Smoky_Buzzer_02

Smoky Buzzer

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Photo(s): 
Smoky Buzzer
Smoky Buzzer

Smoky Buzzer

Cicadetta waterhousei

The female pierces plant stems and inserts eggs into the slit produced. Eggs hatch into wingless nymphs that drop to the ground and burrow beneath the surface. The lives of nymphs are spent underground. As they grow they shed their skin at intervals. Adult cicadas live a few weeks only.

Details Description
Type
Invertebrate
Group
Insect - Cicada
Other Common Names
Grass Cicada
Identifying Characteristics

Adults possess stout bodies with two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. The wings have a dark smoky tinge, hence the common name. There are large compound eyes on one side of the head and three small simple eyes on the top of the head.
Distinctive Markings

Antennae are small and bristle-like.
Diet

Herbivore. Plant sap from eucalypts, native herbs and grasses.
Habitat

Inhabits native and exotic plants including tall trees, coastal mangroves, suburban lawns and desert shrubbery.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Sounds
A metallic buzzing call.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Cicadidae
Genus
Cicadetta
Species
waterhousei
Smoky Buzzer
Found through much of the eastern half of Queensland stretching south from Laura, through the eastern half of New South Wales, most of Victoria and into South Australia as far west as the Eyre Peninsula.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

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Smoky_Buzzer_02
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Striped Legless Lizard
Striped Legless Lizard

Striped Legless Lizard

Delma impar

Diurnal. Oviparous (egg laying) generally producing 2 eggs during spring/summer. 

Details Description
Type
Reptile
Group
Lizard
Other Common Names
Many-lined Delma, Striped Snake-lizard
Identifying Characteristics

Adults can grow up to 30 cm long. There are no fore limbs present and hind limbs are reduced to small flaps on each side of the vent. External ear openings are present. The tongue is broad and undivided. The tail is long.
Distinctive Markings

Pale grey-brown colour above, with a darker head. The underside is almost white in colour. This species has a pattern of light and dark bands running along its length.
Diet

Carnivore. Spiders, crickets, cicadas, caterpillars and moth larvae.
Habitat

Generally perennial lowland tussock grassland and some woodland.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Pygopodidae
Genus
Delma
Species
impar
Striped Legless Lizard
Occurs in fragmented grassland areas in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and South Australia.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Endangered
FFG Act
Listed as threatened
EPBC Act
Vulnerable
FFG Action Statement
PDF icon Striped legless lizard

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

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Spotted Marsh Frog
Spotted Marsh Frog
Spotted Marsh Frog
Spotted Marsh Frog

Spotted Marsh Frog

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis (southern call race)

Breeding season: autumn, spring-summer. Females lay 80-1500 pigmented eggs within a floating foam mass.

Details Description
Type
Amphibian
Group
Frog - Southern Frog
Other Common Names
Spotted Grass Frog
Identifying Characteristics

Male 31-42 mm. Female 32-47 mm. A squat species with muscular hind legs and a conspicuous gland beneath the eye, extending to above the forearm.
Distinctive Markings

Adults generally have a smooth pale grey-brown dorsal surface with large olive green spots, and a yellow, red or orange mid-dorsal stripe. Moderately pointed snout and indistinct tympanum.
Diet

Carnivore. Insects including beetles, moths, cicadas and caterpillars, also spiders and other invertebrates.
Habitat

Wet areas, flood plains and semi-permanent water in open forests, woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. Common in farm dams. In dry periods finds shelter in cracks in the ground or under large rocks.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Sounds
The identifying call is a short, sharp 'click' or 'plock' regularly repeated, resembling the sound made when two stones are struck together.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Limnodynastidae
Genus
Limnodynastes
Species
tasmaniensis
Spotted Marsh Frog
South-eastern and north-eastern Australia from South Australia throughout eastern Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, and southern and central Queensland.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

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Southern Brown Bandicoot
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Southern Brown Bandicoot
Southern Brown Bandicoot

Southern Brown Bandicoot

Isoodon obesulus obesulus

Mostly active at night; spends the daytime sheltering in a hollow log or a well hidden shallow hole in the ground lined with leaf litter. Digs narrow, cone-shaped holes in the soil in search of food. Prefers to stay close to cover when in search of food. Breeding can occur between winter and autumn, usually 2-4 young per litter, with up to three litters per year. Survival depends on finding and defending an adequate territory; a large adult may need 7 hectares. They usually live alone and can live up to 3 years.

Details Description
Type
Mammal
Group
Marsupial
Other Common Names
Short-nosed Bandicoot
Identifying Characteristics

Body fur brown-grey on back and paler underneath. Face cone-shaped. Short forelegs and long hind legs. Body up to 35 cm, tail up to 13 cm.
Distinctive Markings

Cone-shaped nose. Short tail.
Diet

Omnivore. Insects including cicadas, moths and butterflies, also worms and other invertebrates. Plant roots from native grasses and herbs, tubers including the Yam daisy and fungi.
Habitat

Lives in woodland and forest with heath or shrub understorey, also coastal heath and scrub. Prefers a mosaic of areas including some burnt areas as regenerating vegetation after fire supports more abundant insect food.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Peramelemorphia
Family
Peramelidae
Genus
Isoodon
Species
obesulus obesulus
Southern Brown Bandicoot
"Southern coastal parts from central New South Wales to eastern South Australia. Also Tasmania and south-west Western Australia. "

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Near threatened
FFG Act
Listed as threatened
EPBC Act
Endangered

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Photo(s): 
Growling Grass Frog
Growling Grass Frog
Growling Grass Frog
Growling Grass Frog

Growling Grass Frog

Litoria raniformis

Breeding season: Spring and early summer. Females lay 1,900-3,900 pigmented eggs in a floating jelly raft which sinks soon after. Males generally call while floating in open water.

Details Description
Type
Amphibian
Group
Frog - Tree Frog
Other Common Names
Southern Bell Frog, Golden Bell Frog, Warty Bell Frog
Identifying Characteristics

Male 55-65 mm. Female 60-104 mm. A large warty species ususally with a pale mid-dorsal stripe and a paler dorso-lateral fold from eye to groin.
Distinctive Markings

Adults vary from bright green to brown with brown or golden blotches on a warty back. Elongated snout and distinct tympanum.
Diet

Carnivore. Adults feed on crickets, cicadas, beetles, moths, caterpillars, other invertebrates, small frogs and fish.
Habitat

Well vegetated ditches, dams and swamps
Native Status
Native to Australia
Sounds
The identifying call is a repeated long growl "crawark-crawark-crok-crok".
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Hylidae
Genus
Litoria
Species
raniformis
Growling Grass Frog
Once common and widespread acoss south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. Now endangered in Victoria.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Endangered
FFG Act
Listed as threatened
EPBC Act
Vulnerable

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Audio samples: 
Photo(s): 
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)

Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)

Perameles gunnii

Active at night. Can breed throughout the year, but mostly between July to November. Pregnancy lasts just 12 days, so they can produce up to five litters of young per year, with an average litter size of two.  Can breed after 4 months of age. Average lifespan is 18 months to 2 years. Males need 13-20 hectares while females need 2-3 hectares.

Details Description
Type
Mammal
Group
Marsupial
Other Common Names
Tasmanian Barred Bandicoot
Identifying Characteristics

Upper body fur brown and grey, marked with three or four pale stripes on its hindquarters, white underparts and feet. Long nose and ears. Short white tail. Body up to 35 cm, tail up to 11 cm.
Distinctive Markings

White stripes on rear of back, short white tail, long nose.
Diet

Omnivore. Small invertebrates including worms, beetles, crickets, moths, cicadas and caterpillars.  Plant bulbs and tubers including the Plains Yam Daisy, fruits and fungi.
Habitat

Natural habitat is tall, dense native grasslands and grassy woodlands, although they can live in modified habitats if there is suitable shelter and control of predators such as cats and foxes.
Native Status
Native to Australia. Once widespread across western Victoria.
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Peramelemorphia
Family
Peramelidae
Genus
Perameles
Species
gunnii
Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Mainland)
South-eastern Australia, including south-western Victoria.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Extinct in the Wild
FFG Act
Listed as threatened
EPBC Act
Endangered
FFG Action Statement
PDF icon Eastern barred bandicoot

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Photo(s): 
Brown Falcon
Brown Falcon

Brown Falcon

Falco berigora

Breeding season in southern Australia is from August to November. This species does not build its own nest but occupies nests built by other bird species. The nest is often relined. The female lays a clutch of 2-3 eggs which are incubated for 31-35 days chiefly by the female but the male will also take this role at times. The male supplies most of the food during this time. The young fly at 30 days.

Details Description
Type
Bird
Group
Raptor
Identifying Characteristics

A small-medium falcon (40-50 cm). The upper surface varies from dark to light brown and the underside is off-white. The sides of the head are brown. Long, heavy scaled legs and short talons. The female is larger than the male.
Distinctive Markings

Double 'teardrop' enclosing pale cheek patch. Always has red-brown to dark brown 'trousers'.
Diet

Carnivore. Small mammals including mice, rabbits and bandicoots. Insects including grasshoppers, cicadas and beetles as well as small lizards, snakes and birds.
Habitat

Prefers open grassland and agricultural areas. Perches on scattered trees and telegraph poles. Also found in open woodland, mulga scrub, watercourse treelines, alpine areas, heath and coastal dunes.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Sounds
Loud, raucous cackling "karairk - kuk - kukkuk". Single calls "karark", "kar - r - ra"', "airrrk".
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Falconiformes
Family
Falconidae
Genus
Falco
Species
berigora
Brown Falcon
Found throughout Australia and New Guinea.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Audio samples: 
Photo(s): 
Tiger Snake
Tiger Snake
Tiger Snake

Tiger Snake

Notechis scutatus

Viviparous (live young). Producing 20-30 live young late summer or early autumn. Active day and night.

Details Description
Type
Reptile
Group
Snake
Other Common Names
Mainland Tiger Snake
Identifying Characteristics

Varies in colour from uniform light brown to black. Adults can reach 2 m in length. Broad, flattened heads.
Distinctive Markings

Alternating light and dark bands. Occasionally bands may be absent
Diet

Carnivore. Frogs and small insects including cicadas, moths and caterpillars.
Habitat

Prefers swampy or marshy ground. Found near creeks, rivers or dams.
Native Status
Native to Australia
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Elapidae
Genus
Notechis
Species
scutatus
Tiger Snake
Found in the temperate areas of southern Australia, including Tasmania.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Photo(s): 
Feral Cat

Feral Cat

Felis catus

Some cats are urban strays surviving mainly on human refuse. Others are feral animals which survive by eating native animals. Usually solitary and nocturnal, spending most of the day sheltering in a hollow log, rock pile or an old burrow. Rabbits have helped the spread of feral cats by providing food and burrows for shelter.  Feral cats breed from the age of about one year in any season. They can have up to 2 litters of about four kittens each year. Feral cats are prey for foxes, dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles. 

Details Description
Type
Mammal
Group
Placental
Identifying Characteristics

Fur short, red-brown, black or ginger. Body up to 60 cm long.
Distinctive Markings

Often stripes, dots, lines or patterns on fur.
Diet

Carnivore. Small mammals including young rabbits and bandicoots. Birds, especially ground-nesting or ground-dwelling birds, including eggs and hatchlings, small reptiles, frogs and invertebrates.
Habitat

Most areas, except wetlands.
Native Status
Introduced
Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
catus
Feral Cat
Throughout Australia, including western Victoria.

Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Conservation Status
DEPI Advisory List
Not listed
FFG Act
Not listed
EPBC Act
Not listed

The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.

The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.

Audio samples: 

Fungi

Diet: 

Decomposer - breaks down dead and organic matter.

Fungi do not produce their own food. We generally observe the spore-producing fruiting bodies of fungi, however the majority of the organism lives underground, consisting of a network of microscopically thin threads called hyphae. This network, called a mycelium, spreads throughout the soil and decomposes organic matter in the soil.

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