L. Forró szerk.: Miscellanea Zoologica Hungarica 13. 2000 (Budapest, 2000)

Hangay, G., Fuisz, T. I.; Bankovics, A.: Notes on the Vertebrate fauna of Katandra Bushland Sanctuary, Sydney, Australia

Dasyurops maculatus, Cercartetus nanus, Acrobates pygmaeus, Rattus lutreolus. Among the birds of similar status, from conservation point of view the following are the most important: Falco peregrinus, Alisterus scapularis, Ninox strenua, Scythrops novaehollandiae, Menura novaehollandiae. These, with the exception of Ninox strenua and Menura novaehollandiae may not breed in the Sanctuary, however they all use the area as feeding ground. Several species of reptiles and amphibians, most notably the rare and endangered Varanus rosenbergi were also sighted. However, the herpetofauna of Katandra is rather impoverished, mainly due to the Sanctuary's small size and to a succession of bushfires through recent decades. It is possible, that there are quite a few more species of reptiles and amphibians in the area then it is implied by this report as our research of this segment of the fauna was often incidental or opportunistic (e. g. it was carried out in conjunction with mammal, bird and invertebrate field-work). Representatives of most Australian insect orders can be found in the Sanctuary. A separate article will deal with the invertebrate fauna of Katandra. Although some introduced pest species frequent this area, the presence of native elements emphasises the importance of this protected area. The most immediate danger threatening most of the vertebrate fauna of Katandra is the presence of feral mammals either by direct prédation or by competition. A proposal for a perennial trapping program was proposed to Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust (Hangay 2000). Another endangering factor is the ever-increasing urbanization of the area. At present the Sanctuary is mostly surrounded by vacant land, either privately or government owned. The vegetation of these lands are somewhat similar to Katandra, even if these areas are not properly cared for by any organization or government office. Birds and some mammals are regularly using these lands as feeding grounds, some even for breeding. These areas — although they no longer form large, uninterrupted bushlands — can also serve as corridors for migratory or nomadic species. Therefore it is of paramount importance, that these areas remain uninhabited by humans. Ultimately, their protection and conservation should also be implemented by possible annexation or formation of a national park or wildlife refuge. A recommendation regarding this matter was also put to Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust (Hangay 2000). Acknowledgements The authors are indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Don Seymour, the Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Trust, members of Friends of Katandra Bushland Sanctuary Inc. for their support of this projects and to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of New South Wales for granting a licence for the scientific research of native fauna. Thankful acknowledgements should be given to Mr. Phil Colman of the Australian Museum for his assistance in fieldwork and advice so generously given and to Ms. Tish Ennis of the Australian Museum's Mammal Department for the loan of the Elliot traps used in the survey. References Bankovics, A., Fuisz T. & Hangay, G. (1998): Occurrence of Birds in New South Wales, Australia. — Miscnea zool. hung. 12: 99-106. Benson, D. & Howell, J. (1989): The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100.000 map sheet. — Cunninghamia 3(4): 677-787. Brooker, M. I. H. & Kleinig, D. A. (1983): Field guide to Eucalyptus. — Vol L, II. Inkata Press, Sydney, pp. 478.