Gawler Ranges NP (Scientific Expedition Group) Survey

The aim of this survey was to increase current knowledge of the flora and fauna species that occur in the North western portion of Gawler Ranges National Park (Scrubby Peak section) with particular emphasis on the Pine Lodge Environmental Association. Laut et al (1977) have described the Pine Lodge Environmental Association as follows: A sandy plain with low hills and numerous irregular dunes. The vegetation cover is of low, open woodland and open mallee scrub with an understorey of mixed chenopod shrubs and grasses." This association covers most of the Scrubby Peak area of the park to the northwest of the Yardea Road. The park conserves more than 55% of this association, which was not previously included in any reserve. The park has some key fauna habitat areas, including semi-permanent soaks and granite waterholes. The park has rocky gullies and outcrops with local entrapments of water. Low woodland, or mallee vegetation, with a complex understorey of hummock grass (Triodia sp) or chenopod and/or Cratystylis, provides the vegetation complexity necessary for the survival of a rich and diverse fauna assemblage. The survey was conducted 2007-2008. The Gawler Ranges NP (Scientific Expedition Group) Survey is part of the Biological Survey of South Australia Program which is a series of systematic surveys conducted across the state between 1971 and the present with the broad aim of providing a baseline inventory of South Australia's flora and fauna biodiversity.