Showing papers by "Stephen E. Williams published in 1993"

Survey of the vertebrate fauna of the Dotswood area, North Queensland

Abstract: The results of a survey of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish of the Dotswood area west of Townsville are presented. Habitats included in the survey were woodland, open forest, tall open forest, closed forest (rainforest), riparian forest and rocky outcrops. A total of 297 species of vertebrates were observed using a variety of survey techniques including live trapping, pit trapping, observational transects, mist netting and spotlighting. Exact locations of observation and indices of relative abundance of each species are included.

Vertebrate fauna of three mountain tops in the Townsville region, north Queensland : Mount Cleveland, Mount Elliot and Mount Halifax

Abstract: Vertebrate fauna surveys were carried out on the summits of Mount Cleveland, Mount Elliot and Mount Halifax in north Queensland. The main focus was on mammals and birds, but observations on all vertebrate groups are included. Habitats included rainforest and open eucalypt/casuarina forest. The surveys recorded a total of 136 species of vertebrates including 17 mammal, 77 bird, 32 reptile and 10 frog species. Habitat descriptions and measures of relative abundance for mammals and birds are included.

General ecology of the Cane Toad, Bufo marinus, and examination of direct effects on native frog choruses at Heathlands, Cape York Peninsula.

Abstract: Experiments performed on the introduced cane toad (Bufo marinus) during the Heathlands wet season expedition are outlined. Twenty cane toads were collected at Cockatoo Creek dam during a native frog chorus. Stomach content analysis of these toads demonstrated no direct predatory effect on the native frogs. Ten cane toads were spool-tracked around the Cockatoo Creek dam. Seven of these toads were tracked to a shelter site, six of which were retraced the following day. Most toads favoured shelter sites amongst the long grass around the dam. Some toads moved distances of up to 200 m into the nearby heath. Nine toads were similarly spool-tracked from a small roadside pool of water. Shelter sites and movement of these toads were recorded. Shelter sites included an old goanna burrow, hollow logs and under clumps of grass. Most toads remained in close proximity to the pool. Toad retreat sites tended to be near water and atleast partially shaded. A mark-recapture program (along a transect from Heathlands homestead to Bertie Creek) and examination of stomach contents of toads were also performed. Few toads were recaptured during the mark-recapture program, possibly due to the dry conditions. The stomach contents of toads collected around the homestead showed a diet of primarily insects, with ants and beetles being the dominant groups.

Frogs of the Heathlands area, Cape York Peninsula

Abstract: A species list of the frog fauna surveyed at Heathlands, Cape York Peninsula, during the 1992 wet season expedition is given. In all, 16 species of frogs (15 native and one introduced species) were recorded during this survey. Melaleuca swamps, stream banks and riparian vegetation are the most important habitats for frogs in the study area. Twelve species of frogs recorded during the survey are also found on the adjacent coast of New Guinea. The association between the Heathlands' frog fauna and that of New Guinea is discussed. A range extension is recorded for Uperoleia lithomoda, and a comment on species absent from the survey is provided. The lack of true wet season rains is given as a possible reason for the absence of some burrowing species from the study area.

Reptile records for the Heathlands area, Cape York Peninsula

Abstract: The results of field surveys conducted between 14 January and 4 February 1992 have been combined with specimen records from the holdings of the Queensland and Australian Museums to expand on existing reptile species lists for the Heathlands area. A strong link exists between the reptile faunas of northern Cape York Peninsula and New Guinea, with 32/51 of the Heathlands species being shared between the two land masses. This link results from past land bridges across Torres Strait. Anomalopus pluto was recorded from three new localities. The most recent record of Emydura subglobosa is provided, and the range of Carlia jarnoldae has been extended.