Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna): Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 2012–2014
Abstract: This Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring data package comprises data for a sub-sample of the 133 plots situated in Kakadu National Park. Terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are sampled in a 50 x 50 m plot adjacent to each fire plot monitoring site (below). Each vertebrate plot is sampled every five years. Within each five yearly-interval plots are sampled in different months over a three-year period. Each individual plot is always sampled in the same month.
The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity. The Three Parks Savanna Plot Network’s full program uses a total of 220 permanent monitoring plots established in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks which commenced in 1994-1995. The research is aimed at improving our understanding of impacts associated with imposed fire on vegetation structure, plant species and vertebrate fauna, in order to improve our knowledge and management of fire in tropical savanna landscapes.
A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d.
Sampling method: The network program at Kakadu National Park uses a core of 133 sites to sample a range of landform and vegetation type / habitat conditions. The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity.
Where possible fauna survey sites are set up adjacent to the left-hand edge of the fire plots. In the case of creek line site, the fauna quadrat often needs to be upstream or downstream of the site.
Study extent: The monitoring program was designed originally to sample vegetation. Its applicability for the monitoring of fauna was recognised subsequently. As a consequence, the monitoring of fauna generally has lagged behind the vegetation monitoring program. Whereas all 133 monitoring plots in Kakadu have been sampled for vegetation four times over the period 1995-2009 (and the fifth
resampling commenced April 2013), sampling for fauna has been far less substantial and regular: 15 of the Kakadu plots have been monitored for fauna four times, 121 plots three times, 39 plots only twice, and 6 plots have not been sampled at all.
Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
This project has also received funding through Parks Australia, NT Parks & Wildlife Service, Tropical Savannas CRC, and Darwin Centre for Bushfires Research (Charles Darwin University).
Type
collection
Title
Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna): Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 2012–2014
Alternate Title
Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects - Fauna Plot Network: Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk, 2012–2014
Collection Type
Dataset
Access Privileges
Long Term Ecological Research Network
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
10.25911/5c3eb6db69f09
Metadata Language
English
Data Language
English
Brief Description
This Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring data package comprises data for a sub-sample of the 133 plots situated in Kakadu National Park. Terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are sampled in a 50 x 50 m plot adjacent to each fire plot monitoring site (below). Each vertebrate plot is sampled every five years. Within each five yearly-interval plots are sampled in different months over a three-year period. Each individual plot is always sampled in the same month.
The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity. The Three Parks Savanna Plot Network’s full program uses a total of 220 permanent monitoring plots established in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks which commenced in 1994-1995. The research is aimed at improving our understanding of impacts associated with imposed fire on vegetation structure, plant species and vertebrate fauna, in order to improve our knowledge and management of fire in tropical savanna landscapes. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d.
The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity. The Three Parks Savanna Plot Network’s full program uses a total of 220 permanent monitoring plots established in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks which commenced in 1994-1995. The research is aimed at improving our understanding of impacts associated with imposed fire on vegetation structure, plant species and vertebrate fauna, in order to improve our knowledge and management of fire in tropical savanna landscapes. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d.
Full Description
Abstract: This Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring data package comprises data for a sub-sample of the 133 plots situated in Kakadu National Park. Terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are sampled in a 50 x 50 m plot adjacent to each fire plot monitoring site (below). Each vertebrate plot is sampled every five years. Within each five yearly-interval plots are sampled in different months over a three-year period. Each individual plot is always sampled in the same month.
The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity. The Three Parks Savanna Plot Network’s full program uses a total of 220 permanent monitoring plots established in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks which commenced in 1994-1995. The research is aimed at improving our understanding of impacts associated with imposed fire on vegetation structure, plant species and vertebrate fauna, in order to improve our knowledge and management of fire in tropical savanna landscapes.
A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d.
Sampling method: The network program at Kakadu National Park uses a core of 133 sites to sample a range of landform and vegetation type / habitat conditions. The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity.
Where possible fauna survey sites are set up adjacent to the left-hand edge of the fire plots. In the case of creek line site, the fauna quadrat often needs to be upstream or downstream of the site.
Study extent: The monitoring program was designed originally to sample vegetation. Its applicability for the monitoring of fauna was recognised subsequently. As a consequence, the monitoring of fauna generally has lagged behind the vegetation monitoring program. Whereas all 133 monitoring plots in Kakadu have been sampled for vegetation four times over the period 1995-2009 (and the fifth
resampling commenced April 2013), sampling for fauna has been far less substantial and regular: 15 of the Kakadu plots have been monitored for fauna four times, 121 plots three times, 39 plots only twice, and 6 plots have not been sampled at all.
Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.
This project has also received funding through Parks Australia, NT Parks & Wildlife Service, Tropical Savannas CRC, and Darwin Centre for Bushfires Research (Charles Darwin University).
Methods
Set up
1
• Cage traps = 4–6 (one on each corner of the trapping quadrat = 50 x 50 m, and additionally for helicopter surveys one in middle of two sides)
• Elliott traps = 20/30 (vehicle surveys/helicopter surveys) evenly spaced around the perimeter
• Pit falls = 3 (3 fences, 18 pegs, 3 buckets)
• Funnels = two if possible and four extra pegs to secure them against one of the fences
• Elliott traps = 20/30 (vehicle surveys/helicopter surveys) evenly spaced around the perimeter
• Pit falls = 3 (3 fences, 18 pegs, 3 buckets)
• Funnels = two if possible and four extra pegs to secure them against one of the fences
Fauna survey sites (50x50 m) are set up adjacent (preferably to the left) of the fixed vegetation monitoring plots.
Data collection
2
• Habitat assessment proforma x 1
• Fauna summary sheet x 1
• Fauna summary sheet x 1
The fauna survey protocol comprises searches and trapping over a 72 hour period, including:
(i) eight “instantaneous” counts (predominantly in the early morning) of birds present in a 1 ha plot,
(ii) two nocturnal spotlighting searches each for 10-minutes of a 50 m x 50 m plot within the 1 ha plot, for frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals;
(iii) three 10-minute day-time searches for reptiles, frogs and mammals in the 50 m x 50 m plot;
(iv) an array of 20 Elliott traps (metal box traps 30 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm) and four cage traps (65 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm) evenly spaced along the perimeter of the 50 m x 50 m plot (mostly to sample small mammals), baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and oats, and checked early every morning; and
(v) two pitfall traps (20 L plastic buckets dug into the ground), with 8 m of 30 cm high flywire drift-line netting. For each species, an abundance value is calculated as the sum of all individuals captured or reported in searches.
(i) eight “instantaneous” counts (predominantly in the early morning) of birds present in a 1 ha plot,
(ii) two nocturnal spotlighting searches each for 10-minutes of a 50 m x 50 m plot within the 1 ha plot, for frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals;
(iii) three 10-minute day-time searches for reptiles, frogs and mammals in the 50 m x 50 m plot;
(iv) an array of 20 Elliott traps (metal box traps 30 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm) and four cage traps (65 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm) evenly spaced along the perimeter of the 50 m x 50 m plot (mostly to sample small mammals), baited with a mixture of peanut butter, honey and oats, and checked early every morning; and
(v) two pitfall traps (20 L plastic buckets dug into the ground), with 8 m of 30 cm high flywire drift-line netting. For each species, an abundance value is calculated as the sum of all individuals captured or reported in searches.
File Descriptions
tpsk_terrestrial_vertebrate_monitoring_p91t55.csv
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Contact Email
alaric.fisher@nt.gov.au;
graeme.gillespie@nt.gov.au
Contact Address
PO Box 496
Palmerston, Northern Territory, 0831
Australia
Contact Phone Number
+61 8 8995 5002;
+61 478 404 546;
+61 8 8995 5025;
+61 429 091 783
Contact Fax Number
+61 8 8995 5099
Principal Investigator
Alaric Fisher
Supervisors
Alaric Fisher
Collaborators
Australian Government Parks Australia;
Graeme Gillespie;
Jeremy Russell-Smith
Fields of Research
0501 - Ecological Applications;
0502 - Environmental Science and Management;
0602 - Ecology
Keywords
GCMD:Earth Science > Biosphere > Ecological Dynamics > Fire Ecology;
GCMD:Earth Science > Biosphere > Terrestrial Ecosystems > Savannas;
LTERN Monitoring Theme:Fire;
LTERN Monitoring Theme:Herpetofauna;
LTERN Monitoring Theme:Birds;
LTERN Monitoring Theme:Mammals;
keyword:Fire effects;
keyword:Terrestrial vertebrate sampling;
keyword:Kakadu;
keyword:Parks;
keyword:Savanna;
Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects - Fauna;
Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk;
Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring
Type of Research Activity
Strategic basic research
Date Coverage
2014
2012
Geospatial Location
Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
text
northlimit = -12.11059; southlimit = -13.94659; westlimit = 131.88766; eastLimit = 133.00257
iso19139dcmiBox
Date of data creation
2014-11-04
Year of data publication
2014
Creator(s) for Citation
Fisher
Alaric
Gillespie
Graeme
Publisher for Citation
The Australian National University Data Commons
Other Related Identifiers
MorphoId:ltern.52;
PackageId:91
Access Rights
Special Conditions: Prior to publication of research utilising these data — the data provider must be consulted and provide consent.
Access Rights Type
Open
Licence Type
CC-BY - Attribution (Version 4)
Licence
LTERN Deed: 47
Date of execution: 2017-05-12
Restrictions: Data collected prior to 2012 is to be published as mediated, except where explicitly stated otherwise by the Data Provider.
Data Location
Creative Commons Licence (CC BY- Attribution) is assigned to this data. Details of the licence can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Retention Period
Indefinitely
Data Management Plan
No
Status: Published
Published to:
Published to:
- Australian National University
- Australian National Data Service
Related items
- hasAssociationWith:
Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna) data packages, 1994-2018 [anudc:5552] - hasAssociationWith:
Dr Alaric Fisher [anudc:5561] - hasAssociationWith:
Graeme Gillespie [anudc:5588] - hasAssociationWith:
Jeremy Russell-Smith [anudc:5595] - hasAssociationWith:
Australian Government Parks Australia [anudc:5630]