
The Crossing contains habitats that support many endangered and vulnerable fauna species listed on Schedules 1 and 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (see Appendix B).
Seal An Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), recently listed as Vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservtation Act 1995 by the NSW Scientific Committee, has been sighted in the river near the Crossing. The most northerly haul out site for these seals is at nearby Montague Island.
Koalas A low density population of koalas (Phasacolarctos cinereus) exists in the nearby Bermagui State Forest and Biamanga National Park, and they use the property from time to time. Replanting the property with preferred koala feed trees is an ongoing priority for the preservation of this threatened species.
Preferred Feed Trees Research on koalas' preferred feed trees indicates that woollybutt, monkey gum, and coastal grey box are currently the most preferred browse species in the area. These species are present on the property, though in small numbers. Yertchuck is also a food source and large numbers of this species are present on the Property. White stringybark (E. gIoboidea), also well represented on the property, is considered to be a supplementary species. Ribbon or manna gum is also considered a primary koala feed tree; but only when growing on fertile soils. A single individual of this species was recorded on the creek bank soils.
Young Trees In the forest, the young age of some trees limits the availability of large hollows for the larger possums and gliders, such as the greater glider (Petaurus volans). However, large hollow-dependent animals such as the glossy tailed black cockatoo have been seen feeding on the property and the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and a family of yellow-bellied gliders (Petaurus australis) are present.
Hollows Form Smaller hollow-using species such as sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) and feather-tailed gliders (Acrobates pygmaeus) have also been recorded on the property, and the value of the forest to hollow-dependent species is improving with time.
Bats Small hollows may form in younger trees and fire-damaged trees, and are valuable for insectivorous bats, which often form a high proportion of the fauna present in forests although they are seldom seen. Grey headed flying foxes have also been seen on the property.
The River Flats On the river flats there are a few large old blue box which appear to have escaped the original clearing of the Property, and these may carry hollows of use to larger species of possums and gliders such as the greater glider. Grey kangaroos also use the flats and swamp wallabies may sometimes be seen at the edges of the forest grazing on shrubs near the education centre.
The River Nocturne Most of these animals including a range of owls can only be seen and heard at night as they are nocturnal. An opportunity for spotlighting may be provided during the program using methods approved by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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