Fauna surveys in Queensland

Abstract

A survey programme of the fauna resource of Queensland has been established and is reviewed. The scope, locations, approach to the planning and conduct of the individual surveys involved, and the techniques to measure distribution (by habitat types) and abundance (by frequency of record) are described and discussed. During 1964-1978, ten surveys were completed and these have provided records of some two-thirds of the State's mammal, bird and reptile species. Four other surveys are in progress which will include additional species and provide more precise data on distribution and abundance. A further four surveys over the next decade should complete the broad evaluation of most of the species in Queensland; specific searches should discover the remaining species. Repetition of the surveys after 20 years is expected to indicate significant changes before any irreparable activity is likely to have occurred, so that specific conservation attention may be accurately and fairly allocated.