Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities

170 Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities

species (Gillespie 2001; West 2015). Since 1994, an additional 20 stream transects
have been established across the species’ range at most known historic sites,
sampled at much lower intensity – either once annually or every few years
(Table 12.1). The causes of decline are complex but well understood, comprising a
combination of historic habitat disturbance, predation by exotic fish and Bd
(Gillespie 2001; West 2015). Recovery efforts have focused on habitat restoration
and protection, reintroduction and translocation, and mitigation of introduced fish
predation. Population monitoring has been used to assess the performance of these
management initiatives.
The monitoring was initiated and managed by the Victorian Department of
Land, Environment, Water and Planning. Initially the Australian Government was
the primary source of support for this program, through various threatened
species grants and initiatives. NSW and Victorian government agencies have also
provided significant support, but as government recourses have waned, Zoos
Victoria has taken a lead role in supporting recovery actions and monitoring
in Victoria.

Table 12.1. Summary of monitoring for each species.

A: intensive mark–recapture; B: annual single counts.

Southern corroboree

frog Baw Baw frog Spotted tree frog

Baseline surveys 1985/86 1983/84 and 1993 1992–1994

Monitoring duration

(years)

29 21 25

Monitoring frequency 1–3 times annually Once annually A. 6–8 times annually

B. Annually

Number of sites

monitored

40 37 A. 3

B. 20

Measurement Minimum number of

surviving males

Change in occupancy

Minimum number of

surviving males

Change in occupancy

A. Recruitment/

survival rates and

population growth rate

B. Change in

occupancy

Annual cost (full-time

effective persons)

0.2 0.4 0.3

Previously undertaken

by:

NSW Government Victorian Government Victorian Government

Currently undertaken

by:

NSW Government Zoos Victoria University of

Melbourne/Zoos

Victoria/Victorian

Government/NSW

Government