The response of threatened
aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire
in north-eastern Victoria
Diane Crowther, Shanaugh Lyon and Phil Papas
2008
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Technical Report Series No. 179
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Series No. 179
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates
to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Diane Crowther, Shanaugh Lyon
and Phil Papas
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084
August 2008
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Department of Sustainability and Environment
Heidelberg, Victoria
Report produced by:
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research
Department of Sustainability and Environment
PO Box 137
Heidelberg, Victoria 3084
Phone (03) 9450 8600
Website: www.dse.vic.gov.au/ari
© State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment 2008
This publication is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as
permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means
(electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria, Department of
Sustainability and Environment. All requests and enquires should be directed to the Customer Service Centre, 136 186
or email customer.service@dse.vic.gov.au
Citation: Crowther D., Lyon S. and Papas, P. (2008) The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire
in north-eastern Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179.
Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heidelberg, Victoria
ISSN 1835-3835 (Print)
ISSN 1835-3827 (Online)
ISBN 978-1-74208-768-9 (Print)
ISBN 978-1-74208-769-6 (Online)
Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee
that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore
disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in
this publication.
Front cover photo: (clockwise from top left): Thaumatoperla alpina adult on Silky Daisy. [Photo: D. Crowther];
Lyrebird Plain bog, Mount Buffalo National Park. [Photo: D. Bryant]; McKay Creek, Bogong High Plains [Photo: S.
Lyon]; Thaumatoperla flaveola nymph [Photo: S. Lyon].
Authorised by: Victorian Government, Melbourne
Printed by: NMIT Printroom, 77-91 St Georges Road, Preston 3072
Contents
List of tables and figures..................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................v
Summary ............................................................................................................................................1
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Introduction .............................................................................................................................3
The 2006 fires ...........................................................................................................................3
The impact of fire on aquatic ecosystems .................................................................................3
Project objective .......................................................................................................................4
2
2.1
2.2
2.4
Methods....................................................................................................................................5
Selection of species for surveys ................................................................................................5
Study area .................................................................................................................................7
2.2.1
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling ..................................................................................7
2.2.2
Bogong High Plains.................................................................................................10
2.2.3
Mount Buffalo .........................................................................................................11
Selection of survey sites and sampling procedure ..................................................................12
2.3.1
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling ................................................................................12
2.3.2
Bogong High Plains.................................................................................................13
2.3.3
Mount Buffalo National Park ..................................................................................13
Habitat measures, observations and fire severity ....................................................................13
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
Results ....................................................................................................................................15
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area........................................................................................15
Bogong High Plains ................................................................................................................19
Mount Buffalo.........................................................................................................................22
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
Discussion ..............................................................................................................................25
Ecology and conservation status of Thaumatoperla alpina and Thaumatoperla flaveola......25
Fire impacts in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area .........................................................25
Bogong High Plains area ........................................................................................................26
Mount Buffalo.........................................................................................................................26
5
5.1
5.2
Knowledge gaps and recommendations ..............................................................................27
Knowledge gaps ......................................................................................................................27
Recommendations ...................................................................................................................27
2.3
References ........................................................................................................................................31
Appendix 1 .......................................................................................................................................34
Appendix 2 .......................................................................................................................................37
Appendix 3 .......................................................................................................................................39
Appendix 4 .......................................................................................................................................40
iii
List of tables and figures
List of tables
Table 1. Aquatic invertebrate species of conservation significance. .................................................. 6
Table 2. Location details of 2008 survey sites in and around the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling
area. .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Table 3. Locations of 2008 survey sites in and around the Bogong High Plains. ............................ 10
Table 4. Location details of 2008 survey sites at Mount Buffalo..................................................... 11
Table 5. Fire extent classes used in the fire extent assessment of study sites. ................................. 14
Table 6. Fire severity classes, types and descriptors for the 2006–07 fires...................................... 14
Table 7. Attributes of sites where T. flaveola was found in 2008 surveys in the Mount Buller –
Mount Stirling area. ............................................................................................................... 16
Table 8. Fire extent and severity (2006–07 fires) in T. flaveola site catchments in the Mount Buller
– Mount Stirling area. ............................................................................................................ 18
Table 9. Measurements of water parameters for sites with records of T. flaveola. .......................... 18
Table 10. Attributes of sites where T. alpina was found in 2008 surveys in the Bogong High Plains
area. ........................................................................................................................................ 20
Table 11. Fire extent and severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments in the Bogong High Plains
area with records of T. alpina. ............................................................................................... 22
Table 12. Fire extent and fire severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments at Mount Buffalo. .... 22
List of figures
Figure 1. Extent of recent fires in Victoria, with 2008 survey sites shown. ....................................... 8
Figure 2. Location of 2008 survey sites in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area.......................... 8
Figure 3. Location of 2008 survey sites in the Bogong High Plains area. ....................................... 11
Figure 4. Location of 2008 survey sites at Mount Buffalo. .............................................................. 12
Figure 5. Sites in and around the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area. ........................................... 17
Figure 6. Sites in the Bogong High Plains area. McKay Creek (MCKAY 1) at Mount McKay. .... 21
Figure 7. Mount Buffalo sites........................................................................................................... 23
iv
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) through its
Fire Recovery Program. David Bryant (DSE) is thanked for his contribution to field work and
Bronwyn Cumbo (DSE) is thanked for her contribution to the report. David Meagher is thanked
for editing the report. Alison Kirkwood and Linda Charles (Mount Buller – Mount Stirling Resort
Management) are especially thanked for their assistance with site access and accommodation,
respectively. Kathy Gosby (DSE) and Nigel Watts (Parks Victoria) from the Mansfield office are
thanked for their assistance with site locations and access in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling
region. Elaine Thomas (Parks Victoria, Mount Beauty) is thanked for assisting with site access in
the Bogong High Plains region. Charlie Pascoe and Mick Keane (Parks Victoria, Bright) are
thanked for information on sites in the Mount Buffalo National Park. Vin Pettigrove, Tim Doeg,
John Dean, Ros St Clair, Ian Endersby, Günther Theischinger, George ‘Buz’ Wilson and Edward
Tsyrlin are thanked for taxonomic and ecological advice on threatened species.
v
vi
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Summary
A survey of high-altitude streams in north-eastern Victoria was conducted in February 2008 to
investigate the status of aquatic invertebrates of conservation significance in the fire-affected areas
of the Bogong High Plains region, the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling region and Mount Buffalo
National Park. Of particular interest were two species of Thaumatoperla that occur in isolated
populations and are endemic to the Victorian High Country — Thaumatoperla alpina (endemic to
the Mount McKay area on the Bogong High Plains) and Thaumatoperla flaveola (endemic to
Mount Buller and Mount Stirling). Both species are listed as threatened under Schedule 2 of the
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.). Mount Buffalo National Park was also surveyed for
threatened aquatic invertebrate species.
The results of the surveys suggest that Thaumatoperla alpina populations have not been
significantly affected by fire in the Bogong High Plains area. Their presence in numerous sites
along McKay Creek and the Kiewa River West indicates that they have recovered from two fires
over a three-year period (these sites were also burnt in the 2003 fires). Surveys of Thaumatoperla
flaveola populations also suggest that they have not been significantly affected by fire in the
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area. Thaumatoperla flaveola was found in both burnt and unburnt
sites and also at two sites that were burnt in both 2003 and 2006.
However, there is a degree of uncertainty as to the status of both species of Thaumatoperla
following the fires because accurate population data is difficult to obtain and there are often other
factors operating that could affect populations (e.g. timber harvesting and ski resort development).
A survey of six sites in the Mount Buffalo National Park did not locate any aquatic invertebrate
species of conservation significance. The extent and severity of fire was widespread across the
survey sites and, although no pre-fire data is available, there is a risk that a fire of such severity
may have had an adverse impact on aquatic invertebrate species.
There is a general lack of knowledge and data on threatened species populations and population
trends in public land areas in Victoria. Consequently other aquatic invertebrates of conservation
significance could not be included in this assessment.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
2
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
1 Introduction
1.1 The 2006 fires
A decade of below average rainfall in Victoria has lead to widespread drought across the state. The
sustained dry conditions and resultant increases in fuel loads have dramatically increased the
vulnerability of the state to bushfires. On the 1 December 2006, lightning strikes from dry
thunderstorms across Gippsland and the north east ignited over 50 fires. Within a number of
weeks, the fires merged to form the ‘Great Divide’ fires which by late December 2006 had burnt
an area of 800000 ha. By late January 2007 this fire complex extended from Whitfield and Mount
Buffalo in the north to Walhalla and Bruthen in the south. The Great Divide fires along with the
Tawonga Gap fires near Mount Beauty burnt almost 1.1 million hectares of land. Over 335000 ha
of the burnt area occurred in national parks and included the Alpine and Mount Buffalo national
parks. Bushfires in 2002-2003 burnt over 60% of the Alpine National Park (387370 hectares) and
more than 80% of Mount Buffalo National Park (25220 hectares) (Department of Sustainability
and Environment 2007a).
1.2 The impact of fire on aquatic ecosystems
Prior to the alpine fires in 2003 there had been few Australian studies on the effect of major
bushfires on water quality and consequent impacts on aquatic biota. Documented studies had been
undertaken in montane or lowland rivers, but for the alpine region little information was available
because of the infrequency of fire there. The majority of published data prior to the 2003 fires
arose from the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983, where studies were conducted in East Gippsland
(Chessman 1986), Stoney Creek (Condina 1984) and the upper Yarra (Leitch and Flinn 1984).
These studies indicate consistently that large increases in turbidity and nutrient export were
associated with rainfall soon after the fires.
Post-fire impacts on stream biota can occur through alterations to physical habitat, which can
affect water quality. Increases in sediment loads from stream bank and catchment erosion
following rainfall can lead to a loss of habitat complexity (Bartley and Rutherford 2005). Increased
sediment can also have direct effects on biota (Blyth et al. 1984, Doeg 1984, Doeg et al. 1987,
Doeg and Milledge 1991, Doeg and Koehn 1994, Wood and Armitage 1997). Adverse impacts on
macroinvertebrates, possibly linked to increased sediment in streams following the Caledonia fire
in the summer of 1997–1998 in the Alpine National Park in Gippsland, were observed in two years
of monitoring in the Caledonia and Macalister Rivers (Papas 1998, Papas et al. 1999).
In aquatic systems the risk of high sediment loads from bank and catchment erosion can lead to
smothering of benthic stream habitat and direct toxic effects on aquatic biota. Fire can destroy
riparian (streamside) vegetation, which can lead to increased water temperatures and consequent
impacts on aquatic biota. Johnson and Jones (2000) found that the removal of riparian vegetation
through logging and burning led to increases in stream temperatures of up to 7 oC, and suggested
that changes in the maximum temperature and earlier timing of increases may affect sensitive
stages of the biota. Although water temperatures during a fire may not exceed thermal limits for
fish and aquatic insects, an increase in water temperature can contribute to the chemical toxicity of
the stream by interacting with other effects of fire, such as ash-induced stream alkalinity and the
reduced solubility of dissolved oxygen (Hitt 2003). The potential reduction in the oxygen levels in
the substrate may result in mass mortality of substrate-dwelling macroinvertebrates (Rinnie 1996).
Research on the impacts of fire in aquatic systems has focused primarily on changes in waterquality or fish community responses; few have addressed the impacts on aquatic invertebrates.
Increases in turbidity, suspended solids and nutrients are the most commonly observed post-fire
impacts on water quality (Chessman 1986, Leitch and Flinn 1984, Minshall et al. 1997, Sheridan
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
et al. 2006). Significant decreases in fish abundance were observed in the Buckland and Ovens
Rivers following the 2003 bushfire as a result of the post-fire sediment slug (DSE 2006). These
findings suggest that aquatic macroinvertebrate populations could also be adversely impacted by
fire. Our understanding of these impacts is limited, however, because there has been little research
focusing on aquatic macroinvertebrates, despite their ecological significance (McKay et al. 2005).
A study in the Falls Creek area following the 2003–04 fires found some evidence of negative
impacts from the fires on the alpine aquatic invertebrate communities (Crowther and Papas 2005).
A study on the effect of fires in the same area on a threatened stonefly species showed no evidence
of short-term impacts from fires but postulated that longer-term impacts could occur (McKay et al.
2005).
1.3 Project objective
The objective of the project was to assess the potential impact of fires on aquatic invertebrates of
conservation significance in the fire-affected areas of Gippsland and north-eastern Victoria. The
following steps were employed to achieve this objective:
 Compile a list of aquatic invertebrate species of conservation significance from the Department
of Sustainability and Environment’s Threatened invertebrate fauna in Victoria - 2000 Draft
(March 2008 update) (DSE unpubl.).
 Use the information gained to identify target species from the list.
 Liaise with aquatic invertebrate experts to gain taxonomic and ecological information on
species and survey techniques.
 Investigate aquatic invertebrate species distributions using database and literature searches.
 Map fire intensity using GIS mapping methods to ascertain which areas where threatened
species occur were burnt.
 Investigate current locations and status of targeted species populations using field surveys.
 Investigate ‘burnt’ status of site catchments using GIS fire severity data.
4
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
2 Methods
2.1 Selection of species for surveys
In order to determine suitable threatened species to be surveyed, a list of aquatic invertebrate
species of conservation significance was collated from the Department of Sustainability and
Environment’s list of Threatened invertebrate fauna in Victoria 2000, which includes species listed
as threatened in Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) (FFG Act). GIS
maps of fire severity and extent were acquired to determine the occurrence of these species in the
fire-affected areas. A number of species were eliminated from the collated list because of their
presence outside the 2006–07 fire areas, and the remaining species were investigated for their
suitability to be surveyed. This involved assessing data from historical and recent surveys,
literature reviews and discussions with aquatic invertebrate experts to obtain taxonomic and
ecological information and appropriate survey methods. Following the investigation of available
data sources the collated list was reviewed. Species known from only one location, or with no
recent records or little or no taxonomic or ecological information, were eliminated from the list.
Species unable to be reliably identified in the field and species requiring more complex survey
techniques (e.g. Alpine Spiny Crayfish) were also eliminated (see Table 1).
Following the prioritisation, data collation and final review of the species list, two threatened
stoneflies from the family Eustheniidae, endemic to the Australian alps, were identified as
appropriate for surveys (Table 1). One of these species, Thaumatoperla alpina, was extensively
surveyed by C. Bryce in 2001 (Bryce 2001), with a further survey by Freshwater Ecology in 2004–
05 in the Bogong High Plains area after the 2002–03 fires (McKay et al. 2005). The stonefly was
found in a number of sites that have been burnt twice (2002-2003 and 2006–07 fires). The second
stonefly species, Thaumatoperla flaveola, is located in the Mount Buller – Mounnt Stirling massif,
which was extensively burnt in the 2006–07 fires. The species had not been surveyed since early
1995 (Doeg 1999), and prior to that since 1990 (Pettigrove 1991).
In addition to the targeted surveys on the Bogong High Plains and the Mount Buller – Mount
Stirling area, a one-day survey was conducted in bog and stream systems in Mount Buffalo
National Park, which was extensively burnt in both fires. Literature investigations and discussions
with experts revealed that four species of conservation significance occur in the area. Only one of
these species, Austroaeschna flavomaculata (Odonata: Telephlebiidae), is on the DSE list of
Threatened invertebrate fauna in Victoria – 2000 Draft (DSE unpubl.). The following three
species, not included in Table 1, have not been officially assessed as ‘threatened’ but are of
conservation concern because of their limited distributions. A crustacean isopod, Colubotelson
joyneri occurs in sphagnum bogs, seeps and springs and is restricted to high-altitude sites on
Mount Buffalo. It was last collected in 1997 from Running Jump Creek near Cresta Inn (Hawking
1998). It is considered vulnerable becuase of its limited distribution and threats in the area (G.
Wilson, pers. comm.). Two stonefly species are also found at Mount Buffalo and the alpine
regions. Austrocercella alpina occurs in fast-flowing streams and is restricted to alpine regions.
Austrocercella communis obtusa is also found in fast-flowing streams, and the type locality is on
the Mount Buffalo plateau (Hawking 1998). Climate change, wildfires and resort development are
threats to all of these species.
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 1. Aquatic invertebrate species of conservation significance.
Species1
Listing2
Comments3
Critically Endangered
Tanjistomella verna
Caddisfly. Inhabits sand bars in lower reaches of Yarra, Tanjil and
Latrobe Rivers, but rare and not abundant.
Ramiheithrus virgatus
FFG
Caddisfly. Only a few specimens ever collected from one site in
north-eastern Victoria. Cannot be reliably identified in the field.*
Euastacus crassus
FFG,
ABC
Alpine Spiny Crayfish. Need to dig to find – not a viable search
option.*
Platyhelminthes sp. 1
Flatworm. Cannot identify in field. Laboratory identifications costly
and impractical.*
(sensu St Clair)
Endangered
Thaumatoperla flaveola
FFG,
ABC
Mount Stirling Alpine Stonefly. Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area.
No surveys undertaken since 1995.*
Westriplectes pedderensis
Caddisfly. Probably confined to rare habitats; recorded from only
one location at Wilsons Promontory.
Westriplectes angelae
Caddisfly. Probably confined to rare habitats on Wilsons
Promontory.
Notoperata sparsa
Caddisfly. Only found at one location at Wilsons Promontory and
most likely confined to rare habitats.
Notalina gungarra
Caddisfly. Recorded from Crooked River in the Mitchell River
catchment. Larvae now known but in occur in very low numbers.
Cannot be reliably distinguished in field from other Notalina
species.*
Vulnerable
Hemiphlebia mirabilis
FFG,
ABC
Ancient Greenling Damselfly. Populations at Yea, Alexandra and
Wilsons Promontory.
Riekoperla darlingtoni
FFG,
ABC
Mount Donna Buang Stonefly. Only known populations is near
summit of Mount Donna Buang.
Thaumatoperla alpina
FFG,
ABC
Alpine Stonefly. Records from in and around Bogong High Plains.
Concern for sites burnt in 2002–03 and 2006–07 fires.*
Spathula gourbaultae
Flatworm. Cannot identify in field. Laboratory identifications costly
and impractical.*
Notes:
1
Threat categories follow DSE (unpubl.)
2
FFG = listed as threatened on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.)
ABC = listed on the DSE Actions for Biodiversity Conservation database
3
* = habitat burnt in 2006–07 fires
(table continued on next page)
6
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 1 (continued)
Species1
Listing2
Comments3
Near Threatened
Austroaeschna
flavomaculata
Alpine Darner Dragonfly. Recorded from alpine areas, including
Mount Buffalo and Bogong High Plains. Cannot reliably distinguish
in field as adult and larva are similar to montane dragonfly
species.*
Austropetalia tonyana
Alpine Redspot Dragonfly. Largely alpine to subalpine species.
Highly cryptic and semi-terrestrial species which is difficult to find
in surveys.*
Orphinotrichia justini
Caddisfly. Recorded from Upper Gellibrand River, south of Colac.
Very small and cannot be reliably identified in the field.
Riekoperla intermedia
FFG
Stonefly. Inhabits small alpine streams and trickles. Found on
Bogong High Plains and Mount Feathertop. Cannot be reliably
identified in the field (E. Tsyrlin pers. comm. 2007).*
FFG
Stonefly. Recorded from single location near Mount Buller summit
which is already damaged and still under threat from ski resort
development and activities.*
Data Deficient
Riekoperla isosceles
Thaumatoperla robusta
Stonefly. Collected from isolated mountains from Mount Donna
Buang to Mount Baw Baw.*
Thaumatoperla timmsi
Stonefly. Known from a single location near Lake Tali Karng.*
Platyhelminthes sp. 2
Flatworm. Cannot identify in field. Laboratory identifications costly
and impractical.*
(sensu St Clair)
Notes:
1
Threat categories follow DSE (unpubl.)
2
FFG = listed as threatened on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.)
ABC = listed on the DSE Actions for Biodiversity Conservation database
3
* = habitat burnt in 2006–07 fires
2.2 Study area
The 2008 surveys for the targeted threatened species were conducted in the Mount Buller – Mount
Stirling region, in and around the Bogong High Plains and on the Mount Buffalo Plateau. A
general map of survey sites across these regions as well as extent of the 2002–03 and 2006–07
Victorian fires can be seen in Figure 1.
2.2.1
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling
The Mount Buller – Mount Stirling massif is located in the south-eastern section of the Alpine
National Park in Victoria and is drained by the Delatite and Howqua Rivers (part of the Goulburn
River Basin) and the King River to the north (part of the Ovens River Basin). The vegetation of the
massif includes montane eucalypt forest, snow gum forest and alpine grasslands. The highest
peaks are Mount Buller (1804 m asl) and Mount Stirling (1749 m). The Great Divide fires of
2006–07 burnt extensive tracts of land in the area. Sites and locality information are given in Table
2 and a map of sites is shown in Figure 2.
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 1. Extent of recent fires in Victoria, with 2008 survey sites shown. Mount Buller – Mount
Stirling sites to the left, Mount Buffalo sites at top centre and Bogong High Plains sites to the
right. (Scale 1 : 600 000)
Figure 2. Location of 2008 survey sites in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area. (Scale
1 : 120 000)
8
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 2. Location details of 2008 survey sites in and around the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling
area. Grid references are for Zone 55 MGA. Sites sampled in 1990 or 1994–95 are shaded grey.
*
Site code
River
Easting
Northing
Altitude
(m asl)
BOGGYBR
Boggy Creek at footbridge Klingsporn’s walk trail
449754
5889460
1490
BOGGY1
Boggy Creek tributary at Klingsporn’s walk trail
449861
5889382
1500
STHBULL
South Buller Creek at bottom of Howqua chairlift
449017
5888515
*1522
WHISKY
Whisky Creek upstream of Whisky Creek trail
450098
5887845
*1424
KING2
King River tributary, Speculation Track crossing
462067
5893414
820
KINGR
King River upstream of bridge, Speculation Track
462062
5893549
810
BINDCK
Bindaree Creek upstream of Circuit Road
459338
5890728
*1205
STAN1
Stanley Creek tributary upstream of Circuit Road
457192
5889423
*1171
BALDY
Baldy Creek upstream of Circuit Road
452451
5892430
1230
RAZHUT
Razorback Hut tributary upstream of No. 3 Road
452369
5893822
1300
CURR1
Currajung Creek tributary off No. 3 Road
449697
5895125
1300
CURRUPR
Currajung Creek upper, Pinnacle Road
448320
5895815
1320
MINE1
Mine Creek tributary upstream Mine Creek Road
448804
5896605
1330
MINE2
Mine Creek tributary upstream Mine Creek Road
449105
5897557
1160
MINE3
Mine Creek tributary upstream Mine Creek Road
449493
5897636
1200
FORK
Fork Creek at Circuit Road
453994
5893673
1140
KING3
King River upper tributary at Circuit Road
454474
5894050
1140
DEL1
Delatite River tributary at Circuit Road
454005
5889633
*1356
COWCAMP
Cow Camp Creek at Whisky Creek trail
451058
5888275
1410
CHALET1
Chalet Creek at nearest chairlift, lower Tyrol carpark
451249
5889319
1390
CHALET2
Chalet Creek tributary
451376
5889335
1400
CHALET
Chalet Creek upstream of Mount Buller Road
450986
5890704
1100
BOGGY
Boggy Creek at White Bridge, Mount Buller Road
450130
5890916
1160
BROWN
Brown Creek at Circuit Road
450550
5893195
1050
RAZOR
Razor Creek at Circuit Road
451681
5892536
1165
DEL2
Delatite River tributary near Corn Hill Road
452374
5888742
*1343
ROSE1
Rose River tributary at Little Cobbler Track
462580
5898882
1090
DAND1
Dandongadale River tributary at Little Cobbler Track
462810
5900882
*1170
DAND2
Dandongadale River tributary at Little Cobbler Track
464385
5901356
*934
CORN1
Corn Hill Creek northern tributary, Corn Hill Logging Track
454386
5887827
1130
KING1
King River tributary at the Staircase, Speculation Road
464713
5897037
1140
BIND1
Bindaree Creek tributary upstream of Bindaree Road
460344
5888254
*883
BINDBR
Bindaree Creek upstream of Bindaree Road
460329
5888278
*896
KINGTRB1
King River tributary, Circuit Road – Speculation Track
junction
449754
5889460
1000
Altitude measured by GPS
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
2.2.2
Bogong High Plains
The Bogong High Plains area is in north-eastern Victoria (Figure 1). One of its main drainage
systems is the Kiewa River. Vegetation ranges from montane eucalypt forest to sub-alpine forest
and snow gum woodland, herbfield, heath and grassland in the alpine zone. The Bogong High
Plains contain the highest peak in Victoria, which is Mount Bogong (1986 m asl). The Bogong
High Plains and surrounding areas were extensively burnt in the 2002–03 fires. Parts of the region,
notably the Kiewa West River catchment, were again burnt in the ‘Tawonga Gap’ fires of 2006–
07. Sites and locality information are given in Table 3, and a map of sites is shown in Figure 3.
Table 3. Locations of 2008 survey sites in and around the Bogong High Plains. Grid references
are for Zone 55 MGA. Sites sampled in 2001 and 2005 are shaded grey.
Site
Watercourse
Easting
Northing
Altitude
(m asl)
MCKAY1
McKay Creek tributary upstream of Mount McKay Road
522865
5919399
1714*
MCK_UPR
McKay Creek upper parallel to Road 24
523387
5919439
1708*
MCKAY2
McKay Creek tributary upstream of Road 24
522844
5919513
1640
RD24_1
McKay tributary upstream of Road 24
522342
5919543
1626*
MCK_MID
McKay Creek (mid) at crossing on Road 24
522320
5919919
1477*
MCKAY3
McKay Creek tributary upstream Road 24
522087
5920189
1490*
TURN1
Turnback Creek tributary upstream Road 24
521977
5921384
1340
ARTH1
unnamed tributary on Little Arthur Fire Track
521966
5928083
1096*
PVCK
Pretty Valley Creek and tributaries at McKay Creek – Bald
520248
5920167
1120
520010
5926002
797*
517387
5930387
1028*
516511
5930114
1095*
515681
5928966
1000
Hill Fire Track
PVCK1
Pretty Valley Creek tributary upstream of Bogong High
Plains Road
WKIE1
Kiewa River West tributary upstream of Kiewa West
Logging Road
WKIE2
Kiewa River West tributary upstream of Kiewa West
Logging Road
WKIE3
Kiewa River West tributary upstream of Kiewa West
Logging Road
* Altitude measured by GPS
10
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 3. Location of 2008 survey sites in the Bogong High Plains area. McKay Creek and
associated tributaries are circled. (Scale 1 : 100 000)
2.2.3
Mount Buffalo
Mount Buffalo is an extensive granite massif which is isolated from the Great Divide. It is located
in north-eastern Victoria and is drained by the Ovens River system. The highest point on the steepsided plateau, The Horn, is 1723 m above sea level. Vegetation is varied and encompasses tall
eucalypt forest at lower altitudes and heath communities, snow gum woodlands and alpine
grasslands on the plateau. In 2002–03 fires burnt just over 80% of the National Park. The park was
again burnt extensively in the 2006–07 fires. Sites and locality information are given in Table 4
and a map of sites is shown in Figure 4.
Table 4. Location details of 2008 survey sites at Mount Buffalo. Grid references are for Zone 55
MGA.
Site
Watercourse
Easting
Northing
Altitude (m)
BUFFALO1
Lyrebird Plain – stream
479633
5930589
1505
Lyrebird Plain – unnamed bog
BUFFALO2
Running Jump Creek
480994
5930775
1472
BUFFALO3
unnamed bog at Dicksons Falls – Back Wall track
481118
5931031
1476
BUFFALO4
Eurobin Creek upstream of Lake Catani
482233
5934278
1300
BUFFALO5
Crystal Brook Creek adjacent to Chalet Road
483344
5936064
1319
BUFFALO6
Eurobin Creek downstream of Eurobin Falls
485935
5936458
440
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 4. Location of 2008 survey sites at Mount Buffalo. (Scale 1 : 100 000)
2.3 Selection of survey sites and sampling procedure
Habitat measurements were the same at all sites sampled, but the methods of collection of
invertebrates differed slightly between areas and are presented for each survey region separately.
Surveys undertaken in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling and Bogong High Plains areas targeted
Thaumatoperla species, so the sampling method focused on their known habitat (i.e. overturning
cobbles and boulders). The survey of streams in the Mount Buffalo National Park was more
general to enable the capture of macroinvertebrates from a range of habitat types using a standard
protocol for sampling riffle and pool habitats.
2.3.1
Mount Buller – Mount Stirling
Surveys for T. flaveola were undertaken in February 2008. Sites surveyed in 1990 (Pettigrove,
1991) and in 1994–95 (Doeg, 1999) were assessed for their suitability for inclusion in the 2008
survey (refer to Appendix 1 for all sites).
Not all sites from earlier surveys were sampled in the 2008 survey. In the 1990s surveys multiple
sites were sampled on small tributaries of the same creek systems. For the purposes of this survey
these sites were considered as one location if they occurred in the same watershed, so individual
sites were not necessarily sampled. Some sites could not be located because site descriptions and
geographic coordinates lacked detail, and a number of other sites were not accessible or were dry.
Surveying began at the downstream section of the waterway being examined, then moved
upstream to avoid disturbing substrates. Sites were searched by carefully turning rocks in the
stream and holding a net or sieve downstream to catch any dislodged invertebrates in the flow.
Turned rocks and the substrate underneath were carefully examined for stonefly nymphs or any
other species of interest. Any specimens found were examined and identified in situ using a 10
magnification hand lens where required. In some cases specimens were transferred to a white
sorting tray to aid identification. Once specimens were identified and surveying of the site was
complete, the specimen was returned to the approximate location where it was found. Specimens
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
were not collected for further identification unless this was necessary for taxonomic reasons. The
main objective of the searches was to determine the presence or absence of a species rather than
abundance, so searches were not timed. Riparian vegetation at each site was searched to determine
the presence of adult stoneflies.
2.3.2
Bogong High Plains
T. alpina was surveyed at sites where it was identified in 2005 (McKay et. al 2005). In addition to
these sites, the West Kiewa River catchment, badly burnt in the 2006–07 fires, was also surveyed
for the species. Survey methods for nymphs and adults were the same as those for T. flaveola (see
section 2.3.1). Some sites surveyed prior to 2005 (Bryce 2001) were also investigated for nymphs
and adults.
2.3.3
Mount Buffalo National Park
Surveys were undertaken in some streams and bogs in Mount Buffalo National Park in February
2008. Sites to be sampled were initially identified from historical surveys, maps and information
from Park rangers. The sites surveyed were located over a wide area and covered a range of
habitats and vegetation types.
Macroinvertebrates were collected largely according to a standard protocol for riffle and pool/edge
edge habitats (EPA Victoria 2003). ‘Riffle’ samples were collected in shallower, fast-flowing
areas using a method known as ‘kick sampling’, which involves vigorously kicking the substrate
while holding a net held firmly against the substrate immediately downstream of the sampler’s
feet. Disturbed sediment, algae, bryophytes, debris and macroinvertebrates are washed by stream
flow into the net. Pool/edge samples were collected by ‘sweep’ sampling, in which a 250 m mesh
net is swept vigorously through the water column, aquatic vegetation, root masses, detritus and
snags and fringing vegetation. Sediment disturbed by the sampler’s feet into the water column is
also collected in the net. The protocol calls for ten metres of habitat to be sampled for both kick
and sweep samples, but a limited availability of habitat at some sites meant that a smaller area was
sampled.
The contents of the net were emptied into a white tray with water, and macroinvertebrates of
possible significance were picked from the sample into 100% ethanol for preservation and later
identification. Macroinvertebrates were identified in the laboratory under a dissecting microscope,
with the aid of published taxonomic keys.
2.4 Habitat measures, observations and fire severity
Location details and the presence of all species of conservation significance were recorded at each
surveyed site.
Water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity and alkalinity were
measured at sites that had adequate surface water. Measurements were not taken for any sites in
the Bogong High Plains area due to an adequate knowledge of water quality in the area.
Observations of water, substrate, vegetation, catchment, and average stream width were recorded
at each site. Observations of riparian and catchment vegetation included vegetation type and
severity of burnt vegetation in the area immediate to the site. Photos of each site were also taken to
assist with assessments.
The area of catchment of each study region that was burnt in the 2006–07 fires was estimated from
fire extent spatial datasets. Five fire extent categories were used to classify the area burnt (Table
5). Spatial datasets of fire severity from the 2006–07 fires (DSE 2007b) were used to determine the
severity of the fire, in five categories (Table 6).
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 5. Fire extent classes used
in the fire extent assessment of
study sites.
Fire extent
% area burnt
class
0
unburnt
1
>0 – 25
2
>25 – 50
3
>50 – 75
4
>75
Table 6. Fire severity classes, types and descriptors for the
2006–07 fires.
Fire
Fire severity type
Description
1
burnt
100% vegetation burn
2
severe scorch
60–100% scorch, some
burnt
3
moderate scorch
30–65% scorch
4
light scorch
0–35% scorch
99
unclassified
not determined
severity
class
Study sites were mapped in ArcView 3.3. Fire severity maps include some unclassified areas,
which can include burnt or unburnt areas, bare ground, dams and lakes. Sites containing extensive
‘unclassified’ areas within the catchment could not be assessed using this method therefore no
results are given. Some sites contained minimal unclassified areas and were assessed. Many sites
near the peak of Mount Buller were assigned as ‘unclassified’ in the fire severity dataset, however
many of these site catchments were not burnt and fire boundaries were evident from the peak
therefore some of these sites could be assessed.
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
3 Results
3.1 Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area
Thirty-four sites were sampled in February 2008 (Table 2). Numerous sites that were surveyed in
1990 (Pettigrove, 1991) and 1994–95 (Doeg 1999) could not be sampled because they were dry or
inaccessible. Thirteen of these previously surveyed sites were sampled (Table 2) and 14 were
visited but not sampled (Table A2.2). Thaumatoperla flaveola nymphs were found at 10 sites in
the upper watershed region (Table 7, Figure 5). These sites were at a range of altitudes (all above
1000 m) and vegetation types (Table 7). Four sites were in a Forestry land-use class, and six were
within an Alpine Resort land-use class (Table 7). Five sites were burnt and five were unburnt. The
fire extent of burnt sites was classified as moderate to severe, except Whisky Creek which was
burnt but unclassified (Table 8).
All nymphs were found under larger substrate (cobblestones) at sites with narrower streams (<1 –
2.1 m; Table 7). They were consistently absent from wider streams and lakes with a high silt load.
Fire severity for nine of the 34 sites was classified as lightly scorched (0–35%), and one (Corn Hill
Creek northern tributary) had a higher fire severity classification (30–65%; Table 8). Fire severity
and extent at the 24 sites without T. flaveola were similar to sites containing T. flaveola, with the
exception of six sites (Baldy Creek, Cow Camp Creek, Boggy Creek and three sites at Chalet
Creek) that were burnt but unclassified (Table A 1.1).
Water quality parameters at each site containing T. flaveola were consistent with other alpine to
montane streams that had high dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, low electrical conductivity (EC),
low alkalinity and low turbidity (Table 9). Corn Hill Creek northern tributary (CORN1) is in a
burnt logged area and had the highest alkalinity, turbidity and EC levels of all 10 T. flaveola sites
(Table 9). Water quality could not be measured at sites where there was little surface water.
Thaumatoperla flaveola was recorded at 18 sites during the 1990 and 1994–95 surveys (Table
A1.1). Thirteen of these sites were not surveyed during 2008 as they were dry or inaccessible. The
other five sites were resurveyed in 2008, and T. flaveola was found at three of these.
Thaumatoperla flaveola were recorded at seven new sites during 2008 (making a total of 10 sites
recorded for 2008) (Table 7). With no current data available for 13 of the sites surveyed in the
1990s and seven new sites recorded for the species, it is difficult to determine whether the
distribution of T. flaveola is increasing or decreasing. Five of the 10 T. flaveola sites were burnt
during the 2006–07 bushfires, and three of these sites were new records for the species. The
overall results suggest that T. flaveola has not been affected by the recent bushfires, but further
surveys are needed in order to reach a definite conclusion.
Austropetalia tonyana (Odonata : Austropetaliidae), a Gondwanan and alpine dragonfly species
considered ‘near threatened’, was found at a number of sites, including Whisky Creek (n = 1),
Delatite River tributary DEL1 (n = 1) and King River tributary KING3 (n = 2). Austropetalia
tonyana occurs in habitats similar to that of T. flaveola and requires good water quality and small
slow-flowing streams, although it is able to withstand semi-aquatic conditions in moist leaf litter
close to water seepages (Hawking and Theischinger 1999). Telephlebia brevicauda (n = 4) was
also found at site DEL1.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
15
Table 7. Attributes of sites where T. flaveola was found in 2008 surveys in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area.
Site code and
waterway
River
Catchment
(Basin)
Altitude
(m)
Catchment
land use
Catchment
burnt in
2006–07
Vegetation
Average
stream
width (m)
Substrate
Stream flow
comments
BOGGYBR
Boggy Creek
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1490
Alpine resort
No
snow gum with heath,
ferns and grasses
(alpine)
1.2
boulder and
cobble
slow-moderate;
small cascades
2
BOGGY1
Boggy Creek
tributary
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1500
Alpine resort
No
snow gum with heath,
ferns and grasses
(alpine)
1.4
boulder and
cobble
slow; small
cascade
5
STHBULL
South Buller
Creek
Howqua
(Goulburn)
1522
Alpine resort
No
scattered snow gum
with heath and
grasses (alpine)
2.1
bedrock,
boulder and
cobble
slow-moderate;
cascade over
bedrock
5*
WHISKY
Whisky Creek
Howqua
(Goulburn)
1424
Alpine resort
Yes
snow gum/alpine ash
and grasses
(subalpine)
<1
bedrock and
cobble
slow-moderate
trickle over
bedrock
5
DEL1
Delatite River
tributary
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1356
Alpine resort
No
open eucalypt with
shrubs, ferns and
grasses (montane)
1
boulder and
cobble
slow-moderate
cascade
4
DEL2
Delatite River
tributary
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1343
Alpine resort
No
open eucalypt with
shrubs and ferns
(montane)
<1
cobble and
pebble
slow-moderate
flow
1
CORN1
Corn Hill Creek
northern
tributary
Howqua
(Goulburn)
1130
Forestry
Yes
open eucalypt and
acacia with shrubs,
ferns and grasses
(montane)
2
cobble and
pebble; some
gravel
slow-moderate
flow
2*
CURR1
Currajung
Creek tributary
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1300
Forestry
Yes
open eucalypt with
ferns, sedges and
grasses (montane)
<1
cobble and
pebble; some
boulder and
gravel
slow trickle
3
MINE1
Mine Creek
tributary
King
(Ovens)
1330
Forestry
Yes
open eucalypt with
ferns, sedges and
grasses (montane)
<1
bedrock and
cobble
slow trickle
2
BROWN
Brown Creek
Delatite
(Goulburn)
1050
Forestry
Yes
open eucalypt with
shrubs and ferns
(montane)
<1
cobble and
pebble
slow flow
3*
16
* T. flaveola also recorded at this site in 1990s
No. of
nymphs
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 5. Sites in and around the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area. Upper left – Boggy Creek
(BOGGYBR) at Mount Buller, showing substrate. Upper right – Delatite River tributary (DEL1)
showing small cascade and substrate. Lower right – Currajung Creek tributary (CURR1)
showing burnt catchment in forestry area. Lower right – slow trickle over cobble and pebble
substrate.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 8. Fire extent and severity (2006–07 fires) in T. flaveola site catchments in the Mount
Buller – Mount Stirling area. Fire extent and severity classes are listed in tables 5 and 6
respectively. Note that sites near the summit of Mount Buller, largely in the ski resort area,
were ‘unclassified’ in the spatial dataset. Field observations were used to classify these sites.
Site code
River
Fire
extent
Fire
severity
Comments
BOGGYBR*
Boggy Creek
0
0
unburnt; ski resort area
BOGGY1*
Boggy Creek tributary
0
0
unburnt; ski resort area
STHBULL*
South Buller Creek
0
0
unburnt; ski resort area
DEL1
Delatite River tributary
0
0
unburnt; unclassified
DEL2
Delatite River tributary
0
0
unburnt; unclassified
WHISKY
Whisky Creek
ND
ND
burnt but unclassified
CORN1
Corn Hill Creek northern tributary
4
3
moderate-severe scorch
CURR1
Currajung Creek
4
3
moderate-severe scorch
MINE1
Mine Creek tributary
4
3
mainly moderate scorch
BROWN
Brown Creek
4
3
light-severe scorch
Table 9. Measurements of water parameters for sites with records of T. flaveola. Note that only
sites with adequate surface water were measured.
Site code, waterway
Water temp.
(oC)
EC
(µS/cm)
DO
(mg/L)
pH
Alkalinity
(mg/L)
Turbidity
(NTU)
BOGGYBR
10.0
28
8.94
7.01
15
1.62
9.8
20
9
7.2
10
1.67
12.9
21
8.32
7.24
10
0.84
NS
NS
NS
NS
20
1.64
10.15
45
9.45
6.65
30
9.85
Boggy Creek
BOGGY1
Boggy Creek tributary
STHBULL
South Buller Creek
WHISKY
Whisky Creek
CORN1
Corn Hill Creek
northern tributary
NS = Not sampled
18
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
3.2 Bogong High Plains
Thirteen sites were surveyed in February 2008 in the Bogong High Plains area. Thaumatoperla
alpina was recorded at six of these sites. It had been recorded previously at five of these six sites
(Table 10). All six sites were located in a range of altitudes (all above 1000 m), and the land-use
classes were either Alpine Resort or Forestry (Table 10). As was the case with Thaumatoperla
flaveola in the Mount Buller – Stirling region, T. alpina were located in narrow streams (<1 – 2.5
m) in the upper watershed under larger substrates (cobblestones) (Table 10; Figure 6).
T. alpina was also recorded for the first time at the Kiewa West River (Table 10). This site differed
from the other five sites as it was situated in a logged catchment that was burnt extensively during
the 2006–07 fires.
Adults were observed at two sites along McKay Creek (MCK_UPR, MCKAY2). More than 50
adults were observed at site MCK_UPR resting on boulders, the ground and surrounding
vegetation, including burnt sticks. A newly emerged adult was observed on a Silky Daisy beside a
cascade at site MCKAY2.
The majority of T. alpina nymphs were observed at four partially burnt sites along McKay Creek
(Table 10). The GIS categorisation of fire extent and fire severity within the site catchments was
unclassified for these sites (Table 11). However, upon visiting these four sites it was clear that they
had been mildly scorched by the fires. Nymphs were also observed at an unburnt site within a
nameless tributary (Table 10), and at a site within the Kiewa West River that had suffered
extensive burning (>75% of catchment; Table 11).
Water quality parameters were not measured at sites in the Bogong High Plains area, but data from
previous surveys shows that parameters are consistent with typical alpine streams, i.e. low
electrical conductivity, turbidity and alkalinity and high dissolved oxygen levels (McKay et al.
2005).
Thaumatoperla alpina has been recorded previously in a tributary of Pretty Valley Creek on the
Bogong High Plains (PVCK1) but was not recorded there in this survey. Five individuals of
Austropetalia tonyana were each found under individual cobbles at this site in 2008. The site is a
small trickle over bedrock into a cobble/pebble bed.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
19
Table 10. Attributes of sites where T. alpina was found in 2008 surveys in the Bogong High Plains area.
Site code,
waterway
River
Catchment
(Basin)
Altitude
(m)
Catchment
land use
Catchment
burnt in
2006–07
Vegetation type
Average
stream
width (m)
Substrate
Stream flow
comments
MCKAY1
McKay Creek
tributary
Pretty Valley
(Kiewa)
1714
Alpine resort
Partial
treeless alpine
heath and grasses
1.5
cobble; some
pebble and
gravel
slow-moderate
cascade
2*
MCK_UPR
McKay Creek
upper
Pretty Valley
(Kiewa)
1708
Alpine resort
Partial
treeless alpine
heath and grasses
2
boulder and
cobble; some
pebble and
gravel
slow-moderate
flow
3*
MCKAY2
McKay Creek
tributary
Pretty Valley
(Kiewa)
1640†
Alpine resort
Partial
treeless alpine
heath and grasses
1
boulder and
cobble
slow-moderate
cascade over
bedrock
1*
MCK_MID
Pretty Valley
(Kiewa)
1477
Alpine resort
Partial
scattered
snowgum, alpine
heath, ferns and
grasses
2.5
cobble and
pebble with
some gravel,
sand and silt
slow-moderatefast flow
3*
ARTH1
unnamed
tributary
Kiewa East
(Kiewa)
1096
Forestry
No
open eucalypt with
shrubs, ferns and
grasses (montane)
<1
cobble and
pebble
slow trickle
1*
WKIE2
Kiewa River
West tributary
Kiewa West
(Kiewa)
1095
Forestry
Yes
open eucalypt with
ferns, sedges and
grasses (montane)
2
boulder and
cobble with
pebble and
gravel; high silt
loads on side
trickles
slow-moderatefast flow; slowmoderate
trickles
1
* T. flaveola also recorded at this site in the 1990s.
† Altitude derived from map.
No. of
nymphs
20
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 6. Sites in the Bogong High Plains area. McKay Creek (MCKAY 1) at Mount McKay. Upper
left – small cascade and streamside vegetation. Upper right – McKay Creek (MCK_UPR),
showing vegetation and substrate. Lower left – Kiewa River West tributary (WKIE2), showing
burnt catchment in forestry area. Lower right – unnamed tributary at Little Arthur fire track
(ARTH1). showing small trickle over cobble and pebble substrate.
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table 11. Fire extent and severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments in the Bogong High
Plains area with records of T. alpina. Fire extent and severity classes are listed in tables 5 and 6
respectively. ND = no data.
Site code
River
Fire
extent
Fire
severity
Comments
MCKAY1
McKay Creek tributary
ND
ND
burnt in 2002–03 fires
MCK_UPR
McKay Creek upper
ND
ND
burnt in 2002–03 fires;
partial burn in 2006–
07
MCKAY2
McKay Creek tributary
ND
ND
burnt in 2002–03 fires;
partial burn in 2006–
07
MCK_MID
McKay Creek
ND
ND
burnt in 2002–03 fires;
partial burn in 2006–
07
ARTH1
unknown tributary
0
0
burnt in 2002–03 fires
WKIE2
Kiewa River West tributary
4
3
burnt in 2002–03 fires;
severe scorch 2006–07
3.3 Mount Buffalo
Six sites, all within Mount Buffalo National Park, were surveyed in February 2008. All sites were
burnt extensively with the only exception being the immediate surrounds of Eurobin Creek
downstream of Eurobin Falls (BUFFALO6) (Table 12). Stream flows and water levels were
generally low at all sites. Alkalinity (<10 mg CaCO3), conductivity (<20 S/cm) and turbidity
(<5 NTU) were low at sites where water measurements were taken. Dissolved oxygen levels were
good and water temperatures were between 8.6 to 10.5°C.
Table 12. Fire extent and fire severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments at Mount Buffalo.
Fire extent and severity classes are listed in tables 5 and 6 respectively. ND = no data.
Site
Watercourse
Fire extent
Fire severity
BUFFALO1
Lyrebird Plain
4
4
BUFFALO2
Running Jump Creek
4
4
BUFFALO3
unnamed bog at Dickson’s Falls-Back Wall track
4
4
BUFFALO4
Eurobin Creek upstream of Lake Catani
4
3
BUFFALO5
Crystal Brook Creek adjacent to Chalet Road
ND
ND
BUFFALO6
Eurobin Creek downstream of Eurobin Falls
ND
ND
22
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Figure 7. Mount Buffalo sites. Top – Lyrebird Plain bog (BUFFALO1) showing burnt catchment.
Lower left – Lyrebird Plain bog, showing silt on substrate. Lower right – Running Jump Creek
(BUFFALO2), showing burnt catchment.
Lyrebird Plain (BUFFALO1)
Vegetation at this site was alpine grassland plain, with burnt snow gums approximately 30 m from
the stream and bog edges (Figure 7). The substrate in the both the channel (stream) and bog was
predominantly gravel, with some fine sediment and algal growth. The average width of the
channel habitat was 1.8 m. Moderate coverage of emergent macrophytes and some isolated
submerged plants were found in the bog habitat. A sweep sample was taken from the bog and a
kick sample from the channel. Samples taken from both habitats revealed a suite of common
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
macroinvertebrates such true bugs (Hemiptera), beetles (Coleoptera) and vagrant dragonflies
(Odonata).
Running Jump Creek (BUFFALO2)
This site was in an alpine grassland-heath plain with snow gums on a nearby ridge. A kick sample
was taken from the small stretch of riffle habitat (Figure 7). The substrate was predominantly
bedrock with some boulders, cobbles and pebbles, and the average stream width was
approximately 2 m. Some silt and algae were present on the substrate. Many common stream
species of beetles, mayflies (Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera)
were identified from the collected sample.
Unnamed bog at Dickson’s Falls-Back Wall walking track (BUFFALO3)
Located in alpine grassland-heath, this bog was in the vicinity of Running Jump Creek. A sweep
sample was taken among submerged and emergent macrophytes, woody debris and fringing
vegetation. Some silt was noted in the substrate. Macroinvertebrate species were common and
included true bugs (Hemiptera), beetles (Coleoptera) and some stoneflies (Plecoptera).
Eurobin Creek upstream of Lake Catani (BUFFALO4)
Grasses, some shrubs and resprouting eucalypts comprised the riparian vegetation at this site.
Many burnt stems were noted at the site, and regeneration in the vicinity appeared patchy. The
substrate was mainly gravel, which covered a rocky substrate. The average stream width was
approximately 2 m. High ash loads were evident during the kick sample where fine silt had
collected in deposition zones and in the gravel. Very few invertebrates were collected from this
site and comprised only common families: a stonefly (Austroperlidae), caddisfly (Hydrobiosidae)
and beetle (Elmidae).
Crystal Brook Creek (BUFFALO5)
The riparian vegetation consisted of burnt eucalypts and regenerating grasses and shrubs. The
substrate was more than 90% gravel, with some boulders at the side of the channel. The average
stream width was approximately 4.2 m. Flows were generally low, and most reach habitat was
areas of slow flow with some large pools. Of the few macroinvertebrates collected in the sweep
sample, common taxa from the caddisfly family Hydroptilidae were noted as well as common
beetles and bugs.
Eurobin Creek lower (BUFFALO6)
This site was located below Eurobin Falls at relatively low altitude. The riparian vegetation
consisted of tall eucalypts with an understorey of tree-ferns, shrubs and some grasses and ferns. In
contrast to the upper sites, which were severely burnt, this site suffered only light–moderate burns
in the 2006–07 fires and appeared to be regenerating well. Average stream width was
approximately 5.6 m. The substrate was dominated by large boulders with some cobble, and fast
cascades were prevalent. Because of the substrate size and the strong flows, the riffle was difficult
to sample. The macroinvertebrates collected were
24
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
4 Discussion
4.1 Ecology and conservation status of Thaumatoperla alpina and
Thaumatoperla flaveola
Thaumatoperla alpina and Thaumatoperla flaveola share a similar biology and ecology,
occupying first-order stream habitats above 760 m asl (McKay et al. 2005). While there are no
published morphological differences between these two Thaumatoperla species, there is a clear
disparity between Thaumatoperla from varying mountain tops. Consequently, assignment to
species has generally been based on the original location of the specimen, with Thaumatoperla
flaveola occupying the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling region and Thaumatoperla alpina
occupying the region around Falls Creek.
The nymphs of both species are large ranging from 24 to 50 mm in length (Sephton and Hynes
1982, McKay et al. 2005). They are considered to have a ‘long and leisurely development’ with a
life span extending over at least several years (Hynes and Hynes 1975), three years of which is
spent in the nymphal stage with 14 instars (McKay et al. 2005).
Adults of Thaumatoperla emerge in autumn (Hynes and Hynes 1975) but have lost all flight
capabilities (Brittain 1990) and dispersal is limited to the riparian (streamside) vegetation. This
limited adult mobility suggests the nymph phase is the primary time for dispersal (McKay et al.
2005).
Thaumatoperla flaveola and T. alpina occur in isolated populations in the alpine regions of
Victoria. Both species are classified as threatened (DSE unpubl.) and are listed in Schedule 2 of
the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998 (Vic.). The limited distribution of both Thaumatoplerla
species makes them highly susceptible to human activities. The impacts of climate change,
logging, wildfires and ski resort development on Thaumatoplerla populations is of heightened
concern in the alpine environment.
4.2 Fire impacts in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area
The survey results suggest that Thaumatoperla flaveola populations have not been significantly
affected by fire in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area as they were found in both burnt and
unburnt sites and were also observed at two sites that were burnt in both 2003 and 2006.
However, there is some uncertainty about this conclusion because of a number of factors, which
are discussed below.
The aquatic life stage of T. flaveola is likely to have largely protected the species following the
fire. The adults are more vulnerable to fire than nymphs as they inhabit riparian vegetation (which
was burnt during the fires). Limited flying power would make it difficult to escape fire, and those
that did would have been highly exposed to aerial or terrestrial predators, thus increasing mortality
rates. Nymphs have the capacity to avoid some fire impacts by seeking refuge in the hyporheic
zone (the zone beneath the substratum that contains spaces, filled with water). The three-year
nymph phase compared with the two-month adult phase also reduces the sensitivity of T. flaveola
populations to fire, as surviving nymphs can replenish populations.
There was insignificant rainfall following the fire, and little to no ash or sediment had washed into
the streams which were sampled. High stream turbidity can have a significant impact on aquatic
invertebrates through a number of mechanisms, such as direct toxicity and habitat degradation
(Wood and Armitage 1999). An increase in sediment loading into streams that Thaumatoperla
species occupy has resulted in mortality, impairment of breeding, chemical toxicity and habitat
loss for aquatic invertebrates generally (Bryce 2001).
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Some uncertainties that affect our ability to be conclusive about the impacts of the fires on
Thaumatoperla flaveola in the Mount Buller – Stirling area are as follows:
1. Accurate population data is difficult to obtain for T. flaveola as survey methods are largely
qualitative. Hence it is not possible to determine if the total population has declined following
the fire.
2. Our knowledge of the population status of T. flaveola before the fires is limited.
3. There are several other threats that could impact on T. flaveola habitat in the catchment. Some
tributaries are exposed to sediment runoff from roads associated with timber harvesting and
ski resort development. The removal of riparian habitat is also likely to impact upon adult T.
flaveola. Bryce (2001) found that habitat removal placed adult T. alpina at a significant risk of
predation through exposure, and a risk of starvation because of consequent prey removal.
4. Dry conditions may have limited the population and distribution of T. flaveola. A number of
the sites surveyed previously by Pettigrove (1991) and Doeg (1999) were dry in this study, and
T. flaveola was not found at these sites. Although T. flaveola nymphs require only a small
volume of water to survive, the drought may still be a key factor limiting their distribution in
this region.
4.3 Bogong High Plains area
The surveys conducted suggest that Thaumatoperla alpina populations have not been significantly
affected by fire in the Bogong High Plains area. Their presence in numerous sites along McKay
Creek and the Kiewa River West indicates that stable populations exist in these areas, which were
burnt by two fires in a two-year period. More than 50 adults were observed along the McKay
Creek, suggesting that the post-fire population is quite stable in this area.
The resistance of T. alpina populations to fire may be explained by their ecology. They share a
similar life history to T. flaveola — a three-year nymph phase and a two-month adult phase. As
with T. flaveola, their long nymph phase may protect these individuals from potential fire impacts,
and the adults are at more risk from fire.
Some uncertainties that affect our ability to be conclusive about the impacts of the fires on T.
alpina in the Bogong High Plains area are as follows:
1. Their presence at Kiewa River West suggests that the nymphs are able to tolerate relatively
severe fire impacts, as 75% of the catchment area was burnt. The area is also a forestry area
where increased volumes of silt and sediment enter tributaries from logging activities. The
presence of T. alpina nymphs in this river suggests that they are able to tolerate habitats with
higher sediment and nutrient loadings for a short time, not only the more pristine habitats they
generally occupy.
2. Like T. flaveola in the Mount Buller – Stirling area, it is difficult to assess how the abundance
and age classes within the population have been affected by both the 2006 wildfire with
presence/absence surveys. Although a population exists in the Kiewa River West, it is
possible that fires and forestry activities are causing a decline in abundance, but it is difficult
to determine this when no pre-fire data is available.
3. The limited time available to conduct the study in this area led to fewer sites being surveyed,
therefore the spatial coverage was not ideal.
4.4 Mount Buffalo
The extent and severity of fire was widespread across the survey sites, so that even though no prefire data is available there is a risk that aquatic invertebrate species were affected. Further surveys
are required to more accurately determine the distribution of any threatened species in the area.
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5 Knowledge gaps and recommendations
5.1 Knowledge gaps
The length of the nymph stage of the life-cycle is not known accurately for either species. It has
been suggested by Hynes and Hynes (1975), Pettigrove (1991) and Brittain (1997) that the nymphs
survive for three years, but this has not been proven. Both species are large, which suggests the
nymph stage may exceed three years. If the nymph stage is longer than previously thought, the
species may be at increased risk of impacts associated with multiple fires and ongoing effects of
drought and sedimentation from development.
The distribution of T. flaveola in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area appears to be affected, at
least partially, by the nature of the stream substrate, which in turn is affected by the underlying
geology. This requires further investigation.
The hyporheic habit of T. flaveola (Pettigrove 1991) may help the species avoid impacts from
fires. However, the nature of these sites (which are often spring-fed) puts them at risk from drying
through drought and climate change, so an assessment of the impacts of climate change is
warranted.
Becuase there is a general lack of knowledge and data on threatened species populations and
population trends in Victoria, other aquatic invertebbrate species of conservation significance
could not be included in this assessment. There is also a lack of knowledge on the medium-long
term impacts of fire on threatened freshwater invertebrate species in public land areas in Victoria.
Predation by Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout is likely to be a threat to T. alpina, but to a lesser
degree to T. flaveola because of its burrowing habit. The degree of impact from predation requires
investigation.
5.2 Recommendations
Recommendation 1 – Improving knowledge of the life history of T. alpina and T. flaveola
1.1
Undertake laboratory and field research to ascertain the length of the nymphal stage.
1.2
The following research studies specific to T. alpina were recommended in McKay et al.
(2005), and are also applicable to T. flaveola:
1.3
Undertake research to assess sediment loads in streams identified as T. alpina and T.
flaveola habitat.
1.4
Undertake laboratory research on the impacts of increased nutrient loads in streams where
grey water has been used for snow making within the ski resort areas and the affect on
T. alpina and T. flaveola populations.
1.5
Undertake research into the adaptive significance of adult colouration (i.e. is it warning, or
camouflage, or neither?).
1.6
Undertake laboratory diet studies of adult T. alpina and T. flaveola to determine if and what
they eat in the wild.
1.7
Undertake dietary studies of Mountain Pygmy-possum (Burramys parvus) to determine
whether it eats T. alpina or T. flaveola.
1.8
Identify threats of predation from lizards and birds on adult T. alpina and T. flaveola.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Recommendation 2 – Improving knowledge on the distribution of T. alpina, T. flaveola and
other stonefly species of conservation significance
2.1
Continue annual assessments of currently known Thaumatoperla populations to determine
distribution changes and the impacts of fire and climate change on the nymph and adult
stage.
2.2
Further surveys of streams outside the Bogong and Buller – Stirling alpine areas may be
needed to confidently map the distribution of Thaumatoperla, including the Mount Hotham
area.
2.3
Future surveys should aim to determine the distribution of other species of conservation
significance, with the assistance of experts with knowledge of certain species that are
difficult to identify in situ (e.g. freshwater flatworms of the genus Spathula and the stonefly
Riekoperla intermedia).
Recommendation 3 – Listing T. alpina and T. flaveola on the EPBC Act and development of
Recovery Plans for the species.
3.1
Nominate T. alpina and T. flaveola for listing under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Assess T. alpina against the criteria for
the appropriate conservation category (e.g., ‘vulnerable’) outlined in the guidelines for
threatened species nominations for listing under the Act. Note that although there is a range
of criteria for each category, meeting any one of the criteria qualifies a species for listing at
that level.
3.2
The development of a Recovery Plan for species of Thaumatoperla would then be required
and would need more information on options for the recovery of populations (i.e.
translocations, captive breeding, etc.). An increased understanding of the species’ life
history will assist in the development of a Recovery Plan. A Flora and Fauna Guarantee
Action Statement also needs to be written for T. alpina and T. flaveola.
Recommendation 4 – Protecting T. alpina and T. flaveola from threats
4.1
Ensure that vegetation adjacent to streams in the distribution area of T. flaveola in state
forest is protected in accordance with existing policy that prescribes streamside vegetation
protection zones associated with timber harvesting (NRE 2001).
4.2
Ensure that vegetation adjacent to streams in the distribution area of T. alpina in state forest
is protected using the same measures prescribed for T. flaveola (NRE 2001).
4.3
Review and update the existing policy that prescribes streamside vegetation protection zones
associated with timber harvesting in state forest areas in the north east (NRE 2001), to
include prescribed protection zones for T alpina.
4.4
Ensure skiing and other ski resort activities do not encroach on the streams identified as
T. alpina habitat (i.e. McKay Creek sites).
4.5
Ensure that water quality in streams within the distribution area of T. alpina and T. flaveola
is protected (i.e. high dissolved oxygen levels close to 100% saturation, pH close to 7 and
water temperatures close to average for the time of year). This will be more likely to occur if
the streamside vegetation is protected and disturbance through trampling eliminated.
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
4.6
Ensure that Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are excluded from streams that support
T. alpina populations, and investigate the impact of trout on T. flaveola.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
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The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Appendix 1
T. flaveola site information for pre-2008 surveys in the Mt Buller – Mt Stirling area
Table A1.1 Location of historical T. flaveola survey sites for Mt Buller – Mt Stirling area.
Information reproduced from Pettigrove (1991) and Doeg (1999) for surveys conducted in 1990
and 1994–95, respectively. Grey shaded areas indicate where T. flaveola were found.
Site
Code1
Stream and location
General
location
Grid
Reference2
1
tributary of King R, Mount Speculation Road
Mt Cobbler
4639 58967
1050
2
Dandongadale R, downstream Cobbler Lake
Mt Cobbler
4668 58995
1100
3
Dandongadale R, Cobbler Lake Road
Mt Cobbler
4661 59014
950
4
southern tributary of King R, Little Cobbler
Road
Mt Cobbler
4628 58964
940
5
northern tributary of King R, Little Cobbler
Road
Mt Cobbler
4626 58965
960
6
tributary of King R at junction of Circuit and
Mount Speculation rds
Mt Stirling
4600 58921
1000
7
Gorge Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4571 58944
950
8
tributary of right branch of King R, Queen
Spur Road
Mt Buggery
4671 58883
1180
9
Bindaree Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4592 58906
1180
10
Stanley’s Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4579 58896
1100
11
Upper tributary of Boggy Creek nr. Wenzel
Weave
Mt Buller
4494 58892
1680
12
Boggy Creek, Klingsporn's Track
Mt Buller
4494 58895
1560
13
Boggy Creek at lower pumphouse
Mt Buller
4496 58903
1280
14
Stirling Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4554 58933
1080
15
Evans Creek, Carter’s Road
No. 3
4470 58994
1040
16
northern tributary of Mine Creek, Mine Creek
Road
No. 3
4489 58977
1280
17
middle tributary of Mine Creek, Mine Creek
Road
No. 3
4489 58975
1200
18
Bluff Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4536 58907
1300
19
tributary of Delatite R, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4548 58891
1380
20
tributary of Stanleys Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4571 58893
1160
21
Stanley’s Creek, Circuit Road
Mt Stirling
4588 58907
1260
22
Chalet Creek, bottom of Cow Camp ski run
Mt Buller
4512 58894
1360
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
Altitude
(m)2
34
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
(continued on next page)
Table A1.1 (continued)
Site
Code1
Stream and location
General
location
Grid
Reference2
23
western tributary of 14 Mile Creek,
Bindaree-Refrigerator Gap Road
The Bluff
4594 58799
1120
24
Cairn Creek lower, Cairn Creek Road
Mt Lovick
4611 58798
1180
25
Chalet Creek, Mount Buller Road
Mt Buller
4510 58906
1220
26
Boggy Creek, Mount Buller Road
Mt Buller
4501 58909
1160
27
tributary of Corn Hill Creek, Mount BullerHowqua Gap Track
Mt Buller
4536 58881
1440
28
Bluff Creek upper, off River Spur Trail
Mt Stirling
4547 58903
1500
29
Dugout Creek
Mt Stirling
4569 58910
1420
30
tributary of Baldy Creek upper, upstream of
Upper Baldy Trail
Mt Stirling
4544 58918
1440
31
Stirling Creek, off the Monument-Mount
Stirling Track
Mt Stirling
4567 58916
1440
32
northern tributary of Corn Hill Creek, Corn
Hill Road
Mt Buller
4543 58878
1180
33
southern tributary of Corn Hill Creek, Corn
Hill Road
Mt Buller
4543 58877
1180
Razor Creek, Stirling Road
Mt
Winstanley
4516 58924
1170
Brown Creek, Stirling Road
Mt
Winstanley
4504 58930
1100
36
Currajung Creek, The Pinnacle Road
The Pinnacle
4483 58959
1320
37
tributary right branch of King R, Mount
Thorn Range Track
The Crosscut
Saw
4678 58896
1350
38
tributary 16 Mile Creek, BindareeRefrigerator Gap Road
Square Head
Jinny
4583 58820
1080
39
eastern tributary of 14 Mile Creek, BindareeRefrigerator Gap Road
The Bluff
4552 58801
1150
40
tributaries on southern side of The Bluff
The Bluff
4550 58785
~1600
41
tributary on Refrigerator Gap – Jamieson R
Road
The Bluff
4535 58787
1200
Camp Creek, Mount Speculation Road
Mt
Speculation
4686 58918
1460
43
tributaries of Dandongadale Creek
Mt Cobbler
4661 58992
1150
44
streams/bogs on headwaters of Cairn Creek
Mt Lovick
4606 58815
~1600
34
35, TD2
42
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
Altitude
(m)2
35
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table A1.1 (continued)
Site
Code1
Stream and location
General
location
Grid
Reference2
Altitude
(m)2
45
streams/bogs on headwaters of King Billy
Creek
King Billy
No. 1
4648 58839
~1500
46
southern tributary of Delatite R
Mt Buller
4523 58883
1290
47
Currajung Creek, downstream of site 36
The Pinnacle
4485 58952
1280
48
tributary of Plain Creek, The Pinnacle Road
The Pinnacle
4471 58959
1280
49
southern tributary of Delatite R, downstream
of site 46
Mt Buller
4525 58890
1250
50
Delatite R, downstream of site 19
Howqua Gap
4529 58897
1160
Razorback Hut Creek, No. 3 Road
Mt
Winstanley
4522 58939
1250
51
52
southern tributary of Mine Creek, Mine
Creek Road
The Trough
4528 58972
1230
53
lower eastern tributary of Currajung Creek,
Currajung Creek Road
Razorback
Spur
4592 58937
980
54
upper eastern tributary of Currajung Creek,
Currajung Creek Road
Razorback
Spur
4490 58945
1160
55
South Buller Creek, Howqua Ski Run
Mt Buller
4489 58883
1550
56
Cairn Creek upper
Mt Lovick
4610 58808
1360
57
Plain Creek, below The Trough
The Trough
4466 58996
1080
58
Boggy Creek, upper pumphouse
Mt Buller
4496 58898
1380
TD1
Currajung Creek, upstream Stirling Road
Buller North
4488 58934
870
TD3
eastern tributary of Currajung Creek at old
log track opposite Bus Huts, No. 3 Road
Buller North
4497 58949
1300
TD4
Boggy Creek, Burnt Hut Spur (Klingsporn’s
Track)
Buller South
4497 58894
1480
Notes:
1
Numerals are 1990 site codes; TD1–TD4 are 1994–95 site codes.
2
Grid references and altitudes taken from 1 : 25 000 and 1 : 50 000 topographic maps (Australian Map Grid Zone 55
Australian Geodetic Datum 1966).
36
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Appendix 2
T. flaveola survey sites sampled in 2008 and previous surveys
Table A2.1 T. flaveola survey sites sampled in 2008 and previous surveys. Old site numbers
refer to Pettigrove (1991) and old alpha numeric codes refer to Doeg (1999).
Site code
Old
sites
Stream
Location
2008 site comments
STHBULL
55
South Buller Creek
bottom of Howqua
quad chairlift
T. flaveola present
BINDCK
9
Bindaree Creek
Circuit Road, west of
Monument Track
STAN1
20
Stanley Creek tributary
upstream of Circuit
Road
RAZHUT
51
Razorback Hut tributary
upstream No. 3 Road
CURRUPR
36
Currajung Creek upper
western branch
upstream of Pinnacle
Road
MINE2
16
Mine Creek tributary
u/s of Mine Creek
Road ~2.9 km from
No. 3 Road
CHALET
25
Chalet Creek
u/s Mount Buller Road
BOGGY
26
Boggy Creek
White Bridge, Mount
Buller Road
BROWN
35/TD2
Brown Creek
upstream of Circuit
Road
RAZOR
34
Razor Creek
at Circuit Road
DEL2
46
Delatite River tributary
1.5kms north of Corn
Hill Road on tip track
T. flaveola present
CORN1
32
Corn Hill Creek northern
tributary
upstream of Corn Hill
Logging Track
T. flaveola present
KINGTRIB1
6
King River tributary
Circuit Road adjacent
to Speculation Track
could not sample upstream of
Circuit Road due to thick
blackberry; downstream sample
attempted but substrate heavily
embedded
T. flaveola present
1
grid reference AGD66; all remaining grid references are Geodetic Datum of Australia 1994.
2
altitudes taken from 1 : 25 000 and 1 : 50 000 topographic maps.
3
altitudes taken from GPS.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
37
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Table A2.2 T. flaveola survey sites visited but not sampled in 2008. Note: old site codes are
bracketed and numeric codes refer to Pettigrove (1991) and alpha numeric codes refer to Doeg
(1999).
Site code
Stream
Location
Easting
Northing
2008 site comments
GINCK
Gin Creek
upstream of Whisky
Creek trail near Bull
Run Quad
450565
5888114
no access;
subterranean site
under pygmy possum
habitat
DELTRB3
(19)
Delatite River
tributary
Circuit Road
454800*
5889100*
found T. flaveola
nearby so did not
sample
(TD3)
Currajung Creek
tributary
upstream old log
track opposite Bus
huts off No. 3 Road
449800
5895129
dry site; tributary
(CURTRIB1) further
west ~50-80m
sampled
CURRLWR
Currajung Creek
lower
upstream of Stirling
Road
448936
5893635
flowing but no access
due to blackberry
thickets
(54)
Currajung Creek
tributary
upstream of
Currajung Creek
cascades
–
–
site not checked; too
far to walk in; T.
flaveola found further
upstream
(30)
Baldy Creek upper
upstream of Upper
Baldy walking trail
–
–
site not checked;
unsure of exact
location and too far to
walk in
(18)
Bluff Creek
downstream of
Circuit Road
453658
5890767
not sampled due to
high gravel in
substrate
Fork Creek
tributary
upstream of King
Basin Road
454167
5895825
deep subterranean
flow
Fork Creek
tributary
upstream of King
Basin Road
454318
5895802
deep subterranean
flow
Currajung Creek
eastern tributary
upstream of
Pinnacle Rd
448441
5895830
dry site
unknown tributary
1st tributary due
north on tip track
from Corn Hill Road
452636
5888527
dry site
unknown tributary
2nd tributary due
north on tip track
from Corn Hill
452552
5888757
flowing but no access
due to blackberry
thickets
unknown tributary
Little Cobbler Track
462901
5899245
dry site
unknown tributary
Little Cobbler Track
462924
5899405
dry site
* grid reference AGD66; all remaining grid references are Geodetic Datum of Australia 1994.
38
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Appendix 3
Fire extent and fire severity data for sites sampled in 2008 surveys in the Mount
Buller – Mount Stirling area
Table A3.1 Fire extent and fire severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments where T. flaveola
was not recorded in the Mount Buller – Mount Stirling area. Fire extent and severity classes are
listed in tables 5 and 6 respectively.
Site code
Stream
Fire
extent
Fire
severity
Comment (e.g. land use,
predominant scorch class)
KING2
King River tributary
4
0
moderate-severe scorch
KINGR
King River
4
1
moderate-severe scorch
BINDCK
Bindaree Creek
4
0
light-moderate scorch
STAN1
Stanley Creek tributary
4
1
moderate-severe scorch
BALDY
Baldy Creek
ND
ND
burnt but unclassified
RAZHUT
Razorback Hut tributary
4
0
mainly light scorch
CURRUPR
Currajung Creek upper
4
0
light-moderate scorch
MINE2
Mine Creek tributary
4
1
moderate-severe scorch
MINE3
Mine Creek tributary
4
1
light-severe scorch
FORK
Fork Creek
4
0
light-severe scorch
KING3
King River upper tributary
4
0
light-moderate scorch
COWCAMP
Cow Camp Creek
ND
ND
part burnt; ski resort area
CHALET1
Chalet Creek
ND
ND
part burnt; ski resort area
CHALET2
Chalet Creek
ND
ND
part burnt; ski resort area
CHALET
Chalet Creek
ND
ND
part burnt; unclassified
BOGGY
Boggy Creek
ND
ND
part burnt; unclassified
RAZOR
Razor Creek
4
0
mainly light scorch
ROSE1
Rose River tributary
4
1
moderate-severe scorch
DAND1
Dandongadale River tributary
4
0
moderate-severe scorch
DAND2
Dandongadale River tributary
4
1
light-severe scorch
KING1
King River tributary
4
0
moderate-severe scorch
BIND1
Bindaree Creek tributary
4
1
light-moderate scorch
BINDBR
Bindaree Creek
4
1
light-severe scorch
KINGTRIB1
King River tributary
4
0
mainly moderate scorch
Note: sites near the summit of Mount Buller, largely in the ski resort area, were classified as ‘unclassified’ in the spatial
dataset. Field observations were used to classify these sites.
ND = no data.
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
39
The response of threatened aquatic invertebrates to the 2006 fire in north-eastern Victoria
Appendix 4
Fire extent and fire severity data for sites sampled in 2008 surveys in the Bogong
High Plains area
Table A4.1 Fire extent and severity (2006-2007 fires) for site catchments not containing
records of T. alpina in the Bogong High Plains area. Fire extent and severity classes are listed in
tables 5 and 6 respectively. ND = no data.
Site
code
River
Fire
extent
Fire
severity
Comment (e.g. land use,
predominant scorch class)
RD24_1
tributary on Road 24
ND
ND
burnt in 2002-03 fires; partial burn in
2006-07
MCKAY3
McKay Creek tributary
4
4
burnt in 2002-03 fires
TURN1
Turnback Creek tributary
4
4
burnt in 2002-03 fires
WKIE1
Kiewa River West tributary
4
2
burnt in 2002-03 fires;
moderate-severe scorch 2006-07
WKIE3
Kiewa River West tributary
4
4
burnt in 2002-03 fires
40
Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
ISSN 1835-3835 (Print)
ISSN 1835-3827 (Online)
Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 179
ISBN 978-1-74208-768-9Arthur
(Print)
ISBN 978-1-74208-769-6 (Online)
1