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A terrestrial vertebrate fauna survey of Konomie (North Keppel Island)–March 2023
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) conducted a fauna survey on Konomie (North Keppel Island) in March 2023. The survey aimed to enhance understanding of the island's vertebrate fauna and identify management concerns. A total of 69 terrestrial vertebrate species were recorded, including 25 species not previously documented in WildNet, raising the overall terrestrial count to 137 species. Among these were one threatened species, the Vulnerable Beach Stone-curlew (Esacus magnirostris), and three species classified as Special Least Concern: the Eastern Osprey (Pandion haliaetus cristatus), the Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), and the Spectacled Monarch (Symposiachrus trivirgatus) (under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992). Two voucher specimens were collected to assist with the taxonomic review of the Great Brown Broodfrog (Pseudophryne major), which exhibited some variation in call behaviour compared to mainland populations. The introduced Black Rat (Rattus rattus), Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and introduced Common Myna were recorded. These species are known to negatively impact native flora and/or fauna; their control is recommended. Low intensity mosaic burning, during periods of high soil moisture, is also recommended. It will minimise the risk of exacerbating the impacts of these introduced species by ensuring the retention, and rapid recovery, of habitat and shelter.
