April 2019 Grasslands Survey
Pictures Courtesy of Katrina W.
Monitoring Grasslands
The Grassland and shrub land
herbivore impact survey is
conducted annually in April. The survey aims to build a longitudinal data
set to monitor the native perennial grasses and shrubs on the the Bunkers
Conservation Reserve. Regular surveillance of the herbivore
impact on plants provides important information to
inform herbivore management.
The survey is supervised by a senior
ecologist for the South Australian Department of Environment and Water.
Approximately 10 sites representing different areas within the Bunkers are
surveyed. At each site, 60 quadrants (1m x 1m) are assessed, the following
data are recorded:
-number of grass butts, shrubs
-amount of scat and scat type
-presence of weeds
-assessment (scoring) of the damage due
to herbivore grazing on butts and shrubs
Volunteering to assist with the survey
is a great way to learn about the ecology of the Bunkers, and a great way
to meet other members. Non-members can also apply to become a volunteer. Volunteers
do not need ecology knowledge or prior experience, training is provided
on-site.
