Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna): Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 1995–2011

Abstract: This Terrestrial Vertebrate Monitoring data package comprises data for a sub-sample of the 41 plots situated in Litchfield National Park. Terrestrial mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are sampled in a 50 x 50 m plot adjacent to each fire plot monitoring site (below). Each vertebrate plot is sampled every five years. Within each five yearly-interval plots are sampled in different months over a three-year period. Each individual plot is always sampled in the same month. The plots are assessed for fire occurrence at least annually by means of on-ground visits by ranger staff. This record is used, in conjunction with aerial surveys, to assess the reliability of the fire history which has been developed from satellite imagery. A photo record assembled for field visits to Kakadu National Park (and Nitmiluk National Park) visits spanning 1995-2004 has also been used to develop a practical field-based index of fire severity. The Three Parks Savanna Plot Network’s full program uses a total of 220 permanent monitoring plots established in the Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks which commenced in 1994-1995. The research is aimed at improving our understanding of impacts associated with imposed fire on vegetation structure, plant species and vertebrate fauna, in order to improve our knowledge and management of fire in tropical savanna landscapes. A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna's full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d

Sampling method: Some of the species listed in the taxonomic coverage were by-catch (i.e. they were not recorded using the described collection protocols). The monitoring program was designed originally to sample vegetation. Its suitability for the monitoring of fauna was recognised at a later date. As a consequence, the monitoring of fauna generally has lagged behind the vegetation monitoring program. Sampling in Litchfield surveyed 40 of the 41 plots in 1995/96 and 2001, 37 sites in 2006 and 32 sites in 2011

Study extent: There were four terrestial vertebrate surveys conducted during this temporal range - 1995/1996, 2001/2002, 2006 and 2011.

Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project was part of, and funded through the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) a facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.