Ingalba, Big Bush and Pucawan Nature Reserves

(Redirected from Ingalba Nature Reserve)

Protected area in New South Wales, Australia

Ingalba NR, Big Bush NR, Pucawan NR New South Wales
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
Ingalba NR, Big Bush NR, Pucawan NR
Nearest town or city	Temora
Coordinates	34°31′39″S 147°24′04″E / 34.52750°S 147.40111°E / -34.52750; 147.40111
Established	1970, 1984, 1988 (1970, 1984, 1988)
Area	49.27 km (19.0 sq mi)
Managing authorities	NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Website	Ingalba NR, Big Bush NR, Pucawan NR
See also	Protected areas of New South Wales

Ingalba, Big Bush and Pucawan Nature Reserves are three Nature Reserves situated to the west of Temora, New South Wales. Ingalba Nature Reserve is situated 10 kilometres west of Temora and Pucawan Nature Reserve a further 6 km west. Big Bush Nature Reserve is 15 kilometres northwest of Temora. All three reserves are located within Temora Shire. They are managed concurrently by the New South Wales Parks and Wildlife Service. The reserves are linked by corridors of vegetation in adjacent private land and along roads and Travelling Stock Routes.

History

Ingalba

Ingalba Nature Reserve (4013.5 ha) lies 10 kilometres west of Temora on the Burley Griffin Way, and was gazetted in three stages. On 17 July 1970, 3,440.5 ha. of the former Temora State Forest was gazetted, and further additions followed. On 1 October 1976 (16.19 ha) of the former Trigonometrical Reserve at Wharrun Trig was adjoined to Ingalba, and on 7 January 1983 additional amounts (556.8 ha) were added following the acquisition of private land. Ingalba Nature Reserve is intersected by and excludes the Burley Griffin Way (Griffith– Temora Road) and an easement through the southern part of the reserve east from Kellows Lane.

Pucawan

Pucawan Nature Reserve (274 ha) is a further 6 km west on the Coolamon Road, and was gazetted on 11 March 1988. Prior to gazettal the area was vacant Crown land, part of which was proclaimed as a Rifle Range.

Big Bush

Big Bush Nature Reserve (640 ha) is 15 km north-west of Temora on Thanowring Road, 7 km north of Ingalba Nature Reserve, and was gazetted in four stages. On 23 November 1984 the 42.09 ha. of Crown land gazetted as a Native Flora and Fauna Reserve was revoked and proclaimed as Big Bush Nature Reserve. Adjoining private land was purchased and gazetted on 31 January 1986 (67.68 ha.), 30 October 1987 (98.63 ha.) and on 1 October 1999 (431.53 ha.).

Geology

The reserves consist of flat to gently undulating terrain at a slight elevation above the surrounding land. Ingalba Nature Reserve has the most varied topography, containing small drainage lines, and with elevations from 315m to 402m at Mt Wharrun. The other reserves are of slightly lower altitude.

The landscape is characterised by a complex system of sedimentary, volcanic and igneous rocks of the Lachlan Fold Belt. Pucawan Nature Reserve and the southern part of Ingalba Nature Reserve have an Upper Ordovician geology of quartzite, shale, slate, phyllite and schist. There is an indistinct boundary with the Upper Silurian geology predominant in Big Bush and Ingalba Nature Reserves. These areas consist of sandstone, shale, siltstone, slate, conglomerate and limestone, with some volcanics.

Abundant but poorly preserved fossil graptolites are found in a disused quarry in Pucawan Nature Reserve. These fossils (an extinct group of oceanic colonial organisms) have been dated from the late Ordovician period. The soils are of intermediate loamy texture. Crest soils are mostly shallow, with broken shales and siltstone present on the surface. On the gentle slopes and flats, deposition of alluvial materials has produced deeper, dark brown soils. The surrounding cleared land supports rich crops on red-brown earths and red earth soils.

Minor erosion is present in gullies.

Biology

Flora

Two distinct vegetation communities occur on the reserves: tall open woodland and low open woodland with dry heath. These communities are considered regionally significant due to their remnant status.

The tall woodland vegetation is dominated by mugga ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) and western grey box (Eucalyptus microcarpa). It also supports white cypress pine (Callitris glaucophylla) on lower slopes, with black cypress pine (Callitris endlicheri) common on upper slopes and ridges. Shrubs include quandong (Santalum acuminatum), native cherry (Exocarpus cupressiformis), rough wattle (Acacia aspera), bent-leaf wattle (Acacia genistifolia), hakea wattle (Acacia hakeoides), and wedge-leaf hopbush (Dodonaea cuneata).

The mugga ironbark - western grey box woodland community was considered to be inadequately conserved in NSW and vulnerable to further loss by Benson in 1989. As there has been little addition to the area conserved since that time, this is still the case.

Dry heathland or low open woodland is found on ridgetops and exposed upper slopes. This community is characterised by Allocasuarina diminuta, with scattered scribbly gum (Eucalyptus rossii) and Dwyer’s mallee gum (Eucalyptus dwyeri). There is frequently a dense shrub layer with common species being heath myrtle (Calytrix tetragona), urn heath (Melichrus lanceolatus), daphne heath (Brachyloma daphnoides) and rusty spider flower (Grevillea floribunda).

Big Bush Nature Reserve contains green mallee (Eucalyptus viridis). This mallee species has a restricted range in NSW and is poorly represented in conservation reserves. The reserves are three of only four reserves known to conserve Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana) as an endemic species.

Whilst no plant species listed under the Threatened Species Act 1995 or rare or threatened Australian plants have been recorded, twelve plant species are considered regionally significant due to limited distribution (Porteners 2001).

Introduced flora

Weed infestations are concentrated in areas of previous disturbance, particularly in past grazing areas, and along current agricultural boundaries. The reserves contain limited discrete patches of weeds including Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum) and horehound (Marrubium vulgare). Bridal creeper (Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) occurs along roadsides adjacent to Ingalba Nature Reserve. There have also been minor occurrences of bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum), galvanised burr (Scerolaena birchii), saffron thistle (Carthamus lanatus) and of pasture species.

Fauna

The vegetation communities of the reserves provide a range of habitats for native fauna. Seventeen animal species listed under the Threatened Species Act 1995 have been recorded on the reserves. Known resident species include the Gilbert’s whistler (Pachycephala inornata), barking owl (Ninox connivens), superb parrot (Polytelis swainsonii), turquoise parrot (Neophema pulchella) and diamond firetail (Stagonopleura guttata). A number of declining eastern woodland birds also occur, including the hooded robin (Melanodryas cucullata cucullata), grey-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis) and black-chinned honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis gularis). The painted honeyeater (Grantiella picta) is often present in spring. Autumn and winter flowering eucalypts, especially mugga ironbark, occasionally attract the endangered swift parrot (Lathamus discolor), and on rare occasions regent honeyeaters (Xanthomyza phrygia). Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) were once present at Ingalba and Big Bush Nature Reserves, but individuals or active breeding mounds have not been observed for over twenty years and it is considered to be locally extinct. Seven amphibians, 12 reptiles, 16 mammals (including 8 species of bats) and 164 native bird species have been recorded from the reserves (NPWS Wildlife Atlas).

The reserves are connected by narrow vegetation corridors allowing movement of some fauna species between the three areas.

Introduced fauna

Introduced animals occurring within the reserves include foxes, rabbits and cats. Feral goats and deer have been sighted occasionally in Ingalba Nature Reserve, but are not resident. The lack of permanent water sources in the reserves restricts the occupation of the reserve by feral animals.

Human use

Cultural heritage includes both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal history and associated activities and works. It comprises important sites, structures and relics that may have aesthetic, historic, scientific and social significance to present and future generations.

The geology, landform, climate and plant and animal communities of the area, plus location, have determined use by humans. Main forms of past disturbance include clearing (especially in southern portions of Ingalba and Big Bush Nature Reserves), sheep grazing, and logging for fences and firewood. Mugga ironbark, grey box and white cypress pine have been extensively logged at Ingalba Nature Reserve. Regeneration since reservation has resulted in a progressive increase in vegetation density with significant tree and shrub regrowth.

Ingalba Nature Reserve contains disturbed areas relating to its logging past, including historical rubbish piles, trails and cleared areas. Quarrying and fire have also shaped the landscape. Pucawan Nature Reserve was formerly used as a quarry site. There is a registered apiary site in Pucawan Nature Reserve.

Truck stopping areas are located adjacent to Ingalba Nature Reserve on both sides of the Temora-Griffith Road.

Aboriginal heritage

Knowledge of past use is limited. Scarred trees and open campsites are the only registered sites known in the area. Sites are likely to have been widespread throughout the reserves, but the ground has been disturbed by past land use such as logging. On lands adjoining Ingalba Nature Reserve, scattered stone artefacts have been found. The reserves lie within the area occupied by the Wiradjuri people. Today Pucawan and Ingalba Nature Reserves lie within the area of the Narrandera Local Aboriginal Land Council, while Big Bush Nature Reserve is within the area of the Young Local Aboriginal Land Council.

Historic sites

All three reserves have previously had timber cut, especially Ingalba and Big Bush Nature Reserves. Timber was removed for many purposes, such as fencing posts, firewood, charcoal for farm forges, shed poles and railway sleepers. Today regrowth from tree stumps serve as reminders of this past use. Subsidiary material, such as tins and bottles, has been left behind from logging activities and these are scattered throughout Ingalba Nature Reserve. Both Ingalba and Pucawan Nature Reserves also served as a depository for rubbish dumping by many generations of neighbouring farmers. The Casuarina Track in Ingalba Nature Reserve is part of an old horse-drawn vehicle route between Temora and Mimosa Station. A stock route runs between the two sections of Big Bush Nature Reserve along Cedar Road, formerly called Campbell’s Stock Route. Two small peaks in Ingalba Nature Reserve, Northcote and Mt Wharrun, were used for Trigonomic surveying and state surveying markers remain in these points.

Pucawan Nature Reserve was used as a rifle range in 1917, as a means to maintain rifle skills in the post-World War 1 period, and is still known locally as ‘rifle butts hill’. A target mound, and shooting mounds at set distances from the target still remain.

Ongoing management

NSW Parks and Wildlife aims to preserve, conserve and enhance the parks through ensuring that human impact is managed appropriately. Key activities include weed and pest eradication and control, fire track management, road user management and enhancement of the public knowledge of the reserves. Given the proximity of privately owned, uncleared land (often neighbouring the reserves and in the case of Ingalba and Big Bush, linking them) there is a possibility that the size of the reserve could be increased through purchase or donation of the land to the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.

References

^ "Ingalba, Big Bush and Pucawan Nature Reserves: Park management" (PDF). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Government of New South Wales. Retrieved 25 June 2015.
^ http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/parks/ingalbaNrPom.pdf

External links

v t e Nature reserves of New South Wales, Australia
Central West & Orana	Avisford Barton Binnaway Boronga Coolbaggie Copperhannia Dapper Eugowra Evans Crown Freemantle Girralang Koorawatha Macquarie Marshes Munghorn Gap Pilliga Quanda South West Woodland Tollingo Wambool Weetalibah Winburndale Woggoon Wongarbon
Far West	Kajuligah Kemendok Ledknapper Morrisons Mutawintji Narran Lake Nearie Lake Nocoleche Nombinnie Paddington Round Hill Tarawi Yathong
Hunter & Central Coast	Awabakal Bandicoot Island Berrico Bird Island Boondelbah Bretti Brimbin Nature Reserve Bugan Nature Reserve Burning Mountain Bushy Island Camels Hump Camerons Gorge Cedar Brush Cockle Bay Coocumbac Island Coolongolook Corrie Island Coxcomb Darawank Durands Island Flat Island Goonook John Gould Karuah Khatambuhl Khappinghat Killabakh Killarney Lion Island Little Broughton Island Manobalai Mernot Mills Island Minimbah Moffats Swamp Monkerai Monkeycot Moon Island One Tree Island Pambalong Pelican Island Pulbah Island Regatta Island Rileys Island Saratoga Island Seaham Swamp Seal Rocks Snapper Island Spectacle Island Stormpetrel Talawahl The Glen Tilligerry Tingira Heights Towibakh Wallamba Wallis Island Wamberal Lagoon Wambina Watchimbark Weelah Wingen Maid Wingham Brush Yahoo Island
Illawarra-Shoalhaven	Bamarang Barren Grounds Barrengarry Belowla Island Berkeley Brundee Swamp Brush Island Cambewarra Range Comerong Island Dharawal Five Islands Kangaroo River Narrawallee Creek Parma Creek Rodway Saltwater Swamp Tapitallee Triplarina Wogamia Woollamia Worrigee Yatteyattah
New England-North West	Aberbaldie Arakoola Back River Bluff River Bolivia Hill Boomi Boomi West Booroolong Brigalow Budelah Burral Yurrul Captains Creek Careunga Demon Doctors Nose Mountain Donnybrook Dthinna Dthinnawan Duval Gamilaroi Georges Creek Gibraltar Guy Fawkes River Imbota Ironbark Jobs Mountain Kirramingly Linton Little Llangothlin Mann River Melville Range Midkin Mother Of Ducks Lagoon Mount Mackenzie Ngulin North Obelisk Pilliga Planchonella Serpentine Severn River Stony Batter Creek Taringa The Basin The Castles Tomalla Tuggolo Creek Wallabadah Watsons Creek Yina
North Coast	Andrew Johnston Big Scrub Baalijin Bagul Waajaarr Ballina Banyabba Billinudgel Boatharbour Bollanolla Boonanghi Boorganna Bowraville Bridal Veil Falls Broken Head Brunswick Heads Bungabbee Bungawalbin Burnt-Down Scrub Byrnes Scrub Chambigne Chapmans Peak Clarence Estuary Cobaki Comboyne Cook Island Cooperabung Creek Coramba Couchy Creek Cudgen Cudgera Creek Cumbebin Swamp Davis Scrub Deer Vale Duroby Fifes Knob Fishermans Bend Flaggy Creek Gads Sugarloaf Ganay Garby Hattons Bluff Hayters Hill Hogarth Range Hortons Creek Iluka Inner Pocket Jaaningga Jagun Jasper Jinangong Jobs Mountain Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Juugawaarri Kattang Killabakh Koorebang Kororo Koukandowie Lake Innes Limpinwood Little Pimlico Island Macquarie Marshalls Creek Moonee Beach Moore Park Mororo Creek Mount Hyland Mount Neville Mount Nullum Mount Seaview Muckleewee Mountain Muldiva Munro Island Muttonbird Island Ngambaa North Rock North Solitary Island North-West Solitary Island Numinbah Pee Dee Queens Lake Rawdon Creek Richmond River Sherwood Skillion Snows Gully South West Solitary Island Split Solitary Island Stotts Island Susan Island Tabbimoble Swamp Tallawudjah The Castles Tuckean Tucki Tucki Tweed Estuary Tyagarah Ukerebagh Uralba Valla Verges Creek Victoria Park Waragai Creek Willi Willi Caves Wilson Woodford Island Wooyung Woregore Yaegl Yarravel Yarringully Yessabah
Riverina-Murray	Big Bush Bimberi Bogandyera Boginderra Hills Buddigower Clarkes Hill Cocopara Courabyra Downfall Ellerslie Flagstaff Memorial Gubbata Ingalba Jerilderie Jingellic Lachlan Valley Lake Urana Langtree Loughnan Mudjarn Mullengandra Murrumbidgee Valley Nest Hill Nombinnie Pucawan Pulletop South West Woodland Tabletop The Rock The Charcoal Tank Ulandra Wiesners Swamp Yanga
Southeast & Tablelands	Araluen Badja Swamps Barunguba Montague Island Bees Nest Bell Bird Creek Bermaguee Binjura Black Andrew Bobundara Bondi Gulf Bournda Broulee Island Burnt School Burra Creek Burrinjuck Cecil Hoskins Coolumbooka Coornartha Cullendulla Creek Cuumbeun Dananbilla Dangelong Eagles Claw Egan Peaks Good Good Goorooyarroo Gungewalla Hattons Corner Illawong Illunie Ironmungy Jerralong Joadja Koorawatha Kuma Kybeyan Meringo Merriangaah Mount Clifford Mount Dowling Mundoonen Myalla Nadgee Nadgigomar Ngadang Nimmo Numeralla Oak Creek Paupong Queanbeyan Quidong Razorback Robertson Scabby Range Scott Stony Creek Strike-a-Light Tinderry Tollgate Islands Turallo Undoo Wadjan Wanna Wanna Wee Jasper Wollondilly River Wullwye Yanununbeyan Yaouk Young
Sydney & Surrounds	Agnes Banks Castlereagh Dalrymple-Hay Dural Gulguer Grey Box Reserve Kemps Creek Long Island Mulgoa Muogamarra Newington Pitt Town Prospect Towra Point Wallumatta Windsor Downs Wianamatta
Protected areas of New South Wales

Categories: