What are Flora and Fauna Surveys?

If we stroll through a nature reserve and compile a list of the birds or flowers that we see along the way, then we are, in its very simplest form, conducting a flora or fauna survey. Field naturalists Keith and Lindsay Fisher have provided a fine example of such a survey in Jasper Gorge.

Examples

Please read
Reading A - example survey

Fisher K. & Fisher L. (1985). Some observations of Jasper Gorge, Victoria River Downs, NT. Northern Territory Naturalist 8:13-16.

With some preparation and effort, however, we can do and achieve so much more than this simple listing. For example, we might choose to

make a special effort to find species or groups of species that aren't so easy to detect
obtain information on the abundance of the species
obtain information on the habitat preferences of the species
ensure systematic coverage of an area and/or its habitats
obtain the information about biodiversity at levels other than species (see What is biological diversity?)

We may also choose to survey

a single species - for example the Carpentarian Grasswren
a relatively small set of species - for example trappable small mammals
a large cross-section of the flora and/or fauna - for example, all vertebrates and/or all vascular plants.

Examples

Please read
Reading B - example survey

McKean J.L. & Martin K.C. (1989). Distribtuion and status of the Carpentaria Grasswren Amytornis dorotheae. Northern Territory Naturalist 11: 12-19.

Reading C - example survey

Bowman M.J.S. & McDonough L. (1990). Wet season occupation of Workshop Jungel by small mammals. Northern Territory Naturalist 12: 20-23.

We often call surveys of a range of species biological or biodiversity surveys. The following examples of detailed biological surveys are available in theCharles Darwin University Library's short-term loan collection. You should refer to one of these as an example of a fundamental biodiversity survey.

Examples

Griffiths A. D., Materne C. M. & Sherwell D. J. (1997). Biological Survey of the Proposed Limmen Gate National Park. Darwin, Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Technical Report No. 61.

Griffiths A. D., Woinarski J. C. Z., Armstrong M. D., Dunlop C. R., Cowie I. D. & Horner P. G. (1997). Biological Survey of Litchfield National Park. Darwin, Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory, Technical Report No. 62.

Griffiths A. D. (1997). Biological Survey of Elsey National Park. Darwin, Parks and Wildlife Commission NT, Technical Report No. 63.

There are some good web site examples too

the Environmental Impact Statement for the Ord River Irrigation Area Stage 2 development (select chapters and appendices only), which may be viewed at: http://www.lpe.nt.gov.au/enviro/EIAREG/ORD/
download.htm
the Environment Assessment Report for the Blackmore River (East) Aquaculture Development (go to Chapter 3 'Existing Environment', and explore the 'Flora' and 'Terrestrial Fauna' sections):
http://www.lpe.nt.gov.au/enviro/EIAREG/Phelps/
download.htm

After completing this unit, you will be able to design, plan and cost surveys similar to these!

Survey results can then form the foundation of more complex natural management startegies such as reserve design, threatened species conservation plans and fire monitoring programs. Following are some examples of the applications of biodiversity survey results.

Examples

(1) Reserve design in Northern Territory
(2) Endangered species: the Gouldian Finch
(3) Fire monitoring in Northern Australia

As you explore these examples try to answer the following questions in your e-journal.

1.0
What are the objectives of these surveys?
What types of surveys are there?
Who uses flora and fauna surveys?

Compare your ideas about surveys with ours.