Vegetation communities and edaphic relationships along a typical coastal saltmarsh to woodland gradient in eastern Tasmania

Saltmarsh soils impose harsh selection pressures on vegetation resulting in characteristic plant communities. For our study of the effect of edaphic factors on vegetation we chose Long Point in Moulting Lagoon, Tasmania’s largest saltmarsh, which is dominated by a diverse assemblage of halophytic succulents and graminoids. Three transects were established to sample variations in vegetation along the gradient from saltmarsh to woodland. Soil samples were analysed for summer and winter moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC); a mixed summer and winter sample from each point was analysed for soil organic matter (SOM) and carbon. Additionally, a particle size analysis was carried out on all summer samples. Aspects of soil characteristics were aligned to classified vegetation groups and elevation. Moisture, pH, EC, SOM and carbon were all negatively correlated with elevation; the saltmarsh zone displaying higher levels of all variables than those in the adjacent woodland zone. Clay content decreased and sand content increased from the marine margin of the saltmarsh zone to the woodland zone. Within the saltmarsh zone, soil moisture, EC and carbon had highest values in the low marsh area, with values decreasing towards the upper marsh area. This study deepens our understanding of the roles various edaphic factors play in the floristic composition of coastal saltmarshes

Insect succession pattern on decomposing pig carcasses in Tasmania: a summer study

Insect succession has been studied around the world using the predictable and mostly sequential arrival pattern of different insect species that are attracted to a decomposing carcass. In cases of suspicious death of humans and animals, carrion insects may be used to assist in crime scene reconstruction. The present research represents the first study in forensic entomology to be undertaken in Tasmania, investigating insect succession patterns on decomposing pig carcasses and providing a preliminary database of forensically important insects. Six pig carcasses were placed in two contrasting locations (rural and urban) in northern Tasmania. Insect successional waves were recorded over a 40-day study during the austral summer season. Results showed that decomposition rates and insect assemblages varied between each location. Eleven insect taxa, representing nine families, were identified in association with the decomposition of the pig carcasses at both localities. Blowflies present on the pig carcasses throughout the decomposition process were Calliphora stygia Malloch (Diptera: Calliphoridae) at both sites and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) at the urban site only. These preliminary results will provide useful information in any future casework involving human remains and associated insect material in Tasmania

The Royal Society of Tasmania commemorates 175 years of service to Tasmania.

In 2018, The Royal Society of Tasmania commenced its celebration of 175 years of service to the people of Tasmania. As the culmination of these celebrations a special plaque was unveiled at the Argyle Street entrance to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on 14 October 2019 by the Society’s Patron Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, Governor of Tasmania together with Professor Ross Large AO, President of The Royal Society of Tasmania and Ms Janet Carding, Director of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s Expedition of Discovery I – The flora and fauna of Wind Song, Little Swanport, Tasmania.

A flora and fauna survey was conducted at the east coast Tasmanian property Wind Song in 2017 as part of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery’s ongoing research, collection-building and nature-discovery program. The survey recorded 885 taxa, primarily from the targeted groups of vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, butterflies, moths, beetles, snails and slugs. Several of the taxa recorded, chiefly lichens and invertebrates, are new to science or new records for Tasmania. The survey provides a benchmark for further work and serves as an indicator of the biodiversity of a former farming property on Tasmania’s east coast

Patterns and causes of marsupial paths in subalpine Tasmania

Animal paths can improve connectivity of species, alter vegetation growth, reduce fuel loads and further our knowledge of the behavioural ecology of mammals. Path patterning and the motivations for path creation are not well understood. The present study tested the hypotheses that animals form paths: (i) to efficiently move between palatable patches; (ii) for access to water; (iii) for access to shelter and (iv) to avoid predators. We used high-definition aerial online imagery to map paths in five treeless subalpine environments in Tasmania. Surveys of vegetation and scat counts were conducted at each site. We found that locality influenced wallaby scat density and that macropods and wombats created direct paths to move between areas of palatable vegetation, shelter and water. There was some weak indication of predator avoidance in some of the patterning. However, shelter from cold, strong southwesterly winds is a feasible alternative motivation for the patterns

Taxonomic and conservation status of Dockrillia striolata (Rchb.f.) Rauschert (Orchidaceae) in Tasmania

Dockrillia striolata (Rchb.f.) Rauschert, known as the yellow rock-orchid, occurs in New South Wales, Victoria and along the east coast of Tasmania. Within Tasmania, populations occur on the islands of the Furneaux Group and on mainland Tasmania (Kelvedon Hills south of Swansea through to wukalina/Mount William in the northeast). The taxonomy of the species is revised, with subsp. chrysantha no longer recognised as distinct based on a morphological examination of flower size and other characters. The species is restricted to Devonian granite-type rocks and Jurassic dolerite, usually in near-coastal areas and in various vegetation types. A review of the conservation status indicates that the species does not qualify as threatened under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, with it being well reserved throughout its range, an extent of occurrence of ca. 7500 km2, represented by at least 30 well-defined subpopulations, no apparent historical or contemporary declines in any population parameters, nor any identifiable risks

Bob Dingle – pathfinder at war and in the Antarctic

Bob Dingle (1920–2016) retired in 1975 to Swansea, Tasmania, after an adventurous and peripatetic working life. During the Second World War he served with Bomber Command. He was a wireless operator with 78 and 35 Squadrons, was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Medal and was commissioned. After the war he migrated to Australia and in 1950 joined the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology as a trainee weather observer with the express intention of serving in the Antarctic. Over the next 25 years he wintered seven times with the Australian and United States Antarctic programs, was awarded the Queen’s Polar Medal with two clasps and served as the senior Australian weather observer for four years on the US Navy Ship Eltanin

Residual presence and impact assessment of herbicide for gorse control at long point reserve, Tasmania, Australia

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is an invasive weed managed extensively throughout temperate areas of the world. At Long Point Reserve on the east coast of Tasmania, management has been highly effective, reducing the cover of the gorse population by 90% using cut-and-paint applications of glyphosate and spot-spraying of GrazonTM Extra. Considerable quantities of GrazonTM Extra have been applied repeatedly over a 10-year period and there is concern over whether the herbicide is persisting in the soil and impacting native plant recruitment. We collected soil samples and quantified plant species richness across sites with a range of spray frequencies. No herbicide residues were detected in the soil and plant species richness did not differ between treated and untreated areas. Given the moderate persistence of the active ingredients of GrazonTM Extra (picloram and triclopyr), detection in the soil was expected; however, it appears these herbicides have either quickly dissipated, leached to other areas or the skill of the spray contractor resulted in little spray drift or excess herbicide application. This research suggests good practice chemical control of gorse does not negatively affect native species, although this may be situation-specific

Obituary: Professor Patrick Gerard Quilty AM

Patrick Quilty had a long and distinguished career in Earth Science and Antarctic exploration. His many contributions to The Royal Society of Tasmania have been very significant and highly regarded by members and Council

Distribution, habitat characteristics and conservation status of lepidium hyssopifolium desv. (brassicaceae) in Tasmania

Lepidium hyssopifolium Desv. (Soft Peppercress) is a threatened vascular plant that is widespread in eastern Tasmania. It is virtually restricted to anthropogenic habitats such as disturbed grassy road verges and the drip-zone of mature ornamental conifers, with very few sites in “natural” habitat (presumed to be some form of native grassland and grassy woodland). A review of database and herbarium collections revealed 87 locations for the species in Tasmania, of which 33 are locally extinct, 30 are of uncertain status and 24 are confirmed as extant. Most subpopulations are localised and of low abundance. The species appears to be resilient and robust to most forms of disturbance, although is absent from areas subject to heavy grazing. Removal of overtopping ornamental trees appears to result in local extinction in the longer term. Complex management of sites along road verges is not considered warranted but continuation of some long-term monitoring at a limited number of sites and active in situ management to minimise risk of heavy disturbance or destruction during road works is appropriate. A review of the formal conservation status of the species suggests that a status of vulnerable under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 may be appropriate but that more detailed population information is recommended before a change of status from endangered is made