDSP 5 AM (2), WLA (3)<br />
common death adder Acanthophis antarcticus R/IKCCSE,<br />
RWDSP<br />
2 AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
Denisonia maculata VCCSE 1 AM (last recorded in 1788 in<br />
Wee Waa)<br />
pale-headed snake Hoplocephalus bitorquatus V 16 AM (11), WLA (4), CSIRO (1)<br />
eastern tiger snake Notechis scutatus RWDSP 1 WLA<br />
fierce snake Oxyuranus microlepidotus E4 1 WLA (last recorded in 1881)<br />
spotted black snake Pseudechis guttatus RWDSP 42 AM (17), WLA (20), CSIRO (1),<br />
Gwy (4)<br />
red-bellied black snake Pseudechis porphyriacus RWDSP 117 AM (43), WLA (68), CSIRO (2),<br />
Gwy (4)<br />
ringed brown snake Pseudonaja nuchalis RSP 18 AM (13), WLA (3), CSIRO (1),<br />
MD (1)<br />
black-headed snake Suta spectabilis RSP 4 WLA (3), Cul (1)<br />
bandy bandy Vermicella annulata R/IKCCSE 21 AM (9), WLA (10), CSIRO (2)<br />
Key<br />
V Vulnerable under schedule 2 TSC Act (1995)<br />
E1 Endangered under schedule 1 TSC Act (1995)<br />
E4 Extinct under Schedule 4 of the TSC Act (1995)<br />
R/IKCCSE rare or insufficiently known as defined by Cogger et al 1993<br />
VCCSE vulnerable as defined by Cogger et al 1993<br />
RSP rare in NSW as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
IK/RSP insufficiently known (possibly rare) in NSW as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
RWDSP rare in the western division of NSW as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
DPWDSP disjunct population in the western division of NSW as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
IK/EWDSP insufficiently known (possibly endangered) in western division as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
IK/VWDSP insufficiently known (possibly vulnerable) in western division as defined by Sadlier and Pressey 1994<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife Dataset<br />
AM Australian Museum Dataset<br />
CSIRO CSIRO Dataset<br />
MD Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan – Natural Resources Study (note: some records may have been detected<br />
outside the DRP)<br />
Gwy Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Watercourse<br />
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Threats to reptile populations mostly come from habitat modification resulting from clearing,<br />
grazing pressure, cropping, predation, urban development, pasture improvement and changed<br />
fire regimes (Cogger et al. 1993).<br />
5.3.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
Ten reptile species recorded in the DRP are either endemic to or have a majority of their<br />
distribution within the Darling Basin (Ayres et al. in press). These are: Emydura macquarii,<br />
Delma plebeia (leaden delma), Anomalopus leuckartii (two-clawed worm-skink),<br />
Anomalopus mackayi, Ctenotus allotropis, Ctenotus brachyonyx, Egernia modesta,<br />
Hemiaspis damelii (grey snake), Pseudechis guttatus and Simoselaps australis (coral snake).<br />
All except Ctenotus brachyonyx (only potential occurrence) have been recorded in the<br />
bioregion.<br />
No threatened populations of reptiles have been identified in the bioregion under the TSC Act<br />
but changes in the distribution of several reptile species in the DRP have been noted. Morelia<br />
spilota has been recorded from the vicinity of the Darling and Macquarie Rivers, however<br />
populations around Bourke may have become locally extinct as the last record for this species<br />
in this area was prior to 1909 (Shine 1994; Sadlier & Pressey 1994). The range of<br />
Anomalopus mackayi appears to have contracted eastwards, with no recent records from west<br />
of Moree (Cogger et al.1993). There has been no detailed assessment of the status of<br />
populations of reptiles in the DRP.<br />
5.4 BIRDS<br />
5.4.1 Known species diversity and distribution<br />
There are 2 412 100 records of 319 bird species in the DRP databases. Parrots, cockatoos,<br />
honeyeaters, wrens, crows and birds of prey are the most frequently recorded. The<br />
distribution of records since 1970 across the DRP is uneven and there are many mapsheets<br />
with few bird records when compared with coastal NSW (Map 34, Map 35) (NPWS 1999c).<br />
The number of bird records per mapsheet also declines from south to north across the state.<br />
The central Macquarie River, Menindee Lakes and the Culgoa River floodplain have the<br />
highest number of bird records.<br />
Eighty-two species were recorded in the northern floodplain biodiversity survey, with an<br />
additional 73 species having been previously known from this area (Smith et al 1998). In the<br />
Narran Lakes area, 105 species of land birds have been recorded including 85 species listed<br />
by Smith (1993). In the Gwydir watercourse, Spark (1998) recorded 75 bird species,<br />
including two threatened birds, the barking owl and black-chinned honeyeater. Many<br />
additional species, including several threatened species, are recorded on the NSW NPWS<br />
Atlas for the area (Spark 1998). Dick and Andrew (1993) recorded 112 species of native bird<br />
and one introduced species in their systematic surveys of fauna in the Culgoa and Birrie River<br />
floodplains. Like the Narran lakes, most bird species were from the woodland habitats.<br />
Waterbirds are a significant component of the bird fauna of the DRP and the wetland bird<br />
communities, particularly in the Macquarie Marshes and Narran Lakes, have been more<br />
intensively studied than terrestrial communities. Both these wetlands are significant sites for<br />
waterbird breeding in southern Australia and during the floods of 1990 supported the largest<br />
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breeding colonies of ibis in the Murray-Darling basin (Smith 1993). In general, there are very<br />
few major colonial waterbird breeding sites in Australia, consequently those that exist are<br />
extremely important. Ibis breeding is localised and uncommon and is triggered by wetland<br />
flooding. In general terms, the bigger the flood, the bigger the breeding response (Maher<br />
1999).<br />
Estimated population sizes of the colonial nesting waterbird species in the three most<br />
significant wetlands in the DRP are:<br />
Ibis (three species): 100 000 to 150 000 Gwydir Wetlands; 75 000 to 80 000 Narran; 70<br />
000 to 75 000 Macquarie Marshes (800 glossy ibis, 2 000 Australian white ibis, more than<br />
12 000 straw-necked ibis);<br />
Large egret: 10 000 to 15 000 Gwydir Wetlands; 3 000 to 5 000 Macquarie Marshes;<br />
Intermediate egret: 17 000 Macquarie Marshes;<br />
Rufous night heron: 10 000 to 15 000 Gwydir Wetlands;<br />
Australian pelican: 1 000 to 1 500 Narran Lakes;<br />
Magpie geese: eight pairs Narran; 20 pairs Gwydir Wetlands; 20 pairs Macquarie<br />
Marshes;<br />
Royal spoonbill: 8 000 to 9 000 pairs in Narran Lakes; and<br />
Brolga: six to eight pairs Macquarie Marshes.<br />
These estimated numbers confirm the significance of these wetlands within NSW and the<br />
Murray-Darling Basin (Kingsford & Thomas 1995; Maher 1999).<br />
The Macquarie Marshes provide habitat for more than 70 species of waterbirds, including 42<br />
species that breed in the area, and 130 species of land birds. It is one of the few wetlands<br />
supporting breeding colonies of all four species of egret and three species of ibis. The<br />
threatened magpie goose has also bred in the wetlands. In 1984, the marshes supported at<br />
least 88 000 waterbirds, considerably more than any other wetland in the area (Kingsford &<br />
Thomas 1995).<br />
Sixty-five species of waterbirds have been recorded from the Narran wetlands and 46 species<br />
breed in the area (Ley 1998a; Ley 1998b; Henderson 1999a). The wetlands support the largest<br />
recorded breeding colonies in Australia of straw-necked ibis, little black cormorant and royal<br />
spoonbill and large numbers of sixteen other species (NPWS 2000a; Ramsar 2000). An<br />
estimated 200 000 pairs of ibis bred in the Narran Lake Nature Reserve in 1983, the largest<br />
breeding event ever recorded in Australia (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Smith (1993) lists the<br />
estimated number of breeding pairs of waterbirds at Narran Lake during the period 1971 to<br />
1991 as ranging from 50 to 200 000 pairs in any one year, and these numbers are largely<br />
dependant on inundation and water availability. Narran wetlands flood every two to three<br />
years on average, which is more frequent than most other wetlands in north western New<br />
South Wales (NPWS 2000a).<br />
Threatened species known to breed at Narran Lakes include the brolga (Grus rubicunda),<br />
blue-billed duck (Oxyura australis), freckled duck (Stictonetta naevosa) and the most western<br />
known breeding record of magpie geese in New South Wales. Breeding occurs in lakes and<br />
associated channels (Ley 1998a; NPWS 2000a). Large numbers of waders, including the<br />
threatened black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa), also congregate on freshly exposed mudflats<br />
after flooding, and eleven of these species are listed under the JAMBA and CAMBA<br />
agreements (Ley 1998a).<br />
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Lake Menindee, Lake Cawndilla and associated wetlands provide important waterfowl<br />
habitat, breeding sites and drought refuge in the New South Wales western division.<br />
Breeding species include cormorants, egrets, pelicans, spoonbills, darters and ibis. Annual<br />
aerial waterbird surveys have been undertaken by Kingsford et al. (2002) since 1983 over<br />
NSW. Major wetland areas within the DRP which are covered by this survey include<br />
Menindee Lakes (includes Lake Cawndilla, Lake Menindee, Emu Lake and Eurobilli Lake)<br />
and the Macquarie Marshes. A summary of waterbird counts for these wetlands is shown in<br />
Appendix F. This summary shows that the waterbird species with the highest counts recorded<br />
by Kingsford et al. (2002) during the survey period between 1983 and 2001 for the<br />
Macquarie Marshes were:<br />
grey teal - with 82 378 records overall and a yearly range from 84 records in 1991 to 48<br />
881 records in 1984;<br />
straw-necked ibis - with 47 706 records overall and a yearly range from 15 records in<br />
2001 to 11 269 records in 1984;<br />
pacific black duck - with 17 426 records overall and a yearly range from five records in<br />
1994 to 6 006 records in 1983; and<br />
Australian white ibis - with 15 227 records overall and a yearly range from three records<br />
in 2000 to 6 739 records in 1983.<br />
Appendix F also shows that the waterbird species with the highest counts recorded by<br />
Kingsford et al. (2002) during the survey period between 1983 and 2001 for the Menindee<br />
Lakes were:<br />
grey teal - with 48 997 records overall and a yearly range from two records in 1998 to 44<br />
923 in 1995;<br />
pink-eared duck - with 15 671 records overall and a yearly range from four records in<br />
1990 to 13 832 records in 1995;<br />
little black cormorant - with 8 096 records overall and a yearly range from two records in<br />
1990 to 3 164 records in 1984; and<br />
Eurasian coot - with 7 585 records overall and a yearly range from 14 records in 1998 to<br />
2 780 records in 1987.<br />
5.4.2 Species of conservation concern<br />
Eight endangered and 32 vulnerable bird species have been recorded in the DRP. These<br />
species and those listed on the international treaties, JAMBA and CAMBA, are listed in<br />
Table 5.3 and the post - 1970 records of threatened species have been plotted on Map 36.<br />
Some of the recorded threatened species include: from Narran Lake Nature Reserve -<br />
Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis), grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos), Major Mitchell’s<br />
cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri), barking owl (Ninox connivens) and masked owl (Tyto<br />
novaehollandiae) (NPWS 2000a); from Culgoa and Birrie River floodplains - grey falcon,<br />
Australian bustard, Major Mitchell’s cockatoo and painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta); and,<br />
from Kinchega National Park - freckled duck and Major Mitchell’s cockatoo (NPWS 1996).<br />
Eighteen threatened bird species and nine species protected by JAMBA and CAMBA<br />
agreements have been recorded in the Macquarie Marshes.<br />
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Garnett and Crowley (2000) have evaluated the national conservation status of all Australian<br />
birds against the internationally recognised criteria developed by the International Union for<br />
the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). A number of taxa not currently recognised as threatened<br />
in New South Wales were identified, including several species and subspecies of birds<br />
currently thought to be in decline (see over page). Conversely, several listed threatened taxa<br />
in New South Wales (TSC Act), have not been identified as being threatened nationally.<br />
These species and their recommended status are listed in Table 5.3. Endangered species are<br />
those facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, Vulnerable, those<br />
facing a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future and near-threatened species and<br />
those close to qualifying for vulnerable (IUCN 1994; Maxwell et al. 1996). Subtropical<br />
woodlands (in portions of the DRP, Brigalow Belt South, Nandewar and New England<br />
Tablelands bioregions) have been identified in Garnett and Crowley (2000) as key areas for<br />
the conservation of several threatened or near-threatened bird species. The conservation status<br />
of bird species from the western division of New South Wales has also been assessed by<br />
Smith et al. (1994) and species of concern in the DRP are listed in Table 5.3.<br />
Table 5.3 Bird species of conservation significance recorded from the DRP.<br />
Common name Scientific name Conservation Number of Dataset<br />
status<br />
records<br />
brown quail Coturnix ypsilophora PTWDSPS 14 AM (1), WLA (10), Cul (1), MD (2)<br />
malleefowl Leipoa ocellata E1, VGC, *VSPS 2 AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
red-chested button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax PTWDSPS 18 BA (8), AM (1), WLA (9)<br />
brown booby Sula leucogaster J & C 1 BA<br />
red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda V, NTGC 1 WLA<br />
magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata V, EvSPS 344 WLA (340), Narw (4)<br />
freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa V, *PTSPS 1,314 BA (25), AM (3), WLA (1285), CSIRO<br />
(1)<br />
cotton pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus E1, NTGC 1 WLA<br />
blue-billed duck Oxyura australis V, PTWDSPS 457 BA (17), WLA (442), Narw (1)<br />
Lewin's rail Rallus pectoralis ExWDSPS 8 WLA<br />
great egret Ardea alba J & C 4,662 BA (339), AM (11), ABBBS (1), WLA<br />
(4134), Cul (5), Narw (168), MD (4)<br />
cattle egret Ardea ibis J & C 623 BA (16), WLA (604), Narw (2), Gwy<br />
(1)<br />
black bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis V, XSPS 1 BA<br />
little bittern Ixobrychus minutus NTGC 22 BA (7), AM (1), WLA (13), CSIRO (1)<br />
Australasian bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus V, VGC, *PTSPS 6,753 BA (15), AM (1), WLA (6737)<br />
black-necked stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus E1 13 BA (9), WLA (4)<br />
glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus C 25,329 BA (134), AM (5), WLA (25153),<br />
CSIRO (1), Cul (2), Lum, Narw (34)<br />
brolga Grus rubicunda V, PTSPS 585 BA (126), AM (10), WLA (449)<br />
whimbrel Numenius phaeopus J & C 2 BA<br />
wood sandpiper Tringa glareola J & C 10 BA (1), WLA (9)<br />
common greenshank Tringa nebularia J & C 591 BA (42), WLA (544), Narw (1), MD (4)<br />
marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis C 629 BA (21), WLA (132), Narw (475), MD<br />
(1)<br />
common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos J & C 27 BA (8), WLA (19)<br />
Latham's snipe Gallinago hardwickii J & C, 254 BA (48), AM (1), WLA (205)<br />
bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica<br />
PTnWDSPS<br />
J & C 5 BA (3), WLA (2)<br />
black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa V (J & C) 136 BA (6), WLA (60), Narw (70)<br />
red knot Calidris canutus J & C 1 WLA<br />
sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata J & C 8,263 BA (44), AM (2), WLA (7727), Narw<br />
(490)<br />
red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis J & C 212 BA (5), WLA (207)<br />
sanderling Calidris alba V (J & C) 2 WLA<br />
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Common name Scientific name Conservation Number of Dataset<br />
status<br />
records<br />
curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea J & C 12 BA (3), WLA (9)<br />
painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis V, VGC, *PTSPS 22 BA (8), AM (4), WLA (10)<br />
bush stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius E1, NTGC, VSPS 66 BA (21), WLA (45)<br />
lesser golden plover Pluvialis dominica J & C 1 BA<br />
grey plover Pluvialis squatarola J & C 1 WLA<br />
lesser sand plover Charadrius mongolus V (J & C 7 WLA<br />
white-winged black tern Chlidonias leucopterus J & C 553 BA (1), WLA (352), Narw (200)<br />
caspian tern Sterna caspia C 212 BA (25), WLA (131), Narw (11), MD<br />
(45)<br />
letter-winged kite Elanus scriptus PTSPS 6 BA (4), WLA (1), CSIRO (1)<br />
osprey Pandion haliaetus V 1 WLA<br />
black-breasted buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon V, PTSPS 22 BA (7), ABBBS (1), WLA (14)<br />
square-tailed kite Lophoictinia isura V, *PTSPS 42 BA (6), WLA (33), MD (3)<br />
turquoise parrot Neophema pulchella V, NTGC, *PTSPS 8 BA (2), AM (1), WLA (5)<br />
red goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus E1, VGC 1 WLA<br />
grey falcon Falco hypoleucos V, NTGC, *PTSPS 22 BA (9), AM (2), WLA(8), Cul(3)<br />
flock bronzewing Phaps histrionica E1,<br />
EvSPS<br />
NTGC, 3 WLA<br />
red-tailed black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii V, PTSPS 2,683 BA (117), AM (2), WLA (2559),<br />
CSIRO (5)<br />
glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami V, (subsp lathami 112<br />
NTGC), *PTSPS<br />
BA (24), WLA (88)<br />
Major Mitchell's cockatoo Cacatua leadbeateri V, (subsp 529 BA (103), ABBBS (19), WLA (402),<br />
leadbeateri<br />
NTGC)<br />
CSIRO (1), Cul (4), Lum<br />
regent parrot Polytelis anthopeplus E1(subsp 1 BA (1)<br />
superb parrot Polytelis swainsonii<br />
monarchoides<br />
EGC), *VSPS<br />
*V, VGC, *VnSPS 323 BA (14), AM (5), ABBBS (4), WLA<br />
(173), CSIRO (2), Tra (125)<br />
Bourke's parrot Neopsephotus bourkii PTSPS 1 BA<br />
barking owl Ninox connivens V, (subsp 25 AM (3), BA (14), Bor, MD (1), Gwy (7)<br />
grass owl Tyto capensis<br />
connivens NTGC),<br />
PTWSDPS<br />
V 13 BA (1), WLA (12)<br />
fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus J & C 23 BA (12), WLA (9), Gwy (2)<br />
white-throated needletail Hirundapus caudacutus J & C 37 BA (22), WLA (4), MD (11)<br />
red-browed pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus PTSPS 11 BA (1), WLA (10)<br />
redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus V, PTSPS 1 CSIRO<br />
striated fieldwren 1<br />
Calamanthus fuliginosus V 1 BA<br />
speckled warbler Chthonicola sagittata V, NTGC 7 BA (5), ABBBS (1), WLA (1)<br />
noisy friarbird Philemon corniculatus PTWDSPS 98 BA (58), WLA (36), Bor, Boo, Cul (4),<br />
Lum<br />
black-chinned honeyeater Melithreptus gularis V (subsp gularis 54 BA (23), AM (2), WLA (17), Cul (2),<br />
NTGC),<br />
PTWDSPS<br />
MD (8), Gwy (2)<br />
painted honeyeater Grantiella picta V, NTGC, *PTSPS 22 BA (14), WLA (7), Cul (1)<br />
chestnut-breasted<br />
thrushquail-<br />
Cinclosoma castaneothorax *PTSPS 5 WLA<br />
grey-crowned babbler Pomatostomus temporalis V, NTGC 784 BA (415), AM (26), ABBBS (10), WLA<br />
temporalis<br />
(313), CSIRO (2), Cul (14), Tra (2),<br />
MD (1), Gwy (1)<br />
hooded robin Melanodryas cucullata V 312 BA (196), AM (10), ABBBS (3), WLA<br />
(80), Cul (13), Nar (7), MD (3)<br />
crested shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus PTWDSPS 88 BA (39), AM (3), WLA (33), Cul (5),<br />
MD (8)<br />
Gilbert's whistler Pachycephala inornata V, PTSPS 6 BA (4), WLA (2)<br />
golden whistler Pachycephala pectoralis PTWDSPS 39 BA (21), AM (2), WLA (11), MD (5)<br />
olive-backed oriole Oriolus sagittatus PTWDSPS 93 BA (66), ABBBS (2), WLA (25)<br />
diamond firetail Stagonopleura guttata V, NTGC, 88 BA (26), AM (2), ABBBS (12), WLA<br />
PTWSPS<br />
(48), Lum<br />
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Common name Scientific name Conservation Number of Dataset<br />
status<br />
records<br />
Australian bustard Ardeotis australis E1, NTGC 70 BA (2), AM (5), WLA (62), Cul(1)<br />
1 Calamanthus fuliginosus has recently been split into two separate species, striated fieldwren Calamanthus<br />
fuliginosus, and the rufous fieldwren Calamanthus campestris (Christides and Boles 1994). The rufous<br />
fieldwren occurs in the DRP, with recent records from near Menindee (Map 36). To date the impact of this<br />
taxonomic revision on the schedules of the TSC Act and their interpretation have yet to be determined.<br />
Key<br />
V Vulnerable under schedule 2 TSC Act (1995) An asterix denotes those species which are also listed as nationally vulnerable under the EPBC<br />
Act.<br />
E Endangered under schedule 1 TSC Act (1995)<br />
J JAMBA: agreement between the government of Australia and the government of Japan for the protection of migratory birds and birds in<br />
danger of extinction and their environment<br />
C CAMBA: agreement between the government of Australia and the government of the People’s Republic of China for the protection of<br />
migratory birds and their environment<br />
EGC endangered as defined by Garnett and Crowley 2000<br />
VGC vulnerable as defined by Garnett and Crowley 2000<br />
NTGC near threatened as defined by Garnett and Crowley 2000<br />
*ExSPS Extinct at a national and taxon level as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
*ESPS Endangered at a national and taxon level as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
*VSPS vulnerable at a national and taxon level as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
*VnSPS vulnerable at a national and taxon level as defined by Smith et al 1994 with recent records probably only non-breeding<br />
*PTSPS possibly threatened at a national and taxon level as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
ExSPS extinct in New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
EvSPS endangered in New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994 with recent records probably only vagrants<br />
VSPS vulnerable in New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
PTSPS possibly threatened in New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
ExWDSPS extinct in the western division of New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
PTWDSPS possibly threatened in the western division of New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994<br />
PTnWDSPS possibly threatened in the western division of New South Wales as defined by Smith et al 1994 with recent records probably only nonbreeding<br />
BA Birds Australia Dataset<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife Dataset<br />
AM Australian Museum Dataset<br />
CSIRO CSIRO Dataset<br />
Bor Boronga NR Biodiversity Survey<br />
Cul Culgoa and Birrie River Floodplain Vertebrate Fauna Survey<br />
Lum Lumeah (Narran Lake NR) Biodiversity Survey<br />
Narw Narran Lake NR Waterbird Monitoring Program<br />
Tra Trangie Agricultural Research Centre - Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
MD Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan - Natural Resources Study (note: some records may have been detected outside the DRP)<br />
This list of threatened species occurring in the DRP is not necessarily comprehensive, as it<br />
includes only the datasets identified in Section 5.1. Other species, such as Hall’s babbler from<br />
Culgoa National Park have also been recorded (NPWS 2001b). The endangered swift parrot<br />
(Lathamus discolor), squatter pigeon (Geophaps scripta), and plains wanderer (Pedionomus<br />
torquatus), and the vulnerable scarlet-chested parrot (Neophema splendida), southern scrubrobin<br />
(Drymodes brunneopygia), masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) and pied honeyeater<br />
(Certhionyx variegatus) are predicted by bioclimatic analysis to occur in the DRP.<br />
In their analysis of the birds of conservation concern of the New South Wales western<br />
division, Smith et al. (1994) defined 60 threatened species and sub-species of native birds.<br />
Twenty-three of these are listed as threatened at the national level (EPBC Act), 23 are listed<br />
as threatened in New South Wales (TSC Act) and 14 considered under threat in the Western<br />
Division. Smith et al. (1994) also identified another 31 species of conservation concern<br />
because of their restricted breeding distribution in the division. This analysis includes more<br />
habitats than are present in the DRP bioregion.<br />
The analysis by Smith et al. (1994) is complemented by the analysis of threatened and<br />
declining birds in the New South Wales sheep-wheat belt (Reid 1999) which covers the<br />
eastern portion of the DRP. In addition to the species formally listed under the TSC Act, this<br />
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analysis identified declining species. Eighty-five species of birds were identified in at least<br />
one study of wheatbelt birds to be locally extinct, declining or otherwise at risk and 16<br />
species were identified to be locally extinct, declining or otherwise at risk in at least three<br />
studies. These were the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), painted button-quail (Turnix<br />
varia), brown treecreeper, chestnut-rumped thornbill (Acanthiza uropygialis), southern<br />
whiteface (Aphelocephala leucopsis), jacky winter (Microeca fascinans), red-capped robin<br />
(Petroica goodenovii), eastern yellow robin (Eopsaltria australis), white-browed babbler<br />
(Pomatostomus superciliosus), varied sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera), crested shrike-tit<br />
(Falcunculus frontatus), crested bellbird, rufous whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris), restless<br />
flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta), white-browed woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus) and<br />
dusky woodswallow (Artamus cyanopterus). All of these species are found within the DRP.<br />
They occur in temperate eucalypt woodland habitats and represent a suite of formerly<br />
common and widespread bird species of the woodlands of the DRP that is in decline.<br />
Traill and Duncan (2000) also assessed the conservation status of woodland birds in NSW<br />
and defined the eastern population of the crested bellbird as an endangered population, and<br />
another ten species as ‘near threatened’, as defined by IUCN criteria. They also defined a<br />
temperate woodland bird community and suggested that this community satisfies the criteria<br />
required for listing as an endangered ecological community.<br />
Historical evidence indicates a massive change in the abundance and distribution of the flock<br />
bronzewing in the DRP. Collectors and naturalists from 1839 to 1920 recorded this species<br />
on a number of occasions on the northern plains in the Narrabri, Moree and Gwydir districts,<br />
occasionally in large flocks (thousands) and breeding. In more recent times, there have been<br />
few records from the DRP, with the most recent being of a single bird south west of<br />
Goodooga in 1988. The decline of this pigeon throughout its range in New South Wales,<br />
where it is now only an irregular visitor, has been linked to the spread of livestock and rabbits<br />
and their impact on grassland habitats (McAllan 1996).<br />
Waterbird habitats and breeding requirements have also been adversely affected by human<br />
activities. Major change to hydrological regimes, combined with clearing and agricultural<br />
activities has substantially decreased the amount of inland waterfowl habitat and breeding<br />
sites and has changed flooding regimes (Briggs et al.1994).<br />
5.4.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
No threatened populations of birds have been listed for the bioregion in the TSC Act but<br />
several species have a large proportion of their total distribution within the bioregion. These<br />
include the spotted bowerbird (Chlamydera maculata), striped honeyeater (Plectorhyncha<br />
lanceolata) and plum-headed finch (Neochmia modesta). In New South Wales, the red-tailed<br />
black cockatoo is closely associated with Eucalyptus camaldulensis woodland, requiring the<br />
large hollows for nesting (Smith et al. 1994). Nearly all records of red-tailed black cockatoos<br />
in New South Wales are from the DRP bioregion, primarily in the vicinity of the Barwon-<br />
Darling River. This population of the red-tailed black cockatoo may also be isolated from<br />
other populations of the species (Simpson et al. 1999). The conservation of this population,<br />
and the other bird species identified as having large portions of their range within the DRP,<br />
will depend on land management within the DRP.<br />
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5.4.4 Introduced and pest species<br />
Six feral bird species have been recorded from the DRP (Table 5.4, Map 37). The number of<br />
records of each species has been included to indicate the severity of the problem posed by<br />
these species.<br />
Table 5.4 Feral bird species recorded in the DRP<br />
Common name Scientific name Number of records Dataset<br />
mallard Anas platyrhynchos 4 BA (2), WLA (2)<br />
rock dove Columba livia 158 BA (101), WLA (55), MD (1), Gwy (1)<br />
house sparrow Passer domesticus 468 BA (337), WLA (130), Tra, MD (1)<br />
spotted turtle-dove Streptopelia chinensis 2 BA<br />
common starling Sturnus vulgaris 1 193 BA (670), AM (3), WLA (488), Tra (>30),<br />
Gwy (2)<br />
common blackbird Turdus merula 9 BA (8), WLA (1)<br />
Key<br />
BA Birds Australia Dataset<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife Dataset<br />
AM Australian Museum Dataset<br />
Tra Trangie Agricultural Research Centre - Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
MD Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan - Natural Resources Study (note: some<br />
records may have been detected outside the DRP)<br />
Gwy Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Watercourse<br />
5.5 MAMMALS<br />
5.5.1 Known species diversity and distribution<br />
There are 1 515 records of 70 species of mammals recorded from the DRP, including 332<br />
records of 17 bat species (Map 38). Historical records indicate that there has been a<br />
significant decline in terrestrial mammal species in the bioregion with 23 species known to<br />
have occurred in western New South Wales now extinct. The spatial distribution of mammal<br />
records per 1:100 000 mapsheets (Map 39) indicates a bias in the location of records, both<br />
within the DRP and in comparison with other areas of the state (NPWS 1999c). The majority<br />
of mammal records are from the northern portion of the DRP.<br />
Thirty-seven species of native mammals have been recorded in the northern floodplains, as<br />
well as nine introduced mammal species (Smith et al 1998). Fourteen species of mammals<br />
have been recorded from the Macquarie Marshes, including the threatened Chalinolobus<br />
picatus (little pied bat) (NPWS 1993) and Saccolaimus flaviventris (yellow-bellied sheathtail<br />
bat) (Wilson et al. 1993). Sixteen species of mammal have been recorded in the Narran Lake<br />
Nature Reserve; four macropods, the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), two dasyurids, the<br />
common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), seven bats and the water rat (Hydromys<br />
chrysogaster) (NPWS 2000a). Seventeen native mammal species were found in the broader<br />
Narran River floodplain study (Smith 1993). No threatened species of mammal have been<br />
recorded from Narran Lake Nature Reserve to date but the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)<br />
occurs in the general area.<br />
In the Gwydir watercourse study, Spark (1998) recorded nine terrestrial mammal species and<br />
18 bat species. Terrestrial mammals include the narrow-nosed planigale (Planigale<br />
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tenuirostris), common brushtail possum and sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). The<br />
identification of several of the 18 bat species is questionable as they were only identified from<br />
echolocation calls and include several species not likely to occur in this area. No unusual bat<br />
species were caught in harp traps. The threatened stripe-faced dunnart (Sminthopsis<br />
macroura) has also been recorded in previous survey of the area (Spark 1998).<br />
The Culgoa and Birrie River floodplain survey in the early 1990s recorded 19 native and<br />
seven introduced mammal species (Dick & Andrew 1993). The terrestrial mammal fauna of<br />
this area was dominated by dasyurids, with the only native rodent being the water rat in<br />
aquatic habitats. The four dasyurid species included the threatened stripe-faced dunnart. Two<br />
species of macropod were present, and the regionally rare swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)<br />
had been reported from nearby properties. There were also three species of arboreal mammal:<br />
koala, common brushtail possum and an unidentified Petaurus glider. All of these species are<br />
of regional significance in this area. Seven species of bats included Chalinolobus picatus<br />
(little pied bat) and several species which are of conservation concern in the western division.<br />
5.5.2 Species of conservation concern<br />
Eight extinct, two endangered and nine vulnerable species listed in the TSC Act have been<br />
recorded in the DRP (databases; Dickman & Read 1992; Dickman 1993). Recent records of<br />
threatened species are mostly confined to the northern tip of the bioregion (Table 5.5, Map<br />
40).<br />
Table 5.5 Mammal species of conservation concern recorded in the DRP.<br />
Common name Scientific name Legal status Number of Dataset<br />
records<br />
platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus VDPLP 6 AM (5), WLA (1)<br />
spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus V (subsp. maculatus 3<br />
VMBM), EDPLP<br />
WLA<br />
yellow-footed antechinus Antechinus flavipes VDPLP 15 AM (2), WLA (13)<br />
brush-tailed phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa V (subsp. tapoatafa 1<br />
NTMBM), PEDPLP<br />
CSIRO<br />
kultarr Antechinomys laniger E1, PEDPLP 8 AM (4), WLA (4)<br />
stripe-faced dunnart Sminthopsis macroura V 22 AM (10), WLA (9), CSIRO<br />
(1), Cul (2)<br />
western barred bandicoot Perameles bougainville E4 (subsp fasciata 1 WLA (last recorded in 1840)<br />
bilby Macrotis lagotis<br />
EXMBM)<br />
E4, VMBM 5 AM (3), WLA (2) (last<br />
koala Phascolarctos cinereus V (NTMBM), PEDPLP 167<br />
recorded in 1940)<br />
AM (1), WLA (164), Cul (1),<br />
MD (1)<br />
sugar glider Petaurus breviceps PEDPLP 9 AM (2), WLA (1), Boo, Gwy<br />
(6)<br />
squirrel glider Petaurus norfolcensis V (NTMBM) 1 WLA<br />
common ringtail possum Pseudocheirus peregrinus EDPLP 2 AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula VDPLP 119 AM (4), WLA (58), Bor (2),<br />
Cul (6), Nar (3), Tra (14),<br />
Gwy (32)<br />
burrowing bettong Bettongia lesueur E4 (subsp graii 1 WLA (last recorded in 1879)<br />
brush-tailed bettong Bettongia penicillata<br />
EXMBM)<br />
E4 (subsp penicillata 1<br />
EXMBM)<br />
WLA (last recorded in 1882)<br />
northern bettong Bettongia tropica E4, EMBM 1 WLA (last recorded in 1840)<br />
eastern hare-wallaby Lagorchestes leporides *E4 (EXMBM) 2 WLA (last recorded in 1863)<br />
swamp wallaby Wallabia bicolor PEDPLP 128 AM (2), WLA (106), Bor (2),<br />
Lum, Nar (2), Gwy (16)<br />
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Common name Scientific name Legal status Number of Dataset<br />
records<br />
yellow-bellied sheathtail-bat Saccolaimus flaviventris V 28 AM (7), WLA (21)<br />
Gould's long-eared bat Nyctophilus gouldi PEDPLP 29 AM (9), WLA (12), Cul (3),<br />
Nar (1), Gwy (4)<br />
little pied bat Chalinolobus picatus V, NTDBM 14 AM (4), WLA (9), Cul (1)<br />
inland forest bat Vespadelus baverstocki V 7 AM (2), WLA (2), MD (3)<br />
white-footed rabbit-rat Conilurus albipes *E4 2 WLA (last recorded in 1846)<br />
silky mouse Pseudomys apodemoides E1, ExDPLP 1 WLA (historic record – last<br />
recorded in DRP near<br />
Gould's mouse Pseudomys gouldii *E4 1<br />
Walgett in 1800)<br />
WLA (last recorded in 1858)<br />
pale field-rat Rattus tunneyi XDPLP 2 WLA<br />
long-haired rat Rattus villosissimus V, VDPLP 3 WLA (historic record – last<br />
recorded in 1887 in the Tilpa<br />
District)<br />
Key<br />
V Vulnerable under schedule 2 TSC Act (1995) An asterix denotes those species which are also listed as nationally vulnerable<br />
under the EPBC Act.<br />
E1 Endangered under schedule 1 TSC Act (1995)<br />
E4 Extinct under Schedule 4 TSC Act (1995)<br />
NTDBM Near threatened as defined by Duncan et al 1999<br />
EXMBM Extinct as defined by Maxwell et al 1996<br />
EMBM Endangered as defined by Maxwell et al 1996<br />
VMBM Vulnerable as defined by Maxwell, et al 1996<br />
NTMBM Near threatened as defined by Maxwell et al 1996<br />
XDPLP Extinct in the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by Dickman et al 1993.<br />
ExDPLP Probably extinct in the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by Dickman et al 1993<br />
EDPLP Endangered in the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by Dickman et al 1993<br />
PEDPLP Possibly endangered in the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by Dickman et al 1993.<br />
VDPLP Vulnerable in the Western Division of New South Wales as defined by Dickman et al 1993<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife Dataset<br />
AM Australian Museum Dataset<br />
CSIRO CSIRO Dataset<br />
Bor Boronga NR Biodiversity Survey<br />
Boo Boomi and Boomi West NRs Survey<br />
Cul Culgoa and Birrie River Floodplain Vertebrate Fauna Survey<br />
Lum Lumeah (Narran Lake NR) Biodiversity Survey<br />
Nar Vertebrate Fauna Survey of Narran River Floodplain<br />
Tra Trangie Agricultural Research Centre - Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
MD Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan - Natural Resources Study (note: some records may have been detected<br />
outside the DRP)<br />
Gwy Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Watercourse<br />
The endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus) and vulnerable brushtailed<br />
rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) listed under the TSC Act are also predicted to<br />
occur in the DRP but these predictions do not include the assessment of the presence of<br />
suitable habitat for these species.<br />
Grazing by stock, disturbance by feral mammals and land clearance have been identified as<br />
the major current threats to these species of conservation concern (Dickman et al. 1993).<br />
5.5.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
No threatened populations of mammals have been identified in the bioregion under the TSC<br />
Act. Populations of swamp wallaby, common brushtail possum, koala and Petaurus glider<br />
which were recorded in the Northern Floodplains and Culgoa Birrie surveys and are regarded<br />
as regionally significant (Smith et al. 1998), but are not listed under the TSC Act.<br />
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5.5.4 Introduced and pest species<br />
Twelve feral mammal species have been recorded from the DRP in the databases (Table 5.6,<br />
Map 40). The number of records of each species has been included to indicate the severity of<br />
the problem posed by these species.<br />
Table 5.6 Feral mammals recorded from the DRP.<br />
Common name Scientific name Number of records Dataset<br />
cattle (feral) Bos taurus 105 WLA (90), Bor (15)<br />
dingo and dog (feral) Canis familiaris 5 WLA<br />
goat (feral) Capra hircus 121 WLA (88), Cul (20), Lum, MD (13)<br />
horse (feral) Equus caballus 3 WLA<br />
cat (feral) Felis catus 58 WLA (42), Lum, MD (6), Gwy (10)<br />
brown hare Lepus capensis 97 WLA (84), Bor (2), Cul (1), Lum, Nar (4), MD (2),<br />
Gwy (4)<br />
house mouse Mus musculus 393 AM (26), WLA (114), CSIRO (4), Mid(28), Bor (7),<br />
Cul (2), Nar (5), Tra (29), MD (9), Gwy (169)<br />
rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 159 WLA (136), Bor (4), Cul (1), MD (18)<br />
sheep (feral) Ovis aries 4 WLA (4)<br />
black rat Rattus rattus 4 AM (1), WLA (3)<br />
pig (feral) Sus scrofa 8,838 AM (1), WLA (8800), Cul (23), Lum, Nar (2), MD<br />
(7), Gwy (5)<br />
fox Vulpes vulpes 304 WLA (262), Mid(1), Bor (1), Cul (3), Lum, Nar (3),<br />
Tra (18), MD (9), Gwy (7)<br />
Key<br />
BA Birds Australia Dataset<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife Dataset<br />
AM Australian Museum Dataset<br />
CSIRO CSIRO Dataset<br />
Mid Midkin NR Flora Fauna Survey<br />
Bor Boronga NR Biodiversity Survey<br />
Cul Culgoa and Birrie River Floodplain Vertebrate Fauna Survey<br />
Lum Lumeah (Narran Lake NR) Biodiversity Survey<br />
Nar Vertebrate Fauna Survey of Narran River Floodplain<br />
Tra Trangie Agricultural Research Centre - Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
Gwy Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Watercourse<br />
MD Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan - Natural Resources Study (note:<br />
some records may have been detected outside the DRP)<br />
Feral pigs are widespread in the Namoi catchment with higher densities in the wetland or<br />
riverine environments on the plains, causing considerable damage to vegetation and crops and<br />
fouling water supplies. This problem is not confined to that part of the DRP and associated<br />
catchments.<br />
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5.6 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
5.6.1 Summary<br />
Information about the distribution and abundance of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna across the<br />
bioregion is based on a few scattered systematic surveys and incidental records. As is<br />
illustrated on Maps 30, 32, 35 and 39, there are substantial gaps in the coverage of records<br />
and most of the mapsheets have been inadequately sampled. An exception is the number of<br />
bird records (5 001-26 785) for the Macquarie Marshes and the northern floodplains which<br />
are the most intensively sampled areas. Some mapsheets have no mammal, reptile or<br />
amphibian records and the areas with the lowest number of terrestrial vertebrate records are<br />
the upper and lower Bogan River. These areas should be targeted for fauna survey.<br />
Planning for future surveys within the DRP should focus on vegetation communities and<br />
landscapes that have not been intensively sampled. Habitat preference and expected<br />
distribution throughout the bioregion can be predicted from this data. Population viability<br />
assessments are also required for threatened vertebrate fauna in the DRP. In summary the<br />
status of the four terrestrial vertebrate taxa are shown in Table 5.7. In this table: listed species<br />
means those species which are listed under the TSC Act as endangered or vulnerable; species<br />
of concern are those species which are considered of concern as outlined in sections 5.2.2,<br />
5.3.2, 5.4.2 and 5.5.2; and predicted listed species are those species listed on the TSC Act<br />
which have been predicted to occur within the DRP using bioclimatic analysis.<br />
Taxon Total recorded<br />
species diversity<br />
Table 5.7 Summary of vertebrate taxa in the DRP<br />
Listed species<br />
(TSC Act)<br />
Species of<br />
concern<br />
Amphibians 25 0 5 0<br />
Reptiles 104 6 25 2<br />
Birds 319 40 25 7<br />
Mammals 58 19 8 10<br />
Predicted listed<br />
species (TSC Act)<br />
There are also six feral bird species and 12 feral mammal species known to occur within the<br />
DRP.<br />
On the basis of existing records, the Macquarie Marshes and part of the Menindee Lakes have<br />
most records of vulnerable species (Map 42). There is an apparent bias in the distribution of<br />
threatened species to the areas which have been more intensively surveyed suggesting that the<br />
gaps in the distribution of vulnerable species (Map 42) reflect a lack of survey effort rather<br />
than an absence of these species.<br />
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5.6.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work related to terrestrial vertebrate fauna in the DRP includes the following:<br />
collation of all datasets from previous surveys in the DRP;<br />
carefully located systematic and stratified fauna surveys across the DRP which fill the<br />
gaps in the existing survey database as indicated by mapsheets with few records (eg.<br />
along the Bogan River);<br />
targeted fauna surveys for cryptic, rare or other species unlikely to be adequately sampled<br />
by systematic methods;<br />
detailed description of habitats including structural and floristic information on fauna<br />
survey sites;<br />
review of the status of all terrestrial vertebrate fauna occurring in the DRP in order to<br />
identify species and populations at risk;<br />
preparation of nominations for identified species and populations for listing on the TSC<br />
Act where appropriate;<br />
preparation of profiles of priority species (threatened, declining and otherwise unusual<br />
species);<br />
population viability analysis and predictive habitat modelling for selected priority species;<br />
identification of areas of significance for threatened species, communities and<br />
populations;<br />
prioritisation of significant areas for conservation within the normal purchasing/property<br />
agreement arrangement;<br />
preparation of recovery plans for those threatened species and populations not already<br />
covered and implementation of recommendations and objectives;<br />
research priorities to be developed for exotic fauna species in the DRP, including a threat<br />
assessment, information about the abundance, impact on native species and communities<br />
and most effective control methods.<br />
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6 OTHER FAUNA<br />
6.1 INVERTEBRATES<br />
Very little is known about invertebrate diversity within the bioregion. Not only is this<br />
knowledge of importance for assessing the biodiversity of the area, but invertebrates also<br />
perform an essential role in ecosystem function. They are of critical importance as food for<br />
many species (such as bats, insectivorous birds, water birds, waders, dasyurids and reptiles)<br />
and play an important role as decomposer organisms and in nutrient cycling. Some species<br />
can also be agricultural pests. Due to the lack of information about invertebrates, it is not<br />
possible to estimate rates of extinction or decline. As invertebrates play a critical role in the<br />
functioning of natural systems, improving the information base and therefore the conservation<br />
management for this group is critical to any strategy for conserving biodiversity (New 1984;<br />
NPWS 1992). A list of invertebrate taxa recorded from the DRP is shown in Appendix G.<br />
6.1.1 Aquatic invertebrates<br />
Rivers and streams exist as a patchwork of habitats, which can be classified into three broad<br />
habitat types for aquatic invertebrates. Macrohabitats are the large distinct reaches of the river<br />
system; mesohabitats are smaller habitats including the main channel, backwaters, billabongs,<br />
effluent creeks and floodplain channels; and microhabitats are the smallest habitat types<br />
which include snags (fallen timber), aquatic vegetation and different substrate types.<br />
In a survey of aquatic invertebrates in these three primary habitat types in the Darling River<br />
between Bourke and Wilcannia, Sheldon (1995) found insects were the dominant group,<br />
comprising 85% of taxa and 81% of individuals. Of these Dipterans (flies) and Coleopterons<br />
(beetles) were most abundant. Billabongs had a greater number of taxa and individuals than<br />
channel habitats and temporary billabongs had more individuals than permanent billabongs.<br />
Overall, river geomorphology was found to significantly influence aquatic invertebrate<br />
assemblages through the diversity of mesohabitats and microhabitats it supports. Flow<br />
regulation also modifies the assemblage composition by favouring the development of<br />
specific microhabitat and isolating mesohabitats (Sheldon 1995).<br />
In the Macquarie Marshes a baseline survey of aquatic invertebrates found 197 taxa of which<br />
85% were insects (65 Coleopteron taxa, 54 Dipterans, 24 Hemipterans). In general, cumbungi<br />
swamps, lagoons, slow moving streams and intermittent streams had the greatest number of<br />
taxa present (Bray 1994a). Cherax destructor (yabby), a common resident in the Marshes,<br />
survives dry periods by burrowing into the mud.<br />
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6.1.2 Terrestrial invertebrates<br />
Dr Robyn Gunning (New South Wales Agriculture, Tamworth) undertakes regular<br />
invertebrate surveys for the Department of Agriculture and her survey area includes parts of<br />
the DRP. Results of these surveys need to be incorporated into an assessment of the<br />
biodiversity of the bioregion. A large collection of invertebrates from around New South<br />
Wales is housed at New South Wales Agriculture, Orange.<br />
6.2 FISH<br />
6.2.1 Known species diversity and distribution<br />
In surveys conducted by New South Wales Fisheries in 1996 and Llewellyn in 1983 of the<br />
rivers of the Darling region (including New South Wales tributaries and extending east of the<br />
DRP bioregion) 30 fish species were recorded or considered likely to occur (Table 6.1 and<br />
Table 6.2). Of these species, 15 were found in the Gwydir River basin, 16 in the Namoi, eight<br />
in the Castlereagh, 21 in the Macquarie and 13 in the Darling River (Harris & Gehrke 1997).<br />
Table 6.1 Fish species known or likely to occur in the Darling Region<br />
(Harris & Gehrke, 1997; Harris, 1995)<br />
Family Scientific Name Common Name Catchment<br />
Recorded<br />
Atherinidae Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum flyspecked hardyhead N, B-D<br />
Clupeidae Nematalosa erebi bony herring G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Eleotridae Hypseleotris sp. gudgeon G, N, C, M, D<br />
Eleotridae Hypseleotris klunzingeri western carp gudgeon B-D<br />
Eleotridae Hypseleotris sp1 Lake's carp gudgeon B-D<br />
Eleotridae Hyseleotris sp2 Midgley's carp gudgeon B-D<br />
Eleotridae Mogurnda mogurnda northern purple-spotted gudgeon B-D<br />
Galaxiidae Galaxias olidus mountain galaxis G, N, M, B-D<br />
Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia fluviatilis crimson-spotted rainbowfish G, N, M, D, B-D<br />
Percichthyidae Macquaria ambigua golden perch G, N, M, D, B-D<br />
Retropinnidae Retropinna semoni Australian smelt G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Terapontidae Leiopotherapon unicolor spangled perch G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Ambassidae Ambassis castelnaui olive perchlet B-D<br />
Atherinidae Craterocephalus amniculus Darling River hardyhead B-D<br />
Galaxiidae Galaxias rostratus Murray jollytail Predicted<br />
Plotosidae Neosilurus hyrtlii Hyrtl's tandan Predicted<br />
Eleotridae Philypnodon sp. dwarf flathead gudgeon B-D<br />
Key<br />
G = Gwydir River Catchment M = Macquarie River Catchment<br />
N = Namoi River Catchment D = Darling River Catchment<br />
C = Castlereagh River Catchment B-D = Barwon Darling River<br />
Twenty-three fish species are known to occur in the Barwon-Darling River system (Table 6.1<br />
and Table 6.2). This list does not include some species found only in the tributaries and five<br />
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of the recorded species are introduced (Thoms et al. 1995). Most of the native species are<br />
carnivorous, eating crustaceans, insects and other fish. Nematalosa erebi (bony herring) is<br />
herbivorous and some other species are omnivores. Two distinct food chains support fish<br />
production in the Darling River:<br />
Nematalosa erebi feed on the algal/bacterial/fungal biofilms on riverbanks, snags, rocks<br />
and the algae attached to aquatic plants. Nematalosa erebi are then a food source for the<br />
predator species such as Macquaria ambigua (golden perch) and Maccullochella peelii<br />
(Murray cod); and<br />
plant litter washed into the river is consumed by midge larvae and shrimps that are in turn<br />
preyed upon by small and medium-sized fish.<br />
Many terrestrial vertebrates rely on these species as they form part of the total food web of<br />
wetland habitats.<br />
Fifteen species of fish have been recorded in the Macquarie Marshes, two of which are<br />
introduced. The native species include Nematalosa erebi, Macquaria ambigua, Melanotaenia<br />
fluviatilis (rainbow fish), Retropinna semoni (Australian smelt) and Hypseleotris klunzingeri<br />
(western carp-gudgeon). Introduced species are Cyprinus carpio (European carp) and<br />
Gambusia holbrooki (gambusia). Diversity and abundance of native fish species is low and<br />
appears to be in decline, with species like Tandanus tandanus (catfish) once being common<br />
but now rarely seen (Harris & Gehrke 1997). The fish diversity and relative abundance in the<br />
ephemeral wetlands of the Narran Lakes differs from that in the Macquarie Marshes. Five<br />
species were recorded by surveys of Clear Lake, with a high abundance of Macquaria<br />
ambigua being recorded (NPWS 2000a).<br />
Seven fish species were predicted to occur but were not recorded in surveys of the Darling<br />
catchment (Harris & Gehrke 1997). One of these, Hyrtl’s tandan (Neosilurus hyrtlii),<br />
probably only occurs in the Paroo system, which is not part of the DRP, and another, the<br />
dwarf flathead gudgeon (Philypnodon sp 1), is only known from the Bathurst area, also<br />
outside the bioregion. The other unrecorded species were Ambassis agassizii (olive perchlet),<br />
Craterocephalus amniculus (Darling River hardyhead), Mogurnda adspersa (purple-spotted<br />
gudgeon), Galaxias rostratus (Murray jollytail) and Maccullochella macquariensis (trout<br />
cod).<br />
6.2.2 Species of conservation concern<br />
Three fish species known from the Darling region have been listed under Schedules 3 and 5<br />
of the Fisheries Management Act (FMA) 1994, and two of these species are also listed on the<br />
EPBC Act (Table 6.2). The western populations of two species within the DRP are listed as<br />
endangered populations under Schedule 4 of the FMA 1994. Reasons for listing of species<br />
under this Act include habitat changes due to agricultural practices, spawning failures due to<br />
cold water releases from dams, predation by, and competition with, introduced species such<br />
as Perca fluviatilis and Gambusia holbrooki, and construction of barriers to migration and<br />
recolonisation (FSC, 2001e). Five species are also considered to be of concern in New South<br />
Wales by Fletcher and McVea (2001).<br />
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Table 6.2 Fish species of conservation concern within the DRP<br />
(Harris & Gehrke 1997; Harris 1995)<br />
Family Scientific Name Common Name Catchment<br />
Status<br />
Atherinidae Craterocephalus fluviatilis Murray hardyhead<br />
Recorded<br />
N, M E FMAct, VEPBC<br />
Percichthyidae Maccullochella macquariensis trout cod Predicted *E FMAct<br />
Terapontidae Bidyanus bidyanus silver perch G, N, M, D, V FMAct, IUCNV<br />
B-D<br />
Ambassidae Ambassis agassizii olive perchlet M CC1<br />
Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps flathead gudgeon M CC1<br />
Galaxiidae Gadopsis marmoratus river blackfish G, N, C, M CC2<br />
Percichthyidae Maccullochella peelii Murray cod G, N, M, D, CC3<br />
B-D<br />
Plotosidae Tandanas tandanas freshwater catfish G, N, M, B-D CC4<br />
Key<br />
IUCNV = Classified as vulnerable under IUCN Red List Classifications (Fletcher and McVea 2001)<br />
VEPBC = Listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999<br />
E FMAct = Listed as endangered under Schedule 3 of the Fisheries Management Act, 1994 an asterix denotes that the<br />
species is also listed as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999<br />
V FMAct = Listed as vulnerable under Schedule 5 of the Fisheries Management Act, 1994<br />
CC1 = of conservation concern due to reduced distribution and abundance inland (Fletcher and McVea 2001)<br />
CC2 = of conservation concern due to susceptibility to increased sediment load (Fletcher and McVea 2001)<br />
CC3 = of conservation concern due to reduced and fragmented distribution (Fletcher and McVea 2001)<br />
CC4 = of conservation concern due to scarcity in many inland habitats (Fletcher and McVea 2001)<br />
G = Gwydir River Catchment<br />
N = Namoi River Catchment<br />
C = Castlereagh River Catchment<br />
M = Macquarie River Catchment<br />
D = Darling River Catchment<br />
B-D = Barwon-Darling River<br />
The distribution and population size of many native fish species within the Murray-Darling<br />
system have contracted markedly as a result of changes in the rivers (Morton et al. 1995).<br />
Threats in this river system include river diversion, over-fishing, water quality (salinity,<br />
eutrophication) and the impact of introduced species, particularly Cyprinus carpio, Perca<br />
fluviatilis (redfin perch) and Gambusia holbrooki. The significant change in the natural<br />
pattern of high and low flows has also had an impact on the two fundamental food webs in<br />
the system. Biofilms on riverbanks are now constrained to a single narrow strip, rather than a<br />
broad band, because river heights are tightly controlled. Significant quantities of plant litter<br />
now lie unused on the floodplain and in anabranches for much longer periods. River flow<br />
diversion also creates another, little acknowledged, problem with many small fish being<br />
sucked from the river into irrigation systems and lost (Harris 1995).<br />
The construction of weirs and dams has had a significant effect on the life cycle of many<br />
species. Some species spawn in one part of the river system, use a different part as a nursery<br />
area and then disperse into a third area for growth into adults. Macquaria ambigua spawn<br />
during floods in lowland reaches of rivers, the young move into the floodplain or river-margin<br />
nurseries and finally travel upstream in river channels. Maccullochella peelii (Murray cod)<br />
make upstream spawning migrations using anabranches and flood-runners and then make a<br />
precise homing migration to their original territory. These fish therefore require the survival<br />
of each of these habitats and the maintenance of free passage between them. The scale of<br />
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movements varies between species: the migratory species Macquaria ambigua and Bidyanus<br />
bidyanus (silver perch) can travel the length of the Murray-Darling system, while some small<br />
species such as hardyheads and gudgeons require only a few kilometres of river to complete<br />
their life cycle. Obstruction of migratory movements can lead to the extinction of populations<br />
and species and this problem requires large scale change to river management to be effective<br />
(Harris 1995). The NSW Rivers survey found that there were proportionally more native<br />
species than introduced species in unregulated rivers and 13 native fish species showed a<br />
negative response to river regulation (Harris & Gehrke 1997).<br />
The severity of the decline in fish diversity and abundance in this system has not been fully<br />
documented, although some significant falls have been documented in catches of<br />
Maccullochella peelii, Tandanus tandanus and the near disappearance of Bidyanus bidyanus<br />
from the Darling. Overall, in New South Wales rivers 62% of native fish have undergone<br />
reductions in range and/or abundance, suggesting that they are more vulnerable to disturbance<br />
than was previously thought. Maccullochella peelii has undergone a significant reduction in<br />
range and abundance and is now relatively uncommon in many areas (Harris & Gehrke<br />
1997).<br />
6.2.3 Regionally endemic species and significant populations<br />
Two significant populations of fish have been identified as occurring in the DRP. The<br />
population of Mogurnda adspersa in western New South Wales has been listed as an<br />
endangered population under the FMA 1994. This species was once widespread throughout<br />
the Murray-Darling system and in coastal streams. The eastern population now occurs in<br />
coastal drainages north of the Clarence River, but its distribution throughout the Murray-<br />
Darling system is very limited and has significantly declined in recent years. There has been<br />
only a single record of this species in the Murray-Darling since 1983. These eastern and<br />
western populations may be genetically distinct. The causes of the decline of the western<br />
populations of this species are thought to include predation by Gambusia holbrooki and Perca<br />
fluviatilis, habitat loss and rapid fluctuations in water levels as a result of water regulation,<br />
which affects reproduction and recruitment (FSC 2001e).<br />
The Fisheries Scientific Committee has also listed the western population of Ambassis<br />
agassizii as an endangered population under the FMA 1994. This population has declined<br />
seriously in recent decades and is now possibly absent from the majority of Murray-Darling<br />
waterways (FSC 2001e).<br />
Regionally endemic species include Gadopsis bispinosus (two-spined blackfish), Galaxias<br />
rostratus, Melanotaenia fluviatilis (Australian rainbowfish), Maccullochella peelii and<br />
Bidyanus bidyanus (Morton et al. 1995).<br />
6.2.4 Introduced fish species<br />
Of all rivers within NSW, the Darling River catchment contains the greatest diversity of<br />
introduced species, with six being present. These species are Cyprinus carpio, Carassius<br />
auratus (goldfish), Gambusia holbrooki, Perca fluviatilis, Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow<br />
trout) and Salmo trutta (brown trout). The two trout species and Perca fluviatilis are probably<br />
not present in the DRP bioregion, preferring the higher reaches of the Darling tributaries.<br />
Introduced species represented 25.1% of the total fish catch in the Darling system (Harris and<br />
Gehrke 1997).<br />
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Table 6.3 Introduced fish species recorded within the Barwon-Darling Region<br />
(Harris & Gehrke 1997; Harris 1995)<br />
Family Scientific Name Common Name Catchment Recorded<br />
Atherinidae Carassius auratus goldfish G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Cyprinidae Cyprinus carpio European carp G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Percidae Perca fluviatilis redfin perch G, M, D, B-D<br />
Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki gambusia G, N, C, M, D, B-D<br />
Salmonidae Oncorhynchus mykiss rainbow trout M<br />
Salmonidae Salmo trutta brown trout M<br />
Salmonidae Salvelinus fontinalis brook trout M<br />
Cyprinidae Tinca tinca tench B-D<br />
Key<br />
G = Gwydir River Catchment M = Macquarie River Catchment<br />
N = Namoi River Catchment D = Darling River Catchment<br />
C = Castlereagh River Catchment B-D = Barwon Darling River<br />
Gambusia<br />
Gambusia holbrooki have been implicated in the decline in abundance or range of 35 fish<br />
species world-wide, and there is circumstantial evidence that several Australian native fish<br />
species have been adversely affected by the spread of this species. Predation by Gambusia has<br />
been listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act, primarily because of predation of<br />
tadpoles and eggs of some frog species in eastern New South Wales. The impact of Gambusia<br />
on native fish species occurs through a variety of mechanisms including direct competition<br />
for resources, interference, competition and predation. The species is an adaptable generalist<br />
predator, which feeds on a wide range of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms (Harris &<br />
Gehrke 1997).<br />
European carp<br />
Numbers of European carp increased greatly in the Macquarie and Bogan River system in the<br />
mid-1970s, assisted by the floods of 1974 and 1975 (Macquarie 2100 plan 1999). It has been<br />
estimated that European carp make up 50% of the total biomass in the river. European carp<br />
damage the river habitat by increasing water turbidity, decreasing water plant diversity and<br />
abundance, increasing water nutrients, increasing algal concentrations by preying on<br />
zooplankton, reducing native fish numbers, decreasing small insect numbers and eroding<br />
stream banks (King 1995). European carp are the dominant fish species of the Murray-<br />
Darling system. Their abundance is demonstrated at one site in the lower reaches of the<br />
Bogan River, where there was an average of one European carp per square metre of river<br />
surface area. Flow regulation has allowed the development of suitable habitat for European<br />
carp while promoting the destruction of suitable habitat for the less sedentary native species<br />
(Harris & Gehrke 1997).<br />
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6.3 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
6.3.1 Summary<br />
The knowledge of invertebrate biodiversity within the DRP is extremely limited but it is<br />
essential for a variety of reasons. In addition to their own contribution to the biodiversity of<br />
the ecosystem, invertebrate species are fundamental to the survival of many vertebrate species<br />
as a food resource, can be used as indicator species for land health and are an essential<br />
component of ecosystem function. It is also important to recognise that the impact of land<br />
management on invertebrate populations is not necessarily restricted to the DRP for example,<br />
the bogong moths which breed in the floodplains of the DRP are an essential food source for<br />
the threatened mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) when they migrate to the alpine<br />
regions prior to winter and also have important cultural significance to Aboriginal people in<br />
the alpine regions.<br />
Although more information is available about the diversity of aquatic invertebrates than<br />
terrestrial invertebrates in the DRP, this information is still insufficient to classify aquatic<br />
habitats such as wetlands as critical habitats for waterbirds. Like the bogong moth, many of<br />
the aquatic invertebrates can have an impact on vertebrate biodiversity beyond the DRP<br />
bioregion.<br />
The health of fish populations can also affect the conservation of terrestrial vertebrates.<br />
Research into the distribution, abundance and status of fish in New South Wales is primarily<br />
the responsibility of NSW Fisheries, but as the DRP is a fluvial environment the health of the<br />
rivers and the fish fauna is an essential component of the overall conservation of this<br />
bioregion.<br />
6.3.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work related to the full range of fauna in the DRP includes the following:<br />
continued survey of aquatic invertebrates across the variety of wetlands in order to<br />
determine the significance of each wetland for the maintenance of waterbird populations;<br />
collation of existing information about terrestrial invertebrates and determination of<br />
priorities for further work, especially in relation to terrestrial vertebrate conservation<br />
strategies;<br />
assessment of terrestrial invertebrates critical for the survival of threatened vertebrate<br />
species;<br />
assessment of information relating to the fish fauna and determination of priorities for<br />
further work, especially in relation to terrestrial vertebrate conservation strategies; and<br />
further research into the relationship between invertebrate diversity and abundance and<br />
flood events in the various river catchments within the DRP.<br />
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7 ECOLOGICAL AND<br />
THREATENING<br />
PROCESSES<br />
7.1 ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES<br />
The State Biodiversity Strategy requires the maintenance of ecological processes such as<br />
nutrient cycling, soil formation and hydrological processes.<br />
7.1.1 Nutrient cycling and soil formation<br />
Nutrients are essential for the growth of plants and include potassium, nitrogen, magnesium,<br />
calcium, iron and phosphorus. Nutrients are cycled through an ecosystem by various<br />
mechanisms including animals eating plants and depositing faeces, rain and groundwater<br />
flows washing nutrients from one place to another, wind and water erosion of soils<br />
transporting nutrients, soil fauna such as microbes and invertebrates, and uptake of nutrients<br />
by plants followed by subsequent decomposition and return of nutrients to the soil. These<br />
processes ensure continuous cycling of nutrients through the system. Fluctuation or<br />
disruption of nutrient cycles may be caused by factors such as removal of vegetation, bushfire<br />
and drought. (APASE 2001)<br />
Soil formation processes involve the continuous breaking down of rock material through<br />
physical, chemical and biological mechanisms. This is affected by the parent rock type,<br />
living organisms (e.g. fungi, burrowing insects, animals and man), climate, topography and<br />
time. Soil formation processes may take a very long time and the parent rock type mostly<br />
determines the soil characteristics. Soil formation processes can be disrupted by erosion,<br />
clearing of vegetation and agriculture. Deep rooted trees and shrubs act as nutrient “pumps”<br />
for weathering substrates from between ten and 20m below the surface (Nix, H., ANU,<br />
pers.com 2001).<br />
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7.1.2 Hydrological regimes<br />
The Mehi, Macintyre, Namoi and Macquarie Rivers, and Moomin, Carole, Gunningbar, and<br />
Duck Creeks are regulated rivers and parts of the Gwydir and Darling Rivers are also<br />
regulated. Regulated rivers are those that “have large dams supplying irrigation water (and<br />
some town and industrial water) for substantial distances downstream. Downstream tributary<br />
inflows are typically supplemented during the irrigation season, resulting in fairly stable and<br />
unnaturally high water levels. River flow is substantially reduced during the non- or lowirrigation<br />
seasons. At any time of year in periods which would normally have high or very<br />
high flow, flows may be substantially reduced by the trapping of water in a large dam” (EPA<br />
2001). River Management Committees are considering and implementing environmental<br />
flows to improve this flow reduction.<br />
The Castlereagh River and all other streams within the Castlereagh catchment in the DRP, the<br />
Bogan River, Whalan Creek, Thalaba Creek, Marra Creek, and Talyawalka Creek are<br />
classified as unregulated rivers. Unregulated or uncontrolled streams are those streams where<br />
“flow patterns are largely natural. Flows can occur in these streams from local runoff. They<br />
are typically ephemeral (flowing only during floods and freshes). Frequently, they open into<br />
or flow through wetlands and billabongs” (EPA 2001).<br />
The Barwon, Culgoa, Birrie, Bokhara, Narran, and Boomi Rivers, the Gwydir Watercourse<br />
and Pian Creek, and the parts of the lower Gwydir, lower Macquarie and upper Darling<br />
Rivers are classified as controlled rivers with reduced flow. Controlled rivers with reduced<br />
flows include:<br />
1. “River reaches downstream of the major regulated sections where the water is extracted or<br />
diverted. Flow is generally reduced throughout the year. Water is delivered from the main<br />
stream for stock, domestic, some irrigation, and town water supplies several times a year.<br />
2. Sections of rivers immediately below town water supply dams, where water is diverted<br />
directly from the dam. Flows can be substantially reduced throughout the year, though<br />
special environmental releases may be possible” (EPA 2001).<br />
The majority of the bioregion is categorised as either over-extracted in relation to<br />
groundwater or with an extraction level of greater than 100% of the sustainable yield for<br />
groundwater systems. Two smaller areas in the east and south of the bioregion have a total<br />
extraction level of between 70 and 100%. The remainder of the bioregion has an abstraction<br />
of greater than 30% sustainable yield. This area is mostly the Darling riverine corridor of the<br />
bioregion (EPA 2000).<br />
EPA (2000) lists good-quality (or low-salinity) ground water as that found in aquifers<br />
including those in the Darling River corridor. The yields from aquifers within the Darling<br />
River corridor are generally low and more suitable for domestic and stock use or small-scale<br />
irrigation (for example, for orchards). Aquifers that have good-quality water and high yields<br />
within the DRP include the river corridors of the Namoi and Upper Gwydir. These aquifers<br />
are used mainly for irrigated agriculture and stock watering, but potable water extraction is<br />
also an important use. Ground water from the aquifers bounded by the Lachlan, Darling and<br />
Bogan rivers and the south-western corner of the State is generally of poor quality or<br />
extremely low-yielding (EPA 2000).<br />
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Contamination of groundwater by pesticides has been recorded in the lower Namoi Valley but<br />
monitoring of pesticides in groundwater is limited and further sampling and monitoring is<br />
required to assess accurately levels of contamination (EPA 2000).<br />
7.2 LISTED AND POTENTIAL THREATENING PROCESSES<br />
Key threatening processes listed under the TSC Act are those that threaten, or may have the<br />
capability of threatening, the survival or evolutionary development of species, populations or<br />
ecological communities. Eight of the key threatening processes (KTPs) listed under Schedule<br />
3 of the TSC Act affect the ecology of the DRP bioregion. A preliminary determinations has<br />
also been made by the NSW Scientific Committee to support the listing of the ‘competition<br />
with feral honeybees Apis mellifera’ as a KTP (NPWS 2001A).<br />
The Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW) (FMA 1994) also lists key threatening processes.<br />
The NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee has made final recommendations to list<br />
‘degradation of native riparian vegetation along New South Wales watercourses’, ‘removal of<br />
large woody debris’, and ‘introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside<br />
their natural range’ as key threatening processes under the FMA 1994. The Fisheries<br />
Scientific Committee has also made a recommendation to list ‘installation and operation of<br />
instream structures that modify flow’ as a key threatening process under the FMA 1994.<br />
The EPBC Act lists nine KTPs of relevance to the DRP. Some of these identify the same<br />
process as listed on the TSC Act but may define them differently (Environment Australia<br />
2001c).<br />
7.2.1 Listed Threatening Processes<br />
High frequency fire<br />
‘High frequency fire resulting in the disruption of life cycle processes in plants and animals<br />
and loss of vegetation structure and composition’ has been listed as a key threatening process<br />
under the TSC Act. The NSW Scientific Committee defines high frequency fire as ‘two or<br />
more successive fires close enough together in time to interfere with or limit the ability of<br />
plants or animals to recruit new individuals into a population, or for plants to build up a<br />
seedbank sufficient in size to maintain the population through the next fire’ (NPWS 2001A).<br />
The rate of decrease of woody vegetation across New South Wales between 1990 and 1995<br />
due to bushfires has been estimated to be 33 520 ha / year. 66% of this area of woody<br />
vegetation is expected to regenerate quickly (Bureau of Rural Sciences 1999).<br />
Threatened species known from the DRP likely to be affected by high frequency fires include<br />
Swainsona plagiotropis, glossy black-cockatoo, malleefowl, rufous bettong, black-striped<br />
wallaby, spotted-tailed quoll and squirrel glider (NPWS 2001a). Species not yet listed but<br />
occurring in the DRP that could become threatened by high frequency fires include feathertail<br />
glider (Acrobates pygmaeus), common ringtail possum, yellow-footed antechinus (Antechinus<br />
flavipes) and sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) (NPWS 2001a).<br />
Anthropogenic climate change<br />
Anthropogenic climate change is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act and<br />
the EPBC Act. Natural climate change has been a major ecological driving force throughout<br />
geological history but there is evidence to suggest that modification of the environment by<br />
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humans may cause future climate change. Many landscapes in New South Wales, including<br />
the DRP, are highly modified and the ability of organisms to survive climate change through<br />
dispersal will be limited (Brasher & Pittock 1998). The EBPC Act also specifically lists the<br />
impact of greenhouse emissions.<br />
Species that would be at risk from anthropogenic climate change include those that have long<br />
generations, poor mobility, narrow ranges, specific host relationships, isolated and specialised<br />
species, and those with large home ranges (Hughes & Westoby 1994). Threatened species<br />
recorded within the DRP that would be at risk from anthropogenic climate change in New<br />
South Wales include malleefowl, plains-wanderer, red-tailed black-cockatoo and regent<br />
parrot (NPWS 2001a).<br />
Predation by the feral cat (Felis catus)<br />
Predation by the feral cat is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act and the<br />
EPBC Act. Many species are threatened by predation from cats including species already<br />
listed as threatened and those at risk of becoming threatened. Small mammals such as the<br />
sandy inland mouse and ground-nesting birds are particularly at risk (NPWS 2001a). The<br />
malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is one species listed by the Commonwealth Threat Abatement<br />
Plan for Predation by Feral Cats which is perceived to be further threatened by this process<br />
(Environment Australia 1999c).<br />
Predation by the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes)<br />
Predation by the European red fox is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act<br />
and the EPBC Act. Species threatened by predation from foxes include species already listed<br />
as threatened and at risk of becoming threatened. This includes some larger arboreal species<br />
such as the common brushtail possum that are in significant decline in the DRP bioregion.<br />
The malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is one species identified under both the Commonwealth<br />
Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox (Environment Australia<br />
1999d) and the NSW Draft Threat Abatement Plan (NPWS 2001c). Other species identified<br />
under the NSW Draft Threat Abatement Plan as high priority species for fox control recorded<br />
within the DRP are the bush stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius), chestnut quail thrush<br />
(Cinclosoma castanotus), flock bronzewing (Phaps histrionica), Australian bustard (Ardeotis<br />
australis), Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus), brolga (Grus rubicunda), woma<br />
(Aspidites ramsayi), and the western blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua occipitalis). The medium<br />
priority species, spotted tail quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) and brush-tailed phascogale<br />
(Phascogale tapoatafa). Foxes have also been identified as being a vector for bitou bush<br />
(Chrysanthemoides monilifera rotundata) (NPWS 2001a). Priority areas for fox control<br />
within the DRP include the Macquarie Marshes and Narran Lakes (NPWS 2001c)<br />
Predation by gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki)<br />
Predation by the gambusia is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act. Gambusia<br />
holbrooki preys upon eggs and tadpoles of several frog species, particularly the bell frogs<br />
(Littoria spp.) (NPWS 2001a). Due to the largely aquatic nature of the bioregion, and records<br />
of Gambusia holbrooki within the waterways, this process is likely to threaten species of the<br />
DRP.<br />
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Competition and land degradation by Feral Goats (Capra hircus)<br />
Competition and land degradation by the feral goats is listed as a key threatening process<br />
under the EPBC Act. A variety of habitats, particularly the semi-arid habitats, in the DRP<br />
have been successfully occupied by feral goats. They compete with native fauna for food,<br />
water and shelter and threaten the survival of some native plant species. The malleefowl<br />
(Leipoa ocellata) is one species listed under the Commonwealth Threat Abatement Plan for<br />
Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Goats known to be further threatened by this<br />
process. Plant species within the DRP seriously affected by this process include Alectryon<br />
oleifolius, Santalum acuminatum, Santalum spicatum and Capparis mitchelli (Environment<br />
Australia 1999e).<br />
Competition and land degradation by feral rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)<br />
Competition and land degradation by feral rabbits is listed as a key threatening process under<br />
the EPBC Act. Rabbits inhibit regeneration of native vegetation (Crisp 1978; Lange &<br />
Graham 1983; Cooke 1987), compete with native fauna for food (Dawson & Ellis 1979) and<br />
shelter (Martin & Sobey 1983; Priddel et al. 1995), support populations of introduced canids<br />
and felids (Catling 1988), and cause soil erosion (McManus 1979; Norman 1988). The<br />
malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is one species listed under the Commonwealth Threat<br />
Abatement Plan for Competition and Land Degradation by Feral Rabbits which is perceived<br />
to be further threatened by this process with rabbits attracting predators to this species<br />
(Environment Australia 1999f).<br />
Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs (Sus<br />
scrofa)<br />
Predation habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs is listed as a<br />
key threatening process under the EPBC Act. Feral pigs prey on bird chicks, reptiles, reptile<br />
and bird eggs, frogs, soil organisms, invertebrates, and plants. They cause habitat changes by<br />
destroying plants, reducing regeneration of native plants, changing floristic composition,<br />
altering soil structure, enhancing invasion and spread of weed species, increasing access for<br />
other predators, reducing the amount and quality of water available, spreading exotic<br />
earthworms and creating suitable habitat for disease vectors such as the root-rot fungus<br />
Phytophthora cinnamomi (Environment Australia 2001c).<br />
Invasion of native communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou<br />
bush)<br />
Invasion of native communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata (bitou<br />
bush) is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act. This key threatening process<br />
has a deleterious impact on several threatened species, populations and endangered ecological<br />
communities in coastal NSW (NPWS 2001a). The threat posed to native communities by this<br />
weed is substantially less in the DRP but there is an infestation of Chrysanthemoides<br />
monilifera at Menindee and this weed species is recorded for the DRP in the NPWS Wildlife<br />
Atlas (Appendix D).<br />
Clearing of native vegetation and land clearance<br />
Clearing of native vegetation is listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act and land<br />
clearance is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act. Clearing of vegetation<br />
results in habitat loss and fragmentation and a decline in the quality of habitat for a number of<br />
species across a wide range of ecosystems (EPA 2000). The NSW Scientific Committee<br />
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(NPWS 2001a) defines clearing as:<br />
loss or modification of native vegetation for cropping, establishment of plantations or for<br />
improved pasture;<br />
loss or modification of native vegetation for urban development;<br />
loss or modification of native vegetation for development of industry and infrastructure<br />
(eg quarries, mines, factory sites, dams, roads, railways, powerlines); and<br />
clearing of understorey (and/ or replacement by exotic species) for example, along<br />
roadsides.<br />
EPA (2000) states that ‘vegetation clearance is the single greatest threat to terrestrial<br />
biological diversity in New South Wales and is still causing significant biodiversity losses in<br />
the State’. NPWS (2001a) outline the impacts of clearing on biodiversity as:<br />
destruction of habitat resulting in loss of local populations of individual species;<br />
expansion of dryland salinity;<br />
riparian zone degradation;<br />
increased greenhouse gas emissions;<br />
increased habitat for exotic species;<br />
loss of leaf litter layer; and<br />
loss or disruption of functioning ecological interactions.<br />
Many threatened species of flora and fauna and ecological communities occurring in the DRP<br />
are threatened by clearing. These include the seven mammals, three reptiles, 24 bird species<br />
and five plant species (NPWS 2001a).<br />
Dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi (cinnamon fungus)<br />
Dieback caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi is listed as a key threatening process under the<br />
EPBC Act. Dieback in plants caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi is mainly a problem in<br />
other bioregions and states or territories and it has not yet been recorded in western New<br />
South Wales. This lack of data on the fungus is justified by climatic variables not being<br />
suitable in the area because it is not humid enough and that the cost of undertaking extensive<br />
mapping of the fungus nationally is extreme (Environment Australia 1999a, 1999b). Several<br />
species present in the DRP have the potential to be adversely affected.<br />
Psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease<br />
Psittacine circoviral disease is listed as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act.<br />
Psittacine Circoviral disease affects parrots and their allies (Psittacines) and is usually fatal.<br />
The virus is long-lived and has the potential to persist in nest hollows causing their long-term<br />
contamination. The virus is widespread in wild Psittacines, including in galahs (Cacatua<br />
roseicapilla) and sulphur-crested cockatoos (C. galerita). Potentially catastrophic losses<br />
could occur if an infestation was to occur in bird populations that had been dramatically<br />
reduced (Environment Australia 2001c). It has been specifically listed as a KTP for nationally<br />
endangered parrots, none of which have been recorded within the DRP but species such as the<br />
superb parrot could also be at risk. No threat abatement plan has been prepared for this KTP.<br />
Removal of large woody debris<br />
Removal of large woody debris has been listed as key threatening process under the FMA<br />
1994. Large woody debris includes “large masses of trees or shrubs that have fallen or that<br />
have been washed into rivers and streams” (FSC 2001a). Large woody debris (FSC 2001a):<br />
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provide habitat for benthic plants;<br />
lead to organic enrichment by capturing detritus and contributing to secondary production<br />
by degradation of the debris itself;<br />
provide refuges from predators and interactions between competitors for fish and<br />
invertebrates;<br />
provide velocity refuges that minimise energy costs of swimming;<br />
provide spawning sites essential for successful reproduction;<br />
provide home range markers for territorial and migratory fish species;<br />
provide refuge and spawning habitats in the riparian zone during overbank flooding;<br />
assist in erosion prevention by stabilising sediments of stream banks and riparian zones;<br />
and<br />
assist in the scouring of deep holes adjacent to woody debris which acts as temperature<br />
and drought refuges.<br />
Threatened fish species that occur within the DRP and which are affected by this process<br />
include trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) and silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) (FSC<br />
2001a).<br />
Degradation of native riparian vegetation along New South Wales water courses<br />
‘Degradation of native riparian vegetation along New South Wales water courses’ has been<br />
listed as a key threatening process under the FMA 1994. The Fisheries Scientific Committee<br />
defines riparian vegetation as “any vegetation on land which adjoins, directly influences, or is<br />
influenced by a body of water” (FSC 2001b). Degradation of native riparian vegetation<br />
includes invasion of riparian vegetation by non-native species. Negative effects of<br />
degradation of native riparian vegetation include increased amounts of sediment and nutrients<br />
via runoff and increased light penetration to the waterbody leading to increased algal growth<br />
and smothering of benthic communities, reduced inputs of organic carbon which are a major<br />
energy source in most stream ecosystems, reduced inputs of large woody debris entering the<br />
system leading to a reduction in spawning and habitat sites of several fish and aquatic<br />
invertebrates, destabilisation of river banks, and reduced overhanging riparian vegetation<br />
leading to decreased shelter and shade for fish. Threatened fish species recorded within the<br />
DRP affected by this process include trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), Murray<br />
hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), and silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and the<br />
endangered populations of purple-spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa), and olive perchlet<br />
(Ambassis agassizii) (FSC 2001b).<br />
Introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside their natural range<br />
‘Introduction of fish to fresh waters within a river catchment outside their natural range’ is<br />
listed as a key threatening process under the FMA, 1994. Introduced fish recorded in the DRP<br />
(brown trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout (Onchorynchus mykiss), European carp (Cyprinus<br />
carpio), goldfish (Carassius auratus), gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) and redfin perch<br />
(Perca fluviatilis)) all have self-sustaining populations within the waterways of New South<br />
Wales (FSC 2001c). Introduced fish affect populations of native fauna and flora by direct<br />
predation, competition for food, competition for spawning localities, competition for habitat,<br />
habitat degradation through uprooting vegetation and disturbance of sediments and promotion<br />
of the spread of diseases in native species. Threatened fish species recorded within the DRP<br />
affected by this process include Murray hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), trout cod<br />
(Maccullochella macquariensis), and silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) the endangered<br />
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populations of olive perchlet (Ambassis agassizii), and purple-spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda<br />
adspersa) (FSC 2001c).<br />
7.2.2 Potential Threatening Processes<br />
Competition from honeybees (Apis mellifera) (preliminary determination)<br />
The NSW Scientific Committee have made a preliminary determination to list competition<br />
from honeybees as a key threatening process under the TSC Act. Breeding colonies of<br />
honeybees compete with native hollow-dependant fauna for tree hollows. At least 20% of<br />
bird species are hollow dependant (Saunders et al. 1982) and all native arboreal marsupials<br />
depend on tree hollows except the koala (Lindenmayer et al. 1991). Threatened species likely<br />
to be affected by competition from feral honeybees include the squirrel glider, Major<br />
Mitchell’s cockatoo, glossy black-cockatoo and superb parrot (NPWS 2001a).<br />
Honeybees, both feral and managed, often remove up to 80% of the floral resources produced<br />
by plants, and this may result in the displacement of native fauna such as honeyeaters and<br />
native bees which rely on these resources (Paton 1993, 1996, 2000; Sugden & Pyke 1991;<br />
Sugden et al. 1996). Apiary has an unmeasured impact on biodiversity and some studies have<br />
shown that where nectar and pollen resources are limited Apis mellifera may reduce the<br />
degree of seed set in some plant species (Gibbs & Muirhead 1998; Paton 1996; Pyke &<br />
Blazer 1985).<br />
Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and<br />
wetlands (preliminary determination)<br />
The NSW Scientific Committee has made a preliminary determination to list ‘alteration to the<br />
natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and their floodplains and wetlands’ as a key<br />
threatening process under the TSC Act. The NSW Scientific Committee has found that this<br />
process is recognised as a major factor contributing to loss of biological diversity and<br />
ecological function in aquatic ecosystems, including floodplains (NPWS 2001a). The NSW<br />
Scientific Committee describes alterations to natural flow regimes as either reducing or<br />
increasing flows, altering seasonality of flows, reducing frequency, duration and magnitude<br />
of flow events, altering water levels and increasing the rate of fall of water levels (Walker<br />
1985; Cadwallader & Lawrence 1990; Gehrke et al. 1995; Kingsford 1995. Maheshwari et al.<br />
1995; Robertson et al. 1999, 2001; NPWS 2001a).<br />
A high proportion of flow alterations to the majority of streams across New South Wales have<br />
had a major impact on the pattern of natural flows in these waterways. Alteration of flows<br />
reduces habitat by changing the area, frequency and duration of flooding of floodplains and<br />
terminal wetlands. Increasing flows causes more permanent flooding of wetlands, riparian<br />
zone degradation, increased habitat for invasive species, and loss or disruption of ecological<br />
function. Threatened species recorded within the DRP affected by this process include the<br />
blue-billed duck, and freckled duck (NPWS 2001a).<br />
Installation and operation of instream structures that modify flow (proposed<br />
recommendation)<br />
The Fisheries Scientific Committee has made a recommendation to list ‘Installation and<br />
operation of instream structures that modify flow’ as a key threatening process under the<br />
FMA, 1994. The Fisheries Scientific Committee identifies instream structures which modify<br />
flow as including dams, weirs, navigation locks, floodgates, culverts, flow regulators, levee<br />
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banks, erosion control structures and causeways (FSC 2001d). Ecosystem effects related to<br />
these structures include: cold water releases from dams impair spawning, growth,<br />
recruitment, feeding and other life cycle processes in native fish species; present barriers to<br />
migration of native fish species and provide ideal habitat for invasive species; changes of<br />
seasonality and variability of flow regimes disrupt natural environmental cues necessary for<br />
reproductive cycles in native fish, reduction in total availability of water for riverine<br />
ecosystems, and interrupt or change natural processes of sediment deposition, erosion and<br />
transport which result in loss of fish habitat including important feeding and breeding sites.<br />
Threatened fish species recorded in the DRP affected by this process include Murray<br />
hardyhead (Craterocephalus fluviatilis), trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis), and silver<br />
perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) and endangered populations of olive perchlet (Ambassis agassizii)<br />
and purple-spotted gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) (FSC, 2001d).<br />
7.3 WEEDS AND PEST ANIMALS<br />
7.3.1 Weeds<br />
The invasive and degrading nature of environmental weeds poses a significant threat to the<br />
management of remnant vegetation and the conservation of native fauna and flora. Weed<br />
problems throughout this bioregion are becoming progressively worse, exacerbated by land<br />
degradation, the increased mobility of vehicles and population pressures. Weeds can compete<br />
vigorously with native plants for resources, affecting the microclimate and increasing the<br />
susceptibility of native plants to disease. Weeds also generally provide poor habitat for native<br />
fauna when compared with native plants. The impact of weed invasion on vegetation<br />
communities increases with a decrease in the size of remnant native vegetation communities.<br />
Aquatic weeds such as Eichhornia crassipes and floodplain weeds such as Phyla canescens<br />
are an especially significant problem for the extensive wetlands and rivers of this bioregion.<br />
In Narran Lakes Nature Reserve noogoora burr (Xanthium occidentale) and Bathurst burr<br />
(Xanthium spinosum) are common along the river. Golden dodder (Cuscuta campestris) is a<br />
weed that has invaded the wetlands, particularly the lignum communities (NPWS 2000a). In<br />
the Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve, lippia (Phyla cansecens) has also become a common<br />
weed (Shelly, D., DLWC, pers. com. Dec. 2001).<br />
Bitou bush is the only weed of national significance which has been recorded within the DRP<br />
(National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee 1999). Only two records of this species are<br />
listed in the DRP databases (Section 4.1.1).<br />
Declared noxious weeds in the DRP and the area for which they are declared are listed in<br />
Table 7.1 and Appendix D lists all exotic flora recorded within the DRP.<br />
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Table 7.1<br />
(NSW Agriculture, 2001)<br />
Declared noxious weeds occurring within the DRP<br />
Scientific Name Common Name Categories Area Declared<br />
Alternanthera pungens khaki weed W2 W<br />
Heliotropium amplexicaule blue heliotrope W2 Bo, C, L, Nbi, Nmn<br />
Raphanus raphanistrum wild radish W2 L, P<br />
Cuscuta campestris golden dodder W2 Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U, W<br />
Sorghum halepense Johnson grass W2 Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U, W<br />
Cenchrus incertus W2 Bk, Bre, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, W<br />
Cestrum parqui green cestrum W2 Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U<br />
Lycium ferocissimum African boxthorn W2 Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, P, U, W<br />
Solanum rostratum pincushion nightshade W2 L<br />
Ibicella lutea yellow-flowered devil's W2, W3 W, L, P<br />
claw<br />
Asphodelus fistulosus onion weed W3 W<br />
Xanthium occidentale noogoora burr W3 Bo, Bk, Bre, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, W<br />
Xanthium orientale Californian burr W3 Bo, Bk, Bre, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, W<br />
Xanthium spinosum Bathurst burr W3 Bo, Bk, Bre, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, W<br />
Echium plantagineum Patterson's curse W3 MP<br />
Salvia reflexa mintweed W3 MP<br />
Marrubium vulgare horehound W3 W<br />
Pennisetum villosum feathertop W3 MP<br />
Phyla canescens lippia W4c MP<br />
Phyla nodiflora var nodiflora lippia W4c MP<br />
Opuntia aurantiaca tiger pear W4f Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U, W<br />
Opuntia stricta prickly pear W4f Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U, W<br />
Opuntia stricta var stricta common prickly pear W4f Bo, Bk, Bre, CD, C, L, MP, Nbi, Nmn, P, U, W<br />
KEY<br />
Bo Bogan MP Moree Plains<br />
Bk Bourke Nbi Narrabri<br />
Bre Brewarrina Nmn Narromine<br />
CD Central Darling P Parkes<br />
C Cobar U Unincorporated<br />
L Lachlan W Wentworth<br />
1.1.2 Dense tree and shrub regeneration<br />
The problem of unpalatable native shrubs or ‘woody weeds’ in this region is viewed as a<br />
threat to both agriculture and conservation. Woody weeds are dense regeneration of some<br />
native species of trees and woody shrubs as a result of favourable climatic conditions in<br />
association with the prevailing agricultural management of the land. The Macquarie-Bogan<br />
floodplain has extensive areas of ‘woody weeds’ with most occurring to the west of the<br />
Bogan River adjacent to the Barwon River. Shrubs regarded as a problem include Eremophila<br />
sturtii, Eremophila mitchellii, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima, Senna artemisioides<br />
var. nemophila (punty bush) and Senna artemisioides (silver cassia) (Howling 1997, Noble<br />
1997). There is an urgent need to research the ecological processes producing the ‘woody<br />
weed problem’. It is important to remember that they are native species and that they have<br />
been recorded as growing in impenetrable densities at the time the early explorers moved<br />
through this region and some prefer or are restricted to dense communities.<br />
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7.3.2 Kangaroos<br />
Aerial survey by NPWS of red and grey kangaroos Macropus rufus, M. giganteus and M.<br />
fuliginosus in 1995 and 1996 indicate that densities in the western region portion of the DRP<br />
vary from quite low to moderately high and vary between years. Extremely high numbers of<br />
kangaroos occur through the Gingham watercourse subjecting the regularly flooded areas to<br />
extremely high grazing pressure (McCosker 1996). All wetlands within the DRP potentially<br />
become drought refuges in dry years, leading to very high numbers concentrated in relatively<br />
small areas and, therefore, increased grazing pressure in these areas.<br />
7.3.3 Feral animals<br />
The alluvial plains and basins of the DRP in the Western Division are considered to be<br />
primary pig habitat. Pigs are widespread throughout the DRP. However large number occur<br />
in richer areas such as the Gingham wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes. Numbers have<br />
been reduced significantly in these two wetlands through control programs. This needs to be<br />
maintained. Foxes and cats are present in the Gingham wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes<br />
and can cause significant damage to the nesting waterbirds and their fledglings. Other feral<br />
mammal species recorded in the DRP are listed in section 5.5.4.<br />
7.4 OTHER THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY<br />
Other factors considered to potentially reduce biodiversity in the DRP include illegal hunting<br />
and collecting, firewood collection and private timber harvesting. The effects of salinity on<br />
wetland, river and land health are discussed in Chapter 2.<br />
7.4.1 Firewood collection and timber harvesting on private lands<br />
The tree species most commonly used for firewood in NSW are Eucalyptus polyanthemos<br />
(red box), Eucalyptus melliodora, Eucalyptus blakelyi and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, all of<br />
which occur and are harvested in the DRP. Seventy six per cent of all firewood collected in<br />
New South Wales is taken from fallen timber resources, 19% from standing dead timber and<br />
5% from standing live timber. Many species of invertebrates feed on dead wood and are<br />
likely to be adversely affected by firewood collection. This affects other species such as<br />
fungi that rely on these invertebrates for their dispersal and also affects the rates of decay<br />
within forests and woodlands (Driscoll et al. 2000). Firewood distribution to wood yards can<br />
also distribute invertebrate species outside their natural range and enhance the potential for<br />
competition with local indigenous species (Todd & Horwitz 1990).<br />
Threatened species recorded in the DRP which may be affected by firewood collection<br />
include the spotted-tailed quoll, squirrel glider, square-tailed kite, bush stone curlew, glossy<br />
black-cockatoo, superb parrot, turquoise parrot, barking owl, masked owl, regent honeyeater,<br />
painted honeyeater and Hoplocephalus bitorquatus (Driscoll et al. 2000).<br />
Timber harvesting particularly affects tree-dwelling or hollow-nesting native fauna and can<br />
destroy understorey vegetation and vegetation structure, which is also essential for the<br />
maintenance of biodiversity (Benson 1999).<br />
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7.4.2 Grazing<br />
Grazing by domestic sheep and cattle together with the introduced goat and rabbit, and the<br />
increasing numbers of native macropods, has led to a reduction in total plant biomass and an<br />
altered vegetation structure. Continuous grazing can prevent plant regeneration and reduce<br />
seedling recruitment (Benson 1999). Grazing of domestic stock mostly occurs on leasehold<br />
and private land, with grazing permits also being issued by Rural Lands Protection Board and<br />
NSW State Forests for some Crown land.<br />
7.5 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
7.5.1 Summary<br />
Fifteen listed or preliminary determinations of key threatening processes have been made<br />
under the TSC Act and/or EPBC Act which are likely to negatively affect the biodiversity of<br />
the DRP. Another four key threatening processes are listed for fish under the FMA, 1994 by<br />
the Fisheries Scientific Committee. In addition to these threatening processes, weeds and pest<br />
animals, firewood collection, private timber harvesting and grazing are threats to the<br />
biodiversity of the bioregion.<br />
The extent and severity of the majority of these identified threats in the DRP has not been<br />
assessed nor have threat abatement procedures been determined.<br />
7.5.2 Proposed further work<br />
It is necessary that data be gathered for the assessment of conservation values of the DRP,<br />
allowing for a comprehensive bioregional assessment to be undertaken and to assist in the<br />
development of conservation strategies for threatening processes. This requires:<br />
collection of detailed information about listed key threatening processes and their effects<br />
on biodiversity within each province;<br />
development of monitoring strategies for effects of key threatening processes;<br />
definition and mapping of ecosystems at a useful resolution such as across the whole of<br />
the DRP to assist conservation assessment and reservation or restoration of these<br />
endangered ecological communities; and<br />
identification of ecological processes and establishment of studies to examine the function<br />
of ecological processes and their function in the DRP.<br />
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8 EXISTING<br />
CONSERVATION<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
8.1 EXISTING CONSERVATION ASSESSMENTS<br />
The conservation of biodiversity, regardless of the mechanisms used, requires an<br />
understanding of the natural variation and patterns inherent across landscapes, ecosystems,<br />
habitats, communities, populations and species. Critical to the retention of biodiversity is the<br />
need to protect whole ecosystems or landscapes rather than individual components of these.<br />
Priority Action 13 of the New South Wales Biodiversity Strategy aims to “adopt a<br />
standardised, integrated, whole-of Government approach to the collection, analysis and<br />
distribution of biodiversity data for use in assessing the conservation significance of land<br />
areas throughout New South Wales” (NPWS 1999b). This calls for assessments to be made<br />
on a bioregional basis with the aim of providing biodiversity information for all tenures, with<br />
a priority being the systematic and cost-effective collection of information, enabling gaps in<br />
information to be identified and addressed. A bioregional approach to conservation<br />
recognises homogeneity of environmental patterns and ecological processes and the processes<br />
that generally threaten biodiversity, such as landscape degradation, erosion and vegetation<br />
clearing. The framework for the bioregional conservation assessment is illustrated in Figure<br />
8.1.<br />
The NSW Biodiversity Strategy defines the primary objective of bioregional conservation<br />
assessments as to ‘identify areas and features of high biodiversity significance and to advise<br />
on appropriate conservation measures’. These measures will then be used to make informed<br />
land management decisions through the following mechanisms and organisations (NPWS<br />
1999b):<br />
Native Vegetation Conservation Act, 1997 (NVC Act). The Regional Vegetation<br />
Committees empowered by this act will use ecosystem-based biodiversity information to<br />
develop Regional Vegetation Management Plans;<br />
Catchment management under the Catchment Management Act, 1989. Catchment<br />
Management Boards are developing Catchment Blueprints which will set targets for<br />
improved land management across all catchments;<br />
Voluntary participation by landholders using programs such as Land for Wildlife,<br />
Wildlife Refuges and Voluntary Conservation Agreements ;<br />
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River Management Plans under the Water Management Act, 2000. Water Management<br />
Committees have developed interim river flow objectives for all catchments across the<br />
state;<br />
Farming for the Future programs run cooperatively between NPWS, NSW Agriculture,<br />
Department of Land and Water Conservation and NSW Farmers Association;<br />
Bushcare regional planning funded by Natural Heritage Trust;<br />
Comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) reserve system planning;<br />
Local and Regional Environmental Plans under the Environmental Planning and<br />
Assessment Act, 1979; and<br />
Recovery Planning for threatened species and endangered ecological communities and<br />
Threat Abatement Planning under the TSC Act.<br />
The DRP is dominated by water driven, and water derived habitats and environments. One of<br />
the major requirements in planning for the conservation of this landscape is to assess the<br />
abiotic and biotic factors that drive the ecosystem function of the bioregion. Conservation<br />
criteria are required to identify conservation values across the bioregion and integrated<br />
planning should include modelling of the climatic influences and an analysis of the issues<br />
affecting river health within the bioregion.<br />
At this stage less than one percent of the DRP bioregion is managed as conservation reserve<br />
(Pressey et al. 2000), with 0.89% as National Parks or Nature Reserves. The existing reserves<br />
are unrepresentative of the range of physical and ecological characteristics of the bioregion<br />
(Thackway & Cresswell 1995). Most of the defined landscapes within the DRP are not within<br />
reserves, and those within the eastern portion of the DRP have no potential for reservation,<br />
because there are no large areas of native vegetation remaining. Areas along the Macquarie<br />
River have intermediate levels of reservation and landscapes in the western division have<br />
been classified as having a lower priority for immediate conservation action (Table 8.1,<br />
Pressey et al. 2000). Some key areas which are appropriate for inclusion in a integrated<br />
landscape conservation network were defined by Morgan and Terry (1992) using a range of<br />
factors including size, diversity, shape, level of disturbance, integrity of catchments,<br />
adjoining land uses and, for the western division, property boundaries.<br />
Table 8.1 Reservation status of major regional ecosystems in the DRP<br />
(adapted from Morgan & Terry 1992)<br />
Province No. major regional Reservation Status*<br />
ecosystems Adequate Inadequate Nil<br />
Bogan-Macquarie 3 1 1 1<br />
Castlereagh-Barwon 3 1 2<br />
Culgoa-Bokhara 3 3<br />
Warrambool-Moonie 3 3<br />
Narran-Lightning Ridge 3 1 2<br />
Collarenebri Interfluve 1 1<br />
Louth Plains 2 2<br />
Wilcannia Plains 3 3<br />
Menindee 4 2 1 1<br />
NB: These figures do not include the additions to the NPWS estate of Culgoa National Park (Culgoa – Bokhara Province), Tillpilly station<br />
(Wilcannia Plains Province) and Mount Murchison (Wilcannia Plains Province)<br />
KEY<br />
* Number of ecosystems having the following reservation status:<br />
Adequate – protected in large reserve, or in several smaller reserves<br />
Inadequate – protected only in small and isolated reserves, or a small occurrence in a larger reserve<br />
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Assessment Phase<br />
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Indicative Timeframes<br />
1-2 years<br />
1-2 years<br />
(DRP is at this stage)<br />
Nil - Not protected to any extent<br />
Selection of most<br />
appropriate / applicable<br />
existing datasets for<br />
conservation assessment<br />
Assessment of relative<br />
conservation values of<br />
the bioregion<br />
Data audit - review existing data<br />
sets and mapping regarding<br />
applicability for conservation<br />
assessment<br />
Production of new<br />
bioregion-wide<br />
mapping<br />
Compilation of final mapping<br />
and datasets suitable for<br />
conservation assessment<br />
Assessment of current, past<br />
and potential threatening<br />
processes and their affects<br />
Identification of the conservation status of<br />
landscapes / areas / biodiversity within the<br />
bioregion and management required<br />
Sub-division of the bioregion into<br />
management units eg remnant habitats,<br />
corridors, wetlands, provinces<br />
Identification of potential conservation<br />
outcomes and management requirements<br />
for each management unit<br />
Figure 8.1. Bioregional conservation assessment framework<br />
Data collection -<br />
eg flora and fauna<br />
surveys, vegetation<br />
mapping, cultural<br />
heritage<br />
assessment, and<br />
further abiotic data<br />
collection<br />
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8.2 FORMAL RESERVES AND OTHER CROWN LANDS<br />
8.2.1 National Parks and Nature Reserves<br />
Eight conservation reserves and two recently acquired properties managed by the New South<br />
Wales NPWS are within or partially within the DRP (Map 4). These reserves cover an<br />
estimated area of 82 357ha, or 0.89% of the total land area of the bioregion.<br />
Culgoa National Park<br />
Culgoa NP (NPWS 2001b) is located 40 km west of Goodooga in northern NSW and adjacent<br />
to the Queensland border. The reserve was created in 1996, with additions in 1998, and<br />
covers an area of 22 430 ha along the Culgoa River and associated floodplains. The reserve is<br />
made up of the former pastoral leases of Byerawering, Cawwell and Burban Grange.. The 42<br />
800 ha Culgoa Floodplain NP in Queensland joins the north western boundary of Culgoa NP<br />
creating a nationally significant park system.<br />
The significance of Culgoa National Park is described in the draft plan of management<br />
(NPWS 2001b). The park includes one of the least disturbed floodplains in New South Wales<br />
and it also incorporates regionally and nationally significant vegetation and faunal<br />
communities. The vegetation communities present are otherwise poorly represented or<br />
unrepresented within the current reserve system. The Culgoa floodplain also contains the core<br />
of the largest and least disturbed area of continuous Coolabah (Eucalyptus coolabah)<br />
woodland remaining in NSW. It contains a diverse fauna, with 19% of species present being<br />
of regional or national conservation significance.<br />
The soils of Culgoa River floodplain are dominated by grey cracking clays, interspersed with<br />
sandy soils and non-cracking clays associated with rises and claypans. In the western section<br />
of the reserve, boulders of silicified sandstone and conglomerate combined with red and<br />
brown silt and sand form a type of gibber plain which is more widespread outside of the<br />
reserve.<br />
Vegetation communities in Culgoa NP include:<br />
Riverine communities - Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Melaleuca trichostachya (river<br />
paperbark) line the river channel, with Acacia stenophylla, Eremophila bignoniiflora,<br />
Paspalidium jubiflorum and Cyperus concinnus in the shrub and understorey layers.<br />
Floodplain communities - Forests and woodlands near the Culgoa River are dominated by<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah, with an understorey of grasses, sedges or Muehlenbeckia florulenta.<br />
Woodland on grey cracking clays and red-brown soils - In the western sections of the<br />
reserve woodland of Eucalyptus coolabah, Acacia harpophylla and Acacia cambagei with an<br />
understorey of chenopods including Atriplex nummularia, Atriplex vesicaria and Enchylaena<br />
tomentosa.<br />
Woodland on low, sandy rises - Low sandy rises support mixed woodland of Eucalyptus<br />
coolabah, Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil, Acacia cambagei and Acacia harpophylla.<br />
Common shrubs and understorey plants include Atalaya hemiglauca, Alectryon oleifolius,<br />
Myoporum montanum and Apophyllum anomalum.<br />
Shrubland on red and white sand deposits - This community consists of Acacia<br />
murrayana, Callitris glaucophylla, Santalum lanceolatum (sandalwood), Ventilago viminalis,<br />
Canthium oleifolius, Geijera parviflora, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia (narrowleaved<br />
hopbush) and Pimelea penicillaris (sandhill rice-flower).<br />
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Grasslands - To the east of the Culgoa River grasslands of Agrostis avenacea and Eragrostis<br />
setifolia occur with scattered Muehlenbeckia florulenta. On scalded or sandy rises daisies and<br />
chenopods become more common.<br />
Kinchega National Park<br />
This National Park covers an area of 44 182 ha and is 113 km south east of Broken Hill. The<br />
majority of this reserve occurs within the DRP with a small portion extending into the Broken<br />
Hill Complex bioregion. The park was established in 1967 with the acquisition of Western<br />
Lands leases within Kars and Kinchega stations. Prior to acquisition, the area had been grazed<br />
for more than 100 years (NPWS 1996).<br />
Kinchega National Park is the only national park in New South Wales on the Darling River,<br />
and includes Lake Menindee and Lake Cawndilla, two of the largest lakes of the Menindee<br />
Lakes Storage Scheme. These lakes provide important habitat for regionally significant<br />
waterbird species. The National Park also includes several land units of the lower Darling<br />
River including areas of floodplain, overflow lakes and channels, lunettes, sandplains and<br />
sand dunes. The alluvial habitats have been superimposed on extensive areas of red sandplain.<br />
In this area of increasing agricultural development along the lower Darling River, the Park<br />
protects a nucleus of viable ecological communities.<br />
The natural overflow depressions of Lake Menindee and Lake Cawndilla are managed by the<br />
Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC) which retains the right to fill and<br />
empty the lakes as part of its water management operations. The lakebeds are held as a<br />
permissive occupancy by the New South Wales NPWS from DLWC and are managed as part<br />
of the park.<br />
A large number of Aboriginal sites exist in the Park. Most are less than 5 000 years old and<br />
show a changing pattern of occupation as the Willandra Lakes system dried out and<br />
Aboriginal people moved into wetter areas near the lower Darling River. Sites include<br />
burials, campsites, middens, cooking pits, stone artefacts and scarred trees. A number of<br />
significant fossil animal remains have been found in the lunettes adjacent to the lakes.<br />
Kinchega Station was one of the earliest European settlements along the Darling River. The<br />
woolshed was built from local timbers in 1872 and has been restored.<br />
Vegetation communities include:<br />
Eucalyptus camaldulensis open forest - along the Darling River and major channels on<br />
heavy-textured cracking clay;<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens open woodland - on flat, black soil floodplains extending away from<br />
the river, with Eucalyptus coolabah on billabong banks;<br />
Lake foreshore - dominated by Morgania glabra (blue rod) and Zygochloa paradoxa<br />
(sandhill canegrass);<br />
Red sand-dune shrubland - Casuarina cristata, Alectryon oleifolius, Acacia sp. and D.<br />
attenuata are dominant on the dune crests, with Acacia victoriae, Acacia loderi, Hakea<br />
leucoptera (needlewood) and Maireana pyramidata on the sandplains<br />
Maireana pyramidata / Zygochloa paradoxa lunettes - on sand and clay dunes on the lake<br />
margins.<br />
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Boronga Nature Reserve<br />
This Reserve covers 195 ha and is located 16 km east of Boomi. Boronga State Forest was<br />
dedicated in 1920 and used for grazing and timber extraction until the dedication of the nature<br />
reserve in 1976. Cropping, grazing and cotton production properties surround the reserve.<br />
Soils of the reserve range from dark clay floodplain soils to deep sand ridges (Hunt 1993a).<br />
Boronga Nature Reserve contains a carbeen open forest community, which is listed as an<br />
endangered ecological community under the TSC Act. This community is only reserved in the<br />
three small areas of Boronga, Boomi and Boomi West Nature Reserves. The surrounding area<br />
have been extensively modified for agricultural production.<br />
Vegetation communities in the reserve are:<br />
Callitris glaucophylla woodland - mature and regrowth Callitris glaucophylla with scattered<br />
Corymbia tessellaris and grassy understorey on sandy soils;<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodland - clay soils support Eucalyptus populnea<br />
subsp. bimbil woodland with scattered Eucalyptus melanophloia and a shrub layer of Geijera<br />
parviflora and Eremophila mitchellii;<br />
Casuarina cristata woodland - on seasonally waterlogged clay soil areas, with no shrub<br />
understorey and few grasses;<br />
Corymbia tessellaris woodland - Corymbia tessellaris with Eucalyptus populnea subsp.<br />
bimbil and Callitris glaucophylla, understorey of Geijera parviflora, Eremophila mitchellii<br />
and Corymbia dolichocarpa on sandy soils;<br />
Casuarina cristata / Eremophila mitchellii shrubland - on clay soils;<br />
Corymbia tessellaris / Corymbia dolichocarpa woodland - on sandy soils with Callitris<br />
glaucophylla;<br />
Cleared grassland – on sandy soils;<br />
Corymbia tessellaris / Callitris glaucophylla woodland - woodland on sandy soils with a<br />
grassy understorey, sometimes mixed with Eucalyptus blakelyi.<br />
Boomi and Boomi West Nature Reserves<br />
Boomi Nature Reserve covers 156 ha and is located 2 km east of Boomi and 17 km south of<br />
the Macintyre River. Boomi West Nature Reserve covers 149 ha and is located 6.5 km west<br />
of Boomi and 17 km south of the Macintyre River (Butler 1996).<br />
These reserves contain carbeen open forest community, which is a listed endangered<br />
ecological community under the TSC Act. This community is only reserved in one other small<br />
area within Boronga Nature Reserve. Aboriginal scarred trees exist on the reserve and the<br />
wetland area provides habitat for a variety of waterbirds.<br />
Vegetation communities include:<br />
Native grassland - dominated in Boomi by Chloris truncata (windmill grass) and Aristida<br />
jerichoensis (No. 9 wiregrass) with emergent Acacia salicina, Geijera parviflora, Acacia<br />
excelsa and Atalaya hemiglauca; in Boomi West contains Panicum sp. (hairy panic),<br />
Bothriochloa macra (red grass), Setaria geniculata (pale pigeon grass) and a number of weed<br />
species;<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodland - shrub species include Eremophila mitchellii,<br />
Casuarina cristata and Geijera parviflora, and the groundcover Bassia birchii (galvanised<br />
burr), Themeda australis (kangaroo grass) and Bassia divaricata (pale poverty bush);<br />
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Callitris glaucophylla forest - associated species Corymbia tessellaris, Eucalyptus populnea<br />
subsp. bimbil and Eucalyptus coolabah. The understorey contains Paspalidium jubiflorum;<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah / Casuarina cristata woodland - in Boomi West with an understorey<br />
containing Paspalidium jubiflorum.<br />
Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve<br />
The Macquarie Marshes Crown Land was first declared a game reserve in 1900 and then<br />
declared a sanctuary (Birds and Animals Protection Act 1918-1930 and Fauna Protection Act<br />
1980). The reserve covers an area of 18 143 hectares and is divided into two sections: the<br />
Northern Marsh and Southern Marsh. The importance of the Marshes has been recognised by<br />
its inclusion in several agreements and registers including the Ramsar Convention, JAMBA<br />
and CAMBA. The plant communities in this reserve are described in Section 3.3.4.<br />
The Macquarie Marshes Nature Reserve protects part of the internationally important<br />
Macquarie Marshes, one of the largest remaining inland semi-permanent wetlands in south<br />
eastern Australia. The Marshes contain the largest area of reeds (Phragmites sp.) in south<br />
eastern Australia. The Nature Reserve includes significant stands of river red gum<br />
(Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and coolibah (E. coolabah). They are important to nine migratory<br />
bird species listed in the Japan-Australia and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreements and<br />
eighteen endangered bird species. The Marshes are also a refuge for many native animals and<br />
are the western limit of the known distribution of Gould’s long eared bat (Nyctophilus<br />
gouldii) in NSW.<br />
A range of significant Aboriginal sites including oven mounds, surface campsites, scarred<br />
trees and artefacts exist within the Nature Reserve.<br />
Narran Lake Nature Reserve<br />
Narran Lake Nature Reserve is located between Brewarrina and Walgett in northern New<br />
South Wales and includes part of the terminal wetlands of the Narran River. The 5 538 ha<br />
reserve was dedicated in 1988 and an additional 3 547 ha adjoining the reserve is owned by<br />
the NPWS and managed as part of the reserve. The reserve covers the north-eastern third of<br />
the Narran Lake wetland system and does not include Narran Lake itself (NPWS 2000a).<br />
This Reserve is listed on the national estate and recognised as a wetland of international<br />
importance under the Ramsar convention. Approximately half of the nature reserve consists<br />
of wetlands subject to inundation by the Narran River, including two small lakes, Back and<br />
Clear Lakes, and extensive surrounding channelised wetlands. Aeolian lunettes and sandy<br />
levees border the wetlands. The other half of the reserve has gently undulating sandy and<br />
rocky ridges with several semi-saline playa lakes and drainage depressions.<br />
Aboriginal camp sites are present around the lake and the area also contains oven mounds and<br />
shell middens, scatters of stone artefacts associated with clay ground ovens and several small<br />
silcrete quarries on the colluvial ridge system.<br />
There are six dominant vegetation communities:<br />
Muehlenbeckia florulenta thickets - dense shrublands in the littoral zone of Clear and Back<br />
Lake; small areas of Phragmites australis between the lignum and sedges, ephemeral herbs<br />
and grasses grow on playa lakes and the main lake beds after floodwaters recede.<br />
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Riparian open forest - Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus coolabah, Eucalyptus<br />
largiflorens and Acacia stenophylla fringe the river and wetland channels, Acacia stenophylla<br />
extends into lignum shrublands;<br />
Chenopod low open scrub and ephemeral herbfield - chenopods such as Sclerolaena<br />
diacantha and Sclerolaena decurrens and grasses grow on sandy lakeshore and dune areas;<br />
Mixed low woodlands - woodland of Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil, Callitris<br />
glaucophylla and a variety of tall shrubs grows on sandy ridge country;<br />
Acacia aneura low woodland - rocky areas support small stands of Acacia aneura;<br />
Spinifex hummock grassland and low woodlands - Small areas of woodland of Eucalyptus<br />
melanophloia, Brachychiton populneum and Angophora melanoxylon (coolibah apple) grow<br />
in association with Triodia mitchellii (spinifex).<br />
Midkin Nature Reserve<br />
This 360 ha reserve is located approximately 16 km north-west of Moree. It was formerly a<br />
State Forest (established in 1921) and was subject to timber harvesting and grazing until the<br />
dedication of the nature reserve in 1976. Land surrounding the reserve is used for cropping,<br />
grazing and cotton production. Black clays, sands and gravel form the soils of the reserve<br />
(Hunt 1993b).<br />
Vegetation communities in the reserve, in addition to cleared grassland, are:<br />
Eucalyptus coolabah open woodland - woodland with various grasses restricted to a small<br />
patch on the edge of the reserve;<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil woodland - contains stands of Callitris glaucophylla,<br />
and the understorey species Eremophila mitchellii, Geijera parviflora and Capparis<br />
mitchellii;<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil / Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland - located in the<br />
centre of the reserve with Callitris glaucophylla regrowth and grassy understorey.<br />
Tilpilly additions<br />
In 2000 the New South Wales NPWS acquired the former Tilpilly Station, south east of Tilpa<br />
and north-east of Wilcannia. Most of the property lies within the Cobar Peneplain bioregion<br />
but a small section around Lake Tilpilly is within the DRP. The property has been grazed and<br />
some of the land has been cleared of woody vegetation. The area is identified as distinct<br />
within the Murray-Darling Depression.<br />
Within the landscape there is a closed drainage depression (Coonavitra Lake) surrounded by<br />
Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil (bimble box) and Eucalyptus largiflorens (black box).<br />
Tillpilly Station is likely to provide an ideal habitat for many of the JAMBA and CAMBA<br />
bird species. The area on the Darling Riverine Plains provides a large overflow lake (Tilpilly<br />
Lake). These Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum) and Chenopodium spp. (goosefoot) areas<br />
would provide ideal breeding habitat for many duck species while the flooded grasslands<br />
would attract, among others, swans and grebes. These wetlands are set in a grassy open<br />
woodlands context. The woodlands contain a variety of trees including Casuarina sp.<br />
(belah), Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine), Alectryon oleifolius (rosewood), Acacia<br />
aneura (mulga) and shrubs including Eremophila sturtii (turpentine), Dodonaea sp.<br />
(hopbush), Senna spp. (cassia), Eremophila longifolia (emu bush) and are the dominant<br />
vegetation type of the Northern Dunefields area.<br />
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Mount Murchison<br />
In September 2001 the NPWS acquired the former Mount Murchison property, north-east of<br />
Wilcannia. Mount Murchison consists of the riverine corridor and floodplains of the Darling<br />
River and Darling Riverine Plains Bioregion, extending north into undulating country<br />
associated with the Mulga Lands Bioregion. The property includes 57 km of Darling River<br />
frontage. During heavy rain and flooding, there is a series of lakes, swamps and channels on<br />
the floodplain adjoining the Darling River that fill with water. Jamiesons Billabong in the<br />
south-eastern portion of the property is five kilometres long when full and can hold water for<br />
more than 12 months. The western portion of Mount Murchison also contains part of the<br />
Paroo Overflow, with the confluence of the Paroo River and the Darling River occurring just<br />
west of the property (NPWS 2001d).<br />
Mount Murchison provides habitat for a number of species listed under the TSC Act,<br />
including Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis), blue-billed duck (Oxyura australis), squaretailed<br />
kite (Lophoictinia isura), black-breasted buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon), redtailed<br />
black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii), Major Mitchell's cockatoo (Cacatua<br />
leadbeateri), Chalinolobus picatus (little pied bat), and Grevillea nematophylla (silver-leaved<br />
water tree) (NPWS 2001d).<br />
The main vegetation types on Mount Murchison include Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red<br />
gum) open forest as a riparian strip along the Darling River, Eucalyptus coolabah (coolibah)<br />
open woodland on the Darling River floodplains, with Maireana pyramidata (black bluebush)<br />
and E. largiflorens (black box) low open shrubland on the adjoining hummocky sandplains.<br />
Off the floodplain, Casuarina pauper (belah) and Flindersia maculosa (leopardwood) tall<br />
open shrubland occurs on level sandplains, while an extensive herbland dominated by<br />
Eragrostis australasica (cane grass) and Muehlenbeckia florulenta (lignum) occurs on the<br />
undulating sandplain of McIntyres Plain at the northern end of the property. In general, the<br />
vegetation on Mount Murchison has been lightly grazed and is in excellent condition (NPWS<br />
2001d).<br />
8.2.2 Other Crown lands Managed For Conservation<br />
Other Crown lands, including Crown reserves, travelling stock reserves, state forests and<br />
leasehold lands, contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Land area covered by these<br />
leases is indicated in section 1.3.3. Management practices carried out on each of these types<br />
of lands may differ across the bioregion and many of these areas have significant<br />
conservation values because the native vegetation has been retained and there has been<br />
minimal degradation.<br />
Sandgate Flora Reserve<br />
Sandgate Flora Reserve was gazetted in 1977 and is located within the Sandgate State Forest.<br />
The reserve covers 16 ha of Callitris glaucophylla (white cypress pine) – Eucalyptus blakelyi<br />
(Blakely’s red gum) forest. Mining is excluded in the reserve (Forestry Commission of NSW<br />
1989).<br />
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State Forests<br />
State forests within the DRP where threatened species have been recorded are listed in Table<br />
8.2.<br />
Table 8.2 Threatened fauna recorded within State forests of the DRP<br />
Common name Scientific name State Forest<br />
bush stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius Bourbah SF, Narraway SF<br />
barking owl Ninox connivens Bourbah SF, Narraway SF, Sandgate SF, Tallegar<br />
SF<br />
speckled warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus Gilgandra SF<br />
superb parrot Polytelis swainsonii Mellerstain SF, Sandgate SF<br />
glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Narraway SF<br />
little pied bat Chalinolobus picatus Narraway SF<br />
yellow-bellied sheathtail bat Saccolaimus flaviventris Narraway SF<br />
koala Phascolarctos cinereus Pilliga West SF<br />
diamond firetail Stagonopleura guttata Sandgate SF, Tailby SF<br />
The dominant vegetation types within State forests of the DRP are listed in Table 8.3.<br />
Table 8.3 Dominant vegetation types within State forests of the DRP<br />
(Forestry Commission of NSW 1984; 1986; 1988)<br />
Vegetation type State forests<br />
bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil) Berida SF, Bourbah SF, Sandgate SF, Tailby SF<br />
bimble box – belah (Casuarina cristata) Bourbah SF<br />
bimble box – white cypress pine (Callitris Berida SF, Bourbah SF, Gilgandra SF, Narraway SF, Pilliga<br />
columellaris)<br />
West SF, Sandgate SF, Tailby SF, Tallegar SF, Warrie SF<br />
bimble box – white cypress pine – forest oak<br />
(Allocasuarina luehmannii)<br />
Merrinele SF<br />
fuzzy box (E. conica) Eringanerin SF<br />
Blakely’s red gum (E. blakelyi) – rough barked apple Berida SF, Eringanerin SF<br />
(Angophora floribunda) – white cypress pine<br />
Blakely’s red gum – white cypress pine Bourbah SF, Eringanerin SF, Gilgandra SF, Merri Merri SF,<br />
Narraway SF, Sandgate SF, Tailby SF, Tallegar SF, Warrie SF<br />
Blakely’s red gum Bourbah SF<br />
white cypress pine – bimble box Bourbah SF, Pilliga West SF, Sandgate SF, Tailby SF,<br />
Tallegar SF, Warrie SF<br />
white cypress pine – fuzzy box Gilgandra SF<br />
white cypress pine – narrowleaf ironbark (E. crebra)<br />
– forest oak<br />
Pilliga West SF<br />
white cypress pine – narrowleaf ironbark – Blakely’s<br />
red gum<br />
Pilliga West SF<br />
white cypress pine – Blakely’s red gum – roughbark Berida SF, Eringanerin SF<br />
apple<br />
white cypress pine – bimble box – forest oak Merrinele SF<br />
white cypress pine – Blakely’s red gum Bourbah SF, Eringanerin SF, Gilgandra SF, Merri Merri SF,<br />
Narraway SF, Sandgate SF, Tailby SF, Tallegar SF, Warrie SF<br />
white cypress pine – Blakely’s red gum – narrowleaf<br />
ironbark<br />
Pilliga West SF<br />
white cypress pine – forest oak Merrinele SF<br />
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8.3 OFF-RESERVE CONSERVATION<br />
8.3.1 Voluntary Conservation Agreements<br />
Voluntary conservation agreements (VCAs) are permanent arrangements between<br />
landholders and the Minister for the Environment of New South Wales regarding the use and<br />
management of the specified land. The National Parks and Wildlife Service administers these<br />
agreements. Conditions regarding agricultural use of the land vary. One VCA currently exists<br />
within the DRP and covers approximately 19 hectares.<br />
8.3.2 Wildlife Refuges<br />
Wildlife Refuges are a voluntary agreement between a landholder and the NPWS. Wildlife<br />
Refuges provide legal protection for the native plants and animals on the property. Wildlife<br />
Refuges can be entered into for the following purposes:<br />
conserving, preserving, propagating, and studying native plant and animals;<br />
conserving and studying natural environments; or<br />
creating simulated natural environments.<br />
Forty-eight Wildlife Refuges have been gazetted in the DRP, covering approximately 550 000<br />
ha (Table 8.4).<br />
Table 8.4 Wildlife Refuges within the DRP<br />
NPWS Area Approximate total area Number of Wildlife<br />
(ha)<br />
Refuges<br />
Broken Hill 232 000 11<br />
Cobar 169 000 7<br />
Coonabarabran 64 000 10<br />
Narrabri 87300 20<br />
Forest Management Zones<br />
Forest Management Zones (FMZs) are a classification system used by State Forest of NSW to<br />
classify areas of their estate in terms of intended management. This classification system is<br />
based on the “Nationally Agreed Criteria for the Establishment of a Comprehensive,<br />
Adequate and Representative Reserve System for Forests in Australia” (JANIS 1997). FMZs<br />
1-4 afford varying degrees of protection for natural and cultural values. FMZs 1-4, their<br />
management guidelines and relation to JANIS criteria are outlined in Table 8.5 below. FMZ<br />
classification is not yet finalised for the DRP.<br />
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(SFNSW 1999)<br />
FMZ category JANIS<br />
Zone 1 –<br />
special<br />
protection<br />
Zone 2 –<br />
special<br />
management<br />
Zone 3a –<br />
harvesting<br />
exclusions<br />
Zone 3b –<br />
special<br />
prescription<br />
Zone 4 –<br />
general<br />
management<br />
Table 8.5 Forest Management Zones<br />
Management objectives Size and boundaries Activities not<br />
criterion<br />
permitted<br />
dedicated management to 40ha or greater preferred any activity no<br />
formal maximise protection of boundaries to be based on permitted by a<br />
reserves very high natural and topographic features in working plan<br />
cultural conservation combination with major<br />
values<br />
cadastral boundaries<br />
informal specific management and 40ha or greater preferred any operation<br />
reserves protection of natural and boundaries to be based on prohibited by<br />
cultural conservation topographic features in the Minister<br />
values<br />
combination with major<br />
values management for <br />
cadastral boundaries<br />
minimum size is size required case by case<br />
protected by conservation of identified for the protection of value and assessment<br />
prescription values and/or forest facilitation of other dependent on<br />
ecosystems and their management activity<br />
specific<br />
natural processes boundaries to be based on special value<br />
topographic features in involved<br />
combination with major<br />
values management for <br />
cadastral boundaries<br />
minimum size is size required case by case<br />
protected by conservation of identified for the protection of value and assessment<br />
prescription values and/or forest facilitation of other dependent on<br />
ecosystems and their management activity<br />
specific<br />
natural processes boundaries to be based on special value<br />
topographic features in involved<br />
combination with major<br />
cadastral boundaries<br />
contributes management for native size based on harvesting none<br />
to JANIS timber production and practicalities – dependant of<br />
criteria conservation of broad local conditions<br />
values area habitat and boundaries based on<br />
protected by<br />
prescription<br />
environmental values<br />
surrounding FMZs<br />
8.3.3 Catchment Blueprints<br />
Catchment blueprints are 10 year plans produced by Catchment Management Boards.<br />
Catchment blueprints provide directions for natural resource activities and investment within<br />
each catchment. The purpose of catchment blueprints is to set targets for improved land<br />
management across all catchments. They will provide “focus and direction to individual and<br />
community initiatives, help coordinate government investment, such as extension work and<br />
grant funding, and contribute to the implementation of legislation such as the Native<br />
Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 and the Water Management Act, 2000” (DLWC 2001b).<br />
Draft catchment blueprints have been prepared for all Catchment Management Boards within<br />
the DRP.<br />
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8.3.4 Water Management Plans<br />
Water management committees, which include River Management Committees, have the<br />
responsibility of developing river flow regulations. Jurisdictions of water management<br />
committees vary, as some deal with regulated rivers and others deal with unregulated rivers<br />
and groundwater. Interim river flow objectives have been developed for all catchments within<br />
the DRP and river management committees use these objectives in preparing the flow<br />
regulations for their management plans (EPA 2000). Environmental flows aim to restore, to<br />
some degree, natural flows within each catchment.<br />
River flow regulations differ from catchment to catchment and include various combinations<br />
of the following criteria (EPA 2000):<br />
“off-allocation access rules - restrictions on extraction of naturally occurring high<br />
flows;<br />
transparent dam rules - releases from water storages are matched to inflows (usually<br />
confined to relatively small inflows);<br />
translucent dam rules - a percentage of inflows to the dam must be released (usually<br />
confined to periods outside the irrigation season);<br />
contingency allowances - a bank of water reserved in the dam and released for specific<br />
environmental purposes (such as flushing algal blooms or providing water to complete<br />
fish or waterbird breeding);<br />
end of system flows - releases to ensure that the river provides water for downstream<br />
waterways (beyond the end of the river); and<br />
diversion thresholds - these require extractions to be reduced or to cease when flows<br />
are below a defined level.”<br />
River Management Committees for all major regulated rivers and the Barwon-Darling River<br />
developed flow rules in 1999 for 1999-2000 (EPA 2000) (Table 8.6).<br />
Table 8.6 River flow rules and implementation status within the DRP<br />
(EPA 2000)<br />
Drainage region River flow rule type Implementation status<br />
Border rivers (Regulated) Low-flow protection (Severn River) Operating since 1999; rules for<br />
other regulated sections are being<br />
Gwydir (Regulated) Protect low flows; off-allocation<br />
access rules; provision of water for<br />
environmental contingencies<br />
Namoi (Regulated) Off-allocation limits; retain low-flow<br />
requirements; off-allocation access<br />
rules<br />
Macquarie (Regulated) Maximum annual stock and<br />
domestic flows; off-allocation limits;<br />
provision of water for environmental<br />
contingencies<br />
negotiated with Queensland<br />
Operating since 1995<br />
Operating since 1998<br />
Water for Macquarie Marshes<br />
supplied since 1986<br />
Barwon-Darling (Unregulated) Protect low flows Being implemented in 2000<br />
Namoi, Castlereagh, Macquarie, Interim extraction limits Being developed<br />
Bogan, Condamine-Culgoa,<br />
Warrego, Paroo, (all Unregulated)<br />
Border rivers, Gwydir (all Protect low flows Being developed<br />
Unregulated)<br />
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Groundwater management plans (GMPs) are being developed for areas of significant<br />
groundwater use or where groundwater resources require protection. The preparation of<br />
GMPs for specific areas and aquifers has been prioritised based on a risk assessment<br />
undertaken by DLWC, and is being managed by the Great Artesian Basin, Gwydir,<br />
Macquarie, and Namoi groundwater management committees within the DRP (EPA 2000).<br />
RMCs within the DRP are required to produce water sharing plans (Table 8.7). These plans<br />
are designed to establish environmental water rules, requirements for basic landholder rights,<br />
requirements for water extraction under access licences, and bulk access regimes for<br />
extraction licences (which determines how much water will be available for extraction by<br />
licensed water users) (DLWC 2001a).<br />
(DLWC 2001a)<br />
Water management<br />
area<br />
Central West<br />
Gwydir<br />
Table 8.7 Water sharing plans being prepared within the DRP<br />
Water management committee (MC) Type of water source Water source for which a water<br />
sharing plan is being prepared<br />
Macquarie Cudgegong River MC Regulated river Macquarie- Cudgegong Rivers<br />
Central West Unregulated Streams MC Subcatchment Castlereagh River above<br />
Binnaway<br />
Macquarie Groundwater MC Groundwater Lower Macquarie aquifer<br />
Gwydir River (Regulated) River MC Regulated river Gwydir River<br />
Gwydir Unregulated River MC Subcatchment Upper Horton River, Lower<br />
Horton River, Cobbodah Creek,<br />
Rocky Creek<br />
Gwydir Groundwater MC Groundwater Gwydir aquifer<br />
Namoi<br />
Namoi Regulated River MC Regulated river Namoi River<br />
Namoi Unregulated River MC Subcatchment Phillips Creek, Mooki River,<br />
Quirindi Creek, Warrah Creek<br />
Namoi Groundwater MC Groundwater Upper Namoi aquifer, Lower<br />
Western, Border Great Artesian Basin Groundwater MC Groundwater<br />
Namoi aquifer<br />
Great Artesian Basin<br />
Rivers, Gwydir,<br />
Namoi, Central West<br />
8.3.5 Regional Vegetation Management Plans<br />
Regional Vegetation Committees (RVCs) are responsible for producing Regional Vegetation<br />
Management Plans. Through the RVCs these plans enable communities to develop their own<br />
localised plans which deal with the native vegetation issues most affecting their region, such<br />
as native vegetation conservation, viability of agricultural production, dryland salinity and the<br />
conservation of native species (NSW Govt. 1999). RVCs are governed by the NVC Act, 1997<br />
and are coordinated through DLWC.<br />
By November 2001, the Mid-Lachlan RVC was the only RVC within the DRP that had<br />
completed a Regional Vegetation Management Plan. All other RVC’s within the DRP have<br />
Regional Vegetation Management Plans in varying stages of development.<br />
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8.3.6 Salinity Management Plans<br />
The New South Wales Salinity Strategy (DLWC 2000) has established a series of targets<br />
aimed at reducing the effects of salinity in the state. A river-based end-of-valley salinity<br />
target program has been established to monitor overall salinity conditions. Six of these are<br />
located within the DRP. They are on the:<br />
Namoi River at Goangra;<br />
Macintyre River at Mungindi;<br />
Gwydir River near Collarenebri;<br />
Macquarie River at Carinda;<br />
Bogan River at Gongolgon; and<br />
Barwon-Darling River at Menindee.<br />
These end-of-valley salinity targets will measure the cumulative impact of past actions and<br />
the effects of future actions across each valley. Some of the management targets will include:<br />
no net loss of vegetation;<br />
revegetation of 20% of salt affected land;<br />
revegetation of 30% of recharge areas;<br />
introduction of deep rooted perennial pastures on 20% of pastures;<br />
development of and adherence to mid-catchment salinity targets to protect wetlands;<br />
changes in a variety of farming practices; and<br />
engineering solutions.<br />
A variety of pilot projects and government initiatives have been proposed and recommended<br />
as a part of the New South Wales salinity strategy.<br />
8.4 AREAS OF BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE<br />
8.4.1 Key areas<br />
Twenty key conservation areas and two corridors within the DRP were identified by Morgan<br />
and Terry (1992). Five of these are mainly located in adjoining bioregions but extend into the<br />
DRP. These areas cover 5 040 km 2 and are:<br />
Key area 1: Cowal State Forest (~ 500 ha) - the largest forested area remaining in the<br />
southern part of the Bogan-Macquarie province;<br />
Key area 2: A western extension of the northern section of the Macquarie Marshes Nature<br />
Reserve, containing Flindersia maculosa and Acacia pendula woodlands, in the Bogan-<br />
Macquarie province (350 km 2 );<br />
Key area 3: Overlapping the boundary of the Bogan-Macquarie and Castlereagh-Barwon<br />
provinces, incorporating wetlands on a tributary of the Castlereagh and Eucalyptus populnea<br />
subsp. bimbil ridge country (270 km 2 );<br />
Corridor: A major corridor along the Macquarie River downstream of Warren, connecting<br />
the Macquarie Marshes with Narran Lakes including the most reliable riverine environment<br />
in the sub-region;<br />
Key area 4: On the lower floodplain and channels of the Barwon River below Collarenebri,<br />
and including some higher areas of grey clays, in the Castlereagh-Barwon province (440<br />
km 2 );<br />
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Key area 5: In the Castlereagh-Barwon province near Thalaba Creek to the north west of<br />
Narrabri. The area consists of prior stream deposits and high-level floodplains of the upper<br />
alluvial fans (330 km 2 );<br />
Corridor: A corridor along Thalaba Creek, mainly following the stock route along the<br />
Millie-Merrywinebone Road, connecting key areas 4 and 5;<br />
Key area 6: An extension from the Narran Lakes area south to the Barwon River to sample<br />
the broad and complex flood plain of the Barwon in the Castlereagh-Barwon province<br />
(300km 2 );<br />
Key area 7: Based on the discontinuous band of State Forests on a low red rise in the south<br />
of the Castlereagh-Barwon province. Tallegar and Sandgate State Forests are the largest and<br />
least disturbed remnants and form part of a proposed corridor linking Warrie State Forest in<br />
the south-east to Narraway State Forest in the north-west (40 km 2 );<br />
Key area 8: Includes the major land systems within the Culgoa-Bokhara province, and<br />
connects with proposed key area 11 for the Narran Lakes area (160 km 2 );<br />
Key area 9: Contains land systems typical of the northern part of the Warrambool-Moonie<br />
province, and adjoins proposed key area 13 in the Collarenebri Interfluve province (140 km 2 );<br />
Key area 10: Adjoins the large Narran Lakes key area, and is representative of the southern<br />
part of the Warrambool-Moonie province (410 km 2 );<br />
Key area 11: A large and complex area within the Narran-Lightning Ridge province,<br />
including Narran Lake Nature Reserve. This would expand the Nature Reserve to include<br />
adjoining land systems and connect to key areas in adjacent provinces (1 380 km 2 );<br />
Key area 12: In the northern section of the Narran-Lightning Ridge province and containing<br />
a wetland and sandstone ridge (150 km 2 );<br />
Key area 13: The largest remaining example of intact natural vegetation in the Collarenebri<br />
Interfluve province, which is a restricted land unit in New South Wales (250 km 2 );<br />
Key area 14: Spans the Darling flood plain and contains representative examples of all<br />
provincial land systems in the Louth Plains province (550 km 2 );<br />
Key area 15: Spans the Darling flood plain and contains most of the land systems of the<br />
Wilcannia Plains province (330 km 2 );<br />
Key area 23: Extends over the Culgoa River to include river fringing and flood plain<br />
communities typical of the Culgoa-Bokhara province, and areas of the Warrego fan natural<br />
region (360 km 2 );<br />
Key area 40: Mostly located within the Darling Depression natural region, but contains areas<br />
representative of the overflow basins of the Wilcannia Plains province (240 km 2 );<br />
Key area 55: Straddles the border of the Castlereagh-Barwon province and the northern<br />
sandstones natural region (mainly in the latter), and contains areas of grey clay communities<br />
(160 km 2 );<br />
Key area 61: Extends from the Pilliga outwash natural region north west to the Namoi River,<br />
which is at the edge of the Castlereagh-Barwon province (220 km 2 );<br />
Key area 90: Mostly located within the Cobar Peneplain natural region, but extends into the<br />
Louth Plains province on ancestral alluvials (790 km 2 ).<br />
8.4.2 Refugia<br />
Refugia are defined by EPA (2000) as ‘areas which have escaped the great changes<br />
undergone by a region as a whole, providing conditions in which relic communities of plants<br />
and animals can survive’. The DRP contains three of the nationally significant biological<br />
refugia listed in Morton et al. (1995) for arid and semi-arid Australia. They are the Macquarie<br />
Marshes, Narran Lakes and the Darling and Talyawalka Anabranch Lakes (Figure 8.2).<br />
Morton et al. (1995) also identified the Paroo wetlands, most of which are located in the<br />
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adjoining Mulga Lands bioregion, as a nationally significant biological refugium. This<br />
analysis does not include the north eastern corner of the DRP which may contain significant<br />
refugia and requires analysis.<br />
The Macquarie Marshes provide drought refuge when other wetlands, especially inland<br />
wetlands, are dry. They provide habitat for a diverse reptile fauna that are aquatic or are<br />
strongly associated with water. Narran wetlands also provide important drought refuge for<br />
waterbirds when other inland wetlands are dry and support large nesting colonies of strawnecked<br />
ibis Threskiornis spinicollis and large concentrations of ducks when water levels<br />
recede. The third refuge area, the Talyawalka Anabranch of the Darling River and its<br />
distributary Teryawynia Creek, between Wilcannia and Menindee has large areas of<br />
Eucalyptus largiflorens (black box) and when inundated provides habitat for large numbers of<br />
waterbirds.<br />
Figure 8.2. Nationally significant biological refugia within the DRP<br />
(Morton et al. 1995)<br />
8.4.3 Centres of endemism<br />
The springs of the Great Artesian Basin contain unique and endemic biota and represent the<br />
only known centre of endemism within the DRP. This is discussed in Section 3.4. The fluvial<br />
landscape of the DRP has generally subtle biophysical changes with few unique and restricted<br />
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landscapes, such as unique lithologies or mountain ranges, that may result in the evolution of<br />
centres of endemism for flora or vertebrate fauna.<br />
8.4.4 Areas of high biodiversity<br />
The patchy distribution of biodiversity data and data collection in the DRP makes it<br />
impossible to assess accurately the levels of biodiversity across the entire DRP. Most<br />
assessments have taken place in core blocks of remnant vegetation in the east of the<br />
bioregion, and diverse areas in the west of the bioregion where clearing has not had a great<br />
impact on biodiversity. The Macquarie Marshes and Narran Lakes wetlands appear to<br />
represent areas of high biodiversity but there have been no comparative analyses enabling<br />
areas of high biodiversity within the DRP to be defined.<br />
8.5 WILDERNESS VALUES IN THE DRP(NSW)<br />
The Wilderness Act, 1987 defines wilderness as an area of land that:<br />
(a) with its plant and animal communities, is in a state that has not been substantially<br />
modified by humans and their works or is capable of being restored to such a state;<br />
(b) is of a sufficient size to make its maintenance in such a state feasible; and<br />
(c) is capable of providing opportunities for solitude and appropriate self-reliant recreation.<br />
As outlined in the Wilderness Act, 1987, wilderness areas are to be managed so as to:<br />
(a) restore (if applicable) and to protect the unmodified state of the area and its plant and<br />
animal communities;<br />
(b) preserve the capacity of the area to evolve in the absence of significant human<br />
interference; and<br />
(c) permit opportunities for solitude and appropriate self-reliant recreation.<br />
The National Wilderness Inventory uses four indicators of wilderness quality: remoteness<br />
from settlement; remoteness from access; aesthetic naturalness; and biophysical naturalness.<br />
Knight (1998) identified 14 areas in a study of the wilderness quality of the Western Division<br />
of New South Wales. None of these fell within the DRP. This assessment did not include the<br />
portion of the DRP bioregion east of the Western Division administrative boundary (Map 9).<br />
With the extensive modification of land that has occurred in the eastern portion of the DRP<br />
since European settlement there is limited opportunity for any of this area to satisfy the<br />
requirements of the Wilderness Act.<br />
8.6 SUMMARY AND PROPOSED FURTHER WORK<br />
8.6.1 Summary<br />
Less than one percent of the DRP is managed in conservation reserves and a variety of other<br />
off-reserve conservation procedures are in operation within this bioregion. At present, the<br />
lack of detailed information makes it difficult to identify specific areas of high biodiversity or<br />
centres of endemism in this bioregion. Three nationally significant biological refugia have<br />
been identified in the western portion of the bioregion but more areas may be important at the<br />
bioregional level.<br />
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Conservation assessment has been very limited in this bioregion but there have been 22 key<br />
areas identified as being important if the conservation gaps are to be filled. In the absence of<br />
detailed flora and fauna surveys and ecosystem mapping of the DRP, detailed analysis of the<br />
vegetation communities represented within the conservation reserves as a proportion of<br />
defined plant communities, and assessment of the Key areas should be carried out.<br />
8.6.2 Proposed further work<br />
Further work required in the DRP include the following:<br />
Evaluation of Water Management Plans, Catchment Management Plans and Regional<br />
Vegetation Management Plans to determine how the information contained in these<br />
documents can be used in a bioregional context;<br />
Implementation of a comprehensive and systematic conservation assessment of the DRP;<br />
Determination of the conservation values of the bioregion and each of its provinces using<br />
measures of diversity of land capability, vegetation communities, soils, species and<br />
habitats; and<br />
Preparation of a preliminary bioregional landscape framework with options for<br />
developing conservation management plans integrating conservation and production<br />
including:<br />
lists and descriptions of priority plant communities and priority conservation areas (e.g.<br />
largest remaining area of native vegetation, corridors, wetlands, rivers etc);<br />
identification of priority areas for restoration and regeneration;<br />
identification of other areas of regional significance such as aquifer recharge zones and<br />
priority catchments for management actions.<br />
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Sharley, T. & Huggan, C. (eds) 1994, Murray-Darling Basin Floodplain Wetlands<br />
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10 APPENDICES<br />
166
Appendix A: Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays for DRP<br />
(Bureau of Meteorology, 2001)<br />
mm<br />
45<br />
40<br />
35<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
30<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
Trangie Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
Bourke Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
raindays
mm<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Walgett Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
Mungindi Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
raindays
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
25<br />
20<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
Moree Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
Menindee Mean Monthly Rainfall and Raindays<br />
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec<br />
Month<br />
Mean Monthly Rainfall Mean Monthly Raindays<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0<br />
15<br />
10<br />
5<br />
0
Appendix B: Land Systems within the DRP<br />
(Walker 1991)<br />
Major<br />
Rangetype<br />
Northern<br />
Floodplains<br />
Southern<br />
Riverine<br />
Woodlands<br />
Mitchell Grass<br />
Plains<br />
E. populnea -<br />
Pine<br />
Belah and<br />
Bluebush<br />
Rangetype Physiography Land System Area<br />
intersecting<br />
DRP (ha)<br />
% Land<br />
System<br />
% DRP<br />
Scalded floodplains Playas and Basins Popelloe 14 883 66% 0.2%<br />
Alluvial plains Rugby 192 317 99% 2.1%<br />
Hermidon 158 645 97% 1.7%<br />
Rostella 150 674 99% 1.6%<br />
Dunoak 50 482 68% 0.5%<br />
Gingie 48 969 99% 0.5%<br />
Budda 37 878 98% 0.4%<br />
Geera 27 146 99% 0.3%<br />
Tatala 19 706 81% 0.2%<br />
Dumble 17 252 98% 0.2%<br />
Pendiana 14 638 49% 0.2%<br />
Lakes and swamps Playas and Basins Thackenbie 50 700 96% 0.5%<br />
Rotten Plain 48 448 99% 0.5%<br />
Narran 27 196 99% 0.3%<br />
Walkdens 16 449 13% 0.2%<br />
Cobham 26
Major<br />
Rangetype<br />
Rangetype Physiography Land System Area<br />
intersecting<br />
DRP (ha)<br />
Sandplains and<br />
dunefields with<br />
Casuarina cristata<br />
and Alectryon<br />
oleifolius<br />
% Land<br />
System<br />
% DRP<br />
Oulilla 2 008 2%
Major<br />
Rangetype<br />
Rangetype Physiography Land System Area<br />
intersecting<br />
DRP (ha)<br />
% Land<br />
System<br />
% DRP<br />
Ennisvale 1
Appendix C : Native Flora Other Than Those of Conservation Significance Recorded<br />
in the DRP<br />
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Isoetaceae Isoetes muelleri 5 MMVS(5)<br />
Ophioglossaceae Ophioglossum polyphyllum 2WLA<br />
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi 43 WLA(10), BBSPil(5), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
Moree(1), NLNRVS(12), NWB(10),<br />
BBSpil2(2), WFS(2)<br />
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes lasiophylla 3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes distans Bristly Cloak Fern 26 WLA(10), BBSPil(3), BBSSF(1),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(10)<br />
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia Rock Fern 24 WLA(12), MMVS(2), NWB(10)<br />
Aspleniaceae Pleurosorus rutifolius Blanket Fern 1 WLA<br />
Marsileaceae Marsilea hirsuta 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Marsileaceae Marsilea exarata 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Marsileaceae Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo 1478 WLA(1146), MMVS(121), Moree(85),<br />
NLNRVS(7), NWB(68), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(50)<br />
Marsileaceae Marsilea costulifera 5 WLA(2), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Azollaceae Azolla pinnata 1001 WLA(1000), MMVS(1)<br />
Azollaceae Azolla filiculoides 42 WLA (16), MMVS(15), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(6)<br />
Cupressaceae Callitris gracilis subsp. murrayensis Murray Pine 1 WLA<br />
Cupressaceae Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine 220 WLA(94), BBSPil(8), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), MMVS(5), NLNRVS(20),<br />
NWB(87), BBSpil2(2), WFS(2)<br />
Cupressaceae Callitris endlicheri Black Cypress Pine 3 WLA(1), NWB(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus undosus 80 WLA(8), MMVS(66), Moree(2),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sessiliflorus 1WLA<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sceleratus 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus pumilio 27 WLA(9), MMVS(14), NWB(1),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus pentandrus var<br />
pentandrus<br />
2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus pentandrus subsp.<br />
platycarpus<br />
10 WLA<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus lappaceus Common Buttercup 2 Moree(2)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus inundatus 12 WLA(6), NWB(6)<br />
Ranunculaceae Myosurus minimus var australis Mousetail 15 WLA(9), Wombeira(6)<br />
Ranunculaceae Clematis microphylla var microphylla Small-leaved<br />
Clematia<br />
2WLA<br />
Papaveraceae Papaver aculeatum Native Poppy 1 WLA<br />
Portulacaceae Portulaca oleracea Pigweed 269 WLA(61), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(115),<br />
Moree(61), NLNRVS(6), NWB(12),<br />
Namoi(3), WFS(10)<br />
Portulacaceae Portulaca filifolia 52 WLA(50), BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia volubilis 2WLA<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia pumila 2 WLA(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia ptychosperma 1WLA<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia eremaea 25 WLA(7), NLNRVS(15), NWB(3)<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia balonensis 13 WLA(2), NLNRVS(11)<br />
Portulacaceae Anacampseros australiana 2 WLA(1), MMVS(1)<br />
Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia repleta Tarvine 10 Moree(9), NLNRVS(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia dominii Tarvine 563 WLA(353), BBSPil(5), Brigfauna(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), MMVS(94), Moree(77),<br />
NLNRVS(3), NWB(7), Namoi(3),<br />
WFS(15), Wombeira(4)<br />
Aizoaceae Zaleya galericulata subsp.<br />
galericulata<br />
3WLA<br />
Aizoaceae Zaleya galericulata subsp. australis 36 WLA(2), MMVS(34)<br />
Aizoaceae Zaleya galericulata Hogweed 23 WLA<br />
Aizoaceae Trianthema triquetra 97 WLA(2), MMVS(91), NLNRVS(2),<br />
WFS(2)<br />
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonoides New Zealand<br />
Spinach<br />
115 WLA<br />
Aizoaceae Tetragonia moorei 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Aizoaceae Tetragonia eremaea 1WLA<br />
Aizoaceae Glinus lotoides 31 WLA(23), MMVS(6), NWB(2)<br />
Aizoaceae Disphyma crassifolium subsp.<br />
clavellatum<br />
2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena ventricosa 9WLA(8), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena tubata 1 Moree(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena tricuspis Giant Redburr 83 WLA(49), BrigOut(2), MMVS(12),<br />
Moree(4), NWB(14), Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena tetracuspis Brigalow Burr 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena stelligera 61 WLA(31), MMVS(12), Moree(10),<br />
NWB(7), WFS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena patenticuspis 23 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena parviflora 1WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena parallelicuspis 5 NLNRVS(5)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena obliquicuspis 20 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena muricata var villosa Black Rolypoly 95 WLA(7), Moree(85), NWB(2),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena muricata var semiglabra Black Rolypoly 44 WLA(2), Moree(41), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena muricata var muricata Black Rolypoly 118 WLA(50), Moree(68)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena muricata Black Rolypoly 512 WLA(183), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(140),<br />
NWB(152), Namoi(1), WFS(10),<br />
Wombeira(25)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena longicuspis 3 Moree(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena limbata 6 MMVS(1), Moree(4), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena lanicuspis Woolly Copperburr 6 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena intricata 19 WLA(18), Moree(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena glabra 2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena divaricata Tangled Copperburr 54 WLA(45), NLNRVS(1), NWB(5),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena diacantha Grey Copperburr 95 WLA(67), Brigfauna(1), NWB(16),<br />
WFS(6), Wombeira(5)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena decurrens 28 WLA(22), NLNRVS(4), NWB(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena cuneata 1NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena convexula 14 WLA(2), NLNRVS(12)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena calcarata Redburr 95 WLA(39), MMVS(26), Moree(12),<br />
NWB(12), WFS(5), Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena brachyptera 48 WLA(45), MMVS(1), NWB(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena birchii Galvinized Burr 372 WLA(155), BrigOut(1), MMVS(36),<br />
Moree(19), NLNRVS(11), NWB(137),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(7), Wombeira(5)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena bicornis var horrida Goathead Burr 60 WLA(29), NWB(29), Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena bicornis var bicornis Goathead Burr 24 WLA(5), Moree(7), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(7)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena bicornis Goathead Burr 77 WLA(28), BrigOut(2), MMVS(21),
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
NWB(21), WFS(5)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Sclerolaena anisacanthoides Yellow Burr 17 WLA(1), MMVS(8), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Scleroblitum atriplicinum Purple Goosefoot 20 WLA(14), MMVS(6)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Salsola tragus 308 WLA(140), Moree(28), NLNRVS(1),<br />
BBSPil(1), MMVS(86), NWB(47),<br />
WFS(3), Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Rhagodia spinescens 376 WLA(180), BrigOut(1), MMVS(20),<br />
Moree(9), NWB(162), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Osteocarpum dipterocarpum 3 WLA(1), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Osteocarpum acropterum var<br />
deminuta<br />
24 WLA(15), MMVS(8), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Osteocarpum acropterum 34 WLA(33), MMVS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Neobassia proceriflora Soda Bush 10 WLA(8), NLNRVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Malacocera tricornis Soft Horns 10 WLA(8), MMVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana tomentosa subsp. urceolata 1WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana sedifolia Pearl Bluebush 6 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana sclerolaenoides 3WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana pyramidata Black Bluebush 66 WLA(65), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana pentatropis 3WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana pentagona Hairy Bluebush 5 WLA(2), MMVS(1), NWB(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana microphylla 20 WLA(8), NWB(11), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana lobiflora 1WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana integra 2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana georgei 2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana enchylaenoides 4 WLA(1), MMVS(2), NWB(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana decalvans Black Cotton Bush 127 WLA(78), MMVS(15), Moree(6),<br />
NWB(28)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana coronata 27 WLA(15), MMVS(1), Moree(3),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(3), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana ciliata 6 MMVS(6)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana brevifolia 9 WLA(8), MMVS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana astrotricha Low Bluebush 2 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana appressa 8 WLA(6), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Maireana aphylla Cotton Bush 96 WLA(46), MMVS(3), Moree(6),<br />
NWB(40), Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Halosarcia pergranulata 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush 229 WLA(153), BBSPil(5), Brigfauna(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), MMVS(18), Moree(2),<br />
NWB(44), WFS(1), Wombeira(4)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos subsp. leiocarpa 4 Moree(4)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed 8 WLA(2), BBSPil(2), Moree(1),<br />
BBSpil2(1), Namoi(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia polygonoides 46 WLA(1), Moree(44), Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. nutans Climbing Saltbush 282 WLA(10), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
Moree(3), NLNRVS(17), NWB(245),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. linifolia Climbing Saltbush 18 WLA(6), BBSPil(1), Moree(5),<br />
NWB(6)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans subsp. eremaea 1 Moree(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia nutans Climbing Saltbush 452 WLA(302), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BrigOut(2), Brigfauna(1),<br />
MMVS(125), NWB(2), WFS(6),<br />
Wombeira(13)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush 54 WLA(22), BBSSF(1), Moree(9),<br />
NWB(22)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp.<br />
inflata<br />
Dataset<br />
1WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dysphania littoralis 2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dysphania kalpari 2WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dysphania glomulifera subsp.<br />
eremaea<br />
1 Moree(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dissocarpus paradoxus Cannonball Burr 38 WLA(35), NLNRVS(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dissocarpus biflorus var<br />
25 WLA(10), Moree(2), NWB(10),<br />
cephalocarpus<br />
WFS(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Dissocarpus biflorus 8 WLA(5), NWB(1), WFS(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium truncatum 4 WLA(3), Moree(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium pumilio Small Crumbweed 1129 WLA(1015), MMVS(100), Moree(11),<br />
NWB(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nitre Goosefoot 67 WLA(48), Moree(8), NWB(5),<br />
WFS(2), Wombeira(4)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium melanocarpum Black Crumbweed 40 WLA(3), BBSPil(1), MMVS(14),<br />
NLNRVS(14), NWB(1), WFS(5),<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium desertorum subsp.<br />
microphyllum<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
16 WLA(11), NWB(3), Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium desertorum subsp.<br />
desertorum<br />
5 BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(3), Namoi(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium desertorum subsp.<br />
anidiophyllum<br />
3NWB(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium desertorum 21 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium curvispicatum 43 WLA(23), MMVS(3), NLNRVS(15),<br />
NWB(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium cristatum Crested Goosefoot 8 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium auricomum 34 WLA(14), Brigfauna(2), Moree(5),<br />
NWB(6), WFS(1), Wombeira(6)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex vesicaria subsp.<br />
macrocystidia<br />
3 Moree(2), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex vesicaria Bladder Saltbush 34 WLA(17), MMVS(2), NWB(15)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex velutinella 6WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex suberecta 35 WLA(17), MMVS(1), Moree(15),<br />
WFS(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex stipitata Mallee Saltbush 14 WLA<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex spongiosa Pop Saltbush 9 WLA(7), NWB(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex spinibractea 3 WLA(1), Moree(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex species B 7 Moree(7)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex semibaccata Creeping Saltbush 54 WLA(10), MMVS(22), Moree(9),<br />
NWB(12), WFS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex pseudocampanulata 56 WLA(31), MMVS(2), NWB(17),<br />
Wombeira(6)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex nummularia Old Man Saltbush 50 WLA(29), MMVS(4), NLNRVS(2),<br />
NWB(13), WFS(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex muelleri 135 WLA(115), Moree(14), NWB(4),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex lindleyi 42 WLA(31), BrigOut(1), MMVS(4),<br />
Moree(4), Wombeira(2)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex limbata 32 WLA(29), Wombeira(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex leptocarpa Slender-fruit<br />
310 WLA(190), MMVS(45), Moree(28),<br />
Saltbush<br />
NWB(43), WFS(4)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex holocarpa Pop Saltbush 18 WLA(13), NLNRVS(2), Wombeira(3)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex eardleyae 23 WLA(19), MMVS(1), Moree(2),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex conduplicata 18 WLA(15), MMVS(1), NWB(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Atriplex angulata Fan Saltbush 22 WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus semilanatus 118 WLA(105), MMVS(1), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(2), WFS(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus polystachyus var<br />
polystachyus<br />
16 NLNRVS(16)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus obovatus var parviflorus 7 Moree(7)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus obovatus var obovatus Smoke Bush 12 WLA(3), NLNRVS(7), NWB(2)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus obovatus 2WFS(2)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus nobilis 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus macrocephalus Green Pussytails 4 WLA(1), Moree(2), NWB(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus exaltatus var exaltatus Tall Mulla Mulla 24 WLA(13), Moree(1), NWB(9), WFS(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Ptilotus atriplicifolius var atriplicifolius 1NWB(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus mitchellii 5 Moree(5)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus macrocarpus var pallidus 12 Moree(12)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus macrocarpus var<br />
macrocarpus<br />
21 Moree(21)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus macrocarpus Dwarf Amaranth 35 WLA(14), MMVS(17), NWB(3),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus grandiflorus 2WLA<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera species A 3 BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera nodiflora Common Joyweed 40 WLA(22), Moree(14), Namoi(1),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera nana Hairy Joyweed 30 WLA(15), MMVS(1), NWB(5),<br />
Wombeira(9)<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed 1241 WLA(1028), BrigOut(1), MMVS(131),<br />
Moree(53), NLNRVS(6), NWB(15),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(6)<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera angustifolia 2 NLNRVS(2)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria angustifolia Swamp Starwort 267 WLA(213), MMVS(22), Moree(5),<br />
NLNRVS(14), NWB(2),<br />
Wombeira(11)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Scleranthus pungens 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Scleranthus minusculus 1WLA<br />
Caryophyllaceae Scleranthus biflorus 6 WLA(2), MMVS(2), NWB(2)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Polycarpaea corymbosa var minor 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Gypsophila tubulosa 12 NLNRVS(12)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex tenax Shiny Dock 6 WLA(2), Moree(3), NWB(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex stenoglottis 2WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex dumosus 23 Moree(23)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex crystallinus Shiny Dock 102 WLA(30), MMVS(48), Moree(5),<br />
NWB(1), Wombeira(18)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex brownii Swamp Dock 65 WLA(39), BBSPil(1), MMVS(13),<br />
Moree(2), NWB(7), Namoi(3)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex bidens 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Polygonum plebeium Small Knotweed 1014 WLA<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria prostrata Creeping Knotweed 17 WLA(7), MMVS(3), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(1), Namoi(1), Wombeira(4)<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria orientalis Princes Feathers 1 WLA<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed 1012 WLA(1009), NWB(2), Namoi(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper 11 WLA(8), NWB(3)<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed 52 WLA(4), MMVS(46), NWB(2)<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria attenuata 3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia horrida 23 WLA(22), MMVS(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum 426 WLA(185), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(55),<br />
Moree(31), NLNRVS(13), NWB(83),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(2), Wombeira(55)<br />
Dilleniaceae Hibbertia obtusifolia 2 BBSSF&NR(1), BBSpil2(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Sterculiaceae Melhania oblongifolia 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Sterculiaceae Lasiopetalum baueri 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Sterculiaceae Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong 11 WLA(6), MMVS(2), NWB(3)<br />
Malvaceae Sida trichopoda 196 WLA(113), MMVS(21), Moree(50),<br />
NWB(8), Wombeira(4)<br />
Malvaceae Sida spinosa 2WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida species B 1 Moree(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida species A 10 NLNRVS(6), NWB(2)<br />
Malvaceae Sida pleiantha 4 WLA(2), Wombeira(2)<br />
Malvaceae Sida phaeotricha 4 WLA(2), Wombeira(2)<br />
Malvaceae Sida petrophila 2WLA<br />
Malvaceae Sida intricata 25 WLA(24), NWB(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida goniocarpa 1WLA<br />
Malvaceae Sida filiformis 22 WLA(12), NWB(5), Wombeira(5)<br />
Malvaceae Sida fibulifera 50 WLA(5), MMVS(40), NWB(4),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida cunninghamii 36 WLA(8), BBSPil(2), MMVS(4),<br />
Moree(5), NLNRVS(12), NWB(4),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida corrugata 108 WLA(64), MMVS(19), Moree(10),<br />
NWB(11), WFS(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Malvaceae Sida ammophila 5 Moree(1), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Malvaceae Malva australiana Native Hollyhock 6 WLA<br />
Malvaceae Hibiscus trionum Bladder Ketmia 151 WLA(120), MMVS(3), Moree(28)<br />
Malvaceae Hibiscus sturtii var sturtii 6 Moree(2), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Malvaceae Hibiscus sturtii Hill Hibiscus 11 WLA(5), BBSPil(1), NWB(5)<br />
Malvaceae Hibiscus krichauffianus Velvet-leaf Hibiscus 1 WLA<br />
Malvaceae Hibiscus brachysiphonius 18 WLA(5), Moree(9), NWB(2),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon oxycarpum var subsagittatum Flannel Weed 1 WLA<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon oxycarpum Flannel Weed 195 WLA(144), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
Moree(4), NWB(43), Wombeira(2)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon otocarpum 3 MMVS(1), WFS(2)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon malvifolium 6 WLA(1), MMVS(5)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon leucopetalum 13 WLA(5), NLNRVS(4), NWB(4)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon fraseri 16 WLA(6), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Urticaceae Urtica incisa Stinging Nettle 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Urticaceae Parietaria debilis 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Rhamnaceae Ventilago viminalis Supple Jack 23 WLA(12), MMVS(2), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(8)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea trichostachya 30 WLA(8), Moree(1), NLNRVS(21)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea trichostachya 22 Moree(1), NLNRVS(21)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea simplex subsp. continua 1WLA<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea simplex 28 WLA(24), Wombeira(4)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea penicillaris 9WLA(7), NWB(2)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea pauciflora 2NWB(2)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea neo-anglica 2WLA<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea microcephala subsp.<br />
microcephala<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia subsp. linifolia 3 BBSPil(3)<br />
76 WLA(35), MMVS(5), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(8), NWB(25), WFS(2)<br />
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia 5 WLA(2), NWB(2), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Sauropus trachyspermus 1 Moree(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Poranthera microphylla 5 NLNRVS(5)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus virgatus 37 WLA(11), BBSPil(3), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), Moree(19), NLNRVS(1),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Phyllanthus lacunellus 25 WLA<br />
Euphorbiaceae Petalostigma pubescens Bitter Bark 19 WLA(9), NWB(10)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia stevenii Bottle-tree Spurge 1 WLA<br />
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia planiticola 19 MMVS(3), Moree(16)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia eremophila Desert Spurge 2 WLA<br />
Euphorbiaceae Croton phebalioides 3WLA<br />
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce species B 1 Moree(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce drummondii Caustic Weed 293 WLA(68), BBSPil(4), Brigfauna(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), MMVS(135), Moree(40),<br />
NLNRVS(10), NWB(19), BBSpil2(1),<br />
WFS(8), Wombeira(6)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce dallachyana 102 WLA(101), Namoi(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce australis 2 WLA(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Adriana tomentosa var tomentosa 2WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Violaceae Hybanthus monopetalus 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Cucurbitaceae Zehneria micrantha Desert Cucumber 7 WLA<br />
Cucurbitaceae Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis 1 Moree(1)<br />
Frankeniaceae Frankenia uncinata 1WLA<br />
Frankeniaceae Frankenia serpyllifolia 1WLA<br />
Frankeniaceae Frankenia connata 4WLA<br />
Capparaceae Capparis mitchellii Native Orange 172 WLA(85), MMVS(6), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(73), WFS(1)<br />
Capparaceae Capparis lasiantha Nepine 306 WLA(246), BBSPil(2), MMVS(4),<br />
Moree(3), NWB(45), WFS(6)<br />
Capparaceae Apophyllum anomalum Warrior Bush 157 WLA(77), BBSPil(1), BrigOut(1),<br />
MMVS(5), Moree(1), NWB(71),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Stenopetalum sphaerocarpum 1 Moree(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Stenopetalum lineare 5WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium erysimoides Smooth Mustard 55 WLA(54), NWB(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Rorippa laciniata 2WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Rorippa eustylis 72 WLA(2), MMVS(64), Moree(3),<br />
NLNRVS(3)<br />
Brassicaceae Phlegmatospermum cochlearinum Oval-podded Cress 14 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium sagittulatum 18 WLA(8), Moree(4), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(5)<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium Peppercress 60 WLA(43), BBSPil(2), Moree(2),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(12)<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium phlebopetalum Veined<br />
Peppercress<br />
2WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium papillosum Warty Peppercess 1 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium oxytrichum 2WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium hypenantion 2 Moree(2)<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium fasciculatum 39 WLA(17), MMVS(3), Moree(8),<br />
NWB(11)<br />
Brassicaceae Harmsiodoxa puberula 2WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Harmsiodoxa brevipes var major 2 NLNRVS(2)<br />
Brassicaceae Harmsiodoxa brevipes var brevipes 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Harmsiodoxa brevipes 3WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Harmsiodoxa blennodioides 6 WLA(5), Moree(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Cuphonotus andraeanus 8WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Blennodia canescens Wild Stock 2 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Arabidella trisecta 7WLA(6), NWB(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Arabidella procumbens 2WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Brassicaceae Arabidella nasturtium 3WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Arabidella eremigena 1WLA<br />
Gyrostemonaceae Gyrostemon australasicus 1WLA<br />
Clusiaceae Hypericum gramineum Small St John's<br />
Wort<br />
7 BBSPil(2), Moree(1), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Droseraceae Drosera peltata 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Droseraceae Drosera indica Sundew 1 WLA<br />
Casuarinaceae Casuarina pauper Belah 8 WLA<br />
Casuarinaceae Casuarina cristata Belah 291 WLA(143), BBSPil(1), MMVS(8),<br />
Moree(2), NWB(135), WFS(2)<br />
Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak 1 WLA<br />
Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina luehmannii Bulloak 58 WLA(25), BBSPil(4), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), MMVS(1), NWB(24),<br />
BBSpil2(2)<br />
Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina diminuta subsp.<br />
diminuta<br />
1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Crassulaceae Crassula sieberiana Australian<br />
Stonecrop<br />
14 WLA(1), NLNRVS(13)<br />
Crassulaceae Crassula decumbens var decumbens 1WLA<br />
Crassulaceae Crassula colorata 35 WLA(33), BrigOut(1), NWB(1)<br />
Proteaceae Persoonia sericea 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Proteaceae Hakea tephrosperma Hooked<br />
Needlewood<br />
6WLA(5), NWB(1)<br />
Proteaceae Hakea leucoptera Needlewood 122 WLA(113), BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(7)<br />
Proteaceae Hakea decurrens 2 NLNRVS(2)<br />
Proteaceae Grevillea striata Beefwood 28 WLA(22), NLNRVS(2), NWB(4)<br />
Proteaceae Grevillea floribunda subsp floribunda Seven Dwarfs<br />
Grevillea<br />
Proteaceae Grevillea albiflora 2WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Micromyrtus hexamera 4WLA<br />
2 WLA(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Micromyrtus ciliata 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Myrtaceae Melaleuca uncinata Broombush 1 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Melaleuca trichostachya 19 WLA(16), NWB(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Myrtaceae Melaleuca densispicata 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Melaleuca bracteata 6WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Myrtaceae Melaleuca armillaris 1WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Leptospermum polygalifolium 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus viridis Green Mallee 1 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus socialis Red Mallee 3 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus sideroxylon Mugga Ironbark 2 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus populnea subsp. bimbil Bimble Box 551 WLA(311), BBSPil(2), MMVS(27),<br />
Moree(2), NLNRVS(8), NWB(196),<br />
WFS(5)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus pilligaensis Narrow-leaved Grey<br />
Box<br />
7 WLA(2), BBSPil(2), NWB(2),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus microcarpa Western Grey Box 25 WLA(12), BBSSF(1), NWB(11),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box 19 WLA(10), NWB(9)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus melanophloia Silver-leaved<br />
Ironbark<br />
18 WLA(8), NLNRVS(4), NWB(6)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus largiflorens Black Box 290 WLA(154), MMVS(29), Moree(7),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(92), WFS(7)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dwyeri Dwyer's Red Gum 4 WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dumosa White Mallee 1 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus dealbata Tumbledown Red<br />
Gum<br />
11 WLA(6), NWB(5)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus crebra Narrow-leaved<br />
Ironbark<br />
Dataset<br />
11 WLA(4), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(4), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus coolabah Coolibah 2445 WLA(2207), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(30),<br />
Moree(15), NLNRVS(3), NWB(140),<br />
Namoi(2), WFS(4), Wombeira(43)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus conica 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus chloroclada Dirty Gum 27 WLA(11), BBSPil(4), MMVS(1),<br />
NWB(11)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum 513 WLA(334), MMVS(91), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(73), Namoi(2), WFS(6),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus blakelyi Blakely's Red Gum 6 WLA(2), BBSPil(1), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
NWB(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Corymbia tumescens 2WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Corymbia trachyphloia White Bloodwood 1 WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Corymbia tessellaris Carbeen 52 WLA(33), NWB(14), WFS(5)<br />
Myrtaceae Corymbia dolichocarpa Long-fruited<br />
Bloodwood<br />
32 WLA(21), NWB(11)<br />
Myrtaceae Calytrix tetragona 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Calytrix longiflora 3WLA<br />
Myrtaceae Callistemon viminalis Weeping<br />
Bottlebrush<br />
Myrtaceae Callistemon linearis Narrow-leaved<br />
Bottlebrush<br />
1WLA<br />
2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Angophora melanoxylon 22 WLA(20), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Myrtaceae Angophora leiocarpa 1NWB(1)<br />
Myrtaceae Angophora floribunda Rough-barked<br />
Apple<br />
Myrtaceae Angophora costata Sydney Red/Rusty<br />
Gum<br />
4 WLA(2), BBSpil2(1), Namoi(1)<br />
1WLA<br />
Lythraceae Lythrum salicaria Purple Loosestrife 100 WLA<br />
Lythraceae Lythrum hyssopifolia Hyssop Loosestrife 11 WLA (2), MMVS (8), Wombeira (1)<br />
Lythraceae Ammannia multiflora Jerry-jerry 11 WLA<br />
Onagraceae Epilobium hirtigerum Willowherb 7 WLA(5), MMVS(2)<br />
Haloragaceae Myriophyllum verrucosum Red Water-milfoil 10 WLA(7), NLNRVS(2), Wombeira(1)<br />
Haloragaceae Myriophyllum striatum 1WLA<br />
Haloragaceae Myriophyllum simulans 2WLA<br />
Haloragaceae Myriophyllum propinquum 16 MMVS(14), NWB(2)<br />
Haloragaceae Haloragis odontocarpa 2 Moree(2)<br />
Haloragaceae Haloragis heterophylla 7 WLA(1), MMVS(5), WFS(1)<br />
Haloragaceae Haloragis glauca forma glauca 105 WLA(47), MMVS(7), Moree(6),<br />
NLNRVS(7), NWB(2), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(35)<br />
Haloragaceae Haloragis aspera 7 WLA(2), MMVS(3), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Haloragaceae Gonocarpus elatus 1WLA<br />
Rutaceae Geijera parviflora Wilga 423 WLA(193), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(25), Moree(1), NLNRVS(12),<br />
NWB(179), BBSpil2(1), WFS(6)<br />
Rutaceae Phebalium squamulosum Scaly Phebalium 1 WLA<br />
Rutaceae Phebalium glandulosum Desert Phebalium 1 WLA<br />
Rutaceae Flindersia maculosa Leopardwood 54 WLA(25), BBSPil(1), BrigOut(1),<br />
MMVS(7), NLNRVS(3), NWB(17)<br />
Rutaceae Citrus glauca Desert Lime 9 WLA(6), NWB(3)<br />
Meliaceae Owenia acidula Gruie 24 WLA(19), NLNRVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata 3 BBSPil(2), BBSpil2(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. mucronata Hop Bush 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata Hop Bush 1 WLA<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa subsp.<br />
angustissima<br />
Hop Bush 33 WLA(30), NWB(3)<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Hop Bush 27 WLA(11), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(6),<br />
NWB(9)<br />
Sapindaceae Dodonaea peduncularis 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Sapindaceae Atalaya hemiglauca Whitewood 164 WLA(88), MMVS(9), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(8), NWB(53), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(4)<br />
Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius subsp. elongatus Western<br />
Rosewood,<br />
Bonaree<br />
1WLA<br />
Sapindaceae Alectryon oleifolius subsp. canescens Western<br />
Rosewood,<br />
Bonaree<br />
10 WLA(9), Moree(1)<br />
Sapindaceae<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Alectryon oleifolius Western<br />
Rosewood,<br />
Bonaree<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
254 WLA(121), MMVS(17), NWB(107),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(7), Wombeira(1)<br />
Senna form taxon 'zygophylla' 7 WLA(2), BBSPil(3), NWB(2)<br />
Senna form taxon 'petiolaris' Woody Cassia 8 WLA<br />
Senna form taxon 'filifolia' Silver Cassia 11 WLA(9), NWB(2)<br />
Senna circinnata Silver Cassia 9 WLA(6), NWB(3)<br />
Senna form taxon 'sturtii' Grey Cassia 2 WLA<br />
Senna form taxon 'coriacea' Silver Cassia 7 WLA<br />
Senna form taxon 'artemisioides' Silver Cassia 9 WLA(6), NWB(3)<br />
Senna artemisioides Silver Cassia 5 WLA(4), NWB(1)<br />
Petalostylis labicheoides var<br />
labicheoides<br />
Butterfly Bush 1 WLA<br />
Lysiphyllum gilvum 1WLA<br />
Trigonella suavissima Coopers Clover 61 WLA(33), NWB(1), Wombeira(27)<br />
Tephrosia sphaerospora 5 NLNRVS(5)<br />
Templetonia egena Desert Broombush 1 WLA<br />
Swainsona swainsonioides 52 WLA(45), MMVS(3), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Swainsona stipularis 1WLA<br />
Swainsona similis 2WLA<br />
Swainsona purpurea 5WLA<br />
Swainsona procumbens Broughton Pea 112 WLA(111), Wombeira(1)<br />
Swainsona phacoides 10 WLA(8), NWB(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Swainsona oligophylla 1WLA<br />
Swainsona monticola 2WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Dataset<br />
Swainsona microphylla 3WLA(2), WFS(1)<br />
Swainsona luteola 21 WLA<br />
Swainsona greyana Darling Pea 33 WLA(29), NWB(4)<br />
Swainsona galegifolia Smooth Darling Pea 6 WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Swainsona campylantha 2WLA<br />
Swainsona affinis 3WLA<br />
Sesbania cannabina var cannabina Sesbania Pea 29 WLA(9), MMVS(13), Moree(1),<br />
Namoi(3), WFS(2), Wombeira(1)<br />
Rhynchosia minima Ryncho 17 WLA(4), MMVS(1), Moree(10),<br />
NWB(2)<br />
Ptychosema anomalum 2WLA<br />
Muelleranthus stipularis Sand Pea 2 WLA(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Millotia greevesii subsp glandulosa 3 NLNRVS(3)<br />
Melilotus indicus 8 MMVS(8)<br />
Lotus cruentus Red-flowered Lotus 32 WLA<br />
Kennedia procurrens Purple Running Pea 5 WLA(2), NLNRVS(3)<br />
Indigofera linnaei Birdsville Indigo 1 WLA<br />
Indigofera coronillifolia 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Indigofera colutea Sticky Indigo 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Indigofera brevidens 2WLA<br />
Indigofera australis 8 WLA(3), MMVS(2), NWB(3)<br />
Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa Native Liquorice 27 WLA(25), NWB(2)<br />
Glycine tomentella Woolly Glycine 4 WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Glycine tabacina 21 WLA(7), BBSPil(4), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), Moree(1), NWB(7)<br />
Glycine latifolia 1 Moree(1)<br />
Glycine clandestina Twining Glycine 29 WLA(9), MMVS(7), Moree(2),<br />
NLNRVS(3), NWB(7), Namoi(1)<br />
Glycine canescens Silky Glycine 21 WLA(6), BBSPil(2), BBSSF(1),<br />
NLNRVS(10), NWB(2)<br />
Desmodium varians Slender Tick-trefoil 1 BBSSF(1)<br />
Desmodium brachypodum Large Tick-trefoil 3 BBSPil(3)<br />
Daviesia genistifolia 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cullen tenax Emu-foot 215 WLA(166), MMVS(6), Moree(33),<br />
Namoi(1), Wombeira(9)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Cullen patens 1WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Cullen pallidum 14 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Cullen cinereum Annual Verbine 6 WLA(5), MMVS(1)<br />
Fabaceae Crotalaria dissitiflora subsp. Grey Rattlepod 3 WLA(1), Moree(2)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
(Faboideae) dissitiflora<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Dataset<br />
Bossiaea walkeri Cactus Pea 1 WLA<br />
Aotus mollis 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Aeschynomene indica Budda Pea 1019 WLA(1002), MMVS(16), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Neptunia gracilis forma gracilis Sensitive Plant 156 WLA(105), MMVS(1), Moree(50)<br />
Acacia victoriae subsp. victoriae Prickly Wattle 24 WLA<br />
Acacia victoriae Prickly Wattle 8 WLA(6), NWB(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Acacia triptera Spurwing Wattle 1 WLA<br />
Acacia tetragonophylla Dead Finish 1 WLA<br />
Acacia stenophylla River Cooba 279 WLA(133), MMVS(33), Moree(6),<br />
NLNRVS(5), NWB(61), Namoi(3),<br />
Wombeira(38)<br />
Acacia spectabilis Mudgee Wattle 3 WLA(1), BBSSF&NR(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Acacia salicina Cooba 74 WLA(38), MMVS(7), NWB(27),<br />
Namoi(2)<br />
Acacia rigens Needle Wattle 2 WLA<br />
Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Acacia polybotrya 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Acacia penninervis Mountain Hickory 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Acacia pendula Boree 99 WLA(45), MMVS(8), Moree(3),<br />
NLNRVS(3), NWB(40)<br />
Acacia paradoxa 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Acacia oswaldii Miljee 45 WLA(25), MMVS(7), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(10), Wombeira(2)<br />
Acacia murrayana 6 WLA(2), NLNRVS(2), NWB(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Acacia loderi Nealie 8 WLA<br />
Acacia ligulata Umbrella Bush 11 WLA<br />
Acacia leptoclada 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Acacia jennerae Coonavittra Wattle 1 WLA<br />
Acacia ixiophylla 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Acacia homalophylla Yarran 13 WLA(7), BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Acacia harpophylla Brigalow 24 WLA(13), BrigOut(2), NWB(9)<br />
Acacia hakeoides Hakea Wattle 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Acacia flexifolia 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Acacia filicifolia Fern-leaved Wattle 8 WLA(4), NWB(4)<br />
Acacia excelsa Ironwood 34 WLA(19), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(13)<br />
Acacia doratoxylon Currawang 10 WLA(6), NWB(4)<br />
Acacia decora Western Golden<br />
Wattle<br />
4WLA(3), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia deanei subsp deanei 2 WLA (1), NWB(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia deanei subsp. paucijuga 3 BBSSF(1), BBSpil2(2)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Acacia deanei Green Wattle 28 WLA(11), BBSPil(5), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
NWB(11)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia coriacea subsp sericophylla Wirewood 8 WLA(4), Moree(4)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia colletioides Wait-a-while 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia caroleae 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Acacia cambagei Gidgee 13 WLA(6), BrigOut(1), Brigfauna(2),<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Wombeira(4)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia buxifolia subsp. buxifolia Box-leaved Wattle 1 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia brachystachya 4 NLNRVS(4)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia brachybotrya Grey Mulga 1 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia aneura Mulga 14 WLA(10), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Acacia acuminata subsp burkittii Sandhill Wattle 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum simile 1WLA<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum ovatum Dwarf Twinleaf 1 WLA<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum iodocarpum Violet Twinleaf 10 WLA(9), Moree(1)<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum glaucum 21 MMVS(21)<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum eremaeum Climbing Twinleaf 2 WLA<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum aurantiacum Shrubby Twinleaf 1 WLA<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum apiculatum Gallweed, Pointed<br />
or Common<br />
Twinleaf<br />
3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Zygophyllaceae Zygophyllum ammophilum Sand Twinleaf 8 WLA(5), Wombeira(3)<br />
Zygophyllaceae Tribulus micrococcus Yellow Vine,<br />
Spineless Caltrop<br />
Nitrariaceae Nitraria billardierei Dillon Bush 4 WLA<br />
Linaceae Linum marginale Native Flax 1 WLA<br />
Oxalidaceae Oxalis radicosa 13 Moree(13)<br />
19 WLA(1), Moree(17), Namoi(1)<br />
Oxalidaceae Oxalis perennans Wood Sorrel 97 WLA(21), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), Moree(62), NLNRVS(2),<br />
NWB(1), BBSpil2(1), Namoi(3)<br />
Oxalidaceae Oxalis chnoodes 165 Moree(13), NLNRVS(20), NWB(132)<br />
Geraniaceae Pelargonium australe Native Storksbill 6 WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi var solanderi Native Geranium 11 WLA(3), Moree(4), NWB(4)<br />
Geraniaceae Geranium solanderi Native Geranium 2 WLA<br />
Geraniaceae Erodium cicutarium Common Crowfoot 9 WLA<br />
Geraniaceae Erodium cygnorum subsp.<br />
glandulosum<br />
3 WLA(1), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Geraniaceae Erodium crinitum Blue Storksbill 56 WLA(14), MMVS(32), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(2), WFS(1)<br />
Celastraceae Maytenus cunninghamii Yellow-berry Bush 10 WLA(2), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(2)<br />
Celastraceae Cassine australis var angustifolia Red Olive Plum 6 WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia viminea Slender<br />
Stackhousia<br />
5 WLA(2), Moree(1), NWB(2)<br />
Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia muricata 4 BBSPil(2), Moree(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Stackhousiaceae Stackhousia monogyna Creamy Candles 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Olacaceae Olax stricta 2WLA(1), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Oleaceae Jasminum lineare Desert Jasmine 66 WLA(28), BBSPil(4), MMVS(7),<br />
NLNRVS(3), NWB(23), Namoi(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana subfalcata 4 WLA(2), MMVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana murrayi 1WLA<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana linearifolia 6WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana exocarpi subsp. tenuis 7 WLA(3), BBSSF(1), NWB(3)<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana exocarpi subsp. exocarpi 8WLA(5), NWB(3)<br />
Loranthaceae Lysiana exocarpi 28 WLA(17), NWB(11)<br />
Loranthaceae Diplatia grandibractea 6 WLA(5), Wombeira(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Dendrophthoe glabrescens 6WLA(4), NWB(2)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema quandang var quandang 7 WLA(3), MMVS(1), NWB(2),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema quandang var bancroftii 3WLA<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema quandang 16 WLA(8), NWB(8)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema preissii 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema pendulum subsp. longifolium 3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema miraculosum subsp.<br />
boormanii<br />
56 WLA(36), BBSPil(4), BrigOut(1),<br />
MMVS(1), NWB(10), Wombeira(4)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema miquelii 85 WLA(49), MMVS(6), NWB(21),<br />
BBSpil2(1), Wombeira(8)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema maidenii subsp. maidenii 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema maidenii subsp.<br />
angustifolium<br />
1WLA<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema maidenii 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema lucasii 3 WLA(1), MMVS(2)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema linophyllum subsp. orientale 12 WLA(6), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema gaudichaudii 2 MMVS(2)<br />
Loranthaceae Amyema cambagei 6WLA(2), NWB(4)<br />
Santalaceae Santalum lanceolatum Northern<br />
Sandalwood<br />
12 WLA(7), NLNRVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Santalaceae Santalum acuminatum Sweet Quandong 8 WLA(5), BBSPil(1), NWB(2)<br />
Santalaceae Exocarpos cupressiformis Native Cherry 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Santalaceae Exocarpos aphyllus Leafless Ballart 16 WLA(9), BBSPil(1), NWB(6)<br />
Pittosporaceae Pittosporum angustifolium Butterbush 46 WLA (28), NLNRVS(2), NWB(16)<br />
Pittosporaceae Bursaria spinosa Native Blackthorn 8 WLA(4), NWB(4)<br />
Apiaceae Trachymene ochracea White Parsnip 10 WLA(4), NLNRVS(6)<br />
Apiaceae Trachymene incisa subsp. corrugata 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Apiaceae Platysace ericoides 4 WLA(1), BBSSF&NR(1), NWB(1),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Apiaceae Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort 1 WLA<br />
Apiaceae Eryngium plantagineum Long Eryngium 31 WLA(16), NWB(1), Wombeira(14)<br />
Apiaceae Eryngium paludosum 3 Moree(3)<br />
Apiaceae Daucus glochidiatus Native Carrot 90 WLA(36), BBSPil(1), MMVS(4),<br />
Moree(21), NLNRVS(9), NWB(11),<br />
WFS(3), Wombeira(5)<br />
Apiaceae Actinotus gibbonsii 9 NLNRVS(8), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia tumidifructa 4WLA<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia stricta subsp. stricta 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia stricta subsp. alterna 20 BBSPil(3), NLNRVS(17)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell 73 WLA(39), NWB(5), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(28)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia queenslandica 11 WLA(6), NWB(5)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia planiflora subsp.<br />
planiflora<br />
2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia planiflora subsp. 6 BBSPil(6)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
longipila<br />
Dataset<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia luteola 3 WLA(1), Moree(1), NWB(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia graniticola Granite Bluebell 4 WLA(3), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling or<br />
Australian Bluebell<br />
1 Moree(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilenta Annual Bluebell 7 WLA(6), BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia fluminalis River Bluebell 36 WLA(21), Moree(2), NLNRVS(7),<br />
NWB(6)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell 38 WLA(13), BBSPil(2), MMVS(2),<br />
Moree(13), NWB(8)<br />
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia aridicola 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot 6 WLA(3), Wombeira(3)<br />
Lobeliaceae Pratia darlingensis Darling Pratia 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Lobeliaceae Pratia concolor Poison Pratia 148 WLA(25), MMVS(87), Moree(16),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(15), Wombeira(4)<br />
Lobeliaceae Isotoma axillaris Showy Isotome 4 WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia triloba 5WFS(5)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia sulcata 17 WLA(1), BBSPil(3), BBSSF(1),<br />
Moree(5), NLNRVS(5), BBSpil2(1),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia pustulata 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia pterochaeta Rough Fuzzweed 57 WLA(5), MMVS(26), Moree(21),<br />
NWB(4), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia hispidula 1NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia dissecta var hirta 10 WLA(3), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(4), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia dissecta var dissecta 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata var cuneata Fuzzweed 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia cuneata Fuzzweed 276 WLA(255), BBSPil(2),<br />
BBSSF&NR(1), MMVS(4), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(3), WFS(1), Wombeira(3)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia cervicularis var cervicularis 2 BBSPil(2)<br />
Asteraceae Vittadinia cervicularis 2 NLNRVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Vernonia cinerea var cinerea 2 BBSPil(2)<br />
Asteraceae Triptilodiscus pygmaeus 5WLA(4), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Stuartina muelleri Spoon Cudweed 7 WLA(1), BrigOut(1), NLNRVS(5)<br />
Asteraceae Stuartina hamata Hooked Cudweed 2 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Solenogyne dominii 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Sigesbeckia orientalis subsp.<br />
orientalis<br />
Indian Weed 4 WLA(2), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Senecio runcinifolius Tall Groundsel 57 WLA(32), MMVS(6), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(4), Wombeira(14)<br />
Asteraceae Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed 75 WLA(53), MMVS(1), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(3), Wombeira(17)<br />
Asteraceae Senecio platylepis 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio murrayanus 3WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio lautus subsp. lautus Variable Groundsel 2 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio lautus subsp. dissectifolius Variable Groundsel 9 WLA(6), MMVS(3)<br />
Asteraceae Senecio lautus Variable Groundsel 5 WLA(4), BBSPil(1)<br />
Asteraceae Senecio hispidulus var dissectus Hill Fireweed 1 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio gregorii 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio glossanthus 27 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio daltonii 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio cunninghamii var serratus 7WLA<br />
Asteraceae Senecio cunninghamii 6 WLA(5), MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Rutidosis helichrysoides 1WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe uniflora 6 WLA(5), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe stuartiana 15 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe stricta Slender Sunray 12 WLA(11), BrigOut(1)<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe pygmaea Pigmy Sunray 2 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe moschata 29 WLA(8), NLNRVS(16), NWB(1),<br />
WFS(2), Wombeira(2)<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe floribunda 67 WLA(38), BrigOut(1), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(1), WFS(3), Wombeira(19)<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe diffusa Ascending Sunray 8 WLA(4), Wombeira(4)<br />
Asteraceae Rhodanthe corymbiflora Small White Sunray 27 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Pycnosorus pleiocephalus 15 WLA(13), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Pycnosorus globosus 41 WLA(13), Moree(14), NWB(14)<br />
Asteraceae Pycnosorus chrysanthes 16 WLA(9), NWB(1), Wombeira(6)<br />
Asteraceae Pterocaulon sphacelatum Applebush 2 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed 173 WLA (146), BBSPil(1), Moree(5),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(1), WFS(1),<br />
Wombeira(18)<br />
Asteraceae Polycalymma stuartii Poached Eggs 1 Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Podolepis longipedata Tall Copper-wire<br />
Daisy<br />
Asteraceae Podolepis jaceoides Showy Copper-wire<br />
Daisy<br />
Asteraceae Podolepis canescens Large Copper-wire<br />
Daisy<br />
10 WLA(5), NWB(1), Wombeira(4)<br />
30 WLA(14), NLNRVS(10), Wombeira(6)<br />
4 WLA(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Pluchea dentex 11 Moree(8), NLNRVS(3)<br />
Asteraceae Pluchea baccharoides Narrow-leaved<br />
Plains-bush<br />
1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Picris squarrosa 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Olearia viscidula Wallaby Weed 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Olearia pimeleoides 8 WLA(7), BBSPil(1)<br />
Asteraceae Olearia muelleri 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Olearia decurrens 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Myriocephalus stuartii Poached Eggs 57 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Myriocephalus rhizocephalus Woolly-heads 4 WLA(3), BrigOut(1)<br />
Asteraceae Minuria leptophylla 16 WLA(15), MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Minuria integerrima 84 WLA(42), MMVS(7), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(10), Wombeira(24)<br />
Asteraceae Minuria denticulata 5 WLA(3), MMVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Minuria cunninghamii 10 WLA(8), MMVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Minuria annua 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Leucochrysum molle Hoary Sunray 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Leucochrysum albicans 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Leptorhynchos panaetioides Woolly Buttons 14 WLA(5), Moree(8), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Ixiolaena tomentosa Woolly Ixiolaena 26 WLA(15), NWB(10), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Ixiolaena leptolepis 27 WLA(17), Moree(1), NWB(6),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Asteraceae Ixiolaena brevicompta 113 WLA(49), Moree(19), NLNRVS(5),<br />
NWB(8), Wombeira(32)<br />
Asteraceae Isoetopsis graminifolia Grass Cushion 6 WLA(4), MMVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Hyalosperma semisterile 3WLA<br />
Asteraceae Hyalosperma glutinosum subsp.<br />
glutinosum<br />
1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Helichrysum semifertile Dainty Everlasting 5 WLA(2), BrigOut(1), Moree(2)<br />
Asteraceae Gnephosis tenuissima 2 WLA(1), MMVS(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Asteraceae Gnephosis arachnoidea 8 WLA(7), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Glossogyne tannensis Cobbler's Tack 22 WLA(10), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), Moree(1), NLNRVS(7),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Flaveria australasica Speedy Weed 32 WLA(8), Moree(16), Wombeira(8)<br />
Asteraceae Euchiton sphaericus 122 WLA(53), Moree(17), NLNRVS(6),<br />
NWB(3), WFS(1), Wombeira(42)<br />
Asteraceae Euchiton involucratus Star Cudweed 3 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Euchiton gymnocephalus Creeping Cudweed 1 BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Asteraceae Eriochlamys species A 12 NLNRVS(12)<br />
Asteraceae Eriochlamys behrii Woolly Mantle 5 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Epaltes cunninghamii Tall Nut-heads 27 WLA(14), Wombeira(13)<br />
Asteraceae Epaltes australis Spreading Nutheads<br />
27 WLA(25), BBSPil(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Eclipta platyglossa 129 WLA(30), MMVS(97), Namoi(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Cymbonotus lawsonianus Bear's Ear 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Craspedia variabilis 3WLA<br />
Asteraceae Craspedia haplorrhiza 3 WLA(2), Moree(1)<br />
Asteraceae Cotula australis Common Cotula 14 WLA(2), MMVS(9), Moree(3)<br />
Asteraceae Chthonocephalus pseudevax Ground-heads 7 WLA(3), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Asteraceae Chrysocephalum semipapposum Clustered<br />
Everlasting<br />
1 Moree(1)<br />
Asteraceae Chrysocephalum semicalvum subsp.<br />
semicalvum<br />
Hill Everlasting 22 WLA(1), Moree(21)<br />
Asteraceae Chrysocephalum apiculatum Common<br />
Everlasting<br />
Asteraceae Centipeda thespidioides Desert<br />
Sneezeweed<br />
Asteraceae Centipeda minima var minima Spreading<br />
Sneezeweed<br />
134 WLA(115), BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(9),<br />
NWB(8), WFS(1)<br />
30 WLA(18), BrigOut(1), Moree(4),<br />
NWB(1), Wombeira(6)<br />
1000 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Centipeda minima var lanuginosa 5 Moree(3), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Centipeda minima Spreading<br />
Sneezeweed<br />
Asteraceae Centipeda cunninghamii Common<br />
Sneezeweed<br />
Asteraceae Cassinia quinquefaria 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Cassinia laevis Cough Bush 1 WLA<br />
57 WLA(14), MMVS(32), Wombeira(11)<br />
63 WLA(43), BrigOut(1), NLNRVS(6),<br />
WFS(6), Wombeira(7)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis scapigera Tufted Burr-daisy 119 WLA(67), MMVS(10), Moree(19),<br />
NLNRVS(9), NWB(10), Namoi(1),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis scabiosifolia var scabiosifolia Rough Burr-daisy 60 WLA(23), MMVS(5), Moree(29),<br />
NWB(3)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis scabiosifolia var integrifolia Rough Burr-daisy 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis scabiosifolia Rough Burr-daisy 18 WLA(12), NWB(2), Wombeira(4)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis plumulifera Woolly-headed<br />
Burr-daisy<br />
2WLA<br />
Asteraceae Calotis latiuscula 1WLA<br />
Asteraceae Calotis lappulacea Yellow Burr-daisy 1079 WLA(1033), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
Moree(2), NLNRVS(8), NWB(29),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis hispidula Bogan Flea 39 WLA(17), MMVS(15), Moree(4),<br />
WFS(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis erinacea Tangled Burr-daisy 23 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Calotis cymbacantha Showy Burr-daisy 14 WLA(10), WFS(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis cuneifolia Purple Burr-Daisy 59 WLA(15), BBSPil(6), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), NLNRVS(21), NWB(10),<br />
BBSpil2(2), WFS(3)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Asteraceae Calotis cuneata var cuneata Mountain Burr-<br />
Daisy<br />
19 WLA(8), Moree(3), NWB(8)<br />
Asteraceae Calotis cuneata Mountain Burr-<br />
Daisy<br />
3 WLA(1), NWB(1), WFS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Calocephalus sonderi Pale Beauty-heads 5 WLA(3), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Calendula arvensis Field Marigold 13 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Bracteantha viscosa Sticky Everlasting 1 BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Asteraceae Bracteantha bracteata Golden Everlasting 11 WLA(3), BBSPil(1), MMVS(1),<br />
NLNRVS(3), Wombeira(3)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome whitei Spreading Daisy 11 WLA(5), MMVS(3), NWB(3)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome trachycarpa 3 Moree(3)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome smithwhitei 5WLA(3), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome scapigera 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome multifida var multifida 4 BBSPil(4)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome multifida 3 Moree(3)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome microcarpa 2 Moree(2)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome melanocarpa Black-seeded Daisy 17 WLA(9), Moree(6), Wombeira(2)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome lineariloba Hard-headed Daisy 17 WLA(16), MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome leptocarpa 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome heterodonta var<br />
heterodonta<br />
26 Moree(26)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome heterodonta 153 WLA(120), MMVS(22), NWB(11)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome gracilis 1 Moree(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome goniocarpa 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome debilis 9 MMVS(9)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome curvicarpa 21 WLA(15), NWB(5), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome ciliocarpa Showy Daisy 1 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome ciliaris var<br />
subintegrifolia<br />
Variable Daisy 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome ciliaris var ciliaris Variable Daisy 8 WLA(3), NLNRVS(4), NWB(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome ciliaris Variable Daisy 34 WLA(30), NWB(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome basaltica var gracilis Swamp Daisy 15 WLA(6), MMVS(5), Wombeira(4)<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome angustifolia var<br />
heterophylla<br />
Asteraceae Brachyscome angustifolia var<br />
angustifolia<br />
3NWB(3)<br />
3WLA<br />
Asteraceae Angianthus brachypappus Spreading Cupflower<br />
17 WLA(1), NLNRVS(16)<br />
Asteraceae Anemocarpa podolepidium Rock Everlasting 1 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Actinobole uliginosum Flannel Cudweed 16 WLA(8), NLNRVS(8)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum tetrathecum 4 BBSPil(3), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum sturtianum Thargomindah<br />
Nightshade<br />
18 WLA(1), Moree(14), NLNRVS(2),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum parvifolium 18 WLA(9), NWB(9)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum lacunarium Lagoon Nightshade 1 WLA<br />
Solanaceae Solanum ferocissimum 18 WLA(8), BBSSF(1), NLNRVS(3),<br />
NWB(6)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum esuriale Quena 469 WLA(248), MMVS(94), Moree(86),<br />
NWB(34), Namoi(1), WFS(4),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum coactiliferum Western<br />
Nightshade<br />
5WLA(3), NWB(2)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum cleistogamum 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Solanaceae Nicotiana velutina 48 WLA(38), MMVS(5), Wombeira(5)<br />
Solanaceae Nicotiana simulans 13 MMVS(1), Moree(1), NLNRVS(11)<br />
Solanaceae Nicotiana megalosiphon subsp.<br />
megalosiphon<br />
9 WLA(6), Moree(2), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Solanaceae Lycium australe Australian Boxthorn 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Polymeria pusilla 119 WLA(100), Moree(19)<br />
Convolvulaceae Polymeria longifolia 18 WLA(1), Moree(17)<br />
Convolvulaceae Ipomoea lonchophylla 25 WLA(10), Moree(15)<br />
Convolvulaceae Evolvulus alsinoides var decumbens 14 WLA(4), BBSPil(4), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Convolvulaceae Evolvulus alsinoides 13 WLA(3), NLNRVS(6), NWB(2),<br />
BBSpil2(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Dichondra species A 5 BBSPil(3), BBSSF(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Dichondra repens Kidney Weed 35 WLA(11), MMVS(4), Moree(8),<br />
NWB(11), Namoi(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Cuscuta victoriana 11 MMVS(11)<br />
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus remotus 1 Moree(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus erubescens 177 WLA(43), MMVS(62), Moree(61),<br />
NLNRVS(7), NWB(2), Namoi(1),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Boraginaceae Plagiobothrys plurisepalus 4WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Plagiobothrys plurisepaleus 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Boraginaceae Plagiobothrys elachanthus 1WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Omphalolappula concava Burr Stickseed 3 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Ehretia membranifolia Peach Bush 15 WLA(8), NWB(7)<br />
Boraginaceae Cynoglossum australe 19 WLA(5), BBSPil(2), MMVS(2),<br />
NLNRVS(7), NWB(2), Wombeira(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Styphelia triflora 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Melichrus urceolatus Urn Heath 5 WLA(2), NWB(2), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Melichrus erubescens Ruby Urn Heath 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Leucopogon muticus 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Leucopogon attenuatus 1 BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Brachyloma daphnoides 4 WLA(1), BBSSF&NR(1), NWB(1),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Epacridaceae Astroloma humifusum 1 BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Sambucaceae Sambucus gaudichaudiana White Elderberry 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Goodeniaceae Velleia paradoxa 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Goodeniaceae Velleia arguta 9 NLNRVS(9)<br />
Goodeniaceae Scaevola spinescens 14 WLA(10), NWB(4)<br />
Goodeniaceae Scaevola humilis 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia willisiana 1WLA<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia pusilliflora 1WLA<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia pinnatifida 6WLA<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia lunata 2 MMVS(2)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia heteromera 17 WLA<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea subsp.<br />
hederacea<br />
7 NLNRVS(7)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia hederacea 5 MMVS(5)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia glauca 74 WLA(27), MMVS(26), NLNRVS(3),<br />
Wombeira(18)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia glabra 7 WLA(2), BBSPil(3), NWB(1),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia fascicularis 263 WLA(153), MMVS(16), Moree(44),<br />
NWB(45), Wombeira(5)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia delicata 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Goodeniaceae Goodenia cycloptera 20 WLA(10), BBSPil(4), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Goodeniaceae Dampiera lanceolata var lanceolata 2WLA<br />
Goodeniaceae Brunonia australis 8 NLNRVS(8)<br />
Loganiaceae Logania albiflora 2WLA(1), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Rubiaceae Synaptantha tillaeacea 2 WLA(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Rubiaceae Opercularia diphylla 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Rubiaceae Galium gaudichaudii Rough Bedstraw 6 WLA(3), NWB(3)<br />
Rubiaceae Coprosma hirtella 3WLA<br />
Rubiaceae Canthium oleifolium Wild Lemon 32 WLA(16), BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), NLNRVS(2), NWB(11)<br />
Rubiaceae Canthium odoratum Shiny-leaved<br />
Canthium<br />
4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Rubiaceae Canthium latifolium Native Currant 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Rubiaceae Asperula gemella Twin-leaved<br />
Bedstraw<br />
46 WLA(23), Wombeira(23)<br />
Rubiaceae Asperula cunninghamii Twining Woodruff 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Rubiaceae Asperula conferta Common Woodruff 141 WLA(114), Moree(15), NWB(12)<br />
Menyanthaceae Nymphoides spinulosperma 2RBG<br />
Menyanthaceae Nymphoides crenata 4 MMVS(4)<br />
Gentianaceae Centaurium spicatum Spike Centaury 90 WLA (50), Moree(9), NLNRVS(4),<br />
Wombeira(27)<br />
Apocynaceae Parsonsia lanceolata 8WLA(4), NWB(4)<br />
Apocynaceae Parsonsia eucalyptophylla Gargaloo 41 WLA(19), BBSPil(2), BBSSF(1),<br />
NLNRVS(4), NWB(14), WFS(1)<br />
Apocynaceae Carissa ovata Currant Bush 7 WLA(4), NWB(3)<br />
Apocynaceae Alstonia constricta Quinine Bush 74 WLA(37), MMVS(2), NLNRVS(4),<br />
NWB(29), WFS(2)<br />
Asclepiadaceae Marsdenia australis Doubah 12 WLA(6), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(1),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Bignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine 8 WLA(4), MMVS(2), NWB(2)<br />
Myoporaceae Myoporum platycarpum Sugarwood 25 WLA(12), BBSSF&NR(1), MMVS(11),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Myoporum montanum Western Boobialla 49 WLA(21), BBSPil(6), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(4), Moree(1), NWB(15),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila sturtii Turpentine Bush 34 WLA<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila polyclada Flowering Lignum 6 WLA(5), NWB(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila mitchellii Budda 292 WLA(132), BBSPil(2), BrigOut(2),<br />
Brigfauna(1), MMVS(8), NLNRVS(8),<br />
NWB(126), WFS(13)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila maculata Spotted Fuchsia 50 WLA(30), Moree(3), NWB(16),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila longifolia Emubush 69 WLA(33), BBSPil(6), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(1), NLNRVS(1), NWB(26),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila glabra Tar Bush 4 WLA(3), NWB(1)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila divaricata Spreading<br />
Emubush<br />
3WLA<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila deserti Turkeybush 17 WLA(10), MMVS(1), NWB(6)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila debilis Amulla 36 WLA(22), MMVS(3), NWB(11)<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila bowmanii Silver Turkeybush 1 WLA<br />
Myoporaceae Eremophila bignoniiflora Eurah 129 WLA(64), Moree(6), NLNRVS(4),<br />
NWB(24), WFS(3), Wombeira(28)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Veronica plebeia Trailing Speedwell 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Stemodia glabella 5 WLA(1), Moree(4)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Stemodia florulenta Bluerod 33 WLA(31), Moree(2)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Misopates orontium Lesser Snapdragon 2 WLA<br />
Scrophulariaceae Mimulus repens Creeping Monkeyflower<br />
Scrophulariaceae Mimulus prostratus Small Monkeyflower<br />
8WLA(4), NWB(4)<br />
8WLA(5), NWB(3)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Scrophulariaceae Mimulus gracilis Slender Monkeyflower<br />
Dataset<br />
Scrophulariaceae Limosella curdieana Large Mudwort 1 WLA<br />
253 WLA(226), MMVS(5), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(8), Namoi(1), Wombeira(12)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Limosella australis Australian Mudwort 4 WLA(3), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Glossostigma diandrum 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Euphrasia collina subsp. paludosa 2 Moree(2)<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago varia 16 WLA(3), NLNRVS(13)<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago turrifera 27 WLA(25), MMVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago drummondii 39 WLA(28), Moree(3), NWB(2),<br />
WFS(5), Wombeira(1)<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago debilis 4 WLA(1), Moree(2), Namoi(1)<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago cunninghamii 117 WLA(61), MMVS(1), Moree(14),<br />
NWB(18), Wombeira(23)<br />
Acanthaceae Rostellularia adscendens subsp. adscendens var<br />
pogonanthera<br />
Acanthaceae Rostellularia adscendens subsp. adscendens var<br />
adscendens<br />
Acanthaceae Rostellularia adscendens subsp.<br />
adscendens<br />
1000 WLA<br />
1 BBSSF(1)<br />
50 WLA(23), BBSPil(2), Moree(2),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(22)<br />
Acanthaceae Pseuderanthemum variabile Pastel Flower 4 BBSPil(3), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet 125 WLA(111), BBSSF(1), NLNRVS(2),<br />
NWB(11)<br />
Chloanthaceae Spartothamnella puberula 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Callitrichaceae Callitriche sonderi 1WLA<br />
Lamiaceae Teucrium racemosum Grey Germander 56 WLA(39), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(6),<br />
Moree(2), NLNRVS(3), NWB(2),<br />
Wombeira(3)<br />
Lamiaceae Prostanthera nivea 2 Moree(2)<br />
Lamiaceae Plectranthus parviflorus 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Mentha satureioides Native Pennyroyal 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Mentha diemenica Slender Mint 2 WLA(1), Moree(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Mentha australis River Mint 14 WLA(12), MMVS(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Lycopus australis Australian<br />
Gypsywort<br />
1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Ajuga australis Austral Bugle 7 WLA(3), NLNRVS(1), NWB(3)<br />
Hydrocharitaceae Vallisneria gigantea Eelweed 5 WLA(4), NWB(1)<br />
Alismataceae Damasonium minus Starfruit 14 WLA(1), MMVS(12), Wombeira(1)<br />
Juncaginaceae Triglochin procerum Water Ribbons 3 MMVS(3)<br />
Juncaginaceae Triglochin calcitrapum Spurred Arrowgrass 2 WLA<br />
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton tricarinatus Floating Pondweed 2 WLA<br />
Potamogetonaceae Potamogeton crispus Curly Pondweed 3 WLA<br />
Lemnaceae Lemna disperma 106 WLA(101), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Luzuriagaceae Eustrephus latifolius Wombat Berry 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra multiflora subsp. multiflora Many-flowered Mat<br />
Rush<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Matrush<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra leucocephala subsp.<br />
robusta<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra leucocephala subsp.<br />
leucocephala<br />
Woolly Mat-rush 1 WLA<br />
Woolly Mat-rush 5 WLA<br />
12 WLA(2), BBSPil(4), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), NWB(2), BBSpil2(2)<br />
10 WLA(5), NWB(5)<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra leucocephala Woolly Mat-rush 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis Wattle Matt-rush 4 WLA(1), BBSSF&NR(1), NWB(1),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis glabella var glabella 3 MMVS(3)<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella sp. aff. revoluta 'Pilliga' 1 BBSpil2(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta var vinosa 4 BBSPil(4)<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella revoluta 9 WLA(3), MMVS(2), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(3)<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia var longifolia 12 WLA(7), NLNRVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella longifolia 2 BBSPil(1), BBSSF(1)<br />
Phormiaceae Dianella 'admixta' 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Asphodelaceae Bulbine semibarbata Wild Onion 68 WLA(32), Moree(3), NLNRVS(13),<br />
NWB(16), WFS(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asphodelaceae Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily 18 WLA(14), NWB(1), Wombeira(3)<br />
Asphodelaceae Bulbine alata Native Leek 1 WLA<br />
Anthericaceae Tricoryne elatior Yellow Autumn-lily 5 WLA(2), NWB(2), WFS(1)<br />
Anthericaceae Thysanotus tuberosus subsp.<br />
tuberosus<br />
1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Anthericaceae Thysanotus baueri 2WLA<br />
Anthericaceae Laxmannia gracilis 3 BBSPil(2), BBSSF(1)<br />
Anthericaceae Dichopogon strictus Chocolate Lily 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Anthericaceae Caesia calliantha 1 Moree(1)<br />
Anthericaceae Arthropodium minus 5 NLNRVS(5)<br />
Amaryllidaceae Crinum flaccidum Darling Lily 62 WLA(35), MMVS(7), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(15), Namoi(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Amaryllidaceae Calostemma purpureum Garland Lily 30 WLA(16), NWB(13), Namoi(1)<br />
Pontederiaceae Monochoria cyanea 3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Philydraceae Philydrum lanuginosum Frogsmouth 20 WLA<br />
Typhaceae Typha orientalis Broad-leaved<br />
Cumbungi<br />
Typhaceae Typha domingensis Narrow-leaved<br />
Cumbungi<br />
501 WLA<br />
Commelinaceae Commelina ensifolia 2 Moree(2)<br />
67 WLA(16), MMVS(40), NWB(11)<br />
Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea 18 WLA(6), BBSPil(3), BBSSF(1),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(4), Namoi(2)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus usitatus 22 WLA(14), NWB(2), Wombeira(6)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus subsecundus 10 BBSPil(2), MMVS(1), Moree(7)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus radula 2 MMVS(2)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus ochrocoleus 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus flavidus 5 WLA(1), NLNRVS(3), NWB(1)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus filicaulis 2 BBSPil(2)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus continuus 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus aridicola 64 WLA(27), MMVS(8), Moree(2),<br />
NWB(11), Wombeira(16)<br />
Juncaceae Juncus amabilis 17 MMVS(17)<br />
Cyperaceae Scleria mackaviensis 2 BBSPil(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Schoenus ericetorum 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus validus 2 MMVS(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Gahnia aspera 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma 23 WLA(1), BBSPil(1), Moree(5),<br />
NLNRVS(15), NWB(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Eleocharis sphacelata Tall Spike Rush 152 WLA(102), MMVS(48), NWB(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Eleocharis pusilla 27 WLA(9), MMVS(8), NLNRVS(2),<br />
NWB(7), Wombeira(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Eleocharis plana 1119 WLA(1033), MMVS(43), Moree(8),<br />
NLNRVS(9), NWB(18), Wombeira(8)<br />
Cyperaceae Eleocharis pallens 126 WLA(45), MMVS(22), Moree(17),<br />
NWB(15), Wombeira(27)<br />
Cyperaceae Eleocharis acuta 2WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus victoriensis 4 MMVS(1), Moree(3)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus subulatus 2WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus squarrosus 1WLA<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus pygmaeus 14 WLA(8), MMVS(4), Wombeira(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus polystachyos 2WLA<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus lucidus 5 WLA(1), Moree(3), NWB(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus iria 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus involucratus 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus gymnocaulos 29 WLA(22), NLNRVS(3), NWB(2),<br />
Namoi(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus gracilis 7 BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus fulvus 7 WLA(1), BBSPil(5), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus flaccidus 1002 WLA(1000), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus exaltatus 28 WLA(15), MMVS(2), NWB(3),<br />
Namoi(2), Wombeira(6)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus difformis Dirty Dora 1030 WLA(1002), MMVS(26), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus dactylotes 2 MMVS(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus concinnus 77 WLA(28), MMVS(1), Moree(20),<br />
Wombeira(28)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus bifax 100 WLA(2), MMVS(37), Moree(59),<br />
NLNRVS(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Carex inversa Knob Sedge 49 WLA(19), MMVS(10), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(17), BBSpil2(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Carex appressa 5WLA(3), NWB(2)<br />
Cyperaceae Bulbostylis barbata 4 BBSSF(1), NLNRVS(3)<br />
Poaceae Zygochloa paradoxa Sandhill Canegrass 6 WLA<br />
Poaceae Vetiveria filipes Australian Vetiver 4 WLA(3), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Triraphis mollis Purple Needlegrass 14 WLA(12), NLNRVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Tripogon loliiformis Fiveminute Grass 28 WLA(7), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(1),<br />
Moree(5), NLNRVS(9), NWB(3),<br />
WFS(2)<br />
Poaceae Triodia scariosa subsp. scariosa Porcupine Grass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Triodia mitchellii var breviloba Buck Spinifex 2 WLA<br />
Poaceae Triodia mitchellii 9 NLNRVS(9)<br />
Poaceae Triodia scariosa Porcupine Grass 6 WLA(4), NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Tragus australianus Small Burrgrass 76 WLA(56), MMVS(1), Moree(9),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(2), Namoi(2),<br />
WFS(5)<br />
Poaceae Thyridolepis xerophila 5 NLNRVS(5)<br />
Poaceae Thyridolepis mitchelliana Mulga Mitchell<br />
14 WLA(6), BBSPil(1), NLNRVS(2),<br />
Grass<br />
NWB(5)<br />
Poaceae Themeda avenacea Native Oatgrass 7 WLA(1), MMVS(1), Moree(5)<br />
Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass 11 WLA(8), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Thellungia advena Coolibah Grass 28 WLA(19), NWB(9)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus virginicus 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus mitchellii Rat's Tail Couch 1137 WLA(1013), MMVS(58), Moree(65),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus elongatus Slender Rat's Tail<br />
Grass<br />
41 Moree(41)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus creber Slender Rat's Tail<br />
9 WLA(1), BBSPil(2), BBSSF(1),<br />
Grass<br />
Moree(4), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus contiguus 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus caroli Fairy Grass 1168 WLA(1023), MMVS(43), Moree(75),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(19), Namoi(1),<br />
WFS(4), Wombeira(2)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus actinocladus Katoora Grass 4 WLA(2), NLNRVS(2)<br />
Poaceae Pseudoraphis spinescens Spiny Mudgrass 1003 WLA
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Poaceae Poa labillardierei var labillardierei Tussock 3 WLA (2), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Poa fordeana 21 WLA(11), Moree(1), NWB(5),<br />
Wombeira(4)<br />
Poaceae Phragmites australis Common Reed 29 WLA(9), MMVS(15), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(4)<br />
Poaceae Paspalum distichum Water Couch 1088 WLA (1015), MMVS(69), NWB(2),<br />
Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium jubiflorum Warrego Grass 256 WLA(58), MMVS(126), Moree(27),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(2), Namoi(1),<br />
WFS(6), Wombeira(34)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium gracile Slender Panic 43 WLA(20), BBSPil(2), MMVS(1),<br />
NWB(19), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium globoideum 24 Moree(23), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium distans 1021 WLA(1010), BBSPil(1), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(9)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium criniforme 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium constrictum Knottybutt Grass 56 WLA(11), BBSPil(2), Brigfauna(1),<br />
MMVS(2), Moree(27), NWB(12),<br />
BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Paspalidium aversum 45 WLA(22), BBSSF(1), NWB(20),<br />
Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Paractaenum novae-hollandiae Reflexed Panic<br />
Grass<br />
1WLA<br />
Poaceae Panicum subxerophilum Gilgai Grass 11 WLA(4), Moree(4), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Panicum queenslandicum var<br />
queenslandicum<br />
15 Moree(15)<br />
Poaceae Panicum queenslandicum 1NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum laevinode Pepper Grass 14 WLA(4), MMVS(5), Moree(5)<br />
Poaceae Panicum laevifolium 1 Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum effusum Poison or Hairy<br />
Panic<br />
11 WLA(3), BBSPil(3), MMVS(1),<br />
Moree(1), NWB(1), BBSpil2(1),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum decompositum Native Millet 1163 WLA(1019), MMVS(41), Moree(89),<br />
NWB(11), Namoi(2), WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum buncei 10 Moree(10)<br />
Poaceae Notodanthonia longifolia Long-leaved<br />
Wallaby Grass<br />
2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Monachather paradoxa Bandicoot Grass 2 WLA(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Microlaena stipoides 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Leptochloa divaricatissima 14 Moree(14)<br />
Poaceae Leptochloa digitata Umbrella<br />
114 WLA(81), MMVS(5), Moree(1),<br />
Canegrass<br />
NWB(26), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Leptochloa decipiens 1NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Leptochloa ciliolata 3 WLA(1), NWB(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Iseilema vaginiflorum Red Flinders Grass 22 WLA(1), Moree(21)<br />
Poaceae Iseilema membranaceum Small Flinders<br />
Grass<br />
21 WLA(12), Moree(9)<br />
Poaceae Homopholis proluta 24 WLA(13), NWB(5), Wombeira(6)<br />
Poaceae Heteropogon contortus Bunch Speargrass 50 WLA<br />
Poaceae Eulalia aurea Silky Browntop 105 WLA(100), Moree(5)<br />
Poaceae Eriochloa pseudoacrotricha Early Spring Grass 1012 WLA(1008), NWB(2), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Eriochloa procera Spring Grass 2 WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Eriochloa crebra Cup Grass 1099 WLA(1005), MMVS(1), Moree(92),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Poaceae Eriochloa australiensis 1201 WLA<br />
Poaceae Echinochloa inundata Marsh Millet 3 WLA(2), Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Eriachne mucronata Mountain<br />
Wanderrie Grass<br />
4WLA(2), NWB(2)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Poaceae Eriachne helmsii Woollybutt<br />
Wanderrie Grass<br />
Poaceae Eriachne aristidea Threeawn<br />
Wanderrie Grass<br />
Dataset<br />
1WLA<br />
3WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis tenellula Delicate Lovegrass 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis sororia 2 BBSPil(1), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis setifolia Neverfail 126 WLA(39), MMVS(7), Moree(42),<br />
NWB(9), WFS(4), Wombeira(25)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis parviflora Weeping Lovegrass 231 WLA(205), MMVS(19), Moree(6),<br />
NLNRVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis molybdea 33 WLA(1), Moree(31), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis microcarpa 1WLA<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis megalosperma 10 WLA(5), NWB(5)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis leptostachya Paddock Lovegrass 1 BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis leptocarpa Drooping Lovegrass 2 WLA(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis laniflora 6 NLNRVS(6)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis lacunaria Purple Lovegrass 41 WLA(7), BBSPil(5), BBSSF(1),<br />
MMVS(4), Moree(1), NLNRVS(12),<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis kennedyae Small-flowered<br />
Lovegrass<br />
NWB(7), BBSpil2(1), WFS(3)<br />
6 WLA(1), MMVS(5)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis falcata Sickle Lovegrass 9 WLA(5), MMVS(1), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis eriopoda Woollybutt 15 WLA(1), Moree(14)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis elongata Clustered<br />
5 WLA(2), MMVS(1), NWB(1),<br />
Lovegrass<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis dielsii Mallee Lovegrass 17 WLA(16), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis brownii Brown's Lovegrass 7 WLA(2), BBSSF(1), NWB(2), WFS(2)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis australasica Canegrass 5 WLA<br />
Poaceae Enteropogon acicularis 1462 WLA(1237), BBSPil(5), Moree(81),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(136), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Enneapogon nigricans Niggerheads 3 WLA(1), MMVS(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Enneapogon intermedius 5WLA<br />
Poaceae Enneapogon gracilis Slender Nineawn 1005 WLA(1000), Moree(5)<br />
Poaceae Enneapogon cylindricus Jointed Nineawn 3 WLA<br />
Poaceae Enneapogon avenaceus Bottle Washers 39 WLA<br />
Poaceae Elytrophorus spicatus Spikegrass 2 WLA<br />
Poaceae Elymus scaber 19 WLA(12), Moree(6), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Echinochloa colona Awnless Barnyard<br />
Grass<br />
Poaceae Diplachne parviflora Small-flowered<br />
Beetle Grass<br />
42 WLA(4), MMVS(7), Moree(30),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
1001 WLA(1000), BBSPil(1)<br />
Poaceae Diplachne muelleri 4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Diplachne fusca 11 WLA(5), MMVS(1), Moree(3),<br />
NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Digitaria divaricatissima Umbrella Grass 44 WLA(5), Moree(36), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Digitaria diffusa 5 BBSPil(4), BBSSF(1)<br />
Poaceae Digitaria brownii Cotton Panic Grass 106 WLA(101), BBSPil(2), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(1), WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Digitaria breviglumis 4 Moree(2), BBSpil2(1), WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Digitaria ammophila 8 Moree(6), NLNRVS(1), WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair<br />
Plumegrass<br />
Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum subsp. Queensland<br />
sericeum<br />
Bluegrass<br />
Poaceae Dichanthium sericeum Queensland<br />
Bluegrass<br />
2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
64 WLA(3), Moree(58), NWB(3)<br />
20 WLA(10), NWB(3), Namoi(3), WFS(4)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Poaceae Dactyloctenium radulans Button Grass 1155 WLA(1108), MMVS(15), Moree(24),<br />
NWB(3), Namoi(2), WFS(3)<br />
Poaceae Cynodon dactylon Common Couch 1135 WLA(1046), Brigfauna(1), MMVS(55),<br />
Moree(4), NLNRVS(2), NWB(22),<br />
Namoi(2), Wombeira(3)<br />
Poaceae Cymbopogon refractus Barbed Wire Grass 4 WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Cymbopogon obtectus Silky Heads 5 WLA(3), NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Chloris ventricosa Tall Chloris 1000 WLA<br />
Poaceae Chloris truncata Windmill Grass 2347 WLA(2170), BBSPil(4), MMVS(45),<br />
Moree(67), NLNRVS(6), NWB(38),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(6), Wombeira(10)<br />
Poaceae Chloris divaricata var divaricata Slender Chloris 88 WLA(6), MMVS(80), NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Bromus arenarius 1NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Brachyachne convergens Common Native<br />
Couch<br />
1000 WLA<br />
Poaceae Bothriochloa macra Red Grass 1003 WLA(1001), Moree(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Bothriochloa ewartiana Desert Bluegrass 22 WLA<br />
Poaceae Bothriochloa decipiens Red Grass 9 WLA(3), Moree(3), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Bothriochloa bladhii subsp bladhii Forest Bluegrass 4 WLA(2), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa verticillata 49 WLA(32), BBSPil(3), Moree(2),<br />
NWB(11), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa setacea Corkscrew Grass 5 WLA(2), NWB(2), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa scabra subsp scabra 31 WLA(11), BBSPil(7), BBSSF(1),<br />
NWB(11), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa scabra subsp falcata 2NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa scabra Speargrass 282 WLA(197), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
MMVS(13), Moree(6), NLNRVS(13),<br />
NWB(50), Namoi(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa ramosissima Stout Bamboo<br />
Grass<br />
8WLA(5), NWB(3)<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa nodosa 1WLA<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa nitida 1WLA<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa elegantissima Feather Speargrass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa drummondii 1WLA<br />
Poaceae Austrostipa aristiglumis Plains Grass 13 WLA(5), Moree(4), NWB(3), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia setacea 5 WLA(4), Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia richardsonii Wallaby Grass 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia pilosa Smooth-flowered<br />
Wallaby Grass<br />
1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia fulva 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia eriantha 2 WLA(1), BBSSF&NR(1)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia caespitosa Ringed Wallaby<br />
Grass<br />
7 WLA(2), MMVS(5)<br />
Poaceae Austrodanthonia bipartita Wallaby Grass 1132 WLA(1112), Moree(4), NWB(13),<br />
BBSpil2(1), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Astrebla squarrosa 3 Moree(3)<br />
Poaceae Astrebla pectinata Barley Mitchell<br />
54 WLA(5), MMVS(1), Moree(43),<br />
Grass<br />
WFS(1), Wombeira(4)<br />
Poaceae Astrebla lappacea Curly Mitchell Grass 1225 WLA(1209), Moree(7), NWB(4),<br />
WFS(5)<br />
Poaceae Astrebla elymoides 33 Moree(31), WFS(2)<br />
Poaceae Aristida ramosa var speciosa 5 WLA(2), NWB(2), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida ramosa var scaberula 5 WLA(2), BBSPil(2), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida ramosa var ramosa 1 BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida ramosa 109 WLA(105), NWB(4)<br />
Poaceae Aristida psammophila 100 WLA<br />
Poaceae Aristida platychaeta 1005 WLA(1001), Moree(3), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No.<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Poaceae Aristida obscura 2WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida muricata 7 WLA(2), BBSPil(2), MMVS(1),<br />
NWB(2)<br />
Poaceae Aristida longicollis 1WLA<br />
Poaceae Aristida leptopoda White Speargrass 1021 WLA(1002), Moree(19)<br />
Poaceae Aristida leichhardtiana 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida latifolia 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis var<br />
subspinulifera<br />
4 WLA(1), NLNRVS(2), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis var jerichoensis 8WLA(4), NWB(4)<br />
Poaceae Aristida jerichoensis Jericho Wiregrass 8 WLA(3), BBSPil(2), BBSSF&NR(1),<br />
BBSSF(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida holathera var holathera Erect Kerosene<br />
Grass<br />
Poaceae Aristida contorta Bunched Kerosene<br />
Grass<br />
2WLA<br />
2WLA<br />
Poaceae Aristida caput-medusae 1 BBSPil(1)<br />
Poaceae Aristida calycina 1014 WLA(1007), NWB(7)<br />
Poaceae Ancistrachne uncinulata Hooked-hairy Panic<br />
Grass<br />
26 WLA(25), BBSPil(1)<br />
Poaceae Amphipogon caricinus var caricinus 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Amphipogon caricinus Long Greybeard<br />
Grass<br />
2WLA<br />
Poaceae Agrostis avenacea var avenacea 160 WLA(69), MMVS(15), Moree(18),<br />
NWB(13), WFS(3), Wombeira(42)<br />
Poaceae Agrostis aemula var aemula 24 NLNRVS(24)<br />
Poaceae Agrostis aemula Blowngrass 2 WLA<br />
Key<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
RBG Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney<br />
BBSPil Brigalow Belt South Study - Pilliga State Forest<br />
BBSSF Forestry survey of the Pillga forests<br />
Moree Moree Plains Grasslands survey of Moree Plains Shire and Walgett Shire east of the Barwon River<br />
NWB Northern Wheatbelt Vegetation Survey<br />
Wombeira Wombeira Landsystem Vegetation Survey<br />
NH National Herbarium, Canberra<br />
NLNRVS Narran Lake Nature Reserve Vegetation Survey.<br />
MMVS Macquarie Marshes Vegetation Survey<br />
WFS Walgett fauna survey sites<br />
BrigOut Brigalow Outlier (NE of Bourke) Vegetation Survey<br />
Brigfauna Fauna sites for the Brigalow second survey, related to the Brigalow dataset from 1991.<br />
BBSPil2 Pilliga State Forest Survey - part of Brigalow Belt South Bioregional Assessment<br />
BBSSF&NR Brigalow Belt South Study - State Forest and Nature Reserves of the Dubbo region.<br />
Namoi Vegetation survey of riparian zones within the Namoi River catchment, north-west New South Wales
Appendix D: Exotic Flora Recorded Within the DRP<br />
Family Scientific Name Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus muricatus Sharp Buttercup 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus sceleratus Celery Buttercup 1 WLA<br />
Papaveraceae Argemone ochroleuca subsp.<br />
ochroleuca<br />
Mexican Poppy 22 WLA (15), Moree(2), NWB(5)<br />
Papaveraceae Papaver aculeatum 1NWB(1)<br />
Fumariaceae Fumaria densiflora Narrow-leaved<br />
Fumitory<br />
2WLA<br />
Fumariaceae Fumaria indica Fumitory 4 WLA (2), NWB(2)<br />
Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca octandra Inkweed 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Portulacaceae Calandrinia menziesii 1WLA<br />
Aizoaceae Psilocaulon tenue Wiry Noon-flower 1 WLA<br />
Cactaceae Eriocereus martinii Moonlight Cactus 200 WLA<br />
Cactaceae Opuntia aurantiaca Tiger Pear 121 WLA(111), NWB(9), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Cactaceae Opuntia stricta Prickly Pear 69 WLA(33), BBSSF(1), Moree(4),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(27), WFS(3)<br />
Cactaceae Opuntia stricta var stricta Common Prickly Pear 7 WLA(2), BBSPil(4), BBSpil2(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium album Fat Hen 4 WLA (2), NWB(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Chenopodiaceae Chenopodium murale Nettle-leaf Goosefoot 13 WLA (2), MMVS(11)<br />
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera pungens Khaki Weed 30 WLA (23), MMVS(2), Moree(4),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Amaranthus viridis Green Amaranth 1 WLA (1), Namoi(1)<br />
Amaranthaceae Gomphrena celosioides Gomphrena Weed 13 WLA(12), Namoi(1)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Moenchia erecta Erect Chickweed 1 WLA<br />
Caryophyllaceae Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaved Allseed 1 WLA<br />
Caryophyllaceae Silene gallica Catchfly 3 WLA<br />
Caryophyllaceae Spergula arvensis 2 NLNRVS(2)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Spergularia marina 1 Moree(1)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Spergularia rubra Sandspurry 19 WLA(8), MMVS(10), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Stellaria media Common Chickweed 7 WLA(3), MMVS(1), NWB(3)<br />
Caryophyllaceae Vaccaria hispanica Cow Soapwort 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Acetosa vesicaria Bladder Dock 4 WLA<br />
Polygonaceae Acetosella vulgaris Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel 8 WLA (4), NWB(2), Wombeira(2)<br />
Polygonaceae Emex australis Spiny Emex 25 WLA(14), Moree(1), NWB(6),<br />
WFS(2), Wombeira(2)<br />
Polygonaceae Persicaria orientalis 15 MMVS(15)<br />
Polygonaceae Polygonum arenastrum Wireweed 6 WLA(1), Moree(5)<br />
Polygonaceae Polygonum aviculare Wireweed 40 WLA(12), Brigfauna(1),<br />
MMVS(24), NWB(2), Wombeira(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Polygonum patulum 1 Moree(1)<br />
Polygonaceae Rumex crispus Curled Dock 5 WLA(2), Moree(3)<br />
Malvaceae Abutilon theophrasti 4 WLA (1), MMVS (2), Namoi (1)<br />
Malvaceae Malva neglecta 4 Moree(4)<br />
Malvaceae Malva sylvestris 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Malvaceae Malva parviflora Small-flowered Mallow 140 WLA(41), MMVS(86), NWB(12),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Malvaceae Malva verticillata 1 Moree(1)<br />
Malvaceae Malvastrum americanum Spiked Malvastrum 226 WLA(67), MMVS(71), Moree(65),<br />
NWB(10), Namoi(2), WFS(11)<br />
Malvaceae Modiola caroliniana Red-flowered Mallow 12 WLA(5), Moree(3), NWB(4)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Malvaceae Pavonia hastata 14 WLA(7), NWB(7)<br />
Malvaceae Sida rhombifolia Paddy's Lucerne 49 WLA(27), MMVS(15), NWB(5),<br />
Namoi(2)<br />
Moraceae Maclura pomifera Osage Orange 2 WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Urticaceae Urtica urens Small Nettle 11 WLA(5), MMVS(3), NWB(3)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce prostrata Red Caustic Weed 3 WLA (2), NWB(1)<br />
Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge 1 WLA<br />
Euphorbiaceae Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant 14 WLA(12), NWB(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Cucurbitaceae Citrullus colocynthis 9 MMVS(3), Moree(6)<br />
Cucurbitaceae Citrullus lanatus var lanatus Wild Melon, Camel<br />
Melon,Bitter<br />
12 WLA (9), Namoi(2), WFS(1)<br />
Cucurbitaceae Cucumis myriocarpus subsp Paddy Melon 101 WLA (15), MMVS(45), Moree(39),<br />
leptodermis<br />
WFS(2)<br />
Cucurbitaceae Cucumis zeyheri 3 Moree<br />
Salicaceae Salix babylonica Weeping Willow 11 WLA(7), NWB(3), Namoi(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Alyssum linifolium Flax-leaf Alyssum 18 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Brassica juncea Indian Mustard 2 WLA (1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris Turnip 2 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Brassica tournefortii Mediterranean Turnip 25 WLA (20), MMVS(4), Wombeira(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Capsella bursa-pastoris Shepherd's Purse 11 WLA (3), MMVS(6), Moree(2)<br />
Brassicaceae Carrichtera annua Ward's Weed 62 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Coronopus didymus 1 Moree(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Diplotaxis muralis Wall Rocket 2 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Hirschfeldia incana Buchan Weed 12 WLA(1), Moree(11)<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium africanum 4WLA(3), NWB(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Lepidium bonariense 16 WLA(12), Moree(2), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Raphanus raphanistrum Wild Radish 2 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Rapistrum rugosum Turnip Weed 239 WLA(77), MMVS(15), Moree(86),<br />
NWB(61)<br />
Brassicaceae Rorippa palustris Yellow Cress 7 WLA(6), MMVS(1)<br />
Brassicaceae Sinapis alba White Mustard 1 WLA<br />
Brassicaceae Sinapis arvensis 12 Moree(8), WFS(4)<br />
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium irio London Rocket 32 WLA(15), MMVS(5), Moree(4),<br />
NWB(8)<br />
Brassicaceae Sisymbrium officinale Hedge Mustard 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Primulaceae Anagallis arvensis Scarlet/Blue Pimpernel 21 WLA (16), MMVS(1), NWB(4)<br />
Onagraceae Oenothera mollissima 6 NLNRVS(6)<br />
Onagraceae Oenothera indecora subsp.<br />
bonariensis<br />
3 MMVS(3)<br />
Onagraceae Oenothera rosea 2 Moree(2)<br />
Onagraceae Ludwigia peploides subsp.<br />
montevidensis<br />
Water Primrose 1078 WLA(1024), MMVS(46),<br />
NLNRVS(1), NWB(6), Namoi(1)<br />
Anacardiaceae Schinus areira Pepper Tree 8 WLA(6), NWB(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Meliaceae Melia azedarach White Cedar 5 WLA(3), NWB(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Caesalpinioideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Mimosoideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Senna occidentalis 3WLA(1), Namoi(2)<br />
Acacia farnesiana Mimosa Bush 206 WLA(137), Moree(34), NWB(34),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Lotus uliginosus Birds-foot Trefoil 1 WLA<br />
Medicago arabica Spotted Burr Medic 15 WLA(7), Moree(1), NWB(7)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Medicago laciniata Cut-leaved Medic 114 WLA(18), MMVS(77), Moree(13),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
NWB(4), Wombeira(2)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Medicago minima Woolly Burr Medic 60 WLA(27), MMVS(12), Moree(12),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
NWB(2), WFS(7)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic 353 WLA(124), MMVS(69), Moree(53),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
NWB(105), Namoi(1),<br />
Wombeira(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Medicago praecox Small-leaved Burr<br />
4WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Medic<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Medicago sativa Lucerne 1 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
Medicago truncatula Barrel Medic 10 WLA(3), Moree(5), NWB(1),<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Melilotus indicus Hexham Scent 19 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Vicia monantha subsp. monantha Square-stemmed Vetch 2 WLA<br />
Fabaceae<br />
(Faboideae)<br />
Vicia sativa subsp. angustifolia Narrow-leaved Vetch 1 WLA<br />
Zygophyllaceae Tribulus terrestris Catshead 225 WLA (122), MMVS(54),<br />
Moree(30), NWB(16), Namoi(1),<br />
WFS(2)<br />
Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Creeping Oxalis 241 WLA(138), MMVS(94), WFS(3),<br />
Wombeira(6)<br />
Oxalidaceae Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob 1 WLA<br />
Geraniaceae Erodium malacoides 6 MMVS(6)<br />
Apiaceae Ammi majus Bishop's Weed 2 WLA (2), Namoi(2)<br />
Apiaceae Ammi visnaga 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Apiaceae Apium graveolens Celery 2 WLA (1), NWB(1)<br />
Apiaceae Cyclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery 23 WLA (21), Moree(1), NWB(1)<br />
Apiaceae Foeniculum vulgare Fennel 8 WLA (4), NWB(4)<br />
Asteraceae Arctotheca calendula Capeweed 6 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Aster subulatus Wild Aster 161 WLA (104), MMVS(54), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Asteraceae Bidens pilosa Cobbler's Pegs 8 WLA (3), Moree(1), NWB(2),<br />
Namoi(1), WFS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Bidens subalternans Greater Beggar's Ticks 2 WLA (1), Namoi(1)<br />
Asteraceae Calendula arvensis 4 Moree(4)<br />
Asteraceae Carduus tenuiflorus Winged Slender Thistle 1 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle 1017 WLA (1004), MMVS(9), Moree(4)<br />
Asteraceae Carthamus tinctorius 4 Moree(4)<br />
Asteraceae Centaurea melitensis Maltese Cockspur 1133 WLA (1075), MMVS(31),<br />
Moree(22), NWB(2), Wombeira(3)<br />
Asteraceae Centaurea solstitialis St Barnabys Thistle 7 WLA (2), NLNRVS(3), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Centaurea spp. 2WFS(2)<br />
Asteraceae Chondrilla juncea Skeleton Weed 10 WLA (2), BBSPil(6), Moree(2)<br />
Asteraceae Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush 2 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle 111 WLA (49), BBSPil(2), MMVS(46),<br />
Moree(12), NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Conyza albida Tall Fleabane 31 WLA (2), MMVS(21), NLNRVS(6),<br />
NWB(2)<br />
Asteraceae Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane 112 WLA (41), BBSPil(5), MMVS(5),<br />
Moree(54), NWB(3), BBSpil2(1),<br />
Namoi(3)<br />
Asteraceae Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons 4 WLA (1), MMVS(3)<br />
Asteraceae Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort 15 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Hedypnois rhagadioloides subsp. Cretan Weed 25 WLA(18), Moree(6), NWB(1)
Family Scientific Name<br />
cretica<br />
Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Asteraceae Helianthus annuus Common Sunflower 1 WLA<br />
Dataset<br />
Asteraceae Hypochaeris glabra Smooth Catsear 28 WLA(2), BBSPil(3), MMVS(3),<br />
Moree(2), NLNRVS(18)<br />
Asteraceae Hypochaeris radicata Catsear 40 WLA(20), MMVS(14), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(5)<br />
Asteraceae Lactuca saligna Willow-leaved Lettuce 8 WLA(1), MMVS(1), Moree(5),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Asteraceae Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce 31 WLA(18), MMVS(4), Moree(1),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(4),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Asteraceae Leontodon taraxacoides subsp.<br />
taraxacoides<br />
Lesser Hawkbit 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Onopordum acanthium subsp.<br />
acanthium<br />
Scotch Thistle 21 WLA (10), MMVS(4), NWB(7)<br />
Asteraceae Picris hieracioides 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle 36 WLA(19), MMVS(6), Moree(7),<br />
NWB(3), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens Prickly Sowthistle 19 WLA (18), Wombeira(1)<br />
Asteraceae Sonchus oleraceus Common Sowthistle 217 WLA(70), BBSPil(6),<br />
BBSSF&NR(1), MMVS(41),<br />
Moree(50), NLNRVS(4), NWB(30),<br />
Wombeira(15)<br />
Asteraceae Taraxacum officinale Dandelion 21 WLA(11), NWB(8), Wombeira(2)<br />
Asteraceae Urospermum picroides False Hawkbit 1 WLA<br />
Asteraceae Verbesina encelioides subsp. Crownbeard 21 WLA(8), MMVS(1), NLNRVS(6),<br />
encelioides<br />
NWB(6)<br />
Asteraceae Xanthium occidentale Noogoora Burr, Cockle 113 WLA(50), MMVS(40), Moree(13),<br />
Burr<br />
NWB(7), Namoi(3)<br />
Asteraceae Xanthium orientale Californian Burr 5 WLA (4), MMVS(1)<br />
Asteraceae Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr 159 WLA(36), MMVS(77), Moree(39),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(3), Namoi(1),<br />
WFS(1)<br />
Solanaceae Cestrum parqui Green Cestrum 1 WLA<br />
Solanaceae Datura ferox Fierce Thornapple 10 WLA (6), Moree(3), Namoi(1)<br />
Solanaceae Datura inoxia Downy Thornapple 1 WLA<br />
Solanaceae Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn 112 WLA(65), MMVS(7), Moree(4),<br />
NWB(34), Namoi(2)<br />
Solanaceae Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco 14 WLA(13), MMVS(1)<br />
Solanaceae Physalis ixocarpa Ground Cherry 12 WLA(8), MMVS(1), Namoi(3)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum nigrum Black-berry Nightshade 62 WLA(29), BBSPil(2), MMVS(22),<br />
Moree(5), NWB(3), Namoi(1)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum pseudocapsicum Madeira Winter Cherry 4 WLA(2), NWB(2)<br />
Solanaceae Solanum rostratum Pincushion Nightshade 3 WLA(2), NWB(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Convolvulus arvensis 15 Moree(14), WFS(1)<br />
Convolvulaceae Cuscuta campestris Golden Dodder 1007 WLA (1006), Namoi(1)<br />
Boraginaceae Amsinckia calycina 4WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Amsinckia intermedia Common Fiddleneck 1 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Buglossoides arvensis Sheepweed 1 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Echium plantagineum Patterson's Curse 1040 WLA (1025), BBSPil(1),<br />
MMVS(12), NWB(2)<br />
Boraginaceae Heliotropium amplexicaule Blue Heliotrope 20 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Heliotropium curassavicum Smooth Heliotrope 22 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Heliotropium europaeum Common Heliotrope 3 WLA<br />
Boraginaceae Heliotropium supinum Prostrate Heliotrope 19 WLA(9), MMVS(8), NWB(2)<br />
Rubiaceae Galium aparine Goosegrass 4 WLA (2), (2), NWB(2)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Gentianaceae Centaurium tenuiflorum 10 WLA (10), Wombeira(10)<br />
Asclepiadaceae Gomphocarpus fruticosus Narrow-leaved Cotton<br />
Bush<br />
2WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Verbascum virgatum Twiggy Mullein 10 WLA (3), MMVS(4), NWB(3)<br />
Scrophulariaceae Veronica peregrina Wandering Speedwell 1 WLA<br />
Plantaginaceae Plantago lanceolata Lamb's Tongues 5 WLA(2), Moree(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Martyniaceae Ibicella lutea Yellow-flowered Devil's<br />
Claw<br />
6 WLA(1), Moree(4), NWB(1)<br />
Verbenaceae Phyla nodiflora Carpet Weed 10013 WLA<br />
Verbenaceae Phyla nodiflora var nodiflora Lippia 68 MMVS(44), Moree(12),<br />
NLNRVS(3), NWB(8), Namoi(1)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena aristigera 109 WLA(101), Moree(7), NWB(1)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena bonariensis Purpletop 5 WLA(2), MMVS(1), Moree(1),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena hispida 2 Moree(2)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena officinalis Common Verbena 349 WLA(142), MMVS(43), Moree(94),<br />
NLNRVS(2), NWB(29),<br />
Wombeira(39)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena rigida Veined Verbena 4 WLA(1), BBSPil(1), NWB(1),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Verbenaceae Verbena supina Trailing Verbena 7 WLA<br />
Callitrichaceae Callitriche stagnalis Common Starwort 1 WLA<br />
Lamiaceae Lamium amplexicaule Dead Nettle 4 WLA(1), MMVS(2), NWB(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Marrubium vulgare Horehound 51 WLA(27), MMVS(6), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(16), Namoi(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Salvia reflexa Mintweed 11 WLA(3), Moree(7), Namoi(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Salvia verbenaca Wild Sage 6 WLA(3), MMVS(1), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Lamiaceae Stachys arvensis Stagger Weed 6 WLA(1), MMVS(4), NWB(1)<br />
Asphodelaceae Asphodelus fistulosus Onion Weed 14 WLA<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus aggregatus 2 WLA (1), NWB(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus eragrostis 2 BBSSF&NR(1), NLNRVS(1)<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus involucratus 1WLA<br />
Cyperaceae Cyperus rotundus Nutgrass 2 WLA (1), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Aira cupaniana 5 BBSSF&NR(1), NLNRVS(4)<br />
Poaceae Alopecurus geniculatus Marsh Foxtail 6 WLA<br />
Poaceae Alopecurus pratensis Meadow Foxtail 2 WLA (1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Arundo donax Giant Reed 5 WLA<br />
Poaceae Avena fatua Wild Oats 7 WLA (1), MMVS(1), Moree(4),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Avena ludoviciana Ludo Wild Oats 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Avena sativa 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass 13 WLA (7), Moree(2), NWB(3),<br />
Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Bromus diandrus Great Brome 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Bromus racemosus 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Bromus rubens Red Brome 17 WLA<br />
Poaceae Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel Grass 35 WLA (23), Moree(6), NLNRVS(1),<br />
NWB(3), WFS(2)<br />
Poaceae Cenchrus echinatus Mossman River Grass 3 WLA (2), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Cenchrus incertus 2WFS(2)<br />
Poaceae Chloris gayana Rhodes Grass 208 WLA (205), NWB(1), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Chloris virgata Feathertop Rhodes<br />
Grass<br />
10 WLA (2), Moree(8)
Family Scientific Name Common Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Poaceae Cynodon incompletus 5 MMVS(5)<br />
Poaceae Echinochloa crusgalli Barnyard Grass 110 WLA (106), NWB(1), Namoi(3)<br />
Poaceae Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldtgrass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Eleusine indica Crowsfoot Grass 2 WLA (1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Eleusine tristachya Goose Grass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis cilianensis Stinkgrass 52 WLA (7), MMVS(19), Moree(23),<br />
NWB(2), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis curvula 23 Moree(23)<br />
Poaceae Eragrostis pilosa 2 MMVS(1), Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Festuca pratensis 1 NLNRVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog 1 WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Hordeum glaucum Northern Barley Grass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Hordeum leporinum Barley Grass 198 WLA(148), MMVS(13), Moree(18),<br />
NWB(16), WFS(1), Wombeira(2)<br />
Poaceae Lamarckia aurea Goldentop 5 WLA<br />
Poaceae Lolium loliaceum Stiff Ryegrass 5 WLA<br />
Poaceae Lolium rigidum 1 Moree(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum capillare Witchgrass 2 WLA(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum coloratum Coolah Grass 2 WLA(1), Wombeira(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum coloratum var<br />
makarikariense<br />
2 Moree(2)<br />
Poaceae Panicum gilvum 1Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Panicum miliaceum 1 MMVS(1)<br />
Poaceae Parapholis incurva Coast Barb Grass 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum 8 WLA(4), MMVS(2), Moree(1),<br />
NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Pennisetum villosum Feathertop 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Phalaris aquatica Phalaris 2 WLA<br />
Poaceae Phalaris paradoxa Paradoxa Grass 119 WLA(109), Moree(5), NWB(3),<br />
Wombeira(2)<br />
Poaceae Piptatherum miliacea Rice Millet 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Poa annua Winter Grass 11 WLA(2), MMVS(9)<br />
Poaceae Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass 2 WLA(1), WFS(1)<br />
Poaceae Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beardgrass 5 WLA(3), Wombeira(2)<br />
Poaceae Rostraria cristata Annual Cat's Tail 1 WLA<br />
Poaceae Rostraria pumila Roughtail 8 WLA<br />
Poaceae Schismus barbatus Arabian Grass 89 WLA<br />
Poaceae Sorghum halepense Johnson Grass 2 WLA(1), Namoi(1)<br />
Poaceae Sporobolus indicus 3 Moree(3)<br />
Poaceae Urochloa panicoides Urochloa Grass 81 WLA(54), Moree(25), Namoi(2)<br />
Poaceae Vulpia bromoides Squirrel Tail Fesque 2 WLA(1), NWB(1)<br />
Poaceae Vulpia muralis Rat'sTail Fescue 2 WLA<br />
Poaceae Vulpia myuros forma megalura Rat'sTail Fescue 1 WLA<br />
Key<br />
WLA Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
BBSPil Brigalow Belt South Study - Pilliga State Forest<br />
BBSSF Forestry survey of the Pilliga forests<br />
Moree Moree Plains Grasslands survey of Moree Plains Shire and Walgett Shire east of the Barwon River
NWB Northern Wheatbelt Vegetation Survey<br />
Wombeira Wombeira Landsystem Vegetation Survey<br />
NLNRVS Narran Lake Nature Reserve Vegetation Survey.<br />
MMVS Macquarie Marshes Vegetation Survey<br />
WFS Walgett fauna survey sites<br />
BrigOut Brigalow Outlier (NE of Bourke) Vegetation Survey<br />
Brigfauna Fauna sites for the Brigalow second survey, related to the Brigalow dataset from 1991.<br />
BBSPil2 Pilliga State Forest Survey - part of Brigalow Belt South Bioregional Assessment<br />
BBSSF&NR Brigalow Belt South Study - State Forest and Nature Reserves of the Dubbo region.<br />
Namoi Vegetation survey of riparian zones within the Namoi River catchment, north-west New South Wales
APPENDIX E: Fauna Other than Those of Conservation Significance<br />
Recorded Within the DRP<br />
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Crinia deserticola 34 WLA<br />
Plains Froglet Crinia parinsignifera 88 AM (7), WLA (19), CSIRO (4), MD (52), Gwy (6)<br />
Common Eastern Froglet Crinia signifera 113 AM (31), WLA (63), Bor (15), MD (4)<br />
Sloane's Toadlet Crinia sloanei 25 AM (2), Cul (1), MD (22)<br />
Cyclorana cultripes 3 AM (2), WLA (1)<br />
Cyclorana novaehollandiae 10 WLA<br />
Water-holding Frog Cyclorana platycephala 54 AM (14), WLA (37), CSIRO (3)<br />
Cyclorana verrucosa 20 AM (2), WLA (18)<br />
Eastern Banjo Frog Limnodynastes dumerilii 5 AM (1), WLA (1), MD (3)<br />
Long-thumbed Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri 7,262 AM (91), WLA (160), CSIRO (2), MD (61), Nara,<br />
Gwy (6948)<br />
Giant Banjo Frog Limnodynastes interioris 1WLA<br />
Ornate Burrowing Frog Limnodynastes interioris 85 AM (18), WLA (67), Boo<br />
Salmon-striped Frog Limnodynastes salmini 601 AM (34), WLA (96), CSIRO (9), Cul (1), Lum, Nara,<br />
Gwy (461)<br />
Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis 2,954 AM (149), WLA (273), CSIRO (9), Bor (10), Boo, Cul<br />
(2), Lum, Tra (16), MD (189), Nara, Gwy (2306)<br />
Striped Burrowing Frog Litoria alboguttata 233 AM (12), WLA (211), CSIRO (2), Gwy (8)<br />
Green Tree Frog Litoria caerulea 395 AM (84), WLA (272), CSIRO (4), Cul (1), MD (8),<br />
Gwy (26)<br />
Litoria latopalmata 148 AM (12), WLA (81), CSIRO (1), Gwy (54)<br />
Peron's Tree Frog Litoria peronii 526 AM (60), WLA (447), CSIRO (4), Cul (1), Lum, Nara,<br />
Gwy (14)<br />
Desert Tree Frog Litoria rubella 355 AM (79), WLA (267), CSIRO (7), Cul (1), Lum, Tra<br />
(1), Gwy (1)<br />
Common Spadefoot Toad Neobatrachus sudelli 40 AM (8), WLA (29), CSIRO (1), MD (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Crucifix Frog Notaden bennettii 317 AM (23), WLA (278), CSIRO (5), Bor (9), Boo, Gwy<br />
(2)<br />
Bibron's Toadlet Pseudophryne bibronii Nara<br />
Uperoleia capitulata 22 AM (8), Bor (14)<br />
Uperoleia rugosa 66 AM (31), WLA (29), CSIRO (6)<br />
Jacky Lizard Amphibolurus muricatus 7 AM (1), WLA (6)<br />
Nobbi Amphibolurus nobbi 26 AM (7), WLA (10), CSIRO (9)<br />
Southern Rainbow Skink Carlia tetradactyla 1CSIRO<br />
Marbled Gecko Christinus marmoratus 34 WLA (21), MD (13)<br />
Carnaby's Wall Skink Cryptoblepharus carnabyi 300 AM (112), WLA (131), CSIRO (10), Cul (12), Nar (1),<br />
Tra (4), MD (3), Gwy (27)<br />
Cryptoblepharus<br />
plagiocephalus<br />
1CSIRO<br />
Central Netted Dragon Ctenophorus nuchalis 1WLA<br />
Painted Dragon Ctenophorus pictus 16 AM (2), WLA (14)<br />
Ctenotus allotropis 18 AM (5), WLA (7), CSIRO (5), Nar (1)<br />
Ctenotus leonhardii 3 AM (1), WLA (2)<br />
Ctenotus regius 61 AM (28), WLA (32), MD (1)<br />
Striped Skink Ctenotus robustus 39 AM (16), WLA (21), CSIRO (1), Lum, Tra (1)<br />
Ctenotus schomburgkii 1WLA<br />
Olive Legless Lizard Delma inornata 31 AM (15), WLA (14), CSIRO (1), Cul (1)<br />
Delma tincta 3 AM (2), WLA (1)<br />
Yellow-faced Whip Snake Demansia psammophis 20 AM (17), WLA (3)<br />
De Vis' Banded Snake Denisonia devisi 120 AM (48), WLA (61), CSIRO (10), Cul (1), Gwy (3)<br />
Spiny-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus ciliaris 8 AM (3), WLA (5)<br />
Eastern Spiny-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus intermedius 16 AM (5), WLA (9), CSIRO (2)<br />
Diplodactylus steindachneri 33 AM (3), WLA (26), Nar (1), MD (3)<br />
Tesselated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus 153 AM (36), WLA (85), CSIRO (6), Cul (22), MD (3),<br />
Gwy (1)<br />
Stone Gecko Diplodactylus vittatus 30 AM (3), WLA (27)<br />
Soft-tailed Gecko Diplodactylus williamsi 18 AM (6), WLA (10), CSIRO (2)<br />
Drysdalia rhodogaster 1AM
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Tree Skink Egernia striolata 275 AM (49), WLA (138), CSIRO (23), Cul (5), Nar (17),<br />
MD (10), Gwy (33)<br />
Saw-shelled Tortoise Elseya latisternum 1WLA<br />
Narrow-banded Sand<br />
Swimmer<br />
Eremiascincus fasciolatus 5 AM (1), WLA (4)<br />
Broad-banded Sand<br />
Swimmer<br />
Eremiascincus richardsonii 14 AM (3), WLA (8), MD (3)<br />
Barred-side Skink Eulamprus tenuis 4WLA<br />
Red-naped Snake Furina diadema 40 AM (17), WLA (21), CSIRO (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Furina ornata 1AM<br />
Gehyra dubia 132 AM (25), WLA (79), Cul (1), Gwy (27)<br />
Tree Dtella Gehyra variegata 359 AM (163), WLA (116), CSIRO (28), Cul (12), Lum,<br />
Nar (11), Tra (1), MD (23), Gwy (5)<br />
Grey Snake Hemiaspis damelii 88 AM (30), WLA (39), CSIRO (12), Gwy (7)<br />
Bynoe's Gecko Heteronotia binoei 348 AM (92), WLA (167), CSIRO (6), Cul (21), Nar (1),<br />
MD (2), Gwy (59)<br />
Grass Skink Lampropholis delicata 1WLA<br />
Lerista aericeps 3CSIRO<br />
Lerista labialis 1AM<br />
Lerista muelleri 95 AM (48), WLA (32), CSIRO (7), Bor (1), Cul (7)<br />
Lerista punctatovittata 171 AM (53), WLA (22), CSIRO (7), Gwy (2)<br />
Burton's Legless Lizard Lialis burtonis 36 AM (15), WLA (19), CSIRO (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Gilbert's Dragon Lophognathus gilberti 77 AM (38), WLA (20), CSIRO (5), Cul (3), Nar (1), Gwy<br />
(10)<br />
Beaded Gecko Lucasium damaeum 79 AM (26), WLA (48), MD (5)<br />
Grey's Skink Menetia greyii 109 AM (40), WLA (36), CSIRO (9), Cul (10), Nar (1),<br />
Tra (4), MD (9)<br />
Carpet or Diamond Python Morelia spilota 11 AM (5), WLA (6)<br />
Morethia adelaidensis 7 AM (3), WLA (4)<br />
Boulenger's Skink Morethia boulengeri 508 AM (262), WLA (132), CSIRO (17), Bor(1), Cul (14),<br />
Nar (2), Tra (9), MD (36), Gwy (35)<br />
Smooth Knob-tailed Gecko Nephrurus levis 10 AM (6), WLA (4)<br />
Marbled Velvet Gecko Oedura marmorata 44 AM (29), WLA (11), CSIRO (1), Cul (2), Nar (1)<br />
Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii 6WLA<br />
Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata 127 AM (36), WLA (81), CSIRO (3), Boo, Cul (2), Lum,<br />
Gwy (5)<br />
Central Bearded Dragon Pogona vitticeps 25 AM (5), WLA (17), MD (3)<br />
Mulga Snake Pseudechis australis 44 AM (19), WLA (13), CSIRO (5), MD (7)<br />
Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis 161 AM (100), WLA (54), CSIRO (5), MD (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Common Scaly-foot Pygopus lepidopodus 4 AM (2), WLA (2)<br />
Hooded Scaly-foot Pygopus nigriceps 67 AM (32), WLA (33), CSIRO (2)<br />
Ramphotyphlops<br />
bituberculatus<br />
26 AM (10), WLA (14), CSIRO (2)<br />
Ramphotyphlops ligatus 6 AM (5), WLA (1)<br />
Ramphotyphlops wiedii 24 AM (12), WLA (12)<br />
Beaked Gecko Rhynchoedura ornata 34 AM (6), WLA (27), Lum, Nar (1)<br />
Coral Snake Simoselaps australis 14 AM (6), WLA (6), CSIRO (2)<br />
Suta spectabilis dwyeri 31 AM (14), WLA (13), CSIRO (3), Gwy (1)<br />
Curl Snake Suta suta 88 AM (57), WLA (19), CSIRO (7), Cul (3), MD (1), Gwy<br />
(1)<br />
Eastern Blue-tongued<br />
Lizard<br />
Tiliqua scincoides 134 AM (44), WLA (84), Boo, Lum, Gwy (6)<br />
Shingleback Trachydosaurus rugosus 133 AM (31), WLA (88), CSIRO (3), Lum, MD (10), Gwy<br />
(1)<br />
Lined Earless Dragon Tympanocryptis lineata 37 AM (10), WLA (23), CSIRO (2), Cul (1), Nar (1)<br />
Tympanocryptis<br />
tetraporophora<br />
4 WLA (1), CSIRO (3)<br />
Thick-tailed Gecko Underwoodisaurus milii 11 AM (5), WLA (6)<br />
Gould's Goanna Varanus gouldii 73 AM (13), WLA (53), CSIRO (1), Cul (1), Lum, Gwy<br />
(5)<br />
Varanus tristis 20 AM (12), WLA (6), CSIRO (1), Nar (1)
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Lace Monitor Varanus varius 223 AM (8), WLA (183), CSIRO (4), Bor(1), Boo, Cul (8),<br />
MD (8), Gwy (11)<br />
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys rufogularis 532 BA (314), AM (16), WLA (174), Cul (10), Nar (17),<br />
MD (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 104 BA (44), ABBBS (1), WLA (32), Cul (2), Lum, MD<br />
(25)<br />
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 691 BA (479), AM (4), ABBBS (11), WLA (164), CSIRO<br />
(2), Cul (1), Nar (1), MD (29)<br />
Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 279 BA (178), ABBBS (2), WLA (86), Bor, Cul (10), Nar<br />
(3)<br />
Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla 10 WLA<br />
Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides 20 BA (7), WLA (10), Gwy (3)<br />
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis 391 BA (208), AM (9), ABBBS (3), WLA (141), CSIRO<br />
(1), Cul (8), Lum, MD (21)<br />
Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 63 BA (48), WLA (13), Cul (2)<br />
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 105 BA (85), WLA (18), Tra (1), MD (1)<br />
Grey Goshawk Accipiter novaehollandiae 4 BA (1), AM (1), WLA (2)<br />
Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus 314 BA (178), AM (5), ABBBS (1), WLA (112), MD (17),<br />
Gwy (1)<br />
Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus 232 BA (68), AM (5), WLA (122), Cul (24), Lum, Gwy<br />
(13)<br />
Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea 7 BA (3), AM (2), WLA (2)<br />
Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis 1BA<br />
Chestnut Teal Anas castanea 63 BA (22), AM (17), WLA (22), MD (2)<br />
Grey Teal Anas gracilis 289,110 BA (548), AM (14), ABBBS (2), WLA (286688), Cul<br />
(3), Lum, Narw (1361), Tra (7), MD (487)<br />
Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 6,212 BA (84), AM (3), WLA (6052), Lum, Narw (68), MD<br />
(5)<br />
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 60,194 BA (589), AM (13), WLA (59432), Lum, Narw (85),<br />
Tra (25), MD (50)<br />
Darter Anhinga melanogaster 5,119 BA (228), AM (2), ABBBS (6), WLA (4757), Lum,<br />
Narw (118), Tra (4), MD (4)<br />
Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 12 BA (2), WLA (6), Bor, MD (4)<br />
Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 616 BA (461), AM (5), ABBBS (1), WLA (139), Cul (2),<br />
Lum, Nar (1), Tra, MD (7)<br />
Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis 304 BA (150), AM (12), WLA (99), Cul (3), MD (40)<br />
Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus 353 BA (269), AM (9), WLA (272), Bor, Cul (29), Lum,<br />
Nar (10), MD (7), Gwy (2)<br />
Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 536 BA (340), AM (13), WLA (171), Mid, Cul(7), Lum,<br />
Nar (3), Tra, Gwy (2)<br />
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia 25,575 BA (76), AM (2), ABBBS (4), WLA (25492), Narw<br />
(6), Tra, Gwy (1)<br />
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica 2,370 BA (657), AM (6), WLA (1641), Boo, Cul (6), Lum,<br />
Narw (15), Tra, MD (36), Gwy (3)<br />
Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 728 BA (542), AM (30), WLA (128), CSIRO (1), Cul (15),<br />
MD (12)<br />
Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 180 BA (119), WLA (48), Boo, Cul (6), MD (7)<br />
White-breasted<br />
Artamus leucorhynchus 574 BA (285), AM (12), WLA (178), Boo, Cul (60), Lum,<br />
Woodswallow<br />
Nar (2), MD (36), Gwy (1)<br />
Little Woodswallow Artamus minor 112 BA (28), WLA (74), Cul (4), Nar (6)<br />
Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus 325 BA (116), AM (11), WLA (191), Cul (6), MD (1)<br />
White-browed<br />
Artamus superciliosus 1,166 BA (313), AM (16), WLA (743), Cul (89), Lum, Nar<br />
Woodswallow<br />
(4), MD (1)<br />
Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata 6 BA (4), AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
Hardhead Aythya australis 17,527 BA (193), AM (2), WLA (17196), Lum, Narw (91),<br />
MD (45)<br />
Mallee Ringneck Barnardius zonarius barnardi 954 BA (493), AM (24), ABBBS (3), WLA (324), Mid, Cul<br />
(45), Lum, Nar (15), Tra (9), MD (41), Gwy (2)<br />
Musk Duck Biziura lobata 1,529 BA (106), AM (2), WLA (1421)<br />
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita 538 BA (239), AM (5), ABBBS (2), WLA (204), Mid, Bor,<br />
Boo, Cul (2), Tra, MD (85), Gwy (1)<br />
Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 3,058 BA (1160), AM (15), ABBBS (3), WLA (1341),
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
CSIRO (2), Mid, Bor, Boo, Cul (69), Lum, Nar (16),<br />
Tra (>261), MD (188), Gwy (3)<br />
Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea 391 BA (95), WLA (215), CSIRO (8), MD (73)<br />
Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis 47 BA (35), WLA (12)<br />
Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus 2 BA (1), WLA (1)<br />
Yellow-tailed Black-<br />
Cockatoo<br />
Calyptorhynchus funereus 1BA<br />
Black Honeyeater Certhionyx niger 16 BA (5), WLA (11)<br />
Inland Dotterel Charadrius australis 4 AM (1), WLA (1), CSIRO (2)<br />
Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus 1WLA<br />
Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus 603 BA (6), WLA (442), Narw (154), MD (1)<br />
Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 28,519 BA (637), AM (10), ABBBS (3), WLA (26922), Boo,<br />
Cul (27), Lum, Narw (581), Tra (90), MD (248), Gwy<br />
(1)<br />
White-backed Swallow Cheramoeca leucosternus 90 BA (67), WLA (21), Nar (1), MD (1)<br />
Spotted Bowerbird Chlamydera maculata 300 BA (204), AM (37), ABBBS (6), WLA (49), Nar (3),<br />
Gwy (1)<br />
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus 4,971 BA (69), AM (3), WLA (4407), Lum, Narw (492)<br />
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis 197 BA (141), AM (2), ABBBS (2), WLA (36), Cul (1),<br />
Nar (2), MD (12), Gwy (1)<br />
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus 22 BA (7), WLA (8), MD (7)<br />
Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans 26 BA (16), AM (1), WLA (8), MD (1)<br />
Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus cruralis 214 BA (161), AM (3), WLA (48), MD (2)<br />
Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi 367 BA (278), AM (15), ABBBS (1), WLA (69), CSIRO<br />
(1), MD (3)<br />
Swamp Harrier Circus approximans 130 BA (95), WLA (35)<br />
Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis 122 BA (104), WLA (17), Tra, MD (1)<br />
Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis 70 BA (51), ABBBS (3), WLA (16)<br />
Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus 2 BA (1), WLA (1)<br />
White-browed Treecreeper Climacteris affinis 41 BA (5), AM (1), WLA (10), Cul (4), MD (21)<br />
Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus 865 BA (479), AM (33), ABBBS (1), WLA (234), CSIRO<br />
(1), Boo, Cul (51), Nar (8), MD (57), Gwy (1)<br />
Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 802 BA (444), AM (4), WLA (189), CSIRO (1), Boo, Cul<br />
(40), Lum, Nar (17), MD (105), Gwy (2)<br />
Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima 181 BA (129), AM (2), WLA (50)<br />
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 1,032 BA (743), AM (5), WLA (193), Bor, Boo, Cul (22),<br />
Nar (16), Tra, MD (49), Gwy (4)<br />
White-bellied Cuckooshrike<br />
Coracina papuensis 167 BA (84), AM (1), WLA (58), Cul (10), Nar (5), MD (9)<br />
Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris 2WLA<br />
White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 1,296 BA (581), AM (28), WLA (544), Bor, Boo, Cul (12),<br />
Lum, Nar (1), Tra (52), MD (77), Gwy (1)<br />
White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaeus 31 BA (4), AM (4), ABBBS (3), WLA (2), MD (18)<br />
Little Crow Corvus bennetti 299 BA (101), WLA (184), CSIRO (4), Cul (2), MD (8)<br />
Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 1,664 BA (732), AM (12), WLA (378), CSIRO (1), Bor, Cul<br />
(44), Lum, Nar (9), Tra (1), MD (193), Gwy (5)<br />
Little Raven Corvus mellori 1,272 BA (92), WLA (1112), CSIRO (3), Mid, Cul (4), Tra<br />
(>61)<br />
Torresian Crow Corvus orru 9 BA (1), AM (3), WLA (5)<br />
King Quail Coturnix chinensis 1WLA<br />
Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis 95 BA (56), AM (16), WLA (23)<br />
Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 1,328 BA (1012), AM (25), ABBBS (1), WLA (231), CSIRO<br />
(2), Mid, Bor, Cul (26), Lum, Nar (14), Tra (7), MD<br />
(15), Gwy (2)<br />
Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus 698 BA (484), AM (6), ABBBS (2), WLA (145), Bor, Cul<br />
(16), Nar (5), Tra, MD (31), Gwy (2)<br />
Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus 272 BA (209), AM (4), WLA (55), MD (4)<br />
Black Swan Cygnus atratus 24,031 BA (298), AM (2), ABBBS (2), WLA (24331), Lum,<br />
Narw (355), Tra, MD (43)<br />
Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 917 BA (650), AM (14), ABBBS (1), WLA (189), Mid, Bor,<br />
Boo, Cul (11), Lum, Nar (2), Tra (1), MD (45), Gwy<br />
(4)
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 71 BA (10), AM (1), WLA (24), CSIRO (3), MD (33)<br />
Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata 42 BA (1), AM (2), WLA (39)<br />
Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni 29,814 BA (76), AM (4), WLA (29719), Lum, Tra (15)<br />
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum 538 BA (379), AM (7), WLA (99), CSIRO (1), Mid, Cul<br />
(22), Nar (9), MD (18), Gwy (3)<br />
Spangled Drongo Dicrurus bracteatus 4WLA<br />
Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae 3,257 BA (597), AM (14), WLA (2583), Mid, Bor, Cul (53),<br />
Lum, MD (5), Gwy (5)<br />
Little Egret Egretta garzetta 1,550 BA (79), WLA (1470), CSIRO (1)<br />
White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 4,364 BA (790), AM (6), WLA (3363), Cul (7), Lum, Narw<br />
(159), Tra (1), MD (36), Gwy (2)<br />
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris 311 BA (254), AM (4), WLA (48), Mid, Tra, MD (5)<br />
Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops 2,436 BA (345), AM (14), ABBBS (6), WLA (2011), Boo,<br />
Cul (9), Lum, Narw (19), MD (32)<br />
Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis 461 BA (337), AM (7), WLA (103), Cul (5), Tra (3), MD<br />
(3), Gwy (3)<br />
Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis 70 BA (40), AM (3), ABBBS (3), WLA (22), Bor, Lum,<br />
Nar (2)<br />
White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons 250 BA (99), AM (8), WLA (140), Lum, Nar (3)<br />
Orange Chat Epthianura aurifrons 56 WLA<br />
Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor 170 BA (63), AM (7), WLA (100)<br />
Red-kneed Dotterel Erythogonys cinctus 2,881 BA (111), AM (6), WLA (2606), CSIRO (1), Narw<br />
(142), MD (15)<br />
Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus 24 BA (14), WLA (10), Lum<br />
Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis 123 BA (107), ABBBS (1), WLA (15)<br />
Brown Falcon Falco berigora 542 BA (412), AM (4), ABBBS (1), WLA (119), CSIRO<br />
(2), Bor, Cul (1), Lum, Nar (1), Tra, MD (2)<br />
Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1,180 BA (944), AM (19), ABBBS (1), WLA (179), CSIRO<br />
(1), Cul (26), Nar (6), Tra (1), MD (2), Gwy (1)<br />
Australian Hobby Falco longipennis 210 BA (157), WLA (50), Bor, Cul (1), Nar (1), Tra, Gwy<br />
(1)<br />
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 51 BA (27), AM (1), ABBBS (1), WLA (18), CSIRO (2),<br />
Tra (1), MD (1)<br />
Black Falcon Falco subniger 76 BA (52), WLA (24)<br />
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 95,389 BA (243), AM (6), ABBBS (1), WLA (94757), Lum,<br />
Narw (341), Tra (1), MD (40)<br />
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 914 BA (143), AM (1), WLA (762), MD (8)<br />
Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis 7,719 BA (132), AM (4), WLA (5761), Lum, Narw (1733),<br />
Tra (3), MD (86)<br />
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis 16 BA (1), AM (3), WLA (12)<br />
Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata 150 BA (66), AM (7), WLA (62), Lum, MD (15)<br />
Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis 184 BA (104), AM (1), WLA (72), Nar (6), Gwy (1)<br />
Peaceful Dove Geopelia striata 823 BA (472), AM (12), WLA (284), Bor, Boo, Cul (11),<br />
Nar (4), MD (39), Gwy (1)<br />
Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca 201 BA (111), AM (3), ABBBS (2), WLA (34), Bor, Boo,<br />
Cul (1), Lum, MD (50)<br />
White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea 20 BA (7), WLA (10), Mid, Boo, Gwy (3)<br />
Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla 2BA<br />
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2,219 BA (1266), AM (14), ABBBS (7), WLA (674), CSIRO<br />
(1), Bor, Cul (53), Lum, Nar (10), Tra (14), MD (176),<br />
Gwy (4)<br />
Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 1,862 BA (1172), AM (9), ABBBS (3), WLA (436), CSIRO<br />
(2), Mid, Bor, Boo, Cul (83), Lum, Nar (20), Tra (38),<br />
MD (99), Gwy (3)<br />
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 731 BA (471), AM (8), ABBBS (1), WLA (217), CSIRO<br />
(2), Cul (7), Lum, Nar (4), MD (25)<br />
Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 200 BA (132), WLA (45), Bor, Boo, Nar (1), MD (21),<br />
Gwy (1)<br />
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 11,035 BA (188), AM (4), WLA (10189), Lum, Narw (649),<br />
Tra (5)<br />
Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel 808 BA (322), WLA (428), CSIRO (1), Cul (2), MD (55)<br />
Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 1,835 BA (678), AM (6), ABBBS (1), WLA (1037), Cul (30),
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Lum, Nar (3), Tra (>30), MD (49), Gwy (1)<br />
Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans 849 BA (452), AM (2), WLA (310), Cul (18), Nar (5), MD<br />
(61), Gwy (1)<br />
Chestnut-rumped<br />
Heathwren<br />
Hylacola pyrrhopygia 2BA<br />
White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii 343 BA (223), AM (23), WLA (91), Bor, Lum, MD (6)<br />
Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae 3,772 BA (158), AM (1), ABBBS (1), WLA (3585), Narw<br />
(21), MD (6)<br />
Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan 1WLA<br />
Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops 11 BA (5), AM (2), ABBBS (3), WLA (1)<br />
Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus 3 BA (1), AM (1), Gwy (1)<br />
White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 6 BA (2), MD (4)<br />
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus ornatus 20 BA (4), AM (1), WLA (15)<br />
White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus 2,528 BA (760), AM (40), ABBBS (10), WLA (1017), Mid,<br />
Bor, Cul (220), Lum, Nar (25), Tra (21), MD (435)<br />
Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus 5 BA (1), AM (3), MD (1)<br />
Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens 276 BA (202), AM (6), WLA (63), Boo, Cul (2), Nar (2),<br />
MD (1)<br />
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta 19 BA (6), WLA (7), Boo, MD (6)<br />
Chestnut-breasted<br />
Mannikin<br />
Lonchura castaneothorax 1WLA<br />
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus<br />
40,321 BA (104), AM (4), WLA (38863), Lum, Narw (1325),<br />
membranaceus<br />
MD (25)<br />
Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 487 BA (143), AM (4), ABBBS (20), WLA (139), MD<br />
(179), Gwy (2)<br />
Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 509 BA (223), ABBBS (1), WLA (129), Mid, Cul (8), Nar<br />
(11), MD (137)<br />
White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus 495 BA (311), AM (11), ABBBS (60), WLA (106), Cul (1),<br />
Nar (6), MD (16)<br />
Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens 49 BA (9), AM (1), WLA (35), Nar (4)<br />
Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 1,673 BA (861), AM (30), ABBBS (8), WLA (631), CSIRO<br />
(5), Cul (111), Nar (7), MD (20)<br />
Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala 1,190 BA (442), AM (5), ABBBS (57), WLA (314), Mid, Bor,<br />
Boo, Lum, Tra (>179), MD (187), Gwy (6)<br />
Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus 134 BA (86), AM (7), ABBBS (2), WLA (39)<br />
Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis 5BA<br />
Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris 122 BA (32), AM (1), ABBBS (3), WLA (31), Lum, MD<br />
(55)<br />
White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 3 WLA (1), Boo, Tra (1), Gwy (1)<br />
Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus 2,146 BA (81), AM (10), WLA (2040), CSIRO (1), Cul (4),<br />
Nar (2), MD (8)<br />
Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus 555 BA (197), AM (54), WLA (295), Boo, Cul (1), Lum,<br />
MD (7), Gwy (1)<br />
Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans 756 BA (439), AM (9), ABBBS (3), WLA (194), CSIRO<br />
(2), Mid, Bor, Boo, Cul (46), Lum, Nar (16), MD (46),<br />
Gwy (1)<br />
Black Kite Milvus migrans 573 BA (326), AM (2), ABBBS (7), WLA (195), Tra, MD<br />
(42), Gwy (1)<br />
Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica 173 BA (111), AM (5), WLA (54), CSIRO (2), Cul (1)<br />
Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca 5 BA (2), WLA (3)<br />
Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 557 BA (418), AM (11), WLA (106), Cul (14), Nar (6), MD<br />
(2)<br />
Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula 11 BA (3), WLA (7), MD (1)<br />
Plum-headed Finch Neochmia modesta 445 BA (47), WLA (398)<br />
Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis 7 BA (1), AM (3), ABBBS (2), WLA (1)<br />
Blue-winged Parrot Neophema chrysostoma 15 BA (3), WLA (2), MD (10)<br />
Green Pygmy-Goose Nettapus pulchellus 2WLA<br />
Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 122 BA (76), ABBBS (3), WLA (38), CSIRO (1), Bor, Cul<br />
(2), Lum, MD (2), Gwy (1)<br />
Blue Bonnet Northiella haematogaster 1,182 BA (679), AM (33), WLA (389), CSIRO (16), Cul (5),<br />
Lum, Nar (1), Tra (18), MD (39), Gwy (3)<br />
Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 19,573 BA (142), AM (5), ABBBS (2), WLA (19409), Cul (2),
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Narw (10), MD (2), Gwy (1)<br />
Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 1,420 BA (717), AM (16), WLA (660), CSIRO (2), Cul (13),<br />
Lum, Nar (9), Tra (21), Gwy (3)<br />
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 1,783 BA (1009), AM (42), ABBBS (3), WLA (507), Mid,<br />
Bor, Boo, Cul (66), Lum, Nar (12), Tra (58), MD (80),<br />
Gwy (6)<br />
Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis 311 BA (168), AM (2), WLA (105), Cul (20), Lum, Nar<br />
(3), MD (13)<br />
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris 510 BA (337), AM (1), ABBBS (2), WLA (134), Mid, Cul<br />
(8), Lum, Nar (3), Tra (1), MD (22), Gwy (2)<br />
Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus 36 BA (27), WLA (9)<br />
Yellow-rumped Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus<br />
xanthopygus<br />
1BA<br />
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus 650 BA (474), AM (3), ABBBS (3), WLA (120), CSIRO<br />
(1), Bor, Cul (5), Nar (7), MD (37)<br />
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 50,481 BA (385), AM (4), ABBBS (6), WLA (45620), Boo,<br />
Cul (1), Lum, Narw (4230), Tra (1), MD (234)<br />
Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii 418 BA (223), AM (9), ABBBS (4), WLA (120), Boo, Cul<br />
(3), Lum, Nar (6), MD (53)<br />
Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor 3 BA (2), WLA (1)<br />
Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea 4 BA (1), AM (3)<br />
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 3,326 BA (315), ABBBS (103), WLA (2346), CSIRO (2),<br />
Cul (1), Narw (310), MD (249)<br />
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos 15,185 BA (340), AM (5), WLA (14819), Narw (3), Tra (2),<br />
MD (16)<br />
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 14,660 BA (313), AM (3), ABBBS (1), WLA (14135), Narw<br />
(28), Tra (21), MD (159)<br />
Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 2,107 BA (121), ABBBS (82), WLA (1095), Lum, Narw<br />
(781), MD (28)<br />
Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 262 BA (121), ABBBS (2), WLA (109), Cul (12), Lum,<br />
Nar (4), MD (13), Gwy (1)<br />
Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis 772 BA (375), AM (9), WLA (227), CSIRO (1), Mid, Bor,<br />
Cul (17), Lum, Nar (15), Tra (3), MD (126)<br />
White-fronted Honeyeater Phylidonyris albifrons 17 BA (9), WLA (8)<br />
Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes 10,162 BA (502), AM (4), ABBBS (2) WLA (9431), Lum,<br />
Narw (267), Tra (6), MD (28), Gwy (2)<br />
Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia 11,246 BA (164), AM (1), ABBBS (3), WLA (10948), Lum,<br />
Narw (124), Tra (3), MD (3)<br />
Pale-headed Rosella Platycercus adscitus 181 BA (72), AM (2), WLA (99), Mid, Bor, Cul (4), Lum,<br />
Nar (1), Gwy (3)<br />
Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans 8 BA (1), WLA (1), MD (6)<br />
Yellow Rosella Platycercus elegans flaveolus 287 BA (24), WLA (12), MD (251)<br />
Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 108 BA (60), AM (4), ABBBS (2), WLA (19), CSIRO (2),<br />
Tra (19), Gwy (2)<br />
Striped Honeyeater Plectorhyncha lanceolata 399 BA (288), AM (13), ABBBS (2), WLA (91), Bor, Cul<br />
(5), Lum, Nar (5)<br />
Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides 223 BA (150), AM (4), WLA (48), Boo, Cul (12), Lum,<br />
Tra, MD (1), Gwy (8)<br />
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus 527 BA (56), AM (2), WLA (469)<br />
Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 10,064 BA (122), AM (1), WLA (9881), Narw (51), Tra, MD<br />
(9)<br />
Chestnut-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus ruficeps 199 BA (120), AM (9), WLA (52), MD (18)<br />
White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus 636 BA (69), AM (1), WLA (552), Mid, Cul (3), Lum, MD<br />
(11)<br />
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 8,871 BA (126), AM (1), WLA (8740), Narw (2), Tra (1),<br />
MD (1)<br />
Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea 16 BA (4), AM (6), WLA (5), Narw (1)<br />
Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla 18 BA (3), AM (7), WLA (8)<br />
Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis 11 BA (5), WLA (6)<br />
Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 1,711 BA (720), AM (15), ABBBS (4), WLA (559), CSIRO<br />
(1), Mid, Bor, Boo, Cul (114), Nar (1), Tra (28), MD<br />
(267), Gwy (3)
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Mulga Parrot Psephotus varius 179 BA (61), AM (10), WLA (83), Cul (7), Lum, Nar (2),<br />
MD (16)<br />
Chirruping Wedgebill Psophodes cristatus 84 BA (41), AM (1), WLA (39), MD (3)<br />
Red-necked Avocet Recurvirostra<br />
13,754 BA (16), AM (1), WLA (13321), Lum, Narw (411),<br />
novaehollandiae<br />
MD (5)<br />
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa 301 BA (199), ABBBS (13), WLA (77), CSIRO (3), Bor,<br />
Cul (3), Lum, Nar (1), Tra (4), Gwy (1)<br />
Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 1,758 BA (1059), AM (13), ABBBS (3), WLA (444), Bor,<br />
Boo, Cul (56), Lum, Nar (23), Tra (7), MD (148),<br />
Gwy (5)<br />
Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons 2 BA (1), WLA (1)<br />
Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae 3 BA (2), WLA (1)<br />
White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 2 ABBBS<br />
Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 630 BA (337), AM (10), ABBBS (1), WLA (121), CSIRO<br />
(5), Cul (19), Nar (1), MD (134), Gwy (2)<br />
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica 1,549 BA (22), WLA (1527)<br />
Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella 66 BA (37), AM (2), WLA (29)<br />
Pied Currawong Strepera graculina 27 BA (23), AM (1), WLA (3)<br />
Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea 1,932 BA (724), AM (48), ABBBS (23), WLA (1004),<br />
CSIRO (1), Mid, Bor, Cul (11), Lum, Tra (69), MD<br />
(47), Gwy (5)<br />
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 3,912 BA (258), AM (6), WLA (3541), Lum, Narw (99), Tra<br />
(8)<br />
Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 1,347 BA (51), ABBBS (1), WLA (1272), MD (23)<br />
Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii 472 BA (242), AM (9), ABBBS (8), WLA (211), Bor, Gwy<br />
(2)<br />
Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 651 BA (320), AM (12), ABBBS (12), WLA (305), Nar (1),<br />
Tra, Gwy (1)<br />
Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 580,807 BA (385), AM (6), WLA (580284), CSIRO (4), Cul<br />
(1), Lum, Narw (48), Tra, MD (78), Gwy (1)<br />
Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 862,349 BA (512), AM (5), ABBBS (6), WLA (861628),<br />
CSIRO (12), Lum, Narw (177), Tra, MD (8), Gwy (1)<br />
Forest Kingfisher Todiramphus macleayii 1WLA<br />
Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygia 124 BA (92), AM (10), WLA (15), MD (7)<br />
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 56 BA (322), AM (7), ABBBS (2), WLA (107), CSIRO<br />
(3), Boo, Cul (9), Lum, MD (8), Gwy (3)<br />
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus 6WLA<br />
Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus 4 BA (2), WLA (2)<br />
Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 3 BA (1), AM (1), WLA (1)<br />
Little Button-quail Turnix velox 36 BA (13), AM (2), WLA (21)<br />
Barn Owl Tyto alba 70 BA (38), AM (2), WLA (24), CSIRO (1), Tra, Gwy (5)<br />
Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 5,178 BA (562), AM (7), WLA (4262), Mid, Lum, Narw<br />
(284), Tra (14), MD (48), Gwy (1)<br />
Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 880 BA (226), AM (6), WLA (628), Cul (1), Lum, Narw<br />
(14), MD (5)<br />
Silvereye Zosterops lateralis 71 BA (30), ABBBS (10), WLA (30), Mid, MD (1)<br />
Gould's Wattled Bat Chalinolobus gouldii 205 AM (88), WLA (48), Cul (4), Nar (4), MD (58), Gwy<br />
(3)<br />
Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster 58 AM (5), WLA (38), Cul (1), MD (10), Gwy (4)<br />
Northern Brown Bandicoot Isoodon macrourus 6 AM (2), WLA (4)<br />
Western Grey Kangaroo Macropus fuliginosus 382 WLA (311), CSIRO (4), MD (67)<br />
Eastern Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus 1,750 AM (14), WLA (1420), CSIRO (4), Mid, Bor(55), Boo,<br />
Cul (207), Lum, Nar (18), MD (15), Gwy (17)<br />
Common Wallaroo Macropus robustus 35 WLA (19), CSIRO (3), Tra (1), MD (11), Gwy (1)<br />
Red-necked Wallaby Macropus rufogriseus 3WLA(3), Mid<br />
Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus 833 AM (22), WLA (630), CSIRO (142), Boo, Cul (25),<br />
Lum, Nar (6), MD (3), Gwy (5)<br />
Little Freetail Bat Mormopterus loriae 7 AM (1), Cul (1), Nar (5)<br />
Little Mastiff-bat Mormopterus planiceps 31 AM (4), WLA (22), MD (4), Gwy (1)<br />
Mormopterus sp. (big penis) 29 WLA (1), MD (28)<br />
Mormopterus sp. (little penis) 58 WLA (51), MD (7)<br />
White-striped Mastiff-bat Nyctinomus australis 76 AM (50), WLA (14), MD (12)
Common Name Scientific Name No<br />
Records<br />
Dataset<br />
Lesser Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus geoffroyi 127 AM (29), WLA (71), Cul (10), Nar (2), MD (10), Gwy<br />
(5)<br />
Paucident Planigale Planigale gilesi 55 AM (13), WLA (26), CSIRO (3), Cul (8), MD (5)<br />
Narrow-nosed Planigale Planigale tenuirostris 46 AM (5), WLA (21), CSIRO (5), Cul (7), Nar (6), Gwy<br />
(2)<br />
Little Red Flying-fox Pteropus scapulatus 5,719 AM (2), WLA (5716), Gwy (1)<br />
Western Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens balstoni 45 AM (4), WLA (36), Nar (1), MD (2), Gwy (2)<br />
Little Broad-nosed Bat Scotorepens greyii 97 AM (22), WLA (50), Cul (15), MD (9), Gwy (1)<br />
Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 146 AM (59), WLA (64), CSIRO (3), Cul (15), Lum, Nar<br />
(4), Tra (1)<br />
Common Dunnart Sminthopsis murina 4 AM (2), WLA (2)<br />
Short-beaked Echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus 47 WLA (40), Boo, Cul (1), Lum, Nar (1), MD (2), Gwy<br />
(3)<br />
Little Forest Eptesicus Vespadelus vulturnus 117 AM (20), WLA (34), Cul (14), Nar (9), MD (33), Gwy<br />
(7)<br />
Common Wombat Vombatus ursinus 1WLA<br />
WLA = Atlas of NSW Wildlife<br />
AM = Australian Museum<br />
CSIRO = CSIRO dataset<br />
BA = Birds Australia<br />
ABBBS = Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme<br />
Mid = Midkin NR Flora Fauna Survey<br />
Bor = Boronga NR Biodiversity Survey<br />
Boo = Boomi and Boomi West NRs Survey<br />
Cul = Culgoa and Birrie River Floodplain Vertebrate Fauna Survey<br />
Lum = Lumeah (Narran Lake NR) Biodiversity Survey<br />
Nar = Vertebrate Fauna Survey of Narran River Floodplain<br />
Narw = Narran Lake NR Waterbird Monitoring Program<br />
Tra = Trangie Agricultural Research Centre - Faunal Biodiversity Survey<br />
MD = Murray Darling Water Management Action Plan - Natural Resources Study<br />
Nara = Narran Lake Amphibian Survey<br />
Gwy = Fauna Survey for the Gwydir Watercourse
Appendix F – Waterbird Survey Data for Menindee Lakes and Macquarie Marshes<br />
(Kingsford et al)<br />
Menindee Lakes Data<br />
Common 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total Smallest Year Largest Year<br />
Name<br />
Individuals Value Recorded Value Recorded<br />
Australasian<br />
Shoveler<br />
2 24 4 2 22 71 20 145 2 1985, 1992 71 1997<br />
Australian<br />
Pelican<br />
1574 1798 2946 276 2900 1128 134 384 969 573 1020 163 282 410 306 190 183 414 15650 134 1989 2946 1985<br />
Australian<br />
Shelduck<br />
178 7 4 19 7 8 5 220 20 279 2 144 114 6 1013 2 1996 279 1995<br />
Australian White<br />
Ibis<br />
2 1 4 2 9 1 1992 4 1995<br />
Australian<br />
Wood Duck<br />
76 533 100 57 257 80 25 50 1178 25 1998 533 1985<br />
Banded<br />
Lapwing<br />
6 6 6 1987 6 1987<br />
Banded Stilt 82 82 82 1995 82 1995<br />
Black Swan 52 584 12 18 166 7 7 41 33 68 1360 40 12 193 34 1 9 2637 1 2000 1360 1995<br />
Black-tailed<br />
Native-hen<br />
690 4 61 1743 11 4 88 2601 4 1990, 1998 1743 1995<br />
Black-winged<br />
Stilt<br />
1 10 45 4 1690 1750 1 1985 1690 1995<br />
Caspian Tern 70 14 44 1 158 8 14 309 1 1993 158 1995<br />
Darter 16 11 48 2 5 7 6 11 2 12 27 8 6 19 180 2 1987, 1995 48 1985<br />
Egrets 3 59 2 120 22 142 4 72 4 4 30 462 2 1986 142 1995<br />
Eurasian Coot 36 2414 207 2780 29 27 55 1655 224 14 60 84 7585 14 1998 2780 1987<br />
Freckled Duck 2 20 25 27 3 11 2 90 2 1983, 1999 27 1992<br />
Glossy Ibis 32 231 263 32 1983 231 1995<br />
Great<br />
Cormorant<br />
292 259 3 48 628 292 33 10 92 36 13 3 2 3 4 14 10 33 1775 2 1996 628 1987<br />
Great Crested<br />
Grebe<br />
34 11 4 1 3 53 1 1993 34 1984<br />
Great Egret 3 1 5 3 2 20 17 2 53 1 1988 20 1999<br />
Grey Teal 202 962 273 8 50 7 18 108 605 452 276 44923 151 2 842 28 70 48977 2 1998 44923 1995
Common 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total Smallest Year Largest Year<br />
Name<br />
Individuals Value Recorded Value Recorded<br />
Gull-billed Tern 13 17 2 32 2 2000 17 1995<br />
Hardhead 17 486 5 190 10 479 1138 110 9 5 2449 5 1989, 2001 1138 1995<br />
Little Black<br />
Cormorant<br />
48 3164 839 650 885 221 20 2 570 222 32 27 10 224 7 1175 8096 2 1990 3164 1984<br />
Little Pied<br />
Cormorant<br />
1347 36 73 625 8 3 34 104 15 53 71 116 16 12 2513 3 1990 1347 1983<br />
Masked<br />
Lapwing<br />
10 2 2 126 140 2 1991, 1992 126 1995<br />
Musk Duck 1 6 8 2 10 27 1 1983 10 1991<br />
Pacific Black<br />
Duck<br />
6 132 47 4 35 48 353 418 472 109 6 72 72 1774 4 1987 472 1995<br />
Pied Cormorant 907 1650 42 624 256 72 105 176 68 1465 92 106 123 4 32 218 227 6167 4 1998 1650 1985<br />
Pink-eared<br />
Duck<br />
11 312 449 4 197 169 13832 167 280 250 15671 4 1990 13832 1995<br />
Purple<br />
Swamphen<br />
709 709 709 1995 709 1995<br />
Red-necked<br />
Avocet<br />
144 46 2220 2410 46 1991 2220 1995<br />
Royal Spoonbill 48 4 1 3 5 61 1 1990 48 1983<br />
Silver Gull 340 399 148 86 138 36 7 61 127 65 55 742 84 2 12 27 2 2331 2 1997, 2001 742 1995<br />
Small Grebes 1 12 13 1 1983 12 1990<br />
Small Waders 5 200 13 5798 7 6023 5 1985 5798 1995<br />
Straw-necked<br />
Ibis<br />
6 4 1 4 0 20 3 38 1 1988 20 2000<br />
Terns 2 2 2 1999 2 1999<br />
Whiskered Tern 16 10 90 32 1 62 60 271 1 1993 90 1987<br />
White-faced<br />
6 1 19 1 1 3 2 1 34 1 1987, 1991, 19 1990<br />
Heron<br />
1992, 2000<br />
White-necked<br />
Heron<br />
13 6 19 6 1991 13 1990<br />
Yellow-billed<br />
Spoonbill<br />
35 28 12 280 6 3 101 7 17 503 2 10 12 3 4 1023 2 1996 503 1995<br />
Grand Total 4330 11549 8214 1223 9530 1986 365 1078 3675 3154 3120 78177 591 1751 776 2148 543 2411 134621 365 1989 78177 1995
Common<br />
Name<br />
Macquarie Marshes Data<br />
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total<br />
Individuals<br />
Smallest<br />
Count<br />
Year<br />
Recorded<br />
Largest<br />
Count<br />
Year<br />
Recorded<br />
Australasian<br />
Shoveler<br />
312 29 32 49 4 50 476 4 1995 312 1983<br />
Australian<br />
Pelican<br />
171 9 486 245 74 62 1303 8 42 150 5 3 110 2668 3 2000 1303 1992<br />
Australian<br />
Shelduck<br />
21 40 61 21 1992 40 2001<br />
Australian<br />
White Ibis<br />
6739 560 23 623 963 3411 667 1369 84 31 66 4 32 507 94 5 3 46 15227 3 2000 6739 1983<br />
Australian<br />
Wood Duck<br />
1180 82 91 497 1751 99 140 211 399 44 200 60 13 5 4772 5 2001 1751 1989<br />
Black Swan 2652 88 46 264 224 214 24 42 21 5 67 21 18 3686 5 1994 2652 1983<br />
Black-winged<br />
Stilt<br />
624 2242 105 1960 298 390 149 5768 105 1985 2242 1984<br />
Brolga 49 50 99 49 1988 50 1989<br />
Caspian Tern 25 25 25 1989 25 1989<br />
Darter 15 29 151 37 49 25 2 5 5 328 2 1994 151 1986<br />
Dusky<br />
Moorhen<br />
15 24 39 15 1983 24 1990<br />
Egrets 2464 324 42 167 491 592 199 63 66 19 32 127 1010 322 100 4 54 6076 4 2000 2464 1983<br />
Eurasian Coot 1201 9 212 377 1269 768 33 0 4 2532 10 75 6490 4 1995 2532 1996<br />
Freckled Duck 15 15 15 1983 15 1983<br />
Glossy Ibis 5460 177 19 167 207 49 176 995 21 40 700 148 88 8247 19 1985 5460 1983<br />
Great<br />
Cormorant<br />
31 105 136 31 1983 105 1992<br />
Great Crested<br />
Grebe<br />
118 49 167 49 1988 118 1984<br />
Great Egret 236 24 25 74 14 12 278 10 8 681 8 2001 278 1996<br />
Grey Teal 16754 48881 214 4651 321 1244 3401 2639 84 2172 1165 90 348 215 101 98 82378 84 1991 48881 1984<br />
Gull-billed<br />
Tern<br />
50 50 50 1996 50 1996<br />
Hardhead 1794 2065 37 24 27 21 8 3976 8 2001 2065 1984<br />
Little Black<br />
Cormorant<br />
15 236 106 248 88 24 13 5 38 773 5 2000 248 1988
Common<br />
Name<br />
1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total<br />
Individuals<br />
Smallest<br />
Count<br />
Year<br />
Recorded<br />
Largest<br />
Count<br />
Year<br />
Recorded<br />
Little Pied<br />
Cormorant<br />
88 12 49 66 10 4 229 4 2001 88 1984<br />
Magpie Goose 25 25 25 1996 25 1996<br />
Masked<br />
Lapwing<br />
19 12 1145 40 1216 12 1989 1145 1990<br />
Musk Duck 46 174 220 46 1983 174 1988<br />
Pacific Black<br />
Duck<br />
6006 1239 174 197 226 323 1549 2539 339 632 5 190 304 3500 107 55 6 35 17426 5 1994 6006 1983<br />
Pied<br />
Cormorant<br />
25 248 10 283 10 2001 248 1990<br />
Pink-eared<br />
Duck<br />
60 60 60 1986 60 1986<br />
Plumed<br />
Whistling-duck<br />
93 50 536 679 50 1996 536 1998<br />
Purple<br />
Swamphen<br />
15 6 31 133 2 187 2 2001 133 1993<br />
Royal<br />
Spoonbill<br />
59 25 10 33 4 54 25 5 2 217 2 2001 59 1984<br />
Silver Gull 62 62 62 1983 62 1983<br />
Small Grebes 15 15 50 28 108 15 1983, 1986 50 1989<br />
Straw-necked<br />
Ibis<br />
10155 11269 7341 4876 273 2507 4955 1198 4736 362 19 15 47706 15 2001 11269 1984<br />
Whiskered<br />
Tern<br />
1060 2389 303 50 506 4308 50 1989 2389 1984<br />
White-faced<br />
Heron<br />
31 118 15 18 163 348 14 10 2 25 27 8 779 2 1995 348 1990<br />
White-necked<br />
Heron<br />
46 324 334 94 24 88 248 14 199 2304 10 13 20 3 45 3766 3 2000 2304 1996<br />
Yellow-billed<br />
Spoonbill<br />
78 59 32 212 75 88 622 42 254 99 11 60 330 10 40 75 6 216 2309 6 2000 622 1990<br />
Totals 55869 71710 812 17091 8231 8303 12803 15799 434 4602 4089 148 892 11849 5600 2011 330 223 922 221718 148 1994 71710 1984
APPENDIX G: Invertebrates Recorded Within the DRP<br />
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Phylum Platyhelminthes<br />
Class Temnocephalidea<br />
Temnocephala sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Temnocephalidea sp. 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Phylum Nemertea<br />
Class Nematoda<br />
Nematoda sp. 11 Bray, 1994<br />
Phylum Mollusca<br />
Class Bivalvia<br />
Corbiculina australis 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Sphaerium tasmanicum 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Sphaerium sp. 25 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Class Gastropoda<br />
Austropeplea lessoni 14 Bray, 1994<br />
Austropeplea tomentosa 21 Bray, 1994<br />
Ferrissia petterdi 17 Bray, 1994<br />
Ferrissia spp. 534 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Gyraulus meridionalis 764 Bray, 1994<br />
Physastra sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Segnitila victoriae 88 Bray, 1994<br />
Physa / Isidorella sp. 1,205 Bray, 1994 (1197), Sheldon, 1995 (8)<br />
Physa acuta 168 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Gastropoda sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Phylum Annelida<br />
Class Hirudinea<br />
Hirudinea sp. 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Class Oligochaeta<br />
Branchiura sowerbyi 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Dero sp. 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Oligochaeta sp. 9,645 Bray, 1994 (9515), Sheldon, 1995 (130)<br />
Annelida sp. 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Phylum Rotifer<br />
Class Monogononta<br />
Order Ploimida<br />
Family Brachionidae<br />
Brachionus urceolatus Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Brachionus novaezealandia Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Brachionus lyratus Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Brachionus angulatus Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Keratella sp. Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Family Asplanchnidae<br />
Asplancha sieboldi Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Family Lecanidae<br />
Lecane s. str. papuana Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Order Gnesiotrocha<br />
Family Testudinellidae<br />
Testudinella patina Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Phylum Arthropoda
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Class Arachnida<br />
Hydracarina sp. 74 Bray, 1994 (72), Sheldon, 1995 (2)<br />
Araneae sp. 74 Bray, 1994<br />
Class Crustacea<br />
Subclass Branchiopoda<br />
Order Cladocera<br />
Conchostraca sp. 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Cladocera sp. 961 Bray, 1994<br />
Suborder Anomopoda<br />
Family Daphniidae<br />
Daphnia carinata ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Ceriodaphnia sp. ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Family Macrothrichidae<br />
Macrothrix cf. indistincta ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Family Moinidae<br />
Moina cf. tenuicornis ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Moina cf. micrura ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Moina sp. ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Family Chydoridae<br />
Pleuroxus sp. ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Alona sp. ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Biapertua rigidicaudis ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Leberis cf aenigmatosa ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Order Ctenopoda<br />
Family Sididae<br />
Diaphanosoma sp. ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Subclass Ostracoda<br />
Ostracoda sp. 382 Bray, 1994<br />
Subclass Copepoda<br />
Boeckella cf symmetrica ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Boeckella triarticulata ND Jenkins and Briggs, 1995<br />
Cyclopoid copepod 198 Bray, 1994<br />
Calanoid copepod 244 Bray, 1994<br />
Subclass Malacostraca<br />
Order Isopoda<br />
Austroargathona sp. 47 Bray, 1994<br />
Austroargathona picta 326 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Order Decapoda<br />
Caradinia mccullochi 153 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Parataya australiensis 115 Bray, 1994 (41), Sheldon, 1995 (74)<br />
Macrobrachium cf australiense 2,216 Bray, 1994 (277), Sheldon, 1995 (1939)<br />
Cherax destructor 244 Bray, 1994 (223), Sheldon, 1995 (21)<br />
Class Insecta<br />
Order Collembola<br />
Collembola sp 1 529 Bray, 1994<br />
Collembola sp 2 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Collembola sp 3 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Collembola sp. 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Ephemeroptera<br />
Family Letophlebiidae
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Atalophlebia cf MMBW sp 1 271 Bray, 1994<br />
Atalophlebia australis 7 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Atalophlebia sp. 22 Bray, 1994<br />
Letophlebiidae sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Caenidae<br />
Tasmanocoenis tillyardi 614 Bray, 1994<br />
Tasmanocoenis arcuata 410 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Tasmanocoenis sp. 19 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Caenidae 52 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Baetidae<br />
Cloeon sp. 837 Bray, 1994 (93), Sheldon, 1995 (744)<br />
Baetidae spp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Odonata<br />
Suborder Zygoptera<br />
Family Gomphidae<br />
Austrogomphus sp. 6 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Coenagrionidae<br />
Ischnura aurora aurora 18 Bray, 1994<br />
Ischnura heterostica 19 Bray, 1994<br />
Xanthagrion erythroneurum 48 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Austragrion watsoni 64 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Calagrion billinghursti 1 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Ischnura sp. 68 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Coenagrionidae 21 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Zygopteran 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Tiny Zygoptera 201 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Lestidae<br />
Austolestes analis / leda 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Suborder Anisoptera<br />
Family Aeschnidae<br />
Hemianax papuensis 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Aeschnidae sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Corduliidae<br />
Hemicordulia tau 18 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Cordullidae 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Hemiptera<br />
Family Hydrometridae<br />
Hydrometra sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Gerridae<br />
Gerridae sp. 25 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Gerridae sp 1 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Gerridae sp 2 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Veliidae<br />
Microvelia oceanica 24 Bray, 1994<br />
Microvelia sp. 24 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Veliidae sp 1 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Veliidae sp 2 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Veliidae sp 3 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Veliidae sp 4 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Veliidae sp 6 6 Bray, 1994
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Family Hebridae<br />
Hebrus sp 2 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Mesoveliidae<br />
Mesovelia sp 1 96 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Mesoveliidae sp 1 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Mesoveliidae sp 2 9 Bray, 1994<br />
Mesoveliidae sp 4 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Mesoveliidae sp 5 62 Bray, 1994<br />
Mesoveliidae sp 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Corixidae<br />
Agraptocorixa sp 157 Bray, 1994 (14), Sheldon, 1995 (143)<br />
Micronecta major 846 Bray, 1994<br />
Micronecta spp. 6,557 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Sigara sp 44 Bray, 1994 (31), Sheldon, 1995 (13)<br />
Family Naucoridae<br />
Naucoris congrex 19 Bray, 1994<br />
Naucoris sp 2 22 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Belostimatidae<br />
Belostimatidae sp 1 16 Bray, 1994<br />
Belostimatidae sp 2 81 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Notonectidae<br />
Anisops spp. 330 Bray, 1994 (147), Sheldon, 1995 (183)<br />
Family Pleidae<br />
Plea sp. 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Hemipteran sp. 17 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Diptera<br />
Family Tipulidae<br />
Tipulidae sp 1 8 Bray, 1994<br />
Tipulidae sp 2 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Tipulidae sp 3 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Simulidae<br />
Simulium ornatipes 48 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Simuliidae sp 17 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Culicidae<br />
Culicini sp. 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Culicidae sp 7 Bray, 1994 (1), Sheldon, 1995 (6)<br />
Family Ceratopogonidae<br />
Bezzia sp. 459 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Psychodidae<br />
Psychodidae sp 17 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Chironomidae<br />
Subfamily Tanypodinae<br />
Ablabesmyia sp. 160 Bray, 1994 (97), Sheldon, 1995 (63)<br />
Clinotanypus sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Coelopynia pruinosa 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Coelopynia sp. 624 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Larsia sp. 47 Bray, 1994<br />
Monopelopia sp. 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Paramerina sp. 542 Bray, 1994<br />
Procladius sp. 395 Bray, 1994 (142), Sheldon, 1995 (253)
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Tanypodinae sp 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Subfamily Orthocladiinae<br />
Corynoneura sp. 81 Bray, 1994<br />
Cricotopus spp. 362 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Cricotopus / Paratrichocladius sp. 87 Bray, 1994<br />
Nanocladius sp 94 Bray, 1994<br />
Parakiefferiella sp. 148 Bray, 1994 (76), Sheldon, 1995 (72)<br />
Paralimnophyes sp. 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Parametriconemus sp. 8 Bray, 1994<br />
Rheocricotopus sp. 312 Bray, 1994<br />
Thienmanniella sp. 14 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Orthocladiinae sp. 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Subfamily Chironominae<br />
Cladotanytarsus sp. 165 Bray, 1994 (31), Sheldon, 1995 (134)<br />
Paratanytarsus sp. 16 Bray, 1994<br />
Rheotanytarsus sp. 78 Bray, 1994<br />
Tanytarsus sp. 941 Bray, 1994 (773), Sheldon, 1995 (168)<br />
Virgatanytarsus sp. 1 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Tanytarsini 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Chironomus sp. 942 Bray, 1994 (931), Sheldon, 1995 (11)<br />
Chironomus cloacalis 30 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Cladopelma sp. 233 Bray, 1994 (26), Sheldon, 1995 (207)<br />
Cryptochironomus sp. 116 Bray, 1994 (48), Sheldon, 1995 (68)<br />
Stenochironomus sp. 45 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Dicrotendipes sp. 2,243 Bray, 1994 (311), Sheldon, 1995 (1932)<br />
Dicrotendipes conjunctus 301 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Harnischia sp. 72 Bray, 1994 (71), Sheldon, 1995 (1)<br />
Kiefferulus martini 7 Bray, 1994 (1), Sheldon, 1995 (6)<br />
Kiefferulus sp. 8,118 Bray, 1994<br />
Microchironomus sp. 27 Bray, 1994<br />
Parachironomus sp. 357 Bray, 1994 (156), Sheldon, 1995 (201)<br />
Paracladopelma sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Paratendipes sp. 38 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Polypedilum nubifer 142 Bray, 1994<br />
Polypedilum prasiogaster 6 Bray, 1994<br />
Polypedilum sp. 411 Bray, 1994 (226), Sheldon, 1995 (185)<br />
Chironominae sp 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Chironomid pupa 415 Bray, 1994<br />
Tiny Chironomids 43 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Ceratopogonidae<br />
Ceratopogoninae sp 1 41 Bray, 1994<br />
Ceratopogoninae sp 2 251 Bray, 1994<br />
Ceratopogoninae sp 3 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Ceratopogoninae sp 4 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Forcipomyiinae sp 2 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Forcipomyiinae sp 3 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Stratiomyidae<br />
Stratiomyidae sp 1 13 Bray, 1994<br />
Stratiomyidae sp 2 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Tabanidae
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Tabanidae sp 5 Bray, 1994 (3), Sheldon, 1995 (2)<br />
Family Empididae<br />
Empidiae sp. 140 Bray, 1994 (112), Sheldon, 1995 (28)<br />
Family Sciomyzidae 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Sciomyzidae sp. 16 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Muscidae<br />
Muscidae sp 1 2 Bray, 1994 (1), Sheldon, 1995 (1)<br />
Muscidae sp 2 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Muscidae sp 3 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Muscidae pupa 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Famiy Ephydridae<br />
Ephydridae sp. 14 Bray, 1994<br />
Ephydridae pupa 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Dipteran larvae 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Dipteran pupa 86 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Lepidoptera<br />
Pyralidae MDFRC sp 7<br />
Pyralidae sp 2 42 Bray, 1994<br />
Pyralidae sp 3 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Trichoptera<br />
Family Hydroptilidae<br />
Hellyethira simplex 15 Bray, 1994<br />
Orthotrichia sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydroptilidae pupa 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Ecnomidae<br />
Ecnomus cygnitus 134 Bray, 1994<br />
Ecnomus pansus 289 Bray, 1994<br />
Ecnomus turgidus 43 Bray, 1994<br />
Economus sp. 202 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Ecnomus sp. 55 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Hydropsychidae<br />
Cheumatopsyche sp 2 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Cheumatopsyche sp. 8 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Leptoceridae<br />
Oecetis sp. 608 Bray, 1994 (5), Sheldon, 1995 (603)<br />
Triaenodes sp. 9 Bray, 1994<br />
Triplectides australis 231 Bray, 1994 (46), Sheldon, 1995 (185)<br />
Notolina spira 1 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Immature Triplectides sp. 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Leptoceridae sp 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Immature Limnnephiloidea 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Order Coleoptera<br />
Family Carabidae<br />
Carabidae sp 1 (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Carabidae sp 2 (A) 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Carabidae sp 3 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Carabidae sp 4 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Carabidae sp (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Carabidae sp (L) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Haliplidae
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Haliplus sp. 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Dytiscidae<br />
Allodessus bistrigatus (A) 13 Bray, 1994<br />
Allodessus sp. 21 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Antiporus gilberti (A) 6 Bray, 1994 (4), Sheldon (2)<br />
Antiporus femoralis 18 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Cybister tripunctatus (L) 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Eretes sp. (L) 1 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Hydaticus pulcher 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydrovatus armstongi (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydrovatus opacus (A) 8 Bray, 1994<br />
Laccophilus sp. (A) 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Limbodessus compactus (A) 49 Bray, 1994<br />
Limbodessus sp. 1 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Liodessus praelargus (A) 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Liodessus sp. 25 Bray, 1994 (23), Shledon, 1995 (2)<br />
Megaporus sp. 12 Bray, 1994 (1), Sheldon, 1995 (11)<br />
Paroster sp. 31 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Platynectes decempunctatus var<br />
polygrammus (A)<br />
1 Bray, 1994<br />
Rhantus suturalis (A) 9 Bray, 1994<br />
Rhantus suturalis (L) 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Sternopriscus multimaculatus (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Dytiscidae sp (L) 29 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Gyrinidae<br />
Macrogyrus sp. (L) 1 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Family Hydraenidae<br />
Hydraena sp. 29 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Hydraena sp 1 (A) 47 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydraena sp 2 (A) 16 Bray, 1994<br />
Ochthebius sp (A) 29 Bray, 1994 (26), Sheldon, 1995 (3)<br />
Hydraenidae sp (L) 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Staphylinidae<br />
Staphylinidae sp 1 (A) 23 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 2 (A) 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 3 (A) 11 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 4 (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 5 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 6 (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 7 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 8 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 9 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 10 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 11 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp 12 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Staphylinidae sp (A) 4 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Hydrophilidae<br />
Berosus approximans (A) 13 Bray, 1994<br />
Berosus discolor (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Berosus majusculus (A) 31 Bray, 1994
Taxa No Records Dataset<br />
Berosus sp 4 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Berosus sp. 68 Bray, 1994 (67), Sheldon, 1995 (1)<br />
Enochrus sp. 4 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Enochrus sp 1 (A) 9 Bray, 1994<br />
Enochrus sp 2 (A) 37 Bray, 1994<br />
Helochares nr sp (mareensis) (A) 36 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydrochus cf MDFRC sp 2 (A) 94 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydrophilus sp (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Limnoxenus zealandicus (A) 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Paracymus pygmaeus (A) 24 Bray, 1994<br />
Paracymus sp. 27 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Spercheus sp (A) 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Sternolophus marginicollis (A) 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Hydrophilidae sp (L) 67 Bray, 1994 (64), Sheldon, 1995 (3)<br />
Family Brentidae<br />
Brentidae sp 1 (A) 8 Bray, 1994<br />
Brentidae sp (L) 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Curculionidae<br />
Curculionidae sp 1 (A) 5 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 2 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 3 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 4 (A) 18 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 5 (A) 3 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 6 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 7 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp 8 (A) 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Curculionidae sp (L) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Chrysomelidae<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 1 (A) 199 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 2 (A) 12 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 3 (A) 26 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 4 (A) 2 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 5 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp 6 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Chrysomelidae sp (L) 36 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Scirtidae<br />
Scirtidae sp 3 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Scirtidae sp 4 (A) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Scirtidae sp (L) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Family Elmidae<br />
Elmidae sp (L) 1 Bray, 1994<br />
Coxelmis sp. (L) 7 Sheldon, 1995<br />
Coleopteran sp (A) 7 Bray, 1994<br />
Coleopteran sp (L) 2 Bray, 1994