Biodiversity and endemism within the mount canobolas volcanic complex

2019·27.5 MB·English

by  Richard W Medd

Biodiversity and Endemism within the Mount Canobolas
Volcanic Complex
Richard W. Medd^ and Colin C. Bower^
Published on 23 December 2019 at https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/LIN/index
'593 Cargo Road, Orange NSW 2800 ([email protected]);
^FloraSearch, PO Box 300, Orange NSW 2800 ([email protected])
Medd, R.W. and Bower, C.C. (2019). Biodiversity and endemism within the Mount Canobolas volcanic
complex. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 141, S45-S83.
Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area (SCA) hosts a small remnant of sub-alpine vegetation consisting
of seven recognisable communities with the heathlands on the rock plates appearing to be unique to the
SCA. The SCA has a known biota of 884 native species that includes 14 threatened species and at least
10 endemic taxa. Some 200 species are regionally significant, being either rare or at the limits of known
geographic range. The vascular flora is particularly species-rich being considerably more diverse than
nearby regional reserves and over 12 fold richer than comparable areas of the Kosciusko National Park.
One of three endangered ecological communities, the Mt Canobolas Xanthoparmelia Lichen Community,
is unique to the volcanic province.
While there is some indication the endemic lithophytic lichens, the threatened Eucalyptus canoholensis
and the heath communities may be substrate specific, there is no strong evidence of a geological
association among other flora and fauna. We postulate that the presence of multiple endemic species
reflects the geographic isolation which has provided an environment for species evolution by vicariance.
Alternatively, Mt Canobolas has acted as a refugium for formerly widespread species that have become
extinct elsewhere.
Manuscript received 14 April 2019, accepted for publication 1 October 2019.
KEYWORDS: Central Tablelands, endemic, evolution, inselberg, refugium, sub-alpine, vicariance
INTRODUCTION of felsic domes and copious amounts of pyroclastic
material coincided with the extrusion of more
Mount Canobolas is an extinct intraplate alkaline mafic trachyte kindred lavas, which comprise the
volcano (Middlemost 1981; Sutherland 2003; 2011), volcanic pile of domical landforms in the central core
provincially known as The Mount Canobolas Volcanic (Middlemost 1981). The evidence of interlaced lavas
Complex (MCVC). Extensive eruptions in probably and associated ash of various eruptions provides a
three main episodes occurred over ± 1 million years complex heterogeneous matrix within the central core
in the Middle to Early/Late Miocene, between 13 to area, which Middlemost (1981) contends is difficult
11 mya (Branagan and Packham 2000). Mt Canobolas to unravel because rocks from different events are
is the southernmost and youngest central volcano on juxtaposed by volcanic subsidence.
the Bunya Mountains to Canobolas hotspot track Before the Miocene volcanism the ancient
(Sutherland 2003; Davies et al. 2015), also known geologies, particularly of the Eachlan Fold Belt which
as the Inland Hotspot Track, which includes the is provincial to the Central West (CW) of NSW,
Nandewar Volcanic Suite and Mt Kaputar, and the underwent major tectonic events from the Silurian to
Warrumbungle Ranges. Each central volcano in this Early Carboniferous epochs (Foster and Gray 2000).
chain formed tall isolated cone-shaped mountains It remains unclear if broad uplift which occurred
that rose up to 2,500 m above the surrounds with during these orogenic events gave rise to the eastern
lava spreading up to 80 kilometres from the source. highlands or if they are remnants of an even older
The MCVC initially produced large outpourings of orogenic mountain range (Branagan and Packham
basic lava, of mainly hawaiitic composition, which 2000). In any event, there has been significant erosion
radiated across the landscape. Subsequent eruptions of both the central volcanoes and adjoining highlands
MOUNT CANOBOLAS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
over the last 10 to 25 million years. As a consequence, endemic to the mountain (OEH 2018a; Murphy and
the volcanic provinces along the chain have decreased Shea 2015). Given the similar geology, geographical
in size and altitude, and increased in isolation from isolation, high altitudes, and remnant montane and
each other, with resultant fragmentation into pockets sub-alpine vegetation, it seems plausible that Mt
of alpine and sub-alpine areas on high peaks. Mt Canobolas may similarly host a range of unique
Canobolas being the youngest and smallest volcano endemic life forms.
is now the most intact, prominently protruding as a However, there has been no comprehensive
‘landlocked island’ up to half a kilometre above the documentation of the biodiversity of the MCVC,
surrounding plateau of the western Central Tablelands with knowledge of the mountain’s biota confined to a
(CT). Mt Canobolas ranges in altitude from c. 900 m limited number of scientific publications and records
to 1,397 m at the summit with several peaks, steep of opportunistic specimen collections in various
valleys and waterfalls (NPWS 2003a). It is surrounded institutional and national databases. Accordingly, the
by highlands having variable relief of up to 1,000 m biodiversity of Mt Canobolas is poorly known and its
altitude of the extensive CT plateau but dips away to scientific significance and conservation value has not
the west into the Central Western Slopes (CWS). The been widely appreciated.
boundary between the CT and CWS is an undulating The purpose of this paper is to compile for
series of erosional step-down scarps. the first time a record of the biodiversity of the
Situated on the western boundary of the CT, the Mt Canobolas SCA which covers the core of the
MCVC is separated from coastal drainage by the MCVC. Emphasis is given to identifying the endemic
Great Divide (GD), c. 120 km to the east. The western species and discussing the importance of the area
CT can be regarded as a western trending spur of the for speciation by vicariance and as a refugium for
GD. The so-called Canobolas Divide is a north-west montane and sub-alpine taxa. The possibility of rare
trending range and passes through the centre of the species being linked to a previously more coherent
MCVC, forming the watershed dividing the inland volcanic continuum, allowing the movement of biota
drainage of the northern Macquarie-Darling River along it, is also considered.
system from the southern Lachlan River system
(Chan 2003). The different constructional landforms MATERIALS AND METHODS
that have evolved from the tempestuous geological
past have given rise to polymorphic drainage patterns Species lists, arranged by family, of the main
and microclimates around the mountain. The high components of biodiversity known for the SCA have
altitudes dictate a climate of the mountain’s own been compiled mainly from literature sources and
making and the geology provides a geodiversity not the Atlas of Living Australia database (ALA 2018).
found elsewhere in the region (Branagan and Packham For plants, recordings were compiled from the
2000). Also, Mt Canobolas supports a significant Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH 2018) as these
isolated remnant of vegetation with montane and sub- are based on specimen records held in herbaria, as
alpine affinities; the only such area of this ecosystem well as from the literature (Hunter 2002), personal
on the western CT. Much of the high altitude remnant observations by the authors and other recent surveys
vegetation is contained within the Mt Canobolas (M. Porteners pers. comm.). Fungi and invertebrate
State Conservation Area (SCA) covering an area of records from the Biosecurity Collections Unit, NSW
1,672 ha (NPWS 2003a) which is situated within the Department of Primary Industries at Orange, have
South Eastern Highlands Bioregion in the Interim been included.
Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) Records of endemics and threatened species
sub-region of Orange (NPWS 2003b). were extracted from these data lists. The distribution
Mt Canobolas shares many characteristics with of each plant and fungal species was examined in the
Mt Kaputar. Both were produced by the same magma AVH/ALA distribution maps to determine core range
source on the Inland Hotspot Track with Mt Kaputar limits, with outliers that occur distant to the MCVC
arising some seven million years earlier. Like Mt noted. Data for vascular plant species occurring in
Canobolas, the summit of Mt Kaputar supports 22 other conservation reserves located within the
remnant montane and sub-alpine plant communities near CW have also been extracted from BioNet
that are isolated by large distances from other (2018a) to use comparatively. Physiographic data
occurrences of these vegetation types on the Northern from individual reserve Plans of Management and
Tablelands along the GD to the east. The biota of other sources have also been compiled for each of the
Mt Kaputar includes some 18 species (8 plants and reserves. The near CW is defined as within c. 150 km
10 invertebrates, mainly molluscs) considered to be west of the GD Range summit. Most of these reserves
S46 Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., I4I, 2019
R.W. MEDD AND C.C. BOWER.
are situated within or in close proximity to the CT important publications for Mt Canobolas relating to
Botanical Subdivision (Anderson 1961). The western taxonomic works describing new species endemic to
portions of the large Wollemi and Blue Mountain NPs the mountain.
falling within the CT have not been considered.
No published vegetation classification currently Vegetation Communities
exists for the CT west of the Blue Mountains. The Hunter (2000; 2002) defined seven vegetation
only classification available for this area is the online communities within the SCA (Fig. 1). The significance
BioNet Vegetation Classification (BVC) (OEH of these is discussed in relation to similar high altitude
2018b) which is derived from cluster analysis of data vegetation types on the GD to the east (Table 1).
from multiple surveys conducted by government and One Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) and
consultant botanists. The survey data is published one Critically Endangered Ecological Community
and accessible online in the BioNet Vegetation (CEEC) are represented.
Classification application (OEH 2018b). The output
vegetation associations (Plant Community Types Community 1. Stringvbark-Peppermint Shrubby
[PCT]) are vetted by the Plant Community Type Open Forests and Woodlands
Change Control Panel to ensure its reliability and Covering around 26% of the SCA in areas above
robustness (OEH 2018b). The BVC supports a state¬ 1000 m altitude, this community is characterised
wide environmental assessment regulatory regime. by predominantly Eucalyptus macrorhyncha and
For this study, montane and sub-alpine E. dives, in association with E. canobolensis, E.
vegetation communities described by Hunter (2002) pauciflora, E. dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana,
in the Mt Canobolas SCA were compared with PCTs Acacia dealtata, A. melanoxylon and Exocarpos
currently recognised in similar habitats on the Great cupressiformis. It has a well-developed shrub layer
Dividing Range over 100 km to the east (BioNet and ground cover of herbs and grasses. Hunter (2002)
2018b). BioNet (2018b) assigns PCTs to threatened states the occurrence within the SCA is significant
ecological communities (TEC) and the conformity of due to the unusual assortment of associated species,
the relevant PCT on the mountain to each TEC was and the community is at its north western geographic
checked against the community description in the limit of occurrence. Hunter’s observation that this
Final Determination (Scientific Committee 2018). community, which principally occurs on upper
Comments on data accuracy, points of interest slopes and ridgetops around the peripheral areas
about species and threatened communities are of the SCA (Fig. 1), has an unusual assemblage of
provided. tree species is pertinent. There are no PCTs in the
BioNet Vegetation Classification database (BioNet
RESUETS AND DISCUSSION 2018b) that closely match it. Most recognised PCTs
dominated by E. macrorhyncha and E. dives occur in
The SCA occupies the core of the MCVC drier environments than on Mt Canobolas as reflected
consisting predominately of trachyte kindred rocks in their understory shrubs and grasses. The closest
and encompasses the high altitude components of PCT in BioNet (2018b) is PCT 730, which does not
the primary ecosystem remnants. Few orders or include E. canobolensis as a dominant.
classes of biota have been systematically surveyed
by specialists on Mt Canobolas and much of the Communities 2 and 4. Outcrop Heaths and
data available has not been formally published. Shrublands / Outcrop Eow Open Woodlands
Consequently, substantial listings of species have These two closely similar communities (Table 1)
been published only for the bryophytes (Downing et are found on skeletal soils on rock outcrops. Together
al. 2002) and vascular plants (Hunter 2002). Other they occupy some 6% of the SCA, occurring as small
non-commissioned surveys of lichens, birds, reptiles, highly disjunct patches throughout (Fig. 1). The main
amphibians and mammals have also been undertaken difference between the two is that Community 2 lacks
with results recorded only in online databases. The trees. Community 4 may have scattered trees of E.
currently known native biota of the SCA consists canobolensis, E. bridgesiana and A. dealtata. In both
of 884 species, however systematic surveys have communities the shrubs are scattered and depauperate,
not occurred for many groups so the figure is likely although sometimes forming dense thickets, and occur
to underestimate the overall numbers. Current in association with cryptogams, scattered herbs and
knowledge of each major grouping is summarised grasses. These rock outcrops contain the endangered
below. Reference is also made to some of the most Mt Canobolas Xanthoparmelia lichen community.
Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., 141, 2019 S47
MOUNT CANOBOLAS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
LEGEND
Figure 1. Vegetation communities occurring within the Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area (after
Hunter 2002).
Hunter (2002) considers these communities to be A. melanoxylon. The shrub layer is of low stature and
restricted to the SCA and unique. No floristically sparse or absent whereas the ground layer of twiners,
similar heathlands are recognised as PCTs in the herbs and grasses is well deyeloped. This assemblage
BioNet Vegetation Classification (BioNet 2018b). is most similar to PCT 1197 in the BioNet Vegetation
Classification (BioNet 2018b) (Table 1).
Community 3. Snow Gum-Mountain Gum Grassy
Woodland and Tall Open Forest Community 6. Disturbed Creek-lines
This community occupies some 52% of the Occupying about 1% of its area this community
SCA (Fig. 1) and occurs aboye 900 m altitude. It occurs in the north eastern lower reaches of the SCA
is characterised by predominantly E. pauciflora, (Fig. 1). It is characterised by tall open stands of E.
E. dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana, and E. viminalis, E. stellulata, E. pauciflora, E. dalrympleana
canobolensis in association with E. dives, E. subsp. dalrympleana and A. melanoxylon with a
macrorhyncha, E. viminalis and A. dealbata. It has scattered to dense shrub layer, ferns and herbs. This
a well-deyeloped layer of low and tall shrubs and a assemblage is most similar to PCT 1191 that is
dense ground layer of 80 to 100% coyer of climbers dominated by E. viminalis, E. pauciflora, E. rubida
and trailers, herbs and grasses. PCT 1197 is closest to and E. stellulata (BioNet 2018b). Within the SCA, E.
community 3 (Table 1). rubida (Candlebark) is replaced by the threatened E.
canobolensis (Silyer-leaf Candlebark).
Community 5. Grasslands and Grassy Open
Woodlands Community 7. Waterfall Low Open Woodlands
Trees are a minor component of this community This community is restricted to locations at
which occurs aboye 1200 m altitude and occupies Federal and Hopetoun Falls, occupying less than 1%
around 15% of the SCAarea(Fig. 1). It is characterised of the SCA (Fig. 1). It is an open shrubland community
by low densities of E. pauciflora, E. canobolensis, E. with occasional stunted trees of Eucalyptus
dalrympleana subsp. dalrympleana, A. dealbata and goniocalyx, E. canobolensis and A. melanoxylon
S48 Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., I4I, 2019
R.W. MEDD AND C.C. BOWER.
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Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., 141, 2019 S49
MOUNT CANOBOLAS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
in shallow soils around the falls’ margins and often Caves in the Alps and Kosciuszko National Park
with taller E. viminalis near the base of the falls. This occurred together with species from the arid zones
community is of very limited extent and it is doubtful to the west. Elsewhere in the SCA in a cool moist
that it deserves recognition as an entity distinct from and shady gully habitat a thallose epiphytic liverwort
the surrounding vegetation (Table 1). occurred; a species usually associated with rainforest
Communities 1,3 and 5 conform to the Tableland gullies of the coast and coastal ranges to the east.
Basalt Forest in the Sydney Basin and South Eastern Other rare and uncommon mosses, liverworts and
Highlands Bioregions Endangered Ecological hornworts are highlighted in their manuscript. It is
Community. This EEC is generally a tall montane unclear if the disjunct and rare species consisting of
forest dominated by Eucalyptus dalrympleana contiguous arid zone, alpine and rainforest specialists
(Mountain Gum) and E. pauciflora (Snow Gum) are stranded relics from past climatic ages or whether
(Scientific Committee 2008). It is known to occur such species have arrived through superior long¬
between 600 and 900 m altitude on the eastern parts distance dispersal abilities.
of the CT. On Mt Canobolas, Tableland Basalt Forests Downing et al. (2002) also noted several rare
occur extensively as tall open forests in valleys and and uncommon species occurred on roadside banks,
on ridges in deep volcanic soils above 900 m altitude, walking trail margins, fallen logs, on rough basal
hence representing a high altitude variant of the EEC bark of eucalypts and exposed rocks in the grassy
on the western CT. woodlands, which elsewhere in NSW are usually
Community 6 closely resembles the newly devoid of bryophytes. The bryoflora of the nearby
recognised Mowaro Tableland Cool Temperate Grassy Towac Pinnacle outcrop, to the east of the SCA, was
Woodland in the South Eastern Highlands Bioregion found to include a few species that were either not
Critically Endangered Ecological Community, which recorded or uncommon within the SCA, indicating
is predicted by the NSW Office of Environment and that other species may well occur on the many volcanic
Heritage (OEH) to occur in the Orange district (OEH outcrops, dykes, domes and plugs comprising the
2019a). MCVC.
Bryophytes Vascular plants
Bryophytes include mosses, liverworts and Vascular plants constitute the largest component
hornworts. They are often referred to as Tower plants’ of the currently known biota within the SCA. Some 14
and form an important component of the vegetation fern, 138 monocotyledon and 262 dicotyledon species
but are regularly overlooked in biological surveys. are present (Table 2). The diversity spans 78 families
A rich and diverse mix of 79 species of bryophytes and 228 genera (Appendix 1). Almost half of the 416
is recorded for Mt Canobolas in 29 families and 51 vascular plants are assigned to Just 6 superfamilies,
genera (Table 2), mostly from an initial survey by namely Asteraceae (47), Cyperaceae (18), Fabaceae
Downing et al. (2002). (35), Myrtaceae (14), Orchidaceae (40) and Poaceae
Although no endemic bryophyte species are (47). A number of the species listed by Hunter (2002)
recorded, the assemblage includes an unusual mix cannot be substantiated and so have been excluded
of alpine, arid zone and rainforest species, with 6 from the compilation.
species being at their northern range limits and 7 at Approximately 60% of the vascular flora species
their westernmost range. Exposed rock platforms with occurring in the SCA can be considered generalists
seepage areas on the upper flanks of the mountain are in the sense that they have widespread distribution
particularly species-rich. The geology of the area is and display plasticity in being adaptable to a wide
complex and Downing et al. (2002) considered the range of edaphic, climatic and other environmental
presence of certain species at particular locations is variables. As Hunter (2000) observed, these species
probably determined by the chemical composition are generally the most common ones and are found
of the substrate rock, although clear patterns could in most of the communities. The remaining flora
not be discerned. Downing et al. (2002) gave an exhibits varying degrees of specialisation from narrow
example of a curious combination of two opposed endemic species to regionally significant species.
species growing together: Encalypta vulgaris, a Among the plants are at least five endemic
calcicole (i.e. a species found only on calcareous species: Prostanthera gilesii (Conn and Wilson
substrates) and Campylopus introflexus, a calcifuge 2015), Eucalyptus canobolensis (Hunter 1998),
(i.e. a species never found growing on calcareous Bulbine sp. (J. Bruhl pers. comm.), Caladenia sp. aff
substrates). Around the summit some rare alpine patersonii and Prasophyllum sp. aff odoratum (D.
species previously known only from Yarrangobilly Jones pers. comm.). Other taxa, including the herb
S50 Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., I4I, 2019
R.W. MEDD AND C.C. BOWER.
Table 2. Summary of known biodiversity within the Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area.
Regionally
Native Exotic Endemic
Biodiversity Families Genera significant EEC' TS2
species species species
species
Vegetation
2
communities
Bryophytes 29 51 79 13
Gymnosperms 2 2 1 1
Ferns and Allies 6 11 14 5
Monocotyledons 12 61 121 17 3 + 39
Dicotyledons 58 154 192 70 2 + 76 2
Fungi 28 47 102 1 4 46 1
Mammals 19 30 29 9 5 5
Birds 35 69 97 2 7
Amphibians 3 4 5
Reptiles 4 15 20 5
Fish 1 1 1
Molluscs 6 10 10 2 ? 8
Insects 81 154 210 + ?
Velvet worms 1 1 1 1 1
Flat worms 1 2 2 7 2
TOTAE 286 612 884 + 102 10 + 200 3 14
' Endangered Ecological Communities listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
^Threatened Species listed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and/or Commonwealth Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
Craspedia sp. aff. lamicola and shrubs in the genera species provides valuable nesting and roosting habitat
Asterolasia, Melichrus and Phebalium are likely also as well as copious manna exudate as a food source for
to be endemics (1. Telford and J. Bruhl pers. comm.), arboreal mammals and birds. It is listed as Vulnerable
along with two recently found orchids Diuris sp. aff. under the BC Act and Endangered under the EPBC
chryseopsis and Dipodium sp. aff atropurpureum Act (Department of the Environment 2008).
(Bower 2019). The sub-alpine forests and woodlands support
Two of the endemic plants P. gilesii and E. 11 eucalypt species as canopy dominants and a
canobolensis are listed as threatened (Table 2). The broad array of understory shrubs, forbs and grasses,
shrub P. gilesii (formerly P. sp. C) (Giles’ Mintbush) totalling 416 species. Approximately 120 of these can
is only known from two small colonies and is listed be considered as regionally significant because of
as Critically Endangered under the BC Act 2016 their rarity or because they are at their geographical
(Scientific Committee 2017). E. canobolensis (syn. E. range limits within the CT. By comparison, 475
rubida subsp. canobolensis) (Silver-leaf Candlebark) plant species occur in an area of almost 23,000 ha
occurs throughout the SC A and is endemic to the of montane forests occurring between 1,000 and
MCVC. Its stronghold is above 1,000 m altitude 1,400 m altitude within Kosciuszko National Park
within the SC A but it occurs sporadically down (Doherty et al. 2015). The richness of the flora of the
to ± 900 m altitude on the slopes surrounding the SCA is over 12 fold that of Kosciuszko NP, being
mountain. With a propensity to form hollows, the almost 260 species per 1,000 ha compared with 20.6
Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., 141, 2019 S51
MOUNT CANOBOLAS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
Figure 2. Number of native and exotic vascular plant species recorded for 22 conservation reserves (ar¬
ranged by increasing area) in the near (eastern) Central West of NSW. Numbers in parentheses following
reserve names indicated the area (ha) of each. Data from Bionet (2018a, see Appendix 2).
species per 1,000 ha respectively. Compositionally in the near CW along with the Calula Range north
there are also differences in the floras with the ratio of Orange where some 60 species occur (C. Bower
of dicotyledons to monocotyledons being lower in the pers. obs.), Wambool NR with at least 47 species and
SCA with 1.6:1 compared with 2.8:1 in Kosciuszko Abercrombie Karst Conservation Reserve with 30 or
NR No endemic species occur in the montane forests more species (Bionet 2018a). Terrestrial Orchids are
of Kosciuszko NP and 105 species, which are either intrinsically important as bioindicators of ecosystem
disjunct or occurring at their geographic range limits health (Swarts and Dixon 2009) so the presence of
is proportionally much lower than the 120 species for such a large species diversity is indicative of the
the SCA. In both reserves however, the dicotyledons stability and resilience of the ecosystems in the SCA.
were similarly dominated by taxa in the Asteraceae, Most conservation reserves in the near CW are
Fabaceae and Myrtaceae and monocotyledons by < 2,000 ha in area and have been gazetted since the
Cyperaceae, Orchidaceae and Poaceae. late 1960s (Appendix 2). The recorded diversity of
A rich and eclectic suite of 40 terrestrial orchid the vascular flora generally is < 250 species for these
species occurs within the SCA (Appendix 1). A reserves (Fig. 2). Mt Canobolas SCA stands out with
number of these orchids are unnamed and currently 416 species, only being surpassed by 491 taxa within
subject to further examination. At least one of these, Abercrombie Rivers NP, which is almost 12 times
Prasophyllum sp. aff odoratum, recorded after a larger in area. All of these reserves have been utilised
summer fire in 1982 and again in 2018, is considered since European settlement, mainly for grazing and
to be a fire ephemeral (Bower 2019). Twenty- or forestry, and in many cases for mining activities.
one orchid species are rare, confined to or at their Mt Canobolas had grazing leases in place until about
geographic range limits in the SCA (Appendix 1). The the 1950s before being reserved for conservation
SCA ranks among the most diverse areas for orchids and eventually gazetted in 1997. This, together with
S52 Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., 141, 2019
R.W. MEDD AND C.C. BOWER.
the SC As high perimeter to area ratio, rich volcanic Vertebrates
soils and being surrounded by cleared and developed Knowledge of the vertebrate fauna of the SCA
silvicultural, agricultural and horticultural lands, has is predominantly from opportunistic records as few
facilitated invasion by exotic species. Twenty-one systematic surveys have been undertaken and there
percent of the vascular flora is exotic, somewhat higher are no published accounts. The array of 163 vertebrate
than the mean of 17.2 % for the comparable reserves species in 62 families and 119 genera involves mainly
in the near CW (Appendix 2). In Kosciuszko NP, generalist species with no recorded endemics, but
which also has a history of post-European land use, does include 12 threatened species (Table 2) that have
exotic species contribute 23% of the flora (Doherty undergone population decline principally through
et al. 2015) which is higher than for most of the near loss of habitat.
CW reserves, including the SCA (Appendix 2). Twenty nine native mammal species have been
recorded, five of which are threatened species (Table
Fungi 3). The mammals include six species of gliders
No published account of fungi exists for Mt and possums, two species of marsupial mice, four
Canobolas, but extensive lichen records (ALA 2018) macropods, the Tachyglossus aculeatus (Short-
are known from field work within the SCA, especially beaked Echidna) and Vombatus ursinus (Bare-nosed
by JA Elix of the Australian National University and Wombat) (Appendix 4). Most species have widespread
his colleagues. distributions, but five have geographic range limits
Ascomycota fungi records, mainly lichens, show in the SCA. Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis
a great diversity among the > 90 species growing on (Eastern Bent-wing Bat), Petauroides volans
logs, tree trunks, branches, soil and rocky outcrops (Greater Glider), Petaurus australis (Yellow-bellied
or platforms in the SCA (Appendix 3). Together with Glider) and Antechinus stuartii (Brown Antechinus)
Basidiomycetes, these occur in some 28 families occur at their western limits whilst Antechinus agilis
and 47 genera (Table 2). Four lichens, Gyalideopsis (Agile Antechinus) occurs at its northernmost limit.
halocarpa, Sarcogyne sekikaica (McCarthy and Presence of the Agile Antechinus has been verified
Elix 2014), Megalaria montana (McCarthy and by molecular evidence (A. Kerle pers. comm.) but
Elix 2016) and Xanthoparmelia metastrigosa confirmation of both the Brown Antechinus and
(Scientific Committee 2001) are endemic to the Yellow-bellied Glider is required as there have been
SCA. One particular assemblage of at least nine no recent sightings of either. A camera trap record
species of foliose lichens, including the endemic X. of Rattus fuscipes (Southern Bush Rat) has yet to be
metastrigosa, is listed as an Endangered Ecological verified by live trapping (S. Woodhall pers. comm.).
Community; the only lichen community in Australia Indicative of the richness of the habitat of the SCA
with such legal protection. It has been recognised as is the diversity of 11 micro bats recorded on the
unique to the SCA, and gazetted as the Mt Canobolas mountain, including three threatened species (Table
Xanthoparmelia Lichen Community Endangered 3). Nine exotic mammal species also have been
Ecological Community (Scientific Committee 2001). recorded, namely Dog, Goat, Horse, House Mouse,
The assemblage consists of Cladia fuliginosa, Pig, Rabbit, Red Fox, Red Deer and Ship Rat.
Xanthoparmelia canobolasensis, X. digitiformis, X. Avifauna recorded within the SCA includes
metaclystoides, X. metastrigosa, X. multipartita, X. 97 native and two exotic species across 35 families
neorimalis and X. sulcifera. It occurs mainly above and 69 genera (Table 2) from mostly opportunistic
1,100 m altitude on rock faces and soils unique to the observations (Appendix 4). All are widespread species
MCVC. Xanthoparmelia metastrigosa is endemic to with many being permanent residents; others are
Mt Canobolas and X. canobolasensis is known only migratory. Seven species recorded in the SCAare listed
from Mt Canobolas and one locality in Tasmania while as Vulnerable (Table 3) and are relatively widespread
X. sulcifera and C. fuliginosa are each known from a species that have suffered significant population
limited number of other localities within NSW. declines since European settlement. Mt Canobolas
Some 46 species of fungi are regionally significant is important as one place in the highly developed
as they are rare or at their natural geographical range landscape that still provides refuge to these species.
limits. Opportunistic observations of Basidiomycota Other species use particular niche habitats in the
fungi have resulted in the recording of eight species, SCA. Falco peregrinus (Peregrine Falcon) uses cliff
which is considered particularly depauperate and habitats around Federal Falls for nesting and hunting.
dedicated study will undoubtedly identify many The mountainous terrain attracts raptors such as
additional taxa. Aquila audax (Wedge-tail Eagle) which is commonly
observed hunting and soaring on thermals as well as.
Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 141, 2019 S53
MOUNT CANOBOLAS BIODIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM
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S54 Proc. Einn. Soc. N.S.W., I4I, 2019