A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF KANGAROO ISLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA … · A Belperio, R Flint, Geological Survey Primary Industry and Resources South Australia, PO Box 151, EASTWOOD 5063. CARTOGRAPHY

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A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OFKANGAROO ISLANDSOUTH AUSTRALIA

IN NOVEMBER1989 and 1990

Editors

A. C. RobinsonD. M. Armstrong

Biological Survey and Research SectionHeritage and Biodiversity Division

Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia

1999

Kangaroo Island Biological Survey

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The Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia was carried out with the assistance of funds made availableby, the Commonwealth of Australia under the 1989-90 National Estate Grants Programs and the State Government ofSouth Australia.

The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views orpolicies of the Australian Heritage Commission or the State Government of South Australia.

The report may be cited as:

Robinson, A. C. & Armstrong, D. M. (eds) (1999)A Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 1989 & 1990.(Heritage and Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and AboriginalAffairs, South Australia).

Copies of the report may be accessed in the library:

Environment Australia Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal AffairsGPO Box 636 or 1 st Floor, Roma Mitchell HouseCANBERRA ACT 2601 136 North Terrace, ADELAIDE SA 5000

EDITORSA.C. Robinson, D.M. Armstrong, Biological Survey and Research, Heritage &Biodiversity Section, Department for

Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001

AUTHORSD M Armstrong, P.J.Lang, A C Robinson, Biological Survey and Research, Heritage &Biodiversity Section,

Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001

N Draper, Australian Cultural Heritage Management Pty Ltd, 53 Hackney Rd. HACKNEY, SA 5069

G Carpenter, Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation, Heritage &Biodiversity Section, Department for EnvironmentHeritage and Aboriginal Affairs. PO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001

D. BallC/- Post Office PENNESHAW, SA 5222

S. Carruthers, D Goodwins, A. Kinnear, Geographic Analysis and Research Unit, Planning SA, Department forTransport, Urban Planning and the Arts, GPO Box 1815, ADELAIDE 5001.

P Horton, C M Kemper, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, ADELAIDE 5000.

A Belperio, R Flint, Geological Survey Primary Industry and Resources South Australia, PO Box 151, EASTWOOD5063.

CARTOGRAPHY AND DESIGNBiological Survey and Research, Natural Resources Group, Department for Environment and Natural Resources

Public Communications, and Visitor Services, Department of Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs.Geographical Analysis and Research UnitPlanning SA, Department for Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts.

Department of Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs 1999ISBN 0 7308 5862 6

PRINTED BYEndeavour Press, Adelaide

Cover PhotographSugar Gum woodland on the DeMolle River in Cape Torrens Conservation Park

Photo: A. C. Robinson


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PREFACE

A Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia is a further component of the Biological Survey of SouthAustralia

The program of systematic biological surveys to cover the whole of South Australia arose out of a realisation that aneffort was needed to increase our knowledge of the remaining vascular plants and vertebrate fauna of the state and toencourage its conservation.

Over the last fifteen years, there has been a strong commitment to the Biological Survey by Government and animpressive dedication from hundreds of volunteer biologists.

It is anticipated that the Biological Survey will achieve complete statewide coverage by 2015 and will be an achievementfor which we can be very proud. Biologists in the future will be able to measure the direction of long-term ecologicalchange, and we will have substantially improved our knowledge of the biodiversity of South Australia and our ability toadequately manage nature conservation into the future.

MRS DOROTHY KOTZ MP

MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE


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ABSTRACTA vegetation survey was carried out on Kangaroo Island in November 1989 which sampled 341 quadrats. This wasfollowed by a vertebrate survey in October-November 1990 that sampled a sub-set of 120 quadrats. These sites aimed tosample representative areas of all the remaining natural vegetation on the island in proportion to the broad habitatvariability of these areas. In addition, at least one sampling site was located in all of the 17 reserves under the NationalParks and Wildlife Act on the island at that time. The total number of records contributed to the Biological SurveyDatabase as a result of this survey were: 10 370 plants, 255 amphibians, 967 reptiles, 4 804 birds and 1 463 mammals.

An analysis of the plant quadrat data resulted in the description of 10 broad communities that were divided into 36 moredetailed floristic units. Using this analysis as a basis, a vegetation map of the island was produced comprising 37 majorvegetation groups based on the dominant upperstorey plant. Within these 37 major groups, 132 sub-groups have beenidentified and mapped.

Because of the relatively low number of different species of vertebrates and their tendency to exhibit broader habitatpreferences on Kangaroo Island, pattern analyses tended to show poor patterning. Consequently, only the bird analysisis presented here. This resulted in the recognition of seven bird communities, some of which appeared to have moreecological integrity than others.

The survey results were combined with previous records from Kangaroo Island to produce consolidated total specieslists.

Kangaroo Island supports 1179 distinct plant taxa, with 10 species being added as a result of this survey. A total of 652taxa or 55% of the total species now known from the island were recorded during the survey. Of the taxa recorded on thesurvey, 89 (15.8 %) are alien. Kangaroo Island supports a surprisingly rich and diverse flora for its size. There arecurrently 45 vascular plant taxa recognised as being endemic to Kangaroo Island. A further 11 taxa are ‘almost endemic’,having only a minor part of their distribution in an adjoining region. This is a relatively high level of regional endemism,comparable with that of the Grampians in Victoria, which is well known for its endemic flora.

There are six species of amphibians recorded from the island, all appear to be widespread and common and no endemicisland forms are currently recognised.

Of the twenty species of reptiles known from the island, two (the Eastern Bearded Dragon and Common Long-neckedTortoise) have been introduced since European settlement. No endemic island forms are recognised, but populations ofthe Heath Goanna and the Pygmy Copperhead are significant for the overall conservation of these species.

Two hundred and sixty-seven species of birds have now been recorded from Kangaroo Island and its surrounding waters,while reports of a further seven species await confirmation. This includes sixteen Australian species deliberately introduced tothe island, of which four have established feral populations. Five species of domestic game fowl have taken advantage of thefox-free environment to establish free-range, possibly self-sustaining populations. Six exotic species have reached the islandapparently unaided. Eighty-eight (74%) of the 119 land birds onKangaroo Island were recorded during this survey. Kangaroo Island's one endemic species, the Kangaroo Island Emu wasextirpated soon after European settlement. Six endemic subspecies are currently accepted.

Bird species of conservation significance on Kangaroo island include: the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Bush Stone Curlew,considered endangered in South Australia. Vulnerable species include the Painted Button Quail, Brown Quail, Leewin’s Rail,Latham’s Snipe and the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo.

Twenty-five species of non-marine mammals (including bats) are now known to occur on Kangaroo Island. Eight of these areintroduced. At least two species thought to be present on the island at the time of European settlement (an unknown Quollspecies and the Brush-tailed Phascogale) are almost certainly extinct while several of the introductions appear to have failed.There is one endemic species the Kangaroo Island Dunnart, which is known from a limited number of localities and may bethreatened.

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The Western Pygmy-possum Cercartetus concinnus is very common in the heathlands and forests of Kangaroo Islandwhere it feeds on insects and nectar.Photo: A. Robinson

Evening light through the Sugar Gums in Flinders Chase National Park.Photo: A. Robinson

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CONTENTSPREFACE.......................................................................................................................................................................................iii

ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................................................................iv

FRONTISPIECE .. ........................................................................................................................................................................v

LIST OF FIGURES.......................................................................................................................................................................ix

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................................................................xiii

LIST OF APPENDICES ..............................................................................................................................................................xv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS..........................................................................................................................................................xvii

INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................................1BACKGROUND AND AIMS.............................................................................................................................................1

PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL STUDIES ......................................................................................................................11CLIMATE.............................................................................................................................................................................13GEOMORPHOLOGY AND GEOLOGY.............................................................................................................................19

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................19GEOLOGICAL HISTORY..........................................................................................................................................20LANDFORMS AND LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT ..........................................................................................26ECONOMIC GEOLOGY ...........................................................................................................................................28

LAND USE HISTORY.........................................................................................................................................................33ABORIGINAL LANDUSE........................................................................................................................................33EUROPEAN HISTORY..............................................................................................................................................49

METHODS.....................................................................................................................................................................................57SITE SELECTION AND NOMENCLATURE .........................................................................................................57SAMPLING TEAMS...................................................................................................................................................57DATA COLLECTION.................................................................................................................................................62DATA ANALYSIS........................................................................................................................................................63VEGETATION MAPPING ........................................................................................................................................63COMPILATION OF BIOLOGICAL DATA..............................................................................................................64

RESULTS.......................................................................................................................................................................................65VEGETATION......................................................................................................................................................................65

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................65TOTAL PLANT SPECIES..........................................................................................................................................65RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF PLANT SPECIES..................................................................................................65SPECIES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST................................................................................................................69PLANT SPECIES DIVERSITY BY SITE ..................................................................................................................73DESCRIPTIONS OF SELECTED SIGNIFICANT SPECIES...............................................................................79FLORISTIC ANALYSIS .............................................................................................................................................84

VEGETATION MAPPING..................................................................................................................................................159SUMMARY OF VEGETATION UNITS..................................................................................................................159STRUCTURAL DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................161VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION ...............................................................................................................................161VEGETATION MAPPING UNIT DESCRIPTIONS ...............................................................................................162COMPARISON WITH OTHER WORKS..................................................................................................................184

MAMMALS.........................................................................................................................................................................187INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................187APPRAISAL OF SPECIES RECORDS PRIOR TO THE SURVEY......................................................................187TOTAL MAMMAL FAUNA.......................................................................................................................................188RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF MAMMAL SPECIES ............................................................................................188

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SPECIES PATTERNS ............................................................................................................................................... 188SPECIES OF PARTICULAR INTEREST ............................................................................................................... 191WHALES AND DOLPHINS (CETACEA)............................................................................................................. 203

BIRDS................................................................................................................................................................................... 205INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................... 205TOTAL BIRD FAUNA ............................................................................................................................................... 207RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF BIRD SPECIES .................................................................................................... 208BIRD COMMUNITIES.............................................................................................................................................. 209ASSOCIATION WITH VEGETATION TYPES........................................................................................................ 212DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................................................. 214SPECIES OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE ............................................................................................... 216

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS....................................................................................................................................... 225INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................... 225APPRAISAL OF SPECIES ROCORDS PRIOR TO THE SURVEY ..................................................................... 225TOTAL REPTILE AND AMPHIBIAN FAUNA...................................................................................................... 225DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................................................. 232OTHER REPTILE RECORDS .................................................................................................................................. 232FROGS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 233

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................................... 235INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................ 235THE FLORA AND FAUNA TODAY............................................................................................................................... 236CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT ISSUES ................................................................................................................. 237CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................. 239

RESOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY..................................................................................................................................... 241

APPENDICES............................................................................................................................................................................... 267

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FIGURESFigure 1. Drainage patterns on Kangaroo Island. ...................................................................................................................2Figure 2. 1:50 000 map coverage of Kangaroo Island. ............................................................................................................2Figure 3. The Study Area showing vegetation sampling sites. ............................................................................................3Figure 4. The Study Area showing vegetation and vertebrate sampling sites. .................................................................3Figure 5. The Study Area showing Laut et al. (1977) environmental associations. ...........................................................4Figure 6. Aerial view of the Southern Coast. ...........................................................................................................................5Figure 7. The Southern Coast, the Mouth of South-west River. ..........................................................................................5Figure 8. Aerial view of the Laterite Plateau. ...........................................................................................................................6Figure 9. The laterite plateau, Sugar Gum woodland along the De Molle River, Cape Torrens Conservation Park......6Figure 10. Aerial view of the North Coast. ...............................................................................................................................7Figure 11. The north coast, Sheoak woodland and cleared land, Stokes Bay.....................................................................7Figure 12. Aerial view of Estaurine environments. .................................................................................................................8Figure 13. Estuarine environments, fringing saltmarsh, Pelican Lagoon. ............................................................................8Figure 14. Aerial view of Lagoons. ............................................................................................................................................9Figure 15. Lagoon environment, Murray's Lagoon, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. ............................................9Figure 16. Aerial view of northern Dudley Peninsula. ............................................................................................................10Figure 17. Northern Dudley Peninsula remnant vegetation in farmland. .............................................................................10Figure 18. Annual rainfall at Cape Borda 1868 – 1990. ...........................................................................................................13Figure 19. Isohyets of mean annual rainfall in mm. .................................................................................................................14Figure 20. Variation in mean rainfall and temperature across study area. ...........................................................................15Figure 21. Variation in mean rainfall and temperature across study area. ...........................................................................16Figure 22. Rainfall at Kingscote 1988 – 1990. ...........................................................................................................................17Figure 23. Tectonic framework of Kangaroo Island. ...............................................................................................................19Figure 24. Generalised geological map of Kangaroo Island. .................................................................................................21Figure 25. Stratigraphic column and the geological record for Kangaroo Island. ..............................................................22Figure 26. Palaeogeography of the Kangaroo Island region during the early Cambrian. .................................................22Figure 27. Intense deformation within Kanmantoo Group metapelites and metasandstones at Harveys Return. ......................................................................................................................................................22Figure 28. Permian palaeogeography, Kangaroo Island. .......................................................................................................23Figure 29. Residual granite erratics weathered out of Permian glacigene sediments, Christmas Cove, Penneshaw. ....................................................................................................................................23Figure 30. Jurassic palaeogrography, Kangaroo Island. ........................................................................................................24Figure 31. Columnar jointing in Jurassic basalt, Kingscote. ..................................................................................................24Figure 32. Tertiary Palaeogeography, Kangaroo Island. .......................................................................................................27Figure 33. Sea caves formed in karstic Pleistocene aeolian calcarenite - ?Baudin's Cave, Ravine de Casoars. Geomorphic province 10. ......................................................................................................27Figure 34. Principal landforms of Kangaroo Island and location of geological monuments. ...........................................29Figure 35. Gently dipping strata of the Kangaroo Island Group, west of Cape Cassini, characteristic of Geomorphic province 4. ...............................................................................................................29Figure 36. Near vertically dipping metasandstones of the Kanmantoo Group, False Cape, producing a rugged shore platform typical for Geomorphic province 7. ...........................................................30Figure 37. Cavernous and spheroidal weathering forms in granite, Remarkable Rocks Geomorphic province 8. .............................................................................................................................................30Figure 39. Blocky weathering highlighting intersecting joints in Cambrian granite, Cape Willoughby. Geomorphic province 8. ............................................................................................................31Figure 39. Mineral occurrences on Kangaroo Island. ............................................................................................................31Figure 40. Map of Kangaroo Island showing known Aboriginal archaeological sites, and the last Glacial low sea level coastline. ..................................................................................................................................34Figure 41. The range of quartzite artefacts from Kangaroo Island. ......................................................................................37Figure 42. A variety of quartz artefacts from Cape du Couedic rock shelter. .....................................................................39Figure 43. Limestone artefacts from the Cape du Coudic rockshelter. .................................................................................40Figure 44. Chert? artefacts from the the Cape du Couedic rockshelter. ...............................................................................41Figure 45. Hammer/anvil and "waisted axes" from the central plateau of Kangaroo Island. ............................................41Figure 46. Interior view of Cape du Couedic Rock Shelter. ...................................................................................................47Figure 47. Sea-lion skull and articulated vertebrae from Cape du Couedic Rock Shelter. .................................................47Figure 48. The clearance of native vegetation from 1945 to the present on Kangaroo Island. ........................................52

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Figure 49. Location of conservation reserves on Kangaroo Island. ................................................................................... 56Figure 50. Setting up a harp trap for collecting bats at Emu Bay. ....................................................................................... 59Figure 51. David Peake-Jones examining a tiny skink. .......................................................................................................... 59Figure 52. Cath Kemper wading in Larrikan Lagoon. ............................................................................................................ 60Figure 53. One of the numerous Brushtail Possums caught in cage traps during the vertebrate survey. .................... 60Figure 54. Accumulation of unique species records for each site. ..................................................................................... 73Figure 55. Plant species diversity of survey sites in the Kangaroo Island biological survey. ....................................... 74Figure 56. Distribution of native and exotic species in the Kangaroo Island Biological Survey dataset. .................... 75Figure 57. Silverbush (Adenanthos macropodiana) is an attractive pink-flowered shrub, which is endemic to the

heathlands of Kangaroo Island............................................................................................................................... 81Figure 58. Kangaroo Island riceflower (Pimelea macrostegia) has the largest flower-heads of any South

Australian Pimelea. ................................................................................................................................................. 81Figure 59. Kangaroo Island trigger-plant (Stylidium tepperanum) is a rare dwarf perennial plant growing in

limestone crevices at sparsely scattered along the Island’s southern coastline. Themoss-like foliagebears erect sprays of pink to magenta flowers. ................................................................................................... 82

Figure 60. Rigid speedwell (Veronica hillebrandii) is a more widespread species in South Australia that is alsoassociated with coastal limestone. The flowers are purplish-blue and white. ............................................... 82

Figure 61. Rough star-bush (Asterolasia muricata), confined to Kangaroo Island apart from minor occurrenceson Fleurieu Peninsula, has rough (muricate) leaves and bright yellow flowers.............................................. 83

Figure 62. Downy star-bush (Asterolasia phebalioides), from Kangaroo Island and western Victoria, hasdensely hairy/velvety leaves and bright yellow flowers..................................................................................... 83

Figure 63. Eucalyptus diversifolia Mallee at quadrat NB0701. ............................................................................................ 87Figure 64. Eucalyptus cnoerifolia, Melaleuca uncinata Mallee at quadrat PL0201. ....................................................... 89Figure 65.Acacia paradoxa Tall open shrubland at quadrat NB0601. . .............................................................................. 91Figure 66. Eucalyptus cnoerifolia, Acacia paradoxa Mallee at quadrat DU0401. ........................................................... 93Figure 67. Melaleuca gibbosa, Hakea muelleriana Tall shrubland at quadrat RR0201. ................................................ 95Figure 68. Melaleuca brevifolia Shrubland at quadrat NB0701. ......................................................................................... 97Figure 69. Melaleuca uncinata Tall shrubland at quadrat CO0101 ..................................................................................... 99Figure 70. Eucalyptus leucoxylon, +/- E. cosmophylla Open forest at quadrat SE0601. ................................................. 101Figure 71. Acacia retinodes var. retinodes Woodland at quadrat HR0501. ...................................................................... 103Figure 72. Leptospermum continentale Melaleuca squamea Tall open shrubland at quadrat SR0201. . ........................................................................................................................................................ 105Figure 73. Eucalyptus obliqua var obliqua, E. cladocalyx Open forest at quadrat SC0301. . ....................................... 107Figure 74. Eucalyptus cladocalyx Open forest at quadrat CT0301. . .................................................................................. 109Figure 75. Eucalyptus cladocalyx, +/- E. fasciculosa Woodland at quadrat CA0701. . ................................................. 111Figure 76. Allocasuarina verticillata Low woodland at quadrat KH0701. . ...................................................................... 113Figure 77. Eucalyptus baxteri, E. cosmophylla Low woodland at quadrat SC0101. ........................................................ 115Figure 78. Eucalyptus cosmophylla Very low woodland at quadrat WB0501. . ................................................................ 117Figure 79. Allocasuarina striata, +/- Eucalyptus diversifolia Tall open shrubland at quadrat KH1501. . ....................................................................................................................................................... 119Figure 80. Leptospermum myrsinoides Open shrubland at quadrat FB0401. . ................................................................... 121Figure 81. Xanthorrhoea semiplana ssp. tateana Allocasuarina striata Low open shrubland at quadrat CT0101. . ................................................................................................................................................... 123Figure 82. Eucalyptus remota Low mallee at quadrat GL1201. . .......................................................................................... 125Figure 83. Eucalyptus diversifolia Mallee at quadrat CD0501. . .......................................................................................... 127Figure 84. Eucalyptus diversifolia, +/- E. landsdowneana ssp. albopurpurea, +/- E.rugosa Mallee at quadrat PL1501. . ................................................................................................................................................... 129Figure 85. Eucalyptus diversifolia, Melaleuca lanceolata, +/- E. rugosa Open Mallee at quadrat CD0301. . ................................................................................................................................................... 131Figure 86. Eucalyptus landsdowneana ssp. albopurpurea Open low mallee at quadrat ST0201. . .............................. 133Figure 87. Melaleuca lanceolata Low open shrubland at quadrat SB0901. . .................................................................... 135Figure 88. Melaleuca lanceolata Open shrubland at quadrat FB1201. . ............................................................................ 137Figure 89. Leucopogon parviflorus Open shrubland at quadrat WI101. . ......................................................................... 139Figure 90. Isolepis nodosa Very open shrubland at quadrat KH1002. ................................................................................ 141Figure 91. Eucalyptus diversifolia Very open mallee at quadrat DU1301. . ....................................................................... 143Figure 92. Tetragonia implexicoma, Rhagodia candolleana ssp. candolleana Open shrubland at quadrat CG1301. . ................................................................................................................................................... 145Figure 93. Melaleuca halmaturorum Very low open forest at quadrat CO0401. . ............................................................ 147Figure 94. Melaleuca acuminata Shrubland at quadrat WI0201. . ...................................................................................... 149Figure 95. Eucalyptus diversifolia, Melaleuca halmaturorum Tall open shrubland

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at quadrat PL2401. . .....................................................................................................................................................151Figure 96. Baumea arthrophylla Very open sedgeland at quadrat KH0301. . ...................................................................153Figure 97. Olearia axillaris, Leucopogon parviflorus Low open shrubland at quadrat WB1002. . ..............................155Figure 98. Sarcocornia quinqueflora, Maireana oppositifolia Low very open shrubland at quadrat PL1202. . ....................................................................................................................................................157Figure 99. Ordination of the 10 major groups identified in PATN.. ......................................................................................158Figure 100. Distribution of mammal specimens collected on Kangaroo Island to mid-1998. ............................................188Figure 101. A young Echidna found in a breeding burrow on Cape Hart Conservation Park. ........................................192Figure 102. Distribution of the Kangaroo Island Dunnart. ...................................................................................................192Figure 103. The single Kangaroo Island Dunnart captured on the present survey on the eastern boundary of

Flinders Chase National Park. .................................................................................................................................193Figure 104. Distribution of the Short-nosed Bandicoot. ........................................................................................................193Figure 105. A Short-nosed Bandicoot captured in Cape Hart Conservation Park during the survey. ...........................194Figure 106. A Koala in the upper branches of a large Manna Gum near Rocky River. .....................................................195Figure 107. Distribution of the Little Pigmy-possum. .............................................................................................................196Figure 108. Distribution of the Western Pigmy-possum. .......................................................................................................197Figure 109. Distribution of the Southern Bush Rat. ................................................................................................................197Figure 110. Distribution of the Swamp Rat. ..............................................................................................................................198Figure 111. A female sea-lion with her well-grown pup on Seal Bay. Note the plastic flipper tag on the pup.These

are no longer used and pups are now marked with implanted transponders. ..............................................198Figure 112. Australian Sea-lions (Neophoca cinerea) provide a world class tourist drawcard to

Seal Bay Conservation Park. ................................................................................................................................199Figure 113. The Western Pygmy Possum (Cercartetus concinnus) was commonly trapped during the

biological survey. ...................................................................................................................................................202Figure 114. The Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes) is the commonest small mammal on Kangaroo Island and is found in

a range of habitats provided there is a dense understorey. ............................................................................202Figure 115. A pair of Glossy Black Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami) feeding in the canopy of a Drooping

Sheoak tree. .............................................................................................................................................................217Figure 116. A Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus magnirostris) stands guard over its chick. ................................................218Figure 117. A Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) on its nesting tree,

a fire-killed stringybark. .........................................................................................................................................219Figure 118. The Rock Parrot (Neophema petrophila) is a common site around the coast of Kangaroo Island. ..........219Figure 119. White’s Thrush (Zoothera lunulata), a delicately marked and secretive bird ...............................................221Figure 120. The Western Whipbird (Psophodes nigrogularis) is rarely seen but can be identified by

its distinctive call. ..................................................................................................................................................221Figure 121. At least one pair of Hooded Plovers (Charadrius rubricollis) can be seen on most of the sandy

beaches around the coast of Kangaroo Island. ................................................................................................223Figure 122. Distribution of reptiles collected on Kangaroo Island to mid-1998. ................................................................225Figure 123. The Kangaroo Island populations of the Pygmy Cpperhead (Austrelaps labialis) are important for

the conservation of this endemic South Australian species. ..........................................................................226Figure 124. The Lined Worm-lizard (Aprasia striolata) is one of the most widespread reptiles on

Kangaroo Island. ....................................................................................................................................................227Figure 125. The Three-toed Earless Skink (Hemiergis decresiensis) is less common than the closely related H.

peronii on Kangaroo Island. ................................................................................................................................228Figure 126. The Four-toed Earless Skink (Hemiergis peronii) is widespread and found in a variety of habitats,

living in litter and inside rotting timber. ..............................................................................................................229Figure 127. The Heath Goanna (Varanus rosenbergii) population on Kangaroo Island is extremely important for

the conservation of this species which has suffered significant declines on the mainlandof South Australia. .................................................................................................................................................231

Figure 128. The Brown Froglet (Crinia signifera) is a tiny frog that can be extremely common at the base ofgrass tussocks on the edge of pools even in cleared farm land. ....................................................................234

Figure 129. The largest of the frogs on Kangaroo Island is the Banjo Frog (Li\mnodynastes dumerili). Malesmakes the resonant ‘bonk’ commonly heard from farm dams during the winter breeding season. ..........234

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TABLESTable 1. Summary of radiocarbon dates for Aboriginal archaeological sites on Kangaroo Island. ..............................36Table 2a. The General range of functions consistent with edge damage patterns on stone artefacts from Cape du Couedic Rock Shelter. ..................................................................................................................................44Table 2b. The General range of functions consistent with edge damage patterns on stone artefacts from Cape du Couedic Rock Shelter. ..................................................................................................................................45Table 3. The range of fauna species represented in the Seton Rock Shelter excavations. .............................................48Table 4. Animals introduced to Flinders Chase National Park between 1911 and 1957. .................................................54Table 5. List of the twenty three conservation reserves on Kangaroo Island with their date of establishment

and their approximate areas. ....................................................................................................................................55Table 6. Location of base camps for the Kangaroo Island vegetation survey. ................................................................58Table 7. Location of base camps for the Kangaroo Island vertebrate survey. .................................................................58Table 8. Trapping and spotlighting effort during the Kangaroo Island vertebrate survey. ...........................................62Table 9. Total number of individual observations on the survey. .....................................................................................62Table 10. Cover abundance scores from field data and the equivalent weighting used in the PATN analysis. ...........63Table 11. Appraisal of apparent new KI records from the Survey as reported in 1989......................................................66Table 12. The relative abundance of the 172 plant species occurring at 20 or more sample quadrats. ..........................69Table 13. Comparison of observations of selected plant families with the known Flora. .................................................73Table 14. Vascular plant taxa endemic to Kangaroo Island. ..................................................................................................76Table 15. Vascular plant taxa largely confined to Kangaroo Island. ....................................................................................77Table 16. Taxa endemic to the Southern Gulfs Region that occur on Kangaroo Island and adjacent mainland region(s). ......................................................................................................................................78Table 17. Biogeographically significant occurrences on Kangaroo Island (taxa with their sole South Australian occurrence on Kangaroo Island and disjunct occurrences outside South Australia). ......79Table 18. Floristic vegetation groups resulting from the PATN analysis. ..........................................................................85Table 19. Area Estimates for Native Vegetation and Cleared Areas for Kangaroo Island. ..............................................159Table 20. Area Estimates for Primary Overstorey species in Native Vegetation and Cleared Areas on Kangaroo Island............................................................................................................................160Table 21. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus diversifolia Open mallee. ............................................................166Table 22. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus remota Open low mallee...............................................................167Table 23. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus cladocalyx Woodland. ................................................................168Table 24. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus baxteri Low woodland. ...............................................................168Table 25. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus cosmophylla Very open mallee. .................................................169Table 26. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus cnoerifolia Open mallee. .............................................................171Table 27. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus rugosa Open mallee. ....................................................................171Table 28. The extent of the sub-groups of Melaleuca lanceolata Low open shrubland. ...............................................172Table 29. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus fasciculosa Low open Woodland. .............................................173Table 30. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus lansdowneana ssp. albopurpurea Open mallee. ....................173Table 31. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis Low open woodland. ...................174Table 32. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. leucoxylon Open woodland. ........................174Table 33. The extent of the sub-groups of Myoporum insulare Tall open shrubland. .....................................................175Table 34. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus ovata Low open woodland. ........................................................175Table 35. The extent of the sub-groups of Banksia marginata Low open shrubland. ....................................................175Table 36. The extent of the sub-groups of Beyeria leschenaultii Low open shrubland. .................................................176Table 37. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. camaldulensis Woodland. .......................176Table 38. The extent of the sub-groups of Sc;erostegia arbuscula Low shrubland. .......................................................176Table 39. The extent of the sub-groups of Allocasuarina verticillata Low open forest. ................................................177 Table 40 . The extent of the sub-groups of Leucopogon parviflorus Open shrubland. ..................................................177Table 41. The extent of the sub-groups of Melaleuca gibbosa Shrubland. .......................................................................178Table 42. The extent of the sub-groups of Melaleuca brevifolia Shrubland. ...................................................................178Table 43. The extent of the sub-groups of Melaleuca haalmaturorum Tall open shrubland. ........................................178Table 44. The extent of the sub-groups of Calistemon rugulosus var. rugulosus Tall closed shrubland. ...................178Table 45. The extent of the sub-groups of Leptospermum continentale Shrubland. .......................................................179Table 46. The extent of the sub-groups of Acacia retinodes var retinodes Tall very open shrubland. ........................179Table 47. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus obliqua Very low open woodland. ............................................180Table 48. The extent of the sub-groups of Olearia axillaris Open shrubland. .................................................................180Table 49. The extent of the sub-groups of Hakea muelleriana Open shrubland. ............................................................181

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Table 50. The extent of the sub-groups of Acacia paradoxa Open shrubland. ............................................................... 181Table 51. The extent of the sub-groups of Acacia dodonaeifolia Tall open shrubland. ................................................ 181Table 52. The extent of the sub-groups of Pteridium esculentum Fernland. .................................................................... 181Table 53. The extent of the sub-groups of Callitris preissii Low woodland. ................................................................... 182Table 54. The extent of the sub-groups of Allocasuarina muelleriana ssp. notocolpica Tall shrubland. .................. 182Table 55. The extent of the sub-groups of Bursaria spinosa Low woodland. .................................................................. 182Table 56. The extent of the sub-groups of Melaleuca acuminata Tall shrubland. .......................................................... 182Table 57. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus diversifolia Open mallee. ............................................................ 183Table 58. The extent of the sub-groups of Hakea muelleriana Shrubland. ...................................................................... 183Table 59. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. leucoxylon Open woodland. ......................... 183Table 60. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus diversifolia Mallee. ..................................................................... 183Table 61. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus viminalis ssp. cygnetensis Low open woodland. ................... 184Table 62. The extent of the sub-groups of Eucalyptus diversifolia Very open mallee. .................................................. 184Table 63. The extent of the sub-groups of Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima Closed shrubland. .......................... 184Table 64. Comparison of the 1995 Kangaroo Island Mapping Descriptions with earlier studies. .................................. 185Table 65. Relative abundance of the 1207 mammals observed in quadrats during the Kangaroo Island vertebrate survey in 1990............................................................................................................................................ 188Table 66. Two-way table of mammal species analysis showing groups of quadrats by species .................................... 190Table 67 . Birds absent as breeding species from Kangaroo Island which occurred in similar habitats on the

adjacent mainland at the time of European settlement. ...................................................................................... 206Table 68. Common birds of native vegetation on Kangaroo Island. ................................................................................... 208Table 69. Two-way table of bird species analysis showing groups of quadrats by species ........................................... 210.

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APPENDICESAPPENDIX I.Kangaroo Island survey quadrat locations. ............................................................................................................................267APPENDIX II.Daily temperatures ( °C) recorded during the Kangaroo Island vertebrate fauna survey. ...............................................283APPENDIX III.South Australian Native Vegetation Mapping Program, structural formations..................................................................285APPENDIX IV.South Australian vegetation structural formations.................................................................................................................287APPENDIX V.Scientific research projects conducted on Kangaroo Island 1973 to mid 1996. .................................................................289APPENDIX VI.Plant species recorded from Kangaroo Island. ........................................................................................................................305APPENDIX VII.Mammal species recorded from Kangaroo Island. ..................................................................................................................347APPENDIX VIII.Bird species recorded for Kangaroo Island and its adjacent seas. ......................................................................................351APPENDIX IXBirds described as species or subspecies endemic to Kangaroo Island and their current taxonomic status. ..............359APPENDIX X.Reptiles and Amphibians recorded from Kangaroo Island. ..................................................................................................361

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A large part of the funding for this project originated with a grant from the 1989/90 National Estate Grants Program(Australian Heritage Commission) the remaining financial support was from the Government of South Australia.

Unlike previous biological surveys in this series the data contained in this report was collected in two stages. The initialvegetation survey in November 1989 followed in November 1990 by the vertebrate survey. Numerous people took part,some in both stages of the fieldwork. Each made a notable contribution in their field of expertise and to the overalleffectiveness of the survey.

1. Project co-ordination and report preparation - D. Armstrong and A. Robinson

2. Survey Fieldwork(a)Vegetation SurveyG. Ashman, R. Barret, C. Baxter, D. Canty, P. Canty, P. Copley, P. Coulls, T. Croft, T.Dennis, D. Fotheringham, R. Furner, C. Halstead, M. Hodder, D. Kraehenbuehl, P. Lang, A. Maguire, B. Overton, J. Overton, A. Robinson, A. Zepf.(b)Vertebrate SurveyEach of six groups contained a representative biologist in three taxonomic groups, birds (B), mammals (M), reptiles (R). They were: D. Armstrong (R). C. Baxter (B), P. Canty (R), G. Carpenter (B), K. Casperson (B), B.

Cohen (B), P. Copley (M), P. Dempsey (M), T. Dennis (M), G. Frederick (R), P. Horton (B), G. Johnston (R), C.Kemper (M), C. Macdonald (M), T. Moore (R), D. Peake-Jones (R), A. Robinson (M), B. St John (B).

Other National Parks and Wildlife Service officers and interested local volunteers were involved for varying lengths of time in many areas. These people who provided much appreciated support to the biologists listed above included; K. Dennis, R. Furner, C. Halstead, I. & G. Jackson, A. Maguire, P. Seager, J. & J. Smith, A. Zepf.

3. Specimen Identification and verification (in addition to the above people) - P. Lang, D. Kraehenbuehl and the staff of the State Herbarium; SA Museum staff- C. Kemper, L. Queale (Mammals), people nominated above and P. Horton (Birds), D. Armstrong, A. Edwards, M. Hutchinson (Reptiles and Amphibians)

4. Computing assistance – R. Brandle, S. Carruthers, K. Casperson, D. Goodwins, L. Mitchell, S. Kinnear

5. Graphic Design, Layout and Artwork - Public Communications, Land Services Group, Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs.

6. Assistance with writing and editing report – K. Twyford, F. Vickery

7. Photography - D. Armstrong , P. Canty A. Robinson, N. Draper, Mines and Energy, South Australia, and survey workers.

8. Administration Assistance - G. Madaer

9. We are also grateful for the permission received from the numerous landowners in the area to establish sites on their properties and for their advice regarding access. We particularly thank those who assisted with accommodation. Karatta School, M. McKelvey at Pelican Lagoon, Adelaide University Study Centre at Rocky River, D. Cinzio at the NPWS accommodation at Cape Borda, E. and C. Oldfield at Stokes Bay, T. Williams and J. Renwick at American River, B. Tydeman, Hillfarm Hostel, Kingscote, Australian Odysseys, ‘Toad Hall’, American River, the NPWS accommodation at Hawks Nest and G. and J. Rees at the Vivonne Bay Outdoor Education Centre

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1

INTRODUCTIONby A. C. Robinson1

1 A. C. Robinson, SA Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, PO Box 1047, ADELAIDE, SA5001

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

For some years now the South Australian NationalParks and Wildlife Service and the South AustralianMuseum have been carrying out a series of systematicsurveys of the vegetation and vertebrate fauna of largeregions of South Australia. Before the present survey,biological surveys had been carried out of the StatesOffshore Islands (excluding Kangaroo Island) (1971 -1982), the South-East Coast (1982 - 1983), CooperCreek (1983, 1991), the Nullarbor Plain (1984), TheGawler Ranges (1985) and the Yellabinna area (1987).With the exception of the Offshore Island surveys, theregional boundaries of these surveys have been basedon the Environmental regions and the EnvironmentalAssociations described and mapped for SouthAustralia by Laut et al. (1977).

The present survey covered the Kangaroo IslandEnvironmental Region (3.1) an area of 4430 Km 2.

The basic drainage pattern of the island is shown inFig. 1. The 1:50 000 topographic map coverage ofKangaroo Island is shown in Fig. 2. The field workwhich covered 341 vegetation sample sites was carriedout from 6 to 20 November 1989. Vertebrate fieldsampling of a sub-set of 120 of these sites was carriedout from 21 October to 17 November 1990. TheKangaroo Island study area together with thevegetation and vertebrate sample sites is shown inFigures 3 and 4. The Kangaroo Island EnvironmentalRegion consists of eight environmental associations(Fig. 5). The island is characterised by an undulatingupland plain with an extensive laterite cover whichgives rise to mottled- yellow duplex soils. The plainrises to an average height of 100 - 150m and isbounded by a densely dissected scarp falling steeply tothe cliffed coastline. Along the southern coastlinesome dunes are developed but otherwise these are rare.A characteristic feature of the eastern, somewhatlower-lying part of the island is the occurrence ofnumerous rounded salt lakes and depressions, whichmay be due to the solution processes in the calcretecover. Shallow red sands occur on the interveningplains. In the eastern part of the island mallee was thedominant vegetation. Due to extensive clearing in

areas suitable for agriculture most of the mallee hasdisappeared. On deeper soils in the wetter, westernpart of the island, the mallee is replaced by low openforest, or in sheltered positions, by open forest.Scattered stands of these forests occur as unclearedblocks in the central section of the island, but in thewest large tracts remain in conservation reservesmanaged by the National Parks and Wildlife, SouthAustralia.

The landscape of Kangaroo Island is characterised bycontrasts between open paddocks with roadside treesand large tracts of native forest and scrub. Thecoastline also has many attractive features includingsandy beaches, varied rock formations and sheer cliffs.

Examples of the range of environments on KangarooIsland are shown in Figs. 6-17. Kangaroo Island, thethird largest island off the Australian coast, is withoutdoubt the most important area for nature conservationin the higher rainfall areas of South Australia. Itretains the largest proportion of uncleared naturalvegetation in any of the agricultural districts of theState but even more importantly it has never sufferedfrom the introduction of those two scourges of themainland wildlife, the rabbit and the fox. In additionto the islands' conservation value as a whole, many ofits natural areas particularly the colony of AustralianSea-lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park are ofinternational significance.

As a result of these factors there has been aconsiderable amount of scientific research carried outon the natural areas of Kangaroo Island and theseprojects are summarised in Appendix V. Thisbiological survey however is the first time that asystematic overview of the vegetation and vertebratecommunities of the whole island has been attempted.The survey was planned by the South AustralianBiological Survey Coordinating Committee which atthe time consisted of the following representatives: DrTony Robinson, Chairman, Senior Wildlife ResearchOfficer, National Parks and Wildlife Service - DrChris Watts, Chief Scientist, South AustralianMuseum - Dr Cath Kemper, Curator of Mammals,

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South Australian Museum - Mr David Maschmedt,Land Evaluation Officer, Department of Agriculture -Mr David Goodwins, Head, Geographic InformationSection, Department of Environment & Planning - MrKeith Casperson, Scientific Officer, National Parks

and Wildlife Service - Mr Rodger Tynan, ScientificOfficer, Outback Management Branch, Department ofLands - Dr Bob Inns, Senior Scientific Officer, NativeVegetation.

Figure 1.Drainage patterns on Kangaroo Island.

Figure 2..1:50 000 map coverage of Kangaroo Island.

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Figure 3.The study area showing vegetation sampling sites.WB West Bay, CB Cape Borda, RC Ravine des Casoars, LL Larrikan Lagoon, RR Rocky River, CD Cape du Couedic, SR Shackle Road, CT CapeTorrens, SC Snug Cove, FB Flinders Chase Boundary, KH Kelly Hill, GL Gosse Lands, WR Western River, NW North West River, ST Stunsail Boom,SE South East River, MT Mount Taylor, HR Harriet River, ER Eleanor River, VB Vivonne Bay, NE North East River, MR Middle River, SN SnellingBeach, CA Cape Dutton, LI Lathami, CR Cygnet River, PA Parndana, LA Lake Ada, SB Seal Bay, TC Timber Creek, CG Cape Gantheaume, DED’Estree Bay, BE Beyeria, SL Salt Lagoon, NB Nepean Bay, EB Emu Bay, FC Flour Cask Bay, PL Pelican Lagoon, BH Ballast Head, DU Dudley, BG,Blue Gum Gully, GF Grassy Flat, WI Wilson River, PH Pigs Head Corner, CO Cape Coutts, CH Cape Hart, * Sooty Dunnart Survey (SD).

Figure 4..The Study Area showing vegetation and vertebrate sampling sites.WB West Bay, CB Cape Borda, RC Ravine des Casoars, LL Larrikan Lagoon, RR Rocky River, CD Cape du Couedic, CT Cape Torrens, SC Snug Cove,FB Flinders Chase Boundary, KH Kelly Hill, GL Gosse Lands, WR Western River, ST Stunsail Boom, MT Mount Taylor, HR Harriet River, ER EleanorRiver, VB Vivonne Bay, MR Middle River, SN Snelling Beach, CA Cape Dutton, LI Lathami, CR Cygnet River, PA Parndana, LA Lake Ada, SB SealBay, TC Timber Creek, CG Cape Gantheaume, DE D’estree Bay, BE Beyeria, SL Salt Lagoon, NB Nepean Bay, EB Emu Bay, PL Pelican Lagoon, BHBallast Head, DU Dudley, GF Grassy Flat, WI Wilson River, PH Pigs Head Corner, CO Cape Coutts, CH Cape Hart, * Sooty Dunnart Survey (SD).

4

Figure 5.The Study Area showing Laut et al. (1977) environmental associations.3.1.1Gantheaume (825 km 2). Undulating calcarenite plain with overlying dunes: coastal cliffs, lakes and beaches. Mallee scrub with some open patches.3.1.2 Parndana (2135 km2). Low laterite hills with shallow lakes and coastal cliffs. Mixed parkland with sown pasture understorey, low open mallee forestand woodland.3.1.3 Stokes Bay (400 km2). Dissected margin of a laterite surface. Open eucalypt parkland with soen pasture understorey.3.1.4 Mt Marsden (60 km2). Undulating calcarenite and liomestone plain with low coastal cliffs and tidal flats. Open parkland with pasture understorey,large area of coastal mallee scrub.3.1.5 Amberley (480 km2). Plains and hills with coastal cliffs. Open parkland with sown pasture understorey, remnants of open shrubland.3.1.6 Cygnet (95 km2). Gently undulating alluvial plain. Open parkland with sown pastures and occasional cereal crop understorey, remnants of woodland.3.1.7 MacGillivray (145 km2). Gently undulating sandy plain. Open parkland with sown pasture and cereal crop understorey.3.1.8 Coranda (190 km2). Undulating to hilly laterite surface with coastal lakes, tidal flats and low cliffs. Parkland with understorey of sown pastures andcereal crops, remnants of open scrub.

5

Figure 6.Aerial view of the Southern Coast.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 7.The Southern Coast, the mouth of South West River.Photo: G. Johnston

6

Figure 8.Aerial view of the Laterite Plateau.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 9.The Laterite Plateau, Sugar gum woodland along the De Molle River, Cape Torrens Conservation Park.Photo: A. Robinson

7

Figure 10.Aerial view of the North Coast.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 11.The North Coast, sheoak woodland and cleared land, Stokes BayPhoto: D. Armstrong

8

Figure 12.Aerial view of Estuarine Environments.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 13.Estuarine environments, fringing saltmarsh Pelican Lagoon.Photo: A. Robinson

9

Figure 14.Aerial view of Lagoons.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 15.Lagoon environment at Murray lagoon, Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.Photo: A. Robinson

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Figure 16.Aerial view of northern Dudley Peninsula.Photo: P. Canty

Figure 17.Northern Dudley Peninsula, remnant vegetation in farmland.Photo: A. Robinson

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The rationale behind these regional biological surveyshas been explained in detail by McKenzie andRobinson (1987) for combined vegetation andvertebrate surveys in the semi-arid and arid zones andby Robinson and Canty (1984 ) for the offshore islandssurveys. The Kangaroo Island biological survey wasthe first of the series to be conducted in theagricultural districts of South Australia where thenatural vegetation and its associated vertebrate faunahas been fragmented by clearance and substantialhabitat modification for agriculture. This necessitateda number of alterations to the methods adopted in theextensive areas of natural vegetation covered byprevious regional surveys.

In spite of these largely logistic and sampling intensitydifferences the basic site data collected was directlycomparable with previous broad-scale surveys and theoverall aims of the survey were the same. Thebiological survey of Kangaroo Island was designedwith the following aims;

1. To observe, collect and identify the species ofplants and vertebrates present in the study areain 1989-1990.

2. To document the patterns of species andcommunities across the study area and theirrelationship with parameters of the physicalenvironment.

3. To select and sample an array of fixed quadratsrepresenting the biological diversity ofKangaroo Island and provide a data baseamenable to analyses involving directecological comparisons between assemblages(quadrats). The data base format is to becapable of expansion with subsequent sessionsof sampling to provide a measure of seasonaleffects, less predictable disturbances such asfire, or ongoing ecological processes - a database appropriate for future monitoringprogrammes.

4. To evaluate the conservation status of speciesand communities typical of Kangaroo Island asa basis for recommending, where appropriate,amendments to the existing South Australianconservation reserve system.

5. To provide the State Herbarium and SouthAustralian Museum with collectionsrepresentative of the diversity of plants andvertebrates in the study area circa 1989-1990and to provide material for taxonomic andother scientific studies relevant to wildlifeprotection.

6. To consolidate, in the form of an extensivebibliography, previous biological information

on the Kangaroo Island study area within asingle report.

7. To detail the biological significance(biogeographic affinities) of the study area inrelation to the surrounding natural districts.

The theme of this study is to define 'what lived whereon Kangaroo Island in 1989-1990.

Since the original surveys in 1989, 90 there has beenquite a large amount of ecological study carried out onKangaroo Island and this report therefore also drawson some data collected since the field survey.

In particular, there has been work to refine the originalvegetation survey and develop a vegetation map for theisland (Ball, 1994) and this is incorporated into thevegetation chapter.

In addition, a search for the Sooty Dunnart (Herbert,1996) resulted in the sampling of an additional 29quadrats using standard Biological Survey of SouthAustralia techniques and data from these has also beenincluded in this report.

PREVIOUS BIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Islands are always attractive places on which toconduct biological studies. They have a self-containedecosystem isolated from outside influences by the sea.Evolution and natural selection on islands tends toreduce the total number of species per unit area whencompared with equivalent areas on the mainland.Often this results in the development of particularisland adapted forms, sometimes to the species level,depending on the length of isolation of the island.There is often less predation pressure on island animalpopulations and this results in animals which are moreapproachable by humans. Finally, because of thereduction in species diversity, the smaller number ofspecies often occur at much higher populationdensities and they are often found in a wider range ofhabitats than their mainland equivalents. All thesefactors together with the large area of naturalvegetation remaining (by South Australian standards)have made Kangaroo Island the site of a wide range ofbiological studies since the earliest development ofscience in the State.

The first published descriptions of the flora andvegetation of Kangaroo Island were those of Tepper(1884, 1887 and 1888) and of Tate (1883, 1884 and1889). Wood (1930) developed this study further inhis important work comparing the vegetation ofKangaroo Island with that of the adjacent peninsulasand this early ecological work contributed to hisimportant book on the vegetation of South Australia(Wood 1937). The next significant vegetation studieswere those of Baldwin and Crocker (1941), Cleland

12

and Black (1927, 1941, 1952), Cleland (1970) andCleland and Sims (1970). At the time of these earlyvegetation studies, work was proceeding on thecollection and description of the fauna of the island.

There are no early published accounts of the islandsmammals apart from brief mentions in the journals ofexplorers Flinders and Baudin. Significant newdiscoveries of the Little Pigmy Possum (Aitken, 1970,1974) and the Sooty Dunnart (Aitken, 1972) are theonly published works on the composition of themammal fauna.

Early published accounts of birds include work on theextinct Kangaroo Island Emu, (Howchin, 1926), whileCleland, (1906, 1925a,b, 1930, 1942a, b, 1948) andSutton (1923, 1926a, 1926b) began the accumulationof bird species lists for the island. Long-term islandresident Allan Lashmar has made an outstandingcontribution to our knowledge of the island's birds(Lashmar 1935, 1936, 1937a,b, 1938, 139a,b, 1942,1946a,b, 1972a,b,c, 1978, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989)

The reptile and amphibian fauna was first described byWaite (1927) with additions by Condon (1941).

The publication by the Royal Society of SouthAustralia of "The Natural History of Kangaroo Island"(Tyler, Twidale and Ling 1974) put together in aconvenient volume all the biological knowledge to thatdate on Kangaroo Island with contributions on :Vegetation: (Lange 1979), Mammals; (Inns, Aitkenand Ling 1979), Birds; (Ford 1979) and Reptiles andAmphibians; (Houston and Tyler, 1979).

Although the Fauna and Flora Board had from its veryearliest days encouraged biological research onKangaroo Island, particularly on Flinders Chase, asignificant increase in research occurred with theestablishment at Rocky River in 1966 of the Universityof Adelaide Zoology Department Field Station. Thisfacility, together with the opening in 19? of thePelican Lagoon Research Station, have providedconvenient bases to carry out modern scientific studies.An extremely wide variety of research has been carriedout and all the projects conducted since 1982 under thecomputerised Scientific Permit system administered bythe South Australian National Parks and WildlifeService are detailed in Appendix VI. More detailedsummaries of these projects can be found in Robinsonand Canty, (1985), Canty (1987, 1988, 1989a,b, 1991,1994, 1998). Many of these projects are still inprogress but some projects from which publishedresults are available include:

Plant Studies: Maiden, 1908; Berry, 1922; Ising,1923,a,b, 1933; Ising and Ham, 1923; Cleland andBlack 1927, 1941; Cleland 1958, 1968, 1970;Kraehenbuehl 1957; Specht and Cleland 1961, 1963,Cleland and Sims, 1970; Kenny, 1970; Hall and

Brooker, 1970a,b,c; Brittan, 1971, Specht, 1972;Jackson, 1971a,b, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1981a,b;Osterstock, 1974,; Specht, Roe and Boughton, 1974;Bates, 1976, 1977, 1981; Heddle, 1976; Nelson, 1978;Boomsma and Lewis, 1980; Davies, 1982, 1983,1985a,b; Mowling and Barritt, 1981; Overton,McKelvey and Overton, 1988; Overton, McKelvey andSchawner, 1988; Overton and Overton 1989; Overton,McKelvey and Overton, 1989; Overton, Overton andMcKelvey, 1989.

Mammal Studies: On Echidnas, many studies haveinvolved physiological as well as field ecologicalstudies due to the high density echidna population onKangaroo Island allowing small numbers to be takenfrom the wild for experimental work; Griffiths,McKintosh and Coles, 1969; Griffiths, 1968a,b;Elliott, Leckie and Schoefl, 1973; Baird, Hales andLang, 1974; Augee, Ealey and Price, 1975; Augee,1976, 1978, 1983, Djakiew and Jones, 1981, 1982a,b,1983; Griffiths, Green, Leckie, Messer and Newgrain,1984; Green, Griffiths and Newgrain, 1985;McKelvey, 1987; Griffiths, Kristo, Green, Fogarty andNewgrain, 1988. On Tammar Wallabies, includingmany physiological studies conducted on captiveanimals which were originally captured in KangarooIsland; Andrewartha and Barker, 1969; Lintern, 1970;Murphy and Smith, 1970; Murphy, 1971; Renfree andTyndale-Biscoe, 1973, 1977; Renfree, 1976, 1977a,b,1979, 1980, 1983; Renfree and Heap, 1977; Smalesand Mawson, 1978a,b; Renfree and Young, 1979a,b;Renfree, Green and Young, 1979; Young and Renfree,1979; Inns, 1980; Heap, Renfree and Burton, 1980;Flint and Renfree, 1982; Findlay, Ward and Renfree,1983; Randall, Gannon, Runciman and Baudinette,1984; Short, Flint and Renfree, 1985; Shaw andRenfree, 1986; Baudinette, Gannon, Runciman andWells, 1987; Baudinette, Runciman, Frappell andGannon, 1988. On the Koala; Gosse, 1939; Philpott,1965; Eberhard, 1972; Robinson, 1978; Brown andCarrick, 1981; Martin, Handasyde and Lee, 1987;Robinson, Spark and Halstead, 1989. On AustralianSea-lions; Stirling, 1971; Ling and Walker 1976,1977, 1978, 1979; Ling, 1981a,b; Day, Footner,Morrison and Ryan, 1979; Schutz, 1985; Best, 1986;Robinson and Dennis, 1988; Bacon, 1989; Higgins,1990; Reddacliff and Lim, 1990. On New ZealandFur-seals; Goldsworthy, 1989, 1990, 1991;Shaughnessy, 1989;

Bird Studies: On Little Penguins, Baudinette and Gill,1985; Baudinette, Gill and O'Driscoll, 1986. OnHooded Plovers, Buick, 1985; Buick and Paton, 1989;Bransbury, 1983, 1988, 1990, 1991. On Albatrosses,Lashmar, 1984, 1990. On Glossy Black Cockatoos,S.A.O.A., 1979; Joseph, 1981c, 1982a,b. OnHoneyeater ecology, Ford, 1976; Ford and Paton,1976, 1986; Paton and Ford, 1977; Paton, 1986.

Documents

A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF KANGAROO ISLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA … · A Belperio, R Flint, Geological Survey Primary Industry and Resources South Australia, PO Box 151, EASTWOOD 5063. CARTOGRAPHY