Biodiversity
Page 289
Terrestrial Vertebrates
In May 2009, there were 12 reptiles, 1 amphibian and 14 mammals recorded
throughout the six habitat types at Torrens Island area including Torrens Island
Conservation Park, recorded by Delta Consulting (Source: Coleman. P & Cook.
F, 2009).
Fish
In May 2009, there were 31 fish species known to occur in the six habitat types
in the Gillman area including Magazine and Range wetlands, recorded by Delta
Consulting (Source: Coleman. P & Cook. F, 2009).
Aquatic invertebrates
In May 2009, there were 11 gastropods, 10 bivalves, 26 crustaceans, 3 insects,
4 worms and 10 other aquatic invertebrates recorded within the five habitat
types within the Gillman area including Magazine and Range wetlands,
recorded by Delta Consulting (Source: Coleman. P & Cook. F, 2009).
R.B. Connolly Reserve
This small but significant coastal reserve is a precious remnant of the former
dune and swale plant communities found in the Lefevre Peninsula dune system.
It is fortunate that the reserve remains as an example of pre-European
settlement geography and vegetation. The Reserve is owned and managed by
Council.
Plants of conservation significance (primarily due to their remnant value) include
appleberry (
Billardiera cymosa),
colonies of native pelargonium (
Pelargonium
australe),
rapier sword sedge (
Lepidosperma gladiatum
) and several tall shrubs
of sticky hop bush (
Dodonaea viscose ssp. Spatulata
) and coastal umbrella
bush (
Acacia cupularis
). Weed invasion in this reserve is moderate, and a local
community conservation group has assisted with ongoing maintenance. Mosses
and lichens are relatively intact due to visitors keeping mainly to defined tracks,
and sand movement is minor (Source: Environment Strategic Plan research
Paper, 2003).
Recent on-ground conservation activities undertaken at R.B. Connolly Reserve
since 2007 include:-
•
The removal of weeds Rye Grass, Hare's Tail Grass, Brome Grass,
Common Sow Thistle and False Caper, African Boxthorn and Bracelet
Honey Myrtle (
Melaleuca armillaris
).
•
Fence repairs to manage human traffic.
(Refer to location map 15, page 299).
