Habitat preferences of the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Weipa, Cape York Peninsula

摘要: The mining of bauxite ore at Weipa on Cape York Peninsula in Australia requires total extinguishment overlying native Eucalyptus tetrodonta open forest habitat, and its effect biodiversity ecological services is unknown. remnant landscape consists a mosaic regenerating habitats, network mostly protected habitat patches rainforests, swamps corridors riparian habitats. Fringing these remnants halo (also referred to as ecotone) otherwise extinguished woodland habitats which are located above that it uneconomic recover. For some this study compared patterns incidence abundance one hundred ninety-five species small medium terrestrial vertebrates - fourteen mammals, one-hundred thirty-two birds, reptiles seventeen frogs. sampled sites, employed sampling design stratified into two values (economic uneconomic), three positions (woodland, ecotone riparian), types (creek, swamp marine) geographic regions (the operational areas the north south Mission River). On question relationship fauna underlying value, results showed no significant difference incidence, richness, diversity or composition systematically surveyed economic bauxite. At more detailed species-specific level, differences were observed for an uncommon gekko (Heteronotia binoei) found exclusively common dragon (Diporiphora bilineata) all Both abundantly recorded ore. H. binoei widespread throughout Australian continent, not considered threatened vulnerable. findings suggest overwhelming proportion vertebrate surveyed, variegated most probably effective substitute ore. Unexpectedly, survey very strong evidence overall was quantitatively rich component within landscape, although abundances higher thus affirmed importance specifically independently conserving addition part any conservation strategy. When analysed by class, confirmed bird, reptile frog faunas significantly different, between classes did coincide. The further demonstrated (ecotone) immediately adjacent had distinguishable different (principally due preferences amongst birds presence frogs), so cannot simply be being lost. What suggested from detail particular affinity arboreal gekkos may related mature trees with their hollows extensive bark sheeting. This raises concerns about usefulness treating young regeneration replacement species, what extent degree alteration will risk viability existing populations. Although richer individuals, distinctive bird composition, when creek marine faunas. observation many seen frequently reinforces significance policy minesite operator. The mined Andoom fauna, despite region having than Weipa. The sadly introduced Cane Toad Bufo marinus. ascendancy present level almost certainly explains only conspicuously absent mammal relative earlier studies Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus. invasion also likely explanation anecdotal record decline varanid traditional custodian. Despite intensive disturbance, time substantially surveys, work has provided solid basis identifying measuring threatening changes distribution future surveys.