Three Parks Savanna Fire-effects Plot Network (Fauna): Nocturnal Spotlighting Survey, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia, 2016

Abstract: These data are records of all nocturnal spotlighting observations during the 2016 Litchfield survey. 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. Plots represent a variety of landforms and vegetation types. Litchfield National Park contains 40 plots. In 2016, 20 plots were surveyed for terrestrial vertebrate fauna using a range of survey methods. In addition, at all plots sampling also occurred at a second plot directly adjacent to the traditional plot.At each paired plot 2 x 15 minute surveys was conducted at night using head-torches, on any of the 4 nights available during the 4 day fauna survey period. The spotlight survey area encompassed the standard 50 x 50 m trapping grid and an additional 25 m around all sides. 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 http://hdl.handle.net/1885/151953

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 has been part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN). LTERN is a Facility within the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and supported by the Australian Government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy.