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Taunton National Park: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 23°32′0″S 149°13′17″E / 23.53333°S 149.22139°E / -23.53333; 149.22139
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==Region description==
==Region description==
[[File:IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North.png|thumb|IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North]]
[[File:IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North.png|thumb|IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North]]
Cracking clay soils are dominant in the northern region of the park, while texture-contrast soils dominate the western region.<ref name=DERM /><ref name=WWF>{{cite book|last=World Wildlife Fund (Lead Author) & McGinley, M. (EOE Topic Ed.)|title=''Brigalow tropical savanna''|publisher=Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment|location=Washington, D. C.|url=http://www.eoearth.org/article/Brigalow_tropical_savanna#gen0|editor=Encyclopedia of Earth (C. J. Cleveland, Encyclopedia of Earth Ed.)|accessdate=11 April, 2013|date=7 March, 2007, Revised 1 July, 2012}}</ref>
Cracking clay soils and [[brigalow]] vegetation species are dominant in the northern region of the park, while texture-contrast soils in combination with [[Eucalypt]] communities dominate the western region.<ref name=DERM/>
The parks topography is reasonably even with a gradual slope from the north and western ends of the park towards the eastern and southern margins.<ref name=DERM />
The park is based in the tropical savannah of the Brigalow Belt, and the topography is reasonably even with a gradual sloping from the northern and western margins towards the eastern and southern.<ref name=DERM /><ref name=WWF /> The regions climate is described as subtropical and semi-arid, with a mean annual rainfall of 711 mm, half of which is concentrated over the Summer months; from December to February.<ref name=Fairywren>{{cite journal|authors=Chan, K., & Augusteyn, J. D.|title=Relationship between bird-unit size and territory quality in three species of fairy-wrens (''Malarus'' spp.) with overlapping territories.|journal=Ecological Research|year=2003|volume=18|issue=1|pages=73-80|doi=10.1046/j.1440-1703.2003.00534.x}}</ref><ref name=VegeStructure>{{cite journal|authors=Fisher, D. O.|title=Effects of vegetation structure, food and shelter on the home range and habitat use of an endangered wallaby.|journal=Journal of Applied Ecology|year=2000|volume=37|issue=4|pages=660-671|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2664.2000.00518.x}}</ref> The distribution of rainfall over such a condensed period leaves the area prone to droughts; exposing the park to an average of one sustained drought event every decade.<ref name=Drought>{{cite journal|authors=Fisher, D. O., Blomberg, S. P., & Hoyle, S. D.|title=Mechanisms of drought-induced population decline in an endangered wallaby.|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2001|volume=102|issue=1|pages=107-115|doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(00)00200-7}}</ref> <ref name=VegeStructure /> The most recent drought of significance occurred between 1991 and 1995 with detrimental impacts on the bridled nailtail wallaby population.<ref name=Drought />
The regions climate is described as subtropical and semi-arid, with a mean annual rainfall of 711 mm, half of which is concentrated over the Summer months; from December to February.<ref name=Fairywren>{{cite journal|authors=Chan, K., & Augusteyn, J. D.|title=Relationship between bird-unit size and territory quality in three species of fairy-wrens (''Malarus'' spp.) with overlapping territories.|journal=Ecological Research|year=2003|volume=18|issue=1|pages=73-80|doi=10.1046/j.1440-1703.2003.00534.x}}</ref><ref name=VegeStructure>{{cite journal|authors=Fisher, D. O.|title=Effects of vegetation structure, food and shelter on the home range and habitat use of an endangered wallaby.|journal=Journal of Applied Ecology|year=2000|volume=37|issue=4|pages=660-671|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2664.2000.00518.x}}</ref>
The distribution of rainfall over such a condensed period leaves the area prone to droughts; exposing the park to an average of one sustained drought event every decade.<ref name=Drought>{{cite journal|authors=Fisher, D. O., Blomberg, S. P., & Hoyle, S. D.|title=Mechanisms of drought-induced population decline in an endangered wallaby.|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2001|volume=102|issue=1|pages=107-115|doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(00)00200-7}}</ref> <ref name=VegeStructure />
The most recent drought of significance occurred between 1991 and 1995 with detrimental impacts on the bridled nailtail wallaby population.<ref name=Drought />


A combination of open, grassy Eucalypt woodlands, transitional zones and regrowing Acacia shrub-lands and forests comprise Taunton National Parks main vegetation zones.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /> The most common vegetation associations within the park and surrounding areas, tend to be dominated by either Brigalow (''[[Acacia harpophylla]]'') or poplar box (''[[Eucalyptus populnea]]'') species, which commonly occur along with other ''Acacia'' and ''Ecualyptus'' spp.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=Bowerdecs /><ref name=Demography>{{cite journal|authors= Pople, A., Lowry, J., Lundie-Jenkins, G., Clancy, T. F., McCallum, H. I., Sigg, D., Hoolihan, D. & Hamilton, S.|title=Demography of bridled nailtail wallabies translocated to the edge of their former range from captive and wild stock|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2001|volume=102|issue=3|page=285-299|doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(01)00101-X}}</ref> Water-bodies present within the park boundaries consist of 15 dams and a small number of creeks.<ref name=Bowerdecs>{{cite journal|last=Madden|first=J. R|title=Bower decorations are good predictors of mating success in the spotted bowerbird|journal=Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology|year=2003|volume=53|pages=269-277|doi=10.1007/s00265-003-0583-6}}</ref>
As is typical of the tropical savannah in the Northern Brigalow Belt, a combination of open, grassy Eucalypt woodlands, transitional zones and regrowing Acacia shrub-lands and forests comprise Taunton National Parks main vegetation zones.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=WWF>{{cite book|last=World Wildlife Fund (Lead Author) & McGinley, M. (EOE Topic Ed.)|title=''Brigalow tropical savanna''|publisher=Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment|location=Washington, D. C.|url=http://www.eoearth.org/article/Brigalow_tropical_savanna#gen0|editor=Encyclopedia of Earth (C. J. Cleveland, Encyclopedia of Earth Ed.)|accessdate=11 April, 2013|date=7 March, 2007, Revised 1 July, 2012}}</ref>
The most common vegetation associations within the park and surrounding areas, tend to be dominated by either Brigalow (''[[Acacia harpophylla]]'') or poplar box (''[[Eucalyptus populnea]]'') species, which commonly occur along with other ''Acacia'' and ''Ecualyptus spp''.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=Bowerdecs /><ref name=Demography>{{cite journal|authors= Pople, A., Lowry, J., Lundie-Jenkins, G., Clancy, T. F., McCallum, H. I., Sigg, D., Hoolihan, D. & Hamilton, S.|title=Demography of bridled nailtail wallabies translocated to the edge of their former range from captive and wild stock|journal=Biological Conservation|year=2001|volume=102|issue=3|page=285-299|doi=10.1016/S0006-3207(01)00101-X}}</ref>
Water-bodies present within the park boundaries consist of 15 dams and a small number of creeks.<ref name=Bowerdecs>{{cite journal|last=Madden|first=J. R|title=Bower decorations are good predictors of mating success in the spotted bowerbird|journal=Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology|year=2003|volume=53|pages=269-277|doi=10.1007/s00265-003-0583-6}}</ref>
[[File:Brigalow tree.jpg|thumbnail|Brigalow Tree - ''A. harpophylla''|left]]
[[File:Brigalow tree.jpg|thumbnail|Brigalow Tree - ''A. harpophylla''|left]]
[[File:Eucalyptus populnea tree.jpg|thumbnail|Poplar Box - ''Eucalyptus populnea''|left]]
[[File:Eucalyptus populnea tree.jpg|thumbnail|Poplar Box - ''Eucalyptus populnea''|left]]
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==Biology and ecology==
==Biology and ecology==
The park occurs in the Northern Brigalow 'Tropical Savannah' Ecoregion, which is so named for the predominant flora of the region; Brigalow ''Acacia harpophylla''.<ref name=WWF /> Vegetation clearance throughout this region and in fact the whole Brigalow Belt, has resulted in an extensive loss of biodiversity and overall ecosystem degradation.<ref name=Biodiversity>{{cite journal|authors=McAlpine, C. A., Fensham, R. J., & Temple-Smith, D. E.|title=Biodiversity conservation and vegetation clearing in Queensland: principles and thresholds.|journal=The Rangeland Journal|year=2002|volume=24|issue=1|pages=36-55|doi=10.1071/RJ02002}}</ref> Despite considerable regional agricultural and pastoral development, a large proportion of the park's vegetation remained intact or was exposed to minimal disturbance prior to the reserve being established.<ref name=Diet2 /> Up to around 1975, only 17% of vegetation within the park had been cleared, resulting in the the park providing an important representation of ecosystems and vegetation communities that were regionally prevalent, with many of these communities now restricted to bush fragments and reserves.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=WWF /><ref name=DERM />
The park occurs in the Northern Brigalow 'Tropical Savannah' Ecoregion, which is so named for the predominant flora of the region; 'brigalow' or ''Acacia harpophylla''.<ref name=WWF /> Vegetation clearance throughout this region and in fact the whole Brigalow Belt, has resulted in an extensive loss of biodiversity and overall ecosystem degradation.<ref name=Biodiversity>{{cite journal|authors=McAlpine, C. A., Fensham, R. J., & Temple-Smith, D. E.|title=Biodiversity conservation and vegetation clearing in Queensland: principles and thresholds.|journal=The Rangeland Journal|year=2002|volume=24|issue=1|pages=36-55|doi=10.1071/RJ02002}}</ref> Despite considerable regional agricultural and pastoral development, a large proportion of the park's vegetation remained intact or was exposed to minimal disturbance prior to the reserve being established.<ref name=Diet2 /> By approximately 1975, only 17% of vegetation within the park had been cleared, resulting in the the park providing an important representation of ecosystems and vegetation communities that were regionally prevalent, with many of these communities now restricted to bush fragments and reserves.
<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=WWF /><ref name=DERM />


The region that the park is located in has been classified as having the highest rate of annual clearance in comparison with other subregions within Queensland.<ref name=Extent>{{cite journal|authors=Wilson, B. A., Neldner, V. J., & Accad, A.|title=The extent and status of remnant vegetation in Queensland and its implications for statewide vegetation and legislation.|journal=The Rangeland Journal|year=2002|volume=24|issue=1|pages=6-35|doi=10.1071/RJ02001}}</ref> This high clearance rate has contributed to a number of Brigalow-typical ecosystems becoming otherwise at risk or endangered, highlighting the significance of the parks contribution to regional biodiversity conservation, with several of these communities being represented within the reserve.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=DERM /> More specifically, ''A. harpophylla'' vegetation associations with belah (''[[Casuarina cristata]]'') or dawson gum (''[[Eucalyptus cambageana]]'') or wilga (''[[Geijera parviflora]]'') and false sandalwood (''[[Eremophila]]'') as open forest/woodland, are classified as endangered.<ref name=DERM /> Brigalow shrubland/forest, in association with yellow wood and false sandalwood, have undergone wide-scale clearing, as previously mentioned, and has also been classified as an endangered.<ref name=DERM /> Communities represented within the park which are considered to be 'of concern' include those poplar box (''E. populnea'') open, grassy woodlands and ''Eucalyptus spp.'' with or without ''Corymbia spp.'' in grass or scrubby woodlands.<ref name=DERM />.<ref name=Extent />
The region that the park is located in has been classified as having the highest rate of annual clearance in comparison with other subregions within Queensland.<ref name=Extent>{{cite journal|authors=Wilson, B. A., Neldner, V. J., & Accad, A.|title=The extent and status of remnant vegetation in Queensland and its implications for statewide vegetation and legislation.|journal=The Rangeland Journal|year=2002|volume=24|issue=1|pages=6-35|doi=10.1071/RJ02001}}</ref> This high clearance rate has contributed to a number of Brigalow-typical ecosystems becoming otherwise at risk or endangered, highlighting the significance of the parks contribution to regional biodiversity conservation, with 12 of the regions ecosystems being represented within the reserve.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /><ref name=DERM /> Endangered open forest or woodland ecosystems in the park include; vegetation associations dominated by ''A. harpophylla'' with either belah (''[[Casuarina cristata]]'') or dawson gum (''[[Eucalyptus cambageana]]''), or in combination with wilga (''[[Geijera parviflora]]'') and false sandalwood (''[[Eremophila mitchellii]]'').<ref name=DERM /> Brigalow shrubland/forest assemblages with yellow-wood (''[[Terminalia oblongata]]'') and false sandalwood, are also endangered, having undergone wide-scale clearing throughout the 1900's.<ref name=DERM /><ref name=Biodiversity /> Ecosystem communities represented within the park which are considered to be 'of concern' include; open and grassy woodlands dominated by poplar box (''E. populnea'') and grassy or scrubby woodlands that are dominated by ''Eucalyptus spp.'' with or without ''Corymbia spp''.<ref name=DERM /><ref name=Extent />


===Flora===
===Flora===
The reserve supports a wide range of flora diversity, with over 190 species recorded there.<ref name=DERM /> Typical brigalow communities which are found in the park include; grassy and shrubby woodlands and open forests, whipstick brigalow, sucker brigalow, and open forests where ''A. harpophylla'' and another species such as yellow-wood, belah or various ''Eucalyptus spp.'' dominate.<ref name=Rediscovery /> Denser acacia forests or 'brigalow scrub', encompass 30% of the parks area with species typical of the endangered Brigalow shrubland/forest ecosystem described above, or can include combinations of ''A. harpophylla'' with dawson gum or poplar box<ref name=wallabydiet1 />. The most dominant vegetation association, covering 39% of the parks area, is the grassy eucalypt dominated woodlands which are dominated by poplar box in combination with; the silver-leaved ironbark (''[[E. melanophloia]]''), the narrow-leaved ironbark, (''[[E. crebra]]''), the long-fruited bloodwood (''[[E. polycarpa]]'') and the grey box (''[[E. moluccana]]'').<ref name=Rediscovery /><ref name=wallabydiet1 /> The transitional zones between the Acacia dominated forests and Eucalpyt dominated woodlands are composed of combinations of characteristics particularly to each ecosystem type, and only comprises 14% of the parks total area.<ref name=wallabydiet1 /> The remaining land was previously cleared and is undergoing natural regeneration, primarily by ''A. harpophylla'.<ref name=wallabydiet1 />


Endangered plant species protected inside the park include the ''[[Solanaceae]] Solanum adenophorum'' and the ''Solanaceae Solanum elachophyllum''.<ref name=DERM /> In addition, another two species have been identified as 'near threatened'; the ''Apocynaceae Cerbera dumicola'' and the ''Poaceae Dichanthium setosum''.<ref name=DERM />


===Fauna===
===Fauna===
⚫
[[File:Merops ornatus -Australia-8.jpg|thumb|Rainbow bee eater, ''Merops ornatus'']]
⚫
[[File:Squatter Pigeons Cement Mills.JPG|thumb|Squatter Pigeons, ''Geophaps scripta scripta'']]
⚫
[[File:Golden Tailed Gecko.jpg|thumb|Golden Tailed Gecko, ''Strophurus taenicauda''|left]]
The protection of Taunton National Park has provided an important refuge and habitat for a wide range of biodiversity including various [[macropod]] species (kangaroos and wallabies etc.) and other mammals, over 70 species of bird and numerous reptiles and snakes.<ref name=DERM /> Notable bird species known to inhabit the reserve include the [[vulnerable]] Southern sub-species of [[squatter pigeon]] (''Geophaps scripta scripta'') and the migratory [rainbow bee-eater]] (''Merops ornatus''), which is protected under various international migratory bird agreements.<ref name=DERM /> Reptile species of significance inhabiting the reserve include the vulnerable [[brigalow scaly-foot]] lizard (''Paradelma orientalis'') and the [[arboreal]] golden-tailed gecko (''Strophurus taenicauda'') (NPRS) which is classified as [[near threatened]].<ref name=DERM /> In addition to the bridled nailtail wallaby, a number of [[macropods]] have a [[distribution range]] which extends through the reserve.<ref name=Parasites>{{cite journal|authors=Turni, C., & Smales, L. R.|title=Parasites of the bridled nailtail wallaby (''Onychogalea fraenata'')(Marsupialia: Macropodidae).|journal=Wildlife Research|year=2001|volume=28|issue=4|pages=403-411|doi=10.1071/WR99108}}</ref> These can include the [[black-striped wallaby]] (''Macropus dorsalis''), the [[eastern grey kangaroo]] (''M. giganteus''), the [[common wallaroo]] (''M.robustus'') and the [[swamp wallaby]] (''Wallabia bicolour'').<ref name=Parasites /> Other mammals found in the park include the [[large-eared pied bat]] (''Chalinolobus dwyeri''), which is listed as vulnerable, and the iconic Australian [[koala]] (''Phascolarctos cinereus'') <ref name=DERM2>{{cite web|last=Department of Environment and Resource Management.|title=National recovery plan for the
The protection of Taunton National Park has provided an important refuge and habitat for a wide range of biodiversity including various [[macropod]] species (kangaroos and wallabies etc.) and other mammals, over 70 species of bird and numerous reptiles and snakes.<ref name=DERM /> Notable bird species known to inhabit the reserve include the [[vulnerable]] Southern sub-species of [[squatter pigeon]] (''Geophaps scripta scripta'') and the migratory [rainbow bee-eater]] (''Merops ornatus''), which is protected under various international migratory bird agreements.<ref name=DERM /> Reptile species of significance inhabiting the reserve include the vulnerable [[brigalow scaly-foot]] lizard (''Paradelma orientalis'') and the [[arboreal]] golden-tailed gecko (''Strophurus taenicauda'') (NPRS) which is classified as [[near threatened]].<ref name=DERM /> In addition to the bridled nailtail wallaby, a number of [[macropods]] have a [[distribution range]] which extends through the reserve.<ref name=Parasites>{{cite journal|authors=Turni, C., & Smales, L. R.|title=Parasites of the bridled nailtail wallaby (''Onychogalea fraenata'')(Marsupialia: Macropodidae).|journal=Wildlife Research|year=2001|volume=28|issue=4|pages=403-411|doi=10.1071/WR99108}}</ref> These can include the [[black-striped wallaby]] (''Macropus dorsalis''), the [[eastern grey kangaroo]] (''M. giganteus''), the [[common wallaroo]] (''M.robustus'') and the [[swamp wallaby]] (''Wallabia bicolour'').<ref name=Parasites /> Other mammals found in the park include the [[large-eared pied bat]] (''Chalinolobus dwyeri''), which is listed as vulnerable, and the iconic Australian [[koala]] (''Phascolarctos cinereus'') <ref name=DERM2>{{cite web|last=Department of Environment and Resource Management.|title=National recovery plan for the
Large-eared Pied Bat ''Chalinolobus dwyeri''|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/pubs/large-eared-pied-bat.pdf|date=2011b|work=Australian Government:Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities|publisher=Queensland Government|accessdate=8 April 2013}}</ref>
Large-eared Pied Bat ''Chalinolobus dwyeri''|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/pubs/large-eared-pied-bat.pdf|date=2011b|work=Australian Government:Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities|publisher=Queensland Government|accessdate=8 April 2013}}</ref><ref name=DERM />


Research is regularly conducted, under permit, at the park concentrating on more species than just the bridled nailtail wallaby, with population monitoring and manipulation of factors such as habitat and food resources.<ref name=DERM /> Populations of variegated, superb and red-backed fairy-wren species ([[''Malurus lamberti'']], [[''Malurus cyaneus'']] & [[''Malarus melanocephalus'']]) and the spotted bower bird ([[''Chlamydera maculata'']]) which inhabit the reserve, have been the subjects of considerable scientific research, including focuses on territory, behaviour, diet, habitat preferences and mating.<ref name=Bowerdecs /><ref name=Fairywren /><ref name=BowerLocation>{{cite journal|authors=Miles, A. J., & Madden, J. R.|title=Bower location by the spotted bowerbird (''Chlamydera maculata'')|journal=Emu|year=2002|volume=10|issue=2|pages=187-193|doi=10.1071/MU00039}}</ref><ref name=BowerTraditions>{{cite journal|authors=Madden, J. R., Lowe, T. J., Fuller, H. V., Dasmahapatra, K. K., & Coe, R. L.|title=Local traditions of bower decoration by spotted bowerbirds in a single population.|journal=Animal Behaviour|year=2004|volume=68|issue=4|pages=759-765|doi=10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.12.007}}</ref>
Research is regularly conducted, under permit, at the park concentrating on more species than just the bridled nailtail wallaby, with population monitoring and manipulation of factors such as habitat and food resources.<ref name=DERM /> Populations of variegated, superb and red-backed fairy-wren species ([[''Malurus lamberti'']], [[''Malurus cyaneus'']] & [[''Malarus melanocephalus'']]) and the spotted bower bird ([[''Chlamydera maculata'']]) which inhabit the reserve, have been the subjects of considerable scientific research, including focuses on territory, behaviour, diet, habitat preferences and mating.<ref name=Bowerdecs /><ref name=Fairywren /><ref name=BowerLocation>{{cite journal|authors=Miles, A. J., & Madden, J. R.|title=Bower location by the spotted bowerbird (''Chlamydera maculata'')|journal=Emu|year=2002|volume=10|issue=2|pages=187-193|doi=10.1071/MU00039}}</ref><ref name=BowerTraditions>{{cite journal|authors=Madden, J. R., Lowe, T. J., Fuller, H. V., Dasmahapatra, K. K., & Coe, R. L.|title=Local traditions of bower decoration by spotted bowerbirds in a single population.|journal=Animal Behaviour|year=2004|volume=68|issue=4|pages=759-765|doi=10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.12.007}}</ref>

<gallery>
⚫
File:Merops ornatus -Australia-8.jpg|Rainbow bee eater, ''Merops ornatus''
⚫
File:Squatter Pigeons Cement Mills.JPG|Squatter Pigeons, ''Geophaps scripta scripta''
File:Eastern Grey Kangaroo.jpg|Eastern Grey Kangaroo, ''Macropus giganteus''
File:Macropus robustus white - Christopher Watson.jpg|Common wallaroo, ''Macropus robustus''
File:Image-Swamp-Wallaby-Feeding-5,-Vic,-Jan.2008.jpg|Swamp Wallaby, ''Wallabia bicolour''
⚫
File:Golden Tailed Gecko.jpg|Golden Tailed Gecko, ''Strophurus taenicauda''
File:Chalinolobus dwyeri.jpg|Large-eared pied bat, ''Chalinolobus dwyeri''
</gallery>


=====Bridled nail-tail wallaby=====
=====Bridled nail-tail wallaby=====
<ref name=Ferals>{{cite journal|coauthors=Wang, Y., & Fisher, D. O.|title=Dingoes affect activity of feral cats, but do not exclude them from the habitat of an endangered macropod.|journal=Wildlife Research|year=2012|volume=39|pages=611-620|doi=10.1071/WR11210}}</ref>


== Environmental threats==
Taunton National Park is subject to various external and internal threatening processes, particularly in relation to predation or competition with introduced [[feral species]] and [[invasive plants]]<ref name=Demography /><ref name=Conservation />. Bridled nailtail wallaby predation by the dingo, which preferentially targets adults in the population, poses a significant threat to the continued survival of the species.<ref name=Ferals /><ref name=Demography /><ref name=PestArrest>{{cite journal|coauthors=Melzer, R. I., Twyford, K. L., Rowston, C., & Augsteyn, J. D.|title=Pest Arrest in Central Queensland: conserving biodiversity through pest management.|journal=Australasian Journal of Environmental Management|year=2009|volume=16|issue=4|pages=227-235|doi=10.1080/14486563.2009.9725238}}</ref> Contrastingly, feral cats appear to target juvenile wallabies, effectively reducing the number of individuals which survive long enough to contribute to the breeding population, thereby contributing further to a decline in numbers.<ref name=Ferals />
==Values==
===Conservation===

===Cultural===


Increasing encroachment of the pastoral buffle grass is considered to be a significant threat to the biodiversity supported by the park.<ref name=Conservation /> This particular species is significant due to its capacity to alter the structure of the shrub [[understorey]] in the native vegetation, as its capacity for vigorous growth can result in the creation of impenetrable walls of grass which also hinders through-movement by smaller mammals. It is also highly competitive with native grasses and forbs, which are the preferred food of the bridled nailtail wallaby, meaning food availability is reduced in areas where it is unmanaged.


==Management==
==Management==
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===Threats===




Revision as of 11:34, 15 April 2013

Taunton National Park
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Taunton National Park
Taunton National Park is located in Australia
Taunton National Park
Taunton National Park
Coordinates23°32′0″S 149°13′17″E / 23.53333°S 149.22139°E / -23.53333; 149.22139
Established1986
Area116 km2 (44.8 sq mi)[1]
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Taunton National Park is situated near Dingo township, Eastern Central Queensland, Australia, 135 km inland from Rockhampton. The park is found in the Central Highlands Shire, within the Northern Brigalow Belt Bioregion in Queensland, a region widely recognised to contain considerable biodiversity. [1] The park encompasses an area of 11,626 ha (28,730 acres), following an initial land purchase in 1979 and a subsequent addition in 1984.[1][2]

Taunton National Park is designated as a strictly scientific nature reserve due to its importance in ensuring the ongoing survival and protection of the endangered Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata).[3] The parks establishment and ongoing management to protect the wallaby, has facilitated natural regeneration processes within reserve boundaries, protected ecosystem communities from further agricultural disturbances in the surrounding landscape, provided habitats for native fauna and helped conserve a wide range of biodiversity.[4]

Region description

IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North

Cracking clay soils and brigalow vegetation species are dominant in the northern region of the park, while texture-contrast soils in combination with Eucalypt communities dominate the western region.[1] The parks topography is reasonably even with a gradual slope from the north and western ends of the park towards the eastern and southern margins.[1] The regions climate is described as subtropical and semi-arid, with a mean annual rainfall of 711 mm, half of which is concentrated over the Summer months; from December to February.[5][6] The distribution of rainfall over such a condensed period leaves the area prone to droughts; exposing the park to an average of one sustained drought event every decade.[7] [6] The most recent drought of significance occurred between 1991 and 1995 with detrimental impacts on the bridled nailtail wallaby population.[7]

As is typical of the tropical savannah in the Northern Brigalow Belt, a combination of open, grassy Eucalypt woodlands, transitional zones and regrowing Acacia shrub-lands and forests comprise Taunton National Parks main vegetation zones.[2][8] The most common vegetation associations within the park and surrounding areas, tend to be dominated by either Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) or poplar box (Eucalyptus populnea) species, which commonly occur along with other Acacia and Ecualyptus spp.[2][9][10] Water-bodies present within the park boundaries consist of 15 dams and a small number of creeks.[9]

Brigalow Tree - A. harpophylla
Poplar Box - Eucalyptus populnea

Regional history

IBRA 6.1 Brigalow Belt North

The region in which Taunton National Park is located, was (and still is) subject to long-term, wide-scale agricultural development and associated disturbances. During the 1950's and 60's extensive clearance of brigalow scrub began to take place in order to establish pastoral grasses for grazing domestic sheep and cattle.[11][12] Buffle grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) was widely sowed for fodder in the cleared areas, and rapidly became irreversibly established[13]

A governmental initiative called the 'Brigalow Development Scheme' provided great incentive for increasing agricultural development in the Brigalow region and accelerated the rate and scale of vegetation clearance for conversion to buffle grass.[12] The success of this scheme resulted in agricultural system adjustments so that more intensive land use practices became common, with smaller properties and higher stock numbers.[12] The cumulative effects of this land use change resulted in a considerable reduction in remnant vegetation patch size and occurrence.[12] This in turn reduced the availability of habitat, food and shelter for native fauna, and altered the natural vegetation composition.[12][13]

Park establishment

In 1973 a Bridled nail-tail wallaby was sighted on a cattle property named 'Taunton' and reported by a fencing contractor.[12] There there had been reports of a significant decline in the wallabies population numbers during the early 1900's and there were no recorded sightings since the 1930's, so subsequently the species had been presumed extinct.[10] [12] Following this sighting, Taunton was purchased in 1979 and established as a scientific reserve, solely to ensure the protection of the wallaby.[2][1] Then in 1984, another cattle property 'Red Hill', situated adjacent to Taunton, was added to the reserve and the whole area later became officially named 'Taunton National Park'.[2][1]

Biology and ecology

The park occurs in the Northern Brigalow 'Tropical Savannah' Ecoregion, which is so named for the predominant flora of the region; 'brigalow' or Acacia harpophylla.[8] Vegetation clearance throughout this region and in fact the whole Brigalow Belt, has resulted in an extensive loss of biodiversity and overall ecosystem degradation.[14] Despite considerable regional agricultural and pastoral development, a large proportion of the park's vegetation remained intact or was exposed to minimal disturbance prior to the reserve being established.[11] By approximately 1975, only 17% of vegetation within the park had been cleared, resulting in the the park providing an important representation of ecosystems and vegetation communities that were regionally prevalent, with many of these communities now restricted to bush fragments and reserves. [2][8][1]

The region that the park is located in has been classified as having the highest rate of annual clearance in comparison with other subregions within Queensland.[15] This high clearance rate has contributed to a number of Brigalow-typical ecosystems becoming otherwise at risk or endangered, highlighting the significance of the parks contribution to regional biodiversity conservation, with 12 of the regions ecosystems being represented within the reserve.[2][1] Endangered open forest or woodland ecosystems in the park include; vegetation associations dominated by A. harpophylla with either belah (Casuarina cristata) or dawson gum (Eucalyptus cambageana), or in combination with wilga (Geijera parviflora) and false sandalwood (Eremophila mitchellii).[1] Brigalow shrubland/forest assemblages with yellow-wood (Terminalia oblongata) and false sandalwood, are also endangered, having undergone wide-scale clearing throughout the 1900's.[1][14] Ecosystem communities represented within the park which are considered to be 'of concern' include; open and grassy woodlands dominated by poplar box (E. populnea) and grassy or scrubby woodlands that are dominated by Eucalyptus spp. with or without Corymbia spp.[1][15]

Flora

The reserve supports a wide range of flora diversity, with over 190 species recorded there.[1] Typical brigalow communities which are found in the park include; grassy and shrubby woodlands and open forests, whipstick brigalow, sucker brigalow, and open forests where A. harpophylla and another species such as yellow-wood, belah or various Eucalyptus spp. dominate.[12] Denser acacia forests or 'brigalow scrub', encompass 30% of the parks area with species typical of the endangered Brigalow shrubland/forest ecosystem described above, or can include combinations of A. harpophylla with dawson gum or poplar box[2]. The most dominant vegetation association, covering 39% of the parks area, is the grassy eucalypt dominated woodlands which are dominated by poplar box in combination with; the silver-leaved ironbark (E. melanophloia), the narrow-leaved ironbark, (E. crebra), the long-fruited bloodwood (E. polycarpa) and the grey box (E. moluccana).[12][2] The transitional zones between the Acacia dominated forests and Eucalpyt dominated woodlands are composed of combinations of characteristics particularly to each ecosystem type, and only comprises 14% of the parks total area.[2] The remaining land was previously cleared and is undergoing natural regeneration, primarily by A. harpophylla'.[2]

Endangered plant species protected inside the park include the Solanaceae Solanum adenophorum and the Solanaceae Solanum elachophyllum.[1] In addition, another two species have been identified as 'near threatened'; the Apocynaceae Cerbera dumicola and the Poaceae Dichanthium setosum.[1]

Fauna

Rainbow bee eater, Merops ornatus
Squatter Pigeons, Geophaps scripta scripta
Golden Tailed Gecko, Strophurus taenicauda

The protection of Taunton National Park has provided an important refuge and habitat for a wide range of biodiversity including various macropod species (kangaroos and wallabies etc.) and other mammals, over 70 species of bird and numerous reptiles and snakes.[1] Notable bird species known to inhabit the reserve include the vulnerable Southern sub-species of squatter pigeon (Geophaps scripta scripta) and the migratory [rainbow bee-eater]] (Merops ornatus), which is protected under various international migratory bird agreements.[1] Reptile species of significance inhabiting the reserve include the vulnerable brigalow scaly-foot lizard (Paradelma orientalis) and the arboreal golden-tailed gecko (Strophurus taenicauda) (NPRS) which is classified as near threatened.[1] In addition to the bridled nailtail wallaby, a number of macropods have a distribution range which extends through the reserve.[16] These can include the black-striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis), the eastern grey kangaroo (M. giganteus), the common wallaroo (M.robustus) and the swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolour).[16] Other mammals found in the park include the large-eared pied bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri), which is listed as vulnerable, and the iconic Australian koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) [17][1]

Research is regularly conducted, under permit, at the park concentrating on more species than just the bridled nailtail wallaby, with population monitoring and manipulation of factors such as habitat and food resources.[1] Populations of variegated, superb and red-backed fairy-wren species (''Malurus lamberti'', ''Malurus cyaneus'' & ''Malarus melanocephalus'') and the spotted bower bird (''Chlamydera maculata'') which inhabit the reserve, have been the subjects of considerable scientific research, including focuses on territory, behaviour, diet, habitat preferences and mating.[9][5][18][19]

Bridled nail-tail wallaby

[20]

Environmental threats

Taunton National Park is subject to various external and internal threatening processes, particularly in relation to predation or competition with introduced feral species and invasive plants[10][13]. Bridled nailtail wallaby predation by the dingo, which preferentially targets adults in the population, poses a significant threat to the continued survival of the species.[20][10][21] Contrastingly, feral cats appear to target juvenile wallabies, effectively reducing the number of individuals which survive long enough to contribute to the breeding population, thereby contributing further to a decline in numbers.[20]

Increasing encroachment of the pastoral buffle grass is considered to be a significant threat to the biodiversity supported by the park.[13] This particular species is significant due to its capacity to alter the structure of the shrub understorey in the native vegetation, as its capacity for vigorous growth can result in the creation of impenetrable walls of grass which also hinders through-movement by smaller mammals. It is also highly competitive with native grasses and forbs, which are the preferred food of the bridled nailtail wallaby, meaning food availability is reduced in areas where it is unmanaged.

Management

Management of Taunton National Park is conducted by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), under the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM.[1] General objectives of park management include ensuring the protection and preservation of the parks ecological and biological diversity and values, and ensuring the continued survival of the bridled nail-tail wallaby.[1] [12]



Objectives

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Department of Environment and Resource Management. (2011a). "Taunton National Park (Science): Management Plan 2011" (PDF). Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing. Queensland Government. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The diet of the bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata), 1. Site and seasonal influences and dietary overlap with the black-striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis) and domestic cattle [central Queensland]". Wildlife Research. 19: 65–78. 1992. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)|url=http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search/display.do?f=1996/AU/AU96005.xml;AU9204211
  3. ^ McKnight, M. "Onychogalea fraenata. In IUCN 2012: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2". IUCN. IUCN. Retrieved 10 April, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  4. ^ "The age and amount of regrowth forest in fragmented brigalow landscapes are both important for woodland dependent birds". Biological Conservation. 142 (12): 3051–3059. 2009. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2009.08.005. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  5. ^ a b "Relationship between bird-unit size and territory quality in three species of fairy-wrens (Malarus spp.) with overlapping territories". Ecological Research. 18 (1): 73–80. 2003. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1703.2003.00534.x. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  6. ^ a b "Effects of vegetation structure, food and shelter on the home range and habitat use of an endangered wallaby". Journal of Applied Ecology. 37 (4): 660–671. 2000. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2664.2000.00518.x. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  7. ^ a b "Mechanisms of drought-induced population decline in an endangered wallaby". Biological Conservation. 102 (1): 107–115. 2001. doi:10.1016/S0006-3207(00)00200-7. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  8. ^ a b c World Wildlife Fund (Lead Author) & McGinley, M. (EOE Topic Ed.) (7 March, 2007, Revised 1 July, 2012). Encyclopedia of Earth (C. J. Cleveland, Encyclopedia of Earth Ed.) (ed.). Brigalow tropical savanna. Washington, D. C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment. Retrieved 11 April, 2013. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  9. ^ a b c Madden, J. R (2003). "Bower decorations are good predictors of mating success in the spotted bowerbird". Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology. 53: 269–277. doi:10.1007/s00265-003-0583-6.
  10. ^ a b c d "Demography of bridled nailtail wallabies translocated to the edge of their former range from captive and wild stock". Biological Conservation. 102 (3): 285-299. 2001. doi:10.1016/S0006-3207(01)00101-X. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  11. ^ a b "The diet of the Bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata) II Overlap in dietry niche bredth and plant preferences with the black-striped wallaby (Macropus dorsalis) and domestic cattle". Wildlife Research. 19 (1): 79–87. 1992. doi:10.1071/WR9920079. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The Rediscovery of the Bridled Nail-Tailed Wallaby, Onychogalea fraenata (Gould)(Marsupialia: Macropodidae)". Wildlife Research. 7 (3): 339–345. 1980. doi:10.1071/WR9800339. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  13. ^ a b c d "Conservation and grazing in Australia's north-east: the bridled nailtail wallaby". Pastoralism. 2 (1): 1–17. 2012. Retrieved 09 April 2013. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  14. ^ a b "Biodiversity conservation and vegetation clearing in Queensland: principles and thresholds". The Rangeland Journal. 24 (1): 36–55. 2002. doi:10.1071/RJ02002. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  15. ^ a b "The extent and status of remnant vegetation in Queensland and its implications for statewide vegetation and legislation". The Rangeland Journal. 24 (1): 6–35. 2002. doi:10.1071/RJ02001. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  16. ^ a b "Parasites of the bridled nailtail wallaby (Onychogalea fraenata)(Marsupialia: Macropodidae)". Wildlife Research. 28 (4): 403–411. 2001. doi:10.1071/WR99108. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  17. ^ Department of Environment and Resource Management. (2011b). "National recovery plan for the Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri" (PDF). Australian Government:Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Queensland Government. Retrieved 8 April 2013. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |title= at position 31 (help)
  18. ^ "Bower location by the spotted bowerbird (Chlamydera maculata)". Emu. 10 (2): 187–193. 2002. doi:10.1071/MU00039. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  19. ^ "Local traditions of bower decoration by spotted bowerbirds in a single population". Animal Behaviour. 68 (4): 759–765. 2004. doi:10.1016/j.anbehav.2003.12.007. {{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter |authors= (help)
  20. ^ a b c "Dingoes affect activity of feral cats, but do not exclude them from the habitat of an endangered macropod". Wildlife Research. 39: 611–620. 2012. doi:10.1071/WR11210. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  21. ^ "Pest Arrest in Central Queensland: conserving biodiversity through pest management". Australasian Journal of Environmental Management. 16 (4): 227–235. 2009. doi:10.1080/14486563.2009.9725238. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
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