Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna): Faunal Search (Diurnal Census for Vertebrates), Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 2015

Abstract: These data comprise a systematic search for all vertebrate fauna on each of the surveyed plots in Nitmiluk National Park in 2015.

A total of 220 permanent monitoring plots were established between 1994-2002 across three parks (Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk) in the Top End of the Northern Territory, representing the Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network. A detailed flora and fauna survey has been conducted at each plot on a 5-6 year cycle to monitor biotic changes.

A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Three Park Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network’s full program is provided at https://doi.org/10.25911/5c35959d4530d

Sampling method: Nitmiluk National Park contains 46 plots, each with a paired plot located within 1 km of the primary plot. In 2015, 23 paired plots were surveyed for terrestrial vertebrate fauna using a range of survey methods. At each paired plot 3 x 15 minute active searches were conducted within the standard 50 x 50 m trapping grid during daylight hours at different times of the day (morning, midday and late afternoon) during the 4 day period.

Study extent: Macropus antilopinus is now considered to be in the genus Osphranter, but these data use the name Macropus antilopinus for consistency with previous data sets.

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.