Fauna

Birds

Since 1997, 181 bird species have been recorded at Gluepot Reserve (with a further 6 unconfirmed species reported). Four species are considered nationally endangered or vulnerable, and 33 further species are listed as endangered, threatened or vulnerable in one or more of the three Murray Mallee States. Gluepot Reserve and neighbouring parts of Bookmark contain by far the largest remaining population of the endangered Black-eared Miner, one of Australia's rarest birds. Much of the field research and monitoring required in the species' Recovery Plan is centred on the Reserve. Other nationally significant species breeding on the Reserve are the Malleefowl and the Red-lored Whistler. The Regent Parrot breeds along the Murray River and occupies the reserve when not breeding. Of the 33 regionally significant species, at least 13 are likely to be breeding residents, and 20 probably non-breeding visitors or vagrants. Only one introduced species, the Common Starling has been recorded breeding on Gluepot Reserve.

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Mammals

In 150 years the mammalian biodiversity of the Bookmark region has been reduced to a mere shadow of its former significance. The causes of the extinctions of these mammals in the mallee are not clear, but they may have been due to overgrazing by introduced sheep and rabbits, increased predator pressure from introduced foxes and cats, and changes in fire regimes associated with the drastic decline of the Aboriginal population and the occupation of the land by European settlers.

Not all mammal species have declined. The Western Grey Kangaroo and Red Kangaroo have increased because of reduced predation pressure from dingoes and increased water availability at dams. Both of these species are common on Gluepot Reserve. The Mallee Ningaui, which occurs on Gluepot, was only discovered in the 1970's. The Short-beaked Echidna is widespread on Gluepot Reserve, as are bats of which 11 species have been recorded. The Western Pygmy-possum was re-discovered in the early 2000's and is while very rare, likely widespread.

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Reptiles and amphibians

Reptiles are abundant on Gluepot Reserve and 49 species have been recorded since mid-1997, including the nationally threatened Bandy-bandy. Four species of frogs have also been recorded on Gluepot.

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Invertebrates

As in other areas, invertebrates dominate both the terrestrial and aquatic faunas of the mallee in terms of numbers of individuals, numbers of species and biomass. For example, over 150 species of ant, a dominant mallee group, have been found in a 50 x 50m square over one year. Invertebrates have an essential role in ecosystem structure and function; they are involved in feeding on plants, nutrient recycling, parasitism, predation, scavenging, pollination, and by occupying the lower levels of the food chain, they are the main food of many species of reptiles, birds and mammals. No systematic invertebrate studies or surveys have been undertaken on Gluepot Reserve as yet. However, some information is available on ant species.

Click here to find out more about the Ants of Gluepot