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The use by vertebrate fauna of the Slaty Creek Wildlife Underpass, Calder Freeway, Black Forest, Macedon, Victoria

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posted on 2023-05-26, 22:47 authored by Abson, R
The Slaty Creek Wildlife Underpass, built as part of the Calder Freeway at Macedon, Victoria, was monitored for a 12-month period to establish its use by vertebrate fauna. Two control sites were established on either side of the underpass in the adjacent Black Forest. A monitoring regime of 14 methods was used, targeting various fauna groups, including ground dwelling mammals, arboreal or semi-arboreal mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Approximately two-thirds of the total number of species detected throughout the monitoring period, across all sites, were detected within the Slaty Creek Underpass. With at least four species of reptile, six species of amphibian, 24 confirmed and seven unconfirmed mammal species and 37 bird species within or above the underpass, the Slaty Creek Underpass has been shown to be one of the most diversely populated underpasses ever studied. Several culverts and a smaller underpass nearby the Slaty Creek Underpass were also monitored and were shown to have fewer species passing through them than the Slaty Creek underpass. There were some species of birds and mammals that were detected in the surrounding forest, but never within the underpass, but were generally detected on too few occasions to provide for statistical analysis. Statistical analysis did demonstrate that native and some introduced species demonstrated an attraction to the underpass, whilst some other native species were rarely detected within the underpass, and were more often detected within the surrounding forest. The Slaty Creek Underpass could be further enhanced with the use of rope canopy bridges or glider poles, suitably designed and maintained fencing and enhanced revegetation within the underpass.

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Copyright 2004 the Author - The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s). Thesis (M.Env.Mgt.)--University of Tasmania, 2004. Includes bibliographical references

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