MAMMAL SURVEY GROUP OF VICTORIA INC. SURVEY CAMP …€¦ · SURVEY CAMP REPORT November 2016. Mammal Survey Group of Victoria (2016): 1-8 2 SURVEY NEAR POMONAL, THE GRAMPIANS CHRISTOPHER

MAMMAL SURVEY GROUP OF VICTORIA INC.

SURVEY CAMP REPORT

November 2016


SURVEY CAMP REPORT

November 2016


SURVEY CAMP REPORT

November 2016

Mammal Survey Group of Victoria (2016): 1-8

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SURVEY NEAR POMONAL, THE GRAMPIANSCHRISTOPHER WILSON1, PETER FORWARD, MARY AND DUNCAN FROST,

EDWIN AND ANNE HOWELL, JOHN AND JOCELYN KING,NEIL MACUMBER, JEANETTE SPAN, KATHERINE ZONNEVYLLE

Christopher Wilson, Mammal Survey Group of Victoria Inc., [email protected]

The Mammal Survey Group of Victoria (MSGV) was invited to undertake a survey ofa property located on Long Gully Rd to the south of Pomonal and very close to theeastern side of the Grampians National Park. Considering the history and impacts ofland clearing and farming practices still clearly evident over much of the property, oneof the more encouraging highlights of this survey was the confirmed presence of theYellow-footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes) and the identification of 4 separatespecies of microbat.

Survey Report

The survey was undertaken over the Cup Day longweekend between 29 Oct and 1 Nov 2016. The groupexperienced varied weather conditions from sun and blueskies to rain and hail over this period. Warm weatherprevailed on Sat and overnight into Sun morning. Muchcooler conditions prevailed thereafter so for animal ethicalconsiderations cage and bat harp trapping was restricted toSat night only. The following observations were made; Satafternoon was warm with light winds (Max. 25oC). Fineand mild overnight (Min. 18oC) with cloud cover into Sun.Cooler overcast conditions with some rain and hail wasobserved for the reminder of the survey (Sun, Mon andTues). The maximum and minimum temperatures for thesurvey were daytime 25oC (Sat) and overnight 4oC(Sun/Mon) respectively.

Survey site

The 411 acres/167 ha property surveyed is locatedsouth of Pomonal on Long Gully Rd in South WesternVictoria (-37.2643539, 142.6332429) at an altitude ofabout 200 metres (Figure 9). Geologically the property hassandy soils formed from Grampians granite, andsandstone ledges are located one metre below the surface.

The new present owners believe the property was firstcleared in the early 1970's and the last large bushfireoccurred in February 2006. The land has been previouslycropped, and it has been impacted by sheep and cattlegrazing until 2014, though the poor-nutrient sandy soilmade it unproductive farmland. Over half of the propertyhas since regenerated and these bushland areas haverecently been protected by a Trust for Nature covenant.There are not many tree-hollows, but there is potentialscope for placement of nesting-boxes to aid habitatrecovery for native wildlife.

The property’s bushland vegetation can be describedas dry sclerophyll woodland and heathlands dominated byMessmate (Eucalyptus obliqua), Brown Stringybark (E.baxteri), Scent Bark (E. aromaphloia), Rough-barkedManna (E. viminalis), Heath (Silky) Tea-tree(Leptospermum myrsinoides) Prickly Tea-tree (L.juniperinum), Wirilda (Acacia provincialis), Spike Wattle(A. oxycedrus), Hedge Wattle (A. paradoxa), Common

Heath (Epacris impressa), Silver Banksia (Banksiamarginata) and Bushy Needlewood (Hakea sericea). Thecreek line habitat on the north side of the property consistsof River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), YellowBox (E. melliodora), Swamp Gum (E.ovata), CherryBallart (Exocarpos cupressiformis), Late Black Wattle(Acacia mearnsii), Silver Wattle (A. dealbata),Blackwood (A. melanoxylon), Pale Rush (Juncuspallidus), and many small flowering heathland species.

Prior to this survey the mammals observed by theowners over the past two years include Short-beakedEchidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), Eastern GreyKangaroo (Macropus giganteus), Western Grey Kangaroo(M. fuliginosus), Red Necked Wallaby (M. rufogriseus),Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), Common RingtailPossum (Pseudocheirus perigrinus), at least one speciesof bat, and the introduced Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus),Hare (Lepus europaeus), Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Red Deer(Cervus elaphus), Fallow Deer (Dama dama), and Cat(Felis catus). Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) havebeen observed on the neighbouring property. Reptilespreviously seen include Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus),Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis), Red-belliedBlack Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus), Jacky Lizard(Amphibolurus muricatus) and various skink species. Agreat variety of bird species inhabit and/or visit theproperty.

Results

A total of 66 fauna species were recorded during thesurvey period. This consisted of 11 mammals, 54 birds,and one herpes.

15 MSGV or personally-owned motion-sensingcameras were deployed at varying sites within the reservebetween 30 Oct and 1 Nov (Figure 10). All cameras wereplaced and set with bait at a chosen site for one or threenight duration. Two of the 15 cameras captured stillimages or video footage of animals. A total of 29 cameranights (including partial day time recordings) revealed atotal of one mammal and one bird species. This includedthe Yellow-footed Antechinus (A. flavipes) (Figure 1) anda White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis).

Two bat harp traps were set during the survey but onlyfor Sat night as dictated by the weather conditions. A total

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of two harp trap nights captured four bat species includingone Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii) (Figure2), three Southern Forest Bat (Vespadelus regulus) (Figure3), one Large Forest bat (V. darlingtoni), and three LesserLong-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) (Figure 4).

Cage trapping was also undertaken on Sat night only atvaried chosen sites throughout the property (Figure 10). Atotal of 32 cage traps were set with baits for the one nightduration but no animals were captured.

Figure 1. Yellow Footed Antechinus (A. flavipes) to right offrame captured on ScoutGuard camera (Credits: Anne Howelland Kathy Zonnevylle).

Figure 2. Gould’s Wattled Bat (C. gouldii) captured at Bat Trap#2 Site (Credits: Kathy Zonnevylle).

Figure 3. Southern Forest Bat (V. regulus) captured at Bat Trap#2 site (Credits: Kathy Zonnevylle).

Figure 4. Lesser Long-eared Bat (N. geoffroyi) captured at BatTrap #1 site (Credits: Kathy Zonnevylle).

Spotlighting on Sat evening was undertaken between9:00pm and 10:15pm (Figure 12). The route taken wascompleted using two hand-held spotlights. A total of 2.5spot hours revealed three Common Brushtail Possum(Trichosurus vulpecula), 40 Eastern Grey Kangaroo (M.giganteus), two Rabbit (O. cuniculus), two Sambar Deer(Rusa unicolor) and a number of Little Corella (Cacatuasanguine) and/or Long-billed Corella (C. tenuirostris).The total number of mammals seen spotlighting on Satwas 47. This represents a spotting rate of 18.8 mammalsper spot hour.

Spotlighting on Mon evening was undertaken between9:10pm and 10:10pm. This route north of the propertyalong Redman Rd and Mitchell Rd was completed usingtwo hand-held spotlights (Figure 12). A total of two spothours revealed one Common Brushtail Possum (T.vulpecula), two Common Ringtail Possum (P. perigrinus),two Eastern Grey Kangaroo (M. giganteus), a number ofunidentified bats, and one Tawny Frogmouth (Podargusstrigoides). The total of number of identified mammalsseen spotlighting on Mon was five. This represents aspotting rate of 2.5 mammals per spot hour.

Figure 5. Daytime sighting of a Grey Fantail (Rhipiduraalbiscapa) (Credits: Kathy Zonnevylle).


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Figure 6. Daytime sighting of a Rufous Whistler (Pachycephalarufiventris) (Credits: Kathy Zonnevylle).

Figure 7. Eastern Shingleback (Tiliqua rugosa) observed on Sun(Credits: Chris Wilson).

Figure 8. A visiting Crane Fly at the campsite - identificationunconfirmed (Credits: Chris Wilson).

Incidental mammal sightings during the survey periodincluded a number of Eastern Grey Kangaroo (M.giganteus), Red-necked Wallaby (M. rufogriseus) andRabbit (O. cuniculus). The bird life was particularly diverse(Appendix 1).

Mammals Observed

11 mammal species were recorded during this surveyincluding nine native and two introduced species (Table1). Sadly the number and variety of native mammalsrecorded is very different from that seen over the Pomonalsurrounding district in an earlier study from 1970-71(Seebeck, 1976). Supported by results of other morerecent surveys by the MSGV in the Grampians area, itwould appear that the plight of our native wildlifecontinues to be very real with a long list of district speciespreviously observed in significant numbers havingvirtually or completely disappeared. In respect to mammalpopulations believed to inhabit the southern Pomonaldistrict, these now questionable species include the Long-nosed Potoroo (Potorous tridactylus), Southern BrownBandicoot (Isoodon obesulus), Agile Antechinus (A.agilis), Dusky Antechinus (A. swainsonii), Swamp Rat(Rattus lutreolus), Heath Rat (Pseudomys shortridgei),Smoky Mouse (Pseudomys fumeus), Water Rat(Hydromys chrysogaster), Feather-tailed Glider(Acrobates pygmaeus), and Koala (Phascolarctoscinereus).

Birds Observed

54 bird species were recorded as detailed on the BirdList (Appendix 1).

Other Fauna Species Observed

Other fauna sighted included two Eastern Shingleback(Tiliqua rugosa) (Figure 7).


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Table 1. Summary of mammals recorded at the property (29 Oct – 1 Nov 2016)

List of Mammals Recorded Duringthe Survey

Method Used to find species

Species Code CageTrap

HarpTrap

RemoteCamera

Spotlight IncidentalSighting

Signs

Yellow-footed AntechinusAntechinus flavipes

Z1027 R

Common Brushtail PossumTrichosurus vulpecula

K1113 S

Common Ringtail PossumPsuedocheirus peregrinus

C1129 S

Eastern Grey KangarooMacropus giganteus

S1265 S S

Red-necked WallabyMacropus rufogriseus

K1261 S

Macropod (unidentified) T1805 HGould’s Wattled Bat C1349 TChalinolobus gouldiiSouthern Forest Bat M1378 TVespadelus regulusLarge Forest Bat C1381 TVespadelus darlingtoniLesser Long-eared Bat Z1335 TNyctophilus geoffroyiBats (unidentified) T1810 SSambar DeerRusa unicolor

G1527 S

RabbitOryctolagus cuniculus

M1510 S S

S – SeenH – HeardR – Recorded digitallyT – Trapped


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Figure 9. Location map of the property surveyed (Long Gully Rd, Pomonal, Vic, 3381).

Figure 10. Trapping and remote camera location sites on the property.

Figure 11. Photos of the Bat Trap #1 site on the west side of the property, and the remote cameras site on the southern side of theproperty (Credits: Chris Wilson).


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Figure 12. Spotlighting routes taken during the survey.

Figure 13. Vegetation and the campsite on the western side of the property below Mt William Range (Credits: Chris Wilson).

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the property owners John and Jocelyn Kingfor inviting the MSGV to conduct the survey, and forparticipating in the activities over the long weekendperiod.

Mammals were handled under permits issued by theDepartment of Environment, Lands, Water and Planning(DELWP) - Flora and Fauna permit: 10006206, WSIEACApproval 32.14.

References

Seebeck, J.H. 1976. Mammals in the Pomonal area, TheGrampians. Victorian Nat. 93: 138-147

Postscript

Since the survey John has advised, “We were walking theother day up where you camped and saw a large yellow-footed antechinus scurrying around in broad daylight,along and under logs and up and down trunks, not muchconcerned by our presence.” (John King 2017, pers.comm., 24 Feb)


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Acknowledgements



References


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Acknowledgements



References


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Date: 29 Oct - 1 Nov 2016Bird List

Name Code S/H Name Code S/H Name Code S/H Name Code S/HAlbatross , Black Browed A088 Falcon , Grey Q236 Magpie , Australian S705 S Sandpiper , Curlew K161Albatross , Shy Z091 Falcon , Peregrine S237 Magpie-Lark , Australian W415 Sandpiper , Marsh W159Albatross , Wandering U086 Falcon , Australian Hobby Z235 Maillard Y948 Sandpiper , Pectoral U978Albatross , Yellow-nosed C089 Fantail , Grey C361 S Malleefowl Z007 Sandpiper , Sharp-tailed Z163Apostlebird Z675 Fantail , Rufous E362 Martin , Fairy A360 Sandpiper , Terek Y160Avocet , Red-necked Q148 Finch , Zebra C653 Martin , Tree Z359 Sandpiper , Wood M154Babler , Chestnut-crowned M446 Firetail , Beautiful U650 Miner , Bell S633 Scrub-Robin , Southern C441Babler , Grey-crowned G443 Firetail , Diamond U652 Miner , Black eared Z967 Scrub-wren , Large billed E494Babler , White -browed K445 S Firetail , Red browed E662 S Miner , Noisy U634 Scrub-wren , White browed Y488 SBee-eater , Rainbow C329 Flycatcher , Leaden K365 Miner , Yellow throated W635 Sea-Eagle , White bellied M226Bellbird , crested G419 Flycatcher , Restless S369 Mistletoebird A564 Shag , black faced E098Bittern , Australasian K197 Flycatcher , Satin M366 Monarch , Black faced K373 Shearwater , Flesh-footed Y072Bittern , Little G195 Friarbird , Little E646 Moorhen , Dusky Y056 Shearwater , Fluttering Q068Black cockatoo , Glossy C265 Friarbird , Noisy C645 Myna , Common E998 Shearwater , Hutton's K913Black cockatoo , Red-tailed A264 Frogmouth , Tawny K313 S Native-hen , Black-tailed G055 Shearwater , Short-tailed G071Black cockatoo , Yellow tailed G267 S Galah C273 S Needletail , White throated U334 Shearwater , Sooty E070Black Bird , common Z991 S Gannet , Australian Q104 Nightjar , Spotted Z331 Shelduck , Australian G207Blue bonnet S297 Gerygone , Brown M454 Nightjar , White throated M330 Shoveler , Australasian A212Boobook , Southern M242 H Gerygone , Western Z463 Oriole , Olive-backed G671 Shrike-thrush , Grey A408 SBowerbird , Satin W679 Gerygone , white throated K453 Osprey K241 Shrike-tit , Crested A416Bristlebird , Eastern Z519 Giant Petrel , Northern C937 Owl , Barking U246 Silvereye E574Bristlebird , Rufous* C521 Giant Petrel , Southern C929 Owl , Barn C249 Sitella , Varied C549 SBrolga C177 Godwit , Bar tailed K153 Owl , Masked M250 Skua , Great Y980Bronze cuckoo , Horsefiled's U342 Godwit , black tailed Y152 Owl , Powerful A248 Skylark , Common S993Bronze cuckoo , Shining A344 Goldfinch , European A996 S Owl , Sooty S253 Snipe . Lathams's A168Bronzewing , Brush W035 Goose , Cape barren M198 Snipe , Painted M170Bronzewing , Common U034 H/S Goshawk , Brown C221 Owlet-nightjar , Australian S317 S Songlark , Brown Y508Budgerigar E310 Goshawk , Grey(White) A220 Oystercatcher , Pied U130 Songlark , Rufous K509Bushlark , Singing Y848 Grassbird , Little E222 Oystercatcher , Sooty W131 Sparrow , Eurasian tree U994Bustard , Australian A176 Grasswren , Striated C513 Pardalote , Spotted C565 S Sparrow , House W995Butcherbird , Grey M702 S Grebe , Australian C061 Pardalote , Striated Q976 S Sparrowhawk , Collared E222Butcherbird , Pied Y700 Grebe , Great crested A060 Pardalote , Yellow-rumped E566 Spinebill , Eastern G591Button-quail , Little U018 Grebe , Hoary headed E062 Parrot , Australian king C281 Spoonbill , Royal S181Button-quail , Painted M014 Green Finch , European C997 Parrot , Blue Bonnet S297 Spoonbill , Yellow-billed U182Button-quail , Red chested W019 Greenshank U158 Parrot , Blue winged M306 S Starling , Common G999 SCalamanthus Q500 Gull , Kelp K981 Parrot , Elegant Z307 Stilt , Banded Z147Chat , Crimson S449 Gull , Pacific E126 Parrot , Ground G311 Stilt , Black-winged M146Chat , Orange E450 Gull , Silver C125 Parrot , Malle ringneck M291 Stint , Long-toed K965Chat , White fronted Q448 S Hardhead G215 Parrot , Mulga Q296 Stint , Red-necked M162Chough , White winged S693 S Harrier , Marsh Z219 Parrot , Orange bellied K305 Storm-petrel , Grey-backed Y064Cicada bird K429 Harrier, Spotted M218 Parrot , Red-rumped Z295 Storm-petrel , White-faced K065Clasticola , Golden headed K525 Heron , Pacific K189 Parrot , Regent M278 Storm-petrel , Wilson's G063Cockatiel E274 Heron , Rufous night A192 Parrot , Superb K277 Swallow , Welcome K357 SCockatoo , Gang-Gang Y268 Heron , Striated C193 Parrot , Swift S309 Swallow , white-backed M358Cockatoo , Pink U270 Heron , White faced Y188 Parrot , Torquoise E302 Swamphen , Purple M058Cockatoo , Sulphur crested K269 S Hobby , Australian Z235 Pelican , Australian U106 Swan , Black W203Coot , Eurasian Z059 Honeyeater , Black S589 Penguin , Little K005 Swift , Fork-tailed W335Corella , Little W271 S Honeyeater, Black Chinned A580 Petrel , Blue K081 Tattler , Grey-tailed Z155Corella , Long billed A272 S Honeyeater, Blue faced S641 Petrel , Cape Y080 Teal, Chestnut U210Cormorant , Great A096 Honeyeater, Brownheaded G583 Petrel , Great-winged Z075 Teal , Grey W211Cormorant , Little black C097 Honeyeater, Crescent M630 Petrel , white headed S077 Tern , Arctic A952Cormorant , Little pied Y100 Honeyeater, Fuscous K613 Pharlarope , Red-necked Q932 Tern , Caspian Q112Cormorant , Pied G099 Honeyeater, Grey fronted Z623 Pigeon , Crested W043 Tern , Common C953Crake , Australian K049 Honeyeater, Lewin's K605 Pigeon , Feral K957 Tern , Crested W115Crake , Baillon's U050 Honeyeater, New holland Z631 S Pigeon , Wonga A044 Tern , Fairy E118Crake , Spotless W051 Honeyeater, Painted U598 Pilotbird E506 Tern , Gull-billed Z111Crow , Little Z691 Honeyeater, Pied E602 Pipit , Richard's G647 S Tern , Little C117Cuckoo , Black eared S341 Honeyeater, Purple gaped Y620 Plains-wanderer Y020 Tern , Whiskered M110Cuckoo , Brush G339 Honeyeater, Regent G603 Plover , black-fronted Y144 Tern , White-fronted U114Cuckoo , Fantailed E338 H Honeyeater, Scarlett M586 Plover , Double-banded A140 Tern , White-winged C109Cuckoo , Pallid C337 Honeyeater, Singing Q608 Plover , Grey Y136 Thick-knee , Bush U174Cuckoo Shrike , Black faced A424 S Honeyeater, Spiny cheeked Q640 Plover , Hooded M138 Thornbill , Brown W475 SCuckoo Shrike , Ground W423 Honeyeater, Striped K585 Plover , Large sand C141 Thornbill , Buff-rumped A484Cuckoo Shrike , White bellied C425 Honeyeater, Tawny crowned K593 Plover , Lesser golden K137 Thornbill , Chestnut-rumped S481Curlew , Eastern S149 Honeyeater, White eared S617 S Plover , Mongolian Z139 Thornbill , Inland A476Currawong , Grey C697 S Honeyeater, White fronted M594 Plover , Oriental E142 Thornbill , Slender-billed U482Currawong , Pied U694 H Honeyeater, White naped M578 S Plover , Red-capped G143 Thornbill , Striated M470Darter K101 Honeyeater, White Plumed S625 Pratincole , Australian S173 Thornbill , Yellow Z471Diving Petrel , Common S085 Honeyeater, Yellow faced M614 S Prion , Antartic Q084 Thornbill , Yellow-rumped E486 SDollarbird U318 Honeyeater, Yellow plumed M622 Prion , Fairy Z083 Thrush , Song Q992Dotterel , Inland K145 Honeyeater, Yellow tufted W619 Prion , Lesser broad-billed S941 Thrush , White's Z447Dotterel , Redkneed A132 Hylacola , Chestnut rumped M498 Prion , Slender billed U942 Treecreeper , Brown W555Dove , Diamond Z031 Hyacola , Shy Z499 Quail , Brown E010 Treecreeper , Red-browed Q560Dove , Peaceful M030 Ibis , Glossy E178 Quail , King Y012 Treecreeper , White-browed S561Duck , Blue billed Y216 Ibis , Sacred G179 Quail , Stubble S009 Treecreeper , White-throated E558 HDuck , Freckled E214 Ibis , Straw necked Q180 Quail-Thrush , Chestnut K437 Triller , White-winged U430Duck , Hardhead G215 Jaeger , Arctic Y128 Quail-Thrush , Spotted Y436 Turnstone , Ruddy K129Duck , Maned U202 S Jaeger , Pomarine C945 Rail , Buff-banded E046 Turtle-Dove , Spotted C989Duck , Musk K217 Jacky - Winter S377 Rail , Lewin's C045 Wagtail , Willie Y364 SDuck , Pacific black Y205 S Kestrel , Australian Y240 S Raven , Australian M930 Warbler , Clamorous-reed Y524Duck , Plumed Whistling C205 King Parrot , Australian C281 Raven , Forest Y868 Warbler , Speckled A504Duck , Pink eared C213 Kingfisher , Azure W319 Raven , Little E954 Wattlebird , Little C637 SEagle , Little K225 Kingfisher , Redbacked S325 Redthroat K497 Wattlebird , Red E638 SEagle , Wedge tailed Y224 S Kingfisher , Sacred U326 Ringneck , Mallee G291 Weebill S465Egret , Cattle S977 Kite , Black S229 Robin , Eastern Yellow Q392 S Whimbrel E150Egret , Eastern reef W191 Kite , Black shouldered Y232 Robin , Flame M382 Whipbird , Eastern S421Egret , Great G187 Kite , Square tailed E230 Robin , Hooded S385 Whistler , Gilbert's Z403Egret , Intermediate E186 Kite , Whistling Q228 Robin , Pink Z383 Whistler , Golden E398Egret , Little C185 Knot , Great S165 Robin , Red-capped K381 Whistler , Olive S405Emu C001 S Knot , Red Q164 Robin , Rose Q384 Whistler , Red-lored M402Emu-wren , Rufous crowned Q528 Kookaburra , Laughing M322 S/H Robin , Scarlett Y380 S Whistler , Rufous K401 SEmu-wren , Southern M526 Lapwing , Banded G135 Rosella , Crimson E282 S Whistling-duck , Plumed C205Fairy-wren , Splendid Y532 Lapwing , Masked C133 Rosella , Eastern Q288 Whiteface , Southern U466 SFairy-wren , Superb S529 S Lorikeet , Little Q260 Rosella , Yellow T284 Woodswallow , Black-faced U546Fairy-wren , Variegated Q536 Lorikeet , Musk E258 Ruff U934 Woodswallow , Dusky W547 SFairy-wren , White winged Z535 Lorikeet , Purple crowned G259 Sanderling U166 Woodswallow , Masked Q544Falcon , black U238 Lorikeet , Rainbow U254 Sandpiper , Broad-billed W167 Woodswallow , White-breasted Z543Falcon , Brown W239 Lyrebird , Superb U350 Sandpiper , Common S157 Woodswallow , White-browed S545

King's Property, Long Gully Rd, PomonalMammal Survey Group of Victoria Inc.

S/H/F-> (Seen/Heard/ Footage): 54 species

Office use only:

DSE

Documents

MAMMAL SURVEY GROUP OF VICTORIA INC. SURVEY CAMP …€¦ · SURVEY CAMP REPORT November 2016. Mammal Survey Group of Victoria (2016): 1-8 2 SURVEY NEAR POMONAL, THE GRAMPIANS CHRISTOPHER