STAGE ONE FAUNA SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT … · 2017. 5. 10. · Fauna Survey and Management...

STAGE ONE FAUNA SURVEY AND

MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR

WHITE CLIFFS TO CAMERON BIGHT

FORESHORE RESERVE,

BLAIRGOWRIE,

NOVEMBER, 2006 TO JULY, 2007.

Field Work and Report Writing by Malcolm Legg

Mal’s Environmental

&

Ecological Services

ABN 70 165 787 370

PO BOX 247

Shoreham 3916

Ph 59863448

M 0438 898 325

Email [email protected]

Fauna Survey and Management Prescriptions for White Cliffs to Cameron Bight Foreshore Reserve, Blairgowrie,

November, 2006 to July, 2007. 2

FAUNA SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR WHITE CLIFFS TO

CAMERON BIGHT FORESHORE RESERVE, BLAIRGOWRIE,

NOVEMBER, 2006 TO JULY, 2007.

INTRODUCTION

Malcolm Legg from Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services was commissioned by the White Cliffs to

Cameron Bight Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management to conduct a stage one fauna survey along

the Cameron Bight Foreshore from Canterbury-Jetty Road to the western boundary (Sullivan’s Bay),

Blairgowrie, Victoria. The study was carried out between November, 2006 and July, 2007. The stage two

fauna survey (from White Cliffs to Canterbury-Jetty Road) will commence in August, 2007.

During this survey Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals were sampled along the Cameron Bight

Foreshore.

Human activity has altered the habitat provided for fauna in several areas due to invasion by noxious and

environmental weeds, along with clearing of indigenous vegetation for camping sites, bathing boxes,

amenities, car parks, walking tracks, roads and recreational uses etc. The hinterland has been severely

cleared and now gives way to intense housing, retail shops and indigenous vegetation has been replaced

with exotic vegetation usually associated with urban development. The unnecessary pressures of the

introduction of vermin towards native fauna have also played a large impact on what previous fauna existed

and what remains today.

Local extinction of several animals has occurred in the greater area due to habitat destruction and

degradation and from the impacts of vermin, e.g. Tree Goanna, Emu, Australian Bustard, Grey-crowned

Babbler, Eastern Quoll, Spot-tailed Quoll, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Long-nosed Bandicoot, Wombat,

Eastern Pygmy Possum, the Feathertail Glider and possibly the Tasmanian Pademelon etc, while several

species are becoming scarce.

SUMMARY

This report documents the significant taxa, their habitat and management prescriptions, along with a

complete list of taxa recorded during the survey throughout White Cliffs to Cameron Bight Foreshore

Reserve. White Cliffs to Cameron Bight Foreshore Reserve will now be mentioned as either ‘the foreshore’

or ‘the study site’ and Blairgowrie Marina as ‘the marina’ throughout this report.

Taxa detected along the study site includes; one species of Amphibian, six species of Reptiles (of which

five species are lizards and one species is a snake), 48 species of Birds (of which four species are

introduced) and 15 species of Mammals (of which four species are introduced). The environs of the study

site can be considered to be of regional significance, with the taxa throughout the study site listed at local,

regional, State and National levels. This is due to mass depletion of natural vegetation and fauna

populations on the Mornington Peninsula and loss of some significant species. Overall the significant taxa

detected includes three species of high local significance, 11 species of regional significance, six species of

State significance, one species of National significance and the remaining native species are of local

significance based upon large-scale depletion of habitat and fauna populations on the Peninsula.

Weeds, vermin and human disturbance are the greatest causes of local extinction of habitat and fauna

populations on the Peninsula and within the environs of the study site. Ongoing weed control and

eradication, along with regeneration of the original vegetation communities (EVC’s) throughout the site,

including possibly carrying out controlled burns in some areas, is recommended as high priority.

Introduced fauna can cause unnecessary pressure on remaining native fauna and should be eradicated or

controlled.

STUDY AREA

The study area is approximately four kilometers long which encompasses a thin strip of highly disturbed

Coastal Alkaline Scrub, a small section of Coast Banksia Woodland, sandy primary dunes and beaches,

intertidal sand banks, and Port Phillip Bay. (Melways reference map nos. 167 J2 to 157 G10). Altitude



varies from sea level to app. 5m. Geologically there is one soil type which is derived from Aeolian

Deposits containing subdued dunes made up of siliceous and calcareous sand and aeolianite. This was

formed in the Pleistocene Period of the Quaternary Era.

PROFILES

*Cover photo: Looking east along the foreshore.

Profiles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and below were photographed on the foreshore by the author while conducting

this survey.

Profiles 1, 9, 10 & 11 were photographed by the author at nearby locations over the last 12 months.

Little Pied Cormorants roosting on a groyne east of the marina.



CONTENTS PAGE

NUMBER

INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………………………………………. 2

SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………………………. 2

STUDY AREA………………………………………………………………………………………. 2-3

PROFILES…………………………………………………………………………………………... 3

CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………. 4-5

1.0 METHODOLOGY………………………………………………………………………… 6

1.1 Field Work…………………………………………………………………….…………… 6

1.2 Data Storage……………………………………………………………………………….. 6

1.3 Research Permit……………………………………………………………………………. 6

1.4 Defining significant Habitats………………………………………………………………. 6

1.5 Habitat Types………………………………………………………………………………. 6

2.0 RESULTS………………………………………………………………………………….. 7-10

2.1 Amphibians……………..………………………………………………………………….. 7

2.2 Reptiles…………………………………………………………………………………….. 7

2.3 Birds……………………………………………………………………………………….. 7-8

2.4 Mammals……………………………………………………………………………………8

2.5 Sampling Survey…………………………………………………………………………… 8-9

2.5.1 Elliot traps…………………………………………………………………………………. 9

2.5.2 Sheets of iron………………………………………………...…………………………..… 9

2.6 Spotlighting……..…………………………………………………………….......................9-10

2.7 Anabat II Bat Detector…………………………………..………………………….…..…. 10

3.0 DISCUSSION……………………………………………………..…..…….…………….. 11-16

3.1 Amphibians………………………………………………………………………………… 11

3.2 Reptiles…………………………………………………………………………………..… 11-12

3.3 Birds…….………………………………………………………………………………..… 12-14

3.4 Mammals..………………………………………………………………………………..… 14-16

4.0 FAUNA WHICH USE TO OCCUR OR POSSIBLY STILL DO OCCUR IN THE REGION BUT

NOT DETECTED DURING THIS SURVEY…………………………..………………… 22-23

5.0 FAUNAL SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN THE STUDY SITE…..….…………………….…..24-26

5.1 Habitat Significance……………………………………………………………………….. 24

5.2 Defining Significance species…….……………………………………………………….. 24

5.3 Legislation and Government Policy……………………………………………………..… 26

6.0 MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR THE FORESHORE.……………………........27-29

6.1 Management Requirements for Table eight….…………………………………..………… 27

6.2 Continuing the fauna survey……………..………………………………………………… 27

6.3 Weeds……………………………………………………………………………………….27

6.4 Introduced Birds…………………………………………………………………….………27

6.5 Fox Control Methods………………………………………………………………………. 27

6.6 Cat Control…………………………………………………………………..………………28

6.7 Control of Introduced Rodents…………………………………………………………….. 28

6.8 Dogs…………………………………………………………………………………………28

6.9 Nesting boxes and ground logs…………………………………………….……………… 28

6.10 Controlled Burns…………………..………………………………………………………..28

6.11 Corridors……………………………………………………………………………………28-29

6.12 Fencing off remnant veg……………………………………………………………………29



TABLES

Table 1 Bird species and numbers recorded between Canterbury-Jetty Road and the marina…...… 7

Table 2 Bird species and numbers recorded between the marina and Sullivan’s Bay…………….. 7-8

Table 3 Taxa sampled in Elliot Traps within the foreshore.………………….………….………… 9

Table 4 Taxa sampled under sheet iron……………………..…………………..……….…………. 9

Table 5 Taxa observed whilst spotlighting throughout the foreshore….…..…………………...........9-10

Table 6 Micro bats identified from the Anabat II Bat Detector whilst spotlighting in the foreshore. 10

Table 7 Significant fauna within the foreshore……..……………………………………………… 24-25

Table 8 Significant Taxa and their habitat requirements and management actions…………………25-26

PROFILES

Profile 1 Southern Bull Frog…………………………………………………………………………. 16

Profile 2 Common Blue-tongue…..…………………………………………………………………. 17

Profile 3 Australian Pelican……………………….……………………..…………………….……. 17

Profile 4 Pacific Gull & Little Pied Cormorant………………………..……………………….……. 18

Profile 5 Black Swans……………………….………………………………………………………. 18

Profile 6 Crested Terns……………………………..…………………………………….…….……. 19

Profile 7 Nankeen Kestrel feeding…………………………………………………………….……. 19

Profile 8 Nankeen kestrel hovering…………………………………………………………….……. 20

Profile 9 White-footed Dunnart…………….………………………………………………….……. 20

Profile 10 White-striped Free-tail Bat……..………….……………………………………….……. 21

Profile 11 Swamp Rat..…………..…………………………………………………………….……. 21

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………… 30

APPENDIX 1. AMPHIBIANS RECORDED ON THE FORESHORE …………..………….……. 31

APPENDIX 2. REPTILES RECORDED ON THE FORESHORE …………..….….…………….. 31

APPENDIX 3. COASTAL BIRDS RECORDED ON THE FORESHORE………………….…….. 31

APPENDIX 4. WOODLAND BIRDS RECORDED ON THE FORESHORE …………………......32

APPENDIX 5. MAMMALS RECORDED ON THE FORESHORE ………………..…………….. 33

RESEARCH PERMIT……………………………………………………………………….............34-35

MAP 1 -Locations of sampling sites………..………………………………………..…….……… 36



1.0 METHODOLOGY

1.1 Field Work Fauna surveys were carried out using the following methods:

-Amphibians were identified by sight or hand capture and listening to vocal calls.

-Reptiles were identified by sight, hand capture, sampling in Elliot traps and capture under logs

and tin.

-Birds were identified by sight, their calls and during spotlight walks.

-Mammals were identified by sampling in Elliot traps, pitfall traps, hair tubes, analysing scats, by

vocal calls and sight at night.

-Bats were detected using the Anabat II Bat Detector which records their echolocation

calls and identifies the species on computer using specialized software.

-Spotlighting was carried out over three nights.

Taxa were identified using reference literature including Cogger (2000), Menkhorst (1996), Simpson and

Day (1999) and Strahan (1998).

1.2 Data Storage

Listings of all taxa detected throughout this survey have been submitted to the Department of Sustainability

and Environment, (Nicholson Street) and recorded on the Atlas of Victoria Wildlife and the new

Mornington Peninsula Wildlife Atlas for future reference.

1.3 Research Permit

All fauna sampling within the foreshore reserve was carried out LEGALLY under Research Permit

numbers 10002918 and 10003956.

1.4 Defining Significant Habitats The evaluation of habitat does not have any rigid guidelines. An area can have high habitat value for any or

all of the following reasons:

-it is a representative or remnant community,

-it constitutes a wildlife corridor,

-it contains important breeding sites,

-it has unusual ecology or community structure,

-it has high species richness.

1.5 Habitat Types

The foreshore reserve has varying habitat types consisting Coastal Alkaline Scrub, Coastal Dunes, exposed

intertidal sand banks, groins and Port Phillip Bay. Within the Coastal Alkaline Scrub and the primary dunes

we find the reptiles sampled during this survey, especially where intact understories and on ground logs

persist. Woodland bird and mammal species are also found in the canopy, coastal thickets and dense

understories. The groins and exposed sand banks provide roosting sites for coastal birds and Port Phillip

Bay provides ample food source for Marine Mammals and Coastal Birds.



2.0 RESULTS

2.1 Amphibians

One species of frogs was sampled at the study site during this survey and were mainly found at night

jumping along tracks in late autumn before rain.

2.2 Reptiles

Six species of reptiles were sampled during this survey within the study site. Five of these species are

lizards and one species is a snake. The majority of reptiles were sampled by sight and hand capture and the

diversity represents a moderate number of species which would likely occur in such an area.

2.3 Birds

48 species of birds were sampled during this survey of which 44 species are indigenous and four species

are introduced. The study site represents a fairly good diversity of coastal birds and a relatively poor

diversity of woodland bird species which would likely occur in such an area. In the tables below ‘B’ –

denotes when the species was breeding.

Table 1: Bird species and numbers recorded for each month from Canterbury-Jetty Road to Marina

Common Name Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul

Australasian Gannet 4 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

Australian Pelican 2 2 2 2

Pied Cormorant 3 3

Little Pied Cormorant 3 2 4 6 8

Great Cormorant 4 3 3 1

Black Swan 8

Australian White Ibis 20+

Straw-necked Ibis 5+

Pacific Golden Plover 1

Silver Gull 50+ 30+ 30+ 25 20+ 20+ 20+ 30+ 30+

Pacific Gull 5 7 7 7 6 4 4 4 4

Kelp Gull 2

Crested Tern 4 2 2 2 2

Black-shouldered Kite 1 1

Whistling Kite 1

Nankeen Kestrel 1

*Spotted Turtle-Dove 4B 4B 4B 4 4 4 4 4 4

White-throated Needletail 11

Superb Fairy-wren 20B 20B 20B 15 20 20 20 30+ 30+

Spotted Pardalote 20+ 20+ 20+

White-browed Scrubwren 5B 5B 5B 5 5 5 5 5 5

Brown Thornbill 40B 40B 40B 40 40 40+ 40+ 50 50

Red Wattlebird 15B 18B 20B 16 10 4 2

Eastern Yellow Robin 2B 2B 2B 2 2 2 2 2 2

Willy Wagtail 2 2

Australian Magpie 4B 5B 5 5

Australian Raven 3 2

Welcome Swallow 3B 6B 6 6

Silvereye 10B 15B 15B 10

*Common Blackbird 2B 2B 2B 2 2 2 2 2 2

Table 2: Bird species and numbers recorded for each month from the Marina to Sullivans Bay


Australasian Gannet 2 3 3 2 4 4 2 3

Australian Pelican 2 2




Pied Cormorant 4 4 7 7 7 5 4 2

Little Pied Cormorant 2 2 3 2

Great Cormorant 2 2

Little Black Cormorant 40+ 40+

Australian White Ibis 20+

Straw-necked Ibis 10+

Silver Gull 50+ 50+ 50+ 50+ 30+ 20+ 30+ 40+ 50+

Pacific Gull 5 10 3 5 6 6 6

Caspian Tern 2 2

Crested Tern 12 12 6 3

*Spotted Turtle-Dove 6B 6B 5B 4 5 6 4 4 4

Galah 3

Rainbow Lorikeet 3 4 4

Crimson Rosella 2 2

White-throated Needletail 10+

Superb Fairy-wren 45B 45B 30B 25 40 45 50 50 50

Spotted Pardalote 35 30

White-browed Scrubwren 30B 30B 25B 20 20 20 30 40 60

Brown Thornbill 35B 35B 40B 45 45 40 50 60 60

Red Wattlebird 20B 20B 18B 17 10 6 4

Little Wattlebird 4B 4B 4B 5

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 2B 2B 2B 2

Yellow-faced Honeyeater 3 3

Singing Honeyeater 2B 2B 4 4 4 4 2 2 2

New Holland Honeyeater 2

Eastern Spinebill 2 2

Grey Shrike-thrush 2B 2B 2B 2

Grey Fantail 2B 2B 2B 2 2

Grey Butcherbird 2B 2B 2B 2

Australian Magpie 6B 6B 5B 3 3 6 6 4 4

Australian Raven 4 4 4 2 3 4 4 4 4

Little Raven 2

Welcome Swallow 4 5

Silvereye 30B 30B 40B 50 40 35 20

Bassian Ground Thrush 2

*Common Blackbird 6B 6B 5B 4 4 4 4 2 2

*Common Starling 10+

B

10+

B

10+

B

*Common Myna 4B 4B 8B 10

2.4 Mammals

15 species of mammals were sampled during this survey within the study site, which represents a fairly

poor diversity of species from the greater area. Of these 11 are native species and four species are

introduced.

2.5 Sampling Survey

Elliot traps and sheet iron traps were deployed throughout the study site in order to sample taxa usually

sampled in those traps.

Pitfall traps, cage traps and hair tubes were not deployed as interference from the public was inevitable.

Taxa usually sampled in these traps were sampled by other means already discussed in methodology.



2.5.1 Elliot trap survey

20 Elliot traps were deployed along two transects within the Coastal Alkaline Scrub in the revegetated area

towards the western end of the foreshore in appropriate habitat which was likely to contain fauna for

sampling and interference from the public was unlikely (refer to map 1 for transect locations). After

carrying out 360 trapping nights the taxa sampled was the White-browed Scrubwren, White-footed

Dunnart, Swamp Rat and the introduced *Black Rat and *House Mouse. The bait used to lure the animals

into the traps was peanut-butter, honey and oats.

Table 3: Fauna sampled in Elliot traps throughout the study site in winter, 2007.

Species Date Number Area detected

White-browed Scrubwren 31/07/07 1 Transect 1, trap 2.

White-footed Dunnart 16/07/07 1 male Transect 2, trap 10.

Swamp Rat 15/07/07 3 Transect 1, traps 5, 6, 7,

15/07/07 2 Transect 2, traps 4 & 13.

16/07/07 2 Transect 2, traps 8 & 12.

17/07/07 4 Transect 1, traps 9, 11, 14 & 18.

17/07/07 1 Transect 2, trap 16

*Black Rat 15/07/07 1 Transect 1, trap 2.

16/07/07 2 Transect 2, traps 4 & 7.

31/07/07 1 Transect 1, trap 1.

*House Mouse 16/07/07 3 Transect 2, traps 1, 19 & 20.

17/07/07 2 Transect 2, traps 18 & 19.

2.5.2 Fauna sampled under sheet iron traps through out the study site.

A sheet of iron was placed out at each of the above two transects in order to lure reptiles and small

mammals under its cover. Over 200 hundred trapping nights were conducted and the fauna sampled

included skinks. No snakes or mammals were sampled under the iron.

Table 4: Fauna sampled under sheets of iron placed throughout the study site.

Species Date Number Area detected

Eastern Three-lined Skink 02/03/07 2 Sheet iron one.

22/03/07 2 As above.

Garden Skink 10/03/07 1 Sheet iron two.

15/03/07 2 As above.

Metallic Skink 05/03/07 1 Sheet iron one.

Weasel Skink 08/03/07 1 As above.

19/03/07 2 As above.

Common Blue-tongue 05/03/07 2 Sheet iron two.

2.6 Spotlighting

Spotlighting was carried out over three warm nights in December 2006, February and March 2007 in

excellent conditions to sample maximum taxa. Below in the table is the taxa recorded during spotlighting.

Table 5: Fauna observed during spotlighting throughout the study site.

Species Date Number

observed

Area Observed

Amphibians

Southern Bull Frog 24/03/07 2 Jumping along tracks.

Common Brushtail Possum 15/12/06 2 Camping grounds.

12/02/07 4 As above.

24/03/07 3 As above.

Common Ringtail Possum 15/12/06 20+ Through out thickets.

12/02/07 20+ As above.

24/03/07 20+ As above.



Species Date Number

observed

Area Observed

Bat sps. 15/12/06 3 Through out.

12/02/07 3 As above.

Bat sps. 24/03/07 4 As above.

*Fox 15/12/06 3 Through out.

12/02/07 5 As above.

24/03/07 4 As above.

*Feral Cat 12/02/07 2 As above.

24/03/07 3 As above

2.7 Anabat II Bat Detector

Micro bat echolocation calls were recorded over three nights through out the study site and analyzed by the

author.

Table 6: Micro bats recorded on the Anabat II Bat Detector through out the study site.

Species Date Number

recorded

Area Observed

White-stripped Free-tail Bat 24/03/07 5 Along main path.

Gould’s Wattled Bat 15/12/06 14 As above.

12/02/07 24 As above.

24/03/07 15 As above.

Lesser Long-eared Bat 24/03/07 4 As above.

Little Forest Bat 15/12/06 6 As above.

12/02/07 10 As above.

24/03/07 14 As above.



3.0 DISCUSSION

The following discusses general observations and some biology of the taxa detected during the study time

throughout the foreshore.

3.1 Amphibians

One species of frogs was found to inhabit the foreshore and is discussed below.

Southern Bullfrog

The occasional specimen of this large burrowing frog was seen during spotlight walks. They are remnant

populations from inundated dune swales which use to persist through out the Nepean Peninsula and

probably from Sorrento Lake. They can generally be heard calling from spring to autumn from such soaks

and semi to permanent water bodies.

The male’s call is a short musical, explosive note producing a resonant ‘bonk’ and usually repeated every

few seconds (Hero, Littlejohn and Marantelli 1991).

3.2 Reptiles

Lizards and one species of snake were the only reptiles sampled within the foreshore. Species are quite

diverse along the foreshore due to the habitat types. The Skink family is the most diverse, with five species

recorded. Below is a description and some general biology of the reptiles identified in this survey.

3.2.1 Lizards

Eastern Three-lined Skink

The Eastern Three-lined Skink is confined to sandy soils along the foreshore. During the breeding season

the males displays an orange throat. After mating three to eight eggs are laid in a clutch in warm moist

locations under logs or amongst leaf-litter.

Small Skinks

These include the Garden Skink, Metallic Skink and the Weasel Skink. These skinks were occasionally to

commonly seen through out, during warmer months and found under tin and logs during cooler months.

Some were caught under corrugated iron sheets and all appear to be relatively sparse to common

throughout the foreshore where appropriate habitat still exists.

The Garden Skinks are quite common where indigenous vegetation still exists with some understorey and

fallen logs. They lay two to five soft-shelled eggs, under logs or thick humus in early summer, which hatch

approximately two months later (Jenkins and Bartell 1980).

The Metallic Skink is appears to be rare and is confined to the coastal fringe where understories still exist.

They give birth between one and seven live young nearly a year after copulation (Jenkins and Bartell

1980).

The Weasel Skink is a shade hugging species and lays three to five soft-shelled eggs in communal

oviposition sites under logs or in humus. There sites are visited by the same individuals annually (Jenkins

and Bartell 1980).

Blue-tongue Lizards

The Common Blue-tongue was observed sunning itself outside boast sheds, on the edges of understories

and other vegetation during warm mornings and sampled under sheets of corrugated iron during cooler

periods. They appear to be relatively common throughout parts of the foreshore.

This species of Blue-tongue Lizard gives birth to live young numbering between ten and twenty

individuals. They are omnivorous in their choice of food, mainly preying upon insects, snails and slugs,

small invertebrates and a wide range of vegetable matter. They requires intact understoreys with a mixture

of graminoids and herb species, along with logs and even old building materials scattered on the ground in

which to hide, breed and feed.



3.2.2 Snakes

Mainland Tiger Snake

One specimen was observed near the western end of the study site sunning itself on the edge of vegetation.

This large powerful snake mainly hunts rodents within the foreshore and is extremely toxic to humans.

However this is a protected species and people are bitten only when they harass or try to kill snakes. If they

are left alone then they leave us alone. The female gives birth to 20 or more live young.

3.3 Birds

A reasonably medium diversity of birds inhabits the foreshore but in areas lacks some middle-sized birds

such as honeyeaters and whistlers etc. This is probably due to domination by larger, more aggressive birds

and loss of habitat through out the foreshore and the greater area. Several of these species are now rare

within the study site and face extinction over the next ten years if habitat is not re-established immediately.

The species observed during this survey are discussed below.

3.3.1 Coastal Birds

Coastal Bird species were present along the coast where several species congregate on the exposed sand

banks, groynes and around the marina.

Australasian Gannet

This large majestic coastal bird was occasionally observed diving for fish off the foreshore. They nest at

Pope’s Eye in Southern Port Phillip Bay.

Australian Pelican

This large bird was occasionally seen flying overhead where they are usually encountered at nearby Capel

Sound Foreshore and Tootgarook Swamp.

Cormorants

The Pied, Little Pied, Great and Little Black Cormorants were observed diving for fish or sunning

themselves on piers, boats, groynes and the exposed sand banks at high tide. They all breed elsewhere.

During November and December 2006 several Little Black Cormorants were observed roosting on the

exposed sand banks next to the jetty.

Black Swan

During late autumn up to 10 individuals were observed congregating around the exposed sand banks

between Canterbury-Jetty Road and the marina to feed on sea grasses or roost on the exposed sand banks.

Ibis

Both the Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis were occasionally seen flying over head, the Straw-

necked Ibis being more common as they nest and roost on Mud Island.

Plovers

During late 2006 one individual Pacific Golden Plover was observed east of the marina on the beach. This

Northern Hemisphere migratory species is a rare summer visitor to the Mornington Peninsula.

Gulls

The Pacific Gull and Silver Gull were seen flying overhead or roosting on the exposed sand banks groynes

and beaches at high tide, however they breed elsewhere. The occasional Kelp Gull was also observed on

sand banks.

Terns

Crested Terns were observed flying overhead and diving for fish or roosting on the exposed sand banks and

groynes at high tide. The occasional Caspian Tern was observed diving for fish out from the marina and is

a Northern Hemisphere migratory bird.



3.3.2 Woodland Birds

Species of woodland birds were found to inhabit the various habitats along the foreshore but some species

which usually utilize these types of habitat were absent or in very small numbers. They are discussed

below.

Birds of Prey

Three species of raptor were recorded along the foreshore and are discussed below:

The occasional Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite and Nankeen Kestrel were observed hunting along

the foreshore for small rodents or fish. They were constantly harassed by smaller birds and nest and breed

elsewhere. The smaller raptors were observed catching and eating mice.

Doves

The introduced Spotted Turtle-Dove appears to be relatively common throughout the foreshore, especially

in the disturbed areas. They bred and feed within these areas and are extremely competitive towards the

native pigeons, for territory and food. Unfortunately campers and local residents feed them.

Galah

Small numbers of Galahs are occasionally seen flying overhead or feeding in trees nearby. They breed else

where.

Lorikeets

Small flocks of Rainbow Lorikeets were commonly to occasionally seen flying overhead and feeding in

nearby exotic gums and Moonah whilst flowering. They breed in tree hollows elsewhere.

Rosellas

The Crimson Rosella was occasionally observed along the study site in small numbers. They breed in tree

hollows elsewhere.

White-throated Needletail

Needletails are spring/summer migrants from Korea and Japan. They were seen flying high on thermals

over the foreshore, probably feeding on insects. They can often be seen feeding on insects ahead of summer

storms.

Superb Fairy-wren

This species is a common breeding resident found along the coastal fringe which still contains dense

middle and understories, particularly dense stands of graminoids and low shrub species. Harems of up to

ten individuals were commonly encountered. Numerous small harems were established during late summer

and autumn. The populations decrease during winter until the following spring when numbers usually

increase.

Spotted Pardalote

Small flocks were mainly heard calling along the site during autumn. They breed elsewhere.

White-browed Scrubwren

This bird is a common breeding resident of thick undergrowth similar to the Superb Fairy-wren and is

usually seen in small flocks, or in the company of other small birds in feeding groups such as, fairy wrens,

thornbills and finches.

Thornbills

The Brown Thornbill is a common breeding and foraging resident of thickets and canopies throughout the

foreshore where they breed.

Honeyeaters

Seven species of honeyeaters were recorded throughout the entire foreshore, particularly where various

Moonah stands and coastal thickets occur. The Red and Little Wattlebirds are breeding residents



throughout the foreshore, the Red Wattlebird being more numerous. Numbers increased when the Moonah

flowered. The Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater was occasionally observed along the western end in Moonah.

Yellow-faced Honeyeater was occasionally observed feeding in coastal scrub, whereas the Singing

Honeyeater was recorded in low numbers on the western side of the marina where it was recorded

breeding. The New Holland Honeyeater and Eastern Spinebill are occasional visitors to the area.

Robins

The Eastern Yellow Robin was observed breeding east of the marina and population numbers are extremely

low.

Grey Shrike Thrush

This medium-sized pretty bird is also extremely low in population numbers and only a breeding pair was

observed towards the western end of the foreshore.

Flycatchers

Like the previous species the Grey Fantails is extremely low in numbers and only one pair was observed

breeding towards the western end. They migrate to Northern Australia after breeding.

Grey Butcherbird and Australian Magpie

Both of the above species are present along the foreshore. The Butcherbirds are rare and usually seen or

heard throughout open areas and adjacent private properties and are permanent breeding residents. The

Magpies were seen in pairs or family groups on the woody fringes or open areas and are breeding residents.

Both are regularly feed by campers and local residents in surrounding private properties.

Ravens

The Australian Raven was encountered in park situations, at the marina, camping grounds and especially

flying overhead. They breed elsewhere. The occasional Little Raven was heard calling.

Welcome Swallow

Swallows were encountered mainly around the marina where they were observed aerial feeding. They build

mud nests on the sides of buildings, boat sheds etc and migrate to Northern Australia after breeding.

Silvereye

A resident breeding species, the Silvereye forms flocks of up to thirty plus individuals after the breeding

season. Some Silvereyes migrate out of the area during winter. They were readily seen feeding in the

coastal thickets.

Bassian Thrush

Another extremely rare species the Bassian Thrush was encountered amongst dense coastal thickets during

winter, 2007. This species migrates from the Great Dividing Range to lower elevations such as the

Mornington Peninsula during winter.

3.3.3 Introduced Birds

The Blackbird is reasonable common throughout the foreshore and is a prolific breeder and spreader of

noxious and environmental weed seed. Both the Common Starling and Common Myna are common

species, depriving native birds and animals of nesting tree hollows. The mynas preferring nearby human

habitation whereas, starlings feed in open areas and along the foreshore feeding on ripe berries and often

forming large flocks.

3.4 Mammals

Most mammals that should occupy appropriate habitats along the foreshore were not recorded, except for

some of the more common species. Several of these species were known to occur up to 60 years ago. The

mammals recorded during this survey are discussed below.



3.4.1 Marsupials

White-footed Dunnart

This small carnivorous marsupial is now listed as vulnerable in the state of Victoria. It is mainly terrestrial

preferring dense poa and sword-sedge where it constructs a small nest under the grassy cover. Hollow logs

on the ground are also utilised as nesting sites. Breeding occurs for a short time in August and up to 10 are

born in the pouch. Unlike the male antechinus (which die straight after mating) the male dunnarts live until

the young are weaned and then usually dies. One specimen a male was sampled in Elliot traps towards the

western end of the study site. Habitat restoration and intense vermin control within the foreshore reserve is

essential for the survival of this beautiful species.

Common Brushtail Possum

This large arboreal possum was observed during spotlight walks in the vicinity of camping grounds. They

are relatively uncommon and feed on human scraps and in the absence of humans they feed on appropriate

vegetation and insects through out.

Common Ringtail Possum

The Common Ringtail Possum is quite common throughout the foreshore where appropriate tree thickets

occur. Here they build dreys within the canopies of these thickets. Dreys are made from strips of bark and

sticks and lined on the inside with soft leaves and other matter. A breeding pair along with two pouch

young occupies these dreys. They venture out at night to feed on leaves, flowers and insects. Their

favourite food within the foreshore is tea-tree leaves. They were commonly seen or heard at night during

the author’s spotlight walks throughout the foreshore.

3.4.2 Placental Mammals

Micro bats

Three nights of recording micro bat echolocation calls were conducted throughout this survey. They were

seen on warm nights flying past the light beam of a torch, catching and eating insects while in flight. Future

micro bat recordings could result in further species identification, as some species are common one month

and then absent the next.

All species of micro bats that occur within the foreshore are hollow dependent or roost in the rooves of

buildings. Micro bats are nocturnal, and eat three times their body weight in insects each night-making

them very important around agricultural areas. During the colder months of the year they shut down and

hibernate within tree hollows or under bark, venturing out only as climatic conditions become warmer.

Swamp Rat

This native rodent appears to occupy most areas of the foreshore which don’t become inundated with water

and have a dense understorey of various graminoids or grasses (especially within Lepidosperma gladiatum

and poa thickets). Underneath this vegetation they excavate runways and build nest chambers at the end in

burrows up to one meter long. These are apparent throughout their distribution within the foreshore. They

feed on a variety of rhizomes, seeds and other various vegetation matters from the local graminoids.

Several were sampled in Elliot traps.

Breeding occurs from spring to autumn, and three weeks after gestation three to five naked young are born

in the nest. Three to four weeks later they leave the nest as independent individuals. Mature females may

have several litters throughout the season (Menkhorst 1995).

3.4.3 Marine Mammals

The Australian Fur Seal occasionally beaches itself to rest or can be seen swimming off the marina. They

roost on man-made structures in Southern Port Phillip Bay and Seal Rocks at the mouth of Western Port

Bay.

During the last five or so winters the occasional Southern Right Whale mother and calf enters Port Phillip

Bay to seek protection from Killer Whales and sharks. Here they can be seen migrating along the



Mornington Peninsula Coast. When conditions are right they leave the bay and migrate north along the

Australian Coast.

The Port Phillip Bay Bottle-nosed Dolphin is considered endangered and the population is estimated at

around 100 individuals. This species is endemic to the bay and is occasionally seen swimming out from the

marina.

3.4.4 Introduced Mammals

These include the House Mouse, Black Rat, Red Fox and Feral Cat. House Mice and Black Rats were

sampled in Elliot traps and they appear to have become naturalised within the foreshore. Fox numbers

appear to be high, with an increased number of individuals and scats found along tracks during autumn.

Feral cats were occasionally observed during the day and at night. Others are probably residents throughout

and must impact on native fauna to a considerable degree.

Photo 1-Southern Bull Frog



Photo 2-Common Blue-tongue Lizard

Photo 3-Australian Pelican in flight over the foreshore.



Photo 4-Pacific Gull and Little Pied Cormorant roosting on exposed sand bank.

Photo 5-Black Swans east of the marina about to feed on sea grasses.



Photo 6-Crested Terns roosting on exposed sand bank.

Photo 7-Nankeen Kestrel feeding on a mouse in a Coast Banksia crown.



Photo 8-Nankeen Kestrel hovering over the foreshore in search of prey.

Photo 9-White-footed Dunnart



Photo 10-White-striped Free-tail Bat

Photo 11-Swamp Rat



4.0 PAST FAUNA RECORDS AND THOSE POSSIBLY OCCURRING IN THE REGION

BUT NOT DETECTED AT THE STUDY SITE DURING THIS SURVEY

The following species were not recorded within the study site during this survey, but possibly do occur, or

once did, within or near the study site as appropriate habitat exists.

Reptiles

The Common Scaly-foot Legless Lizard, Tree Goanna, Tree Dragon, Whites Skink, Lowland Copperhead,

White-lipped Snake, Eastern Brown Snake and the Eastern Small-eyed Snake could have occurred along

the study site or nearby. These species are known to occur on similar terrain throughout the Peninsula.

Birds

The over-all list is a relatively good coverage of the remaining bird populations found along the study site,

however there could be a few other species at different times of the year. Species not found during this

survey but detected by the author along nearby foreshores include several species. Species such as the Emu

and the Australian Bustard are now extinct from the Peninsula. The author’s records and the Atlas of

Victorian Wildlife cover a wider range of bird species occurring in the greater area.

Mammals

The following mammals were not detected during the survey but probably did occur within the study area

some decades ago.

Monotremes

The Short-beaked Echidna would have utilised the site, however the construction of Point Nepean Road

and suburbanisation of the greater area have lead to its extinction within the foreshore reserve.

Dasyurids

The Eastern Quoll and the Spot-tailed Quoll would have once occurred within the study area but no longer

do. The Eastern Quoll and Spot-tailed Quoll are extinct on the Mornington Peninsula.

Bandicoots

Both the Southern Brown Bandicoot and possibly the Long-nosed Bandicoot would once have occurred

throughout some parts of the study site but appear to no longer. Extensive searching throughout the area

failed to reveal signs (such as conical diggings or scats) of their presence and despite extensive sampling

none were captured.

Macropods

The Black Wallaby would have occupied the dense coastal thickets but due to suburbanization and the

development of Point Nepean Road this species no longer occurs. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo might have

occurred at times but historical records indicate that they stop at Tootgarook Swamp.

Water Rat

Water Rats could have once occupied the foreshore but appear to no longer. Intense fox and cat predation

would have caused their decline.

Micro bats

The following micro bat species weren’t sampled during the survey but are known to occur on the Southern

Peninsula: Chocolate Wattled Bat, Common Bent-wing Bat, Tasmanian Pipistrelle, Large Forest Bat and

the Southern Forest Bat.

The following are extracts from historical records of the fauna that used to occur in the area (between

Melbourne and Arthurs Seat) during the 1800’s and early to mid 1900’s:

Cavill (1986, p. 39) recounts the wildlife around her property (immediately to the east of Moorooduc

Quarry) in the 1930’s:



“Koalas grunted all night, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, bush and water rats, flying

foxes and bandicoots were abundant and tame.”

The numbers of kangaroos must have been enormous.

“Kangaroos were formerly so plentiful that they resembled flocks of sheep. At Sandy Point they erected

yards for a big kangaroo drive. Messrs. Clark, White, Benton and others got 1500 in the first drive. Stakes

seven foot high were driven into the ground and interwoven with ti-tree. In the last drive they got 800

kangaroos. On the plain they were in thousands, as also were possums. Bandicoots and goannas were also

very numerous.” (Tuck, 1971, p. 10).

Also,

“The place was full of wild animals – wild cats, kangaroos, possums, snakes, emus and everything…”

(Tuck, 1971, p.10)

Cavill (pers. comm.) has noted the decline in occurrence of vertebrates living around the quarry. Of the

mammals, Quolls, Southern Brown Bandicoots and Eastern Grey Kangaroos lasted until around the 1940’s

while the Common Wombat remained until twenty years latter. As recently as twenty years ago, Mrs Cavill

recalls Koalas, Sugar Gliders and Agile Antechinus as abundant, although their numbers have since

declined dramatically. She believes the Black Wallaby was still present until 1984. Two species of pygmy

possum (Feathertail Glider and possibly the Eastern Pygmy Possum) were also thought to have lived there.

Wheelwright (1979) whose ‘wanderings’ all occurred within sixty-five kilometres of Melbourne was one of

the first naturalists to write about (and shoot so many of) the region’s fauna. He records Dingos “lying up

generally in thick patches of tea-tree…” (p. 35) and being common in thick forests, deeply scrubbed

gullies, in belts of timber bordering the large plains and in patches of tea-tree on the plains themselves.”

(p35). Wheelwright also described many of the species noted by Cavill – Common Wombats, Koalas, the

two possums, Sugar Gliders, Feathertail Glider, Bandicoots (two species), Short-beaked Echidnas, Eastern

Water Rats and various smaller bush animals, such as field-mice and rats.

In the 1850’s Wheelwright also observed a “Kangaroo Rat” which was “common throughout the bush” and

was “excellent eating”. This species described by Wheelwright is almost certainly the Long-nosed Potoroo.

Interestingly Wheelwright never observed Platypus in the “Westernport district”, although he found it

common in the “Yarra, the Exe and many of the streams to the north and east of Melbourne” (p.52).

Wheelwright also shot both species of quolls. He found the Spotted-tail Quolls rare, but the Eastern Quolls

to be “one of the commonest of all bush animals” (p.48). He found Eastern Quolls especially common in

the belts of timber around swamps.

Kenyon (1930) reporting on the work and travels of Dr Edmond Charles Hobson, an early Victorian

naturalist, quotes from Hobson’s 1837 notes:

“The forests between Melbourne and Arthurs Seat teem with life. The large Kangaroos may be seen in

flocks of three hundred or four hundred, and some measure nearly eight feet in height.”

He goes on and describes that the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Common Wombat, Eastern Quoll, Common

Brushtail Possum and Common Ringtail Possum were very numerous.

Hobson’s 1837 records, comments on a number of birds including the Brolga and the Australian Bustard

which were common but have now disappeared from the Greater Melbourne region. They are now listed as

vulnerable and endangered in Victoria.

Historical records indicate that by the 1860’s Ducks were almost shot out on the Port Phillip Bay side of the

Peninsula, and that excessive hunting and drainage of their habitat had reduced numbers dramatically.



5.0 FAUNAL SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN THE STUDY SITE

On the basis of the significant EVC’s, and flora and fauna species occurring within the study site, the study

area can be considered to be of Regional Significance.

5.1 Habitat Significance What remains of the vegetation communities within the study site contain important habitat for fauna

species. The indigenous treed communities support arboreal mammals and avifauna, whereas the ground

vegetation supports terrestrial fauna and scrub-dwelling avifauna. Some weed species are threatening the

diversity within the area and some are currently being controlled.

5 2 Defining Significant Species

Taxa within the study site were classed according to their local, regional, State and National significant

levels. As lists of high local and local significant fauna aren’t available from relevant government

authorities, those significant taxa were assessed by the author and from using previous records.

KEY

Signif Significant/status of species is designated by:

N National

S State

R Regional

HL High Local

NRE Threatened Vertebrate in Victoria-2000 (NRE 2000)

FFG Flora and Fauna Guaranteed Act 1988

ActPl Action Plan approved by environmental Australia

EPBC Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

TR International Treaties, C=China and J=Japan

Cen critically endangered

End endangered

Vul vulnerable

LR lower risk-near threatened

DD data deficient

Ls Listed

Mi Migratory

Un Uncommon

MC Moderately Common

LC Locally Common

C Common

Lim Limited

R Rare

Table 7: Significant fauna species along with their ratings recorded along the foreshore reserve.

Common Name Scientific Name Signif. NRE. FFG. ActPl EPBC TR

Reptiles

Eastern Three-lined Skink Bassiana duperreyi R MC

Metallic Skink Niveoscincus metallicus R MC

Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus R MC

Mainland Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus HL MC

Birds

Australasian Gannet Morus serrator R C

Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius S LR

Black Swan Cygnus atratus HL C



Common Name Scientific Name Signif. NRE. FFG. ActPl EPBC TR

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva S LR Mi CJ

Pacific Gull Larus pacificus S LR

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia S LR Ls Mi CJ

Crested Tern Sterna bergii R MC

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus HL C Mi CJ

Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens R MC

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis R MC

Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata R MC

Mammals

White-footed Dunnart Sminthopsis leucopus S Vul

Micro bat species in study area. As per results R C

Swamp Rat Rattus lutreolus R LC

Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus R C

Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis N Cen Ls End End

Port Phillip Bay Bottlenose

Dolphin

Tursiops sp S End

Table 8: Significant taxa of the study site along with their habitat requirements and management

actions.

Species Habitat Requirements Management Actions

Eastern Three-lined Skink Terrestrial species confined to the sandy

Primary Dune system and is a burrowing

species.

Maintain dune system free of weeds and

vermin and look into ways to prevent

erosion.

Metallic Skink Terrestrial species found along the

coastal dune system where intact grassy

understorey still exists.

Maintain habitat free of habitat changing

weeds and control vermin. Leave logs on

ground and no fire wood collection.

Weasel Skink Shade hugging species found under logs

or amongst leaf-litter.




Mainland Tiger Snake Found along the coastal dunes where it

feeds mainly on swamp Rats.




Australasian Gannet Occasionally seen diving for fish off the

foreshore. Nests at Popes Eye.

No management required within study

site.

Pied Cormorant Seen flying overhead or roosting on

pylons, boats and exposed sand banks.

Enters the bay to mainly feed on fish.

Maintain exposed sand banks and groins

free from dog and human activities.

Black Swan Seen flying overhead or swimming and

feeding on sea grasses. Enters the bay to

mainly feed on sea grasses.

Maintain known feeding sights free from

dog and human activities.

Pacific Golden Plover Rare summer migrant from the Northern

Hemisphere where one specimen was

observed east of the marina on the beach

before Christmas.

Maintain foreshore beach free from dog

and human activities.

Pacific Gull Found along the coast where it builds a

nest on the ground or ledge and usually

encountered on the exposed sand banks.

Maintain exposed sand banks free from


Caspian Tern Migrates to Australia from the Northern

Hemisphere in spring. Seen flying out

from the marina over the bay and diving

for fish.

No management required within study

site.



Species Habitat Requirements Management Actions

Crested Tern Seen hunting out over the bay where it

dives for fish and nests on exposed sand

banks and groins. Juveniles roost on sand

banks after fledging.

Maintain exposed sand banks free from


White-throated Needletail Occurs in the summer period where it

migrates from Northern Asia. Aerial,

usually over coastal and mountainous

areas on the peninsula and flies with

flickering strokes, then long-winged

raking glides and slow turns.

No management required.

Singing Honeyeater Pair occasionally seen next to the

western side of the yacht club.

Maintain area free from habitat changing

weeds and vermin.

Eastern Yellow Robin Known to nest in weed trees such as

Pittosporum, Box Thorn, Italian Buck

Thorn etc and builds a cup shaped nest

and lightly decorated with mosses and

lichens. Perches sideways on trunks

Only remove weed trees and shrubs in

the non-bird breeding season. Plant out

middle storey and control vermin.

Bassian Thrush Ground dwelling species preferring to

feed in the leaf-litter. Migrates from the

mountains to lower elevations such as the

Mornington Peninsula during winter.

Maintain dense coastal thickets which

contain ample leaf-litter.

White-footed Dunnart State significant small carnivorous

marsupial preferring intact understoreys

such as poas and Lepidosperma

gladiatum (Coast Sword-sedge) with

fallen trunks. Builds a small nest under

the poas, sedges or fallen logs.

Plant out and maintain dense understorey

where remnant vegetation occurs. Place

out logs within the understorey. Control

vermin such as Black Rats, cats and

foxes.

Micro bat species occurring along

the study site.

Utilise tree hollows, loose bark and some

buildings rooves as roost sites. Feed on

insects at night.

Retain and restore mature woodland

habitat and remove weed trees.

Implement a bat-box program using a

variety of designs. Investigate methods

shown to promote tree hollows.

Swamp Rat Prefers areas of dense cover eg low-lying

grasses and sedges and other vegetation.

Feeds on rhizomes and excavates

runways and burrows. After fire, habitat

is not usually suitable for several years.

Protect areas that have intact habitat.

Ensure any revegetation areas include

essential understorey plants. Control

vermin and weeds. The highest priority is

to protect Lepidosperma gladiatum areas.

Australian Fur Seal Occasionally seen swimming out from

the foreshore hunting for fish.

Occasionally enters the foreshore to rest.

Roosts on man-made objects in Southern

Port Phillip Bay.

Keep dogs and humans away from beach

stranded individuals and allow them to

rest peacefully. Keep boats away from

individuals that come in close to feed.

Southern Right Whale The occasional sighting is becoming

more common each year. A mother

sometimes enters the bay in winter to

give birth or for safety with a calf and

can be seen migrating along the bay.

No management required within the

foreshore. However keep records if

sightings occur and keep humans and

their water craft away.

Port Phillip bay Bottlenose

Dolphin

Endemic to Port Phillip Bay where about

100 individuals still exist. Occasionally

seen swimming out from the foreshore.

Educate and keep people and their water

crafts away from pods and individuals.

5.3 Legislation and Government Policy Fauna listed as threatened under the Victorian FFG Act and Migratory under the Federal EPBC Act were

recorded during this survey.



6.0 MANAGEMENT PRESCRIPTIONS FOR THE FORESHORE RESERVE.

6.1 Management requirements for significant taxa in Table Eight.

In order to maintain the significant taxa within the foreshore reserve the managers need to adopt the

management requirements set out in Table Eight of this report.

* Implement actions as outlined in Table Eight.

6.2 Future survey work

Stage two fauna survey will commence in August, 2007. Future survey work needs to be carried out every

five years to determine if fauna populations are increasing and if new species have entered the foreshore

reserve.

* Use the author to carry out a fauna survey of the foreshore reserve in five years time.

6.3 Management of Weeds.

On going eradication of weeds is of high priority. The highest priority is to removal any habitat changing

weeds from the study site (such as Pittosporum, Blackberries, Boneseed, Ivy, Polygala, weedy grasses etc).

The removal of weedy shrubs and trees should only be removed during the non bird breeding season. If any

Ringtail Possum dreys are present or significant breeding and roosting birds, then leave or ring-bark

without poisoning. The understorey is extremely important to retain and to be planted back in areas lacking.

This should be achieved in all bushland areas including creating corridors through out the camping grounds

* Only remove woody weeds from the foreshore reserve during the non-bird breeding season.

* Allow natural regeneration to occur.

* If Ringtail Possum dreys occur in woody weeds, ring-bark with out poisoning. Follow-up after

a year.

* Leave if significant birds are nesting or roosting.

* Plant back the understorey through out including areas of the camping grounds.

6.4 Introduced Birds

Introduced starlings and mynas are aggressive towards hollow-dependant fauna and take over their homes.

The Spotted Turtle Dove competes for essential seed with native pigeons and rosellas. Blackbirds have

replaced the native ground thrush and are spreading introduced weed seed.

* Eradicate or control introduced birds on the foreshore reserve.

6.5 Fox Control Methods

Fox populations appear to be relatively high throughout the study site but increased activity was noted

during late summer and autumn especially along tracks. Live specimens were seen at times especially

running along the beach after dusk. Several dens were also noted along the ridge line of the coastal cliffs.

The most suitable methods of fox control are poisoning, fumigating dens or shooting and trapping using

soft-jawed foot-hold traps. Poisoning is not permitted on properties less than 200 acres, but is allowed

when surrounding properties totalling 200 or more acres in size work together in an eradication program.

The most appropriate methods within the study site are foot-hold trapping and den fumigation.

* Eradicate or control fox populations by using methods discussed.

* Set up a fox eradication program with surrounding neighbours such as the MPS, Parks Victoria

and other foreshores.



6.6 Cat Control

Cats that visit the foreshore reserve should be eliminated or if they are a pet, taken back to their owners and

told of the destruction they cause on our native fauna.

* Eradicate or control domestic and feral cats entering the study site.

* Domestic cats should be trapped in cage traps and taken to their owners who should be made

aware of the impact their pets are having on native fauna populations.

* Educate the surrounding public about retaining cats on their property and the 24 hour cat curfew,

which is State and MPS Legislation.

6.7 Black Rat Control

The introduced Black Rats aggressively takes over important Dunnart and bird hollows and displaces them

out of their niche. They are also known to feed on skinks.

* Eradicate or control Black Rats during autumn and early winter by using cage traps.

6.8 Dog Control

Dog leash free areas are currently permitted west of the marina to Sullivan’s Bay Point. This appears to be

the least sensitive area along the foreshore. However dogs were noted east of the marina off lead chasing

coastal birds (swans, cormorants, tern, gulls etc) off the groins and sand banks. These birds need to roost

undisturbed in order to digest their meals and gain energy. The sand banks on the western side of the jetty

are also important roosting areas for coastal birds such as the Little Black Cormorant. Human and dog

disturbance are detrimental for these birds.

* Only allow dogs in the leash free area and keep them away from all other areas mentioned.

6.9 Nesting boxes and ground logs

Nesting boxes need to be erected throughout the foreshore reserve, especially in the areas lacking natural

hollows. This will help attract hollow-dependent fauna, particularly, various micro bat species and certain

bird species. Tree trunks and fallen logs need to be retained on the ground in order to enhance the habitat

for terrestrial taxa. Both the nesting boxes and logs should be monitored monthly to determine what taxa

are using them.

* Increase the diversity of hollow-dependent taxa through out the study site by erecting different

sized, species-specific nesting boxes.

* Always retain trunks and logs on the ground to enhance terrestrial habitat (no firewood collection).

* Monitor the nesting boxes and logs monthly to determine what taxa are utilising them.

6.10 Controlled Burns

Mosaic style controlled burns can be conducted through out the study site at different times. This could

help to attract Dunnarts and Bandicoots and other species back to the area.

* Look into the fire regime of the area before white settlement and implement mosaic style

controlled burns which will maintain a range of vegetation age classes as appropriate for the flora

and fauna requirements, to enhance faunal diversity and to maintain floral diversity.

6.11 Wildlife Corridors

Several areas through out the foreshore are lacking continuous vegetation in the form of corridors. This is

detrimental to most species that need vegetation to move through. The bush corridor along the beach needs

to be at a minimum of 40 meters wide and in some spots is not even apparent. Existing bushland needs to

be connected up to each other by creating corridors along the foreshore. This also includes the camping

grounds. Less brush cutting through out would also help to achieve this.



* Create continuous bushland through out by linking with corridors, especially the understorey.

6.12 Fencing off remnant vegetation

All Moonah Woodland areas and Lepidosperma gladiatum patches should be fenced off to prevent public

access as these areas are remnant, important and significant communities containing significant fauna.



REFERENCES

Allen, G. R., Midgley, S. H. & Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia.

Published by the Western Australian Museum, Francis Street Perth, 6000.

Cavill, J. 1986). “Around and about the Moorooduc Quarry Reserve: a personal perspective and selection

of resources appropriate for the use of a small area of environmental education”. M. Ed. Study’s thesis,

Monash University, Melbourne.

Cogger, H.G. (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia (Sixth Edition). New Holland Publishers Pty

Ltd, Sydney, N.S.W.

Hawkins, H. J., & Smith, F. J. (1997). Identification Guide No. 8 Colour guide to Invertebrates of

Australian Inland waters. Co-operative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Albury New South

Wales.

Hero. J., Littlejohn, M., & Marantelli, M. (1991). Frogwatch Field Guide to Victorian Frogs. Dept. of

Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.

Jenkins, R. and Bartell, R. (1980). A Field Guide to Reptiles of the Australian High Country. Inkata Press

Pty Ltd, Melbourne.

Kenyon, A. S. (1930). Our first Victorian Naturalist: Dr Edmund Charles Hobson. Victorian Nat. 47: 94-

98.

Legg, M. (2003). Fauna Survey and Management Prescriptions for Main Ridge Equestrian Ground, Main

Ridge.

Legg, M. (2002). Fauna Survey and Management Prescriptions for Peninsula Gardens Bushland Reserve,

Rosebud South.

Menkhorst, W. (1996). Mammals of Victoria. Oxford University Press. Victoria, 1996.

NRE 2000a. Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria-2000. Department of Natural Resources and

Environment, Victoria.

Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment and Land Protection Board. Draft Port Phillip and Westernport

Native vegetation Plan. August, 2000.

Simpson, K. and Day, N. (1999). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia… (Sixth Edition). Penguin Books

Australia.

Strahan, R. (1998). The Mammals of Australia (Revised Edition). New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd, Sydney.

Tuck, H. (1971) p. 2-11 in Anon (1971) The Men Who Blazed the Bush. (Peninsula Post, 1913. Reproduced

1971 by the Mornington Peninsula Historical Society).

Yugovic, J. Oct. 2002. Mornington Peninsula Ecological Vegetation Class Profiles. Biosis Research.

Wheelwright, H. H. (1979) Bush Wanderings of a Naturalist. (Oxford University Press: Melbourne)



KEY-Significance/status of species:

N National

S State

R Regional

HL High Local

L Local

* Introduced

Type of record:

h Heard

s Seen

I Incidental (scats, feathers etc.)

t Trapped/handheld

B Breeding residential bird

Ex Presumed Extinct

APPENDIX 1: AMPHIBIANS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, JULY, 2007.

Scientific Name Common Name Conservation status

within the site.

Type of

record

Limnodynastes dumerilii insularis Southern Bullfrog Rare Lhs

APPENDIX 2: REPTILES RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, JULY, 2007.


within the site.

Type of

record

LIZARDS

Bassiana duperreyi Eastern Three-lined Skink Uncommon Rst

Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink Common Lst

Niveoscincus metallicus Metallic Skink Rare Rt

Saproscincus mustelinus Weasel Skink Uncommon Rst

Tiliqua scincoides Common Blue-tongue Uncommon Ls

SNAKES

Notechis scutatus Mainland Tiger Snake Rare HLs

APPENDIX 3: COASTAL BIRDS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, JULY, 2007.


within the site.

Type of

record

Morus serrator Australasian Gannet Uncommon Rs

Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican Uncommon Ls

Phalacrocorax varius Pied Cormorant Common at times Ss

Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant Common at times Ls

Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant Uncommon Ls

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant Common at times Ls

Cygnus atratus Black Swan Common at times HLs

Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis Uncommon Ls

Threskiornis spinicollis Straw-necked Ibis Uncommon Ls

Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover Rare Ss

Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull Common Lhs

Larus pacificus Pacific Gull Uncommon Ss

Larus dominicanus Kelp Gull Rare Ls

Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Rare Ss

Sterna bergii Crested Tern Common at times Rs



APPENDIX 4: WOODLAND BIRDS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, JULY, 2007.

Scientific Name Common name Conservation status

within the site.

Type of

record

Elanus axillaris Black-shouldered Kite Rare Lhs

Haliastur sphenurus Whistling Kite Rare HLs

Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel Rare Ls

*Streptopelia chinensis Spotted Turtle-Dove Uncommon hs

Eolophus roseicapillus Galah Rare Lhs

Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet Uncommon Lhs

Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella Rare Lhs

Hirundapus caudactus race caudactus White-throated Needletail Common at times HLs

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren Common Lhs

Pardalotus punctatus Spotted Pardalote Common at times Lhs

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren Common Lhs

Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill Common Lhs

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird Common Lhs

Anthochaera chrysoptera Little Wattlebird Uncommon Lhs

Acanthagenys rufogularis Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Rare Lhs

Lichenostomus chrysops Yellow-faced Honeyeater Rare Lhs

Lichenostomus virescens Singing Honeyeater Rare Rhs

Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater Rare Lhs

Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Eastern Spinebill Rare Lhs

Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin Rare Rhs

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush Rare Lhs

Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail Rare Lhs

Rhipidura leucophrys Willy Wagtail Rare Lhs

Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird Rare Lhs

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie Common Lhs

Corvus coronoides Australian Raven Uncommon Lhs

Corvus mellori Little Raven Rare Lhs

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow Uncommon

Zosterops lateralis Silvereye Common Lhs

Zoothera lunulata Bassian Thrush Rare Rs

*Turdus merula Common Blackbird Common hs

*Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling Common at times hs

*Acridotheres tristis Common Myna Common at times hs



APPENDIX 5: MAMMALS RECORDED WITHIN THE STUDY SITE, JULY, 2007.


within the site.

Type of

record

MARSUPIALS

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart Rare St

Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum Uncommon Lhs

Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum Common LhsI

PLACENTAL MAMMALS

MICROBATS

Tadarida australis White-striped Free-tail Bat Rare Rh

Chalinolobus gouldii Gould’s Wattled Bat Common Rh

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser long-eared Bat Uncommon Rh

Vespadelus darlingtoni Little Forest Bat Uncommon Rh

RODENTS

Rattus lutreolus ssp. Lutreolus Swamp Rat Common RtI

MARINE MAMMALS

Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale Rare Ns

Arctocephalus pusillus Australian Fur Seal Rare Rs

Tursiops sp Port Phillip Bay Bottle-

nosed Dolphin

Rare Ss

INTRODUCED MAMMALS

*Mus musculus House Mouse Common t

*Rattus rattus Black Rat Common t

*Vulpes vulpes Red Fox Common sI

*Felis catus Feral Cat Common t

*Denotes introduced species







MAP I

Locations of fauna sampling sites.

ET &

SI 2

ET &

SI 1

KEY

ET-Elliot trap sampling

transect.

SI Sheet iron sampling

site.

Date post:	21-Sep-2020
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STAGE ONE FAUNA SURVEY AND MANAGEMENT … · 2017. 5. 10. · Fauna Survey and Management...

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