Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Australian place |
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| type = protected |
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| name = The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve |
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| state = nsw |
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| image = CT sign.jpg |
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| caption = The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve |
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| coordinates = {{coord|33|59|S|147|09|E|display=inline,title}} |
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| nearest_town_or_city = {{NSWcity|West Wyalong}} |
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| established = {{start date|1966|05||df=y}} |
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| area = 0.86 |
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| area_footnotes = <ref name=oeh>{{cite web|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkManagement.aspx?id=N0481|title=The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve: Plan of management|work=[[Office of Environment & Heritage]]|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|access-date=19 September 2014}}</ref> |
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| managing_authorities = [[NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]] |
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| url = http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/NationalParks/parkHome.aspx?id=N0481 |
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'''The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve''' is a [[state park|protected]] [[nature reserve]] in the [[Central West (New South Wales)|central western]] region of [[New South Wales]], [[Australia]]. The {{convert|86.4|ha|adj=on}} reserve is situated {{Convert|10|km}} south of [[West Wyalong]] and may be accessed via the [[Newell Highway]] and The Charcoal Tank Road.<ref name="MP">{{cite web|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|work=[[NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service]]|date=November 2012|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/planmanagement/final/20120912CharcoalTankFinal.pdf|type=PDF|title=The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve: Plan of Management|isbn=978-1-74293-920-9}}</ref> The reserve is an important refuge for native flora and fauna in a highly fragmented landscape, one in which the majority of the original vegetation has been removed.<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Ford"/> |
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==Description== |
==Description== |
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[[File: |
[[File:T intersection signs.jpg|thumbnail|Road into The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
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The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve (the Reserve) is located in the Central West Region of New South Wales on the corner of the Newell Highway and The Charcoal Tank Road <ref name="map">Google Maps. 2014. https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Charcoal+Tank+Rd,+West+Wyalong+NSW+2671/West+Wyalong+NSW+2671/@-33.9544319,147.1338669,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b195a32014eddf5:0xb8956a1e3b413c23!2m2!1d147.1311156!2d-33.9837238!1m5!1m1!1s0x6b1be62bcdc81079:0x40609b490437650!2m2!1d147.2052839!2d-33.9235028</ref>. The Reserve is part of the Bland Shire and the closest township is West Wyalong situated 10km north of the Reserve <ref name="map" /><ref name="MP">New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage. 2012. Plan of Management, The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve</ref>. The Reserve is 86.4 hectares in size and is an important refuge for native flora and fauna in a highly fragmented landscape, one in which the majority of the original vegetation has been removed<ref name="MP" /><ref>Ford, H. A., Barrett, G.W., Saunders, D.A., Recher, H.F. 2001. Why have the birds in the woodlands of Southern Australia declined? ''Biological Conservation''. '''97:''' 71-74, 76-79, 81-82.</ref>. The land surrounding the reserve has been extensively altered through agricultural practice and the development of roads. As a remnant in a highly modified landscape the Reserve’s vegetation is significant to the region as it includes critically endangered Mallee and Mallee –Broombush in the absence on ''Triodia'' (Spinefex); in total there are only three protected areas within NSW containing this now rare vegetative structure<ref name="MP" /><ref>New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2012. Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion-profile |
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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=20149 |
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</ref>. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s category for the Reserve is Ia, a protected area that is dedicated to conserving biodiversity and minimising disturbances by limiting human access<ref>International Union for the Conservation of Nature 1. 2014. Protected Area Categories: |
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http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_quality/gpap_pacategories/gpap_cat1a/ |
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</ref>. The reserve is relatively flat with a dry, red, loamy clay top soil; three man-made dams are situated along a drainage line that runs the length of the Reserve<ref name="MP" /><ref>McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J., Hopkins, M.S. 1990. Australian Soil and Land Survey, Second Edition. Goanna Print: Canberra.</ref>. |
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[[File:T intersection signs.jpg|thumbnail|left|Road into The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
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[[File:Middle Dam.jpg|thumbnail|right|Middle dam in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
[[File:Middle Dam.jpg|thumbnail|right|Middle dam in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
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The land surrounding the reserve has been extensively altered through agricultural practice and the development of roads. As a remnant in a highly modified landscape, the reserve's vegetation is significant to the region as it includes critically endangered [[Mallee (habit)|mallee]] and mallee–broombush in the absence on ''Triodia'' (Spinefex); in total there are only three protected areas within New South Wales containing this now rare vegetative structure.<ref name="MP" /><ref>{{cite web|publisher=[[Government of New South Wales]]|work=Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation|year=2012|title=Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion-profile|url=http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedSpeciesApp/profile.aspx?id=20149 }}</ref> The [[International Union for Conservation of Nature]]’s category for the Reserve is Ia, a protected area that is dedicated to conserving biodiversity and minimising disturbances by limiting human access.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=International Union for Conservation of Nature 1|year=2014|title=Protected Area Categories|url=http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_quality/gpap_pacategories/gpap_cat1a/ }}</ref> |
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The traditional landowners of the region are the Wiradjuri people; inhabiting the region for over 40,000 years prior to European settlement in the area <ref name="Spooner">Spooner, P.G. 2005. On Squatters, Settlers and Early Surveyors: historical development of country road reserves in Southern New South Wales, ''Australian Geographer''. '''36:''' 56, 63, 71.</ref>. Little is known about the Wiradjuri people’s use of the Reserve except that it was likely a place for gathering food <ref name="MP" />. After European settlement but prior to its listing as a Nature Reserve the site was used as camp on the Travelling Stock Route and as a Public Watering Place. In 1960 it became NSW Wildlife Refuge No.2 but was still available for use as a watering ground and camp. The area officially became The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve in 1966; prior to its change in status a rest stop was cut into a portion of the Reserve along the Newell Highway and remains there today <ref name="MP" />. |
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The reserve is relatively flat with a dry, red, [[loamy]] clay top soil; three man-made dams are situated along a drainage line that runs the length of the reserve.<ref name="MP" /><ref>{{cite book |author1=McDonald, R. C.|author2=Isbell, R. F.|author3=Speight, J. G.|author4=Walker, J.|author5=Hopkins, M. S.|year=1990|title=Australian Soil and Land Survey|edition=Second|publisher=Goanna Print|location=Canberra}}</ref> |
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The traditional landowners of the region are the [[Wiradjuri people]], inhabiting the region for over 40,000 years prior to European settlement in the area.<ref name="Spooner">{{cite journal|author=Spooner, P. G.|year=2005|title=On Squatters, Settlers and Early Surveyors: historical development of country road reserves in Southern New South Wales|journal=[[Australian Geographer]]|number=36|pages=56, 63, 71}}</ref> Little is known about the Wiradjuri people's use of the Reserve except that it was likely a place for gathering food.<ref name="MP" /> After European settlement but prior to its listing as a Nature Reserve the site was used as camp on the [[stock route|traveling stock route]] and as a public watering place. In 1960 it became NSW Wildlife Refuge No. 2 but was still available for use as a watering ground and camp. The area officially became The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve in 1966; prior to its change in status a rest stop was cut into a portion of the reserve along the Newell Highway and remains there today.<ref name="MP" /> |
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== Climate == |
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==Climate== |
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[[File:Mallee 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|Mallee]] |
[[File:Mallee 2.jpg|thumbnail|right|Mallee]] |
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The |
The region's climate is considered [[semi-arid]] with hot dry summers and cold winters.<ref>Australian Government 1, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Climate Classifications: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/climate-classifications/index.jsp</ref> Elevation is {{Convert|257|m|abbr=on}} above sea level with the mean minimum temperature {{convert|3.0|C}} and mean maximum {{convert|34.1|C}}, mean relative humidity ranges between 48% in summer to 90% during winter with mean wind speeds ranging from {{convert|10.8|-|20.4|kph|abbr=on}}.<ref>Australian Government 2, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Climate Statistics for Australian Locations: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_050017.shtml</ref> Annual rainfall over the past 13 years has ranged from {{convert|122.4|to|895.6|mm|abbr=on}} per annum; the region has experienced severe periods of drought within the last 30 years.<ref>Australian Government 3, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Monthly Rainfall West Wyalong Airport: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=139&p_display_type=dataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=050017</ref> |
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== Ecology == |
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==Ecology== |
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[[File:Mallee 4.jpg|thumbnail|left|Mallee]] |
[[File:Mallee 4.jpg|thumbnail|left|Mallee]] |
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The Reserve has a high level of biodiversity for its size and is an important remnant for a range of flora and fauna, including some nomadic and migratory birds species. Due to its size and isolation the Reserve is only able to provide somewhat limited resources to support large numbers of resident animal species. Fire history for the Reserve prior to 1966 is not well documented but evidence at the site suggests it is long-unburnt and recent records show fire has not occurred there since it was announced as a Reserve in 1966 |
The Reserve has a high level of biodiversity for its size and is an important remnant for a range of flora and fauna, including some nomadic and migratory birds species. Due to its size and isolation the Reserve is only able to provide somewhat limited resources to support large numbers of resident animal species. Fire history for the Reserve prior to 1966 is not well documented but evidence at the site suggests it is long-unburnt and recent records show fire has not occurred there since it was announced as a Reserve in 1966.<ref name="FMS">New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2014. Charcoal Tank Reserve Fire Management Strategy: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/firemanagement/TheCharcoalTankNRfms.htm</ref> |
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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/firemanagement/TheCharcoalTankNRfms.htm |
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</ref>. |
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==Flora== |
== Flora == |
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Even though the Reserve is small there are three distinct communities of vegetation. The dominant community is Mallee-Broombush made up of ''Melaleuca uncinata'' (Broombush), ''Eucalyptus polybractea'' (Blue Mallee), ''Eucalyptus viridis'' (Green Mallee) and ''Eucalyptus behriana'' (Bull Mallee). Two notable native shrubs sharing the Mallee-Broombush community are ''Kunzea parvifolia'' (Purple Kunzea) and ''Acacia rhigiophylla'' (Dagger-leaved Wattle). The second largest group of vegetation is a Eucalyptus-Callitris mix; including ''Eucalyptus microcarpa'' (Inland Grey Box), ''Eucalyptus sideroxylon'', and ''Callitris endlicheri'' (Black Cypress Pine). The Eucalyptus and Callitris community has a well-developed understory that includes native shrubs such as ''Cassinia laevis'' (Cough Bush), ''Santalum acuminatum'' (Quandong) and ''Acacia hakeoides'' (Hakea Wattle). Understory and groundcover in other areas of the Reserve has been lost or badly degraded. The smallest community of vegetation is made up of ''Callitris endlicheri'' (Black Cypress Pine), ''Eucalyptus Dwyeri'' (Dwyer’s Red-gum) and ''Acacia doratoxylon'' (Currawang) <ref name="MP" />. |
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Even though the Reserve is small there are three distinct communities of vegetation. The dominant community is mallee-broombush made up of ''[[Melaleuca uncinata]]'' (broombush), ''[[Eucalyptus polybractea]]'' (blue mallee), ''[[Eucalyptus viridis]]'' (green mallee) and ''[[Eucalyptus behriana]]'' (bull mallee). Two notable native shrubs sharing the mallee-broombush community are ''[[Kunzea parvifolia]]'' (purple kunzea) and ''Acacia rhigiophylla'' ([[dagger-leaved wattle]]). The second largest group of vegetation is a eucalyptus-callitris mix; including ''[[Eucalyptus microcarpa]]'' (inland grey box), ''Eucalyptus sideroxylon'', and ''Callitris endlicheri'' (black cypress pine). The eucalyptus and callitris community has a well-developed understory that includes native shrubs such as ''Cassinia laevis'' ([[cough bush]]), ''[[Santalum acuminatum]]'' (quandong) and ''[[Acacia hakeoides]]'' (hakea wattle). Understory and groundcover in other areas of the Reserve has been lost or badly degraded. The smallest community of vegetation is made up of ''[[Callitris endlicheri]]'' (black cypress pine), ''[[Eucalyptus Dwyeri]]'' (Dwyer's red-gum) and ''[[Acacia doratoxylon]]'' (currawang).<ref name="MP" /> |
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[[File:Iron Bark.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Eucalyptus sideroxylon'' (Mugga Ironbark)]] |
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[[File:Iron Bark.jpg|thumbnail|right|''[[Eucalyptus sideroxylon]]'' (mugga ironbark)]] |
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The dominant community of Mallee and Broombush is listed as critically endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, with only two other Nature Reserves in NSW protecting similar communities <ref name="MP" /><ref>New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2011. Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion - critically endangered ecological community listing. |
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The dominant community of mallee and broombush is listed as critically endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, with only two other Nature Reserves in NSW protecting similar communities.<ref name="MP" /><ref>New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2011. Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion - critically endangered ecological community listing. |
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http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/malleeandmalleebroombushFD.htm |
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/malleeandmalleebroombushFD.htm |
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</ref> |
</ref> Mallee and broombush have been extensively harvested in the region since European settlement.<ref name="Priddel1">Priddel, D., Wheeler, R., Copley, P. 2007. Does the integrity or structure of mallee habitat influence the degree of fox predation on Malleefowl (Leiposa ocellata), ''Emu''. '''107:''' 100-101, 104-106.</ref> |
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[[File:Callitris E.jpg|thumbnail|left|''Callitris endlicheri'' ( |
[[File:Callitris E.jpg|thumbnail|left|''Callitris endlicheri'' (black cypress)]] |
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==Fauna== |
== Fauna == |
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Birds represent the largest number of vertebrate species occurring within the reserve with over 165 species identified; 96 species have been banded and released as part of a long term monitoring study in the Reserve <ref name="MP" /> <ref name="Clayton">Clayton, M. 2014. ACT Regional Organiser, Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. Personal Communication.</ref>. Some of the Reserve’s breeding residents such as ''Climacteris picumnus victoriae'' (Brown Treecreeper) and ''Daphoenositta chrysopyera'' (Varied Sitella) are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995. Data from the long-term bird banding project shows a decrease in the number of Brown Treecreepers present. There are twenty other birds that utilize the reserve that are also listed as vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act; some examples are ''Grantiella picta'' (Painted Honeyeater), ''Polytelis swainsonii'' (Superb Parrot), ''Anthochaera phrygia'' (Regent Honeyeater) and the ''Lathamus discolor'' (Swift Parrot) <ref name="MP" />. Under Australia’s national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 the Regent Honeyeater and the Swift Parrot are listed as endangered and the Superb Parrot as vulnerable <ref>Australian Government 4, Department of the Environment. 2014. EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna</ref>. |
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[[File:Superb Parrot.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Polytelis swainsonii'' (Superb Parrot)]] |
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Sadly, species such as ''Leipoa ocellata'' (Malleefowl), ''Pachycephala inorta'' (Gilbert’s Whistler), ''Drymodes superciliaris'' (Southern Scrub Robin) and ''Falcunculus frontatus'' (Crested Shrike-tit) have become extinct from the Reserve in the past 30 years; the last Crested Shrike-tit banded in the reserve was in 1997 <ref name="Clayton" /><ref>Ewin, P. 2007. 4. Malleefowl in New South Wales: Review of Past and Future Actions. Page 3.</ref>. The disappearance of the Malleefowl not only in the Reserve but the surrounding region is due to a number of pressures; these include predation by ''Vulpes vulpes'' (Red Fox) and ''Felis Catus'' (Cat), fragmentation and loss of habitat, isolation, competition and degradation of habitat by domestic livestock and introduced vertebrates such as ''Oryctolagus cuniculus'' (European Rabbit) and ''Capra hircus'' (Goat)<ref name="Priddel1" /><ref>Priddel, D., Wheeler, R. 1994. Mortality of Captive-raised Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, Released into a Mallee Remnant within the Wheat-belt of New South Wales, ''Wildlife Research''. '''21:''' 543, 551.</ref>. More recently the Reserve’s long-term bird monitoring study has recorded a decline in species that were previously abundant or regular visitors to the Reserve, this includes species such as the ''Pomatostomus temporalis'' (Grey-Crowned Babbler), ''Hylacola cauta'' (Shy Heath Wren), ''Stagonopleura guttata'' (Diamond Firetail), and ''Eopsaltria griseogularis'' (Eastern Yellow Robin)<ref name="Clayton" />. |
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[[File:Painted HE.jpg|thumbnail|left|''Grantiella picta'' (Painted Honeyeater)]] |
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[[File:CT Echidna.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Tachyglossus aculeatus'' (Short-beaked Echidna)]] |
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Other fauna found in the Reserve includes mammals such as ''Macropus giganteus'' (Eastern Grey Kangaroo), ''Wallabia bicolor'' (Swamp Wallaby), ''Tachyglossus aculeatus'' (Short-beaked Echidna) and ''Petaurus breviceps'' (Sugar Glider) <ref name="Clayton" />. Five amphibians are known to occur in the Reserve and nine species of reptile such as ''Varanus varius'' (Lace Monitor) and ''Pseudonaja textilis'' (Eastern Brown Snake) <ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" />. Some invertebrates found in the Reserve are ''Cherax destructor'' (Common Freshwater Yabby) and at least nine species of butterfly including ''Delias aganippe'' (Spotted Jezebel) and ''Vanessa kershawi'' (Painted Lady)<ref>Bond, S. 2014. Personal Communication.</ref>. The reserve may also be important to the long term survival of the locally threatened butterfly ''Candalides hyacinthinus simplex'' (Western Dusky-blue), this species is dependent upon Mallee for its survival and has been located in remnant Mallee habitat close to West Wyalong<ref name="Braby">Braby, M. F., Edwards, T.D. 2006. The butterfly fauna of the Griffith district, a fragmented semi-arid landscape in inland New South Wales, ''Pacific Conservation Biology''. '''12:''' 1,7-8.</ref>. |
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[[File:Diamond Firetail.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Stagonopleura guttata'' (Diamond Firetail) in the hand]] |
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Vertebrate pest species recorded infrequently in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve include ''Felis catus'' (Cat), ''Vulpes vulpes'' (Red Fox), ''Sturnus vulgaris'' (Common Starling), ''Oryctolagus cuniculus'' (European Rabbit) ''Lepus europaeus'' (European Brown Hare), ''Mus musculus'' (House Mouse) and ''Sus scrofa'' (Pig)<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" />. |
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Birds represent the largest number of vertebrate species occurring within the reserve with over 165 species identified; 96 species have been banded and released as part of a long-term monitoring study in the Reserve.<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton">Clayton, M. 2014. ACT Regional Organiser, Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. Personal Communication.</ref> Some of the Reserve's breeding residents such as ''Climacteris picumnus victoriae'' ([[brown treecreeper]]) and ''Daphoenositta chrysopyera'' ([[varied sittella]]) are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995. Data from the long-term bird banding project shows a decrease in the number of brown treecreepers present. There are twenty other birds that utilize the reserve that are also listed as vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act; some examples are ''Grantiella picta'' ([[painted honeyeater]]), ''Polytelis swainsonii'' ([[superb parrot]]), ''Anthochaera phrygia'' ([[regent honeyeater]]) and the ''Lathamus discolor'' ([[swift parrot]]).<ref name="MP" /> Under Australia's national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 the regent honeyeater and the swift parrot are listed as endangered and the superb parrot as vulnerable.<ref>Australian Government 4, Department of the Environment. 2014. EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna</ref> |
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==Environmental Threats== |
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[[File:Superb Parrot.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Polytelis swainsonii'' (superb parrot)]] |
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Due to its small size and isolation in a fragmented landscape The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve’s structure and biodiversity are at risk from threatening processes such as climate change, edge effects, pest species, pollution, high intensity fire and further clearing of roadside and patch remnants in the region. Any of these threatening processes can have serious impacts on biodiversity but they are rarely encountered in isolation having a compounding effect on individual species and ecosystems as a whole. |
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Sadly, species such as ''Leipoa ocellata'' ([[malleefowl]]), ''Pachycephala inorta'' ([[Gilbert's whistler]]), ''Drymodes superciliaris'' ([[southern scrub robin]]) and ''Falcunculus frontatus'' ([[crested shrike-tit]]) have become extinct from the Reserve in the past 30 years; the last crested shrike-tit banded in the reserve was in 1997.<ref name="Clayton" /><ref>Ewin, P. 2007. 4. Malleefowl in New South Wales: Review of Past and Future Actions. Page 3.</ref> The disappearance of the malleefowl not only in the Reserve but the surrounding region is due to a number of pressures; these include predation by ''Vulpes vulpes'' ([[red fox]]) and ''Felis catus'' (cat), fragmentation and loss of habitat, isolation, competition and degradation of habitat by domestic livestock and introduced vertebrates such as ''[[Oryctolagus cuniculus]]'' (European rabbit) and ''[[Capra hircu]]'' (goat).<ref name="Priddel1" /><ref>Priddel, D., Wheeler, R. 1994. Mortality of Captive-raised Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, Released into a Mallee Remnant within the Wheat-belt of New South Wales, ''Wildlife Research''. '''21:''' 543, 551.</ref> More recently the Reserve's long-term bird monitoring study has recorded a decline in species that were previously abundant or regular visitors to the Reserve, this includes species such as the ''Pomatostomus temporalis'' ([[grey-crowned babbler]]), ''Hylacola cauta'' ([[shy heath wren]]), ''Stagonopleura guttata'' ([[diamond firetail]]), and ''Eopsaltria griseogularis'' ([[eastern yellow robin]])<ref name="Clayton" /> |
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[[File:Painted HE.jpg|thumbnail|left|''Grantiella picta'' (painted honeyeater)]] |
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[[File:CT Echidna.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Tachyglossus aculeatus'' (short-beaked echidna)]] |
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Other fauna found in the Reserve includes mammals such as ''Macropus giganteus'' ([[eastern grey kangaroo]]), ''Wallabia bicolor'' ([[swamp wallaby]]), ''Tachyglossus aculeatus'' ([[short-beaked echidna]]) and ''Petaurus breviceps'' ([[sugar glider]]).<ref name="Clayton" /> Five amphibians are known to occur in the Reserve and nine species of reptile such as ''Varanus varius'' ([[lace monitor]]) and ''Pseudonaja textilis'' ([[eastern brown snake]]).<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" /> Some invertebrates found in the Reserve are ''Cherax destructor'' ([[common freshwater yabby]]) and at least nine species of butterfly including ''Delias aganippe'' ([[spotted Jezebel]]) and ''Vanessa kershawi'' ([[Australian painted lady]]).<ref>Bond, S. 2014. Personal Communication.</ref> The reserve may also be important to the long-term survival of the locally threatened butterfly ''Candalides hyacinthinus simplex'' ([[western dusky-blue]]), this species is dependent upon Mallee for its survival and has been located in remnant mallee habitat close to West Wyalong.<ref name="Braby">Braby, M. F., Edwards, T.D. 2006. The butterfly fauna of the Griffith district, a fragmented semi-arid landscape in inland New South Wales, ''Pacific Conservation Biology''. '''12:''' 1,7-8.</ref> |
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[[File:Diamond Firetail.jpg|thumbnail|right|''Stagonopleura guttata'' (diamond firetail) in the hand]] |
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Vertebrate pest species recorded infrequently in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve include ''Felis catus'' (cat), ''Vulpes vulpes'' (red fox), ''Sturnus vulgaris'' (common starling), ''Oryctolagus cuniculus'' (European rabbit) ''Lepus europaeus'' (European brown hare), ''Mus musculus'' (house mouse) and ''Sus scrofa'' (pig).<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" /> |
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== Environmental threats == |
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Fragmentation has isolated the Reserve from other remnant patches making it difficult for species to move through the landscape. This places species at greater risk of local extinction by preventing range expansion and therefore decreasing genetic diversity and trapping species in areas without sufficient resources<ref name="Braby" /><ref>Driscoll, D. 2007. The conservation challenge of sustaining spatially dependent evolution, ''Pacific Conservation Biology''. '''13:''' 84.</ref><ref name="Ford">Ford, H. A., Barrett, G.W., Saunders, D.A., Recher, H.F. 2001. Why have the birds in the woodlands of Southern Australia declined? ''Biological Conservation''. '''97:''' 71-74, 76-79, 81-82.</ref>. Once a species becomes locally extinct re-colonisation through immigration across a fragmented landscape is highly unlikely. If species are forced to move across a fragmented landscape they are at greater risk of predation or collisions with vehicles; this is especially the case for species in the Reserve which is bordered by the Newell Highway<ref name="Ford" />. |
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Due to its small size and isolation in a fragmented landscape The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve's structure and biodiversity are at risk from threatening processes such as climate change, edge effects, pest species, pollution, high intensity fire and further clearing of roadside and patch remnants in the region. Any of these threatening processes can have serious impacts on biodiversity but they are rarely encountered in isolation having a compounding effect on individual species and ecosystems as a whole. |
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Fragmentation has isolated the Reserve from other remnant patches making it difficult for species to move through the landscape. This places species at greater risk of local extinction by preventing range expansion and therefore decreasing genetic diversity and trapping species in areas without sufficient resources.<ref name="Ford">Ford, H. A., Barrett, G.W., Saunders, D.A., Recher, H.F. 2001. Why have the birds in the woodlands of Southern Australia declined? ''Biological Conservation''. '''97:''' 71-74, 76-79, 81-82.</ref><ref name="Braby" /><ref>Driscoll, D. 2007. The conservation challenge of sustaining spatially dependent evolution, ''Pacific Conservation Biology''. '''13:''' 84.</ref> Once a species becomes locally extinct re-colonisation through immigration across a fragmented landscape is highly unlikely. If species are forced to move across a fragmented landscape they are at greater risk of predation or collisions with vehicles; this is especially the case for species in the Reserve which is bordered by the Newell Highway<ref name="Ford" /> |
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[[File:CT Farmland.jpg|thumbnail|right|Farmland surrounding The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
[[File:CT Farmland.jpg|thumbnail|right|Farmland surrounding The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve]] |
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Roadside vegetation in NSW is now extremely important to the survival of many species that rely on them as the only corridors to larger remnants; this includes species found in the Reserve<ref name="Spooner" /> |
Roadside vegetation in NSW is now extremely important to the survival of many species that rely on them as the only corridors to larger remnants; this includes species found in the Reserve.<ref name="Spooner" /> Small remnants such as The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve and roadside strips are under increased pressure from edge effects as they have smaller interior habitats. The Reserve's edges are linear and artificial making it more susceptible to degrading processes including severe weather events, erosion, insecticidal drift from neighbouring properties, select species dominance, grazing by neighbouring domestic livestock and invasion of pest species.<ref name="Ford" /><ref name="Braby" /><ref>Briggs, S.V., Seddon, J.A., Doyle, S.J. 2007. Structure of bird communities in woodland remnants in central New South Wales, Australia, ''Australian Journal of Zoology''. '''55:''' 35, 38.</ref> Predation of bird nests along artificially created edges in Mallee is higher than naturally occurring Mallee edges.<ref name="Ford" /> Gully erosion in the west of the reserve is a long-standing problem, caused by runoff from the cleared surrounding paddocks and the artificial drainage line to dams. The Reserve becomes a sink for the cleared surrounding landscape with topsoil disturbance and potential pollutants and seeds of pest plants entering the Reserve.<ref name="MP" /><ref>Munoz-Robles, C., Reid, N., Tughe, M., Briggs, S.V., Wilson, B. 2010. Soil hydrological and erosional responses in patches and inert-patches in vegetation states in semi-arid, Australia, ''Geoderma''. '''160:''' 524.</ref> |
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The rest stop that has encroached into the Reserve from the Newell Highway allows easy access to the public. The area of the Reserve immediately adjoining the rest stop is regularly polluted by rubbish and is used as a toilet. Rubbish may attract introduced pest species to the Reserve, and general public access can increase the likelihood of fire with makeshift fireplaces evident.<ref name="MP" /> |
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The altering of weather patterns caused by anthropogenic climate change is a serious threat to the Reserve as the impact of increased severe weather events such as drought, fire, floods and storms can exacerbate existing threatening processes.<ref>Cook, D. 2010. Climate change and threatened wetland flora and communities. ''Australian Plant Conservation''. '''19:''' 24-25.</ref> Changes to the timing of seasonal onset can modify food availability such as nectar and impact on the survival and abundance of species as the metabolic cost of finding food increases.<ref name="Ford" /> The Reserve has already been impacted by long periods of drought which have seen a decline in the overall abundance of bird species in the last 30 years.<ref name="Clayton" /> A recent study using data on ''Lichenostomus plumus'' (white-plumed honeyeater) collected in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve over the past 23 years shows their size has increased in correlation with warmer mean temperatures and a decrease in rainfall.<ref name="Gardner">Gardner, J. L., Amano, T., Mackey, B.G., Sutherland, W. J., Clayton, M., Peters, A. 2014. Dynamic size responses to climate change: prevailing effects of rising temperature drive long-term body size increases in a semi-arid passerine. ''Global Change Biology''. Early View Online.</ref> The study by Gardner shows selection against smaller individuals at breeding time. Selective mortality has the potential to threaten population viability as conditions in the region become dryer and temperatures increase<ref name="Gardner" /> |
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The rest stop that has encroached into the Reserve from the Newell Highway allows easy access to the public. The area of the Reserve immediately adjoining the rest stop is regularly polluted by rubbish and is used as a toilet. Rubbish may attract introduced pest species to the Reserve and general public access can increase the likelihood of fire with make shift fire places evident<ref name="MP" />. |
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[[File:CT |
[[File:CT WPHE.JPG|thumbnail|right|''Lichenostomus plumus'' (white-plumed honeyeater)]] |
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If the rate of wildfire increases with climate change slow growing flora in the Reserve, such as ''Callitris endlicheri'' (black cypress pine), may be lost. Callitris rely on seeds alone for reproduction and post fire may be outcompeted by species such as Eucalyptus that are faster growing and have more recovery options through epicormic buds and lignotubers.<ref>Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A. 2011. How do slow growing, fire sensitive conifers survive in eucalypt woodlands? ''Journal of Vegetation Science''. '''22:''' 433.</ref><ref>Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A., Koen, T. 2012. Interactions between dense Callitris and Eucaluptus and Callitris canopy trees in semiarid woodlands. ''Australian Journal of Botany''. '''60:''' 556.</ref> |
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The altering of weather patterns caused by anthropogenic climate change is a serious threat to the Reserve as the impact of increased severe weather events such as drought, fire, floods and storms can exacerbate existing threatening processes<ref>Cook, D. 2010. Climate change and threatened wetland flora and communities. ''Australian Plant Conservation''. '''19:''' 24-25.</ref>. Changes to the timing of seasonal onset can modify food availability such as nectar and impact on the survival and abundance of species as the metabolic cost of finding food increases<ref name="Ford" />. The Reserve has already been impacted by long periods of drought which have seen a decline in the overall abundance of bird species in the last 30 years<ref name="Clayton" />. A recent study using data on ''Lichenostomus plumus'' (White-plumed Honeyeater) collected in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve over the past 23 years shows their size has increased in correlation with warmer mean temperatures and a decrease in rainfall<ref name="Gardner">Gardner, J. L., Amano, T., Mackey, B.G., Sutherland, W. J., Clayton, M., Peters, A. 2014. Dynamic size responses to climate change: prevailing effects of rising temperature drive long-term body size increases in a semi-arid passerine. ''Global Change Biology''. Early View Online.</ref>. The study by Gardner shows selection against smaller individuals at breeding time. Selective mortality has the potential to threaten population viability as conditions in the region become dryer and temperatures increase<ref name="Gardner" />. |
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[[File:CT_WPHE.jpeg|thumbnail|right|''Lichenostomus plumus'' (White-plumed Honeyeater)]] |
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If the rate of wildfire increases with climate change slow growing flora in the Reserve, such as ''Callitris endlicheri'' (Black Cypress Pine), may be lost. Callitris rely on seeds alone for reproduction and post fire may be outcompeted by species such as Eucalyptus that are faster growing and have more recovery options through epicormic buds and lignotubers<ref>Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A. 2011. How do slow growing, fire sensitive conifers survive in eucalypt woodlands? ''Journal of Vegetation Science''. '''22:''' 433.</ref><ref>Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A., Koen, T. 2012. Interactions between dense Callitris and Eucaluptus and Callitris canopy trees in semiarid woodlands. ''Australian Journal of Botany''. '''60:''' 556.</ref>. |
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==Reserve |
== Reserve management == |
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The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve is managed by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) under the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Protection of the Reserve since 1966 has prevented Mallee and Broombush from being harvested and further cleared for agriculture<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Priddel1" />. Protection has also decreased threatening processes that may have otherwise increased as a result of the site being used as a camp along the travelling stock route. Problems such as overgrazing, erosion and degradation caused by hooved animals and the spread of exotic seeds through the dung of domestic herbivores are caused by such itinerant campers. In accordance with The New South Wales National Parks and Widlife Act 1974 the NPWS have a formal management plan in place for the Reserve that outlines actions required to ensure its conservation, with the current plan running to 2021<ref name="MP" />. The management plan outlines the conservation value of the Reserve, its current state, areas of concern, threats to conservation and prioritises management and action required<ref name="MP" />. Some immediate management challenges include maintaining the fence line to prevent the entry of domestic livestock, erosion control and minimising pollution and disturbance from the adjoining rest stop. On a larger scale protecting remaining roadside remnants and those on private land will ensure that connections between The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve and larger Reserves such as Buddigower (327 ha) are maintained<ref name="Braby" />. |
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[[File:CT Rest stop.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Charcoal Tank rest area]] |
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Data collected as part of an ongoing and long-term bird banding study that commenced in July 1986 is extremely important to guiding the conservation and management of the Reserve. The banding group visits the site up to seven times per year and provides valuable information to the NSW NPWS, The Atlas for NSW Wildlife, scientific publications and the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" /><ref>New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage. 2014. NSW BioNet the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. |
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The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve is managed by the [[New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service]] (NSW NPWS) under the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Protection of the Reserve since 1966 has prevented Mallee and Broombush from being harvested and further cleared for agriculture.<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Priddel1" /> Protection has also decreased threatening processes that may have otherwise increased as a result of the site being used as a camp along the travelling stock route. Problems such as [[overgrazing]], erosion and degradation caused by hooved animals and the spread of exotic seeds through the dung of domestic herbivores are caused by such itinerant campers. In accordance with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 the NPWS have a formal management plan in place for the Reserve that outlines actions required to ensure its conservation, with the current plan running to 2021.<ref name="MP" /> The management plan outlines the conservation value of the Reserve, its current state, areas of concern, threats to conservation and prioritises management and action required.<ref name="MP" /> Some immediate management challenges include maintaining the fence line to prevent the entry of domestic livestock, erosion control and minimising pollution and disturbance from the adjoining rest stop. On a larger scale protecting remaining roadside remnants and those on private land will ensure that connections between The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve and larger Reserves such as [[Buddigower Nature Reserve|Buddigower]] (327 ha) are maintained<ref name="Braby" /> |
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http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au</ref>. |
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Data collected as part of an ongoing and long-term bird banding study that commenced in July 1986 is extremely important to guiding the conservation and management of the Reserve. The banding group visits the site up to seven times per year and provides valuable information to the NSW NPWS, The Atlas for NSW Wildlife, scientific publications and the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds<ref name="MP" /><ref name="Clayton" /><ref>New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage. 2014. NSW BioNet the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. |
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The NSW NPWS works closely with the local community to manage the Reserve, including the West Wyalong Aboriginal Land Council, the Bland/Temora Bush Fire Management Committee and local rural fire brigades. The NSW NPWS has a 2014 fire management strategy in place that provides clear operational guidelines, information on the most sensitive sites within the Reserve, vegetation maps, fire suppression strategies and relevant contact details<ref name="FMS" />. Currently the strategy requires that fire in the Reserve be immediately suppressed, any prescribed burns may only occur after a formal review of environmental factors because of the critically endangered Mallee-Broombush community. The long-unburnt conditions of the Reserve are favourable to some species such as ''Acanthagenys rufogularis'' (Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters)<ref name="Taylor">Taylor, R.S., Watson, S.J., Bennet, A.F., Clarker, M.F. 2013. Which fire management strategies benfit biodiversity? A landscape perspective case study using birds in mallee ecosystems of south-eastern Australian, ''Biological Conservation''. '''159:''' 248, 252-254.</ref>. By contrast, ''Hylacola cauta'' (Shy Heath Wren) seems to prefer habitat that contains vegetation with varying ranges of post fire age; the long unburnt status of the reserve along with drought may explain why this species has declined within the Rerserve<ref name="Clayton" /><ref name="Taylor" />. Managing conflicting habitat requirements for a diverse range of species in a small area will be an ongoing challenge<ref name="Taylor" />. |
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http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au</ref> |
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The NSW NPWS works closely with the local community to manage the Reserve, including the West Wyalong Aboriginal Land Council, the Bland/Temora Bush Fire Management Committee and local rural fire brigades. The NSW NPWS has a 2014 fire management strategy in place that provides clear operational guidelines, information on the most sensitive sites within the Reserve, vegetation maps, fire suppression strategies and relevant contact details.<ref name="FMS" /> Currently the strategy requires that fire in the Reserve be immediately suppressed, any prescribed burns may only occur after a formal review of environmental factors because of the critically endangered Mallee-Broombush community. The long-unburnt conditions of the Reserve are favourable to some species such as ''Acanthagenys rufogularis'' (spiny-cheeked honeyeaters).<ref name="Taylor">Taylor, R.S., Watson, S.J., Bennet, A.F., Clarker, M.F. 2013. Which fire management strategies benefit biodiversity? A landscape perspective case study using birds in mallee ecosystems of south-eastern Australian, ''Biological Conservation''. '''159:''' 248, 252-254.</ref> By contrast, ''Hylacola cauta'' (shy heath wren) seems to prefer habitat that contains vegetation with varying ranges of post fire age; the long unburnt status of the reserve along with drought may explain why this species has declined within the Reserve.<ref name="Clayton" /><ref name="Taylor" /> Managing conflicting habitat requirements for a diverse range of species in a small area will be an ongoing challenge<ref name="Taylor" /> |
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==References== |
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<references/> |
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== |
==See also== |
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{{stack|{{portal|New South Wales|environment}}}} |
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Pizzey, G., Knight, F. 2012. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Ninth Edition. Harper Collins Publishers: Sydney. |
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* [[Protected areas of New South Wales]] |
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== References == |
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Van Dyck, S., Gynther, I., Baker, A. 2013. Field Companion to the Mammals of Australia. New Holland Publisher: Chatswood, Sydney. |
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{{reflist}} |
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== Bibliography == |
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Wilson, S., Swan, G., 2013. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition. New Holland Publishers: Chatswood, Sydney. |
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* Pizzey, G., Knight, F. 2012. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Ninth Edition. Harper Collins Publishers: Sydney. |
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* Van Dyck, S., Gynther, I., Baker, A. 2013. Field Companion to the Mammals of Australia. New Holland Publisher: Chatswood, Sydney. |
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* Wilson, S., Swan, G., 2013. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition. New Holland Publishers: Chatswood, Sydney. |
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{{Nature reserves of New South Wales |state=autocollapse}} |
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== The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve == |
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[[Category:Nature reserves in New South Wales]] |
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[[Category:Central West (New South Wales)]] |
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[[Category:Protected areas established in 1966]] |
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[[Category:1966 establishments in Australia]] |
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[[Category:Riverina]] |
Revision as of 04:04, 3 May 2022
The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve New South Wales | |
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![]() The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve | |
Nearest town or city | West Wyalong |
Coordinates | 33°59′S 147°09′E / 33.983°S 147.150°E |
Established | May 1966[1] |
Area | 0.86 km2 (0.3 sq mi)[1] |
Managing authorities | NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service |
Website | The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve |
The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve is a protected nature reserve in the central western region of New South Wales, Australia. The 86.4-hectare (213-acre) reserve is situated 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of West Wyalong and may be accessed via the Newell Highway and The Charcoal Tank Road.[2] The reserve is an important refuge for native flora and fauna in a highly fragmented landscape, one in which the majority of the original vegetation has been removed.[2][3]
Description
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/de/T_intersection_signs.jpg/220px-T_intersection_signs.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bf/Middle_Dam.jpg/220px-Middle_Dam.jpg)
The land surrounding the reserve has been extensively altered through agricultural practice and the development of roads. As a remnant in a highly modified landscape, the reserve's vegetation is significant to the region as it includes critically endangered mallee and mallee–broombush in the absence on Triodia (Spinefex); in total there are only three protected areas within New South Wales containing this now rare vegetative structure.[2][4] The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s category for the Reserve is Ia, a protected area that is dedicated to conserving biodiversity and minimising disturbances by limiting human access.[5]
The reserve is relatively flat with a dry, red, loamy clay top soil; three man-made dams are situated along a drainage line that runs the length of the reserve.[2][6]
The traditional landowners of the region are the Wiradjuri people, inhabiting the region for over 40,000 years prior to European settlement in the area.[7] Little is known about the Wiradjuri people's use of the Reserve except that it was likely a place for gathering food.[2] After European settlement but prior to its listing as a Nature Reserve the site was used as camp on the traveling stock route and as a public watering place. In 1960 it became NSW Wildlife Refuge No. 2 but was still available for use as a watering ground and camp. The area officially became The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve in 1966; prior to its change in status a rest stop was cut into a portion of the reserve along the Newell Highway and remains there today.[2]
Climate
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/bd/Mallee_2.jpg/220px-Mallee_2.jpg)
The region's climate is considered semi-arid with hot dry summers and cold winters.[8] Elevation is 257 m (843 ft) above sea level with the mean minimum temperature 3.0 °C (37.4 °F) and mean maximum 34.1 °C (93.4 °F), mean relative humidity ranges between 48% in summer to 90% during winter with mean wind speeds ranging from 10.8–20.4 km/h (6.7–12.7 mph).[9] Annual rainfall over the past 13 years has ranged from 122.4 to 895.6 mm (4.82 to 35.26 in) per annum; the region has experienced severe periods of drought within the last 30 years.[10]
Ecology
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/47/Mallee_4.jpg/220px-Mallee_4.jpg)
The Reserve has a high level of biodiversity for its size and is an important remnant for a range of flora and fauna, including some nomadic and migratory birds species. Due to its size and isolation the Reserve is only able to provide somewhat limited resources to support large numbers of resident animal species. Fire history for the Reserve prior to 1966 is not well documented but evidence at the site suggests it is long-unburnt and recent records show fire has not occurred there since it was announced as a Reserve in 1966.[11]
Flora
Even though the Reserve is small there are three distinct communities of vegetation. The dominant community is mallee-broombush made up of Melaleuca uncinata (broombush), Eucalyptus polybractea (blue mallee), Eucalyptus viridis (green mallee) and Eucalyptus behriana (bull mallee). Two notable native shrubs sharing the mallee-broombush community are Kunzea parvifolia (purple kunzea) and Acacia rhigiophylla (dagger-leaved wattle). The second largest group of vegetation is a eucalyptus-callitris mix; including Eucalyptus microcarpa (inland grey box), Eucalyptus sideroxylon, and Callitris endlicheri (black cypress pine). The eucalyptus and callitris community has a well-developed understory that includes native shrubs such as Cassinia laevis (cough bush), Santalum acuminatum (quandong) and Acacia hakeoides (hakea wattle). Understory and groundcover in other areas of the Reserve has been lost or badly degraded. The smallest community of vegetation is made up of Callitris endlicheri (black cypress pine), Eucalyptus Dwyeri (Dwyer's red-gum) and Acacia doratoxylon (currawang).[2]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/29/Iron_Bark.jpg/220px-Iron_Bark.jpg)
The dominant community of mallee and broombush is listed as critically endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, with only two other Nature Reserves in NSW protecting similar communities.[2][12] Mallee and broombush have been extensively harvested in the region since European settlement.[13]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Callitris_E.jpg/220px-Callitris_E.jpg)
Fauna
Birds represent the largest number of vertebrate species occurring within the reserve with over 165 species identified; 96 species have been banded and released as part of a long-term monitoring study in the Reserve.[2][14] Some of the Reserve's breeding residents such as Climacteris picumnus victoriae (brown treecreeper) and Daphoenositta chrysopyera (varied sittella) are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995. Data from the long-term bird banding project shows a decrease in the number of brown treecreepers present. There are twenty other birds that utilize the reserve that are also listed as vulnerable under the NSW TSC Act; some examples are Grantiella picta (painted honeyeater), Polytelis swainsonii (superb parrot), Anthochaera phrygia (regent honeyeater) and the Lathamus discolor (swift parrot).[2] Under Australia's national Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 the regent honeyeater and the swift parrot are listed as endangered and the superb parrot as vulnerable.[15]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a6/Superb_Parrot.jpg/220px-Superb_Parrot.jpg)
Sadly, species such as Leipoa ocellata (malleefowl), Pachycephala inorta (Gilbert's whistler), Drymodes superciliaris (southern scrub robin) and Falcunculus frontatus (crested shrike-tit) have become extinct from the Reserve in the past 30 years; the last crested shrike-tit banded in the reserve was in 1997.[14][16] The disappearance of the malleefowl not only in the Reserve but the surrounding region is due to a number of pressures; these include predation by Vulpes vulpes (red fox) and Felis catus (cat), fragmentation and loss of habitat, isolation, competition and degradation of habitat by domestic livestock and introduced vertebrates such as Oryctolagus cuniculus (European rabbit) and Capra hircu (goat).[13][17] More recently the Reserve's long-term bird monitoring study has recorded a decline in species that were previously abundant or regular visitors to the Reserve, this includes species such as the Pomatostomus temporalis (grey-crowned babbler), Hylacola cauta (shy heath wren), Stagonopleura guttata (diamond firetail), and Eopsaltria griseogularis (eastern yellow robin)[14]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c7/Painted_HE.jpg/220px-Painted_HE.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/CT_Echidna.jpg/220px-CT_Echidna.jpg)
Other fauna found in the Reserve includes mammals such as Macropus giganteus (eastern grey kangaroo), Wallabia bicolor (swamp wallaby), Tachyglossus aculeatus (short-beaked echidna) and Petaurus breviceps (sugar glider).[14] Five amphibians are known to occur in the Reserve and nine species of reptile such as Varanus varius (lace monitor) and Pseudonaja textilis (eastern brown snake).[2][14] Some invertebrates found in the Reserve are Cherax destructor (common freshwater yabby) and at least nine species of butterfly including Delias aganippe (spotted Jezebel) and Vanessa kershawi (Australian painted lady).[18] The reserve may also be important to the long-term survival of the locally threatened butterfly Candalides hyacinthinus simplex (western dusky-blue), this species is dependent upon Mallee for its survival and has been located in remnant mallee habitat close to West Wyalong.[19]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Diamond_Firetail.jpg/220px-Diamond_Firetail.jpg)
Vertebrate pest species recorded infrequently in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve include Felis catus (cat), Vulpes vulpes (red fox), Sturnus vulgaris (common starling), Oryctolagus cuniculus (European rabbit) Lepus europaeus (European brown hare), Mus musculus (house mouse) and Sus scrofa (pig).[2][14]
Environmental threats
Due to its small size and isolation in a fragmented landscape The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve's structure and biodiversity are at risk from threatening processes such as climate change, edge effects, pest species, pollution, high intensity fire and further clearing of roadside and patch remnants in the region. Any of these threatening processes can have serious impacts on biodiversity but they are rarely encountered in isolation having a compounding effect on individual species and ecosystems as a whole.
Fragmentation has isolated the Reserve from other remnant patches making it difficult for species to move through the landscape. This places species at greater risk of local extinction by preventing range expansion and therefore decreasing genetic diversity and trapping species in areas without sufficient resources.[3][19][20] Once a species becomes locally extinct re-colonisation through immigration across a fragmented landscape is highly unlikely. If species are forced to move across a fragmented landscape they are at greater risk of predation or collisions with vehicles; this is especially the case for species in the Reserve which is bordered by the Newell Highway[3]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/CT_Farmland.jpg/220px-CT_Farmland.jpg)
Roadside vegetation in NSW is now extremely important to the survival of many species that rely on them as the only corridors to larger remnants; this includes species found in the Reserve.[7] Small remnants such as The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve and roadside strips are under increased pressure from edge effects as they have smaller interior habitats. The Reserve's edges are linear and artificial making it more susceptible to degrading processes including severe weather events, erosion, insecticidal drift from neighbouring properties, select species dominance, grazing by neighbouring domestic livestock and invasion of pest species.[3][19][21] Predation of bird nests along artificially created edges in Mallee is higher than naturally occurring Mallee edges.[3] Gully erosion in the west of the reserve is a long-standing problem, caused by runoff from the cleared surrounding paddocks and the artificial drainage line to dams. The Reserve becomes a sink for the cleared surrounding landscape with topsoil disturbance and potential pollutants and seeds of pest plants entering the Reserve.[2][22] The rest stop that has encroached into the Reserve from the Newell Highway allows easy access to the public. The area of the Reserve immediately adjoining the rest stop is regularly polluted by rubbish and is used as a toilet. Rubbish may attract introduced pest species to the Reserve, and general public access can increase the likelihood of fire with makeshift fireplaces evident.[2]
The altering of weather patterns caused by anthropogenic climate change is a serious threat to the Reserve as the impact of increased severe weather events such as drought, fire, floods and storms can exacerbate existing threatening processes.[23] Changes to the timing of seasonal onset can modify food availability such as nectar and impact on the survival and abundance of species as the metabolic cost of finding food increases.[3] The Reserve has already been impacted by long periods of drought which have seen a decline in the overall abundance of bird species in the last 30 years.[14] A recent study using data on Lichenostomus plumus (white-plumed honeyeater) collected in The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve over the past 23 years shows their size has increased in correlation with warmer mean temperatures and a decrease in rainfall.[24] The study by Gardner shows selection against smaller individuals at breeding time. Selective mortality has the potential to threaten population viability as conditions in the region become dryer and temperatures increase[24]
If the rate of wildfire increases with climate change slow growing flora in the Reserve, such as Callitris endlicheri (black cypress pine), may be lost. Callitris rely on seeds alone for reproduction and post fire may be outcompeted by species such as Eucalyptus that are faster growing and have more recovery options through epicormic buds and lignotubers.[25][26]
Reserve management
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/CT_Rest_stop.jpg/220px-CT_Rest_stop.jpg)
The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve is managed by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS) under the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Protection of the Reserve since 1966 has prevented Mallee and Broombush from being harvested and further cleared for agriculture.[2][13] Protection has also decreased threatening processes that may have otherwise increased as a result of the site being used as a camp along the travelling stock route. Problems such as overgrazing, erosion and degradation caused by hooved animals and the spread of exotic seeds through the dung of domestic herbivores are caused by such itinerant campers. In accordance with the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 the NPWS have a formal management plan in place for the Reserve that outlines actions required to ensure its conservation, with the current plan running to 2021.[2] The management plan outlines the conservation value of the Reserve, its current state, areas of concern, threats to conservation and prioritises management and action required.[2] Some immediate management challenges include maintaining the fence line to prevent the entry of domestic livestock, erosion control and minimising pollution and disturbance from the adjoining rest stop. On a larger scale protecting remaining roadside remnants and those on private land will ensure that connections between The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve and larger Reserves such as Buddigower (327 ha) are maintained[19]
Data collected as part of an ongoing and long-term bird banding study that commenced in July 1986 is extremely important to guiding the conservation and management of the Reserve. The banding group visits the site up to seven times per year and provides valuable information to the NSW NPWS, The Atlas for NSW Wildlife, scientific publications and the Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds[2][14][27]
The NSW NPWS works closely with the local community to manage the Reserve, including the West Wyalong Aboriginal Land Council, the Bland/Temora Bush Fire Management Committee and local rural fire brigades. The NSW NPWS has a 2014 fire management strategy in place that provides clear operational guidelines, information on the most sensitive sites within the Reserve, vegetation maps, fire suppression strategies and relevant contact details.[11] Currently the strategy requires that fire in the Reserve be immediately suppressed, any prescribed burns may only occur after a formal review of environmental factors because of the critically endangered Mallee-Broombush community. The long-unburnt conditions of the Reserve are favourable to some species such as Acanthagenys rufogularis (spiny-cheeked honeyeaters).[28] By contrast, Hylacola cauta (shy heath wren) seems to prefer habitat that contains vegetation with varying ranges of post fire age; the long unburnt status of the reserve along with drought may explain why this species has declined within the Reserve.[14][28] Managing conflicting habitat requirements for a diverse range of species in a small area will be an ongoing challenge[28]
See also
References
- ^ a b "The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve: Plan of management". Office of Environment & Heritage. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "The Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve: Plan of Management" (PDF). NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (PDF). Government of New South Wales. November 2012. ISBN 978-1-74293-920-9.
- ^ a b c d e f Ford, H. A., Barrett, G.W., Saunders, D.A., Recher, H.F. 2001. Why have the birds in the woodlands of Southern Australia declined? Biological Conservation. 97: 71-74, 76-79, 81-82.
- ^ "Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion-profile". Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. Government of New South Wales. 2012.
- ^ "Protected Area Categories". International Union for Conservation of Nature 1. 2014.
- ^ McDonald, R. C.; Isbell, R. F.; Speight, J. G.; Walker, J.; Hopkins, M. S. (1990). Australian Soil and Land Survey (Second ed.). Canberra: Goanna Print.
- ^ a b Spooner, P. G. (2005). "On Squatters, Settlers and Early Surveyors: historical development of country road reserves in Southern New South Wales". Australian Geographer (36): 56, 63, 71.
- ^ Australian Government 1, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Climate Classifications: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/climate_averages/climate-classifications/index.jsp
- ^ Australian Government 2, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Climate Statistics for Australian Locations: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_050017.shtml
- ^ Australian Government 3, Bureau of Meteorology. 2014. Monthly Rainfall West Wyalong Airport: http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=139&p_display_type=dataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=050017
- ^ a b New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2014. Charcoal Tank Reserve Fire Management Strategy: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/firemanagement/TheCharcoalTankNRfms.htm
- ^ New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage: Nature Conservation. 2011. Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion - critically endangered ecological community listing. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/malleeandmalleebroombushFD.htm
- ^ a b c Priddel, D., Wheeler, R., Copley, P. 2007. Does the integrity or structure of mallee habitat influence the degree of fox predation on Malleefowl (Leiposa ocellata), Emu. 107: 100-101, 104-106.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Clayton, M. 2014. ACT Regional Organiser, Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. Personal Communication.
- ^ Australian Government 4, Department of the Environment. 2014. EPBC Act List of Threatened Fauna: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicthreatenedlist.pl?wanted=fauna
- ^ Ewin, P. 2007. 4. Malleefowl in New South Wales: Review of Past and Future Actions. Page 3.
- ^ Priddel, D., Wheeler, R. 1994. Mortality of Captive-raised Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, Released into a Mallee Remnant within the Wheat-belt of New South Wales, Wildlife Research. 21: 543, 551.
- ^ Bond, S. 2014. Personal Communication.
- ^ a b c d Braby, M. F., Edwards, T.D. 2006. The butterfly fauna of the Griffith district, a fragmented semi-arid landscape in inland New South Wales, Pacific Conservation Biology. 12: 1,7-8.
- ^ Driscoll, D. 2007. The conservation challenge of sustaining spatially dependent evolution, Pacific Conservation Biology. 13: 84.
- ^ Briggs, S.V., Seddon, J.A., Doyle, S.J. 2007. Structure of bird communities in woodland remnants in central New South Wales, Australia, Australian Journal of Zoology. 55: 35, 38.
- ^ Munoz-Robles, C., Reid, N., Tughe, M., Briggs, S.V., Wilson, B. 2010. Soil hydrological and erosional responses in patches and inert-patches in vegetation states in semi-arid, Australia, Geoderma. 160: 524.
- ^ Cook, D. 2010. Climate change and threatened wetland flora and communities. Australian Plant Conservation. 19: 24-25.
- ^ a b Gardner, J. L., Amano, T., Mackey, B.G., Sutherland, W. J., Clayton, M., Peters, A. 2014. Dynamic size responses to climate change: prevailing effects of rising temperature drive long-term body size increases in a semi-arid passerine. Global Change Biology. Early View Online.
- ^ Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A. 2011. How do slow growing, fire sensitive conifers survive in eucalypt woodlands? Journal of Vegetation Science. 22: 433.
- ^ Cohn, J.S., Lunt, I.D., Ross, K.A., Bradstock, R.A., Koen, T. 2012. Interactions between dense Callitris and Eucaluptus and Callitris canopy trees in semiarid woodlands. Australian Journal of Botany. 60: 556.
- ^ New South Wales Government: Office of Environment and Heritage. 2014. NSW BioNet the website for the Atlas of NSW Wildlife. http://www.bionet.nsw.gov.au
- ^ a b c Taylor, R.S., Watson, S.J., Bennet, A.F., Clarker, M.F. 2013. Which fire management strategies benefit biodiversity? A landscape perspective case study using birds in mallee ecosystems of south-eastern Australian, Biological Conservation. 159: 248, 252-254.
Bibliography
- Pizzey, G., Knight, F. 2012. The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia Ninth Edition. Harper Collins Publishers: Sydney.
- Van Dyck, S., Gynther, I., Baker, A. 2013. Field Companion to the Mammals of Australia. New Holland Publisher: Chatswood, Sydney.
- Wilson, S., Swan, G., 2013. A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia Fourth Edition. New Holland Publishers: Chatswood, Sydney.