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

bird survey was carried out during the daylight hours, although on some occasions birds were observed by torchlight at nights. The identification and nomenclature of birds follows Pizzey (1980). Notes on confirmed breeding/nesting were based on actual sightings of occupied nests or on nests in the progress of construction. The possibility of breeding by a species in the Sanctuary was also assessed by observed behavior of the birds (e. g. courtship displays, consistent food carrying, frequent presence of juveniles) and/or the evident compatibility of habitat and local populations of the species. Reptiles and amphibians were surveyed by observation only, on a few occasions by searching under logs and rocks and in leaflitter. Some frog calls were recorded at nights, while occasionally frogs were located at night by torchlight. Taking die relative paucity of Katandra's reptile and amphibian fauna and the evident vulnerability of the resident populations no live specimen was captured for closer examination. Those specimens that could not be approached close or only detected by their call, or could not be positively determined for some other reason are not included in this survey. Some of the conventional reptile-collecting methods are often detrimental to vegetation (e. g. removing sections of bark from living trees), therefore such techniques were not employed in the Sanctuary. Reptiles and amphibians were identified using keys and descriptions given by Cogger (1998). A thorough survey of the entire reptile and amphibian fauna was not achieved during this project. Undoubtedly mere are more species of these animals in the area and a more detailed research would be needed in the future. Approximately 256 hours were spent in the field while observing vertebrate animals in Katandra. This paper dealing with the results of the Katandra project is considered as a continuation of the Australian faunal studies conducted by the authors in 1998 (Bankovics et al. 1998). Results Mammals There were 19 mammal species, including the feral ones, identified in the studied area. They belong to 15 families. Small insectivorous bats were noted, but not identified. Native mammals: Tachyglossidae Tachyglossus aculeatus Uncommon in the Sanctuary, one individual was recorded by its footprint under an overhanging rock-ledge, near site No. 2. Dasyuridae Antechinus stuartii This species prefers the wet eucalypt forests along the coast of South-Eastern Australia. It is common near the picnic area, some were trapped within the building. Dasyurops maculatus Uncommon in the entire area, probably lives only in Katandra. Only one early morning sighting of a single adult is recorded by Hangay near site No. 2. Other unconfirmed sightings were reported, including the sighting of a small group of juveniles. Paramelidae Parameles nasuta Common in the Sanctuary, although seldom seen. The scratchings and diggings of this animal are evident along the walking trails. More common on the lower sections of the Sanctuary. Phalangeridae Trichosurus vulpecula Common mammal of the area, nesting in hollow trees (mostly Eucalyptus spp. and Angophora spp.) and in the roof cavities of buildings. Some individuals are used to human presence and are opportunistic feeders of rubbish and leftovers. Pseudocheiridae Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common arboreal species, however, not as often seen as Trichosurus vulpecula.