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Flora & Fauna of The Murray–Darling Basin Murray–Darling Basin Authority GPO Box 1801 Canberra City ACT 2601 Tel 02 6279 0100 Fax 02 6248 8053 www.mdba.gov.au THE BASIN The Murray–Darling Basin covers 1 058 800 square kilometres or approximately one-seventh (14%) of the total area of Australia (7 692 024 km 2 ). It contains over 40% of all Australian farms which produce wool, cotton, wheat, sheep, cattle, dairy produce, rice, oil-seed, wine, fruit and vegetables for both domestic and overseas markets. Three quarters of Australia’s irrigated crops and pastures are grown in the basin. The Murray–Darling Basin is more than a ‘food basket’. It has an important place in the cultural heritage of all Australians and includes many significant natural heritage features. The national capital, Canberra, is located in the basin along with many of Australia’s major inland urban centres including Toowoomba, Bendigo, Albury- Wodonga, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Queanbeyan and Shepparton. Over 2 million people live in the basin. Note: The towns, roads and features on this map are provided as points of reference only. I&D 12494 Mountain Pygmy-possum Burramys parvus The only Australian marsupial restricted to alpine regions. It occurs in small areas above the snowline on Mt Kosciuszko, Mt Bogong and Mt Hotham. Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azurea At home in the red gum forests along the Murray and its Victorian tributaries. It is frequently sighted on low overhanging branches, scanning the water for small fish, frogs and insects. Barking Owl Ninox connivens Occurs throughout the Murray–Darling Basin, but is not common. Pairs maintain specific territories and prey on birds, small mammals, and insects. Illustrations: Marjorie Crosby-Fairall Swamp Yabby Cherax destructor In 1991, a number of unusual yabbies with broad spanner- like claws were caught in the Barmah-Millewa forests near Echuca. Recent genetic tests have revealed them to be a new species. Australian Pelican Pelicanus conspicillatus One of Australia's best-known and easily recognised birds. Grows to a length of 190cm and has a wingspan of 250cm. They are found in all parts of Australia. Nardoo Marsilea drummondii A type of fern that grows in shallow ephemeral wetlands mainly in the north-western part of the Basin. The brown spore capsules were collected by Aboriginal people in the past to be ground and made into damper. Pilliga Mouse Pseudomys pilligaensis An elusive native mouse first identified in 1975 in the Pilliga forests of northern New South Wales. Southern Bell Frog Litoria raniformis Occurs around wetlands, farm dams and reservoirs in the southern part of the Basin. Its tadpoles are very large, growing to 10 centimetres. Along with frogs throughout the world, there has been a recent decline in the population of this species. Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii Australia's largest freshwater fish found through-out the Murray–Darling river system. Adults can live up to 50-60 years. Formerly widespread, their numbers have declined since the 1950s. Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis Membranes extending from the fifth finger to the ankle enable this marsupial to glide from tree to tree. Squirrel Gliders are mainly found in the forests on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Gippsland Water Dragon Physignathus lesuerii howittii Confined to eastern Victoria and far south-eastern New South Wales. Male adults become brightly coloured during the summer breeding season. The basin’s most valuable resource is water. The water in the Murray–Darling river system comes from a very small percentage of the basin area; mainly along the southern and eastern rim. Almost 86% of the vast ‘catchment’ area contributes very little or no regular run-off water to rivers. The rivers have very low gradients over most of their lengths, which cause them to flow slowly as they meander across the vast inland plains. Bogong Moth Agrotis infusa Each year, millions of moths migrate from the black soil plains of north- western NSW and southern Queensland to aestivate (‘hibernate’ in summer) in the Australian Alps. In the past, Aboriginal people congregated in the mountains in summer to feast on the protein-rich moths. Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus samueli These magnificent birds are found along the floodplain of the Darling-Barwon river, and the lower reaches of its tributaries, from Menindee to Queensland. Quandong Santalum acuminatum A favourite native fruit from the semi-arid parts of the Basin that can be eaten fresh, stewed or dried. Turquoise Parrot Neophema pulchella Frequently inhabits remnant vegetation adjoining farmland. It spends most of the day foraging on the ground for grass seed. A huge decline in the population occurred between 1900 and 1920 but it has slowly recovered. Red Belly Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus Easily recognised because of its glossy, jet-black and red colours.Quite common throughout the tablelands and foothills of New South Wales and the ACT. They prey mainly on frogs so are often seen along rivers, swamps and farm dams. Superb Fairywren Malurus cyaneus A familiar bird in gardens in the southern and eastern parts of the Basin. Adult males have blue plumage and females and immature males are brown. Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus This parrot is found in the south-west of Western Australia and in a small area in the south-west of the Murray–Darling Basin. The Basin population is centred on the River Murray around the South Australian border. The preservation of habitat in the region is essential for its survival. Tiger Orchid Cymbidium canaliculatum Grows on eucalyptus and cypress pine trees, often along creeks and sandy areas, in the northern part of the Basin. Displays of fragrant flowers are produced in October and November. Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua Known as Yellowbelly in New South Wales and Queensland and Callop in South Australia, the Golden Perch is the most popular native angling fish in the Murray– Darling Basin. It is a highly migratory fish whose movement has been restricted by weirs and other barriers. The mouth of the Murray River. © Michael Bell Corroboree Frog Pseudophryne corroboree This tiny, spectacular frog is found in sphagnum moss bogs in the Australian Alps. Populations appear to be declining in some areas. Platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus Commonly lives in the rivers, streams and lakes of eastern Australia and is most active at dawn and dusk. Males have poisonous spurs on the inside of each ankle of the hind feet. Darling Lily Crinum flaccidum Flowers in the late summer on floodways in the drier western plains of the Basin. It is sometimes known as the Murray Lily, the Macquarie Crinum or the Paroo Lily. Sunrise on the Paroo River, Queensland. © Andrew Tatnell Darling River and Murray River junction, Wentworth NSW© Peter Solness Pristine water flowing from the Snowy Mountains, NSW. © John Baker Proof03 622 x 990mm 6.8.09

Proof03 622 x 990mm 6.8.09 Flora & Fauna · Flora & Fauna of The Murray–Darling Basin Murray–Darling Basin Authority GPO Box 1801 Canberra City ACT 2601 Tel 02 6279 0100 Fax 02

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Page 1: Proof03 622 x 990mm 6.8.09 Flora & Fauna · Flora & Fauna of The Murray–Darling Basin Murray–Darling Basin Authority GPO Box 1801 Canberra City ACT 2601 Tel 02 6279 0100 Fax 02

Flora & Fauna of The Murray–Darling Basin

Murray–Darling Basin Authority

GPO Box 1801 Canberra City ACT 2601

Tel 02 6279 0100 Fax 02 6248 8053

www.mdba.gov.au

THE BASINThe Murray–Darling Basin covers 1 058 800 square kilometres or approximately one-seventh (14%) of the total area of Australia (7 692 024 km2).

It contains over 40% of all Australian farms which produce wool, cotton, wheat, sheep, cattle, dairy produce, rice, oil-seed, wine, fruit and vegetables for both domestic and overseas markets. Three quarters of Australia’s irrigated crops and pastures are grown in the basin.

The Murray–Darling Basin is more than a ‘food basket’. It has an important place in the cultural heritage of all Australians and includes many significant natural heritage features.

The national capital, Canberra, is located in the basin along with many of Australia’s major inland urban centres including Toowoomba, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Wagga Wagga, Queanbeyan and Shepparton. Over 2 million people live in the basin.

Note: The towns, roads and features on this map are provided as points of reference only.

I&D

124

94

Mountain Pygmy-possumBurramys parvus

The only Australian marsupialrestricted to alpine regions.It occurs in small areas abovethe snowline on Mt Kosciuszko,Mt Bogong and Mt Hotham.

Azure KingfisherCeyx azurea

At home in the red gum forestsalong the Murray and its Victorian tributaries. It is frequently sighted on low overhanging branches, scanning the water for small fish, frogs and insects.

Barking OwlNinox connivens

Occurs throughout the Murray–Darling Basin, but is not common. Pairs maintain specific territories and prey on birds, small mammals, and insects.

Illustrations: Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

Swamp YabbyCherax destructor

In 1991, a number of unusual yabbies with broad spanner-like claws were caught in the Barmah-Millewa forests near Echuca. Recent genetic tests have revealed them to be a new species.

Australian PelicanPelicanus conspicillatus

One of Australia's best-known and easily recognised birds. Grows to a length of 190cm and has a wingspan of 250cm. They are found in all parts of Australia.

NardooMarsilea drummondii

A type of fern that grows in shallow ephemeral wetlands mainly in the north-western part of the Basin. The brown spore capsules were collected by Aboriginal people in the past to be ground and made into damper.

Pilliga MousePseudomys pilligaensis

An elusive native mouse first identified in 1975 in the Pilliga forests of northern New South Wales.

Southern Bell FrogLitoria raniformis

Occurs around wetlands, farm dams and reservoirs in the southern part of the Basin. Its tadpoles are very large, growing to 10 centimetres. Along with frogs throughout the world, there has been a recent decline in the population of this species.

Murray CodMaccullochella peelii peelii

Australia's largest freshwater fish found through-out the Murray–Darling river system. Adults can live up to 50-60 years. Formerly widespread, their numbers have declined since the 1950s.

Squirrel GliderPetaurus norfolcensis

Membranes extending from the fifth finger to the ankle enable this marsupial to glide from tree to tree. Squirrel Gliders are mainly found in the forests on the inland slopes of the Great Dividing Range.

Gippsland Water DragonPhysignathus lesuerii howittii

Confined to eastern Victoria and far south-eastern New South Wales. Male adults become brightly coloured during the summer breeding season.

The basin’s most valuable resource is water. The water in the Murray–Darling river system comes from a very small percentage of the basin area; mainly along the southern and eastern rim. Almost 86% of the vast ‘catchment’ area contributes very little or no regular run-off water to rivers.

The rivers have very low gradients over most of their lengths, which cause them to flow slowly as they meander across the vast inland plains.

Bogong MothAgrotis infusa

Each year, millions of moths migrate from the black soil plains of north-western NSW and southern Queensland to aestivate (‘hibernate’ in summer) in the Australian Alps. In the past, Aboriginal people congregated in the mountains in summer to feast on the protein-rich moths.

Red-tailed Black CockatooCalyptorhynchus magnificus samueli

These magnificent birds are found along the floodplain of the Darling-Barwon river, and the lower reaches of its tributaries, from Menindee to Queensland.

QuandongSantalum acuminatum

A favourite native fruit from the semi-arid parts of the Basin that can be eaten fresh, stewed or dried.

Turquoise ParrotNeophema pulchella

Frequently inhabits remnant vegetation adjoining farmland. It spends most of the day foraging on the ground for grass seed. A huge decline in the population occurred between 1900 and 1920 but it has slowly recovered.

Red Belly Black SnakePseudechis porphyriacus

Easily recognised because of its glossy, jet-black and red colours.Quite common throughout the tablelands and foothills of New South Wales and the ACT. They prey mainly on frogs so are often seen along rivers, swamps and farm dams.

Superb FairywrenMalurus cyaneus

A familiar bird in gardens in the southern and eastern parts of the Basin. Adult males have blue plumage and females and immature males are brown.

Regent ParrotPolytelis anthopeplus

This parrot is found in the south-west of Western Australia and in a small area in the south-west of the Murray–Darling Basin. The Basin population is centred on the River Murray around the South Australian border. The preservation of habitat in the region is essential for its survival.

Tiger OrchidCymbidium canaliculatum

Grows on eucalyptus and cypress pine trees, often along creeks and sandy areas, in the northern part of the Basin. Displays of fragrant flowers are produced in October and November.

Golden PerchMacquaria ambigua

Known as Yellowbelly in New South Wales and Queensland and Callop in South Australia, the Golden Perch is the most popular native angling fish in the Murray–Darling Basin. It is a highly migratory fish whose movement has been restricted by weirs and other barriers.

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Corroboree FrogPseudophryne corroboree

This tiny, spectacular frog is found in sphagnum moss bogs in the Australian Alps. Populations appear to be declining in some areas.

PlatypusOrnithorhynchus anatinus

Commonly lives in the rivers, streams and lakes of eastern Australia and is most active at dawn and dusk. Males have poisonous spurs on the inside of each ankle of the hind feet.

Darling LilyCrinum flaccidum

Flowers in the late summer on floodways in the drier western plains of the Basin. It is sometimes known as the Murray Lily, the Macquarie Crinum or the Paroo Lily.

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Proof03 622 x 990mm 6.8.09