Mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians of the Bulloo Shire, Queensland

Abstract

The mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibia of Bulloo Shire, south-western Queensland, were surveyed from 1975 to 1977 as part of a programme to list the fauna of Queensland. Three hundred species of vertebrates were located, consisting of 30 mammals (10 of them introduced exotics), 195 birds (two introduced), 60 reptiles and 15 amphibians. With the exception of the mammals, the species recorded were representative of the known arid zone fauna of Queensland, but included significant extensions of range for a number of species. Although useful data are not available on the fauna present prior to European settlement the species composition of these groups has probably not changed greatly since this intrusion, despite evident environmental changes. The mammals were poorly represented in the survey, with at least two species apparently lost and several others that might reasonably be expected to appear not located and possibly missing. All but one of the small native mammal species recorded were uncommon. This may have been a consequence of difficulty in collecting, at least for some species. One mammal collected was a new record for Queensland, an as yet unnamed species of Ningaui. The presence of 1O exotic mammals, most of them common or abundant in the region, is seen as a significant factor in any faunal changes. The presence of extensive areas of uncleared forest is recognised as the significant factor in species retention. The survey is presented as a basis for identifying and evaluating changes in faunal content that may occur in the region.