NT Naturalist - Number 24, Published February 2013
ISSN: 0155-4093
Editor: Michael Braby
Pre-release Articles
| Download | 1. New locations of butterflies from northern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory |
|---|---|
| Authors | Bisa, Deborah |
| Abstract | The Northern Territory is a frontier in Australia for biological research in which new discoveries and locations of butterflies are frequently made. In this paper, I report 41 new point locations for 36 species in northern Arnhem Land. In particular, a number of significant range extensions and new spatial records are documented, including new locations for the Copper Jewel Hypochrysops apelles and Samphire Blue Theclinesthes sulpitius which are more than 500 km from their previous known occurrence in the Northern Territory. Notwithstanding Arnhem Land’s remoteness and inaccessibility being key constraints for butterfly surveys, further sampling is recommended to obtain fine-scale distribution data to fill knowledge gaps and to assess the conservation status of particular species. As the majority of the region surveyed is now located within the recently declared Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) managed by Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation’s Djelk Rangers based in Maningrida, these recommendations will assist with the collection of baseline data for future monitoring. A greater focus on this invertebrate group may help to promote the potential use of butterflies as indicators of biodiversity and landscape health. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 2. Standardised method of spotlight surveys for crocodiles in the tidal rivers of the Northern Territory, Australia |
|---|---|
| Authors | Fukuda, Yusuke; Saalfeld, Keith; Webb, Grahame; Manolis, Charlie and Risk,Robert |
| Abstract | Standardised spotlight survey procedures have been an integral part of long-term (1975-2012) monitoring programs for Saltwater Crocodiles Crocodylus porosus and Freshwater Crocodiles C. johnstoni in tidal rivers of the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia. These programs, implemented four years after depleted Saltwater Crocodile populations were protected from hunting in 1971, have been instrumental in documenting post-protection population recovery and evaluating management interventions. This article describes a standardised method for spotlight survey of crocodiles in tidal rivers, with particular emphasis on practical aspects that were not previously documented. It also shows example survey data and how it is analysed. This practical guide is primarily oriented at maintaining survey standardisation within the NT, but it should help wildlife managers to use standardised spotlight counting as a monitoring tool for crocodilian species in similar habitats elsewhere. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 3. Habitat associations of birds at Manton Dam, Northern Territory |
|---|---|
| Authors | Reynolds, Stephen J. |
| Abstract | Manton Dam is an impoundment of the Manton River approximately 50 km south-south-east of Darwin, Northern Territory. Major habitats associated with the dam (open water, water edge, riparian monsoon forest and savanna woodland) were searched to determine the bird species associated with each. A total of 84 avifauna species were recorded. Diversity (22 species) and abundance of waterbirds were low in comparison with other wetlands of northern Australia—only 11 bird species were recorded using the open water habitat. The paucity of waterbirds may be due to the lack of shallow foraging areas. Bushbirds included 50 species that used riparian monsoon forest habitat and 45 species that used savanna habitat; 34 species were recorded in both habitats. Nine waterbird species were also recorded using riparian monsoon forest habitat. Further development of riparian vegetation around the fringes of the dam may encourage colonisation by additional forest bird species. Increasing the extent of shallow water areas and prohibition of motorboats may enhance habitat availability and quality for waterbirds and shorebirds. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 4. First record of Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata for the Northern Territory |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kyne, Peter M. |
| Abstract | The Spotted Whistling Duck Dendrocygna guttata occurs in the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and was first recorded in Australia in 1995; it is now seen regularly in northern Queensland. The first record of the species in the Northern Territory, which is also the first Australian record outside Queensland, is presented here. A single bird was observed on six occasions from 27 December 2011 to 12 February 2012 at the Leanyer Sewage Ponds, Darwin. The initial observation was made immediately following a tropical cyclone, which formed in the Arafura Sea and tracked south to make landfall east of Darwin, suggesting that the bird may have originated from eastern Indonesia rather than Queensland. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 5. Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica in the Northern Territory |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jackson, Micha V. and Kyne, Peter M. |
| Abstract | The Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica is an irregular visitor to Australia during its non-breeding season. We present an account of records of this species in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Photographs are provided for two previously undocumented records, resulting in a total of seven reported occurrences in the NT. Red-rumped Swallow has been recorded between October and April, often in association with other hirundinid species. Subspecific identification of NT records is not definitive and observers are encouraged to carefully document additional occurrences. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 6. An insectivorous Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella diversifies its diet |
|---|---|
| Authors | Kyne, Peter M. and Jackson, Micha V. |
| Abstract | Pratincoles and coursers (family Glareolidae), including the primarily ground-feeding Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella, are principally insectivorous. This paper presents a brief note on the first documented occurrence of Australian Pratincole (and indeed a rare record of any glareolid bird) feeding on vertebrate prey, in this case a small frog. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 7. First confirmed sighting of the Killer Whale Orcinus orca in Northern Territory coastal waters |
|---|---|
| Authors | Palmer, Carol and Chatto, Ray |
| Abstract | The first confirmed sighting of the Killer Whale Orcinus orca in Northern Territory coastal waters is reported here. It highlights the importance of members of the public taking the time to submit photos and information to the Marine WildWatch Hotline. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 8. A key to the potamidid snails (longbums, mudcreepers and treecreepers) of northern Australia |
|---|---|
| Authors | Willan, Richard C. |
| Abstract | Longbums and the smaller mudcreepers and treecreepers (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Cerithioidea: Potamididae) are amphibious surface-dwellers of tidal wetlands intimately associated with mangrove forests, depending on the trees for shelter from heat and desiccation, as a substrate, for food, and for protection from predators. A dichotomous key is presented to identify the eight species of Potamididae that occur in tropical northern Australia, several of which have similar looking shells. These species represent 27.6% of the global biodiversity for the family. This contribution describes the most useful features for distinguishing between species, and provides comments on habitat, ecological niche and geographical range of each species, with notes on exploitation by Aborigines. One species of true creeper, Cerithium coralium (Cerithioidea: Cerithiidae), is also included because it lives with, and may be easily confused with, juvenile longbums and/or the smaller potamidid species. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 9. Brachychiton megaphyllus, the Red-flowered Kurrajong |
|---|---|
| Authors | Franklin, Donald C. and Bate, Patricia J. |
| Abstract | The Red-flowered Kurrajong Brachychiton megaphyllus is a large-leaved shrub of savanna and open forests of the north-west of the Northern Territory, Australia. It is deciduous during the tropical dry season and flowers and fruits whilst leafless. Excavation revealed a large, carrot-shaped tap-root which may enable the plant to maintain positive moisture balance whilst flowering by storing water. The Red-flowered Kurrajong raises intriguing questions about seasonality and life history in the monsoon tropics. |
| Tags | |
| Download | 10. Book Review: Flammable Australia. Fire Regimes, Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Changing World. |
|---|---|
| Authors | |
| Abstract | |
| Tags | |