ESTERN AUSTRALIAN
URALIST
Vol. 22 No. 3
June 30 1999
Copyright
Print Post Approved
PP 6358 23/00015
ISSN 0726 9609
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THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN
NATURALIST
Vol.22 30th June 1999 No. 3
A CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR FLORA OF THE
PORONGURUP NATIONAL PARK, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By GREG KEIGHER Y
Science and Information Division,
Department of Conservation and Land Management,
Woodvale, PO. Box 51, Wanneroo, WA, 6065
ABSTRACT
The Porongurup National Park contains a flora of at least 822 species
of vascular plant Of these 709 are natives and 113 are weeds. A
feature of the range is the number of wet temperate species, including
one of the dominant trees (Karri- Eucalyptus diversicolor) at their
inland margins. There are 10 taxa endemic to the range and brief
notes are given on their biology.
INTRODUCTION
The Porongurup National Park (Reserve
18978)is found approximately 35
kilometres north-east of Albany and
encompasses within an area of 2,511
hectares the bulk of the Porongurup
Range. This granite range rises to a
maximum height of 670 metres at
Devil’s Slide and runs in an east-west
direction.
There have been two previous lists of
vascular plants prepared for the ranges.
The first list was compiled by members
of the Botany Department, University of
Western Australia from student field
camps and granite rock studies (Smith,
1962) and listed 221 species (Botany
Department, 1970). The second by
Abbott (1982) listed the flora of the
Range itself, above 300 metres and
listed 368 species.
The current list is based on these
previous lists and extensive field survey
of the endemics of the Range mainly
undertaken in 1986 and 1987.
137
RESULTS
The major vegetation formations listed
for the Range by Beard (1976) are
Jarrah ( Eucalyptus marginata) and Marri
(Eucalyptus calophylb) tall to low forest
to low woodland which occurs on lower
slopes and poorer sandy, duplex or
lateritic soils. In this vegetation
community a diverse range of shrubs and
herbs form the understorey. Karri (E.
diversicolor) tall forest centred on the
creek lines and lower slopes of the
range. This forest has a variable
understorey of tall shrubs of Acacia
urophylla, Trymalium floribundum,
Hibbertia serrata, Pimelea sylvestris and
vines such as Clematis pubescens and
Kennedia coccinea.
Rising above the Karri forest are the
bare granite domes of the range, these
granite areas contain moss fields, with
their associated herbfields (Smith,
1962). Along the rock rills and in
depressions where deeper soils are found
are shrublands of Brachysema
subcordatum, Acacia heteroclita and
Agonis linearifolia over sedges of
L epidosf)erma gfadiatum and herbs such as
Stypandra glauca . Between this
community and the Karri forest are low
woodlands of Bullich ( Eucalyptus
megacarlxi) of Yate (Eucalyptus cornuta)
often with a similar understorey to the
rills.
There are also number of minor
communities which Beard did not map
separately, including small areas of
Mallee heath dominated by Eucalyptus
tetragona or Eucalyptus decipiens.
Another small community Melaleuca
preissiana low woodland over
Pericalymma ellipticum shrubland
wetland on the western Margin of the
Park, contains numerous wetland
species only recorded from this area and
is thus listed separately in Appendix 1.
Current records of the vascular flora
present inside the boundaries of the
national Park are given in Appendix 1.
These records are listed under the major
vegetation types of Jarrah, Karri, granite
slopes, but also includes the western
swamp
Despite it’s small size and limited range
of habitat’s the flora of the park is rich,
being composed of over 822 ( 709
natives and 113 weeds)taxa of vascular
plants. Of these 10 are Ferns and Fern
allies, 222 are Monocotyledons and 590
are Dicotyledons.
There has been a long history of
disturbance in the Park from grazing,
timber cutting, partial clearing, roads
for stock transportation and
settlements (Burchell, undated)
which has resulted in the
introduction of many alien plants and
created the disturbed areas for their
establishment. Of the 113 taxa of
weeds in the park, the major weeds
are along creek lines are Blackberries
(Rubus species), Forget Me Nots
(Myosotis sylvatica). In areas of past
disturbance Dolichos Pea ( Dolichos
lignosus), Silky Wattle (Acacia
dealbata), Taylorina (Psoralea
pinnata). Potentially very serious
weeds (Arum Lily and Watsonia) of
these areas are present in the park.
As illustrated by Taylor (1990)
annual grasses are a major threat to
the granite rock communities.
Control of these weeds is discussed in
the recent draft management plan
(Herford etal, 1997).
The largest families are the Cyperaceae
(31 natives, 2 weeds), Orchidaceae (57
natives, I weed), Poaceae (17 natives,
17 weeds), Asteraceae (38 natives, 16
weeds, Epacridaceae (31 natives),
Mimosaceae (21), Myrtaceae (44),
Papilionaceae (47 natives, 11 weeds)
and the Proteaceae (52 natives).
138
GEOGRAPHICALLY SIGNIFICANT
RECORDS
Because of the granitic soils and run-off
from the range there are a number of
species at the inland margins of their
ranges. These taxa include:
Adiantium aethiopicum, Carex appressa,
Dampiera hederacea, Dcirwinia citriodora,
Eucalyptus diversicolor, Gonocarpus
diffusus, Hakea falcata, Hibbertia serrata,
Hydrocotyle plebeja, Isolepis inundata,
Lysinema lasiantha, Ozothamnus ramosus,
Persoonia elliptica, Picris angustifolia,
Rorippa dictyosjxrma, Scaevola auriculata,
Senecio ramosissimus, Trachymene
anisocarpa, Thryptomene saxicola and
Xanthorrhoea gracilis.
While most plants of the park are
normal components of the Jarrah, Karri
and granite rocks in the higher rainfall
areas of southern Western Australia.
Many of the normal important
components of the Karri forest are
absent, notably Karri Wattle (Acacia
pentadenia), Karri Oak ( Chorilaena
quercifolia) and L asiopetalurn
floribundum.
Only one species appears to be at its
south-western margin in the park, this
is Calectasiagrandijlora.
ENDEMICS OF THE RANGE AND
THEIR BIOLOGY
There are 5 species ( Brachysema
subcordatum, Billardiera granulata,
Hibbertia bracteosa, Villarsia calthifolia and
Villarsia marchantii) and 5 subspecies/
varieties.( Acacia dnimmondii ssp. elegans
(Porungurup variant. R.J. Cummings
938), Acacia heteroclita ssp. valida , A [mm
tyrostratum ssp. "phillipii", Conospermum
caeruleum ssp. adpressum and Stylidium
corymbosum var proliferum) endemic to
the Range. Brief notes are presented on
their distribution and biology.
Acacia drummondii ssp. elegans
^°m 0 ^ UrU P var * an L RJ. Cummings
938). This low shrub is found on
lateritic and loam soils in Jarrah forest
of the western half of the range. Killed
by fire and occurs abundantly after fires.
This taxon like Conospermum caendeum
ssp. adpressum probably occurred outside
the range before clearing.
Acacia heteroclita ssp. valida. This large
spreading shrub occurs between
Yalperungup and Twin Peaks around
the base of the granite rock sheets or
along rock rills. Killed by fire,
regenerates f rom seed.
Apium prostration ssp. phillipii ms An
erect perennial herb from a tuberous
rootstock. Confined to creeklines in
Bullich or Karri forest near the base or
below the granite slopes. Pollination
and response to fire unknown.
Brachysema subcordatum This is a
suckering shrub, confined to rills, often
dominating this vegetation between
Yalperungup and Castle Rock.
Pollinated by birds. Adult plants are
killed by fire, massive seedling
regeneration occurs after fires. First
flowering occurs 2 -3 years after the
fire.
Billardiera granulata A slender vine to 5
metres. Killed by fire, occurring in
abundance after fires often dominating
the shrub layer in burnt Bullich stands
for 3-10 years after fire Pollinated by
solitary bees. Occurs from Yalperungup
to Castle Rock in Bullich or Yate
woodlands, on rock rills and
occasionally along creek lines in the
Karri forest.
Conospermum caendeum ssp. adpressum.
A tufted slender small shrub found only
in one area of heath/shrubland on
coarse sands. Probably extended beyond
the park on this soil/vegetation type
before clearing. Pollinated by solitary
139
bees. Adult plants killed by fire, very
susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomii
(dieback disease).
Hibbertia bracteosa. Unlike most
Hibbertias which are low woody shrubs,
this species is a spreading rhizomatous
herbaceous sub-shrub. Flowering in late
spring, it occurs from Yalperungup to
Nancy’s Peak. Pollinated by native bees
and syrphid flies. Killed by fire
regenerates prolifically from seed. A
large number of plants died during the
severe drought summers of 1986/87,
however, populations have regenerated
from seed, flowering in 18 months from
seed.
Stylidium corymbosum var prdiferum. A
spreading stilt rooted perennial herb in
moss swards on granite slopes between
Nancy’s Peak and Yalperungup. Killed
by fire. Pollination unknown.
Collections that may be this taxon have
recently been collected from Mount
Manypeaks.
Villarsia calthifolia . Unlike most other
species which are aquatics, the following
species, a short lived perennial herb
from a tuberous rootstock,does not
occur in water but is the only terrestial
member of the genus. Confined to shady
areas on granite slopes and rock rills,
occasionally under Bullich woodland
between Yalperungup and Castle Rock.
Killed by fire, regenerating prolifically
from seed after fires. Seedlings rarely
noted otherwise. Plants can flower the
spring after sowing in cultivation but
normally flowering occurs the next
spring in the wild.
Vilhrsia marchantii. Like the previous
species, a short lived perennial herb
from a tuberous rootstock, it, however,
is normally found along creeklines in
the Karri forest between Castle Rock
and Gibraltar Rock. At Devils Slide it
does occur marginally sympatrically with
V. calthifolia where a creek commences
on the upper slopes in a rock rill. Here
there is a large hybrid zone present
between the two species. Killed by fire,
regenerating prolifically from seed.
Most of the endemic taxa (Brach;yse?Tw
subcordatum, Billardiera granulata,
Hibbertia bracteosa, Villarsia calthifolia,
Villarsia marclumtii, Acacia heteroclita ssp.
valida and Stylidium corymbosutn var
prdiferum) are confined to the massive
granite rocks above the forest cover.
They are largely found in the western
section of the park where these exposures
are largest. Interestingly although they
grow in relatively fire free environments,
most are killed by fire and often only
prolifically regenerate after sporadic
summer fires penetrate the rock rills and
moss swards where they grow.
DISCUSSION
Porongurup National Park despite its
small size is of considerable
conservation significance. It contains a
rich flora of over 822 taxa of vascular
plants of which 709 are native.
Currently 10 taxa are endemic to the
Range. Another major feature of the
isolated granite range is that it harbours
at least 26 vascular plant taxa at their
inland margins, usually disjunct from
the coast around Albany or Denmark.
The major forest tree Karri ( Eucalyptus
diversicolor ) is one of these taxa. The
tree is genetically distinct in this
isolated area (Coates and Sokolowski.
1989) and the understorey is floristically
simpler than in the main forest block
extending from West Cape Howe to
Manjimup. This suggests that, as noted
by Churchill (1968) the Karri, and
associated taxa have been isolated here
for over 5,000 years as Karri contracted
to it’s current range. Other taxa at their
margins may also be genetically distinct
and deserve study.
140
The continued conservation of this
island of specific and genetic diversity is
the future challenge.
REFERENCES
ABBOTT, 1. 1982. The Vascular Flora
of the Porongurup Range, South-
Western Australia. Western Australian
Herbarium Research Notes 7: 1-16.
ANON 1970, unpublished. Botany Field
Camp Notes, ? compiled by G.G. Smith
and A.M. Baird, 30 pages.
BEARD, J.S. 1979. The Vegetation of
the Albany and Mount Barker Areas.
Vegetation Survey of Western Australia.
Vegmap Publications, Fraser Road,
Applecross.
BURCHELL, A. (undated) Porongurup,
Western Australia, History and Tour
Guide. Porongurup Promotions
Association.
CHURCHILL, D.M. 1968. The
Distribution and Prehistory of
Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell., E.
marginata Donn ex Sm., and E.
calophylla R.Br. in Relation to Rainfall.
Australian Journal of Botany 16: 125—
131.
COATES, D.J. and SOKOLOWSK1,
R.E. 1989. Geographic Patterns of
Genetic Diversity in Karri (Eucalyptus
diversicolor F.Muell.). Australianjournal
of Botany 37:145-156.
HERFORD, I., GILLEN, K., LLOYD,
M. ( H1NE, C. MCCAW, L. and
KEIGHERY, G.J. 1997. Stirling Ranges
and Porongurup National Parks, Draft
Management Plan. CALM.
SMITH, G.G. 1962. The Flora of the
Granite Rocks of the Porongurup
Range, South Western Australia Jourrial
Royal Society of Western Australia 45:
18-23.
TAYLOR, J. 1990. Australias SouthWest
and Our Future. Kangaroo Press.
Appendix 1: Porongurup National Park Flora List
Key: * * indicates a naturalised alien species; ms indicates a manuscript name, not yet formally
published; GK11314 indicatycs a voucher collection held in PERTH Herbarium; (Habita t
Code: GR - Granite, SW - Swamp, JA - Jarrah, KA - Karr i)
Taxon Name GR SW JA KA
Adiantaceae
Adiantum aethiopicum +
Anogramma leptophylla +
Cheilanthes austrotenuifolia + + + +
Aizoaceae
Carpobrotus modestus +
Alliaceae
* Allium triquetrum +
* Nothoscordum gracile +
Amaryllidaceae
* Amaryllis belladonna +
Anthericaceae
Agrostocrinum scabrum + +
Arthropodium capillipes +
141
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Borya sphaerocephala
Caesia micrantha
Caesia occidentals
Chamaescilla corymbosa var. corymbosa
Johnsonia acaulis
Johnsonia teretifolia
Laxmannia sessiliflora subsp australis
Sowerbaea laxiflora
Thysanotus manglesianus
Thysanotus multiflorus
Thysanotus patersonii
Thysanotus thyrsoideus
Tricoryne elatior
Tricoryne humilis
Apiaceae
Actinotus glomeratus
Apium prostratum subsp. phillipii ms
Centclla asiatica
Daucus glochidiatus
Homalosdadium homalocarpum
Hydrocotyle alata
Hydrocotyle blepharocarpa
Hydrocotyle callicarpa
Hydrocotyle diantha
Hydrocotyle hirta
Hydrocotyle plebeja
Hydrocotyle scutellifera
Platysace compressa
Platysace pend u la
Schoenolaena tenuior
Trachymene anisocarpa
Trachymene pilosa
Xanthosia pusilla
Xanthosia rotundifolia var. rotundifolia
Xanthosia singuliflora
Araceae
* Zantedeschia aethiopica
Asphodelaceae
Bulbine semibarbata
Aspleniaceae
Asplenium aethiopicum
Asplenium flabellifolium
Asteraceae
* Arctotheca calendula
Brachyscome ciliaris
* Carduus pycnoccphalus
* Centaurea melitensis
Centipeda cunninghamii
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
142
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
* Cirsium vulgare
* Conyza albida
* Conyza bonariensis
* Cotula bipinnata
Cotula cotuloides
* Cotula turbinata
Craspedia variabilis
* Crepis capillaris
Gnaphalium gymnocephalum
Gnaphalium sp. GJK10095
Gnaphalium sphaericum
Gnephosis drummondii
Helichrysum macranthum
Hyalosperma cotula
Hyalosperma pusillum
* Hypochaeris glabra
lxiolaena viscosa
Lagenifcra huegelii
Millotia myosotidifolia
Millotia tcnuifolia
Olearia ciliata
Olearia paucidentata
Gzothamnus ramosus
Picris angustifolia
Picris sp(GK10964)
Pithocarpa corymbulosa
Podolepis gracilis
Podolepis lessonii
Podotheca angustifolia
* Pscudognaphalium luteo-album
Pterochaeta paniculata
Quinetia urvillei
Rutidosls multiflora
Senecio glomeratus
Senecio hispidulus
Senecio minimus var. minimus
Senecio quadridentatus
Senecio ramosissimus
* Sigesbeckia orientalis
Siloxerus humifusus
* Soliva pterosperma
* Sonchusasper
Sonchus hydrophilus
* Sonchus oleraceus
Trichocline spathulata
* Vellercophyton dealbatum
Vittadinia australasica
Waitzia nitida
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ +
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
4 - +
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
143
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Waitzia suaveolens
Boraginaccae
* Myosotis sylvatica
Brassicaceae
* Lepidium bonariense
L pseudo-tasmanicum
Rorippa dictyosperma
Campanulaceac
Wahlenbergia gracilenta
Wahlenbergia littoricola
Wahlenbergia multicaulis
Caryophyllaceae
* Ccrastium glomeratum
* Moenchia erecta
* Petrohagia velutina
* Polycarpon tctraphyllum
* Sagina apetala
* Silene gallica
* Spcrgularia rubra
* Scellaria media
Casuarinaceae
Allocasuarina fraseriana
Allocasuarina humilis
Centrolepidaceae
Aphclia cyperoides
Aphelia drummondii
Aphelia nutans
Ccntrolepis aristata
Centrolepis drummondiana
Ccntrolepis glabra
Ccntrolepis polygyna
Centrolepis strigosa
Chenopodiaceac
Chenopodium pumilio
Clusiaceae
Hypericum gramineum
Colchicaceae
Burchardia congesta
Burchardia multiflora
Wurmbca dioica
Convolvulaceae
Dichondra repens
Crassulaceae
Crassula colorata var. colorata
Crassula colorata var. tuberculata
* Crassula decumbens
* Crassula natans
Crassula pedicellosa
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+
+ + +
+
+
+ + +
+
+
+
+ + +
+
+
+ +
+
+
+ +
+
+
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ + + +
+ +
+
+
+
144
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Crassula peduncularis
Crassula sieberiana subsp. tetramera
Cuscutaceae
* Cuscuta epithymum
Cyperaceae
Baumea juncea
+
Carex inversa
+
Carex apprcssa
+
Cyathochaeta avenacea
+
Cypcrus tenellus
+
+
Evandra aristata
+
Gahnia trifida
+
lsolepis congrua
+
+
Isolepis cyperoides
+
+
lsolepis inundata
+
+
Isolepis marginata
+
Isolepis nodosa
+
lsolepis oldfieldiana
+
+
Isolepis prolifera
+
lsolepis stellata
+
+
Ixpidcsperma angustatum
+
Lepidospenna effusum
+
+
Lepidosperma gladiatum
+
Lepidosperma tcnue
+
Lepidospenna tetraquetrum
+
Mesomelaena graciliceps
+
Mesomelaena pseudostygia
+
Mesomelaena tetragona
+
Schoenus caespititius
+
+
Schoenus curvifoiius
+
Schoenus humilis
+
+
Schoenus lanatus
+
Schoenus minutulus
+
Schoenus subbulbosus
+
Schoenus subflavus
+
Tetraria capillaris
+
Tctraria octandra
+
+
Tricostularia neesii
+
+
Dasypogonaceae
Calectasia cyanea
Calectasia grandiflora
Chamacxeros serra
Dasypogon bromeliifolius
Kingia australis
Lomandra caespitosa
Lomandra micrantha
Lomandra nigricans
Lomandra pauciflora
145
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Lomandra preissii
+
Lomandra purpurea
+
Lomandra sericea
+
Lomandra suaveolens
+
Dennstaedtiaceae
Pceridium esculentum
+
+
Dilleniaceae
Hibbertia amplexicaulis
+
Hibbertia bracteosa
+
Hibbertia commutata
+
Hibbertia cunninghamii
+
Hibbertia gracilipes
+
Hibbertia lineata
+
Hibbertia microphylla
+
Hibbertia pulchra
+
Hibbertia serrata
+
Droseraceae
Drosera barbigera
+
+
Drosera erythrorhiza
+
Drosera glanduligera
+
+
Drosera lasiantha
+
Drosera macrantha
+
+
Drosera menziesii subsp. menziesii
+
+
+
Drosera pallida
+
Drosera pulchella
+
Drosera stolonifera
+
+
Drosera subhirtella subsp. subhirtella
+
+
Epacridaceae
Andersonia caerulea
+
Andcrsonia micrantha
+
Andersonia sprengelioides
+
Astroloma aff. humifusum Porongorups
+
Astroloma baxteri
+
Astroloma ciliatum
+
Astroloma drummondii
+
Astroloma pallidum
+
Leucopogon australis
+
Leucopogon capitellatus
+
Leucopogon carinatus
+
Leucopogon cymbiformis
+
Leucopogon distans var. distans
+
Leucopogon gibbosus
+
Leucopogon glabellus
+
Leucopogon gracillimus
+
Leucopogon obovatus
+
Leucopogon oppositifolius
+
Leucopogon oxycedrus
+
+
Leucopogon pendulus
+
146
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Leucopogon pogonocalyx
Leucopogon propiriquus
Leucopogon racemulosus
Leucopogon unilateralLs
Leucopogon verticillatus
Lysinema ciliatum
Lysinema lasianthum
Needhamiella pumilio
Oligarrhena micrantha
Sphenotoma capitatum
Styphelia tenuiflora
Huphorbiaceae
Phyllanthus calycinus
Poranthera microphylla
Ricinocarpos glaucus
Fumariaceae
* Fumaria capreolata
* Fumaria muralis
Gentianaceae
* Centaurium erythraea
Scbaea ovata
Geraniaceae
* Erodium cicutarium
* Geranium molle
Geranium retrorsum
Geranium solanderi
Pelargonium australe
Goodeniaceae
Dampiera alata
Dampiera diversifolia
Dampiera hederacea
Dampiera fasiculata
Dampiera juncea
Dampiera lavandulacea
Dampiera linearis
Dampiera sacculata
Goodenia caerulea
Gooden ia leptoclada
Goodenia micrantha
Goodenia pulchella
Goodenia scapigera
Lechenaultia formosa
Scaevola auriculata
Scaevola calliptera
Scaevola lanceolata
Scaevola striata
Velleia trinervis
Haemodoraceae
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
147
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Anigozanthos bicolor subsp. decrescens +
Conoscylis serrulata +
Conostylis setigera +
Haemodorum discolor +
Haemodorum paniculatum +
Haemodorum simplex +
Haemodorum sparsiflorum +
Haemodorum spicatum +
Tribonanthes australis +
Tribonanthes longipetala +
Haloragaceae
Gonocarpus diffusus + +
Haloragis brownii + +
Hydatellaceae
Trithuriasubmersa + +
Hypoxidaceae
Hypoxis glabella var. glabella +
Hypoxis occidentalis + +
lridaceae
* Gladiolus angustus +
Orthrosanthus laxus var. laxus +
Patersonia juncea +
Patersonia occidentalis +
Patersonia umbrosa var. umbrosa +
* Romulea rosea + +
* Watsonia bulbillifera + +
Juncaceae
* Juncus bufonius 4 - +
* Juncus capitatus + +
Juncus holoschoenus + +
Juncus meianthus +
Juncus pallidus +
Juncus paudflorus + +
Juncus subsecundus + +
Luzula meridionalis +
Juncaginaceae
Triglochin ccntrocarpum +
Triglochin lineare +
Lamiaceae
Hemiandra pungens var. pungens +
Hemigenia incana +
* Mentha pulegium +
* Prunella vulgaris +
Lauraceae
Cassytha glabella + +
Cassytha micrantha +
Cassytha pomiformis +
Cassytha racemosa +
148
Taxon Name
GR
SW
JA
KA
Lentibulariaceae
Polypompholyx multifida
+
Polypomphylx tenella
+
Urricularia menziesii
+
Linaceae
Linum marginale
+
* Linum trigynum
+
Lindsaeaceae
Lindsaea linearis
+
+
Lobeliaceae
isotoma hypocrateriformis
+
Lobelia alata var. alata
+
+
Lobelia gibbosa
+
Lobelia rhombifolia
+
Loganiaceae
Logania campanulata
+
Logania serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia
+
Mitrasacme paradoxa
+
+
Loranthaceae
Amyerna miquelii
+
Nuytsia floribunda
+
Lycopodiaceae
Phylloglossum drummondii
+
Malvaceae
Sida hookeriana
+
+
Menyanthaceae
Villarsia calthifolia
+
+
Villarsia marchantii
+
Villarsia parnassifolia
+
Mimosaceae
Acacia applanata
+
Acacia baxteri
+
Acacia biflora
+
Acacia browniana var. intermedia
+
Acacia cochlearis
+
+
Acacia crispula
+
Acacia dealbata warr
+
+
Acacia drummondii ssp elegans
(Porongurups variant)
+
+
+
Acacia enervia
+
Acacia extensa
+
Acacia heteroclita subsp. valida ms
+
Acacia leioderma
+
Acacia luteola
+
Acacia myrtifolia
+
+
+
Acacia pulchella
+
+
Acacia saligna
+
+
Acacia spectabilis ms
+
149
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Acacia subcaerulea +
Acacia urophylla +
Acacia vvilldenowiana +
Paraserianthcs lophantha + +
Myoporaceae
Myoporum tetrandrum +
Myrtaceae
Agonis hypcricifolia
+
Agonis linearifolia
+
Agonis parviceps
+
Astartea fasciculads
+
Beaufortia anisandra
+
+
Beaufortia empetrifolia
+
Beaufortia heterophylla
+
Beaufortia micrantha
+
Beaufortia sparsa
+
Corymbia calophylla
+
Calothamnus gracilis
+
Calothamnus lehmannii
+
Calothamnus quadrifidus
+
Calytrix asperula
+
Calytrix similis
+
Darwinia citriodora
+
Darvvinia oederoides
+
Darwinia vestita
+
Eucalyptus comuta
+
Eucalyptus decipicns
+
Eucalyptus diversicolor
Eucalyptus marginata
+
Eucalyptus megacarpa
+
Eucalyptus tetragona
+
Homalospermum firmum
+
Hypocalymma cordifolium
+
Kunzea micrantha subsp. oligomera
+
Kunzea preissiana
+
Kunzea recurva
+
Kunzea sulphurea
+
Leptospermum spinescens
+
+
Melaleuca blaeriifolia
+
Melaleuca densa
+
+
Melaleuca dcpauperata
+
Melaleuca incana subsp. tenella
+
Melaleuca preissiana
+
Melaleuca scabra
+
Melaleuca suberosa
+
+
Melaleuca subfalcata
+
Melaleuca thymoides
+
Pericalymma ellipticum
+
150
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Thryptomene saxicola
+
Verticordia densiflora
+
Verticordia sieberi var. lomata
+
Olacaceae
Olax phyllanthi
+
Onagraceae
Epilobium billardierianum subsp. cinereum
Epilobium hirtigerum
Ophioglossaceae
Ophioglossum lusitanicum
+
Orchidaceae
Caladenia brownii
+
Caladenia cairnsiana
+
Caladenia dilatata
+
Caladenia ensata
+
Caladenia flava
+
+ +
Caladenia heberleana
+
Caladenia huegelii
+
Caladenia latifolia
+
Caladenia lobata
+
Caladenia longicauda ssp. eminens
+
Caladenia longiclavata
+
Caladenia macrostylis
+
Caladenia menziesii
+
Caladenia nana subsp. nana
+
+
Caladenia plicata
+
Caladenia reptans
+
Caladenia scricea
+
+
Corybas recurvus
Cryptostylis ovata
+
+
Cyrtostylis huegelii
+
Diuris amplissima
+
Diuris laevis
+
Diuris laxiflora
+
Diuris longifolia
+
+
Diuris setacea
+
+
Drakaea glyptodon
+
Drakaea livida
+
Elythranthera brunonis
+
Elythranthera emarginata
+
Eriochilus dilatatus
+
Eriochilus scaber subsp. scaber
+
Leporella fimbriata
+
Lyperanthus nigricans
+
Lyperanthus serratus
+
Microtis alba
+
Microtis media
+
+
* Monadenia bracteata
+
+ +
151
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Paracaleana nigrita
Praecoxanthus aphyllus
Prasophyllum brownii
Prasophyllum datum
Prasophyllum fimbria
Prasophyllum hians
Prasophyllum ovale
Prasophyllum parvifolium
Prasophyllum regium
Pterostylis aff. nana
Pterostylis barbata
Pterostylis nana
Pterostylis recurva
Pterostylis vittata
Thelymitra comidna
Thelymitra crinita
Thelymitra flexuosa
Thelymitra fuscolutea
Thelymitra mucida
Thelymitra nuda
Thelymitra pauciflora
Orobanchaceae
* Orobanche minor
Oxalidaccae
* Oxalis caprina
Oxalis perennans
* Oxalis pes-caprae
* Oxalis purpurea
* Oxalis violacea
Papilionaccae
Bossiaea linophylla
Bossiaea ornata
Bossiaea praetermissa
Brachysema sericeum
Brachysema subcordatum
Callistachys lanceolata
Chorizema aciculare
Chorizema carinatum
Chorizema cordatum
Chorizema diversifolium
Chorizema nanum
Chorizema rhombeum
* Cytisus proliferus
Daviesa incrassata ssp. reversifolia
Daviesia cordata
Daviesia decurrens
Daviesia flexuosa
Daviesia horrida
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+ + +
+
+ + +
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
152
Taxon Name
GR
SW
JA
KA
* Dipogon lignosus
+
Eutaxia densifolia
+
Eutaxia obovata
+
Gasrrolobium stenophyllum
+
Gompholobium amplexicaule
+
Gompholobium oonfettum
+
Gompholobium knightianum
+
Gompholobium marginatum
+
Gompholobium ovatum
+
+
Gomphdobium polymorphum
+
Gompholobium preissii
+
+
Gompholobium scabrum
+
+
Hardenbergia comptoniana
+
+
Hovea chorizemifolia
+
Hovea elliptica
+
+
Hovea trisperma
+
Isotropis cuneifolia
+
Jackson ia condensata
+
Jacksonia spinosa
+
Kennedia coccinea
+
+
Kennedia microphylla
+
Kennedia prostrata
+
* Lablab purpureus
+
Latrobea hirtella
+
+
* Lotus suaveolens
+
+
Mirbelia dilatata
+
* Omithopus compressus
+
+
* Omithopus pinnatus
+
+
* Psoralea pinnata
+
Pultenaca obcordata
+
Pultenaea reticulata
+
+
Pultenaea strobilifera
+
+
Sphaerolobium linophyllum
+
Spliaerolobium medium
+
Sphaerolobium nudiflorum
+
* Trifolium campestre
+
+
* Trifolium cemuum
+
+
* Trifolium dubium
+
+
* Trifolium subterraneum
+
+
Viminaria juncea
+
4 -
Philydraceae
Philydrella pygmaea
+
Phormiaceae
Dianella brevicaulis
+
+
Dianella revoluta var. revoluta
+
Stypandra glauca
+
Pittosporaccae
Billardiera floribunda
+
153
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Billardiera granulata
Billardiera variifolia
Sollya heterophylla
Plantaginaceae
Plantago dcbilis
* Plantago lanceolata
Poaceae
Agrostis ?avenacea GJK11314
Agrostis avenacea
* Aira caryophyllea
* Aira cupaniana
Amphipogon amphipogonoides
Amphipogon turbinatus
* Anthoxanthum odorarum
* A vena barbata
* Briza maxima
* Briza minor
* Bromusdiandrus
* Bromus hordeaceus subsp. hordeaceus
Danthonia caespitosa
Deyeuxia drummondii
Deyeuxia quadriseta
Dichelachne crinita
* Holcus lanatus
* Hordeum leporinum
* Lolium rigidum
Microlaena stipoides
Neurachne alopecuroidea
* Paspalum dilatatum
* Poa annua
Poa drummondiana
Poa poiformis
Poa scrpentum
* Schismus barbatus
* Sporobolus indicus
Stipa compressa
Stipa semibarbata
Stipa trichophylla
Tetrarrhena laevis
* Vulpia bromoides
* Vulpia myuros
Polygalaceae
Comesperma calymega
Comesperma virgatum
Polygonaceae
* Rumex acetosella
* Rumex conglomerates
Portulacaceae
+ +
+
+ + +
+ +
+ + +
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
4 -
154
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Calandrinia calyptrata
Calandrinia granulifcra
Primulaceae
* Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis
* Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea
Proteaceae
Acidonia microcarpa
Adenanthos apiculatus
Banksia attenuata
Banksia gardncri var. gardncri
Banksia grandis
Banksia littoralis
Banksia sphaerocarpa var. sphaerocarpa
Oonospermum caeruleum ssp. adpressum
Conospermum caeruleum ssp. caeruleum
Conospermum capitatum subsp velutinum
Gonospermum multispicatum
Dryandra armata
Dryandra conferta
Dryandra formosa
Dryandra nervosa
Dryandra nivea
Dryandra seneciifolia
Franklandia fucifolia
Grevillea brownii
Grevillea depauperata
Grevillea diversifolia subsp. subtersericata
Grevillea fasciculata
Grevillea pulcheila
Grevillea trifida
Hakea amplexicaulis
Hakea corymbosa
Hakea falcata
Hakea florida
Hakea prostrata
Hakea ruscifolia
Hakea trifurcata
Hakea undulata
Hakea varia
lsopogon attenuatus
Isopogon formosus
lsopogon longifolius
Isopogon polycephalus
Isopogon sphaerocephalus
Persoonia elliptica
Petrophile acicularis
Petrophile divaricata
Petrophile diversifolia
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
155
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Petrophile longifolia +
Petrophile rigida + +
Petrophile serruriae +
Petrophile teretifolia +
Stirlingia simplex +
Stirlingia tenuifolia + +
Synaphaea favosa +
Synaphaea petiolaris subsp. petiolaris +
Synaphea polymorpha +
Synaphea reticulata +
Ranunculaceae
Gematis pubescens + +
Ranunculus colonorum + +
Restionaceae
Anarthria gracilis + +
Anarthria humilis + + +
Anarthria laevis +
Anarthria prolifera +
Harperia lateriflora +
Hypolaena exsulca +
Lepidobolus chaetocephalus +
Leptocarpus tenax +
Lepyrodia drummondiana +
Lepyrodia hennaphrodita + +
Lepyrodia monoica + +
Loxocarya fasciculata + +
Loxocarya pubescens + +
Lyginia barbata +
Restio lax us +
Restio tremulus +
Rhamnaceae
Cryptandra arbutiflora +
Spyridium spadiceum + +
Trymalium floribundum var triflorum +
Trymalium ledifolium var. rosmarinifolium +
Rosaceae
* Acaena echinata + +
* Prunus cerasifera +
* Rosa canina +
* Rosa moschatum +
* Rubus ulmifdius + + +
Rubiaceae
* Galium divaricatum + +
* Galium murale +
Opercularia apiciflora +
Ojxrrcularia hispidula + +
Opercularia vaginata +
Opercularia volubilis + +
156
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Rutaceae
Boronia crenulata + + +
Boronia heterophylla +
Boronia molloyae +
Boronia ramosa subsp. anethifolia +
Boronia spathulata +
Crowea angustifolia var. angustifolia +
Phehalium anceps +
Santalaceae
Leptomeria pauciflora +
Leptomeria squarrulosa +
Sapindaceae
Dodonaea ceratocarpa +
Scrophulariaceae
* Bellardia trixago + + +
Gratiola peruviana +
* Parentuccllia latifolia +
* Parentucellia viscosa + + +
* Verbascum virgatum +
* Veronica arvensis + +
Veronica calycina +
Veronica plebeia +
Selaginellaccae
Selaginella gracillima +
Solanaceae
* Solanum nigrum + + +
Stackhousiaceae
Stackhousia pubescens +
Stackhousia scoparia +
Tripterococcus brunonis +
Sterculiaceae
Rulingia corylifolia +
Rulingia craurophylla +
Rulingia grandiflora +
Rulingia platycalyx +
Thomasia foliosa +
Tliomasia paniculata +
Thomasia purpurea +
Thomasia tenuivesta +
Stylidiaceae
Levenhookia dubia +
Levenhookia pusilla + +
Stylidium adnatum + +
Stylidium amoenum +
Stylidium breviscapum +
Stylidium brunonianum subsp minor +
Stylidium calcaratum + +
Stylidium corymbosum var. proliferum +
157
Taxon Name
GR SW JA KA
Stylidium crassifolium +
Scylidium guttatum +
Stylidium junceum subsp. brevius +
Stylidium petiolare + +
Stylidium repens van repens +
Stylidium spathulatum subsp spathulatum +
Stylidium spinulosum subsp. spinulosum + +
Thymclaeaccae
Pimelea angustifolia +
Pimelea ciliata subsp. ciliata +
Pimelea hispida +
Pimelea imbricata var. imbricata +
Pimelea lehmanniana subsp. lehmanniana +
Pimelea longiflora subsp. longiflora + +
Pimelea rosea +
Pimelea suaveolens var. suaveolens +
Pimelea sulphurea + +
Tremandraceae
Tctratheca af finis +
Tetratheca nuda +
Tremandra diffusa + +
Tremandra stelligera +
Ulmaceae
* Ulmus proccra +
* Poplus alba +
Valerianaceae
* Gcntranthus ruber +
Violaceae
Hybanthus floribundus subsp. floribundus +
Xanthorrhoeaceae
Xanthorrhoea gracilis + +
Xanthorrhoea platyphylla + +
158
A STUDY OF THE LAUGHING TURTLE-DOVE
STREPTOPELIA SENEQALENSIS IN PERTH,
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By R.H. STRANGER
28/76 East street, May lands, W. A.,6051
INTRODUCTION
The Laughing Turtle-Dove Streptopelia
senegalensis was introduced to Western
Australia from the South Perth
Zoological Gardens in 1898 and there
were additional introductions in the
following years (Serventy and Whittell
1976; Storr and Johnstone 1988).
Preliminary studies of the dove were
made by Sedgwick (1958,1965,1976).
He shows that it extended its range from
the metropolitan area of Perth far into
the country and discusses some
ecological factors.
Since then it has continued to sustain
itself in Perth's metropolitan suburbs
and has extended its range congruently
with Perth's expansion. At the same
time it has extended its marginal range
500km into the South-West and
800km north to North-West Cape
(Blakers et al. 1984). The same authors
predict that it may spread into the
pastoral areas. However it avoids the
block of Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata
forest to the east and south-east of
Perth except where the forest has been
opened up and settled. This is similar
to the present range of several
native.species : Nankeen Kestrel F alco
cenchroides, Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris, Magpie-lark Grallina
cyanoleuca , Willie Wagtail Rhipidura
leucophrys, Richard's Pipit Anthus
novaeseelandiae, Grey Butcherbird
Cracticus torquata and Australian
Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen.
The House Sparrow Passer domesticus,
Tree Sparrow Passer montanus, Starling
Sturnis vulgaris and Common Myna
Acridotheres trista do not occur in Perth.
A few native seed-eaters do but they are
largely arboreal species such as :
Australian Ringneck Barnardius
zomrius, Short-billed Black Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus latirostris and Little
Corella Cacatua sanguinea, and they do
not compete for food with the Laughing
Turtle-Dove
The dove’s main ecological competition
comes from the introduced Spotted
Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis, which
is also well established but less
numerous. The Domestic Pigeon
Columba livia is mostly feral bur largely
avoids the housing areas that support
both the turtle-doves.
Outside suburbia the Laughing Turtle-
Dove may be in contact and compete
with the native Peaceful and Diamond
Doves Geo[)elia striata and G. cuneata.
Marginally their respective ranges
already overlap (Blakers et al. 1984).
However the Laughing Turtle-Dove is
primarily an inhabitant of cities, towns
and settlements so that competition
between the doves maybe fairly limited
Since 1956 the distribution of the
Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes has
overlapped that of the Laughing Turtle-
159
Dove in Perth (Serventy and Whittell
1976) Since both are drawn to human
habitations they could compete with
one another.
Still, it is worth noting and recording
the behaviour and ecology of the
Laughing Turtle-Dove in Perth and
trapping and banding of the species in
Perth and further observations since
Sedgwick (1958, 1965, 1976) allow me
to present this further study.
TRAPPING
A variety of seed-baited drop door and
automatic, funnel-entry traps were used,
and because continuous trapping led to
trap shyness, I found it best to free-feed
for short periods, before setting the traps
again. This still allows the observation
of colour banded birds. Cats can be a
problem with unattended traps and
especial care in hot weather was
necessary.
The only injuries were the loss of
feathers and mild abrasions to the
forehead and under-shoulder. Many
birds had unnatural moults Le tufts of
body feathers and or quills tom out or
regrowing, due to normal hazards and
predation.
BANDING DATA
The Jersey Street Station.
This station operated intermittently
between December 1960 and April
1965. Of 221 birds trapped, banded and
released there 48 (22%) were retrapped
91 times, which is an average of 1.9
retraps per bird retrapped. Twelve birds
(5.4%) were recovered away from the
station (see Table 1).
The Salvado Road Station.
This station operated continuously
between September 1960 and December
1961. Of 148 birds trapped, banded and
released there 46 (31%) were retrapped
103 times,which is an average of 2.2
retraps per bird retrapped. Fourteen
birds (9.5%) were recovered away from
the station (Table 1).
The Caporn Street Station.
This station operated intermittently
between August 1959 and April 1965.
Of 605 birds trapped, banded and
released there 197 (33%) were retrapped
356 times, which is an average of 1.8
retraps per bird retrapped. Twenty-nine
birds (4.7%) were recovered away from
the station (Table l).
Table 1. Number of individual Laughing Turtle-Doves trapped at each of the three trapping
stations and the number of recaptures. Dates for trapping stations are listed in text under
Banding Data.
Trapping
Station
No of
Individuals
Trapped
No. of
Individuals
Retrapped
No. of Times
Retrapped
No. of
Recoveries
Jersey Street Xii/60 - iv/65
221
48
91
12
Salvado Road lx/60 - xii/61
148
46
103
14
Caporn Street Viii/59 -iv/65
605
127
356
29
Total
974
291
550
55
160
Of 974 birds trapped, banded and
released at the three stations 291 (30%)
were retrapped 550 times, which is an
average of 1.9 retraps per bird retrapped.
Fifty-five birds (5.6%) were recovered
away f rom the stations (Table 1).
SEDENTARY NATURE AND
HOMING ABILITY
The sedentary nature of the adults in
Perth was revealed by Stranger (1968).
Of 57 adult recoveries away from the
banding stations 39 (68%) were
recovered within 0.4km of their banding
places, 46 (81%) were recovered within
0.8km, 52 (91%) were recovered within
1.6km, 54 (95%) were recovered within
3.2km and 57 (100%) were within
10km. The juveniles did not differ
greatly.
Also, though the Salvado Road and
Jersey Street stations were only 0.5km
apart, none of the Salvado Road birds
were trapped or seen at or recovered
near the Jersey Street station, and vice
versa. This would seem to indicate that
the birds only feed at or near their
banding places.
Homing experiments (Stranger 1968)
showed that adults transported up to
160km from their banding places had
the urge and ability to return home
through strange and unknown country
i.e. the forest and wheatbelt east of
Perth.
A juvenile bird which was trapped,
banded and released at the Salvado
Road station was retrapped there four
times in the next six months. It was
then exhibited for one week in a wild¬
life show in central Perth, 5km from
Wembley, and was released there
afterwards. One and a half years later it
was trapped at the Caporn Street
station, 5km from Perth, and
subsequently homed to that station from
distances of 100km and 160km.
EXTENSION OF RANGE
It is probable that the juveniles are
primarily responsible for extending the
species’ range in W.A. (Blakers et al.
1984) but Morris et al (1994) observed
two adults arrive (and perish ?) on
Bernier Island, 40km west of Carnarvon.
But the situation probably parallels that
of the Collared Turtle-Dove Streptopelia
decaocto in which the adults are also
very sedentary and the juveniles
disperse extensively (Derek Goodwin
pers. comm.). However my data does
not support this for the juvenile
Laughing Turtle-Doves in Perth, for the
majority were recovered in the vicinity
of their banding places and at distances
similar to those of the adults.
RACE AND PLUMAGE
Derek Goodwin judged that specimens
collected in Perth in 1965 could be
matched with specimens from East
Africa, south of the Sahara. This is the
nominate race Streptopelia senegalensis
sencgalensis (Serventy and Whittell
1976; Storr and Johnstone 1988).
However Derek Goodwin (pers. comm.)
now judges that all the Laughing Turtle-
Doves on mainland Africa south of the
Sahara are best considered as
S.s.senegalensis and the specimens
collected in Perth are inseparable from
those of Africa
In Perth the richness of the plumage
varies considerably and the sexual
differences may be masked by it. The
colours of the soft parts also vary
considerably. A small number of birds
had a melanistic tone to the plumage, it
varying from brown to dark browa This
161
may be dietary induced melanism
(Derek Goodwin pers. comm.). One bird
had very distinct whitish eyebrows
A female bird which was hand-reared
and kept in captivity begun egg-laying
at 7.5 months of age (C.A. Nicholls
pers. comm.) and at that age the bird’s
breast was fully spotted, the spots
having established themselves at
random on the breast. This latter is my
observation and conclusion too.
STATISTICS
Some measurements are given in
Table 2.
FOOD
In Perth the Laughing Turtle-Dove
prefers small seeds such as pannicum
and white millet but readily eats wheat
and will even eat such large seeds as
maize. In Egypt Derek Goodwin (pers.
comm.) observed first-hand that the
species fed on small wild seeds but that
numbers of the birds scavenged maple
peas and maize from around the Army
pigeon lofts. Goodwin (1970) states that
“much of the natural food consists of
very small seeds of various wild plants”.
Goodwin (1978) says that the Laughing
Turtle-Dove is a common bird in
African villages where it usually feeds
partly on grains, usually various millets,
spilled by Man. Blakers et al (1984)
state that it will feed on crops of small
grain.
Thus the species is well suited to take
advantage of the seeds from Perth’s
flora, both native and exotic, and the
gardens of the houses and public places
are extensively and intensely foraged
over. One dead bird found by the
roadside in Wilson in the early 1970s
had in its crop 134 grains of wheat, 20
portions of wheat, several very small
“poppy seeds” and two other seeds. A
bird trapped at the Caporn Street
station had its crop filled with
pannicum seed It was weighed upon
capture and held in a small cage
overnight. When weighed next morning
it was 13gm lighter (118gm - 105gm)],
a weight loss of 11%.
The species will strip unripe seeds from
the Winter Grass Poa annua and forages
extensively over Perth’s lawns, the
Table 2. Measurements of some of the adult Laughing Turtle-doves trapped
Sample No Range (cm) Average (cm)
Body Length
101
23.0 - 27.5
25.5
Tail Length
71
9.8 - 12.5
11.3
Wing Length
164
12.0 - 14.5
13.4
Wing Span
35.5 - 42.5
Culmen
1.3 -1.6
Tarsus
1.9 - 2.5
MT&C
2.3 - 2.8
Weight (gm)
94
81 gm- 118 gm
101.5 gm.
The measurements shown in Table 2 were taken from live birds. Allowance was made for quill wear, which
can be substantial (0.5 cm. - 0.75 cm). The wing span data is a best fit measurement.
Generally the lower weights were recorded from birds which had no seed visible in their crops, and the
birds with the higher weights had at least some seed in their crops (see Food).
162
latter of which has also been observed
in Cairo, Egypt, by Derek Goodwin
(1978). Most Perth lawns are either
couch or buffalo grasses, are regularly
mowed and the seeds from nearby plants
find their way onto them.
The dove also feeds on seeds which are
released from their fruits by vehicular
traffic, such as happens on roadways and
parking lots, and Goodwin (1978) has
also observed this type of foraging in the
Collared Turtle-Dove in England. I
have also seen it in the Peaceful Dove
at Townsville, Queensland.
The Laughing Turtle-Dove will eat mill
offings such as bran and the various
mashes fed to poultry, both in
commercial and domestic situations. It
learns to eat wet bread and will
scavenge for scraps and breadcrumbs at
bakeries, shopping centres, outdoor
dining tables and beer gardens.
It will also range onto oceanic beaches
where it will forage, presumably, for the
seeds of plants such as the Strand Daisy
A rctotheca nivea, as does the Spotted
Turtle-Dove (Stranger 1969).
ECOLOGICAL COMPETITION
The introduced Spotted Turtle-Dove
competes for food and situations with
the Laughing Turtle-Dove but though
the former is well established it is less
common. Another factor is that the
Spotted Turtle-Dove largely confines
itself to the more mature gardens with
their abundant shelter and denser
foliages, which are in the older suburbs.
In Perth Goodwin (1978) has made this
assessment too. The Laughing Turtle-
Dove however will range into areas with
sparser vegetation, such as the newer
housing areas and industrial
installations. In Perth Goodwin (1978)
independently made this assessment too
and notes that though it seems to be a
bird of arid areas, it needs some source
of water nearby (Goodwin 1970).
The Laughing Turtle-Dove can occupy
areas with either dense or sparse
vegetation and it will rest in very
exposed situations such as on dead and
leafless branches and power lines.
The two species will feed together where
food is plentiful but the Spotted Turtle-
Dove, being the larger of the two, will
bully the Laughing Turtle-Dove and
chase it away from food. Overall it
seems that competition from the former
does not limit the latter much. It does
seem however that the fonner has an
advantage over the latter and selects
and occupies those habitats and areas
that it wants to, and that in Perth the
Laughing Turtle-Dove simply occupies
the remaining habitat, though the two
species range together.
In the early 1960s C.A.Nicholls set up a
bird hospital in Dalkeith and the ratio
of Spotted Turtle-Doves to Laughing
Turtle-Doves presented to her then was
1:20. Twenty-five years later, in the
mid-1980s, the ratio had changed to
3:20. This is due to the vegetation of
the inner, and older, suburbs of Perth
becoming more mature with denser
foliages, these areas now providing the
Spotted Turtle-Dove with additional
suitable habitatSo the Spotted Turtle-
Dove is becoming more abundant at the
expense of the Laughing Turtle-Dove
The introduced Domestic Pigeon, which
is fairly common in Perth's metropolitan
area, also competes with the Laughing
Turtle-Dove - and the Spotted Turtle-
Dove - for food such as wheat and that
found in the public gardens. The three
species can also be seen feeding near
each other in parks and gardens but the
Domestic Pigeon rarely ranges into the
gardens of the housing areas and does
163
not threaten the survival of the two
turtle-doves in Perth. Being the largest
however it will bully the turtle-doves
and chase them away from food.
MORTALITY
Motorised vehicles cause some death
and injury to the Laughing Turtle-Dove
in Perth because the birds feed on the
roads, verges and footpaths, and fly low
over them. The Domestic Cat preys
extensively on it and C.A.Nicholls
(pers. comm.) estimates that two-thirds
of the doves presented to her bird
hospital had been mauled to some
degree by cats.lt is probable though that
of the deaths and injuries ascribed to
cats some had first been injured or
killed in other ways e.g. by a motor
vehicle.
It is also possible that some doves die
after eating food which has been
poisoned by sprays and dusts in
domestic gardens. Such an incident
occurred on a poultry farm where I was
working in 1958. The area had been
sprayed to eradicate the Argentine Ant
and several dead Laughing Turtle-Doves
and a few Spotted Turtle-Doves were
found around the farm the following day
and during the next week.
Predation by hawks takes place but
there are few records. Calderwood
(1954) observed predation by a Swamp
Harrier Circus approximates and both
C.A.Nicholls and myself have
independently witnessed predation by
the Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus. 1
have also witnessed attempted predation
by the Little Falcon Falco longipennis but
though the falcon struck the dove it did
not maim or kill it and the dove flew
away strongly, even if with a few less
feathers.
At Dalkeith C.A.Nicholls (pers.comm.)
has often seen the introduced Brown
Kookaburra Dacelo gigas prey on this
dove’s nestlings and it was in fact a
regular occurrence. Mueller (1991)
observed predation of this dove's
nestlings by the Grey Bucher-bird.
Eggs and nestlings thrown out of nests
and “fledgling” juveniles which seem to
have left the nest prematurely are
common in Perth, and the situation is
mostly due to very strong winds, many
of the nests being simple rafts built in
unsafe situations.
LONGEVITY
The oldest birds recovered by the public
were of the following banded ages: 7
years 8 months, 6 years 8 months, 5
years 6 months, 4 years, 3 years 8
months, 3 years 5 months, 3 years 3
months (two birds), 3 years 2 months
(two birds) and 3 years (two birds). As
all the birds were in adult plumage
when banded their real ages would be
six months greater.
BREEDING
Storr and Johnstone (1988) define the
breeding season of this dove locally as
July to March, but nestlings were
presented to CANicholls’ bird hospital
throughout the year. Numbers were at a
peak in spring, a lesser peak in autumn
and at a minimum during the cold and
wet months of winter.
Goodwin (1970) states that the species
will nest in and on buildings and it will
nest in artificial situations locally. Birds
may even nest in exposed situations
such as the cross arms of power poles
and the ledges of buildings. A few nests
were within one and one-half metres of
the ground
A female bird that was hand reared (see
164
Race and Plumage) and kept in
captivity begun egg-laying at 7.5
months of age and by the time it died at
7.5 years of age it had laid 120 eggs: 17
per year. However each egg was
removed from it when laid
(C.A.Nicholls pers. comm).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
1 am extremely grateful to the late
Dr.D.LServenty for allowing me to use
the facilities of the Caporn Street
laboratory, Ms.C.A.Nicholls for
considerable informadon and numerous
discussions, my mother Mrs. L.C.
Stranger for helping with the Salvado
Road trapping and banding, Derek
Goodwin for valuable information and
advice and Ian Rowley for reading the
article and making valuable suggestions.
John Dell provided considerable help in
preparation and editing of this paper.
REFERENCES
BLAKERS, M., DAVIES, S.J.J.F., &
REILLY, P.N. 1984. The Atlas of
Australiaii Birds, Royal Australasian
Ornithologists Union, Melbourne
University Press.
CALDERWOOD, D. 1954. Swamp
Harrier preying on the Senegal Dove.
W.A.Nat. 4:pl45.
GOODWIN, D. 1970. Pigeons and Doves
of the World. Publication 663. Trustees
of the British Museum [Natural
History], London, ppl43-144.
GOODWIN. D. 1978. Birds of Man’s
World. British Museum [Natural
History], Cornell University Press,
Londoa
MORRIS, K., SPELDEWINDE, P. &
ORELL, P. 1994. A new bird record for
Bernier Island, Shark Bay. W.A. Nat.
19:p351.
MUELLER, 0.1991. Nest predation by
the Grey Butcher-bird. W.A. Nat:
18:p235.
SEDGWICK, E.H. 1958. The
introduced turtledoves in Western
Australia. W.A..Nat. 6:p22.
SEDGWICK, E.H. 1958. The
introduced turtle-doves in Western
Australia-2. W.A. Nat. 6:pll2.
SEDGWICK, E.H. 1965. Supplementary
notes on the introduced turtle-doves in
Western Australia. W.A. Nat. 9:pl53.
SEDGWICK, E.H. 1976. Supplementary
notes on turtle-doves, Streptopelia, in
Western Australia. W.A. Nat. I3:pl73.
SERVENTY, D.L., & WHITTELL,
H.M. 1976. Birds of Western Australia,
University of W.A. Press, Perth, W.A.
STORR, G.M. & JOHNSTONE, R.E.
1988. Birds of the Swan Coastal Plain
and adjacent seas and islands. Rec.
West. Aust. Mus. Suppl. No 28.
STRANGER, R.H. 1961. Homing
performances by Senegal Doves. W.A.
Nat. 7:pl90.
STRANGER, R.H. 1968. A study of
homing performance in the Senegal
Dove. W.A. Nat. Il:p4.
STRANGER, R.H. 1969. Indian Doves
feeding on the beach at Mandurah.
W.A. Nat. Il:p66.
165
FOOD OF THE FOREST RED-TAILED BLACK COCKATOO
CALYPTORHYNCHUSBANKSII NASO IN SOUTH-WEST
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By R.E. JOHNSTONE
Western Australian Museum, Francis Street, Perth W.A. 6000
and T. KIRKBY
49 Canning Mills Road, Kelmscott, W.A. 6111
ABSTRACT
The principal foods of the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus banksii naso in south Western Australia arc the seeds
of Marri Corymbia calophylla and Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata. Of
these, Marri is the most important especially during the breeding
season in October-February. Other less important foods in northern
forests include Snottygobble Persoonta longifolia, Common Sheoak
AUocasuarina fraseriarui , Blackbutt Eucalyptus patens and in southern
forests, Albany Blackbutt E. staeri and Karri E. diversicolor. Although
some Marri and Jarrah seed is available all year, the flowering and
subsequent fruiting of both species varies between years on about a
4-6 year cycle. Preliminary results from this study suggest that
variations in the extent of flowering and nutting may detennine the
numbers of birds which attempt to breed
INTRODUCTION
The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
Calyptorhynchus banksii is widely
distributed within Australia. Five
subspecies are currently recognised three
of which occur in Western Australia
(Figure 1) namely*. C. b. macrorhynchus
occurring throughout the Kimberley; C.
b. samueli found in the arid and semi-
arid northern and north-eastern interior
(i.e. Pilbara, Gascoyne, northern
Wheatbelt and Goldfields); and C. b.
naso inhabiting the south-western
humid and sub-humid zones (mainly the
tall eucalypt forests). Ford (1980) and
Johnstone and Storr (1998).
The Kimberley subspecies macrorhynchus
is generally common occurring in pairs
and family parties and small flocks in
forests and woodlands. Its range and
status have not altered greatly in the
Kimberley since European settlement.
The mid-western subspecies samueli has
greatly expanded its range south into
the northern wheatbelt in the past 60
years. Whereas it was originally
confined to northern watercourses
including the Murchison, Irwin and
Lockier Rivers, it is now most numerous
in the northern and north-eastern
wheatbelt especially the Eurardy, East
Yuna, Three Springs / Perenjori,
167
Figure 1. Distribution of Red-tailed Black Cockatoo in Western Australia
168
Jibberding and Trayning / Mukinbudin
districts, occurring in pairs, small flocks
and occasionally large flocks up to 500.
The introduced South African weed the
Double-gee Emex australis has become a
major food source for samueli in the
wheatbelt. This together with the
provision of watering points for
livestock has enabled samueli to increase
in numbers and spread south into what
was previously unsuitable habitat:
Conversely the arboreal forest
inhabiting subspecies naso has
experienced a severe decline since
European colonisation. Formerly it
occurred north to Dandaragan (where
there were once large stands of Marri);
west to near Gingin (casually),
Guildford (resident in colonial times
but now rare or absent), Mundijong,
Coolup, Lake McLarty and Goodale
Sanctuary (16 km S\V of Pinjarra)
(presumably visitors from adjacent
Darling Scarp), Wokalup, Big Brook (23
km west of Nannup), formerly to Vasse
River, and Margaret River; and east to
Mt Helena (formerly to Toodyay),
Christmas Tree Well, North Bannister
(formerly to Wandering), Mt
Saddleback, formerly to the Kojonup
district (where now only casual), Rocky
Gully and upper King River (Figure 2).
This forest cockatoo was formerly
common throughout this historic range
but is now rare to uncommon and
in* ii6* us® i2o® 122-
Figure 2 Distribution of C. b. naso in south-western Australia (showing present and former
ranges).
169
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patchily distributed within its current
range that has become markedly reduced
through clearing for agriculture. It
occurs mainly in pairs or small family
groups (3-5) and occasionally large
flocks up to 200 have been recorded.
It is perhaps noteworthy that although
this large cockatoo is one of the most
conspicuous birds in the southern
forests its fundamental biology is still
poorly understood. Most of the
information concerning the diet is
anecdotal Storr (1991), Abbott (1998),
Johnstone and Storr (1998). Since 1996
we have been studying the distribution,
status, conservation and breeding
biology of ruiso in south-western forests.
The aim of this paper is to identify its
main foods and feeding techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The cockatoos were studied at two main
sites namely Bungendore Park -
(including Wungong Brook) and
Jarrahdale (including the Serpentine
area). Visits were also made to other
areas in the south-west including Collie,
Albany, Denmark, Manjimup, Nannup
and Margaret River to gather
information on distribution, status, diet
and breeding etc The vegetation at the
two main study sites at Bungendore Park
and Jarrahdale is similar being
predominantly Jarrah Eucalyptus
margimta and Marri Corymbia callophylla
with an understorey of Bull Banksia
Banksia grandis, Snottygobble Persoonia
longifolia, Allocasuarina fraseriana and
Dryandra spp. Both sites also contain
scattered stands of Blackbutt Eucalyptus
patens and Wandoo Eucalyptus ivandoo.
Fieldwork was conducted mostly on a
weekly basis commencing in 1996 and
continuing to early 1999. Flocks were
located in the study sites usually in late
afternoon or early morning and, once
170
located, we recorded the locality, time,
number of birds and flock composition,
habitat and behaviour including feeding
behaviour. The estimated total
population in the Bungendore area is 70
birds and at Jarrahdale 100 birds. A
total of 219 feeding observations were
made in the main study sites (each
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Table 2.
Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo (C. b. tiaso) Observations of food taken compared with
1. Mam Cycle. 2. Jarrali Cycle. 3. Breeding Cycle
% of total feeding records (monthly basis), birds feeding on Marri
Sip
ill
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% of total feeding records (monthly basis), birds feeding on Jarrah |;;; |
171
observation ranging from several birds
to the majority of the flock) (see Table
1) . Food trees were noted, food samples
including discarded nuts were collected
and in some cases photographed.
RESULTS
FOOD AND FOOD AVAILABILITY
The principal food in both study sites
was Marri and Jarrah (see Table 1)
comprising almost 90% of the diet. We
made % observations with a total of
960 birds feeding on Marri and 87
observations with a total of 712 birds
feeding on Jarrah. Other less important
foods include Eucalyptus patens,
Allocasuarina and Persoonia. There were
two observations of two birds feeding on
dead Banksia grandis, two observations
with a total of 36 birds feeding on the
seeds of the introduced Spotted Gum
Eucalyptus maculata and one observation
of 9 birds feeding on the seeds of the
introduced Cape Lilac Melia azederach .
All food was taken from the tree canopy
with the Persoonia and Banksia being
small understorey trees.
Birds were recorded feeding on Marri
throughout the year (see Tables 1 and
2) ,however there was a strong seasonal
shift between March and June from
Marri to Jarrah and other foods. Flower
and subsequent fruit production of both
Marri and Jarrah varies between years
on about a four to five year cycle (see
tree ecology below and Table 2).
Preliminary results indicate that the
extent of flowering and nut production
may determine the numbers of nesting
birds in the subsequent breeding season.
Although some seed of Marri and Jarrah
is available all year, the cockatoos are
extremely selective with respect to
which trees they feed in and there may
be large differences in seed quality,
nutrient value, seed size and seed fill.
They are methodical feeders returning
each day to the same tree until the food
supply is exhausted It was frequently
noted that adjacent trees of the same
species were untouched throughout this
feeding activity, even after the
'favoured' tree was depleted. It is also
noteworthy that Marri provides both a
much larger seed and a heavier seed
crop when compared to Jarrah and other
foods. For example Marri nuts contain
approx 5-6 times the seed mass
compared to Jarrah. The seed weight in
Marri is 0.113g v Jarrah 0.020g; seed
length Marri 12.9 mm v Jarrah 4.5 mm;
and seed width in Marri 7.2 mm v 3.0
mm (Abbott 1984). Additionally fewer
Marri nuts contain no seed than is the
case of Jarrah. Thus the work effort
needed to open a Marri nut is justified.
The abundances of the various foods
and feeding location, technique and
timing highlighted the importance of
Marri and the birds’ knowledge of their
territory.
FEEDING TECHNIQUES
The method of feeding on Marri and
Jarrah was distinctive and of use in
plotting the occurrence of these
cockatoos after they have fed in an area.
A bird either nips off a nut within range
of one position or nips off a branch (up
to 300 mm long and 9 mm thick) with
several nuts and then, while still
holding the branch breaks off individual
nuts. In either case it extracts and husks
the seed from the nut with its bill.
Leaves and other small stems are often
also nipped off to allow easier access to
nuts. On finishing, the branch is
dropped to the ground. The ground
beneath the tree becomes littered with
chewed nuts, leaves and small branches
with up to 70% of the ground beneath
the canopy covered in nuts and leaves.
Attention is often drawn to a feeding
172
party by the sound of hard nuts being
cracked open and the continual stream
of debris falling to the ground. When
feeding in the outer foliage birds often
pulled thin branches together for more
secure footing and one female was seen
to wedge herself into a fork with a spray
of nuts in windy conditions.
Marri
Usually a bird bites off a tough woody
nut and transfers it to the foot, almost
invariably the left foot (but some birds
are right footed). Marri nuts are large,
thick and woody with measurements
ranging from 25-45mm long and 20 x
40mm in width and birds will feed on
green to hardened ripe nuts. The Marri
nuts are opened in a number of ways
(Figures 3 and 4) with individuals using
one of the following techniques.-
1. Holding the nut by the pedicel and
chopping their way into the bowl
(or hypanthium) from the rim
2. Holding the rim of the nut and
chopping in at the base of the
hypanthium
3. Holding the nut at the rim or base
and chopping in at the centre and
rotating the nut in the foot anti¬
clockwise.
Depending on the individual skill of the
bird it takes about one-two minutes
(0.38 - 2.45 minutes) to extract and
husk the seed from a Marri nut. One
adult male extracted seeds from five
green nuts in 3.12 minutes. On one
occasion an adult female was also
observed taking (grabbing) opened nuts
from her mate feeding alongside, taking
them from his foot just as the seeds were
exposed.
Jarrah
Jarrah nuts are held firmly in the foot or
manoeuvred in the bill (Figure 5) and
the seed capsule is split open by the bill
and the seeds extracted and husked at a
rate of 2-5 nuts per minute (see Figure
6). One adult extracted seeds from 30
nuts in 8.20 minutes. In some cases
however only half the seeds from each
nut are extracted.
A llocasuarina
Allocasuarina cones are held in the foot,
split down the centre with the bill then
rotated with the foot in order to extract
and husk the seeds. Times recorded to
extract and husk the seeds from
Allocasuarina cones range from 30-36
seconds. The seeds of Allocasuarina are
retained in the mature cones for only 1-
2 months (January-February) and after
this time very little seed remains for the
cockatoos to harvest
The fruits of the Snottygobble
(Persoonia) are split down the centre
and the tiny seed extracted. Birds feed
very slowly on Snottygobble at the rate
of about 2 fruits per minute and not all
fruits are eaten. Often adults spending
time pruning the outer branches as well
as feeding. Spotted gum nuts are
handled the same way as jarrah nuts.
Cape Lilac fruits are sometimes held in
the foot but mostly sliced in half and
seeds extracted with just the bill and
tongue
DAILY ACTIVITY PATTERNS
In both study areas the flocks spend the
night roosting in tall straight trunked
isolated stands of Jarrah-Marri-
Blackbutt growing in a road side verge,
edge of a paddock or at the edge of a
forest block. The birds usually leave
their night roosts at sunrise (ca. 05:00
Western Standard time) split into
smaller family groups and move into
adjacent forest. Our study flocks (with
173
Figure 3. Discarded green Marri nuts from one tree showing range of opening methods.
Figure 4. Discarded Marri nuts eaten by naso showing both base (top row) and rim (bottom
rows) opening methods.
174
Figure 5. Female C. b. naso with Jarrah nut in bill.
Figure 6. Discarded Jarrah nuts eaten by naso.
175
some banded birds) were usually located
within 1-4 km of the roost. After a
short period of preening and sometimes
basking in morning sunlight they began
feeding, usually in Marri or Jarrah trees.
Feeding continued for up to 10-12
hours sometimes with short breaks to
move to another tree, preen or clean the
bill. Bill cleaning involves wiping the
bill on dead branches or chewing into
dead wood especially Jarrah and
Banksia. At around 16:00 to 17:00 hrs
birds would stop feeding, begin bill
cleaning and preening, become more
vocal and move off in small groups to
drink at water in tree hollows, creeks,
puddles, dams and troughs. Overall they
have a preference for drinking at tree
hollows and appear quite uncomfortable
on the ground. On dark, the birds would
return to the roost area.
This behaviour was repeated each day
unless there was a marked change in the
weather especially with heavy rain and
strong winds. Under these conditions
birds foraged less and remained more
subdued in their behaviour. When
breeding the female leaves the nest
hollow once or twice a day to be fed by
the male (by pump regurgitation). It
takes immatures over a year to develop
the skills necessary to extract seeds from
Marri nuts and during this period they
are constantly attended by both parent
birds. Young birds must also learn which
trees produce nuts with seed in order
not to waste effort on seedless nuts.
ECOLOGY OF MARRI AND JARRAH
The flowering and subsequent nutting of
Marri and Jarrah varies significantly
from one year to the next. Marri flowers
heavily on a five year cycle (R Mawson
pers. comm.). Buds are initiated in
August or September, mature by January
when flowering commences, develop
into nuts in March-December and the
seeds dehisce from mature nuts in
January-February of the third year.
Overall taking about 17 months
between initiation of buds and the
shedding of seeds At the end of this
cycle trees which produce a heavy
flowering and crop of nuts, are in poor
condition with reduced leaves in the
canopy and few new leaves. The
resources used in producing such large
flowers and nuts are so great that the
tree requires another three years to
recover enough to repeat the process. In
any one year only about 20-50 percent
of the trees produce a large nut crop. It
is also noteworthy that a small
proportion of Marri trees produce only
male flowers and seedless fruits (Carr et
al. 1981).
In Jarrah, flowering occurs every 4-6
years (Abbott and Loneragan 1986).
Buds are initiated in December-January
each year and if conditions are
favourable they are retained and
develop further, flowering between
September and December. These flowers
develop into nuts during the next year
and mature in September. Seed is shed
three months later in December-March
taking overall 24-27 months from bud
initiation to shedding seed.
CONCLUSIONS
Habitat destruction has clearly caused
the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos
marked decline in south-western
Australia. The extensive clearing of the
Jarrah-Marri and Wandoo forest and
woodland, largely for agriculture, has led
to a loss of over one third of its original
range. Land clearing has slowed greatly
in recent years. Cockatoos are however
long-lived and it is not clear whether
this factor is masking a continuing
decline in their overall populations.
176
The birds are currently only patchily
distributed throughout the south¬
western forests. Judging from this study
the cockatoos are relatively sedentary
and could be extremely vulnerable to
habitat loss and fragmentation. The two
limiting factors in the birds' survival are
food and suitable nest hollows. At
present it would appear that the food
supply in both study sites is adequate,
however quality as well as quantity may
be crucial (especially in breeding
season). In this context further study is
required as to why some trees are
extensively cropped whilst others
apparently at a similar stage are ignored.
The cockatoos are highly dependent for
food (and nest hollows) on Marri and to
a lesser extent on Jarrah (R. Johnstone,
unpublished data). Observations of
flock movements, diet changes and
breeding times appears to be coincident
with the heavy nutting cycle of the
Marri so food may be a limiting factor
in breeding times. Breeding was only
recorded in both study sites in October-
December of 1995 and 1997 when both
areas had a heavy Marri nut crop. It is
also noteworthy that even in these two
breeding years only some 10% of the
flock in both study areas attempted (or
appeared capable) of breeding. Further
research into the breeding biology of
this subspecies is in progress.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank John Darnell for help and
comments on a draft of this paper. We
would also like to thank Peter Mawson
and Ian Abbott for information on the
ecology of Marri and Jarrah.
Considerable assistance to this study was
provided by Phil Stone, Kim Sarti and
the Bungendore Management Com¬
mittee. We also thank the Water
Corporation who allowed access to
catchment areas. This study was partly
funded by a grant from the Department
of Conservation and Land Management
and the Western Australian Museum.
REFERENCES
ABBOTT, 1. 1984. Emergence, early
survival, and growth of seedlings of six
tree species in Mediterranean forest of
Western Australia. Forest Ecology and
Management 9, 51-66.
ABBOTT, 1.1998. Conservation of the
forest red-tailed black cockatoo, a
hollow-dependent species, in the
eucalypt forest of Western Australia.
Forest Ecology and Management 109,
175-185.
ABBOTT, I. and LONERAGAN, O.,
1986. Ecology of Jarrah (Eucalyptus
maiginata) in the northern Jarrah forest
of Western Australia. Bulletin No. 1
Department of Conservation and Land
Management Perth, Western Australia
CARR, S.G.M., CARR, D.J. and ROSS,
F.L. 1981. Male flowers in eucalypts.
Australian Journal of Botany 19:73-83.
FORD, J. 1980. Morphological and
ecological divergence and convergence
in insolated populations of the red¬
tailed black-cockatoo. Emu 80, 103-
120 .
JOHNSTONE, R.E. and STORR, G.M.
1998. Flandbook of Western Australian
Birds, Vol. 1. Non-passerines (Emu to
Dollarbird), Western Australian
Museum, Perth.
STORR, G.M. 1991. Birds of the South¬
west Division of Western Australia. Rec.
West. Aust. M us. Suppl. 35:84-85.
177
THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF BENNETT BROOK AND
SUCCESS HILL RESERVE, CAVERSHAM
By N.K. COOPER, J. DELL and M.A. COWAN
Western Australian Museum of Natural Science, Francis Street, Perth 6000
INTRODUCTION
Recent work especially that by the
Western Australian Museum has
illustrated the significance of urban
bushland remnants to the survival of
vertebrate fauna of the Perth region
(How and Dell 1989, 1993,1994, How
et al. 1996, Harvey et al. 1997 and
Cooper 1995). There is a relationship
between size of remnant bushland and
the number of species surviving with
reserves as small as 4 ha having been
shown to be important for faunal
assemblages (Turpin 1990, 1991).
However many species persist on even
smaller reserves (Cooper 1995).
This study was initiated by the Success
Hill Action Group (Inc.) to determine
the vertebrate fauna of the small
remnant of native bushland at Success
Hill and the adjacent and contiguous
Bennett Brook area northwards to
Benara Road, in Caversham (Figure 1).
STUDYAREA
Success Hill Reserve (Figure 1) is vested
with the Bassendean Town Council and
occupies an elevated area overlooking
the Swan River. It is bounded by the
Swan River to the east and housing to
the west. The area has been isolated by
roads to the west for many decades but
is contiguous with the riverine
woodlands of Bennett Brook to the
north. The study area is located at the
interface of the Bassendean Dune
System and the Pinjarra Plain (Keighery
1996) and consequently the soils are a
mixture of sands and clayey silts. In the
past, clay has been mined in several
places.
Success Hill Reserve is situated on the
Bassendean Dune System. It is a
remnant Banksia woodland consisting of
Candlestick Banksia, Banksia attenuata
and Firewood Banksia, B. menziesii with
an overstorey of Jarrah, Eucalyptus
margimta. There is a shrub and heath
understorey. The Swan River has a
fringing forest of Flooded Gum, E. rudis,
Paperbark, Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and
She-oak, Casuarina obesa . This riverine
forest extends, patchily, along the
entire length of Bennett Brook.
Additionally, the Paperbark has
extensive woodlands associated with the
swamp system on the eastern side of
Bennett Brook. These vegetation types
are described by Keighery (1996).
Much of the shrub vegetation along
Bennett Brook has been modified or
eliminated by various land use practices
especially cattle and horse grazing.
SAMPLING SITES AND METHODS
This study aimed to record the
vertebrate assemblage of each
vegetation type in the Success Hill
Reserve and nearby parts of the
Bennett Brook area. In order to obtain
179
Figure 1. Aerial photograph of the Success Hill/Bennett Brook area showing locations of
vertebrate trapping sites (marked 1 and 2) and the fish shampling sites marked (A, B, C,
D, E).
180
an assessment of the seasonal faunal
assemblage it was decided to undertake
sampling surveys at several times of the
year. Accordingly, surveys were
undertaken to examine the fauna during
September and November 1994,
January, February, March, April, May,
July, October and November 1995.
Terrestrial vertebrate sampling sites
were established in January 1995 when
nine 20 litre buckets, placed 10 metres
apart, were used as pitfall traps. A seven
metre long flywire fence standing 30 cm
high was placed vertically over each trap
when they were opened and operational
Two sites were chosen for intensive
sampling, one on Success Hill and one
on the slopes below Pyrton (Figure 1).
These two sites were chosen to
represent the range of habitats available
in the elevated dry sandy areas. The
lowland sites close to Bennett Brook
were not chosen for intensive sampling
as pitfall traps cannot be located in
areas that become waterlogged during
winter rains.
The traps were opened and examined
on seven consecutive days during
February, March, July, October and
November 1995. Traps were closed and
sealed and the flywire fence removed
between trapping periods. Traps were
examined daily and all reptiles,
amphibians and mammals were
identified, measured, and released.
Extensive searches were also made of
the entire area to record reptiles and
amphibians. In particular all surface
rubbish and timber, bark and leaf litter
was turned over and examined to reveal
hidden species. Nocturnal surveys were
undertaken with headtorches on three
occasions to reveal species which are
only active at night.
Frogs were sampled during favourable
weather conditions throughout the year
and fish were sampled on two occasions
at set sample sites (Figure 1) along the
lower reaches of Bennett Brook in
autumn and the beginning of winter.
Afternoon and evening surveys were
also conducted on four occasions to
record calling frogs. All surface fresh
water was examined with nets for the
presence of tadpoles.
Birds were recorded opportunistically
whilst checking the fenced pitlines and
during all other reptile and frog surveys.
A search was carried out of relevant
literature to find distributional records
of vertebrates from the region. In
particular we used How and Dell
(1993) for mammals, Bush er al. (1995)
and How and Dell (1993, 1994) for
reptiles, Storr and Johnstone (1988)
and How and Dell (1993) for birds,
Tyler et al. (1994) for amphibians, and
Sarti and Allen (1978) for freshwater
fish. Museum databases were also
searched for additional mammal and
reptile data.
RESULTS
MAMMALS
During these surveys the only mammal
trapped was the introduced House
Mouse, Mus musculus. Numerous signs
of House Mice were recorded
throughout the area where old nests and
burrows were located under various large
items of rubbish. Both Success Hill
Reserve and the Bennett Brook area are
used by domestic cats and dogs. Rabbits,
Oryctolagus cuniculus, were widespread
but not abundant in the area Signs of
Foxes, Vu/pes vulpes, were widespread in
the area. A fox den had the remains of
Swamphens, Black Ducks, Ring-necked
Parrots, Dusky Moorhens and freshwater
crustaceans, indicating the wide range
of prey items taken.
181
Table 1. Frogs and Reptiles sampled systematically by trapping and observed opportunistically in each of the habitats at Bennett Brook/
SuccessHill. SH, Success Hill; FY, Pyrton; SO, Sheoak; BB, Bennett Brook; SS, Small Swamps; SA, Samphire area; OB, Old Bridge; MS,
Main Swamp.
X X
XXX
£
£
£
X XXX X
XXX
XXX
XX X
X X
X
X X
XXX
X
X
X
X
X
X
XX X
X XX
X XX
X XX
XX XX
X X
X
E
& 3s
8 .
CO
XXX
X X
X
X
X X
X X
o
« i
£ Ml
.*> •§ DJC 2
tJ -g C u-
3 o 2 X
05 3 g C
5 cS
I
O
1
ffi:
H §• 3
g
* (j
s*.s
ill
,1
; a*
i .a
r--
e |
a & 3 * 5 i, -3
:= C -S
|
ii ii 2
CS^I
CO 5 .g C £
*2 s 5 -a
2 cp^
£ gr-g
i
o
3
o
•S
o -S
.y X
n a
O v
2
c§P^
a £?
182
The Quenda or Southern Brown
Bandicoot, Isoodon obesulus, was
recorded. Characteristic feeding diggings
were located around the edges of the
inundated areas after the heavy rains
during the winter of 1995. These
animals were presumably forced out of
their habitat along Bennett Brook and
the Swan River. Two dead Quendas
were also located on Benara Road near
the junction of Bennett Brook at the
northern end of the study area during
heavy rain.
Although not sighted in the study area
several Common Brush possums,
Trichosurus vulpecula were reported in
the Flooded Gums, Eucalyptus rudis
along the banks of the Swan River just
downstream of our study area (K.
Pearson, pers. comm). It is likely that
Water Rats, Hydromys chrysogaster occur
in the lower reaches of the Bennett
Brook as there are old museum records
from nearby localities including
Belmont Park, as well as unspecified
localities on the Swan River.
No other species of terrestrial mammal
was recorded during this survey
although introduced Black Rats, Rattus
rattus are likely to be widespread in the
area. Historically, seven species of
native terrestrial mammals (Kitchener
and Vicker 1981) are known from the
Bassendean Sand System but most of
these are now locally extinct in the
region (How and Dell 1993).
One species of bat was heard calling in
the area during nocturnal surveys This
was the White-striped Mastiff Bat,
Nyctinomus australis, which is the only
local bat whose echolocation sounds
can be heard by the human ear. A
search of the literature, especially
Strahan (1995) and the Museum
database indicates that as many as nine
other bat species were originally known
from the region but How and Dell
(1993) suggest that many may no
longer be found in the region.
AMPHIBIANS
Seven species of amphibians were
recorded during these surveys. They are
listed on Table 1 together with habitat
types in which they were recorded.
Each species is also briefly discussed
below.
Slender Tree Frog Litoriaadelaidensis
At Bennett Brook, it breeds in early
spring in the bullrush swamps at the base
of the hill below Pyrton. Calling males
were abundant in these swamps between
August and October. The egg masses
were attached to the rush stems just
below the surface of the water. Tadpoles
were present in late spring and summer.
When not breeding they tend to disperse
widely and can be found throughout
Bennett Brook and the adjacent
Melaleuca swamps and were trapped in
February mainly in the Bracken Fern on
the slopes below Pyrton.
Motorbike Frog Litoria moorei
Only one Motorbike Frog was trapped
in the Bracken Ferns below Pyrton
during this survey.
Quacking Frog Criniageorgiana
Many individuals were captured in the
pit traps both on Success Hill and below
Pyrton. They were captured in all
sampling periods.
This frog breeds in shallow seepages
along the entire western side of Bennett
Brook northwards from the base of
Success Hill. The large eggs are laid
from mid-winter and were found
throughout the shallow seepage areas.
Glauert’s Froglet Criniaglauerti
This frog is common along Bennett
183
Brook especially in the bulrush swamps
and the seasonally inundated areas that
occurred in the winter of 1995. This
frog bred in large numbers in all the
freshwater areas that remained after
these heavy rains.
Squelching Froglet Crinia insignifera
This is the commonest frog in the area
and was present throughout the
Melaleuca swamps. It bred in large
numbers in the inundated areas after the
heavy winter rains in 1995. The eggs are
laid in water in the same manner as
Glauert’s Froglet.
Moaning Frog Heleioporus eyrei
Only 3 individuals were trapped in the
Success Hill and Pyrton areas. Although
not recorded breeding on this survey,
they probably breed around the margins
of the seepage areas.
Banjo Frog Limnodynastesdorsalis
They were captured at both Success Hill
and below Pyrton and calling males
were heard in the Melaleuca swamp in
winter and spring.
Most of the frog species recorded in the
study area have widespread
distributions in suitable habitat on the
Coastal Plain. One species, the
Quacking Frog, is mainly a Darling
Range species with populations
extending onto the Coastal Plain on
alluvial soils associated with stream
zones. One additional species, the
Turtle Frog, M yobairachus gouldii, is
known from the Bassendean Dune
System (How &. Dell 1993) and may
occur at Success Hill.
REPTILES
Thirteen species of reptiles were
recorded during these surveys They are
discussed below and listed on Table 1
together with habitat types in which
they were recorded.
Swamp Skink Bassiana trilincata .
Several individuals were located in
winter under rubbish around the
margins of the inundated areas at the
base of the slopes above the old
bridge.
Wa 11 Sk i n k Cryptoblepha rus
plagiocephalus.
This species is widespread in the area
and found on many trees including
Paperbark, Melaleuca rhaphiophylla,
Swamp Sheoak, Casuarina obesa,
Flooded Gum, Eucalyptus rudis. It
occupies crevices and gaps among
peeling bark.
Striped Skink Ctenotus fallens
This fast-running, diurnal species is
widespread throughout Success Hill and
the slopes northwards to Pyrton.
Limestone Skink Ctenotus australis
It is scarce in the area and only two
individuals were trapped at Success
Hill.
Two-toed Skink Herniergisquadrilineata
Only one individual was trapped in May
on the slopes below Pyrton.
Elegant Lerista Leristaelegans
This tiny lizard is widespread in the
area and was trapped on Success Hill
and located among leaf litter under
the flooded gums along Bennett
Brook.
Worm Lerista Lerista praepedita
This elongated, burrowing lizard is
probably rare in the area as only one
was trapped on Success Hill.
184
Grey's Skink Menedagreyii
They live among fallen leaves and are
widespread and probably the most
abundant lizard in the area
Flecked Morethia M orethiaobscura
This lizard is scarce in the area as only
one was sighted among the she-oaks
near the brickworks on the eastern side
of Bennett Brook.
Gould’s Monitor Varanusgouldii
Only one subadult was sighted under
the remains of an old car on the slopes
below Pyrton after the fire in January
1995.
Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus
Tiger snakes are scarce but widespread
in the area especially around the
Melaleuca swamps and the seasonally
inundated areas.
Dugite Pseudonajaaffinis
It is widespread in the area and several
were observed during the survey.
Long-necked Tortoise Chelodina oblonga
This tortoise is common
throughout the fresh water swamps
along Bennett Brook and also
occasionally occurs in the brook
itself. When the peripheral waters
evaporate in summer, some
individuals aestivate in the drying
mud to emerge with the following
winter rains. Adult females leave
the water to lay their eggs in dry
sandbanks particularly along the
western side of Bennett Brook.
Another 31 species of reptiles are
known from the Bassendean Dune
System (How & Dell 1993) but are
unlikely to be present in the study
area as suitable habitat does not
occur.
FISH
Five species of native and two
introduced fish species were recorded in
Bennett Brook during these surveys.
Each species is listed below together
with comments on their status at
Bennett Brook.
Western Minnow Galaxias occidentalis
These small eel-like fish were often seen
swimming close to the surface against
the current in the fastest running parts
of Bennett Brook. They are relatively
common in Bennett Brook in the upper
parts of the study area, downstream at
least to the old bridge. This is a
common endemic species in the
southwest extending from the Moore
River to the east of Albany (Allen
1982).
Mosquito Fish Gambusia holbrooki
This is an exotic species which is
extremely abundant in Bennett Brook
and the extensive Melaleuca Swamps,
even in the shallow weedy seasonal
wetlands around the margins.
Populations fluctuate markedly in
Bennett Brook as this is a very fecund
species which produces up to 375 live
young up to six times during the year
(Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). It
is regarded as a pest on native species
and in some cases its effect on the
native fish fauna has been profound
(Allen 1982). In eastern Australia it
also has an impact on amphibian
populations by predating on tadpoles
(Webb & Joss 1997).
Nightfish Bostockia porosa
This nocturnal species prefers running
water and was found in the upper
reaches of Bennett Brook downstream
to the old bridge During the day time it
is very hard to find as it secretes itself
185
away among stones or vegetation at the
bottom of the stream. This is an
endemic species found in coastal
streams, lakes and ponds from the
Moore River to Albany (Allen 1982).
Western Pygmy Perch Edclia vittata
This small fish was found throughout
the length of Bennett Brook
downstream to where the freshwater
meets the tidal waters of the Swan
River. It was found among water weeds
and vegetation debris This is an
endemic species found in coastal
streams, lakes and ponds from the
Moore River to Hopetoun (Allen
1982).
Swan River Goby Pseudogobiusolorum
This small species is abundant in the
Swan River and was found in the lower
reaches of Bennett Brook. This fish is a
slow swimming species and was hard to
locate as it spends most of its time
resting among submerged vegetation.
This species is commonly found in
streams and estuaries of the South-west
(Allen 1982).
Long Thin Goby Favonigobius lateralis
This larger fish was found in the same
sites as the Swan River Goby.
Golden Carp Cyprinusauratus
Only two juveniles of this exotic species
were found in the middle sections of
Bennett Brook. It feeds on insects,
crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic
vegetation (Allen 1982). The seasonal
nature of Bennett Brook suggests that it
is unlikely to become abundant and
therefore not likely to become a major
problem here
BIRDS
Seventy-eight species of birds were
recorded during this survey. They are
listed in Table 2. Not surprisingly, most
species are associated with the extensive
swamp system on the eastern side of
Bennett Brook. Wooded wetlands such
as these are now relatively scarce on the
eastern side of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Accordingly, this swampland is a
significant feeding and roosting area for
many species of bird especially herons,
cormorants and ducks
Table 2 also includes a number of small
insectivorous landbirds such as
thornbills, fairy-wrens, scrub-wrens and
Grey Fantails which require natural
vegetation for their survival. Each of
the species in this group have declined
markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain as
a result of habitat fragmentation (How
and Dell, 1993). The corridor of mature
trees along Bennett Brook provides an
important linkage between the riverine
corridor of the Swan River and
conservation reserves, especially Ellen
Brook to the north.
CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE
The study area has been recognised as
having important conservation
significance and is recommended for
conservation in Perth's Bushplan
(Government of Western Australia
1998) as the largest and most diverse
relatively intact lagoonal system on the
Swan-Canning River Estuary and is one
of a very limited number of bushland
areas on the Swan Estuary in providing
habitat for fauna as well as linkages
between different bushland areas
The study area has five species of native
fish all of which have declined on the
Swan Coastal Plain. The frog fauna
which includes seven species is
moderately rich for a coastal plain
wetland. The area has a rich lizard fauna
with nine species of skink lizards. The
186
most significant species is the Swamp
Skink which is now rarely recorded on
Swan Coastal Plain bushlands (How and
Dell, 1994).
The conservation significance of the
area for birds has been highlighted
above The swamplands support a large
number of waterbirds and the riverine
forest is an important transit corridor
linking the Swan River with
conservation reserves to the north.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The Success Hill/Bennett Brook area
needs specific management planning and
practices to protect the multiple
objectives of conservation (both wildlife
and flora) and human recreation and
aesthetic values. In particular, the
damaging processes of fire, environ¬
mental weeds, feral animals, grazing
animals and human disturbance need
addressing. Some need immediate
attention e.g. wildfire control and others
need longer term considerations as
disturbance processes increase with time.
Fire has both short-term as well as long¬
term effects on native fauna. These were
summarised in a symposium organised by
the Urban Bushland Council in 1995,
and highlighted in a paper by Dell and
How (1995). They indicated that
vertebrate as well as invertebrate
animals were inimically affected by fire.
In particular, habitat specific, dietary
specialist, sedentary species were worst
affected. Some species disappeared
completely after fire and others were
slow to recolonise burnt areas from
unbumt patches
The severe wildfire of January 1995 had
a devastating effect on native fauna at
Success Hill. Many slow moving, above¬
ground reptile species such as Bobtails,
legless lizards and some skinks were
killed outright by the fire Others which
occupied burrows emerged after the fire
to face considerably increased predator
pressure because their protective cover
had been removed.
A large number of exotic grasses and
other plants occur in the Success Hill/
Bennett Brook area and all contribute
to changes to native plant and animal
communities, displace sensitive native
species, reduce regeneration of native
species, disposess native animals of
habitat or food resources, increase
flammability of native vegetation and
result in more frequent and increased
fire intensity. They also affect the soil
surface and change natural water and
nutrient cycles.
Non-native species of vertebrates such
as foxes, cats, rabbits and Golden Carp
compete for resources against native
species and a number of them predate
on native fauna Rabbit overgrazing can
result in soil erosion, weed invasion and
the loss of native plant species. Foxes
and cats prey upon ground animals and
can seriously affect the population of
the Quenda They also destroy nests of
ground-nesting birds or those that nest
close to the ground.
Native vegetation is easily damaged by
human trampling. This also causes
increased erosion and spread of weeds.
Fertiliser and chemical use (herbicide
and pesticide) should be discouraged in
adjacent areas to reduce their effects in
Bennett Brook as these affect water
quality and the consequent survival of
native fish and frogs.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank the Success Hill
Action Group (Inc.) for organising the
grant from the 1994/95 National
Landcare Programme, One Million
187
Table 2. List of birds recorded at Success Hill/Bennett Brook during surveys in 1994-1995
+ = species which have colonised the area through natural expansion
* = species which have been introduced by man
ANATIDAE
Black Swan Cygmis atratus
Australian Shelduck Tadoma tadomoides
Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa
Grey Teal Anas gracilis
Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata
Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis
Musk Duck B iziura lobata
PODICIPED1DAE
Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehdlandiae
ANHINGIDAE
Darter Anhinga melanogaster
PHALACROCORAC1DAE
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax
sulcirostris
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax
melanoleucos
PELECANIDAE
Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus
ARDEIDAE
White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica
White-faced Heron Ardea novaehollandiae
Great Egret Egretta alba
Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus
THRESKIORN1THIDAE
+Sacred Ibis Threskiornisaethiopicus
+St raw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis
+Ye l low-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes
ACC1PITR1DAE
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caemleus
Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus
Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus
FALCONIDAE
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus
Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides
RALLIDAE
Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Eurasian Coot Fulicaatra
Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis
Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis
CHARADRI1DAE
Black-fronted Dotterel Charadrius melanops
COLUMBIDAE
Spotted 7 urtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis
*Laughing Turtle-Dove Streptopelia
senegalensis
^Domestic Pigeon Columba livia
PSITTACIDAE
*Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus
Australian Ringneck Platycercus zonarius
Red-capped Parrot Platycercus spurius
Carnaby's Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus
latirostris
+Galah Cacatua roseicapilla
*Corella Cacatua spp.
CUCUL1DAE
Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus
Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis jlabelliformis
Shining Bronze Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus
HALCYONIDAE
^Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae
Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus
MEROPIDAE
Rainbow Bee-eater M erops omatus
MALUR1DAE
Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens
PARDALOTIDAE
Spotted Pardalotc Pardalotus punctatus
Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus
ACANTH1ZIDAE
Western Gerygonc Gerygone fusca
Weebill Smicornis brevirostris
Broad-tailed Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza
chrysorrhoa
White-browed Scrubwren Sericomis frontalis
MELIPHAGIDAE
Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta
188
Table 2. (continued)
Singing Honeyeater Meliphaga virescens
White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Phylidonyris
melanops
New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris
noi'aeholhndiac
Western Spinebill A canthorhynchus
superciliosus
Western Little Wattlebird Anthochaera
lunulata
Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunailata
White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons
PACHYCEPHALIDAE
Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris
DICRUR1DAE
Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa
Willy Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys
Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina
novaehollandiae
CRACTICIDAE
Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus
Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen
CORVIDAE
Australian Raven Corvus coronoides
HIRUND1N1DAE
Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena
Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans
ZOSTEROP1DAE
Grey-breasted White-eye Z osterops lateralis
SYLV1IDAE
Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus
stentoreus
Little Grassbird Megalurusgramineus
DICAEIDAE
Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum
MOTACILL1DAE
Richard’s Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae
Trees and the Save The Bush
Programme
We would like to express our gratitude
to Kay Pearson, for her considerable
assistance in providing background
information and organising access to the
various land owners.
REFERENCES
ALLEN, G.R. 1982. A Field Guide to
Inland Fishes of Western Australia. W.A.
Museum. Perth.
BUSH, B., MARYAN. B., BROWNE-
COOPER, R. and ROBINSON, D.
1995. Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth
Region. University of Western Australia
Press.
CADWALLADER, P.L. and
BACKHOUSE, G.N. 1983. A Guide to
the Freshwater Fish of Victoria.
Government Printer. Melbourne.
COOPER, N.K. 1995. Vertebrate Fauna
of an Isolated Bushland Reserve (No
18325) in Inner Perth. Western
Australian Naturalist. 20: 21-28.
DELL, J. and HOW, R.A. 1995. Faunal
Responses to Fire in Urban Bushland.
pp. 35-41 In: Burning our Bushland.
Proceedings of a Conference about Fire
and Urban Bushland Urban Bushland
Council (W.A.).
GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN
AUSTRALIA 1998. Perth’s Bushplan
Volume Two Part B. Department of
Environmental Protection Perth.
HARVEY, M.S., DELL, J. HOW, R.A..,
& WALDOCK, J.M. 1997 Ground
Fauna of Bushland Remnarits on the Ridge
Hill Shelf and Pinjarra Plain Landforms,
189
Perth. Report to the Australian Heritage
Commission. NEP Grant N95/49.56 pp.
HOW. R.A. & DELL, J. 1989.
Vertebrate Fauna of Bold Park. Western
Australian Naturalist. 18: 122-131.
HOW. R.A. & DELL, J. 1993.
Vertebrate Fauna of the Perth
Metropolitan Region: Consequences of
a Modified Environment, pp 28-47. In:
M. Hipkins (ed) Urban Bush
Management. Australian Institute of
Urban Studies, Perth.
HOW, R.A. and DELL, J. 1994. The
Zoogeographic Significance of Urban
Bushland Remnants to Reptiles in the
Perth region, Western Australia. Pacific
Conservation Biology. 1:132-140.
HOW, R.A., HARVEY, M.S., DELL, J.
and WALDOCK, J.M. 1996. Ground
Fauna of Urban Bushland Remnants in
Perth. Report to the Australian Heritage
Commission. NEP Grant N93/04.
KE1GHERY, B.J. 1996. A Description of
Remnant Vegetation of Bennett Brook
(System Six Area M41). Report
prepared for the Department of
Environmental Protection, Perth,
Western Australia
SART1, N. and ALLEN, G. 1978.
Freshwater Fishes of the Northern Swan
Coastal Plain. Pp. 204-220, In : R.A.
How (ed), Faunal Studies of the Northern
Swan Coastal Plain: a consideration of
Past and Future changes. W.A. Museum.
Perth.
STORR, G.M. and JOHNSTONE, R.E.
1988. Birds of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Records of the Western Australian
Museum. Supplement 28.
STORR. G.M.. HAROLD. G. and
BARRON, G. 1978. Amphibians and
Reptiles of the Northern Swan Coastal
Plain. Pp. 173-203. In: R.A. How (ed),
Faunal Studies of the Northern Swan
Coastal Plain: a Consideration of Past and
Future Changes. W.A. Museum, Perth.
STORR, G.M., SMITH, L.A. and
JOHNSTONE, R.E. 1981. Lizards of
Western Australian. 1. Skinks. Western
Australian Museum, Perth.
STRAHAN, R. 1995. The Mammals of
Australia. The Australian Museum/
Reed Books, Sydney.
TURPIN, M.C. 1990. Ecological
Appraisal of an Isolated Banksia
Woodland Reserve No. 3694 South of
the Swan River, Perth. Western
Australian Naturalist, 18: 131-138.
TURPIN, M.C. 1991. Additions to the
Fauna of Reserve 3694, Victoria Park.
Western Australian Naturalist, 18: 168-
169.
TYLER, M.J., SMITH, L.A. and
JOHNSTONE, R.E. 1994. Frogs of
Western Australia. Western Australian
Museum, Perth.
WEBB, C. and JOSS, J. 1997. Does
Predation by the Fish Gambusia
holbrooki (Atheriniformes: Poeciliidae)
Contribute to Declining Frog
Populations. Australian Zoologist, 30:
316-324.
190
WILLDAMPIA, A NEW GENERIC NAME FOR STURT PEA
By ALEX S. GEORGE
‘Four Gables’, 18 Barclay Rd, Kardinya, Western Australia 6163.
ABSTRACT
The legume known as Sturt Pea (or Sturts Desert Pea), which has
been placed in both Qianthus and Swainsona, is considered to belong
to a distinct, monotypic genus which is described under the name
WiMampia and a new specific combination made accordingly.
INTRODUCTION
The ephemeral or biennial legume
known as Sturt Pea or Sturt's Desert Pea
(floral emblem of South Australia) was
long known under the name Qianthus
formosus (G.Don) Ford & Vickery,
although it was accepted widely that it
was misplaced in that genus, the type
species of which is native to New
Zealand. Sturt Pea differs from Qianthus
s. str. in its short inflorescence, well-
developed calyx lobes, long, narrow
cylindrical bilocular legume,
indumentum, large stipules and
ephemeral prostrate habit (Thompson,
1990). In 1990, J. Thompson, com¬
pleting a revision of the genus
Suuimora, decided that C. formosus was
more appropriately placed in that genus
and made the formal combination
(Thompson, 1990). She gave minimal
justification for her decision, stating
only that ‘it is closely related to S.
beasleyana F.Muell. from which it differs
in its larger usually red (not purple)
flowers, acute keel and longer fruit’. Her
revision of the genus (Thompson, 1993)
gave no further reason for the transfer. I
believe that her analysis has ignored the
very distinctive corolla of this plant
which is easily distinguished from all
other taxa of Swainsona by the
orientation of the standard and keel, by
its large size and typically red petals
with a prominent black ‘boss’ on the
standard The standard and keel petals
of Sturt Pea diverge at an anle of c.
180° and the ‘boss’ is prominently
convex, in contrast to Swainsona in
which they diverge at 70-90 tf and the
eye is concave. In the Cape Range
peninsula of north-western Western
Australia the ‘boss’ is dark red.
Elsewhere, occasional plants have
pinkish or white shades, but these are
atypical. The corolla of Sturt Pea is 90-
120 mm long; the largest corolla
otherwise in Swainsona is 30 mm long
(S. maccullochiana F.Muell.). All species
of Swainsona have corollas that are
various shades of pink, mauve or purple,
sometimes with yellow parts, and some
show considerable change from a
creamish colour in bud to the purple
open flower. The legume of Sturt Pea,
40-90 mm long, is also larger than that
of most other species of Swainsona, most
of which are below 30 mm, the longest
191
being 65 mm in S. murrayana Wawra.
Accordingly the species is here placed
in a new, monotypic genus.
Willdampia A.S.George, gen. nov.
Herbae ephemerae, interdum biennes.
Folia pinnata, stipulis prominentibus.
Inflorescentia axillaris, racemus floribus
usque ad 6 in pedunculo robusto recro,
rhachide contracto; flores bracteis
prominentibus latis subtenti. Calyx in
hypanthio insertum, bracteolis 2 longis.
Corollae vexillum ab cadna ad angulum
c. 180'-’ divergens; petala coccinea, ad
basin vexilli nigra et nitens, raro rubra
vel alba; vexillum rectum, ad basin
convexum, in ungue decrescenti, 4-6
cm longum; alae in ungue gracili
auriculato, ad apicem acutum
angustatae; carina 5-6 cm longa,
pendens, ad apicem acutum decrescens,
ungue breve auriuculato. Stamina brevia
et longa alternantia, 9 coalita, 1 libera.
Pistillum gracile in stipite prominente;
ovarium angustum ovulis multis; stylus
decrescens, glaber; stigma parva.
Legumen cylindricum ad anguste
ellipsoidale. aliquantum inflatum, in
rostro recto angustatum, suturo
profunde impresso, secus suturum
primum dehiscens, deinde laterum
alterum. Semina multa, discoidea,
pallida.
Typus: Willdampia formosa (G.Don)
A.S.George, comb nov.
Basionym: Donia formosa G.Don, Gen.
Hist. Dichlamydeous Plants 2: 468
(1832); Clianthus formosus (G.Don)
Ford et Vickery, Contr. New South
Wales Natl Herb. 1: 302 (1950);
Swainsona formosa (G.Don) Thompson,
Telopea 4; 4 (1990). Typus: Curlew
River [Ashburton R„ W.A.], 20 Feb.
1818, P.P.King; holo: BM n.w, fide
J.Thompson, Telopea 5; 469 (1993).
For further synonymy and discussion of
nomenclature, see Ford &. Vickerv
(1950) and Perry, Wilson & Greuter
(1992).
Ephemeral or sometimes biennial herbs.
Leaves pinnate; stipules prominent
Inflorescence axillary, a raceme of up to
6 flowers on a robust erect peduncle, the
rachis contracted; flowers subtended by
prominent broad bracts. Calyx
surmounting a hypanthium with 2 long
bracteoles. Standard of corol la diverging
from keel at an angle of c. 180°; petals
usually scarlet with a shining black
(sometimes deep red) boss near the base
of the standard, rarely pink to almost
white; standard erect on a tapered claw,
4- 6 cm long with a prominent raised
boss; wings on a slender claw with
auricles, narrowed to an acute tip; keel
5- 6 cm long, descending long-tapering,
acute, on a short claw with basal
auricles. Stamens alternately short and
long, 9 fused and 1 free. Pistil slender;
stipe prominent; ovary narrow, with
many ovules; style tapered to a small,
glabrous stigma Legume cylindrical to
narrowly ellipsoidal and tapering to a
slender straight beak, 40-90 mm long,
somewhat inflated, the suture deeply
impressed; dehiscing along the suture,
later also along the opposite side. Seed
numerous, disc-like, pale.
Distribution Widespread through arid
Western Australia from North-West
Cape S to Kalgoorlie and E through the
western desert and Nullarbor Plain to
inland South Australia and western
New South Wales as well as the
southern Darling Downs; occasional in
far-southern Northern Territory.
Etymology The generic name is formed
from the family and given names of the
first European collector of this plant,
William Dampier, who, until now, has
been acknowledged nomenclaturally
only in a synonym of the species.
192
Among his many activities Dampier was
a privateer and hence might find a little
wry humour in seeing his name slightly
corrupted. The Dedication in his
'Voyage to New Holland' (1703) is
signed ‘Will. Dampier'. He collected the
plant in September 1699 on 'Rosemary
Island' (the present-day East Lewis
Island) in what is now known as the
Dampier Archipelago off the north¬
western coast of Western Australia. A
photograph of his collection was given
in George (1971).
The type locality No previous writer has
discussed the type locality of WiUdampia
farmosa. It was collected on the first of
Phillip Parker King’s voyages surveying
the Australian coast. Although most
botanising on these voyages was
undertaken by Allan Cunningham, King
himself has been cited as the collector
of this plant. In his journal (King,
1827), he gave a detailed account of
their exploration of what he called the
Curlew River on 20 February 1818 but
did not mention the flora except ‘a
species of eucalyptus and mangroves.
The Curlew is now known as the
Ashburton River. King and his party
‘ascended it in a boat for four miles’.
For two miles they rowed past
mangroves, but ‘Beyond this the banks
were low and sandy’. They landed but
found an arid country with poor, mostly
sandy soil and 'large patches of salt
incrustations'. It was probably in this
area that they found Sturt Pea. The date
of collection is interesting since Sturt
Pea usually flowers in winter and early
spring. In contrast to the terrestrial
environment, they found the river
abounding in fish (but of a nauseous
taste'), and pelicans and curlews were
very numerous (hence the name given
to the river). But 'the most numerous
and annoying of the inhabitants of this
part were the flies, from their constantly
creeping into the eyes, nostrils, and
mouth, particularly during our meals;
and it required some little trouble to
partake of our repast without also
conveying with it several of these
troublesome insects.’
REFERENCES
DAMPIER, W. 1703. A Voyage to New
Holland. James Knapton, London.
DON, G. 1832. A General History of the
Dichlamydeous Plants, Vol 2. J.G. &
F.Rivington et ai, London.
FORD, N. & VICKERY, J.W. 1950.
The correct name of Sturt's Desert Pea,
Clianthus formosus (G.Don) comb. nov.
Contr. Natl Herb. New South Wales 1:
302-303.
GEORGE, A.S. 1971. The plants seen
and collected in north-western
Australia by William Dampier. W.
Australian Nat. 11: 173-178.
KING, P.P. 1827. Narrative of a Survey
of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of
Australia performed between the years
1818 and 1822 1: 30-31. John Murray,
London; Australiana Facsimile editions
No. 30, Libraries Board of South
Australia, 1969.
PERRY, G., WILSON, P.G. &
GREUTER, W. 1992. Two proposals to
amend Art. 57. Taxon 41:605-606.
THOMPSON, J. 1990. New species and
combinations in the genus Swainsona.
Telopea 4: 1-5.
THOMPSON, J. 1993. A revision of the
genus Swainsona (Fabaceae). Telopea 5:
427-581.
193
TWO RECENT RECORDS OF SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL
(MIROUNQALEONINA) BIRTHS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
By P.R. MAWSON and D.K. COUGHRAN
Western Australian Department of Conservation and Land Management,
Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, W.A. 6983.
ABSTRACT
Southern Elephant Seals (M irounga leonirn L.) are infrequent visitors
to the Australian mainland and the birth of pups at such locations is
a rare event. This paper describes the first two recorded births in
Western Australia and reviews the seven others from mainland
Australia recorded in historic times.
INTRODUCTION
The Southern Elephant Seal (Mircnmga
leoninci L.) has a cirmcumpolar
distribution centred on sub-antarctic
islands of the Southern Ocean and is an
infrequent visitor to Australian coastal
waters. Up until the early 1800s there
were colonies on King Island and New
Year Island in Bass Strait (Micco 1971),
although Peron did not expressly
mention the presence of pups. These
colonies were eliminated by sealers, and
since then only seven births from
Tasmania and the Australian mainland
have been recorded (Table 1).
This paper describes two more births,
both from Western Australia, the first
such breeding records for this State.
Record No. 1
On 15 October 1996 local fishermen
reported seeing a large pinniped
swimming in the shallows at Wylie Bay
(33’52'S.. 12P 53’E.), 5km east of
Esperance, Western Australia. The
animal was identified as an adult female
M. leonina. It was next seen hauled out
on beach-washed seaweed on the sandy
beach at Wylie Bay early on 16 October
with a new born pup, later that
afternoon found dead. This carcase was
recovered and is now lodged in the
Western Australian Museum (WAM
*M48667).
The cow remained at Wylie Bay for
another two days before leaving the
beach. An adult of similar size
(presumably the same animal) was then
sighted around the Esperance harbour
during the next 4-5 days.
Record No. 2
On 12 November 1996 a tourist
reported seeing a large pinniped and
what appeared to be a pup on a sandy
beach, leading up to high sandstone
cliffs at the northern end of Epineux
Bay (26* 20'S., 113’ 18E). 24km south¬
east of Steep Point, Western Australia.
This location is on a very remote part of
the west coast, but a local resident was
able to provide photographs to assist
195
with the identification of the animals.
Examination of the photographs
confirmed that the animals were an
adult female M. leonind and a pup of
only a few days of age
Frequent checks were made of the cow
and pup during the next five weeks. The
pup grew rapidly and had weaned and
completed its first moult by 13
December (age approx. 34 days), when
both the cow and pup went to sea
DISCUSSION
These two records are the only known
breeding records from Western Australia
in historic times. The birth date for the
pup from Wylie Bay falls within the
range of birth dates (early Sept. - late
Oct.) recorded for M. leonina at
Macquarie Island (Carrick et al. 1962).
The birth date at Epineux Bay was
slightly later, but not the latest date
recorded for a birth along the Australian
coastline (see Table 1).
The time between the approximate
birth date and departure to sea for the
Epineux Bay pup (ca. 34 days) is
considerably shorter than the normal 9-
10 weeks recorded for this species. They
are usually weaned at three weeks, then
moult before leaving the beach at 9-10
weeks of age. However, this was of a
similar duration to that recorded by
Tyson (1977) for a pup born near
Diana’s Basin, Tasmania in 1975 (25
days).
The presence of M. leonina at these
latitudes is unusual, although an adult
male was recorded farther north at Tulki
Bay (22’02'S., 113'54'E.), Ningaloo in
1995. Including the two records
Table 1. Published records of births of Mirounga leonina in Australia during historical times.
(?= fate unkown).
Birth Date
Location
Reference
Fate of pup
to weaning
Nov. 1958
Strahan, Tas.
(42‘09'S., 145'19'E.)
Davies (1963)
Died
Late 1968
Near Golden Beach. Vic.
(38’13’S., 147'24'E.)
Warneke (1995)
?
9 Oct. 1975
Diana's Basin, Tasmania
(4r23*S.. 148'17’E.)
Tyson (1977)
Survived
12 Jan. 1977
Maatsuyker Is, Tas.
(43‘39'S., 146‘17'E.)
Pemberton and Skira (1989)
?
Oct. 1986
Wright Bay.SA
(37*0 3’S., 139‘45'E.)
Robinson and Dennis (1988)
?
9 Oct. 1988
Maatsuyker Is, Tas.
(43‘39’S., 146‘17'E.)
Pemberton and Skira (1989)
?
Sept. 1994
Mouth of Elliot River, Vic
(38*46’S., 143'40'E.)
Warneke (1995)
?
15 Oct. 1996
Wylie Bay, WA
(33*52S. t 12L53E.)
This paper
Died
12 Nov. 1996
Epineux Bay, WA
(26*20'S., 113’18’E.)
This paper
Survived
196
presented here, a total of six adult M.
leonina (five female, one male) have
been recorded along the Western
Australian coastline during the period
1980-1996 (Mawson and Coughran
unpubl.).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank Bernie Haberley and Brad
Barton for confirming the reports in the
field, and Paul Dickerson for the
photographs of the Epineux Bay
animals. Nick Gales and Peter
Shaughnessy kindly provided comments
on a draft of this paper.
REFERENCES
CARRICK, R., CSORDAS, S.E. and
INGHAM, S.E. 1962. Studies on the
Southern Elephant Seal, M irounga
leonina (L.), IV. Breeding and
development. CSIRO Wildl. Res. 7:
161-97.
DAVIES, J.L. 1963. The Whales and
Seals of Tasmania. (Tasmanian Museum
and Art Gallery: Hobart).
M1CCO, H.M. 1971. King Island and
the sealing trade 1802. A translation of
Chapters XXII and XX111 of the
narrative by Francois Peron published in
the official account of the voyage of
discovery to the southern lands
undertaken in the Corvettes he
Geographe, he Naturaliste and the
schooner Casuarina, during the years
1800 to 1804, under the command of
Captain Nicholas Baudin. Roebuck Soc.
Publ. No. 3. pp 51.
PEMBERTON, D. and SK1RA, l.J.
1989. Elephant seals in Tasmania.
Victorian Naturalist 106: 202-4.
ROBINSON, A.C. and DENNIS, T.E.
1988. The status and management of
seal populations in South Australia, pp.
87-104. In: Marine mammals of
Australasia: field biology and captive
managemerit. Ed. Augee, M.L. Royal
Zoological Society of NSW, Sydney.
TYSON, R.M. 1977. Birth of an
Elephant Seal on Tasmania’s east coast.
Victorian Naturalist 94: 212-3.
WARNEKE, R.M. 1995. Family
Phocidae. In: Mammals of Victoria;
Distribution, ecology and conservation, ed.
P.W. Menkhorst. Oxford University
Press and Dept. Conservation and
Natural Resources, Melbourne.
197
AN ANNOTATED LIST OF WALMAJARI AND MANGALA
NAMES FOR NATURAL FEATURES, PLANTS AND ANIMALS
IN THE GREAT SANDY DESERT, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
By E. R. GLEADELL, M. J. BAMFORD, B. J. BOWEN and S. J. J. F. DAVIES
Division of Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia
INTRODUCTION
The Great Sandy Desert of Australia lies
in the northern part of Western
Australia between Latitudes 17 and 23'
S and Longitudes 120’ and 129' E and
has been inhabited for at least ten
thousand years (Jones 1987) by
Aborigines. During July 1996, the
Discovery *96 Expedition (Hewitt 1997)
visited the area, accompanied by some
of the Aborigines who had been born
there. The expedition operated from
base camp Pegasus, (Figure 1) for 14
days, with field trips to surrounding
areas including day visits to Pikarungu
(Joanna Spring), Kirriny (Gring
Spring), and extended trips to Kurriji pa
Yajula (DragonTree and Elizabeth
Soaks). This paper documents as much
of the knowledge and features important
to survival in the desert as we could
obtain during the two weeks in the
field. The Aboriginal names for theese
features, plants and animals are given in
the Mangala and Walmajari languages,
even when absolute scientific
identification of the organisms was not
possible, often because parts critical for
identificatioa flowers or fruits, were not
available during the visit.
METHODS
The peoples originally occupying these
areas spoke Kaarjari, Mangala, and
Walmajari (Figure 1). At the request of
the Kimberley Land Council, who are
currently negotiating native title claims
on behalf of these peoples, no
boundaries to these language areas are
shown on Figure 1. The Kaarjari
speakers occupied land extending inland
from the coast, overlapping with the
western portion of the land occupied by
the Mangala speakers. People speaking
Walmajari lived farther east again,
overlapping the Mangala range. Most of
the people speaking these languages now
live at the communities of Bidyadanga
(formerly La Grange mission), Looma
and other communities in and around
Fitzroy Crossing, making occasional
visits to their tribal lands. The
information was gathered mainly with
the help of three people. Kurrupa, Gail
Smiler, and Mervyn Nampukarti.
Kurrupa’s people were the Walmajari;
he lived as a hunter gatherer until his
mid teens when he came out of the
desert. Gail is also a Walmajari and she
has extensive knowledge in these areas.
Mervyn was brought up in the desert
and his people are the Mangala; he also
brought his teenage daughter Gemma,
to show her the country. The presence
of the linguist, Eirlys Richards, who is
familiar with the languages and their
spelling, was of great assistance to us.
Details of the expedition, its itinerary
and its other activities are given in the
report of the expedition (Hewitt 1997).
199
Indian Ocean
c
o
•&
w.
i-4
u- o
200
KNOWLEDGE LIST
The following are descriptions and
Walmajari/Mangala names for some of
the plants, animals, skills and other
features of life in the Great Sandy
Desert shared with us by Gail, Kurrupa
and Mervyn. Instances where many
names were applicable suggests
heightened importance, as the item may
have been utilised in many ways or been
used in particular phases.
Features and Activities
Fire - The making of fire was an
important survival skill for food
preparation and also many other
processes such as implement and
weapon manufacture. Two different
types of wood were used, Yarun
(Eucalyptus terminalis) and Kulparn
(Acacia tumida), one held in the hands
and the other, softer one. on the
ground to be rubbed by the first. This
was done firmly and vigorously while
blowing, and administering sawdust
and small amounts of spinifex. When
heat, air and fuel were sufficient a
flame developed.
Jilji (Walmajari). The dune tops or
ridges.
Julu (Walmajari). A stand of Yarun
trees clumped fairly closely together on
a mound of soil such as those seen
around false Discovery Well. Mound
dimensions were approximately 7m in
diameter and lm high.
Karlaka (Walmajari) - The term used
for honey. This was produced by native
bees, which used hollows in trees as a
hive site. When bees were found the
tree was tapped or knocked from the
hollow entrance downwards with a stick
or tomahawk. A change in sound
indicated where the hive was. A scarf
like cut was then made in the tree and
the honey was removed.
Kurrkuminti (Walmajari) - A type of
hollow in a sandhill, which was often
used as a camp site, especially in cooler
weather.
Parpara (Walmajari). The wide swales
(lower ground) between the dunes.
Pikarungu - (Mangala) - Joanna
Springs.
Purntarrpurntarr or bundar bundar -
(Walmajari). An area of vegetation
which indicated a waterhole.
Kurriji pa Yajula - Dragon Tree Soak
and Elizabeth Soak, (Mangala) - said as
one. (Elizabeth soak was not a gazetted
name. Ian Bull named it after his
mother when he “found” it in 1981.).
The site is an A class Conservation
Reserve
Wujuwuju (Walmajari). The narrow
swales (lower ground) between the
dunes.
Great Sandy Desert Plants
jalirr (Walmajari) - bush onion.
Cyperus bulbosus. Also known as
Ngarijijarti, Jurnta. Also WupaWupa
(Orbaorba) and Wirrparn (Wirpun) in
Walmadjari and Mangala This bulb was
from a small clumped grass with little
tubers, very onion like in form. It was
cooked on hot coals covered in not very
hot ashes, rubbed to remove skin and
tasted like peanut
Jalngu (Walmajari) - spinifex. This soft
grass was woven into a ring forming a
pad and used to help balance water
carried on one's head.
Janiya (Walmajari) - wild pear.
Persoonia falcata. The fruit could be
eaten.
Jijoo or Wirtuka (Walmajari) - l\xmiea
species - bush potato. The presence of
this species was an indicator of nearby
water. It grew to about lm high. The
tap root was somewhat like a sweet
201
potato, and was dug out, cooked and
eaten. Young ones were best. The dark
berries were not eaten.
Jitartu (Mangala) - soft spinifex. This
was used for conserving water on long
trips; tufts of it were placed in the vessel
containing water to minimise spillage. It
was also dipped into the water and
sucked for drinking.
Junyju (Walmajari) - Eucalypt species.
The leaves of this tree were used as a
whistle.
Jurntijartu or jurntini or majapurti
(Walmajari) - puffball fungus -
Pisolithus tinctorious . Also known as
Majapurti by people from
Wangkatjunka The inner parts of these
fungi were eaten when they were still
moist, either raw or on the fire. They
made the tongue go black. They were
apparently still in season in July/August,
though most seemed dry. The dry
powdery parts of the fungi were used as
a type of talcum powder, such as for
rashes at the top of the legs.
Karrpukarrajarti (Walmajari) - tuft
grass species - Xerochloa barbata.
When preparing the seeds for
consumption they were first yandied (a
process of sifting and sorting done with
a variety of swirling and shaking actions
in an open elongated wooden dish) and
then wet ground and cooked.
Kirli or Jili (Walmajari). Low vine-like
prickle bush near waterholes. Usually
near jila’ - permanent waterholes.
Kulparn (Walmajari) - Acacia tumida.
The seeds were cooked and eaten like a
vegetable. Select pieces of wood from
this plant were also used to start a fire
by rubbing with wood from the yarun.
This plant also sometimes housed an
edible grub, or larvae, in the tap root.
Small piles of fine sawdust were looked
for around the wood at the base of the
tree, which indicated the presence of a
grub. The main tap root was then
exposed and the grub was located. It
had a nutty taste.
Kurlulungkurr (Walmajari)
Tinaspora smilacina . This strong
creeper climber with red berries was
used for making a sandal footwear.
Kurrangany (Walmajari) - shrub.
Small bush with purple pea shaped
flower. Warts on leaves indicated water
nearby.
Marral Marral (Walmajari) -
Er y throphi cum chlorostachys. Honey
was sucked from the flowers of this tree
It flowered in the summertime in the
rainy season.
Marnta (Walmajari) - Sap/gum. GUm
from Coolabah and Desert Walnut. This
gum was chewed for a snack, and was
also sourced from another species of
Acacia called Pinkalyi (Walmadjari) or
Minta (Mangala).
Ngarakarra (Walmajari) - Qyrostemon
tepperi. This plant was used by placing
it on a fire to smoke babies so as to
make them strong and ward off illnesses
Ngarlka (Walmajari) - see Turtujarti.
Ngujarna (Walmajari) - tuft grass
species. This small grass had red seeds
which were used for making flour.
Parntal (Mangala) - Desert Walnut -
Ot venia reticulata . See Turtujarti.
Turtujarti (Walmajari) - Desert
Walnut - Owenia reticulata. Tine nuts
from this tree were called Ngarlka
(Nulgu), and were gathered from where
they have fallen on the ground. The
nuts lie on the ground for a long time
and may become powdery inside as a
result of termites; these were no good
(Mirily). Good nuts (Makaly) were
collected, sorted by banging on the knee
and then shaken near the ear to listen
(or feel?) for a looseness or rattle. This
was difficult to detect for the unskilled.
202
A bed of coals was prepared and the
nuts were cooked by covering them with
the coals and stirring occasionally. The
nuts “talked" while they were cooking, a
slight popping sound, and when this
stopped they were cooked They were
removed from the fire and cooled by
covering with sand for a short while,
then individually cracked open. About
half these nuts were cast aside. After
cooking, the broken nut inside was
eaten. The unripe nuts were called
Karraparra, and the flower was called
Wurrupu
Wirajarti or Rawarawa (Walmajari) -
Hakea subora. The creamy coloured
flowers were sucked for honey.
Witulurra (Walmajari) - shrub. Waxy
red star shaped flowers, roots like
potatoes which were eaten.
Yarun (Walmajari) - Eucalyptus
terminals Found on dunes and ridges.
Galls caused by parasitic insects formed
nut-like growths called tartaku
(duddugo). These were about 25mm in
diameter and were edible. The nut-like
growth was picked off the tree and
cracked open; the inside layer, which
looks and tastes similar to coconut, was
eaten as was the larvae inside. A
natural indentation hole (an eye) at
the bottom meant it was good, as did
being heavy. Sometimes these nuts had
holes bored in their sides which
indicated that they were no good. This
was where the insect had matured and
left the gall. The flower was called
Kurrulpiyan.
Great Sandy Desert Animals
Jajalpi (Walmajari) - Mulgara -
Dasycercus cristicauda. Also known as
Minyipamta
Lumpurru (Walmajari) - King Brown
Snake - Pseudechis australis.
Mantararrararrararra (Walmajari and
Mangala) - Marsupial Mole -
N otoryctes typhlops .
Mingajurra (Walmajari) - Golden
Bandicoot - I soodon auratus. This
species was no longer present. It also
was known in Walmajari as Walkarraja
Miningarna, Mulyajuka, Jurungu.
Mirtuluju (Walmajari) - Bilby -
M acrotis lagotis.
Ngarlngarl (Walmajari) - Northern
Quoll - D asyurus hallucatus . This
species was no longer present. Also
known in Walmajari as Parrjita
Ngujamili (Walmajari) - Youngson’s
Dunnart - Sminthopsis youngsoni .
Though not a highly sought after food,
these were sometimes cooked over an
open fire. Also known in Walmajari as
Warlungintinginti or Warlukarpimjuwal.
Nyulkulku (Walmajari) - Cat - Felis
catus.
Pinkirrjarti (Walmajari) - Australian
Bustard - A rdeotis australis .
Raltartu or Majirri (Walmajari) - Hare
wallaby species no longer present.
Waltaki (Walmajari) - Fox - Vulpes
vulpes.
Warlu Ngintinginti (Mangala) - see
Ngujamili.
Wilika (Walmajari) - Spinifex
Hopping Mouse - N otomys alexis.
Known as Kanpirriny by Mangala
people.
Wirinkuma (Walmajari) - Northern
Brushtail Possum - T richosurus
arnhemensis . Also known as tart or
wayurta It ate flowers of bloodwood
called ngaak.
Wirlka (Walmajari) - Goulds 1 Sand
Goanna - Varanus gouldii. Flushed
from hiding and hit over the head with
a stick. The goanna was then gutted by
a small incision near the neck and
cooked on hot coals.
203
The abundance of food sources in the
Great Sandy Deasert varied from season
to season, both for animals and plants.
Of the plant species recorded and
collected on the expedition, 10 species
were found which were previously
unlisted in the area by the Western
Australian Herbarium. These include
Grevillea erythroclada, Hakca subora,
Heliotropium epacridium, Ptilotus
polystachyus, Panicum whitei, Paspalidium
vaginatum, Plectrachne melvillei, an
Ipomea species, Eucalyptus terminals, and
a fungus of the Pisolithus genus. The
specimen of the Ipomea species, usually
only found near water, was found in a
very large natural hollow in a dune.
This hollow, or kurrkuminti, was
perhaps 70m long, 35m wide, 10m deep
and about 250m N/E of Kirriny Spring.
Kurrkumintis were known to be
favourite camp sites, offering shelter
from the prevalent easterly wind (Lowe
and Pike 1990).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Discovery expedition, and our role
within it, would not have been possible
without the assistance we received. The
contributions of the following are
gratefully acknowledged: the Kimberley
Land Council for access to the area,
Kurrupa, Gail and Mervyn who
generously imparted their knowledge of
the desert and the linguist Eirlys
Richards who was with us in the field
provided much information, Michelle
Drew and Christopher Spurr who were
our companions throughout the
expedition, David Hewitt - expedition
organiser and leader, Australian
Geographic, the CS1RO Science and
Industry Endowment Fund, the Western
Australian Herbarium, Landrover
Australia. Jenny Brett - Sandfire
Roadhouse, Michael and Jill Tubby -
Agricultural Protection Board, Marble
Bar, the WA Department of
Conservation and Land Management for
permits (bbooo931, swoo4045), and all
those others who were involved or
assisted.
REFERENCES
HEWITT, D. 1997. The Report of the
Discovery ’96 Expedition to the Great
Sandy Desert. Perth.
JONES, R. 1987. Pleistocene life in the
dead heart of Australia. Nature
328:666.
LOWE. P. and PIKE, J. 1990. Jilji - Life
in the Great Sandy Desert. Magabala
Books, Broome, Western Australia.
204
NEW LOCALITIES FOR THE WESTERN PYGMY POSSUM,
CERCARTETUSCONCINNUS, IN THE GREAT
VICTORIA DESERT
By D.J. PEARSON
Department of Conservation and Land Management, PO Box 51
Wanneroo \VA 6065
D. R. KING
Western Australian Museum, Francis St., Perth, WA 6000
E. R. P1ANKA
Department of Zoology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712-1064 USA
Pygmy possums are small marsupials
which eat insects and nectar (Wakefield
1963; Smith 1983). Known localities of
Western Pygmy Possums, Cercartetus
concinnus, in Western Australia are
restricted to the southwest, extending
inland to the Kalgoorlie region (Figure
1). Wakefield (1963) rejected Glauert’s
(1933) Sandstone locality (29’59'S,
119‘18'E) which is well east of recorded
inland localities because no specimens
were available During long-term pitfall
trapping programs at Queen Victoria
Springs (30T4'S, 123'41‘E) and
Yamarna Station (28‘14’S, 123'36‘E),
we captured a number of Western
Pygmy Possums. These sites lay well east
and north-east of the previous known
distribution of the species.
At the Queen Victoria Spring site, C.
concinnus were captured over a period of
four years between 1987-1991. The site
was trapped for five days each year in
autumn (March or April), spring
(September or October) and summer
(December). Additional trapping
occurred in June 1987 and January
1989. Three types of pitfalls were used;
160 mm diameter PVC pipe (March
1987 to September 1988) and 250 mm
PVC tubes and plastic buckets. Total
trapnights for this four year period was
13006. Some of the trapping site was
burnt with experimental fires in
September 1988, January 1989 and
October 1990 to examine the responses
of small mammals and reptiles to fires.
Of the ten individuals captured; one was
caught in September 1987 (lodged at
the Western Australian Museum,
registration number M 44158), one in
March 1988, three in September 1988,
one in September 1989, one in October
1990 and three in September 1991. This
trapping result indicates a strong trend
for C. conchmus to be caught in spring
months when there were abundant
flowering shrubs (particularly Hakea
francisiana and Grevillea juncifolia) and
abundant insect life. The sex ratio of
captures was not significantly different
from parity (six females and four males)
and all individuals captured were adults,
ranging in weight from 9.0 to 16.8 g
(mean 13.3 g). One female captured on
18 September, 1989 was carrying four
pouch young. All possums were marked
with ear tags and released; two
recaptures occurred the night after their
initial capture, but there were no
205
115 °
125 °
120 °
130 °
Figure 1. Museum locality records of the Western Pygmy Possum, Cercartetus concinnus, in
Western Australia
recaptures between trapping periods.
This, and the fact that most captures
occurred during September and
October, suggests that C. concinnus is a
transient in this habitat, either
dispersing through it in search of
preferred habitat or visiting the area on
a nomadic basis in search of food
resources or perhaps mates.
A female C concinnus was captured at
Yamarna on 13 October 1998. This
specimen was collected on a spinifex
plain with only a few small scattered
shrubs, none of which could have
produced a substantial supply of nectar.
Many Grevillea and Hakea plants were
flowering profusely approximately 500 m
from the pitfall line. Pit traps at this
site were 20 litre buckets (5,850 trap
nights). This specimen weighed 13.0 g
and may have been dispersing to a more
suitable habitat, or may have been a
permanent resident there. It was lodged
in the mammal collection of the
Western Australian Museum
(registration number M 441I9).Three
years earlier, a few other C. concinnus
were captured but released on Yamarna
at a separate but similar pitfall line (20
litre buckets, 6,852 trap nights) 4 km
northeast of this location (28*12',
123*35’).
The fact that several Western Pygmy
Possums were captured both at QVS and
at Yamarna (over 3 years and at sites 4
km apart) suggests that viable
205
populations must exist around both of
these areas. Grant and Temple-Smith
(1987) stated that this species can go
into torpor for periods of up to 11 days.
Supplies of nectar and pollen at QVS
and Yamama would seem to be lacking
for periods longer than this, indicating
that Cercartetus concinnus must rely on
insects as their main food during such
periods. They probably also employ
short-term torpor to deal with
unfavourable weather conditions as
individuals removed from traps after
cool nights were typically tightly coiled
into a ball and took a minute or so to
rouse from this "torpid" state.
These two new locations are east (200
km) and northeast (about 350 km) of
the closest previously known records in
WA. Yamama is well into the Great
Victoria Desert, while Queen Victoria
Spring lies on its south-western edge.
Populations of Western Pygmy Possums
may occur in other areas of the Great
Victoria Desert but as little other
intensive trapping has been done there,
evidence of their occurrence or absence
in other areas is not available. Further
study is needed, but is likely to be
difficult given the trapping effort
required. At both sites while large
numbers of some species of mammals
were captured we also recorded only
very few Mulgara, Dasycercus cristicauda,
which are also apparently at very low
densities or difficult to capture. Very
little data on faunal composition are
available from much of central Australia
and geographic distributions of many
species are based on short-term or
opportunistic trapping which often fails
to detect species at low densities or with
strong seasonal activity patterns. Survey
work to document terrestrial vertebrate
assemblages in central Australia should
aim to sample both seasonal and
between year variations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to Norah Cooper for
confirming the identity of specimens
and preparing Figure 1 and to many
volunteers and CALM staff, particularly
Janet Gardener and Dan Grace, for
providing assistance in installing and
checking pitfall traps. The comments of
two anonymous reviewers improved the
manuscript.
REFERENCES
GLAUERT, L. 1933. The distribution
of marsupials of Western Australia. J.
Roy. Soc.W. A. 19:17-32.
GRANT, T. R. and TEMPLE-SMITH,
P. D.1987. Observations on torpor in
the small marsupial Dromociops australis
(Marsupialia: Microbiotheriidae) from
southern Chile, pp. 257-271 in Possums
and Opossums: Studies on Evolution. Vol
1. ed. by M. Archer. Surrey Beatty &
Sons, Pty. Ltd., Chipping Norton,
NSW.
SMITH, M. J. 1983. Western Pigmy
Possum, pp. 162-163 in The Complete
Book of Australian Mammals, ed. by R.
Strahan. Angus & Robertson, Sydney.
WAKEFIELD, N. A. 1963. The
Australian Pigmy Possum. Victorian
Naturalist 80: 99-116.
207
FROM FIELD AND STUDY
Laughing Turtle-Dove feeds on seeds
of Isolepis oldfieldiana - The Laughing
Turtle-Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
normally occurs on the Maylands
mudflats in ones and twos, the birds
roaming around and paying special
attention to areas where the grassland
has been burnt. In January 1985 a large
patch of Isolepis oldfieldiana was burnt
and some 100 doves fed over it for three
weeks. This is one of the few records of
this dove feeding on seeds of native
plants.
- R.H. STRANGER, 28/76 East Street,
Maylands 6051.
Reed Warbler nests in Pampas Grass -
The Reed Warbler Acrocephalus
stentoreus is intimately tied to the rushes
of freshwater swamps and streams, and
it is popularly believed that it never
leaves them. However in my experience
the Reed Warbler does occasionally
leave the rushes and in Birds of Western
Australia (Serventy and Whittell, 1976)
the authors cite the Reed Warbler as
having nested in Melaleuca.
In March 1985 I found a nest of this
species in the south quarry of the
Maylands peninsula It was attached to
two leaves of a Pampas Grass Cortaderia
selloaria, the plant having been left high
and dry when the water level fell during
summer. A bed of sedge was half a metre
away but there was no Typha or Juncus
nearby.
- R.H. STRANGER, 28/76 East Street,
Maylands 6051.
Dugite eats Tiger Snake - On 9 April
1997 at West Beach in Fitzgerald River
National Park in low coastal heath I
observed two smakes writhing on the
ground. Closer inspection revealed that
a Dugite, Pseudonaja affinis was in the
early stages of subduing a Tiger Snake,
Notechis scutatus and attempting to
swallow it. The Dugite had three coils
around the Tiger Snake which it also
used as support against which to
manoeuvre while swallowing the Tiger
Snake’s head. This was the most
difficult and time consuming part of the
process. Once the head was swallowed
the Tiger Snake was quite subdued and
the Dugite drew it out lengthwise and
swallowed it much more readily. The
entire process took one hour. The
Dugite was approximately 1.5m long
and the Tiger Snake approximately 60
cm. The entire sequence was recorded
on colour print film.
- ANDREW CHAPMAN, PO Box 264,
Ravensthorpe WA 6346.
Frost damage to vegetation - Between
15-23 July 1997 well below average
temperatures were recorded in southern
WA due to cloudless skies, light
northerly daytime winds and very still
nights. At Carracarrup 19km south of
Ravensthorpe t recorded 8 consecutive
frosts; daily minimum temperatures were
always zero or below, including a
minimum ground temperature of minus
6' C. In early August some vegetation,
particularly growing in river or creek
valleys began to exhibit signs of frost
damage; leaves were ’browned-off’ -
similar in appearance to herbicide
application. This applied in particular
to Acacia rostellifera where it grew
without any overstorey, the leaves were
often entirely ’browned’. Acacia cyclops
shrubs to 1.5m growing along creeklines
without overstorey were killed by this
frost. In the West River valley
Eucalyptus tetragona where it was low
growing only i.e. <1.5m had the distal
and marginal portions of leaves
’browned'. Taller plants were
209
unaffected I examined leaves of these
species to eliminate the possibility of
insect damage but could find no
evidence of this. Other plants similarly
affected were Labichea lanceolata,
seedlings of Eucalyptus occidentals and
to a minor extent Acacia acuminata.
Muir (1985), Western Australian
Naturalist 16: p213, has also recorded
possible frost damage to vegetation in
nearby Fitzgerald River National Park
including damage to Acacia rostellifera
and another species of eucalypt.
- ANDREW CHAPMAN, PO Box 264,
Ravensthorpe WA 6346.
210
.
CLUB NEWS
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Club’s monthly newsletter ‘The Naturalist News”.
THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN NATURALIST
(Journal of the W.A. Naturalists’ Club)
Editor
MR JOHN DELL
W.A. Museum
Francis Street, Perth 6000
Telephone 9427 2788
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CONTENTS Page
A checklist of the Vascular Flora of the Porongurup National Park,
Western Australia. By G. Keighery. 137
A study of the Laughing Turtle-Dove Streptopelia senegalensis in Perth,
Western Australia. By R.H. Stranger. 159
Food of the forest red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchusbanksiinaso
in south-west Western Australia. By R.E. Johnstone and T. Kirkby. 167
The Vertebrate Fauna of Bennett Brook and Success Hill Reserve,
Caversham. By N.K. Cooper, J. Dell and M.A. Cowan. 179
WMdampia, a new generic name for Sturt Pea. By A.S. George. 191
Two recent recordsof southern ElephantSeal( Miroungaleonina)bhthsm
Western Australia. By P.R. Mawson and D.K. Coughran. 195
An annotated list of Walmajari and Mangala names for natural features,
plants and animals in theGreat Sandy Desert, Western Australia. By E.R.
Gleadell, B.J. Bowen and S.J.J.F. Davies. 199
New localities for the Western Pygmy Possum, Cercartetusconcinnus, in
the Great Victoria Desert. By D.J. Pearson, D.R. King and E.R. Pianka 205
From Field and Study. . . 209
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G. Wilson. Price $6.00
No. 13 A Naturalists’ Guide to Perth. By B. M. J. Hussey, M. Southwell-Keely and
J.M. Start. Price $10.00
No. 14 Checklist of the Vascular Plants of the Kimberley, Western Australia. By
Kevin Kenneally. Price $8.00
No. 15 Pollination in Western Australia - a Database of Animals Visiting
Flowers. By E. M. Brown, A. H. Burbidge, J. Dell, D. Edinger, S.D.
Hopper and R. T. Wills Price $25.00
Growing Locals: Gardening with Local Plants in Perth. By R. Powell
and J. Emberson. Price $19.50
* Prices shown do not include postage and packaging *
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