Planning phase is complete
The planning phase has been completed for this 2,500-hectare feral predator-free area south-west of Macksville, including:
- an amended plan of management
- a completed review of environmental factors and published decision statement
- the completion of extensive baseline ecological surveys.
Baseline ecological surveys established
Over the past 18 months, baseline surveys conducted at 22 monitoring sites have captured information about:
- plant species
- underground (or hypogenous) fungi known as 'false truffles'
- small mammals.
Each monitoring site measures these biodiversity indicators or 'bioindicators' using a standard set of tools and methods such as:
- traps – Elliot traps, pitfall traps, artificial reptile refugia
- cameras – ground and arboreal cameras
- plots – for recording plants, fungi and 'bioturbation'.
Bioturbation is a term that describes the visible tracks and traces of animals or plants reworking (e.g., burrowing, ingesting or defecating) soils and sediments.
New findings
The baseline surveys found 2 small mammals not previously been recorded in the reserve:
- long-nosed potoroo
- eastern chestnut mouse.
