Victorian Tall Eucalypt Forest Plot Network: Bird Point Count Data, Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia, 2012-2017

Abstract: The Victorian Tall Eucalypt Forest Plot Network Bird Point Count Data contains transect-based bird fauna data collected annually, between 2012 and 2017, at a subset of 81 of the 175 permanent 3 hectare plots studied by the plot network in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia. Birds are counted using repeated time-controlled (5 minute) point interval counts conducted at 0 m, 50 m and 100 m along a permanent 100 m long transect, ordinarily over November/December and usually on an annual basis (note there was no data collection in 2006, 2008, or 2015, for example). Observations are made by two different observers on two separate mornings. This is part of a much larger dataset that began in 1983, when the Victorian Tall Eucalypt Forest Plot Network research plots commenced (but the research methods changed in 2004, which is the start year for this time series).

A synopsis of related data packages which have been collected as part of the Victorian Tall Eucalypt Forest Plot Network’s full program is provided at http://doi.org/10.25911/5c4445118125d

Sampling method: Each long term monitoring site is 3 hectares.

Study extent: Each site is 3 hectares, with monitoring occurring only on the central hectare which is usually square, measuring 100 x 100 m or occasionally sites measuring 200 x 50 m where they interface gullies.

Project funding: Between 2012 and 2018 this project has been part of the Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN). This work was supported by the Australian Government’s Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Network (www.tern.org.au) – an Australian research infrastructure facility established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy and Education Infrastructure Fund–Super Science Initiative through the Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.

Other funding agencies supporting this research project for various periods include: Parks Victoria (2004-2019); Victorian Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2004-2005); Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2006-2011); Thomas Foundation (2009); Australian Research Council Discovery Program DP1097170 (2010-2015); National Environmental Research Program, Environmental Decisions Hub (2011-2014); Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries (2014-2018); Graeme Wood Foundation (2015-2017); and National Environmental Science Program, Threatened Species Recovery Hub (2015-2020).