The Vertebrate Fauna of Broombush Melaleuca-Uncinata Vegetation in Northwestern Victoria, With Reference to Effects of Broombush Harvesting

Abstract

The vertebrate fauna of broombush Melaleuca uncinata vegetation in north-western Victoria was assessed by censusing in marked quadrats, trapping and wide-ranging observations. Most species of vertebrates known to occur in mallee shrublands in Victoria we recorded in broombush (those recorded included four amphibian, 42 reptile, 126 bird and 18 mammal species). This high diversity resulted from a substantial variation in vertebrate (particularly reptile and bird) species composition between broombush of differing ages (0-80 years). Some floristic variation between broombush stands and the local presence within these stands of particular plant species (notably Triodia irritans and Banksia ornata) also added to vertebrate species diversity. Locally, broombush patches were characteristically simple in structure and of low floristic diversity. Bird species diversity and density were low (<3 individuals per ha). Broombush is being harvested at an accelerating rate in Victoria. The effects of this industry on vertebrates generally are minor. No vertebrate species is restricted to broombush, and most vertebrate species recorded in this survey were found in harvested areas. Nonetheless, broombush is an important habitat for several species (e.g. Ctenophorus pictus, Ctenotus uber, C. brooksi, Leipoa ocellata, Pachycephala rufogularis, Psophodes nigrogularis, Drymodes brunneopygia, Cercartetus lepidus and Notomys mitchelli). Information on the ecology of most species of vertebrates living in the mallee is very limited, and some species may be affected by broombush cutting through a decrease in area of habitat of suitable age.