Survey of vertebrate fauna and habitats in a cypress pine-ironbark forest in Central-West New South Wales

Abstract

Eighty-two species of vertebrates were recorded from an area of cypress pine and ironbark forest within Goonoo State Forest, located 42 Idiometres north-east of Dubbo. New South Wales. Grass-seed-eating birds were uncommon due to the lack of gasses within the forest. Small birds such as fairy-wrens, thornbills and warblers were only found where patches of dense shrub were found, usually where the canopy has been disturbed. Flowering ironbarks were found to attract a variety of bird species utilizing both the pollen and nectar as well as the insects that were attracted. Four threatened species (Glossy Black Cockatoo, Koala. Yellow-bellied Sheathtall Bat. Little Pied Bat) were recorded as well as a new range extension for the Eastern Pygmy Possum. Retention of ironbarks over 47.0 cm diameter at breast height is needed to preserve the presence of large tree hollows as well as eucalypt blossom sources within the forest.